A little taste of FREEDOM!

Side note: (has nothing to do with the actual post).....Warning: DO NOT Google "shackles, clip art." Thought I'd be safe with the whole "clip art" thing. Apparently not. I guess I'm still a little naive when it comes to browsing the web. But I learned my lesson. Won't be trying that again. So...Rob became the model for these "shackles" (his handcuffs from the good ol' SLC correction officer days. Isn't he so adorable. :)

With our tax return this year, Rob and I decided to relieve ourselves of one set of shackles (aka student loan) and pay off all of our undergrad loans.

We felt all fluttery and anxious at first. I, mean, that's a big chunk of change from the IRS (there are benefits to having hordes of children). That, coupled with a bit from savings, and we were good to go. It was scary. We felt the same anxiety each time we paid off one of our car loans.

You know, like....What if we need that money later?....What if a great disaster befalls us tomorrow and that money is the only thing that could have pulled us through?

Silly stuff, ya know?!?

But...we chocked down the bile, bit the bullet, took one for the team....in all seriousness, HAD A LITTLE FAITH and moved ahead anyway. Once we clicked "confirm payment" all the anxiety and stress melted away.

A heavenly chorus began to sing....

FREEDOM! FREEDOM! FREEDOM!



Doesn't get any better than that!

ONE less monkey on our backs (and believe me...sometimes we have at least four at a time

(AKA...) if you know what I mean)!

IT. FEELS. AWESOME!

What's next?

POST GRAD loans.

UGH!

A little dirt in dessert brought the spirit to F.H.E....

Have you ever had these before?

We have....a few times. Tonight we decided to change the recipe a bit.

I started out by having the boys collect a bucket of dirt for me and leave it outside the back door. Next, I chopped up the Oreos in plain sight. They were very curious and full of questions at this point. (Suspense is a killer!) After dinner, while they were putting on pj's, I gathered all of the ingredients and put them in a brown paper sack, including the small baggie of dirt that I snuck from the bucket while they were in their rooms. We started F.H.E. with a song (Keep the Commandments) and a prayer. Then the fun began. Mwahahahaha! I told them we were going to go backwards tonight...."Dessert first!" They were SO EXCITED! I made a big show of getting the cups, ice cream, and worms out of the big brown bag. Then scooped one scoop of yummy Oreo ice cream into each cup. There were lots of "oh...YUMMY!, Doesn't that look so good", "I can't wait to taste that," etc on my part and the kids did not disappoint with their "Oh's and Ah's" either. I got them all psyched up! I told them we would be talking about commandments and obedience. I had Rob read the 10 commandments from Exodus 20, putting emphasis on some more than others (relating to what we are particularly struggling with in our home), discussing them with age/circumstancial appropriateness. I put a couple of worms in each cup and likened them to each of our spirits by asking them how it made them feel to know that they were going to get to eat these yummy desserts. (They all answered that it made them feel good/happy...and we added "just like our spirits are happy when we chose to do right and be obedient." Do you see where this is headed yet? We hit them with a couple of positive scenarios where the person in the story chose to be obedient and follow the commandments. After each positive action, I put a tablespoon of crushed Oreo's in each cup. Eyes were bugging out, tongues were swiping back and forth, more "Oh's" and "Ah's" were had. I could not have asked for better participation. I then hit them with a story of a little boy who hit his brother because he wanted his toy. "Is that following God's commandments?," I asked. "No", they appropriately answered. I reached into my little bag of tricks and scooped out a 1/4 cup full of dirt and dumped it into each boys cup. They were a little confused. We went on... The next was a scenario of a little boy who was disobedient and disrespectful to his parents. "Is that following the commandments?," I asked. "No", they said. Again, I dumped a scoop of dirt in each cup. By now there were questioning looks and we got a few, "what's that?" 's. After one more story and one more dumping they were thoroughly worried about what it was that I was dumping in their cups. "MOM...WHAT IS THAT?!?" G-McBabe says (by this time I think he was finally catching on). I tipped one down so they could get a closer look. They were floored!

I not only saw the looks of shock, hurt and disappointment on their faces, I could FEEL it! It was AMAZING! I could actually FEEL what they were feeling. It was truly a profound moment for me. Then the shock wore off. Instant pandemonium! Mini Rob (who didn't have a nap today) broke out in SOBS, Little Red whimpered incessantly, G-McBabe stormed out of the room yelling something or the other about "I'm not going to eat it" amidst his tears, and Mr. Golden Locks just kicked his feet happily in the high chair wondering what everyone was in a tizzy for. IT WAS CLASSIC! Rob and I laughed (to which the kids looked even more betrayed), we called G-Mcbabe back in the room and we began our lesson. I asked them to really think about how they were feeling inside. I likened their unhappiness/sorrow to how our Spirits feel when we don't follow the commandments. "See how happy your spirits were (pointing to the worms) when you were making right choices and how sad you are now that you have been disobedient (aka had dirt dumped on your food)?" Amid their sniffles (and Mini Rob's continuted sobs) they all shook their heads. They got it...they REALLY got it! The Spirit was so tangible in our little kitchen. It was awesome! I hope they remember that feeling forever. "But how are we going to eat it? Are you going to pick the dirt out?" Little Red says. Insert lesson on the Atonement (which I hadn't actually planned on). We talked about how Jesus Christ suffered for our sins so that we can be forgiven. We talked about how we can be made whole after we make bad choices. "There are still consequences for our actions (aka. time out for hitting, etc) but then we apologize to Heavenly Father and to the person we made sad and we can be forgiven and made clean. Then our Spirits are happy again." While we discussed how each person in our little scenarios could repent of their actions, I removed each of the soiled desserts from the counter. As I bore my testimony of the Atonement I felt the Spirit confirm the truthfulness of it to me. It was AWESOME! I then dished up our "real" dessert. It was super tasty. Who knew that by torturing my children we would all feel the spirit so strongly? It obviously didn't cause too much permanent damage....

(I actually elaborated on an idea that came from my mother-in-law, who heard it from her daughter, who heard it from her mother-in-law ('s dog's brother's friends, aunts, etc yadda yadda yadda....). Just thought I would give credit where credit was due.

A rare moment.....

A rare moment of tranquility..... All is well, All is well.

Today was gonna' be...

Today was gonna' be a good eating day.

It started out really well with a bowl of oatmeal.

About 260 calories worth (with milk and sugar). NOT BAD!

Then I headed out, by myself (thank you Rob and Presidents Day), to do a bit of couponing at Walgreens and Rite Aid. By MYSELF....that's a big deal.

It really was easy at first (thanks to my new semi-organized system) but let me tell you.... Couponing is not as "blissful" as some people make it out to be.

It can be down right FRUSTRATING at times.

Especially when you spend "much needed sleep time" planning out said shopping trip only to get to the store and have some of the items on your carefully orchestrated list not available. Then you have to scramble and fumble through thousands of items, hundreds of coupons, and one incredible husband who you call on the cell phone and he patiently looks up some things for you on the internet so you can complete your "Buy $100 worth of qualifying items and get $20 back" at Rite Aid before 2/26/2011.

You then get off the phone and wander around the store aimlessly...close to tears...because your mind is so scrambled and there are loose coupons falling on the floor and the only thing that keeps you from running out of the store and driving home so you can regroup and come back tomorrow is the thought that if you do come back tomorrow you will have to bring three kids in tote and STILL not know exactly what you are going to buy to get the said total above.

It was downright stressful. But...I did it. I got my $20 coupon. And it's a darn good thing, too. (They really should make medicine to deal with this kind of stuff. Oh yeah...they do, and I am already taking it....he he).

Anyway....to continue with my original story....

I got home and began putting my purchases away. Halfway through, Rob reminds me that I now have to scan the items (because I joined the National Consumer Panel...wasn't that a great idea....NOT!) and put in the purchase totals....and and and and and....

The crazy morning got the better of me.

I started to eat whatever I could grab.

Long story short......

I ate 3 handfuls of potato chips (which I don't normally buy...for that reason...but were one of the "consolation purchases" to help me reach my $100) and 4 large oatmeal cookies that I made for dessert last night. I did top it off with a glass of milk (calcium at least).

So much for a good eating day.

Things I realized while...

staying up WAY past my bedtime last night:

Mystery books are not good for me. They are not like any other novel that you can just put down and be satisfied until "next time." Until they have been completed the suspense just kills me. I need sleep. My very sanity and the well being of my home, and everyone in it, depends on it. Rob reminded me of that SEVERAL times last night...until he FINALLY fell asleep (thank goodness).


eating dinner last night:
My "little" boy is growing up. He was telling us about a new club he formed at school (for play during second recess). He wouldn't tell us the name...only that the initials were GBG. After a bit of questioning he slipped up and told us that you have to have a "membership" to be part of the "Girls Be Gone" club. We laughed at that. Then, as an afterthought, I asked if they chased girls in his club. He turned red and muttered, "yes" under his breath. We laughed even harder. "Do you kiss them?," Rob said. "DAD!" He he he...

He told me this morning, "Haley said we could chase her." I told him that it was okay as long as the girls were willing participants. Otherwise it was bullying. As he got out of the car I said, "Have fun chasing the girls today" and Cael yells, "Yeah...and kissing them."

I can't believe it. My Gabe is chasing girls. Sigh.....


blogging this morning:
I have posted A LOT of REALLY ugly pictures of myself lately. What gives?


trying to hush Kian up (he was squawking while I was trying to finish my workout):
I am just not the same Melanie I used to be. Anyone who really knows me will most likely be SHOCKED by these photos.

Yep...chucked him a few Goldfish crackers. Right on the extremely dirty kitchen floor! Not that this kind of thing is new as of late. It just struck me this morning just how much I've changed. Funny how kids will do that to you.

"You can be as 'pretty' as me" challenge UPDATE

This morning I woke up looking like this.....

(this is what happens when I brush my curly hair out and go to bed with it wet)

Rob and I had a good chuckle...I was even good humored enough to let him take a picture. (Lucky man. Look what he get's to wake up to every morning.) ***If you are having a hard time placing the look, think "80's BUTT ROCK". There you go.*** Now...you may be wondering why I took the time, and/or allowed the humiliation, of posting this picture of myself. The answer: WHO KNOWS? I'm not afraid to share the good, the bad, and the (excruciatingly) UGLY with my readers (all 10 of you).

I have an idea. A challenge, you could say. A "You can be as 'pretty' as me" challenge!

Just copy and paste this picture into a photo editing application and add your own face. This could be fun! If you REALLY love me you will post it on your blog. Be sure to link it back to this post (so all of your readers can share in my humiliation as well). Leave a comment and let me know when you have done it. Be creative. Add your own flair. For even more fun, challenge your readers to do it too (and to link back to this post and leave a comment). The possibilities are endless. GO AHEAD...I DARE YOU....I TRIPLE DOG DARE YOU! (Wow...I sure am in rare form this morning.)

UPDATE: While I know that "pride cometh before the fall", mine would not allow me to leave "well enough (or ugly enough) alone. I had to redeem myself a little. Now, why I do not fancy myself a beauty, I do, thankfully, have a way of "cleaning up" a bit.

(This photo was taken just before leaving for church this morning.)

It's a near miracle. In less than an hour.

Tasty Tidbits to savor....

Just thought I would share a few tasty tidbits of humor from the "G-McBabe Hall of Fame." He cracks me up. These first few were inserts from a little book they made this week on the 100th day of school.

"In 100 years I will be 107 years old and I will be poor and very old.

"With 100 pennies I could buy a hubba ouch! pack of gum (Hubba Bubba Ouch!). (and he does spend 100 pennies on this particular gum quite often. Not like me as a child. I was deprived. I used to get mine from the road. Just pick out the rocks and sprinkle a bit of garden hose water on it.....VIOLA! like new!)

***MY PARTICULAR FAVORITE***

 

If I had 100 bucks I would give them to nobody ha ha ha! These last two are from his daily "responsibility card" (a sort of day to day report on their behavior in class/work habits/etc)

He writes: "Hoorray who who" (you know, as is "whoot whoot...raise the roof!") ***And again....a particular favorite***

"Boom Bang Fire Power" (from Night at the Museum 2)

I will never know what goes on in his head. It must be hilarious sometimes though. Makes for good entertainment for the rest of us. :) I just love this kid!

I BELONG ....and PROUD OF IT!

I don't get out much. Don't read a lot of magazines...don't watch a lot of television. I had no idea that there was a musical being written about the Book of Mormon. So...I can say that until today (when I got an e-mail from Rob's dad (thank you)), this subject had absolutely no bearing on my life whatsoever. But I'm glad I did find out about it. And this is why. The Church, and it's leaders, are so dignified. So loving and so tolerant. It amazes me. On the subject they state: "The production may attempt to entertain audiences for an evening, but the Book of Mormon as a volume of scripture will change people's lives forever by bringing them closer to Christ." (official statement on the subject viewed here) . The following is are two of my favorite quotes from the article “The Publicity Dilemma" in LDS living, May 2009. "“This isn’t 1830, and there aren’t just six of us anymore.” In other words, with a global membership of thirteen and a half million there is no need to feel defensive when the Church is moving forward so rapidly. The Church’s strength is in its faithful members in 170-plus countries, and there is no evidence that extreme misrepresentations in the media that appeal only to a narrow audience have any long-term negative effect on the Church." If the Church allowed critics and opponents to choose the ground on which its battles are fought, it would risk being distracted from the focus and mission it has pursued successfully for nearly 180 years. Instead, the Church itself will determine its own course as it continues to preach the restored gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world." We, as individuals, will at one time or another (if not already) run into similar conflicts/personal attacks of our church and our beliefs. What perfect examples we have to follow.

Very AWESOME ending to a pretty stressful day.

(My new playdoh glasses. U like-y?)

So most of the day was not actually that bad.

I started out with an amazing workout (me...the living room....the i-pod...pretending like I'm back at good ol' Gold's Gym teaching a class (aka talking, yelling, and encouraging myself while my children (who are so used to it) completely ignore me in the other room and pretend like their mother is not a crazy psycho woman who is yelling at herself to work harder, etc))). I got SOOOOO sweaty. It was great.

Anyway....the day goes on.

I put the kids down for their naps and sat down at the computer to pull all of my resources together (aka coupons/lists/weekly circulars/etc) for today's afternoon shopping expedition when the unthinkable happens.

While wrapped up in flustered couponing bliss, a window pops up to tell me that my virus detector (or so I thought) has just detected several MAJOR viruses in my system to which immediate action is needed. At this point I am A. ANNOYED (Why now?) B. AFRAID (OH MY GOSH! What if one of them ruins my computer and all my pictures get lost) C. STUPID (yep, stupid). So without looking very closely (if I would have looked closer I would have realized that I didn't have that version of the virus detector), I click on the button that says something like "scan computer for more viruses." All of a sudden the computer goes berserk. 22 viruses are now detected and I now have to purchase the extended version of the software in order to get rid of them. Windows with flashing red lights keep popping up and I am in full PANIC mode now. Neither of my internet browsers would work (saying they were in EMERGENCY mode). It was totally freaky. I almost bought the dang (so called) software I was so panicked.

Luckily, better judgment prevailed and I called in reinforcements. MY BROTHER! Thank goodness for HIM!!! (Thank you, thank you, thank you Josh!!!!!!!!)

He stuck with my through thick and thin (bad cell phone reception, screaming kids, swiss cheese brain and deaf ears, and computer savvy retardedness) and 1.5 hours later we had the problem resolved. HALLELUJAH!

Apparently I had actually put the virus on my computer by clicking the "scan computer for more viruses button." UGH! I'll never do that again. They (whoever those awful creatures are) totally prey on us ANXIETY ridden folks. BIG JERKS!

Needless to say...it was pretty stressful (thank goodness for medication) and my shopping expedition was put on hold because I had to prepare for a Stake Relief Society function.

After being spiritually fed for 2 hours I finally got to go shopping.

AND TOTALLY SCORED!

I am trying to get back into major couponing because it saved me A LOT of money. And today...it totally payed off.

Now...I don't claim to come up with these ides on my own. I used to but now there are SO MANY websites to parasite from that I don't usually bother to use own brain. (If you want to know which websites I use, check out my other blog by clicking here or click on the picture (of food) on the side bar.)

At Albertsons I scored 10- 42 oz quaker old fashioned oats, 2 Campbell's select Harvest soups, on Ronzoni pasta, and Oscar Meyer Carving Board meats....

When all was said and done (coupons, catalinas, etc) I ended up MAKING...yes I said, MAKING MONEY! $1.33 cents to be exact!

The oats came from a scenario idea I got here (by using a rain check from last weeks sales AND this weeks doublers). The other item ideas I got from this blog. (If you live in the PNW these are both AMAZING websites for Albertsons and Safeway sales.)

Then I headed over to Rite Aid and, even though they were out of what I went for, I majorly scored anyway...

I got these 5 Dreyer's ice cream cartons and a can of Pringles for:

$16.45
-$15.00 +UP points
= like paying $1.45 for all. That's just $ .24cents each.

Now...I didn't get this idea from any website. It was actually from the store clerk. She was using it as an example while she was explaining the +UP reward point system to me. Totally awesome NO?

Alright....enough!

NO MORE BRAG-A-BLOG!

I was just really excited about my "finds" after a pretty stressful afternoon. :)