I know I've written about this alot lately. Oh well :)
I just did the count for how many boxes were sent to Afghanistan. I hosted 2 teams this round. I've heard from 23 of the 32 team members I had.
Between the 2 team we sent 47 boxes. Maybe closer to 50-53 boxes. I am just amazed by the men and women that sign up for this and the generosity in their hearts. I am hoping these boxes make it a VERY Merry Christmas for the men and women serving in Afghanistan!
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
Thankful Thursday: Coupons
OK, so I am beginning to think I should change the name of this segment to Thankful Fridays. But it doesn't have the same ring to it. Oh well. I am going to use the "it is the holidays and I've been working alot'" excuse. Ignore the fact that I was off of work yesterday. I will get better at this. Or so I keep saying,
I really love the internet and the many things it has to offer. I.E. Printable coupons/Coupon codes. I am not a huge online shopper but I do utilize it during the holidays and when I simply can't find anything in a store. I don't care if it is a 10%, 20%, 50% off coupon. If can use it for something I am going to buy, I will. A dollar savings is a dollar savings. Especially in this economy. I do not, however, buy something simply because I have a coupon for it. If I don't need or want the item I am pretty good about passing it up.
I wish I could use more coupons while grocery shopping. I look through the adds and all of the coupon things that come out in the Sunday paper but I just don't see a whole lot of coupons that are useful to me. Once I have kids the diapers/wipes/baby gear coupons will be very useful. Too bad they expire. I'd start collecting now if I could. Then there are the "buy 2 get $0.75 off" coupons. Do I really need two boxes of that particular product? Probably not. Afterall, it is just little ole me at home right now.
I love Costco and Kohl's coupons the most. With Kohl's you can use thyeir coupons on absolutely everything in the store. Sale/Clearance/Regular. Love it. Especially when you find a really cute shirt on the clearance rack for $6 and you have a 15% off coupon. Can't beat that! Costco coupons always have something to offer. Water, Vitamin Water,Trail Mix, Clorox/Lysol wipes. Also some smoking hot deals on electronics.
Yeah, I'm a coupon girl and I'm not afraid to admit it. Now I'm off to Bath & Body Works and Barnes & Noble to finish up Christmas Shopping. Coupons in hand, of course.
I really love the internet and the many things it has to offer. I.E. Printable coupons/Coupon codes. I am not a huge online shopper but I do utilize it during the holidays and when I simply can't find anything in a store. I don't care if it is a 10%, 20%, 50% off coupon. If can use it for something I am going to buy, I will. A dollar savings is a dollar savings. Especially in this economy. I do not, however, buy something simply because I have a coupon for it. If I don't need or want the item I am pretty good about passing it up.
I wish I could use more coupons while grocery shopping. I look through the adds and all of the coupon things that come out in the Sunday paper but I just don't see a whole lot of coupons that are useful to me. Once I have kids the diapers/wipes/baby gear coupons will be very useful. Too bad they expire. I'd start collecting now if I could. Then there are the "buy 2 get $0.75 off" coupons. Do I really need two boxes of that particular product? Probably not. Afterall, it is just little ole me at home right now.
I love Costco and Kohl's coupons the most. With Kohl's you can use thyeir coupons on absolutely everything in the store. Sale/Clearance/Regular. Love it. Especially when you find a really cute shirt on the clearance rack for $6 and you have a 15% off coupon. Can't beat that! Costco coupons always have something to offer. Water, Vitamin Water,Trail Mix, Clorox/Lysol wipes. Also some smoking hot deals on electronics.
Yeah, I'm a coupon girl and I'm not afraid to admit it. Now I'm off to Bath & Body Works and Barnes & Noble to finish up Christmas Shopping. Coupons in hand, of course.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Christmas Music
Around this time every year I am bursting with Christmas spirit. I am basically an elf in dispatcher clothing.
I will be the first to admit that I go overboard on gifts. I spend oodles of time picking out wrapping paper, matching ribbon and bows, tags and wrapping each gift. I love it. All of it. And boy oh boy do I love me some Christmas music.
Day after Thanksgiving? Game on! The Ipod gets reacquainted with the Itunes "Christmas" play list. Catchy title, I know. From that moment on Christmas tunes are cranking from anything that has the ability to spew music.
I get ridiculously excited when I hear some of my favorite songs for the first time that year. I can't help it. They are just soooo good! So what are some of my favorite holiday tunes you ask (because I know all 4 of you are dying to know)?
In no particular order:
1) "Drummer Boy" by Josh Groban.
I could really stop right there. This song is beautiful. And that voice... ooooooooooooo LA LA! (sorry Jared).Enough drooling and back to the songs:
2) "O Holy Night" by Point of Grace
3) "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" by Gene Autry
4) "Christmas Shoes" by Newsong (grab a tissue for this one!)
5) "I'll be Home for Christmas"
6) "Christmastime" by Michael W. Smith
7) "It's Christmas Time" featuring Third Day and Various Artists from the City on a Hill album
8) Alvin and the Chipmunks Christmas Song
9) Anything from Trans-Siberian Orchestra
10) "Mary Did You Know" by Michael English
So now it's your turn. What Christmas songs put you in the holiday spirit?
I will be the first to admit that I go overboard on gifts. I spend oodles of time picking out wrapping paper, matching ribbon and bows, tags and wrapping each gift. I love it. All of it. And boy oh boy do I love me some Christmas music.
Day after Thanksgiving? Game on! The Ipod gets reacquainted with the Itunes "Christmas" play list. Catchy title, I know. From that moment on Christmas tunes are cranking from anything that has the ability to spew music.
I get ridiculously excited when I hear some of my favorite songs for the first time that year. I can't help it. They are just soooo good! So what are some of my favorite holiday tunes you ask (because I know all 4 of you are dying to know)?
In no particular order:
1) "Drummer Boy" by Josh Groban.
I could really stop right there. This song is beautiful. And that voice... ooooooooooooo LA LA! (sorry Jared).Enough drooling and back to the songs:
2) "O Holy Night" by Point of Grace
3) "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" by Gene Autry
4) "Christmas Shoes" by Newsong (grab a tissue for this one!)
5) "I'll be Home for Christmas"
6) "Christmastime" by Michael W. Smith
7) "It's Christmas Time" featuring Third Day and Various Artists from the City on a Hill album
8) Alvin and the Chipmunks Christmas Song
9) Anything from Trans-Siberian Orchestra
10) "Mary Did You Know" by Michael English
So now it's your turn. What Christmas songs put you in the holiday spirit?
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Some of My Favorite Things
Although it can be a battle to keep them from climbing the tree, I still think they are pretty darn cute when they are under the tree.
And really, I could watch him decorate the tree all day. I did help but I had fun sitting back and realizing how blessed I am by this guy.
And he is such a good sport about me taking his picture. Constantly.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Operation Christmas Blessing: Part 2
I had a grand plan. I wanted to involve every person I possibly could. Well, it wasn't perfect but it was still pretty darn amazing.
We bought stockings.
Decorated them.
People donated.
And donated.
And Donated...
My Captain helped me lay everything out for each stocking. (And was thrilled I looks his picture!)
I packed and packed and stuffed. Then taped until I couldn't tape any more.
We placed the letters from all of the kids right on top!
Then shipped them all off.
I know the people receiving these will be blessed by them. I'm not sure they will be blessed more than I was. I took a step back to exam everything people brought in. I was overwhelmed with the generosity of people. 8 FULL boxes. By full I mean SO full that I had to basically lay on them so they would close and I could tape them shut.
Thank you to everyone that helped out! I am so excited for them to get these boxes. Hopefully before christmas. We even enclosed a small christmas tree and a couple boxes of lights so they can spruce things up a bit.
Thankful Thursday: My Job
Yes, I know it is Friday. Thursday was a blur this week. Actually the last 2 weeks have been a bit of a blur. I've worked the last 13 nights. No days off in between. I finally had yesterday off but I am back at it tonight for another 5 nights.
I am not complaining though. I have a job. It is stressful, busy, crazy, stupid, annoying, frustrating, fun, exciting and I love it. I work with people that are a family. You can really only understand the dynamics of such a "family" when you are part of it. If a firefighter from Northern California gets hurt or dies, we all feel it. We shroud our badges and mourn like they were our closest friend.
My partner, Ali, is a gift from God. We talk about everything. I see her more than my family, Jared and other friends. I see her no less than 36 hours a week. Soon I will see her anywhere from 36-48 hours a week. That's not including overtime.
My other co-workers are just as wonderful. We joke, talk about our lives, encourage and console eachother after a bad/difficult call. We hug and let eachother cry when we need to.
I am thankful that in this economy, when most people have hours getting cut, mine have increased or atleast have stayed the same. I am thankful that I have been able to work a crazy amount of overtime the last few months so I can afford, without stressing, christmas gifts for people.
I am tired and kind of wish I had more than one day off this week but I am thankful.
I am not complaining though. I have a job. It is stressful, busy, crazy, stupid, annoying, frustrating, fun, exciting and I love it. I work with people that are a family. You can really only understand the dynamics of such a "family" when you are part of it. If a firefighter from Northern California gets hurt or dies, we all feel it. We shroud our badges and mourn like they were our closest friend.
My partner, Ali, is a gift from God. We talk about everything. I see her more than my family, Jared and other friends. I see her no less than 36 hours a week. Soon I will see her anywhere from 36-48 hours a week. That's not including overtime.
My other co-workers are just as wonderful. We joke, talk about our lives, encourage and console eachother after a bad/difficult call. We hug and let eachother cry when we need to.
I am thankful that in this economy, when most people have hours getting cut, mine have increased or atleast have stayed the same. I am thankful that I have been able to work a crazy amount of overtime the last few months so I can afford, without stressing, christmas gifts for people.
I am tired and kind of wish I had more than one day off this week but I am thankful.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Thankful Thursday: Friends
Yeah, I know I missed Thankful Thursday last week. It was a Holiday...give me a break. And please ignore the fact that said Holiday was about being thankful. I'm back now and that's what matters. Right?
I've heard it said that friends are the family that we choose. It's true.
People come and go in our lives constantly. I believe there is a time and a season for everything. Some of those seasons last longer than others.
I have a friend that I met in the 3rd grade. We did a very scientific science project together and got a B. Or was it a B+? In any case, that's not a bad grade for counting raisins. We played together constantly, had sleepovers and have remained friends through our adult lives.
I have a friend from Junior High that has a beautiful family of little boys. I love that we still keep in touch and love close by. Even if we don't get to hang out much. We used to go to youth group together and went away to college together. She's one of the funniest people I know. I love seeing how happy she is and that she's still part of my life.
I have a friend that I met my freshman year of High School. She's like a sister to me. She knows everything about me. Her kids call me "auntie" and I cherish the times we get to sit on the couch and watch cheesy girlie movies. We both have an unhealthy love for reality TV shows but I think we keep eachother balanced.
I have a new blog friend whom I've never met face to face. She's funny and I look forward to the emails from her. We've met through Operation Baking GALS. What better way to make a new friend than by joining an organization that helps others?
I have every kind of friend in between that too. I am richly blessed by the friendships in my life. I am thankful that these friendships have lasted so long. The good, the bad and the ugly.. they have all been there for me. You have all touched my life in ways you will never know. Thank You , friends. I love you.
I've heard it said that friends are the family that we choose. It's true.
People come and go in our lives constantly. I believe there is a time and a season for everything. Some of those seasons last longer than others.
I have a friend that I met in the 3rd grade. We did a very scientific science project together and got a B. Or was it a B+? In any case, that's not a bad grade for counting raisins. We played together constantly, had sleepovers and have remained friends through our adult lives.
I have a friend from Junior High that has a beautiful family of little boys. I love that we still keep in touch and love close by. Even if we don't get to hang out much. We used to go to youth group together and went away to college together. She's one of the funniest people I know. I love seeing how happy she is and that she's still part of my life.
I have a friend that I met my freshman year of High School. She's like a sister to me. She knows everything about me. Her kids call me "auntie" and I cherish the times we get to sit on the couch and watch cheesy girlie movies. We both have an unhealthy love for reality TV shows but I think we keep eachother balanced.
I have a new blog friend whom I've never met face to face. She's funny and I look forward to the emails from her. We've met through Operation Baking GALS. What better way to make a new friend than by joining an organization that helps others?
I have every kind of friend in between that too. I am richly blessed by the friendships in my life. I am thankful that these friendships have lasted so long. The good, the bad and the ugly.. they have all been there for me. You have all touched my life in ways you will never know. Thank You , friends. I love you.
God
Here's a story for you...
There was a 69 year old man helping out a friend. They were doing manly handyman type stuff when something fell and hit this man's hand. The object cut his thumb to the bone and he passed out, hitting his head along the way. When he came to he got light headed and passed out again. His friend immediately called 911.
In the ambulance the man complained of "heart burn" and to his surprise the paramedic told him he was having a heart attack. This was shocking news for the man because he's never had any type of heart problem. He was taken into surgery shortly after arriving at the hospital. They did angioplasty and put in a stint and he is on his way to recovery.
You see, had he not cut his thumb, his adrenaline wouldn't have elevated and his blood wouldn't have hit the blockage in his heart in such a way and cause a mild heart attack. This man would have been walking around ,unknowingly, with a blockage in his heart. The blockage would have continued to grow and he would have had a major heart attack. He drives for a living and lives alone. It could have happened anywhere. He couldv'e had it while he was home alone or on the road and cause an accident. But someOne was looking out for this man.
If you ever wonder if there is a God. Or if there's someone out there that really loves you unconditionally and cares about every.single.detail. of your life... stop wondering. This story proves there is a God. Nothing is coincidence. Nothing happens by "chance" or "fate". God knows every detail of our lives. He knows where we are at all times. I can hear some of the nay-sayers out there saying "well if God really loved this man he wouldn't have allowed something as bad a heart attack happen to him". How about you change that around. If God hadn't been there, this man wouldv'e had a major heart attack. He might have had major damage or even died. Bad things happen in this world because Adam and Eve brought sin into the world by eating the forbidden apple. God gives us free will and we choose what path to follow. There's more to it than all of this but I am by no means a theologian.
What I know with 100% of my heart is that this man is alive because God was watching out for him. God loves him. God knew what was going on inside this man's body and intervened. You may wonder who this man is and where I heard this story. It happened yesterday and I heard the details of it today because this man is my uncle.
There was a 69 year old man helping out a friend. They were doing manly handyman type stuff when something fell and hit this man's hand. The object cut his thumb to the bone and he passed out, hitting his head along the way. When he came to he got light headed and passed out again. His friend immediately called 911.
In the ambulance the man complained of "heart burn" and to his surprise the paramedic told him he was having a heart attack. This was shocking news for the man because he's never had any type of heart problem. He was taken into surgery shortly after arriving at the hospital. They did angioplasty and put in a stint and he is on his way to recovery.
You see, had he not cut his thumb, his adrenaline wouldn't have elevated and his blood wouldn't have hit the blockage in his heart in such a way and cause a mild heart attack. This man would have been walking around ,unknowingly, with a blockage in his heart. The blockage would have continued to grow and he would have had a major heart attack. He drives for a living and lives alone. It could have happened anywhere. He couldv'e had it while he was home alone or on the road and cause an accident. But someOne was looking out for this man.
If you ever wonder if there is a God. Or if there's someone out there that really loves you unconditionally and cares about every.single.detail. of your life... stop wondering. This story proves there is a God. Nothing is coincidence. Nothing happens by "chance" or "fate". God knows every detail of our lives. He knows where we are at all times. I can hear some of the nay-sayers out there saying "well if God really loved this man he wouldn't have allowed something as bad a heart attack happen to him". How about you change that around. If God hadn't been there, this man wouldv'e had a major heart attack. He might have had major damage or even died. Bad things happen in this world because Adam and Eve brought sin into the world by eating the forbidden apple. God gives us free will and we choose what path to follow. There's more to it than all of this but I am by no means a theologian.
What I know with 100% of my heart is that this man is alive because God was watching out for him. God loves him. God knew what was going on inside this man's body and intervened. You may wonder who this man is and where I heard this story. It happened yesterday and I heard the details of it today because this man is my uncle.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Baking GALS
I know I've mentioned Operation Baking GALS a few time. Like here and here. I can assure you there will be more posts. So I hope you like them.
We are currently at the beginning stages of the Christmas Round. Packages start getting shipped tomorrow. There are 26 teams this round. Meaning 26 men/women (and their co-workers) will be getting packages from all over the United States. Because I was bored, I counted how many people were signed up for this round so far.
(Drum Roll Please)
281.
Isn't that incredible? That's not even counting the people that are also baking but just not signed up on the website. I know a few of my team members have enlisted some of their friends to help but they are not signed up on the website. I am just amazed with how many people have gotten involved.
"Operation Christmas Blessing" is going pretty good. This week I will be getting the letters/pictures made by some kidlets around san diego county. People at work at slowly starting to bring in things for the stockings. The stockings are decorated and waiting to be filled. I think it will be pretty neat to see the end result.
We are currently at the beginning stages of the Christmas Round. Packages start getting shipped tomorrow. There are 26 teams this round. Meaning 26 men/women (and their co-workers) will be getting packages from all over the United States. Because I was bored, I counted how many people were signed up for this round so far.
(Drum Roll Please)
281.
Isn't that incredible? That's not even counting the people that are also baking but just not signed up on the website. I know a few of my team members have enlisted some of their friends to help but they are not signed up on the website. I am just amazed with how many people have gotten involved.
"Operation Christmas Blessing" is going pretty good. This week I will be getting the letters/pictures made by some kidlets around san diego county. People at work at slowly starting to bring in things for the stockings. The stockings are decorated and waiting to be filled. I think it will be pretty neat to see the end result.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
The Pioneer Woman
The Pioneer Woman...
I love her.
She's cool.
I want to be her.
I don't even know where I heard about her for the first time. I've heard mention of her over the last year or so but didn't really know who or what she was. Was she a Betty Crocker type product that made you think there was a real person behind the title but there really isn't?(That's right, Betty Crocker isn't a real person... disappointing, I know) Or was she a real person somewhere in cyberland? Then a friend and fellow blogger briefly wrote about her here. So I followed the links she posted on her blog and that's when I fell in love.
Ree Drummond is The Pioneer Woman. She is funny ,witty and I just can't get enough of her blog. I can spend hours reading through all of the sections on her website. I think I am borderline obsessed. Recipes, the story of how her and her hubby met, homeschooling, her kids,home & garden, photography.. how she does it all, I will never know.
These days, if I am looking for a recipe I check her site first. Hopefully after Christmas I will be able to reference her cookbook (hint hint). This week is "pie week" on her food blog. Just when I thought I knew what pie yuumminess I was going to make for all of the Thanksgiving festivities, "Pie Week" happens. Now I will be spending the day before and the day of Thanksgiving making pies. Pie, Pies and more Pies. More Pie than all of our families can eat, combined. And you know what? They will be gooooooooddd. Oh I'm drooling just thinking about it!!!
Stay tuned for the sharing of these scrumdidlyumptious recipes. Or if you're impatient (like me), check out her website by clicking the link about. Happy Reading (and drooling)!
I love her.
She's cool.
I want to be her.
I don't even know where I heard about her for the first time. I've heard mention of her over the last year or so but didn't really know who or what she was. Was she a Betty Crocker type product that made you think there was a real person behind the title but there really isn't?(That's right, Betty Crocker isn't a real person... disappointing, I know) Or was she a real person somewhere in cyberland? Then a friend and fellow blogger briefly wrote about her here. So I followed the links she posted on her blog and that's when I fell in love.
Ree Drummond is The Pioneer Woman. She is funny ,witty and I just can't get enough of her blog. I can spend hours reading through all of the sections on her website. I think I am borderline obsessed. Recipes, the story of how her and her hubby met, homeschooling, her kids,home & garden, photography.. how she does it all, I will never know.
These days, if I am looking for a recipe I check her site first. Hopefully after Christmas I will be able to reference her cookbook (hint hint). This week is "pie week" on her food blog. Just when I thought I knew what pie yuumminess I was going to make for all of the Thanksgiving festivities, "Pie Week" happens. Now I will be spending the day before and the day of Thanksgiving making pies. Pie, Pies and more Pies. More Pie than all of our families can eat, combined. And you know what? They will be gooooooooddd. Oh I'm drooling just thinking about it!!!
Stay tuned for the sharing of these scrumdidlyumptious recipes. Or if you're impatient (like me), check out her website by clicking the link about. Happy Reading (and drooling)!
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