New blog address soon!

FYI...within a few days my blog website address will be www.sherrimccann.com . I got a domain name because I am looking into selling Ads on my blog, and it was necessary to complete the process. Google will redirect all my readers to the proper address once it is switched over, but I am not sure how long they will be doing that. Anyhoo...hope you will all join me "there" soon!

Kids say the darnest things....

Years ago, my Mom told me that I needed to write down all the cute, silly things that the kids say. I wish, now, that I had followed her advise! Today, while I was driving Bubba to therapy, he said..."Mommy! In 5 more days it will be only 10 days until Christmas!" So funny! His brain just seems to process things differently than any child I have ever known!

A few nights ago, we were driving along SR 54 and Spencer saw the lit up cross that is at the church off in the distance...he screamed..."That cross is MOVING! (it does kinda look like it is moving as you are driving along)" We tried to tell him that we were the ones moving, not the cross, but then he rolled down the window and started screaming..."JESUS!! JESUS!!" as if he was trying to get His attention!

One funny story that we still aggravate Maddie about-when she was little, someone must have said something about getting a head cut off (I have no idea why this came up! Brooke says she thinks it was because the lesson at church was about the body of Christ being made up of different parts-using actual body parts for an example)...anyhoo, she said "If your head got cut off, you would DIE!" -then she said "'cause if your head got cut off you could not see where you were going and then you would run into a wall and DIE!"

We were watching something on TV about the importance of nutrition and drinking plenty of water, it said something about the fact that humans can not live past 3 days (or whatever it is!) without water. Maddie breaks the silence and says...."I would die next Thursday!".

I know that there are tons more things I can use to embarrass my kids...I will have to look in their memory books to try to find more! I have a few ZINGERS on Brooke (she better not EVER get "out of line" ! ha ha!) ...but, she will not let me share them here. :(

Feelin' better yet!

I am feeling so much better than I was yesterday! Those antibiotics kicked in quickly! I decided NOT to take the steroids....since I am not having any trouble breathing and since the package warns that it may interfere with my body's ability to fight off infection.......and since I already have an infection that I am trying to get rid of-I thought it sounded pretty dumb to take them! Anyhoo, I am feeling TONS better already!

I did my weekly shopping this morning and I saved a total of $231.33!! I went to Walgreen's, Target and Publix. Some of the items I got great deals on are mascara, lipsticks ($8.49 lipstick-I got for .24 cents each!), Intuition razors (SUPER deal on those...when you use a manufacturer's coupon-from last Sunday's paper and a store coupon-located at the front of the store-they end up being $1.99 each!), hair products, and tons of grocery deals too! One tip....this week Publix has the Listerine mouthwash on sale for $4.49 each and the store has a coupon for $2.00 off. The packages I bought also had bonuses attached to them-"Reach access" flossers with 8 refill heads. Since I use the "Reach flossers" I bought the Listerine with the attached flossers for $2.49...about 1/2 what Publix charges for just the flossers! If I had not already "spent" my Listerine coupons ( darn it!) , I could have used them along with the store coupon and got them for even cheaper! Reminds me of that old Kenny Rogers song......"Gotta know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em........." LOL!

On my way to feeling better!

As my "facebook" friends already know, I was up all night with an ear infection :( . I started running a fever last night and about 12:00 am, I woke up in pain. I went to the doctor first thing this morning...(I bet they think that is just where I LOVE to spend my time!). When I was there yesterday-my ear did not hurt, I was not running a fever and I just had a slight cold......what a difference a few hours make! Anyhoo-I saw a different doctor because I went in as a "walk in"-since I did not want to wait until the afternoon to be seen. In the doctor's office there was a sign that had a Hebrews 11 on it and then underneath it said "I believe in the power of prayer..if you would like me to pray for you-please do not hesitate to ask"..or something along those lines. I thought that was pretty cool! I told him that I liked his sign and he said "well, I have accepted Jesus as my personal savior..and I strongly believe in prayer!". How many times do you hear THAT coming from a doctor!? Anyhoo...I have an ear infection and a sinus infection. He put me on some antibiotics and methylprednisolone ( a steroid..just what I need when I am trying to LOSE weight..huh?)! I took the meds right away...hoping that they will kick in soon and I will get to feeling better! Hope ya'll have a blessed Tuesday! Thanks for all of the emails and prayers!!

Happy Monday!

Well.....I did it! I got up early this morning and I went for my walk....I also picked up the pace a bit from my usual walks! Then, after I took the kids to school, I came home and did strength training! Yeah me! (The kids tell me I watch too much "Suite life of Zack and Cody" when I say "yeah me"! LOL) Anyhoo-I feel good know that I am taking the proper steps to get healthier! I had a (ANOTHER!) doctor's appt this morning...I asked her how many calories I should be eating to lose weight...she told me about 1,500-1,600 based on my height and weight and since I am active. Today's appt was just the dreaded yearly check up....NOT fun-as all the women out there say "Amen!". Anyhoo-I have to go for another mammogram....(again, NOT fun)...because she found some "lumps". I am not in the least bit concerned about it...every year I get sent for a mamo, I guess I am just "lumpy" LOL! Anyhoo....I asked them if they were sick of seeing me yet-it seems I have a part time job going to doctors! I know I am tired of it! I have to go back in two weeks to get the results of all the tests...I hope that is it for a while! I am SO grateful that I have insurance and I can even GO to the doctor!...but enough already! Last year, the Susan Koman foundation paid for my mamo and ultra sound (always end up getting those too)-I was surprised at how easy that process was...unlike any other "help" we have ever gotten! There were no forms to fill out, no income verification......... the doctor said I needed it, I had no insurance and that was all they needed to know! "Shout out" to the Susan Koman foundation!

So, now that I am home, I am going to cut coupons....it IS Monday! Happy Monday everyone!

Our tree

Here are pics of our decorated Christmas tree. I was goofing off with the settings on my pro camera. Anyhoo...gonna watch the Steelers vs Cowboys game with Brett.....and get my body rub! I love football season! Game long body rubs!

Well........last night I started feeling sick again :(.....what is THAT about!? I have felt crummy all day long today! I went out and loaded up on cough meds, benedryl, cough drops, vitamins......I even bought the kids sore throat ice pops...but they think they are gross. Now, we are all sick! I am grateful that it is not a major, full blown cold! It is mostly just a scratchy throat and stuffy head. Anyhoo....I ran a few errands today...library, bank.... . Then I came home and (almost) finished up the Christmas present I am making for my Daddy! Brett says that he thinks it will be his favorite present this year...we'll see! I really hope he likes it! I may decide to take a picture of it and post it...but more than likely I will wait until after Christmas to do that...just in case he is standing over my Mom's shoulder as she reads my blog!

Today I pulled out all my old books by Bob Greene. He used to be Oprah's trainer and I have almost all his books-I have read them several times. I have been doing fairly well with eating healthy but I have been slacking in the "working out" department! I know what I need to do to lose the few lbs (......or 18!) that I need to lose-but reading about nutrition and exercise helps to motivate me. I am afraid that I am going to have to start getting up early-like I used to do, to get my work out in each day. I love to sleep in...so that is going to be really tough for me! But as Bob says...."dedication, commitment and effort are needed to accomplish anything worthwhile."...now isn't that the truth?! There are NO shortcuts...bummer! "Working hard and earning your results is exactly what increases your self esteem. That sense of accomplishment is what will drive your results-not a shortcut". -Bob Greene
I know this to be true....I worked HARD......REALLY HARD at losing the 92 lbs I lost 10+ years ago! I put some serious effort into it! I know that I am going to have to regain that focus and drive...in order to do it again. It may sound really (REALLY!) dumb....but it seems to be harder to lose 10 lbs than it was to lose 92 lbs! I guess the "pain" of being overweight is not nearly as present as it was when I was obese! Make sense? Anyhoo..I am rambling on for sure now-I am going to go read my book in bed! Hope you are all having a great weekend!

BTW....I have read on the message boards that Weight watchers has a brand new program! I weighed in 2 weeks ago, but I did not stay for the meeting. I have a doctor's appt on Monday morning...or else I'd go to my meeting to hear all about it! I guess I will have to wait until next Monday! Why does the news of a new program thrill me?? I have not even been following WW............!

I think all I needed was a little time to rest, because I am feeling so much better this morning! Thank God! I cancelled all my appts already- so this morning, after I took the kids to school, I came home and a gave my house a "good scrubbin' "! It seriously needed it! We have been so busy that we have not had the time or energy to keep up with all the little things that pile up quickly! So, I am almost finished with that...gotta run the vac and make my bed and put away my laundry! After I have lunch with Brett(he comes home every day -but I have not actually been able to eat with him at all this week!), I am going to run to the store to pick up a couple of things...and exchange a few (I changed the plan on a couple of gifts)! Tonight, I need to cut Brett's and Spencer's hair -but then we can just relax and watch a family movie...knowing everything else is DONE! That is such a great feeling.....is it just me or isn't it so much easier to relax in a CLEAN, organized house?!

Anyhoo...I made my appt with the new neurosurgeon today...one that is in Trinity-NOT Tampa!
They are going to decide what to do with my neck....I did not tell many people (VERY FEW!)-but the MRI I had last month showed a tumor in my neck...that was not there in May (when I had my last MRI)-so they sent me for another MRI, with contrast. Thankfully, it showed that the "tumor" is just a "perineural cyst"-which is typically harmless and rarely show any changes. It is pressing on the left nerve root so they want to have the neurosurgeon check it out...my left side is what typically goes numb, so it may be related to that. Anyhoo...chance are, they will just leave it a lone and keep an eye on it like they do with the other lesions!


Well, I am gonna finish up on my housework and relax a bit before Brett gets home!

Today

Just as I figured..today was crazy too! I think that I have been spreading myself too thin and now I am paying for it! I either have a cold or my allergies have kicked in-either way...I am tired! I am so overwhelmed right now! There is so much left to do! I canceled a coffee meeting with a friend for tomorrow and I am going to cancel my physical therapy too.....I just want to stay home and get caught up-and rest! The last two days I have not even had time to eat right! THAT only makes me feel worse! Both yesterday and today I ate a hand full of almonds for lunch as I ran out the door! Anyhoo...I am home now-on strict orders from Brett to not do ANY housework and just rest tonight. He is at Brooke's first b-ball game with Maddie and Bubba. (And YES, I have MOM guilt about that!.......but I just could not "go" anymore today.)
Spencer's appt went well today. They changed a couple of his meds around and are trying something new too...so I hope that it helps! He had a breathing test today and we have to go back in Feb to see if he improved any.
Well...that is all I have in me today. I hope I feel better tomorrow!

FYI

I just wanted to share the link to Jodi's website-she is one of my "sistas" and I love her dearly! She makes AWESOME, personalized gifts....great for grandparents, teachers, friends...... . If you need a unique, high quality Christmas gift, I encourage you to visit her site and place an order!
http://www.greenyweeny.com/

My day and my "Babies"!

Well, as I mentioned before, we are so proud of Brooke for not only making the B-ball team, but making it as a STARTER! She was so worried that she would not even make the team! I think she is a lot like me....in that she puts more pressure on herself and is harder on herself than necessary.

After Spencer's therapy, I went over to Jodi's house and we got to "chatting". I am so blessed to have her as a friend! Anyhoo, Spencer played with her son while we were busy "running our mouths" and when we got into the car Spencer said "That boy was actually nice to me! He let me play with his Legos!". When I got home, Maddie had supper cooked! I was worried about the time and I knew I was cutting it close to supper time, but I figured that I'd be ok on time still (even though Wednesdays are nuts with church and all!). Well, once her Daddy got home (she knows not to touch the stove when Mom and Dad are not home)-she started cooking! She cooked the entire meal by herself! She made spaghetti (without meat-cause she did not know what to use) and peas. I thought it was sweet of her to do that...and she did a great job!

Now, my house is quiet......everyone is at church (I have to stay home because Brooke's school youth group gets out at 7:30 pm and I do not want her to be dropped off to an empty house at night). I was in desperate need for some "down" time and I am grateful for every second of it! Brett told me today that I need to be careful not to "over schedule" myself (he's worried because he sees how worn out I am)...I asked him what he would like for me to cut out! It seems like there is just SO much that is an ABSOLUTE MUST (like doctors appts, Spencer's therapy, My physical therapy.........). Tomorrow, I am afraid, will not be any less hectic. I AM going to meet Carol for coffee in the morning and I am really looking forward to that! But then, I have to pick Bubba up from school early and take him to Tampa for his appt with the pulmonologist . That is going to take up half the day right there! Brooke's first B-ball game is tomorrow evening.I hope I make it back from Tampa in time to go! I understand why, but I hate that they charge money to go to every game! It is usually not much-I think about $3.00 per person-(I think the students get in free), but it really adds up when they have several games each week! We went to almost all of her home volleyball games so I am sure that we will also make it to most B-ball games too.

Well, while my house is still quiet, I am going to revel in the silence! Hope all is well with each one of you!

The craziness of it all....

Today I have been running,running,running........ . WHEN will it stop?! I had to volunteer at the school this morning, then I ran to Sam's club, then I had a doctor's appt, finished up ALL my Christmas shopping and had yet another, doctor's appt. Ran to get the kids-and now, I am about to take Bubba to APD therapy! I got a LOT done today-but I am WORN OUT! Anyhoo-God is good and He is ALWAYS faithful to us! He ALWAYS has a plan!

God has lead TWO families to us (one I have never even met called me last night!), who are in need of the basic necessities-and because of HIS faithfulness to us, we are able to bless them with items from my "coupon closet"! I was running out of room in my closet......so I am glad that He directed them to us! God is GOOD!

Well, gotta run for now! Gonna be late! I want to post later about my "little Brookie" making it on the basketball team as a STARTER center!! YEAH BROOKE!

Happy Monday!

"Tired" is not a big enough word to describe how I feel right now! It has been a long day!! This morning, Brett and I filled up 17 balloons with helium to take to Maddie's class. They tied cards to the ends of the balloons and asked the person who finds the balloon to call the school and tell them what city they found the balloon in. I thought it was a pretty interesting idea! Can't wait to hear the results! Anyhoo-we dropped off the balloons and watched the balloon release (I actually shot it for the teacher...I am the "class Mom" and we are going to put together a scrap book at the end of the year). After that, I ran to get gas...GOTTA love these gas prices huh!? I paid $1.69 a gallon at Sam's club! Then, I went to Walgreen's,Target and Publix. I gotta a lot of great deals.....and, keeping true to my word, I am not going to tell you every single thing I got!! I will give you a little tip-at Publix, they have flyers at the front of the store with "STORE" coupons (meaning not from the manufacture), inside they have a ton of great coupons! And remember...you can use BOTH a "store" coupon and a "manufacture" coupon on the same product. Just for example.....They had "aleve" pain reliever for $3.55 each. ON the box they had a $1.00 off coupon (if your publix does not have the coupon on the box...there was coupons in the paper recently-you can use that instead), and in the Publix flyer they had a coupon for $5.00 off any TWO aleve products (or a number of other brands too-but I choose Aleve). SO....$3.55 times two (because you have to buy two to use the store coupon)=$7.10. Take off the $5.00 store coupon and the price is now $2.10....take off the two $1.00 off coupons and the final price was only .10 cents (for TWO bottles!). Got it? That is just one example...this flyer is FULL of great deals like that! ANY Cover girl product = $2.50 off .....ANY Revlon tool= $2.00 off...........go check it out! And TRUST me....I know there are a few of you out there that are afraid to try this-it is completely legal and legit! If you are really concerned, ask for the manager before you shop...he or she will tell you that you CAN use 2 coupons on ONE product as long as one is a STORE coupon and one is a Manufacturer's coupon. Ok....that is it on the coupon talk.....for now! I have become passionate about...I hate to admit this, but this morning when Brett woke me up and brought me my coffee in bed-I was actually DREAMING about.....you guessed it, COUPONS! Maybe I should put a call in to Dr. Phil....what do you think?

In all seriousness...I thank God for giving me the insight and opportunity to get great deals like this...I know that it was all in HIS plan when I took the "coupon class" in Minneapolis-I am blessed to BE a BLESSING! I am just a vessel that God uses to bless my family and the people who receive the products that I buy!

Hope you are all having a "Happy Monday"!

Oh! Can I just say...I love this picture of Brett....if you look closely you can see that his feet are off the ground. He jumped up so I could shoot it-and it would look like the balloons were carrying him away!

Coupons!

I know you are all probably sick to death of reading about my coupon deals......but......I just have to tell you about today! I'll try not to talk so much about my coupons in the future...no promises-but I WILL try! I went back to Kmart and I bought 4 boxes of Kellogg's mini wheats, 2 boxes of Kellogg's Special K cereal, a can Lysol spray, 4 boxes of Pop tarts and a can of frosting and my total was $5.46!! Whoo hoo! The cashier jokingly said "Someone call my manager...I've just been robbed!" I just LOVE double coupon week!

Happy Monday!

Yesterday we went to church, then I went to Kmart for some double coupon spending! I got SOOOO much stuff...a lot of it was FREE!

The items I got for free are:

4- (4 packs) of Olay soap

4- large bags of Lifesavers

3-bottles of Men's Gillette body wash

3-packs of Pledge dusting wipes

4-cans of Endust spray

The rest of the items I got were things like (multiples of each product!) Dove shampoo/conditioner, Tylenol, Oust disinfectant spray, Aussie S/C and styling products, Bengay cream, napkins, Pur water filters and Water flavorings, soda, Chocolate "turtles" (for a gift)...

My total went from $176.00 down to $40.00- since I had to spend $20.00 (after $9.00 in coupons!) on the Pur 3 pack of filters and the 2 pack of flavorings(which I had set aside money to buy anyway)-I only spent $20.00 on all the rest!

Yeah!!

Last night we decorated our tree...when we plugged in the lights-all but about 6 lights were blown! I had to run out to CVS to buy more lights. We bought 8 (100 bulb) packs of lights, 3 boxes of candy canes, 2 bottles of febreeze fabric spray and 2 bottles of febreeze air freshener...my total was .18 cents! The guy in line behind me just looked at me like I was nuts! The reason it was so low was because I used about $36.00 of my reward bucks, along with coupons. I ended up making $5.00 more in reward bucks though! It hurt to let go of that many reward bucks...knowing I was only gonna make $5.00 back! I still have $29.00 reward bucks left...so THOSE I will save to use to make more

After we decorated our tree we watched the Bucs vs Saints game. I wore my Saints shirt and cheered for the Saints...mostly just to aggravate Brett and Spencer! They ended up losing....20 to 23 . Shocker! Anyhoo....I had fun torturing Brett and Bubba! My Daddy kept calling...KNOWING that we were watching it on DVR.....and telling me what the score was. There was not too much suspense in watching it for me....I would not DARE tell Brett what the score was though!! He is serious about making sure he does not find out ANYTHING about the game before he watches it!!

Brett and I ran out to buy ice cream (vowing to "start our diets tomorrow! LOL) and we watched the movie "Fred Clause" with the kids while we ate our ice cream! I love family time like that!

So...that catches you all up to today! I am going to call my Physical therapist and set my 3 appts for the week, then I am going to walk up to the library.......to work off some of that ice cream!

Have a HAPPY Monday everyone!