More Fun With Leslie Hall

This was truly one of the most fun nights of my life. I can't believe I actually went on stage and danced like a crazy person, and without being drunk or some excuse. I guess I don't really need an excuse, it was a once in a life time moment. Well, at least untill next year when she comes back into town. The picture above is of Leslie and my sister. Leslie loved her Gem sweater too and asked all about it, to which my sweet sister replied "Traci made it!" Leslie said she loved it and noticed it from on stage. How cool!

This is me on stage in the Red, upfront.....getting directions on how to be a back up dancer. And also we were warned not to touch Leslie. But, half way through the song, Leslie said to me and another girl "lift me up." We were like, ".......okay...." We tried our best and I am sure the effort was silly.

I have decided not to post the video, because I look like a goon dancing and I don't need the whole world seeing me look so crazy.

My night with Leslie Hall!

Last night me and my sister went to see Leslie Hall. We got there 2 hours early and I staked out my place in front of the stage near an exit. I was so excited to see her again! I made me and my sister "Gem" Sweaters especially for the concert. During the show, Leslie picks people out of the crowd who have great gem sweaters "junior Gems." I got to go on stage and dance with her in my Gem Sweater. As I was leaving the stage Leslie says to me "You look lovely tonight." After the concert we hung around and got to meet Leslie and she asked us all about the sweaters I made! This was one of the most fun nights of my life and I was so glad to get to share it with my awesome sister.

I laminated this picture and put it on my sisters sweater surrounded by gems of course, it was bedazzeled, it was Gemtastic!

Video and more pictures to follow!

What can $4.13 buy you?

Well let me tell you what $4.13 can buy you these days......Alot!

It has been my goal this new year to save as much money on groceries as I can. I have become competitive with.....well, no one but myself, but I take it seriously. I search the web looking for the best deals and free samples.

This week I found coupons for Johnson's products that have been reset. I got 6 Buddie bars for free, yes free. I have used these coupons before, and I don't think I will have to buy my kids soap until they are out of the house.

I refuse to pay more than a dollar for toothpaste now. And I won't pay more than a dollar for shampoo or deodorant.

Those 4 bottles of coffee mate creamer, free!

Mac and cheese, .49 each, can't beat that.

Huggies had great $5 off coupons for baby wipes, got 186 pack of wipes for .99 cents, gotta love it.

Using coupons has changed my life. I used to spend $120 a week on groceries, and now I average $30-$40 a week, what a savings! I now, never shop at Wal-mart to get the best deals, I shop Safeway and Walgreens to get the best deal, and I am saving money on gas because they are so close.

I am a member of BuzzAgent.com and they send me free products to try out and share with my friends. I got a new Scrubbing Bubbles shower cleaner in the mail, with refills. And their new toilet cleaner product and a bunch of coupons. Full bottles of Pledge cleaner, and all their items come with coupons to buy more if I like it.

I am addicted to websites that offer free samples, I get a new one in the mail every day. Free make up, lotions, garbage bags and food, gotta love it.

There are so many ways to save money these days. I know with this economy, everyone is tightening their belt, and retailers are desperate to have your money.

Let me know what opportunities you come across.

My Favorite Website

Just wanted to share this website with all my friends. I visit it evey day and plan my shopping around it. What a great resource!

Moneysavingmom.com

Check it out and tell me what you think.

Girls Day!

Since the boys went to the Monster Truck Show, we had a girls day. Regan picked going to ride the Sky Tram in Portland. This thing is really cool, that is if you are not scared of heights. What a view! There was only one scary part. When the tram went over one of the huge arms, the driver said "brace yourself for the swing." very calmly. Well, it went up, and them sharply down, like a little bit of a roller coaster for a few seconds. Regan loved it and screamed. And it did that while swinging from side to side, because of the windy day. Cheap thrills I guess. Will I do that again? Probably not....well, maybe I would.

This is at the top, OHSU. There was a nice coffee bar and great living room seating area with breath taking views of the city.

Next we went to lunch at the Old Spegetti factory, Regan's favorite! It was a great day.

Roller Skating and.....What day wouldn't be complete without ice cream?

Next Regan wanted to go roller skating. Fine by me, I love to roller skate. Especially with children. Then I don't look like a total crazy person going slow, and if I loose my balance, I can blame it on them holding my hand.

When we first got her skates I had the nice gentleman tighten the wheels, so she wouldn't slip. After a few times around the rink, which took a half an hour, I had the nice guy, loosen the wheels, thinking she was ready. Boy, was I wrong! Her feet just kept slipping out from under her, and she flopped and flung herself all over. So, we went back to the guy, apologizing and asked him to tighten them again. We were there for an hour and a half and made it around the rink about 6 times. Causing major traffic problems for everyone the whole time.

This is Regan saying "I hate skating." And she was done.

What perfect day wouldn't include a trip to Papa's Ice Cream? Regan got her beloved Mango sorbet.

Jake on the road

Thank you to our friends and family for all your love and support through this difficult time. If you have not heard yet, the container business is not going well. Jake has made the tough decision to go back on the road. This will leave his little family very sad, because we will miss him so much. But the provider in him will not let us fail. He will be gone for months at a time, and we appreciate his sacrifice.