For My Precious Kiddos...May You Enjoy The First Day Of School

Humor. What makes kids funny? Is it genetic? So, how do they get a sense of humor? My kiddos nearly caused a car crash, cracking me up while headed home yesterday. I was laughing so hard tears were in my eyes. And...they were making fun of me!

Thankfully, I can take a good joke. I enjoy a good sense of humor and allow my kids to poke a little fun. As long as they don't take it too far and mess with the disabled or unfortunate. In this case, they messed with Mom. Actually, my music choices.

I have Sirius radio and just to give you some background these are my favorites...70's, 80's, The Coffee House (channel 30), three country stations and a Christian station. I also have FOX news, Bloomberg News, Redneck Comedy, a couple other comedy stations and a few more news stations. Just focus on the music stations and don't try to figure me out on the other stuff.

Now, I leave the 80's station on most of the time, and last night Purple Rain/Prince came on. I hadn't heard that song in a long while and started to sing it when both kids complained and teased me for the song. Max read the display and said "Oh yeah...I like Purple Rain too." To which Maddie followed up with, "Mom, this is why we don't have our friends over." (This statement is very untrue, I have kids at our house all the time...in fact, we are the fun house with a pool, Popsicles, and trampoline. Trust me, kids are here ALL the time.

So, with their little outburst on my music, I shared how this song was from my high school years. It was popular then...blah, blah, blah...Max retorts with, "Mom this music is for sad, lonely people and you are not sad or lonely." Maddie just said, "My ears are bleeding." I have to admit their commentary on the Artist Formerly known as....some "sign" I can't reproduce here, was making me laugh. (Really though, Prince was an icon for risque music and he was too freaky for me in high school). I had a good friend, Mindi, who loved Prince in high school. He was very popular, I assure you!

They went on to poke fun at all the other stations and I told them that the Jonas Brothers is not really music. They were okay with that, even though Max secretly wants some skinny pants...okay, not secretly, BUT I AM NOT BUYING HIM THOSE PANTS.

Some other humorous comments were: Did they play the forks when you were a kid?...Do you know Elvis?...Why do people have to get their Foot Loose?

My responses were: Spoons, and no, I don't know anyone who played the spoons...I don't know Elvis, I was a little kid when he died and its not a real foot that's loose, "Its Everybody get Footloose"...ya know dance. Maddie just rolled her eyes in typical fashion and Max made a paper airplane to aim into my screen and change the station.

I told them at this point, if anyone touched the screen again, it would end in a spanking. (Folks, I don't even spank, it was just a funny thing to say). But, Maddie's response was priceless. She said..."Mom that's a chance I am willing to take!"

So this one goes to the kids who think Mom's music sucks...hahaha, school starts on Monday!

**(And, if you're lucky, I might give ya a ride to school...just don't mock the music!)

An Ode To Football...And The Helmet!

I promised myself to write a little more about Max. He is often "feeling left out" with his big sister, Maddie... "taking the limelight" around here. This is probably why he has such a witty personality...and tries for my attention. He is the kiddo that makes me laugh, even when I don't really feel like laughin'. So Max this story is for you!

About two years ago, Tony enrolled Max in tackle football. He bought the pads, tight little football pants, jerseys, shoes and...the helmet. We were quite excited to see how this tackle football thing would go.

Meanwhile, Tony had to head out of town for business in Wyoming. This is otherwise known as "When Lucy Moments Happen" or "Be Prepared, I Will Call You In Times Of Need." My best friend, Cindy knows "all too well" what happens when Tony leaves town. She once had to assist me in pulling out a hammock (attached to a heavy, metal green pole thingy) out of our pool.

Another time, we lost power because the construction crew building the house next door, caused some electrical thingy to break. We found shelter at Cindy's. I know she saved the day more than just these times...but, I digress, this story is about MAX!

So, I was off to take Max to his football practice. He was all padded up and ready to go. I made sure the pads were tight to his body, counting the same amount of holes in each of those "buckle things" that wrap around his ribs. Tony said the coach would help him with the helmet...not to worry. When we got to the field, the coach put his helmet on and made sure he had the "mouth thingy" in too. Don't wanna lose any teeth!

The practice lasted about two hours...maybe two days. I was so dang tired from a long day at work and then, bouncing from one kid's sport to another, that by the time I got to the football field, I could have slept on a bleacher. Or, the ground.

I was really looking forward to seeing Tony come home that night. His flight had taken off and he would arrive home as practice was ending. When practice did end, Max walked over and we were wildly late to pick up his sister at gymnastics...across town! I told him to hop in the car and we would do the Houdini dance of taking off the gear in the car. Mind you, Max is so flexible and he said "Okay Mom, let's get Maddie".

So, we were off to pick her up when Max says , "Hey Mom, if we get in an accident, I will be protected." Always one to find the bright side of a situation. I had to laugh. We got Maddie and headed home. Max tried to pull his helmet off but was having no luck. I told him to wait a little longer, afterall...like he said, it is good protection in an accident. I would help him out of his gear when we got home. Or so I thought...

We arrived in the garage and Max got out. He looked a little sweaty, so I was eager to get him out of the gear. I grabbed his helmet and gave a little tug to take it off. It wouldn't budge. Tony DID mention that you have to hold the sides out so his head can come out. So, with all my might, I pulled on the sides. But the stinkin' thingy wouldn't come off his head. Maddie even got in on the action. We had a go of tug of war with Max. This helmet was on for good!

I debated going to a neighbor for help, but thought how ridiculous I would seem, not getting a helmet off. And, Tony should be home by now. I told Max we could wait for Dad. But, the poor kid needed proper blood flow. So, we continued to tug.

I was looking at the helmet. Mostly for an Easy button, something to "Pop" or release this kid from the confines. I almost gave up when he said something about a... chin strap. Yes, I see the chin thingy. I know you can't start by pullin' that off the chin. Again, a muffled voice says, "chin strap."

And, that's when I learned that the straps around the helmet had meaning. One is actually ATTACHED to the chin strap. Did you know that? I sure as heck didn't!

Well, we got helmet off just before Tony got home. Max in all his wooziness and sweat, took a shower.

I thought I was in the clear until Tony walked in the door and said, "Son, how was practice?" Max told the whole miserable story...I will never forget the chin strap again son, I promise!

*Max, you make me laugh, you make me smile!

Trash versus Give Away...

The countdown to the first day of school is fast approaching. Kids are cleaning their rooms, closet, under the bed and dresser drawers, so we know what they need for school.


Max needs socks. Maddie needs shoes.


I need another box of Hefty bags for their trash. Two bags per room. One reads: "Trash" and the other: "Give Away". "Trash" is full... but "Give Away" is very light. Not because its a recession. We have enough to give away. "Give Away" is a tough bag, though. The kids can't part with the Mc Donald's Happy Meal toys, broken toys and stained, but favorite t-shirts. Max has baby books, boxes of rocks, sticks he whittled with his Daddy and pictures of himself with Jeremy Mc Grath. He is a collector.


Maddie has oodles of books, she is my bookworm. She also keeps junk, four drawers worth, in her two night stands. Her "Give Away" items are far a and few between. Consisting of a couple old leotards and a pair of sweatpants. Nevermind, the closet shelf of stuffed animals and Webkins. She doesn't play with them, but they must stay. And with her "puberty striking attitude", I pick my battle and allow them to stay a little longer.


I did run across Max's bed and noticed his favorite stuffed animal. This one...I will keep for him. It will never be trash, never be given away. It will be mine to hold for him FOREVER. "Lamby."


"Lamby" is a little stuffed....you guessed it, Lamb. I bought it many years ago, when Max was sick with the flu and needed a prescription filled at Walgreens. I remember picking it up with a coloring book and crayons. He must have been sick around Easter, as they had a large selection of bunnies and lambs. Mind you, Max remembers the exact date and time "Lamby" came into our lives. I just remember the pink Amoxicillian and Motrin. And, another co-pay for the day.


"Lamby" has a friend, aptly named "Piggy." He is not the main character in our house. But he lives with Lamby...on his own pillow. Good thing Lamby and Piggy weren't in the "Give Away" bag...but what about those broken down, plastic, action figures and sticks. Hmmm.....

20 Ways to Stretch Your Dollar...

While driving to the grocery store, I was thinking about all the new ways I saved money this week. Thought I would share them with you, in hopes of helping just one friend out there to save a buck or two. Enjoy!!

1. Grocery shop at stores that have the extra value card and gas station. I saved $10.00 on gas this week using the card/.50 cents off the gallon for my 20 gallon tank. My Rubicon thanked me!


2. Read the "streamer length sized" receipt from your purchases for coupons. I had a $5.00 off coupon when I spent 25.00 at a store. Also, Fresh and Easy market has great food coupons.


3. Okay...COUPONS! Spend a few minutes and sort the mail. You would be surprised how many coupons, meals/"buy one entree, get one free" and such are tucked in what used to be my "junk mail"! Gone are the days of tossing the junk mail. I find a "gem" each week!


4. Limit the coffee drinks to a "treat". They cost about $5.00 plus the extra calories. I used to drink a Venti white chocolate iced latte 2-3 times a week. That's about $15.00! Times that by 4 and its $60.00...now I am not a mathematician ( I leave it to my husband to run numbers) but I do know that's a new pair of shoes for me!


5. Unplug it. Yes, go around your house and unplug items you don't use all the time. The toaster, blender, radio...does anyone have a radio? We unplug everything before we leave on trips and it saves money. Plus, you may be "going green" too!


6. Read your credit card statements for errors.


7. Double check your checking accounts, too.


8. Stop buying bottled water. The tap water was okay "when we were kids"...we have gotten so lazy to buy water when you have a faucet.


9. Gym memberships... why? Do you live on a block? Can you walk the block for exercise? Walk the dog or go for a swim. You don't have to forgo exercise, just the expense.


10. Call your insurance company and make sure you are getting the lowest rate for auto insurance. Shop a little.


11. Call the cable company and see what they are offering new subscribers. You too, should get that deal.


12. Buy books at Amazon.com. You can save about 50% on a book, despite waiting for it to arrive, that's a good deal!


13. Go online and look for coupons. I sent my husband to the Sporting good store armed with three different coupons to buy Max's football shoes, 20%-30% off. Considering the uniform and helmet will be expensive, you have to save somewhere.


14. Ask for a discount when you buy something. It doesn't hurt and in this economy, people may be willing to budge. Its the difference between a sale and no sale.


15. Plan your errands around your drive. For instance, pick up the dry cleaning while on another errand nearby.


16. Buy bulk. I sent my husband to Costco for laundry soap, t.p. and paper towels... among a few other things we use, ENDLESSLY. I love the fact that he will run this errand and carry it into the house. While I appreciate the prices, I hate the experience and huge parking lot!


17. Get the kids to help save too. I make them sort the coupons and pick where we can eat, where we will buy new shoes, etc...


18. Make a "game" of it. I never thought I would clip coupons, read the "junk mail", ask for a discount and call for lower rates. But, I get so excited to get a deal! You'd think I won the lottery. And, now I am addicted to finding a way to save a few dollars each day. I am not cheap. I buy what we need and yes...truth be told, I got my nails done today. But, I saved a heck of a lot all week and felt good about it. And, my nails look great!!


19. Sell stuff. I am getting rid of some items on Craig's List. Some people are addicted to eBay. One person's junk...!


20. Enjoy what you have. We are such a "throw away" society. Imagine how empty antique shops will be in a few years!

Okay...so I have shared my tightwad tips. Do you have any money saving tips to share? Please tell me what you do to save a buck!