Fathers Day

Tyson asked me the other day about my real dad. Can't say I ever think much about him - except on Father Day. Don't worry - I don't mean the sad story of "my father left us" story, but rather I realize how blessed I am notwithstanding what most would call a sad situation.

Father's day always reminds me of the great role models I DO have.

1. My mom. Both loving and strong, she is everything to us. I never felt bad. I always knew my mom would be strong for us.
2. Melynda. One of the few people who know me, I mean really know me. The good, the bad, the bratty and the ugly. She always keeps me on track.
3. Fredy. Although never a "Father Figure" he made my mom happy and provided the stability that I was always yearning for. Thanks to him I learned to respect male figures.
4. Tyson. What can I say about Tyson on Father Day - only that I treasure the fact that although I never had a reason to celebrate - my babies will have an amazing dad. He keeps me grounded. He is so warm. He gets me - even when I'm emotional. I love him. I thank Heavenly Father for the many wonderful Father's Day ahead.

Here's to all the good men who shape our youth, love families and step up to responsibilities.

Thank you.

103 what?

Just wanted to post and do a shout out to my incredible sister, Jael. She began really taking care of herself about 6 months ago. What started as a little weight loss challange turned into an amazing lifestyle change. Jael is not just down 25 pounds but she did it the right way. This is the climax of her journey - completing a 103 mile (yes that is 103 as in more than 99 miles) race. Tyson and I woke up at 4 am to make it up and see her start. I remember doing races and not having anyone to come watch me and I told myself I would be there for the really important things - and THIS was important. Love you Jael.

Grocery Smarts

I am very proud of myself - I have been wanting to start doing the whole coupon thing - I mean do you realize what saving $200 a month would do? (Actually it would mean about 900K over 30 years at a 10% ROI)

So even though I am not getting my newspapers yet with the coupons, I wanted to start trying it out. So Sunday night I spent 30 minutes getting myself organized with coupons and so forth - and today was the big day. I went to Albertsons and followed exactly what they told me. Here is what I bought.




4 boxes of Capt Crunch
6 Mac and Cheese
4 Digornios Flatbread
2 Hidden Valley Ranch
2 Angel Soft double rolls of toilet paper
1 Treseme Shampoo
1 thing of Bananas
1 Bag of grapes
2 Bagelfulls
1 Gallon of Milk
1 Jar of pickles
2 Cinnamon Rolls
1 Jello No Bake Cheesecake
2 Kraft Cheese Shredded Cheese
2 South Beach Granola Bars
2 Purex Concentrated Detergent
2 Hawaiians Own Drink Milk

Retail Price : $140
What I paid : $59.65

Saved : $77.23 (plus $12 of free gas!)

This was my very first trip trying this out and I was really lucky to get such a great sale. I'm determined to get great at this. Thanks Brooke!

Random Pics

Here is a complete recap of the the last two months - and yes I am THAT slow at posting now.

Mother's Day 2009 - I know it's late, but these women are incredible.





Tyson and I ventured to a walk in the mountains - do you realize I live FIVE minutes away from this? Sadly this is the first time we have done this in the TWO years we have lived here.





Tyson + dream car = unforgettable pictures





Memorial Day Hike with the Greenlands - Jenny LOVED the four miles ;)

Young Couples Activity Night

Wow we just finished our activity with Brooke Stevenson, teaching on how to slash your grocery bill. So fantastic. She taught about stores and how to use coupons to really save money for families. I have always wanted to do something like this - I HATE going to the store and seeing how little I get for alot of money. This will help change that. I have to be honest because my thinking is "well just make more money" and there is a lot of truth to that; however, there is a time when doing whatever you can to save money is really important. I'm excited for this. I can't devote a lot of time to it, but I promised myself to at least became successful at it.

Anyway, you can find things at Brooke's blog.