A Little Note of Thanks

Dear Joann's

I just want to take some time to thank you for thinking of your "paper subscribing patrons" this last weekend by placing your colorfully inviting add with your more than generous coupons on the side.

Imagine my delight when I saw that there were not one but two 50% off coupons with an entire week to use them. I can't tell you the good it did my soul to see such a generous offering and in such turbulent financial times. My exact thoughts were "Yes! Finally someone get's it! I can't wait to use these and get started on some seriously overdue projects!"

I couldn't wait to get started!

I hired a babysitter so as to really enjoy this ...sans the little kiddies.

I cut out my coupons.

I sang a happy tune all the way there and gave thanks to the fabric and craft God's who had made this moment possible.

I walked in and noticed that many other women had the same idea as me. I smiled thinking that we were all there for the same reason: discount!
As I continued walking through the store I also noticed red signs...and not a few. Those red signs were ubiquitous! (really they were!)
Everything in that blasted store was on sale. Literally everything!

"Everything?" you ask

"Yes Everything!"

To prove my point, I needed iron on letters. IRON ON LETTERS people. Imagine the throng of coupon cutters that are going to Joann's to buy iron on letters!
I can understand material, or scrapbooking supplies, or jewelery stuff but for crying out loud Iron on letters? Seriously?
They were 25% off.
And as you can probably guess, the coupons exclude everything that is already on sale.
And you can probably guess what some of my thoughts were at that exact moment.
And yes I bought those blasted Iron on letters at 25% off because some % is better than none right?

Well Joann's... while you may have won this little battle, the war is not over. I am planning a boycott on all things Joann's.

And it starts today.

Posters will be everywhere and I will be enlisting the help of others.

But first I'm going to need some posters, markers, cute paper and glitter.

Tomato-Palooza

Saturday, October 16th brought about the Second Annual Tomato-Palooza and good times were had!



This years menu:

*Jalapeno Jelly and cream cheese appetizer
*Bistro Jeanty Tomato Soup (recipe sent to me from the chef with a mini sticky note that says "Enjoy")
*Yummy Bruschetta
*Sweet potato fries
*Dill and cilantro dip
Razzleberry Pie with ice cream




We love this (new)tradition and have look forward to celebrating it again with the Lambert's and Liz all year.

However we have unanimously concluded that we really need to incorporate more tomato foods to the menu. So, for next year we have committed to Fried Green Tomato's and some sort of cherry tomato hors d' oeuvres. BUT...we seem to be stuck on a tomato dessert so if you have any ideas send 'em our way before next October.

Baptisms

Tonight was Kirsten's first time doing Baptisms for the Dead- Yup she is 12 already . I know, I know I can't believe it either-didn't she just finish the first grade or something?

Kirsten was super nervous so Anna stayed in the font and assured her that she could do it AND she was sure to let the volunteer know that her sister was nervous and to be extra careful. Later tonight her leader called to let us know what a great job they both did.

Kirst came home grinning from ear to ear and excitedly told us that it all went well.

Jim asked her what her favorite thing about it was and she said "The Big Hot Tub!"

Kirst, you're the best!

love

(Learning how to wink)

Lilly loves to love!

Everyday and totally out of the blue she tells me that she loves me. and not just me but all of us
These moments are so random and in no way are they an attempt to get something like her way.
Take last night-
She was eating dinner outside with the "Rawlings 3" (of the 5) and she quickly ran inside and yelled "I LOVE YOU MOM!" and went back outside to eat.



Tonight while watching a video on the "computerroom" (her word for computer) she looked over at me and said "Mom I love you the best!"

Man, this kid makes my heart smile

WE LOVE YOU LILLY!

CHEERS!

Not quite sure how it got started but at dinner time we do a family cheer.
Someone holds their glass up into the air and says a cheer and then of course we all klink our glasses together. Even little Sophia gets into it and holds her sippie cup high waiting for anyone to oblige.
Best cheer yet (from kirsten) "Cheers to the old man in white sneakers!" (I have no idea)
and Lilly's version tonight: "Cheers to the old white man!"

"He's never been more real"

Rain Rain Go Away...

Man did it rain!

Storm of the century some were saying

We only got a little bit of flooding thanks to our fabulous neighbors who saved us!

Although we never did see a rainbow afterwards

Convinced Draper was on the radar for being flooded out!