tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12888500277277179512024-03-12T19:01:56.867-05:00:)ChristinaChristinaJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14323996276532537996noreply@blogger.comBlogger105125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288850027727717951.post-10544437675627714212010-11-30T23:01:00.003-06:002010-11-30T23:19:32.343-06:00hiDear You,<br /><br />Hi.<br /><br />:)Christina<br /><br /><br />(Hows that for an ice breaker?)<br /><br />Life is good.<br />E-M is still just as perfect as the day she was born.<br />The Girls are just as silly, wild and unstoppable as ever.<br />J is just as handsome as the night we had our first kiss on the steps of my Hidden Lakes apartment.<br />Life is good.<br /><br />BUT<br /><br />Christmas is coming. So is The Funk. The Humbugs. The Jolly Resistance.<br /><br />I'll press through. With a smile. And be thankful. Because...<br /><br />Life is good.ChristinaJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14323996276532537996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288850027727717951.post-34701096178869268942010-08-06T10:30:00.023-05:002010-09-01T17:23:15.569-05:00Joy comes in the afternoon...<span style="font-family:georgia;">John and I are BIG TIME planners. We both like to plan ahead for events and activities, and almost everything we do begins with a checklist. Neither of us like to feel unprepared, and we don't like being caught off guard. However, we are also Realists (well, John's more the Realist and I'm more the Pessimist). We know things almost never go as planned. Therefore, when we lay out a plan for something, we usually devise a plan B. And C. And D. And E. And, sometimes we make up sub-plans for those<br /><br />We are also Christians. We believe God has a plan and purpose for our life. Which means, sometimes our plans, preferences, and time lines are thrown out the window. We're ok with that because we know He will guide us through whatever journey, adventure or adversity we face along the way.</span><br /><br />*******<br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">In February 2004, we decided to start trying for a family. We anticipated and prepared for it to take six months to a year to get pregnant. Two months later, six weeks before I graduated college and began my first post-degree full-time job, I was pregnant with S-O.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">In April 2007, we decided S-O needed a sibling. Four weeks later, after ONE real attempt at 'trying', BAM! Rae was born nine months later.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Given our track record, when we decided to start trying for #3 last June, we assumed we'd be pregnant in one or two months. God had other plans.</span><br /><br />*******<br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Sunday, July 4th</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">1a.m. WOZERS! A really strong contraction woke me from a solid sleep. I changed positions and tried to go back to sleep. About thirty minutes later, another one woke me up. I decided to get out of bed and walk around to see if they would go away. They didn't. They were about 30 minutes apart and uncomfortable enough to keep me awake. I was exhausted, so around 4a.m. I finally fell back to sleep.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">We went to church that morning and by noon the contractions were becoming more steady at about 10-15minutes apart. We called our friend Candi to stay with The Girls while we went on to the hospital to have me checked.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Here's a pic I took on the way out the door:</span><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:georgia;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511957491051469346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmxRkXexqA9h1-fvVBS5IedDa7HuyFXGSpUoOcMEWMA7yElP2aFpYbihnRjDBaTMjTV0kL1nYvxR4cPHOJY77mf3digTYaB-ZYbfad0-InmYVsjdwOGuQlw_G-H8ayC6p-OUhmVZdoQw/s320/Belly.jpg" />TOLD YOU I was HUGE!!!<br /><br />They checked me and I WAS STILL ONLY 3cm!!! (I'd been 3cm for about two weeks.) Lovely. Since I had planned a natural birth, sans pain meds or labor augmenting drugs like Pitocin, they gave me the option to go home. I did. I would much rather labor in the comforts of my home than in the hospital. The plan would be to go back to the hospital when my contractions were 5min apart for an hour or so intense that I couldn't talk/walk through them. Ok, fine. Good plan.<br /><br />We picked up The Girls and came home to freshen up before evening church services. Although I was contracting, they were manageable, and, like before, I wanted to get out of the house so I wouldn't obsess over timing them.</span><br /><br />The minute we walked into the church building the contractions became closer together. Like 6-8min apart closer. I kept track of them with my phone. I know the family sitting behind us thought I was texting all throughout church. Hahahaha!<br /><br />Anyway, I toughed it out until after service, but we, well John, decided we should go on home instead of staying for the fellowship meal. SNAP! I drooled over the HUGE tubs of homemade ice cream set out on the serving tables as we walked out the back door.<br /><br />We went ahead and called my inlaws in KY and asked them to begin the 4hr trip because even if Baby Girl wasn't born tonight, I KNEW it would be within the next day or so.<br /><br />I laid down and the contractions tapered to every 30min. I went to bed at 9pm and slept until about 1a.m.<br /><br />*******<br />Monday, July 5th<br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">1 a.m.-5 a.m I couldn't sleep. The contractions ranged from 10-30 minutes apart. Some of them pretty intense. My mind wondered into a million different places. I ate a snack. Powdered Donuts and Cheetos. I got on the computer and wrote <a href="http://cjalabama.blogspot.com/2010/07/and-then-i-punched-him-in-face.html"><span style="color:#3366cc;">this</span></a>. I tried to go back to sleep.</span><br /><br />6a.m.-11a.m. Contractions were 8-15 minutes apart. I did laundry, watered my plants, double checked my hospital bag check list, walked around the house, helped the girls get dressed, hung out with the inlaws, and pretty much labored at home, like planned. It wasn't too bad. Every now and then I had to stop what I was doing to concentrate through the contractions, but the pain was manageable. John was very attentive and kept asking if I needed him to do anything. Occasionally, I needed counter pressure on my lower back, but other than that, it was business as usual around the house.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">11:30 a.m. I had a phone conversation with my sister-in-law. We laughed and chatted about labor and contractions. She suggested we go for a walk at the mall. I thought it was a good idea and said we may do that. We were talking about the weather when IT hit me.<br /><br />A very. strong. take-my-breath-away. contraction.<br /><br />I handed the phone to John mid-sentence and he told her we'd call her back later. I had to REALLY concentrate through that one<br /><br />11:45a.m.- I told John that we'd probably need to head to the hospital in the next hour or so since my contractions were getting stronger and closer together, 7-10 minutes apart.<br /><br />11:57a.m.- I told John we needed to leave for the hospital, RIGHT NOW!!!<br /><br />*******<br />It took them about 30 minutes to check us in and usher us to a birthing room. My nurse, Nurse Sarah, checked me to see if this was the real deal. It was! I was dilated 6cm!!! Woo Hoo!<br /><br />Yesterday's false alarm really disappointed us.<br />But not today. THIS was the real deal.<br /><br />As Nurse Short-Hair (sorry, I forgot her name) moved the wireless monitor (two discs strapped to my belly meant to read E-M's heartbeat while giving me freedom of movement without wires or cords), she asked, "So, why did you choose to go with natural childbirth?"<br /><br />I held my breath and starred at the screen. Thump, Thump, Thump, Thump.<br /><br />"There she is!" she exclaimed, as she found her mark and I found my peace. "I just like to ask because I'm curious. That, and I wished I had tried to go natural with at least one of my boys, but things don't always go as planned."<br /><br />"It was mostly a personal decision," I said as I looked at John. He winked and gave my left hand a squeeze.<br /><br />Things don't always go as planned. But sometimes, they do.<br /><br />*******<br />2 p.m. After the initial 'setup' was complete and the 1000 questions were answered and entered into the computer, Nurse Sarah left us alone, to labor in peace.<br /><br />AhhhhhhhhhhhhOooooo.<br />AhhhhhhhhhhhhOooooo.<br />AhhhhhhhhhhhhOooooo.<br />That was my mantra for most of my labor.<br /><br />No screaming. No yelling. Just calm breathing and meditating.<br /><br />I walked. I stretched my legs. I leaned against a chair.<br /><br />John was my rock.<br />He rubbed my back. He rubbed my legs. He told me I was beautiful.<br />He looked me square in the eyes and told me he loved me.<br /><br />Those moments were some of the most intimate, special, moments of my life.<br /><br />*******<br />3 p.m. John and I worked through the contractions. They hurt. But, I realized if I tensed up they were worse. Ironically, the only time I felt relief from the pain was when I sat, completely limp and relaxed, on the toilet.<br /><br />Nurse Sarah was SUPER nice. She worked really hard to make sure she and the hospital complied with everything on my birth plan. She didn't flinch when I requested a HEP lock IV port, rather than the standard IV drip. She didn't look at me cross when I said I wanted to wear my own clothes rather than a yucky tie-back hospital gown. Those things really helped make labor more comfortable. As comfortable as labor can be.<br /><br />The contractions were becoming more intense and I felt lots of pressure.<br /><br />Nurse Sarah checked me and I was dilated to 8cm. I went back to my 'comfy spot' on the toilet and I heard John greet the on call doc (mine was on vacation in Atlanta). She said I'd probably be pushing soon.<br /><br />*******<br />Throughout this pregnancy, I have felt tremendous gratitude to God for giving me another chance at creating life. Even during the bouts of asthma, pre-term labor contractions, and hugeness that was my belly, I never stopped feeling grateful. I never stopped praising Him for every day I had with her in my womb. Every kick. Every stretch mark. Ok maybe not the stretch marks, but you get the picture.<br /><br />Life doesn't always go as WE plan. Sometimes HIS plan takes us on a journey we never expected. Sometimes while on that journey we learn things about ourselves, about life, that we otherwise wouldn't have learned.<br /><br />WE wanted to be pregnant last July. WE wanted the chemical pregnancy last August to be real. WE wanted the baby we conceived last September to stick and grow into a beautiful, living, breathing, child that would one day run and play with it's sisters. WE wanted those things.<br /><br />Since <a href="http://cjalabama.blogspot.com/2009/09/glory-baby.html">then</a>, we have leaned on the faith that His plan is perfect, and beautiful, and designed to glorify Him. Not us. Not our plans<br /><br />It wasn't until I gave up on being in control that divine providence took over. And then, great, GREAT things began to happen<br /><br />*******<br />aprox. 3:15 p.m<br /><br />I never once looked at the clock. Time stood still.<br />I never doubted my body's ability to do what it was designed to do.<br />I never let my mind think about the 'what if's'.<br />But I did cry. I cried because I was ready for her to be here.<br /><br />With closed eyes, I dug deep into the depths of my soul for the faith that everything would be ok.<br /><br />With opened eyes, I clung to the neck of the man I love. His piercing green eyes calmed my spirit and carried me through the familiar stabbing pain.<br /><br />My arms wrapped tightly around his neck, I realized this was it.<br />THIS was the moment we had been waiting for.<br />THIS was the moment to let go of the pain.<br />THIS was the moment of spiritual growth.<br />THIS was the moment to PUSH!!!<br /><br />*******<br />aprox. 3:50p.m.</p></span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><p>I was done. But I wasn't done.<br />I'd had enough.<br />I asked to go home.<br />Then, like my sister, who delivered 2 of her six children without drugs, and my Mom who delivered one of my sisters that way too, had described, I was entering the 'ring of fire' phase of labor.<br /><br />Through watering eyes, John yelled, "We can't go home now. You're doing it. Right now. She's coming. She's here!"<br /><br />Suddenly, the pain stopped and tears of Joy began to flow.<br />She was laid on my chest.<br />Her umbilical cord pulsated and was left uncut until it became still.<br />She nursed right away.<br />All three of us cried.<br /><br />Sometimes things don't go as planned. But sometimes, they do.<br /><br />*******<br />John and I spent the next hour and a half loving our new baby girl and each other. When we were ready, we called our parents and made plans for The Girls to meet their Baby Sister.<br /><br />I felt great. I was up and walking around almost immediately.<br /><br />John stayed with the baby in the nursery while I washed up and changed clothes.<br /><br />I walked to the nursery.<br />I gave our sweet baby girl her first bath.<br />I dressed her in a pink sleeper with flowers and put a hot pink polka dot bow in her hair.</span></p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHR_xeUPeETpl8Xb7ZysCluO18fglCvzSb-6vuvWVdixdjqyU50nJgVdzDmV9BDBLKM4JSIUVRXqJNQ73dhCT-K-S9vq8yT3gnAIITtsqtZ4qPZOA6JHLj1QnkkWVN-fJtaeZ4oj9FZk/s1600/EM1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512010665729252226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHR_xeUPeETpl8Xb7ZysCluO18fglCvzSb-6vuvWVdixdjqyU50nJgVdzDmV9BDBLKM4JSIUVRXqJNQ73dhCT-K-S9vq8yT3gnAIITtsqtZ4qPZOA6JHLj1QnkkWVN-fJtaeZ4oj9FZk/s320/EM1.jpg" /></a><br />Ella-Marie Joy is finally here. She is healthy and perfect in every way.<br /><br />Here's our first family photo as a Party of Five.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3GnhRtdsUXUrqeYaWz8S0-s1ba0OEfiCGovblOrnNlXG8cOKAVfDYkA7PPnyc9_Dq9BJA3yy4FFdTe-mu-l4VCAni07OG3XMgrdpgahr-mCzFplPZgbpKfIRf23BBWABJAeICMuJIF4/s1600/EM+first+family+picP7040202.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 229px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512011454668345666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3GnhRtdsUXUrqeYaWz8S0-s1ba0OEfiCGovblOrnNlXG8cOKAVfDYkA7PPnyc9_Dq9BJA3yy4FFdTe-mu-l4VCAni07OG3XMgrdpgahr-mCzFplPZgbpKfIRf23BBWABJAeICMuJIF4/s320/EM+first+family+picP7040202.jpg" /></a>ChristinaJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14323996276532537996noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288850027727717951.post-88618131122530199622010-07-28T11:27:00.002-05:002010-07-28T11:32:55.916-05:00Birth Story?I'm not avoiding you.<br />I just can't find the right words to describe the awesomeness of E-M's birth experience.<br /><br />Yes, she was born.<br />Yes, I did it naturally, sans drugs, iv's, and yucky hospital gowns.<br />Yes, it was the most beautiful experience of my entire life.<br />No, I didn't punch John in the face.<br />Yes, it was the most amazing experience of our, nearly eight year, marriage.<br />Yes, The Girls LOVE their baby sister.<br />Yes, life is perfect, to me.<br /><br />...more to come later. I promise. When my mind is inspired the way my heart was.ChristinaJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14323996276532537996noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288850027727717951.post-12534860887684797562010-07-05T04:56:00.003-05:002010-07-05T05:28:45.979-05:00...and then I punched him in the faceHave you ever wanted something to begin, last forever, AND end at the same time?<br /><br />Last fall, I wanted this pg SOOOO very much to begin.<br /><br />Then, after a few scares over the holidays, I wanted it SOOOOO very much to last forever.<br /><br />Now, 9.5 months later, I SOOOOO can't wait for it to end.<br /><br />Yes, I'm miserable. Yes, I haven't slept in 3days because of early labor contractions. Yes, I remain in a constant state of prayer, asking for forgiveness for my daily thoughts of punching random, and not so random, people in the face for asking stupid questions like, "Uh, Christina, ya think your pregnant enough?"<br /><br />What? Seriously? You better run, Dude!<br /><br />But that's not why I can't wait for this pg to end.<br /><br />I can't wait because in a few days (or God help me, weeks) a missing piece to our family puzzle will be found. The shadow of a child I invisioned running behind S-O and Rae on the playground last summer, will finally have a face. The accidental lie I told early last fall to a lady at CVS will become truth (she asked me how many children I had, and I, without missing a beat and without being pg at the time, answered, "I've got three girls.")<br /><br />I can't wait to dress them in matching dresses and hairbows.<br /><br />I can't wait to see Rae's face when she meets her Baby Sister.<br /><br />I can't wait for S-O to stand proudly with her arm around Rae, looking down on the precious baby that completes their trio.<br /><br />I pray for a happy, healthy, baby girl.<br />I pray for a swift, uneventful, labor.<br />I pray John and I can manage the pain, together.<br />I pray that during the most difficult parts of labor I don't punch him in the face when he looks me square in the eyes and says, 'You can do it. I know you can. I love you.'<br />But mostly I pray to thank God for the opportunity to create this child and for the strength to safely bring her into this world.ChristinaJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14323996276532537996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288850027727717951.post-29457528660723958612010-06-28T15:20:00.004-05:002010-06-28T15:25:54.502-05:00My new bumper sticker...Rae: Mommy, I pooped in the potty.<br /><br />Me: Oh, good.<br /><br />Rae: Don't I get some chocolate now?<br /><br />Me: Well, didn't Daddy already give you chocolate?<br /><br />Rae: Yes. But YOU didn't. I came to tell you I need YOU to give me chocolate too.<br /><br />Me: Really?<br /><br />Rae: Yes. I came to tell you, Mommy, I need chocolate from you because<br />I POOP FOR CHOCOLATE!<br /><br />Me: (getting up to give her a piece of chocolate) Now THAT would make a good bumper sticker.ChristinaJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14323996276532537996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288850027727717951.post-63241497122365325912010-06-22T14:05:00.002-05:002010-06-22T14:16:41.364-05:00Phrases I'm sick of hearing, and my responses."Wow, are you sure there's just ONE baby in there?"<br />-YES you Moron!<br />Then I punch them in the face.<br /><br />"(with a sad, pathetic look on their face) Awwww, ANOTHER girl...well, maybe you can try again for a boy?"<br />-Uh, we weren't 'trying' for a boy. We just wanted another child.<br />Then I punch them in the face.<br /><br />"No baby yet??? When are you due again?"<br />-Yeah, I had her last week. I'm just still a bit bloated.<br />Then I punch them in the face.<br /><br />"You look great! You're all baby. I mean, the rest of you looks the same."<br />-I seriously doubt you mean that, and actually, unless I birth a 30lb baby, I DID gain everywhere else as well. But thanks.<br />Then I punch them in the face.<br /><br />"(while making a tisk tisk sound with their mouth) Girl, I was there once. I know how you feel. When I was pregnant with my first son, he's 25yrs old now, I was as big as you."<br />-Really? Thanks.<br />Then I punch them in the face.<br /><br />"Is this your first?" -No, third.<br />"Oh, well, how old are your other two?" -2 and 5.<br />"WOW, you're about to have your hands full!"<br />-No, really?<br />Then I punch them in the face.<br /><br />"(this from a random male hair dresser or post office worker) So, are you going to deliver naturally or get a c-section?"<br />-First of all, I think you mean, 'Vaginally', go ahead, say it, 'V-A-G-I-N-A-L-L-Y.' It sounds like V-A-G-I-N-A. Vagina, vagina, vagina...BOO! Secondly, IT'S NONE OF YOUR STINKIN' BEEZ WAX, MISTER!!!<br />Then I punch them in the face.<br /><br />"I bet it sucks being pregnant in the summer?"<br />-No, it's actually quite nice and comfortable. I wear a black swimsuit to the beach/pool and people throw raw fish at me because they think I'm Shamu. Then I punch them in the face.<br /><br />"Sweety, you need to take it easy and get some rest. Here in a few weeks you won't have much time for sleep."<br />-I'm a freakin' stay-at-home-Mom to two children under 6yrs old. When on earth do you expect me to 'take it easy' or 'get some rest'?!?!? Oh, and BTW, I haven't slept since 2003! So bite me! Then I punch them in the face.<br /><br />...to be continuedChristinaJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14323996276532537996noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288850027727717951.post-1807505480801765492010-05-25T09:42:00.002-05:002010-05-25T10:14:46.313-05:00A letterDear <a href="http://cjalabama.blogspot.com/2009/09/glory-baby.html">Glory Baby</a>,<br /><br />Today, I would be holding you,<br />snuggling you into my arm and calming your cry with my breast.<br /><br />Today, your Big Sisters would have fought over who got to help change you<br />or pat your back into a burp.<br /><br />Today, your Daddy would have looked into your eyes and promised to love and protect you every day of his life.<br /><br />But on this day, your due date, you are singing us lullabies from Heaven.<br /><br />You were only in my womb for a few weeks, but every second felt like a minute.<br />Every minute an hour.<br />Every hour a day.<br />Every day a week.<br />Every week a decade.<br /><br />Although I smile and rejoice in the future, I miss you every day.<br /><br />Love,<br />MommyChristinaJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14323996276532537996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288850027727717951.post-10225578078296526882010-05-13T09:30:00.002-05:002010-05-13T09:41:24.065-05:00I'm not scared.In six to ten weeks, we will meet our Baby Girl.<br /><br />I plan to 'attempt' to have a natural, drug-free, child birth.<br /><br />I'm not scared.ChristinaJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14323996276532537996noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288850027727717951.post-9211821046577039922010-03-02T19:18:00.003-06:002010-03-02T19:26:40.554-06:00Big Fat...NoseThe next stranger that asks me how far along I am, gasps when I tell them, and proceeds to ask me if I'm having twins....is getting punched in the nose, hard! That, or I'm telling them it's twins so they'll feel sorry for me.<br /><br />(side: I'm ok with the weight gain. It's all part of the process. Actually, I'm grateful for it, and all the other discomforts of pregnancy, because they remind me every day of the blessing I've received to be given another chance at being pg. It's the rude strangers that aggrevate me most ;)ChristinaJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14323996276532537996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288850027727717951.post-91561140605888618122010-02-25T14:48:00.006-06:002010-02-25T15:06:36.925-06:00Driving up the mountainToday, on our way up the mountain to pick S-O up from school, this 45 second conversation ensued between Baby Rae (2yrs old) and I:<br /><br />"Mommy, I need my tap shoes. Hahahahahahaha! I mean BALLET shoes. Hahahahahah! I said tap shoes. Not my tap shoes, I need my ballet shoes so I can chasse' down the street (me: ?). Watch out for the bears, Mommy!!! (me: the bears?) Yes, the bears in the cave. Don't drive to the bears in the cave. I am thirsty. Can I have water? (me: when we get to...) Jacob got a spanking because he opened the door and ran into the street. The cars could hit him. (me: that's right, you nev....) I need to find my nockelers (me: nockelers? do you mean binoculars?). Yes, my nockelers. (me: when we get home I'll look for them). Go find them now Mommy. I need them. I SEE A LION, oh no!!! We better run, quick. HAhahahahah! I don't mean run. You are driving. Not running. Oh NO, there's a goat. I'm scared of the goat. I need the nockelers to find the goat. I love you Mommy, can I have some chips. (me: (sigh) I love you too)."ChristinaJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14323996276532537996noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288850027727717951.post-69620480174791223082010-02-16T22:47:00.004-06:002010-02-17T14:41:14.227-06:00Spring?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSUCAX2VZ8vgJKXYhbf43eO0SFIHkd7kqLDZuGpQL8KdZEOudfJe3S_uyPCYVlVdMva0edHpJPFjFIDRbyNReTjtDMAX765U6TBtf1lvPrPN3qBrCnu6Oyu00W06OuLTIYPC-m2k8bU8/s1600-h/flower2-16.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439070317458908098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSUCAX2VZ8vgJKXYhbf43eO0SFIHkd7kqLDZuGpQL8KdZEOudfJe3S_uyPCYVlVdMva0edHpJPFjFIDRbyNReTjtDMAX765U6TBtf1lvPrPN3qBrCnu6Oyu00W06OuLTIYPC-m2k8bU8/s320/flower2-16.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Where are you, sweet sweet Spring?</div><div></div><div>I need you. I want you. I long for your floral blooms and warm pollen-filled sky!</div><div></div><div>Oh, Spring!</div>ChristinaJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14323996276532537996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288850027727717951.post-5096495340272411482010-02-06T09:22:00.003-06:002010-02-06T14:19:48.738-06:00It's a BOY!!!!!!Or maybe it's a girl. We don't know, YET.<br /><br />However, EVERYONE seems to have an opinion.<br />I don't mind people guessing or speculating the gender of Baby J.<br />I don't even mind when they ask if we're hoping for a boy or another girl.<br /><br />It's the ones that say, "Oh, I bet you're hoping for a boy this time," that REALLY gets on my nerves. Or worse, "Oh NO! What if you get ANOTHER girl!!!" You know, as though having THREE girls would be the kiss of death or something.<br /><br />Why do people automatically assume I/we want, hope and wish this baby is a boy?<br /><br />I guess it all ties into the 'American Dream', where everyone SHOULD want to have 2.5 children, of which one is a boy and one is a girl. What about that .5?<br /><br />What if I tell you I would absolutely LOVE another girl?<br />What if I tell you I would absolutely LOVE a boy?<br />What if...what if I tell you how I'd really like to answer the question of whether or not we are hopeful for a boy?<br /><br />I'd say:<br />"Frankly, I don't give a flying flip about the gender of our baby! I just hope and pray during each OB visit that when the nurse places the cold microphone-looking wand on my lower abdomen we will hear a strong 'swhoosh, swhoosh, swhoosh.' I pray that in less than a month, the ultra sound technician has a smile on her face as she waves the blue goop slathered sonogram receiver over my naval, and I hope she maintains her smile throughout the entire survey. I pray that sometime in July, I give birth to a screaming crying baby who nuzzles into my neck and suddenly calms down with the peace of knowing I am HIS or HER Mommy. So, no, I don't care if it's a boy, or a girl for that matter. I just want a living breathing baby to hold."<br /><br />But, THAT wouldn't be the 'nice' answer.<br /><br />So, in the meantime, when people ask me if I'm hoping for a boy/girl, I will say "Yes." Because I am.ChristinaJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14323996276532537996noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288850027727717951.post-64089985204307581392010-02-04T14:22:00.000-06:002010-02-06T14:25:11.765-06:00My GirlLast week, while working with my 5yr old on her speech therapy homework, we came across a list of questions.<br /><br />One question read, "What do you need to buy something from the store?"<br /><br />Her answer: "Coupons"<br /><br />That's MY GIRL!!!!ChristinaJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14323996276532537996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288850027727717951.post-76113618445761344762009-12-09T14:41:00.002-06:002009-12-09T14:56:24.994-06:00A WARNING to all Expectant Fathers:NEVER, I repeat, NEVER ask or say the following to your significant other, who is pg with your child:<br /><br />- "Who ate all the queso? I only got a little bit when we opened the jar three days ago!"<br /><br />- "Ranch dip? On _____________ (insert any food the pg woman is eating like eggs, pancakes, peanut butter and tomato sandwich, apples...etc)<br /><br />- "Wow Honey, you can already fit into my pants?"<br /><br />- "I am so tired."<br /><br />- "My _________ (insert any part of the human body) hurts."ChristinaJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14323996276532537996noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288850027727717951.post-84676153031411620162009-11-25T18:50:00.005-06:002009-11-26T00:05:04.724-06:00Today, we are thankful for...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpZh1X5vbczKrmVxzpsqb9L48JzukWozBBtsIyZ8fBacFLoimijU1u4SGFXdWdvUQySFznHJtE-S7O_R6T61LbD3g0AGLV561mPTkYP7UHcOIbz8a8fOb7XUCzA5fHDDu04nKB2K0IQ4/s1600/Big+Sister.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408208664487518274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpZh1X5vbczKrmVxzpsqb9L48JzukWozBBtsIyZ8fBacFLoimijU1u4SGFXdWdvUQySFznHJtE-S7O_R6T61LbD3g0AGLV561mPTkYP7UHcOIbz8a8fOb7XUCzA5fHDDu04nKB2K0IQ4/s400/Big+Sister.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br />Yes, it's true. Joy comes in the morning.<br />Well, it will one warm summer day in July 2010.ChristinaJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14323996276532537996noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288850027727717951.post-25764516462561677912009-11-24T09:02:00.002-06:002010-02-12T16:47:54.206-06:00Of Husbands and SleepingA few nights ago, during S-O's bedtime routine:<br /><br />S-O: Why can't I sleep in your bed with you and Daddy.<br />me: Because you have your bed and Daddy and I have ours.<br /><br />S-O: Why do you sleep with Daddy?<br />me: Because he is my husband and we love each other, so we sleep together.<br /><br />S-O: I love you and Daddy. Can't I sleep in ya'lls bed? I don't want to sleep by myself.<br />me: No. When you grow up and have your own husband, he can sleep in your bed with you.<br /><br />S-O: I have an idea. When I grow up and get a husband, you can sleep in my bed with my husband and I'll sleep in your bed.ChristinaJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14323996276532537996noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288850027727717951.post-81360448071371488372009-11-19T08:34:00.002-06:002009-11-19T08:38:22.484-06:00Bless youBaby Rae sat snuggled on my lap eating her fresh cut apples while we waited for her big sister's dance class to finish.<br /><br />Seven fellow Dance Moms sat among us.<br /><br />I sneezed (into my sleeve of course).<br /><br />Nobody said a word.<br /><br />Baby Rae twisted her head backwards, touched my face, and said, "Bless you, Mommy."<br /><br />Yes, indeed, I am blessed.ChristinaJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14323996276532537996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288850027727717951.post-35681762607303234352009-11-14T07:02:00.001-06:002009-11-14T07:05:47.108-06:00Innocent ThanksMy not quite 5yr old, S-O, had a project in her PreK class in which she had to decorate a turkey feather shaped piece of construction paper with things that represent what she's thankful for.<br /><br />We covered it with Dora fabric, added some sparkly jewels, tied a ribbon into a bow and taped a picture of her and her Baby Sister to the top. But the most special part of the project was her list of thanks. The following was written on her feather in a VERY specific order, according to her.<br /><br />I am thankful for:<br /><br />Mommy<br />Diego and Dora<br />Me<br />Daddy<br />Biscuits<br />My Baby Sister<br />The Sun<br />Turkey<br />Computers<br />Eyes<br />Crayons<br /><br />I couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time while she dictated the words I wrote. I long for such simple thanks. Then again, my list would probably look A LOT like hers.ChristinaJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14323996276532537996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288850027727717951.post-43358034136056859272009-09-22T11:58:00.005-05:002009-09-22T14:10:29.811-05:00Glory BabyToday was going to be the day we surprised our friends and family.<br /><br />Today was going to be the day we posted the pic we took over the weekend of Baby Rae in S-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">O's</span> 'Big Sister' shirt and waited for everyone to figure out our good news.<br /><br />Today was going to be the day I added the video of my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">inlaws</span> 'figuring it out' over the weekend to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Facebook</span> and our Blog.<br /><br />Today was going to be the day I put last months miscarriage (or chemical pg as the medical experts call it) behind me and rejoiced that God gave us another chance at being pg.<br /><br />Today was going to be THAT day.<br /><br /><div align="center">---------------------------------------------------------------</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">This too shall pass.</div><div align="left">God has a plan.</div><div align="left">It wasn't meant to be.</div><div align="left">Time will heal.</div><div align="left">You were only 5weeks. Oh well then, at least you weren't _____<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">wks</span> (insert a number between 5 and 40)</div><div align="left">At least you can GET pregnant.</div><div align="left">There must have been an abnormality with the baby. Consider yourself lucky.</div><div align="left">Maybe it was another girl and next time it will be your boy.</div><div align="left">You shouldn't have tested so early. Why do you keep doing that to yourself?</div><div align="left">It will happen again, have faith.</div><div align="left">You should plant a tree, journal your experience, buy a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">remembrance</span> necklace, maybe it will help heal.</div><div align="left">Next time, don't tell everyone until you're in the second trimester, it may jinx it.</div><div align="left">You can try again next month, or in three months, your choice.</div><div align="left">Did you have to have a D&C?</div><div align="left">One time, at band camp, a friend of my friend Jane, knew a girl who had a miscarriage.</div><div align="left">Are you <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ok</span>?</div><div align="left"></div><div align="center">-------------------------------------------------------------</div><div align="center"></div><div align="left">Yes, God has a plan. A plan bigger than anything I can dream up.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">We are grateful, joyful even, despite the emotional and physical pain because we know that one day we will look back and be thankful for these experiences. Not necessarily thankful for the pain, but thankful for the growth that comes from the pain.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I plan to buy another rememberance necklace in honor of this angel baby. And, next May, our <a href="http://cjalabama.blogspot.com/2009/05/this-year-our-little-family-decided-to.html">Mother's Day Tribute</a> will have a whole new meaning.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Until then, Glory Baby, like the song by Watermark says, "Heaven will hold you before we do, but we miss you everyday."</div>ChristinaJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14323996276532537996noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288850027727717951.post-41049040390709858442009-09-13T23:29:00.003-05:002009-09-13T23:36:40.615-05:00"You're the BEST..."S-O to John: "Daddy, you're the BEST Daddy in the WHOLE world!"<br /><br />John to S-O: "Well, thank you S-O, you're the BEST Oldest Daughter in the WHOLE World!"<br /><br />Me to S-O in my best throat clearing voice: "He' Hemm?"<br /><br />S-O to me: "Mommy, you're the BEST Mommy in the WHOLE world!"<br /><br /><br />Yes, sometimes even The Cleaner of Vomit, Wiper of Butts, Kisser of Scrapes, Referee of Sisterly Fights, Washer of All Things Dirty, Queen Ruler, and Bedtime Tucker-Inner needs to fish for compliments.ChristinaJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14323996276532537996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288850027727717951.post-33625876246640540292009-09-11T10:32:00.000-05:002010-02-27T08:05:32.300-06:00Counting Forwards...a continuation of <a href="http://cjalabama.blogspot.com/2009/08/counting-backwards.html">Counting Backwards</a><br /><br />She met her most loyal and responsible employee, Erika, at the mall bright and early on that crisp September day. The corridors were dark and quiet until the 'click' of her Store Manager key broke the silence.<br /><br />Today was inventory day. An annual task that could either make or break a new manager of 9 months. But she was confident. It would be a good day, she thought to herself, as she lifted the gate and hurried to disarm the security system of HER jewelry store.<br /><br />She was supposed to be in Indiana. The first week of December 2000, she had accepted a store in some small town south of Indianapolis. She didn't like cold weather. But, it was a way out. Out of debt. Out of her family. Out of the series of events that eventually lead to last months <a href="http://cjalabama.blogspot.com/2009/08/counting-backwards.html">surgery</a>. Out of the only town she'd ever known...Houston.<br /><br />Erika opened the safe and began setting out the diamonds. Bracelets, earrings, rings. They were all stunning tokens of love waiting to be counted and recounted before they began their day of sitting pretty in the case. Their only job was to shine so brightly that any cross-eyed lover whose financial judgement was impaired would succumb to temptation and take them home for a wife, girl friend, or both.<br /><br />The Manager was in charge of setting up and counting the bridal cases. These pieces of pressurized coal had a more poignant role. Their high price tag, often equal to two months salary, served a unique breed of customer. Although many a Tom, Dick, or Harry would flirt with an emerald, marquis, or princess cut for their One, it was the round stone whose perfection drew the most lure. It's precise angles of sparkle and glare cut to the heart of many young men.<br /><br />Her mind wondered as she placed the rings of gold and platinum in their designated slots.<br /><br />Would SHE ever be on the receiving end of one of these circular sparkles of joy?<br /><br />She felt a division every time she smiled and gave her shpeel to a client: Color, Cut, and clarity. Your lover will feel like the most important person in the world. Yada Yada Yada.<br /><br />She would cover all the bases. Refraining from saying what really choked her throat during a bridal sales presentation:<br /><br />Why the hell can't I find a nice guy like you to love me and court me and by me a ring? Really. I want to know. Tell me. What's wrong with ME? Am I too successful? Too intimidating? Too pretty? Too strong? Ha! I'm not. I'm a college drop out. I feel smaller than the imperfection in that diamond I just sold you. I don't feel pretty. Sexy, yes. But someone like me can't be pretty. My heart is too black. Strong? HA again! I weep like a willow every night, alone, in my one bedroom studio apartment. I HATE living alone. I hated living with my parents, but I hate living alone more. I smile, but I'm dead. I convince you to spend double what you intended because I'm mad. I'm mad that you are so sweet. I'm mad that your soon-to-be wife is not as cute as me. (Thanks for showing me her picture btw). I'm mad that she has you, you have my diamond, I have your money, my 'boyfriend's' in England or Paris or France, and I'm all alone.<br /><br />Today was going to be a good day. She smiled as her awaited inventory analyst, Gus, tapped lightly on the gate.<br /><br />"Good Morning Ladies, are we going to have a good day?" To which she replied with a smile and a nod. Today, her store would be redeemed. Her first inventory was a disaster. A few weeks before Christmas 2000, ironically the day after her birthday, she had been offered this store. It was in shambles with an entire new staff, two of whom didn't speak English. The inventory manifest didn't match up for sh**. It would take A LOT of hard work, long hours and a new management style to fix this mess. She had to make a choice: leave with the offer in Indiana or stay and rescue the local store. She stayed. She wondered if she'd regret it; much like she'd regretted a decision she'd made 5 1/2 years earlier.<br /><br /><div>A week after high school ended, back in 1995, she registered for classes and attended student orientation at The University of Texas in Austin. She was scared to move to the new town, alone. Her fear, lack of funds, and a boy that needed rescuing convinced her to stay. She regretted it. Little did she know the decision to stay in Houston, both times, would change the entire course of her life, twice.<br /><br />The counting began. In the days leading up to inventory, all of the employees participated in counting and making note of every piece of mineral and stone. They counted backwards and forwards and backwards again. Today, was a forwards day. Each case was counted, scanned, counted again, and marked with an X. Once it was matched up with a dollar amount, and cleared by Gus, they moved on to the next. Purposefully. Meticulously. Every detail calculated.<br /><br />She liked counting forwards. It made her feel progressive, less stagnant. It made her feel like she was moving forward towards a goal. Today's goal was to reach an equilibrium. It would be a new beginning. It would be a day to leave the past behind and start with a clean slate.<br /><br />It was just before 9 a.m. She barely noticed Gus hunched over her desk talking on the phone to his wife of thirty years, until, she heard him gasp.<br /><br />"WHAT!? A what hit the what!?"<br /><br />She and Erika looked at each other first and then at Gus. He looked at them both with eyes wide open and explained why his phone conversation had taken a turn. His wife had been watching Good Morning America in the background while they spoke of their grown children and dinner plans. He put her on speaker phone and she described for them, verbatim, what Dianne Sawyer reported. After several minutes of speculation, she tried to spit out the words.<br /><br />"It was a terrible accident. The airplane just ran right into the...", his wife, audibly shaken, stopped and let out the most awful blood curling scream. Gus picked up the receiver, concerned for his wife's safety.<br /><br />His dark brown Jewish skin turned a pale pale green as he dropped the phone for a second and hurriedly picked it back up. With his pupils dilated and a confused fear arched in his brow, he looked over at the two young ladies and said with a nervous voice, "Another plane hit the second tower."<br /><br />Her mind went blank for a minute. Not really understanding the magnitude of what he already knew. It was not an accident. It was terrorism. Purposefully. Meticulously. Every detail Calculated, terrorism.<br /><br />And then, the towers fell. Then, the Pentagon was hit. Then another plane, with the White House a likely target, went down in Pennsylvania.<br /><br />They immediately secured the jewelry and left the store to be with their families, wondering who was next. L.A.? Miami? Houston? They DID have one of the largest ship channels in the country. Schools closed. Planes grounded, nation wide. An eerie silence filled the southern skies of an otherwise air-travel-congested town. No sound touched the clouds except for a few birds and six fighter jets that were scrambled from a nearby air base.<br /><br />During the frenzy, only one person's safety came to her mind; a tall handsome young man, who to work for N.A.S.A. at the time, who, until that day, she'd referred to as a 'good friend'. (It wasn't until about three days later that she wondered about the safety of her 'boyfriend' who worked in Europe and was expected to fly back to the states any day now).<br /><br />She met up with him and went to her mother's house to check on her little sisters. Once everyone was safe at home, she and her 'good friend' went back to her apartment. They spent the rest of the day by the pool, trying to forget NY and Washington.<br /><br />That day, they both realized life was short. Nothing was a guarantee. Except, except for the feelings that began to brew on that cool day in September. She starred at the blackness of his pupils to avoid the captivation of his stunning green eyes, but, somewhere between the flecks of yellow and gold that seemed to burst out of the dark center, she saw something familiar. Comfortable. Something in his eyes said, "I'll never hurt you. Give me a chance. I'll love you and I'll never leave you." It was the same contentment and gravitational pull she felt from the blurry faced young man she'd seen in her surgery dreams.<br /><br />Despite the devastation the day held for millions of Americans, she felt a hot feeling in her chest and she knew today was a good day. A day of equilibrium. A day that would change EVERYTHING. A day to count forwards, into the future.<br /><br />.....to be continued. </div>ChristinaJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14323996276532537996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288850027727717951.post-67743067505730851852009-09-09T14:18:00.003-05:002009-09-09T14:28:06.307-05:00ForgotThe only thing worse (as in a figure of speech and not literally) than getting where you're going 15 min early, only to realize you forgot to bring THE important item you were going to bring, and then having to turn around and go back home to get it and try to race back before you wind up being late for the event you <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">initially</span> were early to, would be...<br /><br />IF once you got home to get THE item, you couldn't find it.<br /><br />And the only thing worse than that would be, upon returning to your house and tearing it upside down looking for THE item, you check the SUV(the one you were driving) in a moment of panic and desperation, only to FIND THE item you were looking for, because it was there all along and you never really forgot it to begin with.ChristinaJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14323996276532537996noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288850027727717951.post-79960881495160721912009-09-03T07:57:00.002-05:002009-09-03T08:01:51.254-05:00Unromantic?Would it be really UNromantic to ask for new 'cheap' silverware for our 7 year anniversary so the kids will stop scratching up my 'good' Mikasa silverware?<br /><br />Or, should I just do the dishes more often so we don't run out of our current stock of 'cheap' silverware, thus the need to use the 'good' stuff?<br /><br />Also, same question about the 'good' towels.ChristinaJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14323996276532537996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288850027727717951.post-18459478880349961432009-09-02T10:26:00.003-05:002009-09-02T10:35:30.145-05:00The WINNER is....The WINNER of the All About Saving Cashola Month contest is..........<br /><br /><p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy7xn9q44OE5MHWSivolQTs65RPYPLVxEVAD77W4ufeBG6WtveL-iXogVCWF_Fpe_EY-6-JZswo69rAn_u2DQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p>Mrs. Heather Geary!!!!</p><p>Heather saved $858.93 on grocery and drug store items during the month of August using coupons and shopping sales. Way to go Heather!!! </p><p>As The WINNER, Heather will recieve a NEW PAIR OF SCISSORS, a purse sized COUPON ORGANIZER, a POCKET CALCULATOR, a COMPOSITION NOTEBOOK, a PACK OF BIC PENS, and an AWESOME ZIPPER COUPON BINDER/ORGANIZER complete with TRADING CARD SIZE COUPON SLEEVES and DIVIDERS....JUST LIKE THE ONE I USE!!!!! AND, AT LEAST $100 IN MONEY SAVING COUPONS!!! </p><p>CONGRATULATIONS HEATHER!!!</p><p>Oh, and as a group, we saved over $3500!!! WAY TO GO, FELLOW COUPONERS!!!</p>ChristinaJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14323996276532537996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288850027727717951.post-61027389189951414732009-08-30T11:05:00.003-05:002009-08-30T11:38:11.651-05:00All About Saving Cashola Month- 36hrs and CountingWe're in the home stretch of the final 36hrs of the <a href="http://cjalabama.blogspot.com/2009/07/couponing-tips-tricks-and-contest.html">All About Saving Cashola Month Contest.</a><br /><br />I've been pleasantly surprised at the amount of friends, family, and bloggers who have decided to participate in the contest. Some people have even said they don't care about winning the contest as much as they have appreciated the push into the couponing world.<br /><br />I've heard story after story of people who have never, or rarely, used coupons getting out there and saving some serious cashola by shopping smarter with sales and coupons.<br /><br />It makes my heart smile!<br /><br />So, fellow money savers, pull out your Sunday papers (I say paperS because I KNOW you buy at least two, right?) and make your Sunday/Monday food and drug store deal runs soon because tomorrow is the last day of the contest. After tomorrow, you will have 24hrs to gather up your receipts and pull out the old push button calculator to add up your total savings.<br /><br />Remember, the contest only includes food and regular drug store items bought at grocery and drug stores on sale or with coupons. For example, if you buy a computer desk, flat screen tv, garden plants or clothes on sale or with a coupon at a place like Walmart...don't include those items. I'm looking for savings on GROCERIES and REGULAR DRUG STORE ITEMS, If you have a question about a particular store or item qualifying for this contest, just ask.<br /><br />Most stores print your total savings in bold at the bottom of your receipt, so add up those numbers on purchases made between August 1st and August 31st and submit the following to me, via comment to this post, comment to tomorrow's post, or via Facebook Private Message, by midnight on September 1st:<br /><br />Your First and Last Name and the total $ amount saved, and (OPTIONAL) the total amount spent OOP (out of pocket) on qualifying items.<br /><br />Personally, I like to add up my total amount spent OOP and total amount saved so I can see the net worth of the goods I've purchased. For example, if I spent $30 OOP at Kroger and saved $58, I like seeing on paper that I have $88 worth of goods that I purchased for only $30.<br /><br />I look forward to hearing your ALL ABOUT SAVING CASHOLA MONTH total savings!!!<br /><br />GOOD LUCK!ChristinaJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14323996276532537996noreply@blogger.com0