Is it really November??

Wow, it seems like just yesterday the kids started back to school! And here were are, a hop, skip and a jump away from Christmas!!

Not much has been going on...no injuries (yay! If you remember, last year at this time I had 2 teenagers in casts up to their armpits!), the kids are doing well in school, husband is working (there is always a threat of lay-offs...especially in the construction industry...but so far so good), I am working (same job, over 20 years now...no threat of lay-offs for me!)...etc.

I've started my Christmas shopping! This is the FIRST TIME EVER I have started before Thanksgiving (even before Halloween!). Now that Abby is in school, I have plenty of free time to shop (good and bad).....I am more than 1/2 way done shopping for her and have picked up a few things for the boys! I plan on having my shopping done by Thanksgiving with one more shopping day for the Black Friday sales. I am perplexed about what to get my nieces....they are 8 years, 6 years, 3 years and one year.....hhhmmm...

Me and my coupons got about $650 worth of groceries 2 weeks ago for free! I spent everyday that week at Shaws, making several trips each day, but it was worth it! I am not your typical "weekly shopper"....I only buy what is on sale and then I stock up. I have an upright freezer, plus my fridge/freezer so I am able to REALLY stock up. When chicken is on sale I don't just buy 2 or 3 packs, I will buy 5 or 6....same thing with ground beef, steaks, etc. From that sale at Shaws 2 weeks ago I got enough Pillsbury refrigerated dough/cookies to last this family of six MONTHS!!! Not to mention the Chex Mix, Nature Valley Granola Bars, Fruit Snacks, Progresso soup etc. etc.

Let's see...I told you, not much going on! I'll have to drag out my camera, plug it in and upload some pics.....will get to that soon, promise (*wink)!