Merry Christmas from our family to yours

...and yes, we're having baby #3 near July 25:)

Christmas Cards

It's that time of year to start deciding what I'm going to do for Christmas cards.  I really like the idea of including a family picture into the card and also having an opportunity to share the true meaning of Christmas.  So, this year, I've found a few from Shutterfly.com that I really like:

1. Shutterfly card 1

I like the color scheme on this one.  It's not the traditional red and green.  I also like the fact that I could put multiple pictures. 

2. Shutterfly card 2

I like that this one folds and the message is simple but profound.  I could even expand the thought to inside the card and even put a bible verse.

3. Shutterfly card 3

This one is neat.  I like that I can put my kids' ages especially for family and friends we haven't seen in a long time.  And again, I like the color scheme of this one.  Black and white pictures always look classy.

So many options but I can't wait to order the one I like and send them out to friends and family.  Shutterfly never disappoints.  They're having a great promotion: Bloggers get 50 free holiday cards from Shutterfly, follow the arrow at http://bit.ly/sfly2010. Visit http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery

In Memory of Ernest Wellington Fuller, my Grandad.

In an effort to gather information to tell my children one day where they came from, I compiled a booklet of my family's history.  I remember sitting in my parents'  living room with notebook and pen, quickly jotting down information as my paternal grandparents recalled their younger years.  I had a blast learning about them and my dad.  My Grandad went to be with the Lord this afternoon; and, I have to admit that althought I rejoice in the fact that I will see him again one day, I'm still sad.  I guess I'm mostly sad that my daddy is at the airport as I type knowing that he missed saying a temporary 'goodbye' to his dad.  Here are the inserts about my Grandad:

(sorry Uncle Dave that your name is half there. I'll have to fix that)
I am so glad I was able to speak to my Grandad yesterday.  He was very weak and I could barely understand him but I did 'catch' an 'I love you' - and the floodgates opened.  All the crying since yesterday has helped me cope and in case you're wondering, I'm ok.

Grandad knew a lot of people and was respected by many in Belize.  I remember he didn't like going to Belmopan (where I lived) because it was too boring.  He and Granny Chita lived in Belize City and it was where they were comfortable.  I remember visiting them often because our dentist was in Belize City and dad and mom would do their bulk shopping there.  Grandad had the coolest desk and lots of ledger paper.  I would play at his desk pretending to 'work.'

He always looked forward to his next meal.  Grandad LOVED meal times.  He would enjoy his food like nobody else given that every bite had sound effects:)  Sipping his tea was more like slurping.  I thought it was funny. 

Grandad and Granny never missed sending a birthday card with a little surprise inside.  He's definately seen a lot of change in the world, especially technological advancement.  In March of this year he wrote me an e-mail.  Can you believe it?  A 98 year old writing e-mails?  I still have that letter and will cherish it.  He was always determined and maybe sometimes a little stubborn.  Even when he couldn't see well he would hold a book close to his face a read;and, he was adamant about driving his canary yellow car in Belize until finally someone put a stop to that:)   

I was so grateful that he was there for my wedding.  That was such a special day for me and I'm glad he witnessed and approved my marriage to Ben. My grandparents have been married for 70+ years and what a blessing that is.

I could go on about fond memories of Grandad Ernest.  I'm so proud to have been born a Fuller and grateful for my grandad's life.
He didn't make it to his 99th birthday but he lived a LONG life.  I'm glad that one day I will see him again in Glory.

Love you Grandad,
Abigail

My hubby couldn't believe it...

Bought 2 gallons of milk, 6 Sobe lifewaters, and 1 Dawn hand renewal.  Spent 39cents with Qs and ECBs.  My coupons combined with CVS  sale allowed me to get the Sobe drinks for free.  I had a coupon $1/1 Dawn detergent and CVS had them on sale for 97cents; therefore, free.

 

Absolutely had to print out more Sobe Qs and get more free Lifewaters.  Came home with 10 for free.  I ran out of my stock pile for toilet paper so I bought some with my ECBs.  Spent $1.56.

Other ways of saving

I haven't been diligent in keeping my coupons stocked and organized.  I have bought a Sunday paper in a while and most of the Qs that I have now are expired.  I guess it doesn't help that my printer ink is empty:)  I just have to take it to Walgreens to refill but have been procrastinating.  I have, however, been staying within (and sometimes way under) my budget of $60/wk because of Winn Dixie's awesome sales:)  I have discovered a couple other things as well to save.

1. Winn Dixie Fuelperks  I normally fill up at Racetrac b/c it's cheaper but the Shell on the Westbank near my church is usually the same price; and, since I have to go over there at least twice a week, it works well.  This week, I saved 5cents/gallon of gas:)

2. Regions just came out with Rewards for running debit cards as credit.  A couple months ago they credited $10 into our checking account for doing that.  Now they're offering rewards.  Sweet.

3. I received Magic Jack as a gift recently and loaded it on my computer.  My parents use it in Belize and now we can call each other for free:)  You buy the adapter, plug it in your computer, connect a phone line to it and voila.  It's only like $20 annual fee.  That's it!  I'll be canceling my cox phone service as soon as all the important:)

4. Today I got an amazing deal on the new Biotru contact solution.  I noticed the vision center at Walmart had the 4oz bottles for $4.  About the display were $4 tear off coupons.  I only had to pay tax.  So I got several for 35cents each:)

Repainted bookshelf...the memory of a sweet lady.

A sweet lady in our church passed away this year and her daughter decided to have an estate sale of all that was in her house.  I went with the intention of finding a bookshelf for Eden's books and ended up finding one that is so adorable.  It's solid oak but it was an ugly blue color so I decided to buy it for cheap and paint it white.  Eden loves 'her' bookshelf and we have something in our home to remind us of sweet Ms Marjorie.  Here are the before and after pics:

Happy Anniverary!

I love you more than the day I first met you.

I love you because you love the Lord,

you love me,

you love our children.

I love the fact that you encourage me and support me.

We're in this together, babe and I can't wait to continue this journey.