I wanted to share with everyone my coupon book I made last night.  I bought a small photo album at Target for $1.00 and am using it for coupons.  It works great and I can keep it in my purse.  No more missing deals because I didn't bring my coupons with!!

The inside of the photo album.

This is the perfect size for my purse.  I am glad I finally took the time to do this project. 

I was up early this morning since I couldn't sleep.  I did the dishes, clipped all my coupons and showered and dressed before 8:00am.   I thought I was having a good start to my day.

Well things aren't going quite as planned, but then again does it ever.   The plumber got here at about 8:30 to put in our new water heater.   Well he couldn't get the old one to empty due to sediment so he was draining it onto the floor by tipping it.  He left it like that went outside to get the new one.   I go downstairs and there is water everywhere!!  The floor drain wasn't draining.   So my laundry room was flooded.  Luckily I recently put these wire racks in there so most everything was off the floor.  I had moved my piles of laundry out so he could work so they were ok.  So we quickly rescued the remaining things and searched for a wet dry vac.  

I have most of it cleaned up, but the sink is plugged so I can't do laundry.  Once the water goes down I will put some drano in it.  I mopped the laundry room floor and have the dehumidifer going.   Luckily the carpet in the boys room didn't get wet.  I figured while I was in the laundry room I might as well clean out the filter on the air cleaner since it is warm out and they can dry in the sun.  

I am hungry...off ot find something to eat!!

I am up early....I could not sleep.  I have been up since about 5:30, well out of bed since 5:30 but awake since 4:30.  ARGH!!   I got up and washed dishes and have been reading email since then.  It is now about 6:15 and I have a few things to do before the plumber is here.  They rae putting in our new water heater today.   Yeah..no longer will I have to remember to empty the bucket of the leaking one.   I have to run down and clean up the laundry room a bit.  I need to move the baskets of sort dirty laundry out of there so they have room to work. 

I also worked on getting my coupons all cut last night.   I am about 1/2 done and I put them in a new holder that fits in my purse.  Now I will always have my coupons with me.  I used a small size photo album, it works great!!   I might take a picture later!  I still need to revise the categories a bit according to the grocery store I shop at the most frequently.  I will probably finish up cutting coupons this morning.

The plumbers said they would call at 7:00 to let us know what time they will be here.  Today I will be working form home.  So that means I will do data entry of my hours and notes today.  I have to have it all caught up by the end of the day.  So I will work for an hour than take a little break and do a bit of housework.   It breaks up the day and I get alot done with alternating and using a timer.  

Well I better go strighten the laundry room.

TO DO TUESDAY:

Weekly Blessing - Bedding & Sweep/Mop
Clip Coupons
Laundry
Straighten my bedroom a bit
Greeting Cards for Week    

Well Sunday after church hubby decided that we wouldn't be going to Duluth since it was going to rain there all day.  I was so disappointed, but understood.  So instead we decided to jsut do some fun things for the day.   Paul is hoping to go to Duluth in July or August.  So we still took Tommy over to my SIL's house.  We went out for lunch.  We tried the new Noodles and Company,  it was ok.   Then we went to buy Josh's birthday present.  We bought him a DVD player that play ever kind of disc for his room.   We had to go to three different Target stores before we found on that had one in stock.   It was a good deal. 

We came home and wrapped his present and headed to the movie.  We went to see Godsend.  This is the second movie we have gone to since Tommy was born two years ago.  It was a nice treat.  It was an ok movie.  It had a few things that happen that startle you like things popping on the screen, etc.  So I jumped a few times.   After the movie we went to Applebee's for appetizers and drinks.   We each had a shaker of margaritas and an appetizer.  I had their spinach & Artichoke dip....YUMMY!!   We were going to go for a walk by the lake afterwards, but it started to rain again.  So we headed home.   Josh came home from his dad's so we had him open one of his gifts with us.  He really liked the DVD player.  We are sharing his other present for Sunday when we have his family party. 

We then crawled into bed and watch Six Feet Under the first episode.  It was in interesting show, think I might watch another episode this afternoon.  I woke up off and on all night.   I guess I am just used to getting up with Tommy in the morning.   I got up around 8:00 and have been enjoying a quiet breakfast and computer time.  I jsut called to check on Tommy and he did fine my SIL said.  He was up until midnight and slept until 8:00.  He will be staying at my SIL (his normal daycare) and I will do a few things around the house and errands.  I will pick him up early today, I really miss him.   But it was so good to catch up on our sleep.  Actually my hubby is still sleeping and it is about 9:35.   I have been waking to take a shower, since I didn't want to wake him, but I think I will need to get my day going soon. 

Today I am planning on going to Once Upon Child and get some clothes for my best friends kids to send home with my parents.   I think I will also go tanning as well.  I am going to stop at Bachmans' to get some plants for our container gardens.    The rest of the day I will be doing some things around the house and in the basement.  I have the VETS coming on Wednesday morning to pick up donations, so I need to get more stuff together.  I should get caught up on laundry as the plumber will be coming to put in the water heater tomorrow.  So I will be working from home tomorrow.   Today....no work, only relaxation.  Maybe I will even do some reading or clip coupons and organize them. 

Hey Mistey - the other day I got my first Menu Mailer and I was really impressed with it.  The recipes all look very good!  I look forward to making them!

This Week's Menu:

DAY ONE: Mexican Layered Casserole
DAY TWO: Dijon Chicken
DAY THREE: Cheesy Pasta Bake
DAY FOUR: RECIPE RAVE:  Easy Crab Cakes
DAY FIVE: Cabbage Rolls
DAY SIX: Crock Chicken Fagiole

They all sounds pretty good!

Josh, Tommy and I spent the morning together.   Tommy and I sang happy birthday to Josh.   His grandma and my hubby called to wish him a happy birthday before he left for my ex's house.   Each of these passing years are more bittersweet for me.  I look at my little boy who is nearly a man.  Only two more years and he will graduate from high school and begin his adult life.  I was only a year older than he is today when I gave birth to him.  I remember all the mixed feeling everyone had about my pregnancy, but what an incredible child he is.   He has the kindest heart and is so intelligent.  He is a good boy, he tells me he loves me daily and still hugs his mom goodnight.   He is my joy........we grew up together in a way.....and I love him dearly.

Today is my oldest son's birthday!!  He is 16 today.    I can't believe how time flies.   I will have to locate some pics of my baby through the years.   Wow..16 years old.   Now he is very anxious to take his driving test to get his license.  his GF, Amy made him a cool card with different candy making up a story.  We are going to have a Birthday party for him next Sunday with family.   He will be leaving to spend the weekend with his dad today.  

Hubby and I are leaving for our get away to Duluth tomorrow.  We are excited, but it is suppose to be very cold there.  ARGH!!   We have a hot tub in our room so we will stay warm .   Restaruants are all within walking distance or in the same building so that will be good too.!!!   

SO today will be all about getting ready to leave tomorrow and packing things for Tommy to stay will his auntie on Sunday night.  Tuesday I will be working from home since we are having a new water heater put in.  Then I can clean the laundry room and the leaking water everywhere. 

Well I best get going and shower and get ready to go to the library and target.

I over did it last night, but at least we finally have groceries in the house.  ARGH!!  Now today I am really sore and have a bad headache.  It was so hard to even get out of bed.  Luckily I am only working 1/2 a day.  Unfortunately I have to drive to REd Wing for a meeting for a child in placement.  I have a feeling I will be real sore after I return from there.  ARGH....then it is the weekend!!

I am going to put some wings in the crockpot for supper for hubby and the kids.  I told Josh he could have his gf over at 7:00 when dad gets home. I don't want to do much tomorrow, jsut clean up the house if i am able.  Then SUnday afternoon hubby and I will be going to Duluth for our anniversay.  We will be home on Monday late afternoon.  I am really looking forward to have some time alone with my hubby....a great hotel, great restaurants. 

TO DO - Nothing...sore. 

We just finished supper and are getting ready to leave for church.   I have already been to the Chiropractor and my upper back is very sore tonight.  ARGH...

I only put two things on my to do list since I really have to get them done!!!   So hopefully after church that will occur

TO DO WEDNESDAY -

MENU/SHOPPING LIST
Complete Mission Paperwork

I made it to bed last night by 11:00 and fell asleep moments after going to bed.  I was so tired.    This morning the plumber called and said he could put in our water heater today instead of next Tuesday.   We decided against that since we didnt' like the idea of someone being in our house without us being around.   I can't stay home until next week Tuesday.   I have such a busy week at work this week.  

I have an early meeting so I should hit the shower.  Today is our weekly cleaning day so I will be busy.   

TO DO - TUESDAY

Change Bedding
Mop/Sweep
Kitchen - Declutter above fridge
Mission Trip Forms
Menu/Shopping List