Cart full of pennies

Saturday

2010-10-16T03:57:00.000-07:00

Good Morning
I wanted to post and let those of you following my blog know that ... ;

the coupon trade has shown NO interest, so I havent posted any of my many extras.

Ive been swamped this week with Life stuff and havent had the opportunity to blog lately

last but not least... Google pulled all my ad sense because of "invalid clicks". Not sure If I'll be able to use them again... but oh well. thank you to all who tried to help .

I've been searching to see if there is a current coupon train to join in SE Michigan ... if I find one, I'll post the link, but can't justify spending time creating one with no interest.

ok...nuff said . Have a GREAT Weekend !!

Tuesday Thrills

2010-10-12T04:34:00.000-07:00

I was searching for my recycle points from the city today, and somehow found a site that I was soooo excited to find, I couldn't wait to put it on my blog. It's a place to find everything from items at closeout cost to freebies, to online coupon codes. It's not just for us Grandparents raising our grandchildren... but for Anyone wanting to save money while shopping for things we need...or might want. Find this at

http://hunt4freebies.com/

I also found something on saving pennies to spend dollars (Ashley C bog), check out the widget to the right and play. Its the easiest and fun site Ive seen in a LONG time. Enjoy

I'll be back late this week to post this weeks coupon swap.

Until then, take care

Saturday

2010-10-09T03:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Christina's birthday the big 6, and we had a nice little celbration at the house ... today is the big party. she is so excited to have her first birthday party. Chuck E Cheese here we come !!! Thank goodness parents will be there to help control the crowd . LOL. Jessica and Chris actually called Christina for her birthday... that too brought a smile to her face.

Jim came in last night ... The girls really enjoy him ... dare I say the L word? I was feeling so bad, I had to go to bed (even earlier than normal) and it was comforting to know he was here with the Girls.

Ive worked on the coupon exchange list for a few days, but haven't completed it yet. Hoping to do that later today ... until then

thank you to everyone who follows my blog, clicks the links and enjoys.

Take care

UPdate

2010-10-07T04:03:00.000-07:00

Good Morning. Just an update.... I'm still working on the coupon trade contents. The girls are doing GREAT ! Christina is excited about her upcoming birthday (8th) and her first ever birthday party. so, now you know why I havent been posting this week. but as promised, I'm posting LOL.

Hugs, and GREAT appreciation to all who click the links and browse for a bit. It is greatly appreciated. With gift giving holidays coming up... be sure to check out my Amazon link as well. They have some great deals, and of course sell everything from aveno to zoo toys. If you need a few extra bucks, join me at swag bucks !! it's fun, and rewarding ... most of all FREE to earn points for girft cards or prizes. Just click the sign up button.

It will be a BUSY weekend, but I'll do my best to post again tomorrow, and then of course on Sunday when the coupon list exchange is finished (crossing my fingers it will be done). Until then....

Have a GREAT Day

Another sleepless night...

2010-10-02T01:28:00.000-07:00

Good Morning everyone.

I hope everyone had a GREAT Week !

Other than extreme fatigue and running on less than 20 hours of sleep, my week has been good.

The girls had a great week at school, and we’ve had NO upsetting phone calls, visits or broken promises

Zoe is still really happy to be in Kindergarten, and looks forward to going each morning ... as you know I was really concerned with that. Alexis and I are getting along better and better, and Christina has become BFF’s with a neighbor girl (Her FIRST friend). All three have worked so hard on their social skills…something they did not have before

AND

We got a LOT of freebies in the mail;

Wisk detergent

Oxy facial scrub

Coupon for free sugar

Free 2001 Calendar

Tonka block truck

Free non stick silicone muffin pan ($ paid 5.00 for shipping)

We also got freebies at the store using coupons, and I got 2 free 2ltr of coke at CVS. Use the scan machine... got $3.75 instant care bucks ... coke $3.00 for two.

Even saved 65% on our weekly groceries.

In the upcoming days/week I will be posting more often ... promise. I want to create a coupon exchange and also get more links to freebies in the blog.

Be sure to check your local sales and coupons this weekend. LOTS of GREAT Deals and Freebies.

Until Later ... A Fall recipe to share;

Chicken-Apple Stir Fry
Ingredients:
1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast (10+ oz), cut into 1” cubes
2 medium apples (tart apples are preferable), sliced ¼” thick
4 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar (divided into two 1T portions)
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
½ teaspoon Nutmeg
½ teaspoon powdered Ginger
Melt butter in pan over medium heat. Place apples in pan, adding 1 tablespoon brown sugar and flipping occasionally until the apples start to brown.
Add chicken and cook until done (until chicken is firm and no pink remains; cut a piece in half to test). Sprinkle with nutmeg, cinnamon and remaining sugar, tossing a little more to dissolve. Serve over rice. Makes 2 servings.
Note from Becky: Winter squash might be a wonderful addition to this dish, though I have not tried it yet. A small sweet dumpling or half a small acorn or pie pumpkin should provide the correct amount. Simply saute the raw squash along with the apples.

A BIG hug and Thank YOU ! to Ms. Stacy for sharing this recipe!

Try a Sample of Green Tea for Free

2010-09-24T06:00:00.001-07:00

Green Tea has been professed to be one of the healthist things we can give ourself each day... if youve never tried it....try a free sampleat http://www.greenteahawaii.com/home.cfm. Thank you Alischia

I love green tea !!

you and your loved ones can sip a cup of tea while creating memories making a paper bag apple to celebrate Fall's arrival. find the instructions at http://familycrafts.about.com/od/applecrafts/ss/pbapple.htm

Fabulous Friday

2010-09-24T02:25:00.000-07:00

It is indeed a Fabulous Friday !!

I went to court yesterday ... yep. The Mom of my 3 little ladies decided she wanted to terminate my guardianship ... why? because I didn't let her talk to the girls onthe phone everyday, and SHE says I didn't let her see them since Jan. But ... truth be known, SHE never ask to see them after her last visit in March. she claims to have called...which she did, and it went to voice mail where she left a Hi girls I love you message each time, but NEVER once ask for a visit. Also, each time I allowed the girls to call her back, she was ask "do you want to talk to Nana?", whereby she would always reply NO. but tells the judge she was not allowed contact. anyway. Long story short. My little ladies are still with me, thank the Goddess and the Judge, until a complete background check can be done, and social service can investigate the entire ordeal. I love these little ones, and would hate to have them go back to her, but life happens so I won't make long term plans until the next hearing in Nov.

My advice to all of you, raising your grandchildren , and anyone who reads my rambling ... Love them, Respect them, Guide them to be people not only you can admire and respect, but others as well ... Life is short ... a day is shorter (-; then ya wake up and they are teenagers

ok... not nuff said ... but, moving on

Great Freebies Finds;

www.questia.com read thousands of books online from classic to new for free.

http://www.pogo.com/ for Free online games

www.trubdayclub.com for free birthday card and call from Toys R US Jeffrey

www.gasbuddy.com for the cheapest gas prices in your area

OR just walk and or ride a bike if you can. It creates a great activity and exercise with the kids

I got lots of Freebies at the stores this week,... didn't have time to list them so you could go find them too. However, check the links and there will be more coming up.

Have a FABULOUS FRIDAY

Thank you to all who click on the goggle links and browse their ad's . Your time is appreciated.

Reposting -- Sandcastles to Pennies

2010-09-20T04:08:00.000-07:00

Ive received a few emails asking about me... so I thought I'd save you some time having to scroll all the way down, or me re-blogging. so Reposting;

I’m a 56 year old widow, the Mother of four children, grandmother of 14 (that I know of), and saving a penny where I can has always been somewhat of a hobby for me. I’d rather spend an hour in the clearance isle to save on multiple items, than to run to the mall for that one expensive item. I was saving for early retirement in Florida, sun beaches and sandcastles.

**In December 2009, I gave up my dream of collecting sandcastles at the beach in Florida to became the full legal guardian for three of my beautiful granddaughters in Michigan. After months of walking around the house semi conscious and whispering, what have I gotten myself into, I finally gave myself a swift kick in the butt and said “ I’ve done this before and survived … I can and will do this again.”

**It’s too difficult … ok, next to impossible for me to rummage through the clearance isle of all my favorite places, so I’m doing the next best thing. I browse the internet for ways to save a penny, all while telling three little girls to shut the door! - We can’t afford to cool the squirrels.

**I’ve even found ways to earn a penny or two along the way. So, If you are grandparents, like me…raising your grandchildren and need all the pennies you can save, grab a cup of tea and browse the internet with me, as I search the internet highway for the clearance of a lifetime and a cart full of pennies.

**As I search, I'll post a link on the right side of my blog or under the blog for us to get deals information and refer back to.

**Hope my blog brings you a smile, and some help in saving so you can start your own cart full of pennies

Marvelous Monday

2010-09-20T03:56:00.000-07:00

Hellllo Monday

As grandparents ... or baby boomers as they like to call us ... we learned how to save a little, and fall back on resources within our means. So, that said ...I'm off to a great start today; Ive been up since 4:30am and finally put the final line on my little children's book I'm going to try and publish ... wish me luck. I have my coupons for freebies ready to go to CVS , and the girls clothes are clean, pressed and waiting for them to jump into, as we rush out the door to school this morning.

I hope everyone has a Marvelous Monday, and I leave you with a thought for the day;

did you know ;

If you need or want to text someone else's cell phone, but don’t have the luxury of free texting on your cell phone, you can text them free from yahoo.com? yep. Easy to do. If you have an account and you use IM… you are ¾ of the way there. Need help ? let me know.

gifts, Gifts, and MORE FREE gifts

2010-09-19T09:49:00.000-07:00

For the cost of shipping, you an have a beautiful sterling silver pendant ... check it out
http://www.silverjewelryclub.com/

you can also purchase the chain for $4.00 but not obligated to. check their site daily the free item changes often.

Christmas IS coming ya know ... get your list out, and GO shopping

These post are time consuming

2010-09-19T09:11:00.001-07:00

I was having problems with the "comment" section, and it took MOST of the morning to correct it. uggh like I have that kind of time to waste. ohhh well, on to my day. Have some errands to run, and maybe drop kids off for a visit with "Dady"

Sunday select

2010-09-19T04:19:00.000-07:00

Im calling it sunday select, cause Im selecting a few coupons I need ... if my cohort Jim sees this ... heat up the printer baby, Nana needs some coupons.

Having 3 girls plus myself, I need these and can only get one, because my printer ate the second one. grrrrrr.

$0.99 Nivea Lip Care (price drop through Oct 10)
-$2.00/2 Nivea printable coupon (print up to 2 per computer) or $1.00/1 coupon

Hugs and luv for all you do !!

And thank you to each person who clicks the ad's for browsing their own needs, and when needed ,purchasing from our link ... sponsored by google and amazon. You, and your time are appreciated .

Super Sunday Sales AND Lots of Freebies

2010-09-19T04:11:00.000-07:00

Good Morning

Grab a cup of tea, coffee or nuttin... and browse today. I have a lot of links for more freebies. Something all Grandparents LOVE (-; . and we Need them.

P.s. I have found that if I give my 8yr old a few coupons to check when on the appropriate isle... makes work a tiny bit easier and makes an activity not so boring.

First up ... take a look at the Free things you can pick up while shopping at

Meijers this week.

$0.59 Simply Asia Fried Rice, Beef & Broccoli, Sesame Teriyaki or Sweet & Sour Seasoning (price drop through Sept 26)
-$0.50/1 Simply Asia coupon (from 8-29 RP)
FREE after coupon – thanks, Chrys!

$0.99 Frank’s Redhot Sauce (regular price – may vary by location)
-$1.00/1 Redhot coupon (from 7-25 SS, exp 9-30)FREE after coupon – thanks, Emily!

$2.50 Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing, 16 oz
$1.00 Bestlife Buttery Spread, 15 oz (price drop through Oct 10)
-$1.00/1 coupon (from 8-29 RP)
FREE after coupon
$1.99 BioTrue Multi Purpose Solution, 2 oz
-$2.00/1 BioTrue 2 oz printable coupon FREE after coupon

$0.99 Nivea Lip Care (price drop through Oct 10)
-$2.00/2 Nivea printable coupon (print up to 2 per computer) or $1.00/1 coupon (from Sept All You magazine)
FREE when you buy 2 with coupon – great charity donation – thanks, Deb!

$0.99 Suave Advanced Therapy Lotion, 3 oz (everyday best price)
Bonus: Buy 2 or more Suave Lotion in one transaction, get a $2.00 checkout coupon valid on your next order.
FREE when you buy 2 after checkout coupon savings

Here is the link to the meijer ad for a $15.00 rebate for work boots/shoe http://meijer.shoplocal.com/meijer/default.aspx?action=entryflash&promotioncode=meijer-100919onestop&displaypagenumber=28&adref=tab100919

Also, my daughter posted this GREAT information on her blog, so I checked it out. Wonderful deal ... Free things daily on the web site. take a look http://www.allyou.com/

Next up ... CVS has great freebies if using coupons too;

$2.99 Right Guard Total Defense Deodorant 2-4 oz
-$1.50/1 Total Defense 5 printable or $1.50/1 Total Defense 5 Deodorant printable
Pay $1.49, get $2.00 in Extra Care Bucks (limit 3)
FREE + moneymaker after coupon and store reward
$6.99 Revlon Super Lustrous, Moon Drops, Color Burst Lip or Double Twist Mascara-$2.00/1 Revlon printable coupon (goes directly to printing)
Pay $4.99, get $5.00 in Extra Care Bucks (limit 6)
FREE after coupon and store rewards
$2.79 Schick HydroShaving Gel 8.4 oz
-$1.00/1 Schick Hydro Shave Gel coupon (from 8-8 SS)Pay $1.79, get $1.80 in Extra Care Bucks (limit 1)
FREE after coupon and store rewards
$0.99 Ivory Bar Soap, 3 pack (limit 5)
$1.00/1 Select Ivory Items coupon (from 8-29 PG)FREE after coupon

Freebie Alert !! (-; Saturday Shopping

2010-09-18T13:27:00.000-07:00

http://www.vistaprint.com

Is giving LOTS of things free. I recently received a T shirt... you design within their perimeters(lots of graphics and text) and pay minimal shipping. Then, I received a free tote bag, and was given the opportunity to create a FREE cup, wall calender ... and they have MANY more things FREE on the site. check it out. Get uncle Joe a free cup, tee shirt, calendar etc... all for a minimal ( around $3.76) shipping fee. Of course I was a little selfish and made the T shirt for myself. I AM the Big Momma ya know (-;

so, go check it out. get the freebies for yourself, or upcoming gift giving. Happy Shopping

the roller coaster of life continues

2010-09-18T13:04:00.000-07:00

Now that the kids are back to school, we can begin saving and making plans for the holidays. Ive been doing a lot of survey's, and working on swag bucks ... have over 20 in cash from the surveys and about 40 dollars in gift cards earned to help out.

Just when I think I'm loading up the cart with pennies, I remember that before Christmas I have two...yep birthdays for the girls. One will be 6 in Oct, one 5 in Nov, and one 9 in Dec. Shoot me now. I hate, hate to shop. I'm so thankful stores and business sell stuff and deliver online.

I'd probably buy my groceries on line if I could ... no, never mind that is my outlet once a week . I get a THRILL outta great deals with coupon shopping, and the freebie stuff ... well... that's my entertainment (-;

Anyway ... I will be browzing the internet the next few days for more ways to save, and will be happy to share with my friends and grandparents raising grandchildren. Don't forget I have listed many links for resources to the right, and as always thank you for clicking on the ad's ... hope you are all finding Many good deals there too.

take care,
KD

Last call for Ice Cream

2010-09-18T12:24:00.000-07:00

Come join my group ... quick ... only 30 more spots left
I scream You scream WE all Get Ice Cream for 22 SB and a coupon for free icecream

Join Baskin-Robbins Group Scoop!

social.baskinrobbins.com

What say you ?

2010-09-17T17:27:00.000-07:00

If we each perform one random act of kindness

every day,

we just might get the world headed

in the right direction.

OR we could just elect a female president.

Me, Id vote for Both ... maybe that would speed it up a bit.

Fabulous Friday

2010-09-17T11:10:00.000-07:00

My deal of the day

Meijer - Two day sale

Buy $15.00 in any combination of qualifying items between and get a $5.00 checkout coupon valid on your next order. Checkout coupon expires two weeks from date of transaction. Limit (2) coupons per transaction. (8/29-10/13)

Qualifying items include any size of the following:

Nabisco Snack Crackers or Ritz Crackers

Kraft Dressing, Kraft Mayo or Miracle Whip Dressing

Kraft Chunk Cheese, Singles or Natural Cracker Cuts

Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs, Wallet Zip-Packed Deli

I bought ;

2 Wheat Thins $4.00 - (used 2 coupons = $2.00

4 Oscar mayer Hot dogs $5.00 – (used 3 coupons = $2.00

5 Kraft Chunk Cheese $8.35 – (used 1 coupon = $5.00

Pay $7.33, AND got a $5.00 checkout coupon valid on my next purchase

MY DEAL FINAL COST: $7.33 for 11 items ($0.66 each)

if you count the $5.00 checkout coupon ... it was even less

Thank Goodness it's THURSDAY

2010-09-16T00:49:00.000-07:00

As a Grandparent, I'd forgotten how little ones can cut an eyebrow, or a forehead ... UGH the blood that pumps with each pulse and heart beat. My little Zoe hugged our family dog last night, (Scarlett) and by accident put pressure on Scarlett's bad paw. Scarlett grabbed at her, and one tooth punctured her little forehead just above the eye brow. did I mention the blood? UGH. Yep... I panicked, called my daughter (Aidan's Mom) in such as state she couldn't understand me. I called my son, and just said it's an emergency get here NOW... well long story short, we ended up in the ER (Zoe calls that the 911) me feeling a little STUPID but relieved that all that was needed was a little hydrogen peroxide, a little antibiotic cream, a bandaid and a warm hug and ALL was well again. Lesson learned ...or should I say ... remembered

Here is a poem I stole from my daughter (saving pennies) ... Worth the copy/past (-; Thanks AC

Poem especially for moms

I bumped into a stranger today

"Oh excuse me please" was my reply.

He said, "Please excuse me too; I wasn't watching for you."

We were very polite, this stranger and I.

We went on our way and we said goodbye.

But at home a different story is told, How we treat our loved ones, young and old.

Later that day, cooking the evening meal, My son stood beside me very still.

When I turned, I nearly knocked him down. "Move out of the way," I said with a frown.

He walked away, his little heart broken. I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken.

While I lay awake in bed, God's still small voice came to me and said,

"While dealing with a stranger, common courtesy you use, but the family you love, you seem to abuse.

Go and look on the kitchen floor, You'll find some flowers there by the door.

Those are the flowers he brought for you. He picked them himself: pink, yellow and blue.

He stood very quietly not to spoil the surprise, you never saw the tears that filled his little eyes.

By this time, I felt very small, And now my tears began to fall.

I quietly went and knelt by his bed; "Wake up, little one, wake up," I said.

"Are these the flowers you picked for me?" He smiled, "I found 'em, out by the tree.

I picked 'em because they're pretty like you. I knew you'd like 'em, especially the blue.

I said, "Son, I'm very sorry for the way I acted today; I shouldn't have yelled at you that way."

He said, "Oh, Mom, that's okay. I love you anyway."

I said, "Son, I love you too, and I do like the flowers, especially the blue."

Next time you want to yell, stop, take an opportunity to tell them that you love them, and explain what it is you need from them at that moment... then try to work it out together.

Wonderful Wednesday

2010-09-15T03:42:00.000-07:00

Good Morning,
Welcome to Wonderful Wednesday ...

Nankin ACE Hardware has a GREAT DEAL until Sept 20th take your empty printer cartridge in and they will fill it for FREE *(they say not all cartridges are refillable so call ahead)

Ive not been posting as much as I'd like, but I'll get more organized SOON. (I hope) (-;
Thank you for visiting, clicking and your patience.

Did you know … sadly, so few ever recognize or acknowledge it.

2010-09-12T09:14:00.000-07:00

National Grandparents Day was signed into law by President Jimmy Carter in 1978. Marian McQuade received a phone call from the White House to advise her of this event. Many people incorrectly believe that National Grandparents Day was inspired by her efforts.

Each year the President is requested to issue a proclamation to: designate the first Sunday in September after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day; and to call on people, groups and organizations to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

The official song of National Grandparents Day is “A Song for Grandma And Grandpa” by Johnny Prill. The official flower for the day is the “forget-me-not” flower.
So… From my house to Grandparents everywhere …

The National Grandparents Day Song

A Song for Grandma and Grandpa

Chorus:

Oh Grandma, Grandpa, you know that I love you

I love all those little things that you say and do

A walk through the park, a trip to the zoo

Oh Grandma, Grandpa I love you

Verse One:

Going to a ball game, fishing on the lake

Eating Grandma's cookies, boy they sure taste great

Going to the circus when it comes to town

Eating cotton candy and laughing at the clowns

Chorus:

Oh Grandma, Grandpa, you know that I love you

I love all those little things that you say and do

A hug and a kiss, a ride home from school

Oh Grandma, Grandpa I love you

Verse Two:

Spending time together, talking on the phone

Happy birthday presents, chocolate ice cream cones

Photographs and memories, picnics and parades

Saying that you love me in so many ways

Chorus:

Oh Grandma, Grandpa, you know that I love you

I love all those little things that you say and do

The stories you tell, things I never knew

Oh Grandma, Grandpa I love you

Words and Music by Johnny Prill

Johnny Prill Music, BMI

Just my Ramblings

2010-09-11T06:11:00.000-07:00

My Children / My Grandchildren
Are my heart beats

When it comes down to the ultimate truth,

my children have been my life since the moment of conception. I may not feel that way every second of every day, but the reality is ever present.

My children are now grown … and followed their own path, good bad

or different their own, and my wonderful grandchildren have arrived.

In my children, I see and feel my past. In my grandchildren, I see and feel every breath, every heartbeat … they are my present.

Most of my “friends” have jumped the friendship boat because they can not understand why I would choose…yes choose...

to raise three of my granddaughters over having an “Adult social life”.

My soul and my voice follow with how could I NOT.

It’s not an easy task, and it’s not always milk and cookies … but it is rewarding, and humbling.

Rewarding because I see them grow into beautiful little girls, healthy, happy,

and living without fear, and With HOPE.

Humbling, because I realize every day that I have limitations … financial, physical,

and once in a minute … mental.

All that said …

My children and my grandchildren are my heart beats.

My friends are a joy, an extra bonus in life. I could not enjoy all things without my friends,

I could not live without my children/grandchildren

I can only hope… I never take either one for granted

Life is short … a Day is shorter

Thank you to all who tip toe through my blog ... take what you need, and with a breath of kindness click the rest away .

Good Morning ... an Important announcement

2010-09-11T05:23:00.000-07:00

First, Thank you to all of you who take the time to read my blog ... click the ad's and leave a kind message.

Now... It's time again for the annual Breast Cancer Awareness ... please join in by doing whatever you can.

Just Rinse, bag, and mail your Yoplait lids to;

Upcoming event

2010-09-10T18:04:00.001-07:00

A PROCLAMATION
by our President of the United States of America

Throughout our history, American families have been guided and strengthened by the support of devoted grandparents. These mentors have a special place in our homes and communities, ensuring the stories and traditions of our heritage are passed down through generations. On National Grandparents Day, we honor those who have helped shape the character of our Nation, and we thank these role models for their immeasurable acts of love, care, and understanding.

Grandparents witness great milestones in the lives of their children and grandchildren. Whether with us when we learn to read or ride a bicycle, they celebrate early triumphs, console us when we are distressed, and cultivate our dreams. Through decades of hard work and sacrifice, our forebears have also enabled many of the rights and opportunities now accessible to all Americans. As a country and a people, our grandparents have made us who we are today.

National Grandparents Day presents a chance to show our profound appreciation and respect for the central roles that family elders play in our lives. The legacy of these selfless caregivers is not only reflected in the principles and sense of purpose they inspire in their loved ones, but also in their unique ability to reach across ages and enrich the lives of generations of Americans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 12, 2010, as National Grandparents Day. I call upon all Americans to take the time to honor their own grandparents and those in their community.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

BARACK OBAMA

Source: The White House

Fabulous Friday comes to a close

2010-09-10T13:39:00.000-07:00

As this day starts to wind down for me, I thought I would share something a close friend sent to me before passing away. I tucked this card into my memory box, along with pictures and letters we shared through a wonderful 26 year friendship . I never grasp the true meaning until recently ... When I began to laugh with children again, and actually get out and live life. As I thought of her today, I knew she would smile.

All that said;

... Many of you probably already read it at some point ... but for those who didn't ;

There comes a time in life when you have to let go of all the pointless drama and the people who create it and, start to surround yourself with people who make you laugh so hard that you forget the bad and focus solely on the good. After all, life is to short to be anything but happy.

So, my fellow cohort... Grandparents raising grandchildren... Lets get over the drama and LIVE, Laugh and ... Forget