Alaska

Last weekend Lee and I made a trip to Alaska for Kaden's, our oldest grandchild, baptism. Brrr!! What a cold place to visit this time of year! It may have been cold but we had a great time anyway. I love the Henry kids!! They are full of fun and craziness. I love that the girls and even Kaden sometime want to camp downstairs with us. I love how adorable and smiley (is that a word) Ethan is. I love Sienna's cute kisses on our cheeks. I love that Alexa cried the day after we left because she loves her grandma. I love that Kaden will still hold hands with his grandma for a short while. I love hanging out with Kasey, making things together and just yakking. I love how hospitable Matt is to us-thanks for all the great dinners we had there!!! It was quick but oh, so much fun!!!

And most important of all, I LOVED seeing my first grandchild baptized. What a special experience.

Family Time

The last 2 1/2 weeks has been amazing, fun filled, joyful, exhilarating, hysterical -and exhausting. (as most good things are!)

It started on November 13th when I headed down to Windsor because I couldn't wait for Linds and family to get up here on the 16th. I also wanted to hang out with Rona, Lani, Jami and Keal on the 17th. It was so great to see Lindsey, Alan, gorgeous Isobel with the cutest British accent and sayings and adorable Oliver. Isobel has the cutest sayings (when she wants to do something you are doing, she'll say (in her accent), "can I have a go?"). She cracks me up all the time with her cuteness. Oliver is so, so handsome and unfortunately not a fan of anyone but mom and dad. I got an occassional smile and he'd sit with me if I had sweets but that's it. I kept reminding myself that Izzy was the same way at that age.

On the 14th we met the girls in Sonoma at a mall and then had lunch. We then took the kids to Train Town which they loved. It was so much fun to be with Rona and her girls-we have such a ball when we are all together. Unfortunately, we let too much time pass between visits. Hopefully we'll be better in the future!

I left after church on the 15th to come back up here and Lindsey and Alan came up the next day. We had a great week alone with them. We went out to eat, to the zoo, they went to the beach, we went to see the Redwoods and up to the Trees of Mystery and just hung out. It was so fun to have the kids to ourselves. Izzy is a remarkably easy child to have around, so well behaved and pleasant. I don't think she cried or complained the whole week!

Alex came on the 22nd and Kelly and family came on the 23rd. That started a week of more eating, game playing, movie going, soccer playing, fishing, etc. all culminating with a great Thanksgiving Day. We also met Kalie for lunch at Renata's Creperie (ymmmm!) and loved seeing her and catching up.

The day after Thanksgiving I headed to Kelly's till today so I could watch Izzy and Oliver while Alan and Linds went to Calistoga. Kelly and I did some Christmas shopping yesterday, got yummy salads and soup at Whole Foods and watched BYU beat Utah in a close game. (go Cougars!) I got up this morning at 0545 so I could go to church here and be at nursery so I'm pretty tired today! Lee was such a great help these last few weeks and cleaned the house and did washing for me. I guess you CAN teach an old dog new tricks. Thanks Lee!!

Anyway it was a great time. Cohen gave family prayer before we all left on Friday and made me start crying because our family time was over. I love my family soooo much and loved having them around. If only Chris and Kasey were here, it would have been PERFECT. On the 3rd we head to Alaska for Kaden's baptism. Yea, more family time!!

The British Are Coming!!

Yahoo!!!!!

Weekly Coupon Deals

I spent a total of $36.68 at Target, Walgreen's, CVS and Safeway andd got everything here.
5 boxes cereal
6 tomato sauce
20 lbs potatoes
4 chex mix
2 boxes crackers.
6 Glade candles, 4 refills
2 Gillette deodorate
1 Gillette body wash
4 Mennen deodorant
2 Almay mascara
1 Steamer vegetable
2 cream cheese
1 lb butter
Frutopia conditioner and shampoo
Viologie conditioner
Colgate toothpaste
Softsoap pump and refill
2 bags caremels
Yoplait deluxe yogurts
1 bunch asparagus
I need a bigger pantry!!

Sweet Tate

We went to Kelly's this weekend for the blessing of Tate. What a cute little guy he is. He is starting to smile and is such a good sleeper and such a cute boy. The big news is - I think Rylee is strting to mellow out!! She was a crackup for Halloween, a cute witch, and very independent and very into the whole trick or treating. She'd follow the boys up the stairs to homes, get her candy, put it into her bag and come back and hold my hand to go to the next house. She really got attached to Lee and would push Ammon out of the way if he was sitting near Lee.

Cohen was Harry Potter (perfect for him). He was like the energizer bunny on speed after eating tons of candy. This boy is way into treats (wonder where he gets that?) and can eat tons and tons of candy. I had some starbursts in my purse and knew he'd fine them. Sure enough, within 2 minutes of my getting there, he had them out!

Ammon was Wolverine and had a blast trick or treating and at his school carnival earlier that day.

Jody's parents, Larry and Cindy, came into town for the blessing and it was great to see them again. They are really wonderful inlaws to Kelly!

As usual, I ate too much down there so went and worked out today for the first time in a long time at the gym. Usually I just walk or do my elliptical. I went about 3:00 and the gym was almost empty so I think I'll try and to at that time 3 times a week-I kind of like it when it is slow. My back is a little sore now though. Well this is a really boring post, I'll end the misery now!

Happy B-day Alex!! (in 1.5 hours more)

Happy #23 Alex!! Hope you have a great day-love you so, so much! Good luck on your classroom teaching today too! So glad we got to see you in San Diego and can't wait till Thanksgiving time to see you again. Love every little thing about you! Wish we could go to lunch today. And a movie.

Deals at Target

Even if you don't coupon, there are some great deals at Target you should do. First go to http://www.organicgrocerydeals.com/forums/view.php?pg=coupon_generator and print multiple copies of Target couons for $1 off ocean spray cranberry juices (it's on sale for $1.98-I love cran-rasp, cran-grape). You'll get it for .98. I've bought about 15 of them.

Print some of the $1/2 chex mix and stack (put it with) Chex mix coupons you can get at coupons.com or smartsource.com to get Turtle chex mix (my favorite) for .33 each. I've bought about 15 of them also.

Keebler cookies are on sale for buy 2, get one free. Some have $1 off coupons on them or you can print coupons here for $1 off. You can then get 3 for $1 or 6 for $2 depending on how many coupons you have. I love the fudgesticks and mint cookies.
[Buy 6] Keebler Cookies B2G1FREE or 3/$4.00
(USE 3) $1.00/2 – Keebler Chips Deluxe Cookies – TARGET ex. 11/7 – (afullcup.com)
(USE 2)$1.50/2 – KeebleCookies – (coupons.com)(USE 1)
$1.00/2 – Keebler Fudge Shoppe Cookies – (snackpicks.com)
Final Price: $1.00 for everything

Another great deal is the glade oil scent candles/refills. The holders have coupons for $2 off 2. If you buy 5 you get a Target gift certificate for $5. I've been doing this over and over. Buy 5 at $12.50 , use $5 in coupons and get $5 back so that they cost .50 each. There holiday holders/scents are nice.
Glade Oil Candles $2.50 EachUse the $2.00/2 Peelie couponFinal Price: $1.50 OOP (each)
Buy 5, Receive a $5 Target GiftCard!Final Price When Factoring GC: $.70 each
These also qualify for the $5 SC Johnson Rebate (when you buy 3).You can submit up to 3 rebates per family!

I also bought Pledge items 3 at 3.49 each for $10.50 and used coupons from here to make them $7.50 and got a $5 giftcard so they were 3 for $2.50.

Buy 3 Participating Pledge Products, Earn a $5 Target Gift Card
Pledge Fabric Sweeper$4.29
Pledge Polish $3.49
Pledge Multi Surface Wipes $3.49
$1.00/1 – Pledge Product, any – (rightathome.com)
Final Price: As Low as $7.47 OOP, Receive $5 Target Gift Card

You should see my pantry and hall closet. LOADED with free/cheap toiletries, cleaning supplies/snacks. Couponing is amazing! I wish I'd known years ago about it. Call me if you have questions!

San Diego

If I could pick one place that I could live it has always been San Diego. When I was young our family went there for several vacations so it always has held special memories. This last weekend Lee and I met Alex and Kelly there to watch Mitch play in the BYU/San Diego game. We had such a good time-hanging out at La Jolla Beach, eating at great restaurants, going to the BYU fireside and watching the game. It was an added bonus to see some of our Arizona relatives including Dad and Ann, Scott and Beau, Wayne and Becky and family. It was so much fun but went by way to quickly. Can I move there someday? Please.

I left my camera at home but Kelly took hers so I'll post pictures later.

Happy B-day Linds!

Technically it is still October 4th here in the states but at Lindsey's it is 3:00 am and so it is her birthday and I can officially say I am first to wish my darling, crazy Linds a happy birthday!!! Hope you have a fabulous day-love you tons and tons and tons!!!!!

Double Coupon Days at KMart=Great Score

I paid $12.56 for everything above! Yea double coupon days!

7 boxes special K cereal, various kinds

4 boxes Wheat Thins

2 Dove Ultimate Deodorants

4 cans crescent rolls

2 6 pack boxes raisinets

3 boxes special k bars

2 boxes Crystal Light to go

4 cans cream of mushroom soup

1 bag of doves chocolates with caramels

1 box of 2 Magic Erasers

Paid To Shop

Today Safeway paid me 2 cents for buying the items above. Yep, that's right. I paid nothing. They gave me back 2 pennies. Now that's couponing! If you want to get started go to http://beingfrugalisfabulous.com/ and look at her getting started advice and tutorials. Start small.

p.s. Earlier this week I paid 15 cents for 2 granola/nut clusters and 2 boxes of Cocoa Puffs. I also got several AirWick Motion Fresheners for 50 cents - $1.00 each, free Triaminic for children at Walgreens, free string cheese at Target, and free Crystal Light at Target.

Don't Be Fooled

DO NOT BE FOOLED BY THIS SWEET APPEARANCE. Beneath this sweet smile lies a sassy girl that can best the most experienced of grandmas. Here are some guidelines should you come across this wild creature:
1. NEVER let her out of the house to walk to the car. A cat and mouse game of capturing Rylee will take place around the car as you try and get her. I'm sure it is amusing to the neighbors.
2. ALWAYS grab her as soon as you unbuckle her from her carseat or she will run to the back of the van. You then run to the back and she runs to the front. This can go on for some time. Again to the amusement of the neighbors.
3. NEVER take your eyes off her for a minute. She might put a pen in the gallon of milk, take off her diapers full of poop (sorry to be so graphic), or unpack your suitcase.
4. DO NOT leave her in the house or in a room that locks while you go outside or in another room. She will lock the door and you will have to beg her to open it for you.
5. DO all your toileting, showering when she has gone to sleep or you will need to do it with her in the room due to #3. If you must do it during normal hours prepare to have her get into your makeup, toiletries, etc. Be prepared to beg her NOT to spill out your Bare Minerals makeup that she is holding.
6. DO NOT leave keys or cell phones around. They will end up in some random place such as her purse or the water bucket in the backyard. You may not see them again.
7. DO NOT park a grocery cart too close to anything reachable. It will end up in your cart. Parking the cart 3 feet from the checkout counter, even if it looks crazy, is advisable.
8. DO NOT plan on sleeping past 6:30 am. She wakes up early and comes in to wake up visitors and her brothers. From then on she is on the run, literally, until naptime. And again after naptime, until bedtime. NO exaggeration.
9. DO NOT think you can get anything past her. This morning I told her at 6:15 she had to go back to sleep (as she crawled in with me and Cohen) and she said, "Go to sleep Cohen!"
Cohen said it best a few minutes ago when he told her, "You're the worst nightmare of my wife (life)!" I about died laughing. She isn't the worst nightmare but she certainly has bested this grandma and is keeping me on my toes. Continually. Can I really ever leave Kelly???? Do you think I could lose weight with this??? Will I survive or will the vixen do me in??? Stay tuned.
P.S. She is still adorable.

Tate

Tate Lawrence Edmondson joined our family on Saturday, September 12. He is #12 in the grandchild lineup and just as cute as the rest. He is also proving to be a very good baby already! Note the adorable cleft in his chin. Ammon loves holding him, Rylee loves kissing him and Cohen gave him his first nickname when he said family prayer the first night and said, "Bless Tater Tot that he will love us." He is perfect.

Help Abused/Neglected Children

Pam Iorg's Fundraising Page

Event: CASA Kid Walk
Event Starts: Oct 10th 2009
Making a difference one child at a time
About my nonprofit: Court Appointed Special Advocate of Humboldt
Description: CASA provides services to and for abused and neglected children who are at risk of being placed in foster care. CASA volunteers offer children trust and advocacy during complex legal...
Description: CASA provides services to and for abused and neglected children who are at risk of being placed in foster care. CASA volunteers offer children trust and advocacy during complex legal proceedings. Mission: CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) speaks for children in court because all children have a right to live in a safe, healthy, and secure environment.placed into safe, loving homes where they can thrive.

My personal message:
The Kid Walk is an annual event put on by CASA. Teams compete to see who can raise the most money between now and the Kid Walk on October 10th. My goal is to raise $200 dollars--or more!
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) recruits, trains, and supports community volunteers who are advocating for abused and neglected children. When children are removed from their homes by Child Welfare Services due to abuse or neglect, they become part of an overburdened system. Lawyers, social workers, and foster parents have serveral cases and kids competing for their time and attention. A CASA gets to focus on just one child.
If you don't have the time to be a CASA, the second best thing you can do is donate. Make it possible for others to become CASAs. Only 2 in 4 children who need a CASA get a CASA. Help expand the training schedule, grow the advocate support system, and increase the volunteer advocate pool. Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. No bake sales, no candle orders, no raffle tickets. It is the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts. Donate at: http://www.firstgiving.com/pamiorg1.

If you don't feel comfortable donating online, you can send a check with "Pam Iorg" in the memo to :CASA of Humboldt2356 Myrtle Ave.Eureka, CA 95501

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!
Pam

Obsessive Compulsive

CVS shopping: Total $40 but this includes 2 boxes of my touch up hair color which was $10 of it.
So $30 after extra bucks bought:
2 Glade reed diffusers (ended up free)
15 snack boxes of cookies-chips ahoy, lorna doone, oreos (1/2 size of reg. boxes)
Duracell 8 pack batteries
windes
2 Aquafresh iso toothpaste (new)
2 gallons milk
2 welch's grape jams
2 Colgate toothpastes
2 mens Fusion Razors
Gillete deodorant
Gillete shave gel
2 Dawn dish detergent
Tootsie roll pops
2 six packs apple sauce
4 snack packs candy (10 in pack)

Walgreen's (I did this on 2 trips)

$17 after coupons and register rewards bought:

4 large packs of lifesavers in bags

Poppycock

2 Carefree pantyliners

Hand sanitizer

2 Oral B toothbrushes

2 Rembrandt toothpastes

2 Warming Theraflu

Men's zone Razor

2 pkgs Kleenex with aloe

6 scunci products worth about $3-$4 each

Nasal strips for snorers-think it will help me?

Target deal #2 $21 after coupons, &Target cards (2) for $5 each

3 Dreyers ice cream

2 Dreyers fruit popscicles

4 bags starbursts

Poptarts

Nutrigrain bars

1 gallon milk

4 glade candle tins

2 bags Tostitos

1 jar Tostito salsa

2 pkg Special K crackers

2 pkg special K fruit bars

Target deal #1 Cost $15 but I got a $5 Target card so it was really $10

Johnson's baby bottle-free after 1 Target coupon

Johnson's baby wash-free after 2 coupons, 1 Target, 1 mfg

2 glade candles in tins -cost 1.64 each but had 1.50 coupons in each so I can get 2 more for .14 each

2 big pack starbursts $1 each after target coupons

4 Sobe drinks - had b1g1 coupon so paid $3

Quattro razor-free after target and manf. coupons

2 packs Ziploc containers $3 after manf coupons

2 packs special K crackers, 2 packs special k fruit bars

these were 2.39 each. I had $1 off coupons for each and 50c Target coupons off each
Got $5 gift card for these so they were better than free!

Have you ever noted that obsessive compulsive trait about me? I tend to latch on to one activity and do it to oblivion. First it was tole painting and folk wood crafts (lots of Americana as my kids hated), rubber stamping complete with online card and stamp exchanges (this one cost me a LOT of money-thanks Toni ), then it was scrapbooking (more money and I still have a lot of stuff I need to sell on E-Bay-again thanks Toni) and now it is couponing. At least I am saving money now. I am obsessed with reading the couponing blogs, signing up for anything I can get for free, scanning the ads for local stores (repeatedly) and clipping coupons. The key is to buy a few big city papers each Sunday. They are the ones with the best coupons and there are also many online you can print out. Then it is shopping, shopping and more shopping. My pantry is full and so is a hall closet. I only buy when I can save about 70% and will go get the free things at each store 2-3 times. It's the funnest game in town. I know, I'm pathetic.

Here are pictures of this weeks deals. Mind you, I put 10-15 hours in these deals. I could work more and just buy the stuff but I have better satisfaction this way. If my stores were in my town it would cut down on time. Sorry pictures are on top-I can't figure how to bring them down. How do you do it??? I won't bore you with all my pictures on future trips but just wanted to show that couponing is amazing. You could just go for the almost free products and spend less but I get things I want too.

Alaska

My first trip to Alaska was last February when Kasey had Ethan. Although I was happy to be here with Kasey and family, Alaska was freezing, 20 below, and covered with snow and I was unimpressed. I have also NEVER wanted to go on an Alaska cruise.

After my second trip, I would definitely like to go on a cruise here someday and have seen some remarkable sights and am definitely impressed with the majesty of Alaska. I have also thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Henry family. We have been up close and personal with the face of a magnificent glacier, the Portage glacier, seen numerous wildlife close up in a wildlife conservatory, watched a bear pulling fish out of a creek, seen tons of salmon (some spawning), eaten great seafood, visited a gold mine, picked wild blueberries, and viewed beautiful mountains and rivers. It is truly a majestic state.

Ethan is a bundle of cuteness and the happiest baby ever. If he happens to catch your eye he grins and wiggles all over. I am entranced with him.

Sienna is such a love bug. I have recieved hundreds of kisses from her, usually on the cheek. She loves to sit on my lap and sleep in our room. She also has a mind of her own and cracks me up all the time!

Alexa is a crack up. She is my drama momma. We were picking blueberries and had to walk up a mountain. She was seriously dying all the way up there but had a great time. She loves to sleep in our room every night too.

Kaden is growing up to be such a good, smart boy. I can't believe how he can read and he will help out so willingly with anything I ask of him. Such a cute boy.

It has been so much fun hanging out with Kasey. She has made us great food, wonderful cobbler and been a great tour guide. Matt had to work a lot but was so great about showing us a good time too. They took us to the Haute Quarter for a great meal. It's been a great trip and I hate leaving tomorrow but we'll be back in December for Kaden's baptism and then Lee and I are driving from Northern California to here next summer before they leave. Can't wait to plan what other sites besides Denali that we want to visit.

Couponing, Week 2

Couponing is NOT for lightweights I’ve decided. But it IS worth it. I have spent about 4-6 hours yesterday organizing, clipping coupons and printing coupons off the internet and another 3-4 hours shopping. And I need to now file clipped coupons and put away and organize buys. I end up with a headache trying to juggle coupons and remembering where to use what. Here are my results:
Walgreens: $40
Sharpie highlighters free with on line coupon
Neosporin
Bandaids
500 ct. computer paper
Envelopes
3 bottles of Listerine
Loreal Revitalift face cream
Loreal eye cream- the creams were worth over $25
2 nice and easy touch up hair colors
Colgate toothpaste
Sonic spin toothbrush
2 24 ct waters
2 large Tresemme shampoos
1 large tresemme conditioner
Staples-$2 after rebates
Label maker
2 pkgs 500 ct computer paper

Rite Aid:
$5 would have been $10 but I had an extra $5 coupon from them. The $5 amt. is after manufacture coupon and single check rebates. They offer single check rebates each month. You register online your receipt each time and request the rebate at the end of the month. These items added with manufacturer coupons end up ridiculously cheap.
4 large boxes Cheerios/Honey Nut Cheerios
2 packages Ziplock bags at $1.50 each
Bic soleil razor for 99 cents after coupon and rebate
2 -3 packs scotch tape free after single check rebate
Pop up tape-free after single check rebate
Loreal vive pro shampoo and conditioner

CVS
Paid $12 after extra buck offers
$15 worth hersheys candy
Revlon Mineral mousse makeup (free after extra buck offer)
Nutrashields un block from Coppertone (cost $2 after extra buck offer, coupon)
2 dozen eggs
Gallon milk
5 lb sugar


I like two internet sites the best. Frugallivingnw.com and krazycouponlady.blogspot.com. Both give you lists for the best deals and where to find coupons.

Coupons

I have heard about people sending money by couponing and decided to give it a try this week. I gathered coupons and circulars from the Sunday paper and went to several internet sites including the following to come up with my game plan. I spent a lot of time the first time but think it will be easier next time. Here are my results:

Safeway:
Bought their special using their coupons and added a few of mine.
$18 bought:
2 liter lemon lime soda
Oscar Mayer hot dogs
2 loafs OroWheat bread
4 boxes chex mix snack bars which I love (Turtle are my fav)
1 jar Safeway pasta
Quaker granola bars
Pop tarts
2 bottles of Ken’s Salad Dressing

Rite Aid:
They have single check rebates that will actually pay for an item sometimes. I bought items on sale with coupons and made use of the rebate program they have.
$36 bought-
12 pack AA batteries
4 pack AAA batteries
2 -2 packs D batteries
Venus breeze razor ($12-cost me $2)
4 bottles squeeze mayo
2 jars Ragu
2 jars Skippy peanut butter
Rice Krispies
Corn Flakes
2 packs Bic pens (free)
Garnier Fructis Shampoo and Conditioner
Pantene Shampoo and Conditioner
Aqua Fresh Advanced Toothpaste

Walgreens-
They offer extra bucks that you can spend on next visit on some items. I bought items that gave me those and also used mfg coupons.
$35 bought-
2 Ragu
3 Skippy
2 Keebler Butter Crackers
2 Keebler Fudge Stripe Cookies
2 Gum Toothrushes (free)
2 jellos
2 Bounty paper towels
2 Suave deodorants
1 mayo
2 Frosted Flakes
1 Special K with Berries

CVS-
This was the best. I signed up for e-mail deals and got another $5 off. Spent $10 after coupons (actually $5 after e-mail deal)
2 Kraft Easy Mac boxes
Pack of pens
Pack of pencils
Frosted Flakes
Raisin Bran
Special K with Berries
1 gallon milk
Special K with fruit and yogurt
2 filler papers (pull out notebook type)


One thing I realize is to plan meals around good deals, buy only what you (or your children or grandchildren) will eat. You save more as you do it longer because you have more coupons.

Anyway I think it is worth doing and I will see more for my money the more I do it!

Internet sites:
the grocerygame.com
frugallivingnw.com
becentsable.blogspot.com
krazycouponlady.blogspot.com

Nursery

I've been a member to the LDS church my entire life and have never had a calling in nursery. Until now. I actually don't mind being in there at all, the kids are so cute and I've always thought it should be someone my age, not someone with little ones at home every day. I am not the leader, just a worker. There are 4 of us but 2 are not too dependable. Today we had 16 little ones and it was a little chaotic. One of the workers has an 8 week old baby so she was busy with him a lot. One child has to be held the ENTIRE time and 3-4 others had meltdowns today so they had to be one on one. I heard it was crazier than usual though so maybe it will get better. Any ideas out there for fun group activities, songs, etc. for little ones 18 mo.-3 years? Any suggestions for how you've seen nurseries run? I thought the leader would be more organized but she isn't. I don't want to step on her toes but I'm sure it would run better with better organization. Hopefully, she'll be on top of the game better next week. I'm getting on the internet next for ideas!

Best Sunday Ever

Ammon rode with his friends in this vehicle, saw a deer in our yard, played with friends and weeded. He said it was his best Sunday ever. To top it off, we are now popping popcorn.

Summer Fun

The fun started on July 3rd when we headed to the lake to meet Kelly and family and Mitch and Alex. We had 5 fun filled lake days there. I love the smells at the lake. The campfires, the bacon and potatoes cooking at breakfast, the smell of suntan lotion. I could swear I smelled suntan lotion in the car as I was starting the drive up! It was great to hang with the family and eat, play games and enjoy the sun and water.

Cohen stayed an extra day with us when Kelly and Jody left and was so good and cute to have around. He accompanied me to San Francisco when I took Alex and Mitch down there to fly out to Cabo. We drove across the Golden Gate Bridge and spent some time at Fisherman's Wharf. We enjoyed a great dinner at Scoma's on the Wharf and dropped them at their hotel. Then Cohen and I headed back to Windsor. I stayed there till Sunday having fun with Kelly and the gang. On Saturday, Kelly and I went to the AI concert and picked up my sister Julie in Oakland. On Sunday she and I headed to the lake after church, along with our good buddy Ammon. We had a great time at camp till Thursday night. Ammon was a delight! He would hang out with us, entertain us with singing and give us massages for 25 cents. He was perfect and Julie and I had a blast hanging out together, going for walks, and watching movies.

We came home Thursday, I worked Friday and that night we went to Baywood for dinner then to the movie The Proposal which was really, really good. Saturday we ran errands, walked on the beach and had lunch at the Creperie, dinner at Live From New York. Today we made a big turkey dinner, went on a walk and just hung out. Unfortunately, she goes home tomorrow. It has been so much fun and we've shared tons of laughs. Sisters are the best.

Ammon has had a blast here. He is constantly on the run with the Jones' grandkids. They have been weeding a lot in the garden and anywhere else they can find weeds. He just came in wanting payment so I gave him a dollar. He just told Julie, "This was the best Sunday ever." I asked him if he wanted to call his mom and he said that he talked to her yesterday so he'll wait and call tomorrow. I think he just wants me to put on a movie for him. I told him I would as soon as I finished blogging but his nagging was persistent so I got up to do it and he said, "That's the spirit!" He has told people he misses his mom and dad though so don't start crying yet Kelly.

On Tuesday Ammon and I will go back up to the lake on Tuesday with my friend Deanna till Friday. We plan to bring our quarters.