Wednesday, November 04, 2009

Because I'm a huge fan of lists.

This is a newsy post. Even though I posted every day last week I didn't really document stuff that was going on in our lives and that is main purpose of this blog. So I'm making up for it today and I can think of no better way to organize my thoughts than a list.



1. Halloween weekend was FUN! We had a neighborhood carnival that morning with games, crafts, snacks (at our house!) and a HAYRIDE! It was so much fun. I know you get sick of hearing me say how much we love our neighbors but it's true. We feel so blessed to live among such wonderful people who've become dear, dear friends!

After the carnival, we went downtown and trick-or-treated at all the local merchants. We also LOVE our small town! And then we trick-or-treated in our neighborhood and came back home to pass out candy.

Will spent the afternoon and evening with his best friend, and that's why I don't have any pics of all three of them together!



For those of you who were worried about us trick-or-treating in all the snow, Saturday was GORGEOUS! The sun did a beautiful job of melting a lot of it that morning and I even got hot while we were out and about. Had to come back and get my down parka after the sun went down though. ;)



2. We're the kind of people who drive our vehicles until they can't be driven any longer. I think in nineteen years of marriage, we've had only three car payments. We've known for awhile that John's car was probably getting close to meeting it's end. That happened on Monday (or so we thought).

He tried to make it in to work, but ended up in the parking lot of our auto repair shop instead.

I really thought we were going to be buying a new car this week. We will be soon, but the mechanic got it running again for about $100 and it has a little life left in it which buys us some time to think/pray/decide what kind of vehicle to buy. I'm just thankful not to have to make a big financial decision under pressure. And can I just tell you how much I abhor car payments? I'm reeling from sticker shock on new car prices. Wow.



3. We're going to be traveling for Thanksgiving. My cousin is getting married the Saturday after turkey day and we're going a little early to spend some time with my dad's family.

I'm not excited about the long drive, but I am excited that all of my cousins (except one) AND their children will be there. That might not happen again for a very long time.

I also think it will be good for me/us to spend this holiday with my dad's sisters and brother. I realized not long ago that I've been very self-focused in my grief. I know how losing my dad affects me but I never really thought much about how my dad's siblings might be coping. I think being all together will help lighten the heaviness we all feel. And weddings in my family are very FUN!



4. Thanksgiving is in THREE weeks. Does that freak any of you out too?



5. I saved close to $70 in COUPONS yesterday. I got so many things for free or mostly free. Makes me so happy. It took a lot of time and planning, but $70 is a huge payoff.


6. I just want to tell you how much I'm loving this countertop spray. It makes my kitchen smell like Christmas. I'm going to buy more next time I'm at Target. I need enough to last me all year long. I sometimes just unscrew the top of the spray to smell it. It's that good.


7. I'm sure I could come up with more things for my list, but I have a few things I need to tackle. Happy Wednesday everyone.

14 comments:

Lauren said...

I love lists and love you, Mere :) :)

Stephanie Kay said...

I hear ya on sticker shock!!

We also drive our vehicles until they die. In 12.5 years of marriage we've owned 3 vehicles. The first one we bought a couple of months after our wedding (and gave my parents back their clunker). That one was on it's last leg when we upgraded to a minivan.

Now Joel's truck (a '96 GMC) is looking like it will die in another year or so. He likes his truck but something with better gas mileage might be in his future. :)

Kendra said...

New car payments stink. That's why we buy used and rebuilds! I got my 06 Chrysler Town and Country van for 1/3 what it would cost used because it's a rebuild. It's the only way to drive! Gotta guy in Jonesboro who could hook you up!

Amber said...

I'm so impressed with you and your couponing!! That's awesome. I so wish we could do that in Arkadelphia...but the stores aren't very cooperative.

And ugh! on the car situation. Hope y'all find an amazing deal on something and that it will be perfect.

Gretchen said...

Glad the car is limping along for a little longer. Also, glad for your visit back home. I know it can be challenging to travel around the holidays, but the memories and the wedding will be great.

Your lists and mad home caring skilz always inspire me, my friend.

Gretchen said...

Love the costumes! So cute!
Wow. Thanksgiving is only 3 weeks away? What happened to this year???

Unknown said...

THREE WEEEKS!!!!!

(deep breath)

Actually, T day will be relatively easy for me, but still the sooner turkey day comes means Christmas is coming!

I'm excited about the wedding. It will give you something to look forward to when the waves of grief come.

Jill said...

This born-and-raised IOWA girl will have to go get that counter spray ASAP. Can't beat a smell that's good and reminds you of home, too!

Carpool Queen said...

About #7 - have you called my gynecologist yet?

Haaaaaahaaaaahaaaaaa!

mrs shortcake said...

#6 - I love mrs meyer's clean day - I am SO going to check that out! Thanks!

petrii said...

Oh my good Gracious Meredith ~~ $70.00 ~~ I am very impressed. You need to come right on over to MO and teach me how to do that. I'll make you a hot chocolate =)

Have a Blessed evening,
Dawn

2cats said...

I have never heard of Mrs.Meyers but will have to check it out. I like things that smell good. I have a candle on the table next to me. It actually smells better not being burnt.
New car payments have to be the pits. Not just that but the insurance. I just hope the car lasts until he gets to where he needs to be.

Kecia said...

1.I'm beginning to enjoy my neighborhood, too!
2. Car payments-yuck. I prayed for you.
3. I think T-giving with your Dad's family is a great idea. I'll be praying for you then, too.
4. YES
5. $70!!!? That's amazing. I'm ecstatic when I get out of single digits.
6. Wish my computer had scratch & sniff
7. :)

Jennifer said...

I didn't know Target had Ms. Meyer's products! How cool! I saw them online and my SIL had a great smelling one. I wanted some but didn't want to pay shipping! So very cool! Next time I'm at Target I will look for it! :)

Thanks!