Good Morning, Everyone!
At least, it is my morning. It is 3:15 AM. Everyone is all tucked in their bed with visions of tomorrow's snack in their heads. My big family is food driven. "Want to go out and play? Straighten up your room." "Want a snack after school? Make up your bed." "Want dessert after dinner? Go take out the trash and garbage."
Now, these tactics only work on what we call "The Conway 5" or "The Little Kids". These are the children 10 years old and younger (10, 9, 8, 6, and 5 years old). The 5 teenagers (12, 13, 14, 15, & 18) are not really motivated to do anything unless we take their phones. The oldest two are away in school. One is in college (Geneva College) and the other in boarding school (The Kiski School).
I rule the wee hours of the morning. It is during this time that I plan the monthly meal menus, do the bi-weekly shopping list, scour facebook pages, blogs, and videos of other large families for ideas. Specifically, taming the laundry beast, wrangling the clutter monster, ways to add more hours to my day, and of course, cooking good & tasty meals for my large family. This is also the time I get to write my couponing tips to you all and just chill.
I do plan to start doing my videos again. Several of you asked me to send the link to my youtube videos. Here's how you find my 100+ video posts from the last 3 or 4 years. Click this link: YouTube.com and then type "redbeelips" or "ShaRon Lewis-Conway" in the search field at the top of the page. That will bring up all my videos. I am planning to refine my youtube channel and get it more organized. I will have to do that on one of my late night/early morning sessions. My house is just too busy during the day to make any videos. From 3 PM to 6 PM, my house has to be one of the busiest homes in Maryland! That's when the kids start coming home from school. For those three hours, it is nonstop chatter and busy-ness!
I try my very best to have dinner all prepared and snacks made before that first school bus comes. Most days, I do but some days, I don't. When that happens, I have to finish dinner preparation, fix snacks, hear the trials and tribulations of all eight kids, help with homework and projects, give extra hugs to the needy, and do whatever else needs MiMi's attention all at once. WHEW! But, this is what keeps me active and alert. I highly recommend it!
I do plan to start doing my videos again. Several of you asked me to send the link to my youtube videos. Here's how you find my 100+ video posts from the last 3 or 4 years. Click this link: YouTube.com and then type "redbeelips" or "ShaRon Lewis-Conway" in the search field at the top of the page. That will bring up all my videos. I am planning to refine my youtube channel and get it more organized. I will have to do that on one of my late night/early morning sessions. My house is just too busy during the day to make any videos. From 3 PM to 6 PM, my house has to be one of the busiest homes in Maryland! That's when the kids start coming home from school. For those three hours, it is nonstop chatter and busy-ness!
I try my very best to have dinner all prepared and snacks made before that first school bus comes. Most days, I do but some days, I don't. When that happens, I have to finish dinner preparation, fix snacks, hear the trials and tribulations of all eight kids, help with homework and projects, give extra hugs to the needy, and do whatever else needs MiMi's attention all at once. WHEW! But, this is what keeps me active and alert. I highly recommend it!
Thankfully, I don't have to get up to get the kids off to school. That task is handled by their father. Every morning (starting at 5:45 AM), he gets 8 kids up, dressed, hair combed or flat-ironed, breakfast done, and out the door. Most mornings, I don't even hear them. Please, know that my grandkids are not perfect, by any means. They are children and they act exactly like children (and teenagers) every chance they get.
On to the good stuff, three (3) inserts this weekend with some really great coupons. http://www.livingrichwithcoupons.com/sunday-couposn-preview
Look for sales on fresh fruits and veggies as the produce shipments start arriving in mass from the southern growers. If you or your spouse is a veteran, shopping at Lowes will net you a 5% discount off your total purchase every day of the week. Just show your id card.
Most stores near armed forces installations give discounts to active or retired military and Department of Defense employees and retirees. You will generally need an ID card. I got a new phone this week and asked for a discount on my AT&T phone bill. They told me that I could get a 15% discount off my monthly bill with my AARP card. I am going back this afternoon. That will be a $45 per month discount for me! Bottom line, just ask.
Most stores near armed forces installations give discounts to active or retired military and Department of Defense employees and retirees. You will generally need an ID card. I got a new phone this week and asked for a discount on my AT&T phone bill. They told me that I could get a 15% discount off my monthly bill with my AARP card. I am going back this afternoon. That will be a $45 per month discount for me! Bottom line, just ask.
That's it for now. Time for me to go to bed. It is now 4:37 AM :o)
Happy Couponing!
ShaRon :o)
John 21:18
John 21:18
