Pages


jawanmcginnis (at) yahoo (dot) com

search box


Google This blog

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Chillin' like a villain

Just got back this afternoon from the ladies overnight retreat,
and it was.....D-E-L-I-G-H-T-F-U-L!

I only wish we could have stayed one more night! I simply loved sitting around with good friends as we chatted over a delicious meal, laughed as we stuffed our face with brownie-ala-mode, and later sipped on coffee (I think I have a tummy ache!). The fact that it rained the entire time we were there made it all the more cozy and intimate. We had no agenda but to have great conversation and relax. It was like a slumber party since we all sat around in our PJs and all stayed under one roof. The first person went to bed at 9:30 and the last two people went to bed at 2:00 a.m. Bet you can't guess who stayed up the latest!



After checking out of our chalet, we ate a light lunch together and then roamed around the quaint downtown area, perusing the antique stores. It seems that all those who went are already ready for another mountain retreat, so I guess I should look to book another one of these things in the fall, huh? Anyone with me?

You know, this time reminded me of the value and importance of relationships. I crave time with other women and I enjoy hearing their stories of praise and praying with them through pain. It's nice to share your heart with those who honestly care, knowing that they'll lift you up in prayer. Although our conversations were edifying and pure, we did spend some time dishing out our opinions on our favorite actors and movies. Nothing will change my mind...I still hate Napoleon Dynamite, so bite me!

I truly feel that it is through relationships that God is most glorified...it was God's relationship with his own son that brought the Father the most glory. I really am undeserving of any good gift the Lord gives, but it brings me great joy to know that He delights in giving me friends.

FYI.....
Chillin' like a villain = Completely over-glorified way of saying "relaxing at home". It does, however, point out that criminals probably sit around doing nothing pretty much the same way everybody else does. (www.urbandictionary.com)
Hmmmmm......

Friday, February 27, 2009

* Giggle Giggle *


Another free panty...this time from The Express.

Click here to print your coupon for a free pair. Offer good until March 1, so hurry to the mall!

I hear you snickering, Leslie P.

It Won't Be Like This For Long

Yesterday afternoon, while sitting together outside in the breeze, Andrew said, "Mama, put your arm around me".

Today, after waking up early from his afternoon nap, Luke said, "Mommy, hold me. I sick."

While driving on a quick errand run this morning, I listened to Abigail sing "The Wheels on the Bus" while making the hand motions.

I'm not a huge country music fan (unless it's Martina McBride or Sugarland on the radio), but I like this song....not to mention that I've always liked to say the word Hootie (and the Blowfish).



He didn't have to wake up
He'd been up all nite
Lay'n there in bed listen'n
To his new born baby cry
He makes a pot of coffee
He splashes water on his face
His wife gives him a kiss and says
It gonna be OK

It wont be like this for long
One day soon we'll look back laugh'n
At the week we brought her home
This phase is gonna fly by
So baby just hold on
It won't be like this for long

Four years later bout four thirty
She's crawling in their bed
And when he drops her off at preschool
She's clinging to his leg
The teacher peels her off of him
He says what can I do
She says now don't you worry
This will only last a week or two

It wont be like this for long
One day soon we'll drop her off
And she wont even know you're gone
This phase is gonna fly by
If you can just hold on
It wont be like this for long

One day soon she'll be a teenager
And at times you'll think she hates him
Then he'll walk her down the aisle
And he'll raise her veil
But right now she up and cry'n
And the truth is that he don't mind
As he kisses her good night
And she says her prayers
He lays down there beside her
Till her eyes are finally closed
And just watch'n her it breaks his heart
Cause he already knows
It wont be like this for long
One day soon that little girl is gonna be
All grown up and gone
Yeah this phase is gonna fly by
He's try'n to hold on
It wont be like this for long
It wont be like this for long

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Fun with the boys

We spent two hours outside yesterday afternoon. The weather was beautiful! We managed to hit the tennis ball, demolish an abandoned ant hill, climb a few fences, roll around in the grass, and snack on some goldfish while we played. FUN!

Posted by Picasa

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

I'm gonna push it again

I've already posted about this before but I only have two days left to sell them. If Andrew sells five then he gets the fifth one free so I really want to try to sell, sell, sell. So far, he's sold two. Do we have any takers that want to help out our school? Anyone....Bueller....anyone?

Read below for the details:

As a spring fundraiser for Andrew's school, he is selling a local coupon book (Columbus & Phenix City area only) for a cost of $25 (insert gulp here). When he came home with it, I was taken back at the selling price....but then I began flipping through it and realized it truly is a great deal!

If you'd like to purchase a copy, you can contact myself or Andrew. Click on the image below for a larger view. Some of the savings are listed below.

Posted by Picasa

1. Firestone:
One free oil change, $10 off oil change, $20 off tire rotation, $20 off brake service

2. McDonald's:
BOGO sandwich, BOGO b'fast biscuits, free cookie, free snack wrap (6 coupons)

3. Sonic: WITH PURCHASE - free burgers and coneys (12 coupons)

4. Texas Roadhouse: free appetizer of your choice with purchase of an entree (12 coupons)

5. Fuddruckers: free appetizer / free milkshake with purchase of an entree (6 coupons)

6. Steak & Shake: free milkshake with purchase (6 coupons)

7. Marco's Pizza: free medium cheese pizza with purchase of a large (6 coupons)

8. Little Ceasars: Free drink/crazy bread with purchase (6 coupons)

9. Hungry Howie's: free large pizza with purhase (6 coupons)

10. Johnny Carino's: Free entree with purchase of one entree, free kid's meal with purchase, & free appetizer with purchase. (4 coupons)

11. Subway: Free sub with purchase of a sub. (4 coupons)

12. Willy T's: WITH PURCHASE - free snack, free plate, free drink, $2 off wings, 10% off total purchase (6 coupons)

13. Stevi B's: free child's buffet with purchase of adult entree (4 coupons)

14. Outback Steakhouse: free bloomin onion with purchase of two entrees (2 coupons)

15. Huddle House: free breakfast with purchase of equal breakfast (4 coupons)

16. Johnny's New York Style Pizza: free appetizer with purchse of two dinners OR large pizza. (4 coupons)

17. sbarro: free slice of pizza with purchase of one slice and drink. (2 coupons)

18. Mike & Ed's BBQ: free sandwich with purchase of a sandwich (4 coupons)

19. Auntie Anne's: free order of pretzel stix with equal order. (4 coupons)

20. Tropical Smoothie Cafe: 50% off purchase, free wrap with equal purchase, free drink with purchase, BOGO any menu item. (4 coupons)

21. Marble Slab Creamery: free waffle cone with equal purchase (4 coupons)

22. Smoothie King: BOGO smoothie (4 coupons)

23. Bruster's Ice Cream: Free single waffle cone with equal purchase (4 coupons)

24. TCBY: BOGO waffle cone, $2 off cakes/pies (4 coupons)

25. Continental Cleaners: $10 off drycleaning (4 coupons)

26. AMF Lanes: Buy three bowling games and get three free (12 coupons)

27. Bull Creek Golf Course: BOGO greens fee (12 coupons)

28. Columbus Cottonmouths hockey: BOGO adult admission, $20 off b'day package, $5 off merchandise order (12 coupons)

29. Oxbow Creek Golf Course: BOGO greens free

30. Movie Gallery: BOGO video/game rental

31. Dick's: $10 off $50 purchase (6 coupons)

32. Monkey Joe's: BOGO admission (2 coupons)

33. Six Flags Over Georgia: $10 off admission price (6 coupons)

34. Six Flags White Water: $7 off admission (2 coupons)

35. Atlanta Braves baseball: BOGO game ticket, valid for seats $12-$32 (4 coupons)

36. There are several coupons included for other local establishments such as Zoo City, Alamo, Enterprise, vacations direct, Grand National, Jumpin' Jax, Columbus Lions, Great Clips, Ann's Porch, Fountain City Coffee, The Coffee Beanery, Jumpin' Java, Los Amigos, BUffet City, The Cantina, Blimpie, Deli Central, Picasso's Pizza, and The Sports Page.

Wordless Wednesday

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Andrew Jumping and Flipping

Luke singing Amazing Grace

The original hymn version:



The new Chris Tomlin chorus (lyrics below):




My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing grace

Gettin' ready

Looks like Luke is getting ready for his turn at playing some B'ball.

Basketball has come to an end

The basketball season has come to an end for Andrew (just wait til next year!). He enjoyed dribbling and shooting the ball. He is ready to start baseball in a few weeks. Let me catch my breath.



Monday, February 23, 2009

1st cousins

Thanks for letting her come over to play, Valerie!

RedBox Code today only

Use this code before midnight tonight to get one free rental.

S39XKT

Local Redbox machines are at Walmart and Walgreens.

Just one more time

I know I've already posted this picture this week but I wanted to show it again to my mom, who will enjoy it the second time even more.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Cousins


We’re from the same shoot,
The same family tree,
Into this world we sprouted
Call it destiny!
It’s cousin to cousin
A special thing
A closeness to which we’re tied,
And you’ve always been there
To laugh with me
Or even when I’ve cried.
Anyway I think it’s fantastic
That you were meant to be
A part of my life, my cousin,
You’ll always be special to me!

Saturday, February 21, 2009

O, Love That Will Not Let Me Go

I was exposed to the newer arrangement of this hymn after becoming a Presbyterian but I love the original version and think no one sings it better than David Phelps.



Here's the arrangement I first heard, learned, and still sing in church to this day (by Indelible Grace, Matthew Smith).

Just some photos from our day

When Dad got home from work, we all ventured outside to play
(It's cold! What were we thinking?!?!?!?!).


Luke loves the camera, can't you tell?


I'm hoping this means there's a major win in her future.


I am still amazed that this little man hopped on his first bike at age 2 1/2 and took the training wheels off at age 3 1/2. Now, at age 4, he has a newer and bigger bike. I can't get him off of it.

For the love of a toy

The pound a ball toy, by Parents, is one of the best toys we've ever owned. Each child has enjoyed large chunks of time playing with this thing. I plan on keeping this toy for my grandchildren to enjoy one day!

Posted by Picasa

Friday, February 20, 2009

Possible first sewing project

My mother gave me a sewing machine as a Christmas present. I hate that I've waited so long to open it so I wanted to let her know that I am going to attempt to overcome my sewing inadequacy and begin a project (or two).

I see so many cute things on various blogs that I want to try such as this crayon caddy, placemat clutch, coffee coozy, and these pillows....oh, how 'bout this lovely purse?!!?!?!? I thought about going the clothing route (and I probably will make a few things for Abigail soon) first but I need to start small and get the hang of sewing. I would love to take a beginner's class so I'll be checking out the local shop for those details; however, I think I can manage a straight line. Once I figure out how to thread the machine and keep the thread from tangling on the base, I'll get started.

What's my first project? I wanna make two field bags for the boys. Why this project first?

1. ...we have several pairs of pants that are too small for each of the boys. Not to mention that the pants have seen their last days as clothing. There's no use in saving them for another baby to wear at this point. BUT, they still have enough UMPH in them to be recycled and function as a bag.

2. ...half the sewing is already done due to the seams of the pants. This is my favorite reason.
Thanks to White Oak School (Camp Creek) for this idea!

40% off OLD NAVY


Click here for a 40% off OLD NAVY coupon, good only from Feb. 20-26 (that's seven whole days!). Print it multiple times!

20 free prints WALGREENS today only (2/20)! ONLINE only


You can get 20 free prints today at walgreens.com!
Notice this is an online special only.
Use coupon code ONEDAY at checkout.

Click here for the proof.

See you there!

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Three views

My three watching a bulldozer haul away dirt in a friend's backyard.

RedBox at Walgreens!


I rode by the nearest Walgreens today and guess what I saw???????.....a RedBox machine! I am so excited that I don't have to venture all the way to Walmart and walk inside anymore. The Walgreens machine is located at the Veterans Pkwy location and sits outside near the entrance. Also, every once in a while, RedBox releases random free rental promo codes exclusive to only Walgreens machines. It's good to know that any DVD I rent can be returned to any RedBox location, too.

Now I need to figure out when I'm gonna watch all those future free movies.

Excuse me, 'mam

These two like to race their cars in the kitchen....especially when I'm trying to cook. And...ah, yes....look at my nasty dirty floor. That's normal around here!

Her first ponytail

So cute!

 
Posted by Picasa

Fundraiser coupon book

As a spring fundraiser for Andrew's school, he is selling a local coupon book (Columbus & Phenix City area only) for a cost of $25 (insert gulp here). When he came home with it, I was taken back at the selling price....but then I began flipping through it and realized it truly is a great deal!

If you'd like to purchase a copy, you can contact myself or Andrew. Click on the image below for a larger view. Some of the savings are listed below.

Posted by Picasa

1. Firestone:
One free oil change, $10 off oil change, $20 off tire rotation, $20 off brake service

2. McDonald's:
BOGO sandwich, BOGO b'fast biscuits, free cookie, free snack wrap (6 coupons)

3. Sonic: WITH PURCHASE - free burgers and coneys (12 coupons)

4. Texas Roadhouse: free appetizer of your choice with purchase of an entree (12 coupons)

5. Fuddruckers: free appetizer / free milkshake with purchase of an entree (6 coupons)

6. Steak & Shake: free milkshake with purchase (6 coupons)

7. Marco's Pizza: free medium cheese pizza with purchase of a large (6 coupons)

8. Little Ceasars: Free drink/crazy bread with purchase (6 coupons)

9. Hungry Howie's: free large pizza with purhase (6 coupons)

10. Johnny Carino's: Free entree with purchase of one entree, free kid's meal with purchase, & free appetizer with purchase. (4 coupons)

11. Subway: Free sub with purchase of a sub. (4 coupons)

12. Willy T's: WITH PURCHASE - free snack, free plate, free drink, $2 off wings, 10% off total purchase (6 coupons)

13. Stevi B's: free child's buffet with purchase of adult entree (4 coupons)

14. Outback Steakhouse: free bloomin onion with purchase of two entrees (2 coupons)

15. Huddle House: free breakfast with purchase of equal breakfast (4 coupons)

16. Johnny's New York Style Pizza: free appetizer with purchse of two dinners OR large pizza. (4 coupons)

17. sbarro: free slice of pizza with purchase of one slice and drink. (2 coupons)

18. Mike & Ed's BBQ: free sandwich with purchase of a sandwich (4 coupons)

19. Auntie Anne's: free order of pretzel stix with equal order. (4 coupons)

20. Tropical Smoothie Cafe: 50% off purchase, free wrap with equal purchase, free drink with purchase, BOGO any menu item. (4 coupons)

21. Marble Slab Creamery: free waffle cone with equal purchase (4 coupons)

22. Smoothie King: BOGO smoothie (4 coupons)

23. Bruster's Ice Cream: Free single waffle cone with equal purchase (4 coupons)

24. TCBY: BOGO waffle cone, $2 off cakes/pies (4 coupons)

25. Continental Cleaners: $10 off drycleaning (4 coupons)

26. AMF Lanes: Buy three bowling games and get three free (12 coupons)

27. Bull Creek Golf Course: BOGO greens fee (12 coupons)

28. Columbus Cottonmouths hockey: BOGO adult admission, $20 off b'day package, $5 off merchandise order (12 coupons)

29. Oxbow Creek Golf Course: BOGO greens free

30. Movie Gallery: BOGO video/game rental

31. Dick's: $10 off $50 purchase (6 coupons)

32. Monkey Joe's: BOGO admission (2 coupons)

33. Six Flags Over Georgia: $10 off admission price (6 coupons)

34. Six Flags White Water: $7 off admission (2 coupons)

35. Atlanta Braves baseball: BOGO game ticket, valid for seats $12-$32 (4 coupons)

36. There are several coupons included for other local establishments such as Zoo City, Alamo, Enterprise, vacations direct, Grand National, Jumpin' Jax, Columbus Lions, Great Clips, Ann's Porch, Fountain City Coffee, The Coffee Beanery, Jumpin' Java, Los Amigos, BUffet City, The Cantina, Blimpie, Deli Central, Picasso's Pizza, and The Sports Page.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Hey, Dawn!

This commercial made me pee my pants.

Publix BOGO deals this week


Thanks Fiddledeedee for this information.

Here are this week's BOGO deals at Publix! Click on a link to see that item in more detail.

Valentines Day snapshots

Just a few shots from our Valentines Day celebrations at Andrew's school, Luke's class party, and at MeMe and Pop's house where the kids received cards and candy galore!

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Engaged

My 33 year old brother is engaged.
We love his fiance`.
They are set to get married this summer.
I love a short engagement.
It doesn't take long to plan a wedding.
She wants a small shin-dig.
That makes me like her even more.
She just found her dress this week.
My brother is head-over-heels in love.
It will be weird to see him as a husband.
I'll get used to it....and I'm glad for it.

BOGO TGI Friday's

Here is a buy one get one free entree coupon at TGI Friday's that expires March 1. Go on that date with your spouse...and hurry!

Ant farm



MeMe gave Andrew an ant farm for Christmas. We wrote a check and sent it off in the mail back in December to request our live ants. The ants arrived last week and the ant farm has been a huge hit. Already, the ants have dug a complete tunnel. They have three more starter holes but don't seem to be in as big a hurry to dig as we are to watch them.


Monday, February 16, 2009

Always together

Once again, I bring you ANOTHER picture of Luke and his future wife, AC. Of course, these two don't know that their parents are already schemin' and dreamin'.

Vocabulary word of the day

I have a friend who is quite intelligent when it comes to the English language. She introduces new vocabulary to me in almost every conversation we have - whether it be verbal or through email or IM. For example, just today she used a word in our IM conversation that I didn't know, so I had to go to dictionary.com to get the definition. Yes, most of the time I can figure out what the word means depending on the context....but she stumps me quite often!

So, the vocabulary word of the day, thanks to Coralie (and dictionary.com), is:

DIATRIBE


noun
a bitter, sharply abusive denunciation, attack, or criticism:
A bitter, abusive denunciation.

Word History: Listening to a lengthy diatribe may seem like a waste of time, an attitude for which there is some etymological justification. The Greek word diatribē, the ultimate source of our word, is derived from the verb diatrībein, made up of the prefix dia-, "completely," and trībein, "to rub," "to wear away, spend, or waste time," "to be busy." The verb diatrībein meant "to rub hard," "to spend or waste time," and the noun diatribē meant "wearing away of time, amusement, serious occupation, study," as well as "discourse, short ethical treatise or lecture, debate, argument." It is the serious occupation of time in discourse, lecture, and debate that gave us the first use of diatribe recorded in English (1581), in the now archaic sense "discourse, critical dissertation." The critical element of this kind of diatribe must often have been uppermost, explaining the origin of the current sense of diatribe, "a bitter criticism."


Let me clear things up to say that she wasn't using this word in any way other than in titling her own words to me through her IM.

RedBox Code today only

Here's today's RedBox code, good til midnight tonight. Make sure you return your movie to any RedBox location before 9pm tomorrow night. If you need more information about how RedBox works, you can read my previous detailed description.

M7DM23

Ducky

My college roommate, Heather, gave this cute plush duck to my children many years ago. My boys never really got attached to it but my sweet little girl certainly has. She doesn't normally carry it around everywhere with her as these pictures might portray, but we were out of town this weekend so we made sure to take Ducky everywhere since most days away from home were unfamiliar to her. She usually only likes to sleep with Ducky.

Anyhow, I caught her lovin' on her favorite lovey and taking a snooze with him in her car seat. I think Ducky loves Abigail about as much as she loves him.


Saturday, February 14, 2009

Visiting

We've been in the Birmingham area for two days now and we're having a blast. I love this city. So many fun and wonderful memories were made in this town. It's where Mitch and I met, fell in love, and went to our first church together. It's also where Mitch took his first job out of seminary.

So, we are here for three full days to enjoy the relationships God blessed us with while living here. We spent most of our first day visiting friends from college and OMPC. Today, the second day, was spent watching Mitch team up with past and present CPC staff for a basketball tournament, eating lunch with friends, dinner with the Body, and then a talent show afterwards. Tomorrow will be corporate worship, lunch with the congregation, and then a long-overdue nap for us all.

All this to say, as much fun as we are having here, we certainly miss our church family back home and can't wait to get back and see them!

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Peanut Product Recall List


If you've been worried about what's in your cabinet or in your grocery cart, here's the Peanut Product Recall List. The best way to find a specific item on this lengthy detailed list is to hit "Control F" and type in the brand name, etc.

33 Marriage facts

I'm going to copy Becky and list my answers to 33 questions regarding my marriage to Mitch.

1. What are your middle names? Anthony & Sons (makes for a good business)

2. How long have you been together? 10 years

3. How long did you know each other before you started dating? We met in March, got engaged in June, and married in October...all taking place in 1999.

4. Who asked who out? He asked me out (see #24).

5. How old were each of you? I was 24 and he was 28.

6. Whose siblings do/ did you see the most? His

7. Do you have any children together? 3

8. What about pets? one Beta fish, two hermit crabs, and an ant farm. We had a cat when we were childless but he's no longer around.

9. Which situation is the hardest on you as a couple? Finances

10. Did you go to the same school? No

11. Are you from the same home town? No....but we are from the same state (Georgia).

12. Who is smarter? He is.

13. Who is more sensitive? Me

14. Where do you eat out most as a couple? sub shops

15. Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple? Cozumel, Mexico (no, that was not for our honeymoon.)

16. Who has the craziest exes? we both have had some pretty normal ex-girlfriends/boyfriends

17. Who has the worse temper? Him (don't be made at me, Honey!)

18. Who does the cooking? Me

19. Who is more social? MEEEEEEE

20. Who is the neat-freak? Neither one of us.

21. Who is the more stubborn? Me

22. Who hogs the bed? Him

23. Who wakes up earlier? Me

24. Where was your first date? Gosh, what a controversy. I would say it was at Burt's On the Bluff in Birmingham, AL, but he would beg to differ. It's a long story.....

25. Who has the bigger family? Me

26. Do you get flowers often? my kids pick the ones in the yard and bring them to me.

27. How do you spend the holidays? Usually at home or at my mother's house.

28. Who is more jealous? (seriously???????)

29. How long did it take to get serious? One month.

30. Who eats more? Me, but Mitch can chow down and finish a family size bag of Lay's Original Chips in a heartbeat, while never looking up.

31. Who does the laundry? Me

32. Who’s better with the computer? Him

33. Who drives when you are together? Mitch always drives unless I'm picking him up or dropping him off somewhere.

A sure thing

Abigail is a sure thing. She's ALWAYS wanted to be a lioness.

"Oh, where is that shade tree? It's time for my nap."

He's got his mind made up

One brother may not have made up his mind, but Andrew's answer to, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" has always been, "A policeman!".

I don't think Luke is too happy about that. Seems that all he's missing is his white wife beater shirt. Going shirtless really makes no difference, huh? That facial expression is priceless! Looks like Andrew has met his quota...he's all smiles.

Can't make up his mind

What do you want to be when you grow up, Luke?

Hmmmm....maybe a doctor?
Arg, do I look good as a pirate?
Better yet, how 'bout a firefighter?
No, a wild monkey!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Free downloads

You can find a lot of free girl-y downloads at Living Locurto.

Everything from:
valentines
thank you cards
recipe cards
birthday invites
email cards
enclosures
vintage paper
candy wrappers
TO DO lists
graphic wallpaper
inventory pages
scrapbook paper
blog backgrounds
note cards
scavenger hunt lists
paper crafts
...and anything else for any holiday.

They are so cute!

Filler' Up!

Mommy Snacks has just the thing for you if you're running a little empty today. Lots of good stuff!

TV time & "Water Dude"

The kids don't get a lot of "TV time" during the day....but when they do, they take full advantage of it.


Is that sliver of hair and splash of freckles not the cutest?