confession: i'm drinking the coupon kool-aid and loving it!

It's true. I have plunged into the depths of the couponing underworld. It's...it's...it's a phase for now and I'm enjoying it while it's fun. Thanks so Jenny at A Latte Talk for inspiring me.

Are there any fellow coupon lovers out there? Here's a test for you:

FIVE SIGNS YOU MIGHT BE OBSESSED WITH COUPON DEALS

1. Much of Friday you think, "Just ONE more day before I can get the early edition of the Sunday paper!"

2. Every time your two-year-old sees a scrap of paper, she says, "Yook Mama, a pookon."

3. You have a minimum of 10 boxes of cereal...which you either got for free or got for mere tuppence!

4. You're more inclined to take pictures of your groceries than your children.

5. You are unashamedly talking about the pleasures of couponing on your blog...or you abandon your blog altogether for the joy of clipping and grocery shopping.

What else???

what was a brain dump became a school update

1. Howdy peeps! When I haven't written a post in awhile I get the same feeling as when I miss church. I come back and think, "Where have you all been??" oh. that's right. I was the one who was gone. yep. That's how I feel right now.

2. It's official. Summer is over. In Minneapolis, they shut down the pools BEFORE Labor Day. Oh, and just so you know, they open them WEEKS AFTER Memorial Day. I would have grumbled and complained about this, but for the fact that it wasn't even hot enough to actually go swimming. Speaking of cool weather, I saw some Canadian Geese in a V-formation flying south today and felt like an idiot for living here. But, really...I do love it.

3. Actually, I REALLY love it here. Even though we're politically in the minority, I feel like I fit here more than I've ever fit anywhere in my life. Have I ever told you that I get teary-eyed when I see the skyline after I've been out of town? It really feels like home in this frozen tundra.

4. Oh yeah...back to my original (although not even touched on!) point from #2. Summer is over... in terms of school! The boys are in school. And guess what?! We're all pretty happy with it. Did I tell you we switched schools? Did I tell you that we were going to homeschool? No? Here's the story:

For various reasons, in February of this year, we felt like it was time for a change of school. As I had done for the last two years, I applied hopelessly for the charter school of my dreams. Kids get in based on a lottery system. (But, once they're in, they're in. It seems obvious to me, but it's a common question.) So, we revisited the home school possibility. After reading some helpful books and having some really insightful conversations, we decided "YES!" home schooling is the way to go! But, dun-duh-duhhhhn!!!! The next day we were VERY surprised to find out that Baby Scheetz #4 existed. I waffled back and forth for a month about the home schooling decision. I know other people do this newborn/homeschool thing with success. They are amazing. But, I couldn't...and I found out eventually that I didn't have to because, BOTH BOYS GOT INTO THE SCHOOL BY LOTTERY (aka God's sovereign will!)!!!! So. As you might have figured out, this was a HUGE relief. Did I mention that our great friends and neighbors attend the same school? Yeah. That's right: instant carpool! And, did I mention that MANY families from my church attend this PUBLIC school? Yep. It's awesome. Public school. Classical Education. Lots of Christian families. Uniforms. And, after one week, my first grader is talking about the Fertile Crescent. And my third grader is taking Latin. I'm in love.

4. Dang. That was long. I'll do you a favor and stop writing. But first, I'll leave you with a few pictures. I hope to have part deux posted soon!



I said, "I know it's bright...just close your eyes and on the count of three open your eyes." And then this is what my boys did. See Corene? Yep. She opened her eyes. Now, look at what Avery and Miles did (or did not!). I was pretty convinced I did something this past Summer to make my boys stupid. (stop with your, awww...don't say that...look at the picture. they look d-u-m, dumb.)



That's my boy. My little man. The first one who called me Mama. I just love him!!!



Here's a sweet one. I love, love, love uniforms. They're just so adorable!!!

lines of hymns (modern and ancient) that get me...every time.

There are certain lines that put a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes every time I hear or sing them. Here's just five of my most favorite lines of hymns which brought tears even now as I typed them. What are your favorites?


1. "When Satan tempts me to despair, and tells me of the guilt within;
Upward I look and see Him there, Who made an end of all my sin."
from Before the Throne of God


2. "When through the deep waters I call you to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow.
For I will be with you, your troubles to bless,
And sanctify to you thy deepest distress."
from How Firm a Foundation
(actually, I love cry through every word of this hymn)


3. "Jesus paid it all"
from Jesus Paid it All


4. "My chains fell off, my heart was free
I rose, walked forth and followed thee"
from And Can It Be?


5. "I will weep when you are weeping.
When you laugh, I'll laugh with you.
I will share your joy and sorrow
Till we've seen this journey through."
from The Servant Song
(this really got me last time...the commitment to be there emotionally for our brothers and sisters in Christ...not to push them through, but to share in the joy and sorrow until the end!)

a shout out to the two psycho old ladies we encountered today

1. Dear Crazy Lady from Target,

Thank you for sufficiently freaking out my children today. When you approached me with your hands clenched claiming, "I've been a good girl...please give me a couple dollars," my eldest son's heart was racing and he got a "tingly feeling" up his spine. Way to go! It's commendable that you don't discriminate against ridiculously pregnant women accompanied by three young children with two shopping lists in hand. sweet.

2. Dear White-Haired Lady Buying 4 Loaves of White Bread And a Wedge White of Cheese,

I assure you (AGAIN) that I did not see the "15 items or less" sign. But, I do appreciate you making a nasty comment and rolling your eyes at me several times. Also, I think it's swell that you watched me unload my cart and also waited for the cashier to begin scanning my items before mentioning my error. That was good, because at that point, I COULD DO NOTHING TO REMEDY THE SITUATION. It's a wonder how a woman who can HARDLY maneuver her body through the check-out lane with three children, could miss a sign that the cashier kindly admitted was often missed! But, you're right: I did have more than 15 items. You are right.