We will be using a larger font here at the Blue Hutch so as to better accomodate our readers with visual challenges.  Hope it helps!

Journaling has been a part of my life since I was twelve. I seriously have a huge Rubbermaid tub FULL of cute little books that I have filled over the years with my deepest thoughts (He’s so cute) and spiritual journey (daily quiet times, etc.) It is hilarious to read back through some and challenging to look at others. Point is that I value journaling because I am a verbal processor and over the years my journals have been friends that have helped me work through many a thing.

This past summer Little and I kept a journal together. She loved it! Every night we would sit down on her bed and she would answer questions I asked her about her day. I was doing it as a speech therapy and processing therapy activity but she just knew it was fun. Yesterday she went on a field trip at school (they went to Uno’s and learned how they make pizzas – then she got to make her own) and when she got home she told me, “We can write about it in my journal.” At Target last week I turned around to see she was holding a pretty pink and brown book. Her comment, “This can be my next journal.”

She just can’t write. She has terrible muscle control in her hands.   Can you imagine a life of writing in your daughter’s journal for her? Dude.

I digress.

Yesterday I got a package in the mail. I don’t know what I did to deserve it, but my friend Jawan sent me a precious journal she made for me.

Isn’t it darling? I was sitting on the back porch planning how I was going to use it for a Bible study I just started this week (on Hebrews and it’s going to be SO good) and in walks Little. Her eyes lit up. Her pace quickened. Before I could stop her she reached out and clasped my new journal and said, “Mommy! Did you get me a new journal?”

Think she’s hooked?

Oh and, yes, I am the heartless mommy who did tell her no it was NOT her new journal but that we would get her one when her’s was full.

Thank you, Jawan, for the precious gift.  I really love it.  You know me well!

By doing my grocery shopping on Thursday, I automatically save $10 at our local Shop-n-Save. Because I bought an Entertainment book that goes up to an instant $15 due to the included coupons ($5 off $50 at Shop-n-Save). It is well worth waiting until Thursday mornings: two kids are in school and the savings roll in. Today I bought $118.90 worth of groceries and paid $47.76. That falls under my $50/week goal! Yipee! I do still need yogurt and a cantaloupe, but the yogurt is $1 for four at Schnucks and the cantaloupe is $.89 at Aldi – so I’ll be able to come in under my goal for sure.

Did I say “Yipee!”?