Summer is finally here.....

Summer is finally here......just in time for the kids to go back to school! It's been a busy week of water slides, doctor appointments and trying to enjoy or late Summer. And of course, because everything is late, I just started canning. I made salsa last night, and it looks like I will be canning green beans next week. Lily has already started soccer practices, and school starts on Wednesday. Yikes!

Busy Fair Week!

What a crazy busy week it's been. The Scentsy booth went great, but man that was a lot of work! Long hours on my feet every day, and running the kids around to different family members who were a huge help with babysitting! On Wednesday, Mom brought the kids in after my shift and the kids did rides and saw some of the fair. I was so tired that we didn't last the whole night like I planned! They still had fun and even did some rides with their cousin Johnny. We had perfect weather all week, in the low 70's, except for today when it hit 85! With all the warmers going, it was really hot in our booth!

Gotta love the fair!!

Fair Week!

It's the start of a wild and crazy week for me! I will be at the Scentsy booth every day of the Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden. Stop by and see me in the Expo building.

Things I learned....

We survived having my brother's 4 kids over for two nights. The kids has fun, and nobody got hurt! Amazing! It really went well and I was able to pass them off to my Mom with clean clothes and a good nights sleep. I was able to make dinner both nights and kept up on dishes and laundry. But I have to say I was ex-haus-ted by the time they left. It hasn't been that long since I have had them overnight, and it's only been a few years since my kids where that small, but still, you forget some things. Here's a few I learned, or re-learned this week.

• It's impossible to take an uninterrupted shower with small children awake. Each morning I would get two four year olds opening the door yelling, "Auntie Holly....". And while the door was opened, Drew would walk in and open the shower curtain! Freaked me out!!
• Don't feed small children rice and corn, unless they are eating outside. What a mess!!
• Don't pass out 6 milk cups and let them walk off with them. I think we are still missing 2 milk cups. YUCK!
• Every time I was in the kitchen, one of the little boys would ask me, "Whatcha makin?". 
• Don't give multiple instructions at once. I think I am spoiled with my kids who have been able to do this for years. Lily especially, you give her a list, and she will get them done in order, within the time frame. When I told a little boy in blue to go pee then get dressed, he can't even get one done. It had to be one thing at a time. 
•  Three kids is one to many in the bathtub. You must do it in pairs, or solo. 
• Those kids can eat! Good thing I stocked up on groceries!
• If I want to indulge myself with one of my ice cream bars, make sure to offer the kids fudgecicles first.
• When putting Drew to sleep, he will tell you that he can't do it. When you ask what he can't do, he will look right at you and say, "I don't know". Oh, and Drew talks in his sleep. And Emma snores. 
• The twins could spend the whole day in the pool, as long as it's just them. 
• Nate learned quickly, if you give a mouse a cookie......or if you give one kid a snack, you better have one for all of the others!
• And lastly, I learned that Tiffani is my hero.....ok, I've known that for years, but I have to give her kudos!!

6 kids and one bathroom....

I have my brother's 4 kids for two nights and already I am seeing a big problem. I only have one bathroom. I had to give the kids baths in pairs, and brushing teeth went in waves of children. Sleeping arrangements have changed several times already, and the playpen got busted, so I'm worried that baby Jack Jack will escape. I'm sure I will have many stories tomorrow!

Scentsy Stampede, Fort Worth, 2011

I was so lucky to get to go to Scentsy Convention last week. I arrived in Fort Worth on an hour of sleep the night before and was hit smack in the face with 109 degree weather. Coming from a cold summer here, where I heard we have hit 80 degrees for a whole 79 minutes, it was a shocker. You couldn't take in a deep breath, it was so hot and muggy!

The first night Scentsy had a big Texas welcome for us at the Stock Yards. What a fun place. We watched a rodeo, ate dinner at Billy Bob's and had a Gloriana/ Clint Black concert. We did a little shopping until we were so sticky and beat that we had to call it a night.

Our second day we were up early to head to the convention center. It was team day and I had made my team, Snow Angels, matching tee shirts with our logo on them. I had also bought some halos for them to wear, and angel wings for me. I just wanted a picture of all 8 of us together with my wings, I had no intention of actually wearing them. What I didn't know was that Scentsy was going to call all the Directors up on stage to be acknowledged in front of 10,000 people. As I got up to get in line to parade across the stage, my team insisted that I wear my wings. I tried to talk my way out of it, but they had me at "it was your idea!".  So we now have pictures, and video of me in a halo and angel wings, walking across a stage with confetti flying.
Scentsy made some great announcements, including some fabulous new warmers and scents, new Scentsy Buddies and a new product, Solid Fragrances. We also had some very informative speakers. And in true Scentsy fashion, we received over $200 worth of brand new products. I also received a convention warmer that's a cowboy boot!

Our third day was filled with more speakers, and awards night. The entertainment for the night was Anita Renfro, who I love! She had us in stitches! Our incentive trip to the Hard Rock Cafe Resort in Dominican Republic was announced, along with our convention next year in Las Vegas!

Saturday I was blessed to get to have lunch with two high school friends who live in Texas. What a fun time catching up with them!

I had a blast with my team, and can't wait for next year. I love that I have had the opportunity to visit new places and make some great memories!

Scentsy Convention 2011 teaser

This is me in front of 10,000 people, walking across the stage in angel wings and a halo. Want to know why? I'll get back to you tonight!

Rite Aid Coupon Trip

I have been scoring great deals at Rite Aid. I have wanted to share a great trip, and today's all came together perfectly.
So this is $45.25 in product (before tax).
I used $15 in coupons, $15 UP reward (from previous trip), and a $3 survey coupon (no longer printing).
Total out of pocket, with tax was $15.84.
I received $9 in UP rewards for next trip.
I submitted my receipt for a Single Check Rebate for $12.99, and have a Mail in rebate for the Allegra for $6.29.
Making this a moneymaker of $12.44!!