How frequently do you stop to relish in the simplistic beauty that surrounds you?
‘Stop and smell the roses,” isn’t just a catch phrase…
it’s a way of life. A choice to make.
It’s about intentionally nurturing our soul, not only through beauty, and building relationships, but through the celebration of the specialness of the moment.
This moment.
Right now, take some time and choose to “smell the roses”…
Here are a few of mine today.


The intrinsic design of one of God’s exquisite creatures.
This tenacious guy made his way all the way around the flower
until all the pollen was devoured.
I carefully observed as he tugged away on the pistol of the flower, while I photographed him.

Lastly….the happy dance that occurs from Triple coupons.
All this for $20..what more needs to be stated?
Ok, I could tell you that I went back and used 20 more coupons and watched the register go from my final total before coupons of $60…to ahh..should I rub it in? $14 …yes, 14 dollars people!!
But, I won’t even share or show all of that…it would be like rubbing salt in a wound (but I think I even got some salt for 5 cents if you need some). jk

And it just wouldn’t be my life if I didn’t appreciate the simple bedlam moments.
Envision my NC football family on the way to a day jam packed with games.
Listen as 5 year old daughter pleads for a sip of water…no wait, she changes her mind…needs bag…preferably one with no holes.
Hear the upchuck… vomit.. loss of cookies…barf…
Pure bedlam!
Remember, we’re choosing joy here.
Due to much experience and practice,
I must say that our children are well trained in the art of retching…and…it all went in the bag.
So how about smelling ‘them’ roses?
Ahh…it’s the little things I truly appreciate!
it’s a way of life. A choice to make.
It’s about intentionally nurturing our soul, not only through beauty, and building relationships, but through the celebration of the specialness of the moment.
This moment.
Right now, take some time and choose to “smell the roses”…
Here are a few of mine today.
Savoring my final flourishing flowers which adorn my windowsill until the first frost
The intrinsic design of one of God’s exquisite creatures.
until all the pollen was devoured.
I carefully observed as he tugged away on the pistol of the flower, while I photographed him.
Lastly….the happy dance that occurs from Triple coupons.
All this for $20..what more needs to be stated?
Ok, I could tell you that I went back and used 20 more coupons and watched the register go from my final total before coupons of $60…to ahh..should I rub it in? $14 …yes, 14 dollars people!!
But, I won’t even share or show all of that…it would be like rubbing salt in a wound (but I think I even got some salt for 5 cents if you need some). jk
And it just wouldn’t be my life if I didn’t appreciate the simple bedlam moments.
Envision my NC football family on the way to a day jam packed with games.
Listen as 5 year old daughter pleads for a sip of water…no wait, she changes her mind…needs bag…preferably one with no holes.
Hear the upchuck… vomit.. loss of cookies…barf…
Pure bedlam!
My celebration of
the moment?Remember, we’re choosing joy here.
Due to much experience and practice,
I must say that our children are well trained in the art of retching…and…it all went in the bag.
So how about smelling ‘them’ roses?
Ahh…it’s the little things I truly appreciate!
And in case you’re wondering, I really wanted to add that picture for dramatic effect.
It took all the restraint I had not to post it, but someone special is coming my way on Wed, and I would hate to leave a bad first impression. 🙂
I tagged you on my blog : )
Oh you are so funny with your bedlam moment!!! My daughter is really good at hitting a bag too….she doesn’t want to make a mess….lol
Hope yours feels better today.
Love the beautiful flowers. And for the record, I bought the Sunday paper yesterday. Then I proceeded to spend most of the Panthers game happily clipping and organizing coupons while Hubby shouted at the T.V. for me (normally that would be my job). Thanks for the organizing tip!
And I hope your daughter feels better soon!
My grocery cart looked just like yours! Apple juice! Oatmeal! Did you get the little lysol foaming hand sanitizer?! Love some triple coupons.
Happy family day!
I left a comment on your other site…You make bedlam look not so bad! The flowers, and the pics of your kids are lovely!
I left a comment on your other site…You make bedlam look not so bad! The flowers, and the pics of your kids are lovely!
Thats a girl for ya. Gotta love them.
Cut my very first batch of coupons yesterday. YEA!!!
Hope she feels better too!
I love your flowers!
OK so how do you know who triples coupons and do they do it occasionally or is it an everyday thing? I have my 3 papers with all coupons clipped, I’m ready to go but I guess first I need to call the stores and find out? Your post was too funny. 🙂
BTW – The stores near me are Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Fry’s, Albertsons and Safeway.
Love the flowers in the window! Nancy
poor little thing!! i hope she’s feeling better!
I wish our grocery stores tripled coupons! They used to, every once in a while, but for some reason they stopped.
Yeah, I think I’m glad you decided not to post the upchuck picture. : )
Hmmm…I wonder who could be coming tomorrow???
I LOVE triple coupons. I got a LOAD of stuff at the Teeter for $6.70. Original total? $32.14. I almost had a moment right there at the register. There’s nothing like it. 🙂
Hi Jen 🙂
Oh my! I always know when my daughter Annie is going to lose it because she starts crying out of nowhere. Rich didn’t believe me at first, but he only didn’t believe one time 😉
The flowers on your windowsill look beautiful and so did you at the premiere 🙂
rue
Hey Jen! Thanks for stopping by – I am right in the middle of watching your video tutorial – so fun to put to hear your voice!
Have a great Monday!
I too am curious how you triple coupons…does the store advertise that or what? I’m afraid I’ll get to the register w/ all my stuff and coupons and I’ll get every single one rejected b/c I didn’t read or understand how to use them. Oh the fear the fear!
OK I just got back from CVS, I saved a lot…I’d say how much but it’s nothing compared to your defeat. Since yesterday was my first day of coupon clipping I didn’t have a ton to use or any previously earned xtra bucks. The checker was so nice and gave me advice, she said next time split my order into 2 sales so I can use the bucks I earn on the first basket for the stuff in the second basket. I’m sure not all the checkers will be that easy but hey, maybe I can find out her work schedule. 😉 Another thing is several of the freebies were all out but the nice lady in the back kept running to the back and restocking them for me. It took a lot of time but I’ll get faster!
I called around the grocery stores and no one triples coupons, some double but not triple…still worth it right?
Hi Jen!
We must have missed each other through blog land waves! I actually do have a new post today .. I was tagged again! :o)
Today I am painting baseboards, homeschooling my son, baking bread, and doing laundry! :o) Oh ya, and checking blogs out! You know how it is! :o)
Sincerely ~ Tricia Anne
Thanks for stopping by my blog-My Tin Man is too tired to use the pink vacuum on more vehicles! But stop by for coffee, and nails any time!!
Thanks for stopping by my blog-My Tin Man is too tired to use the pink vacuum on more vehicles! But stop by for coffee, and nails any time!!
Yikes! Hope your daughter is OK! Definitely a “choosing joy” moment there!
Carrie
I like your video! I have been picky with my purchases because I had gotten low on CVS bucks and am just buying what I can with bucks till I get more earned. Things are really tight after paying over $8000 in orthodontic bills the past couple of months. It is funny how this is the month our Costco reward money came and we were able to stock a few things with it. God is so good.
Thanks for mentioning that you left info on the food thingy. I did not look at the original email because I thought it was spam. I will go back and look at it now. Thanks. Sounds like a lot of fun also.
Wow, great deal with all the coupons. I just sent my husband to the store with a stack. Hopefully he will remember to use them!
Toni
http://thehappyhousewife.com
The post was beautiful and even smelled nice, until the end!! AAHH! Life has a way of throwing us those curve balls! LOL! Glad you’re still finding the joy in the moments.
Love,
Sonya
Love the beautiful pictures of your flowers. And, so sorry for your daughter…. Hope she feels better!!! The picture of your family is beautiful…
i love the retching…can’t believe it happens to other people too. just did that a few weeks ago on the way to church with #1 kiddo. crazy. anyway, so i have to ask, where in the world do you get triple coupons? around here double is max and only up to a $1 will they double. sad!
yay!! Another awesome coupon mom! I think you did a great job! 🙂 And all your flowers are beautiful!!
I heart a good deal so much I made a blog all about it he he!
Thanks for stopping by Steals and deals!
You saved me some more money today! I made my first CVS run in at least 6 months. TP and paper towels. Woooo Hoooo! And I’ve got some ECB’s for next week.
Aaaaaand I scored a beautiful Ann Taylor chocolate brown corduroy skirt – fully lined and brand new! Only $3! I’ll be sporting that baby all winter with my brown boots.
I REALLY love your tips for saving money!! Would you possibly be interested in doing a guest spot for us on our blog http://www.stealsdeals.blogspot.com? We do a Tuesday’s Feature Friend each week with money saving tips from our readers. We pick a new theme each month. Check out the idea that is on there today one of my very crafty friends did our last week of teacher appreciation gift ideas today. Let me know if this sounds up your alley. Thanks so much! ajcmeyer AT go DOT com
I’m so laughing that having a child who can “upchuck” properly is a blessing….dang if you’re not the most “glass half full” woman I’ve ever met lol. Your bedlam makes me laugh!
Nice pictures! I see you are enjoying that new camera!
This post is why I love you so…thanks for the range of emotion while reading it…brilliant.
YAY Jen! I love all your beautiful moments. Thank you for joining in the fun of noticing..and I’ve missed seeing you today! Hope all is well.
great photos! and I missed you today!
Ah the joys of parenthood are many aren’t they!?! Thanks for sharing your story, your life, with us! 🙂
I love your flowers! Mine were gone a long time ago. They’re currently under snow.
Where on Earth did you get a steal like that? None of the stores around here double (let alone triple) coupons. I’m jealous!
Fun post!
Well i for one am kind of glad you left the puking picture out. 🙂 Your flowers are beautiful!
Children who are trained to puke in the bag…ah yes it’s the little things! 🙂
Great post and I love those flowers in the window!!