A prize

Saturdays have changed for the family. We are definitely doing alot more errand running and fewer big adventures. Although our errands today actually did qualify for kid adventures. Seattle has a excellent store called Second Use....a warehouse of old doors, tubs, windows, knobs, and whatever else is salvaged from buildings that are going to be torn down or remodeled. Today was their 10th anniversary Fall Festival. (My cool husband is always on top of those fun things to do, where as I seem to forget or never get around to getting to them) Well, today was sweet because we had free lunch and balloons, a duckie chuck, a guess how many screws in the jar contest. A guy was in the middle of the warehouse playing an instrument with a bow that he had created....it was the size of a cello with a circle at the bottom and piano strings all around a intricately welded center piece. The girls were quite entranced and the music was kinda haunting and sweet.
Stefan got to shop at his "craft store" and we all got to wander around and eat chocolate chip cookies (free, of course).
Later it was on to Albertsons for the grocery game. I work hard to save at least 50% off my grocery bill and wait for the cashier to announce how much I saved this week. It is strangely satisfying....even more so when the cashier says something like, "wow" or nods in admiration. This week it was spent $80, saved $58 off the regular prices. Seattle has a high cost of living, most sales equal the price I was used to spending in Chicagoland. Got to stretch that grocery money!
The children are growing. Tryn is back to wolfing down her lunch and asking for more. Annika is putting on the chub, a precursor to a growth spurt. Tristan was bigger than a 9 month old at the store today. Did I mention that he is affectionately called Piglet?
It was a week of much calling out for grace. God was good in giving a thirst for Him and many could've gone really bads were just "Help, Lord!s" Having a quiet and gentle spirit was on my mind....what does that mean and look like? I feel like I am yelling and too rough! (I also battle with being klutzy)
Stefan got his promotion! That is just huge. I wasn't surprised because he really excels in his work, but it was so satisfying to see him rewarded for that. We find out how much the raise is next week. YeeHaw! Best beware to not take that for granted.
Well, Second Use called me tonight. I won the guessing contest. I guessed 850 screws and there were 907 who knew I could estimate screws? The prize is a twenty-five dollar credit for future purchase. SUPER COOL!