OOPs - He did it again :(

My first post on this blog was about our lab, Toby, jumping out of a Jeep and needing an emergency vet visit.

No, he didn't jump out of a Jeep this time - he ran in front of a car. In front of all of us. He got hit. The driver didn't even slow down.

Toby survived the accident and came limping back to our yard. Thank God, he will be ok. The vet stitched him up, treated him for shock, did x-rays and gave him a morphine drip. He has numerous cuts and bruises on his hind legs, his liver was bruised, and his boy parts are bruised and swollen to 3 times their normal size. (He's getting a lot of sympathy from DH and the boys.) He has pain meds, antibiotics, and a "cone of shame," which he chewed up within 24 hours.

 

 

 

He'll be ok. He's getting lots of love and attention - and chicken, too.

 

 

The vet bill was $900 - ouch!

 

The hardest thing - helping my children get over the trauma of seeing their beloved pet hit by a dog. No one has been sleeping well around here the past few nights.

 

Toby is  a wonderful pet - loyal, loveable, gentle with the kids. I just need to keep him away from anything with wheels.



Back to School - Part Two

Have you noticed that school supply lists are becoming ridiculous? For example, the first grade supply list for my Princess asks for things like 30 glue sticks, 6 boxes of crayons - and - send in all supplies right away - don't hold any back. I'm a teacher, as is DH, and I understand how budget cuts are affecting the classroom. However, I really feel like these lists are becoming excessive.

That said, I will do my best to fill the supply list while not blowing the budget. I ran across a great deal last week at Target that helped a lot. A coupon came out recently for $1 off of 3 RoseArt items. Target had the RoseArt markers and colored pencils for .49 each. Also, you could get a free box of crayons with a purchase of markers or colored pencils. So, I could get a marker, a colored pencil, and a box of crayons, use the $1 off of 3 coupon, and get them free. I did this deal several times - I usually get several papers, and my mom also sends me the coupons she doesn't want. Also, glue sticks were .25 for a pack of two - so I could buy 4 packs, use a coupon, and get them for free. I got a great start on filling the list for only the pennies I spent in tax.

Now I just have to worry about two middle schoolers, one high schooler, and one college freshman. Can't wait to see those lists - not!

Back to School Again

With five children to send back to school in a few weeks, I have to be strategic about back to school shopping. I've been able to score a few great deals this week and am very thankful. I got an email from Lands End with an offer for 25% off backpacks and free shipping included. Knowing that three of the five need new backpacks, I was all over it. Went to the website and didn't see much for the boys. However, there was a beautiful messenger bag in a pretty, feminine print. I crossed my fingers and called the Princess over to get her opinion. She loved it :) She has been telling me for months that she wants a bag with "one strap, not a backpack." It was already on sale, so the 25% came off the sale price. I also had some Shop Your Way Rewards worth about five dollars. So, the messenger bag and a matching lunchbox were a total of 23.66. I even splurged and had her name embroidered on the bag and the $6 fee for that is included in the 23.66. Not free, but a really good deal, and I know it will last her through this year and hopefully a few more as well.