Is Wal-Mart worth it?

I lifted my two year ban on WalMart this year. We have a new WalMart that has opened up near our house. I go a couple times a week. The store is clean, the shelves are well stocked, and there is a nice variety of brands.

It couldn't last. Today WalMart lived up to its reputation. I waited for ten minutes to have someone wait on me in the deli department. Once someone noticed that I was standing there it was obvious that I was not a valued customer. I was completely interrupting their break time and the last thing they wanted to do is slice some turkey. "What do you want?" Yes, this is what the woman said. Not "How can I help you?" or "What can I get for you today?" I ordered. She very huffingly sliced the turkey, threw it up on the counter and walked away!! Well, I went over to the bakery and asked if someone could help me in the deli department. They called the woman back up to the counter. "You want something else?" "Yes, I would like some ham as well." She rolled her eyes and said, "You never said nothing about ham before." Nice. Again, huff huff...throw ham...walk away.

After filling my cart I moseyed on over to the check out area. They have at least 40 check out lanes. Guess how many were open? Yes, you guessed it. ONE. Luckily my friend Audra was in line in front of me with her little boy. We were able to chat for 20 minutes and it still wasn't our turn to check out. Finally it was Audra's turn to check out. As I loaded the conveyor belt with my groceries they opened another lane. Unfortunately they only opened the 20 Items or Less lane. Only one person in line had under 20 items. It took me 30 minutes of waiting in line and checking out to leave WalMart today. What do they want? Do they want me to feel trapped into buying all of the "impulse" buys around the register? How many packs of gum and disposable razors do I need to buy to get out of there?

I'm wondering if $4.12 Cheerioes, $1.97 Capri Suns, and $14.57 Miller Lite is worth all the trouble!! After my experience I do need the beer!!

See you all at Harris Teeter!

The Graduate

I can't believe that Jacob has graduated from preschool. Yesterday was their graduation ceremony and tomorrow will be his last day of school. He is very excited about summer and about starting Kindergarten next year. Wow! Kindergarten.

I remember the first day he went to preschool. I walked him in and he instantly made friends and started playing with some Hotwheels cars. I watched him for a while chatting with the other Moms. Jacob came up to me and said, "You can go now, Mommy. I'm OK here!" Well, alright then. I guess he is growing up a little faster than I am ready for.

Maybe not!!!

Under Contract!!

We are FINALLY under contract!!! Yay! After seven months we got an offer on our house this weekend. Tod and I have been very stressed with two mortgage payments and taking care of two houses and two yards. We are feeling a little sense of relief, but we won't pop open that bottle of champagne just yet. Once we close we will celebrate!!

Arts and Crafts

Well, most of you know, I am not one for arts and crafts. I don't think I have the creative gene. Now, Tod's side of the family is very crafty. I was hoping that maybe my kids would inherit some creativity from the O'Donnell side.

Today Brady took some interest in the crayon/art box. I pulled out some construction paper and put him at the kitchen table. He colored for a long time. Perfectly content. I decided to sit at the table with him and do the daily crossword puzzle. I guess I was so engrossed in the crossword that I failed to notice that Brady had gotten hold of Jacob's scissors. He didn't cut his hair....the scissors just got stuck in his hair.

I guess art school is out of the question...

Camp out!

What a great weekend we had camping with good friends, the O'Reilly family and the Ellis family! We had the perfect site right next to the water. Barry brought his kayak and all of the dads and sons were able to go out on the lake. We cooked hotdogs and baked beans over the fire then roasted marshmellows. YUM! All of the guys went for a hike around the lake and left the girls to sit and talk around the campfire. Very relaxing.

We woke up the next morning to rain against the tents. It was a wonderful sound but we all were trying to figure out how to keep the kids dry while packing up the camp. In the end we were all soaked, but had a wonderful time. Can't wait to do it again soon!!

Florida Trip

I'm finally back online so I can update you all on our trip to florida!! We went to visit Tod's parents in Nokomis, FL a couple of weeks ago. We all had such a great time. We all needed a little vacation. While we were there we just had the most perfect weather. No rain!!

Jacob and Brady couldn't get enough of thier pool. I have two little fish on my hands! Gran bought a HUGE pool float in the shape of a "waterhorse". Jacob named it - Sea-he. Seahe had an invisible sister named Sea-she! Clever.

The boys loved the beach too. I was nervous having Brady there with the waves, but he loved it. No fear. Walked right out into the water. We collected shells, built and destroyed many sandcastles, and watched the sun set over the water.

One morning we took the boys to a fun splash park. They loved running in and out of the water.

Thank you Gran and Gumps for such a fun trip!!

I'm back!

I feel so disconnected!! Not anymore! I finally bought a new computer tonight. This is our first laptop. We are finally becoming part of the twenty-first century. Now that I have a computer I will be updating my blog. I have lots to tell!!!!