"Cost Reducing Measures"

The phrase "cost reducing measures" is a phrase that drives fear into a Banner Health employees heart. My job "announces" ways they are going to save money on a special website that is updated regularly with new and brilliant money saving plans. I have to laugh, because as you sign onto the computer at work at the top of the screen there is frequently a note that says "Check Out The Latest Edition of Cost Reducing Measures!" like it is something exciting or that we look forward to reading. Some of the measures have been things like people getting laid off (thankfully everyone I know who's job was eliminated has been offered positions elsewhere), to things that even I have noticed in the past as frivolous money spending like employees punching in the moment they walk in the door (even when they are 20 minutes early), to senior employees losing paid time off hours (being a "veteran" there, I would NEVER agree to that one:).

So, I have decided to cut frivolous spending out of our lives and have instituted some cost reducing measures at home. It only feels right with how many people I know that are hurting right now. Since I don't have my own website (other than this) I am going to announce some of my cost reducing measures to the world in typical Banner Health style.

1. We have switched from Crystal Light brand to Walmart brand drink mix. It is not so bad!

2. We eat out far less often than we used to.

3. I will only shop at Walmart or on base.

4. I have started cutting coupons, now I just need to remember to use them!

5. I research out each week where milk will be on sale, and make sure to stop there and load up!

6. I ask myself "Is this a want, or a need?" There is a rhyme,( I am not even sure if I say it right!) that I keep saying over and over in my head "Fix it up, wear it out, make it do or do without!" It is my cost reducing measures motto!

As Banner health says on it's Cost Reducing Website "Check back often for the next edition of Cost Reducing Measures!"

Disclaimer: I love Banner Health, and with the economy being so bad I am more thankful for my job than I have ever been before! I am not being critical! I am a little disappointed that for the first time in years I have put an effort forward in becoming an "exceeds expectations employee" and actually jumped through a few hoops required to get a 5% raise, and found out raises were cut and we will all get the same raise regardless of our performance. But when it comes down to it, I am happy to forfeit some PTO and a raise if it means saving someones job! It is a scary world right now, isn't it! So, my dear friends..."Fix it up, wear it out, make it do or do without!"

I Have A Confession!

I am ready to confess to world that I have a slight obsession with Britney Spears. Shocking, I know. Well I have been dying to go to the concert, but the adult in me, was trying to keep the inner 13 year old bottled up!

After a tough week I decided this morning to treat myself. The tickets were almost sold out. I will be there amongst all of the tweens, with my binoculars and a date!

Jesus Wants ZACH for a Sunbeam!

Zachary went to Sunbeams today! I can't believe how fast you are growing up little buddy!

I've had much anxiety about Zachary being a Sunbeam, mostly because the reverence expectations for the primary children in our ward are a little high for a three year old with Zach's energy level. I was thinking I might need to get him a prescription for Valium before sending him today, but then I thought what the heck, I'll take it for him! Just Kidding! I peeked in a few times, and it seemed to be going just fine (in my opinion)! Hope you have a great year in primary Zachary!

Christmas 2008

The torturous picture before the opening! By the looks of things, you kids were very good this year!

I let my kids do their stockings while we were waiting for everyone to get to our house Christmas morning. Santa brought Zachary some Diego undies. He was so so excited he ran to put them on under his "zips". When Shelly arrived he had to show her his awesome new "package" from Santa. I never want to forget the Christmas morning when Zach took off his clothes to show Shelly what he got!

Zachary and the "Monster truck", which is ALL he really wanted.
Dad gets to help you assemble the car track that was one million pieces. Bet your sorry you picked that out for him Zane!Jacob modeling his new clothes!

Christmas Eve...Olivia and Zach making up their plate of cookies for Santa (and a few carrots for some special reindeer)!

Holiday Family Concert

The Phoenix Girl's Choir had another fabulous concert this month! Olivia's choir sang in about 6 songs, one on them was in Spanish! They did a great job, and all of the girls looked so cute in their uniforms! Way to go Livi-Lu!

I had to laugh at all of the Hanukah songs they sang with a huge picture of Christ in the background! Political Correctness at it's finest!

Thanks for coming Nana and Poppy! It was fun and it was special to Olivia to you have you there!

We kept staring at this guy trying to figure out if he was real or a wax statue. I think wax...although he had hair in his ears! Yes, I got that close trying to figure it out! It actually was really creepy! Funny, he doesn't look as real in the pictures as he did in real life! He is holding a silver tray...for donations maybe? Very Interesting!

Christmas at The Jamies'

We had a little holiday celebration before the Jamies depart to Taylor for Christmas! We had a great time! Thanks for the fun!
Super Cute!
Olivia working on her masterpiece!

Jamie showing the kiddos his antique train.

No comment!

Zachary preparing the foundation! It was the only part of the house that stayed together! The rest shattered on the way home!

And a little guitar solo!

Let it Snow!

Zachary keeps putting on this little gettup' and telling me "Mom, it's snowing!" In your dreams little buddy...I think it is like 70 degrees outside today!