Live a Meaningful Life

Monday, we went for a quick day trip to Cane Creek Nature Preserve. It is in Tuscumbia, AL-about an hour and a half trip for us--just a little over an hour from Tupelo.  The land is privately owned by an older couple who thought the best use of the land was to open it to the public.  You sign in on their front porch. The gentleman came down from the balcony he was sitting on and chatted with me explaining where restrooms could be found and that the coolers are filled with water for use by the hikers/visitors. (There is no charge and I couldn't even find a donation box.)  I was impressed from the start! How cool! Having an abundance of land and just enjoying the company of visitors every day! So, we were off (the 4 of us + Granny)...The boys were in true form-prepared for all things hiking.  They packed these bags with no prompting from us. Jackson had his backpack filled with all sorts of cool things, including several different fashion accessories. He also brought a small knife,

For the past two years Johnny and I have been researching cell phone plans/companies. Many years ago, when we upgraded to smart phones, we just added 2 lines onto my dad's service and paid him monthly.  Honestly, even though we got a little discount because we were added to their existing line, I despised having to pay so much just to have phone service.  However, there didn't seem to be any better options around.  One of the blogs that I read occasionally about frugality/retiring young, etc. introduced us to Republic Wireless.  You can go and check them out, I won't go into all the specifics of how the company works but we've been reading and considering it now for two years. This week, we took the plunge.  The results... For the first time in years I can have a conversation on my cellphone anywhere in my house. We ordered one phone to practice with (they have a 30 day money back guarantee) but by the next day, we ordered the 2nd phone. So, how much will we be savi

I am at the surgery center with my sweet mom. She had to have her tonsils removed. She got strep and it would not go away and eventually led to an infected tonsil. So here she is, awaiting the procedure. The procedure itself is not a big deal but the recovery for an adult can be a tough one from what we understand. I have enjoyed the time spent with her and Mitch during the long wait this morning. Prior to arriving at the surgery center this morning, I had to drop by the dr.'s office myself. I am having a little issue the drs are trying to resolve. I went Friday for a diagnostic procedure and then had to drop by today to give some blood.  Anyway, in the waiting room this morning at the dr's office, I did an experiment. I have been reading the book Hands Free Mama.   It is a book I wish I had written. It talks about how we should cherish time with people, stop life and live in the moment. You know, live a meaningful life. Of course, one of the main tenants is dis