Websites * May 19 - May 25

This is another one from Julie.   If you shop online, this is something you need to know.

The name of the site is Ebates and the reason it's so great is that if you go through Ebates to shop online, you'll get cash back on every purchase.  My check for the last quarter was $50.63 - buying what I usually buy - just for shopping through Ebates instead of going directly to the shopping website.


How does it work?  Follow the link to http://www.ebates.com/ and sign up.  Look on Ebate's home page for the store where you want to shop to find out how much cash back you will receive on your purchase.  (You can also find coupons on Ebates)

For example, today, Macy's is giving 14% back.  14%!!!!  That's huge!  If you click on the link, it will take you to Macy's website.  Shop as usual, check out as usual.  Ebates will take care of the rest. 

If you don't see the store or website where you want to shop, use the search box in the upper right hard corner on the dark green navigation bar.   Type in a few letters and you'll see all of the choices with those letters.  Your shopping site will probably be there.  You'll be amazed at the number of opportunities for cash back. 

Ebates also has a referral program where you can earn $5 for each friend that you refer.  Needless to say, I wouldn't mind if you use me as your referral. Just use the following link to sign up for Ebates and I'll get credit!  Wooohoo!

Did I mention that my check after Christmas was $100???  Whether you use the referral link or not, Ebates is the bomb!  :)

Ebates Referral

What coud be better than...

... a Friday night at the Keswick?   And is there anyone we'd enjoy seeing more than Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin?

The talked a little... played a little... and made us feel as though we were just hanging out with a couple of friends.

They told us that they had known each other nearly 30 years - good friends who love to spend time in each others living rooms singing and playing guitars.  

Mary said that if we were in HER living room, we'd all be wearing pajamas - by 4:00 at the latest!  Shawn said that if we were in HER living room, there would definitely be popcorn and chocolate.  Now that's my kind of living room.

I would love to be just sit in the corner in either living room - or the front porch - and listen. 

My favorite spot in the house

When I put in a dogwood tree a couple of years ago  (Okay.. Ryan put it in. I just pointed in the general direction of where I wanted it) I had no idea I would be able to enjoy it from the inside as well as the outside.  It's so pretty.   Don't you agree?

Happy Mother's Day...

....  to me!

What a great Mother's Day I had, starting with a Facebook message from Richard, that started the great flood, BUT then he brought me back to reality with a reminder of how I "stole their cool" back in high school.  Maybe that story will be my next post.  It still makes me laugh.

Greg stopped over with plant hangers made with the initials of all of my grandkids... by family.

Richard's family first (he is the oldest) - Kate, Brynn, and Chase

Greg's family next - Gregory, Alex, Matthew

Scott's family last (sometimes it doesn't pay to be the youngest) - Bryce, Mason

 Kate, Brynn, Chase

Gregory, Alex, Matthew

Bryce, Mason

The man can build ANYthing!   I'm so fortunate to have been the targeted recipient of this project!  I LOVE them!

PLUS... they came with plants? I mean, really?  Could it get any better?

Then off for an early dinner at Mazzella's with Richard, Julie, Kate, Brynn, Chase and Julie's parents; Jackie and Tony.  I think I could spend an entire day just watching the kids do whatever it is that they are doing.  PERFECT children, I tell you!   (And yes!  I am objective!  Geez!)

After Mazzella's I was off to Greg's house.  They had a Mother's Day cookout with hamburgers, hot dogs, and the ever-popular strawberry shortcake.  Michael stopped on his way home from work and forced himself (hahaha) to sample Greg's burger expertise.   He gave Greg his highest rating!  

Scott called and we agreed to do Mother's Day on Tuesday afternoon.  Celebrate on TWO days?  Not to seem greedy or anything, but I'm definitely "in"!  Actually, any chance I have to see my kids or grandkids... I'm in!  

I think that being a mom is the greatest gift I ever could have received.  There isn't anything in this world that means as much to me as my kids.  I'm so very blessed.

God's love is amazing!

My Three Sons

Then...

And now...

Happy Mother's Day to me!

Life is GOOD!

Rock around the clock...

and other songs from the not-so-recent past - MY era!

Alex played the drums tonight at a School of Rock concert - his first concert.

The songs were Rockabilly songs which, of course, I LOVED!

This was a younger group of musicians than Greg played with last week, which carries its own frustrations.  The guitar players were occasionally unaware that there was a drummer or that HE was the one responsible for the tempo.   There were a few welcome exceptions, but I'm sure that's frustrating for a drummer. He did a great job of  leading even those who didn't realize they were being led, though.  Rock on, Alex!

It's just about impossible to take a picture of a drummer WHILE he is drumming...

 He moves so fast, he's a blur!

 Maybe a moving shot would be better?

 The boy was a rock star!   (Not that I have ANY prejudice)  See for yourself!

TWELVE years old!  Imagine!   Grrrrrrreat job, Alex!!!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all of those who have been given the gift of motherhood, but especially to Amy, Julie and Crystal - my daughters-in-law extraordinaire!

Happy Mother's Day!

What could be better than a Sunday in May?

Today is one of those beautiful May days when the rush of the week fades away into the bright sun and lush green that is spring.  And what better way to spend an hour on a Sunday afternoon than watching children play... especially when those children are my grandchildren.

Richard and Julie bought a new house last year and one of the best parts of the house is the wonderful driveway - a great place for things with wheels and  balls that bounce... and chalk!  (LOTS of chalk)

Kate was making bird's nests - complete with flowers - THE most elegant bird's nest any bird could imagine.  

Brynn was busy being everywhere - coloring on the driveway with chalk - climbing on (and in) Richard's trailer.

Of course, since everyone else was getting their picture taken, Chase wanted his picture taken, too. 

 

Chase seems to gain new skills every day.   Richard said the he had been walking with his arms out parallel to the ground and now he thinks he's pretty cool because he can walk with  his arms down at his side?  (and "borrow" chalk from the girls and play some hoops with Dad). Wanna see?

 

Life is good!

You can find me in the mosh pit

I am the grandmother of rock stars!

Gregory played his third concert at the School of Rock last night and they raised the roof (or more accurately, blew out the back door in the School of Rock garage)!

Okay, this music is a little "screamy" for me, but.. hey... it's Gregory!  Would I even consider not going?  Heck, no!

The kid has the voice (although, in my opinion, he sounds even better singing along with the Beatles, or Bronze Radio Return in the car on the way to rehearsal).  He has the presence.  He has the chops.

When he's rich and famous and accepting his first (of many) Grammy awards (name-appropriate, I think), he has promised to say that his Grammie bought him his first guitar (and bass).   Then I'll blush and be embarrassed. BUT you can bet I'll be there! 

The show before this one was the music of Black Sabbath.   I could do a "thing" about the power of words and blah blah blah, BUT.. not today... and not on this post.  This post is a celebration of Gregory.

I don't know how I missed posting this before, but here it is.  I do love to watch Greg play the bass!

If he keeps this up, I may have to get some piercings and a tattoo (or two).

And to think it all started here...

 

Rock on!