Saturday, December 29, 2012

We lost the election

We lost the election. I have wanted to post something, but I have been in shock for several days. It is difficult to share feelings at a time like this. Richard lost his re-election campaign for county supervisor by 11 votes, with Greenlee County having a 69.5% voter turn out.

It wouldn't be so bad if we had lost to a really good man, but we lost to someone with little or no character. We tried to run a clean campaign and not throw mud. Our opponent wasn't as generous. It was a very dirty campaign. He had the Tea Party backing and lots of people working for him and against us. Part of the hurt is that some of those people were once considered our friends. One of my biggest hang ups is trying to forgive them.

We tried to include the Lord in our campaign and in the work Richard did as a supervisor. In March when the campaign got really bad, Richard and I prayed and asked the Lord to help us deal with this. We both had great feelings of comfort and peace. We never doubted during the rest of the campaign that things would go well and go our way. After the shock of election night Richard said, "I am not the only good man who lost tonight." That was very true. We feel self doubt. We think, why did we feel such peace?

Richard thinks,"what if I had done this, or what if I had done that, would the outcome be different. I had such a dream job, I was at the peak of my career and I let it slip through my hands." He was to become President of the Arizona County Supervisor's Association. He was appointed to represent Arizona in the WIR, an organization of all the counties west of the Mississippi. We had planned to work as Supervisor for 8 more years than serve missions. That plan is now changed.

People are asking what our plans are. We are working until January 1. We are currently looking for new employment. Richard has many connections throughout the state in government, the electric industry and the cattle industry. We really wanted to stay in Duncan and be with our friends and family there, but we will go where the job takes us.

Many people have told us that the Lord must have a different plan for us. We know that is true, but it doesn't make it any easier. We compare this to the trials of others and realize in comparison that it is a small thing. I do like to hope that the Lord really does have a plan for us. Richard has lots of really great talents. We just have to find the job that fits for us.

I know we are going to land on our feet. Time will heal most of our hurts. We have a beautiful family and enjoy good health. We will let you know when we find something else to do with our lives.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Couponing Day 3

Day 3 of couponing included two stores - Safeway and Bashas. 
Cereal - $1.00
Wheat thins - $.88
Pop tarts - $1.16
Sausage - $1.50
 
I saved a total of %69 on my coupon items today!! 

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

My second day of Couponing

This was my second day of couponing.  This was from Bashas and Safeway. It looks like I am buying lots of Chex cereal, but I need it to make the Christmas treats that I send with Richard to the office.  I bought 10 items for $15.58.  That is an average of $1.55 an item.  Here is the real breakdown.
Cereal - $1.50
All - $2.99 or $.09 a load
Cookie Mix - $.66

I saved 65%!!!

Thursday, December 6, 2012

My First Day of Couponing

Laura has been teaching me how to coupon. I had my first big day of couponing today. Adele and I went to Safford. We did some errands and then she let me do my couponing thing. She actually enjoyed helping me shop. I was grateful she let me take the time to do it. I did go to 4 different stores to collect this- Bashas, Dollar Tree, Safeway and Walgreens.  I know it was not an amazing trip, but I did save 50%.  The total bill was $30.57 for 21 items.  That averages out to $1.45 per item.  There are two bottles of hand soap that aren't pictured.  I know others have done better, but I am just learning. Here is what I spent:
Cereal - $1.26
Biscuits - $1.15
Cookies\ Mix - $.66
Efferdent - $.25
Lysol - $.75
Gum - $1.75
Karo - $2.00
Candy - $1.95
Foaming Hand Soap (not shown) - $1.00

I saved over 50%!!!