Have yourself a Merry Christmas!

Hope that each and everyone has a blessed Christmas. Let us rejoice in our blessings and celebrate our Saviours birth! Bean had a Christmas program at school and I just love their version of Happy Birthday to Jesus!

Let us all be like children with their joy and happiness!

Birthday Party for Jesus!!

We were invited to a birthday party to celebrate the birth of Jesus last week. On the way to the party, Bean asked “Mommy What is Jesus’ middle name?” Trying to think quickly I thought “Christ.” Then I went on to explain that he really just goes my Jesus since he is the Christ. So she thought about it and asked “So Jesus is going to be at his party right?” Well I explained that he would be there in spirit. That satisfied her and I was happy about that. The party was great and Bean did wonderfully in the reenactment of the birth of Christ. She portrayed a wise man and brought frankincense as her gift. My friend had put a wash cloth dipped in essential oils in her basket. Bean loved smelling her gift (over and over). After constructing Baby Jesus in the manger with marshmallows and haystacks we were on our way. On the door was a tree to write on there what we would like to give Jesus for Christmas. Immediately – Bean knew the answer – “Mommy a Barbie Island Princess.” I was thinking along the lines of love or something…but Barbie is good. I just love how big her heart is!!

Cheap Tip O' the Day!

Do you look at the coupons that print out at the grocery stores? Those coupons are called catalina's and can be for cents off your next purchase, specific products or promotions coming up or freebies. Yes freebies Yall! Lately I have been getting dog food and kleenex free catalina coupons. So next time you get any catalina's - look at them before you chunk them - you never know what treasure they may hold.

Out of the Mouth of Bean

After dinner I opened my fortune cookie which read "You have a talent for all that is artistic." I promptly told Roon that I got the wrong fortune - he asked why. I handed it to Bean to hand to Roon. Bean says Mommy I will read it...it says "CVS." LOL! She knows me too well. She proceeded to tell me that the other piece of paper read "Dear Tom Thumb."

Oh and for those who wanted the report on the Turkey - it Did ROCK, despite ourselves. When we were taking it off the sitting device it broke in half...and then we found the giblet back stuffed inside still. Apparently leaving the giblet bag inside the turkey during cooking is a right of passage of sorts.

The Turkey that could

So, I got this free 19.5 pound turkey on Sunday night. We thawed and got it ready for battle (I mean cooking). We decided to do something called the Sittin Turkey. It is a very cool device that my parents got us for Christmas last year. Basically it mimics making a "Beer Can Turkey." So Roon cleaned and spiced the big girl up this morning. I cut up onions and shoved them up into the top of turkey. I filled said Turkey device up with amber beer. Then came the problem. How does little ole me - get big giant turkey onto said device without dropping the bird or losing the beer. So I gathered my strength (and I am still recovering from surgery mind you) and held all 19.5 pounds of giant turkey in left hand and tried (with all my might) to get turkey on device. I LOST!
All my pretty onions came out and bird was flopping about on arm....Very sad sight. Being the determined girl I am, I tried again. This time I went as fast as humanly possible. Loaded bird onto right arm, holding onions in with fingers, moved device and plop! Now my bird is not as pretty as the box and is kinds lop sided, but I did it!
See picture below:

So then I tried to straighted the bird up and it looked like she was going to walk away - Please see exhibit 2 below - "Walking Turkey."

But Alas I decided she looked ready for the oven. Getting her in there was a fun time too. Bean just watched me and said "Mommy that is not going to fit." And yes it did not - but I finally got the second shelf out and got the bird in.


I am victorious! Now hopefully this will be some Rockin Good Turkey!

Christmas Fun - Getting to know you

My friend sent this to me and I thought it was good blog fodder for the Season. Here are my responses:

Christmas Fun
Welcome to the 2007 Holiday Edition of Getting to Know Your Friends! You know the drill. Don't be a scrooge! Fill it out, pass it on.

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot Chocolate, but I did just try the new Starbucks Peppermint White Hot Chocolate Mocha and it will make you say “Hot Toddy” It is so GOOD! I need one right now!

2. Does Santa wrap the presents or just sit them under the tree?
Both – depends on how busy Santa is

3. Colored or white lights?
Colored

4. Do you hang mistletoe?
No – gotta protect the cat

5. When do you put your decorations up?
Day after Thanksgiving usually – but this year they are still not up yet ;)

6. What is your favorite holiday dish?
Date Nut Rock Cookies (I know sounds gross – but they are sweet to your mouth)

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child?
My Dad decided that he was tired of us kids getting up at 5 am or earlier every year to open presents and check out Santa stuff…so he decided to wrapping paper the hallway shut until they (my parents) were ready to get up and had the camera engaged. If said wrapping paper barrier was broken we were busted. We tried getting our cats to break it down to no avail. They knew better.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
Second grade or so…I snuck downstairs and saw them putting together toys…..I was said, but I also felt loved cause my parents went to all that effort for us! At least I knew why they were so dog tired every Christmas morning.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
Not usually, but sometimes we do

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree?
With everything you can imagine…I collect Gingerbread men and woman so I try to buy a new one for my addition every year….Roon has an entire set of silver plated ornaments from when we was growing up that his Mom collected.

11. Snow: Love it or hate it?
LOVE IT, also.

12. Can you ice skate?
Yes – but I can’t go backwards

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
Oh I can’t pick just one.

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you?
Celebrating Jesus & being with loved ones!

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Driving to see Christmas lights

17. What is on top of your tree?
When it goes up there will be an Angel.

18. Which do you like best giving or receiving?
Both – But I love seeing the joy in people’s face when they open their gifts

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song?
The Carpenters Christmas CD – ALL OF IT – EVERY SINGLE SONG OF IT! I also like Perry Como’s “Do you hear what I hear”

20. Do you like candy canes?
Yes – but I have Overdosed on hard candy during my surgery non-eating fast…I was allowed to suck on hard candy – so I will probably pass on the canes this year.

21. What is your favorite Christmas movie?
A Christmas Story and while not a Christmas movie Die Hard – it is always on TBS and I always have to make sure that Bruce Willis really gets everyone out of that building safely. I also really love all the cheesy ABC Family Movies…anything with the former cast of 90210 says Oscar ya know.

Umm Umm Good!

We did not cook a turkey this year - yet anyway. I went and grabbed my free turkey from Kroger's last night though. All 19 pounds of it is thawing right now. Roon said get something small...well small is relative right? The only turkey's left were the big and mighty large ones! I did make some yummy mash potatoes this year. I got the recipe off the pioneer woman cooks. If you have not visited her web site - you should. She provides pics and comments that will knock your fuzzy slippers off. She has this picture of mashed potatoes (all waiting to be mashed) and it says "hello lover." So true....who does not love some good mashers. These are really yummy and can be made ahead. Happy Eating!

What did you do on Black Friday?

Ready to be shocked! I slept - yep! I slept until 10AM! My dear hubby entertained the Bean and let me sleep in all morning. It was joyous. Now - don't get me wrong, I love a good deal and I have been out with the crowds in Black Friday's of past. But, since I am still recovering, and there was nothing I felt that I had to get - I thought this was the best option for me this year. I still contributed to the retail sector, nabbing some $1.99 paper from Office Depot with free shipping and some cute outfits for the Bean from Gymboree (using their 30% holiday sale and my 20% coupon) I scored some good deals still. Hope you had a peaceful shopping day!

Thankful I am

As Thanksgiving approaches, I am reflecting on all that I am blessed with and hold dear. This past week has been rather stressful, and quite frankly tough on all our family. But, if it were not for the hard times, I don’t think the good times would be appreciated nearly as much. Thank y'all for all your prayers about my surgery, for the Bean and for my scratched cornea….still not sure how I managed to scratch my eyeball in recovery??

I am thankful for:

• For my Faith in Jesus (he sustains me in my greatest times of need)
• I have a wonderful and adoring husband (granted this past week has pushed him over his care taking capacity)
• I am a Mommy (it is my greatest joy and privilege)
• I am a daughter (I have learned that I am loved unconditionally)
• For Family (the older I get – the more I realize how much I appreciate them)
• I am a friend (I hold my girlfriends dear to my heart)
• For Music (music takes me to certain times in my life and captures memories for me)
• For food – (cause y'all know I like to eat)
• For health (having been not feeling well these past few days – Wow – it is a blessing to feel well)
• For Hope, Joy and Faith….they are what bring happiness to our home!
  
  Happy Happy Thanksgiving!

Do you likey my new blog design?

I do! Please let me know what you think. I entered a contest on bloggygiveways.com and entered to win a blog makeover. I did not win, but Christine graciously offered to design 5 blogs for the first five commenter's on her blog. I think the design is so sweet. Christine is thinking about starting a blog design business. I hope she does.
Thanks Christine - you rock!

Out of the mouth of Bean

We took Bean trick or treating in my Aunt's neighborhood as has become our tradition. Here are some of her remarks to the neighbors.

• Wow this house has a lot of stairs (as she tries to force herself in said house)
• I like your dogs, I have a dog, her name is Alex
• I can't tell your dogs Happy Halloween as they are not dressed up
• How many pieces of candy can I have
• Your house smells

It is funny what kids say.

Meat on the Cheap!!

Something I do to save money on meat is look in the clearance meat areas and the big meat tubs in the center of the meat section. A few days ago I came across packages of fully cooked chicken and hamburgers marked at .99 cents. I picked them up to inspect closer and see if there were any flaws. A meat market employee came out and told me what a deal these were and how good they are. I asked her if something was wrong with them and she said "Oh Nothing, we must clear out some room for the Turkeys." Sweet! She told me all her favorite varieties and pointed out the regular priced items still on the shelf. These are regularly $8.99 clearanced to$.99. Rock on with my meat self. I thanked her so much for her help and snatched up ten packages. God works in the most wonderful ways. Thank you for my wonderful meat find. Hope this tip helps you to be on the lookout for meat deals. Happy Shopping!

My new CD mix makes me oh so happy.

I have made another CD for my listening pleasure. Here are my selections thus far...but I feel it needs a couple more songs...Any suggestions are appreciated!

• Only You, Joshua Radin
• Heavenly Day, Patty Griffin
• The Way I Am, Ingrid Michaelson
• Bubbly, Coco
• Gravity, You Are I Am
• Come Out of the Shade, The Perishers
• Somebody's Me, Enrique Iglesias
• Sitting, Waiting, Wishing, Jack Johnson

I LOVE that Enrique song!! I saw it on the TV show "How I Met Your Mother." That show is hilarious...if you don't watch you should...it is Legend (wait for it) Dairy!

Have you ever......

- Been drinking hot coffee, just put a big gulp in your mouth, and then have to sneeze...just let me say - it was not pretty!

- Dreamed about CVS (I blame my sister for this - you Extra Care Bucks addict)

- Considered buying those shoes with the wheels on the bottom - boy I could cruise thru Kroger on those bad boys

- These are just some of my random thoughts for today. Hope your day is blessed with fun and happiness!

It never hurts to ask!

Although I consider myself the Jason Bourne of coupon shopping, there are occasions where you may not think to use coupons or ask for a discount. Have no fear....it never hurts to ask. Recently I placed an order with Coldwater Creek. I got some great things in their outlet at 50% off. A few days after I ordered they had a new coupon code for 60% off. I called and asked if I could get the extra discount (at the suggestion of my Aunt) and they said yes! Woot! I was scared, but hey the worst they could say was no! Coldwater Creek is awesome and their clothes are so well made. I have learned so much about being frugal and a better steward with our money. I hope I pass all this to Bean so that she really learns the value of a dollar.

Learning a new skill!

I taught Bean a new skill…inadvertently of course! Here it is- - are ya ready?
If you see a bug on someone or something, calmly approach said bug, and blow. Yes, because apparently the gale force winds emitted by your own breath, paralyze the bug with fear and it retreats into permanent hiding. There it is – I am so proud!

I did not realize why she tried to spit or blow on bugs till a couple weeks ago. I was at the park with friends and there was a giant ant on my friend. I told her, ever so calmly of course, and she gave me the terror look, “Get it off.” So I did what any good friend does, I blew on it. Thankfully another friend intervened and removed mutantly large ant from said friend. Then everyone laughed….and I realized I blow on bugs, therefore I taught Bean to do this.

For those of you who know me well, you know I have issues with bugs. Growing up on the Texas coast, in the land of flying cockroaches, I learned from an early age how to run and barricade yourself in your room, stuffing a giant towel under the door, so said giant roach could not get you. Thankfully, my Mom, is a bug master. She can catch a flying roach in her hand toss it out the door and not even blink. It is a gift I tell you – a gift that my Mom did not pass to me. Guess which parent I got my fear from…hint – it is not my Mom – the bugslayer! Yeah – Dad you know it is you! Hint – don’t ask my Dad to remove said bug from your shirt – you are better off asking me!

When bugs have wings – well they scare me. Spiders (for the most part) are not going to fly at the room and get me. Those dumb flying roaches will. Thankfully, most of the roaches where we live now do not fly…but I do look closely…just to make sure I don’t see any wings. So the moral to this story is this: If you have a bug on you and need to be rescued, only turn to me if you are truly desperate. I may blow on the bug or shriek like a cat, but I will get the job done for a friend.

Crackers - Simply Wonderful Deal

The Ritz Simply Socials crackers are on sale this week at Tom Thumb for 5 for $10. If you buy 5 in one transaction the register takes of $5 for the Progresso deal and $4 for the Kraft savings deal. I am not sure how long the Kraft savings will last, but I know the Progresso $5 off lasts till Tuesday. I used two .55 cents off two Nabisco products coupons from the newspaper a few weeks back, and the net price for 5 boxes is -.10. Yep you read that write negative ten cents. Make sure you add something to your order so you are not negative in your total. If you don't have the coupons, it is still a could deal at $1 for five boxes. Again, not sure how long the Kraft promotion lasts. Happy Shopping!

Shopping at Kroger

In general I think Kroger usually has some of the best deals on food. This is a typical shopping trip and I saved 64%. I spent $20.65 and got some great deals. I took advantage of the pizza deal and used the peelies on each box on the bread sticks. I also rocked it at Walgreens this week, doing the benadryl/tylenol deal and the Nyquil deal. Good things to put away for the cold season. Happy Shopping!

Surgery News

I had my consult today.

I have been praying that God give me direction and guide my path. I am quite frankly a little scared about having more surgeries.
I was praying the other day and asked God to clearly tell me what to do. I even (ah-hem) suggested a text message would be nice. You never know – God is almighty!

So I had my consult today and my Dr. is just awesome. While he was consulting with us he said that he understands how hard it is on us to get so far and then stop – and do it all over again. He want’s us to finish this race. Then he said something that was kind of profound. He said “God does not want you to not do IVF and these stumbling blocks are just part of the process….this is not God not telling you not to do this” In so many words…of course he said – “you know I am not God – but that is how I feel.”

I was kind of floored the Dr. said all this, because one of the questions I was going to ask the Dr is “What does your gut say about us doing IVF?” When we adopted Bean in was so clear that God had us on that path to Russia at that time for a specific child. Our Dr. has an adopted child and bio child – so he understands how wonderful adoption is. He knows that we desire a family and are considering what path we need to pursue.


So what does this mean? We are still processing it all. The Dr. wants to do a double surgery a hysteroscopy and a laparoscopy. He needs to get to the fibroids (although they could be polyps) and get those out. Then he wants to go in and check my belly/abdomen and ovaries. He said that this is all medically necessary and it will clean me up and get us ready for IVF. Just as a reminder I am dealing with ruptured appendix (destroyed my fallopian tubes, had to have them removed), advanced endometriosis (I have had since I was 14 years old), Pelvic Adhesion Disease (my organs and stuff just stick together because of all the scar tissue and such) and the newest addition fibroids and/or polyps.

I ask you to pray for us specifically:

• Guidance and direction
  
• Insurance will pay for surgery and cover it as all in network
  
• My health and safety before/during and after surgery
  
• That there are no more surprises during surgery and that things look good down there with my ovaries and uterus
  
• Our finances
  
• Roon and Bean while I am having surgery and recovering
  
• This is unrelated – but our animals are having health issues. Beauty (our cat) is in pre-renal failure and is not eating her prescription cat foods and Alex is having allergies and losing hair
  
  Thanks – yall are the best!

You can Win Too!

Last month I entered a drawing over at bloggy giveways. I won, I won! I got these adorable little note cards from LoopDeLou. I ordered the cutest cards and can't wait to use them. They have some really neat giveaways on this site. Go to bloggy giveaways and check it out!

Something new that is Yum-O

These are new and let me tell you - the Jolly Green Giant delivers on this product. I am (by nature) not a big veggie fan. However, as I age gracefully (he he), I realize the importance of a diet filled with fruit and veggies. I really enjoyed these veggies. They were easy to cook, inexpensive (I had a coupon of course) and filled with fiber. If you eat the entire package (and you probably will) you get 10 grams of fiber. Go get ya some!

Build a Bear maketh this frugal Mommy weak

I took Bean to the mall for a pretzel. We parked in front of Build A Bear (mommy mistake #1). Bean took great joy in running to the window to shop for a potential new friend. I told her we would come back on our way to the car (mommy mistake #2). We ate said cinnamon pretzel (oh how we likey) and returned to car where I was reminded we needed to go inside Build A Bear and we did (mommy mistake #3). And then I succumbed to the glitter and dazzle of it all. I admit I was just as excited as Bean about outfitting that gorgeous white and pink stuffed poodle. Bean triumphantly ran through the store grabbing purses and boots and hair accessories...oh boy! I told her just one outfit and above is the result. Meet Sissy (named by bean), the newest member of our family. I did have a coupon - so that gave me a little bit of peace about spending the $28.00. I never knew the joys of Building a Bear or a poodle, or bunny (Grandma build a bunny with her a couple years ago). And now I do, and that is no mistake - Build a Bear I heart you!

My Swaparooni Buddy Rocks!

My Swaparooni Buddy did such a great job! This really picked me up last week when I was so down in the dumps. Look at all the goodies. A scrapbook, candle (smells great), a bowl, little spoons (I gave her the same - great minds think alike), a mixing spatula, fondue set and a journal. She also sent a cute pair of earrings (love them) and a Dora bubble blowing set which has already been put to good use by the Bean. Thanks so much Swap buddy - I appreciate all your hard work and love all the goodies!
If you want to get in on the next swap click here!

The Pity Party is Over!

Although Roon says I can pity party like a ROCK STAR, I have ended the pity party. I think it is ok to be real and honest and open and tell yall how I really feel. I am so thankful for all those who have e-mailed,called and left comments here for me. Your prayers and support mean so much to me and my family. Although I don't know where this road leads, I know that I am blessed.

It's my party and I'll cry if I want to.....

Yes – Welcome to my self sponsored pity party where it is all about me. I feel that I am a generally upbeat person, but I have been really thrown for a loop this week. We have reached another infertility hurdle and this one is beating me down.

Sunday, my back when spastic when I got a pinched nerve in my neck. Having been there done this, I new I needed to get to the Dr. ASAP before complete and utter lock up occurred. I went to the after hours care, and saw a Dr. on call who gave me a muscle relaxer and pain medication. Boy – did I need those.

Monday morning, I was starting to feel better as I went to my Saline Sonogram. I had completely forgot (blocked out due to not wanting to remember) I had this same sonogram done in 2003. Happy – Happy Joy Joy, oh these are just plain wonderful, NOT! Anyways, as the Doctor and Nurses were doing there thing, I noticed their expressions and knew something was up. Sure enough, they tell me what a good patient I am (now I know for sure something is up) and that they will be back after they review the pictures. I knew bad news was coming.

The nurse comes back in and tells me, that they have found something new inside my uterine cavity – Fibroids! WHAT!!!!!!!!! Seriously, how is this possible? She told me that my “saving grace” concerning the fibroids was the fact I am on the pill continuously. They would probably me much worse otherwise. Thus now I have Endometriosis, damage from my Appendix rupturing, scar tissue from all my surgeries, no fallopian tubes and fibroids that I am fighting against. I know that none of this is “my fault”, but I hurt about it just the same. I hurt for Roon most of all. He is a super trooper and has been with me through all of this.

What does this mean now? We are not sure. The Dr. wants to do another surgery (a hysteroscopy) to remove the fibroids. I will know more in a few weeks after I have our next Dr.’s appointment. Please keep us in your prayers. My back is finally starting to feel better so that is good news - but I am still pretty sore.

The journey is hard, but in the end I know that there is something great in store. It just sucks to go through all of this. Deep down (and I mean way deep) I know this is making me stronger. Right now I am a little fragile, so please bear with me if I cry at a moment’s notice. This too shall pass….

The Road Ahead

Sometimes things do not go as planned, thank God, sometimes things to not go as planned. I remember waking up after my laparoscopic surgery in 1999, groggy and, kind of out of it – but I knew before the words were really spoken, our lives were changed. Roon, not wanting to upset me simply said “The Dr. says their might be a chance we can’t have kids on our own.” A little piece of me died that day. A piece of me, still struggles with the grief of that dream that died that day. What, Why, There must be a mistake. I would learn more at my follow-up appointment a week later. Indeed the might was tamed down, he told us we would and would only be able to conceive a child thru IFV (In Vitro Fertilization), an extremely expensive procedure that is not covered by insurance.

Just to take yall back, I was sick and hospitalized multiple times between the ages of 14 and 15. On my third ER run, they admitted me to the hospital and decided to keep me until they figured it all out. I had exploratory surgery and was told I had endometriosis….back then nobody really knew what that was. Basically my Dr. told me that when I get pregnant it will go away and take these birth control pills and things will be better. And they were, except for the chronic cysts and pain I had because of it. I managed fairly well – feeling a lot better than I was – and I have a high pain tolerance – so I could deal with it. Then while I was a freshman in college, my appendix ruptured on Easter morning.

I learned in 2003, that my appendix rupturing had actually destroyed my fallopian tubes, not my endometriosis. We moved forward to have the tubes removed as we were ready to start IVF. After they were removed, I felt better than I had in years. As it turns out they were infected still – so it was a great move by my Dr. I felt better, but we knew it was not the time for IVF. We felt we were at a crossroads and we knew our path was being prompted by God. We did not go back for IVF, instead, we researched adoption agencies at began the very emotional process of adoption.

I can not put into words as I can’t capture the raw emotion, the love and the blessing that our daughter brings to our lives. Thank God, for all those path changes, for the fertility issues, for the heartbreak for without it – we would have missed the ultimate blessing – being parents to our wonderful daughter.

I say these things, as we start the parenting path again. This time we feel is the time God has planned for us to do IVF. The doors were never shut to this path, and we feel now is our time to try. I am scared. This will be emotional, trying, time demanding and financially a strain for us – but we know the outcome – will be as God has planned for us. We pray that things go well and we are blessed again.

Please pray for us as we start this journey. It is the support of God, family and friends that sustains us now and it all these journeys we make.

Survivor Speak

Ok, I admit it - I watch Survivor! I need a little mindless TV to chill out after a long day and this certainly delivers. I do not understand why these people don't plan ahead. Have ya ever watched the show? On Day One - Do not - I repeat - Do not go dressed in heals and a halter dress to your remote island location. Yeah - I know they were thinking they get to take their luggage and all, but if you have ever watched the show, you know a good deal of the time they leave you with only the clothes on your back. Ok People - so if I was getting ready to go on Survivor (which believe me - if you have ever seen me camping you know - I won't be) this is what I would do:

• Have on 39 pairs of underwear the first day (that way I had one for each day I was there)
• Where sturdy outdoor shoes with several pairs of socks
• Where those convertible cargo pants that go from shorts to pants.
• Have on the granddaddy of them all sport bra's (I won't say any more about this)
• Have on a one piece bathing suit
• A sweatshirt hoodie - reversible - with several layered shirts on underneath

And yeah - I would look like a dork day one - but I would be living sweet day 15!

Have a great day!

My latest I-Tune purchases

I got some great gift cards to I-tunes for my birthday and wanted to share my latest music selections.

• James Blunt - All the Lost Souls, I am really digging the songs "1973" and "Same Mistake" -I do not like the song "Give me some love" -not kid appropriate at all!! Overall this is a great CD though - very mellow - good rhythms - intriguing lyrics
• Grey's Anatomy- Original Soundtrack Volume 3 - some great songs on here...Breathe In Breathe Out by Mat Kearney rocks (and his CD Matt Kearney-Nothing Left to Lose is also fabulous)
• Joshua Radin -Live Session I-Tunes Exclusive - oh this is so wonderful -love love all the songs!!!
• Timbaland presents Shock Value (I know such a digressions from above) - cool beats -

Great Article at MSN today

Over in the money section - there is a great article about retiring by 50! These people would make Dave Ramsey proud!

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/RetirementandWills/RetireEarly/RetireBy50.aspx

Check it out!

Tuna Fish Tuesday!

For my friends who are wanting the scoop on deals - this is for you!
If you have a Supertarget - you should go and get some cheap tuna fish. The starkist tuna (in water) is .59 cents at my Super T. Combined with the Super T coupon, it makes them .09 cents a can. Yeah Baby! Super Target puts up new coupons on their website every two weeks or so. There are some fabulous deals with these coupons. Their is a nifty coupon generator over at afullcup.com where you can print the coupons in multiples at a time.
My Super T limits be to five like items at a time with coupons - but not all do.
Happy Shopping!

I am so brave!

Seriously, I was for a moment at the mall under the bright lights of a kiosk. I got my eyebrows threaded. Yes, I know, that sounds horribly scary and terrifying. Basically, they use thread, put it in some sort of triangle shape and whip the hairs out of your eyebrows -seamlessly and in one swoop, instead of individually. And yes, some pain was involved...but when you have the pressure of your playgroup Momma's shouting "Stephanie, Stephanie!" you succumb and lay down in the chair and let strangers watch you get your eyebrows done. Mind you, I never really do anything to my eyebrows. I think they look ok, but my friends advised me that the do need some tender loving care.
So - they look pretty good. Bean was watching me and layed down in the chair next to me so she could have hers done....yeah maybe in about 20 years or so!

Out of the mouth of Bean!

Roon was pushing Bean last night on the swingset. She was excited to tell him about the snake in our house. Roon comes in and says, "So I hear we have a snake in the house." Of course, I am like "WHAT?" Roon says Bean told him all about it. I am thinking - please no not a snake. Then he tells me Bean said, she had a poop snake. A poop what? Bean said that I told her that her poop looked like a snake. Now - yes it did - but she came up with this idea all on her own.
I was relieved it was just a poop snake in the end ;)

Birthday Treats!

I really have a wonderful husband. He brought me the most beautiful flowers and made me this Banana/Walnut Cake. He did everything - including making it so pretty with the cake stand and nuts! Birthdays are special and I truly feel blessed to have so many dear family and friends in my life. As I grow older, I am really starting to appreciate that life is in the small moments - the ones that you will carry with you forever.

Sometimes I feel like the Jason Bourne of Coupon Shopping!

(close-up picture)

All this for $5.59 - Rock On!

(picture shows my 9 boxes of kleenex)

I admit – sometimes when the adreline is running, I feel the pull to run through the grocery store – gathering my goods – fearing no one – jumping thru displays – climbing shelves – digging behind displays to see what others have hidden. (in case you don’t know – people do hide things they want to come back for behind other products) I have the total bill calculated in my head and am awaiting the glorious results at the register. And yes – I admit it – I have theme songs that run thru my head. Today I am thinking of the Moby song from the Bourne Ultimatum (timely since I just watched in last night). I could be the super-hero of coupons. Have a snazzy little outfit and everything.

I know what you are thinking, in actuality; I look more like a wonder twin. Remember them “Wonder Twin powers ACTIVATE!!” I used to force my brother to do that with me while we watched hours of cartoons on Saturday Mornings. Of course when we got older – only he was allowed to be He-Man and I got to be Sheera. My poor sister had to be Battle Cat. Ok- So I Digress…..but the point here is that saving MONEY is fun! See how you can do next time you are out.

I am very blessed with all these great deals and hope you will be too!

Teaching the Bean about money!

This morning our conversation was something like this:
Bean "Mommy - you see that coupon over there on the floor?"
Me "Yes Bean."
Bean "Mommy - I need to go get it."
Me "What do we do with coupons?"
Bean "We use them at the store."
Me"Do coupons save us money?"
Bean "Oh - yes Mommy!"

Start them early - so they realize the value of a dollar!

Why I Heart CVS

Look at all the goodies I got at CVS for just $13.46. Yes you read that correctly. There is a bottle of drain cleaner that is not shown that ate up $3.99 of that total! Here it the best part - I earned another $8.98 in Extra Care Dollars to use on my next visit and that little igloo cooler (was only $3.75) and came with coupons and a free subscription to Field and Stream magazine. Oodles of cool - I tell ya.
How did I get my total so low? I used CVS Coupons, Extra Care Dollars earned on previous shopping trips) and Manufacture Coupons. A little planning goes a LONG way my friends. If you have not gone - check out your CVS summer clearance - they had lots of goodies as evidenced by the picture above!
Have a great day!

Saving money on meat!

So, I got an amazing deal on ground beef! 93% FF Ground Beef for a $1.99 a pound. Oh I do love coupons. So I may have gone a little overboard - I bought 22 pounds - but it is something we use all the time. To maximize the freshness - I vacuum sealed the meat into one pound packages. See how neat and efficient the process is above! Oh I do heart the foodsaver!
Happy Days!

This is what happens to your pets after you have kids!

Alex continues to find new ways to attract attention to herself. She makes everyone laugh. Listen for Bean's commentary in the background - it is pretty funny too!

Logo designed and swaparooni are courtesy of Oh My Stinkin Heck at : http://www.ohmystinkinheck.com/

This blog will just crack you up! Get ready for some laughs.

I am having fun reading blogs and joining things. This is my first bloggy adventure. The idea is that you exchange items in specific color's to other friends on the internet. Cool - huh!

I am excited to start shopping.

Boy the Pioneers had it hard!

Yesterday we were trying to pick some apples off the tree as the birds are making them their daily smorgasbord. Roon goes up in the ladder and I yell "wasp!" He jumps down and says where. I tell him it is gone and to go back up. He's up and then says "There's a wasp nest up here - It's over."
Thus the apple picking was ended until all the wasps have vacated said tree.
I told Roon we would have been bad pioneers, and he commented if we were pioneers we would be on top of these things. Guess I need to work on that!

Really Random Thoughts for Monday

• Here is the good news – I am a SIZE TWO – ok I know what you are thinking, how in the heck is that possible. The bad news – it is only at Chico’s, where they only appear to have sizes in Size 0 – Size 3.5. If I am a size two everywhere – a lot of you reading this are in fact a negative size, because I know ya!
• Why are tops that make you look pregnant back in style again? I had these same tops back in high school (purchased from Contempo Casuals – every Mom’s nightmare of a store)? I should have just kept them.
• I think I am old – because of the above statement, what’s old is new again. I just saw leg warmers in size 3T for Bean.
• What ever happened to the store 5-7-9? Why were they called 5-7-9 when they sold all of the other normal sizes?
• Where do all my socks go?
• Why do all Mom’s count to three, 1(long pause)-2(even longer pause)-3, in order to get our kids attention?
• How come some of the hair on the model’s in the hair ad’s looks fake? Is it real hair? I wonder if it is possible to be a hair model only. New career…probably not.
• If you ask me to do the cost per unit, or savings % or discount after coupon in the grocery store – it is all good! I can bounce numbers, savings, grocery totals – in my head with mathematical precision. Just don’t ask me anything about calculus or algebra ever!

See – I told you they were random. These are the kind of thoughts that run through my mind at various moments. Have a great week!

I think I need to add some songs to the I-Pod!

I can't help but groove when I hear:
"Rescue Pets, Coming to the Rescue - Ahhhh, Rescue Pets!"

Seriously these cartoon songs get in your head and you find yourself humming them at various times throughout the day. Randomly I may something like "What would the map say.", "Oh Toodles.", "Dragontales, Dragontales...blah blah blah...Dragon Tales."

The people who make music for these kids shows, they are good, very good.

Go Diego Go!

Beeps in the Night

Sometimes ya just want a good night's sleep.
Then you hear the subtle chirping of your smoke detector, letting you know it needs battery attention. Then you drift into sleep, and the subtle becomes angry and starts beeping like a rooster crowing. So your great hubby, takes said batteries out and you drift off again, only to hear the same noise coming from down the hall. Trying not to wake up your sleeping daughter, you repeat (I mean husband repeats - while I coordinate from bed) said motions trying to balance a ladder in the dark. Ah- peace and quite yet again. Only a few short hours later, the carbon monoxide detector wants to join in the battery fun.
Oh What a night! Guess when you put all new batteries in at once - they all go out at once!

Hello Short Hair!

Well as Dora the Explorer would say "I did it, I did it, yeah!" I got a big hair cut. It was about 9 inches off, and I was hoping to donate to Locks of Love, but I was needing one more inch of hair. My head feels lighter and my hair is bouncing everywhere.

I admit after the first cut I immediately had styling remorse, but once it was gone, I knew I made the right decision. Here's to a cooler head the rest of the summer!

Free Movie Wednesdays!

Well, we are sad to see the free summer movie's ending this week. Bean did great this year. We saw Happy Feet, Barnyard the Party Animals and half of Over the Hedge this summer. Once the candy spilled out and the popcorn was gone, her attention was null and void for any remainder of the movie. Not even the animated Raccoon voice of Bruce Willis could keep her focused. Well at least it was free ;)

Red Apple's - Grown by us!

This is our first crop of apples. The apple tree was a shrub (barley making it) when we moved into the house. Roon carefully staked it and nurtured it for a couple of years. We saw about five apples last year, but they were green and they did not survive the birds. We have a crop of them this year. We went to pick them in June, and out neighbor told us she thought they were red apples and that we should wait a while. She was right on! They are red and we are so excited about them. Most of them are still ripening - but we picked a few that looked ready. This makes me want to start a veggie and herb garden. Perhaps this will be my hobby in 08?

My Favorite Songs (well for right now)

I love music. I can zap thru an i-tunes gift card with record speed. I google TV shows and movies when I hear a song I must have. I am a bit obsessed at times, but I like to keep the fresh music coming. I think I have really broadened Roon's musical taste. I mean who can say their wife has dragged them to see Celine Dion, Travis, Simon and Garfunkel and John Mayer within a few years. So, for those interested folks, here are my favorites right now song title and artist:

• The Heart of Life, John Mayer (really all his stuff is amazing)



• (You want to) Make a Memory, Bon Jovi



• Apologize, Timbaland featuring One Republic



• Hide & Seek, Imogean Heap (so amazing - flowers for the ears - LOVE THIS SONG)



• Closer, Travis



• Working Class Hero, Greenday



• Hey There Delilah, Plain White T's



• When the stars go blue, Tim McGraw (yes I have imagined this being played at Bean's wedding - I know that is a way's off)

• You Could be Happy, Snow Patrol

I warned you - very eclectic ;)

These are just a few - believe me there are more and these will change, but right now I can't get enough of these. I am really looking forward to the new James Blunt CD. I seriously played his Back to Bedlam CD every day for a very long time. Let me know what your favorite songs are right now....I love to hear new artists!

Great Book!

I just finished a wonderful book called, The Boleyn Inheritance, by Philippa Gregory. I read all 517 pages in just two days - so you know it was good! I have also read The Other Boleyn Girl, by the same author and thought it was a great read too.
If you like period novels set back in the times of Kings and Queens you will quite enjoy her writing. I did not go in any order as I just requested another of her books from the library called, The Constant Princess, which looks to be set before both of these books. Oh Well - Great Reads in my Opinion!

Does this freak you out too?

You know...when you are opening a can of rolls or biscuits and you are waiting for the "pop" of the can to happen when air hits the spot. Then sometimes, you find yourself wincing, and there is no pop. Next you wrangle it with a spoon and finally the "pop" and it is opened. I don't know why it freaks me out a bit, just scared the pop is going to explode the product on me or something.
But seriously, how cute is that little dough boy on the can.

the secret of contentment

was the discussion of our Church sermon yesterday. I really enjoyed this verse.
Phil: 4:11-12....I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want.

It is so hard to be content in this world we live in. Envy is something that I think everyone struggles with.....as our Pastor pointed out yesterday "When I focus on what OTHERS have, I miss what God has for ME."

That is some food for thought!

Maxed Out!

Roon and I watched this documentary last night about the credit card industry. Very enlightening and eye opening. It was very sad to see all the hurt people have experienced because of debt.
Dave Ramsey was quoted in there several times. Most people know how much we admire Dave's principals about money. If you have never read his books or listened to his show - we highly recommend them. I keep reminding myself of his motto, "Live like no one else, so you can live like no one else."

3 Musketeers Mint!

Yum-O People, Yum-O!
What a tasty treat I found yesterday at Walgreens. I was doing some of the great coupon deals they have this week and realized my total would be negative. Since stores don't pay you to shop there (but that would be great huh!)- I had to act quick and throw in 5 candy bars/treats to bring my total positive. This Minty Wonder was a great snack today - and fairly low calorie.

Horse Pills - I tell you!

Why do prenatal vitamins look like horse pills? I mean babies are not born anywhere near the size of horses right....can't the pills be smaller - Seriously!

I started taking my first sample pack to find the ones I like. I started with the pretty package and the purple pills (purple is my favorite color). Logical analysis right? I mean I could Google prenatal vitamins and make a spreadsheet - which is what my analytical side really wants to do - but I am just trying to keep it simple.

So far they have not made me nauseous which is good. Only three more samples to try once I finish this sample pack!

Close Encounters of the Throw Up Kind!

Well, it finally happened. Bean got the stomach virus. She was just miserable this weekend and I just felt awful that she was sick. She woke up on Saturday after nap saying her lip hurt. This is Bean's universal sign that she is sick as every time she feels bad - her "lip hurts." She got up - then threw up. We were concerned as she was hot and managed to get some Tylenol to stay down. The problem was that we were due for dinner with friends who are having a documentary filmed about them. Yes - you read right - filmed. We did not want to let them down as this has been planned for months. So we pushed on as Bean started to bounce back within the hour and insisted she wanted to see Emma for dinner. We met the film crew and off to dinner.

Now if you have never had dinner with a film crew, producer and director following you around, well let me just say you are missing out. People everywhere stopped and asked us what was going on. It was kinda like being movie starts. Bean had to go potty and the people in the bathroom asked us if we were professional actors. HA! Now that is funny.
We had to re-do some of the scenes for filming purposes. I think we said Grace like 4 or 5 times. The kids were so well behaved, the directors were just so impressed (and yes the well behaved part is on film).

Dinner went well for the most part. Just towards the end, I noticed Bean started to get quiet - which for anyone that knows her - knows that something is not right in Bean land. She still wanted to go play outside, so we tried and then quickly turned around as she started to get sick again. Thankfully we were near bushes. She was such a trooper.....nobody would have known she was sick until the very end of our dinner. Thankfully filming was done so were able to leave.
After a long car ride home - we got cleaned up and Bean slept with Mommy. She had a fever that approached 105 and was just not able to sleep well. Thankfully - she fell asleep around 6:00 a.m. again and napped on and off Sunday.

Just as a precaution , we went to the Dr. and it looks like she just had the virus. She is moving and grooving already. Her fever seems to be gone, and we are so happy that she is better. As a parent, you just ache when your child is sick. It is heart wrenching and hard to watch them feel so bad.

Hope everyone has a great Monday!

Is there anything you do to be frugal?

I am learning all sorts of new things about being frugal. Here are some of the latest:

• Get free magazines and blockbuster rentals from coke by entering their reward codes (if you don't want yours give them to me...hahaha)
• DVD's at our library (I think I mentioned that ours is online and you can request movies and they call you when they are ready for you - so cool and free)
• Signing Bean up for kid's clubs at the mall and favorite shopping spots - we get all kinds of goodies and coupons
• Freezing leftovers when I make a big batch of something yummy
• Using coupons everywhere (I heart coupons and if you don't you should)

I have a lot more to learn in being frugal so let me know your tips!

The Glitter and Glammer - oh My!

So I must confess - I have never been in Libby Lu...well not until I had a free coupon so I was forced to go in (hahaha). So I took the Bean in to have her nails painted and oh my - they sure did not have these stores when I was a kid. A fortress of body lotion, glitter, make-up, wigs, hair accessories, play dogs you can dress in cute doggy clothing.....Bean's eyes widened at the very site of all this. I was now sceptical that our nail painting would be free...but gosh golly it was...sparkles and all. Love that!
I told the girl that I thought Bean was a bit young for all this and she assured me they have clients younger than her in all the time. I mean she is only three...why would she need a Hannah Montana makeover with wig and all. She does not even know who that is....well maybe we could do that as a family and have some fab pics taken....
Anyways - I have a feeling Bean will want to see a lot more of this store and I see $$$$$
Make it a great day!

I hit the 30 pound weight loss mark!

I have been following the Weight Watcher Point program since Labor Day of 2006. I have now lost 30.3 pounds and am hoping to lose another 10-12 pounds before the year mark. I am approaching a normal BMI. I started off obese and am now in the overweight category.
I think the key to losing weight for me are these things.:

• Exercise (I work out at the gym and am doing water walking and water aerobics in the summer)
• Not depriving myself of the foods I love
• Keeping a food journal
• Taking a "break" every 8 weeks or so from point counting
• Talking to friends who are losing weight too...you need the support system.

Anyhoo - I am so excited and can't wait to get to the normal range!

Kids say the funniest things

We were eating dinner the other day and clearly Roon had a stressful day at work. I was trying to talk to him, and he got a bit agitated with me. I said "Honey, please don't snap at me."

Bean looks up and says, "Yeah - Daddy you are not an alligator and you should not snap at Mommy." It was just so cute - and did cheer Roon up after that.

Oh Say it ain't so!

So we had to go the tire store this morning. I had a big nail in my tire and it was almost flat. Thankfully they were able to fix it for free. So there is a construction project right next to the tire store, which happens to be right in front of my gym. So on my way out, to workout, I ask the tire man - "what is that going to be?" Innocent question - brace yourself - it is the mother load of all temptation for me - TACO BUENO!
WHY - WHY - Right outside my gym? It is bad enough I have to smell Wing Stop every time I leave, but now this! Oh how I love the mexi-dips and chips - I heart you so!
Enough - I will be victorious and not sabotage myself! I can do this...I can do this!
But don't ya just love the irony?
Make it a great day!

"We were like strangers who knew each other very well."

I watched the movie Big Fish last weekend (of course we rented it from the library for free). I really liked this movie, although it was very visually stimulating.
Anyhoo - this quote from the son of the main character struck a chord with me. Why is it that sometimes we hold back from our family and friends, trying to be guarded or be the "perfect person?" I dunno - just made me think that being open and real with those you hold dear is truth.
Like the timeless song says "love the ones your with." Now go show someone you care about them and don't be a stranger.
Your friend,
Steph

Roon gave me his "Allergies!"

Roon has been walking around coughing and with sore throat for days now. Oh "It's just allergies." Yeah - I started to worry when I too got a sore throat. Well, when I woke with with pink eye - my suspicions were confirmed. My upper respiratory infection backed up my tear ducts, giving me pink eye. So sad....and even sadder Roon did not want to go to the Dr. still. I kindly (ok forced) him to go with me and the Dr. was glad to see we are a couple who shares! Anyway, Dr. says I have everything a little worse than Roon, but we both have antibiotic drops and pills to make us better.
Now comes the hard part, making sure to wash hands a kabillion times a day so as not to infect the Bean, and no contacts for five days!

Slow-Cook Tuscan Sausage and Bean Soup

Oh My Goodness. This recipe is awesome. (the picture is just before it started to cook) It is from the Weight Watchers New Complete Cookbook. I made this in the crockpot last time, but was unable to get the crock started before we had to dash out to a playdate for the Bean. Anyhoo, I made it on the stove and it came out awesome.

It is only 4 points for 1.5 cup servings. Love it!

I actually read a review of it on the WW boards and tried it.

Here is how to make it:

• 12 oz. turkey kielbasa cut into 1/4 inch rounds (I used the Hillshire Farm light turkey)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced ( i just put these in the Pampered Chef garlic tool and juiced them so to speak
• 1 onion chopped
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1/2 medium bunch kale, chopped (about 4 cups)
• 3 cups ff chicken broth
• 1 (15.5 oz.), can of red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15.5 oz.) can of great northern beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (14.5 oz.) can Italian seasoned diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup dry red wine or water (I used water)
• 1 tsp. dried basil.

In a slow cooker, place all ingredients. Stir and cover and cook on low till veggies are tender approx. 8-10 hours.

Since I was in a hurry yesterday I cooked on stove on low for almost two hours.

When good customer service happens to good people!

I remember when good customer service was just expected, no matter where you went or who you were. Oh the Good Ole Days. These days you almost have to demand it. Gee how about an apology, since I drove all the way back up here with your food that I bought yesterday that had an expiration date of a year ago! But I digress, let's focus on the positive.

We went to On the Boarder (love their food) yesterday. We ordered and our food came and my steak salad greeted me with "MOO!!". Even the waitress, looked a bit scared. She sent it back to be re-made. The manager comes over and asks how we are doing, tell him about my salad, he says you must have ordered the steak salad. Yep - then he runs off and says - I am going to find out about your salad. He comes back with salad in hand and says, Miss, your salad is on me today for your wait. WOW! I love free, but I love genuine heart felt customer service just as much.
Gee- one Mexican food place I ate at once did not want to even acknowledge the fact I almost ate a rock (did chew it - ouch) that they had cooked in my beans!

Anyways, Shout Out for good customer service at On the Boarder! Now I need to do my survey and tell them how much I appreciate it!
Have a great day!

Things you don't want to hear from the back of the car!

Oh - the lovely peaceful time spent riding in the car.
This morning's conversation:
Bean - "Daddy, Mommy - I did not pick my nose"
Us - "That is great honey"
Bean - "Ok, I did pick my nose because I had a big booger."
Us - "Oh-Bean that is germy - yuck."
Bean - "Daddy, I ate it too."
Us - "EWWWWW!"
Bean - "ok - next time I won't do that."
Us- "Good"
Good times!

The Bean Has Madd Skills!

Just look at this work of art! I am just so proud. Proud of her dedication and proud she did not eat all the fish as she created this masterpiece. Now I just need to hang it out of her reach or the fish are history - glue and all!
Have a great day!

Is is Grocery Ad Day!

Yeah - Wednesday. I love running through all the ad's to see check out the good deals this week. It is such a thrill to save money with deals and coupons at the store. It is hard to believe just two years ago - I dreaded the grocery store like the plague. In fact, I often told Roon that grocery shopping was the only shopping I did not like.
Well no more people - I love it now! How much to you aim to save at the store each week? My personal goal is 75%, but I am happy with 50%. I try to buy items in bulk when I know they are the best price. For example, last week had 93% ff hamburger meat for a great price. I bought eight packages and vacuum sealed them in pound and half pound packages for freezing. Roon was emptying the bags and says "I am glad we are not vegetarian's!" Ha Ha...no we are not, but let's face it meat is expensive.
How do yall save money?
Here are some of my tips.

• Utilize the Internet for frugal message boards and coupon sites
• Try thegrocerygame.com - (please use me for your referral ;) It is only a $1.00 for the trial period and I think you will be pleased
• Check out couponmom.com. She has a fabulous virtual coupon organizer and a grocery deal by state section.
• Don't forget about CVS, Walgreens and SuperTarget - there are wonderful deals at these stores all the time. SuperTarget has coupons on their website which make for some amazing deals.

Do you want to save money with me? Come on you know you want to!

Have a blessed day!

What a google world we live in!

On Sunday, Roon decided to "google" the bug bite Bean had on her knee. Needless to say the results were quite varied and frankly scared the tar out of us. Of course the bug bite happened over the weekend, so access to the Dr. had to wait. So we fretted at the possibilities which ranged from mosquito to tick...and of course by Monday, the bite and swelling were all but gone. So even though, I HEART Google - next time, we will try not to run at the medical diagnoses via the Internet.

We did it - We did it - Yeah!!

Ok- so I have seen one too many Dora the Explorer episodes this weekend - BUT, I am happy to report we were victorious in our $20 eating out challenge. Tonight we had BBQ and only spent $9.15, thus we came in at $17.76 for the weekend. Yeah.
Being frugal is something I hope to make an everyday part of our life. It is easy to spend "money" on credit cards. I hope that we make a lasting impact for generations of our family to come!

Eating out on the cheap!

This weekend we have decided to eat out on just $20 for the entire weekend. We are trying to cut back so that we can cut our spending and boost our savings. So far - so good. We ate at San Francisco Oven for just $8.61. Yep - we all three ate well! Love those BOGO coupons. I think this will be a fun and rewarding challenge for us all!

He He I have a Blog!

Well - today is the day that I am finally moving into the blog era and getting my own.
I chose the name for my blog "Hopping with Joy" because as a little girl my Dad always called me hopper (cause I hopped in my crib) and the joy - because I strive to be a positive and uplifting person.
I am so excited. I hope to use this as a tool to stay in touch with all my friends and family!
I hope that this will be a good outlet for all my comical Mom moments. It seems as if everyday something new and exciting happens.
Blessings to you,
Stephanie