tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258572730345466342024-03-13T11:43:29.994-05:00Hopping with JoyStephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15146735422959439956noreply@blogger.comBlogger249125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4925857273034546634.post-88930828104649876072010-03-05T16:22:00.003-06:002010-03-05T16:39:48.863-06:00Trying to think of what to say....In my head I have all sorts of great blog posts.....but in reality I rarely put the pen to paper so to speak. So I figure as random as it is - here is the return to blogging.<br /><br />So the other day I am attempting to clean all the bathrooms in the house. I phase the cleaning as to not mix the germs....you know sinks/counters, mirrors and generally the potty is last. So I clean all the toilets in the house. Now - some of you may have sons/husbands that leave the potty seats all the way up. I am constantly telling my hubby that I am going to fall in one day cause he leaves the seat up! So - you may see where I am going with this. After all the hard core potty cleaning, I left the potty seat up in my bathroom. So the inevitable happened as I was hurrying up to use the potty - I sat on it lid up. There are two bright sides to this story. Number one - I realized the error of my ways pretty darn quick before I got stuck. Secondly the potty was clean inside and out. So with that - blogging I am back.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15146735422959439956noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4925857273034546634.post-14085421077360382862010-01-05T12:19:00.001-06:002010-01-05T12:19:54.426-06:00Poor neglected blog...I am coming back to blogging...very soon! Miss it so much!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15146735422959439956noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4925857273034546634.post-37541709909373038002009-08-24T16:25:00.005-05:002009-08-24T18:00:47.360-05:00First Day of KindergartenWow - What a day! We are brave parents I tell ya...no tears when we dropped our baby off at Kindergarten. It is truly amazing how strong and independent she has become! We started off the morning taking pictures at the new house. Our tradition will be to take pictures out front of the house every year at the beginning and end of the year to note how much Bean changes and grows each year. She really had a great day and already was scheduling herself an after school play date with a new friend. Her favorite part of school today was "learning." That is what she tells me anyway......LOL! I learned some things today too!<br /><ul><li>We survived the boo-hoo / yahoo breakfast with no tears....seeing how far she has come puts a smile on my face....</li><li>I am glad I have a week to transition into the Bean walking herself into class...I hover a lot...I mean a certain husband may have called me on my cell from the door of the classroom to tell me to quit...just saying</li><li>Car pool lines are not for the weak hearted...I saw them...I am glad I can park and walk and very soon just walk from my new house!</li><li>I keep looking up how to spell Kindergarten...somehow I think it looks like it needs a "d" instead of a "t"</li><li>Kindergarten has evolved....it is high tech...computer labs, learning center, arts....WOO HOO!</li><li>I am a proud Momma!</li></ul><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SpMHJAojQZI/AAAAAAAAAks/RlStQufVqUo/s1600-h/walking+in.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373646631753433490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SpMHJAojQZI/AAAAAAAAAks/RlStQufVqUo/s320/walking+in.JPG" border="0" /></a> at school posing for Daddy<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SpMGxvner2I/AAAAAAAAAkk/fh4j9NgJsI4/s1600-h/walking+in.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SpMGxDQWeFI/AAAAAAAAAkc/iEkoq0xvWsM/s1600-h/all+ready+to+go.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373646220140378194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SpMGxDQWeFI/AAAAAAAAAkc/iEkoq0xvWsM/s320/all+ready+to+go.JPG" border="0" /></a> outside the new house!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left">So tell me did you have any rituals before the first day of school? I personally obsessed for weeks over the first few days outfits....but that seems normal amongst girls. Bean was already vying for a different outfit to wear today...but I pulled the Mom Card. So one funny thing I pretty much always did before the first day of school was a long bath (mind you I am not a bath person). I mean I showered every day....but the night before the first day of school I always took a bath. It helped me get ready and get my school groove on...and I always (as far as I can remember) tried to use Jean Nate....after I got out! It made me feel grown up and special! I found my inspiration commercial on YouTube and am posting it here for you to watch.....aw brings back memories! I don't remember when I parted ways with Jean Nate...maybe when I moved on to Avon's Skin So Soft....but maybe I need to go out and get me some...wonder if they still make it? </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div></div><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PAMnjq2m7Nc&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PAMnjq2m7Nc&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15146735422959439956noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4925857273034546634.post-64808454231590308542009-08-20T09:53:00.002-05:002009-08-20T09:58:42.986-05:00Updated House Pictures!So much work has been done! It is great to see all the progress!<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/So1kH2p7RsI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/jArgTljCaOw/s1600-h/view+of+kitchen.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372060016616097474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/So1kH2p7RsI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/jArgTljCaOw/s320/view+of+kitchen.JPG" border="0" /></a> view of kitchen with tile, counter tops and cabinets stained</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/So1kHilE1SI/AAAAAAAAAkI/maBRmSjWLsk/s1600-h/kitchen.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372060011227043106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/So1kHilE1SI/AAAAAAAAAkI/maBRmSjWLsk/s320/kitchen.JPG" border="0" /></a> i love you maple cabinets<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/So1kHCu6gOI/AAAAAAAAAkA/3IlXBZCr1Zg/s1600-h/master+shower.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372060002678374626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/So1kHCu6gOI/AAAAAAAAAkA/3IlXBZCr1Zg/s320/master+shower.JPG" border="0" /></a> decorative tile in master shower<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/So1kG8VE7WI/AAAAAAAAAj4/BpR1gVWj4SQ/s1600-h/pendant+lights+in+kitchen.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372060000959393122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/So1kG8VE7WI/AAAAAAAAAj4/BpR1gVWj4SQ/s320/pendant+lights+in+kitchen.JPG" border="0" /></a> pendant lights in kitchen<br /><br /><div> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/So1kGY6-_6I/AAAAAAAAAjw/6zYN6vzjggk/s1600-h/fireplace.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372059991454711714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/So1kGY6-_6I/AAAAAAAAAjw/6zYN6vzjggk/s320/fireplace.JPG" border="0" /></a>fireplace with mantle<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div><br /></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15146735422959439956noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4925857273034546634.post-43117421130953524112009-08-04T12:49:00.004-05:002009-08-04T12:58:59.152-05:00The homestead updateWow - what a difference a couple weeks makes. Seems like things are really moving again which makes us so happy. We are delayed about 4 weeks now....so looking to close near the end of September. Here are the updated pictures. We have insulation, drywall, brick, the staircase, cabinets and today they were putting the doors and frames in! It is very exciting to see it all take shape!<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Snh156d7Y1I/AAAAAAAAAjo/MGaFy5G63Ys/s1600-h/drywall+in+gameroom.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366168593819722578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Snh156d7Y1I/AAAAAAAAAjo/MGaFy5G63Ys/s320/drywall+in+gameroom.JPG" border="0" /></a> drywall in game room</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Snh15puKBsI/AAAAAAAAAjg/8DUUCPYS2b8/s1600-h/insulation.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366168589324388034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Snh15puKBsI/AAAAAAAAAjg/8DUUCPYS2b8/s320/insulation.JPG" border="0" /></a> a whole lotta insulation<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Snh13Xem8KI/AAAAAAAAAjY/QJAlVLNBfWE/s1600-h/front+with+brick.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366168550067597474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Snh13Xem8KI/AAAAAAAAAjY/QJAlVLNBfWE/s320/front+with+brick.JPG" border="0" /></a> brick in the front<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Snh1WDERyLI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/kKQCEJYxW-4/s1600-h/man+and+his+garage.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366167977652766898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Snh1WDERyLI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/kKQCEJYxW-4/s320/man+and+his+garage.JPG" border="0" /></a> a man and his garage!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Snh1V7TRLOI/AAAAAAAAAjI/5p9SiUNve_k/s1600-h/staircase.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366167975568157922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Snh1V7TRLOI/AAAAAAAAAjI/5p9SiUNve_k/s320/staircase.JPG" border="0" /></a> stair case with wood and iron<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Snh1Vi4e-GI/AAAAAAAAAjA/lSh8ikMxgZQ/s1600-h/porch+bricked.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366167969013364834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Snh1Vi4e-GI/AAAAAAAAAjA/lSh8ikMxgZQ/s320/porch+bricked.JPG" border="0" /></a> porch bricked<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Snh1VX1zEJI/AAAAAAAAAi4/G-4ohJr7yRo/s1600-h/cabinets.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366167966049308818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Snh1VX1zEJI/AAAAAAAAAi4/G-4ohJr7yRo/s320/cabinets.JPG" border="0" /></a> cabinets in kitchen<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Snh1VI1m1CI/AAAAAAAAAiw/2nnwOHJrf9A/s1600-h/iron+detail.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366167962021975074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Snh1VI1m1CI/AAAAAAAAAiw/2nnwOHJrf9A/s320/iron+detail.JPG" border="0" /></a> iron detail on stair...I love how they came out!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15146735422959439956noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4925857273034546634.post-57639113741100198282009-07-16T09:00:00.001-05:002009-07-16T09:00:05.669-05:00Cowing Around at Chick-fil-AWe had our annual trek for free food to Chick-fil-A. This year we got to go with my adorable nieces and nephew and my amazing sister-in-law and brother. We procrastinated on our cow attire - but we pulled it together a couple hours before dinner. I was drying some of the shirts with a hair-dryer at the last minute. The girls had a fun, and I think the boys even enjoyed themselves. I know my brother was impressed that the food was in face free. We some some interesting cows while we were there. One guy looked to be putting on some sort of haz-mat converted cow costume in the parking lot. It was pretty funny to watch him get ready.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Sl5IVutOXpI/AAAAAAAAAio/xWRTrHsj9X4/s1600-h/all+ready+to+go.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358800144769638034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Sl5IVutOXpI/AAAAAAAAAio/xWRTrHsj9X4/s320/all+ready+to+go.JPG" border="0" /></a> the girls ready to go<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Sl5IUSxnBAI/AAAAAAAAAig/Qc9bbj-AfsM/s1600-h/cows+having+fun.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358800120091968514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Sl5IUSxnBAI/AAAAAAAAAig/Qc9bbj-AfsM/s320/cows+having+fun.JPG" border="0" /></a> My bro (still bashful about being a cow) with his lovely wife<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Sl5ITom2XfI/AAAAAAAAAiY/wNQmr5rIJR0/s1600-h/oue+herd.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358800108772548082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Sl5ITom2XfI/AAAAAAAAAiY/wNQmr5rIJR0/s320/oue+herd.JPG" border="0" /></a> the girls enjoying their cow toys<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Sl5ISzboneI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/pcf-jdf_CWY/s1600-h/cow+couple.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358800094498430434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Sl5ISzboneI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/pcf-jdf_CWY/s320/cow+couple.JPG" border="0" /></a> me and Roon<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Sl5IQ9AbQJI/AAAAAAAAAiI/pkrV35YtUUs/s1600-h/happy+Finn.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358800062708924562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Sl5IQ9AbQJI/AAAAAAAAAiI/pkrV35YtUUs/s320/happy+Finn.JPG" border="0" /></a> Happy boy Finn<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15146735422959439956noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4925857273034546634.post-33148421779229459432009-07-15T15:58:00.002-05:002009-07-15T16:10:09.631-05:00More pics of the Homestead<div align="center">We have progressed quite a bit in the construction process since my last update. We have a roof, electrical, plumbing and should have <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">HVAC</span> this week. The brick and drywall have been on-site for about two weeks, but due to a red tag (over some engineering issues - inspector is very detailed - that is a good thing) and the copper being stolen out of the house....our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">time frame</span> is looking to be pushed back till mid-September. Hopefully that is our only delay! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Sl5EjD4Ih2I/AAAAAAAAAiA/pGd9n452roY/s1600-h/porch+view.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358795975744325474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Sl5EjD4Ih2I/AAAAAAAAAiA/pGd9n452roY/s320/porch+view.JPG" border="0" /></a> porch in back of house</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Sl5EitnerII/AAAAAAAAAh4/z68WZNu9BBw/s1600-h/kitchen+-+bar+area.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358795969768893570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Sl5EitnerII/AAAAAAAAAh4/z68WZNu9BBw/s320/kitchen+-+bar+area.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a>view into kitchen at bar area<br /></p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Sl5EiEurAWI/AAAAAAAAAhw/OjDr0kp5Kp8/s1600-h/fireplace.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358795958793208162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Sl5EiEurAWI/AAAAAAAAAhw/OjDr0kp5Kp8/s320/fireplace.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a>fireplace (which will have stone around it)<br /></p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Sl5EhA25lcI/AAAAAAAAAho/mTi1Hn6O0_I/s1600-h/roof+going+on.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358795940574107074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Sl5EhA25lcI/AAAAAAAAAho/mTi1Hn6O0_I/s320/roof+going+on.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a> roof going on<br /></p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Sl5Egtx_aHI/AAAAAAAAAhg/coGAsvHupTQ/s1600-h/front+of+house.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358795935453243506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Sl5Egtx_aHI/AAAAAAAAAhg/coGAsvHupTQ/s320/front+of+house.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a>front of house</p>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15146735422959439956noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4925857273034546634.post-60183538283010963742009-07-05T14:23:00.003-05:002009-07-05T14:32:12.318-05:00Barbie Camp!<a href="http://s184.photobucket.com/albums/x198/purplesam/?action=view¤t=Believe.flv" target="_blank"><img src="http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x198/purplesam/th_Believe.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" style="width: 160px;"></a><br />Believe!<br /><br />I have been trying to get these uploaded for a few days...finally am getting blogger to cooperate. Bean had so much fun learning these dances to some of her favorite Barbie songs. These are a couple of the clips!<br /><br /><a href="http://s184.photobucket.com/albums/x198/purplesam/?action=view¤t=Connected.flv" target="_blank"><img src="http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x198/purplesam/th_Connected.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" style="width: 160px;"></a><br />Connected!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15146735422959439956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4925857273034546634.post-4737752309660038392009-06-18T16:53:00.003-05:002009-06-18T17:02:47.179-05:00More House PicsHere are some highlights that have happened over the past two weeks. Seems like they are really booking it since the slab has been poured. We had some really bad storms last week (while our house was being framed), but all is well and God blessed us and our frame was just fine. Another home a bit ahead of ours in the schedule was completely blown down though. Hope you enjoy the pictures.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Sjq4M9V8L5I/AAAAAAAAAhY/Ni7v7viXgWM/s1600-h/slab.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348790040220413842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Sjq4M9V8L5I/AAAAAAAAAhY/Ni7v7viXgWM/s320/slab.JPG" border="0" /></a>view from the front of the slab </div><div align="center"> </div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Sjq4Mt-bnJI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/JSM3BKxC22E/s1600-h/1st+floor+going+up.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348790036095278226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Sjq4Mt-bnJI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/JSM3BKxC22E/s320/1st+floor+going+up.JPG" border="0" /></a> first floor going up<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Sjq4MfZYg2I/AAAAAAAAAhI/_pzJYDOGGNc/s1600-h/front+view.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348790032181789538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Sjq4MfZYg2I/AAAAAAAAAhI/_pzJYDOGGNc/s320/front+view.JPG" border="0" /></a> 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">nd</span> floor going up<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Sjq4MNaFEkI/AAAAAAAAAhA/3bZr0ebl8Cg/s1600-h/stairs+going+in.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348790027352871490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Sjq4MNaFEkI/AAAAAAAAAhA/3bZr0ebl8Cg/s320/stairs+going+in.JPG" border="0" /></a>the stairs...I love the curve<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Sjq4L1hR0cI/AAAAAAAAAg4/6t_0EkMcy3c/s1600-h/picture+windows.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348790020940616130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Sjq4L1hR0cI/AAAAAAAAAg4/6t_0EkMcy3c/s320/picture+windows.JPG" border="0" /></a> view from the picture window in game room - window seats being framed</div><div align="left">This is so exciting!! Thanks for reading!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div><br /></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15146735422959439956noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4925857273034546634.post-82422224836409945412009-06-10T14:55:00.006-05:002009-06-10T15:10:51.282-05:00The New Homestead!!The house sold and we are spending our summer in a town home. It is cramped and we have a ton of stuff in storage and in boxes - but we are so blessed. Our house got a contract just after six weeks and that is a huge Praise. Here are some house pictures. We are super excited to build and watching the house go up is so much fun!<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SjASGdmnBbI/AAAAAAAAAgw/OuszRK62mnw/s1600-h/lot-formed.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345792659923862962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SjASGdmnBbI/AAAAAAAAAgw/OuszRK62mnw/s320/lot-formed.JPG" border="0" /></a> the lot being formed</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SjASGAflJAI/AAAAAAAAAgo/qe3uSFOWd4U/s1600-h/kitchen+including+accent+color.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345792652109751298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SjASGAflJAI/AAAAAAAAAgo/qe3uSFOWd4U/s320/kitchen+including+accent+color.JPG" border="0" /></a> kitchen granite, throughout tile and accent paint in kitchen<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SjARjRBcjYI/AAAAAAAAAgg/wmtO_g1K0D0/s1600-h/granite+in+kitchen+and+tile+throughout.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345792055251340674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SjARjRBcjYI/AAAAAAAAAgg/wmtO_g1K0D0/s320/granite+in+kitchen+and+tile+throughout.JPG" border="0" /></a> closer view of granite in kitchen<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SjARjNFSUjI/AAAAAAAAAgY/PWoA1ujhgGI/s1600-h/outside+paint+and+carpet.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345792054193705522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SjARjNFSUjI/AAAAAAAAAgY/PWoA1ujhgGI/s320/outside+paint+and+carpet.JPG" border="0" /></a> exterior paint color and carpet behind...dig the plush<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SjARi_Pan8I/AAAAAAAAAgQ/4yAUuxPFQsE/s1600-h/maple+cabinets.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345792050478096322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SjARi_Pan8I/AAAAAAAAAgQ/4yAUuxPFQsE/s320/maple+cabinets.JPG" border="0" /></a> my maple cabinets...ours is the finish on the left...oh I heart you so maple cabinets....<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SjARio4Wb6I/AAAAAAAAAgI/ivcFCHvGzmY/s1600-h/decorative+tile+in+master+bath.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345792044475772834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SjARio4Wb6I/AAAAAAAAAgI/ivcFCHvGzmY/s320/decorative+tile+in+master+bath.JPG" border="0" /></a> decorative tile in master bathroom<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SjARiVrWGOI/AAAAAAAAAgA/IOM5TOBSGjM/s1600-h/brick+-+house.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345792039320951010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SjARiVrWGOI/AAAAAAAAAgA/IOM5TOBSGjM/s320/brick+-+house.JPG" border="0" /></a> exterior brick<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SjAQLCgGV9I/AAAAAAAAAf4/-2-cBQp8ric/s1600-h/lot-formed.JPG"></a><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15146735422959439956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4925857273034546634.post-36283138793265872862009-06-09T17:21:00.002-05:002009-06-09T17:32:09.826-05:00Piano Recital<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Si7gr4CVscI/AAAAAAAAAfw/iSTgxy2yxDI/s1600-h/100_6599.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345456852116550082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Si7gr4CVscI/AAAAAAAAAfw/iSTgxy2yxDI/s320/100_6599.JPG" border="0" /></a> Bean had her first recital for piano this April...I know I am so behind. I have video but need to pick it up from my Aunt still. She did great - no fear - and did a pretty impressive job playing <em>Mary Had a Little Lamb</em> in octave form. After she was done, she liked the applause so much, she wanted to do it all over again. Little Ham I tell you......I love this dress by Gymboree..but it will never look this pretty again...it is something fierce after you wash it and my ironing skills are not up to par...well they are pretty non-existent...but seriously.....come back tomorrow for construction pictures of the new homestead.<br /><div></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15146735422959439956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4925857273034546634.post-51556119404368912162009-06-08T01:00:00.004-05:002009-06-08T01:08:14.210-05:00So...this picture sums up the last month<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SiyqvyQGUOI/AAAAAAAAAfo/IqX6gkAPAWc/s1600-h/tired.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344834595701805282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 182px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SiyqvyQGUOI/AAAAAAAAAfo/IqX6gkAPAWc/s320/tired.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div>Lots of busy and Lots of tired! I know that some of you were really tired of seeing Woo Hoo - Walgreens at the top of the blog. No more - I am back now! I have the computer and camera up and running again...so I hope to be posting more regularly now! Here is to more blogging!</div></div></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15146735422959439956noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4925857273034546634.post-62639516050497121512009-04-26T16:21:00.003-05:002009-04-26T16:26:50.867-05:00Walgreens Woo Hoo!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SfTQk3epmSI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/ijzZqm3TV00/s1600-h/100_6595.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329113590872512802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SfTQk3epmSI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/ijzZqm3TV00/s320/100_6595.JPG" border="0" /></a> I decided to go utilize some of the Walgreens Register Reward deals this week. I paid $3.52 for all this stuff and still have $7.00 in register rewards to roll again! I love shopping the sales! For deal match-ups check out <a href="http://www.moneysavingmom.com/">moneysavingmom.com</a> or <a href="http://www.survivingthestores.com/">survingthestores.com</a>! Happy shopping!<br /><div></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15146735422959439956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4925857273034546634.post-65577732097062460152009-04-13T19:15:00.003-05:002009-04-13T19:35:02.786-05:00Easter CelebrationWe had a wonderful day together celebrating Easter as a family yesterday. We slept in a bit then headed to celebrate at Church. It was a great service! I am so thankful for all the blessings that Jesus has bestowed on me and mine. The sacrifice for us is amazing. Praise God - He is risen!<br /><br />The weather started off rainy, but cleared by mid-day! The Bunny done good in Bean's eye's when she spied a Barbie Rapunzel doll with real "zizzors!" You can attach fake hair to the doll and then cut it. Barbie does it again - those people are brilliant. Bean, though, is very curious as to how the Easter bunny obtained the barbie doll. "Mommy did the bunny take it from Target?" No - the Easter Bunny has ways of getting them I told her. Doesn't she look so happy (see below picture)?<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SePWECfW_fI/AAAAAAAAAfE/RsUoGKVcXts/s1600-h/100_6566.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324334549358280178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SePWECfW_fI/AAAAAAAAAfE/RsUoGKVcXts/s320/100_6566.JPG" border="0" /></a> The only piece of candy that wise bunny left was this chocolate bunny. I imagine the Easter bunny may have felt some guilt with not leaving jelly beans....but sometimes a bunny has got to do what a bunny has got to do. Don't worry though, I spied some speckled jelly beans for 50% off today at the grocery store and I bought them. I am not a huge jelly bean fan, but the speckle seams to kick the jelly beans up a notch. Those are some good munchin...just sayin.<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SePWD3ge3KI/AAAAAAAAAe8/LYYDsM2g0Vs/s1600-h/100_6568.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324334546410200226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SePWD3ge3KI/AAAAAAAAAe8/LYYDsM2g0Vs/s320/100_6568.JPG" border="0" /></a> After Church and a quick lunch we went to a local Easter Egg hunt at a nursery. Look how pretty the flowers are! Bean did great...she stayed calm, did not run and looked high and low. She really took her time enjoying the egg hunt. However...she did not when it came to the floppy eared wonder. Bean was all over that bunny like a fly to honey. Every time she saw him, she would wave, make cutie eyes or want to go talk to him. Thankfully the bunny complied and was happy to take her kisses and Barbie stories. One of the nursery workers told us she is pretty sure that our daughter is the Easter Bunny's number one fan. It got tricky when Bean spotted some skin (Mommy I saw peach skin under the costume)...don't worry I explained sometimes the bunny uses helpers like Santa....."Mom - you mean that is Santa in the bunny suit (note eyes are lit up like saucers now). No honey - bunny helpers.....and with that I quickly changed the subject. Boy she is good.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SePWDiIvyEI/AAAAAAAAAe0/QyDDOBVPuIY/s1600-h/100_6584.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324334540673501250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SePWDiIvyEI/AAAAAAAAAe0/QyDDOBVPuIY/s320/100_6584.JPG" border="0" /></a> We sure hope you enjoyed your Easter!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SePWDeuDsLI/AAAAAAAAAes/VSwnDtPTshY/s1600-h/100_6583.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324334539756253362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SePWDeuDsLI/AAAAAAAAAes/VSwnDtPTshY/s320/100_6583.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15146735422959439956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4925857273034546634.post-54264912976992525052009-04-06T17:14:00.003-05:002009-04-06T17:20:42.430-05:00Give your husband the camera and you will get...<div><div><div>Lost of nature pictures. He loves to take pictures of landscapes. Pictures of trees, water, the sky, birds, rocks, grass....you get the idea. Here are some pics from his recent trip to Seattle. I was happy to see him in at least one of the pictures!</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321706405138009218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Sdp_x6UsDII/AAAAAAAAAek/953qW2njvn0/s320/100_6487.JPG" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321706396647121746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Sdp_xasTY1I/AAAAAAAAAec/LntByrVrRww/s320/100_6498.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321706391285038530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Sdp_xGt4fcI/AAAAAAAAAeU/TJ_WLdZN4nU/s320/100_6508.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15146735422959439956noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4925857273034546634.post-67124322055868950772009-04-03T13:22:00.006-05:002009-04-03T14:10:58.732-05:00Uh Mommy...this smells funny<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SdZcf2uE5HI/AAAAAAAAAeM/eIRyUJ4jb3M/s1600-h/100_6514.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320541712119293042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SdZcf2uE5HI/AAAAAAAAAeM/eIRyUJ4jb3M/s320/100_6514.JPG" border="0" /></a> Well...looks like bath time Ariel will be heading to our local garbage dump. It is a great concept for the bathtub...barbies in the bathtub. The downfall is that Bean had no desire to keep this as a bathtub toy. After her maiden bathtub voyage...she begged that it become a land loving barbie so she could love it and snuggle it at any given time. We dried her off and she became a full time member of the land loving barbie brigade. So the other day we are in the living room and there is a funky smell. Generally the dog is blamed for every unusual smell...but I noticed that Bean was flinging the Ariel doll around and the smell was worse. Turns out Bean has been bathing Ariel every morning in the sink to get her hair to change colors. Then she puts the wet Ariel with the other Barbies in the Barbie drawer (yes we have an entire drawer dedicated to them) and dry. I asked her have you been drying Ariel before she goes in the drawer...of course Mommy I use the skittles fan to dry her every morning. See exhibit B below. That is awesome cause the skittles fan is about as powerful as my dogs breathing. So - you see the Barbie had to go - cause something was festering in her hair. Good-bye Ariel enjoy your new adventure!<br /><br />I know you are all wondering, where can I get a $6.50 skittles fan. Yeah it really was that much...but Bean had a gift certificate to Limited Two (Justice for Girls now I think) and she choose that along with some webkinz. Oh and don't worry, Bean also snuck the skittles fan and enjoyed the sweet delectable candy for breakfast one morning. I always know she is up to no good when she says "Mommy everything is fine in here - don't come in." Yeah I am coming in even faster now!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320541706640167346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SdZcfiTwEbI/AAAAAAAAAeE/Y0zEM_8zBuk/s320/100_6536.JPG" border="0" />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15146735422959439956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4925857273034546634.post-65890432719248663212009-03-31T16:00:00.007-05:002009-04-01T10:09:55.423-05:00Look Mom - I bought all this for $1.59<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SdKE0wh10xI/AAAAAAAAAds/h7p-a7rH62M/s1600-h/100_6516.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319460151792882450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SdKE0wh10xI/AAAAAAAAAds/h7p-a7rH62M/s320/100_6516.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>And guess what....I got a $2.00 on you next order coupon - so net this cost is -.41 cents. I shopped at Tom Thumb and utilized the mix and match sale and coupons I had on hand. Now that is some good shopping! So I wanted to tell you about my grocery challenge for the rest of the year. As of mid-March I decided that I was going (to try really hard) to spend $1,000 for the remainder of the year on groceries. Groceries for me includes food, beauty items, pet food, over the counter medicine and kid supplies like pull-ups. Would you cheer me along? I will keep you updated. Any rebates I get go back into the grocery money pool....so I can grow my money a bit there. How are you doing on grocery shopping? I love this blog run by Erin who is feeding her family of four for just $800 a year. She is a coupon guru...here is the linky: <a href="http://jane4girls800dollarannualbudget.blogspot.com/">Jane4Girls</a>. Hope you are having a great day. </div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15146735422959439956noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4925857273034546634.post-69043245369318168382009-03-30T18:56:00.005-05:002009-03-30T19:16:03.484-05:00Six Flags Fun!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SdFgY9UoI3I/AAAAAAAAAdk/ppE3tEqCB9g/s1600-h/Six+Flags+Pic0001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319138616795472754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SdFgY9UoI3I/AAAAAAAAAdk/ppE3tEqCB9g/s400/Six+Flags+Pic0001.jpg" border="0" /></a> This picture makes me laugh...the look on Bean's face is priceless....even the log ride can cause me to scream. <br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SdFgNWDt75I/AAAAAAAAAdc/7KZrWp5uZYY/s1600-h/Six+Flags+Pic0001.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div>It has been probably 10 years since we last went to Six Flags. It seems the older I get the less ride adventurous I have become. The spinney rides are no friend to me - so I am real picky about what I choose to ride. Our friends were very generous and took us with their free guest tickets for being season pass holders. What a treat and what a day we had. First off the weather was gorgeous. I think the high temp was 70 degrees. The crowds were very light...during the opening there were no lines for about an hour on most of the non-thrill rides. Even the Titan and Tony Hawk ride were only about a 10-15 minute wait. Not that I rode those...my pick for adventurous ride was the parachute fall...I am so brave, I know. Bean and I did partake of the mine train....we did not even realize there was a mini-mine train so we went straight for the more daring version. It was mostly all good till the dark tunnel and then sudden drop at the end. Bean was not too pleased at that. She blamed me...but I honestly had no idea (which is good - cause with rides sometimes the less I know, the better). </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>We decided to try the roaring water ride...figuring that we would not get wet. Last time I rode this thing...seems like the water barely spit on me. Needless to say we were ringing our clothes out at the end of the ride. One of the scary parts of the afternoon ensued while we were waiting for the parachute ride and Bean decided to stick her pointer finger in the metal hole that holds the gate rope. The finger got stuck - real stuck. I imagined fire trucks in our very near future. Roon says he liked out how I "checked out", but really I was praying and trying not to look like I was freaking out. Thankfully Roon improvised and spit all over the finger and wiggled it out...just in time for their turn to ride the chute ride. We had such a fun time and no doubt will have to venture back again soon.</div></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15146735422959439956noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4925857273034546634.post-91297951268683964152009-03-20T19:32:00.002-05:002009-03-20T19:45:55.251-05:00Good Deals at Walgreens!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/ScQ3f4aj_FI/AAAAAAAAAdU/w8UrSj-1xWY/s1600-h/100_6384.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315434481063296082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/ScQ3f4aj_FI/AAAAAAAAAdU/w8UrSj-1xWY/s320/100_6384.JPG" border="0" /></a> Color Wonder kits for $2.39!<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/ScQ3fiaMHmI/AAAAAAAAAdM/3lVOAieUG30/s1600-h/100_6383.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315434475156151906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/ScQ3fiaMHmI/AAAAAAAAAdM/3lVOAieUG30/s320/100_6383.JPG" border="0" /></a> Antibacterial wet wipes for .25 cents a package - a pot of gold (of sorts)<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/ScQ3fffkNKI/AAAAAAAAAdE/2a6BhP5vgUk/s1600-h/100_6382.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315434474373395618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/ScQ3fffkNKI/AAAAAAAAAdE/2a6BhP5vgUk/s320/100_6382.JPG" border="0" /></a> The entire haul. </div><div>I am on a mission to save the rest of 2009! I will share more later about my yearly spending budget for groceries. I saved $43.49 with coupons and mark downs and paid out of pocket ZERO cause I paid with my Walgreen's gift card that I earned money on by sending in for Walgreen's Rebate. Total spent on gift card was $3.53. Rock On!<br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15146735422959439956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4925857273034546634.post-56760166696217059242009-03-12T16:31:00.002-05:002009-03-12T16:45:15.385-05:00"Larry" the friendly LeprechaunSo After reading <em>Family Fun </em>magazine I got this brilliant idea or rather "Larry" the Leprechaun did anyway. Larry made his first visit to our house yesterday when we <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">discovered</span> the green rice below..sneaky leprechaun. He left Bean a nice note and picture to color. Today, he struck again coloring her macaroni for school green. At first - Bean thought this was kinda cool. But then she thought that Larry just spit all over her macaroni to make it green. Needless to say I had to explain that Larry is nice and just <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">mischievous</span> but is very friendly and likes to play fun jokes. Well - I think the plan has backfired as Bean is scared of Larry now - and does not want him to come back. I wrote him a note - so he will go visit other kids.....sometimes the best plans to not turn out...I bet by tomorrow she has changed her mind again. Oh well - it was fun while it lasted.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312417566701639858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Sbl_oWnL2LI/AAAAAAAAAc8/9TspJax1j8I/s320/100_6381.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312417562582594194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Sbl_oHRIMpI/AAAAAAAAAc0/vqcjNFFsWS4/s320/100_6379.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15146735422959439956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4925857273034546634.post-55880542610867137682009-03-02T18:02:00.003-06:002009-03-02T18:07:05.597-06:00Clean LivingSo - today marks day one of our home being on the market. I am seriously considering eating off of paper plates for the next several weeks - LOL! The day started with Bean screaming out - "Mom - come here right now." I arrive to a big ole pile of dog throw-up. Thank goodness it was on the laminate floors so it was easy clean up. I give you the picture Bean drew to forever document the moment. Awesome!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308746001987807746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 247px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/Sax0XKNCKgI/AAAAAAAAAcs/8c5ZFmWdVvg/s320/Bean+drawing+Alex+throwing-corrected.jpg" border="0" />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15146735422959439956noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4925857273034546634.post-38283513492629410972009-02-18T08:32:00.003-06:002009-02-18T08:37:48.965-06:00Dear Blog...I am so sorry you have been neglected these past few weeks....<br />You see the packing and the home improvement projects have been a huge time <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">suckage</span>. The bathroom floor <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">replacement</span> project was estimated by my dear husband to take 3 hours....about 10 hours later he was finished. He did do an awesome job though and I am very proud of my handy man. Seems like all our little projects are taking a lot longer than we anticipated. I want to share pictures and stories and such...but until I can get everything in order over here...I may be sporadic at best. Here is to more <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">regularly</span> blogging in the very near future....Thanks for reading.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15146735422959439956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4925857273034546634.post-20653395863525664922009-02-11T12:32:00.003-06:002009-02-11T12:42:16.218-06:00SwagbucksI want to tell you all about something fun and easy when you search online. Its called swagbucks. Basically anytime you need to search the web (which let's face it - that is daily) you log onto swagbucks and can earn swag bucks for searching. Now you won't earn points every time you search...but you will earn them - trust me. Swagbucks uses search results from both Google and Ask - so the results are fairly comprehensive. I have been swagging for about 3 weeks...to date I have earned 48 swag bucks . Guess What - you can redeem the points for cool stuff. A $5 Amazon gift card is 45 swagbucks, Starbucks if 50 swag bucks right not. So please if you do think this is cool and want to sign up - use me as your referral...I get referral credit - which means more swagbucks for me! Woot Woot! Linky is below!<br /><br /><a href="http://swagbucks.com/?cmd=sb-register&rb=290801" target="_top"><img title="Search & Win" alt="Search & Win" src="http://prodegebanners.sitegrip.com/images/swagbucks-468x60.jpg" border="0" /></a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15146735422959439956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4925857273034546634.post-10513493468765085032009-02-04T18:13:00.002-06:002009-02-04T18:15:16.581-06:00Wordless Wednesday<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SYovhx_X9xI/AAAAAAAAAck/bPp3KV6s4eI/s1600-h/wild.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299100168956147474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SYovhx_X9xI/AAAAAAAAAck/bPp3KV6s4eI/s320/wild.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15146735422959439956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4925857273034546634.post-87524715706077622432009-02-03T15:47:00.005-06:002009-02-03T15:53:15.021-06:00The motherload of veggies...<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SYi8Uxt3uGI/AAAAAAAAAcc/T1Yhv3S8Abo/s1600-h/100_6252.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298692026730526818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 183px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SYi8Uxt3uGI/AAAAAAAAAcc/T1Yhv3S8Abo/s320/100_6252.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SYi7113ugXI/AAAAAAAAAcU/nERCP3HlEf4/s1600-h/100_6254.JPG"></a>Those carrots were huge. This picture does not do them justice. My parents went to a farmers market and divided at least 30 pounds of carrots to my siblings and me. It took like 90 minutes to wash and peel all those carrots. They were super sweet and crunchy. Thanks Mom and Dad! P.S. the lovely green behind the carrots is Kale. Kale Rocks - you should try it sometime! Even Bean will eat Kale.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zznthcxmzPI/SYi7jCfLEaI/AAAAAAAAAcM/djW5xCodZ6M/s1600-h/100_6254.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15146735422959439956noreply@blogger.com1