Hopping with Joy

Trying to think of what to say....

2010-03-05T16:22:00.003-06:00

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.

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.

Poor neglected blog...

2010-01-05T12:19:00.001-06:00

I am coming back to blogging...very soon! Miss it so much!

First Day of Kindergarten

2009-08-24T16:25:00.005-05:00

Wow - 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!

We survived the boo-hoo / yahoo breakfast with no tears....seeing how far she has come puts a smile on my face....
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
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!
I keep looking up how to spell Kindergarten...somehow I think it looks like it needs a "d" instead of a "t"
Kindergarten has evolved....it is high tech...computer labs, learning center, arts....WOO HOO!
I am a proud Momma!

at school posing for Daddy

outside the new house!

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?

Updated House Pictures!

2009-08-20T09:53:00.002-05:00

So much work has been done! It is great to see all the progress!

view of kitchen with tile, counter tops and cabinets stained

i love you maple cabinets

decorative tile in master shower

pendant lights in kitchen

fireplace with mantle

The homestead update

2009-08-04T12:49:00.004-05:00

Wow - 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!

drywall in game room

a whole lotta insulation

brick in the front

a man and his garage!

stair case with wood and iron

porch bricked

cabinets in kitchen

iron detail on stair...I love how they came out!

Cowing Around at Chick-fil-A

2009-07-16T09:00:00.001-05:00

We 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.

the girls ready to go

My bro (still bashful about being a cow) with his lovely wife

the girls enjoying their cow toys

me and Roon

Happy boy Finn

More pics of the Homestead

2009-07-15T15:58:00.002-05:00

We have progressed quite a bit in the construction process since my last update. We have a roof, electrical, plumbing and should have HVAC 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 time frame is looking to be pushed back till mid-September. Hopefully that is our only delay!

porch in back of house

view into kitchen at bar area

fireplace (which will have stone around it)

roof going on

front of house

Barbie Camp!

2009-07-05T14:23:00.003-05:00

Believe!

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!

Connected!

More House Pics

2009-06-18T16:53:00.003-05:00

Here 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.

view from the front of the slab

first floor going up

2nd floor going up

the stairs...I love the curve

view from the picture window in game room - window seats being framed

This is so exciting!! Thanks for reading!

The New Homestead!!

2009-06-10T14:55:00.006-05:00

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!

the lot being formed

kitchen granite, throughout tile and accent paint in kitchen

closer view of granite in kitchen

exterior paint color and carpet behind...dig the plush

my maple cabinets...ours is the finish on the left...oh I heart you so maple cabinets....

decorative tile in master bathroom

exterior brick

Piano Recital

2009-06-09T17:21:00.002-05:00

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 Mary Had a Little Lamb 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.

So...this picture sums up the last month

2009-06-08T01:00:00.004-05:00

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!

Walgreens Woo Hoo!

2009-04-26T16:21:00.003-05:00

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 moneysavingmom.com or survingthestores.com! Happy shopping!

Easter Celebration

2009-04-13T19:15:00.003-05:00

We 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!

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)?

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.

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.

We sure hope you enjoyed your Easter!

Give your husband the camera and you will get...

2009-04-06T17:14:00.003-05:00

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!

Uh Mommy...this smells funny

2009-04-03T13:22:00.006-05:00

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!

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!

Look Mom - I bought all this for $1.59

2009-03-31T16:00:00.007-05:00

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: Jane4Girls. Hope you are having a great day.

Six Flags Fun!

2009-03-30T18:56:00.005-05:00

This picture makes me laugh...the look on Bean's face is priceless....even the log ride can cause me to scream.

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).

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.

Good Deals at Walgreens!

2009-03-20T19:32:00.002-05:00

Color Wonder kits for $2.39!

Antibacterial wet wipes for .25 cents a package - a pot of gold (of sorts)

The entire haul.

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!

"Larry" the friendly Leprechaun

2009-03-12T16:31:00.002-05:00

So After reading Family Fun magazine I got this brilliant idea or rather "Larry" the Leprechaun did anyway. Larry made his first visit to our house yesterday when we discovered 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 mischievous 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.

Clean Living

2009-03-02T18:02:00.003-06:00

So - 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!

Dear Blog...

2009-02-18T08:32:00.003-06:00

I am so sorry you have been neglected these past few weeks....
You see the packing and the home improvement projects have been a huge time suckage. The bathroom floor replacement 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 regularly blogging in the very near future....Thanks for reading.

Swagbucks

2009-02-11T12:32:00.003-06:00

I 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!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-02-04T18:13:00.002-06:00

The motherload of veggies...

2009-02-03T15:47:00.005-06:00

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.

Shopping with me!

2009-01-29T16:43:00.003-06:00

This week Albertson's is having a great sale on several items using their in-ad coupon. Combined with manufactured coupons - it makes for a super deal. I spent $7.27 for all the above. I saved $73.82. You know I did the coupon dance - LOL. Here is a linky Surviving the Stores to a great blog that breaks down how to do this deal and what coupons to use. I did find a blinkie coupon machine right in front of the high fiber oatmeal for $1.00 off and was able to use those. Also - I did break this down into four transactions. Happy Shopping. Let me know if you go shopping!

Icicles

2009-01-28T16:38:00.002-06:00

Bet my holly bushes don't appreciate these at all!

Happy Birthday Sweet Bean!

2009-01-27T16:03:00.003-06:00

We are back from a wonderful ski trip celebrating the lovely Bean's 5th Birthday. I have lots of stories and pics. I forgot the digital camera so I went old school with a disposable camera and have to get those developed (eek). As I went to bed last night, I thought about the woman who gave life to my precious daughter 5 years ago. I cried because I am so thankful to her...I cried because I will never meet her...and I cried cause Bean brings me so much joy and even though Mommyhood has it ups and downs, I am so thankful that I am a Mom. Thank you Jesus for blessing me with Bean. So - I should have ski pics up soon!

Goals for 2009

2009-01-16T10:04:00.001-06:00

Well Hello! I think I have finally finished my goals. After talking some things out at our hometeam earlier this week, I realize that the key to achieving all my goals is discipline. Straight-up, say what you mean and then do it – type discipline. If I can really commit myself to it 100% I know I can achieve it! So without further ado – hear our my goals for 2009…I know I will come up with more, but these are a great start!

Get up in the morning and have quiet time / devotional time.

Get Healthy – and Stay Healthy. I have joined Weight Watchers and am really trying to learn to make this a lifestyle

Work out at least three times a week

Save Money

Spend Less Money

Sell House

Move

Enroll in and finish adoption training

Read Little House on the Prairie to Bean

Memorize one scripture verse a month

Keep house more organizedKeep up / establish cleaning routines

Wordless Wednesday...or is it?

2009-01-14T17:12:00.002-06:00

Does anyone think I need an intervention? Is there every such a thing as too many lean pockets?

Still working on those New Year's Goals...

2009-01-09T21:35:00.002-06:00

So far I have joined Weight Watchers - officially again. I really like the new Momentum program and feel this is the year I will follow through. The number that I weighed in at (and no I won't tell) was actually flabbergasting.......Perhaps someone was joking me I thought. Then I came home to the Wii fit - who happily told me that he missed me after 70 days of no work-outs and that I am "obese." Needless to say I was having a rough day - but made it through and am already feeling better. I am working on the budget spreadsheets and just trying to finalize our financial goals for 2009. I am really having a hard time with the "eating out" monthly expense.
So I hope to have all my goals done by Sunday...My first weight goal is to lose 11 pounds during January. Hope I can do that!

Hello 2009!

2009-01-05T19:32:00.003-06:00

So are you working on your resolutions/goals for 2009? I am...but I always give myself a week or so to think about them. As usual, losing weight is on the list. If my Wii and DS (yes - I got that little beauty for Christmas) team up with each other - they will surely force the weight off me. You see I have Wii fit and I just purchased "My Weight Loss coach" for the DS. It even comes with a handy dandy pedometer! I am terrified to weigh in tomorrow on the Wii...I am also dreading re-doing my wii fit age...last time I tested I was 29. I imagine I will be decades older during my next test. I am also pondering joining Weight Watchers...I hope to post my resolutions tomorrow.

Here is a rough menu plan for the week - another goal I have is to menu plan better!

Monday - Chicken/Veggie bake (this is Stouffers-nothing fancy) and homemade French Bread - oh if I good eat baked bread every and stay skinny ;)

Tuesday - Tamale Pie & Salad

Wednesday - White Chicken Chili

Thursday - Spaghetti

Friday - Chicken Tenders made with corn flakes, mashed potatoes, green veggie

Saturday - probably something from the dear Italian sausage

Hope you are having a wonderful 2009 already!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T13:02:00.005-06:00

One of my most favorite songs is "Remember When" by Alan Jackson. I want to remember all the little things, the special moments that make Christmas what it is. I want my children to know what a special sacrifice their Lord made for them...the birth of the Savior, the reason for the season. I want big cookie messes, and paint ornaments (that take a week to dry cause you use so much), and pine needles, lights, songs, family, friends, Christmas Eve service, presents and the joy of being able to create traditions that hopefully our kids will pass on to their own. It goes by fast....May you have your own special Christmas! Bean is still convinced it is going to snow tomorrow...cause that what happens on Christmas day. She also told me to tell Santa - to drop the presents down the Chimney as that will be easier for him...no risk of getting stuck I guess!

The real meaning of Christmas...

2008-12-15T06:00:00.001-06:00

as recited by the Bean. Enjoy!

Tag - I'm It!

2008-12-11T16:34:00.003-06:00

1. Open the 4th folder in your computer.

2. Choose the 4th picture in the folder and post in in your blog.

3. Describe the picture.

4. Tag 4 people.

So here it goes - and yes this is the 4th folder in my picture file - Great Timing!! Although the file only has three pictures in it - so this is the 3rd pic in the file technically speaking!

This is our first Christmas with the Bean. She is going with the flow and enjoying Santa this year. It was at the mall by my Aunt's house. I think the Santa is very nice looking. Perhaps our Santa picture will be nice and calm like this...I hope anyways.

So the four people I tag - cause I think they will play along are: Cindi, Elisa, Lisa and Dusti!

Tunes on Tuesday!

2008-12-09T23:15:00.003-06:00

Here is my latest mix - learn it - love it!! Warning the "Let it Rock" is addictive. As always I download the clean versions so I don't have the bad language!

Shut Up and Let Me Go, The Ting Tangs
Just Dance, Lady GaGa and Colby O'Donis
Love Lockdown, Kanye West
Crush, David Archuleta
Kaleidoscope Machine, Katie Costello
Come on Get Higher, Matt Nathanson (voice like butter - love this song)
Pot Kettle Black, Tilly and the Wall
Adventures in Solitude, The New Pornographers
Birds, Emiliana Torrini
Let it Rock, Kevin Rudolf and Lil Wayne
Lucid Dreams, Franz Ferdinand
So What, Pink

Wonderful Thanksgiving

2008-12-02T15:17:00.002-06:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving over at my Aunt's house and really enjoyed just chilling all day. I have pictures, but unfortunately the camera is still residing at my Aunt's house so I can't upload any today. It has been a lazy and busy weekend all at the same time. I did venture out to the stores at the wee hours of the morning on Black Friday with my good friend, E. I have to say that this was (by far) the most crowded I have ever seen the stores and (in my opinion), there were really not that many great deals to be had.....I got the one thing I set out to get - a new computer monitor, 22" Flat Screen. Our old monitor was at least eight years old - and the size of a small car (ok just kidding - but it was a honker). This is a Christmas present for my dear husband, but he wanted to set it up immediately. Thus I am looking at it - all shiny and new on my desk right now.

I am also enjoying the smell of a very REAL and ALIVE Christmas tree. I don't remember the last time we had a real tree. Generally we don't get a real tree cause our cat used to drink all the water and try to play in the depths of the tree. Since our cat passed away and our dog has absolutely no interest in the tree, we figured it would be a great time to get one. I have to say I love it - except for the needles. Those needles are like dog hair....they are no where and everywhere at the same time! Hope to post pictures soon...and I hope that you had a very blessed Thanksgiving!

Weekend update, Uber Crafty Me and Mothra no more......

2008-11-25T14:35:00.004-06:00

So this weekend, Roon, in all his hunting glory got a Buck. I think "got" sounds nicer than the alternative word...so let's just stick with that shall we? We are going to have a whole lotta sausage in a few weeks. I love me some deer sausage.

Bean got a headache around 5:30 on Friday night...by 9:30 she had the chills and a high fever. After 24 hours of Motrin/Tylenol, I web checked in for CareNow and was able to get her seen on Saturday night. Turns out it was strep throat so I am really glad that we went. After a trek all over across town trying to find a pharmacy that was open and stocked with Amoxicillin, we struck pay dirt at Walgreens (our fourth pharmacy). She really started to feel better late Sunday night so I was very happy and relieved. Thank you Jesus for Saturday doctor visits.

For those who were wondering about "Mothra" the mutant moth - it is dead. Mothra flew in the house and hid from me for a day. It then decided to go hide in the refrigerator. I just knew the stupid moth was eating my leftover pizza. After some coaxing from my girlfriends we decided the moth froze and was no longer a threat to me or the contents of the fridge. When Roon got home - he found Mothra's body and disposed of it. I do not like Moths!

Here is a fun picture of the Cereal Box Turkeys and Turkey Leg Hats we made. The Turkey leg hat's were featured in November Family Fun magazine and the cereal box turkey's can be found here at this awesome blog - linky.

recycling at work here

Bean and Emma - we improvised with newspaper cause I did not have any brown paper sack lunch boxes...still came out cute!

The Week in Review........

2008-11-24T09:08:00.003-06:00

Can you believe it is almost Thanksgiving! Wowsa! We had a busy week with the Thanksgiving festivities at Bean's Pre-K. It is so much fun to be in her classroom and see her world at school. I think her personality is always going to keep us on our toes. We noticed that her name was on a green circle and singled out with one other little boys from the rest. Oh- she must have done something extra special I thought...but it was just another yellow light stop. We stop a lot on the yellow light - the learning color. Basically you lose your green light privileges for not obeying the rules. Our little Bean likes to talk, and talk and well you know talk. The teacher has moved her a few times and the good news is that she is an equal opportunity talker. She likes to chatter no matter where she is ;) I think I like the yellow right now - she is learning and she is not afraid to be a leader and risk taker. Dig the pilgrim outfit above. We have video of the event - but unless I can figure out subtitles there is no way of really making it all out. Bean's big line was directed to the Native Americans, as a pilgrim and she said "We are cold and hungry and running out of food." Proud moment I tell you, can you say Oscar?

Since soccer season is over for the winter, we are exploring sports to try again. We tried a new gymnastics class and she loved it! The teacher was doing evaluations and she went ahead and evaluated Bean. Bean passed every basic skill on the sheet and is ready to move to the green level. Once she finished green, it is blue and then from there she can be invited to the Select Pre-School Team. I notice that in sporting events the word "Select" is all abuzz. Hmmm..is that a ploy for the kids or parents I wonder. Anyhoo I know what you are thinking and yes visions of Olympic gold have started to dance through my head...aww I need to get a grip she is just four now. Sometimes I think as a parent it is easy to forget just how little they are - when all the buzz words like "select" and training and she is never too young to start. I want Bean to do what she loves, not what I love. So if you see me turning into uber competitive crazy Mom - let me know.

Speaking of - funny story about me being uber crazy competitive mom (UCCM) - cookies. Bean chose for our family to bring cookies to the Thanksgiving feast at Pre-K. I asked her what kind she wanted to make - chocolate chip. So I got out my handy dandy Betty Crocker mix cookies and I baked. But I felt something was missing - I needed a special something for the adults. I needed the Rockstar of all cookies. I knew immediately I would turn to my friend google. I found an AMAZING recipe for white chocolate cranberry cookies...I even dreamed about how good these cookies were going to be. So I get up the next morning, drop the Bean off, and come home to make my masterpieces...and yes I thought they were fabulouso!! I admit I put them in a prettier bowl (yes the UCCM in me) and waited. And then the teacher and another Mom came up and told be how delicious they were and how they needed the recipe Stat!....Oh those little things - whey no problem - they are so easy and I will get you the recipe. That was the calm exterior of my outside self - inside the UCCM in me was doing cartwheels and ready to run a marathon (ok not really - but you get the picture). I guess that being world's greatest Mom race starts early...I need to remember that is is a journey not a race ;)

Tomorrow I will update you on our weekend and for those who are anxiously awaiting - I have a Mothra update(I will explain later).

Problem Solver

2008-11-13T20:02:00.004-06:00

Bean and I were at Target yesterday and did our usual pass through of the toys. As usual the only aisle we went down was the Barbie aisle. Bean was very dismayed to see that all the Barbie and the Diamond Castle "Alexa" dolls were sold out. Where are they? She talked about that the rest of the day...as she is highly concerned about inventory as this is her most requested Santa item right now.

At Church she told her friend Emma about the situation. Emma told her not to worry "Alexa is available at Walmart." Bean relayed the message to me so that Santa knows where to go. LOL!

Tunes on Tuesday!

2008-11-11T11:51:00.002-06:00

I am overjoyed to tell you that Enya has a brand new CD out today! I just downloaded it and already can tell that this is going to be on replay for a long time at my house. If you are not familiar with Enya...then my heart aches for you....because you need to be. Enya has an angelic voice that can soothe your soul, literally. During college, when I was totally stressed out, I would play Enya and get lost in my dreams and thoughts. This album is a Christmas album, but I can see my listening to it in July. So - if you have some extra cash and want some warm tunes to mellow out to, then go get you some Enya. The album is called And Winter Came.

For dedicated Enya fans - what is your all time favorite song? It is hard to narrow it down to one, but I have. It is Marble Falls, which was on the Shepherd Moon album. How it really caught my attention was that it was featured in the movie, The Age of Innocence. I have listened to that song over and over again. It is that good. Tell me what your favorite Enya Song is!

What do you want to be when you grow up?

2008-11-10T12:48:00.003-06:00

Even though Bean is just 4 years, she has strong opinions on what she would like to be. In an effort to document her changing views and likes, I am going to try to ask her once a week and post on my blog. This is a way for me to remember life at age 4 and for ya'll to laugh along with me. Answer this week: "I would like to be a Doctor, so I can help people. Do you need a shot now?" We answered yes and she proceeded to tell us that was not possible now as she is not a grown up. LOL! She also noted that she would like to be a member of a parade in the marching band. Now that is random!

Kroger's Mega Sale

2008-11-05T16:14:00.003-06:00

Kroger's is having a great sale where if you buy 10 participating items you receive $5 off your order instantly. You can do this deal up to three times in one transaction. Here is my haul today - note the coffee mate is not part of the deal, but I had a coupon making it $.99 and I really want to try this caramel apple flavor. I saved 86% and paid $7.75 for all this!

Happy Election Day!

2008-11-04T16:44:00.004-06:00

Your vote counts! Our vote today impacts the generations to come. It is a privilege to live in a democratic country! During the presidential election 4 years ago - we watched the media frenzy (via TV) in a cramped hotel room in Moscow. We had one English speaking station, the BBC, and that is all I am going to say about that! I got desperate after a few hours and watched Armageddon (Bruce Willis movie) in Russian...thankfully I knew what was happening so it was a nice distraction. Happy Election Day! On a side note: explaining the election process to a four year old is quite entertaining ;)

Trick or Treat!

2008-10-31T12:43:00.004-05:00

So this morning my Mom calls me to ask if we are all right. Uh - yeah, why? There were a couple earthquakes last night early this morning! What? Sure enough some of the surrounding cities felt tremors associated with two small earthquakes. Now that is tricky on Halloween!

For the treat - I give you this. It is not everyday I get to wake up and put eyeliner on my husband. Yes - every year my husbands work goes all out with a costume contest (that is mandatory for them) and they spend the day doing a scavenger hunt, trivia, and bowling. Yes - every year. Every year I plead with Roon to be Richard Simmons as his costume. Sadly - I am denied....but guess what - great minds think alike - cause the boss (owner of husbands company) came as..........Richard Simmons! Here is the hubs this year...do you know who he is? Happy Halloween!

Static Electricty and Wedgie-Free Wednesday!

2008-10-29T14:10:00.003-05:00

Yes - got your attention huh. No these two things are not related whatsoever!

With the chilly weather comes something that I find very daunting and troubling. It is static electricity. I think I got shocked enough times yesterday at Kroger to have enough power to charge my cell phone via skin contact. It is ridiculous! No matter how I try - opening doors with my foot, touching things with quarters or my keys, staring the item down, pleading...I am still getting shocked. I hate it and need help! You see where I grew up we had humidity - lots and lots of humidity. I dare say I don't miss it much - unless it is this time of year. Sometimes I find myself waiting for someone to come out a door - so I don't have to open it. The madness has got to stop! The first time I saw Office Space (the movie) with Peter staring down the door - I nearly fell out of my seat! I KNOW how Peter feels that is me! BTW- If you have not scene this movie and you don't mind some foul language - you will totally think it is funny if you have ever worked in a cubicle environment!

So - in my attempt to allude static electricity I have thrown away perfectly good shoes....I figured that they were surely the culprit...but alas my efforts were for not. I just wanted to share with you my saga and hopefully I can conquer it this season. I think I must drag my feet or something...so maybe I will go back to the days of marching band and just march everywhere - don't make fun if you see me - I am desperate here. On a side note: the Bean thinks that "stinging people" with static is quite entertaining....hmm.

So back to Wedgie Free Wednesday - go win yourself some free panties courtesy of Hanes. Here is the linky: http://www.wedgiefree.com/

I already have won one pair! Very exciting treat to receive in the mail...

Gotcha Day!

2008-10-27T09:22:00.004-05:00

Every year we celebrate the day we were united together as a family through adoption! We call it "Gotcha Day" cause that is the day we welcomed Bean into the family. But to be totally honest - we were smitten from the moment we first met Bean. Her personality is big and she has a "spark" that can just draw people in. I can't explain what a blessing she is to us. Being her Mommy - makes me a better person. God knows the plans he has for us....and thank you God for bringing her into our lives.

We try to do things that are fun and exciting for Bean. Since she is the all American girl now - we figured why not go to American Girl! The excitement of this day has been building and Bean was about ready to bust before we could even get to the store. She immediately declared she was going to get Kit Kittredge - cause we saw the movie. We looked at every doll in stock and all she could say was "Can we go buy Kit now?" She is a girl who knows what she wants. So Kit - welcome to the family - I have a feeling you will be going everywhere with us.

We ate at the Bistro, with Kit of course, and just really enjoyed our day together! It was a busy day as we started off with donuts at Shipley's and a soccer game. Then we went to American Girl, breaked to watch the 2nd half of the Texas game (hook-em horns), and then were off to a party at our friends house. It was action packed and a lot of fun!

Happy girl and her Kit

Matching Hats

Sharing a shake with Mommy

Look at that smile

Hanging out with Daddy - and special shout out to Daddy for hanging out at American girl, eating at the Bistro and really helping out with all the accessory decisions!

Arboretum

2008-10-22T13:13:00.002-05:00

Wow - we had a fun visit to the arboretum last week. Roon had the day off although and although we got off to a rough start (my car battery conking out) we had a wonderful outing. For those who are wondering - the giant acorns - from the "Crafty Me" post were found in the parking lot of the arboretum. There is beauty everywhere! Enjoy the pictures.

Crafty Me

2008-10-21T13:31:00.004-05:00

Glittered Acorns. I got this idea from a blog called There is No Place Like Home! She has saw awesome ideas on home decor, crafts and recipes. We had a lot of fun and it was a cheap and easy project.

Super Saving Sunday at CVS

2008-10-19T18:37:00.003-05:00

After a brief hiatus from CVS - I am back to the red and white again. Yeah for CVS! I missed you! I did take a couple of CVS surveys last week and should make $10 in ECB at the end of the month. I did three transactions today.

Transaction #1

I paid$3.58 after coupons and ECB I had already earned. I earned $7.98 in ECB for the Gum toothbrushes, $2.58 for the Candy Pumpkins (my absolute favorite and I can have six for 3 WW points!), and $.99 for the glow stick. I used the $7.98 ECB towards my next transaction.

Transaction #2

I paid $.26 out of pocket after the $7.98 ECB and $.75 cent off coupon of GUM toothbrushes and earned another $7.98 ECB and $.99 ECB.

Transaction #3

I paid $11.72 after coupons ($2 off each pull-up and $3.00 of the Johnson's no More Tangles) and used the ECB earned above (except for one $.99 cent one). I earned $10 in ECB and I still have a $.99 cent one left. I will roll those over later for more great deals.

I tried to break this down in chunks for those of you who are really trying to understand the coupon thing. Check out your CVS ad - some of the stuff above is a two day special only! Happy Couponing!

My latest creation/addiction

2008-10-17T14:57:00.003-05:00

So I am trying to drink more orange juice to get all my vitamin C. Problem is - I don't always enjoy orange juice - as I find it kind of acidic so I prefer the watered down version. But in a flash of brilliance - I have resurrected the magic bullet and concocted my version of a low fat Orange Julius. Did you ever have those at the mall when you were growing up - so fabulous.

Anyhoo- I got it down to a big ole cup for just 2 WW points. Combine 1/2 cup 1% milk, 1 cup Tropicana Light N Healthy, 1 packet of Equal (I am sure Splenda will be great too) and crushed ice! Blend the refreshing treat in the magic bullet and WALLA! I need to be on the magic bullet infomercial - don't ya think?

Little Ole Baker Me...

2008-10-16T16:45:00.003-05:00

Made this amazing spiced pumpkin bread I got from Amy's blog at MomAdvice blog. Here is a linky to the recipe here. Oh how I wish there was smello-vision! It makes four mini-loaves so you have enough to share or freeze!

I generally do not like pumpkin - in fact though I adore the way pumpkin pie smells I do not like the taste at all! Same goes for sweet potato anything and sadly pecan pie. I don't know why - but I think it is a texture thing with these things. But - I was fully prepared to not like this bread - and woa nelly - it ROCKED! I loved the goodness that is within! Make some yourself and let me know if you love it too!

I love Fall and cooler weather

2008-10-15T07:00:00.001-05:00

We have been busy with soccer and fun fall stuff. Above are a couple pics of the hot air balloon festival and sky diver's. It was perfect fall weather and a beautiful launch.

I am loving drinking hot chocolate right now....I know it is still not exactly cool here - but hey close enough right? Oh and the return of cooler weather means I get to wear my jeans again! I mean I still wear them during Spring and Summer (just not very often) cause you get hot legs ya know.? I bought a new pair of jeans today and I think I had a light bulb moment. I love the look of wide leg jeans - but come on - they are like 5 inches too long and unless my Crocs grow heals - that is not happening. So - I decided hey what about the petite jeans. Bingo - ding ding ding. Jeans that fit and are not too long! Technically I am not a petite - but I am "making it work" as Tim Gunn would say and improvised to get the style I wanted. My style really needs help as most days I throw on work-out clothes. I am always optimistic that I will work out sometime during the day! Yes - most days it does not happen - but it takes time to make a habit right? So I am in the habit of dressing to work out...now comes the working out. LOL! Hope you are enjoying your Fall too!

It is a pink world in the land of girls soccer....

2008-10-08T09:13:00.006-05:00

In the under age 5 division that is! Girls who are 4 and 5 years old playing soccer are spirited and entertaining to say the least. The first couple of games they really struggled with what goal to kick to and what to do with the ball. I can't believe in just 4 weeks how much all of them have improved. Bean loves playing and socializing at the same time. The girls are learning that they can't tickle each other on the field otherwise the ball passes them by....They are also learning that running while looking at the sky is not a good idea as you may collide with your own players. Generally every game girls come off the field "done with soccer." About 2 minutes later - they are back playing - only to come off with the biggest smiles ever. The art of drama is not lost on these girls.

Bean came off the field confessing that the ball hit her in the mouth on purpose and she does not want to play soccer any more. Trying not to laugh....we encouraged her to keep trying and that the ball does not hit her on purpose. Needless to say the very last play of our most recent game (and yes we did not bring the camera for once) the Bean got the ball, took it all the way down the field and scored. She immediately looked back to make sure that Mommy and Daddy were on their feet recognizing her soccer triumphant. It is her first goal thus far and we could not have been prouder.

Back to the pink component....We have had 4 soccer games thus far and each team has been some various shade of pink. You better believe that this was not lost on Bean and she loves her some pink. At first we longed to be one of the pink ladies if you will...but now we appreciate the cone orange that we are! At least we never get lost in a crowd!

Brave little trooper!

2008-10-03T17:09:00.002-05:00

Well, after a week of a lingering cough I decided it was time to see the Doctor. Bean had no other symptoms other than this wet cough. The doctor checked her lungs and hear a little rasp - but her pulse ox numbers were only at 97 and they should be at 99-100. So we started up breathing treatments for the next two weeks. She is a real trooper - but I tell you she gives the Doctor like a full on interrogation. What are you doing? Where is that going? What is that for? Are we done yet? I am ready to go?....She really does love her pediatrician, but she hates having her temperature taken and a throat check!! I think she may hate that worst than shots - but the jury is still out on that.

Please pray that this is being caused by allergies and not asthma. We started allergy medicine today.

Some Random Things...

2008-10-01T06:30:00.000-05:00

Long time no blog - sorry about that - sometimes I think about it but forget it before I remember to blog.

Bean said the funniest thing the other day. Roon had been in the bathroom and sprayed air freshener (thank you!) before coming out. Bean walks in - does a big sniff - and says "Daddy your poop smells great." LOL - that was too funny.

I am watching Biggest Loser again. I ate a giant cookie while watching it. I vow to do better from now on. My goal is to lose 10 pounds in October. Roon's sister is getting married and I do not want to be fat in those pictures.

I did a body test on the Wii fit tonight. I may never be able to test again as it says I am 29 tonight!! Generally I am in the 40's on the Wii - so I will take that number any day.

Are you watching Fringe on Fox? It is like Lost meets the X-Files. That JJ Abrams has one vivid imagination.

See me on YouTube

2008-09-25T16:59:00.003-05:00

Hey there!
My good friend Bonnie has created a make-up line called Avasiare with her business partner Tanya. They have amazing environmentally friendly products. They treated us to a girls night out at a swanky hotel and gave us all make-overs. That was a fun treat and I tried to be brave when it came time to false eyelash application. You see - I have an irrational fear of eye lash curlers and basically anyone coming near my eyes. It makes for great fun at the make-up counters and eye doctor. Anyhoo - I did it and rocked the false eye lashes. Check out my video below and go by and visit Avasiare - they blogged about me too!

What is the Dealio?

2008-09-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

Just in case you were wondering - I am still on the prowl for awesome grocery deals! Above is a picture of my Albertson's run this weekend. All this for $5.50 after store discounts and coupons. Coupons are cool!

Tunes on Tuesday

2008-09-23T17:17:00.003-05:00

I have not posted any new music lately - but I did get some I-tunes cards for the ole birthday - SO I got some new stuff! WOO HOO - (thanks B & D).

I got this great album by Joshua Radin called Simple Times. It is so folky and earthy and mellow - oh how I love it. Go take a listen at I-tunes and let me know what you think.

Hello darling!

2008-09-22T16:38:00.004-05:00

Meet the newest member of our household. Yes it is a vacuum. Yes it is a Dyson. Let's all do the happy dance now - Break -

Okay stop dancing. This is what I used my Birthday money for! Thanks to all who contributed to the Dyson fund and a special shout out to my Aunt for taking me to Kohl's, sponsoring this b-day gift and letting me use her rocking discount coupon! I heart you Dyson. Please be good to me.

Our last vacuum did not make it very long....it had a special feature where the dirt and debris would actually blow back at you rather than being sucked into the canister. That really sucked - and not in a good way - you know. I need to go through and retire the vacuums that no longer function in the garage. We have three that no longer work and 2 small canister ones and a hoover floormate. I have vacuum issues. I blame my Dad who also has vacuum issues. The sad thing is I am already eyeing the Dyson Root - handheld vacuum and the Cone handheld vacuum....there is always Christmas ;)

Oh my Goodness - What a Weekend

2008-09-16T10:39:00.003-05:00

Wow - What a way to turn the big 35 or as my husband says the 10th anniversary of my 25th birthday! Roon planned this amazing surprise party for me on Saturday night with catering and even party trivia. He knows me so well. I am so blessed to have so many dear family and friends that came to the celebration. It was so neat to see people that I have not seen lately and just hang out! Lots of people came in from outside Houston and my sister and her family came in from central Texas. Two of my bestest high school friends came and that made me feel young again. When I was younger I had a hard time making friends....when I got better at it - I hung on to those freindships dearly...because I realized what jewels my friends are to me.

I have to say that God was watching out for my family/friends during Hurricane Ike. Several people told me that since they were coming in for my party...that is one of the reasons they evacuated. The Galveston/Houston area is a mess right not. My parents ventured home at 4:00 am yesterday. Their house is ok considering. The fence is gone and the roof shows some possible damage, but the house is still there ;) They have no power and gas is in very short supply. The cell towers are damaged so we have limited communication with them right now - but they both had to be back at work. The news is saying it could be 3-4 weeks till some people get power pack.

My brothers family is still here with us - as their power is off - and there is no reason to go home until the stores, the house and the gas stations are operating again. They have two small ones and my SIL is pregnant with a baby boy - so they are riding it out here with us. The Bean and all of us are enjoying getting to spend time with the family.

Roon and my brother drove down to Conroe on Sunday with gas and a generator for my brother's in laws. They said the power was off from exit 155 down to Galveston. That is 155 miles of I-45 without power. They saw lines of 200 plus car hankered down hoping to be lucky enough to buy gas. Roon said it was unnerving to see all the power lines down and how bad even the outskirts of Houston appeared.

It has been a busy few days but I wanted to say "hi" in bloggy land. I have lots of posts to catch up on and I hope to get those going soon. Take care Everyone!

Please say some prayers for our folks and brother's family!

2008-09-11T19:12:00.003-05:00

What a week - I tell you. Yesterday was my birthday (more on that tomorrow), I got an upper respiratory infection and my family is trying to get out of Hurricane Ike's path. Three years ago - they endured a miserable experience while leaving from Hurricane Rita which bypassed their area.

Please pray that my parents get outside of Houston to my brother's house tonight and that they all make it up here safely to my house tomorrow ;) With traffic, weather, gas shortages and such they could really use your prayers.

Also Roon's Dad and Step Mom are staying to wade it out - they live a little further out, but we are worried about them and ask for your prayers for their safety as well.

Thanks!

Touching Story

2008-09-09T14:37:00.002-05:00

I came across the story of this young couple who was badly injured in a plane crash with four young children.....the blogger's name is Stephanie and her blog is here: http://www.nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/

Her family support is amazing and her story will touch your heart. Her family was interviewed on the Today Show and her sister's blog is here: http://blog.cjanerun.com/

Keep them in your prayers as they have a long recovery ahead of them.

New School and Pre-K

2008-09-08T09:24:00.004-05:00

Ready to Go!

Bean and her teacher.

My baby is growing up so fast! Last week she started Pre-K and is just eating it all up! We had to switch schools at the last minute - Praise God - cause it was definitely a God move. I had felt that our old school was having leadership problems and the main reason I kept Bean there was for the teachers. The day of registration her Pre-K teacher called to tell me she was leaving and I knew it was time to make the move. Thankfully God orchestrated everything and we are now in an amazing Pre-K that is just awesome. Bean loves being a big girl! The second day of school they had a drama reenactment of the Three Bears. It just cracked me up to hear Bean talk about it. She gets in the car and says "Mommy, we did a story today and I was the Momma Bear." Great I say. She crosses her arm and says "Yeah, but I was really upset- I wanted to be Goldilocks." Ahh - the drama "literally" starts early here. I explained the importance of every one's role in the story and how integral Momma Bear is and I think she appreciated that ;)

Vacation Re-Cap

2008-09-04T10:34:00.003-05:00

Our vacation was nice and relaxing with just the right amount of activity thrown in. Bean spent the week with Nana and Gramps. Roon and I headed to a wonderful B&B in San Antonio. It is a crying shame I have no pics to show you - but apparently - we take no pics of us anymore - LOL! So the camera did not come out till Sea World. Roon and I relaxed on the River Walk, went to an art museum, ate, slept, slept some more, watched DVD's and ventured to the flea market. Now I googled this flea market before we left and I have to think the people reviewing it lied. I will leave it at that. Friday we met Bean, Nana, Gramps and Annabellecus at SeaWorld. We had loads of fun and the park was not crowded at all. We got to walk right up to almost everything. We started at the Dolphins (see below) and had a great time feeding them. Bean would only view them from afar though.

Then we went to see the Pirate 4D Show. Bean was out quickly on that when the 3D bugs started shooting stuff out at us. After some quality "what can make it better time" in the gift shop - we met up with our group and headed to Shamu. That was awesome - although Bean needed to be reassured that Shamu was not coming in the stands to see us personally.
After lunch we went to the Sea Lion Show - which hands down - was the Bean's favorite. Very cute show indeed.
Here is Bean and Roon on the Shamu Express. This is the only ride that I also rode as well. Roon tackled the Steel Eel and Great White - but I was not feeling it. Ok - I have to admit that the older I get the less of a ride person I am...sniff sniff.
It was a great day all around. On Saturday we headed to a good ole fashioned Labor Day Fish Fry. Boy Howdy there was a lot of fish and people there! It was a great week - but we are all glad to be home and back in the swing of things.

Pre-Vacation, Shrimp Boil Ya'll!

2008-09-02T06:30:00.001-05:00

Look at all this goodness!

The corn rocked my world!
So full we can barely move!

Just before we left to go on vacation we did something fabulous that I highly recommend! We went to the Saturday night Shrimp Boil at Central Market. Can you say hand licken, knee slapping, tongue tingling, jumped out of the Gulf Good? I can! The shrimp were uber fresh...like they literally had just been caught that morning fresh. Since I grew up on the TX coast - I know me some fresh shrimp and these were sure them. We all got into it and ate till literally we could eat no more. Makes me want to eat some more shrimp!

Catching Up!

2008-08-31T17:54:00.002-05:00

We are back from vacation and I have pics and such to share later. Bean had a wonderful time at her Nana and Gramps and the husband and I enjoyed some couple time and some relaxing at a B&B!
I have to say our vacation got even better when the vet called late Friday about Alex. She is boarding after surgery so that they can monitor her recovery. Her pathology results came back CLEAR and she is cancer free. The mass is benign! Praise GOD! I am glad we did the surgery as the vet said if we had not she would have kept re-opening and infecting the wound. Also knowing that she does not have cancer is a huge blessing and relief on us all.
Thanks for the prayers and all kindness ya'll have extended to us!

Making Smores at Home!

2008-08-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

So I got this brilliant idea to make smores at home. I assembled the necessities and let the microwave to its magic. After nearly having a "stay puff marshmallows man" explosion in the microwave - we were able to enjoy the fruits of our labor. It was a good fun delicious mess!

Alex is having surgery

2008-08-26T18:22:00.004-05:00

Well, Alex's wound has not gone away and they are worried that indeed it is the mass cell cancer they suspected. She will be having surgery on Wednesday morning to remove it all. Please pray that they can get it all, that there are clear boarders and that she will be cancer free.

Thank you! Here is a cute picture of her!

Got Pen's?

2008-08-22T07:00:00.002-05:00

I do!

I was able to buy 10 sets of Bic Pens for .50 each and use $1 off two coupons. I forgot one of the coupons, so I had to spend an extra dollar (yes it was painful)....but here is the cool part. If you spend $5 in school supplies and $5 in Pert, you can request a rebate of up to $5.00 from Pert. So (are you with me here?), I paid $4.96 out of pocket and bought 10 sets of pens and two bottles of Pert. I will mail in for a $5.00 rebate and Walgreen's will pay me $3.79 by utilizing the easy saver rebate. Can you say money maker?? I used $4 in Bic coupons (remember I forgot one) and two $2 off pert coupons.

I think I am going to donate most of the pens to my friend who has been to South Africa to minister to Aids orphans. She says that the kids are always asking for things to write with. Sometimes we have to remember that a pen is more than a pen - it is the power to write, dream and create.

Let there be a pretty light fixture!

2008-08-21T09:13:00.004-05:00

A couple weeks back we ran across a clearance light fixture sale at Lowes. I found a cool fixture that went well with the others we already have for $11.55. Since I have a handy husband I knew I had scored. So with a little work - I give you our new light fixture for the hall. Neato Huh!

New!

Example of old fixture

Tunes on Tuesday

2008-08-19T18:01:00.004-05:00

In honor of the Olympics and very little sleep - I give you my favorite songs from the AT&T Team USA Soundtrack - over at ITunes.

There are some really great songs here, by some artists I already love and some that I am just learning about.

Dreamer, Chris Brown
Something Special (Beijing Olympic Mix), Colbie Caillat
To Remember, Josh Kelley
Perfect (Acoustic), Army of Me
Change, Taylor Swift
Hold On, Mere
Real, The Goo Goo Dolls
I Was Here, Lady Antebellum
The Champion in Me, 3 Doors Down
Lift Me Up, Kate Voegele

Future Weekend Warrior!

2008-08-15T09:19:00.003-05:00

Bean has so enjoyed going with her Daddy to the free Home Depot kid workshops. Daddy says her hammering skills are excellent and she did do a lot of the work on these projects. Home Depot does a great job! Did I mention these are free? Are the aprons just too adorable. They even get a snack when they are done ;)

Tunes on Tuesday

2008-08-12T13:13:00.004-05:00

Hi Everyone! In honor of VBS last week - this week's tunes focus on our favorite songs from VBS. I was able to find some great video's from YouTube! Hope you enjoy as much as we did. Bean really got into the music. At night we hear her singing all the cool songs she learned while in bed.

POWER

THANKFUL

WHEREVER YOU GO

AMAZING GRACE

Darn you John Tesh! - EDIT I mean Al Trautwig

2008-08-12T08:25:00.005-05:00

So, how may of you, like me, are being sucked into the vortex of Olympic coverage on NBC. No matter what the event, when I hear that soothing voice of John Tesh, I get reeled in...the struggles, the injuries, the triumphant.....As I right this, last night at 11:20 p.m., I can't pull myself away from the men's team gymnastic finals. The build up is like watching an episode of 24. I am riveted to say the least. Oh and now I am happy to report that after conquering their "Achilles heal" - barely - the U.S. will take bronze. Believe you me - John Tesh is a master at the build up. But I do give him props - his voice is so soothing - that is probably why he keeps us hooked in.

Last night I watched woman's gymnastics with Bean. She never gets scared seeing all the gymnastics flipping and tumbling. Instead she asks me "Mommy, how do they learn to do that?" Then she runs around and proceeds to imitate them......and that my friends is good times.

p.s. Update on Alex the dog. Her wound is far less swollen and red, but has not cleared up yet. Please continue to pray that it clears and she is cancer free. Thank you.

edit: Apparently Al and John sound a lot alike in my opinion!

Please pray for our dog, Alex

2008-08-09T13:10:00.004-05:00

It is hard to believe that we got this sprite little puppy eleven years ago. She has provided us with hours of fun, joy and happiness. Through our infertility and adoption she has always greeted us with a wet nose, wagging tail and doggy smile.

We ask for your prayers as we got some concerning news in her vet appointment this morning. She has a sore on her cheek which started to bleed last Saturday. It started to get better, but then Thursday it started to bleed again and I realized she can lick it and irritate it. She is due for her annual appointment anyways, so we took her in just as a precautionary measure.

It turns out the wound is infected and has irregular cells. The vet is highly concerned that it may be a cancerous tumor. He told us if it gets better on antibiotics that we will be in the clear, as the infections could be clouding the cell results. We are praying that she gets better and it is not cancer.

We already lost our cat earlier this year, and the thought of losing Alex makes me a puddle of tears. Thanks for your prayers.

Hot!

2008-08-05T16:09:00.002-05:00

Bean told us the other day that she does not like being this hot. With no rain and hardly a cloud in the sky it has been wicked hot. She then went on to say..."I hate the hotness." We all feel your pain!

The Greatest Show on Earth!!

2008-07-31T20:21:00.004-05:00

has gone to the dogs - these precious little sweet steal your heart dogs! I think these dogs are awesome. Bean has been begging for a poodle (pink of course) and I admit that these dogs are so sweet. Here is a video from the Circus pre-show.

The last time I went to the circus was in the early 90's while Roon and I were dating. He has absolutely no recollection of going with me - but I remember it was a big deal cause Gunther Gebel-Williams big tiger show was the bomb! I have to admit that we all enjoyed the Circus. I shelled out $12 for cotton candy. I know pick yourself up off the floor - but it did come with a commemorative hat. Thank goodness - Bean had no interest in the $20 light up and spin array of toys. She opted for a small elephant stuffed animal. The circus truly is a place for kids of all ages!

There is nothing like the sweet smell of

2008-07-29T16:48:00.004-05:00

fresh baked bread. I woke the bread machine up (after an extended retirement I might add) and got to baking. I have this real cool machine called the Toastmaster Corner Bakery and you can make all kinds of wonderful things!

Bean ran around the kitchen with her nose in the air all afternoon - saying "Mommy what is that smell?" Needless to say, she scarfed down nearly two slices. That is impressive considering she normally turns her nose up at store bought bread. She also told me what a wonderful cook I am. Of course she tells me this when I serve her hot dogs and frozen pizza, but hey she thinks I am a master chef!!

Too bad the picture is not scratch and sniff - cause if smelled as yummy as it tasted! Next I am going to make pizza dough!

Some more shopping deals!

2008-07-26T09:51:00.003-05:00

The picture above is from my Albertsons trip utilizing the mega sale. I paid $13.57 for all the above after coupons. I also received a $1.50 off my next meat order thanks to the Tuna/Hamburger Helpers. The peanuts alone would have been almost this much regular price. I am really happy about these great deals! My receipt shoes that I saved $40.80.

Below is from my Kroger trip. I paid $7.65 (after coupons and the mega sale discount) and earned $4.00 catalina coupons off my next order for buying the four pledge. My receipt shows a savings of $80%! Rock On!

A MEME (cause I am cool like that)

2008-07-25T06:00:00.001-05:00

I got this from my bloggy friend Rooney (at my little musings) - not to be confused with Roon my husband. Isn't it funny that they have the same nickname?

Anyhoo -here we go!

What were you doing 10 years ago?

I was working at my second job out of college doing marketing. It was a great learning experience. We were also buying our first home.

Favorite Snacks

York peppermint pattie
Red Grapes
Coke Zero
Baked Cheetos / Chips
Fiber One Chocolate Chip Bars

To Do List

I heart to-do lists. I wish I could have a digital post it note that I could update continuously!

Vacuum

Get outfit together for big make-up glam session with the girls-

Finish paying bills-

Look into Creative Memories Digital Scrapbook software

Jobs I Have Had

-Kroger cashier
-Movie theater box office girl (fabulous job)
-Sales clerk at Lerner
-Sales clerk at Payless
-Sales clerk at Mervyns
-Employment/ Background Checker
-“Customer Service” at Ford Motor Credit (aka collections/repo job)
-Marketing at numerous places
-Project Assistant at two construction companies
-MOM (The BEST JOB of them all)

Places I Have Lived

All Over Texas

Bad Habits

Be sarcastic

Worrying too much – although I have made great strides with this – Praise Jesus!

My car is usually a disaster area – although I am working on this too!

Asking the same thing over and over

Over sleeping

5 Random Things People May Not Know

1. I played Clarinet while in 6 – 12th grade. I was even in a Dixieland band for a while. Please hold all the comments on how cool I am – Ha Ha!

2. I have an irrational fear of pedicures and bugs, especially the flying cock roaches of the Gulf Coast.

3. I used to not shop sales or use coupons at all!

4. I called the TV “fu” as a child

5. I really want to be on the Price of Right and play Plinko!

CD's I Would Want If Stranded On An Island:

I enjoyed listening to Hurley’s I-Pod selection on LOST and was very sad when it ran out of juice – that Hurley had some fun songs. If I don’t have an I-Pod with me and I had to pick a few – eeks, this is what they would be right now.

- Soundtrack to Across the Universe
- Greatest Hits of the Carpenters and Bee Gees
- The Cranberries, Everybody Else is Doing It So Why Can’t We?
- Some Third Day or Planet Shakers
- Soundtrack from Phantom of the Opera
- Soundtrack from Moulin Rouge
- Michael Jackson, Greatest Hits
- Enya

What I'd Do If I Were A Billionaire

Buy new house and pay off credit card debt

Take care of the parents
Invest wisely
Set up a fund for those going through adoption process
Set up a fund for people going through fertility
Donate to SPCA
Go to Russia and work with orphanages
Travel
Pay for college of all my nieces and nephew

Help friends in need

Latest Shopping Deals

2008-07-23T23:02:00.004-05:00

I paid $47.34 for all this stuff! Woo Hoo! I saved 63% (total savings on receipt $79.21) and the best part is I got $23.00 in Catalina coupons to use on my next order! This is part of the Summer Savings Marathon that is running at Tom Thumb (a Safeway store). I have done this deal twice now - but it is rather complicated and takes more pre-planning than a lot of the grocery shopping I typically do. It is looking to be a good grocery shopping week as Kroger and Albertsons are running Mega Event sales this week. I will post about those after I shop.

Happy Shopping. Sorry it was hard to fit all the stuff in that picture but there are two milks and a coffee creamer hiding behind the pasta.

Tunes on Tuesday

2008-07-22T19:28:00.002-05:00

This week I wanted to review a CD I purchased a couple months back. I debated this purchase for quite a while - but am so glad I did it! Thriller – 25th Anniversary – Deluxe Edition. This takes me back to my younger years. I did not own this album, cause I was like 9 at the time, but don’t fret I did not miss out. My daycare owned Thriller (and all the good ones – Remember Xanadu?) and as our afternoon entertainment, we got to listen to all the classics, Thriller, Beat It, Billie Jean. Then during our TV sessions, somewhere between 3-2-1 Contact and Electric Company (see there was some Quality TV), we got to watch the Thriller video. Boy those were good times. My younger siblings even got to watch with me. I don’t think our parents ever knew this, but perhaps this is where our nightmares stemmed from. But alas I will not digress on our daycare anymore and will move on now.

This CD Rocks and it is MJ at his finest.

- Wanna be Startin’ Somethin’ (featuring Akon) just plain rocks. You will probably dance around your kitchen to this!

- The Girl is Mine (with Paul McCartney) is just plain sweet

- Thriller – need I say more.

So if you don’t have your LP anymore and are looking for some of the classics (with some cool re-mixes of today) – get this CD.

When did I get old?

2008-07-21T07:00:00.001-05:00

So I was watching VH1 Top 20 this morning and guess who was #2? New Kids on the Block (NKOTB). Here's the thing - the song was actually fairly decent. I was never a NKOTB Groupie like some of my dear high school friends...but you can't rule out the boy bands. Anyhoo - they all still look pretty good - although much older! Then it hit me - that is me - I am so much older too! Where has the time gone?

And guess what else they are doing? A new 90210 and Brenda, Kelli and Donna are all coming back. I was a HUGE 90210 and Melrose Groupie. 90210 class graduated (I believe) the same year as I did - so we were bonded. I know it is silly - but heck - I think I might just have to watch it to see if they are still cat fighting. I know it will be focused on the next generation, but still - the Peach Pit and Nat, how can you resist that?

So any 90210 or NKOTB fans out there?

Cool Free Stuff!

2008-07-19T09:19:00.003-05:00

In the past couple weeks - I have scored some great freebies - thanks to the help of Freebies 4 Mom with all her sweeps info!

Bean got to build a free birdhouse with Daddy at the Home Depot. She also got an adorable orange home depot apron, certificate of completion and pin. She loved it!
I won a movie ticket from the Subway game online.
I received a free canvas tote bag from World Market (signed up online to get their e-mails)
Won a $100 Travelocity Gift Certificate by playing the International Delight Flavor Race

I feel like the Dad in a Christmas Story waiting for his grand prize (leg lamp)! WOO HOO!

Feeling Better

2008-07-18T08:44:00.003-05:00

Thanks everyone for your sweet comments, e-mails and calls. I am feeling much better today. The Dr. thinks (I also thought this too) I had an ovarian cyst that ruptured and that was the cause of all my grief. He says that certain people (I think he means me) are more likely to get them. I got these numerous times as a teenager and that is how I got diagnosed with endo. So - he said generally people don't get these frequently and I should hopefully not have any more any time soon. He does not think the pain is my endo as he says that would be too quick for endo to grow back.

I asked what he thought about IVF and he said if we want to we should still do it. I was kind of hoping for a yes or no type answer, cause this being in limbo over IVF is no fun. So that is the update and I really do appreciate the support!

A very rough night

2008-07-16T20:48:00.002-05:00

Ever since my surgery back in November, I have had on/off miscellaneous pain which I am fairly sure is due to my reproductive system being "woke up." The sad reality is that I am fairly sure my endometriosis is rearing it's ugly head again. It comes on so quickly and is just debilitating. Last night around 10:30 I started feeling intense sharp pains. I decided to go to bed and try to ride it out. I writhed in pain for hours and around 1:30 a.m. decided that I was going to the ER.
Roon got up dressed, I got up but the thought of dragging Bean at 2:00 a.m. was so hard. I decided to try to tough it out for another hour - and I think about 3:00 a.m. I was finally able to sleep as the pain started to subside. I am guessing I had a cyst and it ruptured at some point. It has been a LONG time since I have had this pain and I forgot just how horrible endometriosis is to have. The pain is comparable to when my appendix ruptured...so it is very hard to put in words.
I am going to the Dr. tomorrow to see what is going on. I am worried that IVF may have stirred all this up. I also worry that my body is trying to tell me that IVF is a fleeting reality for us.
Please pray that my Dr. appointment goes well and we can get this back under control.

Tunes on Tuesday

2008-07-15T19:10:00.002-05:00

A promised, here is my current playlist featuring my favorite songs (thus far) from So you Think you can Dance! If you need another TV show to watch - watch it - it Rocks!
All of these songs can be purchased off I-Tunes! Let me know if you like any.

Untouched, The Veronicas
Elevator (featuring Timbaland), Flo Rida
Lost, Anouk
Belief, Gavin DeGraw
Dark Waltz, Haley Westenra
A Different Corner, George Michael
I'm Yours, Jason Mraz

Catch Up

2008-07-15T14:41:00.005-05:00

The Bean having fun with her cousin (below) and getting all dolled up above!

Wow what a whirlwind of a weekend we had. We started Friday off by dressing as cows, then we quick changed into swim suits for a swim party. On Saturday we had a birthday party at McDonald's at lunch and then in the afternoon we had a Sleeping Beauty princess party to attend. Then we joined our good friends at an "all you can eat" meat place. Think large slabs of meat cut right at your table. Bean licked her lips when the servers came by and said - "yum - I sure like meat." I think they thought she was pretty entertaining.

On Sunday the Bean & I drove down for my lovely sister in law's surprise 30th Birthday party. We had a grand time seeing everyone and Bean loves playing with her cousins. Now that we are back I have tons of laundry and catch-up to do.

Our menu this week will be whatever I have on hand. It is looking like spaghetti (did not make last week), chicken with a kick (also did not get to make last week), vegetable soup, hamburger helper and whatever else I can throw together!

Chic Cows

2008-07-11T19:30:00.005-05:00

We tried to be fashionable and fun today for free Chick-fil-A food. I was going with the theme (in my mind anyway) of Princess Cows. At the last minute, Roon had a great idea to use the Chick-fil-A calender cows for accessorizing. I cut out the "Lady Marinade" for Bean and I used "Spicy Skirtsteak." I scavenged the house for things to re-use so I did not spend any money making these fun costumes. I think we were unique as we got lots of compliments. Is is hard to see, but I did put cow hears on my headband and made a scarf with a cow nose!

I am really trying to emphasize to Bean how much fun it is to be creative and save money. She had a blast and was very sad we had to leave the Chick-fil-A cow. She wanted the cow to come home and play with us. Enjoy the pictures. Let me know what you think!

$7.11

2008-07-10T17:36:00.003-05:00

I got all this for $7.11 at Kroger. They have a great sale running where if you buy 3 qualifying items - you get $3.00 off instantly. You can do up to three mix/match combo's per transaction and combine with coupons. Here is a linky of a blog I found via Freebies 4 Mom today: My Two Cents. She does a great job outlining the Kroger sales. If you have any questions - or need help - please feel free to let me know too.

Let me know how you do also. Most of the coupons were in last Sunday's paper - which you could still get today at Kroger today, as I bought a double bundle.

Also since by total was $7.11, I thought if fitting to tell you about the freebie I also so on Freebies 4 Mom - free Slurpee day at Seven-Eleven tomorrow on 7-11. Go to this linky for more details.

Hope you clicked on my widget and visited Freebies 4 Mom - I sure love that blog! Happy Saving!

The Pirate Bean

2008-07-09T08:34:00.003-05:00

Look what Gramps taught Bean on vacation. She sure does a good pirate look!

Tunes on Tuesday!

2008-07-08T12:48:00.003-05:00

Most of you know about my (ever so slight) obsession with music. In general I like all kinds of music, but I do go through phases of certain genres of music. I make play lists for my I-pod all the time! I also like to make mix CD's for my friends/family from time to time. So I thought I would try to make it a regular thing to share about music on my blog. Here is a first in (hopefully) a long line of installments. When I buy music (on I-tunes) I do try to download the "Clean" version. Sometimes when you listen to a song - you don't even hear the offending word, but I want to make sure that Bean does hear it for sure! Let me know if you have any favorite songs right now. Next week - I will talk about my music selections from "So you think you can dance." I love this show and love all the music that is featured on it.

So - Here is what is playing on my Summer mix so far:

Say - John Mayer
Stop and Stare - One Republic
Viva la Vida - Coldplay
Shake It - Metro Station
Sky - Joshua Radin (featuring Ingrid Michaelson) - **I love love love this song
Paralyzer - Finger Eleven
Dance Dance - Fall Out Boy
More Time - Needtobreath (this is from the PS I Love you Soundtrack - note to guys - Roon liked this move!)
Shadow of the Day - Linkin Park

Menu Planning Monday

2008-07-07T20:42:00.003-05:00

These are the meals I am making this week. Are you making anything yummy?

Monday - Pork Loin, Rice Pilaf, Asparagus and Fruit Salad
Tuesday - Vietnamese-Style Chicken Salad (this is super healthy and very filling - big thumbs up form the husband) - recipe from Saving Dinner
Wednesday - Tuscan Bean and Sausage Soup
Thursday - leftovers
Friday - Chicken Casserole with a Kick
Saturday - Spaghetti with Boca crumbles
Sunday - ??

The Bathroom Remodel...

2008-07-07T07:00:00.001-05:00

We finished the remodel a few weeks ago and are so pleased with the results. I love the wall color. It is called Guacamole!! Love it! I searched high and low for accessories that I loved and thought Bean would love. I found this adorable shower curtain, rug and accent set at Kohl's but it was full price. I agonized ($39.99 for a shower curtain) and finally broke down and bought it. Then greatness happened and it went on sale 40% off and I took the receipt in and received a nice credit. The before pictures do not do the transformation justice. Let me know what you think.

Hey - Dig the Widget on the side of my blog...

2008-07-06T19:45:00.004-05:00

And go Check out an awesome website called Freebies 4 Mom. She updates her site daily and always has exciting info to share with us about saving money, getting freebies and winning things. Thanks to her site I won a $10 gift card to Kroger, numerous bags of Subway Chips, and lots of fun free samples.

Ya'll know I love a good deal! The Bean and her Daddy also built an adorable bird house over at the Home Depot free kids event yesterday. They had an awesome time and guess where I found out about the free even - Freebies 4 Mom! So click on over and start saving!

p.s. I googled Widget and I found out they are codes that hold data that you can move around on your blog. Now I (and you know) what they are!

First Attempt at AMC Summer Movie Camp...

2008-07-02T16:03:00.004-05:00

Well we made it 25 minutes....just enough time to eat the AMC's kids snack pack and leave. I love that AMC does this all Summer and we will try again, but the movie this morning was the Water Horse and was very dark and scary for the Bean. She got teary eyed and said the movie was making her sad as the water horse looked sad. She is very sensitive to movies and especially animals in movies or on TV. If an animal looks sad or afraid - she does not want to see it at all. One time Wishbone came on and she was crying so hard about the mean animals.
She has such a good heart and I love seeing her heart for others......

Get thyself to Super Target and get...

2008-07-01T16:17:00.003-05:00

Three twelve packs of A&W / Sunkist Products (look for signs on store shelves - as other's qualify like 7-Up) and get free Dryer's ice cream! So I bought 2 diet A&W, 1 diet 7-Up and used three $1.00 off coupons found here at afullcup. Make sure to scroll down to find these coupons. So 5 bucks for three twelve packs and ice-cream, not too shabby. I also found Prego Family sized lasagnas clearanced to $2.98 - of course YMMV on that. Happy Shopping!

The Boot Camp Results!

2008-06-30T15:39:00.002-05:00

I finished boot camp and literally left for vacation ;)
I did not exercise a great amount....and need to get back on the better eating bandwagon now!

Anyhoo - here are the results!
7 inches lost, 6 pounds lost and 3.4% body fat lost. Pretty darn good if I say so myself. I am sure the past week did not help, but I am looking forward not back!

Don't we look cute

2008-06-18T09:33:00.002-05:00

I saw this around Mother's Day and just fell in love with it. I found it on clearance recently and was so excited! I brought it home and Bean just loved it. She said there is Mommy, Daddy and me! Of course she did note that Mommy had a hair cut...so the hair on the Mommy is not completely accurate. My little girl - so detail oriented!