Michael's Second Birthday

My Dearest Mikey,

Here we are... Two short years after you made your entrance into the world and into my life.  My life has not been the same since.  You and your sister are my biggest source of joy and my biggest energy drain.  You keep me going, you keep me laughing and boy, oh, boy do I love seeing you smile.

I tried and tried for months upon months to get you to say 'mommy.'  But you just refused.  You called me every name, but mommy.  You called me daddy, G.G, Roxy, Popa, Mac, and Gramma before you finally said mommy.  But when you did finally say it, my heart grew three sizes that day.  I waited and waited and waited for you to finally say it, and you did. I couldn't be more happier.

You are a crazy little boy though, do you know that?  You run in circles with your sister around the living room, laughing and giggling and sometimes falling out as soon as you make yourself dizzy.  

You are a human garbage disposal.  I have yet to see you turn down any food.  You keep going and going and going.  It seems like you never stop.  Unless, of course you are asleep. 

And you are such a good little brother.  You are always looking out for your big sister, giving her hugs and kisses every night before you go to bed.

I will always love you and I will always be in your corner.  I will promise you that I will always listen to you and I will always be someone that you can count on.  I will do whatever I can to make your life better for you as long as there is air in my lungs and my heart still beats.

Happy Birthday Baby Boy!

Love Always,

Momma

December 15, 2014

Lyric's Fourth Birthday

My Beautiful Daughter, Lyric,

My Sweet, Loving, and Wonderful baby girl. You are turning four today.

Four fantastic years old!

I am not sure how that is even possible.

I thought that you were never going to come along. But you finally decided to make your grand appearance.

And the waiting was so worth it. You are the baby that we were meant to have.

Days old...

I thought that I knew what it would be like to be a mother.

I thought that I knew what it meant to love.

Then, you arrived and taught me that, in fact, I knew very little.

One year old...

You taught me that once you have a child, you are more vulnerable that I had ever thought possible.

You showed me that watching you sleep was the most important thing that I could do on any given afternoon.

Two years old...

Loving you has shown me that I can't control everything. 

That sometimes the most amazing moments come from letting go just a little bit.

That sometimes it's better to let life guide us just a bit.

You have taught me to laugh at myself, because nothing makes you laugh harder.

Three years old...

You have helped me to realize that throwing caution to the wind every once in a while doesn't have to be scary.

You have taught me that the amount of love that the heart can hold is endless.

That just when I am certain that I couldn't possibly love you more, you make my heart nearly explode.

Four years old...

You have shown me that life passes by us ever so quickly.

I don't want to waste a single moment of this time that I've been given to share with you.

You have brought me more joy that I had ever dreamed possible.

Happy Birthday, My Beautiful Baby.

With more love than you can possibly imagine, 

Mommy

November 25th, 2014

Homemade Finger Paint!

Thanks to Pinterest I found some easy to make Edible Finger Paints.

I made the paints last night and then this afternoon the kiddos and I enjoyed painting with them. They had a weird texture to them. And I don't think that they tasted very well. I managed to keep Lyric from eating it. But with Michael.... That was a little harder. He managed to sneak a little taste here and there. And he wasn't too into painting. He did stick his fingers in it a couple of times, but didn't really paint on the paper. I knew that he was getting tired because as Lyric was finishing up he was rubbing his eyes and his face. And can you imagine what happened when he started to rub his face. The paint that was on his hands went straight to his face and his eyes. I wasn't able to get a good picture of his face after he rubbed his face. 

Lyric loved the paints. She didn't want to stop. :) It is going to be another go to paint in the future. I think that she liked the feel of them. She would scoop the blob of paint up that I put on her paper and would smear it across her paper. Then she started to mix all the paints in her hands and then would go about and make her masterpiece.

The Recipe:

1/2 C Cornstarch

3-4 Tbsp Sugar

2 C Water

Mix in a saucepan over low-medium heat until it becomes thick but smooth. Let cool. Scoop into bowls or cups and add food coloring.

Homemade Pancakes

So, Monday morning and this morning I made egg-less pancakes. I wanted pancakes but didn't have any eggs. So, I got to looking on the computer for pancakes that didn't involve eggs. Well, I found a very easy recipe. And it tasted wonderful! And both the kiddos enjoyed them as well. They both out ate me. But that doesn't surprise me. Lyric ate 4 pancakes Monday and this morning and Mikey ate 3 pancakes Monday and this morning. I can see these pancakes in our very near future again. Like probably next week if not this weekend. :)

After we ate breakfast we cleaned up. Lyric wiped down their table and I vacuumed the floor, with Michael's help of course. I've got some pretty amazing kids, I must admit. Even if they don't listen to me very well. :(

Now, you probably want the recipe... Huh?

I found this recipe over at Rak's Kitchen.

I added a few things to them to make them a bit sweeter. :)

I used:

2 c flour

3 tbsp sugar

2 tbsp baking powder

a dash of salt

1 tbsp of cinnamon

2 c milk

2 tbsp oil

1 tbsp or so of vanilla

1. mix all of the dry ingredients first.

2. add the milk, oil, and vanilla. mix well. let sit for 10 minutes.

3. heat griddle. 

4. pour batter, do not spread. heat until bubbles pop and the color changes. then flip and heat the other side until finished. 

5. serve with butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and/or syrup. however your heart desires.

6. enjoy!

"Slamming Doors"

The other night I was working on getting the kiddos ready for bed. But they had no desire to come to me to get diapers/pull ups on and jammies put on. Instead they wanted to play in their room and open and close the bedroom door. They both got a hit out of it. Michael's face was just priceless! He was having a blast!

CVS Trip of 4.8.14

I think that this may be one of my best couponing trips yet. :) I feel that I did really, really well. Although, I am still learning. :)

I think that I kept my out of pocket expenses to a minimum. 

Here is a break down of my transactions and my spendings and savings.

The diapers alone are a good deal. I got 154 diapers for $15 as where at Costco (where I normally go I can get 162 diapers for $38.99) That's saving $23.99!  

Spent: $38.08

Before Coupons/ECBs: $172.74

Saved: $134.66

Savings of: 78%

Trans #1

Gillette Venus Razor $11.49

BIC Hybrid Advance 3 Disposable Razors (6 ct.) $7.79

BIC Soleil Disposable Razors (4 ct.) $7.29 half off $3.64

BIC is BOGO 50%

Buy (1) Gillette get $5 ECB

Total: $22.57

Coupons/ECBs: $16

Out of Pocket: $6.92

Saved: $19.65

Savings: 74%

Trans #2

8 - CVS Antacid Flavor Chews (12 ct.) $1.49 ea.

Buy (1) get $1.49 ECB LIMIT 10.

Total: $11.92

Coupons/ECBs: $5

OOP: $6.92

Saved: $5

Savings: 42%

Trans #3

4 - CVS Diapers (27 ct.) 2/$10

2 - CVS Nighttime Diapers (23 ct.)  2/$10

CVS Diapers normally $9.29 ea.

Spend $30 get $10 ECB

Total: $30

Coupons/ECBs: $15

OOP: $15

Saved: $47.14

Savings: 76%

Trans #4

3 - Herbal Essence Shampoo 2/$6

3 - Herbal Essence Conditioner 2/$6

Herbal Essence normally $4.49 ea.

Total: $18

Coupons/ECBs: $19

OOP: Less than TAX! :)

Saved: $27.94

Savings: 104%

Trans #5

Zarbees Seasonal Relief $7

Normally $9.49

Buy (1) Zarbees get $7 ECB

Total: $7

Coupons/ECBs: None :(

OOP: $7

Saved: $2.49

Savings: 26%

Trans #6

3 - Bags of Brookside Chocolates 2/$6

1 - Bag of Lancaster Candies 2/$6

Normally $4.49 ea.

Total: $12

Coupons/ECBs: $12

OOP: TAX! :)

Saved: $17.96

Savings: 100%

Trans #7

2 - Nivea Body Wash 2/$8

2 - Nivea Lotions $2.87 ea.

Body Wash normally $5.99 ea.

Total: $13.74

Coupons/ECBs: $10.50

OOP: $3.24

Saved: $14.48

Savings: 82%

OOP does not include Tax.

Dancing with the Stars

Do you watch Dancing with the Stars?

Well, I do. And I am really enjoying this season. I enjoyed last season as well. But this season is looking better and better each week. This season the stars that are on the show are;

Meryl Davis with pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy

Charlie White with pro Sharna Burgess

Danica McKellar with Val Chmerkovskiy

James Maslow with pro Peta Murgatroyd

Candace Cameron Bure with pro Mark Ballas

Cody Simpson with pro Witney Carson

Amy Purdy with pro Derek Hough

Drew Carey with pro Cheryl Burke

NeNe Leakes with pro Tony Dovolani

Billy Dee Williams with pro Emma Slater (left show wk. 3)

Sean Avery with pro Karina Smirnoff (eliminated wk. 2)

Diana Nyad with pro Henry Vyalikov (eliminated wk. 2)

Since the Season Premier I have three or four dancers that I am really hoping to see go all the way. And they are;

Meryl Davis with pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy

Charlie White with pro Sharna Burgess

Candace Cameron Bure with pro Mark Ballas 

and

Amy Purdy with pro Derek Hough

But I think that it is going to end up coming down to...

Meryl Davis and Amy Purdy. I would be happy to see either of them win and the other the Runner-Up. :)

This week was the Switch-Up Challenge. I wasn't too sure about how this was going to go. I have my top favorite dancers and pro dancers and I did not want to see them dancing with those that I was not too fond of. 

This week the dancers were paired with...

Candace Cameron Bure with pro Tony Dovolani

James Maslow with pro Cheryl Burke

Drew Carey with pro Witney Carson

Danica McKellar with pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy

Charlie White with pro Peta Murgatroyd

Amy Purdy with pro Mark Ballas

Cody Simpson with pro Sharna Burgess

NeNe Leakes with pro Derek Hough

and the best for last...

Meryl Davis with pro Val Chmerkovskiy

I was really happy to see Meryl with the other Chmerkovskiy brother. Those two are great dancers along with Derek. :) I was also happy to see Charlie with Peta. 

I think that Meryl is rocking the scoreboard each week. And if anyone can teach someone to dance, it is Derek. :) I do feel bad for Candace though, I think that she is being underscored. :( And I think it is because she is trying to stand by her religious beliefs. And I applaud her for that. I also think that her outfits are very pretty even though they aren't as flashy and show as much skin as some of the other outfits. 

This next week I am hoping that any of these three contestants go home... I'm just not feeling them like I am some of the others.

Drew Carey

Cody Simpson

NeNe Leakes

These are my own opinions! No one elses!

Bath Paint!

After dinner the other night I decided that I was going to make some bath tub paint for the kiddos. It was very simple to make. All it was was shaving cream and food coloring. I used a six count muffin tin and put some shaving cream and different colors of food coloring in each tin. 

I put both of the kiddos in the bath tub in a diaper and underpants. And then I let them paint to their hearts desire. They painted the walls of the bath tub and Lyric painted her brother's' tummy. The first thing that Michael did was stick his hand in the shaving cream. I think he may have liked the feeling of it. He also liked to mix all of the different colors. It was so much fun watching the two play and paint. Then we took our baths. 

Couponing Trip 3.15.14

My Walgreens and Target haul...

From Target:

2 - Mio water enhancers

1 - Crystal Light water enhancer

2 - Easter Grass

2 - Foam Cut Outs

10 Pack of Blank DVDs

From Walgreens:

4 - Nivea Body Wash (BOGO Free)

3 - Colgate Optic White Toothpaste

2 - Jergen's Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer

Rimmel Mascara

Rimmel Eyebrow Pencil

Before Coupons/RR/GC: $70.74

After Coupons/RR/GC: $30.06

Saved: $40.68

Savings of: 58%

Bucket List (Cleaning)

Hallway

1. dust light fixture

2. wash walls and trim

3. wash doors, doorknobs and switch plates

4. empty out coat closet. wash walls and vacuum floor, put back everything nicely

5. vacuum and carpet clean floors

Bedrooms

1. open windows

2. dust furniture

3. remove everything from closets. wash walls (if needed), vacuum floor, put everything away nicely

4. move bed(s). vacuum under bed(s), put back bed(s)

5. dust light fixture

6. wash windows and window sills

7. wash walls, trim, and switch plates

8. wash/dust mirrors or dust wall hangings

9. wash doors and doorknobs

10. vacuum and carpet clean floors

11. sort through music, dvds, games, books and organize neatly

12. wash hard plastic children's toys with warm soapy water. rinse and dry. wash stuffed toys. wash the inside and outside of toy box

Bathrooms

1. empty all cabinets, wash inside/wipe down, put back everything nicely

2. wash outside of cabinets 

3. clean tub

4. clean toilet (inside and out)

5. clean sink

6. shine faucets

7. clean mirror

8. dust light fixture

9. wash door, doorknob, and switch plate

10. sweep and wash floors

Kitchen

1. empty all cabinets, wash inside/wipe down, put everything back nicely

2. wash cabinet doors and knobs

3. organize food (check for expiry dates)

4. clean oven

5. clean stove top, remove elements and drip bowls, wash and put them back

6. clean and organize fridge and freezer (check for expiry dates)

7. clean under fridge and stove

8. clean microwave

9. clean crumbs out of toaster

10. wipe down all other counter stuff

11. wash counters and back splash

12. wash and shine sink

13. clean dishwasher

14. dust light fixture

15. wash walls, trim, and switch plates

16. sweep and wash floor

Dining Room

1. wipe down table, chairs, and highchair

2. clean chair pads

3. wash walls, trim, and switch plates

4. vacuum and carpet clean floor

Living Room

1. open sliding glass door

2. vacuum sofas/chair

3. dust wall furnishings and shelves

4. wash windows

5. clean television screen

6. dust electronics

7. tidy electronics wires, tuck out of sight, label them?

8. wash hard plastic children's toys with warm soapy water. rinse and dry.

9. wash walls, trim, and switch plates

10. wash door and doorknob

11. vacuum and carpet clean floor

Extras...

1. plan easy meals for the days you will spend cleaning

2. as you clean, keep a list of any jobs you notice that need to be done around the house

3. keep another list of things you notice you need (food and cleaning supplies)

4. take an empty laundry basket and pile in it anything you need your hubby to sort through (receipts, random things found)

Weekday Bucket List

This Spring I want to do more with the kiddos. I need to do more with the kiddos.

I would like to assign each day of the week to something that we do...

Monday - Make Something Monday

Arts and Crafts

Tuesday - Time to Read/Learn Tuesday

Trip to the Public Library or 'House Library'

Wednesday - What's Cooking Wednesday

Baking or Cooking

Thursday - Be Thoughtful Thursday

Write Letters/Bake Cookies/Service Project/ect.

Friday - Somewhere Fun Friday

Go Swimming/Visit Museum/Get Out of the House

There are so many things on my Pinterest that I want to do with the kiddos. I just need to do the shopping so that I can carry out some of these ideas. :) 

If you have any ideas for service like projects that a 3 and 1 year old can do, let me know your ideas. :) It would be greatly appreciated. Actually any and all ideas are appreciated. Thank you!

Couponing Trip 3.10.14

My Walgreens/CVS Haul...

2 - Brookside Bags of Chocolate

2 - Colgate Mouthwashes ($.99 ea.)

2 - Colgate Toothpastes 

2 - Colgate Toothbrushes ($.99 ea.)

2 - Lady Speed Sticks ($.99 ea.)

2 - Bic Disposable Razors ($.99 and $1.99)

2 - Irish Spring Body Wash ($1 ea.)

4 - Arizona Drinks ($.99 ea.)

2 - Wet 'N Wild Nail Polish (free)

1 - Rimmel Mascara ($.90)

1 - Rimmel Eye Brow Pencil ($.90)

1 - Clean & Clear Night Face Wash ($2.99)

Before Coupons/ECBs/RRs: $98.50

After Coupons/ECBs/RRs: $35.73

Saved: $62.77

Savings of: 65%

At Walgreen's I did forget to ask about the Military Discount. :( That was our reason for going on Tuesday. And the Arizona drinks didn't ring up right. And I didn't realize that until after I had gotten home. I wasn't able to get (4) things that were on my list. (2) bags of Wonka Jelly Beans (would have been $1 ea.) and (2) Jergens Daily Glow Moisturizer (would have been free and $.99). 

Couponing Trip 3.8.14

My Walgreens Haul....

4 - all (24 pac) detergent ($2.50 ea.)

2 - all (20 pac) detergent ($2.50 ea.)

2 - Nivea Men's Shaving Cream/Gel (B1G1 Free) ($1.49)

2 - Nivea Men's Post Shave Balm (B1G1 Free) ($4.99)

1 -Gillette ProFusion Power Razor 

1 - Tampax Radiant Tampons (18 count) ($.99)

2 - Kelloggs to go Breakfast Drinks (free)

4 - Orbit Gum (18 pack) ($.38 ea.)

1 - Caramel Candy

Before Coupons/RRs: $91.73

After Coupons/RRs: $32.55

Saved: $59.18

Savings of: 65%

Couponing Trip 3.2.14

My CVS Haul...

6 - Glade Room Sprays (free)

2 - Mini Cadbury Eggs (free)

2 - Jelly Beans (free)

1 - Gillette Fusion Razor

1 - Gillette Venus Razor

3 - Arizona Drinks

1 - Crest Mouthwash

1 - Crest Toothpaste

1 - Crest Whitening Treatment

Before Coupons/ECBs: $63.83

After Coupons/ECBs: $12.24

Saved: $51.59

Savings of: 81%

Friday 5 - What Do You Like?

1. What do you order to drink when you're at a fast-food restaurant?

Either Sweet Tea or a soda of some sort.

2. What kind of dressing do you have on your salad when you eat out?

Honey Mustard.

3. What do you like at those self-serve frozen yogurt places?

Haven't been to one yet. :(

4. How do you like your popcorn?

Extra buttery and salty.

5. What kind of shampoo do you use?

Whatevers cheap or on sale.

Saturday 9 - Waterfalls

Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.

1. This song encourages us to "stick to the rivers and lakes you're used to." What body of water is nearest your home -- pond, lake, river, gulf or sea?

The Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean

2. Have you ever visited a waterfall? If so, please tell us about it.

Nope, not that I can recall

3. This song is from a CD entitled CrazySexyCool. Which word best describes how you feel today: Crazy, sexy or cool?

Sexy 

4. The girls in TLC originally began hanging around together in an Atlanta-area hair salon. When did you last sit in a stylist's chair?

When I was getting my hair and make-up done for the Marine Corps Birthday Ball

5. While she spent her adolescence in Atlanta, band member Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins was born in Des Moines. Do you live in or near the town where you were born?

Nope. I'm actually on the opposite side of the country

6. One of T-Boz' recent public appearances was on the Real Housewives of Atlanta. Do you watch any of the popular Bravo Real Housewives shows?

Nope, not for me

7. In the 1990's band member Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes was romantically involved with an Atlanta Falcons football player. They shared his upscale, two-story mansion. How would you describe your abode (house, cottage, apartment, condo, studio, etc.)?

I don't know how to describe our apartment. My home. :)

8. Ms. Lopes was accused of arson when, after the couple argued, that mansion happened to burn down. When was the last time you lost your temper? How did you express your anger? (If it was with a criminal act, you may wish to keep it to yourself.)

The other day... Chris was a pain in the rear end.  

9. Today the third member of TLC, Chilli, designs personalized handbags. They cost about $225 each. What's the most expensive thing you have bought recently?

Chris got me the Harry Potter books (hardcover) for Valentine's Day. 

Follow Friday Four Fill-In Fun 2.28.14

The statements:

1. I ______ but not ______.

2. _____ is my favorite ______.

3. When it ______ I _______.

4. Once upon a time _____ but now _______.

My Answers:

1. I love watching the snow fall but not having to go out in it.

2. Night time is my favorite time of day.

3. When it is nice (warm out) I am happy.

4. Once upon a time I wanted to grow up but now I'm happy with where I'm at.

Wednesday Hodgepodge 2.26.14

1. What is something you'll never forget about the age you are right now?

Hmmm... I'm not sure.

2. What's a household chore you've never done? How have you managed that???

There isn't one that I've never done.

3. Does nature shape our personalities more than nurture? Explain?

Ummm...

4. Friday (February 28th) is 'Something on a Stick Day'... funny because Zoanna over at A Penchant for Pens recently sent me an idea for a question relation to this topic. What's your favorite food eaten on a stick?

Probably corn dogs.

5. Which of your five senses do you treasure most, and why?

Sight. Because I can watch my kiddos grow up.

6. What's the best music, theatre, or sporting venue you've been to? What made it great?

Boise State University Football Field. Because our turff is blue! :)

7. It's the last week of the month... in five words or less bid adieu to your February.

Here's to a warmer March.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
I can't wait til my Grama comes to visit.

Meet Me on Monday 2.24.14

1. February 24th is National Tortilla Chip Day - do you like them? What do you pair with Tortilla Chips?

I like them. I snack on them. I pair them with sour cream, different dips, and Tortilla Chili.

2. February 26th is Carnival Day (and also Judy from Retired Not Tired's birthday - coincidence??) What is your favorite carnival ride, game or food?

I love carnivals! I love any and all the rides and am a huge fan of fried foods. :)

3. Nascar has started for another year.... albeit in a wet way... are you a fan?

Not really.

4. Other than your blog, do you actively participate in social media?

I only do Facebook and Pinterest. I do have a Twitter, but don't really use it. 

My question for you:

5. What's your weather like?

Sunday Social 2.23.14

1. Favorite breakfast food:

Pancakes or Waffles with Bacon, Eggs, and Sausage

2. Best way to spend a free day:

Sitting on the sofa, catching up with my tv shows and watching the kiddos play

3. Airline ticket to anywhere in the world... where would you go and why?

Australia or England. SO much to do and see

4. You can only leave the house with one thing... what is it?

My phone

5. How do you take your coffee?

Lots of creamer! Sweet!

Sunday Stealing 2.23.14

Fifteen MeMe

1. What was your first job like?

I loved it. I was an Activity Assistant at a nursing home. I called BINGO and served ice cream every weekend. 

2. It's a typical Sunday, how are you spending it?

With my two kiddos and Chris

3. What was the happiest day of your life?

The days that I had my kiddos and married Chris

4. What was the best decision you ever made?

Um...

5. Tell your go-to "pretend" name as a child (who was your alter-ego)?

What?

6. What email service do you use?

Gmail and Outlook

7. What fandoms would you consider yourself a part of?

Harry Potter

8. Do you use anything on your lips? (eg. chapstick, gloss, balm, lipstick)

Yup, chapstick, lip gloss, lipstick

9. How many devices do you own which can access the internet?

4

10. Last strong smell you can remember smelling?

Chris' Irish Spring body wash

11. If you had to move your birthday to another date, which one would you choose and why?

Halloween

12. Inspiration behind your blog title?

My life with my family

13. If you could spend a rainy day with anyone in the world, who would you choose and why?

I'm not sure

14. Is there a foreign culture that you love?

I'll have to think about this question

15. Do you have a favorite soft drink?

Mountain Dew or Sweet Tea

Follow Friday Four Fill-In Fun 2.21.14

The Statements:

1. Tomorrow is ____ did you ______?

2. I really think I need a ______.

3. I would never own a _______.

4. The craziest gift I ever got was ______.

My Answers:

1. Tomorrow is the start of the weekend did you have a good week?

2. I really think I need a vacation. 

3. I would never own a snake.

4. The craziest gift I ever got was a set of earmuffs.

Friday 5 - Accessories

1. What was the last computer accessory you acquired?

An external CD drive

2. What was the last clothing accessory you acquired?

Shirts

3. What was the last auto accessory you acquired?

Car seats

4. What was the last accessory you acquired for one of your hobbies?

Been awhile

5. What was the last hair accessory you acquired?

Holiday bows for Lyric