Tomorrow I will be 33 weeks pregnant. I can't believe the time is drawing to an end. I am so excited to see my baby, hold her, kiss her and introduce her to her big sister. I'm a bit nervous about how Lexi is going to handle the big change, I've been praying for an easy adjustment for her.
After Lexi's 2nd birthday party I was so relieved that we had nothing to do until Caylee is born. Then the reality of how soon that could happen it and I realized how much we have to do! I dug out the newborn clothes and washed them, now I'm trying to find a place to put them all away. I also realized we don't have a diaper bag yet! The one we have for Lexi is awesome, but it is not big enough for two babies in cloth diapers.
Then of course there is the fact that we have to buy more cloth diapers, we're still searching for the best option and the best buy. Little things that we need keep popping up too, I mentioned earlier trying to get all the newborn clothes put away, our plan was to let Caylee and Lexi share a dresser, but truth is we have too many clothes! So we're thinking about buying a cheap closet organizer to optimize the space.
So with excitement comes the nervousness that we might not have anything. But hey... as long as Caylee has a place to sleep (which she does) a car seat to get home in (which she does) and food to eat (which she will once she's born) she'll be fine! I just have to keep reminding myself that a little bit of mess and clutter is ok. :)
I hope you're all having a good day!
Almost 32 weeks!
Well, I'm almost 32 weeks! Time is flying. I love feeling Caylee move, I love how every morning around 10 she gets the hiccups. We're still praying that she stays in a little longer than Lexi who came at 34.5 weeks, but 37 or 38 weeks would be great!
Because, of course I'm having the end of the pregnancy symptoms, like back ache, sore muscles, and yes, still my lovely acne, I'd love to get a good acne treatment that was natural and worked! I also have gestational diabetes, and I've been trying to adjust to the diet. It's not as bad as I thought,so that helps.
We're trying to get together the last minute baby things, we're still working on buying the cloth diapers and there's a few other things we need/want. Then of course we have to wash and clean and scrub and organize and figure out where we'll put the bassinet in our already crowded room. (the bassinet will probably go unused because I'm sure Caylee will be in our bed just like Lexi, but we'll see).
Well, I hope you're all having a great week!
Because, of course I'm having the end of the pregnancy symptoms, like back ache, sore muscles, and yes, still my lovely acne, I'd love to get a good acne treatment that was natural and worked! I also have gestational diabetes, and I've been trying to adjust to the diet. It's not as bad as I thought,so that helps.
We're trying to get together the last minute baby things, we're still working on buying the cloth diapers and there's a few other things we need/want. Then of course we have to wash and clean and scrub and organize and figure out where we'll put the bassinet in our already crowded room. (the bassinet will probably go unused because I'm sure Caylee will be in our bed just like Lexi, but we'll see).
Well, I hope you're all having a great week!
Family reunion
Welp, we're back from our trip to West Virginia. We had a blast at my husband's family reunion. There was lots of games, hanging out and of course.... FOOD. after all the food I ate I'm pretty sure I'm gonna need a diet pill or something.
We had 3 days of fun, enjoying seeing aunts and uncles and cousins that we don't get to see much. Lexi enjoyed being outside all the time and running around chasing the kids. Now we're back to normal every day life filled with laundry, dishes and cooking food for me, Work for Eugene, and playing a lone and watching TV for Lexi. I think she missed the TV a little bit cuz first thing this morning she asked for George, then "do doos" (Blue's Clues).
Ahh the life.
We had 3 days of fun, enjoying seeing aunts and uncles and cousins that we don't get to see much. Lexi enjoyed being outside all the time and running around chasing the kids. Now we're back to normal every day life filled with laundry, dishes and cooking food for me, Work for Eugene, and playing a lone and watching TV for Lexi. I think she missed the TV a little bit cuz first thing this morning she asked for George, then "do doos" (Blue's Clues).
Ahh the life.
Oh happy day!
Welp, we're on our way to West Virginia. Well, not as I type this, but in 30 minutes we'll be leaving.
Lexi's sitting in her night time diaper and pj's watching Curious George. Eugene and I are on our computers getting one last hit of our addiction (the internet that is). See, where we're going, it's all mountain. You wont be finding much wireless connection at his aunt's house, maybe a fading cell phone signal coming and going as the wind blows or something.
It's time for the yearly family reunion. We haven't been in about 4 years so we're REALLY excited to see everyone. I'm sure their lives have all changed. The kids have all gotten bigger, cousins gotten married and taken on careers, who knows, maybe one of them has become a futures broker. I'm excited to not only spend time with his immediate family, but also see all his aunts and uncles. They haven't even seen Lexi yet!
It will be a great weekend!
Lexi's sitting in her night time diaper and pj's watching Curious George. Eugene and I are on our computers getting one last hit of our addiction (the internet that is). See, where we're going, it's all mountain. You wont be finding much wireless connection at his aunt's house, maybe a fading cell phone signal coming and going as the wind blows or something.
It's time for the yearly family reunion. We haven't been in about 4 years so we're REALLY excited to see everyone. I'm sure their lives have all changed. The kids have all gotten bigger, cousins gotten married and taken on careers, who knows, maybe one of them has become a futures broker. I'm excited to not only spend time with his immediate family, but also see all his aunts and uncles. They haven't even seen Lexi yet!
It will be a great weekend!
House Cleaning
I realized that we have some house cleaning to do. Not the kind that requires vacuums and dustpans. The kind that requires us to look over what we've allowed in our house over the past year.
God has convicted us pretty strongly about what we watch and listen to. We do not live by the world's standards which makes it a little difficult to find entertainment that is appropriate. Like normal people we slip up and watch a movie that has some inappropriate parts, when we do it makes it easier to watch the next movie that has inappropriate parts. Little by little we allow more into our house than we should.
Then we get to points like we are now where we don't feel very close to God, and we look around and realize how many PG-13 movies we own. All of them have sexual references, sexual innuendos, sexual jokes, violence, language- whatever the reason may be they are inappropriate for our house.
We've also let something else in our house which we have NEVER allowed. It entered in the form of a video game. What is that you might ask? Secular music. Shortly after we got the Xbox we got Guitar Hero 3. It's a fun game I must admit, even without a big screen tv and Peerless tv mounts... The issue? I have never listened to secular music. My husband stopped listening to it in 2002, we are Christian music advocates and feel that secular music opens you up to more than you think. Here we are, living hypocritical lives PLAYING secular music. Not just any secular music. These are almost all bands that worship Satan. Looking back now I can't believe we've allowed it in our house, not just allowed, but willingly brought it into the house.
So, Today is housecleaning day, Guitar Hero 3 with a cordless guitar is being sold, we have about 7 movies that we are getting rid of too. One of them might surprise you- The Sandlot. Have you seen the old Sandlot? I watched it the other day with an 8 year old and a 10 year old and could not believe the sexual references in it!
Anyway, step number one to getting close to God is under progress- preparing our hearts and house for God. There is a lot more work to be done.
I understand not everyone lives under the same convictions as us- I'm not telling you you're right or wrong, I'm simply sharing how we feel, and what we do in our house.
God has convicted us pretty strongly about what we watch and listen to. We do not live by the world's standards which makes it a little difficult to find entertainment that is appropriate. Like normal people we slip up and watch a movie that has some inappropriate parts, when we do it makes it easier to watch the next movie that has inappropriate parts. Little by little we allow more into our house than we should.
Then we get to points like we are now where we don't feel very close to God, and we look around and realize how many PG-13 movies we own. All of them have sexual references, sexual innuendos, sexual jokes, violence, language- whatever the reason may be they are inappropriate for our house.
We've also let something else in our house which we have NEVER allowed. It entered in the form of a video game. What is that you might ask? Secular music. Shortly after we got the Xbox we got Guitar Hero 3. It's a fun game I must admit, even without a big screen tv and Peerless tv mounts... The issue? I have never listened to secular music. My husband stopped listening to it in 2002, we are Christian music advocates and feel that secular music opens you up to more than you think. Here we are, living hypocritical lives PLAYING secular music. Not just any secular music. These are almost all bands that worship Satan. Looking back now I can't believe we've allowed it in our house, not just allowed, but willingly brought it into the house.
So, Today is housecleaning day, Guitar Hero 3 with a cordless guitar is being sold, we have about 7 movies that we are getting rid of too. One of them might surprise you- The Sandlot. Have you seen the old Sandlot? I watched it the other day with an 8 year old and a 10 year old and could not believe the sexual references in it!
Anyway, step number one to getting close to God is under progress- preparing our hearts and house for God. There is a lot more work to be done.
I understand not everyone lives under the same convictions as us- I'm not telling you you're right or wrong, I'm simply sharing how we feel, and what we do in our house.
Slow computer
What is it that makes computers slow? It takes my computer like 5 minutes to shut down everything at night. It gets frustrating when I'm trying to switch from the internet to something else and it takes forever to get the other thing open. Do I need to buy memory for it or something?
I really don't know anything about computers, my husband says it's RAM or something. Maybe I just expect my computer to do too much at one time. I mean right now I have 6 tabs open in firefox, AIM, MSN, one chat, and my thunderbird email... is that too much for a computer?
I really don't know anything about computers, my husband says it's RAM or something. Maybe I just expect my computer to do too much at one time. I mean right now I have 6 tabs open in firefox, AIM, MSN, one chat, and my thunderbird email... is that too much for a computer?
The Falls keep coming
I know it's part of babies growing up, but Lexi keeps falling!
I'm so scared people are gonna think we beat her or something. She's just now started climbing on chairs (and tables), her favorite is climbing on her daddy's chair to get into his desk. She normally digs in the drawers to pull out random things like the stapler or flash drive.
Saturday morning she was standing on his chair and fell off sideways. She didn't seem bothered by it other than the fact that she was stuck between the table that holds the printer and the game chair. no Injuries.
We weren't so fortunate Sunday. We were visiting my husband's family and Lexi decided to climb on the kitchen chair to get the box of cereal. I was watching her, she was sitting down then stood up, and just fell over backwards, right onto the hard floor. She landed with a very LOUD thump and lots of crying.
Luckily there was no major damage, I think she got a headache, and she had a small bump. She brought it up several times later that day, so I know it scared her if nothing else. Do you think she learned her lesson?
The answer is no, she is still climbing on the chairs and we keep telling her "remember you fell? you don't need to climb on chairs!"
I'm so scared people are gonna think we beat her or something. She's just now started climbing on chairs (and tables), her favorite is climbing on her daddy's chair to get into his desk. She normally digs in the drawers to pull out random things like the stapler or flash drive.
Saturday morning she was standing on his chair and fell off sideways. She didn't seem bothered by it other than the fact that she was stuck between the table that holds the printer and the game chair. no Injuries.
We weren't so fortunate Sunday. We were visiting my husband's family and Lexi decided to climb on the kitchen chair to get the box of cereal. I was watching her, she was sitting down then stood up, and just fell over backwards, right onto the hard floor. She landed with a very LOUD thump and lots of crying.
Luckily there was no major damage, I think she got a headache, and she had a small bump. She brought it up several times later that day, so I know it scared her if nothing else. Do you think she learned her lesson?
The answer is no, she is still climbing on the chairs and we keep telling her "remember you fell? you don't need to climb on chairs!"
4th Of July happenings
Yesterday was an interesting day for us. We had no plans- or so we thought.
Around 2:15 I got a call from some friends of ours whom we hadn't talked to in two weeks- they live about an hour away. Here's a paraphrased version of our conversation:
CHAD: Hey, you guys coming down?
ME: um.. when?
CHAD: Today! I thought we made plans to get together to celebrate the 4th of July.
ME: oh, did Christine send me an email?
CHAD: no, I don't think so.
ME: I thought you guys went to MI for the weekend.
CHAD: nope, Christine had to work. We planned a BBQ, you coming?
ME: sure! Lexi's sleeping but when she wakes up we'll be down.
So, although we didn't know it, we had plans. And let me tell you, we had fun!
We went down to their house, and got together with a few of their neighbors had a big combined BBQ. Which made it even better because of the wide variety of food we were served!! I ate my heart out it was so good. Including these yummy peanut butter cookies that had broken up Reeses peanut butter cups on them!
It started storming so we moved the party inside, which turned out just fine, around 8:30 we decided we'd head home since it was raining so there was no hope of fireworks, plus Lexi was sleepy.
Once we got back up by our house things had cleared up, and it was just getting to be dark which meant the fireworks would be going on! So we headed down the road to see some fireworks.
We got a parking spot and made it to the parking lot just in time to see the light show. Lexi's attention span was a lot longer than last year. She actually liked it and was amused. We sat on the pavement right behind a mini van, next to a bus for sale and several boat trailers. They shot the fireworks off over the lake, I'm sure it was a beautiful site from the water!
So although we had nothing planned, it turned out to be a very enjoyable evening!
Around 2:15 I got a call from some friends of ours whom we hadn't talked to in two weeks- they live about an hour away. Here's a paraphrased version of our conversation:
CHAD: Hey, you guys coming down?
ME: um.. when?
CHAD: Today! I thought we made plans to get together to celebrate the 4th of July.
ME: oh, did Christine send me an email?
CHAD: no, I don't think so.
ME: I thought you guys went to MI for the weekend.
CHAD: nope, Christine had to work. We planned a BBQ, you coming?
ME: sure! Lexi's sleeping but when she wakes up we'll be down.
So, although we didn't know it, we had plans. And let me tell you, we had fun!
We went down to their house, and got together with a few of their neighbors had a big combined BBQ. Which made it even better because of the wide variety of food we were served!! I ate my heart out it was so good. Including these yummy peanut butter cookies that had broken up Reeses peanut butter cups on them!
It started storming so we moved the party inside, which turned out just fine, around 8:30 we decided we'd head home since it was raining so there was no hope of fireworks, plus Lexi was sleepy.
Once we got back up by our house things had cleared up, and it was just getting to be dark which meant the fireworks would be going on! So we headed down the road to see some fireworks.
We got a parking spot and made it to the parking lot just in time to see the light show. Lexi's attention span was a lot longer than last year. She actually liked it and was amused. We sat on the pavement right behind a mini van, next to a bus for sale and several boat trailers. They shot the fireworks off over the lake, I'm sure it was a beautiful site from the water!
So although we had nothing planned, it turned out to be a very enjoyable evening!
The Man who Says Everything Right
I'm so excited about this post, it's unlike anything I've ever done before.
A few weeks ago I received a beautiful necklace made from freshwater pearls. I have to admit, other than my wedding band and engagement ring I've never owned any nice jewelery. Getting these pearls in the mail to review was an exciting day for me!
Pearl Paradise has a wide variety of pearls available in different colors and sizes (and price ranges), from different locations. This particular set I received was a white pearl necklace and I fell in love with it! It would be the perfect gift for bridesmaids, or a simple token of your appreciation for the woman in your life.
Part of my review was to make a video, kind of like a commercial for the company. My husband and I had a blast with this, I hope you enjoy it.
A few weeks ago I received a beautiful necklace made from freshwater pearls. I have to admit, other than my wedding band and engagement ring I've never owned any nice jewelery. Getting these pearls in the mail to review was an exciting day for me!
Pearl Paradise has a wide variety of pearls available in different colors and sizes (and price ranges), from different locations. This particular set I received was a white pearl necklace and I fell in love with it! It would be the perfect gift for bridesmaids, or a simple token of your appreciation for the woman in your life.
Part of my review was to make a video, kind of like a commercial for the company. My husband and I had a blast with this, I hope you enjoy it.
A lot of nothing!!
So... Why have I been so quiet on my blog? well you see, I've been busy. Yah. really busy. Doing well, a lot of nothing. You know, I've been sitting here sipping my California wines.
Just the usual, dishes, laundry, changing diapers, playing with Lexi. Waiting for the next 13 weeks to go past until Caylee Grace comes. I know it will go by fast, but the days seem to be dragging.
We actually do have some excitement coming up. Friday we leave to go to visit my husband's family. One of his nieces is having a birthday party on Sunday, so we decided to take advantage of the time up there.
Then in a few weeks we'll be headed to his family reunion in the great state of West Virginia. YEE HAW. It will be nice to see his family. we haven't been up there in about 4 years, none of them has even seen Lexi.
Then August 2nd is Lexi's 2nd birthday.. I can't believe it's been two years already. Then of course, September 24th is the due date for Caylee. not that due dates matter. :)
Just the usual, dishes, laundry, changing diapers, playing with Lexi. Waiting for the next 13 weeks to go past until Caylee Grace comes. I know it will go by fast, but the days seem to be dragging.
We actually do have some excitement coming up. Friday we leave to go to visit my husband's family. One of his nieces is having a birthday party on Sunday, so we decided to take advantage of the time up there.
Then in a few weeks we'll be headed to his family reunion in the great state of West Virginia. YEE HAW. It will be nice to see his family. we haven't been up there in about 4 years, none of them has even seen Lexi.
Then August 2nd is Lexi's 2nd birthday.. I can't believe it's been two years already. Then of course, September 24th is the due date for Caylee. not that due dates matter. :)
the daily outing
I'm so excited because my sister in law is coming to visit today. And she's bringing her babies. I say babies.. one is 4 months the other is turning 8 in a few weeks. We're going shopping for her birthday party. The Theme is 50's. :)
Then we're going to get Fish for the tank. The only problem is our little tank is too hot for fish, and the big on is staying at 75, 76 is the top heat for fish. Unless we get saltwater and I really don't think I'm ready to maintain that.
I should go to walmart to recycle the two huge piles of plastic bags we have on the table, but I'll probably end up buying way too much if I go there. I normally end up walking out of walmart with all sorts of things not on my list and not needed. Things like diet pills, soda, snacks, potting soil... Who knows what I'd end up with.
Then we're going to get Fish for the tank. The only problem is our little tank is too hot for fish, and the big on is staying at 75, 76 is the top heat for fish. Unless we get saltwater and I really don't think I'm ready to maintain that.
I should go to walmart to recycle the two huge piles of plastic bags we have on the table, but I'll probably end up buying way too much if I go there. I normally end up walking out of walmart with all sorts of things not on my list and not needed. Things like diet pills, soda, snacks, potting soil... Who knows what I'd end up with.
The Fishies are coming, the Fishies are coming!
After 4 months we are going to set up our fish tank again. Hopefully this time we will be able to keep more than 1 fish at a time alive.
We have had this empty 10 gallon fish tank sitting on the shelf that holds our books, and another empty 2.5 gallon tank sitting in Lexi's closet. We were just waiting to get back from our camping vacation to fill them, and well, now it's time!
So yesterday I went to walmart and got gravel. Came home, rinsed the gravel, dumped it in the tanks, filled them with water and got the pumps running. Either tonight or tomorrow we will go pick out some fish. I think we'll avoid the goldfish though. Last time we had gold fish and after a few years of the tank we realized all we could put in with goldfish is more goldfish because their poop will kill other fish. So there you have it. We ended up with 1 goldfish in the 10 gallon tank for about 4 years straight. We'd wait awhile for it to die, it wouldn't die, so we'd go get more goldfish and all but one of the new ones would die. It was sad, really.
This time I think we'll go for tetras, some African dwarf frogs and who knows what else. I want bright colorful fish to capture my child's attention. Of course, they will be competing with the TV. but hey, they might win. For awhile...
We have had this empty 10 gallon fish tank sitting on the shelf that holds our books, and another empty 2.5 gallon tank sitting in Lexi's closet. We were just waiting to get back from our camping vacation to fill them, and well, now it's time!
So yesterday I went to walmart and got gravel. Came home, rinsed the gravel, dumped it in the tanks, filled them with water and got the pumps running. Either tonight or tomorrow we will go pick out some fish. I think we'll avoid the goldfish though. Last time we had gold fish and after a few years of the tank we realized all we could put in with goldfish is more goldfish because their poop will kill other fish. So there you have it. We ended up with 1 goldfish in the 10 gallon tank for about 4 years straight. We'd wait awhile for it to die, it wouldn't die, so we'd go get more goldfish and all but one of the new ones would die. It was sad, really.
This time I think we'll go for tetras, some African dwarf frogs and who knows what else. I want bright colorful fish to capture my child's attention. Of course, they will be competing with the TV. but hey, they might win. For awhile...
Tick Season
The ticks are out. and I don't know about where you're at, but around here and around my in laws, they are bad! Just walking outside by my sister's house you'll come in with a tick. The other day I was at their house and went to crawl into bed and there was one crawling across the sheet. It had stuck to someone and come inside.
The other day my husband was opening the blinds and one landed on his arm. Where do these things come from? What will keep them away? I was hanging laundry and one was on my clean clothes too! They're crazy and everywhere!
The other day my husband was opening the blinds and one landed on his arm. Where do these things come from? What will keep them away? I was hanging laundry and one was on my clean clothes too! They're crazy and everywhere!
Summer plans
It's already June. The summer is going to fly bye (I think).
Last month we went on vacation, this month we will be making a trip to visit family for a birthday party, and maybe going on a weekend camping trip, or visiting the Lazy 5 Ranch. Next Month is my husband's family reunion. We'll be traveling about 5 hours and staying in his aunts back yard in our tent, only because there are no cheap hotels available. We should have fun. Then August is Lexi's birthday and in September, Jelly Bean comes. Hopefully by then we'll have a name picked out so we don't have to put Jelly Bean on her birth certificate.
Oh, and Friday we get to go see the comedian Tim Hawkins!! I'm so excited. it will be our first real date since Lexi was born (almost two years ago). If you've never heard of him check out his website, he's hilarious. it's timhawkins.net.
Unfortunately with summer plans comes spending money, but oh well right?
Last month we went on vacation, this month we will be making a trip to visit family for a birthday party, and maybe going on a weekend camping trip, or visiting the Lazy 5 Ranch. Next Month is my husband's family reunion. We'll be traveling about 5 hours and staying in his aunts back yard in our tent, only because there are no cheap hotels available. We should have fun. Then August is Lexi's birthday and in September, Jelly Bean comes. Hopefully by then we'll have a name picked out so we don't have to put Jelly Bean on her birth certificate.
Oh, and Friday we get to go see the comedian Tim Hawkins!! I'm so excited. it will be our first real date since Lexi was born (almost two years ago). If you've never heard of him check out his website, he's hilarious. it's timhawkins.net.
Unfortunately with summer plans comes spending money, but oh well right?
Father's Day is coming, are you ready?
Luckily I don't have to worry about rushing out to buy some expensive Patek Gondolo watch or something for my husband. He got an Xbox a few months ago which covers his Father's Day present. He is also getting to go to a Demon Hunter concert this month too. He's just a wee bit spoiled. Anyway, I just wanted to give you guys a heads up though that it's just around the corner, make sure you get all your cards and presents mailed!
Home Sweet Home.
Well, we got back yesterday from our camping trip. It was great. We had a good time with my sister and her husband, then we had a few days of just family time. Both were wonderful.
We saw some alligators, went to Ripley's Aquarium (not worth the time or money), got some candy, laid around on the beach, sat at our campsite, and ate s'mores. We went into town a few times and got turned around, it would have been handy to have a gps tracking system or something, but oh well.
Lexi saw Sharks, Jelly Fish, Alligators, the Ocean, and had a few interactions with some fire ants. She also got her first mini sunburn. (just a little pink on her shoulders).
All in all we had a great time! Can't wait until next year! We might just have to go camping again this year, maybe for a weekend or something.
We saw some alligators, went to Ripley's Aquarium (not worth the time or money), got some candy, laid around on the beach, sat at our campsite, and ate s'mores. We went into town a few times and got turned around, it would have been handy to have a gps tracking system or something, but oh well.
Lexi saw Sharks, Jelly Fish, Alligators, the Ocean, and had a few interactions with some fire ants. She also got her first mini sunburn. (just a little pink on her shoulders).
All in all we had a great time! Can't wait until next year! We might just have to go camping again this year, maybe for a weekend or something.
ahh the life...
Life has been so crazy lately.
We're preparing to go camping, I can't wait. We leave Friday morning.
My husband has been working so many hours it's crazy. Not to make up the hours he'll be taking as vacation time, but because there is a deadline at work. Yah, a deadline of tonight. Who knows what time I'll see him, it's 9:30 and he's no where near done. Although I love his new job, it makes me miss his old one where he never had to work late. That's the difference between commercial drawings and residential drawings. All he had to worry about before was making sure the people's walk in tubs were in the right place. Now he has sidewalks, weird awnings, indents in the walls... all sorts of things to worry about. Not to mention that instead of his company telling their customers when the drawings will be done, the customers tell them when they want them by. It seems so backwards to me.
I've been busy with Lexi and Camden (the little boy I watch) as well as keeping up with the house cleaning and trying to pack for our trip.
Jelly Bean is coming along good, she's such an active little girl. She moves a lot and I love to feel it. She even moved for her daddy the other night. :) I'm 22 weeks today. Past the half way mark. Each week I tell Bean how many weeks she HAS to stay in there for. Today it was "Jelly Bean, you have to stay in there for at least 15 more weeks." We don't want her to come as early as her big sister did.
I cannot believe how big Lexi is getting. Time is just flying by. in two months she will be TWO YEARS OLD. I can't believe it. She's so smart too. She is working on counting, she says two, tree over and over and over again. She is saying new words EVERY day. some of which we don't understand. She refuses help with climbing up and down stairs now, and is even working on some colors. She reads us books, she sings, she dances. Time is just flying by, I can't believe it.
Ok, this pregnant, sentimental sap is going to bed. Good night Blog world.
We're preparing to go camping, I can't wait. We leave Friday morning.
My husband has been working so many hours it's crazy. Not to make up the hours he'll be taking as vacation time, but because there is a deadline at work. Yah, a deadline of tonight. Who knows what time I'll see him, it's 9:30 and he's no where near done. Although I love his new job, it makes me miss his old one where he never had to work late. That's the difference between commercial drawings and residential drawings. All he had to worry about before was making sure the people's walk in tubs were in the right place. Now he has sidewalks, weird awnings, indents in the walls... all sorts of things to worry about. Not to mention that instead of his company telling their customers when the drawings will be done, the customers tell them when they want them by. It seems so backwards to me.
I've been busy with Lexi and Camden (the little boy I watch) as well as keeping up with the house cleaning and trying to pack for our trip.
Jelly Bean is coming along good, she's such an active little girl. She moves a lot and I love to feel it. She even moved for her daddy the other night. :) I'm 22 weeks today. Past the half way mark. Each week I tell Bean how many weeks she HAS to stay in there for. Today it was "Jelly Bean, you have to stay in there for at least 15 more weeks." We don't want her to come as early as her big sister did.
I cannot believe how big Lexi is getting. Time is just flying by. in two months she will be TWO YEARS OLD. I can't believe it. She's so smart too. She is working on counting, she says two, tree over and over and over again. She is saying new words EVERY day. some of which we don't understand. She refuses help with climbing up and down stairs now, and is even working on some colors. She reads us books, she sings, she dances. Time is just flying by, I can't believe it.
Ok, this pregnant, sentimental sap is going to bed. Good night Blog world.
Our Great Find
Ever since we moved I've been driving past this cute used furniture store about once a week. Little stores like that just call my name. I love to look at used stuff. There is just something about knowing you saved money on furniture!
Anyway, Today we FINALLY stopped. It had almost every piece of furniture you could think of, couches, tables, dressers, coffee tables, and beds. Outside there was this cute little table with four chairs. The table was white with each leg painted a primary color. The chairs were all painted a different primary color too. Well, it was little out of our price range considering the condition it was in. It has stickers all over it and it was VERY dirty.
We managed to talk the guy down $10, and after about 20 minutes of scrubbing it's nice and clean. Here's what it looks like now, all set up in her room.
Anyway, Today we FINALLY stopped. It had almost every piece of furniture you could think of, couches, tables, dressers, coffee tables, and beds. Outside there was this cute little table with four chairs. The table was white with each leg painted a primary color. The chairs were all painted a different primary color too. Well, it was little out of our price range considering the condition it was in. It has stickers all over it and it was VERY dirty.
We managed to talk the guy down $10, and after about 20 minutes of scrubbing it's nice and clean. Here's what it looks like now, all set up in her room.
Cute huh? the best part, she LOVES it.
Diapers!
Diapers have been on my brain for a few months now. Between trying to get the stink out of my BumGenius one sized inserts, and thinking about ordering diapers for Jelly bean.
I think I've decided on Baby Kangas. I'll buy some BumGenius doublers to use as newborn inserts, and probably some Kelly's Closet inserts for once the baby is a little bigger. I'm really loving cloth diapers. I'd love to start a franchise. Is that even the right word?
I'm sure you get a discount when you're a store buying to sell. I really wonder why there aren't more stores that sell cloth diapers. Like, stores you can go to and see all the different things. It gets frustrating when one website sells a diaper you want to buy, but you have to buy the wet bag from another website.
I could just listen to my mom and use what she used- flats, pins and rubber pants. Certainly would be cheaper! I just like the convenience of pocket diapers.
Except for when you have them hanging on the line, almost dry and a freak rain storm comes and gets them and you wet while you're trying to take them down. Not that that has never happened to me. Not like that happened to me just now... no. I'm not wet.
Oh, and if you feel like getting Jelly Bean a present, just get a gift certificate to Kelly's Closet! :)
I think I've decided on Baby Kangas. I'll buy some BumGenius doublers to use as newborn inserts, and probably some Kelly's Closet inserts for once the baby is a little bigger. I'm really loving cloth diapers. I'd love to start a franchise. Is that even the right word?
I'm sure you get a discount when you're a store buying to sell. I really wonder why there aren't more stores that sell cloth diapers. Like, stores you can go to and see all the different things. It gets frustrating when one website sells a diaper you want to buy, but you have to buy the wet bag from another website.
I could just listen to my mom and use what she used- flats, pins and rubber pants. Certainly would be cheaper! I just like the convenience of pocket diapers.
Except for when you have them hanging on the line, almost dry and a freak rain storm comes and gets them and you wet while you're trying to take them down. Not that that has never happened to me. Not like that happened to me just now... no. I'm not wet.
Oh, and if you feel like getting Jelly Bean a present, just get a gift certificate to Kelly's Closet! :)
Everyone, everywhere is buying!
I think I am officially the only one of my friends who hasn't bought a house. The sad thing is most people my age are buying houses regardless of whether or not they can afford it. They buy it with no down payment, tons of debt already and end up barely surviving.
That is why there are so many people looking for foreclosure help. We'll probably be renting for many more years. Maybe forever. We have to much debt as it is, school loans, dr bills, car loans, personal loans- fortunately our Credit card debt is under $400. But that doesn't matter with all the other debt we have. Our monthly bills, gas and food seem to equal take home pay, leaving no room for paying extra on our debts.
Although at times I get jealous of the thought of buying a house, I know I want to do things right and make sure we have a down payment as well as money saved up for any repairs that will be needed.
So for now, I'll be content just renting! :)
That is why there are so many people looking for foreclosure help. We'll probably be renting for many more years. Maybe forever. We have to much debt as it is, school loans, dr bills, car loans, personal loans- fortunately our Credit card debt is under $400. But that doesn't matter with all the other debt we have. Our monthly bills, gas and food seem to equal take home pay, leaving no room for paying extra on our debts.
Although at times I get jealous of the thought of buying a house, I know I want to do things right and make sure we have a down payment as well as money saved up for any repairs that will be needed.
So for now, I'll be content just renting! :)
Baby Bean
I cannot wait until Tuesday.
Tuesday we find out whether Baby Bean is a boy bean or a girl bean.
My husband and I are so excited I don't know how I'm going to make it through tomorrow!
I got to switch doctors since we moved, which is a blessing. I really didn't like my old doctor. I am so thankful for my husband's job and the benefits. I'm so glad we have health insurance! It's better than the insurance I had when I was pregnant with Lexi, either that the doctors here are cheaper. The Doctor's office called the other day and told me how much it was going to cost for delivery and prenatal appointments.
Our insurance is pretty good, our health insurance even covers eye exams, I wonder if it helps pay for Lasik... I've been contemplating that. It would save some money in the long run. I mean even though I wear one pair of contacts for two months (or more sometimes) they still cost money. If I got Lasik, i could wake up in the middle of the night and still see! that would be amazing.
I doubt it covers it, I don't know as though I'm brave enough anyway...
For now I'm just waiting for Tuesday!!!!
Tuesday we find out whether Baby Bean is a boy bean or a girl bean.
My husband and I are so excited I don't know how I'm going to make it through tomorrow!
I got to switch doctors since we moved, which is a blessing. I really didn't like my old doctor. I am so thankful for my husband's job and the benefits. I'm so glad we have health insurance! It's better than the insurance I had when I was pregnant with Lexi, either that the doctors here are cheaper. The Doctor's office called the other day and told me how much it was going to cost for delivery and prenatal appointments.
Our insurance is pretty good, our health insurance even covers eye exams, I wonder if it helps pay for Lasik... I've been contemplating that. It would save some money in the long run. I mean even though I wear one pair of contacts for two months (or more sometimes) they still cost money. If I got Lasik, i could wake up in the middle of the night and still see! that would be amazing.
I doubt it covers it, I don't know as though I'm brave enough anyway...
For now I'm just waiting for Tuesday!!!!
Slowness
My computer has been acting weird lately. It's kinda slow. The internet is speedy, but when I try to go from Mozilla to a word document or something, it seems to get confused and freeze up a bit. I think it has something to do with RAM, or memory or something. The hard drive is no where near full, so I know it's not that.
Maybe we can get some Dell memory, or more RAM and fix it? Anyone know anything about computers? I can work on a computer, but when it comes to working IN a computer.... you got me!
Maybe we can get some Dell memory, or more RAM and fix it? Anyone know anything about computers? I can work on a computer, but when it comes to working IN a computer.... you got me!
economic stimulus check
I don't want anyone reading to think I'm upset about extra money. That's why I'm starting this blog with that sentence.
I'm not sure I understand the point of the check we'll be receiving this month from the government. It's some how supposed to jump start the economy by giving everyone extra money I guess.
I guess because we will all get that money and go out and buy extra things like flat screen tvs, an elliptical machine or for anyone weird like me- cloth diapers.
But how is this one time spending going to help make more jobs and get America out of debt? The good people (one of which I am not) wont even spend their money. They'll apply it all to a debt, or put it in the bank to save.
Am I misunderstanding the point of this check? Or is there something I don't know about spending money that will help us not go into another great depression?
I'm not sure I understand the point of the check we'll be receiving this month from the government. It's some how supposed to jump start the economy by giving everyone extra money I guess.
I guess because we will all get that money and go out and buy extra things like flat screen tvs, an elliptical machine or for anyone weird like me- cloth diapers.
But how is this one time spending going to help make more jobs and get America out of debt? The good people (one of which I am not) wont even spend their money. They'll apply it all to a debt, or put it in the bank to save.
Am I misunderstanding the point of this check? Or is there something I don't know about spending money that will help us not go into another great depression?
Pregnant lunch
I just had lunch. Want to know how healthy I ate? Ok, I started with raw broccoli. YUM! I've been wanting raw veggies so bad that last night I made a special trip out to get some.
After they were gone I moved on to part 2. Ice Cream. Yah.. I guess that's not healthy...
Neither is the Chocolate chips I ate for desert. Is anyone else having a hard time believing that I've gained under 5 pounds this pregnancy, and I'm 18.5 weeks into it.
Do you I need addiction treatment for my chocolate addiction?
Hmm.. I want Chinese food.
After they were gone I moved on to part 2. Ice Cream. Yah.. I guess that's not healthy...
Neither is the Chocolate chips I ate for desert. Is anyone else having a hard time believing that I've gained under 5 pounds this pregnancy, and I'm 18.5 weeks into it.
Do you I need addiction treatment for my chocolate addiction?
Hmm.. I want Chinese food.
Mother's Day
Mother's Day is in a few weeks.
I have no clue what to get my mom. I've thought through everything from freshwater pearls (just kidding, I'm not that rich) to homemade cards. I still have no ideas.
I asked her what she wanted. She said she's been too upset thinking about her birthday to think about mother's day. So needless to say I didn't bother asking what she wanted for her birthday (which is a few months away).
Then my husband asked me what I wanted. My response "I have no clue". I really don't. I'm sure I could come up with a mile long list of things I want, but choosing what I want the most is hard.
So.. Mother's day is in a few weeks. And I have no clue what to do.
I have no clue what to get my mom. I've thought through everything from freshwater pearls (just kidding, I'm not that rich) to homemade cards. I still have no ideas.
I asked her what she wanted. She said she's been too upset thinking about her birthday to think about mother's day. So needless to say I didn't bother asking what she wanted for her birthday (which is a few months away).
Then my husband asked me what I wanted. My response "I have no clue". I really don't. I'm sure I could come up with a mile long list of things I want, but choosing what I want the most is hard.
So.. Mother's day is in a few weeks. And I have no clue what to do.
Cleaning day
Our official moving date is April 26th. Yes, that is next Saturday. No, we are not all packed. Yes we are crazy.
This Saturday we will be having a deep cleaning day. Everything from the floors, to the tub, to the walls to the lighting fixtures will be cleaned. and I don't just mean cleaned. I mean SCRUBBED.
I am very um... obsessive about making sure a place is clean before we move in. I clean everything. I love it. A big empty room, no furniture, no pictures, no toys. Nothing in the way. Just me, my bucket and my rag! Or course, being pregnant means the husband has to help. He's volunteered to clean the bathrooms. What a nice husband. He just knows that if he didn't do it, I'd be in there with bleach, and that's a bad thing.
So... anyone want to pack a box, or scrub a floor?
This Saturday we will be having a deep cleaning day. Everything from the floors, to the tub, to the walls to the lighting fixtures will be cleaned. and I don't just mean cleaned. I mean SCRUBBED.
I am very um... obsessive about making sure a place is clean before we move in. I clean everything. I love it. A big empty room, no furniture, no pictures, no toys. Nothing in the way. Just me, my bucket and my rag! Or course, being pregnant means the husband has to help. He's volunteered to clean the bathrooms. What a nice husband. He just knows that if he didn't do it, I'd be in there with bleach, and that's a bad thing.
So... anyone want to pack a box, or scrub a floor?
College life was great
You know, College was some of the best days of my life. I didn't realize it at the time. I couldn't wait to get out, get married, start a family. You know, be an adult.
But really, what's better than living on a hall with a bunch of fun girls, making great friends, having your only worries be studying, and did I mention free memberships to the YMCA?!
I have lots of great memories from the Y, trying to figure out how to use all the weight training machines, jogging away on the ellipticals (which by the way are my favorite gym machine ever- they don't hurt my knees like treadmills), a few swimming memories, some jogs on the indoor track. Mostly just a lot of laughs with some friends.
By no means to I regret my life now, or wish I could go back to college. I just wish I would have appreciated what I had when I had it.
But really, what's better than living on a hall with a bunch of fun girls, making great friends, having your only worries be studying, and did I mention free memberships to the YMCA?!
I have lots of great memories from the Y, trying to figure out how to use all the weight training machines, jogging away on the ellipticals (which by the way are my favorite gym machine ever- they don't hurt my knees like treadmills), a few swimming memories, some jogs on the indoor track. Mostly just a lot of laughs with some friends.
By no means to I regret my life now, or wish I could go back to college. I just wish I would have appreciated what I had when I had it.
We're Moving!
Not the blog, Us! we're physically moving. In just a few weeks.
I'm really excited to have a bigger place, a place that doesn't have neighbors sharing walls.
No longer will I have to smell the burnt toast of the guy who lives next door, no longer will I have to hear the yappy annoying dog who lives (illegally) in the apartment upstairs.
Best of all- I will no longer have to deal with having only ONE closet. That's right. Our new place has two closets, a laundry closet and a storage shed outside! AND the closet in the master bedroom is twice the size of our one lonely closet that we have here.
Also, our new place is closer to my husband's work, closer to his family and closer to our car insurance office. Now if we need to stop in it wont be that big of a deal, maybe we can even convince them to give us renters insurance. Maybe.
Anyway, On May 1st we will be happily unpacking box after box. Hopefully Lexi adjusts well to another move.
I'm really excited to have a bigger place, a place that doesn't have neighbors sharing walls.
No longer will I have to smell the burnt toast of the guy who lives next door, no longer will I have to hear the yappy annoying dog who lives (illegally) in the apartment upstairs.
Best of all- I will no longer have to deal with having only ONE closet. That's right. Our new place has two closets, a laundry closet and a storage shed outside! AND the closet in the master bedroom is twice the size of our one lonely closet that we have here.
Also, our new place is closer to my husband's work, closer to his family and closer to our car insurance office. Now if we need to stop in it wont be that big of a deal, maybe we can even convince them to give us renters insurance. Maybe.
Anyway, On May 1st we will be happily unpacking box after box. Hopefully Lexi adjusts well to another move.
The Sick Bug
Welp, months of being healthy has ended in the attack of the sick bug. Yesterday we got up early to go to church and Lexi was really whiny. We didn't think much of it since we did get up early- she's used to sleeping in.
We got home from church and I started feeling sick to my stomach. The day just got worse from there, fevers, trips to the potty, diaper changes and upset stomachs.
This morning we woke up to more fevers and more belly aches. I wasn't about to change 900 dirty cloth diapers while feeling sick myself, so I made a trip to the local Target to get diapers. (Why did I chose target? Cuz we needed wipes too, and their wipes are the best buy you can find!)
By the way, I love this target. I wish it was a big closer, it's a bit out of the way, but it's in a plaza with a bunch of other things including Pet Smart and Best Buy(my husband's favorite). So when we go as a family we all get to look in stores we like.
Anyway, by 9:30 Lexi was acting normal, and I was feeling better. My husband came home from work around 11, we all took a nap and I thought we were doing good. Then at 6 Lexi's fever came back with a grudge. It was still up to 102.1 when we laid her down tonight- even with Tylenol.
Hopefully by tomorrow the sick bug will have found it's way out of my house and we can all be healthy again.
We got home from church and I started feeling sick to my stomach. The day just got worse from there, fevers, trips to the potty, diaper changes and upset stomachs.
This morning we woke up to more fevers and more belly aches. I wasn't about to change 900 dirty cloth diapers while feeling sick myself, so I made a trip to the local Target to get diapers. (Why did I chose target? Cuz we needed wipes too, and their wipes are the best buy you can find!)
By the way, I love this target. I wish it was a big closer, it's a bit out of the way, but it's in a plaza with a bunch of other things including Pet Smart and Best Buy(my husband's favorite). So when we go as a family we all get to look in stores we like.
Anyway, by 9:30 Lexi was acting normal, and I was feeling better. My husband came home from work around 11, we all took a nap and I thought we were doing good. Then at 6 Lexi's fever came back with a grudge. It was still up to 102.1 when we laid her down tonight- even with Tylenol.
Hopefully by tomorrow the sick bug will have found it's way out of my house and we can all be healthy again.
Dress up
Last Monday Lexi and I went up to visit family for the night. Lexi loves visiting her cousin Summer. they always have lots of fun. Half of the time we are up there she spends in their big tub- without water. She just loves to play in it, fully clothed.This particular time they were playing dress up, here's Lexi all ready to go play bingo, with her shawl and of course, her designer jewelry. After this picture she added to her wardrobe a nice pink plastic visor. Yah... she was pretty cute.
Pregnant hormones
These pregnant hormones are making my acne act up. The weird thing is when I get pregnant, my face clears up, but my chest normally breaks out. Maybe I should get some acne treatment to eliminate zits on my chest!
I'm 16 weeks along, So far I've gained a whole 2 lbs. Hopefully only 2 more weeks until we find out if we're having a boy or girl... what do you think it is? Eugene is wanting a boy, I think a boy would be fun, but I'm not opposed to a girl either! I've been around a lot of boys lately, Eugene has a new nephew, I'm watching a little boy who is the same age as Lexi- he's really fun. Lexi is enjoying having a friend here, but I don't think she's fond of sharing her toys with him. At least it will prepare her for having a sibling right?
I'm 16 weeks along, So far I've gained a whole 2 lbs. Hopefully only 2 more weeks until we find out if we're having a boy or girl... what do you think it is? Eugene is wanting a boy, I think a boy would be fun, but I'm not opposed to a girl either! I've been around a lot of boys lately, Eugene has a new nephew, I'm watching a little boy who is the same age as Lexi- he's really fun. Lexi is enjoying having a friend here, but I don't think she's fond of sharing her toys with him. At least it will prepare her for having a sibling right?
House hunting
We're "fixin to" move. Our lease doesn't run up until July 31st, but with the baby due in September, and the history of premature labor I have, we really don't want to wait that long. Plus, our apartment has some issues, one of them being that it's way to small and cluttered. We were told it was 900 sq feet, after measuring it I came up with 750 sq feet.
Anyway, we're not ready to buy yet, so we'll be looking for another rental. I really want a single family home, I'm tired of listening to the people around us, and smelling their food and cigarettes.
Even though we're not ready to buy,I can't help but look at the cute houses that are for sale. We drive by a sign and I just say "oh, how cute." There are a lot of cute houses that have been turned into commercial real estate around here. That normally bothers me, because the houses look so cute.
We have a huge long list of things we're looking for in our next place, we've got wants and needs on there. We always jump into an apartment then find all the things wrong with it, but have to live here for a year anyway. We're playing it smart this time!
Do you have a list of things you look for in rentals when you're searching? If so, care to share any hints?
Anyway, we're not ready to buy yet, so we'll be looking for another rental. I really want a single family home, I'm tired of listening to the people around us, and smelling their food and cigarettes.
Even though we're not ready to buy,I can't help but look at the cute houses that are for sale. We drive by a sign and I just say "oh, how cute." There are a lot of cute houses that have been turned into commercial real estate around here. That normally bothers me, because the houses look so cute.
We have a huge long list of things we're looking for in our next place, we've got wants and needs on there. We always jump into an apartment then find all the things wrong with it, but have to live here for a year anyway. We're playing it smart this time!
Do you have a list of things you look for in rentals when you're searching? If so, care to share any hints?
Clothes shopping
I have to admit. I love shopping. For anything. house stuff, baby stuff, woman's fashion, men's fashion... it doesn't matter what it is. I love to shop.
I do way more looking, or "window shopping" than I do actual buying shopping. That doesn't matter to me, it's better cuz then I don't spend money.
I would have to say that shopping for clothes for me is my less favorite thing to shop for. Mainly because I've never been one of those people who can just walk in, grab my size and walk out. I have to try on everything. It really annoys me, because even when I find my size, rarely does it look good.
I love shopping for baby stuff, and I love buying clothes for my husband. He's in dire need of work shirts right now. he's been wearing the same button ups for about 4 years now, some of them for 5 or 6 years. That's just too long to me. And he has 5 work shirts, so each week he wears the same 5 shirts. It doesn't bother him one bit, but me... I'd be sick of the same 5 shirts!!
Maybe I'll save up some money and go buy him some new clothes. That's always fun!
I do way more looking, or "window shopping" than I do actual buying shopping. That doesn't matter to me, it's better cuz then I don't spend money.
I would have to say that shopping for clothes for me is my less favorite thing to shop for. Mainly because I've never been one of those people who can just walk in, grab my size and walk out. I have to try on everything. It really annoys me, because even when I find my size, rarely does it look good.
I love shopping for baby stuff, and I love buying clothes for my husband. He's in dire need of work shirts right now. he's been wearing the same button ups for about 4 years now, some of them for 5 or 6 years. That's just too long to me. And he has 5 work shirts, so each week he wears the same 5 shirts. It doesn't bother him one bit, but me... I'd be sick of the same 5 shirts!!
Maybe I'll save up some money and go buy him some new clothes. That's always fun!
is there an easy and cheap way to do this?
Do you pay for individual health insurance? We are lucky enough to have a group insurance policy paid 100% by my husband's employer. Many people aren't though, with the price of doctor's visits, and the unknown I think insurance is very important.
Before my husband started working for this company, we didn't have insurance at all. We had looked into getting some, but we couldn't believe the price of it! So, if you pay for your own insurance, will you share your ideas with others? Where do you get your insurance? Is there any secrets to making it cheaper? Did you shop around, or just go with a company you know and trust?
Share your info! Thanks!
Before my husband started working for this company, we didn't have insurance at all. We had looked into getting some, but we couldn't believe the price of it! So, if you pay for your own insurance, will you share your ideas with others? Where do you get your insurance? Is there any secrets to making it cheaper? Did you shop around, or just go with a company you know and trust?
Share your info! Thanks!
Babies!!!
We are at 13 weeks today. I am so excited! Tonight at church I was talking to a friend who is due in just 5 weeks. This is her first and she is very excited. There are have been so many people pregnant lately, it's so exciting to see all these babies coming into the world.
One of my friends is having a baby who has spina bifida. They are going to face surgery as soon as the baby is born, and I'm sure some other treatment as the baby grows. There is always the choice of asking God why, Why are babies born with birth defects? Why do children have to under go years of cerebral palsy therapy, surgeries and I'm sure get picked on all the time from other kids.
Truth is, only God knows why He chooses to bless some people with differences. You can ask why, or you can embrace the differences and let the child bless you in return.
Babies are babies regardless.
One of my friends is having a baby who has spina bifida. They are going to face surgery as soon as the baby is born, and I'm sure some other treatment as the baby grows. There is always the choice of asking God why, Why are babies born with birth defects? Why do children have to under go years of cerebral palsy therapy, surgeries and I'm sure get picked on all the time from other kids.
Truth is, only God knows why He chooses to bless some people with differences. You can ask why, or you can embrace the differences and let the child bless you in return.
Babies are babies regardless.
Shopping
My mom made Lexi an Easter dress again this year. It's ADORABLE. only problem is her head is too big for the neck hole!!
So, we're gonna mail it back to my mom in Texas and have her fix it, obviously it wont be back to us in time for Easter, but we'll get plenty of use out of it this summer. It's so cute.
Last night we went out looking for a cheap but cute dress for Lexi to wear on Easter since that one wont work. We found one, but we also found several other things that caught our attention. One of those things was a rack of funny t-shirts. They said things like "genius by birth, slacker by choice" and other humorous sayings. I just love seeing funny shirts, they make life interesting. My husband and I are big t-shirt people. We wear jeans and t-shirts all day, every day (with an exception of work...) We would just rather be comfortable than "trendy" or dressed up. We're so boring! he he.
So, we're gonna mail it back to my mom in Texas and have her fix it, obviously it wont be back to us in time for Easter, but we'll get plenty of use out of it this summer. It's so cute.
Last night we went out looking for a cheap but cute dress for Lexi to wear on Easter since that one wont work. We found one, but we also found several other things that caught our attention. One of those things was a rack of funny t-shirts. They said things like "genius by birth, slacker by choice" and other humorous sayings. I just love seeing funny shirts, they make life interesting. My husband and I are big t-shirt people. We wear jeans and t-shirts all day, every day (with an exception of work...) We would just rather be comfortable than "trendy" or dressed up. We're so boring! he he.
A little more organization please!
Tonight my husband was looking for something.
My house has one closet, if you're looking for something, it's more than likely in there.
He was looking for something Electronicy. So, he pulled out his electronic tote. Yes, he has a whole but rubber maid container of just electronic stuff. Wires, cables, ac adaptors, USB cables, parallel cables, everything but CAT6 cables. Seriously, there is way too much stuff in this tote that I don't think we'll ever need. But who knows when you might need a spare electrical cord for a computer monitor right?!
Anyway, it was a big knotted mess. He decided he'd go through them, and managed to get rid of a few things. As he was putting them back in I got a brilliant idea to keep them organized.
I went to the kitchen and pulled out the gallon Ziploc bags, then to the desk and got a sharpie.
We labeled the bags, put the corresponding wires in each bag, then put the bags into the tote. It's amazing! Organized and everything will be easy to find when we're looking for them next time!
My house has one closet, if you're looking for something, it's more than likely in there.
He was looking for something Electronicy. So, he pulled out his electronic tote. Yes, he has a whole but rubber maid container of just electronic stuff. Wires, cables, ac adaptors, USB cables, parallel cables, everything but CAT6 cables. Seriously, there is way too much stuff in this tote that I don't think we'll ever need. But who knows when you might need a spare electrical cord for a computer monitor right?!
Anyway, it was a big knotted mess. He decided he'd go through them, and managed to get rid of a few things. As he was putting them back in I got a brilliant idea to keep them organized.
I went to the kitchen and pulled out the gallon Ziploc bags, then to the desk and got a sharpie.
We labeled the bags, put the corresponding wires in each bag, then put the bags into the tote. It's amazing! Organized and everything will be easy to find when we're looking for them next time!
One of my husband's great loves
We all know my husband is addicted to music. It's one of his greatest passions.
There is another passion of his that i don't talk about as much. It's his love of Motorcycles.
Harley's in particular. You should see his face light up when a nice looking bike goes by.
Back when we had cable we'd watch OCC (Orange County Choppers). He loved to watch them cut the metal with the plasma cutter. Cutting out the unique shapes of the gas tanks and fenders.
Pretty much any custom bike catches his eye. Yup, he's a biker at heart.
There is another passion of his that i don't talk about as much. It's his love of Motorcycles.
Harley's in particular. You should see his face light up when a nice looking bike goes by.
Back when we had cable we'd watch OCC (Orange County Choppers). He loved to watch them cut the metal with the plasma cutter. Cutting out the unique shapes of the gas tanks and fenders.
Pretty much any custom bike catches his eye. Yup, he's a biker at heart.
Dreaming again...
So, My husband and I are sick of our apartment. When we moved here we really didn't have much of a choice, we were moving from out of state, we had seen pictures of the apartment, and knew God wanted us here. We were having a hard time finding an apartment that we could afford, this one was in our price range and we decided to move in faith, hoping it would fit our needs.
When we got here we were A) tired from the long drive, B) in need of a home and C) impressed with the newness of everything. The oven and fridge still had the protective film on them!! We said Yes out of desperation and exhaustion.
It didn't take long for us to realize maybe we should have kept looking. The walls are crooked, the floors slope, there is one closet for the whole place, and what we were told was 900 sq feet is really close to 750. The neighbors are loud, there is no sound barriers between us and them, we hear everything. The return air filter needs changed weekly, I've been coughing up dirt for a few months now.
Needless to say, we're ready to move.
I've been in dream land lately, wishing we could afford to buy a house. I know that's not going to happen, but it would be so nice to have 4 walls not shared by anyone else! Maybe a nice big porch on the front with white fiberglass columns, 3 bedrooms, a basement or garage to store things, a kitchen big enough for everything, a laundry room- or even closet! Yah, dreaming is nice... I just hope we can find something nice when our lease is up. If we make it 4 months.
When we got here we were A) tired from the long drive, B) in need of a home and C) impressed with the newness of everything. The oven and fridge still had the protective film on them!! We said Yes out of desperation and exhaustion.
It didn't take long for us to realize maybe we should have kept looking. The walls are crooked, the floors slope, there is one closet for the whole place, and what we were told was 900 sq feet is really close to 750. The neighbors are loud, there is no sound barriers between us and them, we hear everything. The return air filter needs changed weekly, I've been coughing up dirt for a few months now.
Needless to say, we're ready to move.
I've been in dream land lately, wishing we could afford to buy a house. I know that's not going to happen, but it would be so nice to have 4 walls not shared by anyone else! Maybe a nice big porch on the front with white fiberglass columns, 3 bedrooms, a basement or garage to store things, a kitchen big enough for everything, a laundry room- or even closet! Yah, dreaming is nice... I just hope we can find something nice when our lease is up. If we make it 4 months.
Laziness has set in
I don't remember being this tired when I was pregnant with Lexi. This pregnancy has been way different; between the morning sickness and the sleepiness I'm lucky if I accomplish anything during the day.
My favorite spot in my whole house is laying in my bed, under my down comforter, my head laying on my pillow, my husband's pillow tucked beneath my arms... I think if I had about 5 more pillows life would be even better.
Don't get me wrong, I don't get to spend much time in bed, not with a toddler around! I still have laundry, dishes, cleaning and cooking to do. but the rare moments I do find myself in my bed... please do not disturb me! :)
My favorite spot in my whole house is laying in my bed, under my down comforter, my head laying on my pillow, my husband's pillow tucked beneath my arms... I think if I had about 5 more pillows life would be even better.
Don't get me wrong, I don't get to spend much time in bed, not with a toddler around! I still have laundry, dishes, cleaning and cooking to do. but the rare moments I do find myself in my bed... please do not disturb me! :)
The Biggest Looser
Have I mentioned my love of the Biggest Loser? I think I have, but in case you missed it... I LOVE The Biggest Loser!!!!
That show has me completely entertained every Tuesday night. I love to see not only how much weight they lose, but what kind of prizes they win. Each week the person who loses the biggest percentage of body weight is the biggest loser of the week. They win a prize for doing so.
Most of the time they have 3 envelopes to pick from, "luxury" "game plan" or "family". of course, most of them pick game plan. However, one week they weren't labeled, they each had a question mark instead.
The biggest loser that week had to pick an envelope at random. He just happened to get the luxury envelope, and he and his entire team got to go to Las Vegas for a couple days. They did all sorts of things while they were there. I was most impressed with their hotel room! I can't imagine the cost of Las Vegas hotel reservations, but hey a show as big as the biggest loser can afford it.
I love seeing how much the people change their lives while they are on the show, and even after they get kicked off and they continue at home. It's amazing. I wish more reality shows would be that beneficial to the players.
That show has me completely entertained every Tuesday night. I love to see not only how much weight they lose, but what kind of prizes they win. Each week the person who loses the biggest percentage of body weight is the biggest loser of the week. They win a prize for doing so.
Most of the time they have 3 envelopes to pick from, "luxury" "game plan" or "family". of course, most of them pick game plan. However, one week they weren't labeled, they each had a question mark instead.
The biggest loser that week had to pick an envelope at random. He just happened to get the luxury envelope, and he and his entire team got to go to Las Vegas for a couple days. They did all sorts of things while they were there. I was most impressed with their hotel room! I can't imagine the cost of Las Vegas hotel reservations, but hey a show as big as the biggest loser can afford it.
I love seeing how much the people change their lives while they are on the show, and even after they get kicked off and they continue at home. It's amazing. I wish more reality shows would be that beneficial to the players.
Losing weight
Ok, I admit it. I'm addicted to watching The Biggest Loser. I love the show. I love watching people change their lives.
There are many ways to lose weight, you can do it assisted with diet pills like Hydroxycut or you can do it with just diet and exercise. I honestly have never tried diet pills, I try to stay away from them, I'm an old fashioned girl.
Or course, right now losing weight is the last thing on my mind. But I still love watching The Biggest Loser. So if it's Tuesday night at 8pm easter standard time, you better believe you'll find me sitting on the couch watching the TV.
There are many ways to lose weight, you can do it assisted with diet pills like Hydroxycut or you can do it with just diet and exercise. I honestly have never tried diet pills, I try to stay away from them, I'm an old fashioned girl.
Or course, right now losing weight is the last thing on my mind. But I still love watching The Biggest Loser. So if it's Tuesday night at 8pm easter standard time, you better believe you'll find me sitting on the couch watching the TV.
Moving adventures
I've moved several times in my life, just this past weekend we helped some friends move too. We always do it the cheapest way, and rent a truck, load it ourselves, unload it our selves... You know, all the fun stuff.
I've never considered hiring a moving company, well, I did consider it, but once I saw the price that was enough to scare me away. I do know people who can afford the luxury of hiring a New York Moving Company- or whatever state they might be in at the time. I can assure you, I'd love to do that.
Being pregnant I didn't even help carry boxes this weekend, but I did carry my 23lb daughter up and down a flight of stairs about 23 times. She was very interested in what was going on.
What about you? Do you move the old fashion way or do you hire people to help?
I've never considered hiring a moving company, well, I did consider it, but once I saw the price that was enough to scare me away. I do know people who can afford the luxury of hiring a New York Moving Company- or whatever state they might be in at the time. I can assure you, I'd love to do that.
Being pregnant I didn't even help carry boxes this weekend, but I did carry my 23lb daughter up and down a flight of stairs about 23 times. She was very interested in what was going on.
What about you? Do you move the old fashion way or do you hire people to help?
Livin' It
Ever heard of Livin' it?
Steven Baldwin started a skate board ministry called Livin' It. I'll quote their page about what Livin it is about
Not only did Steven Baldwin start the skate company, he also wrote a biography called The Unusual Suspect My Calling to the New Hardcore Movement of Faith.
You might wonder why I know or care so much about this, it really has everything to do with my husband. My husband has a passion and heart for Jesus. He also has a love for music. a few years ago he went across America as the drummer for the band Believe. The Extreme Tour was all about the "hardcore movement of faith" Skaters and bands joined together and spent 6 months on the road playing at skate parks, parking lots, churches and schools. He even had the chance to meet Steven Baldwin.
Don't get me wrong, Steven Baldwin is just a man, any man with God's help could do what he is doing and reach people for Christ. I am just glad to see people reaching out to further God's kingdom.
Steven Baldwin started a skate board ministry called Livin' It. I'll quote their page about what Livin it is about
"Livin It is a way of life.
It's about finding a purpose for being on this planet, knowing there's a God who loves you for who you are, and believing there's hope for the future. Livin It is about having a purpose and sharing it with everyone you interact with."
Not only did Steven Baldwin start the skate company, he also wrote a biography called The Unusual Suspect My Calling to the New Hardcore Movement of Faith.
You might wonder why I know or care so much about this, it really has everything to do with my husband. My husband has a passion and heart for Jesus. He also has a love for music. a few years ago he went across America as the drummer for the band Believe. The Extreme Tour was all about the "hardcore movement of faith" Skaters and bands joined together and spent 6 months on the road playing at skate parks, parking lots, churches and schools. He even had the chance to meet Steven Baldwin.
Don't get me wrong, Steven Baldwin is just a man, any man with God's help could do what he is doing and reach people for Christ. I am just glad to see people reaching out to further God's kingdom.
meaninful gifts
Have you ever given, or gotten that perfect gift, then wondered how you'll beat it next year? I absolutely LOVE to give my husband gifts. I have yet to find the perfect gift for him though. I've tried a pocket watch, clothes, a drum rack and other musical stuff. Maybe one day I'll get it right. I know I have gotten some good gifts. One of which was my birthday/anniversary gift a few years ago.
It started with a dozen roses, then a blindfolded car ride that ended at a cute bed and breakfast in the middle of the country. It was so nice. Romantic too!
It started with a dozen roses, then a blindfolded car ride that ended at a cute bed and breakfast in the middle of the country. It was so nice. Romantic too!
Kitchen stock up
We got our tax return today. One thing I like to do each year is stock up our kitchen. It's nice to once a year buy a bunch of stuff that will last. I buy spices, canned goods, and baking supplies.
Anyone have an ideas of common spices I should get? I've noticed in different recipes I only have about half of the spices. I don't stock up on oils or extracts because I've yet to find a need for grape seed extract.
I think I'll stick to spices and canned goods.
Anyone have an ideas of common spices I should get? I've noticed in different recipes I only have about half of the spices. I don't stock up on oils or extracts because I've yet to find a need for grape seed extract.
I think I'll stick to spices and canned goods.
Bargin stores
My husband and I love stores like Family Dollar, Dollar General, and Big Lots.
I think Big Lots is my all time favorite. They have name brand stuff for cheaper than in most stores. We were there last night just wandering around- that's dangerous for us, we walked out after spending $17.
I was amazed at the selection of stuff they had, toys, household items, baby stuff, even car covers. We like their food supply, we ended up getting Oreos, Teddygrams, and almonds as well as some computer speakers and soap. We're such impulse buyers.
I think Big Lots is my all time favorite. They have name brand stuff for cheaper than in most stores. We were there last night just wandering around- that's dangerous for us, we walked out after spending $17.
I was amazed at the selection of stuff they had, toys, household items, baby stuff, even car covers. We like their food supply, we ended up getting Oreos, Teddygrams, and almonds as well as some computer speakers and soap. We're such impulse buyers.
Clutter, you are no longer welcome
I've mentioned here before that My husband and I are slight pack rats. We like to keep everything that might be sentimental some day. The thing is, it gets put in a box and we never look at it again.
We have gotten better over the 5 years of marriage that we've survived. Each year we tend to go through our boxes of stuff and see what we can part with. It's amazing to me the importance of some things and the unimportance of others.
In the past I have thrown away my engraved plaques from Awana, yet held onto a note written by my husband. I've thrown out my cap from graduation, but held on to a childhood toy. It's amazing the things I find importance in.
The best thing we've done for our clutter is learned to throw away things as the come in the door. There are lots of things that we get- say a birthday card or other piece of mail, that in the past would have been thrown in a box after a few months of being displayed on the desk. Now They are displayed, then thrown away. If they are exceptionally cute, I might cut the picture out for scrapbooking, or card making, but normally they just get tossed.
One day, we'll get to the bottom of the boxes and realize it's pointless to hold on to that stuff, but for now, I'm happy with our baby steps.
We have gotten better over the 5 years of marriage that we've survived. Each year we tend to go through our boxes of stuff and see what we can part with. It's amazing to me the importance of some things and the unimportance of others.
In the past I have thrown away my engraved plaques from Awana, yet held onto a note written by my husband. I've thrown out my cap from graduation, but held on to a childhood toy. It's amazing the things I find importance in.
The best thing we've done for our clutter is learned to throw away things as the come in the door. There are lots of things that we get- say a birthday card or other piece of mail, that in the past would have been thrown in a box after a few months of being displayed on the desk. Now They are displayed, then thrown away. If they are exceptionally cute, I might cut the picture out for scrapbooking, or card making, but normally they just get tossed.
One day, we'll get to the bottom of the boxes and realize it's pointless to hold on to that stuff, but for now, I'm happy with our baby steps.
Is it just me, or is today lasting 12 hours longer than normal?
Days like today make me wish I was still working in an office.
Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE staying home with my daughter, but today is dragging by! I did more housework before lunch than I normally do all day, and I took a 2 hour nap, and watched tv, and read some in a book, and looked around on the internet. AND IT'S ONLY 3:15!!!
Working out side of the home has it's ups and downs, the last place I worked I actually appreciated my job. They actually appreciated me too- which is rare. Although it could have used some work in the area of corporate performance management, and it could have shown it's appreciation for it's employers a little more, it was still a fun job. It always kept me busy which I think is why I liked it.
Being busy helps the day go by. Maybe that's why today is going so slow. I've run out of things to do. How is that possible? Maybe I'm just not looking hard enough.
Hmm... I guess I'll start another load of laundry.
Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE staying home with my daughter, but today is dragging by! I did more housework before lunch than I normally do all day, and I took a 2 hour nap, and watched tv, and read some in a book, and looked around on the internet. AND IT'S ONLY 3:15!!!
Working out side of the home has it's ups and downs, the last place I worked I actually appreciated my job. They actually appreciated me too- which is rare. Although it could have used some work in the area of corporate performance management, and it could have shown it's appreciation for it's employers a little more, it was still a fun job. It always kept me busy which I think is why I liked it.
Being busy helps the day go by. Maybe that's why today is going so slow. I've run out of things to do. How is that possible? Maybe I'm just not looking hard enough.
Hmm... I guess I'll start another load of laundry.
camping
This summer we're going to be making a trip down to Huntington Beach state park. It's very close to Myrtle Beach, SC. We're going to meet my sister and brother in law for a fun time of camping. I'm excited about the camping trip because it will be Lexi's first real time at the ocean. We've stopped and wet our feet once or twice on our long road trips, but never an actual vacation at the beach. Sure it wont be like a vacation at a Sea Pines rental, but it will still be nice.
One of the great things about the campground is that it has it's own private beach so we wont have to fight with the tourists at Myrtle beach. It also is a state park, so it means cheaper camping. Add that to the fact that I'll be with my family, and you can't have a better vacation!!
One of the great things about the campground is that it has it's own private beach so we wont have to fight with the tourists at Myrtle beach. It also is a state park, so it means cheaper camping. Add that to the fact that I'll be with my family, and you can't have a better vacation!!
Elijah!
Tomorrow morning my sister in law is going to have a c-section and have her baby boy. I'm so excited.
Not only am I excited to see the new baby, and welcome it to our family, I'm excited to get another boy in the family! There are 9 girls and only 5 boys on my husband's side of the family. Maybe Elijah coming into the world will help even out the progesterone/testosterone levels.
Anyway, tomorrow afternoon we'll be headed up to welcome the little man into our family. I can't wait!
Not only am I excited to see the new baby, and welcome it to our family, I'm excited to get another boy in the family! There are 9 girls and only 5 boys on my husband's side of the family. Maybe Elijah coming into the world will help even out the progesterone/testosterone levels.
Anyway, tomorrow afternoon we'll be headed up to welcome the little man into our family. I can't wait!
LOWES!
I have to admit. I am a geek. Lowes is my favorite store EVER! Right now it's a safe store for us to go in, because I can look and look and look, but leave with nothing. Once we have a house I'm sure that will change. Well, once we have a house and money.
I love to look at all the appliances, there's this one LG washer and dryer I'd love to own. Oh, and the Kohler sinks. That place is amazing to me. Have you looked down the storage and organization isles?! All those Closet organizers amaze me.
Even all the wood and paint and plumbing stuff keep me entertained. I just LOVE Lowes!
I love to look at all the appliances, there's this one LG washer and dryer I'd love to own. Oh, and the Kohler sinks. That place is amazing to me. Have you looked down the storage and organization isles?! All those Closet organizers amaze me.
Even all the wood and paint and plumbing stuff keep me entertained. I just LOVE Lowes!
Sega Genesis
Do you remember Sega Genesis?
We got one today.
For Free.
With 6 games.
It takes a big of trickery with the wires to get it started, but once it's started it works.
Now I can't get my husband away from the TV. Maybe if we had a pop up tv that I could just push a button and make it retract. Who knows, that might not even work.
You would think we wouldn't get this excited over a game system since we have four now. This would be our fifth, but we sold our original nintendo because we were sick of fighting with the blue screen of death.
Yah, we like video games.
We got one today.
For Free.
With 6 games.
It takes a big of trickery with the wires to get it started, but once it's started it works.
Now I can't get my husband away from the TV. Maybe if we had a pop up tv that I could just push a button and make it retract. Who knows, that might not even work.
You would think we wouldn't get this excited over a game system since we have four now. This would be our fifth, but we sold our original nintendo because we were sick of fighting with the blue screen of death.
Yah, we like video games.
Doctor's appointments
I am so thankful my husband has the job that he has. The company is amazing, they really care about their employees, the benefits rock.
Our insurance is 100% paid- nothing comes out of my our pocket. And I'm so glad. I had insurance when I worked and I couldn't believe how much it cost per month for just ME!!! I can't imagine anyone who has to pay for their individual health insurance. The costs are huge.
Praise the Lord for employers who care!
Our insurance is 100% paid- nothing comes out of my our pocket. And I'm so glad. I had insurance when I worked and I couldn't believe how much it cost per month for just ME!!! I can't imagine anyone who has to pay for their individual health insurance. The costs are huge.
Praise the Lord for employers who care!
The Lord's Supper
How serious do you take Communion?
The Lord's supper is a serious thing to me, if there is one thing that bothers me, it's when people disrespect communion.
The actual way communion is taken doesn't matter, whether someone passes out the pieces of bread and juice representing the body, or if someone gives communion invitations for you to come up front and partake of it.
One of the things that people do to disrespect communion that really bothers me is talking, or not taking it serious. I don't think that at the Lord's supper the disciples joked around, or sat there talking during or after they ate the bread and drank the wine.
I bet they sat there silent, their thoughts full of who Jesus was, and what it all meant.
That is exactly how I feel after communion. The church I was a part of in TN didn't do communion regularly. It wasn't a tradition, or a habit. Nothing to take lightly or get used to doing. And when it was over, the pastor would say a brief prayer, and everyone left silent. No one spoke a single word until they were out of the sanctuary. I enjoyed that.
I've been to other churches, who although they took the act of communion serious, there was chatting, laughing, kids running around taking the communion crackers as a snack and it just didn't feel right.
How do you feel about communion? is it serious or do you allow room for laughing and chatting?
The Lord's supper is a serious thing to me, if there is one thing that bothers me, it's when people disrespect communion.
The actual way communion is taken doesn't matter, whether someone passes out the pieces of bread and juice representing the body, or if someone gives communion invitations for you to come up front and partake of it.
One of the things that people do to disrespect communion that really bothers me is talking, or not taking it serious. I don't think that at the Lord's supper the disciples joked around, or sat there talking during or after they ate the bread and drank the wine.
I bet they sat there silent, their thoughts full of who Jesus was, and what it all meant.
That is exactly how I feel after communion. The church I was a part of in TN didn't do communion regularly. It wasn't a tradition, or a habit. Nothing to take lightly or get used to doing. And when it was over, the pastor would say a brief prayer, and everyone left silent. No one spoke a single word until they were out of the sanctuary. I enjoyed that.
I've been to other churches, who although they took the act of communion serious, there was chatting, laughing, kids running around taking the communion crackers as a snack and it just didn't feel right.
How do you feel about communion? is it serious or do you allow room for laughing and chatting?
Family communication
How often do you talk to your family? Every day? Once a week? Once a month?
Do you have a big family?
I am the youngest of five. By the time I was in a junior in high school, my siblings were all married and moved out. We got together atleast once a week. Every Sunday after church they'd all come home for a big meal.
The house would smell so good, and be full. Children would be running around (my nieces and nephews), adults would be chatting, Mom would be cooking, dad and my brother's would be sitting around talking about hunting or baseball or something manly.
It was great, by far some of my favorite memories.
Unfortunately things aren't like that anymore. My dad died the summer before my senior year, and half way through the year my mom moved to Indiana, I moved in with some friends to finish high school and that was the end of big family meals. We still got together for Holidays though, and that was wonderful.
Somehow things changed drastically. It seems like half of my family doesn't even talk to the other half. My mom lives in Texas now, I'm in North Carolina and the others are still in Maine. I miss the big family gatherings, I miss just knowing that we all like each other and get along!
Sometimes I feel like sending out communication letters, making sure everyone knows it's okay to talk to each other no matter what is going on. My sisters and I talk at least every other week, my mom and I talk almost every day, either on the phone or on instant messenger, but the only time I talk to my brothers or their wives is if someone is pregnant or just had a baby, or if there is some other big announcement.
So what happened? Is it just that we all got older and have our own families? I'm not sure what it is, but boy do I miss big family meals.
Do you have a big family?
I am the youngest of five. By the time I was in a junior in high school, my siblings were all married and moved out. We got together atleast once a week. Every Sunday after church they'd all come home for a big meal.
The house would smell so good, and be full. Children would be running around (my nieces and nephews), adults would be chatting, Mom would be cooking, dad and my brother's would be sitting around talking about hunting or baseball or something manly.
It was great, by far some of my favorite memories.
Unfortunately things aren't like that anymore. My dad died the summer before my senior year, and half way through the year my mom moved to Indiana, I moved in with some friends to finish high school and that was the end of big family meals. We still got together for Holidays though, and that was wonderful.
Somehow things changed drastically. It seems like half of my family doesn't even talk to the other half. My mom lives in Texas now, I'm in North Carolina and the others are still in Maine. I miss the big family gatherings, I miss just knowing that we all like each other and get along!
Sometimes I feel like sending out communication letters, making sure everyone knows it's okay to talk to each other no matter what is going on. My sisters and I talk at least every other week, my mom and I talk almost every day, either on the phone or on instant messenger, but the only time I talk to my brothers or their wives is if someone is pregnant or just had a baby, or if there is some other big announcement.
So what happened? Is it just that we all got older and have our own families? I'm not sure what it is, but boy do I miss big family meals.
Languages
Have you ever watched a movie with subtitling? Sometimes it confuses me because I get caught up in the words on the screen instead of the words coming out of the actors mouths.
When I was in my Sign language class I was introduced to Closed Captioning. I thought it would be a neat job to type the subtitles. The coolest thing was going to plays done in sign language, lucky for us they had people to interpret it in English. It's so beautiful to see people signing, especially in large groups.
I guess I just have a love for language, because I think listening to other spoken languages is beautiful too. I took Spanish in high school, enough that I could have a fluent conversation in Spanish. The bad thing about languages is that if you don't use them you lose them. Unfortunately I don't remember too much Spanish.
When I was in my Sign language class I was introduced to Closed Captioning. I thought it would be a neat job to type the subtitles. The coolest thing was going to plays done in sign language, lucky for us they had people to interpret it in English. It's so beautiful to see people signing, especially in large groups.
I guess I just have a love for language, because I think listening to other spoken languages is beautiful too. I took Spanish in high school, enough that I could have a fluent conversation in Spanish. The bad thing about languages is that if you don't use them you lose them. Unfortunately I don't remember too much Spanish.
Wedding preparations.
My cousin in getting married on February 29th. How cool is that? I wonder how many other people are getting married on that day. I'm not sure if it's a good idea or a bad idea, I mean she only gets an anniversary once every four years. I bet it will be hard for her husband to forget though!
Right now she is busy with all the wedding preparations, the location, wedding attire, wedding flowers, getting the rings sized, all that fun stuff. I'm sure her fiance is busy preparing for the honeymoon too.
I remember how easy it was to plan my wedding. We decided to just do a very small wedding. our mothers were present as well as the preacher and someone to take pictures. Doesn't get much smaller than that. Although we had a small wedding, I still wanted some of the glitz and glamor of big weddings. I had a bouquet, we had union candles, and of course a simple dress. It wasn't the cheapest wedding ever, but it didn't break $250.
At times I wish I had a big wedding, but then I think about all the money we saved and I change my mind. :) Why not keep things simple to save money? It's not like our marriage is any less of a marriage because a ton of people didn't get to see it!
!
Right now she is busy with all the wedding preparations, the location, wedding attire, wedding flowers, getting the rings sized, all that fun stuff. I'm sure her fiance is busy preparing for the honeymoon too.
I remember how easy it was to plan my wedding. We decided to just do a very small wedding. our mothers were present as well as the preacher and someone to take pictures. Doesn't get much smaller than that. Although we had a small wedding, I still wanted some of the glitz and glamor of big weddings. I had a bouquet, we had union candles, and of course a simple dress. It wasn't the cheapest wedding ever, but it didn't break $250.
At times I wish I had a big wedding, but then I think about all the money we saved and I change my mind. :) Why not keep things simple to save money? It's not like our marriage is any less of a marriage because a ton of people didn't get to see it!
!
Car Angel
I don't know if you have ever considered donating your car, But there is a great organization called Car Angel. It's a non-profit company that uses car and other donations to make video's for kids and teens. They have given away over2.4 million videos. Here's one of the videos they have made.
Car donation is a great idea, it's tax deductible too, so not only does it help other people, it gives you a break too. The thing I like about Car Angel is that they help kids and teens too. Check it out, especially if you're thinking about donating a car to a good cause.
Car donation is a great idea, it's tax deductible too, so not only does it help other people, it gives you a break too. The thing I like about Car Angel is that they help kids and teens too. Check it out, especially if you're thinking about donating a car to a good cause.
Finished Shopping?
My husband and I finished our Christmas shopping on Saturday- finally.
Although there were no Ingersoll Rand air tools on his list, most of his list cost about $20 each, which meant he didn't get very many items. So although we both spent the same amount of money on each other, I got way more presents than he did.
Since we are leaving in a half an hour to head up to Virginia to visit his family, we decided to open some of the presents. I promise it had nothing to do with the fact that I am impatient and was excited about presents....
We are still bringing up some of our presents, and all of our daughters presents, the car will be crowded, luckily it's just a two hour trip.
You wont hear from me for a week or so. Have a Merry Christmas!
Although there were no Ingersoll Rand air tools on his list, most of his list cost about $20 each, which meant he didn't get very many items. So although we both spent the same amount of money on each other, I got way more presents than he did.
Since we are leaving in a half an hour to head up to Virginia to visit his family, we decided to open some of the presents. I promise it had nothing to do with the fact that I am impatient and was excited about presents....
We are still bringing up some of our presents, and all of our daughters presents, the car will be crowded, luckily it's just a two hour trip.
You wont hear from me for a week or so. Have a Merry Christmas!
Colds
It's Cold season here. The weather keeps getting warm then cold, then warm then cold again. We have been passing colds around since November 10th. Lexi got sick, then I got sick, Eugene got a little sick, (I was still sick) then Lexi got sick again, now I'm coughing, sneezing and have a stuffed head. And of course, Eugene is coughing, and Lexi is coughing still.
We haven't been taking too much medication, every once and awhile we'll take something, but if this continues we might all have to check ourselves into a drug rehab program by the time we're all healthy again!
Anyone else struggling with colds?
We haven't been taking too much medication, every once and awhile we'll take something, but if this continues we might all have to check ourselves into a drug rehab program by the time we're all healthy again!
Anyone else struggling with colds?
The True meaning of Christmas
I was watching Everyone loves Raymond the other day and in it Ray gave his mom (Marie) a Christmas present. It was a membership to the Fruit of the month club. Each month for a year she was sent a basket of the fruit of the month, so each month it was a different fruit. She wasn't too happy with the present because she thought it was a lot of fruit, but really there is no pleasing that woman. Maybe if it had been a wine of the month club membership it would have made her happier.
This seems like a good gift to give to someone who likes wine, it would last all year long, each month a new bottle of wine gets delivered to their door.
Some people are hard to buy for, Do you have people like that on your Christmas list? I always get stuck wondering what to get the people who have everything. I normally lean towards gift cards, but some years I buy for people who get a trillion gift cards every year, so even a gift card isn't a good gift.
Sometimes you can make them something- which I love doing and can be a cheaper way out too. One year my husband's family decided we wanted to do a "homemade Christmas". We weren't allowed to buy ANY of the presents. Everyone made something for someone else. We thought it would be cheaper. The truth is we spent more money that year than other years, and we still had to spend a bunch of time making the gifts. :) Oh well!
If only we could accept the fact that Christmas isn't about presents, it's about Jesus' birthday, then we'd truly win. It seems like all of us have that head knowledge, but we still want to buy and get presents. I don't know anyone who doesn't get a little caught up in gift giving.
If you have gotten past the gifts of Christmas, please share your wisdom! With us Christmas is the only time we get presents, or anything so we look forward to it. Do you buy gifts for people at other times of the year? Do you just get things every once and awhile instead of just waiting until Christmas?
This seems like a good gift to give to someone who likes wine, it would last all year long, each month a new bottle of wine gets delivered to their door.
Some people are hard to buy for, Do you have people like that on your Christmas list? I always get stuck wondering what to get the people who have everything. I normally lean towards gift cards, but some years I buy for people who get a trillion gift cards every year, so even a gift card isn't a good gift.
Sometimes you can make them something- which I love doing and can be a cheaper way out too. One year my husband's family decided we wanted to do a "homemade Christmas". We weren't allowed to buy ANY of the presents. Everyone made something for someone else. We thought it would be cheaper. The truth is we spent more money that year than other years, and we still had to spend a bunch of time making the gifts. :) Oh well!
If only we could accept the fact that Christmas isn't about presents, it's about Jesus' birthday, then we'd truly win. It seems like all of us have that head knowledge, but we still want to buy and get presents. I don't know anyone who doesn't get a little caught up in gift giving.
If you have gotten past the gifts of Christmas, please share your wisdom! With us Christmas is the only time we get presents, or anything so we look forward to it. Do you buy gifts for people at other times of the year? Do you just get things every once and awhile instead of just waiting until Christmas?
packratism.
In case you are wondering, packratism is the tendency to hold on to anything and everything you think you might ever, ever need again- ever.
I used to suffer from this disease. I am slowly being cured. My husband still has it, and although I am trying to cure him, he seems to be immune to the methods I used on myself.
I used to have just about every note I ever received from my friends in high school, as well as a bunch of other things that sat in boxes and were never looked at. Between the two of us we had about 5 boxes (including two footlocker trunks) full of "stuff".
While mine held things like notes and pictures drawn for me, my husbands included toy cars and bulk cable, among other things.
Each year since we have been married we have managed to pull out the boxes and go threw them, finding that some of it had lost it's value and wasn't worth the space it took up in our tiny apartments. Now (five years later) we are down to two boxes. Hopefully that number will shrink even more in the next year. Some day those things wont seem important right? After all, if they are sitting in a box never being looked at- why keep them?
Hopefully packratism will be completely cured, and not passed on to our children.
I used to suffer from this disease. I am slowly being cured. My husband still has it, and although I am trying to cure him, he seems to be immune to the methods I used on myself.
I used to have just about every note I ever received from my friends in high school, as well as a bunch of other things that sat in boxes and were never looked at. Between the two of us we had about 5 boxes (including two footlocker trunks) full of "stuff".
While mine held things like notes and pictures drawn for me, my husbands included toy cars and bulk cable, among other things.
Each year since we have been married we have managed to pull out the boxes and go threw them, finding that some of it had lost it's value and wasn't worth the space it took up in our tiny apartments. Now (five years later) we are down to two boxes. Hopefully that number will shrink even more in the next year. Some day those things wont seem important right? After all, if they are sitting in a box never being looked at- why keep them?
Hopefully packratism will be completely cured, and not passed on to our children.
Deal or No Deal.
I don't know if you watch Deal or No Deal or not, we do on occasion.
Everytime I watch a show that gives away a million dollars to contestants who just have to pick a case or sing a song I get caught up in "what would I do?"
On Deal or no Deal it's always "would I take that deal, or go on?" I watch over and over how the contestants are offered deals of over $100,000 and turn them down for the chance of getting more money.
I have to be honest, I would have to have a pretty good board to turn down $150,000. A VERY good board.
Yes, there is the small possibility that you could get more money, and you will be VERY disappointed when they make you "finish" the game and you find out you could have had more. But think about how much $150,000 would change your life!!
Sure, it wouldn't buy you any Las Vegas Real Estate, but it would pay off your debt, make a good down payment on a house, provide money for a nice vacation, bless many other people, and start a good savings account for your children.
Could you turn down $150,000 to take a chance to get more money?
Everytime I watch a show that gives away a million dollars to contestants who just have to pick a case or sing a song I get caught up in "what would I do?"
On Deal or no Deal it's always "would I take that deal, or go on?" I watch over and over how the contestants are offered deals of over $100,000 and turn them down for the chance of getting more money.
I have to be honest, I would have to have a pretty good board to turn down $150,000. A VERY good board.
Yes, there is the small possibility that you could get more money, and you will be VERY disappointed when they make you "finish" the game and you find out you could have had more. But think about how much $150,000 would change your life!!
Sure, it wouldn't buy you any Las Vegas Real Estate, but it would pay off your debt, make a good down payment on a house, provide money for a nice vacation, bless many other people, and start a good savings account for your children.
Could you turn down $150,000 to take a chance to get more money?
Neobits
Have you ever heard of Neobits? They provide phone and broadband services to small businesses.
They have customers in a wide range of fields, including: retail, wholesale, medical, professional, service, engineering, construction, real estate, finance, IT, software, and consulting.
They also sell everything you need to set up your phone and computer systems for your business of 2 to 250 people. They have corded and cordless phones, voicemail systems, on hold music, surge protection, head sets and more! They have a wide variety of brands available for sale on their website, from Talkswitch to Panasonic and everything in between.
They also have numerous testimonials on their site and after reading them I have decided they look like a very good company to go with if you are starting a small business and need services like these. Almost everyone has commented on their fast shipping, and the good experience they have had ordering products from them.
They offer live chat help on their website, and extended warranties on the products available. Everything seems to point to their motto “Talking Leads to Help.”
Having a great phone system is very important to a business and knowing that someone is available to help you if anything goes wrong gives you a peace of mind.
College as a personal accomplishment
I dropped out of college after my sophomore year to get married.
I don't regret it one bit.
I don't recommend it either.
I have found myself thinking about going back to college a lot lately. Although I wouldn't go back to work unless something happened or our children were out of the house I still want to finish.
Is it wrong of me to want to finish college so I can add that to my list of personal accomplishments? I don't think it is. Everyone needs something to be proud of, even Washington DC medical malpractice lawyers.
I just want to know that I personally finished something, and I could do something if anything ever happened to Tig and I had to support us. I don't know as though I will finish college, especially anytime soon, but it's a thought in the back of my head.
I don't regret it one bit.
I don't recommend it either.
I have found myself thinking about going back to college a lot lately. Although I wouldn't go back to work unless something happened or our children were out of the house I still want to finish.
Is it wrong of me to want to finish college so I can add that to my list of personal accomplishments? I don't think it is. Everyone needs something to be proud of, even Washington DC medical malpractice lawyers.
I just want to know that I personally finished something, and I could do something if anything ever happened to Tig and I had to support us. I don't know as though I will finish college, especially anytime soon, but it's a thought in the back of my head.
The Computer battle
We got a new computer about 3 years ago, what we got was good for back then. Now it's pretty slow.
I doubt we'll be getting a new computer any time soon, because we don't buy big ticketed items like that very often.
However, my sister in law is in the market for a new computer. It's amazing the battle that's going on between a desktop and a notebook computer, MAC or PC.
Many houses have several computers in it. Some as many as one per person.
I have to admit, although I like technology I don't like that aspect of it. Kids have tv's, dvd players, computers, and video game systems in their rooms.
As of right now I am saying I don't think I could ever allow that. How do you have family time, or be a family if everyone is in their rooms with their faces glued to tv or the computer. Even if you don't think about the lack of family time, if kids have computers with internet access in their rooms it is just asking for trouble. Even if the kid is a good kid, there are people all over the internet wanting to get children, and they are sneaky.
So no matter what our next computer choice is, the computer will stay in an open place.
I doubt we'll be getting a new computer any time soon, because we don't buy big ticketed items like that very often.
However, my sister in law is in the market for a new computer. It's amazing the battle that's going on between a desktop and a notebook computer, MAC or PC.
Many houses have several computers in it. Some as many as one per person.
I have to admit, although I like technology I don't like that aspect of it. Kids have tv's, dvd players, computers, and video game systems in their rooms.
As of right now I am saying I don't think I could ever allow that. How do you have family time, or be a family if everyone is in their rooms with their faces glued to tv or the computer. Even if you don't think about the lack of family time, if kids have computers with internet access in their rooms it is just asking for trouble. Even if the kid is a good kid, there are people all over the internet wanting to get children, and they are sneaky.
So no matter what our next computer choice is, the computer will stay in an open place.
Christmas tree
We got our Christmas tree all set up and decorated. Eugene and I took Sunday afternoon while Lexi was napping to decorate it. It looks great :) it smells even better. I love the aroma of a pine tree.
Lexi was funny when she woke up and we brought her out here. She just stared at it, you could almost see the wheels in her head turning "hmm, that wasn't like that when I went to bed..."
She's been pretty good with it, even though the cables to plug in the light go right next to her play Kitchen she doesn't mess with them. The most she does is pull the ornaments off. We made sure to keep all the breakable ones out of her reach.
I'm sure she wont even mess with it in a week. hopefully.
Lexi was funny when she woke up and we brought her out here. She just stared at it, you could almost see the wheels in her head turning "hmm, that wasn't like that when I went to bed..."
She's been pretty good with it, even though the cables to plug in the light go right next to her play Kitchen she doesn't mess with them. The most she does is pull the ornaments off. We made sure to keep all the breakable ones out of her reach.
I'm sure she wont even mess with it in a week. hopefully.
Mock Turtle Neck
I received a mock turtleneck in the mail the other day from a company called Clothing 4 All. Although it wasn't the size I expected (I thought it was going to be a 2T, it was a children's size 2-4 instead) It looks VERY warm. I would highly recommend you going to www.clothing4all.com and ordering one for yourself too.
Here's a picture of the shirt..
Since it wasn't the size I expected I couldn't post a picture of it on someone.
I wish I had bought a size for me though because it looks so warm. I put my arm in it to test it out, and it's super soft on the inside. So soft infact I think I could crawl up in it and sleep.
The black is the perfect shade of black, but they are available in a bunch of different colors, I picked black because it will go with anything. It's going to make a great Christmas present for a niece or nephew of mine, one that I know will last awhile and stand up to the rough and toughness of a child.
Here's a picture of the shirt..
Since it wasn't the size I expected I couldn't post a picture of it on someone.
I wish I had bought a size for me though because it looks so warm. I put my arm in it to test it out, and it's super soft on the inside. So soft infact I think I could crawl up in it and sleep.
The black is the perfect shade of black, but they are available in a bunch of different colors, I picked black because it will go with anything. It's going to make a great Christmas present for a niece or nephew of mine, one that I know will last awhile and stand up to the rough and toughness of a child.
Vacations
During our 6 hour drive home yesterday, my husband and I were talking about vacations.
Since we've gotten married we haven't ever really had a family vacation. Most of the jobs my husband has had did not offer paid vacation days, if they did we used them to visit family. Any holiday or day he got off was always used for traveling to and from Maine, Texas, North Carolina, Pennsylvania or Virginia.
We live pretty far from my family, so we don't see them that often, when we do it's always a rush to make sure we see everyone while we're in town.
His job he has now gives him 2 weeks of paid vacation. That might actually leave us enough days for traveling to see family AND having our very first ever family vacation.
Which of course has us thinking about where we should go and when. Do we fly or drive? Stay in a hotel, rent a cabin or camp? Get travel insurance or not?
We had thought about going to the beach somewhere. Probably either in North or South Carolina, then we realized we probably have access to someone's house in Florida, so we could go there for free. There are so many choices. Wherever we go we want it to be relaxing and fun, not jam packed with doing things and seeing things and spending money. We want a low key vacation. Does anyone have any good ideas?
Since we've gotten married we haven't ever really had a family vacation. Most of the jobs my husband has had did not offer paid vacation days, if they did we used them to visit family. Any holiday or day he got off was always used for traveling to and from Maine, Texas, North Carolina, Pennsylvania or Virginia.
We live pretty far from my family, so we don't see them that often, when we do it's always a rush to make sure we see everyone while we're in town.
His job he has now gives him 2 weeks of paid vacation. That might actually leave us enough days for traveling to see family AND having our very first ever family vacation.
Which of course has us thinking about where we should go and when. Do we fly or drive? Stay in a hotel, rent a cabin or camp? Get travel insurance or not?
We had thought about going to the beach somewhere. Probably either in North or South Carolina, then we realized we probably have access to someone's house in Florida, so we could go there for free. There are so many choices. Wherever we go we want it to be relaxing and fun, not jam packed with doing things and seeing things and spending money. We want a low key vacation. Does anyone have any good ideas?
Thanksgiving
We took a trip to Tennessee, it was great. I didn't realize how bad I missed everyone until we saw everyone.
We had a nice relaxing Thanksgiving, and a surprise birthday party for me the day before thanksgiving. Really it was a good relaxing trip.
I'm so excited about Christmas coming, This weekend we will venture out and buy a Christmas Tree. I cannot wait. I love Christmas Tree's so much, it's my favorite part of Christmas. If they made rehabs for Christmas Tree addicts like they make alcohol rehabs I'd have to check myself in.
There is just something about bundling up, wondering around in the cold picking out the perfect tree. Then bringing it home, setting it up and decorating it. It doesn't get any better than that. The whole family around the tree, hanging ornaments and lights.
What is your favorite part of Christmas? The tree? The family time? The food? The presents?
We had a nice relaxing Thanksgiving, and a surprise birthday party for me the day before thanksgiving. Really it was a good relaxing trip.
I'm so excited about Christmas coming, This weekend we will venture out and buy a Christmas Tree. I cannot wait. I love Christmas Tree's so much, it's my favorite part of Christmas. If they made rehabs for Christmas Tree addicts like they make alcohol rehabs I'd have to check myself in.
There is just something about bundling up, wondering around in the cold picking out the perfect tree. Then bringing it home, setting it up and decorating it. It doesn't get any better than that. The whole family around the tree, hanging ornaments and lights.
What is your favorite part of Christmas? The tree? The family time? The food? The presents?
I'm leaving
on a Jet plane... Don't know when I'll be back again.
OK, that is a lie. I'm not leaving on a plane, and I know when I'll be back again.
But I'm soooo excited because on Wednesday (my birthday) we'll be getting in the car and driving 6 hours to visit all our good friends in Tennessee. We miss them so bad, we haven't seen them since July and Lexi has changed so much since then.
We'll be spending Thanksgiving with Jim and Kathy, and visiting all our friends from our church. We'll be coming home on Monday. I'm sure I wont want to leave.
So tomorrow and Tuesday I'll be packing our Samsonite luggage and loading the car. ok, we don't really have that nice luggage, but someday....
I'm always afraid I'll forget something. Last weekend when we went to visit my sister in law we forgot to bring any of Lexi's toys. Luckily they have a 7 year old who had some toys Lexi could play with. We're going to try to avoid forgetting the toys this trip, We wouldn't want Lexi having to play with dog toys!!
OK, that is a lie. I'm not leaving on a plane, and I know when I'll be back again.
But I'm soooo excited because on Wednesday (my birthday) we'll be getting in the car and driving 6 hours to visit all our good friends in Tennessee. We miss them so bad, we haven't seen them since July and Lexi has changed so much since then.
We'll be spending Thanksgiving with Jim and Kathy, and visiting all our friends from our church. We'll be coming home on Monday. I'm sure I wont want to leave.
So tomorrow and Tuesday I'll be packing our Samsonite luggage and loading the car. ok, we don't really have that nice luggage, but someday....
I'm always afraid I'll forget something. Last weekend when we went to visit my sister in law we forgot to bring any of Lexi's toys. Luckily they have a 7 year old who had some toys Lexi could play with. We're going to try to avoid forgetting the toys this trip, We wouldn't want Lexi having to play with dog toys!!
Football
My husband is becoming addicted to football.
Today we watched parts of 3 or 4 different games. We watched all of the Stealer's game, of course with him being from near Pittsburgh he's staying loyal to his home turf.
He got so irritated when they lost in over time he threw a plastic potato chip at the tv.
I better get him under control or we might be looking for Superbowl tickets in the near future.
Well, I don't know if it will go that far, but he is liking football. Tomorrow he'll go to work and spend time discussing all the exciting plays of the game with "the guys."
Today we watched parts of 3 or 4 different games. We watched all of the Stealer's game, of course with him being from near Pittsburgh he's staying loyal to his home turf.
He got so irritated when they lost in over time he threw a plastic potato chip at the tv.
I better get him under control or we might be looking for Superbowl tickets in the near future.
Well, I don't know if it will go that far, but he is liking football. Tomorrow he'll go to work and spend time discussing all the exciting plays of the game with "the guys."
Gifts
I have mentioned before that I have the hardest time deciding what I want for my birthday or Christmas. Some woman have no problem making a list, including diamond earings, D&G watch, kitchen appliances, clothes.... their list go on I'm sure.
For me, Christmas and Birthdays has always been the only time I get things I need or want so it's so hard to decide- do I want craft things, or a new shirt!?
With my husband it's really easy, it's a CD every time you ask him what he wants.
Does anyone else have a problem deciding what they want, or am I the only one?
For me, Christmas and Birthdays has always been the only time I get things I need or want so it's so hard to decide- do I want craft things, or a new shirt!?
With my husband it's really easy, it's a CD every time you ask him what he wants.
Does anyone else have a problem deciding what they want, or am I the only one?
Exercise
I've started exercising again. Exercise is something I've never been consistent with, eating on the other hand... well, I've been consistent with that. This unequal balance is the reason for the extra weight around my waist.
In the past I have tried Pilates, Slim in Six, running, and now I'm working out will Billy Blanks and his Tae Bo tapes. I would love to be able to afford some exercise equipment, especially a treadmill. I really like running, but it is hard trying to go running when you don't have a jogging stroller, and it's dark before your husband leaves for work and after he gets home.
I've had success in trying each of those programs, they all do different things and I haven't followed the diet for any of them. I find just cutting back on the amount of food I eat not what I eat, works best for me.
So what happens? Why do I stop working out consistently? I'll work out for months then suddenly I just don't feel like it. So I stop. I loved the Slim in Six work out videos. I was borrowing them from my neighbor, I had been doing them for about 3 months when I found out I was pregnant. So I stopped. They were too hard for me to do and feel safe. I got bored with pilates because it was toning my body but not getting rid of the fat that covered the muscles. Under the excess weight there were some pretty nice muscles I'm sure.
what works for you? are you consistent? Do you use a treadmill or some other equipment? or is a video your choice to work out with?
In the past I have tried Pilates, Slim in Six, running, and now I'm working out will Billy Blanks and his Tae Bo tapes. I would love to be able to afford some exercise equipment, especially a treadmill. I really like running, but it is hard trying to go running when you don't have a jogging stroller, and it's dark before your husband leaves for work and after he gets home.
I've had success in trying each of those programs, they all do different things and I haven't followed the diet for any of them. I find just cutting back on the amount of food I eat not what I eat, works best for me.
So what happens? Why do I stop working out consistently? I'll work out for months then suddenly I just don't feel like it. So I stop. I loved the Slim in Six work out videos. I was borrowing them from my neighbor, I had been doing them for about 3 months when I found out I was pregnant. So I stopped. They were too hard for me to do and feel safe. I got bored with pilates because it was toning my body but not getting rid of the fat that covered the muscles. Under the excess weight there were some pretty nice muscles I'm sure.
what works for you? are you consistent? Do you use a treadmill or some other equipment? or is a video your choice to work out with?
Cell phones
I talk on the phone entirely too much. I have used more than 900 peak minutes in a month.
Our two year contract ran out with our cell phone providers and we decided to cut the minutes down to 700 SHARED minutes so we could afford to get a land line with unlimited long distance. Sounds good doesn't it?
I called the home phone providers and they informed me I had to wait over 2 weeks before they could get someone here to set up the phone stuff! Can you believe that?
Imagine how hard it is for me, someone who is used to having 900 minutes myself, to try to use only 350!!! That's no where near enough minutes. I need a cell phone booster for my battery. My husband would say I just need to stop talking on the phone.
He's a guy, what does he know about talking? Obviously he doesn't know it's a necessity! :)
Our two year contract ran out with our cell phone providers and we decided to cut the minutes down to 700 SHARED minutes so we could afford to get a land line with unlimited long distance. Sounds good doesn't it?
I called the home phone providers and they informed me I had to wait over 2 weeks before they could get someone here to set up the phone stuff! Can you believe that?
Imagine how hard it is for me, someone who is used to having 900 minutes myself, to try to use only 350!!! That's no where near enough minutes. I need a cell phone booster for my battery. My husband would say I just need to stop talking on the phone.
He's a guy, what does he know about talking? Obviously he doesn't know it's a necessity! :)
Baby shower
My sister in law is due in the end of January. I am one of the lucky few that gets to help plan the shower.
I'm having a hard time with this because I want it to be something spectacular. Great, wonderful, awesome, amazing. Something you'd see in lights in Vegas.
It's hard because the four of us that are planning it all live between 45 minutes and 2 hours away from each other. I'm sure with her husband's family helping it will be a good shower, I just hope it is.
My number one priority in this shower is to make sure April and Jason get EVERYTHING they need and want for little baby Elijah. My nephew's not gonna be in need!
As a matter of fact, my nephew's going to be spoiled! Just like he needs to be.
So hopefully in the month that we have to plan this shower we can get everything taken care of so no one has to worry about anything!
Crazy!
I'm having a hard time with this because I want it to be something spectacular. Great, wonderful, awesome, amazing. Something you'd see in lights in Vegas.
It's hard because the four of us that are planning it all live between 45 minutes and 2 hours away from each other. I'm sure with her husband's family helping it will be a good shower, I just hope it is.
My number one priority in this shower is to make sure April and Jason get EVERYTHING they need and want for little baby Elijah. My nephew's not gonna be in need!
As a matter of fact, my nephew's going to be spoiled! Just like he needs to be.
So hopefully in the month that we have to plan this shower we can get everything taken care of so no one has to worry about anything!
Crazy!
Cartoons
Have you ever noticed how far fetched cartoons are? Sure, some cartoons like batman and superman are made to be unrealistic. But I'm talking about Caillou.
Caillou (I think the spelling of this word is ridiculous. I feel terrible for any boy with this name.) anyway, Caillou is about a little boy and his life, just the daily things he does. Sometimes it cracks me up.
The other day he went to the hospital with his grandmother, or maybe it was a nursing home. Either way, his grandma helped out there, so he went with her. She let him push the healthcare cart through the halls delivering the food. Tell me something, who would let a 4 year old be in control of all the food? he he.
There are other times I just laugh at the things they let this little boy do by himself. He has a lot of responsibility for a four year old.
Caillou (I think the spelling of this word is ridiculous. I feel terrible for any boy with this name.) anyway, Caillou is about a little boy and his life, just the daily things he does. Sometimes it cracks me up.
The other day he went to the hospital with his grandmother, or maybe it was a nursing home. Either way, his grandma helped out there, so he went with her. She let him push the healthcare cart through the halls delivering the food. Tell me something, who would let a 4 year old be in control of all the food? he he.
There are other times I just laugh at the things they let this little boy do by himself. He has a lot of responsibility for a four year old.
Making ends meet
I'm so proud of my husband. He works hard all day at work, then comes home and plays hard with his daughter.
He's always good to make sure he provides for us, Yes, God is the ultimate provider, after all, He gave my husband this job he has. But my husband takes his job of watching over us seriously.
As you all know we recently moved and he started a new job, which he is really enjoying. He makes more money, which balances out for the higher cost of living, but he also has amazing benefits.
To help us make ends meet even more he has started doing side jobs for people who are looking to get their ideas patented. He has finished one project, which came in perfect timing, because we are needing to get work done on the car.
He's going to be working on a couple more projects too, which will hopefully give us some money for birthday, anniversary and Christmas presents.
He enjoys doing these, they're new, exciting ideas they require a lot of research, he might even need to do some market research in the future. Mostly he just has to make sure his drawings meet all the patent offices requirements.
It's just amazing to me how my husband can work so hard at work, then come home and work hard too. I love him!
He's always good to make sure he provides for us, Yes, God is the ultimate provider, after all, He gave my husband this job he has. But my husband takes his job of watching over us seriously.
As you all know we recently moved and he started a new job, which he is really enjoying. He makes more money, which balances out for the higher cost of living, but he also has amazing benefits.
To help us make ends meet even more he has started doing side jobs for people who are looking to get their ideas patented. He has finished one project, which came in perfect timing, because we are needing to get work done on the car.
He's going to be working on a couple more projects too, which will hopefully give us some money for birthday, anniversary and Christmas presents.
He enjoys doing these, they're new, exciting ideas they require a lot of research, he might even need to do some market research in the future. Mostly he just has to make sure his drawings meet all the patent offices requirements.
It's just amazing to me how my husband can work so hard at work, then come home and work hard too. I love him!
Medicine
Did you know it's bad for your medicine to be stored in the bathroom? Beth told me this the other day and I quickly rearranged my minimal cabinet space in the kitchen to get all my medicine out of the humid bathroom. While I was doing so I found some yummy chocolate calcium supplements. I had forgotten all about them.
I don't take nutritional supplements, I'd much rather eat meat than take a pill. I do have a vegetarian sister and friend though and I know supplements are very important to them. I'm sure I should be taking more, I know I don't get enough milk. once glass every other day isn't enough is it? he he.
These particular calcium supplements I have i was given by Kathy a while back. I take them when I remember because they taste so good! it's a good chocolate fix when I'm craving it. YUM chocolate.
I don't take nutritional supplements, I'd much rather eat meat than take a pill. I do have a vegetarian sister and friend though and I know supplements are very important to them. I'm sure I should be taking more, I know I don't get enough milk. once glass every other day isn't enough is it? he he.
These particular calcium supplements I have i was given by Kathy a while back. I take them when I remember because they taste so good! it's a good chocolate fix when I'm craving it. YUM chocolate.
sports bloopers
Do you ever watch Sports bloopers on tv? We were watching some the other day and I saw all the typical bloopers, you know the bat goes flying as the batter swings, the biker flips over the handlebars, the bull rider goes over the fence.
Then I saw a new one! A lady was riding a horse, and wouldn't you know, her equestrian riding apparel- as snug as it was, got all caught in the saddle and the horse bucked and guess what? she was stuck hanging from the horse. How those tight clothes got caught, I have no clue, but i found it interesting an thought I'd share.
Then I saw a new one! A lady was riding a horse, and wouldn't you know, her equestrian riding apparel- as snug as it was, got all caught in the saddle and the horse bucked and guess what? she was stuck hanging from the horse. How those tight clothes got caught, I have no clue, but i found it interesting an thought I'd share.
Movie theaters in your house
I have a friend who was building a movie room in their house. Can you imagine this? a big screen, projector, reclining comfortable luxury seats, popcorn machines, the whole nine yards.. All in your house! I don't think I'd see my husband again unless I went in that room! What is even more amazing to me is that this is becoming quite popular among wealthy people!
I never go to movie theaters because they cost so much, maybe that is why people are doing this. Maybe it's so they can have big parties and watch the super bowl, or newly released movies with all their friends. I really don't know. I do know that when my husband was doing residential drawings at his old job, he drew up many a house with a movie theater in it! I just can't even imagine that!
I never go to movie theaters because they cost so much, maybe that is why people are doing this. Maybe it's so they can have big parties and watch the super bowl, or newly released movies with all their friends. I really don't know. I do know that when my husband was doing residential drawings at his old job, he drew up many a house with a movie theater in it! I just can't even imagine that!
our lawn chairs
For the third time in our life it looks as though we will be putting away the lawn chairs.
Maybe I should explain. We don't buy furniture. Nope. The only piece of furniture we have ever bought was our bed. Not a head board or foot board, just a mattress, box spring and cheap metal frame for under it. The only reason we bought that is because my husband worked for Sealy so we got the employee discount. And man was it a discount!
Through the years we have acquired several pieces of furniture, my husband came into this marriage with an antique dresser and a set of nesting tables- both given to him from his father's antique shop. I had a twin bedroom set that I used growing up, desk, bed frame and dresser.
We have managed to get two tables (one small kitchen table and one solid oak dinning room table). We have also received a very nice buffet table, a washer and dryer, a microwave, and a crib.
Two things we have yet to come by are a nice couch and a nice wood entertainment center. We've been given several couches, most have some weird problem (one was extremely cute and comfortable but had no legs, so it was really low, one was comfortable and nice, and had legs but it was pleather and the stuff flaked off everywhere. A few have been on the stinky side, and one was just way too big as well as slightly chewed from a puppy.)
When we are in between couches (pretty much every time we move) we use our lawn chairs. So for the past 3 months the seating in our living room has been provided by our slightly old, falling apart chewed on lawn chairs. (thanks to that same puppy).
Well, it seems we will be inheriting another couch soon, so (PRAISE THE LORD) our lawn chairs can get folded up and put back in the closet. One of these years with a bonus or income tax we are going to just go buy a nice couch and entertainment center. I think we'll check a discount furniture store first. We've seen several nice, cheap pieces of furniture in stores like that.
Until that time, we'll continue using hand me downs!
Maybe I should explain. We don't buy furniture. Nope. The only piece of furniture we have ever bought was our bed. Not a head board or foot board, just a mattress, box spring and cheap metal frame for under it. The only reason we bought that is because my husband worked for Sealy so we got the employee discount. And man was it a discount!
Through the years we have acquired several pieces of furniture, my husband came into this marriage with an antique dresser and a set of nesting tables- both given to him from his father's antique shop. I had a twin bedroom set that I used growing up, desk, bed frame and dresser.
We have managed to get two tables (one small kitchen table and one solid oak dinning room table). We have also received a very nice buffet table, a washer and dryer, a microwave, and a crib.
Two things we have yet to come by are a nice couch and a nice wood entertainment center. We've been given several couches, most have some weird problem (one was extremely cute and comfortable but had no legs, so it was really low, one was comfortable and nice, and had legs but it was pleather and the stuff flaked off everywhere. A few have been on the stinky side, and one was just way too big as well as slightly chewed from a puppy.)
When we are in between couches (pretty much every time we move) we use our lawn chairs. So for the past 3 months the seating in our living room has been provided by our slightly old, falling apart chewed on lawn chairs. (thanks to that same puppy).
Well, it seems we will be inheriting another couch soon, so (PRAISE THE LORD) our lawn chairs can get folded up and put back in the closet. One of these years with a bonus or income tax we are going to just go buy a nice couch and entertainment center. I think we'll check a discount furniture store first. We've seen several nice, cheap pieces of furniture in stores like that.
Until that time, we'll continue using hand me downs!
Can you feel the love tonight?
The other day I was thinking about the movie The Lion King.
I have no clue why I was thinking about it. I don't even like the movie. I thought it was okay when it first came out, then they came out with 2 or 3 other sequels and I was wondering if they would ever stop making them.
I wonder if the sales of Elton John tickets went up when the movie came out? I don't remember ever hearing about him before The Lion King. I know he was around and pretty famous but I had never heard of him.
So then I was wondering how many little kids went to Elton John concerts because they liked The Lion King. I wonder how many CD's he sold, and if he won the hearts of any adults from his amazing sound track.
Then I realized how random and dumb my thoughts can be, and now I am wondering why I am sharing all this with you?!
I have no clue why I was thinking about it. I don't even like the movie. I thought it was okay when it first came out, then they came out with 2 or 3 other sequels and I was wondering if they would ever stop making them.
I wonder if the sales of Elton John tickets went up when the movie came out? I don't remember ever hearing about him before The Lion King. I know he was around and pretty famous but I had never heard of him.
So then I was wondering how many little kids went to Elton John concerts because they liked The Lion King. I wonder how many CD's he sold, and if he won the hearts of any adults from his amazing sound track.
Then I realized how random and dumb my thoughts can be, and now I am wondering why I am sharing all this with you?!
Beating the odds
I've been thinking a lot about graduation lately. Not just high school, but college graduation too.
I wonder how many people who start college actually finish. I was trying to look up some statistics, but I'm not that patient and nothing really helpful was coming up on the front page of google!
However I did notice some statistics from one particular college that compared itself to other colleges.
Their bragging rights? 54% of people who started college in the 4 year program graduated in 4 years or less. That was higher than the other colleges it had listed. I don't know how many of the 46% that didn't graduate in 4 years or less didn't graduate at all, or how many just took 5 years to graduate but 54% was actually higher than I expected.
Part of the thing I have been thinking about is the number of people who start but don't finish. I am one of those people. I went to college for two years for Elementary Education. After 2 years two things happened that influenced my decision to "drop out". The first was I decided I didn't really want to be a kindergarten teacher, the second was I met a guy who lived far away from my college.
So even though I loved the social aspect of college, and I loved the homework and classes and teachers (yes I'm a geek) I left college to pursue my MRS. Degree.
Do I regret dropping out? Sometimes yes, but most of the time no. I wouldn't trade a college diploma for my husband or my daughter. Besides, all it would do for me now is give me a very expensive piece of paper to look at. Am I encouraging people to drop out and get married- NO! At times I wish I had a piece of paper. Just to prove I didn't quit. I don't look at it as I quit though. I look at it more as I realized what God wanted me to do.
Graduating from college is a huge milestone, it must be so fun to send out graduation announcements and receive graduation presents and praise from everyone you know. It must be so rewarding to look at your diploma and know how hard you worked for it. I admire people who graduate college.
Like I said earlier, there are very few times in my life I look back and say "man, I wish I had graduated" but never to I look at anyone that has graduated and say "man, you wasted time and money." Even if they are a stay at home mom like me.
So if you're a college graduate- Congratulations. I admire you. If you are a college graduate who is now a stay at home mom (or dad) I admire you even more! If you, like me "dropped out" or never went so you could start a family- you're not a loser! God has big plans for you too!
I wonder how many people who start college actually finish. I was trying to look up some statistics, but I'm not that patient and nothing really helpful was coming up on the front page of google!
However I did notice some statistics from one particular college that compared itself to other colleges.
Their bragging rights? 54% of people who started college in the 4 year program graduated in 4 years or less. That was higher than the other colleges it had listed. I don't know how many of the 46% that didn't graduate in 4 years or less didn't graduate at all, or how many just took 5 years to graduate but 54% was actually higher than I expected.
Part of the thing I have been thinking about is the number of people who start but don't finish. I am one of those people. I went to college for two years for Elementary Education. After 2 years two things happened that influenced my decision to "drop out". The first was I decided I didn't really want to be a kindergarten teacher, the second was I met a guy who lived far away from my college.
So even though I loved the social aspect of college, and I loved the homework and classes and teachers (yes I'm a geek) I left college to pursue my MRS. Degree.
Do I regret dropping out? Sometimes yes, but most of the time no. I wouldn't trade a college diploma for my husband or my daughter. Besides, all it would do for me now is give me a very expensive piece of paper to look at. Am I encouraging people to drop out and get married- NO! At times I wish I had a piece of paper. Just to prove I didn't quit. I don't look at it as I quit though. I look at it more as I realized what God wanted me to do.
Graduating from college is a huge milestone, it must be so fun to send out graduation announcements and receive graduation presents and praise from everyone you know. It must be so rewarding to look at your diploma and know how hard you worked for it. I admire people who graduate college.
Like I said earlier, there are very few times in my life I look back and say "man, I wish I had graduated" but never to I look at anyone that has graduated and say "man, you wasted time and money." Even if they are a stay at home mom like me.
So if you're a college graduate- Congratulations. I admire you. If you are a college graduate who is now a stay at home mom (or dad) I admire you even more! If you, like me "dropped out" or never went so you could start a family- you're not a loser! God has big plans for you too!
Cool new Safty products
I was sent these amazing Hot Walkers to try out and review. It is one of many self defense products offered by Security Solutions.
I was thrilled when I received these. They are weights weighing one pound each that you can use while you walk or jog.
So what's so exciting about Hot Walkers? How are they any different than other weights?
I'm so glad you asked.
The top of the each weight opens up, one has a hole that you can store money or keys in then replace the lid. The other opens up to reveal that it is fully equipped with pepper spray!
The reason I was so excited to get these was because I go jogging almost every day and with the crime rates increasing my husband and I have been concerned for my safety. Sometimes My husband goes with me, but that is not always possible.
With Hot Walkers we both have much more peace about me being out jogging alone. They make me feel safer and they also add to my work out! They also have that convenient slot for storing things.
If you are like me and get a little uneasy at the thought of walking or jogging alone, I highly recommend this product.
They have a ton of other safety products available, including things to protect you and your whole family. You can see them all at their website . While you are there sign up for their newsletter and you'll receive free safety tips as well as product specials through your email.
It's Christmas!!!
I am so excited! My husband has agreed to go along with Cloth Diapers. It took me 14 months but I have finally got him convinced it's worth it. Sure, the savings with Lexi might not be much since she is already 14 months old, but we will use the same diapers with the rest of the babies when they come, so we will get a lot of use out of them. (Especially since we want about 3 more-babies that is.
When the diapers finally arrive on my doorstep it is going to be like receiving a brand new Rolex or a BMW- that is how excited I am about getting these diapers.
For money reasons I have decided to go with prefolds, they are the cheapest and dry the fastest. Sure the All in ones and pocket diapers are easy and nice, but for the price of one you can get almost a dozen prefolds!
I am super excited!! Can you tell?
When the diapers finally arrive on my doorstep it is going to be like receiving a brand new Rolex or a BMW- that is how excited I am about getting these diapers.
For money reasons I have decided to go with prefolds, they are the cheapest and dry the fastest. Sure the All in ones and pocket diapers are easy and nice, but for the price of one you can get almost a dozen prefolds!
I am super excited!! Can you tell?
Carrying baby
I'm excited to do this post, partially because it's a payu2blog assignment, partially because it's about something that I enjoy.
Although I am not as enthusiastic about this topic as my friend Beth from The Natural Mommy, When my daughter was little I did use and love baby slings.
There are so many different slings available now it's crazy! We used the Ultimate baby wrap with Lexi when she was really little, once she got bigger we didn't like it so much and only used the snuggli when we had to.
Beth loves her Maya wrap and also has a homemade sling too.
Slings are great for days when the baby is being exceptionally clingy and does not want to be put down, but you still want to get stuff done. They are also great for shopping or walks with a little baby.
Some slings can be used up to 35 or more pounds, but I don't know as though I would want to be carry around my 22lbs baby in a sling!
They do create a comfortable, secure environment for the baby which of course makes the baby happy and calm.
Make sure you check out Beth's post for a TON more information on the benefits of baby wearing!
Although I am not as enthusiastic about this topic as my friend Beth from The Natural Mommy, When my daughter was little I did use and love baby slings.
There are so many different slings available now it's crazy! We used the Ultimate baby wrap with Lexi when she was really little, once she got bigger we didn't like it so much and only used the snuggli when we had to.
Beth loves her Maya wrap and also has a homemade sling too.
Slings are great for days when the baby is being exceptionally clingy and does not want to be put down, but you still want to get stuff done. They are also great for shopping or walks with a little baby.
Some slings can be used up to 35 or more pounds, but I don't know as though I would want to be carry around my 22lbs baby in a sling!
They do create a comfortable, secure environment for the baby which of course makes the baby happy and calm.
Make sure you check out Beth's post for a TON more information on the benefits of baby wearing!
My new site
In my last post I told you I was moving. I am so excited to have my own .com!! I feel cool now.
I plan on using my site www.beautyfromchaos.com to share my thoughts and feelings on everything. I also will eventually have a store up and running there (hopefully). I plan on selling hair bows, Taggy blankets, bibs,and burp clothes. Maybe even a few other things.
As I said in the last post this site will continue to be up and running for my payu2blog assignments. I thought rather than try to be completely creative and think of ways to use words like billet grilles in a post about my daughter or saving money, I'd be free to talk about whatever I want to complete my assignments.
So please, visit my new site, leave me a comment :) While you're there look at my blogroll and go tell Ashley (twentysixcats) and my mom (ain't no place) thanks for helping me get it up and running! And much thanks to my husband for making the banner for my new site!
I plan on using my site www.beautyfromchaos.com to share my thoughts and feelings on everything. I also will eventually have a store up and running there (hopefully). I plan on selling hair bows, Taggy blankets, bibs,and burp clothes. Maybe even a few other things.
As I said in the last post this site will continue to be up and running for my payu2blog assignments. I thought rather than try to be completely creative and think of ways to use words like billet grilles in a post about my daughter or saving money, I'd be free to talk about whatever I want to complete my assignments.
So please, visit my new site, leave me a comment :) While you're there look at my blogroll and go tell Ashley (twentysixcats) and my mom (ain't no place) thanks for helping me get it up and running! And much thanks to my husband for making the banner for my new site!
Breaking the Silence
I've been so quiet on this blog lately. I've been enjoying blogging at my site, but I thought it was time to break the silence over here at ha ha made you look.
I can't believe it's October already! The year is flying by, seems like each year goes faster than the one before it.
Football season has started and I have to admit I'm kinda getting into the game. My husband and I have actually found ourselves sitting on the floor in front of our TV watching the game on Sunday afternoon. I'm really missing all my Tennessee football fans.
I remember when we first moved to the Volunteer state I couldn't believe how crazy those people were over their college school football team. Bright orange was proudly displayed and worn everywhere by almost everyone. I have even seen a house with bright orange shutters and a bright orange door. I thought those people were crazy.
Little did I know I'd fall in love with some of the biggest Volunteer fans there are. I'd even get to know one of the bodies behind the mascot, Smokey the dog. I have to admit for about 2 years of hearing Smokey I thought they were referring to Smokey the bear. I thought Volunteer goes pretty good with Smokey the bear right? Maybe the football team was also the volunteer fire department? So I was a little uneducated. I learned!
For all my VOLS fans out there-Go Big Orange.
I can't believe it's October already! The year is flying by, seems like each year goes faster than the one before it.
Football season has started and I have to admit I'm kinda getting into the game. My husband and I have actually found ourselves sitting on the floor in front of our TV watching the game on Sunday afternoon. I'm really missing all my Tennessee football fans.
I remember when we first moved to the Volunteer state I couldn't believe how crazy those people were over their college school football team. Bright orange was proudly displayed and worn everywhere by almost everyone. I have even seen a house with bright orange shutters and a bright orange door. I thought those people were crazy.
Little did I know I'd fall in love with some of the biggest Volunteer fans there are. I'd even get to know one of the bodies behind the mascot, Smokey the dog. I have to admit for about 2 years of hearing Smokey I thought they were referring to Smokey the bear. I thought Volunteer goes pretty good with Smokey the bear right? Maybe the football team was also the volunteer fire department? So I was a little uneducated. I learned!
For all my VOLS fans out there-Go Big Orange.
