Blessings of Love

Disney on Ice Cleveland Coupon Codes

2011-12-16T09:27:00.003-05:00

Winner announced at the bottom!
If you didn't win you can get tickets for a LOW price with these codes!

January 6-16 the Disney Princesses will be invading Quicken Loans Arena!

gather all your girly girls and their friends for a fun Girls Night Out!!

I have a 4 pack of tickets to giveaway to your choice of shows.

(leave a comment telling me your all time favorite Princess and why!)
Contest ends on 12/19 at noon!

Fri 1/6 @ 7pm

Sat 1/7 @ 11am/ 3pm/ 7pm

Sun 1/8@ 1pm/ 5pm

Wed 1/11@ 7pm

Thurs1/12@ 7pm

Fri 1/13@7pm

Sat 1/14@ 11am / 3pm/ 7pm

Sun 1/15@1pm/ 5pm

Mon 16@1pm/ 5pm

I also have some coupon codes to save you $ on tickets!

Go HERE

and use code FFA6 to save $6 on advance ticket purchases (good now thru 1/5/12)

or use code FFA3 to save $3 on purchases the day of the show (good 1/6/12-1/16/12)

Not valid on Discount Drug Mart Front Row and VIP seats. Limit 6 tickets per transaction.

Get tangled upin the newest thrilling show to hit the ice, Disney On Ice presentsDare to Dream. Experience Disney’s hilarious hair-raising escapade, Tangled;as Rapunzel, her unlikely companion, Flynn, and Maximus, embark on anuproarious journey that takes adventure to new lengths! Boogie to thebeat of the bayou with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen from The Princessand the Frog, in a magical, musical journey that all begins with a fatefulkiss. And fanciful dreams become reality as Cinderella meets her PrinceCharming, with a glass slipper fit for an unforgettable fantasy cometrue. All your favorite princesses take to the ice in a spectacularfinale at the ultimate Disney Princess event of a lifetime! Experiencethe beauty, sparkle, and spirit when Disney On Ice presents Dareto Dream comes to your hometown!

I entered these names:

The winner is:

Writing it out might help get it out...maybe...

2011-12-02T17:28:00.003-05:00

I just need to write out my thoughts and feelings.

I've been having a very hard time lately, feeling wanted, feeling needed. That depression is seeping in again.

I have been applying for jobs, have had a few interviews and nothing. One job was and is VERY hard for me to get over, my heart is so hurt over it. I don't really know why. I am so weepy over it, such a heavy heart. It's crazy really. A weird situation, and I won't go into it because it involves friend type people, well acquaintances I guess, that I see regularly.

Other stuff too. I just feel like I am getting stomped into smithereens from every angle. Being beaten down from every side. Not needed, not wanted, scum.

I know I have SO very much to be grateful for, and I am, but right now for me these issues are my problem. We all deal with different things and this is my thing. I have 2 beautiful kids that I love very much and husband I love very much, and some don't have that. You want what you don;t have syndrome. I have a friend who has a great relationship with her hubby, money, no debt, a gorgeous house, a job only a few days a week, great family, I mean a best friend mom, and a best friend...(who I thought was mine, but we've grown apart, our friendship is still there, just not as deep as theirs), a closet of great clothing and a body I used to have, vacations twice a year, but she lacks children, its been a rough road for her, I get that, I sympathize, I would do anything to help her, truth is they'd be better parents than us, but all the other things she has aren't enough. I have the kids she wants and she has the stuff I want. Truth is, I know after I got that I'd want something else.

I'm not being ungrateful, I just want a honeymoon with my husband, it's been 11 years. I want him to have a job he LOVES and doesn't have to work his ass off at just to make ends meet and have nothing leftover.

I just don't want to struggle you know?

CLOSED LEGO Kids Fest Cleveland OH FREE ticket giveaway!

2011-10-21T09:55:00.008-04:00

Watch the video for the WINNER!

When I heard about the Lego kids Fest I was so excited it would be stopping in Cleveland.

MY. KIDS. LOVE. LEGOS.

It's one of the only things they will do together without fighting, well it usually does turn into fighting, but what doesn't??

Lego Kidsfest will be at the IX Center November 4-6

BUY TICKETS HERE

for Cleveland show

LEAVE a comment with name and contact email to be entered to win a pair of tickets to

Sunday, Session II on Nov 6th from 3pm-7:30pm

Ends 10/25 at midnight.

You will get to meet Master Lego builders!

There will be models big and small made of all Legos.

You will get to build, build, build and build some more!

Regular Legos and Duplos for the young ones.

You can even build whatever you like and add it to a map of the US and then go online to see what it looks like after the weekend is over!

I'm SUPER excited about this outing with my kiddos!

Coupon codes for Ringling Brothers Circus in Cleveland

2011-10-03T17:37:00.007-04:00

It is time for the circus to come to Cleveland this year!!

Wed Oct 19 thru Sun Oct 23

If you order tickets HERE

You will save $8 per ticket (up to 6) if you order by Oct 18th

Coupon code: FFA8

save $4 per ticket (up to 6) when you order after Oct 18th

Coupon code: FFA4

**coupon codes not valid on Discount Drug Mart Circus Celebrity or VIP tickets

Leave your name and email address for a chance to win a family 4 pack of tickets...You choose the date and time! Enter by Friday Oct 7 3:00 PM

With 9 performances I'm sure you can find a date to attend:

Wednesday, October 19: 7:30pm

Thursday, October 20: 7:30pm

Friday, October 21: 7:30pm

Saturday, October 22: 11:30am/ 3:30pm/ 7:30pm

Sunday, October 23: 11:30am/ 3:30pm/ 7:30pm

Our whole family enjoys this show, even my husband!

Who try's his hardest to get out of going to to Disney on Ice and other kid type shows!

There is something for ALL ages.

Don't forget to go to the Pre-show to meet circus performers and see the elephants up CLOSE and personal.

Visit them at Facebook

While you are waiting to Trapeze your way over to the circus…..

print this page for your kids to color

and

watch this

Thanks to Mom Central and Feld Entertainment for this opportunity to share these savings with you and promote the circus to the Cleveland area. I was compensated for this post. All content and opinions are mine.

Giant Eagle coupon match ups 9/22-9/28

2011-09-21T16:12:00.002-04:00

I am very disappointed in the Giant Eagle sales again this week only a few things worth my time and money, but maybe you disagree...

You can check out the full list of deals at

Sisters Shopping on A Shoestring

Stretching a Buck

Coupon Code for Disney on Ice tickets Quicken Loans Arena

2011-09-05T00:00:00.007-04:00

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***CONGRATS TO COURTNEY CUMMINS***

IF YOU DIDNT WIN, BE SURE TO USE THE COUPON CODE BELOW FOR TICKETS AS LOW AS $9 PLUS FEES**

I am giving away a 4 pack of Disney on Ice (Sept 29-Oct 2)

If you don't win, don't worry here are a few coupon codes for you!

You must go here to use the coupon codes.

To save $6 on each ticket purchases in advance (good thru 9/28)use code :FFA6

To save $3 (good 9/29-10/2) on each tickets purchased day of use code: FFA3

Not valid on Discount Drug Mart Front Row and VIP seats. Limit 6 tickets per transaction.

Here is how to enter:

1.) Leave your first and last name in the comments section

2.) An EMAIL or way to get a hold of you...if I don't know you!

2.) Which Disney character would you choose to join your family on a magical journey, and why?

EXTRA ENTRY: Send your friends! If they tell me who sent them I will put your name in the drawing AGAIN (1 extra entry per referral)

Enter by 9/5/2011 midnight...extended until 9/6/11 midnight!!!!

Tickets courtesy of Mom Central and Feld Entertainment, I was compensated 4 tickets for my family for being an ambassador for these companies.

Giant Eagle coupon match ups 9/1-9/7

2011-08-31T14:01:00.003-04:00

Here are some decent deals at Giant Eagle this week. I did more than 5, just because some of these things are good to stock up on for the baking season that is upon us!! And because I am running out of stuff and need to do some shopping!!

Herbal Essence 2/$5

1.00/2 8/28 PG=2/$4

1.00/1 8/7 RP=$1.50

Swiss Tea 2/$4

1.00/2 8/28 SS=2/$3

Pringles 4/$6

1.00/4=4/$5

1.00/2 (fat-free; if included)=2/$2

Philadelphia Cooking Cream 2/$5

.75/1 printable at coupons.com=1.00

Totino’s Pizza Rolls $10/10

.40/2 download to shopping card at Shortcuts=1.20/2

Ziploc containers 2.79

1.50/2 8/7 SS

1.00/1 download to shopping card at eoffers

1.00/1 download to shopping card at shortcuts

=2.08/2 (after all 3)

*Im pretty sure all three can be used together, I will find out!

Wheat Thins or Honey Maid Grahams 2/$5

.75/2 8/7 SS=3.50/2

Carnation Evaporated Milk 2/$3

.50/2 printable at Very Best Baking=2/$2

Nestles Morsels 2/$6

.50/1 (dark only)=$2

Sunny Delight 2/$3

.25/1 8/7 SS=$1.00

HeluvaGood Dip 3/$5

.50 printable at heluvagood.com=.67

(weird printing specs, says I don’t have a printer hooked up…worth a try for you!)

**Donna’s Favorites

Bic multi-purpose lighter B1G1 Free

$1/1 8/28 SS

Thanks to Sisters Shopping on a Shoestring Budget for the below deals I did not see

Gogurt $2

.75/2 8/7 PG

.75/2 download to shopping card at eoffer

.75/2 download to shopping card at shortcuts

=$1/2 after all 3…if it works

Hefty plates and cups 1.50

$1/2 8/14 RP=2/$2

$1/2 7/10 RP=2/$2

.55/2 5/22 RP=2/$1.90

Oral B toothbrush $1.50

.75/2 8/28 PG=$1.50/2

Giant Eagle coupon match ups 8/25-8/31

2011-08-24T11:32:00.004-04:00

I am not thrilled with the deals at Giant Eagle this week=(

Here are my top 53

Land O Lakes spreadable butter or Margarine sticks 2/$3

.40 8/7/SS=.70

.75/1 8/7/SS cinnamon=FREE (if included in sale)

There were printable available on coupons.com earlier last week, you are in luck if you printed those at the time, they are no longer available.

**DONNA'S FAVORITE

KC Masterpiece BBQ sauce $1

.50/1 8/21/SS=FREE

Nestle Fun Size candy bars $2.50

.50/1 CRUNCH PRINT =$1.50 (cheaper than Marcs)

*Thanks Sisters Shopping a Shoestring Budget

There are definitely other good deals! Check out Sisters shopping on a shoestring budget (link above) to see some more! I am just picky in my deal shopping!

Giant Eagle coupon match ups starting 8/18-8/24

2011-08-16T20:05:00.002-04:00

A few good deals at Giant Eagle...nothing I found that was spectacular. But here are 5 good deals and a Donna's FAVORITE

FIVE Good Deals

Nabisco- Chips Ahoy, Teddy Grahams 2/$5

.75/2 8/7/SS=$1.75 each

Finish Gelcaps, Powerball Tabs $4.99

.75/1 7/31 SS= $3.49

1.00 off Quantum Powerball=$3.99

Dial hand pump soap 3/$5

.35/1 8/7 RP =.96

Smuckers Jams and Jellies 2/$5

1.00/2 8/7 RP= $2.00 ea

BC brownies and cookie pouches 2/$4

brownies .75/2= $1.25 ea

cookies .40/1= $1.20

Donna's FAVORITE

Hefty One Zip 2/$3

$1.00/2 7/10 and 8/14 RP= $1.00 each

What did I miss??

Thanks to Sisters Shopping on a Shoestring budget you can add these to your list!

Keebler fudge granola bars $2.50

.75/1 7/10 RP=$1.00

International Delight 1.50

.55/1 printable = .40

Various yopliat coupons when you like YoPlait on Facebook make for cheap yougurt!

Also some good deals on feminine products (always and Tampax) when you combing current e offer with coupons from 7/31/PG and current CATALINA.

Friends are friends forever

2011-07-08T13:31:00.003-04:00

When I was in grade school I went to a very small Christian school. My teachers were great and very involved in everything. We couldn't get away with anything. DAILY we had meetings outside the classroom because of some bickering between the girls. My teacher really tried her hardest to teach us how to be friends the right way, Christlike way. Around this time Michael W Smiths song friends are friends forever was very popular. And my teacher also had this little rhyme on the wall:

Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver, one is gold.

Loved this and it has always stuck with me. I like making new friends but I love my old friends, so much history with them, so many memories, they love me for who I am and know me inside and out. But I really don't feel like others see the importance of this. I will never turn my back on my friends. I don't fight with my friends, I love them so very much. I would do anything for them, yet I don't feel this in return. I feel so alone.

Im sure there is something I need to change, its not just them. But I just don't know what it it.

Having a difficult Summer.

My soccer star

2011-06-29T21:51:00.003-04:00

This year Ethan played Soccer for the first time. It wasn't your regular soccer league or anything, just a training type. The kids had a few practices and then scrimmaged other teams from the same rec center. Because of the rain they played on the hardtop for most games, which obviously isn't the best place to play soccer.

The first scrimmage he played he had never even been to practice, so he had really no idea what to do and he kinda just stood way back from everyone else. Fast forward a few games and add in a bit of confidence, he was playing goalie and would not let the ball be very far from him at any given time. he turned into a great little player pretty quick. The last game they played he even scored his first goal!!!

But sadly since I was poorly informed about paying for the end of the season shindig and trophies Ethan didn't get a trophy=( I felt so bad, so my husband is going to go up to the corner where they sell and make sports trophies

and where they probably made the ones for our rec center since they are the only right around the corner and been in this city for many years. So hopefully my little soccer star gets a trophy soon.

Noteworthy

2011-06-15T15:52:00.002-04:00

I get an email newsletter from Love and Logic. This was in the email today about socializing our kids. I don't feel I am very social, unless I really know you. This helps me and I would love to teach my kids the following as well:

Most of this teaching should take place in the classroom of real world experience. That is, at the very moment our children are interacting with others. Listed below are just a few of the things we ought to expect our children to do:

Shake people's hands and look into their eyes.
Smile.
Say "hello."
Say "thank you" when complimented.
Say "please."
Say "goodbye" and wish people well.

Do you have any other tips on socializing kids?

Zumba

2011-06-14T13:11:00.003-04:00

I think I want to try Zumba. I think I'd be too shy to do it at the gym! I've seen these ladies moving it there and I'm not sure I could do it. I'm a white girl, and white girls cant dance...most of us anyway...haha. Ive been thinking about getting wii zumba , my sister in law has it for PlayStation and the other has it for XBOX 360. I should probably go do it with them, but I might even be too embarrassed to do it in front of them...Im actually not sure I could do it in front of the kids or my husband. I might just need a glass or 2 of wine before I try. I'm not sure why I'm so shy. I should just let loose and have fun!

Have you tried it? How hard is it?

I LOVE them

2011-06-02T09:15:00.002-04:00

I love, love, love coupons. They are like paper money! Seriously. If you use them right you will save a TON of money. I am not an extreme couponer, although that would be fun (and I'd give it all away, not hoard it.) But I do use coupons for everything I can.

Ive kept track over the last few years and have saved about $700 each year. And I'm sure I forgot to write down some. I use them mainly on food items at grocery stores and pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens etc). I need to get better at looking for restaurant coupons and retail coupons before we leave the house and plan our outings according to coupons. I'm loving the group coupon sites for getting great deals for family outings. I have even been passing off lowe’s coupons

to my husband. He has actually been using them...YAY. I've been seeing a lot more Lowe's coupons coming through in the mail and that makes me happy! Becasue we WILL use them.

And I am currently watching Extreme Couponing on TV...lol. Im a dork, but that is ok!!

Falling by the wayside

2011-05-24T22:13:00.004-04:00

Dear Blog,

You keep falling by the wayside, forgotten, not remembered. How does it feel??

It feels very sad to me, because I am going to come back looking for memories and I will find none. Another school year is almost over, did I even update about any of it, besides the first day?? Gosh, I am a slacker. I feel like this whole year has been a waste ::SMH:: So many things I wanted to do, and none got done. I had many more rooms to paint and all I painted was the front door. I didn't even paint the back to match or install any door plates. I feel like I have wasted my days beyond belief. I hope I did some meaningful stuff, but at the moment I cannot even remember. I'll be back soon with an update of Ethan's new bed, maybe Nate and Mary's wedding and the end of school year pics compared to the 1st day (I have to at least do that).

It is past my bedtime so off I go! I plan on being back sooner rather than later. Goodnight dear blog, goodnight.

Bachelorette Party Gift :: How to make Panty Roses::

2011-04-25T21:10:00.007-04:00

Here is a great gift idea for a bachelorette party or girls night out or even a cute birthday gift. Ive used it for bachelorette parties and it has been a hit. You can get anything from naughty to nice panties and anything in between!

Here are some pictures and instructions!

You will need to buy some panties! Mix it up! Fun, sexy, lacy, thongs...whatever. Stick to a color scheme or don't. You make the rules. I usually do 6, but you can do a whole dozen if you wish.

You will also need to buy a bunch of fake roses. I got these for less than an $1 at Walmart.

You will also need: straight pins, a vase, foam for the arrangement of the flowers.

You need to roll the panties to make them look like a rose. Each pair of panties, is different roll em up till you get the right look. Pin a few pins into the side where the seam is. Then pin a pin up through the bottom of the plastic Sometimes you need to fold them in half before you roll them.

You will take the green base off the fake roses so you can use it for the base of the panty rose. And detach the stem as well. Push the stem up thru the bottom (push up into the panty in between the roll so you dont ruing the material of the panty)and then put on the green leaf base, and attach with a pin through each petal of the green base up thru the panty to hold into place and keep from unrolling.

(*Some panties just don't look really good rolled up, thinner ones work better, I tried to use a really ruffly pair, white ones in picture above, and they didn't work)

A view from the top

A side view all done

A view of the vase and the 6 panty roses.

A view from the top.

I hope I explained that well. If not, ask me questions!

I can smell the baseball fields

2011-04-20T13:03:00.001-04:00

In just a few weeks I will be living at the fields again. 2 kids in 2 different leagues that play at 2 different fields...I have a feeling I will be much busier than last year! I don't mind too much, it is fun, but it does get a little old as the season hit it's peak.

It is time to start buying cleats, pants, softball socks, bats, gloves and I'm sure I'm forgetting stuff!

I am looking forward to it for the kids sake, it will keep them occupied and help them run their energy off!

I wonder how Sasha will do at the fields this year?? She was at most games and practices last year, since she was a itty bitty puppy=) We actually got her the first day of Merci's practices last softball season!

::Girls gone WILD::

2011-04-19T20:27:00.003-04:00

Today I was busy making a gift for my future sister in law! (less than 2 weeks!!!) The bachelorette party is this Saturday-4 days!!, I'm a pretty excited. GIRLS GONE WILD is the theme, and I could definitely use a wild night out!! Going shopping tomorrow for some animal print clothes to go with the theme. We are renting a party bus and we are going to have some FUN! I will definitely be responsible, I don't like to be sick or foolish;)

I cannot wait to share what I made...ssshhh...don't tell, but I made a panty bouquet (haha, check out these camo panties I think my hubby would get a kick out of these! He loves camo). If you want to know more check back early next week! I took some photos and will give you step by step instructions!

Apple Bottoms

2011-04-07T10:40:00.002-04:00

I find it super hard to find the perfect jeans. I actually never have found any. I actually don't really think I've bought jeans in years. I get hand me downs from my friend and my aunt, and since I'm not at a weight I want to be at, so why buy?? I'll just do with what I have. They are nice name brand jeans, so actually better than anything I would buy=) I have always thought

apple bottom jeans were cute, and come to find out they are pretty affordable! I love the little extra designs on jeans, that is why the little apples on the booty make me say AWE. But I don't think Id really wear them=) I don't think I would like that much attention to that area...haha. But I won't judge anyone that wears them either, because they are CUTE!

The bigger picture is comfort though...so what are YOUR favorite, cheaper, comfortable jeans????

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-06T21:11:00.002-04:00

Signs

2011-04-06T21:01:00.004-04:00

Spring is right around the corner! Super excited, just VERY ready for the season to really change and stop teasing us. As we drive around we see signs all around. Green shoots popping up, the grass is definitely getting greener, especially from all this rain, people outside, feather flags announcing all the vacant apartments for rent, a few flowers, trees with buds everywhere, ahhhh lovely!

Easter is around the corner. School will be over in less than 3 months. I can go on and on, I am super excited!

Just in case you wanted to know:)

How come I keep forgetting???

2011-04-06T20:48:00.003-04:00

Dear Blog,

I keep forgetting about you! I'm so sorry. Things aren't really too busy or anything. Just plain old forgetting=( No excuses.

-It isn't like I have some big time management jobs or anything. I'm sorry. But here am, not forgetting about you tonight.

I was a Martha Stewart today. Cooking and crafting all day. It was refreshing. But for some reason I am super tires today. I bets it is the overcast day....longing for the warmth that is around the corner.

But now I am resting on the couch with my dear laptop and the TV, and my sweet Sasha by my side.

So we will see you again soon!

Dreaming

2011-03-29T10:49:00.002-04:00

It seems I sit here and dream so much. Yet it seems like those dreams keep getting pushed away. All of them. I am so grateful for all I have, don't get me wrong. Things aren't peaches and cream but things aren't disastrous either. I know so many people have it worse than me. But how long can one wait for the dreams that have been put in their heart?? Some people can look at me and say I have what they want. I have 2 healthy, beautiful children, a 10+ year marriage that is pretty good (we all have little things to work on, so I cant say its perfect, we are happy and in love and that is the main thing). . My dream right now it to make a difference, to be someone and feel like I have accomplished something more than getting through each day.

Do you understand? I don't know if I do really. =)

I want to adopt. I want a new kitchen (the white floors, the white cabinets and 10 inches of counter space drive me to insanity daily). I want to go on a nice vacation. I want to know how to be a better mom and wife, because I'm sick of failing daily.

I have so many friendships I want to make better, but seem like I keep getting pushed away from those as well. Am I the only one with time for others??

I guess I'm just in one of those depressed places in life. I'm sure it wont last long. I know I will be fine, just need to get stuff out and then the feeling better starts.

LONG day

2011-03-25T19:17:00.004-04:00

Today is the day we decided to snake our basement drain. It has been backed up since Wednesday. It went down quite a bit but it is at standstill and hasn't gone done anymore since Thursday morning. My wonderful husband worked all day long trying to get it done himself, but we just don't have a snake big or strong enough. We resorted to calling a plumber who will be here in the morning. $200 some dollars later I hope the problem is no longer a problem.

I am thankful that this isn't worse, I know so many of you have experiences much worse. Nothing was ruined and the water is not coming up (it is not sewage) it just isn't going down. So after my little hissy fit this afternoon. I am thankful even in the midst of this hardship. We will get through this!

Tonight I will cuddle on the couch with my husband and a blanket, and my dog and a glass of wine...and if I was a connoisseur I would enjoy a nice cigar, maybe I could get some padron cigars for sale. but Im not so my cheap wine will do!!

Im there...

2011-03-10T09:42:00.002-05:00

I'm 30. I am almost 1 week past being 30, you wait for the moment, maybe cringe, maybe look forward to, then it is done and past before you know it! My birthday weekend was GREAT. I just wish the fun could have lasted longer, but atlas, you need to move on from the celebrating and get on with life.

Still pondering whether I will get a job or not. Being turned down is a hard pill to swallow. I know that just because one bitchy lady didn't like me doesn't mean the rest of the world wont love me. Trying to decide what I really want to do. I don't want a career but I don't just want a job either. The American Red Cross trains for LPNs through a free program, so I might just look into that to see if it is something I like, nursing has always been in the back of my head, but the excuse of blood freaks me out, always come tot he front of my head. Maybe I should try LPN, and go from there, maybe I will see I can do medical stuff (and maybe I can wear a cute nursing uniforms...haha)...and maybe it will confirm I can't. And I know LPN's don't do a ton, but maybe that is just perfect for me...who knows...what can free training hurt??

Off to get ready for a lunch with a blog friend, how fun??? We celebrate birthdays very close to one another! And I cannot wait to see this beautiful woman who has lost a ton of weight since last time I saw her (a year ago sadly)...YEAH YOU!!! ;)

Fun Day

2011-02-24T19:29:00.002-05:00

Went out to a mall so a friend could use her groupon that expires tomorrow...none of those stores around here=( Went to PF Changs for the first time, yummy! Kids were great after school, got some laundry put away, grabbed some chicken noodle soup out of the freezer thawed it, finished some stuff for the shower on Saturday. Got ready and now I am heading out to Paninis (yep the one that hasn't called me back for a job...boo) for girls night with the SIL's.

All in all an easy day!

YEAH!

::Day after ice storm::

2011-02-22T21:52:00.003-05:00

FINALLY...I am doing something I said I would...posting pictures of the ice storm like I promised;)

The sun shinning on the ice covered tress was gorgeous...again...just because I say it gorgeous doesn't mean I love it! The beauty just makes it more enjoyable!

The fence covered in ice...

Looking down the street...

Pretty...

glistening...

Complaining about the weather;) Just a little bit!

2011-02-22T09:15:00.003-05:00

If you are lucky and live in Ohio, you have experienced, a few 30-40 degree weather changes in the past week...crazy...I know. I am super thankful for the little taste of Spring, and think I can make it a few more week until SPRING is here full time...but...I may need to find some good natural skin care because this weather is really doing a number on my skin. I have a few really bad dry spots that just wont go away, and Ive never had them before=( I'm getting old I guess...lol.

30 in 10 days!!! I am excited about it, I really am. A new decade to make better than the last, to grow as a mom, a wife, a friend, to experience things I haven't yet, to take a lovely vacation with my husband, so much to do this decade, I really am excited.

Ill be back later with some pictures of the beautiful ice...yep, I said beautiful ice...and I mean it, but that doesn't mean I like it;)

::ALL the time::

2011-02-15T21:48:00.002-05:00

God is good all the time!! Even when you think you have nowhere to go and no one cares, He shows up. We own a small business and we are all dried up for jobs and all dried up in finances....like don't know how we will buy food or pay bills next week (we don't use credit card, we have a few that are getting paid off and NOT being used). BUT God showed up in the nick of time. Josh happened to call a friend about a new church he was part of and ended up getting an offer to go work with his company on a big project for a week or so. WOOHOO. Oh yeah, and making more money than we would with our business. And when this jobs is done we will be closer to Spring and working weather (the last few weeks have been so cold and icy and snowy working on roofs is not an option).

So, things will be pretty tight for a month or so but after that, it should be smooth sailing. God willing! Oh and we are crossing our fingers for some kind of return from our taxes...and there is a big mistake from last year that will get amended...which could be a really nice amount of $...Here's HOPING!!!

::Been Awhile::

2011-02-09T10:22:00.002-05:00

Here I am, really wishing I had the time to keep up on my blog...I love looking back and reading what has been going on in my life, so having big gaps in my blog is sad. But I'm here, for today anyway...been unusually busy around here, and it will continue to be for the next few months. We have a baby coming in the family, we have a wedding too, we also have my 30th, and many of my friends 30th's too! Busy...but good busy!

I got a lovely new camera for Christmas and would love to show off some cool pictures as well. I will get there, I WILL!!

Since I have no pictures to upload no, treat yourself to this eyecandy:

cubic zirconia rings

These are so beautiful and no one will know they are fake! I think I need to get me a pretty band to go with my ring....and maybe a necklace, and bracelet...Oh how I love jewelry! But being a mom I get very little of it, my kids come first! We all know how that is!

I hope to be back with some exciting posts with some pretty pictures...and all you photography people can give me tips and grade my pics so I can get better...How does that sound?? ;)

Another Event Promo

2011-01-28T13:57:00.003-05:00

I have another coupon code for you Clevelanders!
The Monster Jam presented by Advance Auto Parts will be at the Q February 19-20

CODE: MJMOM

DISCOUNT: Flat $15 tickets on ALL performances (additional fees may apply)

RESTRICTIONS: Not valid on Front Row or Gold Circle seats; no double discounts; limit 6 per order; discount ends on Friday, February 18, 2011.

LINK to purchase tickets: http://www.theqarena.com/events/monsterjam_110219-20/

We took the kids a few years ago and we all enjoyed it very much! Something different!
We were not prepared with ear plugs, this time we will be!
Also for the Saturday performance you can buy pit passes, to get up close and personal with the guys and trucks! My son is SO excited about this!

Grave Digger will be there as well as Bad Habit, Shock Therapy, Excaliber, Brutus, Spike, and Rap Attack, and for the first time EVER – TAZ!

Check out more about the show at www.monsterjam.com!!

hoping

2011-01-21T14:35:00.002-05:00

I like to think we live a modest life. I am sure there are others who live more modestly, but I think we do pretty well. We have all our needs met and a lot of our wants. If there is something new we want, we usually get it, we don't have much consumer debt, and the small amount we have we are diligently working at while NOT accumulating more. I have a hard time with wanting, Im sure we all do to a point. But my biggest want right now is a luxury vacation. Blue water, white sand, beauty all around. Not a 5 star place with every amenity, just a 4 day paradise getaway. Im not asking for blue diamonds or anything. I just want a honeymoon with my husband, we missed out on this when we got married since we had a 4 month old little girl who needed us. As you know we wished for this for our 10 year anniversary (November), but it didn't happen. So instead I will HOPE for it for our 11 year anniversary that will be on 11-11-11...it's gotta be special with all those 11's right???;)
AHHHH...a girl can dream!

Job looking....still

2011-01-13T14:40:00.002-05:00

I am still looking for a job, one that will suit me and my role as a mom. Boy is it hard! I really just want to work at Starbucks (not a finance job or anything), and that doesn't seem to be working out. Bummer. If you know someone who works for Starbucks...I could use a hook up!!;) I know God has a plan for me, but it be nice if he'd clue me in...haha. No worries, I know He will, in time. I'm OK where I am, just want to be doing for for our financial stability, our bills are paid every month, but my husbands job isn't 100% stable, not sure being an owner of your own business is ever very stable.

I wonder if I'll get a job before it is time to have the kids home for the Summer??? Who knows!

Your feelings?

2011-01-11T13:56:00.002-05:00

How do you feel about those fitness shoes??
First of all I think a lot of them are ugly, but they are coming around. Do you think they really help in your fitness level??
My mother in law has been wearing mbt shoes for a few years due to foot issues.
She says SO MANY people ask her if they work...she at first had no idea what they were talking about...then she realized people were asking her if they toned her legs or helped her loose weight like some other brands advertise.
We always joke that she should make up a story like "You wont believe it but I lost 100 pounds JUST from wearing these shoes, can you believe it??"
Haha that be funny huh??

Anyway...last Wednesday I started back at the gym and in 6 days Ive been there 4 times!!
I think I can, I think I can, I think I can loose some weight and tone up by this Summer!

Do you think I can??

Tis the Season

2011-01-10T17:33:00.004-05:00

I am already seeing signs for prom dresses everywhere. Makes me sad to think those fun high school times were so long ago (I'll be 30 in March...gasp). But it is good because my mom is still looking for dress for my brothers wedding in April...waiting until the last minute is not a good idea, but it may just work out for us! Prime time!

So if anyone has any ideas were can look for CHEAP dresses for my mom please comment! We have a very limited budget! Used is fine as well. Also any tips for a cheap place for alteration since me and Merci need lots of help with that!

::Dance::

2010-12-07T10:45:00.004-05:00

Last Friday night Merci went to her first school dance. I know...5th grade seems so young. We deliberated for days on whether to let her go or not. We figured we'd get her dressed up and have Josh take her on a date or something, but Josh needed to go be with his moms and aunt because Grandma was going downhill again (she died on Sunday 12/5).

So we decided to let her go, because of a lot of reasons, #1 parents were encouraged to come, so I went with her. #2 most 8th graders would not be there and from talking to moms, this 8th grade class is not as mature as some. #3 I didn't want her to miss the social aspect of it.

And let me say I am so excited we let her go, but man did it bring back memories and make me what to dance! I didn't know this until we got there, but no slow dancing was allowed, and the kids would get a time out if they didn't anything unacceptable. There were about 50 or so adult to about 100 kids, so it was a great atmosphere for the kids to just have fun! They all danced all night long there was no awkward girls in one corner and boys in the other. I love our school!

While there I realized my brothers wedding is coming QUICK and soon Ill be a dancing queen myself=) Just last week Ethan and Josh went to get fitted for their tuxes...and boy is Ethan going to look so HANDSOME...Josh too;)
All the girls bridesmaid dresses are in, Merci has her dress, so things are getting pulled together quite well. After the new year it will be all about showers and bachelorette/bachelor parties!! Woo hoo!

Really? & New family photo!

2010-12-06T19:15:00.002-05:00

You have definitely heard me whine about car insurance if you have been following this blog for any length of time. It is a sore subject for me. I HATE INSURANCE. All these what if's, and sue happy people in this world cost us thousands of dollars year. I know it is good, I definitely understand that. But just the politics behind it etc, is what really gets to me.

So last week when our homeowners renewal policy cam in the mail ad hundreds of dollars higher than last year, I was PEEVED. My insurance company has heard from me lots over the last few months, that is for sure. In this instance they got my rate lowered, so A+ on that. But F- in getting me cheap car insurance. My rates are $40 a month higher than last year, and last year was higher than previously...yet we have never used it or gotten anymore tickets (well I got one, but 1 in 10 years come on...).

Maybe I should become an insurance agent, make tons of money off other people and not care whether they can afford it or not, just know they legally HAVE to so why not make $ off them.

URGGGGGGG.

In other news, isn't this a great family picture??

Mounting

2010-12-03T08:40:00.003-05:00

The pressure is mounting as the days get closer to Christmas.
Will I have enough $ to get everything I need?
Will I get everything done that I want to do?
Will I get a chance to be an example of how I want my kids to see Christmas?

I already feel the rush, rush and I want to slow down.
I try to get my running done when the kids are at school, but I also need to get stuff done around here.
Maybe it has just been a stressful week with 2 Christmas concerts, our regular obligations and Josh's grandma not doing well.

Hopefully I will get a chance to breathe sometime soon...like in 10 minutes when I pop in a movie for myself!

I wish things were easy and that I could just click here and it all be ok! But since that is not likely I will just take deep breaths and remember the reason (JESUS) for the season!

Not bad

2010-12-02T12:25:00.002-05:00

Like I mentioned before, I was hoping to get back into things at the gym. I did!! Monday morning!
I'm still sore, Thursday=) Also yesterday a friend and I walked about 2.5 miles or so...even though it was in the 30s and we had a tiny bit of snow flurries. We are good like that=)
For those of you body builders, I found a site that compares different creatine powder. Just in case you were wondering;)

Besides getting a few workouts in, it has been a crazy week.
Monday we found out that Josh's grandma is going downhill quickly. 2 weeks ago she was walking around with her walker and now she is in bed not moving and barely responding to things. She is 93. We were very blessed to be able to spend Thanksgiving with her and even get a whole huge family picture with everyone in it!
Tuesday the kids go to Awana, so Josh and I got a hour to spend together, we hit a strip of store and got some Christmas gifts!
Wednesday I walked with my friend, shopped, had lunch and watched Biggest Loser at her house, the shopped some more and then Merci has a Christmas concert for band. She started playing trumpet (actually a coronet) at the beginning of the year. She did great!!

Tonight is Ethan Christmas concert, and we get to sit through K-4th singing songs all night...Merci will also play her trumpet again!

:SIGH::

I'm ready for an easy weekend!

A great stocking stuffer

2010-11-30T08:32:00.002-05:00

I know that January sounds a bit far away...but really it will be here before we know it!

I've got a coupon code again for you, this time to save on Disney on Ice tickets!

Use this code: MOM2
FOR: flat $11 off all performances
Not valid on front row or VIP seats, no double discounts; limit 4 per order
Order here:

http://www.theqarena.com/events/disney_110107/

I think this is a great gift to ask family member to buy for your kids! Or just a little stocking stuffer from mom and dad!

This year it is all about Toy Story 3...Good old Buzz and Woody....who can resist!!
Maybe we will see you there=)

FULL

2010-11-28T20:12:00.002-05:00

I am sure feeling Thanksgiving. I feel so icky. My belly has been full since Thursday.

Besides that it was a fun weekend here! We hosted Thanksgiving for my family, then on Friday we went to the Rainforest with my cousins, then we went back to their hotel to swim! That evening we got together with extended family at the Winking Lizard, Saturday we had ice skating lessons and then we put up our Christmas tree and worked on Merci's science fair display board. Today we went to church and did some shopping and then came home to play our new Wii game.
I am determined to get back to the gym tomorrow...it has been weeks, sadly. But instead of giving up, I'm going to start again. Especially since the Christmas season has begun there will be many get togethers and parties on the horizon! So I definitely don't want to be disappointed by the scale, and I definitely want to be able to find something cute to wear!

I'm not looking for best muscle building supplements or anything. Just to loose a little bit of pounds or at least stay the same weight but see a different shape! You know how it goes.
Plus my brother is getting married in April so I gotta be looking good!!
Ethan and Josh got fitted for their tux's today and I cannot wait to see my handsome boy in April!

Hope your Thanksgiving was great!

ThankFULL Week

2010-11-25T09:41:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful that I have a home. A beautiful home...not all the way we want it, and not perfect but wonderful! Almost 2 years we have been here. Today is the 2nd Thanksgiving we have hosted, and this time last year we were working overtime to get the basement done. 1 year since our wonderful TV room came together!! It is so very comfy down here, I love it. My place of relaxing, my place of cuddling with hubby, kids and pets.
We never thought we would see the day we owned a house and here I am being Thankful for it=)

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

ThankFULL Week

2010-11-24T09:35:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful that I have 2 lovely kids. They create almost all the challenges I face day to day, but without challenges, I wouldn't be who I am. The challenges grow me, stretch me, mold me. Without my kids who knows where I'd be?? Not here and that means I wouldn't be as happy as I am now=)

(This picture is from 3-4 years ago! They look so young!)

Disgusted

2010-11-23T21:52:00.003-05:00

I am seriously disgusted to learn that so many stores are open on Thanksgiving=(
Lets take away one of the only days people still spend with their family. Lets force mom and dads to choose money over their kids and families. It has been a tough few years for so many. I really don't feel bad for the stores who haven't made what they have in years previous or whatever their excuse is. I will not shop on Thanksgiving. I will not shop on Black Friday. I just don't want to be a part. I am all for deals, but just am sick of the hype.
Another thing I will not do and pray I never have to is buy into the whole cash advances thing. ICK. Stop pretending that you are there for people...you are their to make a bad bad habit.

Do you plan to shop on Black Friday?? Let me know the great deals you got!
(I'm not against shopping on black Friday, I just don't do it...if I do I go int he afternoon when there are no crowds!)

ThankFULL week

2010-11-23T14:00:00.000-05:00

It is Tuesday and the last day this week my kids have school. I am thankful for the option to put them in a charter school. We don't have the finances to pay for private schools, and don't feel led to home school, and definitely don't live in a good school district so cannot send our kids to public schools. So I am extremely grateful for this "other" option we have!

Our kids class size can only be 20, they must wear uniforms, they get character education (kindness, loyalty, trustworthy, etc...) they are greatly cared for and known by all the teachers and the list goes on. We love our kids school!!

And all in all I am thankful my kids get the opportunity to go to school at all, so many kids in other countries count it a privilege to get an education and here in the US it is taken for granted the opportunity to be educated.

ThankFULL Week

2010-11-22T14:00:00.001-05:00

Today I want to express my Thanks for brooms and swiffers. Seriously. I have hardwood floors and 2 cats and a dog and 2 kids and a husband...whom I am ALWAYS cleaning up after and I just like clean floors. As a matter of fact if you are talking on the phone with me, I am sweeping! Not sure why, but if I get on the phone I automatically pick up the broom! Kinda funny=)

I am so glad that I get to clean up and not have to just deal with the dirt.

So today be thankful that you actually are able to clean, it is a privilege, believe it or not!

ThankFULL Week

2010-11-21T21:01:00.003-05:00

I wanted to start a little ThankFULL Week here on my blog!

I love thinking of all the little things we take for granted and be super thankful for them.

I'm going to start with sleep. It isn't such a little thing, but something I do take for granted. so many people have sleep horror stories, especially when they have little kids. We had some major issues with our youngest, for almost a year. But now I think I have some of the best sleepers around! Usually there is no arguing, and absolutely no problems. My kids sleep about 11-13 hours at a time. Only every once in a blue moon does one of them even wake up with a bad dream, or other issues. Josh and I are great sleepers as well. It seems like lately Ive heard quite a number of people who have to use a sleeping pill or other method of inviting sleep. I really don't understand, as I have never experienced sleep problems.

So this is why I wanted to express my thankfulness for SLEEP. I am ever grateful for my full nights of it!

Last minute...

2010-11-15T21:14:00.002-05:00

We are such last minute people. My husband and I are both procrastinators...not good to have 2 of those in a marriage! But we figure it out somehow!

Last year we hosted Thanksgiving for the first time. We had grand plans to make a TV room in our basement, so of course it didn't get finished till hours before family got here...ugh...and there is STILL molding and stuff that needs to be done.

And just recently did we replace the light bulb in our bathroom fan above the shower...its only been 8 months or so.

Tonight was another get stuff done night, the middle rail on our bed frame was broke, and we felt like it was really making a difference in how we slept, so finally after a few month hubby fixed it for good...that was the easy project of the night...the other one included lots of water all over the place...not good, but it is all better now, so I wont get into it.

Now I am just waiting for Josh to get out of the shower so we can watch House!
I need it after the 2 hours of 5th grade math I had to teach to my daughter...UGH.

A lovely day!

2010-11-12T15:45:00.002-05:00

Yesterday my husband and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary. We weren't able to take a nice vacation like we hoped or even go away for the weekend, so we spent the day together!

We ventured to Amish country and had a blast! We wrote down some addresses to places that looked interesting and brought our handy iPad along and followed the directions around town. We stopped at a huge flea market, it was interesting but not very Amish, the we went to this farm that had a bunch of exotic animals, but decided not to do the tour (very pricey, and would be funner with the kids), then we went to a huge store that was like a kitchen gadget store and grocery store in one, then we stopped a few more random places and then had some home cooked Amish food, then with full bellies head home. Doesn't sound very exciting but it was great to just hang out in a different city together with our minds of of home. We also got some cool things to bring home! Like Amish peanut butter spread, that is a mix of peanut butter and marshmallow cream...YUMMY!! And of course some yummy cheese! I got green onion cheddar (OH SO GOOD) and he got some jalapeno cheddar.

My husband always has the iPad with him, so I never get to play! It was fun to get some play time yesterday! After some discussions I'm thinking some cool ipad accessories would make a great Christmas gift for him! We talked about a few things that he would like for it like a iPad screen protector so we wont have to constantly be wiping off the finger prints as well as a dash mount (or some kind of mount) for the iPad so we can see the gps better or let the kids watch a movie. He has also mentioned getting a wireless keyboard as well. Im excited to have some functional ideas for him!!

Looking forward to a lovely vacation sometime next year!!

A surprise??

2010-11-04T15:05:00.002-04:00

I know I mentioned in my last post that next Thursday my husband and I celebrate 10 years of marriage. I did say we weren't going on vacation, but I am thinking about surprising him with a one or two night stay at this great getaway area around here. We've been there once, but I should really check some places out to see if they are available...hmmmm....

The cabin we went to years ago was beautiful, overlooked the woods, which is perfect right about now with some beautiful colors left but some bare trees as well. We had a hot tub on the porch and got to relax in it while it was snowing, now that was cool! The cabin was big, had a great kitchen and we cooked meals together, snuggles on the beautiful cabin furniture while watching a movie in front of the fireplace. There were great paths to walk nearby with waterfalls and caves and also some great antique shops to browse.

I think I just talked myself into checking some availabilities=) Ssshhh don't tell.
Watch...he will check my blog today for the first time in years;)

Thinking about trying

2010-11-04T13:00:00.000-04:00

Hey, I have been thinking about trying a colon cleanser...have you done one? Naturally? with pills? Help!

I may need a basic one to start off with, is there such a thing? A basic short one?? I need to start small, but think this might really help me
(I think I will get hubby to do it with me!)

Great way to enter our 1oth year of marriage together...lol (ONLY 1 more week until 10 years!!!)
Sadly we wont be going on vacation right now, probably at the beginning of the year, or maybe not, but looking like we have a big job coming then, so hopefully we can splurge (I will also be turning 30 in March so we can do a double celebration!)
Our passports are ready whenever God tells us we can spend the money!!

So really...What colon cleanse have you used? What were the results??

The cold is here...

2010-11-04T09:31:00.002-04:00

It has been pretty cold here the last few days, and supposedly snow will be here this weekend ::gulp:: I hate to say it. Yesterday morning I even had to go start the car to get all the frost off the windows-our 2 car garage is filled with my husbands business equipment=(

The cold makes me want to hibernate, we have not been waking up in a timely fashion (it is extremely hard to get out of a warm bed when it is till dark out), I am unmotivated till later in the afternoon-which means I have not been making it to the gym (and when it was too hot out that was my excuses...excuses, excuses, know!)

I think I need to just get up and dressed and not take the kids to school in PJ's ::gulp:: and head straight for the gym, I don't want to do the lazy persons diet (www.fatburnersforwomen.org) and be all bummed when I am not seeing results since I am too lazy to go work out for 30 minutes or so...such a never ending cycle...but I will beat it...I WILL.

How do you get motivated to wake up in the morning? Is waking up at the last minute better or forcing yourself to get up a bit early at the same time daily?? What is your magic secret??

Halloween 2010

2010-11-01T19:34:00.005-04:00

We have a few traditions for Halloween.

#1 We go to our friends house to trick or treat with them. I hope we always will!

#2 We bring Merci's friend who used to live a few houses down before we moved.

What can be more fun than trick or treating with your best friends??

Ethan as a Clone Trooper from Star Wars

Ethan's pumpkin, designed by him, carved by me

Merci as an Avatar

Merci's pumpkin

UGH....

2010-10-28T20:41:00.003-04:00

This middle school thing is killing me. Surprisingly it isn't even the attitude...much...a little bit, but not much. It is the shift in work load. Merci gets an hour study hall at the end of the day, so the amount of homework she brings home is super minimal, but I feel like the amount of knowledge and responsibility is what has changed. Merci is a lot of things, bright, beautiful, loving, dramatic, but responsible is not of the the things she IS. We really are trying to work with her on this. We talk through it with her, giver her examples, explain to her that she needs to work toward her freedom as a teenager NOW. She just IS NOT getting it...I want to like, SCREAM through a microphone and then, maybe THEN she will hear us and understand??? Maybe???

Funny (a little exasperating, but funny) story. Tonight we sat down to study her Social Studies from her study guide that she should have filled out straight from her book...there were some very sketchy answers...but my favorite was: dam-is a bad word....lol...oh boy, we have a long road ahead of us with this one.

::getting paid::

2010-10-26T21:32:00.000-04:00

There are so many programs out there for bloggers to make money!
There are sponsored positions where a company sponsors your blog and you do some promotions for them, there are jobs where you link to certain pages and get paid a set amount per post, there are opportunities for you the review products usually getting that product for free and then getting paid on top of that and there are sales opportunities where you showcase a product and if someone clicks the link on your page and orders you get commission, like weight loss affiliate program.
I have taken part in most of the above mentions opps. Some companies pay lots, some pay little, some require lots, some require little, some make you wait long periods of time for your money some pay quickly...do dome research and I'm sure you can find the right opp for you!

Per Ethan

2010-10-26T09:35:00.002-04:00

As we stepped out of the car this morning at school Ethan enthusiastically commented "This is the perfect day." Meaning the weather! We are still seeing a bit of Indian Summer, it is windy but a comfortable 65 degrees, or so.

As soon as I finish up work in the office I will be heading out to enjoy the "Perfect Day" I think I'll take my pup for a walk! I love her.

Last week we weren't so lucky...It was COLD...we even saw some overnight frosts, and I was out one night in sleet...ick, way to close to snow for my liking.

Josh and I were walking into a coffee shop that happened to be right next to a tanning salon. Boy did it make me want to get my tanning bed lotion out and escape into fake sunshine for 15 minutes or so. I think I may go back to tanning this winter...just for some vitamin D. Ya know?? or maybe a financial miracle will happen and we can REALLY go on that honeymoon we have been waiting for for the past 10 years (Nov 11...we have our passports and are just waiting to find the perfect priced vacation, hopefully in Nov, but we might have to wait a bit longer).

I won't tell you...

2010-10-23T20:00:00.000-04:00

that Christmas is less than ?? days away!

Told ya I wouldn't, because I don't think you would believe me anyway...the number of days is down to double digits, that is how close it is...YIKES.

We are still deciding what we are going to do this year. I mentioned to Ethan that we were only going to get 1 present and give the rest to those in need...he freaked a little, and then I told him to think of one thing he would REALLY want...that calmed him down.
So I think we might just do it.

Then there is the husband whom I love an appreciate so very much and I can never surprise the guy...seriously. I figure out something and then he happens to go buy it for himself before Christmas...UGH. So this year I need to figure something out that HE won't. Any ideas on any new electronics items coming out?? Maybe I need to dig down deeper and find something sentimental or something that you can't just go pick up at the store....hmm any idea on that either??

Cold=Warm and Cozy

2010-10-23T10:23:00.002-04:00

It has been getting pretty cold here in Ohio overnight...like in the 30's.
Daytime has been in the 50's.
And I have been sleeping like a baby, well actually baby's don't sleep really well, so Im not sure I like that comparison. In any case let me assure you I have been sleeping VERY WELL.
And actually I usually sleep pretty well, I am not one that has to take sleep aids ever.
I guess I am lucky, because I know a lot of people with insomnia issues.

Anyway...today we are off to so some errands, Josh had to work today for awhile to catch up on some projects. Me and the kids will do some shopping, and finally pick out some pumpkins...usually I get them too early and now I feel like I have waited too long. Merci has a party at 12:30, and then I will do some hanging out with my boy!
AND
tomorrow we are going to the CIRCUS...we always have so much fun!!

The circus is in Cleveland

2010-10-22T13:17:00.006-04:00

The circus is here, and has been for a few days...but don't worry you have today through Monday to use this coupon code:

MOM2

to get these great deals...

4 for $44 on all weekday performances: Mon, Oct 25 at 7:30pm

$4 off on all weekend performances: All Friday, Saturday, and Sunday performances

RESTRICTIONS: Not valid on Circus Celebrity, Front Row, or VIP seats; no double discounts; limit 6 per order

You can order here: http://www.theqarena.com/events/circus_101020/

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^® is roaring into town with Barnum’s FUNundrum!^SM, a new jumbo-sized, un-miss-able event celebrating the 200^th anniversary of the birth of legendary P.T. Barnum, the Greatest Showman on Earth!

From the moment that you arrive, the momentum explodes as The Greatest Show On Earth^® comes to life in a way that can only be inspired by the greatest showman who ever lived. At Barnum’s FUNundrum!, the funtastic and funbelieveable experience answers the FUNundrum! so get your tickets today before this train leaves the station!

Hope to see you there!!

Spread the word, this coupon code is good for all your family and friends.

::heart:: blogging

2010-10-20T09:39:00.002-04:00

I am not a fan of winter...love Fall and the pretty colors, smells, Indian Summer etc...but then winter is right around the corner. It is getting cold here in Ohio. Time to turn the furnace up and get out all the warm fuzzy clothes, socks and blankets.

The other night I took my laptop to the basement with me (I'm usually too lazy to get the laptop up...the desk top is always on on right there) and I remembered that I love snuggling on the couch with my hubby, blankets and the laptop-because it keeps me WARM=) So I just sat there the other night with the laptop open and running on my lap as I watched TV...how silly! But warm!

I guess I'm excited to get this blog back to speed and start adding pictures and milestones etc. I know if I don't I will miss looking back and seeing our family grow and change. I also like finidng new blogs like...glucomannan and other mom blogs, couponing blogs etc. But right now my focus is on health and nutrition, so I like to read what I can about that and implement little things here and there...

Any good blog suggestions for my reader for this winter??

Wisdom Teeth

2010-10-17T10:27:00.002-04:00

Because facebook is so easy to use, I tend to forget about you dear old blog.

Last Wednesday I got my 2 bottom wisdom teeth removed. They were impacted. I was asleep. Today was day 4 post surgery and I am mostly fine. Tiny bit of stiffness and soreness, but nothing ibuprofen couldn't help! I never even had to take the Vicodin, which I am glad cuz I took it with my kidney stone and it made me feel super sick.

I am super blessed to have recovered well without any complications...yet anyway, but I am sure I will be fine. Ready for a new week, back to almost normal. Looking forward to hearing from manager at Starbucks as well!

Talk soon dear blog.

Detox??

2010-10-17T10:18:00.003-04:00

I recently heard about a rapid detox center. I am not quite sure how I feel about this...I do know people who are drug addicts and with all my heart would love to see them get away from that. But for the amount of money it costs, will it really solve their problems? I am pretty sure addiction to drugs, is hard to beat on many levels and not just the addiction one, I'm pretty sure people who rely on drugs have issues with their life and with themselves. Just getting away from the addiction doesn't stop the habit. But then again, if getting rid of the addiction to the chemicals will help that individual make better choices, and feel better about themselves, then I guess detox could help solve issues on different levels. A beginning I guess. A beginning of a long journey of many new choices and paths to fully get the individual back on path.

Have you known anyone to go through a detox for drugs? Did it help? Did it fail?

Being a mommy has taught me much

2010-10-07T20:39:00.003-04:00

I was 19 when I became a mom. I was 19 when I married the love of my life. Which means in 5 weeks we will have been married for 10 years. I'm sure ill be talking about that more, but right now I want to talk about what I've learned in being a mom...which obviously I cannot list everything...but I'll list some.

I've learned that things don't always go as planned, I list that first because it WAS probably really one of the first things I learned. I expected I'd have a boy...only 2 girls out of the 11 kids b/w our 2 families...I had a girl...the midwives and I expected she'd come before her due date, she came 4 days late! And from then on nothing went the way I expected...all us moms learn that pretty quickly.

I learned that my love of shoes (converse, wingtips, dress shoes, pf flyers shoes-you name it I had it) and shopping, needed to take a backseat to shopping for my sweet little girl who had no clothes and shoes and had a real need fro them, unlike me. I learned quickly to be unselfish, since our money situation was tight only necessities would do.

I've learned that the little moments count, more that the big!

I've learned that a sense of humor goes a long way.

I've learned that being a mother is a HUGER than huge responsibility, I'm realizing daily what a HUGE job this is and realizing daily more and more things I am responsible for.

I've learned that a mothers job is NEVER done.

I've learned that there are many things I need to grow in.

That's all for now, but not nearly all that I've learned

Hand in Hand

2010-10-01T09:42:00.004-04:00

Working out and eating well go hand in hand, you really aren't going to see result in weight loss if you aren't doing some of both.

Ive been working out since last May, not consistently and not daily or even sometimes not weekly. Trying to get a bit more consistent. We will see how that goes. But eating good along with that is just as hard.

I had the opportunity to try new Healthy Choice Steaming Entres
I figured it be nice to have decent lunch/dinner to turn to if I just couldn't cook a healthy meal.
I am not generally a fan of frozen dinners, so having the opportunity to try this new variety, I was trying to be optimistic.

I got to try 2 meals...one had shrimp in it which I do not eat, so my husband got to enjoy that one!
Fora man who will not eat asparagus when I make it...tried the asparagus in this meal and ate it and semi liked it! He said it wasn't soggy and even complimented the texture of the shrimp. No limp shrimp here! But there was no way he was budging in trying the squash!
The Garlic Herb Shrimp gets a thumbs up from my husband!

I got to try the Portabella Parmesan Risotto.
Great flavor!
Definitely a lunch, as it didn't satisfy me for dinner...which they are supposed to be lunches anyway!

Overall Id say give em a try! Nice to keep in the freezer for those lazy non cooking days!

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Healthy Choice and received samples of their new steaming entrées to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central also sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Another....

2010-09-28T20:01:00.002-04:00

entire team with pantyhose over their heads...HAHAHA love it...2 pts

Hmmm...is it true??

2010-09-22T08:53:00.002-04:00

Daily we hear about new ways to loose weight or new food that are good/bad for us. It is overwhelming to say the least. Today it is the Top 10 fat burning foods, tomorrow it is the No carbs diet that disses those Top 10 fat burning foods. There is so much pressure on us as a society to be healthy, to loose weight, to look good etc, but then every time we turn around there is a new fast food restaurant going up...I swear they will not stop until there is one on every other corner...

I'm just so sick of hearing about it you know? I need to loose weight...I look fat...does this make my butt look too big etc...

Do it for yourself, and not for others.

I love hearing the success stories, I don't like hearing the whining that goes along with it. And believe me, I do some of that whining. I have a blogger friend who is doing it! She has lost about 20 pounds, and it is just from better choices in her eating, not a strict diet, not a gym rat, just little by little and boy is it refreshing to hear her successes! She wants to feel comfortable in her skin, she doesn't want to deprive herself or complain when she eats a piece of cake etc...she is aiming for healthy not worldly acceptance!

Heartwarming

2010-09-21T08:33:00.002-04:00

Some people out there don't understand blogging. I have been blogging for 5+ years with well over 1500 posts. I don't think I could have stayed sane as a stay at home mom if I wasn't turned on to blogging. I've met some great people, met some in real life and still home to meet some in the future. It is nice to know there are people out there struggling with the same issues as you, or even celebrating the same things as you. It has been a great out let for me in so many ways, I am thankful for the opportunity. I still wish to be a famous paid blogger someday, but if I don't achieve that it's OK.

Anyway...I wanted to share with yo something that is going on in the blogging world right now.
There is this tiny baby Matthew who was born to parents that had been trying to conceived for years. Finally after many miscarriages and a loss of a baby in the middle of her pregnancy, she gave birth to Matthew at the end of August...and then sadly and suddenly passed away in her sleep a week after he was born. How awful? How heart wrenching? I just am saddened beyond belief every time I think about this. Matthews father knew that his wife really, really wanted to breastfeed Matthew. And thanks to many bloggers being selfless and generous many mothers around the area and some far away are sponsoring baby Matthew with their breast milk...how is awesome is that??? I was so amazed at this! At first I thought it kinda weird with lots of issues to deal with, but you know what??? I think it is amazing, and if I could, I would. We drink randoms cows milk (and cows are animals...ick) so why cant this baby drink some random mothers milk??? He isn't sucking on some random breasts... that might be weird...he is getting nutrition in the way his mother dreamed of giving him, and some selfless women have agreed to give that mother her dream when she lost her ultimate dream of being a mother.

YEAH for awesome bloggers in this awesome community we share.

No turning back

2010-09-19T09:16:00.003-04:00

4...FOUR...yep 4 more days left of Summer. Oh my! I cannot believe it is over, I am not ready, yet I am. Fall is my favorite but that following it is the worst...I cannot even think about even calling it by name because I despise it, so long and dark and lonely, not to mention COLD. But I wont focus on that I will focus on that right in front of me...the closing, the END of Summer. Welcoming of warm and crisp and smells of apples and spice.

With that said, it is also time for the closing of the garden. I am not a pro and therefore am not going to attempt a Fall garden planting, (wouldn't this be cool though...gardening all year round...hydroponic systems?) we still are awaiting the endless supply of tomatoes forming, some that will not fully ripen or grow to be eaten, but there are still so many and so many buds as well. A few more peppers as well. I need to pull out the deeply rooted, once glorious sunflowers, that have been beheaded by my dog or my kids. I need to learn what to do to prepare my soil for next season, I have heard rumors about coffee grounds...anyone have any advice?

With that said, I still have 50 or so tomatoes in my freezer...I need to cook them down at some point and don't know how??? And advice on that too?

Something you haven't see here in awhile!

2010-09-16T20:09:00.000-04:00

A picture!

The family who tries on lampshades in Walmart!

It was part of a photo scavenger hunt...be on the lookout for some more pretty funny pictures from that fun and crazy day!!

What if we were just grateful???

2010-09-16T18:01:00.002-04:00

Are you a grateful person?? I think I am, but I am sure I can use some work!

Lately I have been just bogged down by people and their ungratefulness. I mean, Im sorry if you can't have the newest Prada handbags, you did just get the newest Gucci one last week. I mean seriously people. I don't want to hear you complain about your awesome vacation that your on while I stay at home a try to make ends meet for my family and hope and pray and hope some more that we can go away for our 10 year anniversary in November, because we've been away twice together in 10 year. Do people really think someone should feel sorry for them??? Because I don't.

My facebook status the other day was, What if we were all just grateful with what we had...someone responded, "Best Buy would be out of business" and he was so right...which is sad.

*steps off soapbox...hey I did say I could use some help in this area myself.

Again??

2010-09-13T18:13:00.002-04:00

Is it really time to renew my car insurance again??And did it really go up $40 a month for 1 ticket in 12 years??? Honestly people. I AM SO SICK OF INSURANCE of all kinds...I so sick of paying for just in case, ya know?? Is there even affordable car insurance anymore??? I KNOW it is a good thing. Don't lecture me on that. How much moe money could I be giving to people in need, blessing people who can't afford to put food on the table for their family, instead of paying for just in case, and barley being able to make it ourselves. Just sick and tired of the politics of companies that are supposed to be there for you, you know, the ones you are paying to be there for you but when it comes down to it will they be??? Probably not without a fight.

So I'll be on the lookout AGAIN. Spending my precious time on the phone and internet trying to find someone not wanting to rip me off.

Other than that things are looking good around here. A bit of allergies running around our home, sore throats and stuffy noses, but all in all things are good.

Highs and Lows

2010-09-07T18:18:00.002-04:00

How come the highs and lows of life cant just even out to OK days. I feel like I have SO MANY low days and not enough in between. It is probably me and my lack of a plan or purpose for my life right now. I mean, I cant even get my to do lists done, let alone figure out what I want to do with my life. I certainly cannot see myself in a career, or even liking a part time job, I'm so spoiled, how can I let go of that???

UGGGGGG, I see no end in sight.

We need to make some changes around here, and it is going to be painful, but the end result shall be sweet. Hopefully the lows will bottom out soon!

Thanks for letting me spill!

So many wow's

2010-09-03T08:46:00.002-04:00

Kids in school...1st and 5th grade...marriage coming up on 10 years (less than 10 weeks)...still so young I am. My mind cannot comprehend these numbers, these statistics.

Everyday I remember my kids toddling around, how cute they were and how I wished for those years to be over, they were so hard. It really is true what people say, "enjoy every moment." It really does fly by in a blink of an eye.

I would never have looked into the future and saw me, here, now. So many regrets and so many victories. I only hope many more victories for the next 10 years.

I want to celebrate...I want something special to mark these 10 years, that only by God's grace we have gotten through. ::Happy Tears::

Oh my. So much to think about. No wonder I cant get anything done in the 7 free hours I have per day...Oh wait, that is just me being lazy=)

They are back and so are my thoughts

2010-08-26T21:10:00.002-04:00

The kids are back in school, and now I have time to think, to ponder, to get my priorities in order.
So many thoughts running through my head about so many things.

#1 What am I to do with my life...??? Work, school, stay at home, volunteer...WHAT??
#2 I want to be a better mom and wife...what does this look like??
#3 What schedule works for getting the housework, business work, finances, couponing etc all done?
#4 How do I get this dog to stop chewing, pottying etc??

The biggest thing I am pondering is what plans the Lord has for me. Am I supposed to work so I can contribute financially, and possibly even carry health insurance. What will I do if I decide to work -retail work (have lots of experience with that), random job, waitressing ( no experience), healthcare medical jobs (lots of demand, no experience or degree, and live right by a hospital)....UGH...I have no idea. Maybe the best choice is to go finish some kind of degree and possibly substitute teach next year or so. I really have no clue and no direction.

So many decisions, such hard decisions, BLAH.

I'm sure I will figure something out. You can say a prayer for me, I'm sure that would help.
I'm ok with all of this, just thinking out loud, getting some of these thought out there and out of my head and possible looking for some wisdom!

Goodnight.

Need to write...

2010-08-23T20:36:00.003-04:00

One more full day and then the kids go back to school (E 1st grade, M 5th). For awhile I was feeling like I wasn't ready, but the reality is I AM READY, but THEY ARE TOO. They need some structure, they have had enough doing whatever, whenever, ya know?? And I know I am right because last Friday we went to the pool with some friends for the last time this Summer, and they sat there at our feet, whining that they were bored, or hungry....and we had just been out to eat 10 minutes before that....they didn't even recognize fun right in front of there faces.

Today was a stressful day, E is a hard child, whinny, always negative, never happy with what he has, and boy does that start wearing on you after awhile. Because we let the kids have a sleepover in E's room last night, they were up late and up super early...so of course he was super crabby today. I am mentally and emotionally exhausted.

Then there is Merci, the back talking, never shutting up pre-teen. OH MY.

Love them both so much, but goodness I need a break, and so do they. Not sure how they put up with me always getting them to do stuff and yelling, and loosing my temper...etc, etc....I KNOW I am not perfect as a mom.

Tonight I had the kids do some work, Merci has a work book we were working through this Summer and E had a packet he needed to finish over the Summer. With a little resistance, we did get some stuff done and Ethan was super interested in doing his, hmmmm...he must be ready to get his little brain working again!

So for so many reasons I am glad school starts on Wednesday! I will miss them but am determined to be MOM and only MOM when they get home...since I will have the whole day to myself.

Good night!

That time...

2010-07-28T09:18:00.005-04:00

**CLOSED-Winner is Sarah**

We leave for vacation soon, so that means I am scouring the house and dollar sections for little toys and fun stuff to keep in the car to keep the kids busy on the7-8 hour drive. We don't have portable dvd players, and even though they are affordable we just don't want the kids to rely on TV in the car. I usually pack a basket that sits in between them and they keep each other entertained for the most part. We have had really great traveling in the car in the past, and I am very grateful. BUT it just means I have to work hard every year to find interesting stuff for them to do!

I was pretty excited to learn about My Living Stories App for the iphone or itouch, I knew this would be one new thing to add to the keep the kids busy in the car list! Along with all their favorite games that I already have downloaded, like water slide, hangman, kitty jump, doodle buddy, paper toss...the list goes on! As you see the iphone isn't just my toy!

My Living Stories ($1.99) provides some classic stories as well as some new stories in an animated way, so your youngster can read along with the storyteller or if you have the capabilities you can record your voice to tell the story, or you can play music only and let your kids tell the story.
Because I want this to be new to them on the drive, I haven't got the thumbs up from the kids yet, but I am definite I will! If anything it is like a mini movie, the story is animated, has music in the background and you turn the page as your ready. And let me just say, the little girl narrator has the cutest voice! I also like that you can play the music only so your child can tell the story. It can't be practicing reading if it is on the iPhone can it??? (Ethan is really sick of us pushing him to practice reading, so maybe this will trick him!) Oh, and if your iPhone or iTouch has the capabilities you can record your own voice to tell the story as well! AND I am super excited to actually have my kids hear the Princess and the Pea, because honestly I think they've never heard it yet....we refer to it, but it will be cool to hear the story!

So check out the link for My Living Stories and tell me which one you would like most in the comments, and You COULD WIN A $25 iTunes gift card!!!! Comment by this Friday July 30th 5PM

Some rules:
1.)You can enter to win on multiple blogs, but can only win one iTunes card form the My Living Stories sweepstakes
2.) Please enter only once per person on this blog

Thanks MomCentral!

Disclosure - I am participating in the My Living Stories program by Mom Central on behalf of Decode Entertainment. I received 3 free apps and a gift card as a thank you for my participation.

Frugal

2010-07-27T09:29:00.002-04:00

If you have been around this blog for any amount of time, you know I am a frugal girl, as much as I can be. I love to shop with coupons, I love to shop most only on clearance, I just love a great deal!

My brother is getting married in April of 2011. Only 9 more months!! We found a dress, and only 3 weeks later went back to order it to find it was no longer available. Good thing it wasn't the brides favorite one, so we went back to her 1st pick and found it was over $200, and I am so glad she agrees that is ridiculous to pay for a flower girl dress...! BUT we found it on an few online auction sites, and was able to order it for $85!! I am super thankful we got such a great deal, but know we have to cross our fingers that it looks pretty close to the original, since it is a knock off coming form China....and that the color we chose for the sash that goes around it is close to the color of our dresses...or close. You can very well match colors on the computer screen. But we are excited to get it and find out, we have time to fix it if need be.

Now I have to go order my dress, and then it is the guys tuxes...all 4 of us in the wedding...yikes.

Cant wait to post a picture of her in it!

A great Treat!! For me and for YOU

2010-07-19T16:43:00.005-04:00

I was pretty excited to hear that Breyers had new tasty treats on the market.
I was even more excited to get to try some for FREE and even extend that same opportunity to YOU!!!

Breyers SMOOTH and DREAMY bars and sandwiches are INCREDIBLE...well, the Chocolate Covered Strawberry bars I chose, anyway!! There were 2 types of bars and 3 types of sandwiches to choose from, they all looked super yummy! And the great thing is that no matter what choice you make they will be under 160 calories (each, of course)! Less calories means less time I have to run on that elliptical at the gym, and that makes for a big thumbs up! They have no artificial flavors or color either. Yeah for a more naturla product! Another thumbs up.

I really enjoyed this ice cream bar, the ice cream WAS seriously Smooth and Dreamy...I won't lie, I had 2 today;) The ice cream was SUPER creamy and for once I understood the name of a product! I am never very inclined to try ice cream treats that are half the fat or supposedly "better for you" because I am an ice cream LOVER...so why skimp on taste? I was super to surprised to find these ice cream bars were not skimpy on the flavor at all...they were delicious and satisfied my sweet tooth. Another thing I am super picky about is, artificial sweeteners...DO NOT LIKE THEM or the taste of them, and do not believe they are good for you, and was happy to know these were all natural.

Way to go Breyers you are still my absolute favorite ice cream brand!!!

If you'd like to try these yummy treats...I have 5 FREE product coupons to mail out...be the first 5 to comment and Ill contact you for your mailing info!!

"I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Breyers and received products necessary to facilitate my review. In addition, I received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate."

I was keeping up

2010-07-18T19:29:00.002-04:00

I was finally actually keeping up on here...and then I slacked again. As most of you I have lots of posts floating around in my head and they just never make it on here...I really hope to this next week...lots of milestones to write about.

Sadly I have been slacking at the gym, making it only 1-2 days per week. I thought it be easy in the Summer, I thought taking the kids to the child watch room would be fun for them...well, not so much. More of the problem is me, I like to start my cleaning and chores and all that right in the morning and then get myself ready for the day, but since we have all been sleeping in getting to the gym before the room closes has been tricky. Also my joints are all out of whack, they are fine some days and some days they hurt so bad that going to the gym is out of the question. You would think with all the joint pain remedies out there, I could find something, but no such luck.

For the most part the kids haven't been a problem, there are good days and bad, just like always.
We are finding lots of stuff to keep us busy. I'm a little worried about the weeks to come since Tball and softball are officially over, and so are all the library programs=( Guess I need to get more creative. But vacation is only 2 weeks away so that will be a help as well. When we come back then only a few more weeks until school!!!

Be back soon with some pictures and a giveaway!!!

Looking forward to...

2010-06-30T21:45:00.003-04:00

I am so excited to have something fun to look forward to. My lil' brothers wedding in April...so far away yet it will be here before we know it. Gotta order my dress by August, gotta order Merci's dress soon as well!! I am so excited for my brothers and to see my others brothers married as well (3 brothers in all!)

Now I am even more excited to start shopping for baby shower invitationsbut that will come in due time and I am not rushing them...just saying I am so excited to be an aunt, someday!

Until then I will concentrate on the wedding and enjoy the process of the first of my siblings getting married=)

7 years ago my husband was given another chance

2010-06-25T23:10:00.003-04:00

Happy SEVEN years of life Josh!

Yes, my husband is more than 7 years old, but it has been seven wonderful years since God saved his life.

On June 26th, 2003 Josh and I went roller blading at a nearby park. The previous night we had been shopping at Dick's and found a great deal on some roller blades for him.

We were having fun and laughing about the tight butt I would have if I kept roller blading all Summer, LOL. We then came to this big hill that lead down to the lake. It was paved and people biked and walked it all of the time. Josh kinda looked at me like, should I?? I don't quite remember too much but I remember him looking back at me like, Here I go. And the not so funny thing is I was thinking about how fun it looked and almost followed. That's when I saw him collide with another person and fall. I kept looking down thinking get up already...that is when I heard someone yelling "call 911."

I panicked and starting freaking out, I whipped my roller blades off and threw them, I ran down he hill as fast as I could possibly run. When I got down there, I asked someone what he looked like, before going near him. She told me there was blood all over, coming from his head. I was balling and in hysterics, yelling about how that was my husband and who knows what else. I went to him and held his head and was talking to him in his ear, which is when I realized he was foaming at the mouth and unconscious, not answering me and probably not hearing me either. I was relaying info to the wonderful person who was on the phone with 911. I then realized that we had no health insurance and that I had a little girl at home, and started panicking even more and running around in hysterics. A bit of comic relief...I remember going over to a group of people and yelling and screaming "This is why you wear helmets, make sure you wear your helmest..." I was in hysterics and not thinking clearly because I never would have done this normally:)

All I know is that there was a group of people walking up the hill and supposedly didn't see Josh coming at them until it was too late. Josh ran into that person (as far as I know nothing happened to that person). It seemed like forever until the paramedics arrived. The driver was super nice, a christian as well, and let me use his cell phone after he said he didn't have one. I called my friend Ang and told her to meet me at the hospital now. What a friend to not ask questions but come anyway.

So anyway, we get to the hospital and they tell me to wait in a room, and a social worker will be there any minute...she never came and I was loosing it. I had no idea what was wrong with my husband, if he was living or what. I just started calling number that came to my head..one of which was a lady I babysat for..why I called her I had no idea, but she called the church for me, and that night so may church friends came to the hospital to be with me and pray. Ang and Ben stayed the night in the waiting room with me, as we still had no idea what was going on. He was in ICU and really late at night so they wouldn't let me in.

To make a long story kind of short, Josh ended up with 4 separate skull fractures and the only reason he lived is because his ear drum burst (the blood was coming out of his ear) to let the bleeding from his head drain. The skull fractures were pretty bad, and everyone kept telling us how amazing it was that he was alive and for the most part recovering perfectly.

Josh was in ICU intubated for about 4 days, when they took the intubation tube out is was still a few more days before he was coherent. Well, enough to insist that the TV was the telephone!!
My favorite memory is the day after they took the intubation out, a friend Patrick came by to see him, Josh had barely spoken 5 words since the removal (it is very painful, his trachea was very swollen), and Pat asked him what's my name Josh..it took him about 2 minutes but he muttered "num nuts" a name they called each other. From that point on I knew he would be ok!
I had taped pictures on his bed so he'd see Merci and I and remember us...I didn't know what kind of shape he'd be in when he woke up.

Josh had to spend another 3 week in brain rehab. They worked with him to get his brain functioning again and other functions, motor skill, physical therapy etc. He did great from the start, but there was a lot of memory gone and his brain wasn't functioning at the normal speed. It was still very hard for him to even think..it hurt..obviously. He hated every minute of being there. I only missed seeing him 1 day of his month long stay.

To this day I don't know how we paid our bills. I worked 1-2 days a week at Babies R Us, and that sure didn't cover it. God was so faithful in our time of need.

All of our hospital bill were paid by the County, we never saw one!

Josh was supposed to have been in occupational and physical therapy for 1 year following his accident, after his 1st appointment of each they said he didn't need to be there.

Today Josh has very minimal damage. He cannot smell... we aren't sure how this happened...and he lost sight in the bottom right quadrant of each eye (if you divide the eye in fourths).

I am so thankful to God and all who helped us in our time of need. I am ever grateful for the miracle of Josh's life (there we more accidents after this that could have easily taken him from me...but didn't), He will never know how much I love him and am grateful he is still here with me.

Originally posted June of 2007, rewritten June 2010

Summer

2010-06-21T16:24:00.004-04:00

Summer is here today!! Officially the first day of Summer...how fun is that??
The kids are attending VBS all week from 9:30-12, so I get a few hours to get some stuff done=) And just like last year, I really just want to come home and clean in peace! Today I had lots of errands to do so I didn't even ge to come home, but tomorrow I WILL come home! Check out this green study to see how shopping online is actually a way to go GREEN...who would have thunk?? I wish I could find a place to do grocery shopping (cheap) on-line, that be GREAT especially in the Winter!

Today I got a cherry tree for $5...mostly for the beautiful white to pale pink blooms in the Spring! Hopefully it will produce some cherries someday as well! But $5!!! I was super excited, and thankful to Josh for driving all the way there just to pick up my tree, what a trooper!

Other news about lovely things growing: I have LOTS of lettuce, like too much, really. I see lots of green tomatoes and little yellow flowers that green tomatoes will follow-and then turn red...hopefully! My bean plants are growing super quick, Sunflowers are getting thicker and thicker lots of cauliflower leaves no fruit though (or vegetable actually), pepper plants look well and even my beautiful $10 Rhododendron, I got for super cheap that I sunburned and it lots every single leaf, is actually growing lovely green leaves again, will I see flowers this year?? Probably not.

I love growing stuff and feel so "GREEN" and accomplished.

nowhere...

2010-06-10T14:39:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I went nowhere...I didn't have to get into my car (although I do love my car) not once...I almost did and then I said to myself, WHY??? You don't have too!!! It felt nice.

We don't have busing at our school so I have to take and pickup my kids daily for school (only 1 mile, but just always having to get in my car is annoying).

Yep, you got me, since I didn't leave the house, I did not work out=( But we did pull lots of weeds and set up the pool and dig around in the garden, so I wasn't lazy either! I am looking ofrward to a lazy day sometime soon!

So today I was actually excited to go to the gym and workout on all that wonderful brand spanking new fitness equipment...I love weight machines they make things a bit easier=) And the main reason I went...so I could have a little bit of time without kids asking for something...I love childcare at workout facilities!!!!

Have a lovely weekend everyone...we have a full one here.

Trying so hard...

2010-06-03T22:51:00.002-04:00

I am trying so hard to loose some weight...or just change shape...Yes I did loose 1.2% body fat...that was a start. But I haven't lost inches...=(

Kids are done with school so now I have to lug them with me...childcare is cheap, but will I do it or will I not? UGGGG If I could only find how to reduce belly fat Id be so happy.

I guess the real way is to stay in the gym and watch my eating...which is the hardest part...once I get to the gym I can workout all day, but then when I get home I am super hungry...oh the struggle. I know your sick of hearing about it...not obsessed with it, just want this so bad, and I can taste it and it makes it so much harder to wait for the results.

You're Not The Boss Of Me...

2010-06-01T19:16:00.002-04:00

You're Not The Boss Of Me...is the title of the book I am reading. I had a chance to review this book, and who can say no when they have kids and want to find the best ways to relate, discipline and encourage them?? I definitely won't. Especially when the front cover reads..."Brat-Proofing your 4-12 year old children." And when my kids act like brats daily...I definitly know I need some help!

Although I have not had the chance to get through the whole book...because those "brats" don't leave me any time to myself;) I have found so much useful input and already put some to practice.

I really liked how Ms Braun brought up the fact that kids don't have to be looking at you to hear you...half the time I fight with my kids to look me in the eye and after that fight you know they are really trying to act like they are looking at you but not necessarily paying any attention to you...so why not just cut out that step...they can and will hear and pay attention even with their eys not on you...and I do understand sometimes they do need to look at you, but not in every instance!

Also I like how she brings ways to try to compromise with our kids in certain instances...to honor your children's independence yet keeping your his/her safety in mind and your family rules intact.

I can't wait to get more into this book and implement some strategies that might work with my family. I don't think following any book to a T is good for families but taking from a number of books advice, and strategies that will fit into your families way of life and keep with your values.

So if you are looking for a good book to get some strategies ( come on we all need some new strategies over the Summer!) I would suggest looking into the book:
You're Not the Boss of Me- Brat Proofing your 4-12 year old child by Betsy Brown Braun

"I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of HarperCollins and received a copy of You’re Not the Boss of Me to facilitate my review. Mom Central also sent me a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate."

My last day

2010-05-28T16:58:00.002-04:00

Today was probably the last day I have to gallivant around town with my hubby while the kids are in school. Unless is rains one day next week...cross your fingers for me!

He was all set to go finish up a project he was working on all by himself since our worker was off today. The he took me out to breakfast, I went to run some errands and when I got home he was here!

We decided we were going to go buy an iPad, but no such luck...all sold out in Ohio...except for the bottom of the line one which doesn't even have 3g...so we are now on a few waiting lists and will probably have to wait about a month. Oh well.

We came home and had some good conversation about the business and different things we needed to communicate about.

And I even snuck in a good cardio and ab workout at the gym, while he ran a few errands.

He even picked up the kids from school for me!

Dinner is in the oven and then it is off to Merci's softball game, then bedtime and then off to our friends house for the weekend in the morning!

Talk to you soon!

Have a great Memorial Day weekend, don't forget why we celebrate this day!

Results are great!!

2010-05-27T12:27:00.003-04:00

Actually good results are great...not bad ones=)

Today is day 22 the gym has been open and that I've been working out...and I obviously have not been to the gym all those 22 days. I think my average is 3 days a week. With sore muscles, field trips with my kids and busy weekends I just can't make it everyday...

I have had 4 workouts with a trainer, and Ill be on my own for now. I will have to start bringing the kids with me so Ill have to pay for the babysitting room, so I don't want to spend the extra money on that AND for a trainer...he wasn't that hot..haha;)

But anyway...back to results...I have lost 1.2% body fat in those 22 days...That is really good!! I am super happy and excited to keep working out hopefully a bit more frequently as well! I can see me in that 2 piece already;) For that vacation in November, right honey??

So my advice to you all out there is to stop looking for
weight loss supplements and workout!!
I am a super lazy person and I have asthma, bad knees and a hurt shoulder and I can do it! You can too!!!!

GO ME!!!

6 more days

2010-05-26T09:43:00.003-04:00

The count is down to 6 more days of school...yikes...I have no time left...it is here...Summer break. My break is over!

I feel so sad and happy at the same time that my baby boy is going to be done with Kindergarten.

Kids sound so young and little when you tell people "My son is in Kindergarten" But when you have to say 1st grade, that just doesn't sound so little and young anymore=( They sound so grown up.

Like I've mentioned, our school doesn't do a graduation or anything, but for his accomplishment, I want to treat him to something special. I am hoping to get his friend to be able to sleep over next Friday night and a treat and welcome to Summer vacation (Im going to do this for Merci too)...but I also have something else for my little Kindergartner!!

I have on of THESE to give to him after his last day of school!! I'm excited to give this to him, and hopefully he will share one of the surprises with his sister! Not only am I excited to give him this but I am also excited to be able to educated my kids on traditions of other countries! Can't wait to see what he thinks! Im sure he will want to keep the cool cone and fill it up with some of his toys or more likely since he is a boy, use it as a sword;)

This cool gift is a KinderCone, a big cone shaped box filled with little goodies for my boy! In Germany and Austria they call them Schultute's, They are given on the childrens first day of school in 1st grade!

I peeked!! Inside the Kindercone is a plush toy Karli, the main character in the journal that is also inside, to keep track of all the memories of 1st grade! There are also some pencils and temporary tattoos! I'm also going to add a few little things of my own!

What do you do to celebrate the end of the school year with your kids??

"I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of KinderCone and received KinderCone samples to facilitate my review. Mom Central also sent me gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate."

what we need to do....

2010-05-24T21:02:00.002-04:00

I told you about all we have done around the house, now I need to write down somehwere all the little things we NEED to do:

Basement
*finish molding on basement living room
*carpet on wall where cats climb
*touch up paint
*carpet clean
*finish ripping up tiles and paint the rest of the floor
*clean up mess in back room
*sell pool table and pool table light
*sell DJ equipment sitting in back room
*sand and paint steps
*close in back room
*white dresser to tree lawn

Kitchen:
*redo all cabinet and appliances...WISH!
*touch up paint
*repaint molding
*deicide to paint cabinets or wait....

Office:
*paint
*put office back together
*vacuum, sweep, mop floor

Lving Room:
*replace door hardware so the lock doesn fall out everytime you open the door!

Upstairs:
*paint hallway-decide color
*paint our room-gray/blue color scheme

E's room:
*NEEDS bigger bed toddler bed too small

And the list goes on.....

We've done a lot since we've moved in and I am super thankful for all the work my hubby does around here!

Much going on over here...

2010-05-24T12:22:00.002-04:00

We have been busy with so much over here.

Baseball season has started, Merci is playing softball this year and Ethan is playing Tball again. We have at lest 2 games a week, last week 3 (thank God the 4th got canceled due to rain.)

On top of that Josh has been working on many projects around here. He built a fence for us to enclose the yard for the puppy and so we can put up a pool this year. He also started and almost finished the kids play house (with storage for outside toys underneath) we've been talking and dreaming about for years. The kids are super excited! On top of that he is working on the lighting in the basement, installed a shelf along one of Merci's walls and then I decided to rip out the carpet in the office as well...

And of course a bunch of stuff in between too!

What?? Are you kidding me??

2010-05-20T18:22:00.002-04:00

Ten..10...yep that's right....10 more days of school, that's it, no more, no less.

I cannot believe my baby boy will be graduating form Kindergarten, I just can't believe it. It seems like yesterday I was dying for him to go to school so I could get a little break, and now I'm sick of my little break and want my little boy back.

And on top of Ethan graduating kindergarten...which may I add they do NOTHING for, not cute little graduation, no party NOTHING, last day of school picnic and you all go home. How sad is that?? So back to on top of Ethan being done with Kindergarten, Merci will be going to the MIDDLE SCHOOL building, since when did 5th grade become middle school?? Yeah I'm going to have a meltdown when they go back to school in the Fall and I realize how quickly I will be needing to get me some high school photo graduation announcements...yikes.

But until then only 10 more days until, I have the kids for 2.5 months everyday...all day...

Clean teethers!

2010-05-14T17:21:00.003-04:00

I still sing that darn Barney song "...Brush your teeth, chchchchch..." I bet you know exactly what song I mean! My kids are almost 6 and almost 10, and the song still plagues my thoughts nightly.

A week or so ago we got a Sonicare Kids toothbrush by Philips delivered to our home for the kids to try out.

I have never seen the kids so excited to brush their teeth.
Ethan immediately told me how he forgot to brush his teeth this morning...hoping to get a try right away! How could I say no??

I was extra excited because the toothbrush came with 2 different interchangeable heads, one for ages 4-6 and the other for ages 7-10, and I have 2 kids one in each age range! There is also a low and high setting, so both my kids can use it.

This morning I also noticed that the kids had changed the faceplate on the toothbrush (it come with 3!) I wonder how many times they have done this?? The plates are going to run out of stickiness pretty soon...hope we can replace these=)

They love the timer that beeps to let them know they have complete part of their time...the timer gradually increases the time to 2 minutes over a 3 month period...now that is smart!!

I am more confident that their teeth are a bit cleaner without my constant hovering and lecturing, and they feel more in control by listening for the timer! We have definitely noticed cleaner teeth in my daughters mouth, she has adult teeth and always had a hard time getting them really clean, my son has super clean baby teeth so we never had a problem with him.

Overall we have no problems with this toothbrush, we love it and will replace the heads as needed to ensure our kids a bit more excitement in caring for their teeth!

You can get yours at Walmart, Target or Amazon!

"I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Sonicare and received a free Sonicare For Kids toothbrush to facilitate my review.”

I can't believe we are just around the corner....

2010-05-03T20:21:00.003-04:00

My daughter will be 10 in July. I can't believe I've been a mom for almost 10 years.

U.N.B.E.L.I.E.V.A.B.L.E.

But in being right around the corner, I'm actually referring to the not so wonderful thing us girls have to experience when we are teens or in some pre-teens.

Kotex is helping us parents turn this possibly embarrassing time in a young girls life to not such a big deal.

Check out this Kotex site sponsored by Walmart, there is a cool quiz (young girls love quizzes, you remember those teen magazine quizzes don't you?!), as well as an app for your iphone/itouch, free samples, fun graphics and more.

The U products are in bright fun colored packages, making it less embarrassing when it comes time to purchase them, and they made their products smaller and thinner making them more comfortable for all of us!

Remember to use open communication with your daughters about women's health to help them not feel so intimidated when it is time for them to experience this for the first time. Make it easier on both of you...and try U by Kotex!!

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Kotex and received products necessary to facilitate my candid review. In addition, Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Jet Ski dreaming and complaining

2010-04-29T19:00:00.003-04:00

Isn't nice when your auto insurance goes up....even when you haven't done anything bad?
Yeah, I REALLY dislike that. We just got our annual insurance for our jet ski's and it went up, even though we have been insured 2 years and nothing has happened. GREEDY insurance companies, I am so sick of them...time for getting some auto insurance quotes...or boat insurance quotes in our instance.

But I am super excited for Summer to be here so we can tak our jet ski's out!!!! I am not super excited we have to buy all ne wlife jackets...thanks hubby...I mean seriously what did you think, they were going to sink or something??? (When my husband got into the marina the last time we use the ski's last year he noticed the life jackets had come undone from the back where he tied them...and never went back to get them $100 worth of life jackets...floating in the lake somewhere!) Nope I don't hold grudges;)

Giant Eagle Coupon Match up until Wednesday 4/28

2010-04-26T11:27:00.002-04:00

Ive been slacking on the GE deals. So much going on and no time to sit down and look through the ad myself. So I turn to Cherry Picker for the best deals!! And she found some GREAT ones!!

Here are 3 items you can get for

FREE

Heinz Worchester Sauce $1.50
Print a .75 coupon

Kraft Melt Down cheese slices $.99
There was a $1 coupon in the paper yesterday

Bandaids BOGO
There have been coupons almost weekly either for $1 or .50
Stock up, Summer is upon us!!

CHEAP

Apple and Eve Fruitable juice boxes $2.00
.75 printable (must sign up)

Check out Cherry Pickers site for a FULL list!!

(fruit and vegetable juice boxes...my kids drink them with not problem!!)

ALMOST.....

2010-04-25T14:15:00.000-04:00

In January I signed up to join a gym...that was not yet built...a promised date of April was given...I understand delays happen...and heard that between May 1 and May5 they will be opening their doors!!!! Yippeee....better get those fat burners ready because I have some fat to burn for SUMMER. I am super excited and SUPER ready to start. Ive made a rule...I must walk to the gym (as long as the weather is acceptable)...it is about 1.75 miles there, so that will help the workout as well. GOTTA, do this for me.

Wish me luck!!!

What Kind of Mom I am NOT

2010-04-24T20:50:00.002-04:00

I am NOT the kind of mom that has 4 kids.
I am NOT the kind of mom that drives a mini van.
I am NOT the kind of mom that likes dirty kids.
I am NOT the kind of mom that lets kids stay up late.

I am the kind of mom that is very content with 2 kids.
I am the kind of mom that is very content with a small car.
I am the kind of mom that likes clean kids.
I am the kind of mom that like when kids go to bed early.

Just some thoughts going through my mind as we have my brother and sister in law for the weekend (12 and 14). Although they are no problem and actually entertain my kids and keep them out of my hair for longer periods of time. They do raise the volume in my house, make me have to borrow a minivan to cart everyone around, make my kids play outside more making them dirtier, and make for special movies etc so the kids are tired and crabby for lack of sleep.

But I can handle it for the weekend!

Now who wants to take my kids off my hands for a weekend??? It has been like 2 year...geez.

An announcement!

2010-04-23T14:35:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday April 14th we added a new member to our family.

Her name is Sasha and her breed is unknown (speculation include Lab/Boxer/English pointer).
The week before we brought her home we had the opportunity to foster 5 puppies (between my aunt and I). I didn't have intentions of keeping one, but you know how that goes! We decided that we would never get the chance to meet the whole litter of puppes and pick the one we thought would fit in our family the best.

She is doing very well. I am not sick of her yet! She is very well behaved and potty training is going pretty well. She did better last week, but I'm not complaining because for the most part she goes outside.

Here she is!

I love her soft pink freckle belly!

She loves to lay in the grass

Awe! I <3>

What do you appreciate?

2010-04-23T14:30:00.002-04:00

As you know, we have a business. Our business is very limited in the people who can use our services. We work on Slate roofs, tile roof, copper, metal etc...NOT your normal shingle roof.
Anyway...we still need to get our name out there..what kind of
promotional products do you think are really good? I mean we can't give t-shirts or sweatshirts to everyone, but pens, pads of paper, magnets??
What have you get as a promotional product that stuck out to you??
There are some really great ones if you click that link! Cost effective as well!

Thanks!

A rough day

2010-04-11T20:23:00.002-04:00

Today was a rough day for me. Emotional to say the least. I had class at the ceramics shop, it went well. Kinda a bum day, everything wasn't working out the way it was supposed to...not a big, deal you live and learn. I realized how spoiled I am. I don't have to be in the real world very often. I live in my little world, doing what I want and mingling usually only with whom I choose. Being in this class has taught me that people are just, um well, how can I be nice?? SCREWED UP. Not that I see myself as perfect but, rather the opposite most days. I realized how blessed I am to have a relationship with Jesus! And not that you are a bad person if you don't, because I know a lot of people who are beautiful people who don't have a relationship with the Lord.

I guess my biggest pet peeve is when people talk about others behind their back, and then you leave and can pretty much guarantee they are going to do the same to you. I just wish adults would act like adults. I guess I just needed a good cry today about everything and anything. Poor Josh got the brunt of it when I came home.

Blah, Blah, Blah. ::sigh:: I wish I could write out my feelings better. I start off good and then I loose track.

Goodnight.

Blessings of Love

Disney on Ice Cleveland Coupon Codes

Writing it out might help get it out...maybe...

**CLOSED** LEGO Kids Fest Cleveland OH FREE ticket giveaway!

Coupon codes for Ringling Brothers Circus in Cleveland

Giant Eagle coupon match ups 9/22-9/28

Coupon Code for Disney on Ice tickets Quicken Loans Arena

Giant Eagle coupon match ups 9/1-9/7

**Donna’s Favorites

Giant Eagle coupon match ups 8/25-8/31

Giant Eagle coupon match ups starting 8/18-8/24

Friends are friends forever

My soccer star

Noteworthy

Zumba

I LOVE them

Falling by the wayside

Bachelorette Party Gift :: How to make Panty Roses::

I can smell the baseball fields

::Girls gone WILD::

Apple Bottoms

Wordless Wednesday

Signs

How come I keep forgetting???

Dreaming

LONG day

Im there...

Fun Day

::Day after ice storm::

Complaining about the weather;) Just a little bit!

::ALL the time::

::Been Awhile::

Another Event Promo

hoping

Job looking....still

Your feelings?

Tis the Season

::Dance::

Really? & New family photo!

Mounting

Not bad

A great stocking stuffer

FULL

ThankFULL Week

ThankFULL Week

Disgusted

ThankFULL week

ThankFULL Week

ThankFULL Week

Last minute...

A lovely day!

A surprise??

Thinking about trying

The cold is here...

Halloween 2010

UGH....

::getting paid::

Per Ethan

I won't tell you...

Cold=Warm and Cozy

The circus is in Cleveland

::heart:: blogging

Wisdom Teeth

Detox??

Being a mommy has taught me much

Hand in Hand

Another....

Hmmm...is it true??

Heartwarming

No turning back

Something you haven't see here in awhile!

What if we were just grateful???

Again??

Highs and Lows

So many wow's

They are back and so are my thoughts

Need to write...

That time...

Frugal

A great Treat!! For me and for YOU

CLOSED LEGO Kids Fest Cleveland OH FREE ticket giveaway!