Cool giveaway

$5 Dinners is giving away a Bob Evans and a Mimi's Cafe giftcard. Check it out:

http://www.5dollardinners.com/2009/10/giveaway-50-bob-evans-gc-and-25-mimis-cafe-gc.html/comment-page-4#comment-26780

Am I crazy?

In the effort to get a handle on our debt, I have taken a part-time job delivering newspapers. One of my facebook friends said "seriously?" and my reply was "yes, seriously--am I a 14 year old boy?"

I have never had a paper route, but it actually pays good money. The only problem is that it cuts into my sleep time (and it is 7 days a week). Once I get used to my route, it won't take that long. Plus, I have a great area (Mankser Farms).

Pray that I can sleep when I need to sleep and be awake when I need to be. Thanks everyone!

Leave me a comment: am I crazy?

July 4th weekend

We had a wonderful July 4th weekend. We left Friday and joined some friends at their cabin in Granville, TN. I had never even heard of Granville before, but it is a cool little town. I told them it was like we stepped back in time. I tried to find some pictures online, but I couldn't find any. You'll just have to take my word for it.


Saturday night we went to Veterans Park to see the fireworks, and our friend took a picture of the four of us:

Shortly after this was taken, the fireworks started, and then the rain started. We sat in the rain and watched for a little while, but when it really started coming down, we left. The boys and I came back home that night.

Sunday we went to our cousins' house for a cookout, and Big Brother got his first sparkler. It is kind of dark, but if you look closely, you can see his sweet little face lit up.

Our cousins and their neighbors were setting off fireworks as well. Little Brother decided he didn't like the noise, so he and I came on home. Daddy says Big Brother had a really good time!

Giveaway from Common Sense with Money

Hey Everyone!

Common sense with money is giving away a Crocs gift certificate: http://www.commonsensewithmoney.com/2009/06/fun-giveaway-crocs-gift-certificate/.

I bought a cute pair of crocs for myself earlier this year (not the clog-type you think of when you think crocs), but when I went to the website and checked out their new styles, I was blown away! I had no idea Crocs was making such great shoes now! Leave me a comment on what style you like best; I like the Pixie!

Consignment Sale

Hey Everyone!
Just a heads up that my MOPS group will be having a consignment sale July 29-August 1 at College Heights Baptist Church in Gallatin. If you are interested in consigning or coming, leave me a comment and I will give you the details.

Two beautiful days

We have had two beautiful days here in Hendersonville, and the boys have had some fun playing outside. Here they are yesterday riding their John Deere Gator in the backyard:

Then today we found a baby bird in our back yard. It's pretty big for a baby, but it can't fly yet. Both boys were fascinated, of course, but since Little Brother just wanted to poke it, we had to keep him away from it. Here are some pictures of Big Brother and the bird:

And here are some pictures of the boys just being cute:

(My babies!)

(I might have to frame this one!)

(You can see his mouth forming the word "cheese.")

(He's getting brave...)

I hope all of you reading this have had nice weather to enjoy as well!

A cool new blog

I just found an awesome blog: http://www.5dollardinners.com/. I was intrigued when I read about about the blog, and when I checked it out, I found that I have a lot in common with the blogger! Check out her blog for great meal ideas, and check out her profile to see how great she is!

P.S. She has a great giveaway going on right now from Home Depot--make sure to enter!

Happy day!

We eat a lot of Goldfish at our house. I mean A LOT! That's why I am SO excited: Goldfish are in the 10 for $10 sale at Kroger this week! Since the cost over $2 there now, I wasn't sure if they'd ever be in that sale again. Happy day!

Big Brother Has a Milestone, Too!

Big Brother had a huge milestone this week: he started full-time preschool! Here are some pictures of his first day (sorry some of them are blurry--I was a little excited!):

("We're on our way!")

(Walking into the school with Daddy)



(His new classroom)


Here's some video of Big Brother in his classroom:

Little Brother Becomes a Big Boy

Can you believe it? Little brother turned 18 months old yesterday and today we took him to get his very first haircut. Here are some before pictures from our trip to visit Noelle, Javier, and Eva last weekend:

And here are the after pictures:

Isn't it SO cute?! We just couldn't get over how different he looks!! Here is the video of his haircut; it's long, so feel free to fast forward (the end is cute).

Meghan's last giveaway for the month :(

Ok--I really, really, REALLY want to win this one! And I deserve it! I don't compulsively shop; I don't buy clothes and shoes and purses when I know we don't have the money for them. I WANT THIS PRIZE!!!!!! My splurges are on the name brand groceries/diapers or a gift for the boys... Don't you think I should win? :)

Ok, make sure you enter too...... http://kmaccreations.blogspot.com/

Another giveaway

My friend Meghan is having another giveaway! Go here: http://kmaccreations.blogspot.com/ to enter. Good luck!

I am in Florida this week enjoying some relaxing time with the family. The grandparents have really helped out a lot with the boys, so I have REALLY had a great vacation. In fact, they are spending the night with Nanny and Gramps tonight for the first time. Scott and I are SO excited!!!!! I'll let you know how it goes next time.

Giveaway

My friend Meghan is super talented! She has a business called k.Mac Creations where she makes handmade and customized bags and accessories. And, she's having a giveaway this week! Check it out at: http://kmaccreations.blogspot.com/2009/03/giveaway-giveaway-giveaway.html. Good luck!

Good deals and good causes

First, Dillards will donate $2 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure for every Wacoal bra fitting you have; they will also donate an additional $2 if you purchase a Wacoal bra. That happens today (March 4) at the Rivergate location, tomorrow (March 5) at Green Hills, and Friday (March 6) at Cool Springs. Call ahead for an appointment.

Second, through Sunday (March 8) Ann Taylor Loft is giving $15 toward a new pair of pants when you bring in a "gently-used" old pair of pants to donate to Goodwill. I called the Indian Lake location, and they are participating. The employee told me you can bring in more than one pair! I believe this deal excludes denim, though.

I am going to have to take advantage of these! Happy shopping!

Walmart deal

I was just at Walmart, and their Valentine's stuff is 75% off. Believe it or not, they still had some cute valentines for the kids. I like to stock up on that stuff when it's cheap; my boys are still at the age where they don't have to pick out their own.

Happy shopping!

Reality tv

I never used to watch reality tv shows. In fact, I always claimed I hated them. (Ok, so Scott and I watched the first season of "Temptation Island"--but we were about to be married, and we claimed it as part of our pre-marital counseling). Then little by little I was converted. First, it was the totally trashy "Cupid" (anyone remember that one?) and "The Amazing Race," followed closely by "Dancing with the Stars." Then I watched "Rock Star: INXS" and "Rock Star: Supernova." Last year I was introduced to "So You Think You Can Dance," "America's Got Talent," and, one of my favorite shows, "Biggest Loser." I am still resisting "Survivor" and "American Idol," but with my new addictions, I'm sure I would love them.

Let's talk about "Biggest Loser" for a second. It really makes me feel good to watch that show (granted, I crave bad food--mainly ice cream--while I'm watching it...). I am VERY fortunate at this point in my life that I don't need to lose weight; however, I definitely need to be healthier and get in shape. I wish I could say it inspires me to do that, but unfortunately it would take a lot more than a tv show to do that, I think. I have said many times that I AM LAZY. It's true! I am the laziest person I know. That's why I find it so amazing to watch Tara, a member of the green team, run/exercise, puke, then continue what she was doing. What?! If I threw up, I would be in bed for at least 2 days! [And speaking of throwing up, do you wonder (like I do) if the contestants throw up/take laxatives before the weigh-ins? It would be tempting if all that was keeping me there was a number on a scale.]

By the way: "The Biggest Loser" is holding casting calls at Wildhorse Saloon on February 28. I wish someone I know would go. Not necessarily someone specific, but wouldn't it be so cool to know someone on the show?

Ok, I've rambled on enough about that... It's off to bed for me. :)

Big Brother's knock-knock joke

This is the first knock-knock joke Big Brother has learned. I don't think he really understands what he's doing, but it's adorable anyway! ENJOY!
P.S. Sorry it is turned sideways!

Click to give

I want to encourage anyone reading this to go to http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/ and "click to give" daily. There are tabs for breast cancer, hunger, child health, literacy, rainforest, and animal rescue; you can click on each tab, click to give, and sponsors donate money to each cause. The best part is that it's totally free! If you're like me, you get on the computer at least once a day, so just put the site in your favorites where you'll see it, go there, and click!

By the way, I have enabled anonymous comments now, so if you weren't leaving comments because you didn't have a google account, try to leave one now. Just put your name in the body of the comment if you want me to know who you are. :)

Valentine's Day deal

I'm not sure if anyone is reading this (since no one is leaving comments...), but I read about a GREAT deal in the paper today from Ms. Cheap: Granny White Church of Christ is having a free dinner and movie for couples on Valentine's day. FREE! The movie is "Fireproof" (which I haven't seen yet, but I have heard great things about), the meal is catered (though from where, I don't know), AND they are offering FREE CHILDCARE!!!!! All you have to do is make a reservation: 292-6679. Did I mention it's FREE?! I would totally take advantage of this if a)Scott and I celebrated Valentine's Day (more on that below) or (b) I were going to be in town (I'm going away with some girlfriends that weekend).

It's not that we're not romantic; Scott and I just decided a long time ago that we didn't need to waste money on one random day (when prices are jacked up anyway) when we could express our love every day of the year (puke, right?). I began by forbidding him from getting me flowers since they really are more expensive at that time (unless you can find a good deal like: long-stemmed red roses from Aldi for $16.99--also from Ms. Cheap).

Let me know if you do this--I'd love to hear how it was!

Big Lots deals

I just had to share the deal I got at Big Lots: 6 cans of Hunt's tomato puree (I use this in my tortilla soup recipe), 4 cans of College Inn organic chicken broth, 2 cans of Del Monte green and wax beans (the boys love these), 2 packs of Dole mandarin oranges, 1 box (4 cans) of Del Monte Sesame Street cut green beans, 1 box (4 cans) Del Monte Sesame Street peas, 1 roll of aluminum foil, 1 package of Whisker Lickins cat treats, 1 toothbrush holder, and 1 box of kid Valentines Day cards. All this for $19.91! I used a 20% off coupon for being a Buzz Club member (I think moneysavingmom.com or commonsensewithmoney.com has a link to this coupon). I love Big Lots!

25 Random Facts About Me

A friend of mine posted this on her blog, and I thought it was a great idea. It's the "25 random facts" request from facebook. Here is mine:
1. I have lived in 8 different cities but only 4 states.
2. I used to figure skate when I was little.
3. I went to modeling school when I was a teenager (but I didn't "graduate").
4. I have a BA in Math and French, but I can't speak french anymore.
5. My oldest son is named after my favorite book.
6. I have watched "Days of Our Lives" since I was a child (and still do).
7. I never knew any of my great-grandparents.
8. I have traveled to Canada, England, France, Spain, and Italy.
9. I would really like to go to Egypt and see the pyramids some day.
10. I have no athletic ability whatsoever.
11. I am a total germaphobe (in fact, though I joke about it, I really do have OCD).
12. I love the snow!
13. I had 2 pet snakes in college.
14. I have 2 tattoos.
15. I used to have my belly button pierced (before I had children).
16. I LOVE John Travolta!
17. I know how to swim, but I hate the water.
18. I am very, very, very picky about what movies I'll see, but I'll read almost anything.
19. I am still friends with my best friend from elementary school (we were in each other's weddings!).
20. My mom passed away on Christmas Eve 2005, when my oldest son was only 6 months old.
21. I was born at the Naval Academy Hospital (which doesn't exist anymore) b/c my dad was a teacher there.
22. I love my family and thank God for them!!!
23. My husband is converting to catholicism, but I am methodist.
24. I was half the diving team for one year in high school until I figured out I was afraid of heights...
25. I am an only child (hopefully you can't tell...).

My invention

I am going to make a million dollars when I invent the nasal vacuum. You know, to suck out all the nasty mucous from our childrens' noses this time of year? I swear I should buy stock in Kleenex since we go through so many boxes. I wish I could skimp, but I am picky about buying 3-ply, ultra soft (no lotion) Kleenex brand because it seems to keep the boys' noses from getting so raw after the billion wipings... It seems like they have runny noses from December through May!

A sad day

A good friend of mine (my husband's best friend) lost his mom today after a battle with cancer. My mom passed away 3 years ago, so I know the pain he is going through. It is often such a confusing time because you are sad for yourself and others that were left behind, but you are happy to know that your loved one is no longer suffering. I remember truly feeling peace when I accepted the fact that it was selfish of me to want her back; I realized I should be rejoicing that she was whole again, pain-free again, and where she deserved to be. Don't get me wrong: I miss her terribly. Every day. Three years later I still almost pick up the phone to call her to share good news or cry on her shoulder. Then I just look up and smile. I pray that my friend and his family get to this point soon.

TV Junkie

Ok, I admit it: I am a tv junkie! I'm not as bad as I used to be (I've had to "give up" quite a few shows because I just couldn't keep up with all of them--even with 2 DVRs!), but I still love my tv shows. In fact, I decided my dream job is that I get paid to watch tv. Anyone know someone who would pay me for that? Probably not...

This post is my complaint about The Biggest Loser. If you haven't seen this week's episode yet, STOP READING NOW! SPOILER ALERT!!!! How could they choose to eliminate Damien over Joelle? I was totally shocked! Do you think it was a game-playing strategy? That's the only thing that makes sense to me, because Joelle is clearly not much competition. What do you think?

The newest member of our family

I just wanted to introduce you to the newest member of our family: meet Phoebe! We adopted her from a shelter yesterday, and she is so sweet! She is still quite shy around the boys (imagine that), so she hides in our bedroom while they're awake. But once they go to sleep, she is downstairs with us ready to be petted...A LOT! I don't know if you can tell, but she is missing about 70% of her tail--we don't know what happened to her. It doesn't seem to bother her, though. :)

A few of my friends told me about the HUGE toy sale going on at Target right now, so I went to both the Glenbrook and the Rivergate Targets. I added it up last night, and I got $188 worth of toys for $53! Not that my kids need more toys, or anything (only grandchildren on both sides of the family...), but you just can't pass up deals like that. So I hid them away for birthdays, etc. A lot of my friends (and the strangers I talked to in the checkout line) were stocking up on birthday gifts. Great idea!! A lady in line in front of me said she gets all her birthday party gifts for the year at this sale. At my son's ages, we don't really go to many birthday parties yet, but I will definitely be keeping that in mind for the future.

Ok, Friends: what deals did you get at Target?

My husband is getting to hear Joe Paterno, his coaching idol, speak today, but he was concerned about the amount of money it was going to cost to do so. I guess I should say JoePa is a professional and a personal idol of my husband's. It got me thinking: how much would you pay for an opportunity like that? I appreciate that he worries about our finances, but I would go into debt to let him have that experience if we had to. It really isn't costing that much: $70, and that is not just to hear JoePa speak, but to register for a professional clinic; we spend more than that on things that don't matter at all!

And that brought me to another thought: my best friend has a mental list of the "best money she has spent in her life." (In other words, the things she felt like were most important to her and what they cost.) Me? Not so much. I pretty much just waste money, it seems, or spend it on necessities like groceries and toilet paper. I hope today's experience will go on Scott's list. Do you have a list like that? I'd love to hear about it!

I never thought I'd start a blog, but it just hit me that sometimes I might like to share info with other people (especially when I find good deals). I am a terrible writer, so forgive me, but that's not what this is all about for me.

Here was this weekend's good deal: $1.70 Dole diced apples at Big Lots. I love Big Lots! You never know what you're going to find. My kids eat the diced apples, and they're usually $2-$3 at Kroger, so I was super excited! Use caution when buying food there, though; sometimes it is out of date (or close to it).

What good deals have you found lately?