The professional pictures are not done yet, I will post a link when they are up.
We are going to a BYOSK Super Bowl party tonight, hosted by the lovely Owen family. Any guesses?
We started a new Bible Study in Sunday School today, its called Two Becoming One and is really good so far.
Lillian's favorite birthday presents are (in no particular order): castle tent with balls in it, rocking/riding horse, talking puppy and stuffed minnie and mickey.
We're SO CLOSE to filing our tax return, just waiting on the form from the stock company. We are getting back a large refund and are dividing it as follows:
25% stocks
15% house
15% bike
10% emergency fund
10% lillian
10% richard
10% stacey
5% christmas
Oma and Opa Brill got Lillian the Liberty's Kids complete series DVD set for her birthday and it just arrived in the mail and I can't wait to watch it.
We re-organized almost the whole house this week, sadly no furniture moving though. I firmly believe that there is no other way to adequately arrange our furniture to fit in the space and fit our needs. Those of you that know me well, know that makes me sad (and have convulsions).
The girls in the office said we should be in a three bedroom in "early spring". I figure since it was 50 today, it must be "early spring" but I'm thinking they're thinking March or April. Sad. I want to move today.
We had a MEOWW (Mom's Evening Out With Whitney) on Friday night and had Poker Night. It was hilarious since most of us did not know how to play poker, but we had fun. Whit sold some stuff from her store to the girls and then we played Taboo. I stayed til 2:30am. Whitney and I haven't hung out enough lately, obviously.
Richard put on his pants this morning and as he was putting his leg in, a cockroach came out. EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW.
I had my first cooking fire ever and my first time setting off the fire alarm in this apartment the other night. It happened to be the night we were watching Savannah. No, Eric and Teresa, we wern't trying to fry your daughter. I was heating oil for chicken, like I have done a million times and it caught on fire. Flames a foot high, we put the lid on but it wouldn't go out, so the pan went outside for two days. The pan is toast, well not literally, but it is fried. We bought a new pan at Target today.
Someday, I am going to buy a retardedly expensive set of pans.
I need new kitchen towels and a bathroom rug. We can't find a bathroom rug that meets Mr. Picky's "softness standards" AND does not have rubber on the bottom. (The rubber makes it take four hours to dry and I HATE getting wet socks.)
We just ordered two toy organizing bins which I am ridiculously excited about.
As Richard's surprise for my birthday, instead of Ashley coming here on her spring break, Lillian and I are flying to Iowa. This way, I will get to see Cyndi and Family and Grandma too. It is good, and I'm glad he planned a suprise for me, but I'm freaked out about flying on my own with Lillian at this bi-polar stage she's in, and because she refuses to fall asleep while being held.
This week should be pretty quiet for us, nothing planned really.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
One Year
We had Lillian's one year appointment on Monday and her stats are:
19 pounds 7 ounces
29.5 inches long
18 inch head circumfrence
She is:
completely off the bottle
always sleeping through the night
eating only table foods
only using her plug when she sleeps
in size three diapers
This last week she has had four, yes, FOUR, new teeth pop in. She now has four teeth in the middle on both top and bottom.
She got five shots and two blood draws at her appointment.
They are looking into her thyroid, and a couple other things, just to make sure that this ginormous weight gain (5.5 pounds and 30% points in two months!!) is just her catching up to her friends, rather than something wrong. They will call if the labs return abnormal, but I'm not expecting a call.
She does have to go back at 15 months instead of 18 months, to check on the weight and to check for walking and talking, which they normally do at 12 months, but since she's a preemie, they do it later.
Overall, we're thrilled, and over the next month we're going to work on drinking from a cup with no lid, switch her carseat to facing forward and work on sleeping without the plug.
19 pounds 7 ounces
29.5 inches long
18 inch head circumfrence
She is:
completely off the bottle
always sleeping through the night
eating only table foods
only using her plug when she sleeps
in size three diapers
This last week she has had four, yes, FOUR, new teeth pop in. She now has four teeth in the middle on both top and bottom.
She got five shots and two blood draws at her appointment.
They are looking into her thyroid, and a couple other things, just to make sure that this ginormous weight gain (5.5 pounds and 30% points in two months!!) is just her catching up to her friends, rather than something wrong. They will call if the labs return abnormal, but I'm not expecting a call.
She does have to go back at 15 months instead of 18 months, to check on the weight and to check for walking and talking, which they normally do at 12 months, but since she's a preemie, they do it later.
Overall, we're thrilled, and over the next month we're going to work on drinking from a cup with no lid, switch her carseat to facing forward and work on sleeping without the plug.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
25 Random Things About Me
Rules: once you are tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits or goals about you. At the end choose 25 people to tag. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, its because I want to know more about you!
1. I have had/still have amnesia.
2. I like old fashioned names like Matilda, Amelia, and Lucille.
3. I don't like many boys names. (Including Richard. Sorry honey. I attribute it to a scary old man I once new.)
4. I had a c-section. And it sucked.
5. I'm scared of escalators. (Ditto Jennie.)
6. I love starch and cheese. Mac and Cheese, Grilled Cheese, Cheese Fries, Potato Skins, Mozzarella Sticks, Cheesy Mashed Potatoes, Cheese Bread.....
7. I generally crave salty more than sweet.
8. I got pregnant twice on birth control.
9. I'm obsessed with pink and orange.
10. My kindergarten teacher was the best ever, she came to my high school graduation.
11. My daughter turns one today.
12. I used to own stilts. That's the most athletic I've been in my life. Until the Wii Fit that is. Now I kick butt on tightrope walking.
13. I used to pretend I was sick every Wed. night for Junior High Youth Group..so I didnt have to play games....but I wasnt the only one! (Ditto Jennie)
14. I let my brother drive before he had his license. He drove us into a snow bank and inches from a telephone pole.
15. I don't know if my parents know that last fact.
16. I am dreading next year's deployment.
17. I think I could have married a guy from college, if we had ever dated. But I'm more happy than ever, now.
18. I'm going to Disney World for my honeymoon in May. It will be 2.5 years since we got married and we are taking our daughter and going with two friends and their daughter. I couldn't be more excited.
19. I am dying to re-arrange my furniture.
20. I hope our next (and last-and not for awhile) kid is a girl.
21. I love skittles, and almost always have some with me. But only orange, red and purple. I pick out the yellow and green as soon as I get them and give them to R.
22. I do our finances. And I hate it. But they get done and done correctly that way.
23. I currently have a double sided poster board sized list of to-do's for the entire family for Saturday morning's party.
24. I gained 83 pounds during 8 months of pregnancy (due to pre-eclempsia, 55+ in the last month) and I have lost 62 of that in one year of motherhood.
25. I have never had a surprise birthday party.
1. I have had/still have amnesia.
2. I like old fashioned names like Matilda, Amelia, and Lucille.
3. I don't like many boys names. (Including Richard. Sorry honey. I attribute it to a scary old man I once new.)
4. I had a c-section. And it sucked.
5. I'm scared of escalators. (Ditto Jennie.)
6. I love starch and cheese. Mac and Cheese, Grilled Cheese, Cheese Fries, Potato Skins, Mozzarella Sticks, Cheesy Mashed Potatoes, Cheese Bread.....
7. I generally crave salty more than sweet.
8. I got pregnant twice on birth control.
9. I'm obsessed with pink and orange.
10. My kindergarten teacher was the best ever, she came to my high school graduation.
11. My daughter turns one today.
12. I used to own stilts. That's the most athletic I've been in my life. Until the Wii Fit that is. Now I kick butt on tightrope walking.
13. I used to pretend I was sick every Wed. night for Junior High Youth Group..so I didnt have to play games....but I wasnt the only one! (Ditto Jennie)
14. I let my brother drive before he had his license. He drove us into a snow bank and inches from a telephone pole.
15. I don't know if my parents know that last fact.
16. I am dreading next year's deployment.
17. I think I could have married a guy from college, if we had ever dated. But I'm more happy than ever, now.
18. I'm going to Disney World for my honeymoon in May. It will be 2.5 years since we got married and we are taking our daughter and going with two friends and their daughter. I couldn't be more excited.
19. I am dying to re-arrange my furniture.
20. I hope our next (and last-and not for awhile) kid is a girl.
21. I love skittles, and almost always have some with me. But only orange, red and purple. I pick out the yellow and green as soon as I get them and give them to R.
22. I do our finances. And I hate it. But they get done and done correctly that way.
23. I currently have a double sided poster board sized list of to-do's for the entire family for Saturday morning's party.
24. I gained 83 pounds during 8 months of pregnancy (due to pre-eclempsia, 55+ in the last month) and I have lost 62 of that in one year of motherhood.
25. I have never had a surprise birthday party.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Fabulous Giveaway
Whitney, one of my best friends, owns Whitney Caroline Designs and sells gorgeous stuff. She is also giving away a fabulous Scout Bag on her blog. I have one of these bags and LOVE it. I also gave some away as Christmas gifts. They are water resistant and huge! You should scoot on over, check her out, and enter for the giveaway. Go, now, run....
Milestones
This week has been a week of milestones for Lillian. She has:
-learned to flush the toilet (JOY)
-learned to climb in the sink (?!?! I don't know either)
-had her first dose of birth control (we're starting early)
-had her fifth tooth break through (and possibly another one yet this week)
-learned (again-she did it a couple times a few months ago and then never again) to wave hi and bye bye. She is trying really hard to say bye bye when she waves too
-been able to stand on her own for a few seconds. This is not due to her inability to stand, its her impatience to do anything that involves being still.
-graduated to size three diapers (not out of need to move up in size, but that we were out of twos and had lots of threes)
-transitioned completely to whole milk rather than formula
-learned to drink out of a straw
-learned to hold a whole sandwich (or anything) and take "bites"
-had peanut butter for the first (and second and third) time
-a fantastic event tomorrow, her first birthday!
WHEW.. Yes, that was all this week. With that and the major OCD party planning going on over here, we've been a nuthouse this week.
-learned to flush the toilet (JOY)
-learned to climb in the sink (?!?! I don't know either)
-had her first dose of birth control (we're starting early)
-had her fifth tooth break through (and possibly another one yet this week)
-learned (again-she did it a couple times a few months ago and then never again) to wave hi and bye bye. She is trying really hard to say bye bye when she waves too
-been able to stand on her own for a few seconds. This is not due to her inability to stand, its her impatience to do anything that involves being still.
-graduated to size three diapers (not out of need to move up in size, but that we were out of twos and had lots of threes)
-transitioned completely to whole milk rather than formula
-learned to drink out of a straw
-learned to hold a whole sandwich (or anything) and take "bites"
-had peanut butter for the first (and second and third) time
-a fantastic event tomorrow, her first birthday!
WHEW.. Yes, that was all this week. With that and the major OCD party planning going on over here, we've been a nuthouse this week.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Classified Ad
One daughter for sale to highest bidder. Comes complete with 4.5 teeth, 3 bruises on her head, many pairs of shoes that no longer fit, climbing skills beyond her years and one dose of birth control.
Email all offers to StaceyBrill@gmail.com. Only serious inquiries please.
(Author's Note: This post was written with humor, in jest and meant to be a joke about my mischievous daughter's most recent achievements.)
Email all offers to StaceyBrill@gmail.com. Only serious inquiries please.
(Author's Note: This post was written with humor, in jest and meant to be a joke about my mischievous daughter's most recent achievements.)
Fruit Basket
We received a great fruit basket of fake fruit for Lillian to play with from Toys R Us. However it came with no gift message and no purchaser address. Its a mystery gift. That hasn't stopped her though. She and Kylie have been eating them, rolling them and chucking them at each others' heads all day long. She loves them! Mostly, her favorite is filling up the basket, then taking it by the handle and waving it all over the room and sending fruit flying.
We would love to know who these are from in order to give proper thanks.
We would love to know who these are from in order to give proper thanks.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Navy=Change in plans
Once again, our plans have changed, thanks to the Navy.
They just changed Navy policy to state that no one is allowed to extend. Therefore, Richard will be required to re-enlist (unless someone has a marvelously better offer for us, preferably in Iowa or Michigan) in July 2009. He can choose to re-enlist for three, four, five or six years.
He is still up for rotation in January 2010. This is when he will switch from shore duty (no deployments) to sea duty (as many deployments as they want). He will be on sea duty for three years before rotating back to shore duty for three years. With the switch from shore duty to sea duty, it will also bring a possible re-location.
This is why we had hoped to extend from July to January and then re-enlist. Then, we would have had a little leverage in asking for locations we want...he could say he is going to get out if he doesn't get the orders he likes. However, now he will be enlisted for at least 2.5 more years when he is up for orders. This means they don't care a lick what he prefers, they know he can't do a thing about it.
We also found out that he will be getting NO re-enlistment bonus. This is always touted as a "bonus" and not to be "expected" but it seems very cruel when you have friends getting from $60,000 to $100,000 bonuses and you get nothing. He is bummed but okay. I'm flat out ticked off.
He also found out that they have started to have a test for anyone wanting to re-enlist. If you do not pass the test to their standard, you do not get the option to re-enlist. He says he is not worried at all about this, as his record is stellar (not that you'd know that by his bonus :-) but it is yet another hoop he has to jump through.
The new uniforms did indeed come out and are available at the stores starting January 15, 2009. However, they cannot wear them to work yet. There is no date for when they can wear them to work. We are going to try to make sure he passes this "re-enlistment test" before we spend $500 on new uniforms.
I love the Navy, I love the Navy, I love the Navy....
We did get a pay increase and are anticipating another one in July (although not counting on this, anymore).
We do have free healthcare, although it requires an insane amount of time ensuring you get the care you need and that you do not get improperly billed for anything.
On another positive note, we lost a third of our stock accounts this year. We lost double what we put in. Whooooooooooo Hoooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
They just changed Navy policy to state that no one is allowed to extend. Therefore, Richard will be required to re-enlist (unless someone has a marvelously better offer for us, preferably in Iowa or Michigan) in July 2009. He can choose to re-enlist for three, four, five or six years.
He is still up for rotation in January 2010. This is when he will switch from shore duty (no deployments) to sea duty (as many deployments as they want). He will be on sea duty for three years before rotating back to shore duty for three years. With the switch from shore duty to sea duty, it will also bring a possible re-location.
This is why we had hoped to extend from July to January and then re-enlist. Then, we would have had a little leverage in asking for locations we want...he could say he is going to get out if he doesn't get the orders he likes. However, now he will be enlisted for at least 2.5 more years when he is up for orders. This means they don't care a lick what he prefers, they know he can't do a thing about it.
We also found out that he will be getting NO re-enlistment bonus. This is always touted as a "bonus" and not to be "expected" but it seems very cruel when you have friends getting from $60,000 to $100,000 bonuses and you get nothing. He is bummed but okay. I'm flat out ticked off.
He also found out that they have started to have a test for anyone wanting to re-enlist. If you do not pass the test to their standard, you do not get the option to re-enlist. He says he is not worried at all about this, as his record is stellar (not that you'd know that by his bonus :-) but it is yet another hoop he has to jump through.
The new uniforms did indeed come out and are available at the stores starting January 15, 2009. However, they cannot wear them to work yet. There is no date for when they can wear them to work. We are going to try to make sure he passes this "re-enlistment test" before we spend $500 on new uniforms.
I love the Navy, I love the Navy, I love the Navy....
We did get a pay increase and are anticipating another one in July (although not counting on this, anymore).
We do have free healthcare, although it requires an insane amount of time ensuring you get the care you need and that you do not get improperly billed for anything.
On another positive note, we lost a third of our stock accounts this year. We lost double what we put in. Whooooooooooo Hoooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Click on the photo and it will open larger in a new window.Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Lillian, the youngest teenager
My daughter, who has not yet had her first birthday, has effectively become a teenager. She has evidenced this by:
her desire to be tall and skinny,
being awake at all hours of the night,
refusing to eat,
refusing to take naps,
telling her parents "No" or "na" in her dictionary,
refusing to listen,
throwing tantrums,
and definite PMS and mood swings.
In short, I miss my baby and am not at all looking forward to 14 years from now.
her desire to be tall and skinny,
being awake at all hours of the night,
refusing to eat,
refusing to take naps,
telling her parents "No" or "na" in her dictionary,
refusing to listen,
throwing tantrums,
and definite PMS and mood swings.
In short, I miss my baby and am not at all looking forward to 14 years from now.
Three Bedroom
We are NEXT ON THE LIST for a three bedroom. We have been waiting more than 9 months for this opportunity and are now just waiting for someone to move the heck outta dodge. We have toured the three bedrooms and are very excited because:
They have a HUGE pantry. Our pantry now consists of our washer and dryer and one 10" shelf above them. Our pantry then will consist of washer, dryer, 10" shelf above them, on the LEFT. Then we have the whole right side which is a wall full of 10" shelves, floor to ceiling. AND it leaves room straight ahead for a shelving unit of our own. I'm excited about all the stockpiling opportunities this will bring.
Lillian will finally have her own room and we will begin the process of moving her to a bed rather than a crib.
We will have a separate guest room (told you you should come visit). And therefore, a whole nother closet!!!!!!!!!!!! That means R's uniforms, our games, and other random storage things can move out of Lillian's closet and into that one. Then all of L's crap might fit inside her closet! Whee, whee, whee!
We are going to be able to put our filing cabinets, bookshelves, and craft drawers in the guest room and therefore move them out of the living room and dining room.
We will have two full bathrooms!
We will have a bathroom in our bedroom that you don't have to dance with the door in order to pee!
We will have a bathroom down the hall by Lillian's room and the guest room. This means, Lil's toys will not ever again puncture my foot during an early morning, rushed shower attempt.
Lillian's room and the Guest Room are quite far down a hallway from our room and the Living area of the house. This means that when she is sleeping, I can go in my bathroom, use it, AND (get ready, its exciting...) FLUSH IT. Right now, our toilet is right by her crib and although she will sleep through the vaccuum, tv, phones, etc she WILL NOT sleep through a toilet flush for some reason.
One of the best things of all....We will have a playroom! Yes, it will be at the expense of a dining room, but who really needs a dining room anyways? We would only use it when we have lots of friends over (since family is not close) and when that happens we are more than excited to lock the kids in, um, uh, I mean, let the kids play in, the playroom and eat on plates on couches and chairs, peacefully. Our table, which is old and rickety but FANTASTIC has tons of leaves which means we can put it in the dining room and extend it out for 10 people if we want to, but for the most part, it can fold up and be a peaceful sitting area for two chairs and a highchair in the kitchen.
We will have more room in our living room because all of the other things that do not generally belong in a living room will actually have a home in other places in the house!
On a sad note...we will lose the infamous "closet from hell". Although that might very well be a good thing. I think all the above things will make up for that.
Some things to pray about for our move:
a. That the availability comes soon but also at a good time to move (ie. NOT the third week of May). We would love for my dad (and everyone else) to be able to come down and help. And our church group is low on guys this spring due to many deployments, so a date that works for most of the guys who are still here would be uber helpful.
b. That we get a good location. The bad thing about the three bedrooms is that they are on the first floor of the building and in the way our buildings are set up, this means, the entrance is in the back of the building. We would like to be in the middle of the complex, rather than on the outer edges, having our door face nothing ness (a little scary for me when R deploys next January). And parking is an issue in some spots more than others. Not a big deal generally but once R leaves, it would be helpful not to have to walk 5 miles from the car to the door with two toddlers and groceries in the rain.
c. That we are able to pay the additional rent and utility fees without taking away from our monthy savings and house fund deposits.
They have a HUGE pantry. Our pantry now consists of our washer and dryer and one 10" shelf above them. Our pantry then will consist of washer, dryer, 10" shelf above them, on the LEFT. Then we have the whole right side which is a wall full of 10" shelves, floor to ceiling. AND it leaves room straight ahead for a shelving unit of our own. I'm excited about all the stockpiling opportunities this will bring.
Lillian will finally have her own room and we will begin the process of moving her to a bed rather than a crib.
We will have a separate guest room (told you you should come visit). And therefore, a whole nother closet!!!!!!!!!!!! That means R's uniforms, our games, and other random storage things can move out of Lillian's closet and into that one. Then all of L's crap might fit inside her closet! Whee, whee, whee!
We are going to be able to put our filing cabinets, bookshelves, and craft drawers in the guest room and therefore move them out of the living room and dining room.
We will have two full bathrooms!
We will have a bathroom in our bedroom that you don't have to dance with the door in order to pee!
We will have a bathroom down the hall by Lillian's room and the guest room. This means, Lil's toys will not ever again puncture my foot during an early morning, rushed shower attempt.
Lillian's room and the Guest Room are quite far down a hallway from our room and the Living area of the house. This means that when she is sleeping, I can go in my bathroom, use it, AND (get ready, its exciting...) FLUSH IT. Right now, our toilet is right by her crib and although she will sleep through the vaccuum, tv, phones, etc she WILL NOT sleep through a toilet flush for some reason.
One of the best things of all....We will have a playroom! Yes, it will be at the expense of a dining room, but who really needs a dining room anyways? We would only use it when we have lots of friends over (since family is not close) and when that happens we are more than excited to lock the kids in, um, uh, I mean, let the kids play in, the playroom and eat on plates on couches and chairs, peacefully. Our table, which is old and rickety but FANTASTIC has tons of leaves which means we can put it in the dining room and extend it out for 10 people if we want to, but for the most part, it can fold up and be a peaceful sitting area for two chairs and a highchair in the kitchen.
We will have more room in our living room because all of the other things that do not generally belong in a living room will actually have a home in other places in the house!
On a sad note...we will lose the infamous "closet from hell". Although that might very well be a good thing. I think all the above things will make up for that.
Some things to pray about for our move:
a. That the availability comes soon but also at a good time to move (ie. NOT the third week of May). We would love for my dad (and everyone else) to be able to come down and help. And our church group is low on guys this spring due to many deployments, so a date that works for most of the guys who are still here would be uber helpful.
b. That we get a good location. The bad thing about the three bedrooms is that they are on the first floor of the building and in the way our buildings are set up, this means, the entrance is in the back of the building. We would like to be in the middle of the complex, rather than on the outer edges, having our door face nothing ness (a little scary for me when R deploys next January). And parking is an issue in some spots more than others. Not a big deal generally but once R leaves, it would be helpful not to have to walk 5 miles from the car to the door with two toddlers and groceries in the rain.
c. That we are able to pay the additional rent and utility fees without taking away from our monthy savings and house fund deposits.
2009
I (mistakenly) thought after we got home from our vacation to Michigan, things were going to be pretty dull around here for awhile. Turns out that's the farthest thing from the truth!
We had a rockin New Year's Eve party at Eric and Teresa's (although I was sick and out of it for the most part, there were some great memories made)
Tomorrow, Thursday, January 15th brings a PAYRAISE!!! Much needed and greatly appreciated. It also brings something Richard is very excited about....the release of NEW UNIFORMS!!!!!!! This is a much anticipated move by the Navy to reduce the number of uniforms one is required to have (currently an insane number). I'm not up on the details but I think it brings cami's that they can wear to work. Not positive though, I just know Richard is so excited he wants to go right to the NEX that day and get his new uniforms. Good thing we saved our uniform allowance from last year and have money set aside.
We have Lillian's first birthday next Friday, the 23rd. It DOES NOT seem possible that she's been here for a year already, but it also seems like she's been a part of our family forever. We all work so well together, I couldn't have asked for a better daughter (well except for this week, but more about that later).
We have Lillian's One Year pictures and her birthday party next Saturday, the 24th and I am busily (and slowly, thanks mono) preparing for that. As OCD as I am, you know everything has to be color coded and theme oriented and blah blah blah. Our photographer is going to do her one year portraits before the party and stay and photograph the party, I'm so excited.
Also next weekend, Richard's parents and grandparents and nephew are coming for a visit. We are so excited! We love having company. It's just too bad they'll only be here for a little over two days.
February first is our ledgendary Super Bowl party at the home of the fabulous Owen family. This was Lillian's first introduction to the madness of our group last year.
February 14th brings a triple 2nd birthday party. With a theme of Dora, Elmo and Cars. Whew! I'm tired already.
February 28th brings Spectacular Miss Kylie's First Birthday Party. A party for a princess.
March 4-8 we are having a "Girl's Weekend" at Whitney's family lakehouse in Georgia. I CANNOT wait for this. Not only to hang with some of the best women I know, but to get away for a few days and best of all, to have NO KIDS around. The men of our group, mighty as they are, are all taking leave to stay home and babysit the children. Go men!
The middle of March brings my 27th birthday and a much anticipated surprise from my wonderful husband. It involves Lillian, Ashley and a trip, that much I know. I can't wait for my annual "spring break with Ashley".
The end of March will be Miss Makailyn's birthday, the last of the "baby girls" who are no longer the "baby girls" of the group, as they got booted in November by Laynee, Eden and Ruby. (We have two women in our group pregnant now and every other one is fasting and not drinking the water until the third unlucky subject is chosen.)
April (or sooner hopefully) will bring us a (hopefully) large tax refund. It will be our first tax refund having three members in our family.
April 21 brings Richard's 27th birthday.
And most anticipated of all.....
The third week of May will see us in Florida at The Happiest Place on Earth, Walt Disney World!! And spending the time there with Brandon, Lindsey and Kylie, just makes it so it couldn't get any better than that. This is our first VACATION that is not a trip to go see family. Not that we don't love seeing family, but we love to travel and see new places and have been wanting to, but leave time doesn't always allow both. We are excited to start our family travels at DISNEY WORLD!!!!!!!!!
And we will be back on Saturday before Labor Day so we will have Sunday and Monday to relax before getting back into the routine of things.
This summer, we are hoping to be able to see the Coffman family as they are trying to make a trip to Virginia Beach. I love those kids so much and can't wait to see the entire family.
July brings a life altering decision, to re-enlist or not to re-enlist. Well actually, it looks like July is going to bring an "extension" until January 2010 when we will then make the decision to re-enlist or not re-enlist. Not that we are having thoughts about the second option but it is still always an option. July will bring another pay raise though, as Richard will have completed 8 years of service!!
Hopefully somewhere in there, we will insert a move into a three bedroom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That might actually top Mickey as Most Anticipated Event of early 2009. And even better, my Dad is going to try to come down (depending on date and work and all that stuff) and help us move.
As you can see, we are very busy and are actually taking quite a bit of leave the first half of this year. This probably means that we will not be getting up to Michigan during the year at all this year. So people, that means that when you're planning your vacations for this year, you should schedule in a trip to Glorious Virginia Beach. We would love to see you, and pretty soon, you should be able to stay with us without having to stay in the same room as Mis Lil.
We had a rockin New Year's Eve party at Eric and Teresa's (although I was sick and out of it for the most part, there were some great memories made)
Tomorrow, Thursday, January 15th brings a PAYRAISE!!! Much needed and greatly appreciated. It also brings something Richard is very excited about....the release of NEW UNIFORMS!!!!!!! This is a much anticipated move by the Navy to reduce the number of uniforms one is required to have (currently an insane number). I'm not up on the details but I think it brings cami's that they can wear to work. Not positive though, I just know Richard is so excited he wants to go right to the NEX that day and get his new uniforms. Good thing we saved our uniform allowance from last year and have money set aside.
We have Lillian's first birthday next Friday, the 23rd. It DOES NOT seem possible that she's been here for a year already, but it also seems like she's been a part of our family forever. We all work so well together, I couldn't have asked for a better daughter (well except for this week, but more about that later).
We have Lillian's One Year pictures and her birthday party next Saturday, the 24th and I am busily (and slowly, thanks mono) preparing for that. As OCD as I am, you know everything has to be color coded and theme oriented and blah blah blah. Our photographer is going to do her one year portraits before the party and stay and photograph the party, I'm so excited.
Also next weekend, Richard's parents and grandparents and nephew are coming for a visit. We are so excited! We love having company. It's just too bad they'll only be here for a little over two days.
February first is our ledgendary Super Bowl party at the home of the fabulous Owen family. This was Lillian's first introduction to the madness of our group last year.
February 14th brings a triple 2nd birthday party. With a theme of Dora, Elmo and Cars. Whew! I'm tired already.
February 28th brings Spectacular Miss Kylie's First Birthday Party. A party for a princess.
March 4-8 we are having a "Girl's Weekend" at Whitney's family lakehouse in Georgia. I CANNOT wait for this. Not only to hang with some of the best women I know, but to get away for a few days and best of all, to have NO KIDS around. The men of our group, mighty as they are, are all taking leave to stay home and babysit the children. Go men!
The middle of March brings my 27th birthday and a much anticipated surprise from my wonderful husband. It involves Lillian, Ashley and a trip, that much I know. I can't wait for my annual "spring break with Ashley".
The end of March will be Miss Makailyn's birthday, the last of the "baby girls" who are no longer the "baby girls" of the group, as they got booted in November by Laynee, Eden and Ruby. (We have two women in our group pregnant now and every other one is fasting and not drinking the water until the third unlucky subject is chosen.)
April (or sooner hopefully) will bring us a (hopefully) large tax refund. It will be our first tax refund having three members in our family.
April 21 brings Richard's 27th birthday.
And most anticipated of all.....
The third week of May will see us in Florida at The Happiest Place on Earth, Walt Disney World!! And spending the time there with Brandon, Lindsey and Kylie, just makes it so it couldn't get any better than that. This is our first VACATION that is not a trip to go see family. Not that we don't love seeing family, but we love to travel and see new places and have been wanting to, but leave time doesn't always allow both. We are excited to start our family travels at DISNEY WORLD!!!!!!!!!
And we will be back on Saturday before Labor Day so we will have Sunday and Monday to relax before getting back into the routine of things.
This summer, we are hoping to be able to see the Coffman family as they are trying to make a trip to Virginia Beach. I love those kids so much and can't wait to see the entire family.
July brings a life altering decision, to re-enlist or not to re-enlist. Well actually, it looks like July is going to bring an "extension" until January 2010 when we will then make the decision to re-enlist or not re-enlist. Not that we are having thoughts about the second option but it is still always an option. July will bring another pay raise though, as Richard will have completed 8 years of service!!
Hopefully somewhere in there, we will insert a move into a three bedroom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That might actually top Mickey as Most Anticipated Event of early 2009. And even better, my Dad is going to try to come down (depending on date and work and all that stuff) and help us move.
As you can see, we are very busy and are actually taking quite a bit of leave the first half of this year. This probably means that we will not be getting up to Michigan during the year at all this year. So people, that means that when you're planning your vacations for this year, you should schedule in a trip to Glorious Virginia Beach. We would love to see you, and pretty soon, you should be able to stay with us without having to stay in the same room as Mis Lil.
Disney World!
Did I mention we're going to Disney World? Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!
For SEVEN DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!! Septuple wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!
For SEVEN DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!! Septuple wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!
The never-ending sickness
It turns out that the reason I just couldn't get better and kept getting more ailments was that behind it all, I was having a grand case of Mono. Now that they have that figured out they gave me steriod shots and steroid pills as well as sleeping pills (I have lots of trouble falling asleep anytime before 2am) and "wake up" pills (to make me more awake at 6am) as well as antibiotics for the rest of that stuff.
I found out a week or so ago and am actually feeling pretty good now, all the sickness is gone, I have most of my hearing back, although not all of it, and all thats left is utter exhaustion.
He said it was okay to still do moderate exercise and that while typically the directions for mono are bed rest he realized that wasn't possible with two little ones so just to take it easy, not do things I don't have to do and try to get a nap in each day. He said the sleeping pills to get my body sleeping at the right times of day (night) will help too.
I found out a week or so ago and am actually feeling pretty good now, all the sickness is gone, I have most of my hearing back, although not all of it, and all thats left is utter exhaustion.
He said it was okay to still do moderate exercise and that while typically the directions for mono are bed rest he realized that wasn't possible with two little ones so just to take it easy, not do things I don't have to do and try to get a nap in each day. He said the sleeping pills to get my body sleeping at the right times of day (night) will help too.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
The Happiest Place on Earth!!
We are officially going to Disney World the third week of May, this year. I am BEYOND excited. Disney is offering a superbly fantastic military ticket package that we are taking advantage of, and we found availability at the Military Resort on Disney property. Total, for seven days of hotel, and two five day park hopper passes, it will cost us under $800. You CANNOT pass that up. We will still have to get there, but we're going to drive, so that will save money over flying and we might carpool with friends.
Oh, didn't I mention that yet? Brandon and Lindsey and Miss Kylie are joining us on this excellent adventure. Whee!!!!!!!!
We are busy, busy, busy researching restaurants that are cheap but good, fantastic but expensive, shows and shops we cannot miss and the most kid friendly things to do. Any of you that have been there recently, feel free to leave your input on things we cannot miss or should skip.
Oh, didn't I mention that yet? Brandon and Lindsey and Miss Kylie are joining us on this excellent adventure. Whee!!!!!!!!
We are busy, busy, busy researching restaurants that are cheap but good, fantastic but expensive, shows and shops we cannot miss and the most kid friendly things to do. Any of you that have been there recently, feel free to leave your input on things we cannot miss or should skip.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
New Pictures
Fifty bazillion (or at least 400) new pictures are up on the website (no joke), but these are my favorite... And it appears the demon photo software issues have popped up again. Ignore the sideways, focus on the delight at the gift of a cell phone. And the family picture isn't so much for the family, but for my HOT husband, whom I have cropped out about four times but the rest of the family refuses to leave the picture apparently.
Monday, December 29, 2008
When I do it I do it good
I went in to the doctor today with what I knew was a very high temp and a horrible earache. After sending the first temperature machine into eternal "ERROR" mode, I learned my temp was 106.4. The staff went into freak out mode after that. I got an IV inserted into each arm (after only one failed attempt on each arm) right in the waiting room. They were laughing at our parade as I rode in a wheelchair, followed by two IV poles and pushing the stroller back to the examination room.
After an hour, they had my temp down to 99 but said to do absolutely NOTHING tonight because I was at risk of a seizure after having my temp drop so much so fast. The doc that saw me (who might have been old enough to graduate college) said that if he'd been seeing me at a hospital he would have admitted me for three days. I told him it was good he wasn't because I had far too much to do in that amount of time.
After looking at my facial orifaces he determined that I have an extreme outer and inner ear infection in both ears, my right worse than my left. And I have a sinus infection. He told me to take 1500 mg of tylenol every four hours for four days, round the clock, no matter what. And gave me an antibiotic to fight the infection. He also gave me a nasal spray which he said works miracles and I was to use it twice a day for three days. And three days only. And I had to sign a sworn statement that I would not take it more than three days or sell it on the black market. Obviously powerful stuff.
After all of this, and getting reemed at for driving myself and bringing my baby (funny, I didn't get his offer to babysit before I left the house), he said that if I did NOTHING tonight and got good sleep, I should feel much better tomorrow and good as new by the end of the week. Needless to say, I'm doing nothing tonight.
After an hour, they had my temp down to 99 but said to do absolutely NOTHING tonight because I was at risk of a seizure after having my temp drop so much so fast. The doc that saw me (who might have been old enough to graduate college) said that if he'd been seeing me at a hospital he would have admitted me for three days. I told him it was good he wasn't because I had far too much to do in that amount of time.
After looking at my facial orifaces he determined that I have an extreme outer and inner ear infection in both ears, my right worse than my left. And I have a sinus infection. He told me to take 1500 mg of tylenol every four hours for four days, round the clock, no matter what. And gave me an antibiotic to fight the infection. He also gave me a nasal spray which he said works miracles and I was to use it twice a day for three days. And three days only. And I had to sign a sworn statement that I would not take it more than three days or sell it on the black market. Obviously powerful stuff.
After all of this, and getting reemed at for driving myself and bringing my baby (funny, I didn't get his offer to babysit before I left the house), he said that if I did NOTHING tonight and got good sleep, I should feel much better tomorrow and good as new by the end of the week. Needless to say, I'm doing nothing tonight.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
We're home from Michigan, safe and warm (its 75 here today). Lillian is spoiled. R is healthy again. And I am sicker than a dog, with two ear infections. We are mostly all unpacked, although still trying to rearrange things to fit all the new acquisitions into our already cramped space.
If you would please pray...
-That I would get better ASAP, I'm at the point now where it hurts to move anything and everything is throbbing, even when I'm not moving
-That Lillian gets back into the swing of things
-That a three bedroom apartment opens up right away and is in a great location within our complex. (And that we move on a great weekend for friends to help)
-That I pull together everything for Lillian's birthday party, its coming up so quickly.
-That elves will put away my christmas decorations, because I HATE doing that.
If you would please pray...
-That I would get better ASAP, I'm at the point now where it hurts to move anything and everything is throbbing, even when I'm not moving
-That Lillian gets back into the swing of things
-That a three bedroom apartment opens up right away and is in a great location within our complex. (And that we move on a great weekend for friends to help)
-That I pull together everything for Lillian's birthday party, its coming up so quickly.
-That elves will put away my christmas decorations, because I HATE doing that.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Everything update
Lillian...is doing better, still not sleeping at night (due to coughing) unless I hold her upright on the couch. She is still acting fine during the day and eating like a man. She currently weighs a whopping 14.6 pounds (yes, that's lower than her 9 month appt-no they still aren't worried-yes I am hugely envious). She almost initiated her first 911 call after getting stuck in her crib during "nap" this morning. A photo is on the picture site.
Stacey...does not have cancer currently, but does have "cancer causing cells" and has to be rechecked every three months for a year and every six months forever. Also a colposcopy and biopsy again in a year and then again every other year forever. Joy.
Richard...still is not sick, and hopefully won't get that way. Was WRONG about when he is up for relocation orders, it is not July 09, it is January 10. Better for not having to move so soon. Better because right now for his job there is nothing open other than California or overseas and better because right now there is NO bonus for reupping, not even a dollar.
The Pacifica...needs a new oil pan. It seems to be the dealership's fault although we are in the process of seeing if they will admit to that. It needs new wiper blades which we will get tomorrow.
The truck...is overheating. It has coolant in it but the Low Coolant light is on. We had an oil change and coolant flush done yesterday. We are replacing the thermostat tomorrow. If that doesn't fix it then we will replace the ___ (something big and expensive that I don't remember the name of).
The apartment...still has cockroaches, fat neighbors upstairs and creepy man next door, all to my dismay. We are currently #10 on the list for a three bedroom apartment.
Michigan...We are leaving for (driving) Friday night/Saturday morning and will be there at least in time for church on Sunday. Kerstin, i would love to see you, but you should see the crazy back and forth schedule we are going to try to rock. I will do my best, but email/call me if I don't get in touch with you and remind me.
Stacey...does not have cancer currently, but does have "cancer causing cells" and has to be rechecked every three months for a year and every six months forever. Also a colposcopy and biopsy again in a year and then again every other year forever. Joy.
Richard...still is not sick, and hopefully won't get that way. Was WRONG about when he is up for relocation orders, it is not July 09, it is January 10. Better for not having to move so soon. Better because right now for his job there is nothing open other than California or overseas and better because right now there is NO bonus for reupping, not even a dollar.
The Pacifica...needs a new oil pan. It seems to be the dealership's fault although we are in the process of seeing if they will admit to that. It needs new wiper blades which we will get tomorrow.
The truck...is overheating. It has coolant in it but the Low Coolant light is on. We had an oil change and coolant flush done yesterday. We are replacing the thermostat tomorrow. If that doesn't fix it then we will replace the ___ (something big and expensive that I don't remember the name of).
The apartment...still has cockroaches, fat neighbors upstairs and creepy man next door, all to my dismay. We are currently #10 on the list for a three bedroom apartment.
Michigan...We are leaving for (driving) Friday night/Saturday morning and will be there at least in time for church on Sunday. Kerstin, i would love to see you, but you should see the crazy back and forth schedule we are going to try to rock. I will do my best, but email/call me if I don't get in touch with you and remind me.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Sickness
It turns out that even though she is acting just fine, Lillian has a sinus infection, two ear infections and bronchitis. So we're busy trying to keep her still (yeah right), pouring Pedialite down her throat, holding her while she sleeps (so she's upright and can sleep rather than have coughing fits), and trying to pack, all hoping that she's better by Friday when we plan to try to leave for Michigan. Probably not much posting between here and New Years.
Merry, Happy, Christmas, New Year's, etc, to everyone.
PS-Remember, Lillian's big bash is coming up January 24, for whoever can make the trip, we'd love to have you.
Merry, Happy, Christmas, New Year's, etc, to everyone.
PS-Remember, Lillian's big bash is coming up January 24, for whoever can make the trip, we'd love to have you.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Taste the Rainbow
In my not-able-to-move-well sickness, I've spent lots of time being bored on the internet. And today I stumbled upon this. I. LOVE. THIS.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
We're sick. Me and Lillian. Who wants to come out here and take care of us while R's at work? I'd like to put in my order for cheese fries, cheese bread and a vanilla milkshake from mcdonalds. And a laundry person -we're going through snot and puke filled blankets and clothes like crazy. The washer can't do it fast enough.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Christmas/Wish Lists
I have updated all three wishlists. Richard does have all of his shopping done for me though, so if you're going to get something off my list, please check with him first to make sure he hasn't gotten it.
I deleted the things on Lillian's list that have already been purchased. If you need any of that information for some reason, just let me know. I just tried to make the list easier to read. The items we want most on her list are in Orange font.
Thanks!
I deleted the things on Lillian's list that have already been purchased. If you need any of that information for some reason, just let me know. I just tried to make the list easier to read. The items we want most on her list are in Orange font.
Thanks!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Sad little Pacifica
My car is at the doctor. It has an uncomfortable sounding rattle and we discussed taking it in on Monday. However when we left church today it wouldn't start. It did eventually and (contrary to last time) I convinced R to drive it right to our (unfortunately probably soon to have a great holiday) friends at Able Auto Service. We are hoping they can get it looked at, diagnosed, fixed and hopefully (miraculously) paid for so that we can leave on time, as scheduled, next weekend for Michigan. We're not sure what is going on (duh) but R says he is hoping we don't have to get a new engine (thanks for the positive thoughts your filling my head with buddy).
Thursday, November 27, 2008
I'm thankful for...(in no particular order)
Richard
Lillian
The fact that I am not currently pregnant
Diet Coke
Our AMAZING church group who are great friends, no, great family
Bread
Brandon, Lindsey and Princess Kylie
Britt and Whitney
Landon and Lena
Our new storage ottoman that doesn't make my feet fall asleep when I put them on it
That we have almost everything for Lil's birthday party already
The DVD player we borrowed to keep Lil entertained on the trip to/from MI.
The Sunday Paper
Moist chocolate cake
TiVo
Sprite Zero
My Pacifica
The automatic lift gate on the pacifica
The money for the bike payments (our ONLY debt)
Cheese
The fact that we have a house fund though we're years away from buying one
The yellow and white flowered blanket
My sewing machine
The new orange coat I just bought
Potatoes
My treadmill (although I would be more thankful if I didn't have to use it every day)
Christmas Music
Good Books
Great Wolf Lodge (hopefully we will be able to go back next year)
The Gap
Thanksgiving Parades
That we're debt free (except for that pesky bike)
That even in times like this, we have a house fund started, money in savings, retirement and for our honeymoon.
Email
Internet
Google Reader
Target
Jesus being born and dying on the cross for our sins
My parents
R's parents
Grandparents
Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, etc
Brian
Three new very little girls Eden Avery (still in the hospital-born at 32 weeks), Laynee Adele, and Ruby Eileen
Babies to come in 2009: Baby Kocher
My babyfit friends who answer my every question
Good movies
Dark Chocolate
Army Wives (the show)
My new (pink) smartphone
I'd be REALLY THANKFUL for internet on that smartphone
Digital Cameras
Rite Aid's $30 for your prescription program (we've made over $150 0ff of them in the last month)
Health insurance for free (the insurance is great, the care sucks, but...its free)
Christmas Music (yes, I know I already said that)
ASHLEY
Julie and Kerstin (the only other two people from high school or college worth keeping in contact with)
March and my big surprise
Ashley's visit last March and coming again this March
Spending Christmas in Michigan
Lillian's ability to eat ANYTHING
My job
R's job...It took ALOT to write that, but its true
For the orders I know we're going to get, back to VA (pray people, PRAY)
The plant we've kept alive through a move from Grand Blanc to Flint, Michigan to Florida and Florida to Virginia
Yoga pants and sweatshirts
Windex wipes
Puma Tennis shoes
Magic Erasers
Cheerios (for Lillian, the cure all)
My laptop
Cheesecake
Friends who act like family at Thanksgiving time
Lillian
The fact that I am not currently pregnant
Diet Coke
Our AMAZING church group who are great friends, no, great family
Bread
Brandon, Lindsey and Princess Kylie
Britt and Whitney
Landon and Lena
Our new storage ottoman that doesn't make my feet fall asleep when I put them on it
That we have almost everything for Lil's birthday party already
The DVD player we borrowed to keep Lil entertained on the trip to/from MI.
The Sunday Paper
Moist chocolate cake
TiVo
Sprite Zero
My Pacifica
The automatic lift gate on the pacifica
The money for the bike payments (our ONLY debt)
Cheese
The fact that we have a house fund though we're years away from buying one
The yellow and white flowered blanket
My sewing machine
The new orange coat I just bought
Potatoes
My treadmill (although I would be more thankful if I didn't have to use it every day)
Christmas Music
Good Books
Great Wolf Lodge (hopefully we will be able to go back next year)
The Gap
Thanksgiving Parades
That we're debt free (except for that pesky bike)
That even in times like this, we have a house fund started, money in savings, retirement and for our honeymoon.
Internet
Google Reader
Target
Jesus being born and dying on the cross for our sins
My parents
R's parents
Grandparents
Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, etc
Brian
Three new very little girls Eden Avery (still in the hospital-born at 32 weeks), Laynee Adele, and Ruby Eileen
Babies to come in 2009: Baby Kocher
My babyfit friends who answer my every question
Good movies
Dark Chocolate
Army Wives (the show)
My new (pink) smartphone
I'd be REALLY THANKFUL for internet on that smartphone
Digital Cameras
Rite Aid's $30 for your prescription program (we've made over $150 0ff of them in the last month)
Health insurance for free (the insurance is great, the care sucks, but...its free)
Christmas Music (yes, I know I already said that)
ASHLEY
Julie and Kerstin (the only other two people from high school or college worth keeping in contact with)
March and my big surprise
Ashley's visit last March and coming again this March
Spending Christmas in Michigan
Lillian's ability to eat ANYTHING
My job
R's job...It took ALOT to write that, but its true
For the orders I know we're going to get, back to VA (pray people, PRAY)
The plant we've kept alive through a move from Grand Blanc to Flint, Michigan to Florida and Florida to Virginia
Yoga pants and sweatshirts
Windex wipes
Puma Tennis shoes
Magic Erasers
Cheerios (for Lillian, the cure all)
My laptop
Cheesecake
Friends who act like family at Thanksgiving time
Happy Thanksgiving!
We will be spending the day with friends from our Bible Study class and then having Britt and Whitney over tonight for dinner, dessert and games.
Tomorrow, I plan on shopping alone with Lindsey (alone meaning no husbands, no kids), not sure that we'll go super early though. Nothing we super want to get, mostly just to get out and shop. I am going to look for some jeans though. Two pairs of non-PJ-pants that fit work while I'm here every day, watching the girls, but for two weeks with family, I might need more.
Saturday we're going to Britt and Whitney's for the Clemson-Carolina game, which is each of their favorite teams. Elena is watching Lillian.
Sunday is church as normal and we are working in the nursery.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
I know these are really tiny on here, but if you click on them, it will link you to the original big picture. This one is for our blog. Obviously I talk about kids alot.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
FAO Schwarz Dream List
If I had a million dollars, If I had a million dollars, If I had a million dollars...I'd be rich. And, I'd buy all of these things.
Giant Doll House
Noah's Ark and Animal Set in Wood
And even though I don't have a million dollars, I'm VERY tempted to splurge on these amazing things.
Plush Noah's Ark seems like almost a good deal at $68
Hopscotch Giraffe Plush seems expensive at $50 but its SOOO adorable, and big enough for her to sit on.
Convertible Grow-Up Walker/Ride-On/Push Along Cart also kind of surprised me at only $100. This is INGENIOUS in all its multiple contortions.
Giant Doll House
Noah's Ark and Animal Set in Wood
And even though I don't have a million dollars, I'm VERY tempted to splurge on these amazing things.Plush Noah's Ark seems like almost a good deal at $68
Hopscotch Giraffe Plush seems expensive at $50 but its SOOO adorable, and big enough for her to sit on.
Convertible Grow-Up Walker/Ride-On/Push Along Cart also kind of surprised me at only $100. This is INGENIOUS in all its multiple contortions.
Let Your Child Soar
I get Parents Magazine and this December issue had a great article in it "Let your Child Soar: and 49 other ways to be a fantastic parent. I thought I'd share it....
Throughout the year, our board of advisors -- a brain trust of the best pediatric doctors, developmental experts, and educators in the country -- shares the latest thinking about raising happy and healthy kids in the pages of Parents. Now we've gathered our all-time favorite nuggets of their advice in one outstanding article that will have a profound effect on your whole family.
Set Smart Limits
Take charge. Children crave limits, which help them understand and manage an often confusing world. Show your love by setting boundaries so your kids can explore and discover their passions safely.
Don't clip your child's wings. Your toddler's mission in life is to gain independence. So when she's developmentally capable of putting her toys away, clearing her plate from the table, and dressing herself, let her. Giving a child responsibility is good for her self-esteem (and your sanity!).
Don't try to fix everything. Give young kids a chance to find their own solutions. When you lovingly acknowledge a child's minor frustrations without immediately rushing in to save her, you teach her self-reliance and resilience.
Remember that discipline is not punishment. Enforcing limits is really about teaching kids how to behave in the world and helping them to become competent, caring, and in control.
Pick your battles. Kids can't absorb too many rules without turning off completely. Forget arguing about little stuff like fashion choices and occasional potty language. Focus on the things that really matter -- that means no hitting, rude talk, or lying.
Create Your Own Quality Time
Play with your children. Let them choose the activity, and don't worry about rules. Just go with the flow and have fun. That's the name of the game.
Read books together every day. Get started when he's a newborn; babies love listening to the sound of their parents' voices. Cuddling up with your child and a book is a great bonding experience that will set him up for a lifetime of reading.
Schedule daily special time. Let your child choose an activity where you hang out together for 10 or 15 minutes with no interruptions. There's no better way for you to show your love.
Encourage daddy time. The greatest untapped resource available for improving the lives of our children is time with Dad -- early and often. Kids with engaged fathers do better in school, problem-solve more successfully, and generally cope better with whatever life throws at them.
Make warm memories. Your children will probably not remember anything that you say to them, but they will recall the family rituals -- like bedtimes and game night -- that you do together.
Be a Good Role Model
Be the role model your children deserve. Kids learn by watching their parents. Modeling appropriate, respectful, good behavior works much better than telling them what to do.
Fess up when you blow it. This is the best way to show your child how and when she should apologize.
Live a little greener. Show your kids how easy it is to care for the environment. Waste less, recycle, reuse, and conserve each day. Spend an afternoon picking up trash around the neighborhood.
Always tell the truth. It's how you want your child to behave, right?
Kiss and hug your spouse in front of the kids. Your marriage is the only example your child has of what an intimate relationship looks, feels, and sounds like. So it's your job to set a great standard.
Respect parenting differences. Support your spouse's basic approach to raising kids -- unless it's way out of line. Criticizing or arguing with your partner will do more harm to your marriage and your child's sense of security than if you accept standards that are different from your own.
Know the Best Ways to Praise
Give appropriate praise. Instead of simply saying, "You're great," try to be specific about what your child did to deserve the positive feedback. You might say, "Waiting until I was off the phone to ask for cookies was hard, and I really liked your patience."
Cheer the good stuff. When you notice your child doing something helpful or nice, let him know how you feel. It's a great way to reinforce good behavior so he's more likely to keep doing it.
Gossip about your kids. Fact: What we overhear is far more potent than what we are told directly. Make praise more effective by letting your child "catch" you whispering a compliment about him to Grandma, Dad, or even his teddy.
Trust Yourself
Give yourself a break. Hitting the drive-through when you're too tired to cook doesn't make you a bad parent.
Trust your mommy gut. No one knows your child better than you. Follow your instincts when it comes to his health and well-being. If you think something's wrong, chances are you're right.
Just say "No." Resist the urge to take on extra obligations at the office or become the Volunteer Queen at your child's school. You will never, ever regret spending more time with your children.
Don't accept disrespect from your child. Never allow her to be rude or say hurtful things to you or anyone else. If she does, tell her firmly that you will not tolerate any form of disrespect.
Pass along your plan. Mobilize the other caregivers in your child's life -- your spouse, grandparents, daycare worker, babysitter -- to help reinforce the values and the behavior you want to instill. This includes everything from saying thank you and being kind to not whining.
Don't Forget to Teach Social Skills
Ask your children three "you" questions every day. The art of conversation is an important social skill, but parents often neglect to teach it. Get a kid going with questions like, "Did you have fun at school?"; "What did you do at the party you went to?"; or "Where do you want to go tomorrow afternoon?"
Teach kids this bravery trick. Tell them to always notice the color of a person's eyes. Making eye contact will help a hesitant child appear more confident and will help any kid to be more assertive and less likely to be picked on.
Acknowledge your kid's strong emotions. When your child's meltdown is over, ask him, "How did that feel?" and "What do you think would make it better?" Then listen to him. He'll recover from a tantrum more easily if you let him talk it out.
Raise Grateful Kids
Show your child how to become a responsible citizen. Find ways to help others all year. Kids gain a sense of self-worth by volunteering in the community.
Don't raise a spoiled kid. Keep this thought in mind: Every child is a treasure, but no child is the center of the universe. Teach him accordingly.
Talk about what it means to be a good person. Start early: When you read bedtime stories, for example, ask your toddler whether characters are being mean or nice and explore why.
Explain to your kids why values are important. The simple answer: When you're kind, generous, honest, and respectful, you make the people around you feel good. More important, you feel good about yourself.
Set up a "gratitude circle" every night at dinner. Go around the table and take turns talking about the various people who were generous and kind to each of you that day. It may sound corny, but it makes everyone feel good.
Don't Stress About Dinner
Serve a food again and again. If your child rejects a new dish, don't give up hope. You may have to offer it another six, eight, or even 10 times before he eats it and decides he likes it.
Avoid food fights. A healthy child instinctively knows how much to eat. If he refuses to finish whatever food is on his plate, just let it go. He won't starve.
Eat at least one meal as a family each day. Sitting down at the table together is a relaxed way for everyone to connect -- a time to share happy news, talk about the day, or tell a silly joke. It also helps your kids develop healthy eating habits.
Let your kids place an order. Once a week, allow your children to choose what's for dinner and cook it for them.
Always Say "I Love You"
Love your children equally, but treat them uniquely. They're individuals.
Say "I love you" whenever you feel it, even if it's 743 times a day. You simply can not spoil a child with too many mushy words of affection and too many smooches. Not possible.
Keep in mind what grandmoms always say. Children are not yours, they are only lent to you for a time. In those fleeting years, do your best to help them grow up to be good people.
Savor the moments. Yes, parenthood is the most exhausting job on the planet. Yes, your house is a mess, the laundry's piled up, and the dog needs to be walked. But your kid just laughed. Enjoy it now -- it will be over far too fast.
Boost Brainpower & Physical Activity
Teach your baby to sign. Just because a child can't talk doesn't mean there isn't lots that she'd like to say. Simple signs can help you know what she needs and even how she feels well before she has the words to tell you -- a great way to reduce frustration.
Keep the tube in the family room. Research has repeatedly shown that children with a TV in their bedroom weigh more, sleep less, and have lower grades and poorer social skills. P.S. Parents with a television in their bedroom have sex less often.
Get kids moving. The latest research shows that brain development in young children may be linked to their activity level. Place your baby on her tummy several times during the day, let your toddler walk instead of ride in her stroller, and create opportunities for your older child to get plenty of exercise.
Health Advice All Parents Should Follow
Get your kids vaccinated. Outbreaks of measles and other diseases still occur in our country and throughout the world.
Protect that smile. Encouraging your kid to brush twice a day with a dab of fluoride toothpaste will guard against cavities.
Be vigilant about safety. Babyproof your home thoroughly, and never leave a child under 5 in the tub alone. Make sure car seats are installed correctly, and insist that your child wear a helmet when riding his bike or scooter.
Listen to the doc. If your pediatrician thinks your kid's fever is caused by a virus, don't push for antibiotics. The best medicine may be rest, lots of fluids, and a little TLC. Overprescribing antibiotics can cause medical problems for your child and increase the chances of creating superbugs that resist treatment.
Keep sunblock next to your kid's toothpaste. Apply it every day as part of the morning routine. It'll become as natural as brushing her teeth.
Put your baby to bed drowsy but still awake. This helps your child learn to soothe himself to sleep and prevents bedtime problems down the line.
Know when to toilet train. Look for these two signs that your child is ready to use the potty: He senses the urge to pee and poop (this is different from knowing that he's already gone), and he asks for a diaper change.
Monday, November 24, 2008
The Posh Passy
I just won a contest!!!
I won a giveaway from the Posh Passy. The giveaway was for a Wet Bag. As you know, we live with the Puke Princess and I can't wait to get this in the mail and start using it. It will be perfect for that LONG car drive to Michigan, to contain the wet (and the smell) while we're in the car.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Christmas Vacation by the Numbers
For 15 days of vacation (including 2 travel days) Lillian requires: (taken directly from my packing list)
1 container Gerber Puffs
1 bag Gerber Yogurt Puffs
1 boppy pillow-to sleep with
1 winter coat
1 puffer vest
1 pair slippers
1 pair boots
1 pair tennis shoes
1 diaper bag
1 bottle tylenol
1 bottle teething tablets
1 bottle oxy clean stain spray
1 pack and play (thankfully, its already in MI, we're borrowing one)
1 box animal crackers
1 bottle baby wash
1 headband
1 Carseat
1 tube lotion
1 swimsuit (indoors at hotel)
1 brush
1.5 boxes cheerios
2 travel size oxy clean stain sprays
2 onesie extenders
2 dirty clothes bags (1 for house, 1 for diaper bag)
2 reusable plastic bibs
2 bottles gas drops (eat like a man, fart like a man)
2 pair dress shoes
2 strollers (1 for her to use, 1 is broken ,Dad is going to fix it)
2 gallons milk (1 8oz milk bottle a day)
2 large containers yogurt-to mix with breakfast and lunch #2 jars of fruit
2 Plug Leashes
2 boxes of baby cereal (to mix in with her food-she hates it runny)
2 stuffed toys
3 hats
3 Sippy Cups (2 Red, 1 Yellow)
3 Spoons
3 Forks
3 Bowls
3 pair tights
3 Packages of wipes
4 swim diapers
4 dresses (sunday morning, sunday night, puke back up for each)
4 pair pajamas
4 juice boxes
4 DVDs
4 pair PJs
5 Plugs
5 toys
5 books
6 cups Goldfish Crackers
6 blankets
6 christmas gifts
6 hairbows
7 packages of instant oatmeal (breakfast every other day-with adult food)
7 #3 jars of food (dinner every other day-with adult food)
7 CD's (so we don't get sick of them as quickly)
8 Toddler dinners (dinner every other day-with adult food)
8 stocking stuffers
9 Gifts for Family from Lillian
10 pairs of socks (wears them during the day and on both feet and hands at night)
10 disposable bibs
10 pants (wears about 3 a day)
20 shirts (wears about 6 a day)
20 oz All Free and Clear (1 load of laundry per day)
25 packages of Mum Mum Crackers (2 per package)
45 jars of #2 foods (2 for each meal: lunch every day and every other day breakfast-with adult food)
80 bags of formula (each contains 4 scoops of formula and makes an 8oz bottle)
130 diapers (8 a day plus 10 extra)
All in all, packaged in the car we will have:
1 box of formula (contains 320 scoops of formula and makes 640 oz of bottle)
1 box of wipes
1 box of christmas presents and stocking stuffers for Lillian
1 suitcase of clothes and toys
1 extra LARGE bag of extras (laundry stuff, bath stuff, boppy pillow, etc)
1 carseat
1 box of gifts from Lillian
2 car bags: one of toys and clothes and one of food
2 strollers
2 boxes of food (1 jarred and 1 snacks)
4 packages of diapers
And we will buy or borrow there:
1 Pack and Play and sheet
2 Family sized plain yogurt
2 Gallons milk
Undetermined amount of adult food
And, we need a few things for ourselves.
INSANITY!
1 container Gerber Puffs
1 bag Gerber Yogurt Puffs
1 boppy pillow-to sleep with
1 winter coat
1 puffer vest
1 pair slippers
1 pair boots
1 pair tennis shoes
1 diaper bag
1 bottle tylenol
1 bottle teething tablets
1 bottle oxy clean stain spray
1 pack and play (thankfully, its already in MI, we're borrowing one)
1 box animal crackers
1 bottle baby wash
1 headband
1 Carseat
1 tube lotion
1 swimsuit (indoors at hotel)
1 brush
1.5 boxes cheerios
2 travel size oxy clean stain sprays
2 onesie extenders
2 dirty clothes bags (1 for house, 1 for diaper bag)
2 reusable plastic bibs
2 bottles gas drops (eat like a man, fart like a man)
2 pair dress shoes
2 strollers (1 for her to use, 1 is broken ,Dad is going to fix it)
2 gallons milk (1 8oz milk bottle a day)
2 large containers yogurt-to mix with breakfast and lunch #2 jars of fruit
2 Plug Leashes
2 boxes of baby cereal (to mix in with her food-she hates it runny)
2 stuffed toys
3 hats
3 Sippy Cups (2 Red, 1 Yellow)
3 Spoons
3 Forks
3 Bowls
3 pair tights
3 Packages of wipes
4 swim diapers
4 dresses (sunday morning, sunday night, puke back up for each)
4 pair pajamas
4 juice boxes
4 DVDs
4 pair PJs
5 Plugs
5 toys
5 books
6 cups Goldfish Crackers
6 blankets
6 christmas gifts
6 hairbows
7 packages of instant oatmeal (breakfast every other day-with adult food)
7 #3 jars of food (dinner every other day-with adult food)
7 CD's (so we don't get sick of them as quickly)
8 Toddler dinners (dinner every other day-with adult food)
8 stocking stuffers
9 Gifts for Family from Lillian
10 pairs of socks (wears them during the day and on both feet and hands at night)
10 disposable bibs
10 pants (wears about 3 a day)
20 shirts (wears about 6 a day)
20 oz All Free and Clear (1 load of laundry per day)
25 packages of Mum Mum Crackers (2 per package)
45 jars of #2 foods (2 for each meal: lunch every day and every other day breakfast-with adult food)
80 bags of formula (each contains 4 scoops of formula and makes an 8oz bottle)
130 diapers (8 a day plus 10 extra)
All in all, packaged in the car we will have:
1 box of formula (contains 320 scoops of formula and makes 640 oz of bottle)
1 box of wipes
1 box of christmas presents and stocking stuffers for Lillian
1 suitcase of clothes and toys
1 extra LARGE bag of extras (laundry stuff, bath stuff, boppy pillow, etc)
1 carseat
1 box of gifts from Lillian
2 car bags: one of toys and clothes and one of food
2 strollers
2 boxes of food (1 jarred and 1 snacks)
4 packages of diapers
And we will buy or borrow there:
1 Pack and Play and sheet
2 Family sized plain yogurt
2 Gallons milk
Undetermined amount of adult food
And, we need a few things for ourselves.
INSANITY!
Store Closings
Below you'll find a list of stores that are closing effective now. Some stores are only closing some of their poor performing stores or scaling back on opening new locations. At this posting, I do not have the information of the exact locations of any of them. To be certain, you should call your own local store or stop by to know positively if it will be closing or not. Stores that informed the Security Exchange of closing plans between October 2008 and January 2009.
Please check your gift card stash for any that you need to redeem. And be careful of which ones you purchase.
Ann Taylor- 117 stores nationwide are to be closed
Bombay - Closing remaining stores
Carolina Pottery - Closing all stores
Cache - Closing 14 of their 284 stores and still opening new stores.
Charming Shoppes - Closing 150 of the 2,360 shops.
Circuit City - Closing 155 stores
CompUSA - All stores closed except the stores in Florida, Illinois, North Carolina and Puerto Rico. They continue to accept gift cards.
Cache - Closing all stores
Dillard's - Closing 20 stores with more in 2009
Disney - Closing 98 of the 322 North American stores and will close more after January
Eddie Bauer - Closing 27 stores and a few more after January
Ethan Allen - Closing down 12 stores and 2 service centers.
Footlocker - Closed 334 stores more to close after January
GAP - Closing 85 stores
Home Depot - Closing 15 stores 1 in NJ ( New Brunswick )
JC Penney - Closing a number of stores after January
J. Jill - Previously reported as closing all stores. They still operate 283 locations and opening new stores, and still selling and redeeming gift cards.
K B Toys - Closing 356 stores
Kirkland's - Closing 130 stores
Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug ,and Catherine's - To close 150 stored nationwide
Levitz - Closing down remaining stores
Linens and Things - Closing all stores
Lowes - Closing unkown amount of stores
Macys - To close 9 stores after January
Movie Galley - Closing all stores
Pacific Sunware - Closing stores
Pep Boys - Closing 33 stores
Piercing Pagoda - Closing all stores
Sharper Image - Closing down all stores
Sprint/ Nextel - Closing 133 stores
Talbots - Closed 28 stores. Closes all the Talbots Kids, Tabots Mens and U.K. Buisinesses.
Whitehall - Closing all stores
Wickes Furniture - Closing all stores
Wilson Leather - Closing down all mall-based locatoins in 2008. It was aquired by G-III Apparel Group and operates 119 Wilsons outlets in the U.S.
Zales - Closed 105 retail outlets. Half of them kiosks and half of them stores. They did open 100 new outlets so the net change was relatively small.
Please check your gift card stash for any that you need to redeem. And be careful of which ones you purchase.
Ann Taylor- 117 stores nationwide are to be closed
Bombay - Closing remaining stores
Carolina Pottery - Closing all stores
Cache - Closing 14 of their 284 stores and still opening new stores.
Charming Shoppes - Closing 150 of the 2,360 shops.
Circuit City - Closing 155 stores
CompUSA - All stores closed except the stores in Florida, Illinois, North Carolina and Puerto Rico. They continue to accept gift cards.
Cache - Closing all stores
Dillard's - Closing 20 stores with more in 2009
Disney - Closing 98 of the 322 North American stores and will close more after January
Eddie Bauer - Closing 27 stores and a few more after January
Ethan Allen - Closing down 12 stores and 2 service centers.
Footlocker - Closed 334 stores more to close after January
GAP - Closing 85 stores
Home Depot - Closing 15 stores 1 in NJ ( New Brunswick )
JC Penney - Closing a number of stores after January
J. Jill - Previously reported as closing all stores. They still operate 283 locations and opening new stores, and still selling and redeeming gift cards.
K B Toys - Closing 356 stores
Kirkland's - Closing 130 stores
Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug ,and Catherine's - To close 150 stored nationwide
Levitz - Closing down remaining stores
Linens and Things - Closing all stores
Lowes - Closing unkown amount of stores
Macys - To close 9 stores after January
Movie Galley - Closing all stores
Pacific Sunware - Closing stores
Pep Boys - Closing 33 stores
Piercing Pagoda - Closing all stores
Sharper Image - Closing down all stores
Sprint/ Nextel - Closing 133 stores
Talbots - Closed 28 stores. Closes all the Talbots Kids, Tabots Mens and U.K. Buisinesses.
Whitehall - Closing all stores
Wickes Furniture - Closing all stores
Wilson Leather - Closing down all mall-based locatoins in 2008. It was aquired by G-III Apparel Group and operates 119 Wilsons outlets in the U.S.
Zales - Closed 105 retail outlets. Half of them kiosks and half of them stores. They did open 100 new outlets so the net change was relatively small.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Christmas Doings
I am now done:
Making Christmas Cards
Writing Christmas Letters
Printing Christmas Cards
Printing Christmas Letters
Stuffing envelopes
Sealing envelopes
Stamping Envelopes
Addressing Envelopes
Making homemade christmas gifts for family
Making a dress for Lillian
Making a matching dress for part of Kylie's christmas present
Making two photo books for christmas presents
Hunting down hard to find christmas presents
Dividing Lillian's Christmas and Birthday presents
Wrapping all Christmas presents that are not going to MI
Saving money for gas to and from Michigan (no flying this year)
Dividing up time between families while we are there
Buying winter coats for Lillian and myself to wear in Michigan
Buying cheap (or free) snackfood for the trip
Cutting out and planning Lillian's Christmas stocking
Sending Kyle's Christmas present overseas
Buying Lillian Christmas Eve pajamas
I am still:
Trying to find a portable DVD player to borrow to help the trip go smoother
Trying to decide if we should start switching Lil to milk before the trip or keep her solely on formula until after.
Sewing Lillian's stocking (should be done tomorrow...if I feel okay)
Looking for the perfect "First Christmas" ornament for Lillian
Wondering how everything we have to take will fit in the car
Making Christmas Cards
Writing Christmas Letters
Printing Christmas Cards
Printing Christmas Letters
Stuffing envelopes
Sealing envelopes
Stamping Envelopes
Addressing Envelopes
Making homemade christmas gifts for family
Making a dress for Lillian
Making a matching dress for part of Kylie's christmas present
Making two photo books for christmas presents
Hunting down hard to find christmas presents
Dividing Lillian's Christmas and Birthday presents
Wrapping all Christmas presents that are not going to MI
Saving money for gas to and from Michigan (no flying this year)
Dividing up time between families while we are there
Buying winter coats for Lillian and myself to wear in Michigan
Buying cheap (or free) snackfood for the trip
Cutting out and planning Lillian's Christmas stocking
Sending Kyle's Christmas present overseas
Buying Lillian Christmas Eve pajamas
I am still:
Trying to find a portable DVD player to borrow to help the trip go smoother
Trying to decide if we should start switching Lil to milk before the trip or keep her solely on formula until after.
Sewing Lillian's stocking (should be done tomorrow...if I feel okay)
Looking for the perfect "First Christmas" ornament for Lillian
Wondering how everything we have to take will fit in the car
And now the guys....
Whitney needs to stop playing with this and get some real work done!
http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/4kJGVu3JDxPcPMSE7xGJ
http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/4kJGVu3JDxPcPMSE7xGJ
Meet our Bible Study Girls...well some of them
Introducing Whitney, Teresa, Kally and Carrie
http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/Gq0X3zcAuMp8K6pbKXAm
And even better...http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/erlfj8TCcKP2PJDaR1nz
http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/
And even better...http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/erlfj8TCcKP2PJDaR1nz
Meet Whitney and Britt
http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/6uSz83Zsnv1ym0as3jzf
Whitney sent me this this morning. We did ourselves last year (as many of you will remember) but they've done HUGE improvements this year. I was cracking up. (Then grimacing cuz laughing hurt, then laughing some more, then...well, you get the idea).
Whitney sent me this this morning. We did ourselves last year (as many of you will remember) but they've done HUGE improvements this year. I was cracking up. (Then grimacing cuz laughing hurt, then laughing some more, then...well, you get the idea).
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Surgery
I had my surgery yesterday, it involved more than we anticipated and it hurt more than I anticipated. But I'm still alive and it should only get better from here. Bible Study set up meals through Friday and we had sitters for Lil yesterday and today. Tomorrow though, I have both girls again, and by myself cuz R's on days. Pray that I'll be feeling much better than this by 7am tomorrow morning.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Mamamamamamamamama
Lillian said Mama today. Repeatedly. And with many witnesses. Score one for me, zero for him!
Inkubook
Go to http://inkubook.com and sign up with a new account and you can make a free photo book, and only pay shipping ($6.99). You must create your book and order it by November 30. Just use code PBK266 at checkout.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Family Pictures November 2008
1We took family pictures at the park the other day (thanks Mom Shipp!) and now we're trying to pick one for our Christmas card. Let me know (via a comment) which one is your favorite PLEASE!
1.
2. Dad S.
3. Cyndi, Julie
4. Kerstin
5. Kerstin
6. Cyndi, Kellie
7. Mom S., Cyndi,
8.
9.
10. Julie, Kerstin
11.
12. Mom S., Toni, Dad S., Kellie
13. Mom S.
1.
2. Dad S.
3. Cyndi, Julie
4. Kerstin
5. Kerstin
6. Cyndi, Kellie
7. Mom S., Cyndi,
8.
9.
10. Julie, Kerstin
11.
12. Mom S., Toni, Dad S., Kellie
13. Mom S.
Kids Eat Free
Now that Lillian is eating like a full grown man, I've been on the hunt for restaurants where "kids eat free" or really cheap. These are from various blogs on the internet and restaurant websites themselves, but you should call your local restaurant before planning on it for sure. This is my list so far...
Sunday:
Saturday
Sunday:
Hooters (sorry, not many choices on Sunday!)
Monday
CiCi's Pizza
Fuddruckers - $0.99 - 5-9 pm
CiCi's Pizza
Fuddruckers - $0.99 - 5-9 pm
Texas Roadhouse
TGI Fridays
Tuesday
Atlanta Bread Company - 4-9 pm
Bennigans
Chick-Fil-A
TGI Fridays
Tuesday
Atlanta Bread Company - 4-9 pm
Bennigans
Chick-Fil-A
Denny's - 4-10 pm
Fazoli's - $0.99 - 5-8 pm
Fuddruckers - $0.99 - 5-9 pm
Lone Star Steakhouse
Fazoli's - $0.99 - 5-8 pm
Fuddruckers - $0.99 - 5-9 pm
Lone Star Steakhouse
Perkins
Wednesday
Applebees - $0.99
Wednesday
Applebees - $0.99
Rainforest Cafe
Saturday
Joe's Crab Shack - $0.99
Lone Star Steakhouse - 11- 4 pm
Everyday
IHOP - $0.99 - 3-9pm
Everyday
IHOP - $0.99 - 3-9pm
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Freebies
There are a million freebies this week, be sure to visit Mrs. Nespy's Frugal World for these freebies each week.
FREEBIES:
- Free shampoo: Get a free sample size bottle of Aveda shampoo from avedathanksman.com.
- Free deodorant: Get a free sample of Degree deodorant.
- Free tote bag: Get a free reusable tote bag from wellcarenow.com.
- Free mashed potatoes: Get a free sample of Betty Crocker instant mashed potatoes.
- Free liquor labels: Get 5 free create your own; liquor labels.
- Free klever kutter: Get a free klever kutter from safecutters.com.
- Free Clinique Happy Mini Perfume- must be a member of Facebook
- Free Sample All Natural Fruit & Nut Granola
- Free Tic Tac CHILL samples
- Free Pregnancy Wristband
- Free Gain with baking soda sample
- Playtex B.P.A. free bottle
- Free Sample Kirkland Signature Supreme Diaper
- Free samples of Teasta tea
- Free Stranger Safety DVD if you join the B-day Club
- Free Sample of Pedigree Good Bites
- Free Subscription to TV Guide
- Free sample of Glad Storage Bags
- Free Sample of Orville Redenbacher’s Natural Lime & Salt Gourmet Popping Corn
- Del Monte--Free Can of Tomatoes and Free Grapefruit Bowl
- Free 8-Day Sample of digestive Advantage
- Free sample of Activ-Flex Lightweight Cohesive Tape
- Free Sample of Huggies
- PataPri Dish Towels Giveaway
- Endo Magnet Clips Giveaway
- Impure Vessels by Deborah Brackenbury Giveaway
- Preserve Cutting Board Set Giveaway
- Michelangelo Five-Piece Place Setting Giveaway
- Free MP3 Download of Sara Bareilles "Love Song": Use pin code T3UBERKQPPNXD29 to download the song (US residents only)
- Huggies Coupons and Samples: Join the Huggies Baby Network and get free coupons and samples (US residents only)
- Free Subscription to Lego Magazine: Complete the form to get a free subscription to Lego Club Magazine (US residents only)
- Free Subscription to Making Music Magazine: Fill out the short survey to get a free one year subscription to Making Music magazine (US residents only)
- Deseo for Men Fragrance by Jennifer Lopez: Complete the short survey to get a free fragrance sample (US residents only)
- Oriental Trading Calendar: Get a free 2009 calendar from the Oriental Trading company (US residents only)
- Metamucil Berry Burst: Complete the short survey to receive a free sample of Metamucil Berry Burst (US residents only)
- Lampsplus Light Bulbs: Print out the coupons and bring into any LampsPlus store to get free Compact Flourescent Light Bulbs and LED Keychain lights (US residents only)
- Get a coupon for a free bottle of Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce. You should receive a coupon for a free bottle (up to $2.99).
- Free coffee at World Market while supplies last - find out more here.
- Free Joy Around the World Vol. 2 CD here. It says every one in 5 people get one
- Free sample of Cream oil body lotion for extra dry skin from Dove here.
- Free sample of Just like sugar here.
- Free Sheryl Crow MP3, Hello My Friend Hello song download here. (Use code HMKSC08)
- Free subscription to Electronic Gaming Monthly from FreeBizMags here
- Get your free sample of Nexxus shampoo and conditioner here.
- Claim your free one year subscription to the new Southern living magazine Garden & Guns from rewardsgold after a brief survey on breakfast food. CLICK HERE
- Request info about natural weight loss and receive a free pedometer
- Free Sample of Member's Mark infant formula from Sam's Club (you don't have to be a member to request a sample)
- Free Playtex Drop-in's Original Nurser System-BPA free!
- The 2008 Military Appreciation Monday dinner will be held on Monday, November 17, 2008 from 5 pm to 9 pm in all Golden Corral Restaurants.
- Free Breath-a-licious Dog Bone
- Free Red Dress Pin
- Free Sunsilk Shampoo Sample
- Free Dentek Natural Floss Picks Sample
Black Friday Shopping
There are a couple sites that have the Black Friday ads listed early.
http://blackfridayhcw.blogspot.com
http://www.theblackfriday.com/
http://bfads.net/features
I do take advantage of Black Friday deals but I do it in an unconventional way to take full advantage of the sale prices but not have to venture out early and fight the crowds.
First, I check out the ads ahead of time, like the links you mentioned and make a list of what is on sale where, at what price. Then, I go through that list and pick out anything that can be purchased at wal-mart and go buy those items there on Black Friday. But you don't have to go early, because they are items that are not on sale at Wal-Mart, just at the other stores. Then, when you get to the register, just pull out your other ads and tell the cashier you are using their price match policy. As long as it is exactly the same item, you will get the lower price.
But...If there are really great deals on items that you cannot buy at Wal-Mart, I buy it on Tuesday or Wednesday of Thanksgiving week and pay full price. Then, sometime on Friday, usually as late as the sale goes to avoid crowds, my husband and I get hot drinks and drive to however many stores. I take my receipt in to the customer service desk (usually not busy at all, everyone is at the registers) and get a refund (price correction) of the difference because most stores offer this service if the price goes lower within 30 days. My husband takes the car in a circle around the parking lot (avoiding having to find a parking spot) and then picks me up and we are on to the next store in 5-10 minutes.
http://blackfridayhcw.blogspot.com
http://www.theblackfriday.com/
http://bfads.net/features
I do take advantage of Black Friday deals but I do it in an unconventional way to take full advantage of the sale prices but not have to venture out early and fight the crowds.
First, I check out the ads ahead of time, like the links you mentioned and make a list of what is on sale where, at what price. Then, I go through that list and pick out anything that can be purchased at wal-mart and go buy those items there on Black Friday. But you don't have to go early, because they are items that are not on sale at Wal-Mart, just at the other stores. Then, when you get to the register, just pull out your other ads and tell the cashier you are using their price match policy. As long as it is exactly the same item, you will get the lower price.
But...If there are really great deals on items that you cannot buy at Wal-Mart, I buy it on Tuesday or Wednesday of Thanksgiving week and pay full price. Then, sometime on Friday, usually as late as the sale goes to avoid crowds, my husband and I get hot drinks and drive to however many stores. I take my receipt in to the customer service desk (usually not busy at all, everyone is at the registers) and get a refund (price correction) of the difference because most stores offer this service if the price goes lower within 30 days. My husband takes the car in a circle around the parking lot (avoiding having to find a parking spot) and then picks me up and we are on to the next store in 5-10 minutes.