Free to a good home

We are currently experiencing a massive overstock of our hottest item, Pocket Sophie. Don't know about Pocket Sophie? Read about her here! In an effort to reduce our inventory, you can get your hands on this lovable little fluff ball free of charge. We'll even pay shipping. Don't wait - these beauties will be gone with the wind!

P.S Our product is 100% natural! No carpet fibers, no dust bunnies, 100% Sophie.
P.P.S. The male model is mine. ALLLLL mine. Oh yeah.

In case you're looking for him...

Isaac can be found in my container cupboard. First he makes a mess of my cabinet, then he crawls in it {and he cries when he can't get out. His usual way of exiting is by falling}. What's next?

10 Months

Happy 10 month birthday sweetie pie!


New things since last month:
1. Does "so big"
2. Walks with his chomp and clack walker/push toy
3. Feeds himself {with hands} without much trouble
4. Tried yogurt and yogurt melts
5. Has five teeth
6. Rediscovered sticking his tongue out
7. Spits food out if he's finished eating {I prefer this to his original crying}
8. Is having major separation anxiety
9. Does the motorboat sound whenever he's on the move {he's imitating the four-wheeler}
10. Imitates sounds that we make, babbles mama, dada pretty consistently - can't wait for him to look at me, say "mama" and mean it!

Thursday deals - 8/6/09

1. Fazoli's is offering Kids Eat Free on August Weekends. Saturdays and Sundays in August, children 12 and under eat free with the purchase of an adult entree. The full list of participating restaurants and details about the promo can be found here. Iowans: Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Des Moines locations are all participating {Omaha too. You are close enough to Iowa!}!

2. Request your free Scope Outlast kit here. It includes Scope Outlast rinse, Crest plus Scope Outlast toothpaste, and an Oral B pick with Scope Outlast.

3. Purchase a 1/3 lb. Angus burger from McD's, and get FREE fries and drink with this coupon. Expries 8/31 {Sorry Wendy!}.

4. Get a free collage poster from Shutterfly or $5 off a $30 order using coupon code AF86-SAVE. Expires 9/9.

5. Get a FREE sample of Honey Nut Cheerios plus $1 off coupon here. {The link is added - Thanks for letting me know Bri!}

{7:26 p.m.} And some more I've found since this afternoon:

6. Print this $1 off Pepperidge Farm Cookies coupon. Take it to Target and buy the snack pack, use this coupon, and your cookies are FREE!

7. Print this coupon to receive $5 off any regular priced family size pizza at Papa Murphy's!

Not bad at all

So, I've officially been cloth diapering Isaac for almost two weeks. We still use disposables on the go and at night, but other than that he's in cloth. Hopefully this move has not come as a total shock {but it's ok if you think I'm crazy. You would definitely not be the first.}. With my super sleuthing to find the most thrifty deals around, this was bound to happen. I was tired of paying between $16-20 for a box of diapers - and each time Isaac goes up a size, there are less diapers in the box!

By going to cloth {I bought one-size diapers - they fit kids 7-35 lbs}, I calculate that it has already saved us around $4 worth of disposables {I realize I also have to work to pay off the intial cost of the cloth dipes, but this should be no problem!}. I thought I was going to be grossed out by having to clean up after them, but the new age cloth diapers are SUPER easy - no pins, no folding {if you want to get started, I highly recommend Smartipants. I've tried out some others, and these are still by far the favorite!}. Sure, I have to dump poo in the toilet, but that's basically it. The liners that I stuff them with come out in the wash, so I don't have to touch them when they are dirty {some of them DO require you to touch dirty liners, but my fave dipes, Smartipants, don't!}. I simply stuff the liners back in when they are washed and dried, and then put the diapers back on Isaac. Like washable disposables. And, you can get them in colors and prints!

When I first thought about cloth diapering, I admit it was intimidating, scary even {and the up-front cost is probably the scariest thing. Do not fear - you can find cheap, and reliable, cloth diapers by keeping your eye out for sales, buying homemade, or joining sites like this one. I have purchased all ten of Isaac's diapers for less than $100. That includes tax and shipping charges.}. I didn't know if I could do it. But then I started researching it and realized there are a lot of people who ARE doing it. Young mothers like me. That encouraged me enough to buy a three pack to try out. After three days in cloth, it was very clear how simple and easy it was going to be, so I'm now up to six cloth diapers with four more on the way. At first, I tried to avoid the poop, putting disposables on him around his pooping time. Well, wouldn't you know, babies don't do what you want them to. Isaac {and his intestines} worked with me for days one and two. I was confident I could always avoid poops after getting through day two. Day three, I had poop in four of my six diapers. Bah.

Check out Isaac in his fluff. I can't wait for my new diapers to arrive {hooray for fluffy mail!}.

Alphabet book - G, H and I

Thursday deals - 7/30/09

1. Print this coupon for 30% off your order from Gap/Old Navy/Banana Republic from July 30 - August 2. Use as many times as you wish, and 5% of each of your purchases goes to CARE.

2. Print this coupon for $1 off All Small and Mighty Laundry detergent, then buy a trial sized one at Target, and you've just got a free laundry sample! :)

3. If you love Post's Honey Bunches of Oats like I do, you'll love this $2 off coupon!

4. Wanting to try that Dunkin Donuts coffee? Sign up for your free sample, and get a 1.1 oz. sample pouch by mail!

5. Blake is going to love that we are going to receive two free Sham-wows in the mail, just for filling out this short survey. We'll see if they perform like they are supposed to!

6. Today is National Cheesecake day! If you have time, visit the Cheesecake Factory for half off your cheesecake!

7. Request your free sample of the new Total Blueberry Pomegranate cereal, here. Then, if you like it, print your $0.75 off coupon here.

8. More free laundry detergent. Request your free sample of Gain with Febreze Freshness, here.

Too fast

Today and yesterday, Isaac has gone crazy with learning things. I get so excited for every new little milestone, but this whole growing up process is so bittersweet. Every day that passes takes me farther away from my little baby boy, but a little closer to all the new and exciting things he will learn and do.

Watch a couple of his new things for yourself:

Runza

While we were in Omaha, Blake decided it was time to introduce Isaac to the great, wonderful, Nebraskan Runza {to help him get in touch with his roots. We've already got him wearing Nebraska Cornhusker clothing}. I admit, as a born and raised Iowan, I am also a fan. All of our Omaha friends swear that Runza has the best fries.

Judging from Isaac's obvious enthusiasm for being there {picture 1 - obviously Daddy is excited about what was going to transpire}, Blake just knew Runza would be a hit. Personally, I think Little Man needs to eat it a few more times before he's sold on it.

Photojournal weekend

1. Congrats to Dan and Jen on their marriage! It was such a lovely wedding. Wishing you many more years of love and happiness. Eighth grade sweethearts - aww. Bonus - PMB reunion. :) Picture two is a tribute to Dan - and having his eyes closed in almost every picture he takes!


2. Friends - Thanks for letting us stay, Dawn {and for babysitting!}. Thanks for coming to take us out, Nate. Thanks for all of the slobber, Pal. Janelle, sorry we didn't call. I really want to see your house soon!


3. Play date. We met up with one of the ladies on my mommy forum and her two adorable kiddos. It was a super fun time - I think Isaac enjoyed meeting another fellow October 2008 baby {even though Kassidy was born at the end of September}.

Missing

I wanted to photo-journal about our weekend, but left my camera at my parent's house today. So - I'll be getting back to you on this one. Probably tomorrow.

In the meantime, enjoy a nice recipe {Thanks Tara!}.

Strawberry Rhubarb Cake

1 bag frozen strawberries-thawed and mashed
3c. diced rhubarb {I used a bag of frozen raspberries instead}
1 1/2 tbsp. lemon juice
1c. sugar
1/2 c. cornstarch
1 box white cake mix

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 9x13 pan. Heat fruit and lemon juice in pan for 5 min. Add sugar and cornstarch; bring to a boil, stirring until thickened. Remove from heat and cool. Prepare cake batter according to box.
In pan pour 1/2 cake mix, then fruit mix, then other 1/2 of cake.
Bake 40-45min.

One question - how did you get your fruit to stay in the middle? I made this tonight, and all of my fruit sank to the bottom so the cake baked up on top with none on the bottom. If it matters, I added the fruit when it was still warm, and I dumped straight from the pan onto the batter. :) It still tasted fabulous though. :)

Deals of the week - 7/23/09

1. Bath and Body Works is at it again. Take this coupon in for a FREE travel sized item with any purchase.

2. Save $5 on any $25 purchase in store or online at Babies R Us with this coupon through July 29.

3. If you have kids, and they are into TV. Brainy Baby is offering four of its DVD's FREE {you pay $6.95 shipping and handling}. Heck, if you just feel like watching an educational ABC or 123 video, this deal is for you! :)

4. And here's a great one this week. Probably my favorite - I bought some for when we travel to bigger cities. :)

At Restaurant.com, you can purchase $10 gift certificates {for $4} or $25 gift certificates {$10} to sponsoring restaurants in your area {just type in your zip code to search}. The certificates are good one year from the date of purchase. As an added bonus: until July 27th, type in the coupon promo code NAPKIN, and you will get 80% off of your order! In other words, you can buy $100 worth of gift certificates for $8!!!!!

Lola, I researched your area, and your FAVORITE restaurant is participating! Of course, there are some restrictions. Example - maybe it's only a Monday through Friday deal, or you might have to purchase two entrees {restrictions are listed by the restaurant's available certificates}. But, this deal is still a total steal in my opinion. I hope you can use it!

Chomp and Clack

Since Isaac has started pulling up on everything, and even attempting to push our chairs across the floor, I figured it was time to invest in a walker or push toy. I ended up with this one, and I'm so happy about the purchase {I even got a great price because I bought it from our little local toy store!}. It's awesome. I think I was more excited to play with it than Isaac was. ;)

Free book and Pastry

Oprah is offering a free download of the novel Heroic Measures by Jill Ciment.

And free pastry with your beverage purchase at Starbucks tomorrow only! {Coupon HERE!}

I wanted you to be able to use these before my Thursday deals because the pastry expires tomorrow {Tuesday - 7/21} at 10:30 a.m., and the book download expires Wednesday.

Seriously, what doesn't Oprah do?

Faithbook

It's no secret that I work for a church and am a Facebook addict. These are the kinds of things we sometimes receive in our mailboxes at work; things we like to share with everyone in the office. I think this one is the best by far.

It seems they're on to me...

I think someone in the mail delivery world has discovered my love for free things and coupons. Here's why:

1. The free quart of paint that I ordered from Glidden for their national paint giveaway arrived via FedEx - DENTED. Perhaps there was some anguish after delivering probably a bazillion free quarts of paint?

2. The coupon book that Jennifer suggested I sign up for finally arrived {get yours here}. It advertises over $30 in savings. I only received the outside jacket (the front and back pages), thereby saving only $0.75 on a Magic Eraser. The entire middle section {which Jennifer so kindly shared contained multiple $1 off coupons, some FREE goodies coupons, and various other savings I would LOVE to have}, was missing. Gone. Torn out. Never to be enjoyed by me. Even the tabs holding the supposed book closed for mailing were mangled. As the sign up page states there is only one per household, I sure hope someone else is enjoying MY savings!

3. We long ago stopped receiving a free weekly paper with an entire section devoted to items $75 or less. I REALLY miss it . I got a huge steal on a couple of larger baby items {swing and bouncy chair} for my parent's house awhile ago, and I would really like to find some more!

What next? Are my Victoria's Secret free panties coupons going to go missing? Better yet, are the free panties coupons that VS sends to BLAKE going to go missing? Have I mentioned I actually really dislike the word panties?

Deals of the week - 7/16/09

1. If you like reading, buy one hardcover book at Borders for $24.95 or more and get a free paperback book {max $8 value} with this coupon. Vakd through July 19.

2. Need new shoes? Famous Footwear is having a great sale - Buy one pair of shoes, get the second 50% off, plus FREE shipping for online purchases. To sweeten the deal, you can also enter the coupon code JULY15 at checkout to get an additional 15% off your purchase {valid through July 19}.

3. I have a ton of pictures to print, so I'll be using this one! Winkflash is having a print sale: buy 100 prints for 4 cents each using code 4CENTS. Any prints over 100 are 6 cents each, and if you're new to them, you get 50 FREE prints. Woohoo. {If you're wondering, they are ranked #5 of the top 10 Digital Photo Printing places. Snapfish is #1}.

4. If you prefer Walgreens for your photos, they are having sale through July 18 - Order 25 4 x 6 prints from Walgreens and get 25 FREE 4 x 6 prints with code JULYPRINTS.

5. You can make $1 on a Tyson Skillet Creations Meal. Print out the coupon here, use it in store when you buy it. While you are at the website, print the free rebate form, and you've made $1! Looks like I'm paying you for dinner. :)

6. Get a Sonic Limeade Chiller for $0.99. Coupon here.

7. If you've got a wee one who is going to be potty training soon, you can get a free potty training kit here. Sure, it's Dora or Diego, but it's FREE! :)

Stats

We had Isaac's 9 month appointment this morning. No shots, no blood draw, so Little Man was a pretty happy camper!

Here are his stats:
Head Circ: 18" (50%)
Height: 28.75" (50%)
Weight: 17 lb 12 oz (10%)

There it is, staring me in the face. The 10%. The Dr. has us coming in for weight checks every three weeks now since his weight has dropped off so much {we were supposed to be in the clear until he turned a year old}. She expected a drop with the 9 month appointment because he's mobile, but apparently this was a bit much. G R E A T.

Considering he eats really well and seems fine otherwise, I'm just going to say that he has his Dad's freaky metabolism, and hope his weight increase does not drop off more. If it does, he'll be classified as "failure to thrive" and will have to have tons of blood draws for testing. Let me clarify that he has not lost weight, just isn't gaining it quickly enough. Don't you wish someone would tell you that you're not gaining weight fast enough? :)

Trivia

Question: How many white frosting rings are on the top of a Hostess Cupcake?
Answer: Seven

So can someone please explain what happened here? There is definitely the expectation of seeing those seven perfect rings when you pull the cupcake out of the package. Seeing this was pretty disappointing. Interesting, but disappointing.

Oven baked chicken for dinner

I'm not sure if I have posted this recipe yet or not. Even if I have, I'd post it again because I'm still a fan since I discovered it about a year ago. Super easy, super delicious! Perfect with some mashed potatoes and creamed corn {maybe throw in some salad or fruit if you want more color. I kind of like the blah color palette with this one}.

Oven Baked Chicken
1 T. butter or margarine
2/3 cup Bisquick
1 1/2 t. paprika
1 t. salt or garlic salt {I actually use garlic powder}
1 t. Italian seasoning
1/4 t. pepper
1 cut-up whole chicken {I just buy the hindquarters}

Heat oven to 425 F. Melt butter in 13x9 baking dish. {I melt the butter in the dish as the oven is preheating}

Mix all dry ingredients together; coat chicken. Place skin side down in heated dish.

Bake 35 minutes. Turn chicken over and bake approx. 15 more minutes or until juice is clear.

Yum yum.

Alphabet book - F

I'm actually already up to H, but I like leaving you all in a little suspense. :)

Vintage cutie

Remember this vintage shirt my mom gave us that I wanted "Bubs" to wear? Well, Bubs is big enough to wear it now. If you don't think that this is just darling, you are crazy. :)

Yes, Isaac has food in and around his mouth, and YES we dared to take a picture of him in his high chair not strapped in and tray removed. We live on the edge.

Thursday Deals -7/9/09

I'm not sure how many of you use these weekly, but sorry they are a day late if you do! :)

1. Bath and Body Works loves handing out the deals. Now, you can get a FREE True Blue Spa product (up to $15) with a $15 purchase. Good through August 2.

2. Well this sounds good. Use a coupon for a FREE Bacon Cheddar Roastburger at Arby's with a drink purchase. Expires 7/13.

3. Oh the technology users. I don't qualify for this deal, but iPhone or iPod Touch users do! If you download the FREE Barnes and Noble app., you'll receive a mobile coupon for a FREE tall Starbucks brewed coffee.

4. Get your FREE Fiber One Sample + $5 in coupons here.

5. Get a FREE box of Lipton tea by calling 1-888-435-3639 and following the automated instructions to recieve coupon. One per household.

6. McDonald's is having FREE Mocha Mondays. Every Monday from 7/13 - 8/3 get a FREE sample {sizes are 8 oz. mocha or 7 oz. iced mocha} of McCafe's hot or iced mocha. Offer runs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and no coupons or necessary.

7. Wal-mart offering FREE samples: Viva Paper Towels here and Nivea for Men Active 3 Body Wash here.

8. Facebook users - become a fan of iTunes on Facebook and get a 20 song rock/alt indie sampler FREE.

Impulse buyer

Isaac has reached such a fun age that I'm now the mom that I told myself I wouldn't become - I buy him SO MANY TOYS! I can't help it really. We walk through the toy aisle in a store, he squeals or laughs in delight at something, we play with it for five minutes, and then it ends up at our house. I'm a HUGE sucker for books, but the most disturbing part about all of this, is that I'm buying him the noise-making toys that drive me crazy!

Granted, a couple of them I truly think were good purchases. Example - he has really outgrown a lot of his baby-ish toys and is into pulling himself up, standing, and working on his fine motor skills, so we purchased the Leap Frog Learn and Groove Musical Table. Best thing ever. He loves it! It also works on his self-feeding as we hide some cheerios or puffs in the little compartment, so he has to open the door to get to them.

Today, I purchased the old classic Chatter Telephone {which provided a good half hour of entertainment when we got home} and a 4-wheeler that we plan to give him for some kind of future special occasion {like a birthday, but I doubt we make it to October!}. I blame Grandpa for the 4-wheeler purchase. I mean really, the kid is obsessed with any kind of motorized vehicle of that genre - tractors, skid loaders, 4-wheelers, etc.- because Grandpa loves taking him for rides {let's not worry about all those warning stickers about passengers on these things!}, and because Grandpa takes Isaac for rides, Isaac is obsessed with Grandpa too. See how the cycle continues?

Could it be that I really just have no control over the toy-buying impulse? Hopefully once he can ASK for the toy, I'll be able to be the mean mom that I want to be and say, "no." I'm not going to bet on it, but I sure don't want a bratty kid who gets everything he wants either. Ah, wish me luck. Motherhood is so trying, but I wouldn't trade it for anything {although a regular full night of sleep would be nice!}.

9 Months

How quickly time passes by. Our little man is 9 months old today. We'll find out just how big he has gotten at his appointment next Wednesday {7/15}.

So far, he:
1. Crawls, cruises, AND free stands {which keeps me VERY busy!}
2. Feeds himself finger foods {puffs, cheerios, pancake, Baby Mum Mums}
3. Has 2 teeth {one top, one bottom}, with 2 more clearly on the way
4. Still loves reading books and can open the flaps in his peek-a-boo books by himself
5. Is obsessed with being outside {and on the 4-wheeler or tractor with grandpa!}
6. Drinks from his sippy cup
7. Sits up from his back
8. Has quite the menu for foods {sweet potato, pumpkin, squash, peas, green beans, pears, applesauce with cinnamon, grapes in the mesh feeder, zucchini, ground turkey, ground beef, ground pork, buckwheat pancakes with maple syrup, banana, oatmeal, rice cereal, egg yolk, carrots, crackers, cheerios, puffs, mum mums, shredded chicken, pasta, and toast}
9. Throws tantrums when he doesn't get what he wants
10. Understands the word "NO"
11. Is semi-signing "all done" when he is finished eating
12. Put his soothie in and out of his mouth {correctly} as he pleases - when we let him HAVE the soothie! :)

Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Independence Day from all of us to you. I hope you all had a safe and fun weekend! Isaac sported some American pride, while I wore green, purple and gray. Blake wore some blue. Hey, at least my kid is patriotic!

Deals of the week - 7/2/09

1. FREE antibacterial hand soap with any purchase at Bath and Body Works until 7/5. Print coupon here.

2. FREE Goody Hair Accessories at Walgreens this week. Buy an Goody ouchless flex hair accessory for $3.99 + use the $1 off coupon here + a mail in rebate form prints at check out = FREE.

3. Friday, July 3, you can get OLD NAVY Flag T-shirts for $1!!!

4. Get $5 off your in store purchase of $25 or more at PetSmart. Coupon here.

5. Ladies, need some makeup?? The Sephora counter at JCPenney is offering a FREE 10 day supply of Bare Escentuals foundation plus a baby buki brush with this coupon. If they are out, you can pick a free sample of something else!

Alphabet book - E

I like

My friends, Dan and Jennifer, are getting married next month. We received their wedding invitation a couple of weeks ago and I have been thinking about it pretty much daily ever since. Not sure if it's because I am smitten with the look of it, or if it's because it is sitting out on my counter.

Thursday deals - 6/25/09

It's late, so these are my top three for the day:

1. Blake was mad when I didn't let him get the new biscuit holes at Hardee's last weekend...now I'm GLAD I didn't fork over the $3 - FREE COUPON. Boo-ya.
2. Arby's is having FREEbies Wednesdays all summer long. {Calendar here} Next Wednesday's deal {7/1} is a free Beef-n-Cheddar sandwich with a drink purchase.
3. TODAY ONLY {6/25} - Get a free quart of eggshell finish Glidden paint as part of their national paint giveaway.

Monkey Man

Dear Isaac,

Please stop growing up so fast. You only just started crawling. I'm not ready for you to cruise yet.

Love,
Mommy

2 a.m.

That's what time our the fire alarm in our house started going off.
2:30 a.m. - that's when we finally got them to stop.

Since we live in a newer house, all of our alarms are wired together. When one goes off, they all do. So, while I stood in Isaac's room and covered his ears to keep him from waking up, Blake frantically ran around the house trying to figure out which alarm was the culprit. The only way to figure it out was to disconnect all of them until the beeping one showed its face. Go figure, it was almost the LAST one we disconnected.

We replaced most of the batteries in them awhile ago {as recommended}, but apparently we forgot one. It felt like those mid-night fire drills in college all over again.

Eenie Meenie Miney Moe

27 - D is for Daddy

Happy Birthday to the man who schedules inappropriate reminders in my cell phone because he thinks they are funny {sometimes, they are!}. Just one of the many things I love about him.

Also, this picture is "D" in Isaac's alphabet book. I just haven't added the text yet. :)

Check

Isaac learned to crawl today. Video coming shortly!

Edited: 6/22/09 - Having a mobile baby sure is tiring!

Thursday deals - 6/17/09

1. Free kids meal at Boston Market! Just have your child color this and bring it in for their free meal.
2. If you live near a White Castle, you can get a FREE slider!
3. Free Orange Julius Smoothie tomorrow {6/19} using this coupon!
4. If you'd prefer a root beer float, A&W is giving away FREE small root beer floats from 2 p.m. - 8 p.m. tomorrow {6/19}. Only one per customer though.
5. Saturday {6/20}, Old Navy is selling their women’s and girls rib-knit tanks for $2 {limit 5 per customer}. In store only.
6. If you are in the market for a Flip Camcorder, you can get the 30 minute version right now at Amazon for $54.99 {original price is $149.99}. Plus, free super saver shipping.
7. The best deal ever - FREE CHOCOLATE EVERY FRIDAY!

Happy Thursday!

Going on a bear hunt

Isaac loves this. Every time we turn it on, he kicks his feet and squeals in delight. He loves the cave and discovering the bear parts too. We watch it almost daily - and this coming from the mom who said she didn't want Isaac to watch TV {does this even count as TV anyway? ;-)} until he was a year old. For now, I do whatever keeps him happy {that will eventually change too!}.

Look familiar

Family - does this remind you of a photo I took circa 2004 {while working on Brian's senior pictures}?? I can't seem to find the old one, but this new one is hilarious! Cows love me.

Alphabet book - C

Just in case you're wondering how it's coming along. :)

Bugged

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think these are young box elder bugs, living in our sprinkler system control box. They are all over. It's gross. Anyone know of a good way to get rid of all of them? Otherwise, it looks like I'm going to have an army of box elder bugs all over the south side of our house in the fall. Boo. Hiss.

Thursday deals - 6/11/09

1. It's heating up! You can enjoy a FREE Minute Maid frozen treat! Yum!
2. After you eat your frozen treat, you can brush your teeth with a FREE Sample of Crest's new Pro-Health Enamel Shield Toothpaste!
3. Save $1.50 each on Kashi Waffles {here} and Kashi cereal bars {here}. Make sure you are hooked up to a printer!
4. If you need some Rubbermaid storage options, print a $1 off coupon here.
5. Do you like the Jonas Brothers? You can download their song "Love Bug" free by using the code - Jonas
6. FREE GeoTrax DVD! I hope Isaac finds this interesting!
7. If you need some A-1 for your steak, you can get a $2 off coupon here!
8. Target just gets cooler and cooler. They are offering printable web coupons now! WOOHOO!

Four

Four years ago, I married the most wonderful man.

Proof of wonderfulness seen in this photo: Even though we have a manly version of a diaper bag, he still carries the girly one around too! Check out that lovely shade of red and fancy knot! :)

Happy Anniversary!

Quick

My choir has their last performance on Sunday. Our organist is retiring {Actually, she retired at the beginning of November 2008 while I was on maternity leave. I tell you, with all of my pregnancy/mommy hormones fresh in my veins, I cried and cried and cried when I got her letter of resignation!} I am looking for a nice gift that the choir can give to her in the range of $125. So far, I'm looking into purchasing a picture of the choir at Midnight Christmas mass {8x10} and putting it in a personalized frame, but need other ideas ASAP! We will miss her dearly, and she deserves this so much! Help!

P.S. Jennifer, you're so good at the alphabet game - let's see how you do on this one! ;-)

Yum

Pair this shortcake with whipped topping, fresh strawberries, and some homemade lemonade and I'd say it's the perfect summer meal {excuse me...SNACK}.


Shortcake:
4 eggs well beaten
2 c. sugar
2 t. baking powder
1 t. salt
2 t. vanilla
1 c. boiling water
2 c. flour

Mix in order given. Pour batter into lightly greased 10 1/2 x 13 pan {I just used 9 x 13 since I don't have the 10 1/2 variety!}. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Enjoy!

**If you cut the recipe in half, it is suitable for an 8x8 or 9x9 pan. It won't cook quite as long either.

8 months

So serious....

Isaac was busy last month. He:

1. Vacationed in London and Paris {and consequently flew on a plane and rode on a train}
2. Started eating puffs {when we feed them to him}
3. Went to two weddings
4. Learned to eat peaches and grapes from his mesh feeder
5. Eats small pieces of peas, green beans, and watermelon
6. Mastered his sippy cup!
7. Helped Grandpa do field work {and fell asleep doing it!}
8. Cut a tooth
9. Probably put on weight
10. Probably also got a bit taller
11. Worked on beginning to crawl. He is on the verge. I swear he'll be crawling all over in less than a week {first he needs to figure out how to go from laying on his back to sitting!}. Right now he sort of scoots, rolls, and is trying to pull himself up.

Happy 8 months sweetie pie!

Little Kiss

There is no doubt Isaac loves me. He has learned to give kisses. Sure, they just feel like a bunch of slobber, and it appears as though he is trying to eat your cheek, but they are so sweet. I love him too.

Thursday deals - 6/4/09

I've decided to share my best finds with you on a weekly basis. Here's hoping it'll help you save some $$ too! :)

1. TGI Fridays buy one entree get one free coupon {here}.

2. Take part in national donut day tomorrow {6/5}! Krispy Kreme will give you a free donut just for stopping in. Dunkin' Donuts will give you a free donut with purchase of a beverage. Sounds like breakfast is covered; too bad I have neither near my house!

3. Print free business cards here!

4. Free samples: Ladies {here}, Upset stomachs? {Free Prilosec}, Moms with babies {Free Huggies}

Alphabet book

I'm working on this project to give to Isaac when he turns one. Basically, I take pictures with Isaac in them that take him through the alphabet. I've only just finished letter 'B' but am looking forward to the rest of the book. You can help me out by throwing out your ideas for letters. I'm really hoping to turn this into an adventure. I want to make 'C' a cow, so we're going to capture some shots of that next time we are visiting the farm. Last time Isaac met a cow {calf, really}, he was frightened by its tongue.

Here's my progress so far:





And this is the rough draft of what I have in mind for all of the other letters. I'm open to suggestions. Help a girl out:

D = Daddy or Dog
E = Eat or Eiffel Tower {I want to use the picture of Isaac and me in front of the Eiffel Tower, but am wondering if I should put that under P for Paris? England and France?
F =
G = Grandma and Grandpa or Grass
H = Happy, Hands
I =
J = Jumper
K = Kiss
L = London {I'm putting the picture of Isaac and me in front of Tower Bridge here}
M = Mommy
N = Newborn
O =
P = Pool, Papa Jerry, Pacifier
Q =
R = Reading
S = Sophie, Sophie le Giraffe, Sling, Swing, Stroller
T = Tongue
U = Ultrasound, umbrella
V =
W =
X =
Y =
Z = Zoo {If I make it to one!}, or Zzzzzzz {for sleep?}

Fresh squeezed

What a way to quench my thirst. This lemonade is simply delicious! Give it a whirl. The recipe makes 2 quarts.

2-3 lemons {I use 2}
1 orange
3/4 - 1 c. sugar {I use a little less than 3/4 c. but I like my lemonade a little more tart}
water

Mix, chill {or add ice!}, ENJOY!

Happy weekend

We just had the most wonderful weekend. It was very refreshing and fun. I love my whole family so much and wish we could spend all kinds of time together! It's just a little reminder about how much I take them for granted. Congrats on your marriage Josh and Beth, wishing you many years of love, goofiness, and happiness!


Joshy Poshy - you're such an awesome cousin that you get a whole blog entry. You've come a long way since the little yellow table. I hope you're flattered! ;-)

Deals of the week

Ooh yay, I love saving money. Here are some of the sweet deals I found today {thanks to some frugal mom blogs}, so you can save too!:

1. $1.50 off two packs of Velveeta Shells and Cheese dinners (or buy 3 get one free of the Kraft mac and cheese variety). If I wait until they are on sale (2/$3) I'll essentially get one free, AND if I pair that offer with the $1 off coupon from here, I'll get two boxes of Shells and Cheese dinners for $0.50.

2. Free customized Father's Day card at Shutterfly. You pay shipping and tax, but with the free card, your total will be a little over $1.

3. If you're in the market for a movie, get a Disney Pixar movie, batteries, AND a movie voucher to the new movie, "UP" for $10.99 total.

4. Coffee lovers, you can get a FREE small coffee at Borders, but you have to get it by SUNDAY 5/31.

5. YUM! I hope you have free time on June 3rd. Sonic is handing out free 10oz root beer floats from 8p.m. to midnight!

6. And, this is my standby website for all things grocery.