9 months

Owen was the perfect baby today.  He slept all night last night {waking once, but going back to sleep}.  He was happy and content.  He took two naps, each about an hour and a half.  It was doubly special because he hadn't been sleeping the past couple of nights {waking from 2:30 a.m. to almost 5 a.m. one night}, and was equally crabby throughout the day.  But today is his 9 month birthday, and also my birthday {age not included}.  Thank you Owen!

Now, for his stats {I'll check back in with his weight/length after his appointment in a couple of weeks}:  He's got two teeth, can crawl about three paces forward {yet still manages to move enough to cover an entire room!}, he loves blueberries and grilled cheese {toast with shredded cheddar on it}, as well as all his old favorites {oatmeal, pears, squash}, and he's always making, what we call, the "mischief face."   We added Peek-a-Who?  to his favorite books this month. He gives the best hugs, cracks up at his brother, loves babbling, and we're just so happy that he has blessed our lives for the past nine glorious months.  Happy 9 months sweetie pie!

UPDATE {6/17/2011} - Owen had his 9 month check-up today.  He's perfect.  Checks in at 31 inches long, and 20 lbs. 2 oz.  95% for height, about 40% for weight.  Woot!

 Mischief Face

 

Thursday Deals - 5/26/2011

1. FREE sample of Kodiak Chiropractic Cream here.  I'm ordering this because Blake and I are skeptical.  Blake's a chiropractor, so we'll see about this............

2. Do you need Skype minutes?  If so, just like Ifeelgoods on Facebook here, and you can get a code for 60 FREE Skype minutes.  I don't normally list Facebook deals, but thought this one was pretty decent. :)

3. This is kind of creepy to me.....thinking about technology kind of creeps me out.  BUT, if this is your thing, sign up for Google Wallet, and you'll get $10 FREE in your account.  More here.

4. 30% off coupon here to Coach Factory Outlet!

5. June 3 is national doughnut day.  In its honor, Krispy Kreme is going to be giving away one FREE doughnut per customer.  Find a participating location here.

6. FREE samples of Ola Loa Vitamin and Sports formula drinks here.

7. Get 5 Gifts to Grow points with code 20000PampLatino.

8. Tinyprints is offering a FREE personalized card with code TYOPRAH.  If you ship it to yourself, shipping is FREE.  Otherwise, you'll pay $0.44 to send it to your recipient.

9. Perfect for grilling out! Get a FREE sample of Real American Steak Rub here.

10. FREE Pretty Bugs preschool pack for your little girl here.

Kindermusik share

I'm loving my new role as a Kindermusik educator.  Here's me in action at one of my open house {don't worry, all the mommas signed video releases!}:

Swoon

I love this dress {via}.  If only I didn't feel slightly guilty about dropping $148 on a dress.......for myself...........

Isn't it gorgeous?

Thursday Deals - 5/19/2011

1.  FREE samples and coupons for the ladies over at Playtex Sport! 

2. Ladies, another one for you.  FREE sample of Poise here.

3. Do you have allergies?  Ever thought about a sinus rinse?  FREE sample of Neil Med Sinus Rinse here.

4. $5 off a purchase of $25 or more at Petco on June 11 - 12 with this coupon.

5. This Saturday, get $5 off a $25 purchase at Dollar General with this coupon.

6. Cat lovers - get a FREE 3 oz. can of Fancy Feast cat food at Petco with this coupon.

7. Ir must be ladies week, here's another FREE sample of Tena.

8. Get another FREE Shout Color Cather sample here!

9. More for you ladies.  FREE sample of Carefree body-shape liners here.

Alphabet Book {Owen}

Do you remember the Alphabet Book I made for Isaac?  It is still one of Isaac's favorite books, and Owen really likes it too, so I'm making one for Owen too.  We captured the most perfect shot today for "W."  Can you guess what it is?  {It's pretty obvious, but this picture is just SO CUTE!}.  There will be more talk of this soon, complete with the pictures and the list.  I'm going to need all of your help for ideas again! :)

All things Royal

Well, as if talk of the Royal Wedding wasn't enough to keep me smiling forever.  I saw this on Facebook. Sure the image has been doctored {see the original clips}, but it's still funny.

The Tuesday after the Royal Wedding, we received a package in the mail...the ROYAL mail, from London.  It was Isaac's Bob the Builder underwear he has been asking for!  I searched all over the place for those undies in the states.  I couldn't find them ANYWHERE in his size.  Then, I find a seller on e-bay, and even after paying the international shipping fee, it was cheaper than his pack of Thomas the Tank Engine undies that I purchased awhile ago!

My only complaints?  They didn't arrive in time for Easter, and I should have thought of this before I made the purchase {the picture on the internet just showed them all packed nicely in their package}, but underwear in Europe is not the same as underwear in the States.  So, even though Isaac loves them, I always chuckle a little bit when he puts them on, because they are basically toddler speedos!  LOL!

Thursday Deals - 5/12/2011

Hallelujah Blogger is back from read-only status!

Here are you deals this week!

1. Take this coupon for 20% off your purchase at Aerie through May 15.

2. 50% off a regular-priced item at Old Navy with this coupon through May 15.

3. FREE sample of Alpo brand dog food here.  Whenever I hear, "Alpo,"  I think of the movie Never Been Kissed.

4. FREE sample of Seattle's Best Coffee here.

5. Get $1 off a Frozen Strawberry Lemonde, Frappe, or Fruit Smoothie at McDonald's with this coupon.

6.  FREE sample of John Frieda Root Awakening here.

Dentist

We celebrated Cinco de Mayo by scheduling Isaac's first trip to the dentist.  He thought everything was really cool, until she actually took the scraper to his teeth.  They gave him some cool pink sunglasses for the bright light above the chair, which he loved.  But, once the scraping started, it was game over.  SCREAMS.  Blood-curdling screams for the rest of the visit.  Poor kid.

The treasure chest trip and mommy's hugs afterward made him feel better.  And the $9.40 bill made ME feel better!  Now, I've got 6 more months to practice for his next dentist trip.  

Thursday Deals - 5/5/2011

Happy Cinco de Mayo!  :)

1. Pampers Gifts to Grow Points:  5 points with code YIYY9Y6DPDPD6DT, 10 points when you take this survey, 5 points with code LOVEFROMPATTIE5

2.  Put your little artist to work, and then frame it in these FREE download-able frames from Chuck E. Cheese.  Fits size 5x7.

3.  Print this coupon and bring it to your local Wal-mart vision center for a FREE 2oz sample of RevitaLens Multipurpose solution starter kit with lens case!

4. This is back!  Tell a friend about Cottonelle's Fresh Flushable Moist wipes, and you both get a FREE tub.  These were nice for Isaac's potty training days. :)  Yes!

5.  FREE 22 oz Pepsi Beverage and Small Curly Fries at Arby's with this coupon and purchase of any Market Fresh Sandwich.  Expires 5/11.

6.  FREE sample of Garnier Fructis Pure Clean shampoo and conditioner here. 

7.  FREE sample of AlternaVites here.  Interesting sample - vitamin designed for anyone who has trouble swallowing pills.  Instead, it's a vitamin powder.

8.  FREE sample of Osteo Bi-Flex one per day here.

9.  May 6 - 15, Starbucks will be offering 1/2 price Frappuccino's from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.  Details here.

10. Cute and FREE Mother's Day coloring pages here.

Order - take 3

First, came Isaac's love for lining up potatoes.

Then came the puzzle pieces, and his robot sandwiches.  He was also lining up other things, I just didn't have the evidence.

Now, I do - Lining up his trains and every single toy truck/car at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Lastly, we have recently graduated to lining things up, with a pattern!  I am shocked.

Thank you Jamie Oliver

For this wonderful recipe for a veggie-packed tomato sauce.  I'm making it this week, and I'm pumped.  And then, after the sauce is made, I'm going to make his Spring Pasta recipe and serve it with some oven roasted chicken breasts.  Yum! :)  I'll let you know how it turns out!

 Photo

8 months

Even though I feel as though Owen's first 8 months have just sped past in the blink of an eye, this is really such a fun age.  Watching him grow has been awesome.  Observing the ever-growing bond between him and Isaac is beautiful.  Lately, he's really starting to show his personality.  He's much more laid back than his brother, but he does cute-spunky things all the time.  He'll often just babble with Isaac, or to himself, or to the stacking cups he loves so much.  He discovered his boy parts a little over a month ago, but now, he'll mischievously laugh at his discovery {every diaper change}.  Speaking of diapers, he hates them.  He'd rather be naked.  Whenever he's fussing with Daddy, and thus handed over to Mommy, he'll instantly look at Dad with a giant grin.  I love when he tucks his head down on my shoulder with his face under my chin, and smiles, when he's greeted by strangers.  I love that he looks like a little mini version of my Grandfather in Taiwan.  I love that he scrunches up his face and exhales all the time, just to be a goof. And he generally doesn't seem to be all that interested in doing anything but sitting and watching.  He's a food lover {especially fruit, and his puffs, and his Baby Mum Mums},  still our little snuggle bug, fascinated with anything Isaac is doing, a little bit of a drama king {Divo #2}, and we just love him SOOOOOO much.

Happiness

Blake doesn't get all of the hoopla around the royal wedding.  I loved it.  Not only do I feel it's a modern day Cinderella story, but in a world full of hurt, and wars, and terror, it was just so pleasant to soak up those moments of happiness, love, and good, kind hearts.  It warms my own heart.  For a moment, there was nothing else but watching these two people, so in love, commit to one another.  I'm so happy for the both of them.

Thursday Deals - 4/28/2011

1. FREE Sesame Street "For Me, For You, For Later" kit.  Details here.  It's a guide for children focused on spending, sharing and saving.  Includes a parent guide, activity book and DVD.

2. FREE sample of Best Bully Sticks for your dog.  100% beef and USDA inspected. 

3. Right now if you like Aerie {a division of American Eagle} on Facebook, you can print a coupon for $10 off a $10 purchase.  I'm sure you could find something to get for FREE. :)

4. Get a FREE Mother's Day card at Tinyprints.com.  Just enter code MDGIFT at checkout.  Shipping to yourself is free or $0.44 if you want to ship it to someone else.  Nice!

5. Get a FREE personalized song, sung by Elmo, with your child's name here.  Just enter code myelmo to get started.  Cute! :)

6. FREE Cup or Cone of yogurt for moms on Mother's Day, May 8th at TCBY.  Details here.

7. Famous Footwear is having their Friends and Family event through May 1.  Get 30% off your entire purchase with coupon code FRIENDS30 or in-store with this coupon.4

8. $10 off a $25 purchase at JCPenney with this coupon or with coupon code CANTBEAT online {expires 4/30}.

Picture Paste

Have you heard of it?  It's great!  It's a neat little program that allows you to embed pictures right into your e-mail messages because it codes it for you.  I stumbled upon it when I was researching how to embed pictures into e-mails (particularly, Gmail).  I wanted to send welcome e-cards to my Kindermusik families without the hassle of using an attachment.  I just wanted it all right there, in front of them, when they opened the e-mail.  Helloooo Picture Paste.  Wonderful! :)  Here's what I'm sending.  Cute, right?

Hair cut Friday Update

I got my hair cut last Friday - thanks to you, readers, I ended up going with some version of #2.   The bangs are driving me c.r.a.z.y, but MUCH cuter, yes?

Blessed Easter

Happy and blessed Easter from our two boys.

Clearly, they really wanted to take a picture. :)

Hair cut Friday

This week is family hair cut week.  My appointment is on Friday.  I've had a love-hate relationship with hair cuts.  What happens is every time we visit Taiwan, I get a rockin' hair style.  I love it.  Modern and easy.  I like it so much, I just want to continue with the same hairstyle when I get home, but inevitably, my hair ends up just......boring.  I know I have thick hair, and hair that doesn't hold curl, but is it so much to ask for a cute hair cut?  The Taiwanese hair stylist, David, just has the magic touch. 

Blah........

So.....I'm going to just attempt something similarly different all-together.  My last rockin' Taiwanese hair cut from 2008 is just a happy memory.  Which cut do you like best? {Vote in the poll to the right! --->} Or, if you have suggestion for a different style, please share! :)

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Brothers in a bathtub

Here's hoping I can get back to more regular posting after this week! :)  Just wanted to share this video.  It seems the thing to do when you have two young kids is to bathe them at the same time.

So, we started doing just that last Friday {4/15}.  They both enjoy each other so much, and it warms my heart to watch them together.  Enjoy! :)

Thursday Deals - 4/14/2011

1.  15% off your purchase at Famous Footwear + FREE Shipping with code SPRING11. Expires 4/23.

2. 20% off your purchase at Payless Shoes with code 44834.  Expires 4/24.

3. Gifts to Grow:  I got 50 FREE Points with code Happybdaypamprs.  I'm hoping it's not valid only for today!

4. Now through April 18, buy one photobook, get TWO free at Snapfish with code MOMMYBOOKS.  Great deal!

5. FREE entree from Panda Express when you purchase a 2-3 entree plate, with this coupon.

6.  The Canvas People are offering a FREE 8x10 photo canvas or $50 toward a larger size.  Just pay shipping.  Details here.  Perfect for your Spring family pictures!

7. FREE sample of Huggies Supreme Baby Wipes here.  But, you need to be a Sam's Club member to request this!

8. Here's a coupon for $5 off Pedigree Dog Food.

Crazy Busy

Here are the reasons I'm absent lately.  I promise I'll be back soon!  Promise!

1.  I work for 2 Catholic Churches - this is the time of year for Confirmation and preparation for Stations of the Cross, Vespers,  communal penance services, Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, Easter, and First Communions.  I think you get the idea. :)

2.  I'm expecting my Kindermusik license within a day or two.  They are experiencing technical difficulties on their end with the processing, but I've completed all of my coursework, my practicum, and my applications, so I'm well on my way!

3.  Real estate.  Getting into the business is tough, so I've been doing community events, open houses, and anything I can fit in, in my free time, to get my face out there.

4. Being a mom.  And I love it!

Thursday Deals - 4/7/2011

1.  30% off your entire purchase at Ann Taylor/Loft with this coupon.  Expires 4/10.

2. FREE Vegetable Garden Guide from Burpee here.  I'm planning on starting a garden this year, so this would probably really come in handy!

3.  Another 20 Gifts to Grow Points with code WELCOMEGTGPTS10 and GTGREWARDS4MOMS

4. FREE Sample of Boss Orange Fragrance here.

5.  On April 17, Target is giving away FREE reusable tote bags {with purchase} to its first one million customers.  More info here.

6. FREE sample of Aveeno Hair Care products here.

Baby Chub

I often find myself admiring all of Owen's cute little rolls.  Part of it is motherly love - knowing that since he is breastfed, that I played a major role in those chubs.  The other part makes me wonder why we are so obsessed with skinniness.  I'm not talking about normal, healthy skinniness.  I'm talking about the too thin kind.  Come on, rolls are cute! :)

Eagle Watch

Have any of you seen this LIVE streaming video of a pair of bald eagle's in their nest?  They have three eggs, each laid 2 days apart a little over a month ago, and they are due to start hatching TODAY.  Isaac has bee pretty fascinated with watching the mama bird on the nest all morning.  We're going to continue checking in on them!


Streaming Video by Ustream.TV

Thursday Deals 3/31/2011

Sorry these are a day late!  SUPER busy day yesterday! :)

1. FREE Signature Collection, Travel-sized with any purchase at Bath and Body Works with this coupon.

2. $15 off $50 at The Limited with this coupon.  Expires 4/2.

3. FREE Outside-In Cinnamon Bites at Arby's with the purchase of any Combo.

4. $10 off a $50 purchase at Lowe's with this coupon.

5. FREE Customized Wall Portrait at Sears.  This is nearly a $45 value!  Details, here.  No purchase necessary, no sitting fees.

6.  10 more Gifts to Grow points with code 10000LatinasFbk

7. If you have a Regal Cinemas near you, print a coupon for $1 off a popcorn or $1 off a small soft drink.  You'll still be paying an arm and a leg for it, but you saved $1! :)

6. If you join the Quizno's Q-Club, they'll send you a coupon for a small sub and a cookie for just $2.99.

7. FREE sample of Breathe Right Advanced here.

8. FREE Juno Baby CD here.  Or, if you want to play their fun game to get your free CD, find and click on 10 teddy bears on their website here.  Make sure your pop-up blocker is turned off.

9. Get a FREE cup of Starbucks Coffee or Tea to celebrate Earth Day on April 22!

7 months

Owen is seven months old today.  Here's a rundown of what he's into:

• His favorite book is called See Through Safari
• He loves bananas and oatmeal.  He loves them both so much that I can't tell which he likes best.
• Sitting is his favorite.  But, don't expect him to roll over.  He won't do it. :)
• He's almost up on all fours, and can push himself backward.  I anticipate crawling very soon!
• He loves watching his big brother do anything.  In fact, if he's almost asleep for a nap and he even hears a peep from his brother, the nap is history!
• He's still our little cuddlebug
• Pulling hair, and sucking on mommy's cheek/chin are fun ways for him to pass the time
• Still no teeth yet!

Have I mentioned that we just love him sooooo much?  Because we do!  He's the best! :)

 

Swim

Not that I ever really go swimming {do you?  I feel like I stopped swimming after college!}, but that doesn't stop me from really liking these two swimsuits. :)  Maybe I just need a good suit to encourage me to splash around?

#1

#2

Smoothie

My new fave snack:

A couple granola bites and this strawberry/raspberry smoothie:

1/3 c. milk
1/3 c. frozen strawberries
1/3 c. frozen raspberries
1 T. sugar
1/3 c. ice cubes

Blend milk, berries, and sugar.  Add ice and blend until smooth.  It actually makes a decent serving, and I use less sugar.  Yum!

Thursday Deals - 3/24/2011

1.  I love Gifts to Grow points!  You can get 10 more with code FollowPampers10.

2. Okay color catcher lovers - get your FREE sample of a Shout Color Catcher here.

3. FREE sample of Purex Complete with Zout here.

4. FREE Waffle at the Waffle House with this coupon.  I think I say this every time I post a deal for Waffle House, but they could really use one around here! :)  Expires April 15, 2011

5.  Get a FREE pouch of Uncle Ben's Ready Rice here.

6. Head to the Sephora counter at your local JCPenney and you can get a FREE 10-day sample of Bare Escentuals foundation and a baby Buki brush.  Print and bring this in to claim your sample.

7. Sign up for the Beech Nut Newsletter and get a FREE starter kit.  It includes a box of baby cereal and two jars of baby food.

8.  Buy one entree, get one FREE at T.G.I.Fridays with the purchase of two beverages.  Get your coupon here!

9. March 25-26 only, get $10 off a $25 purchase at JCPenney with this coupon, or online code SALEDAZE.

10. FREE sample of MiraLAX here.  You know, in case you need it!

Lasagna Soup

This recipe just received overall winner in one of your local newspapers.  I thought I'd give it a whirl.  I liked it, and it was very warming on this cold, rainy day.  But, so far, my favorite Lasagna recipe is still the Lasagna Cupcakes!

Husband rating: B



Lasagna Soup

1 lb. ground Italian sausage or ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 tsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. Italian seasoning
1 tsp. thyme
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
30 oz. diced tomatoes
15 oz. tomato sauce
32 oz. chicken broth
2 c. extra wide noodles or lasagna noodles broken into pieces, uncooked
2/3 c. Parmesan cheese
Shredded mozzerellacheese

Brown meat and add onion and pepper.  Saute until tender.  Add seasonings, chicken broth, tomatoes, and tomato sauce and boil for 20 minutes.  Add noodles and simmer until the noodles are tender {8-10 minutes}.  Stir in Parmesan cheese.  Serve in bowls and sprinkle with Mozzarella cheese.

Lenten Journey

Part of my Lenten resolution this year is to learn more about my Faith, and I'm not just talking about the religion that I practice, but my own faithfulness.  Currently, I'm reading Rediscover Catholicism by Matthew Kelly {very good, motivational, inspiring, and thought-provoking.  I'm having a lot of..."I never thought of it like that before" moments.}.  I think I just added another book to my queue  after seeing this video.  Next up, Heaven is for Real  by Todd Burpo:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Just because....

I just love this kid!

Thursday Deals - 3/17/11

Happy St. Patrick's Day.  I'm not even the tiniest bit Irish, but I still wore green today. :)

1.  GAP's Give and Get campaign is back.  March 17-20, get 30% off with this coupon and 5% goes to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. 

2. March 21st is Perkins Pancake Day.  Guests dining in can enjoy a FREE short stack of buttermilk pancakes.  Call ahead to make sure your Perkins is participating!

3. Here's a coupon for $5 off a Playskool Sit-n-spin, Busy Ball Popper {We have this, it's loud, but a hit among almost all the kids that visit...thanks Aunt Jennifer!}. or the Step Start Walk-n-Ride.

4. Gifts to Grow Points!  Get 10 with code T9PDXPKKGA3M4GK.

5. 25% off your entire order at T.G.I.Fridays with this coupon.

6.  Need some fancy paper dinnerware?  How about the Waverly Collection from Hefty at Walmart!  You can use this coupon to buy 2, get 1 FREE.

7.  From 3/17- 3/24, get 30% off your entire purchase at Old Navy with this coupon.  In stores only, and if you go before the 20th, take advantage of the GAP Give and Get deal instead {that coupon works at Old Navy too, and benefits a great cause!}.

8.  FREE sample of Benny Bully's cat or dog treats here.

Beautiful

This is just beautiful.  It makes me feel absolutely terrible about all of the complaining I used to do when my mom told me to go practice the piano!

Practicum, Real Estate, Oh My!

Just an update on all those BIG things in my life:

1. Today is the first day of my Kindermusik practicum!  I'm super excited.  Almost done!

2. My Real Estate license is officially dusted off.  Just waiting for approval from the local Board of REALTORS that I have been accepted.  I've already done a couple of open houses in the meantime.  Pretty snazzy!

Come May, I think there will be a few more changes, finally closing up a chapter that has just kind of been strung along as of late, as long as everything continues to go smoothly.

And another update:  Owen finally had his 6 month appointment on Monday.  He's not as chubalubs as he used to be.  In fact, he's starting to be tall and skinny like his brother!  He checked in at 17 lbs. 14.5 oz {50%} and 28.5 {95%}. 

Raspberry Truffle Blizzard

Where have I been?  I recently discovered this flavor of Blizzard at DQ, and I'm pretty sure it's my new favorite.  I always used to just get Oreo, Snickers, or some other simple stand-by, with the exception of the occasional Banana Cream Pie, but this is PERFECT.  It satisfies my fruit and chocolate craving all at once.  What's your favorite blizzard flavor?

Thankful

Just need to say this.  I love my family and friends.  Every little piece of them.  I love my two little boys with every ounce of my soul.  I love my husband to the moon and back.  My parents and siblings are the most wonderful people I know.  They are my foundation.  My friends bless me with the pleasure of their company and the joy of their friendship.  And for all of them, I am grateful.  May God Bless all of you, watch over you, and for those who are suffering, may God hold you up as you find your strength. 

The reason for this post...here.   And here.

Thursday Deals - 3/10/2011

1.  Get 25% off your entire order at T.G.I.Fridays with this coupon.   Expires 3/21.

2. Great deal from GAP!  Get $50 to the GAP for only $25 and your cell phone number.  Details here.  Expires 3/16.

3. Buy a Hasbro game, get a FREE Tombstone Pizza.  Details here.

4. From March 17-20, get 30% off your entire in-store Old Navy purchase when you say the word, "booty."  Details here.

5. FREE e-cookbook download from Mr. Food of 23 Easy Blue Ribbon Casseroles here.  I'm a huge casserole fan, so I'm on board with this! :)

6. FREE sample of Flint River Ranch dog or cat food here.  You have to add it to your cart, and when you go through the checkout process, just fill out the billing info.  There are spaces for credit card information, but you don't need to fill that in!  I didn't, and my order was still confirmed.

Baby Food

There is just something so satisfying about making baby food for my kiddos.  I'm so proud to do it, and it's so easy.  But even as much as I love it, I'll still buy the foods for any long trips we take out of the house -- I do appreciate that convenience!

Giveaway #3 - Kandoo Coupon WINNERS

Thanks for Random.org, the winners are:

#2 - Janelle

#7 - Jennifer

I'll be getting your coupons to you shortly!  Thanks to all of you for playing.  Your odds of winning at some point are pretty great!

Banana Ice Cream

As Blake pointed out, it's not really ice cream, but it is super easy, and really delicious.  Isaac ate it by the spoonfuls, and Blake and I enjoyed it on graham crackers.  It's a great way to keep those bananas from spoiling!

Banana Ice Cream
Peel, slice, and freeze 1 small banana.  Place frozen banana pieces in a blender with 3 tablespoons low-fat milk and blend until thick. Top with 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts.

**I didn't measure the milk, just guessed.  I think the walnuts would definitely be a tasty addition, but since I was enjoying it with a 2-year-old, we skipped that step!

6 months

Owen is 6 months old today {I think.  How does that work when their birthday is actually on the 30th?}.   He has rediscovered his obsession with his tongue, still doesn't roll much, bounces like CRAZY in his bouncy chair, has almost mastered sitting up, loves his rice and sweet potatoes {besides mommy milk, that's all he's had!}, enjoys playing peek-a-boo with his big brother, hamming it up, rattles, grabbing everything, and is still our little love bug.  We just love him sooooooo much.

Happy 6 months to our little cuddle bug.

 

PS - 6 month stats will come soon.  His appointment isn't for a couple more weeks.  I guarantee he's bigger than Isaac was at this point!

Update 3-16-2011 :  His appointment was on Monday, the 14th.   He checked in at 17 lbs. 14.5 oz {50%} and 28.5 {95%}. 

Yes, please

Love this top.  Love.  However, I have no reason to wear it {and tops at Maurices sometimes fit me funny}.  But, one of you should!

I do have this shirt.  The image on their website doesn't really do it justice.  It's one of those that I picked up and thought, "Interesting.  Not sure how it will look, but I'll try it on."  I wore it to an awards banquet last week and got oodles of compliments on it!

{CLOSED} Giveaway #3 - FREE Pampers Kandoo Tub Coupon

I called Pampers Kandoo a couple of weeks ago because the Kandoo value pack we bought for potty-training Isaac had a faulty tub.  It won't stay closed.  They quickly offered to send me a coupon for a new tub.  They sent me FOUR FREE tub coupons.  I want to share their GREAT customer service and generosity with you.  Plus, the wipes REALLY are great.  So, if you're in the market for some moist, flushable wipes, for you, your kid, or anyone else, leave a comment to enter {be sure to include an e-mail address where you can be reached}.  There will be TWO winners this time {I'm using one of the FREE coupons to keep a tub at Grandma and Grandpa's house!}.  Once the winners are chosen, I'll e-mail you for your address and mail you the coupon within one day of receiving your address.   This giveaway will end on Friday, March 4, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. CST.

Deep Clean

I know it's not spring yet, but have any of you started your spring clean as well?

Thursday Deals - 2/24/11

1. FREE FryDay at Chick-Fil-A on March 4 from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.  Get a FREE medium fry when you ask for the Heinz Dip & Squeeze and the FREE FryDay promotion.

2. FREE Overby Farm cat or dog treats.  Just fill in your shipping info here.  If it asks for a code, use code CHEERIES.  {I didn't have to use the code}.

3. FREE sample of Creme of Nature shampoo here.

4. For those of you collecting airline miles with American Airlines, just "like" them on Facebook, and you could win 100-100,000 FREE miles.  Everyone's a winner.  And, if you don't have an AAdvantage account with them, you can sign up for one when you get there.

5. Snag some FREE or really cheap ibuprofen at Target with the Target coupon for $1 off.  The 24-ct. Up & Up packs are priced around $1!

6. Gifts to Grow:  10 more points with code NC3XPM9YRD49EMT.

7. FREE sample of Miracle Whip here!

8.  $5 off $15 purchase at T.G.I.Fridays with this coupon.

9. Ladies, FREE Kotex sample here

Abnormal

Around Christmas, Blake had a mole removed on his foot.  The pathology results came back abnormal, so it was advised that he had the whole thing removed.  You know, it's just scary to hear that word: abnormal.  Happily for us, it was just a small surgical procedure, a handful of stitches, and we can go on living as normal.  I know, for many others, it's not as easy.

Here's a few, bloodless, pics of the process:

 

 

 

 

Down-home Mac-n-Cheese/Made-up Italian Chicken Breast

The boxed Mac-n-cheese is just fine in a pinch, but I think I'm completely converted to the Down-home Mac-n-cheese whenever I have more than 15 minutes for a meal.  Easy and delicious.  I served it with a made-up Italian chicken breast recipe and peas on the side. 

Husband Rating for Mac-n-Cheese: A
Husband Rating for my made up Italian chicken breast: A
Husband Rating for peas:  B {"because they're served with the other stuff."}

Down-Home Macaroni and Cheese

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine, divided

1/4 cup  flour

1 cup milk

1/2 lb.  (8 oz.) VELVEETA Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked, drained

1/2 cup  KRAFT Shredded Cheddar Cheese

6 RITZ Crackers, crushed

HEAT oven to 350°F.
MELT 3 Tbsp. butter in medium saucepan on medium heat. Whisk in flour; cook 2 min., stirring constantly. Gradually stir in milk; cook until mixture boils and thickens, stirring constantly. Add VELVEETA; cook 3 min. or until melted, stirring frequently. Stir in macaroni.
SPOON into 2-qt. casserole sprayed with cooking spray; sprinkle with Cheddar. Melt remaining butter; toss with cracker crumbs. Sprinkle over casserole.
BAKE 20 min. or until heated through.

And, in case you're interested, here's what I did for my Made-up Italian Chicken Breast.  It was sooo tender.  It just fell apart under my fork!

Place chicken breasts on foil
Cover with Italian salad dressing
Wrap up chicken, loosely in foil
Bake at 350 until done {about 50 minutes}.

Scrambled Eggs

As I was making pancakes today, I asked Blake if he wanted some eggs too.  He said {under his breath}, "not your eggs."   The problem for him?  He doesn't like the texture of the scrambled eggs I make because I add milk to them.  He would prefer them with little to no milk.  I like my eggs with milk.

I guess I always thought adding milk was normal.  So, readers, milk in your eggs or no milk?  {poll to the right}.

Jump Jump

We're pretty spoiled with this kid.  He's always so happy! :)

Granola Bites - Helper!

Do you remember that Granola Bites recipe I posted about awhile back?  I'd like to rave about it again.  I've started a granola bites revolution among family and friends around here.  If you haven't made them yet, you should.

Isaac loves them so much, he's been helping me make them lately.  We bury his hand in the granola like, as Isaac says, "pirate treasure."

Thursday Deals - 2/17/11

1.  Here are some more Kindle FREE e-books {or for the FREE Kindle reader on your PC}:
1-2-3 Money Plan,
I Love You This Much: A Song of God's Love, 
After the Leaves Fall
Fat, Forty, and Fired
 The Truth About Protecting Your IRA's and 401(k)s
 City of Dust: Illness, Arrogance, and 9/11
 Bridge to Happiness

2. Get 100 prints for $5 shipped from Snapfish right now with coupon code CUPIDPICS.  Expires 2/20/11.

3. Get the Barbie and Ken doll set for your little one {or you} for $5 from a number of retailers {Target, Amazon}, I like the deal from Barbie Collector because shipping is just $1.  Hurry though, available only until 2/20/11.

4.Request your P&G Coupon Booklet here.

5. Pampers Gifts to Grow:  10 FREE points with code 4W34A9BD99YDFWY.