Stolen from Shelly Overlook. Pass it on!
- Sushi
- Flying (in airplanes of course)
- Farmville
- Dancing With the Stars
- Sports. All of them.
- FOX news
- MSNBC news
- Soda
- Running
- Manicures
- Tanning
- Glee
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Picture day!
Oh my word, where have the last few days gone?! I have a to-do list a mile long and an ambition supply quite a bit shorter. No matter how much I do I just don't seem to be able to make a dent! BUT! The weather is great and we are spending hours outside daily, which makes it hard to do those spring cleaning chores. Totally worth it.
Speaking of being outside, I spent this afternoon trying to get pictures of each kid and then a group picture. HAHAHAHA! I took, I kid you not, about 250 pictures. I deleted about... 230.
d is easy. He loves having his picture taken individually and poses and smiles and is done in no time. However, in group shots, he loves to stick out his tongue and make bunny ears and be a goof in general.
O doesn't give me a hard time, but he has a problem actually LOOKING at the camera. He is always off in la-la land, and almost never smiles AT the camera. He says "cheese!" while looking up at the sky, down at the dandelions (What?! Those are FLOWERS, not weeds!) and every.where. but at me.
C is... C. *sigh* He lays if I want him to sit, he runs if I want him to lay, he blows raspberries if I want him to smile... It's a wonder I got any pictures of him at all.
L is just too little to care what's going on. Our setting today was outside, and she isn't too fond of "outside" yet so she was a bit unhappy. I did get a great picture of her inside, but not the one I was going for. Oh well.
And let's not forget the dog who found every reason to put her booty into several shots. I had to crop out her backside way too much...
I won't post all the ones I kept, but I did get some decent ones. I'll probably have to do another session, and we'll do a family picture then too.
The not so great pictures:
The better ones:
My favorites of the day:
If only I could have gotten her to smile like that during our session!
Speaking of being outside, I spent this afternoon trying to get pictures of each kid and then a group picture. HAHAHAHA! I took, I kid you not, about 250 pictures. I deleted about... 230.
d is easy. He loves having his picture taken individually and poses and smiles and is done in no time. However, in group shots, he loves to stick out his tongue and make bunny ears and be a goof in general.
O doesn't give me a hard time, but he has a problem actually LOOKING at the camera. He is always off in la-la land, and almost never smiles AT the camera. He says "cheese!" while looking up at the sky, down at the dandelions (What?! Those are FLOWERS, not weeds!) and every.where. but at me.
C is... C. *sigh* He lays if I want him to sit, he runs if I want him to lay, he blows raspberries if I want him to smile... It's a wonder I got any pictures of him at all.
L is just too little to care what's going on. Our setting today was outside, and she isn't too fond of "outside" yet so she was a bit unhappy. I did get a great picture of her inside, but not the one I was going for. Oh well.
And let's not forget the dog who found every reason to put her booty into several shots. I had to crop out her backside way too much...
I won't post all the ones I kept, but I did get some decent ones. I'll probably have to do another session, and we'll do a family picture then too.
The not so great pictures:
The better ones:
My favorites of the day:
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Random Thursday
* Do you watch AI? Is it just me, or did Miley Cyrus' performance stink? REALLY stink.
* My DVR suddenly stopped working. I am embarrassed by how upset that makes me.
* Spring is such a tease. 70 degrees, rain, 35 degree, SNOW, 50 degrees, 72 degrees, rain. Bah!
* In one month I will be taking a short girls trip. I wish it was tomorrow.
* I got my eyeglass prescription and ordered contacts & a simple pair of insurance covered frames through the doctor's office. I asked for the info I needed, and it was a leeeeettle awkward, but not too bad. It IS my prescription after all, why do I feel awk about asking for it?!
Then I took my prescription and ordered several pairs of glasses from ZenniOptical.com for $8-10 each. I bought some fun ones that I would never pick if I had to pay $140 for them. Can't wait till they come in!
* I hate bald spots on babies. I hope Miss L can sit up soon.
* The "T" button on my laptop is not working well. I have to tap it several times to get a "T." This makes me not want to type anymore.
he End.
* My DVR suddenly stopped working. I am embarrassed by how upset that makes me.
* Spring is such a tease. 70 degrees, rain, 35 degree, SNOW, 50 degrees, 72 degrees, rain. Bah!
* In one month I will be taking a short girls trip. I wish it was tomorrow.
* I got my eyeglass prescription and ordered contacts & a simple pair of insurance covered frames through the doctor's office. I asked for the info I needed, and it was a leeeeettle awkward, but not too bad. It IS my prescription after all, why do I feel awk about asking for it?!
Then I took my prescription and ordered several pairs of glasses from ZenniOptical.com for $8-10 each. I bought some fun ones that I would never pick if I had to pay $140 for them. Can't wait till they come in!
* I hate bald spots on babies. I hope Miss L can sit up soon.
* The "T" button on my laptop is not working well. I have to tap it several times to get a "T." This makes me not want to type anymore.
he End.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
pet siblings
I am of the opinion that, generally, when you have one cat you might as well have two. We *almost* got 2 kittens last summer when we adopted Peso, but being that I was pregnant and all... we didn't. Peso is an inside only cat. He loves to chase the kids, the dog, us, and any thing that dares to move. D was of the mind that we would eventually be letting Peso explore the out-of-doors. I disagreed and Peso is strictly indoors. We live next door to a wildlife reserve and have coyotes, poisonous snakes, wild dogs and all sorts of other things that might like to eat a kitty. Plus, you know, CARS.
So, now we discussing getting another kitty. Someone to keep Peso company, I suppose. Cats are not so much work and D is a cat person and the kids tend to prefer them as well. We think Peso would like a brother or sister, he seems young enough to adapt easily too. (He'll be one in May-ish.) Plus, we like cats and even if they're not best buddies we wouldn't mind having 2 instead of 1.
Opinions? I can't think of any reason NOT to do it, so I think a kitten or young-ish cat might be in our future.
Oh, and - by request - a picture of my new-but-not-the-same-as-Swistle's mug:
So, now we discussing getting another kitty. Someone to keep Peso company, I suppose. Cats are not so much work and D is a cat person and the kids tend to prefer them as well. We think Peso would like a brother or sister, he seems young enough to adapt easily too. (He'll be one in May-ish.) Plus, we like cats and even if they're not best buddies we wouldn't mind having 2 instead of 1.
Opinions? I can't think of any reason NOT to do it, so I think a kitten or young-ish cat might be in our future.
Oh, and - by request - a picture of my new-but-not-the-same-as-Swistle's mug:
Sangria stoneware from Target.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
deals and sewing
D was home sick yesterday so it gave me a chance to run a bunch of errands I have been putting off. I went to the post office, the bank, the pharmacy, Target and the mall. I found a bunch of great deals at Target! We're talking garage sale prices for NEW clothes, people! I think this is why I have trouble at consignment sales, I can't justify paying higher prices for used clothes when I can get new ones on the cheap!
I got everything pictured here for $1.25 a piece! (3T, 4T and 5T)
These pants were between $2.50 - $3.25 each!
These were all under $3.25! The flowery shirt was only $1.25!
Love the detail on the solid pink shirt:
I got everything pictured here for $1.25 a piece! (3T, 4T and 5T)
These pants were between $2.50 - $3.25 each!
These were all under $3.25! The flowery shirt was only $1.25!
Love the detail on the solid pink shirt:
The flowers are raised. Adorable!
I also checked out Target's new Liberty of London collection. Cute stuff! I so wanted to be mug buddies with Swistle, but instead found a stoneware mug on sale that I just couldn't pass up. It's the sangria color, and I love it! I'm having coffee in my sangria mug right now.
In crafty news, I bought some material for a baby blanket I wanted to make but it ended up with an awful stitch/seam thing on one side and I just couldn't bring myself to use it for a baby blanket, it was too noticeable. I was going to take it back, but the kids wanted me to make them something, so I did. I made them each a little bag to put toys in. (Their favorite, most annoying game is filling up every container, bag and box with little toys, blocks, etc.)
They were quick and easy, and nowhere near perfect, but the kids like them so that's all that matters!
They were quick and easy, and nowhere near perfect, but the kids like them so that's all that matters!
They each only have one handle because 1 - I stink at making handles and 2 - I hate making handles.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
listy
* If you go to ArborDay.org and sign up for their membership ($10), they will send you 10 free trees! Or you can donate them to someone else, or have them planted in a national forest.
* Have you tried the Chocolate Cheerios? Yum!
* Did you know that it's spring? Mother Nature seems to have forgotten.
* I'm going to an art class on Friday! It's called "Spirited Art" and you are taught how to paint a specific painting and you can bring wine, etc to drink while painting. I'm so excited! I'll show you the finished product when I bring it home. It's supposed to look like this:
* I'm a featured blogger over on NewParent.com - coming soon! I'll link it when my post is up!
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Update on Miss L's hemangioma
Here is her picture yesterday. (please ignore spitty chin... she is constantly wet... thanks steroids!)
35 days of treatment has changed it so much! She can see great out of that eye now and has suffered few side effects, though I will be glad to be off the steroids and hopefully decrease the amount she spits up. She's on Prevac*d and still spits up about a million and a half times a day. Plus, the longer she's on steroids, the greater the chance of side effects. So, March 29th, will be the last day on steroids, as long as the hemangioma doesn't rebound. Hopefully, her eye lashes will grow back as well, at some point.
Cupcake Cones
For d's birthday yesterday we made cupcake cones. d helped while the babies were napping.
Chocolate cupcakes (yield 13 cupcake cones or 8 cupcakes)
- 2/3 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 /2 cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk (I used coconut milk, less fat and calories and it's slightly sweet)
- ice cream cones - 1 dozen
- frosting, either made or store bought - use what you like!
- sprinkles
2 - In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, beating well, then stir in the vanilla. Add the flour mixture alternately with the milk; beat well. Fill the cones to the ridge inside. When they're done, you don't want them to overflow, so don't fill them too full. You might consider filling them less if you use a cake mix or white flour. I have a special pan that I bought here: kupcakekonz
3 - Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted into the cupcake comes out clean. Cool.
4 - Frost, then add sprinkles.
5 - Enjoy.
Monday, March 15, 2010
5 years
At 4:24AM this morning, you turned 5 years old. Five years ago, we became parents for the first time. We were thrilled and terrified and completely in love. I remember looking at you and feeling incredulous that I'd EVER be able to leave you with a babysitter, much less send you off to school. D told me that we had a long time before that happened; why worry now? But here it is - now you're 5 years old - and you're going to Kindergarten in the Fall.
You are a smart, sweet, curious little boy. You love all things science related and you're so obsessed with space, robots, and learning how things work that we're already convinced you're going to be an engineer like Daddy, or maybe an astronaut, or some kind of research scientist. We don't really care what you become, as long as you're happy. I'm sure it will be here before we know it, if the way the last few years flew is any indication.
Things you love: babies, brothers, science, imaginary games/pretend, writing, learning just about anything, posing for pictures, puzzles, board games, building things and taking them apart.
Things you don't like: naps, sitting down to eat - you're way too busy for that, anything that you perceive as scary (I admit we've sheltered you kids... you think half the cartoons on TV are "scary"), the dark
You've taught us what a joy having children can be, and inspired us to have 3 more! You've helped us grow up as parents, as we have helped you grow into a little boy. We are so proud of you and love you more than words can express. Happy birthday big boy.
birth day
5 days old
1st birthday
2nd birthday
Things you love: babies, brothers, science, imaginary games/pretend, writing, learning just about anything, posing for pictures, puzzles, board games, building things and taking them apart.
Things you don't like: naps, sitting down to eat - you're way too busy for that, anything that you perceive as scary (I admit we've sheltered you kids... you think half the cartoons on TV are "scary"), the dark
3rd birthday!
4th birthday!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
WM v Target v SAM's - and the winner is...
OK - this was a bit harder than I thought. It was so time consuming and half the trips I had the kids with me and got a bit...er... distracted. So, it's the not the complete list I intended to get but I think it will do. I still managed to get a lot of the prices and there were some surprises. Synopsis at the end.
diapers
size 3:
size 5:
pull ups, 3T/4T
V8 Fusion juice
* WalMart had this juice is their special "seasonal" aisle and it was $3 per bottle, same size as in their regular section, where it was only $2.98
Organic whole milk - 1 gallon
eggs
whole wheat pasta
Annie's mac n cheese
coffee creamer
spaghetti sauce
organic apples
grapes
bananas
strawberries
thinly sliced lunch meat (Land O'Frost)
whole chicken, free range or organic
boneless skinless chicken breasts
pork chops, boneless
canned chicken broth
canned diced tomatoes
chunk light tuna
baby Tylenol
children's Motrin
multi-vitamins
kids, chewable
women's
men's
Boy clothes
* in the baby section, there were some separates for $2.50 each, up to 6-9 mo sizes
Girl clothes
__________________
So, in conclusion... I don't know. I mean, WalMart has some things cheaper, but A LOT of their stuff wasn't a LOT cheaper - it might have been a cent cheaper or the same price, or rolled UP and then supposedly "rolled down."
Their kids clothes were cheaper, but they also have less selection. There are a few things that are a clear better value there - the gallon of organic milk and whole natural chickens. Most other things were very, very close in price to Target or cheaper at Sam's. Plus, I almost never have to wait more than 5 minutes in line at Target and generally, their employees are more friendly and they price match (thanks Keri), take manufacturer's coupons and store coupons.
WalMart's biggest draws, for me, are that they are starting to carry a lot more organic & natural options, at decent prices AND, they are so. close. Target is twice as far, which is kind of a big deal to me.
I wish I had gotten a better price comparison between Sam's and the other stores, but my pen crapped out on me and so there was a lot of stuff I couldn't write down. There are good enough deals at Sam's that we'll be keeping our membership. (a lot of that stuff that I didn't write down, their bakery prices, for instance.)
I will probably start shopping at Target more, especially for the things that I know are cheaper, and I LIKE Target more anyway. I probably won't stop shopping at WalMart, simply for convenience sake - especially since the WalMart I go to is pretty nice, clean and has a decent patronage. However, WalMart's sale prices were sometimes great, but other times their "rolled back" price was just the regular price, AFTER they jacked it up. I believe Swistle has pointed this out before, but it's the first time I had noticed it.
Lastly, I feel like Target really WANTS my business. They offer good sales, friendly employees and less waiting. They send me store coupons in the mail and even sent me a $5 gift card just the other day in the mail, just for shopping with them. At WM I often get the feeling that I'm inconveniencing them.
In conclusion, Target will probably start getting more of my money and WalMart will start getting less. Now, I won't feel like I'm spending a lot more money when I go to Target and I will pay more attention to prices at WalMart, and not just assume they are cheaper.
PS - if you're adding up the totals, Target and WalMart were within mere cents of each other, and (using the sale prices) Target came out cheaper.
diapers
size 3:
Sam's -200 ct, $32.72 (.16 per diaper)
Target - 36 ct, $6.89 (.19 per diaper)
WalMart - 96 ct, $13.67 (.14 per diaper)size 5:
Sam's - 156 ct, $32.72 (.20 per diaper)
Target - 70 ct, $13.69 (.195 per diaper)
WalMart - 70 ct, $13.67 (.195 per diaper)pull ups, 3T/4T
Sam's - 80 ct, $28.88 (.36 per item)
Target - 56 ct, $19.99 (.356 per item)
WalMart - 23 ct, $8.97 (.39 per item)V8 Fusion juice
Sam's - 2 ct, $5.42 (2.71 each)
Target - $2.99
WalMart - $2.98** WalMart had this juice is their special "seasonal" aisle and it was $3 per bottle, same size as in their regular section, where it was only $2.98
Organic whole milk - 1 gallon
Target - only sells half gallons, $3.35 each ($6.70 for 2)
WalMart - $5.98 per galloneggs
Sam's - 18 ct, $1.89 (.105)
Target -12 ct, $1.74 (on sale for $1) (.08 @ sale price, .14 @ normal price)
WalMart - 36 ct, $4.56 (.126)whole wheat pasta
Target -Barilla spaghetti, $1.24 per pkg (on sale for $1.08 per box)
WalMart - Barilla spaghetti, $1.23 per pkg Annie's mac n cheese
Target - $1.42/box
WalMart - $1.42/boxcoffee creamer
Sam's - no liquid
Target - $1.59 (International Delight)
WalMart -$1.44 (store brand) $1.78 (Coffee Mate)spaghetti sauce
Target - $1.34 for 26oz, store brand (on sale for .84) --- Target's sales seem a lot better...
WalMart - $1.46 for 26oz, store brand organic apples
Sam's - no organic
Target - $4.49 (on sale for $3.37) Again, with the good sale prices...
WalMart - $3.77grapes
Sam's - $5.97 for 3lbs ($1.99/lb)
Target - $.99 per lb (did I write this correctly? Seems super cheap.)
WalMart - $1.98 per lbbananas
Sam's -$1.29 for 2 bunches ($.64 per bunch)
Target - $.51 per lb
WalMart -forgot to write this one down... I believe it's $.54/lb strawberries
Sam's - $5.98 for 2lbs ($2.99/lb)
Target - $3.99/lb
WalMart - $3.98/lbthinly sliced lunch meat (Land O'Frost)
Target - $3.79/pkg (1lb)
WalMart - $3.98/pkg (on sale for $3 per pkg for the last few weeks)whole chicken, free range or organic
Sam's - no organics
Target - $1.79/lb
WalMart - $1.47/lb (prefer WM's chicken, less fat and tasted better.)boneless skinless chicken breasts
Sam's - $1.97/lb
Target - $1.97/lb
WalMart - $3.15/lb (on "sale" for $1.97/lb) --sneaky with their "sales"pork chops, boneless
Sam's - $2.46/lb
Target - SALE $2.99/.94lbs
WalMart - $3.68/lbcanned chicken broth
Target - $.92 per 14 oz (Swanson)
WalMart - $.86 per 14oz (Swanson)canned diced tomatoes
Target - $.64 per 14.5oz
WalMart - $.63 per 14.5ozchunk light tuna
Target - $2.96 for four, 5oz cans
WalMart - $3.27 for four, 5oz cansbaby Tylenol
Target - $1.99 per 1oz (store brand) -- much better @ Target!
WalMart -$2.92 per 1oz (store brand)children's Motrin
Target - $2.99 per 1 oz (store brand)
WalMart - $4 per 4oz (store brand, $1/oz)multi-vitamins
kids, chewable
Target - 60ct for $4.04 (.067 per each)
WalMart - 240ct for $9.97 (.041) women's
Target - 300ct for $9.44 (.031 each)
WalMart - 300 ct for $8.56 (.028 each) men's
Target - 300 ct for $9.54 (.031 each)
WalMart - 300 ct for $8.56 (.028 each)Boy clothes
Sam's -$6.98 for 2 piece outfit
Target - $4 separates
WalMart - $3.50 separates** in the baby section, there were some separates for $2.50 each, up to 6-9 mo sizes
Girl clothes
Sam's - $6.97 for 2 piece outfit ($3.48 each piece)
Target - $4 separates
WalMart - $3.00 separates __________________
So, in conclusion... I don't know. I mean, WalMart has some things cheaper, but A LOT of their stuff wasn't a LOT cheaper - it might have been a cent cheaper or the same price, or rolled UP and then supposedly "rolled down."
Their kids clothes were cheaper, but they also have less selection. There are a few things that are a clear better value there - the gallon of organic milk and whole natural chickens. Most other things were very, very close in price to Target or cheaper at Sam's. Plus, I almost never have to wait more than 5 minutes in line at Target and generally, their employees are more friendly and they price match (thanks Keri), take manufacturer's coupons and store coupons.
WalMart's biggest draws, for me, are that they are starting to carry a lot more organic & natural options, at decent prices AND, they are so. close. Target is twice as far, which is kind of a big deal to me.
I wish I had gotten a better price comparison between Sam's and the other stores, but my pen crapped out on me and so there was a lot of stuff I couldn't write down. There are good enough deals at Sam's that we'll be keeping our membership. (a lot of that stuff that I didn't write down, their bakery prices, for instance.)
I will probably start shopping at Target more, especially for the things that I know are cheaper, and I LIKE Target more anyway. I probably won't stop shopping at WalMart, simply for convenience sake - especially since the WalMart I go to is pretty nice, clean and has a decent patronage. However, WalMart's sale prices were sometimes great, but other times their "rolled back" price was just the regular price, AFTER they jacked it up. I believe Swistle has pointed this out before, but it's the first time I had noticed it.
Lastly, I feel like Target really WANTS my business. They offer good sales, friendly employees and less waiting. They send me store coupons in the mail and even sent me a $5 gift card just the other day in the mail, just for shopping with them. At WM I often get the feeling that I'm inconveniencing them.
In conclusion, Target will probably start getting more of my money and WalMart will start getting less. Now, I won't feel like I'm spending a lot more money when I go to Target and I will pay more attention to prices at WalMart, and not just assume they are cheaper.
PS - if you're adding up the totals, Target and WalMart were within mere cents of each other, and (using the sale prices) Target came out cheaper.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Baby showers
Here's something fun you can make, easily, for the next baby shower you host or co-host!
What you'll need:
A pack of baby washclothes
A pack of baby spoons
ribbon
safety pins
cellophane, saran wrap or tulle
tape
First you'll take the washcloth and roll it up. I just kind of folded it over four times and then rolled it jelly roll style.
Cover it with saran wrap, cellophane or even squares of tulle, tie with a ribbon and you're done!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Random Thursday, a day early
* We just found out, a few days ago, that we'll be having our first nephew!! We have 3 lovely nieces, but this will be our first nephew. Our family is all tied up now, my parents are grandparents to 4 girls, and soon to be 4 boys.
* I think I have a small obsession. I may need HCCA. (Hairbows and Cute Clothes Anonymous)
* I lost 10 lbs since I started Weight Watchers. (FEB 15th!) 40 lbs will take me down to my wedding day weight, so that is my official goal but I will be more than pleased with 30-ish lbs.
Me today:
(I couldn't decide between the 2, so you get both pictures. Man, I need a hair cut.)
* My 5 year old has a SERIOUS attitude the last couple of days. Omg. He actually threw a fit at Target because I wouldn't buy him a toy. (What?! Not cool.)
* Miss L has a dr's appointment tomorrow and I hope that they will take her off the steroids. That's why this Thursday list is on Wednesday...
* I am on my last pair of contacts and finally made an appointment. They sent me a reminder card while I was still in my first trimester with Miss L. Oops... I go today and with the way the kids are acting right now? It will be a pleasure.
* Aforementioned 5 year old just stopped his 15 minute scream fest to ask if he could have a cookie! HAHAHAHA! When I said no, he started back up and my almost 3 year old looked at him and said, "Calm down!"
* I miss cheese something fierce.
* I think I have a small obsession. I may need HCCA. (Hairbows and Cute Clothes Anonymous)
* I lost 10 lbs since I started Weight Watchers. (FEB 15th!) 40 lbs will take me down to my wedding day weight, so that is my official goal but I will be more than pleased with 30-ish lbs.
Me today:
(I couldn't decide between the 2, so you get both pictures. Man, I need a hair cut.)
* My 5 year old has a SERIOUS attitude the last couple of days. Omg. He actually threw a fit at Target because I wouldn't buy him a toy. (What?! Not cool.)
* Miss L has a dr's appointment tomorrow and I hope that they will take her off the steroids. That's why this Thursday list is on Wednesday...
* I am on my last pair of contacts and finally made an appointment. They sent me a reminder card while I was still in my first trimester with Miss L. Oops... I go today and with the way the kids are acting right now? It will be a pleasure.
* Aforementioned 5 year old just stopped his 15 minute scream fest to ask if he could have a cookie! HAHAHAHA! When I said no, he started back up and my almost 3 year old looked at him and said, "Calm down!"
* I miss cheese something fierce.
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