House of Leaks

Bloom Super Double Totals

2010-01-13T12:27:00.001-08:00

Here's my list for Bloom. I spent $35.77 and saved $322.38. I will post Harris Teeter's soon!

Action Scrubber 1
Action Scrubber Refills 2
Activia 4 packs 2
Baked Cheetos 1
Baked Lays Barbeque 2
Baked Lays Cheese 1
Bertolli 5 Cheese 6
Bertolli Alfredo Sauce 2
Bertolli Tomato & Basil 3
Betty Crocker Sugar Cookies 8
Blistex 4
Chinet Casuals Napkins 4
Chinet Guest Towel 4
Chocolate Milk (Gallon) 1
Coke (2L) 4
Cottonelle Wipes 1
Crisco Canola Oil 3
Deer Park Aquapod 8
Diet Coke (2L) 3
Dr Pepper (2L) 2
Eggs (Dozen) 1
Fruit Loops 2
Fuji Apples 1.88lb
Kings Hawaiian Rolls 2
Kraft Grated Parmesan 1
Kraft Shredded Cheese 1
Kraft Singles 4
L’Oreal detangler 2
L’Oreal Hair dye 1
Lever 2000 (2 pack) 4
London Broil 1
Milk (Gallon) 1
Muir Glen Tomatoes 2
Perdue Shortcuts 1
Sara Lee Bread 2
Sargento Cheese Shapes 8
Scrubbing Bubbles Action Scrubber 1
Softsoap hand soap 4
Success Rice 1
Sundown Vit B-Complex 2
Sundown Vit Calcium+D 4
Sundown Vit D 1
Sundown Vit Folic Acid 3
Tangelos 1 bag
Tyson Chicken Strips 6
Uncle Ben’s Rice 18
Whitman’s Choc. Sampler 2

Tuscan Chicken Simmer (Kraftfoods.com)

2009-12-31T08:40:00.001-08:00

http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/recipes/tuscan-chicken-simmer-111677.aspx?cm_mmc=eml-_-rbe-_-bst_rcps_2009-_-NA

It is YUMMY!! Not a little bit but A LOT! I followed the recipe for the most part, but did some minor tweaks.

- Instead of the tomatoes (because I'm the only one who eats tomatoes here and I don't like them cooked unless they are in a sauce) I used canned mushrooms. Just a can of the Food Lion brand. I LOVE mushrooms and Kenny is eating them now too!

- I used Classico's pesto sauce and I can't complain. I didn't measure out exact on that by any means.

- I used spaghetti instead of the fettuchini it pictured.

What I'd do differently next time:

- It doesn't SAY to put the chicken and sauce on top of the noodles, but that's what I'll do next time. You end of mixing the sauce in the noodles anyways because it's so good.

- Will add a little more water to the sauce, it would coat the noodles better. It thickens back up FAST!

- Plan to try it a little "healthier" using the fat free or less fat cream cheese, and will use Dreamfields pasta again, better for you and I don't like the grain-iness of the other healthy pastas. Also using just mozzerella is better for you too instead of the 5-cheese.

Did the adults like it? YES!
Did the girls like it? YES!
Was it easy? YES!
Will I cook it again? YES!

New food...

2009-12-29T19:22:00.001-08:00

Those who know me, know I've never been an avid cooker. I *think* I would be if I had the space, time, unlimited funds, etc. ha! And my food choices usually consist of anything a 5 year old would eat. For instance, a casserole, I usually won't touch it, too many foods all mixed together. I will admit, I'm getting better! I actually have tried new stuff in the past year and LOVED it. Like creamed spinach (I LOVE me some creamed spinach) this appetizer called Turkish Borek at Blue was yummy, but the cucumber dip stuff was DIVINE, etc. SO, 2010 is going to be my year of venturing out... brightening my horizons... maybe my girls will learn to like new foods too, even though Sydney RARELY has a problem with any! ;o) At least 2 new receipes a week is my goal.

The key to being something I will try is:

#1 Not many ingredients. I'd like to keep it at the most 7 or 8.
#2 Easy to find ingredients.
#3 Nothing pricey to make.
#4 If it has cheese, it's getting moved to the top of the try list.
#5 If it has cheese AND is healthy it's moved to #1.
#6 (Most important) It must be SIMPLE to do and FAST to put together.

So there... I'll be posting what I try and whether we liked it or not as we go. Starting with the Kraft Foods website, they have a ton of recipes right up my alley. Tomorrow night, Tuscan Chicken Simmer, since I have all ingredients here, I think. http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/recipes/tuscan-chicken-simmer-111677.aspx?cm_mmc=eml-_-rbe-_-bst_rcps_2009-_-NA

Christmas Christmas time WAS here...

2009-12-28T19:01:00.001-08:00

This Christmas was a CRAZY one! Our celebrations which don't even end until tomorrow night, have been fun but exhausting!

Sydney LOVES Christmas. LOVES it. We had a countdown chain, that helpped her to understand how much longer it was until Christmas. (Mylie had one too, but she didn't understand this year.) She had such a fun time at all of the celebrations. Little bit overwhelmed when it came to unwrapping present time, but we all survived. She had a pretty definite list of what she wanted from Santa-- Belle dress, Princess (stick on) fingernails, pony, and more princess stuff. Santa brought her everything she asked for of course, and she was super surprised at the footprints he left on our hearth. Silly Santa tracking in mud... The Belle dress was worn 3 days in a row, had to be washed and will be worn again tomorrow. We also had our first "Happy Birthday Jesus" party on Christmas Eve. Sydney got to choose what kind of cake and icing to put on it, so He got a chocolate cake with pink icing and sprinkles. She told me Jesus really likes pink. We also read the Christmas story, it was super sweet to all cuddle up on the sofa. And the fire in the fireplace... those girls sure LOVED that! Sydney's ornament this year was a princess crown, because it's been her year of princesses. We choose a new ornament for the girls each year, that remind us of their year. They'll get to take them when they grow up and have their own trees.

Mylie likes Christmas, we think. She does NOT like Santa, THAT we know. Poor dear is terrified of him! She spent most of Christmas day eating "canny" (candy.) Really, she ate more then than she did trick or treating. The toys she really has enjoyed so far are the "car parking deck/garage," a CD player toy from my parents, and the baby dolls from Kenny's parents. She is a very particular "unwrapper." The paper must be off TOTALLY, and she does this very methodically. Then she looks, plays, etc with the toy she opened and then may or may not move on. (Unlike her sis who rips them open super "spast.") Mylie's ornament is a bumble bee with scuba gear. The bee reminds us of how BUSY she is and the scuba gear on it is just funny, like her!

Now, the decorations are down, and countdown to Disney begins... making another paper chain for Syd in the morning...

Must make lemonade....

2009-10-10T19:46:00.000-07:00

This week has not been a fun week, we've been handed a lot of "lemons." The girls and I have been sick. Not sure if it's been a virus or the flu. The girls have had "it" the worst though. Poor girls. It's one that won't go away. They are both still coughing and snotty. YUCK. Then family drama. Had some disappointing news. Then trying to go do something fun today by going to the NC Transportation Museum, because it was supposed to rain and it being so packed that nothing "went" our way and Syd was such an Oscar. (You know.... the Grouch.) We had planned on a trip to the mountains to pick apples, and it NEVER did rain. SO, what did we do? We have to make lemonade with the lemons...

Well, on the way home we stopped by Concord Mills to see the Halloween store, Syd LOVES all "holidays" like her mommy, I LOVE that! We got a cool, over priced YUMMY candy apple and ate it together. Watched the fish at Bass Pro get fed. Poor little fish. Mommy got to go to Gymboree Outlet and found a cute pair of "dressy" jeans for Syd, I would love to buy the whole line of the polka dot stuff they had for both girls. Really, I LOVE polka dots and Gymboree! BUT I bought just the jeans, I was a good girl. Then we started talking about wanting to go to pick apples but didn't want to miss church. We LOVE our church. So, we went to church tonight. We really enjoyed the service, may start going on Sat nights from now on. Then 5 Guys, because one MUST go after church, it's the only logical place in our book. Then, when we got home, the disappointing news was now good news! Now the girls and K are asleep, dreaming of what fun we WILL have tomorrow picking apples and climbing trees.

So, when I said, "God, really, why is nothing going our way? Why has this week been so sucky?" He said, "It's not sucky, just wait and see! Trust me." Through this week, I have learned I must look for the positive, not be so negative and to TRUST... one sin in the many sins I need to pull out by the roots. No more using the weedeater. :o) Now off to enjoy some sweet lemonade, cheers!

YAY for the BEACH!!

2009-09-14T19:02:00.000-07:00

Our WONDERFUL week long trip to the beach has been over for a 4 days. BOO! Last trip of the year probably. It was so relaxing. We got down Friday, my parents were already there and the girls loved spending time with them. In fact Mylie said tonight, "I on't go ooh play Bubba and Judu!" They both loved the beach, well Syd REALLY loves the beach and Myls tolerates it. ha! Syd was disappointed most days because it was high tide and couldn't swim in the rough water. There were also some crazy schools of fish that would swim about 15ft from shore that kept jumping. You could see that some sort of bigger "fish" was chasing them at some point because there would be all kinds of jumping and splashing for a bit. Super cool to watch, but not super cool for my water bug. Myls enjoyed chasing the seagulls on the beach, she'd just take off running full force towards them. Syd really liked that we went to the arcade a bunch, she's going to have a game addiction problem like her mommy and Bubba. (Which we are already getting a glimpse of with her Leapster.) There is nothing as relaxing as being with my family for a week, away from the stress of "normal" life. I especially liked having my sexy husband around, he makes me smile. I'll post some beach pictures soon, I still haven't uploaded any to the computer.

The fall weather...

2009-09-02T20:39:00.000-07:00

Is SO wonderful!! I'm in heaven. This must be how heaven's weather is 24/7. Not too hot, not too cold. Anywho... I must share what my silly Syd likes to sing. "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when guys are great...." You can't correct her. She will tell you that the sky isn't gray, it's blue, the clouds are only sometime gray. ha! This silly girl of mine has her preschool open house tomorrow. The last PREschool orientation for her ever. She can't wait for big girl school, told me today she wanted to ride the bus. I hate to tell her that she won't. I'm a mean mom. Maybe if we move.

Mylie is a motor mouth. I never thought she would turn into such a talker. There isn't a time she's quiet... well... unless she is asleep or into big trouble, usually climbing something. She really practices her words too, repeating them over and over and over. She surprised Maw Maw today with saying, "I ont ice. Maw Maw, I ont ice." ha ha! She's learning so very fast! I love it, but I really need ear plugs. ha!

Not my favorite day...

2009-08-31T20:09:00.001-07:00

OK, I can admit that I'm a cranky booger today. CRANKY. Don't know if it's the weather, being exhausted, or things just catching up with me. To add to the crankiness, I'm emotional. Perhaps it's that the girls seemed to be extra crazy today. The clouds in the sky. My lack of sleep. OR just maybe it's my tomorrow. Tomorrow is my weekly blood test and ultrasound. It's like this stuff won't die. Like I'll be stuck here forever. I HATE it. I absolutely HATE it. My own persoanl Groundhog Day, but more like hell. This is miserable. I want to get back to normal, and my body is getting there, but I can't just leave it. It's like you have a recording of a loved ones funeral, where you have to watch it once a week EVERY week reliving every tear, frustration and "Why me's?" Really, it's not cool. It's almost like it's FORCING me to really swallow it and process it, like I can't leave it. So, here I am preaching to myself all day and now night... for those who didn't hear Furtick's sermon yesterday, it's a good one on faith, watch it and you'll understand the "preaching to myself" stuff...

I have no fear or anxiety, I trust the Lord with ALL my heart.

I am protected from all harm and evil in Jesus' name.

My personal faith is being challenged, yes, but my "faith is not in my faith but it is in the faithfulness of God." He will get me through this. He is using this to mold me and make me into the person He wants me to be, not to punish me. NOT TO PUNISH ME! (That feels so good to say, you know?) He is showing me his faithfulness everyday, even in my super horrible BAD days. So, I'm fragile, broken today... He will make it better, He will be with me through it all. He is my ROCK. He will hold me tight. Tomorrow WILL be a better day b/c I'll be stronger in Him. He will ALWAYS be faithful.

Here's yesterday's sermon: http://www.elevationchurch.org/mediaPlayer.php?sermon=188

Oh, and the song that made me cry... ha! Really, it's an AWESOME AWESOME song, would love a copy of it to play over and over. The link is for an acoustic version by 2 of the worship leaders, Chris and London. Chris is Sydney's crush. She really REALLY likes him! ha! :o) I've been singing it to myself a ton...

http://elevation-worship.com/blog/?p=593

Give Me Faith

Verse 1:
I need you to soften my heart
To break me apart
I need you to open my eyes
To see that You’re shaping my life

Pre-Chorus:
All I am, I surrender

Chorus:
Give me faith to trust what you say
That you’re good and your love is great
I’m broken inside, I give you my life

Verse 2:
I need you to soften my heart
To break me apart
I need you pierce through the dark
And cleanse every part of me

Bridge:
I may be weak
But your Spirit’s strong in me
My flesh may fail
My God you never will

My pretty girls...

2009-08-28T11:43:00.000-07:00

I just realized I hadn't posted any pictures of my sweet girls in a LONG time...

Eating breakfast...

Bathtime Syd

Bathtime Mylie

Mooning her sis... they both find this to be incredibly funny... I do too!

4 Year Check Up

2009-08-27T21:01:00.000-07:00

Sydney’s 4 year check up was today. My poor baby got 4 shots and her finger pricked. She was such a BRAVE girl! She did cry, and I did too. Just seeing her determined to be brave before she got the shots, then the shock that it did hurt, tore me up. She did so well though. Wish I could get them for her. The good thing is that she gets no more shots until she’s TWELVE!!! Hopefully she’ll forget it all by then. Thank goodness for the silly goo that makes poot sounds when you push it back in the container from the treat box, it sure made her giggle She is 49lbs and 42.5 inches tall, putting her on the 97th percentile for weight and between the 95th and 97th for height. She’s going to be a super tall girl, I’m so excited for her! Last week we bought her a new pair of shoes, 12.5 XW!! So, looking at it like you would puppies and big feet, she’s going to be a big one! Ha!

Dr Honeycutt was impressed with all that she is able to do. She didn’t want to do the shape sign but the letters sign for testing her eyes. She also “read” a book to her sis while the doc was in the room, she knew the numbers at the top and made up the story to go with the pictures. It was so cute! So proud of my big girl!! She also showed her the pic she drew of me on the back of the questionnaire we fill out before check-ups. She had written Mommy across the top and pointed out even my “ear holes” that she was sure to include. Silly girl!. Chick Fil A was the lunch of choice and M&M’s when we got home. I put Mylie down for a nap, then Syd and I cuddled in my bed for a while. I LOVE cuddling with my girls. LOVE IT! She seemed happy the rest of the day. Hoping tomorrow is a great day as well! We have a party to get ready for on Saturday! Lazy 5 Ranch here we come! We’ve got to Move It Move It! Syd's going to have a BLAST!

As for Mylie, she spent the whole appt meticulously putting on her and her sis’ shoes. It totally entertained her. She also sat in my lap while we were waiting and I was able to read a WHOLE BOOK before she got out of my lap! I was in shock! Maybe she’s calming down a bit? NOT! Ha!

OH! This was my first day on my own since all of the craziness. It feels so good getting back to normal. I wish my back would cooperate and I could keep the emotions under control better, but it'll get there! As of this week my HCG levels are down to 43, so it's getting closer! Hopefully a TON lower next week! This has kicked my butt, that's for sure. I couldn't have gotten through it without Kenny, family and friends. And all of their prayers! God is good!

He's with me IN the fire....

2009-08-24T20:43:00.000-07:00

Through tears and fears...

As some of you know, I had a miscarriage on Wednesday. Since then we have found out that not only was there one baby in there, but two, we were having twins. One was in my uterus and the other in my right tube. The one in my uterus hadn't formed correctly and the other had no way of developing. I was able to pass one on my own, but had to have an injection to stop growth of the other. There has been pain, both physically and emotionally. I'm just now able to get up out of bed and "do" things without being in a ton of pain. The crying has stopped for the most part, hopefully hormone levels will be stable soon. (Although I have always had a tendency to "leak." Glad I married a Leak, so I can say I'm a Leak that leaks. ha! I'm a dork.) Kenny has been home with me and my parents have helpped a ton with the girls. God sure knew what He was doing giving me Kenny, that's for sure! Thank God that I have such a wonderful family and friends to support us during this crappy time.

The crazy thing is, is that I haven't wanted to really tell anyone. Almost like I'm embarrassed.. I've been scared that people will specifically say, "you shouldn't have announced so early." Crazy, huh? Worried about what OTHERS will think of me. I guess, that's always been a problem of mine... what will "they" think of me. Really though, I know I've already learned that the "they" will always exist, but there is a part of "they" that can also be the best supporters, encouragers, huggers (yes, me, the anti-hugger said that) checker-uppers, etc. God has placed these people in my lives for a purpose. To remind me that He provides. That I am to TRUST Him. AND that He KNOWS the plans He has for me... Jer 29:11-14. (Thanks Heather B, for the reminder) I don't need to worry about the theys but keep my focus on HIM. I don't have to be perfect, He knows my imperfections, He created them. :o)

I wasn't able to attend the opening service at the Matthews Campus this past Sunday since I was in the ER at Presby Main. (Praise God for great nurses, doctors and wonderful painkillers. Nurse Dawn is my friend, ha!) It broke my heart that I couldn't be there, by the way. BUT as my sweet, smart husband said, "Someone else must have REALLY needed our seat." SO, tonight I watched the sermon online. (You can watch it here: http://www.elevationchurch.org/mediaPlayer.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.elevationchurch.org%2F ) He talked about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They would not bow down to Neb's idols, but only to God. (I'm not going to even try to spell Neb's full name, plus his friends growing up had to have called him Neb for short. That's one long name.) ANYWHO, Neb threw them in the furnace and God protected them. They trusted Him, believed in Him, etc even though they would be thrown in a FIRE. So, what does that say to me? That although this sucks, (sorry Mom, I know you don't like that word) I will not bow down to depression, self pity, what if, etc. I will bow down to HIM. He may not deliver me out of this fire yet, but He's with me IN it. I think that's so awesome! Pastor Furtick also used this scripture...

I Peter 1:6-7
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith- of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire- may be proved genuine & may result in praise, glory & honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Through this, I will trust HIM. This trial will not win me. God is using this to teach me more about Him and what great and awesome things that only He can do. He ROCKS! Please keep praying for us...

PS I can't wait to hold my babies in Heaven... I'm sure they're just as beautiful as their sisters.

Volunteering

2009-08-09T10:38:00.000-07:00

We've been going to Elevation for a while now, and were ready to get involved. Today gave us no more excuses, they had focused the whole day on volunteering and how important they are. Again, we knew we wanted to, and were really waiting for all of our summer beach travels to be done so we could give 100%. BUT now, we have no excuse. Yes, we are going to the beach again, but not for 5 weekends in a row. PLEASE don't slap me, ha! Again NO excuse. So, we did it. Kenny has the wonderful talent of being an awesome audio production dude. (I'm sure I'll get corrected as to what he wants to be called "technically" later, ha ha!) I, however, don't know where I'll really fit in yet. Yes, I love kids, but do I want to work with them when I have some crazy busy ones with me 24-7? (And of course sweet, loving and beautiful too!) How can I use my love of interior design, encouragement, coupons, and/or anything else artsy AND maybe somehow be with my hubby? We'll find out. God has special plans for me, I know. I want to give Him my 100%. I don't want to be simply "fed" anymore, and become a fat cow. ha! (Yep, cow tipping reference.) I want to do and be used for Him. Please pray for me, Kenny and what God's going to do through us. :o) I'm anxious and excited!!! We should be getting phone calls this week to get plugged in. I'll keep ya'll posted.

PS Again, check back tonight for Syd's surprise! :o) (Well, it's ours too, but she illustrated it better than we could.)

August....

2009-08-08T08:01:00.000-07:00

I WILL get back into blogging. So, no more nonsense, here we go.

It has been my month of cleaning out and reorganization. I'm not really organized most of the time, but am working on it. This house is way too tiny. We keep filling up bags and bags of stuff to go to Goodwill. It feels to AWESOME to get things OUT. As for my favorite jeans, that I'll never wear again, I'm truly mourning. IKEA has been my friend when it has come to these projects. I'm sure that they see me coming and dollar signs instantly pop up in their heads.

I have also been crazy back into couponing. This week I went to BiLo and spent $24ish and am getting back $60 in rebates from those purchases!!! CRAZY!! I'm going back on Monday to do it some more! :o) I LOVE saving money! I also am hoping to do some classes for the people who want to learn. I really enjoy helpping others to save.

Now, as for my kiddos. Syd will be 4 in 2 weeks. What in the world?! How did that happen? She's such a helpful girl these days, especially with Myls. She's got some news she wants to share with the world, I'll post that tomorrow night when I can upload pics! She will be going to preschool 3 days a week and wants to do gymnastics and "walk on the balance beam and swing on the bars." Myls is my little dare devil. As I type she is on the ottoman flinging herself backwards onto the sofa. "un, twoooo, eeeeeee" She has started talking like crazy and imitates often so watch what you say! ha!

As for my Kenny, he works way too hard. We appreciate it so much! Being able to be a stay at home mommy is the best job in the world. :o)

WOW!!!

2009-05-13T13:33:00.000-07:00

It has been a LONG while since I've posted on here... I'll get caught up soon! After triples, ha ha! :o)

Christmas program at HGBC

2008-12-15T19:41:00.000-08:00

Syd joined Judu in the Christmas program at HGBC this weekend. She loved it. She wanted to go back and do it again today, asked OVER and OVER! She went to the dress rehearsal on Saturday afternoon, came home and took a nap, then was back up there for the show. She wanted to do it again on Sunday, so she did the 3pm show as well. While waiting to go on stage, my mom told her that she had to wait. Syd said, "I do not like to wait!" ha ha ha! She was so beautiful up on the stage. I'm so proud of my little girl! :o)

Visiting Santa...

2008-12-11T19:49:00.001-08:00

The girls went to see Santa yesterday! We met Julie, Adam, Aiden and Emmerson there. I don't know if Syd was more excited to see Aiden or to see Santa. She LOVES to see and play with her friends! Syd went right up and talked to Santa on her own. It was actually her second time seeing him, but this time she was MUCH more relaxed. I have no clue what they talked about, but they had a good chat! He's a super sweet and PATIENT Santa! Then my silly little Myls turned into a screaming, tongue rolling (thanks Mel,) crazy kid! We handed her to Santa and she wanted NOTHING to do with him. She tried to hit him and pull his beard. There was NO way that we were going to calm her down. Poor Santa! So, we quickly scooted Syd up beside them and snapped a shot. As soon as we took her away from Santa she instantly stopped crying, giving him the evil eye. Coals for her for sure! ;o) She will have company on the naughty list if that's the case, I know a good many kiddos didn't want to visit Santa this year!

Standing Up!

2008-12-07T20:11:00.000-08:00

Myls is letting go of the furniture now and standing on her own for a few seconds! :o) She could do it longer, but we think she realizes what she's doing and second guesses herself. She's also really into kissing people, especially her daddy. Just know that her kisses are open mouthed and with tongue--you must also watch out, she'll bite too. She was kissing me last night and bit my bottom lip so hard I got tears in my eyes. May have a problem with her biting people, please, please, please, just let it be a phase! :o)

Syd is such a sweet girl. She has been super cuddly with her mommy this week. She is so excited for Christmas. She keeps telling us she wants a "pee pee doll." I mean really... she says it EVERY time we ask. I know it won't keep her attention and I don't want some silly doll making wet spots on my floor! Must find something that I can claim is a pee pee doll though, since it also is a $60 doll! Thoughts anyone? ha ha ha! Next time you see her, ask her to rap "Jesus Love Me." The FUNNIEST thing. She's such a fun kiddo. She also drew her first person this week. She has done the smiley face thing, but no arms, legs, etc. BUT this time she did! It was on a letter "b" worksheet we were doing. I told her Bubba began with "B" and she drew him beside the boat. I of course then had her draw pics of everyone. The funniest though was our cat, Allie, who looked more like a spider or amoeba than anything. She drew 1 leg, then 2 legs, then 3 legs, then 4 legs for a 10 legged cat. Those worksheets too are such a fun thing for her now. She loves to trace the letters, match, do the dot to dots, etc. She is left handed, like her cousin Say-day. :o)

Thanksgiving and Christmas Trees

2008-12-03T11:34:00.000-08:00

This past weekend was a whirlwind! Syd woke up Thanksgiving morning so excited to see her family! We went to Maw Maw's house for lunch. The girls both ate a ton of course. Afterwards we went for a walk. Syd rode the Big Wheel and Myls was in the stroller. Syd rode to just over the halfway point of our walk, most of it on her own. I was super impressed. Both girls were just glad to get some fun time outside in the nice weather. When we left Syd said, "I had a really very happy Thanksgiving at Maw Maw's!" Then we went to High Point to see Kenny's family. Syd took a nap, but Myls wouldn't on the way there. Noah and Syd played and played. Myls was obsessed with pulling ornaments off of the tree, we think she pulled at least 50 off, we should have just put them higher instead of putting them back. She liked following the big kids around, especially Gracie. They played great together. Myls did make Gracie cry though, took her passie, tried to try it out, then looked at her like "what's your problem?" when she cried. I really think that Mylie is going to give us a run for our money. She is T-R-O-U-B-L-E!!! ha ha! They both ate a ton there as well. I think both of them would love to have all of that food and see their family everyday. The girls were both asleep as soon as we hit the highway on the way home.

Friday we went to the mountains for our Christmas tree. Bubba, Judu, Maw Maw, Melanie and Mitchell (Miguel, Michael, Martin...) went too. Syd was glad to be with everyone again. We ate at Bojangles for breakfast as usual. The girls both were super happy they whole way there. Syd and Maw Maw chatting in the backseat the whole time, was the cutest. Poor Maw Maw's ears had to hurt from that little motor mouth! Syd rode the horse as soon as we got to the tree farm. She loves all animals so much. We then rode to the trees, behind the tractor. Syd told everyone what she told us the day before, "They cut them down with scissors." ha ha! We picked out a skinny tree this year. I really had a width requirement, wasn't going to get another massive "fat bottomed" tree again! Dad took the longest to pick out his tree. The silly man! Then we rode back down. We went to Fire Mtn for a late lunch. I don't like buffets at all. BLECH! But everyone ate a good lunch, and I was a good girl and kept my mouth shut. :o) We got back, ate dinner at Bubba and Judu's (turkey and ham sandwiches of course,) and then came home and set up the tree. I got the lights on that night. Still am super picky about the lights and have way more than most normal people put on there. Only 2,050 this year but the tree is about 1.5' shorter and 3' skinnier, ha ha!

Saturday we went to find some plastic ornaments so little Miss Destructive (Myls) wouldn't hurt herself. We found some fun bright colored ones since I won't use colored lights. It looks so cute. I'm calling it the Fruit Loop tree. Syd and I worked on a pipe cleaner chain garland. We got it decorated some before we went to Poppie's for ANOTHER Thanksgiving meal. Both girls again were so happy to be with their family. They love everyone so very much. When we got home after dinner Syd and I worked on putting more ornaments on the tree.

Sunday we enjoyed our last full day with Kenny. Watched the Panther's game. Then went to Bubba and Judu's again for YUMMY spaghetti! SO, in those 4 days I think that we all gained 5 lbs. ha ha ha ha!! What a fun weekend! :o)

Chatting and Coffee...

2008-11-19T20:29:00.001-08:00

Tonight I went out and had coffee with the girls! (Steph, Julie and Sarah) It's so nice to get out and talk about anything and everything. They make me laugh, that's for sure! :o) Julie found Waldo, she's a super spy that TRULY needs a haircut! ha ha! And the guy with the weird moving brows was TOTALLY distracting! ;o) He made Sarah cry, not sure if it was sheer terror or that he was amusing. Then we went to Harris Teeter to search for wine tags (ones in NC don't require wine purchase, and there are some AWESOME coupons on them) and other coupons. We are all addicted and may need to form a coupon-aholics group. That would mean we'd need weekly meetings. I know I could use that, but would the husbands allow it? As to how we'd help our coupon addiction, I have no clue, I think we'd only make it worse. Making it worse wouldn't be so bad since we'd be doing it together. All falling deeper into the world of coupons, on a mission to get out of stores with spending no money or the store OWING us money. Not a bad addiction, so should the habit be broken? Only downfall is the cashiers who make us think we are doing something wrong, telling us we can't save that much money and calling their managers on us like we are convicts. Then the managers looking at us again like convicts while we have at least one of our children in tow. We are on their surveilance system looking guilty, while the managers call their corporate headquarters on what you are trying to do. (They are told to do it 99% of the time, and it makes them MAD!) Maybe we should just go in groups to deal with the belittlement? So really is it a coupon-aholics meeting or simply a support group to deal with the guilt that the cashiers and managers put on us when we are doing NOTHING wrong? Or, should we begin workshops for cashiers and managers on proper coupon usage, so they see that it is VERY possible to walk out of the store only paying $.07 and saving $40. Nonetheless, we were VERY successful in our hunting endeavor. I'm super thankful to have made such great friends in the past couple of years! They are pretty awesome! As a bonus we all have children right around the same age and they all get along so well too! SO, I know most of them have seen this, but here's the quote again... I love being weird with them! :o)

We’re all a little weird and when we find those people whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall into a mutually satisfying weirdness and call them our friends and best friends...

And I must add that my super sweet husband watched the girls, fed them dinner and put them to bed so I could get out for a bit. Major kudos for him, he ROCKS! :o) Now, really though... how can we win the lottery?

BRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!

2008-11-18T20:32:00.000-08:00

Wow! It sure has been a cold day!! Syd went to preschool today. She came home singing the "Hokey Dokey." You will NOT convince her that it's actually Pokey, she'll have none of that! ha ha! Myls and I hung out this morning. She is growling at everyone and everything. Really, my sweet little girl growls. Funny! None of us woke up this morning in a happy mood but by the time afternoon nap was over everyone seemed to be much better. I took a power nap, so I was better too. Thank goodness for naps! Syd loves to climb in Myls' crib and play now. She doesn't understand that she shouldn't wake her up to play. Syd just loves her playing with her so much though, and the look on Myls' face when Syd is around is priceless. I hope that they always play so good together, but know I'm due for some fights, ha ha!

We went to my parent's for dinner. Both girls STUFFED themselves! Bubba had bought a black bear to go with Syd's Teddi. He dressed him up and everything. His name is Camden Ryan, both girls' middle names. I am going to call him CR. He's in the bed with Syd and Teddi now. As much as I dislike stuffed animals invading my house, Syd loves them. I am just glad it's not Barbies! ha ha ha ha!! Gosh, I know there will be some, but I don't like them.

Kenny has been working his butt off. I hate it. Really, it's just not the same. We miss him so much! Can't wait until he's able to put that junk down, that's for sure. Anyone have an idea how we can win the lottery?

Triples Update...

2008-11-17T12:26:00.000-08:00

Pictures of my stuff: all of the stuff from this past triples is mixed in. This was all accumulated over 3 rounds of triples. And doesn't include the bathroom stuff or the medicine. :o)

Garage Stuff 1

Garage Stuff 2

(The 16 rolls of paper towels are spread out everywhere, most not in pics)

Laundry Room--now a pantry, ha ha!

(23 boxes of Pillsbury brownies/cake mixes, 18 boxes of Hamburger Helper, 20 tubs of icing, 23 boxes of pasta, 16 bags of cookie mix, and as you can see a TON more.)

Over the Stove

(8 boxes of Tea bags, 12 Eagle Brands, 6 chocolate chips, 2 bags of brown sugar, 2 bags of powdered sugar and more)

Garage Stuff 3

Not naming this time, ha ha

Yeah, I know it was a week and a half ago... BUT figured I'd post the totals and some of the stuff I bought....

Bloom: Spent $39.36 Save $157.23
This included: 5 things of chicken, 5 packs of Vanity Fair Plates, 8 Wet Ones tubs, lots of Pop Tarts, and TONS more.

Harris Teeter: Spent $119.43 Saved $349.91
This included: 1 box of Pampers (normal price $29.99), 6 packs of Wipes Refills (normally $8.89 each) 1 bottle of my favorite Riesling - as a treat, 10 jars of pasta sauce (48oz), 6 bottles of Downy fabric softener, 4 lbs of grapes, and again TONS more.

I spent more than planned, BUT we won't be buying a good bit of things (especially wipes, pasta sauce and fabric softener) for a LONG time! :o) I LOVE Triple Days!! I need to take pics of my shelves, etc. I can't believe how much I got for so little! :o)

OH, and K Mart! (They do super doubles!) Spent: $16,54 Saved: $85.74! Got Syd some of her GoodNights Pullups in there too! :o)

Writing and Giggles!

2008-11-17T10:17:00.000-08:00

Syd is writing the letter "S" now!! "Up and around, down town!" is what I say when I show her. So, when I heard her saying it from the other room, I knew she did it all by herself today without me doing it first! :o) Fun stuff! she's learning other letters, and "O" is always the letter of choice. It's also the start of her happy faces, sunshines, doggies, etc. You never know if it's simply an "O" or a circle unless she adds stuff. She is also learning to sing some Christmas songs. Away In A Manger is her favorite, followed by Jingle Bells.

Myls is still EVERYWHERE. She's such a happy kid though! She always finds a way to make herself and others giggle. Hope she keeps that as she gets older! Silly girl. I think she's going through another growth spurt... I can't believe she's wearing 18 mos and even 2T's already. I know, I shouldn't be surprised since Syd did that too, but WOW! Myls REFUSES to walk, she wants to crawl! Kenny and I have tried to get her walking between the 2 of us, but she just sits back down, crawls and laughs. Booger head!

Last night was our normal Sunday night at my parent's. Both girls just love their Bubba and Judu. Between Myls' "Buh-Buh-Buh-Buh-Buh" all of the way home and Syd crying when she leaves and wanting to call them all of the time, you can MORE than tell. :o) Tonight, is dinner at home and some major cleaning. This house is a WRECK! AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

Fall picture day...

2008-11-16T12:27:00.000-08:00

Movie Night!

2008-11-15T18:51:00.000-08:00

Just got done with our first movie night with Syd... well... 30 minutes of a movie. ;o) She watched The Wizard of Oz. We are recording the rest for her. We lit a firelog, popped popcorn and she got to drink a little Dr Pepper in a freezy cup. She thought it was super cool. Myls will get to participate soon, I am sure... Next time I hope to start the movie earlier and we'll get to watch all of one! Wonder what movies are out that are only an hour long, since that's as long as I'll let her stay up past Myls' bedtime? Lots of silly movies are in our future I'm sure.

I'm strong Daddy and Miss Eater Much.

2008-11-13T20:08:00.000-08:00

Thursdays are Syd's preschool days. She was able to take Teddi, so she was super happy! On the way to school, she had her first "don't want to go to school moment." We had gotten to the intersection close to my parent's house and Syd decided her and Teddi didn't want to go to school -- but to Bubba and Judu's. "Me and Teddi want to go see Bubba and Judu, Mommy!!" Poor girl! When I went to pick her up, she was super happy and ready to visit Maw Maw. Didn't want to leave, that's for sure! Tonight she told Kenny that she is strong because she can drink Mt Dew and Pepsi. Hmmm... then I know a couple of people who should be body builders. ha ha! (Thanks to Maw Maw for a WHOLE Pepsi to herself!) She got ready for bed all by herself tonight. It was super cute! Everything was great except for the backwards pants, ha ha! No way could I turn them around! Earned herself a treat! She's growing up WAY too fast, that's for sure! She's working hard on writing her name, my little lefty.

2 of Syd's favorite things: Teddi and her Big Wheel

Myls went shopping with me while Syd was a school. What a good girl! She even told a lady "bye bye." (Right after she walked away of course!) She is juicier than ever, I tried to keep bibs on her all day. Come on teeth! At Maw Maw's she tried to walk! Let go of the sofa to walk to her. It was an awesome try! It won't be long! We went to Cracker Barrel for dinner, that little girl ATE some food. More than Syd and pretty sure more than me. She LOVED the dumplings. That full belly made a super happy girl the rest of the night. The waitress couldn't believe she's only 9.5 mos! She just doesn't seem that big to me. We went to Concord Mills too. Myls rode behind her sis, she loved trying to grab her hair. Syd was such a sweet sissie making Myls laugh. Too cute! My funny kiddos!

Art & Babbles

2008-11-12T10:19:00.000-08:00

Sydney painted pictures for her room yesterday. She had such a fun time. I love watching her think about what she's going to paint. She was obsessed with the red and thought it was funny that it looked red in the container and pink on the canvas. She even learned that red and blue make purple. We are going to do more experiments to find out what colors do when they are mixed together. Hope at least one of my girls loves art as much as I do. The first picture was a red cloud with rain drops. The drops were her favorite. The next picture was a lime green sun, tree and camel. That girl can be so random, it makes me laugh. Reminds me a ton of Kenny with being so random and silly.

Red Cloud With Raindrops

Sun, Tree and Camel

Mylie is into EVERYTHING these days. She started "talking" to me yesterday. It sounds like she's trying to say whole sentences. Ma-ma and Bubba still are her top picks word wise. Da-da makes an occasional appearance. Poor Kenny, but Syd was always ALL about her Daddy, it's only fair! I think she's trying to say "hey" now too. When she wakes up, she says it almost everytime I walk into the room. She is crawling all over the place, learned to open cabinets, and is pulling up and cruising the furniture. She stays under my feet most of the day and is always grabbing my pants trying to get me to stop. She's doing a silly thing where while she crawls she hums. Funny funny girl! Hope to have a new tooth or 2 in the next week. Hoping it will close in her "Madonna/Letterman gap!" I love that crooked little grin!

Welcome! :o)

2008-11-10T08:10:00.000-08:00

I'm starting the blogging thing! Hope this is an easy way for all of my family and friends to stay updated on our world. The girls are growing super "spast" (Syd's "fast") So, why not? ;o)