To day I offended a good friend. And I owe an apology to her--I won't list her name since she asked that I not list her previous comment and most of our discussion was over email. She's a liberal and you all know how outspoken I am against the liberal agenda. So I wanted to clarify a few things.
First, although I did say to her that I didn't think liberals cared about their kids or anyone elses, I know that isn't true. At the time I wrote it, I was very upset (thank you to the jerks on the women's site I'm a member of!) and it was a stupid comment.
I have friends who are liberals and they're great mothers. I have friends that are gay and liberal and they're great people, although I don't agree with many things they do. I don't "DISLIKE" people or think that they are bad people, because of their liberal political views. I also don't like people based on their conservative views, only. It takes more than that to make a whole person.
Here is what I think makes a liberal a "bad" liberal: Supporting actions that will hurt children (ie the nomination of David Ogden, who has openly opposed measures against child pornography); Supporting actions that take the parent out of the child's life (ie, supporting actions to get birth control and abortions to underage children without parental consent)--God gave us parents for a reason; and third-supporting abortion. Abortion is murder. Plain and simple. A woman has the right to choose....to choose to have sex or not. To choose to take a life is NOT her choice.
However, just because you don't support the war, or you voted for Obama or you're for homosexual marriage, I don't think that makes you a horrible person. I just disagree with you.
At any rate, to my friend: I am sorry that I wrote that email. I hope this makes a little more sense.
ETA: Although I have to say (in keeping with my own personal beliefs, as those will not be compromised), that if you don't support the war or did vote for Obama, I might think you're not the most patriotic or savvy American, but I don't think you're a horrible human being! And this is not intended as an insult to my friend, but just restating my own personal beliefs.
Friday, February 27, 2009
I dread these emails....
"An offender has moved near you." A chill grips my heart that I'm sure every mother has felt at some point in her life. And did you know that there is a game out (that is apparently VERY popular in other parts of the world) that allows you to simulate a rape???
Where is the morality people? Where's the HOPE for a better future? Certainly not with the current liberal dunces in office.
Where is the morality people? Where's the HOPE for a better future? Certainly not with the current liberal dunces in office.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Teenagers!
ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGH!
Let me tell you about my little trip to Kroger this week. First of all, trying to bargain shop with a cranky needs-a-nap toddler is not the best idea in the world! However, Reagan was actually really good..the problem only came when we headed to the checkout.....
So at the checkout, Reagan now likes to help. She wants to put groceries on the conveyor belt. And I let her...I put the heavy stuff up (correction: I usually throw it up there, as I'm trying to hand her stuff too!) and I hand her the lighter items to put up..ie the strawberries or cans of tuna. The teenage boy that was ringing us up seemed slightly disgruntled that it was taking longer for us to get the groceries on the belt than if I had been doing it myself. No matter, teaching my daughter and letting her feel useful is more important than his peevish attitude.
However, he REALLY ticked me off when he rang up all my items, gave me the total and then gave me a pissed off half laugh, smirk and a "can you believe this lady" look when I handed him all my coupons. I asked 'is there a problem' and he answered with a sulky, bad attitude 'no'. (Keep in mind, I'm dealing with a pimply faced, permanent 'duh' look on his face, Ambercrombie and Fitch reject).
I swear. When this little twerp grows up and mommy and daddy are no longer buying him everything and he has to foot the bill for his own groceries, water, electricity, car, gas, insurance, etc, etc, for himself and PERHAPS a wife and child (if he can find someone to put up with him!) then he'll understand and realize those crazy coupon ladies knew something after all.
Until then, I just have to restrain the urge to flick him in the ear.
Let me tell you about my little trip to Kroger this week. First of all, trying to bargain shop with a cranky needs-a-nap toddler is not the best idea in the world! However, Reagan was actually really good..the problem only came when we headed to the checkout.....
So at the checkout, Reagan now likes to help. She wants to put groceries on the conveyor belt. And I let her...I put the heavy stuff up (correction: I usually throw it up there, as I'm trying to hand her stuff too!) and I hand her the lighter items to put up..ie the strawberries or cans of tuna. The teenage boy that was ringing us up seemed slightly disgruntled that it was taking longer for us to get the groceries on the belt than if I had been doing it myself. No matter, teaching my daughter and letting her feel useful is more important than his peevish attitude.
However, he REALLY ticked me off when he rang up all my items, gave me the total and then gave me a pissed off half laugh, smirk and a "can you believe this lady" look when I handed him all my coupons. I asked 'is there a problem' and he answered with a sulky, bad attitude 'no'. (Keep in mind, I'm dealing with a pimply faced, permanent 'duh' look on his face, Ambercrombie and Fitch reject).
I swear. When this little twerp grows up and mommy and daddy are no longer buying him everything and he has to foot the bill for his own groceries, water, electricity, car, gas, insurance, etc, etc, for himself and PERHAPS a wife and child (if he can find someone to put up with him!) then he'll understand and realize those crazy coupon ladies knew something after all.
Until then, I just have to restrain the urge to flick him in the ear.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Reagan was cracking us up on Sunday!
Oh my gosh! I think I spent most of Sunday laughing my head off! Here are some of the highlights:
Josh and I having a conversation in the hallway. Reagan walks in from the playroom. "Mommy, I want a baby budder. Soon." I was a little taken aback, but admist my laughter I managed to assure her that we were indeed working on it, but unfortunately had no control over when it would happen! Demanding, isn't she?
****************
Reagan and I were playing at Grandma and Granpa's house with her tool 'shed'...she wanted to play peekaboo through the 'window'. We were playing, laughing and having a good time and all the sudden I popped up to 'boo' her and she shouts "STOP LOOKING IN MY WINDOW!" (I guess you have to be a big fan of Pooh Bear movies to know this really is funny...Rabbit says it to Tigger ALL.THE.TIME.)
****************
Reagan and I were playing doctor in the evening and she was checking my nose. I asked if there was anything in it and she said "YES!", stuck her finger up my nose and said "A finger!"....That's not all, she then proceeded to take my blood pressure and when I asked if it was ok she pronounced "you're alive!" (this is what I always say to her when I take hers!). Oh, then she checked my ears and I apparently was growing seeds in them! This kid is a hoot!
****************
Reagan, Daddy and I were taking a drive in the evening. We had to stop back at home and somehow Reagan got on the subject of Daddy's hoo-hoo (no, not a subject we broach often, but she has seen him get out of the shower!!) She started laughing and saying "Daddy's hoo-hoo! Daddy's hoo-hoo! I have a hoo-hoo too! Two hoo-hoos!" OH MY GOSH. HYSTERICAL!!!!
Josh and I having a conversation in the hallway. Reagan walks in from the playroom. "Mommy, I want a baby budder. Soon." I was a little taken aback, but admist my laughter I managed to assure her that we were indeed working on it, but unfortunately had no control over when it would happen! Demanding, isn't she?
****************
Reagan and I were playing at Grandma and Granpa's house with her tool 'shed'...she wanted to play peekaboo through the 'window'. We were playing, laughing and having a good time and all the sudden I popped up to 'boo' her and she shouts "STOP LOOKING IN MY WINDOW!" (I guess you have to be a big fan of Pooh Bear movies to know this really is funny...Rabbit says it to Tigger ALL.THE.TIME.)
****************
Reagan and I were playing doctor in the evening and she was checking my nose. I asked if there was anything in it and she said "YES!", stuck her finger up my nose and said "A finger!"....That's not all, she then proceeded to take my blood pressure and when I asked if it was ok she pronounced "you're alive!" (this is what I always say to her when I take hers!). Oh, then she checked my ears and I apparently was growing seeds in them! This kid is a hoot!
****************
Reagan, Daddy and I were taking a drive in the evening. We had to stop back at home and somehow Reagan got on the subject of Daddy's hoo-hoo (no, not a subject we broach often, but she has seen him get out of the shower!!) She started laughing and saying "Daddy's hoo-hoo! Daddy's hoo-hoo! I have a hoo-hoo too! Two hoo-hoos!" OH MY GOSH. HYSTERICAL!!!!
Monday, February 23, 2009
HMmmmmm...YUM!
Head over to Kashi and register to receive their emails and they'll mail you a coupon for a free frozen food item. Can I just say that they have the absolutely best pizzas ever!!!! Even my junk food loving husband and super picky toddler love them!
Thanks Deal Seeking Mom!!!
Thanks Deal Seeking Mom!!!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Second Amendment thoughts...
The Second Amendment was ratified in order that the People of the United States would have recourse should the government grow too big.
Interestingly enough, the current US government has grown so large and wants so badly to protect itself that they are finding ways to take the right to bear arms from the American people. At this current time, they are not trying to physically take our guns (although I'm positive that is in the future), but they are trying to render our guns useless through the control of ammunition.
We are on a very fragile rope at this point in time. America is slowly turning in on itself. The American people have every right to ensure that their government does not take away the things we hold dear. The government is to work for us, not against us. But the policy changes that are coming swiftly with this administration are designed to render the American people slaves to the government.
Is revolution in the future?
Interestingly enough, the current US government has grown so large and wants so badly to protect itself that they are finding ways to take the right to bear arms from the American people. At this current time, they are not trying to physically take our guns (although I'm positive that is in the future), but they are trying to render our guns useless through the control of ammunition.
We are on a very fragile rope at this point in time. America is slowly turning in on itself. The American people have every right to ensure that their government does not take away the things we hold dear. The government is to work for us, not against us. But the policy changes that are coming swiftly with this administration are designed to render the American people slaves to the government.
Is revolution in the future?
Friday, February 20, 2009
Another craft idea!
No, this wasn't thought up by me! But I did read it somewhere (one of the parenting magazines??). Take a sock and put everyday items in it. Then let your child hold it and feel it through the sock and guess what's inside! Great game and it managed to hold Reagan's attention for about 10 minutes! Woohoo!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
I'm droooooooling....
Ok, I am SO making this:. I promise to show pictures when I'm done. That is, if I can stop salivating over the screen and get up from my chair!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Smartest Toddler on the Block
Reagan has to be one of the smartest children I've ever known and I'm so proud to say she's mine! While falling asleep Wednesday night, out of the blue, she recited her ABC's and didn't miss a one! Not only that, she can count to 12 now. Yep, that's right. My barely two year old can do all that! She's amazing!!!!!
Craft Idea for the Little Ones!
Take colored printer paper (I DO NOT recommend construction paper for this project because it's too thick!) and cut out the 'stripes' of the rainbow (red, blue, green, etc). (Don't worry if it looks funky..mine did too!) and tape on the refrigerator (or any surface that's magnetic..a cookie sheet would work in the car for traveling too!)
Cut out pictures from magazines--such as organes, broccoli, blue bowls, yellow flowers, etc). Take magnet strips (from the craft store) or recycle those magnets that come in all sorts of freebie packages or on pizza mailers and tape those to the back of the pictures.
Now your child can match up the colors of the rainbow to all sorts of colors in every day objects!
And this isn't the only project you can do based on this idea! Modify the idea to play with numbers, letters, matching games or do what I plan on doing and let your child create a fruit and vegetable 'garden'!
Such an easy, simple and inexpensive idea for moms to play with and teach their children!
Cut out pictures from magazines--such as organes, broccoli, blue bowls, yellow flowers, etc). Take magnet strips (from the craft store) or recycle those magnets that come in all sorts of freebie packages or on pizza mailers and tape those to the back of the pictures.
Now your child can match up the colors of the rainbow to all sorts of colors in every day objects!
And this isn't the only project you can do based on this idea! Modify the idea to play with numbers, letters, matching games or do what I plan on doing and let your child create a fruit and vegetable 'garden'!
Such an easy, simple and inexpensive idea for moms to play with and teach their children!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Treasure Hunt explained!
Ok! So since Lorraine asked for me to explain (and this is VERY late, I'm sorry!) the treasure hunt that I prepared for Josh one year for Valentine's, here it is:
First, I just bought some small items I thought he might like..one was a book, "Dereliction of Duty" (a must read for all the Clinton haters out there!), some chocolates, some apple cider (mostly because I didn't know if the places I was going to ask to hold his clues and gifts would be ok with holding alcohol for us!), and a huge picnic basket full of dinner stuff!
Next, I devised clues written on red construction paper. Each clue led to another clue, another destination, another surprise. I put the first clue in his car while he was still at work, along with some balloons and heart confetti, if I remember correctly. That clue led him to another destination, that led him to another destination, that led him eventually home. In the garage I had left the picnic basket for him to bring in and we had an indoor picnic (since it's much too cold here to have one outside!)
The places that I left clues at were places such as the hotel where we spent our wedding night...and the owners/employees of the businesses were all happy to help with such a fun Valentine's Day idea!
So, Valentine's doesn't have to be expensive or even very romantic..it can be fun or cheesey too! We had a great time and I look forward to doing another one for him and one for Reagan at some point too!
First, I just bought some small items I thought he might like..one was a book, "Dereliction of Duty" (a must read for all the Clinton haters out there!), some chocolates, some apple cider (mostly because I didn't know if the places I was going to ask to hold his clues and gifts would be ok with holding alcohol for us!), and a huge picnic basket full of dinner stuff!
Next, I devised clues written on red construction paper. Each clue led to another clue, another destination, another surprise. I put the first clue in his car while he was still at work, along with some balloons and heart confetti, if I remember correctly. That clue led him to another destination, that led him to another destination, that led him eventually home. In the garage I had left the picnic basket for him to bring in and we had an indoor picnic (since it's much too cold here to have one outside!)
The places that I left clues at were places such as the hotel where we spent our wedding night...and the owners/employees of the businesses were all happy to help with such a fun Valentine's Day idea!
So, Valentine's doesn't have to be expensive or even very romantic..it can be fun or cheesey too! We had a great time and I look forward to doing another one for him and one for Reagan at some point too!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Reaganisms...Part 8,500
Reagan was helping me with the laundry today and I asked her take something to the laundry room. She turned around, was about to run down the hall to do it, and fell, almost into the wall. She got up, dusted herself off and said: 'oh shucka ducka!' Oh my goodness! I nearly hyperventilated I was laughing so hard!!
*********************************
The other night my in-laws came over and my mother in law and I were sitting in the reading room, talking. Reagan was with us but we were engrossed in our conversation. All of the sudden we hear Reagan say "where's Reagan!?!?!" (which is what we usually say when we're playing a version of peekaboo/hide and go seek). We glanced up and noticed she was hiding behind the curtain and we had completely failed to notice her! It was as if she were saying "HELLO! I"M PLAYING OVER HERE!" We spent the rest of the night laughing!
*********************************
The other night my in-laws came over and my mother in law and I were sitting in the reading room, talking. Reagan was with us but we were engrossed in our conversation. All of the sudden we hear Reagan say "where's Reagan!?!?!" (which is what we usually say when we're playing a version of peekaboo/hide and go seek). We glanced up and noticed she was hiding behind the curtain and we had completely failed to notice her! It was as if she were saying "HELLO! I"M PLAYING OVER HERE!" We spent the rest of the night laughing!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Official Kroger Coupon Policy-Central Division
I received this in an email from Kroger...just passing it on to you!
Thank you for contacting The Kroger Co. regarding the Coupon Policy for stores in our Central division. Our policy is as follows:
• Limit 2 identical coupon per item, per shopping trip*
• Coupons up to 50 cents will be tripled. Limit 2 identical coupons any scanned
after those two will be for the coupon value only.
• Coupons that cannot be tripled include retailer, cigarette/tobacco products or store
coupons.
• Coupons 51 cents and higher will be redeemed at face value only
• Items must be purchased in sizes and quantities specified on each coupon.
• No cash refunds will be given on a coupon value that exceeds the retail value of
the item.
We do accept Internet coupons, providing the following is true:
" The coupon is not for a free product or for more than 75% off the original cost - we do not accept those from the Internet.
" The coupon scans properly at the register. If the registers do not register, it is most likely not a valid coupon.
" The coupon is not altered in any way.
We hope this information is helpful. If you have additional questions regarding our coupon policy, please feel free to speak to store management. They will be glad to assist you. Thanks again for contacting The Kroger Co.
Thank you for contacting The Kroger Co. regarding the Coupon Policy for stores in our Central division. Our policy is as follows:
• Limit 2 identical coupon per item, per shopping trip*
• Coupons up to 50 cents will be tripled. Limit 2 identical coupons any scanned
after those two will be for the coupon value only.
• Coupons that cannot be tripled include retailer, cigarette/tobacco products or store
coupons.
• Coupons 51 cents and higher will be redeemed at face value only
• Items must be purchased in sizes and quantities specified on each coupon.
• No cash refunds will be given on a coupon value that exceeds the retail value of
the item.
We do accept Internet coupons, providing the following is true:
" The coupon is not for a free product or for more than 75% off the original cost - we do not accept those from the Internet.
" The coupon scans properly at the register. If the registers do not register, it is most likely not a valid coupon.
" The coupon is not altered in any way.
We hope this information is helpful. If you have additional questions regarding our coupon policy, please feel free to speak to store management. They will be glad to assist you. Thanks again for contacting The Kroger Co.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
10 Things I *LOVE* about.....
(title borrowed from one of my favorite movies, with a little spin ;) )
Happy Valentine's Day Everyone! Ok, I decided to do my own meme! Here's how it works. List ten things you love about your child/ren, and ten things you love about your spouse. Tag five people to do the meme on their blog...and don't forget to tell them you've tagged them! Enjoy lots of sugary conversation hearts and smooches from the ones you love!
1. I love how Reagan snuggles deep into the blankets at bedtime and repeats 'nice and cozy', 'nice and cozy' until she falls asleep.
2. I love how Reagan says "I love you mommy, too much!"
3. I love how Reagan is making up her own jokes now!
4. I love how Reagan cries "MOMMY!" and runs into my arms.
5. I love how Reagan is starting to play on her own now and I can actually watch her creativity come alive and see how SHE views the world.
6. I love how Reagan's eyes light up and how she's such a happy child (for the most part!)
7. I love how my heart expands every time I look at those bright blue eyes.
8. I love how she snuggles close to me to 'cuddle-bug' at night or when she's warm and cozy in the shower.
9. I love how she sings everything!
10. I love how she's so brave and so amazingly tough and never lets anything get her down.
*****
1. I love how Josh has shown me that I don't always have to be the strong one.
2. I love getting little love notes from him!
3. I love how dependable he is. And how his family is the most important thing to him.
4. I love how nervous he gets when he tries to be romantic (even though he's really not romantic at all..but he tries!)
5. I love how he plays so differently than I do with Reagan...he is completely silly with her and just has fun. He doesn't worry about trying to teach her anything, they have fun for the pure and simple joy of HAVING FUN.
6. I love that he'll clean up cat puke when I've had enough! (If THAT isn't true love, what is!?)
7. I love that he can vividly recall our 'courtship'!
8. I love that he is such a good dad to Reagan and takes such amazing care of her!
9. I love that he understands my idiosyncrasies and lets me handle things my own way, however unconventional they are.
10. I love the fact that he still wants to be with just me sometimes :)
I'm tagging:
1. Jana2. Kelly
3. Erika
4. Debbie
5. Nicole
Happy Valentine's Day Everyone! Ok, I decided to do my own meme! Here's how it works. List ten things you love about your child/ren, and ten things you love about your spouse. Tag five people to do the meme on their blog...and don't forget to tell them you've tagged them! Enjoy lots of sugary conversation hearts and smooches from the ones you love!
1. I love how Reagan snuggles deep into the blankets at bedtime and repeats 'nice and cozy', 'nice and cozy' until she falls asleep.
2. I love how Reagan says "I love you mommy, too much!"
3. I love how Reagan is making up her own jokes now!
4. I love how Reagan cries "MOMMY!" and runs into my arms.
5. I love how Reagan is starting to play on her own now and I can actually watch her creativity come alive and see how SHE views the world.
6. I love how Reagan's eyes light up and how she's such a happy child (for the most part!)
7. I love how my heart expands every time I look at those bright blue eyes.
8. I love how she snuggles close to me to 'cuddle-bug' at night or when she's warm and cozy in the shower.
9. I love how she sings everything!
10. I love how she's so brave and so amazingly tough and never lets anything get her down.
*****
1. I love how Josh has shown me that I don't always have to be the strong one.
2. I love getting little love notes from him!
3. I love how dependable he is. And how his family is the most important thing to him.
4. I love how nervous he gets when he tries to be romantic (even though he's really not romantic at all..but he tries!)
5. I love how he plays so differently than I do with Reagan...he is completely silly with her and just has fun. He doesn't worry about trying to teach her anything, they have fun for the pure and simple joy of HAVING FUN.
6. I love that he'll clean up cat puke when I've had enough! (If THAT isn't true love, what is!?)
7. I love that he can vividly recall our 'courtship'!
8. I love that he is such a good dad to Reagan and takes such amazing care of her!
9. I love that he understands my idiosyncrasies and lets me handle things my own way, however unconventional they are.
10. I love the fact that he still wants to be with just me sometimes :)
I'm tagging:
1. Jana2. Kelly
3. Erika
4. Debbie
5. Nicole
Friday, February 13, 2009
Goodness!
I just realized it's Friday,and I haven't blogged since Tuesday!!! ACK! Things have been busy around here....playgroups, story times, Valentine's Day parties, shopping, friends breaking their foot, etc, and so forth! So Reagan and I have been quite swamped this week! (Not that Josh isn't busy, too!)
At any rate, tomorrow is Valentine's Day and I still haven't finished my special post for Reagan and Josh--I must do that tonight..along with eight million other things! Tomorrow, Reagan is going over to a friend's house for a playdate and Josh and I are headed out for a real date! It's been forever! We're just going to enjoy spending some time together and focus on actually talking to each other!
Here are a few Reagan-isms to get you by!
Reagan: I love you mommy!
Mommy: I love you too!
Reagan: I love you five!
****
Reagan: How ya doin' mommy?
Mommy: I'm doing good Reagan, how are you?
Reagan: I'm doing "Glug!" (at this point she absolutely dies laughing in hysterics!) This is her first made up joke and although I'm completely confused she apparently thinks she's the funniest little girl God ever created....I think so too :)
At any rate, tomorrow is Valentine's Day and I still haven't finished my special post for Reagan and Josh--I must do that tonight..along with eight million other things! Tomorrow, Reagan is going over to a friend's house for a playdate and Josh and I are headed out for a real date! It's been forever! We're just going to enjoy spending some time together and focus on actually talking to each other!
Here are a few Reagan-isms to get you by!
Reagan: I love you mommy!
Mommy: I love you too!
Reagan: I love you five!
****
Reagan: How ya doin' mommy?
Mommy: I'm doing good Reagan, how are you?
Reagan: I'm doing "Glug!" (at this point she absolutely dies laughing in hysterics!) This is her first made up joke and although I'm completely confused she apparently thinks she's the funniest little girl God ever created....I think so too :)
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
"Cheap" or erm, "Inexpensive" Valentine's Day Ideas!
My husband and I normally cheese it up on Valentine's..or at least I try to! One year I bought him several of those $1 boxes of chocolates from Walmart that said "You Rev Me Up!" and had pictures of of cartoon cars on it. Another year, I draped our entire bedroom in leftover white tulle! (*It slightly killed the romantic moment getting caught up in it!*) Another year I did TRY to be romantic and sent him on a treasure hunt around town. I think I had as much fun planning it as he did picking up the clues and presents at various locations.
This year, we *are* planning a date, but not really because of Valentine's..mostly because we haven't had a date in, oh, I guess 8-9 months or so?? We'll probably go to a coffee shop, enjoy some coffee and just spend time talking to each other..maybe a leisurely dinner, nothing too expensive...hopefully Chinese if I can talk him into it!
However, I read a post, check it out here, and it gave me some great ideas I hadn't thought of before. I hope you'll get a chance to check it out! In the meantime, here is what I'm planning for Valentine's!
*A special Valentine's post for Josh and Reagan
*A cookie bouquet! (Read about it on that link above!)
*Special Valentine's cards for the grandparents (IF they arrive in time...so far they haven't..argh!)
*Valentine goody bags for the playgroup: heart shaped plastic slinkies, stickers that Reagan picked out, cookies or heart-shaped pretzels with cinnamon-sugar icing (we also plan on making this for our treat to bring to Reagan's Valentine's party on Tuesday!)
*I may even make the heart shaped tea bags for the moms in the playgroup! Read about those on the link as well!
*Have a "red" day with Reagan where we eat red food and wear red clothes and make a red collage!
*Have a "heart" day with Reagan where we play fun games and make lots of heart shaped things!
Hope you get some great ideas for your Valentine's Day!
This year, we *are* planning a date, but not really because of Valentine's..mostly because we haven't had a date in, oh, I guess 8-9 months or so?? We'll probably go to a coffee shop, enjoy some coffee and just spend time talking to each other..maybe a leisurely dinner, nothing too expensive...hopefully Chinese if I can talk him into it!
However, I read a post, check it out here, and it gave me some great ideas I hadn't thought of before. I hope you'll get a chance to check it out! In the meantime, here is what I'm planning for Valentine's!
*A special Valentine's post for Josh and Reagan
*A cookie bouquet! (Read about it on that link above!)
*Special Valentine's cards for the grandparents (IF they arrive in time...so far they haven't..argh!)
*Valentine goody bags for the playgroup: heart shaped plastic slinkies, stickers that Reagan picked out, cookies or heart-shaped pretzels with cinnamon-sugar icing (we also plan on making this for our treat to bring to Reagan's Valentine's party on Tuesday!)
*I may even make the heart shaped tea bags for the moms in the playgroup! Read about those on the link as well!
*Have a "red" day with Reagan where we eat red food and wear red clothes and make a red collage!
*Have a "heart" day with Reagan where we play fun games and make lots of heart shaped things!
Hope you get some great ideas for your Valentine's Day!
Monday, February 9, 2009
A little bit of couponing...
*FIRST* Let me say that it is NOT my intention to turn this blog into a couponing or deal site. But, I do want to share any great finds or deals I get with other people, because, let's face it, if other moms hadn't already devoted their blogs to telling people about great deals, *I* wouldn't be getting these wonderful savings either!
At any rate, here is what's happening at CVS in my world this week!
Transaction #1:
Gillette Fusion Gamer 7.99
coupon -4.00
Colgate B1G1 2/1.99
Colgate B1G1 2/1.99
Use (4) $1.00 off coupons for Colgate
CVS Children's Chewable Asiprin (obviously NOT for Reagan!)
Milk 2.79/gal
Fig Newtons 1.00
Coupon for Newtons -1.00
Mylanta 5.99
coupon -2.00
Subtotal $12.74
Use $10.00 ECB's from prior "Pepsi" visit
OOP=$2.74
Earn $8.99 ECB's
Transaction #2
ReNu Twin pack contact solution 9.99
Coupon -1.00
Subtotal $8.99
Use ECB's $8.99
OOP=ZERO! Or minimal due to tax!
Earn $2.00 ECB's
Transaction #3 (POSSIBLE TRANSACTION)
Bodiheat Pain Relieving Pad 3 ct 3.99
Peelie -1.00
Subtotal $2.99
Use ECB's 2.00
OOP-.99
Earn $3.00 ECBs
**this transaction will depend on first, if I can *find* them item! And secondly, if it has a peelie, otherwise, I won't purchase it!**
Transaction #3 or #4
NyQuil/DayQuil Twin pack (my husband guzzles this stuff when he's sick and rarely EVER misses a day of work...NyQuil..you people are miracle workers!) 9.99
coupon -1.50
Subtotal $8.49
Use either $2.00 or $3.00 in ECB's
OOP: $6.49 or $5.49
Earn $2.00 ECBs
Also, there is a great deal going on Duracell batteries--packs for $5.99, then use your coupons from previous coupon inserts!
At any rate, here is what's happening at CVS in my world this week!
Transaction #1:
Gillette Fusion Gamer 7.99
coupon -4.00
Colgate B1G1 2/1.99
Colgate B1G1 2/1.99
Use (4) $1.00 off coupons for Colgate
CVS Children's Chewable Asiprin (obviously NOT for Reagan!)
Milk 2.79/gal
Fig Newtons 1.00
Coupon for Newtons -1.00
Mylanta 5.99
coupon -2.00
Subtotal $12.74
Use $10.00 ECB's from prior "Pepsi" visit
OOP=$2.74
Earn $8.99 ECB's
Transaction #2
ReNu Twin pack contact solution 9.99
Coupon -1.00
Subtotal $8.99
Use ECB's $8.99
OOP=ZERO! Or minimal due to tax!
Earn $2.00 ECB's
Transaction #3 (POSSIBLE TRANSACTION)
Bodiheat Pain Relieving Pad 3 ct 3.99
Peelie -1.00
Subtotal $2.99
Use ECB's 2.00
OOP-.99
Earn $3.00 ECBs
**this transaction will depend on first, if I can *find* them item! And secondly, if it has a peelie, otherwise, I won't purchase it!**
Transaction #3 or #4
NyQuil/DayQuil Twin pack (my husband guzzles this stuff when he's sick and rarely EVER misses a day of work...NyQuil..you people are miracle workers!) 9.99
coupon -1.50
Subtotal $8.49
Use either $2.00 or $3.00 in ECB's
OOP: $6.49 or $5.49
Earn $2.00 ECBs
Also, there is a great deal going on Duracell batteries--packs for $5.99, then use your coupons from previous coupon inserts!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
The Art of Mimicking
I have GOT to be careful about what I'm saying...not only does Reagan actually mimick me sometimes, as in, repeating what I say word for word and then laughing hysterically when I tell her to stop, but she also copies me in play.....
The other morning I was running frantically around the house searching for my keys (not the first time this has happened!) So, I called Josh at work and proceeded to drill him about where they were (not the first time this has happened either!) as I just KNEW that he had lost them. (Turns out he didn't lose them THIS time, although he has in the past!) A little while later, I peeked in on Reagan playing by herself (amazingly, this is happening more and more!) with her Little People. She had the mommy interrogating the zookeeper (who I assume was supposed to be daddy) going "where's my keys!?!?!? where's my keys?!?!?!" I did choke on laughter before realizing how lucky I was that I wasn't yelling something else!
The other morning I was running frantically around the house searching for my keys (not the first time this has happened!) So, I called Josh at work and proceeded to drill him about where they were (not the first time this has happened either!) as I just KNEW that he had lost them. (Turns out he didn't lose them THIS time, although he has in the past!) A little while later, I peeked in on Reagan playing by herself (amazingly, this is happening more and more!) with her Little People. She had the mommy interrogating the zookeeper (who I assume was supposed to be daddy) going "where's my keys!?!?!? where's my keys?!?!?!" I did choke on laughter before realizing how lucky I was that I wasn't yelling something else!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Do All Husbands Suffer From The Same Vision Disorder?
Tonight Josh gave Reagan a bath. Which was wonderful since she's scared to death of the bath ever since the shower broke while we were both in it! (it's now fixed, but that's not the point). However, as I was running around doing all the mommy stuff..you know, emptying the dishwasher, refilling it, drying clothes, washing clothes, picking up trash, cleaning up from dinner, blah blah blah, I realized that my husband must have a vision problem.
Now, let me preface this by saying I do have a great husband. He really is a great guy...well, most of the time (Josh, if you're reading this I do believe you know I'm referring to the C-Section comments!) and he does help out when he can around the house. But, well, I really do sometimes wonder if he's vision and hearing impaired.
For example, after finishing up in the bathroom with Reagan, he sat down to play a video game. I went into the bathroom to do something and noticed...dirty washcloths everywhere, trash that needed to be disposed of and a training potty that needed to be emptied from pre-bathtime potty time. Did he not see this? Perhaps he had a moment of blindness that allowed him to overlook the things that needed to be done?
Another example: asking him repeatedly to put up a curtain rod or take out the trash. I say it to him, he looks like he registers it, but it just never happens. Is something clogging his ears? Should I purchase the Ear Rinse on sale at CVS this week (free after ECBs!!)?? Or, does he really hear me, as I think he does, since he refers to the constant asking as 'nagging'???
And when did I marry a teenager? Every time I ask him to do something (and he actually ACKNOWLEDGES that he hears it) he heaves this huge sigh as though I just asked him to run a marathon, carrying me on his back, while simultaneously knitting a sweater. Every time I hear this "sigh" it makes me cringe and reminds me of teenage boys acting like their mothers are the worst people in the world for making them get off the video game to pick up their dirty socks.
So, I'm just wondering if ALL men suffer from the same hearing and vision impairment?
Now, let me preface this by saying I do have a great husband. He really is a great guy...well, most of the time (Josh, if you're reading this I do believe you know I'm referring to the C-Section comments!) and he does help out when he can around the house. But, well, I really do sometimes wonder if he's vision and hearing impaired.
For example, after finishing up in the bathroom with Reagan, he sat down to play a video game. I went into the bathroom to do something and noticed...dirty washcloths everywhere, trash that needed to be disposed of and a training potty that needed to be emptied from pre-bathtime potty time. Did he not see this? Perhaps he had a moment of blindness that allowed him to overlook the things that needed to be done?
Another example: asking him repeatedly to put up a curtain rod or take out the trash. I say it to him, he looks like he registers it, but it just never happens. Is something clogging his ears? Should I purchase the Ear Rinse on sale at CVS this week (free after ECBs!!)?? Or, does he really hear me, as I think he does, since he refers to the constant asking as 'nagging'???
And when did I marry a teenager? Every time I ask him to do something (and he actually ACKNOWLEDGES that he hears it) he heaves this huge sigh as though I just asked him to run a marathon, carrying me on his back, while simultaneously knitting a sweater. Every time I hear this "sigh" it makes me cringe and reminds me of teenage boys acting like their mothers are the worst people in the world for making them get off the video game to pick up their dirty socks.
So, I'm just wondering if ALL men suffer from the same hearing and vision impairment?
Friday, February 6, 2009
One further thought....
Unfortunately the woman in the story I referenced below probably does have a case, and she'll probably be awarded monetary compensation for her "pain" and "suffering"...amazing that the citizens of the United States of America will allow someone to not only go free after murdering a child, but will compensate them for the so-called anguish the murderer supposedly feels.
This woman wanted to KILL her child. The abortion clinic, excuse me, MURDER clinic, did JUST THAT. They murdered her child for her. Perhaps not in the way she thought was going to happen, but they got the job done, right? Maybe she can argue it wasn't "humane" enough..but tell me, *IS* there a humane way to kill a child!??!?!
This woman wanted to KILL her child. The abortion clinic, excuse me, MURDER clinic, did JUST THAT. They murdered her child for her. Perhaps not in the way she thought was going to happen, but they got the job done, right? Maybe she can argue it wasn't "humane" enough..but tell me, *IS* there a humane way to kill a child!??!?!
Life on earth....
I'm constantly amazed by how absorbed liberals are by the environment. They will do everything in their power to protect the earth and all that grows and lives in it...UNTIL IT COMES TO HUMAN BABIES!!!!!! Since when is it ok to kill a human child? Since when does a woman's "RIGHT" override the babe's RIGHT?
Here are some points I will continue to make again and again:
Women do have a choice..they have the choice to have sex or not to have sex. If you are woman enough to make the choice to have sex, then you better ante up and be prepared to deal with the consequences!! If you don't want a baby, then there are plenty of people waiting on adoption lists right now who will give that child all the love they could ever want.
Secondly, let us NOT forget that YOUR freedom ends where another person's begins. The woman's freedom ENDS where the child's begins.
As for the argument that the baby is NOT alive because it is dependent on the mother for support for it's life...well that argument is NOT valid and here's why:
Someone very wise once told me "My one month old can't make it on her own either. If I were to leave her and not give her sustenance, she would die. And I would be prosecuted for infanticide. My child in my womb needs my sustenance just the same"..and to say that that is valid reason for murder, is unjustifiable.
So where is the line people? Where's the line?
Here is the news story that has me completely riled up:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,488644,00.html
Here are some points I will continue to make again and again:
Women do have a choice..they have the choice to have sex or not to have sex. If you are woman enough to make the choice to have sex, then you better ante up and be prepared to deal with the consequences!! If you don't want a baby, then there are plenty of people waiting on adoption lists right now who will give that child all the love they could ever want.
Secondly, let us NOT forget that YOUR freedom ends where another person's begins. The woman's freedom ENDS where the child's begins.
As for the argument that the baby is NOT alive because it is dependent on the mother for support for it's life...well that argument is NOT valid and here's why:
Someone very wise once told me "My one month old can't make it on her own either. If I were to leave her and not give her sustenance, she would die. And I would be prosecuted for infanticide. My child in my womb needs my sustenance just the same"..and to say that that is valid reason for murder, is unjustifiable.
So where is the line people? Where's the line?
Here is the news story that has me completely riled up:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,488644,00.html
Thursday, February 5, 2009
New Reaganisms!
Today I brought out Reagan's pots and pans to play with (the ones originally for Christmas...long story..anyway). So we were having fun "making" which is what she calls cooking. I asked her what she was making and she promptly responded with "Rocket Soup!" (I guess you have to be a fan of Little Einsteins!)
************************
At the library, a woman I know had brought her son in to check out some books during our storytime. She had her son with her...he's probably three years older than Reagan. As they were leaving he waved and screamed "BYE!!!!" I turned to Reagan and said "Say bye, Reagan!" She lifted up her hand, waved and said "Bye Reagan!!" I started laughing, which quickly died as she yelled to him...."I LOVE YOU!!!!" Oh boy...let it begin....
************************
At the library, a woman I know had brought her son in to check out some books during our storytime. She had her son with her...he's probably three years older than Reagan. As they were leaving he waved and screamed "BYE!!!!" I turned to Reagan and said "Say bye, Reagan!" She lifted up her hand, waved and said "Bye Reagan!!" I started laughing, which quickly died as she yelled to him...."I LOVE YOU!!!!" Oh boy...let it begin....
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
ALERT: Horrible new Kroger coupon policy!!
Kroger seems to have the corner on the market in my neck of the woods, as their only competitor is the Walmart Super Stores. I guess they feel that's why they can completely revise their coupon policy without telling their consumers!
Kroger no longer triples coupons up to .50 and doubles up to $1.00---THEY ONLY triple up to .50 cents and everything else is face value!
So, under the old rules:
a .50 cent coupon would be worth $1.50 and a $1.00 coupon would be worth $2.00!
UNDER THE NEW RULES:
a .50 cent coupon is worth $1.50 and a $1.00 coupon is worth just a $1.00--beware bargain hunters!
Kroger no longer triples coupons up to .50 and doubles up to $1.00---THEY ONLY triple up to .50 cents and everything else is face value!
So, under the old rules:
a .50 cent coupon would be worth $1.50 and a $1.00 coupon would be worth $2.00!
UNDER THE NEW RULES:
a .50 cent coupon is worth $1.50 and a $1.00 coupon is worth just a $1.00--beware bargain hunters!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
February Grocery Shopping Trip #1 and Menu Plan Monday
ok..ok, really Tuesday. (MPM is hosted by OrgJunkie.com)
Alright, I made a shopping trip last night and got all of the items shown below for..... (drum roll please!) $67.53! That's right folks! I saved $39.64 with manufacturer's coupons, $12.05 with bonus coupon savings, and $35.43 with Kroger Plus savings!
Now, I know it looks like I got a lot of junk food...and well, I actually did get more junk items than I normally would. But they were free or close to it and we don't have to eat them all at once!
SO, based on the items I purchased last night, and factoring in a few items I already have on hand, here is our menu for the week!
Monday (yesterday!): Leftover homemade soup (from a neighbor of my mother in law's!) and leftover homemade biscuits
Tuesday: Baked chicken with steamed vegetables and mashed potatoes (all purchased items)
Wednesday: Taquitos with Mexican vegetable mix (purchased/one pantry item)
Thursday: Manwich on homemade wheat rolls, steamed vegetables (purchased/two pantry items)
Friday: Chicken Pot Pie with steamed vegetables on the side (combo purchased/staple pantry items)
Saturday: Leftovers or soup/grilled cheese sandwiches (all purchased)
Sunday: (family day) Will take over something to Vicky's house--probably Taquitos! LOL!
Breakfasts (rotate):
Waffles with honey, sausage (all pantry/freezer items)
Fruit and yogurt (purchased)
Baked oatmeal with fruit (combo pantry/purchased items)
Lunches (rotate):
Soup and sandwiches (purchased)
Tuna on crackers with fruit (purchased)
Turkey sandwiches, applesauce (purchased)
Leftovers
Snacks: (purchased) Goldfish, chex mix, cheerio snack mix, fruit, cheese, yogurt, muffins (from the freezer!)
Alright, I made a shopping trip last night and got all of the items shown below for..... (drum roll please!) $67.53! That's right folks! I saved $39.64 with manufacturer's coupons, $12.05 with bonus coupon savings, and $35.43 with Kroger Plus savings!
Now, I know it looks like I got a lot of junk food...and well, I actually did get more junk items than I normally would. But they were free or close to it and we don't have to eat them all at once!
SO, based on the items I purchased last night, and factoring in a few items I already have on hand, here is our menu for the week!
Monday (yesterday!): Leftover homemade soup (from a neighbor of my mother in law's!) and leftover homemade biscuits
Tuesday: Baked chicken with steamed vegetables and mashed potatoes (all purchased items)
Wednesday: Taquitos with Mexican vegetable mix (purchased/one pantry item)
Thursday: Manwich on homemade wheat rolls, steamed vegetables (purchased/two pantry items)
Friday: Chicken Pot Pie with steamed vegetables on the side (combo purchased/staple pantry items)
Saturday: Leftovers or soup/grilled cheese sandwiches (all purchased)
Sunday: (family day) Will take over something to Vicky's house--probably Taquitos! LOL!
Breakfasts (rotate):
Waffles with honey, sausage (all pantry/freezer items)
Fruit and yogurt (purchased)
Baked oatmeal with fruit (combo pantry/purchased items)
Lunches (rotate):
Soup and sandwiches (purchased)
Tuna on crackers with fruit (purchased)
Turkey sandwiches, applesauce (purchased)
Leftovers
Snacks: (purchased) Goldfish, chex mix, cheerio snack mix, fruit, cheese, yogurt, muffins (from the freezer!)
Monday, February 2, 2009
Watch for a grocery update tomorrow!
Tonight will be my first grocery shopping trip for February. I'm leaving Reagan at home with Daddy and my friend Monica and I are heading out. My goal is to only spend $200 in February on food, which equals about $50/week. As long as the average over the month equals $200, I'll have stuck by my goal.
The rest of that goal is to get as much food as possible for that amount of money, so I can add to our stockpile. Wish me luck! I promise to photograph the things I get with the totals and post them here tomorrow!
The rest of that goal is to get as much food as possible for that amount of money, so I can add to our stockpile. Wish me luck! I promise to photograph the things I get with the totals and post them here tomorrow!
Accountability Update
So I said I would post an accountability update every month to see if I was sticking to my New Year's Resolutions, posted here. And I actually think I'm doing "ok". Here we go:
I'm eating much healthier. Whole grains, less sugar and lots more fruit and vegetables. Still need to exercise more.
I have NOT however, lost any weight, although, oddly enough, my clothes are fitting a little loser? Perhaps I'm losing inches (um, er centimeters!?!?)
I have yet to actually follow through with doing a preschool cirriculum for Reagan, although I am trying to focus on teaching her the things I feel she needs to learn-such as her ABC's and she's doing really well, so far! I *STILL* need to play with her more.
Date nights? *sigh* NOT doing so well there, we still haven't been out for a date, unless you count driving around in the car while Reagan's sleeping and drinking Starbucks a date!
Time to myself? Yes, staying up late at night couponing! LOL!
Budget? Doing really well there. Saving more already and saving money on groceries too! Also looking for better deals on clothing and not buying things just to 'buy'.
As for being "happy", I feel like I'm doing much better. Even some friends have commented that I seem happier and more relaxed lately. I feel like I've been laughing more and I don't feel as stressed as I used to...I have a LONG way to go, but I'm working on it!
So that's it for the first month..hopefully next month will look even better!
I'm eating much healthier. Whole grains, less sugar and lots more fruit and vegetables. Still need to exercise more.
I have NOT however, lost any weight, although, oddly enough, my clothes are fitting a little loser? Perhaps I'm losing inches (um, er centimeters!?!?)
I have yet to actually follow through with doing a preschool cirriculum for Reagan, although I am trying to focus on teaching her the things I feel she needs to learn-such as her ABC's and she's doing really well, so far! I *STILL* need to play with her more.
Date nights? *sigh* NOT doing so well there, we still haven't been out for a date, unless you count driving around in the car while Reagan's sleeping and drinking Starbucks a date!
Time to myself? Yes, staying up late at night couponing! LOL!
Budget? Doing really well there. Saving more already and saving money on groceries too! Also looking for better deals on clothing and not buying things just to 'buy'.
As for being "happy", I feel like I'm doing much better. Even some friends have commented that I seem happier and more relaxed lately. I feel like I've been laughing more and I don't feel as stressed as I used to...I have a LONG way to go, but I'm working on it!
So that's it for the first month..hopefully next month will look even better!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Can It Really Be Done?
I've been reading these incredible blog entries by women getting $380 worth of groceries for something like $20! And spending only $50 a week for a family of four!! Can it really be done? I'm determined to find out.
For the month of February, I'm going to keep a running list of all the money we spend on groceries and other items too, such as gas, utilities and clothing. My goal is to get them as low as we possibly can and see how much money I can save.
Wish me luck!
For the month of February, I'm going to keep a running list of all the money we spend on groceries and other items too, such as gas, utilities and clothing. My goal is to get them as low as we possibly can and see how much money I can save.
Wish me luck!
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