Wednesday, February 25, 2009

And the potty saga continues...

We are having some success and some failures in the potty training department here at our house.

If Hoss has an accident he will remove his pants and underwear and come and tell us he pee pee'd or poopy'd. For some reason he is not interested in using the potty each time and definitely does not wish to use the potty for poopy.

It's tramatic here. Screaming and crying happens if we even consider suggesting he sit on the potty to poopy.

Bribing isn't working.

Discussing being a big boy isn't working.

Cleaning up his messes isn't working. He actually enjoys this process.

I'm pretty much just letting him make messes. And we clean them up each time. Each time we discuss the same thing, where to go pee pee and poopy. Each time Hoss says, "da potty." He definitely understands the process, he just doesn't want to follow it.

I purchased a game Hoss has shown interest in, Brown Bear and Polar Bear. He knows we have this game and he knows that when he poops in the potty he will get his game.

He is giving me his undivided attention when I talk about this, so I am hoping this will be effective.

Hoss specifically has his accidents in his bedroom. We moved his potty chair to his bedroom since he will sit on the big potty most of the time with our help. Then he threw a fit when he couldn't sit on the "wittle potty" downstairs, so the potty moved back.

As soon as I'm done with this post I'm taking it back upstairs. Maybe he will eventually start using it appropriately.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Recovering

Last week was extremely stressful for me. Particularly at work. I really don't remember much stress at home, but work was enough to nearly knock me out.

So far this week isn't looking much better, unfortunately.

Despite the stress and the quickly approaching deadlines, I survived.

Friday night I met friends (who I had not seen in several months) for dinner. It was rejuvenating. I decided to devote my weekend to rejuvenating my spirit.

So, I went to Best Buy and purchased Guitar Hero. Ok, so I really succumbed to peer pressure of a friend who has been singing Guitar Hero praises. Plus the $40 price tag didn't look too bad for a video game that even comes with a guitar. Just my way of stimulating the economy.

I brought the new purchase home and boy was the husband thrilled! We played several times over the weekend. I am now addicted.

So is the rest of the family.

Hoss has been dancing to the songs (jumping on the couch) and seranading us with the songs, "Slow Ride" and "Mississippi Queen."

I don't know if it was the game which lifted my spirits or if it was the time spent with my little family laughing and enjoying life, not caring about the stresses of the world outside our front door.

Whatever it was, it worked.

I'm a new woman.

At least right now.

Monday, February 23, 2009

Perty by Thirty Week Seven

Wow! I'm seven weeks into this journey. And boy, this week brightened my spirits!

As you may recall last week I lost only .6 pound. I can't deny that I was disappointed. I mean, I had not lost below 2 pounds in a week yet. I couldn't believe .6 was all it was.

I didn't think I did great this week either so when I saw the scale today I was THRILLED!

I lost another, 3.6 pounds!!

Hallelujah! It really may be a miracle.

If you are a fellow Weight Watcher (really this can apply to anyone), I have one big tip -- plan ahead. There were a few meals I knew I was going to be eating out this past week. I looked up the menu online and checked out their menu. Then I checked out my new favorite website (seriously, check it out, nearly any restaurant you can dream of with their food in Weight Watchers points).

I was able to plan to eat a salad and soup at Red Robin. Trust me, it was difficult. Very difficult. But I did it. Mostly to the encouragement of my co-worker and fellow Weight Watcher (who has lost 44+ pounds!).

I can't guarantee such great weight loss each week, but I hope I can atleast stay around the 2 pounds mark.

My total weight loss since January 5th is 23.2 pounds! And as we discussed tonight at my WW meeting, that would be 92 sticks of butter (4 sticks = a pound).

I hope to post mroe this week and not to only update on Monday nights with my weight loss. I just need to find the time to sit down and write all the posts in my brain.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Perty by Thirty Week Six

Well, this week did not go well.

I did not do good with the Valentine's Day dinner and that just made for a bad weekend of eating.

That being said, I did have a small loss of .6 pound. Better than a gain, which is what I was expecting.

Now it's time to get back on track and hope next week I can break the 20 pound mark. Currently I am at 19.6 pounds.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

HELP!

Potty training is going well here, but we have hit an obstacle that we can't quite figure out how to overcome.

Hoss is going pee pee in the potty pretty regularly without problems. He still doesn't always tell us he needs to go, but if we catch him at the right time we don't have any accidents.

However, we can't quite get the pooping in the potty under wraps. Actually it has never happened.

Today Hoss actually took his pants off and then pooped on his bed.

Obviously he knows what to do and doesn't want to poop in his underwear, but he just won't go in the potty.

I'm considering bribing him with tickets to Disney on Ice if he does poopy in the potty.

What suggestions do you have?

Monday, February 9, 2009

Perty by Thirty Week Five

This week I lost another 2.8 pounds.

My total weight loss since January 5th is 19 pounds!

I'm almost to the big 2-0. Hopefully next week I'll hit it!

I'm so excited to say that I only have 131 pounds left to go. It sounds so much better than 150, even though it is still a long way off.

I wasn't able to stay for the meeting today after my weigh-in, but I used my time wisely. Hoss and I went out for a short walk around the neighborhood. The weather was beautiful today and I need to add exercise to my routine so I figured it was a great day to start.

I hope the rain holds out tomorrow so we can walk again. Or, Hoss can ride in the wagon while I pull it around the neighborhood.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Winners!

I am going to be updating this post with all the winners of the giveaways as they end this week.

The winner of the day one giveaway of the stockpile items is A Cali Girl Momma! Congrats! I have sent you an email!

The winner of the day two giveaway of the 5x7 photo from Rebecca is Melanie from Whimsical Creations. Melanie, I sent you an email. Congrats!

The winner of the day three giveaway of the spoon pendant is Natalie! Congrats! I have sent you an email!

The two winners of the day four giveaway are Sarah and Tiffany. Sarah won the pink princess and Tiffany won the purple fairy. Congrats ladies! I have sent you each an email.

The two winners of the day five giveaway are Rebecca and JoEll. Congrats ladies! I have sent you both emails.

The winner of the day six giveaway is Sara. Congrats! I've sent you an email.
Stay tuned for the rest of the winners throughout this week.

The winners of the day seven giveaways are:
Jessie won the $10 JC Penney gift card
Shelia won the $20 Target gift card
Kathleen won the $30 CVS gift card
I have sent each of you an email! Congrats!

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Ok, Give Him Crackers Giveaway -- Day Seven

This giveaway is now closed. Please check out the winners' post for a list of all winners from all the giveaways.

I hope you have all enjoyed the giveaways this week.

I have loved hosting the giveaways.

And a special thank you to each of my friends who have offered items for the giveaways. I am greatly appreciative of your talents!

Since I am the host and the author of this blog, I guess it's only appropriate for me to end the week long festivities with another giveaway.

I am addicted to CVS and any form of money saving.

Since money saving is my hobby and talent, I'm giving away three gift cards, one for three different winners!

$10 gift card to JCPenney
$20 gift card to Target
$30 gift card to CVS

Just leave a comment on this post to enter. And don't forget to go back and see the rest of the great giveaways which have been posted this week.


And if you want a second entry, post on your blog about the giveaways this week and come back here and let us know you did. You will receive a second entry for each of the giveaways if you do this.

You don't have to be a blogger to enter, just be sure to include your email address in your post so I can contact you if you win.

This giveaway will close Saturday February 14th. A winner will be posted at that time.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Ok, Give Him Crackers Giveaway -- Day Six

This giveaway is now closed. Please see the winners' post to see the winner.

My former co-worker, Brooke, who I miss greatly, has recently begun to make Pillowcase Dresses.

Her dresses are incredibly adorable. I already purchased this one for my niece.

Sis, that means don't buy that one!

But I debated on purchasing this one.


And this one is so cute!

There is this one.

And this one.

Oh, and this one.

So many choices!


Brooke will make one of the above dresses for the winner in the size you need.

To enter, just leave a comment below about which of these adorable dresses you would choose. Don't fret too hard over making a choice. You can change your mind if you win.


And if you want a second entry, post on your blog about the giveaways this week and come back here and let us know you did. You will receive a second entry for each of the giveaways if you do this.

You don't have to be a blogger to enter, just be sure to include your email address in your post so I can contact you if you win.

This giveaway will close Friday February 13th. A winner will be posted at that time.

Be sure to come back tomorrow for another giveaway and check out the previous giveaways already posted!

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Ok, Give Him Crackers Giveaway -- Day Five

This giveaway is now closed. Please see the winners' post for the two winners.

Natalie has been inspiring me lately. She is learning how to make items at home which I just buy at the store and never think twice. She is making her own bread and potato chips(which I am considering trying myself), laundry detergent (which I have sampled and is GREAT!), and bath salts and sugar scrubs (that I have also used and have enjoyed).

She's a modern day Laura Ingalls. Except she drives a car and lives in a home with electricity and running water.

Well, you get the picture.

Natalie has put together two baskets to giveaway. That means there will be TWO winners for this giveaway.

Each basket will have homemade bath salts, sugar scrub, laundry soap and a fresh baked loaf of beer cheese bread which is not pictured, as it will be made fresh once the winners are chose.

Natalie is also graciously offering one refill of bath salts in the scent of your choice to the winners. All you will have to do is send the container back to her and she will refill the container.

To enter, just leave a comment. And of course, please go check out Natalie's blog and check out her great homemade items! Be careful though, she will inspire you!

If you want a second entry, post on your blog about the giveaways this week and come back here and let us know you did. You will receive a second entry for each of the giveaways if you do this.

You don't have to be a blogger to enter, just be sure to include your email address in your post so I can contact you if you win.

This giveaway will close Thursday February 12th. A winner will be posted at that time.

Be sure to come back tomorrow for another giveaway and check out the previous giveaways already posted!

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Ok, Give Him Crackers Giveaway -- Day Four

This giveaway is now closed. Check out the winners' post to see who won.

Lisa was one of my first commenters when I started my blog in January 2007. I have enjoyed reading Lisa's blog and have learned a lot of great motherhood lessons from her as she is raising her seven children.

Lisa has recently started making adorable hairbows. I just love these and they make me wish I had a girl. But I'm lucky I have two nieces I can buy cute things for and justify such purchases.

There will be two winners for today's giveaway as Lisa has generously offered two hair bows, a pink princess and purple fairy.


To enter visit Lisa's Etsy store and check out her hair bows. Then come back here and leave a comment on this post about your favorite. And let me know if you want to be entered to win the pink princess or the purple fairy, or both.

And if you want a second entry, post on your blog about the giveaways this week and come back here and let us know you did. You will receive a second entry for each of the giveaways if you do this.

You don't have to be a blogger to enter, just be sure to include your email address in your post so I can contact you if you win.

This giveaway will close Wednesday February 11th. A winner will be posted at that time.

Be sure to come back tomorrow for another giveaway and check out the previous giveaways already posted!

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Ok, Give Him Crackers Giveaway -- Day Three

This giveaway is now closed. Check out the winners' post to see who won.

My real life friend Jessie is possibly the most talented artist I know.

Her creativity is amazing. Becca and I keep harassing Jessie to get an Etsy site and she keeps promising one, but, well, she's a busy mom, I can't blame her for not yet.

But, Jessie, trust me, you will make lots of money with your fabulous art.

Jessie is offering this fabulous spoon pendant.

Isn't it just the greatest thing ever! I just love it! You can put it on a necklace and it will make a perfect addition to your jewelry collection.

To enter just leave a comment on this post. Be sure to check out Jessie's blog where she has numerous other crafts she has made. She is so creative!

And if you want a second entry, post on your blog about the giveaways this week and come back here and let us know you did. You will receive a second entry for each of the giveaways if you do this.

You don't have to be a blogger to enter, just be sure to include your email address in your post so I can contact you if you win.

This giveaway will close Tuesday February 10th. A winner will be posted at that time.

Be sure to come back tomorrow for another giveaway and check out the previous giveaways already posted!

Monday, February 2, 2009

Perty by Thirty, 4th weigh in

Just a quick note in between giveaways (be sure to check them out and enter!).

I am another 2.4 pounds toward my goal.

For a total of 16.2 pounds lost in month 1.

133.8 pounds left.

If you think you can't, trust me, you can!

Even during an ice storm!

Ok, Give Him Crackers Giveaway -- Day Two

This giveaway is now over. See the winner at the winners' post.

My great friend, Becca (who appears to be going by Rebecca now, I guess that's what happens 10 years post high school), has a fabulous talent as a photographer.

She even recently won Best of Show in a photography show with this photo.


Becca has an Etsy site and has even more photos on her personal blog.

This is one of my favorites.


Check out both and come back here and let me know which photo you would like to get if you won the 5x7 print up for grabs.

And if you want a second entry, post on your blog about the giveaways this week and come back here and let us know you did. You will receive a second entry for each of the giveaways if you do this.

You don't have to be a blogger to enter, just be sure to include your email address in your post so I can contact you if you win.

Be sure to come back tomorrow for another giveaway!

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Ok, Give Him Crackers Giveaway -- Day One

This giveaway is now closed. The winner will be announced on the winners' post.

Today starts a week long celebration here at Don't Give Him Crackers. We are celebrating my 500th blog post and my 2 year bloggy-versary. Each day this week I will be hosting a giveaway. I will be featuring the talents of several friends as well as offering a couple giveaways of my own. Today, I'm going to start things off with a giveaway from me.

If you have been following my blog for awhile you probably know I like to get good deals while shopping. I want to pass some of the great items I have been able to get for little to no money. So, I'm going to share some items from my stockpile.


The items pictured above will all be included in the giveaway today.

These are: Glade 2in1 candle, Head and Shoulders, Johnsons Buddies soap, Glade spray, Glade scented oil candle, Huggies body and hair wash, Crest Pro-Health toothpaste, Colgate toothpaste, Oral B 2 pack toothbrushes, Pantene Pro-v shampoo and conditioner samples, Glade scented oil plugin and refills, Dial foaming hand soap, Colgate kids toothpaste, Suave body wash, Dove lotion, Dove deoderant for women, Right Guard X-strength, Schick razor for men, and a women's Schick intuition razor.

To enter, just leave a comment below about your money saving techniques.

And if you want a second entry you can post on your blog about this giveaway and the ones coming throughout the week. This will give you an extra entry for all the giveaways. Just come back and leave a second comment to let me know you posted about the giveaway.

Also, for this giveaway only, if you can tell me why the name of my blog is "Don't Give Him Crackers," you will get another entry on the stockpile giveaway.

I hope you all enjoy the giveaways this week. I'm very excited about each one!