Triple Birthday Extravaganza!

I have possibly one of the busiest weekends ahead and I have little done to prepare. Don't you just LOVE procrastination?

This is the weekend of my niece and nephews birthday as well as our anniversary. Tomorrow is my nephew's 3rd birthday so we will be going to Chuck-e-Cheese tomorrow evening for the party. Can you hear the excitement? I'm am just thrilled because there is nothing more fun than going to Chuck-e-Cheese on a Friday night. Aw, it will make the kids happy! :) When the party is over Hoss and I are heading to my parents house who we will hitch a ride with on Saturday morning to head south to my sister's house in Alabama for my niece's 1st birthday (Saturday) and nephew's 3rd birthday (Sunday). There will be 2 parties there. We will return to my parents late Sunday evening and then return home on Monday. Tuesday is our 3rd wedding anniversary. I have a couple days off so we can celebrate and recover from the Triple Birthday Extravaganza!

So, what have I done to prepare? Well, all the gifts are wrapped and ready. Hoss's clothes are packed and that's it. I am sitting beside a large pile of laundry which needs to be folded while my husband watches football (well, he is switching back and forth so he doesn't get too mad and have to watch the parts in which his beloved Dallas Cowboys are not successful).

Just thinking about everything I have to do in the next few days is stressing me out a bit. But I am sure it will be fun! I am definitely looking forward to seeing my sister and her family.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Works for Me Wednesday -- 50-70 FREE Digital Photo Prints

I have taken a Works For Me Wednesday hiatus lately. I didn't do so deliberately, I was just out of ideas. Now I have a few for the next few Wednesdays already worked up in my brain, so I'm BACK! Ok, enough with the chit chat, here's what works for me.

I have raved about this site before and this why. I have discovered a way to get up 50-70 FREE pictures printed at CVS. First, you need to have a CVS Extracare Card, which is free at all CVS stores and also online. Once you do that, just follow these directions you can get 70 FREE PHOTOS for any email address you register (even if you only have one extracard number). I plan to do this to print one of these pictures for our Christmas card, I just have to make decision.

Be sure to to the first "Get 10 Free" FIRST; then order doesn't seem to matter. (If you've already gotten the 30 free by going to that link, you will need to register a different email for these 10.)

Step #1: Get 10 Free: You get 10 free prints credited when you create an account. CLICK HERE FIRST, then click on Start Now to create an account with your email and ExtraCare Number. CVS will send you an email crediting you with 10 (it took about 24 hours to get my email).

Step #2: Then, CLICK HERE to get 30 more credited (or go here first if you have created an account before) -- EDIT: This link is working now.

Step #3: To get 10 More Free, go to “Order Prints,” click on the "Do More with Your Photos" on the right side of the screen. A new window then opens that shows 10 more free prints have been credited.

Step #4: 20 More CLICK HERE and you can get 20 more free prints by filling out this survey about their digital Sundays. -- EDIT: This link is not working right now. I had difficulty with it when I originally did this program before, but I kept trying it and was able to get it to work yesterday.

This only works online, you can't take your cd's or cameras to the store. I can't guarantee the quality of any pictures, but I can guarantee that FREE is the best price around!

FREE always works for me! For more Works for Me Wednesday go here.

Christmas Card Photo Shoot

Tonight Hoss was feeling much better from his double ear infection (diagnosed now by a doctor) so I decided it was a perfect time to attempt the Christmas card picture.

This was the first picture. I got a chair seconds later. Standing still is not a strong point for a 2 year old.


Sitting so close to all those fun ornaments is a big temptation as well.


Despite the distractions, we got a few pictures which may work (after millions with major glare on the glasses).

This one is one of my favorites. He looks like he's thinking, "Come on Mom! Aren't we done yet?" or "I wonder how many ornaments I can swipe before she notices."


This one has a little too much glare and no Santa hat, but so cute.


Or there is always this one.


Decisions, decisions. What do you think?

Desperate Times Call for Desperate Measures

My parents got a new Christmas tree and graciously allowed me to take their old tree. It was difficult to transport the tree in my 4 door sedan, especially since a toddler was required to sit in the back seat. So we became creative and buckled the tree into the front seat of my car. It traveled home and never budged. Now it is decorated and beautiful 5 feet from me. YAY!

Funny Christian Link Love

We figured out the temper tantrum causer, ear infections. Well, this is not yet diagnosed by a doctor, but after much screaming and crying from 3:15 a.m. until 7 a.m. this morning, the mom diagnosis is ear infection. Since I am tired from the second scream-fest here is some fun linkage. Yesterday my dad introduced me to this commedian he found on GodTube. Here are a couple great links from him. We checked his upcoming schedule and he's going to be near us in February. I think there may be plans to go. Just a hunch I have.

This clip has a one minute intro, it's just as good if you skip that minute.

Temper Tantrums, 4 a.m. shopping, and nap time

Have you all had a good Thanksgiving? Mine has been good. Busy, but good.

Yesterday we we had Thanksgiving lunch with my in-laws. After the Thanksgiving Scream-Fest of 2007, which my lovely 2 year old displayed at the dinner table, we ventured home. The aforementioned culprit of the the screaming and I left soon after to visit with my family out of town. We arrived here in time for leftover dinner and Wii competitions.

This morning I awoke at 3:30 a.m. to head to the 4 a.m sales at Kohls. My mom and I arrived at Kohls 2 minutes prior to 4 a.m.; however, approximately 500 other people had beat us and were all standing in line. I jumped out and walked inside when the doors opened and grabbed the one item we were there to get. My mom never did find a parking place, so we left to hit the JC Penney 4 a.m. sales. After standing in line for 45 minutes there, just to check-out, we moved along to a few other stores. By 8 a.m. we were back at the house and ready for a nap.

Nap time rolled around after lunch; however, the aforementioed culprit of the screaming the day before decided napping was not in his scheduled activities. After 45 minutes of wrestling we both fell asleep for a 2 hour nap.

Now I sit here as my parents watch Jungle Book which was turned on for the 2 year old screamer, but he is, of course, not watching. However, he is not screaming, so it's a good moment.

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!

12 Days of Thanksgiving, Day 12

At 4 days old I attended my first church service and I've been going back every week since. I can not imagine my life without having God in the center. I am blessed with parents who encouraged my relationship with God and provided me with opportunities to continue to learn and grow.

I am thankful for God's blessings. Each of the items I was thankful for during this twelve day journey came from God. Without Him I would have very little. I am also thankful for His grace. I am definitely one who is in need of grace.

I also want to thank everyone who has participated in the 12 Days of Thanskgiving. I have enjoyed reading your thankfulness posts and learning more about you. If you would like to participate in today's just sign Mr. Linky below.

12 Days of Thanksgiving, Day 11

Thanksgiving is almost here. I can taste the yummy turkey and stuffing...yum! I can't wait! Thanks again to everyone who has participated in the 12 Days of Thanksgiving.

Yesterday I received a package in the mail. I love getting packages when I forget they were coming. Yesterday's package was not for me, it was a Christmas gift I ordered, but I was still very excited about getting it. The thrill of getting "real" mail and for that, a "real" package is so fun. It's why I love Christmas card time. You never know what card you are going to get in the mail the next day.

Today I'm thankful for those small surprises that make your day. Be it mail, an unexpected phone call, or a new word from your child, surprises can make your day!

If you'd like to participate in today's 12 Days of Thanksgiving post please feel free to sign Mr. Linky below.

Elf-ing around!

Check out my elf family! It makes me laugh so much!

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9560955560

I love how bored Donnie looks!

12 Days of Thanksgiving, Day 10

Have you ever read Jessie or Becca's blogs? I have, and do often (well, when Becca blogs, which is rare *hint!*) because they are my friends. Even though I don't get to see these girls as often as I would like to (since we live in 3 different states), I am glad I'm able to keep up wtih them in the blogging world to catch up on life since high school!

I also enjoy reading the blogs of many blog friends like here, and here, and here. Not only do I love my blog friends and old friends, my "now" friends are very important to me. If it wasn't for friends, where would we be?

We always need someone to confide in, shop with, and gossip share. I am so thankful for my friends today. Thanks for being my friends!

12 Days of Thanksgiving, Day 9

What would we do without modern conveniences. I take for granted so many things. It's so interesting that only 100 years ago having indoor plumbing and electricity was a modern day convenience. (ok, maybe it was longer than 100 years, but I know that my great grandparents had an outhouse even when my dad was a child, that was not 100 years ago...maybe half of that! Love ya, dad!).

We can all be thankful for things like indoor plumbing, electricity, cars, and cable television. But what about hair dryers (that's for you mom!), microwaves (this was Donnie's recommendation), debit cards (I thought I lost mine Saturday and it was almost as if my world stopped), and automatic transmission (I still have never learned to drive "stick"...I definitely could never be on the "Amazing Race," that and many other reasons).

If you'd like to participate in today's 12 Days of Thanksgiving, feel free to post your link below!

12 Days of Thanksgiving, Day 8

Yesterday we took Hoss to get his hair cut. This is my least favorite activity to do. Mostly because my child has a complete breakdown each time and there is weaping and gnashing of teeth. From him. Since we are in public I use some self-control and refrain from weaping and gnashing my teeth. Yesterday was not different than the other times. He was fine for the first minute while his cup of juice remained. The next 15 minutes were horrible. However, the barber was wonderful. He was so very patient with my hooligan and was patient and helped me in every way. Considering he does not typically handle children's haircuts (we went to a real barber shop, the place my I-hate-change husband has had EVERY haircut of his life), the barber was wonderful.

I was so very thankful for his patience and for his talent. Hoss's hair, while not his best haircut ever, was trimmed to satisfaction with only a few straggling hairs here or there.

Today, I am thankful for patience, especially the patience of strangers. This is a gift I have been short of lately. I could definitely take some lessons from others.

If you would like to participate in the 12 Days of Thanksgiving today enter your post below. Have a fabulous Sunday!

12 Days of Thanksgiving, Day 7

Today I have one thing I am thankful for...SLEEP! I am thankful that I am able to sleep soundly most nights and refresh myself for next day. My son and husband are early risers. I am not. I am not really a night owl either. I just like to sleep. Since Hoss's birth I have cherished this sleep much more than I ever did before. As all you parents know, sleep can be hard to come by with an infant...and even toddler on some nights. So, I am thankful for the solid eight hours of sleep I had last night.

If you'd like to participate in the 12 Days of Thanksgiving enter your link below. Have a great Saturday and be sure to return tomorrow.

12 Days of Thanksgiving, Day 6

TGIF! Yes, today I am thankful for Fridays. I am so insanely glad that today is Friday and I have 2 days to rest. Ok, we all know that resting does not happen on the weekends, but at least I don't have work responsibilities to attend to after 1 p.m. today. Today I am able to use some comp time and leave early, which I plan to spend shopping! And oh how thankful I am for that comp time and the ability to use it. Happy Friday everyone! Have a great weekend!

If you would like to participate in today's 12 Days of Thanksgiving extravaganza just sign Mr. Linky below with your post.

12 Days of Thanksgiving, Day 5

I am so very thankful for my family. From my parents, to my sister to my husband to my in-laws. I am very thankful for them all. I have been blessed to have supportive parents who allowed me to fail and to learn from my mistakes, but also to support me in recovering from those mistakes. I'm thankful for a husband who loves me unconditionally, regardless of my mood, appearance or behavior, he still loves me. I am thankful for my in-laws who have been able to assist us with caring for Hoss. If it wasn't for my mother-in-law watching him while we work I am not sure where our lives would be now. It definitely has helped me focus while at work. I'm thankful for my sister and the relationship we have developed as adults. Though we live far away, we are still able to talk about changes in our children's lives and support each other.

If you would like to participate in today's Thanksgiving post be sure to sign Mr. Linky.

12 Days of Thanksgiving, Day 4

Even though I often complain about it and my mental life plan did not include it at this time in my life, I am thankful for my job. I am thankful that I have been able to continue to progress through the past five years and have found myself in a position which I am comfortable in and one that helps to provide for my family. There are always times that I dream of not having to work and the luxuries that possibility has, but in the end I count my blessings that I am able to have a job which pays our bills and allows me to share my skills with others.

Everyone is invited to participate in our 12 Days of Thanksgiving. Be sure to sign Mr. Linky if you are participating today. Thanks again to everyone who is participating. I enjoy reading your posts.

12 Days of Thanksgiving, Day 3

Today I am thankful for CVS! I have posted before about the marvels of CVS. For more info on how you can save money at CVS, read this.
I was able to get all of the following items for 54 cents. They actually owed me 15 cents so I added some gum to my purchase. Oh how I love this store!


(yes, the gum had a piece missing...I had to have a piece on my way home from the store!)

Feel free to add your 12 Days of Thanksgiving post below by signing Mr. Linky and ome back tomorrow for Day 4! Have a great Tuesday!

12 days of Thanksgiving, Day 2

Of course I am thankful for him. Who can resist the red curls and blue eyes behind those glasses?

Thank you everyone for participating yesterday and today. One quick note about my post yesterday, Liz pointed out to me that the address I posted was proven to be not valid. I'm sorry to give out false information. I'll do my research better next tiem! Be sure to add your link to Mr. Linky for your Day 2 of Thanksgiving post. Come back tomorrow to check out Day 3's Thankfulness.

The Twelve Days of Thanksgiving, Day One

Thank you all now for participating in "The Twelve Days of Thanksgiving." When you sign the Mr. Linky please be sure to link the your specific post and not your main blog page. Don't forget to visit everyone else's posts! Let's have fun giving thanks!

A co-worker of mine returned from an 11 day cruise last week. On her first day back to work she was discussing her trip, including visiting Aruba, private islands and other beautiful Caribbean lands. But those are not the things that stood out to me when she told her story. As she and her husband were boarding their luxury cruise ship, a naval ship was docked beside their boat. As they passed by they saw a mother and father hugging, crying and telling their young 19-20 year old son goodbye as he was being shipped out for service. She said it brought tears to her eyes to think about him leaving his comfort to protect her as she was preparing to live in the life of comfort for 11 days at sea. He was going to fight for her freedom to set sail and visit beautiful lands.

What stood out to me is that after 2 weeks this was one thing she discussed about her trip. Yes, she showed beautiful pictures and talked about seeing great things, but she remembered that moment. She did not know this young man or his family, but for a moment, he was a part of her life, and a permanent part of her memory.

Today, I am thankful for all the men and women who are serving in our military forces so I can sit in my home today and type this post in a warm, comfortable home. As a young child I lived close to a military base and a few family members who are enlisted in the army. Despite all of this, I have never taken the time to say "Thank you." This year I plan to say Thank you. You can join in if you would like. When you are making out your Christmas card list this year include this address,

A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue,NW
Washington,D.C. 20307-5001

Tell our wounded soldiers that you are thankful for their service for our freedom.

12 days of Thanksgiving starts tomorrow!

Don't forget I am starting the 12 Days of Thanksgiving posts tomorrow. If you are interested in participating there will be a Mr. Linky at the bottom of each post. It's time to give thanks!

It's time for a change

I'm not a big music connoisseur, but I do love TV. MTV was totally made for people like me (okay, if they played music videos they would be for me, but anyway...). My husband is quite the connoisseur of popular music (and even some not so popular). He showed me this video last night.



It's a catchy song. If you listen to any "pop" music station it's played, at least once every hour. I love the concept of the video. We all sing the words to songs, so why not a video of it! It's simple and I love it!

When I was watching the video last night I was bothered by one thing. The song has some curse words (the "a" word and other variations) which are bleeped from the song, but other words bleeped just did not make sense. "Pills" and "Drugs" were edited out as well. I understand the need to deter people from participating in illegal activities, including illegal drug use, but why aren't more things edited. Like "Family Guy" or "South Park" which ridicule people on all levels. We hear worse words on prime time television every evening. These are not edited.

Where are the morals people? And who is deciding what is edited and what is not? I find it appalling. We need to raise our standards.

The Twelve Days of...Thanksgiving

All the retailers in our country are focused on Christmas. Before Halloween had even happened, we all saw the Christmas trees, ornaments, and stockings replacing the garden supplies and fall decor. Websites are display Black Friday advertisements and Christmas music is playing on our radio stations. Christmas is upon us! I am preparing for Christmas, but I don't want to forget about the holiday which is approaching us first, Thanksgiving.

In order to keep my mind in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I want to hold a blog carnival called, The Twelve Days of Thanksgiving. Starting this coming Sunday, November 11th, I will begin posting something each day leading up to Thanksgiving about something I am thankful for. This may be serious and heartwrenching one day and lighthearted and humorous the next. I want to invite you all to participate.

I don't have a cute button or html code, I'm not that blog saavy yet (it's a resolution for me!), but I will post Mr. Linky at the bottom of each post. You can participate on one day, four days, or each of the 12 days. Be sure to pass the word around the blogosphere. I'd love to see how we have all been blessed.

It's time to give thanks.

Homophone Fun!

Last night as Donnie was looking up info on this upcoming Veggie Tales movie, which we are excited about (it may be Hoss's first theater movie), we found this video. Oh how I love it! Cracks me up! Yes, I am a dork!

Tick Tock, Tick Tock

This whole falling forward thing is tearing me up. I don't know if it is because it was later this year or what, but changing the time is still causing me to drag. I shouldn't be experiencing any problems since I did gain an hour of sleep. Or should have, but I have a 2 year old who is an early bird, which I am not.

I was really struggling before the time change. Getting out of bed every morning while it was still pitch black outside was very difficult. Going to work and having to turn on my headlights because it is so dark was also no fun. The time change definitely helped out in this area. This morning when I left for work I felt like I was late. The sun was already mostly all the way up in the sky and it felt like 10 a.m., not 7:45 a.m.

Despite gaining an hour I'm tired. Exhausted! When I get home from work it is everything in my power to focus on cooking dinner and completing the tasks at hand. I guess this could be due to earlier sunsets. Whatever it is, it needs to stop.

I am also permanently confused about what time it is. Lately our clock in the living room and the clock in my car have been running about 10 minutes fast. My brain has been focused on subtracting 10 from whatever time it is on these clocks. When we reset these for the time change the clocks were set for real time. This causing me to subtract 10, then add 10 back and then go look at my cell phone to see what time it says.

Ah Ha! I've figured it out. I'm exhausted because I am trying to retrain by brain. I have to go change those clocks back now! All this math is just too much!

Sooooooo sleepy!

When you set your clocks back an hour, be sure to adjust the clock of any 2 year olds in your house. 6:30 a.m. on a Sunday morning is just not necessary!

Drum Roll Please!

The winner of "Llama Llama Red Pajama" is Jessica!

The random number generator chose #17. Congrats Jessica (nice name, by the way!). I'll email ya to get your address and your new copy of "Llama Llama" will be on it's way.

Thank you to everyone who participated! Getting 147 entries was awesome! I love lots of blog traffic, even if I have to bribe people to get them here! :-)

Aren't these awesome???

Today I received my prize I won from Awesome Mom last week! Aren't these awesome, just like she is!!!



The wash rags are so nice I am having a hard time thinking about using them! She sent a nice card with them as well! Thanks Awesome Mom! You really are AWESOME!

And for the few of you who haven't entered yet, be sure to enter my giveaway this week and go check out the 600+ other ones!