Cone Family

Murry: Day 29

2011-12-23T07:06:00.000-08:00

Well Murry was a bit sneaky since the kids spent the night at Nanny & Gramps' house. He left the kids a DVD of his Flying Adventure through our house and crash landed into a gift he had left for the kids. He also left a note that he will leaving a list of things they need to do tomorrow on Christmas Eve to make sure Santa arrives! Only 1 more day and SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN!!!

*I will post a link to the video if I can get it uploaded to YouTube. Blogger won't take it, FB denied it. It's because Murry used the Charlie Brown Christmas music for his video. So hopefully we can at least get the video up, but possibly might not have any audio.*

OK try this:

Murry: Day 28

2011-12-22T09:49:00.000-08:00

Murry is at it again...causing trouble and messes, how are these kids going to learn to keep their rooms clean if he is making messes?! I guess he was missing the snow from the North Pole.

Murry: Day 27

2011-12-21T09:48:00.000-08:00

Today Murry was spotted hanging out in our tree. I wish he would tried to fix the lights on the top of the tree that are out and won't go back on!

Murry: Day 26

2011-12-20T07:28:00.000-08:00

Well Murry was very mischievous again today!! He TP'd the kids bathroom! They thought this was hilarious!!!

Murry: Day 25

2011-12-19T19:00:00.000-08:00

Today Murry showed up with his own stocking!! He was hanging out with the kids stockings. The kids want to get him something now.

*I will add a picture later, I seem to have not gotten a picture or lost it on my computer somewhere. Picture to come*

Murry: Day 24

2011-12-18T17:00:00.000-08:00

Today we found Murry coloring in Bella's room.

Murry: Day 23

2011-12-17T21:30:00.000-08:00

FOOD FIGHT!! Yep it looks like Murry got the snowman to help him fight off the gingrebread man and Barbie in a marshmallow fight!! They also made a Christmas Tree out of the cars.

Murry: Day 22

2011-12-16T18:19:00.000-08:00

Today Murry brought back a list from Santa. The note said that Murry had to check off who was good and who was naughty. Looks like Brinlee didn't get a checkmark so her hot and cold gift was held hostage for the day. However Brinlee could care less. Typical!

Murry: Day 21

2011-12-15T18:17:00.000-08:00

All of this silliness Murry needed a snack. He decided to eat some fruit snacks when he got back from the North Pole!

Murry: Day 20

2011-12-14T18:16:00.000-08:00

Up to his mischievous little self again. Murry what did you do!!

Murry: Day 19

2011-12-13T18:14:00.000-08:00

I think the singing gingerbreads wanted to make it a singing trio. Murry decided to join them today.

Murry: Day 18

2011-12-12T21:13:00.000-08:00

Murry was spotted in Mommy and Daddy's room this morning. And he brought the kids gifts too!! They each got a pair of warm fuzzy socks :o) Thanks Murry!!

Murry: Day 17

2011-12-11T18:12:00.000-08:00

OK so more silliness from Murry. Today we caught him inside the gumball machine telephone! He even spelled out his name with the gumballs!!

Murry: Day 16

2011-12-10T18:11:00.000-08:00

Today Murry was in the pridelands in our kitchen.

Murry: Day 15

2011-12-09T18:10:00.000-08:00

Murry was perched up in the clouds in Bella's room. A great viewpoint to even see into the family room.

Murry: Day 14

2011-12-08T18:09:00.000-08:00

We found Murry hanging out in the Grandfathers Clock today. He was making sure he was keeing track of the time for Santa.

Murry: Day 13

2011-12-07T22:30:00.000-08:00

Today Murry thought it would be funny to take the kids stockings down and hang up their underwear instead!!! The kids thought this was hilarious!!

Murry: Day 12

2011-12-06T22:00:00.000-08:00

Today Murry was hiding in Brinlee's room to see how clean she keeps it. Well I think Santa won't get a very good report.

Murry: Day 11

2011-12-05T21:30:00.000-08:00

Really? I think Murry had a taste for some candy and overdoesed!! LOL!! The kids looked right past him this morning and did not see him. Finally Quinn saw him and said, "Murry is in the candy, and he is upside down! Murry can you breathe?"

Murry: Day 10

2011-12-04T10:00:00.000-08:00

Murry visited Quinn's room today! I think he liked the red car in the picture on his wall. Don't get any ideas Murry!! At least today he didn't make a mess!!

Murry: Day 9

2011-12-03T23:00:00.000-08:00

Oh boy! Did Murry leave us a surprise this morning!! The kids loved it that Murry pulled down the flour, knocked over their lunch boxes that were on the counter and made a Snow Angel in the flower he put on the counter!! I see a little wild streak in Murry!!

(Bella was very excited that Murry took her notes too!)

Murry: Day 8

2011-12-02T22:30:00.000-08:00

Today Murry wanted to be perched up high again to be able to see what the Cone kids were doing. He was in our family room all the way up on the curtain rod. He brought 'Nice List' Certificates for the kids from Santa too. The kids were very excited!!

Bella received an A+; Quinn received a B+; and Brinlee received a C+ (she needs some work!)

Bella made sure to this night to write Murry a letter and draw him a picture. She left them on the couch since she couldn't reach all the way up to the curtain rod, but we told her that he would fly down to get them when he left for the night.

Murry: Day 7

2011-12-01T08:31:00.000-08:00

Today Murry wanted to have a little fun and he climbed up onto Bella's Christmas tree!! Bella thought it was great to see Murry in her room. She even told him before she left for school that she would be back soon, ad don't be scared becuase the light from outside comes through very bright during the day. So cute!!

Murry: Day 6

2011-11-30T05:28:00.000-08:00

Today we found Murry up on the cookbook shelf. Maybe he was hungry and was going to find something to make to eat? He has been with us for almost a week now and we are enjoying trying to find him every morning before breakfast!

Murry: Day 5

2011-11-29T23:00:00.000-08:00

Murry is just loving our Family Room! He was in my flowers!! I am thinking Murry enjoys the TV in the family room..haha! Murry heard some more stories of who was tattling on who, but for the most part I think all three Cone Kids were good today.

Brinlee wanted to take another pictures with Murry!

Murry: Day 4

2011-11-28T11:02:00.000-08:00

Murry was in a really good hiding place today! The kids were excited that he came back after a rough day yesterday! He was hanging out in Brinlee's Stocking!! Brinlee was so excited to see him in her stocking and they all thought it was so funny!

Murry: Day 3

2011-11-27T10:59:00.000-08:00

Who is sitting there? Do you see him? Murry was sitting next to the snowmen on our shelf by our front door. He sits very well, great posture! Today Murry heard a lot of arguing and whining, so we will see what happens. Murry's ears and eyes are always open!

Murry: Day 2

2011-11-26T10:49:00.000-08:00

Today Murry was perched really high up watching over our family room. At first the kids saw him in the same spot. I think Murry slept in and missed flying to the North Pole, but he made it and there and back while the kids watch TV for a little bit. So far he has been right on track keeping tabs on the kids.

Quinn, Bella and Brinlee loved telling Murry who was doing what instead of Mommy! I sure enjoyed this! Until tomorrow...here is a picture of Murry today!

Maybe ther is Something Special about Christmas this Year?

2011-11-25T16:09:00.001-08:00

There must be something special about Christmas this year! Was very happy to help my parents put up their tree spur of the moment last night on Thanksgiving. I dropped everything the past 2 days from crafting for my next show, which I need to do , but instead decorated. Today we put up all of our inside decorations and I feel the spirit of Christmas already. My favorite holiday!

While unpacking all the decorations, I was pulling out the stockings. I pulled our our dog Finna's, and felt something in the bottom. I couldn't figure it out?! So I reached in, and felt something, I pulling it out and screamed at the top of my lungs, 'OH MY GOD!' My Mother came running, the kids jumped, I woke my Dad up out of his almost nap. I screamed again, 'I FOUND IT! I FINALLY FOUND IT! I CAN'T BELEIVE IT!' For the past 3 years we have been missing the key to our Grandfathers Clock. Well yep...I just found the key in the dogs stocking!!

I never thought I could be so happy over a key! I have missed the chimes during the day and the simple clicking of the clock during the night when it was quiet. After searching for it for 3 years, almost trying to find a way to get another key, and also almost giving up on it as well. Last year we didn't put up a lot of decorations because all the kids were still very young, and those hands can be very 'touchy.' I am thinking that this is a very special sign that there is something special about this Christmas this year.

Murry Arrives!

2011-11-25T14:31:00.001-08:00

Our new goal for our blog this Holiday Season is to track Murry each day to see where le lands. Well today, the day after Thanksgiving Murry showed up!! The kids were very excited. Brinlee and Quinn were the first to find him and say hello. Bella spent the night at Nanny's house so she got to see him when she got home.

We found his book on the end table and Murry was perched high to watch over the Cone Kids, sitting in Belle and Beast's hands! Welcome home Murry!!

Quick Update: Brinlee Starts Speech

2011-11-08T19:54:00.000-08:00

Well after getting Brinlee evaluated, she started to receive Speech therapy. She is in the 7th percentile for her age group as far as articulation of speech. She is scheduled to receive help 2 times a week for 30min at the Elementary School.

Today was her first day, and was very excited about 'Going to School.' I was very proud of her, she was a bit shy with Mrs. Miller, but went in without crying or anything. Phew...first step accomplished. I walked back to my car, I was already parked in the car rider line at school. These crazy parents start lining up before 2pm when school lets out at 3pm!! Anyway....

I sit in my car for about 15min and I see the other speech parents get out of their cars, so I thought maybe they were done already. I see the other speech teacher walking out holding Brinlee and Brinlee is in tears!! Great!! She said that she went into the class just fine, asked to go potty and they took her and she came back to sit in her chair. She got very shy, and started to cry and saying, 'I want My Mommy!' And it kept getting louder and louder!!

Yes I have the emotional child that disrupts the rest of the students. Great! So we are going to try on Thrusday, having Quinn attend Brinlee's speech class hoping they can get her to stay in class without crying, and have a familiar face, and then be able to work on what she needs help with. I hope it works as I don't want to hold her back 1 year, I would rather get her speech under control now.

I hope Thursday will go better. It breaks my hear tto see her coming out crying when she was so confident going in. It also breaks my heart for the other students who had to hear her crying as well as for the teachers.

Can I have another Day in the Week?

2011-09-20T08:10:00.000-07:00

It seems my days are not long enough. I really need to have another day or 2 in a week to get everything done. Sometimes I really wish I could just be a stay at home Mom and work on our home, family and crafts that I love to do so much. But with reality that just is not possible.

People always tell me, 'You are so lucky to have twins!.' Yes we are definitely blessed but however we have double of everything at one time! The homework at least is pretty much the same in their classes, but staying on top of who has what due, or what papers come home for which one can get comfusing. At least the homework is the same!!

Right now I am scanning in each of the papers that they have brought home. I have a bin I keep all of their papers in and at CHristmas time they will go through the bin with me and keep only a few that they really like. All of the papers I scan in, I am going to make into a book and they will each get to keep the book for memories and later to show their children! My Mother bought a kit that you can do this at home with. What a great memory for them to have, gotta love technology these days.

It is taking me awhile to scan each one in, as our scanner isn't lightening speed, but oh well. As soon as I"m done at least I will be caught up and hopefully be able to scan in their papers each week instead of after 3 weeks!

I am also trying to fill a few orders from friends for Cre8tive Cre8tions, as well as make a bunch of stuff for the craft shows coming up and to sell items at the studio. I want to have a variety and I think this year will be good as my Mother is making a few new things and my neighbor Sheri is also going in with us and creating some wonderful items!!

I have also been asked by 2 of my students to make their sweet 16 birthday cakes and another students grandmothers 75th birthday! Really, maybe I should just open a store to sell my items and creative party planning services?! Anyone want to front the costs for it?

Oh well, I better continue to scan in these papers, yes I have been double-tasking or maybe even triple-tasking doing about 3 things at once. It keeps things interesting and my brain working even if some times I don't even feel like ym brain works correctly. Hopefully one day I will get our debt gone, my to-do list done and be able to take a real vacation!! Until then...BACK TO WORK on my TO DO LIST!

TV Troubles

2011-09-02T05:13:00.000-07:00

Well Wednesday night was a testing night. We have been putting the kids down for bed at 7:30pm with brushing teeth and being in bed by 8pm. We let them have their tv's on until they fall asleep, especially becuase of school. When I was little that's the only way I could fall asleep, I know some parents are against it but it works, well sometimes.

Bella begged us for her own room, so we re-arranged almost our entire house in 2 days to give her just that. However now she keeps telling us she doesn't like being alone. Wednesday night we got them down in bed, Jay went to work, normal as any other day. I was up till 11:30pm working on a gift for someone. As usual Brinlee was up (surprise surprise). I started shutting everything off to go to bed, lights, tvs in the kids rooms, etc. As soon as I turned Bella's tv off she woke up crying. I told her, no you have school the tv is staying off, you have your christmas lights on (they go around her window and pretty much light up her entire room). She was sound asleep when I turned her tv off.

Well to make this a short story, she screamed and argued with me for 1.5hrs! This ended her up having her tv removed from her room for a week. She was not happy last night going to bed with no tv. She cried for about 30-40min, and a little whinning, but low and behold slept the entire night in her room, no tv and only her christmas lights on! Humm...Daddy and Mommy were right.

She still asks for the hall light to be on, I told her no, however told her I would get her a flashlight. I hope the rest of the nights will go the same and she learns she needs her sleep. Quinn on the otherhand, slept through the night even with all of the screaming!! He needs his sleep!! He used to be just like Bella and needed the tv on, but I think school is wearing him out.

She is getting a hard lesson but I think in the long run it will be good for her. She strives to be perfect and I think has to realize when you do something wrong you have to pay the consequences. This was even hard for me saying 'No.' But we got through it.

Date is Set

2011-08-25T19:22:00.000-07:00

Well I finally got ahold of someone in Lake County about a speech evaluation for Brinlee. She has been harder and harder to understand lately and I'd rather catch it sooner than we did with Quinn. He has been improving with Speech Therapy and hoping to get Brinlee help 1 year earlier. A few days ago she was trying to tell Jay and I something and we had no idea what she was saying for like 10min. We then asked Bella if she even knew what she wanted and she answered in a heartbeat! I don't know how she understood her!

Since they never called me back from about a month ago, they didn't ahve an evaluation date set until October 14th! So we have to wait a month and a hlaf for her to even be evaluated, then if she qualifies it probably won't be until November that she would get therapy.

I will keep you updated on what we hear from the evaluation.

Getting Organized

2011-08-04T06:26:00.000-07:00

This is a quick post...just updating things before major craziness starts with School for the kids, dance for me and much more. It's that time of year where everything starts and summer doesn't seem like it lasted long enough to actually sit down and relax or get things we wanted to get done, get done.

I hope to get some of the kids birthday pictures posted soon, we had a blast taking the pictures with Michelle from Hill's Milestone Photography, as usual she did an outstanding job! You can see some of the pictures in our slideshow on the header of our blog. The party was a HUGE HIT!

More to come later, time to clean up around here and take the kids swimming before the rain comes and I have to go to work!

Our San Fran and Disneyland Trip

2011-03-23T07:13:00.000-07:00

This vacation have really flown by! Why do they have to go so fast and never have enough time? I just wanted to post a few pictures for everyone to see what we have done. Already halfway through our stay I've had to dump both SD cards, one 4GB and one 8GB! Lots of pictures and videos. So here are a few pics from San Fransisco and from Disney.

Jay being Jay!

AT&T park.

At the pier by the baseball field

We are here!

Bay Bridge

Jay and Adam walking in the street. They closed the street for the day so residence could walk, bike, run, etc.

I would never be able to do this on a regular day.

Bella's store! This gelato was awesome!!

Alcatraz

We saw the sea lions!

Before we walked up.

On our way up!

We made it down! Then had to walk more down Lombard!

Golden gate Bridge. We were too tired to walk all the way there.

On the Cable Car!

We got to meet up with Chris! So great to see him after 7yrs!!

We made it to Disneyland!

We feel like GIANTS here, everything is sooo small and compact.

Can you find the castle?

They are still doing it the old way, handstamps when you leave the park!

I need my 'TOOTISE ROLL'

2011-01-04T07:00:00.000-08:00

Well Brinlee has been doing great with her potty training. We had 1 day where we had accidents right and left. However we are getting the hang of it and haven't had a diaper on in a week! We have little accidents but, we are learning. We decided that after she goes in the potty she gets a 'Tootsie Roll' as her reward. At first she didn't even want to sit on the potty but this seemed to do it. Well now we are second guessing ourselves...now she just wants to sit on the potty to get a Tootsie Roll!!

After time she now goes on the potty, she can climb up herself and go, and tells us wen she has to go!! We are struggling with the poopies on the potty but I know that is scary. I think in about a month we will have it down.

Yesterday we spent the day at the parks and we had NO ACCIDENTS! She told us when she had to go and we went. There was one time when we were not near a bathroom, about 5mi from one and she asked. Of curse she didn't get in trouble for that accident. She loves her Dora Pull-Ups!

The end of the DIAPER TUNNEL is near, I can't wait and probably will celebrate when we have no more diapers in the house! However I will be sad at the same time as all of my 'babies' are growing up!!

Potty Training once again

2010-12-27T06:34:00.000-08:00

Well its that time when I am sick and tired of changing DIAPERS! It's time to start potty training Brinlee and we will then be done with diapers...woo hoo! She has not wanted to sit on the potty, she screams and throws a fit, nothing like the twins who were interested. I thought she would since she sees them use the potty all them time.

We are going to start today, it will be a huge shock for her and a very long and traumatic week for me. Bring on the alcoholic beverages to get me through LOL! I have to take her to the pedi for an appt, then home to say 'bye' to the diapers and put on big girl panties and start the running to the potty, wetting and messing up the panties until we get it. Of course because of my wonderful couponing skills and stockpiling I am stocked on cleaning supplies for the floor. I'm sure I will need it. At least it's only 1 this time and not twins. I don't know how I did it 2 yrs ago?!?

I will try to keep you updated on how it's going and when we are fully potty trained! I can't wait, can you tell?

Merry Christmas Eve

2010-12-24T03:40:00.000-08:00

Well it's Christmas Eve morning and I'm wide away at 5:45am!! Why? Who knows. Everyone is sound asleep and here I sit. So I figured I would do a blog entry. It has been a rough week but I am hoping today the kids will be good for Santa to return tonight with their gifts. We are going to track Santa on NORAD, which I have already been doing! Also on my phone too! We are going to make sure we set out cookies and milk for Santa, head up to my parents for an early dinner, then go to Christmas mass at church, back up to my parents to open gifts there. After that we will all head back home to sleep at our house, put out cookies, say farewell to Murry, our new adopted elf that will watch over us next year and report to Santa himself. Then off to bed for the little ones.

We will then work our 'elfy magic' to help Santa put out gifts, and put a few together. Which reminds me we better go get some much needed batteries and garbage bags! I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas with their family and friends. I do miss my family up north and can not wait to see everyone next year when we visit. I also miss performing in the Nutcracker too! I watched a 2000 video last night and felt 'CFB homesick.' Well time for family now and can't wait to see the kids faces tonight and tomorrow!! I am very blessed with the family that I have, even when I complain that they are bad.

With much love, have a wonderful Christmas!!
Picture/video will come soon!

Formal Christmas Pictures

2010-12-21T12:40:00.000-08:00

Well not the best family Christmas picture but it will do. It was very cold this day and we took pictures really fast!! Michelle is great at getting the kids to smile and takes amazing pictures. Thank you Michelle for getting the pictures that you did in such a short amount of time, what like 5min!!

Brinlee was sick and freezing, so was Bella (that's why she is hunched over.) Brinlee would not take a picture with the twins, her poor lips were turning blue and she was shivering so bad!

Pictures with Santa!!

2010-12-18T20:07:00.000-08:00

Today wen ventured out to get pictures taken with Santa like we do every year at Downtown Disney. I wasn't sure how well it was going to go, one the weather was iffy, and the kids were in a mood, but we went anyway. The line was short, surprisingly! Brinlee starts crying once she see's Santa around the corner and my heart sunk but said to myself 'Oh well she's taking a picture anyway!'

Santa was very nice and talked to Brinlee first while I held her. She told him what she wanted...Minnie Mouse stuff. She did give him a 'high five.' (While giving her Brinlee face as usual) Quinn walked up to him and told him his name and what he wanted for Christmas...a bike. Quinn was very brave and did awesome!! Bella wanted Daddy to hold her, she was very frightened but told Santa her name and what she wanted too...a bike. We were able to get Brinlee's hands out of her mouth and her to smile big!!

After that Santa asked Bella if she would take a picture with him by herself so he could show Minnie Mouse. She wasn't too sure but she did it with flying colors!!

Quinn also took a picture with Santa by himself and looked so proud too!

Brinlee of course was not going to take another picture with Santa, she did the picture that she promised me...taking one picture with Santa and telling him what he wanted. Smart 2 yr old haha! Bella and Quinn did take a picture with Santa together, the neat thing about this is that when they were 6mo old they sat on the same side!! Here are the 2 pictures. Ok do you see a trend starting here once again? Yes I am going to get a picture of the 2 of them each year with Santa and on the same sides.

2006 - 5mo old

2010 - 4yrs old

12 Days of Christmas...Nanny Style

2010-12-18T19:01:00.000-08:00

My Mom started a new tradition with the kids, it's the 12 days of Christmas and it's call the 'Hot & Cold Game.' They really like it, basically it goes like this. Nanny buys them little gifts for 12 days. She creates clues and puts them in the little tins in the 12 days of Christmas wreath that she made. Each day one of the twins opens the tin, we read them the clue of what the gift is and then they have to find it! We tell them if they are getting cold or hot when they near the gift, wherever it is hidden.

I will update this post with each day...enjoy looking!

On the first day of Christmas Nanny gave to us... Some really fun lights!

On the second day of Christmas Nanny gave to us... some really cool Christmas Socks!

On the third day of Christmas Nanny gave to us.... yummy Skittles Santa candy.

On the fourth day of Christmas Nanny gave to us...A fun Christmas book!

Brinlee doing I have no idea what?!?


Quinn didn't want his picture taken, but the girls did!

On the fifth day of Christmas Nanny gave to us...some fun grabby things and a writing pad.

On the sixth day of Christmas Nanny gave to us...sock for entire week!

Quinn said, 'More socks?'

On the seventh day of Christmas Nanny gave to us...some huge bags of candy! (Mommy and Daddy keep out!)

On the eighth day of Christmas Nanny gave to us... fun punching balloons!

(For some reason these pictures disappeared from my camera!)

On the ninth day of Christmas Nanny gave to us... a matchbox car to play with.

On the tenth day of Christmas Nanny gave to us... yummy cookies to eat!

On the eleventh day of Christmas Nanny gave to us...some more matchbox cars! Cool!

Brinlee was a little excited, this was her pose.

On the twelfth day of Christmas Nanny gave to us... a fun tool set, some diapers for my dolly and some blinged out dress up shoes!

LOVES her new shoes!!

Just Keep Saving, Saving, Saving...

2010-11-21T17:24:00.000-08:00

Yes I know I haven't posted on here in a long time! Better late than never, busy times here. Anyway had to share my wonderful savings today!! Are you ready? I had to go to Publix for a few things, mostly the BOGO and did extremely well, you gotta love those BOGO deals topped with coupons and then those that also have competitor coupons as well...A STEAL!

For everything you see in the picture, minus Bella and Brinlee my total was:
Without in store savings/BOGO/coupons total would have been: $99.62
Special Price Savings: $41.09
Vendor Coupons: $16.65
Store Coupons (Competitors coupon from Winn Dixie for $5 off $50 or more): $5
Total Savings: $62.74
I had a giftcard as a gift: $20
So my total OOP was: $16.87!! Still without the giftcard my OOP would have been only $36.87

My items in my cart were:

(* = Coupon, BOGO= BOGO offer, ^= Sale)

Hot Dog buns

2 Bic Lighters BOGO **

2 6pk Orville Popcorns BOGO **

2 Ritz Munchables BOGO **

1 Danimals yogurts *^

2 Ragu pasta sauces ^

2 Jimmy Deans Sausages BOGO *

19 Yoplait yogurts ^ ***

2 Chex Mix Cereals BOGO *

2 Lays Potato Chips BOGO

2 Crisco Oils BOGO **

2 Mulluers Pastas BOGO ***

4 2ltr Publix Sodas ^

2 Musclemanns Applesauces BOGO

2 Publix Sweet teas BOGO

1 head lettuce

2 Sunmaid Raisins ^ *

2 Fantastik Cleaners BOGO **

I want to thank my most amazing, talented, thoughtful boss, Jamie for the Publix giftcard, it was put to really good use!! If you want to know how to save like I did here, saving more than you spend, sign up for one of my Cre8tive Couponing classes or ask about holding a Cre8tive Couponing Party! Believe me it's worth it, don't believe me ask those that have taken my class, you can save more than you spend. My pantry and stockpile is STOCKED, I think I need another pantry to hold even more!

Getting Tubes and speech Therapy

2010-10-22T18:17:00.000-07:00

I wanted to update our family and friends on what has been going on with Quinn. Since he started talking I thought there was something different. He could never completely sound out words correctly. Some he could and some he couldn't. I know boys develop slower than girls so we waited. After talking to the pediatrician she suggested he see an ENT and get a Speech Evaluation done. After waiting forever to get an appointment we have some answers.

The outcome is after seeing an ENT specialist he was given medicine to try to clear out the fluid in his ears, which he didn't want to take at all. We went back for a re-check and his tympanogram (sp?) in his right here was flat line, and the left was just a hump. They are supposed to show a huge spike. Basically the way they explained it is that he hears things muffled as if he is under water but much thicker fluid, or when you are in an airplane. The ENT Dr. said that after 2mo the fluid in his ear should have gone away if it was just an ear infection, but with it being there still, and this test showing this it's not going away with any help. So he will have surgery on Nov. 11th to get tubes put in. We hope this will help as well as help his speech.

Quinn had to go twice for the speech evaluation. The first time showed that he was right where he needs to be, but the specialist in the articulation wasn't there so they wanted to bring him back to be screened again and more thorough since she couldn't understand him when trying to get him to talk in sentences. So we went back and the articulation test showed that is his below average for his age. She had to ask me, or look at me to see what he said. She was very good with him! His speech evaluation through the school board (ESE)shows that he is slurring his words and leaving off the endings. As well as the middle of the words not being correct. This could be due to his ears as well, she said that the tubes will help with therapy too! So we are waiting to hear about our meeting with the zoned school, and he will have speech therapy in addition to VPK. So another appt. to work into the week. At least we caught it early enough and with the tubes being put in we hope to see a HUGE improvement. (I'm hoping this will help the meltdowns we have too!) Other than that Quinn loves school! He goes there very shy but comes out with a smile ear to ear!!

I will keep you all posted on how the surgery goes and the speech therapy. We hope it all goes well!

Sarah's 30th B-Day Minute to Win It Games

2010-10-15T04:58:00.000-07:00

OK so here are the games we are going to attempt to play...If you are lucky enough to be reading this before the party, you can see what game you'd like to play. Alright got all the videos embedded. I can't wait to see if we can actually do these. Ready for a good time and laughs? You bet!!

*All of these games are from the NBC Minute To Win It Site*

Don't Blow the Joker

Keep It Up

Spoon Frog

Face the Cookie

Extreme Hanky Panky

Scary Cherry

Stack Attack

Johnny Applestack

Keep the Change

Tweeze Me

Bulb Balance

How's it Hangin'

Penny Hose

Suck it Up

Noodling Around

Separation Anxiety

Chocolate Unicorn

Dizzy Mummy

Movin' on Up

Elephant March

Nose Dive

What a Racquet

Office Dominoes*We will do this one with CD cases, 15-20 of them and a garbage can*

Caddy Stack

Hangnails

High Strung

Magic Carpet Ride

Matchmaker

Stick the Landing

Rapid Fire

2010-09-16T13:48:00.000-07:00

Please help me win! I entered the Glade design a candle contest. Please help me WIN!! Follow the link and vote vote vote for my design. I called it 'Presence of Peace' definitely what I need around here some days. If I win they will make it for purchase in all stores. Woo Hoo!!
Please vote everyday, I need all I can get!

VOTE HERE

2 Days 2 Rooms

2010-09-06T18:48:00.000-07:00

Yes in 2 days we painted 2 rooms and swapped the kids over. The girls got Quinn's room and Quinn got the girls rooms. Took 1 can of primer to cover everything in each room. I really didn't think we would accomplish this in 2 days, with most of the work today on Labor Day. Thanks to the help of our good friend Derby we got it almost all done. Our house is a complete mess again, but just because I have to put all the toys back into their rooms. At least the girls will have more room, and more closet space, it looks really cute.

We aren't done with the girls room yet we want to add crown molding above the stripes that we painted, but no money for that. In time that will come next. Quinn's room still needs specialty paintings on the walls by me and both rooms need the curtains yet. My mom should be finished with those this week.

Yes I do have pics, I will post them later this week when I'm not so exhausted! The twins came by today, they were staying at my parents house so we could get things done, but they stopped by to take a 'peek' at their rooms and seemed to really like them in the 'in progress' stage. It will be nice to see their faces tomorrow when they see them done, well 90% done.

OK better go finish organizing toys, and picking up so I don't trip over things in the morning and kill myself!

Kids Update

2010-09-02T16:29:00.000-07:00

A quick note, check out the kids school blog to follow their first time through VPK. I have scanned and posted the papers that they have brought home so far. They think it's neat to see them up on the blog. I am going to update what they do weekly, adding what they tell me that is new each day to a weekly post, but check it as often as you like. And when they bring home papers and projects I will add those too their 'Papers' pages.

Gotta think of something for Brinlee so she doesn't feel left out. Ok enough for tonight, I'm not feeling well and need to go get some rest. Enjoy their blog!

You can find it here: http://www.coneschooldays.blogspot.com

Follow the Twins at School

2010-08-27T05:04:00.000-07:00

Ok yes going to track their progress! The kids have their own blog for School! I have posted everything they have done each day for their first week. I will update either everyday, weekly or very important stuff. It's currently in the works as far as layout so you will see change on it. However the posts are already up!

They can't wait to see your comments!!

http://www.coneschooldays.blogspot.com

School: First Day!

2010-08-23T11:34:00.000-07:00

The morning was rough I think for all but all-in-all the twins first day of school went very well. Some small tears were shed but hey that's normal. After getting home with the twins they seemed to relax and tell me what they did at school. I know throughout the year we will have many stories to hear from them! Not too much time to do a lot for 3hrs at school. I think the day was new, exciting, and overwhelming for them.

Here is the video....

First Day of School

2010-08-22T17:45:00.000-07:00

The twins embark on a new adventure tomorrow morning...their First Day of School. They are very excited, but I'm starting to get nervous, yes it's only 3hrs but I know those 3hrs will feel like days! Hello! We have 2 starting at the same time not just one!! I know they will do fine, not sure how I will do. I will take some pictures and post sometime tomorrow as well as what they said they did for the day. So be on the look out for more posts from me (I know I have been slacking). Anyway here is a poem for Quinn and Bella tomorrow for their First Day of School!!

First Day of School: Parent to Child
I gave you a kiss and smile
As you left my arms today,
For I know how hard it is to leave
And know that at school you must stay.
You've been with me for 4 yrs now
And I have been your only guide,
But now, alas, the time has come
To leave you at your teachers' side.
I know that as I drive away
And tears down my cheeks will flow
Your teacher will love you too
And help you to learn and grow.
How quickly the years do pass
And one day I will see
You will be taking your child to class.
I will put my mind at ease for awhile
And cry those tears no more
As I know your teacher will love and teach you the world
When I leave you at her classroom door.

Happy Birthday!

2010-07-02T04:37:00.000-07:00

I wanted to say Happy Birthday to the most wonderful man in my life, my husband, Jay! Now that we are getting older we don't celebrate our birthday's like we used to but the thought of it and letting the kids make you things is more important. We love you and hope you have/had a wonderful day (depending on when you read this). So....
"Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Daddy, Happy Birthday to you!"
Love,
Quinn, Bella, Brinlee and Sarah

Family Update

2010-06-22T05:20:00.000-07:00

It has been ages since I have posted. Life has been non-stop, as you can imagine. Between the kids taking ISR lessons, 2 recitals, planning their birthday party and the normal everyday things I haven't even gotten to breathe. So I'm going to try to update you with as much as I can, more posts to come as well.

ISR:
Kids haven been in ISR for at least 5 weeks now. Bella of course was just swimming for fun because she has maintained her skills and is a MERMAID! Quinn has things to work n but knows what he has to do, but just wants to do it on his terms. The other day at my parents house though he was jumping into the deep end and swimming to the steps. I guess there is no more fear of the deep end? Brinlee is stubborn just like Quinn but not as bad. She id progress nicely and was doing really well. I missed her clothes day because I had recital but my Dad said she did very well. We couldn't finish out her last 2 days because of an injury (to be explained later in this post). Brandi did get some cool underwater video of the twins swimming, I am going to make a little video and will post that later.

Brinlee's Injury:
Well last week Friday my parents were watching the kids while Jay and I were working recitals. Long story short Brinlee was told multiple times to stay away from the cook top, of course she wanted to be rebellious and put her hand on it while it was still hot! She burnt her hand, and when I saw her on Saturday it was starting to blister already. My Mom took her to the after hours pediatrics and the doctor said it was a 2nd degree burn and looked good, prescribed her some cream to put on it 2x a day. She has been using that hand but still favoring it. Sunday she was in a little more pain I think, the blister popped in one place so I think that bothered her. We took her to a follow-up with her pediatrician and she said that it is looking good, keep it clean and dry and it will start to heal itself. We just have to watch for infection. The skin will start to peal so that is my biggest concern to keeping to clean because she gets into everything.

Recital:
CAD recital went very well, long days and I got sick of course. UGH! Friday night I started to lose my voice, and very congested. By Saturday I had no voice for rehearsal or the 2 recitals. Also Friday night I could barely sleep and only got 3hrs of sleep so Saturday I am surprised that I made it through!! I went to the doctor on Monday and I have a sinus infection and am on 2 meds to get rid of it. I am finally starting to feel better and getting my voice back. No real time to rest and summer classes begin today.

Quinn and Bella did amazing in their first recital! I was soooo proud of them, and didn't cry until afterwords thinking about it. I was more nervous than them I think. They did all the steps, went on stage and no potty problems. They both told us they want to do it again!!! I have pictures to come so watch for them.

Other than that just busy as usual. Now time to organize things for their birthday party, get recital props back to the studio, try to clean house, make some crafts to sell at an even in July and somewhere in there enjoy the kids and the pool. They start VPK in August!!!

HIll's Milestone Photography - Great Deal!

2010-05-26T04:34:00.000-07:00

My great friend Michelle is doing an awesome contest on her blog and website! Go check it out, become a fan and follower and get some great things!
Here is what is on Michelle's Blog: (Be sure to visit her blog!! HERE)

Hill’s Milestone Photography is on a quest to expand our fan base. In order to do that, I have set up a contest to reward all those who wish to participate. Both current and new fans need to follow these steps in order to participate.
Step 1 (receive 15% off package coupon): If you are not one of our friends on FB, please add us as your friend. New and old friends, post the following on your wall:
Michelle, owner of Hill’s Milestone Photography is a talented photographer that I know who is trying to gain exposure and expand her client base. I’m helping her do that by asking you to become a fan of her work on facebook and follow her blog. There is no obligation for you to use her services and there is no cost to you. In fact, there is a reward for helping out. If you follow these simple steps, you can earn too:
1. Copy and paste the above and the following on your facebook wall. (receive 15% off package coupon)
2. Become a fan of Hill’s Milestone Photography group & business page by searching for us in the search box at the top of the facebook home page. Post a comment on our wall to let us know you joined. (receive 50% off sitting fee coupon)
3. Follow our blog by following these simple steps: Visit our blog at http://hillsmilestonephotography.blogspot.com/ Then scroll all the way to the bottom and click on the “follow” button. (receive $10 Milestone coupon)
4. New logo Contest. Visit our website at www.hillsmilestonephotography.com, click on Contest tab and place your vote. Everyone who votes will receive a free 11x14 photo coupon to use with your portrait session or wedding package. Plus you will be entered into a drawing for $100 Milestone dollars. There is no limit on how much voting you can do and you will receive 1 entry for each vote. The logo that gets the most votes will be Hill’s Milestone Photography’s new website logo.
Contest Rules & information:
• All coupons will be emailed to you so be sure to include a correct email address.
• Drawing for $100 Milestone dollars will take place on July 1, 2010. Winner will be contacted by emails and announced on our website.
• Free 11x14 coupon can only be used with the purchase of another package.

Follow Me Friday!

2010-05-07T07:38:00.001-07:00

Glad you will join me for Follow Me Friday's and find new blogs and join ours!!

It's time for Follow Me Fridays !

Follow and Be Followed Here at Trendy Treehouse!

And this weeks "Lucky Blog Pick" is Pixies & Bears

Enter your link below and follow the blogs you love. Make sure you comment, so they can follow back. It's that simple. Have fun!

Don't forget to visit and follow the lucky blog pick above too!

New Friend Friday!

2010-05-07T04:06:00.001-07:00

Another Blog Hop to make new friends, I always love new friends and this one is sooo easy! This one is from The Girl Creative.

Add a link to your main blog
Visit the blog of the person whose name isabove your name in the list andcomment on their blog.
Visit as many blogs as you can and leave comments telling them you are visiting from New Friend Friday at The Girl Creative.
There is no obligation to follow everyone who follows you. Please just follow the blogs that are of interest to you. :)

So, grab a button, post it somewhere on your blog and get ready to make some new friends!

FREE collage at Walgreens

2010-05-06T04:31:00.000-07:00

Walgreen's is offering a FREE collage print in honor of Mother's Day! So stop on my Walgreens.com and create a collage print using code: GOODTHOUGHTS Good thru May 8th perfect for a wonderful Mother's Day gift!!

Sarah's Update...and then some

2010-05-05T19:58:00.000-07:00

Had my check up today for my ablation surgery. Everything went really well and he expects good results, won't know for sure since I will have discharge for up to 2 weeks, then have to wait and see next month what happens and months after that as well.

Also during my check up I got to see pictures of the before, he still has to find the after pictures, but they all look like Mars to me LOL! He did find a cyst, and I could feel where it was too. He was going to order a sonogram for me for it, but decided to do it right there in the office since it seemed to be about 5-6cm. Well measuring on the sonogram it's 7cm! Clear fluid which is good for now. He said that this is something that needs to be watched. It could have been a small cyst that was aggravated by the surgery and will get smaller, or could grow larger.

Come to think of it I have had sharp pains there in that same spot in the past few months not thinking anything of it thinking that it was just from my bad cramps, etc. I will go back in 1mo, have a blood test prior to that as well and see if it has grown and then what the next steps are.

I feel good today but have been in a little pain from him pushing on the cyst today. No cramping which is good. I did feel sick to my stomach and I think that is from a bad breakfast, my Mom was awful sick today as well as the twins having the stomach aches.

So I will have more updates on this, thanks for all the support during the last surgery, might have to have another one done too.

Post-It Note Tuesday

2010-05-04T20:11:00.000-07:00

Surgery Update

2010-05-03T06:24:00.000-07:00

Yes I had a small surgery on Friday morning. I have been having very heavy periods and severe pain in my hips each month with each cycle. One of my options was to have the NovaSure Ablation done and I decided this was the best option for me. Despite sinus congestion last week and day of surgery everything went well. My gyno was able to do the ablation, and said it went very well. He wasn't sure if it was possible at first because I had had 2 c-sections and the microwaves from the procedure could have cut a hole in my uterus where the incisions were, if they were too thin.

Apparently our of recover it took me 45min longer than they expected for me to wake up. Hey I was sleeping, enjoying the peace and quiet!! I don't get that. I was about to yell at them when they woke me up shaking my legs. Hello!! I'm sleeping!!!

I went home that day, Jay made me some soup and I slept most of the afternoon. I then sat on the computer and worked on a picture video for work. Didn't do much at all. Saturday the same thing. I was feeling a lot better too! Yesterday, Sunday, I felt fine. We went to a birthday party and came home to make tacos and hung out with my Mom and John and Michelle. Janelle came over with Payton too for a short visit.

I don't know if it's from the surgery or because I was due for my next cycle this coming week, but yesterday afternoon and today I've been spotting/ bleeding a little. I'm not too concerned because I'm not gushing or anything nor and I in pain. If this is what my period is going to be like I'll be happy! I have my post-op appt on Wednesday to see how everything went and ask questions. I'll give you an update after that.

Vote for Sarah!

2010-05-01T07:21:00.000-07:00

MOST CREATIVE MOM!

Jay entered me in the Micheal's Most Creative Mom contest on Facebook. Of course with my creative help we put together a video. All we need you to do now is log onto Facebook through the below link and VOTE VOTE VOTE!! You can vote once a day through may 9th! Make Sarah's Mother's Day very special by giving her the most votes so she can win a Micheal's Gift Card, since we find here there a lot.

Click on this link to go and VOTE: Be sure to tell all your friends to vote as well!!

http://apps.facebook.com/creativemom/profile.php?id=369

Here is the video that we submitted with 3 pictures too:

Recipe Blog Update

2010-04-29T18:55:00.000-07:00

I updated my recipe blog. A new fresh look to it and I also hope to get more recipes up again soon. I can't stand the pile I have stacking up it's just that I need the time! So come and check out my recipe blog where I am posting all of our family recipes that we like, that I also modify for our liking that I have taken out of magazines, recipe cards from the grocery store, etc. I just hate having all different size papers, loosing them and not having them when I do a last minute dinner, snack, etc at my parents or friends house. This recipe blog allows me to access my recipes that we love from anywhere!!

Check it out at: http://www.yummytummyeats.blogspot.com

Set for Friday

2010-04-28T12:01:00.000-07:00

I had my pre-op today at the doctors office and at Winnie-Palmer for my surgery on Friday morning. I will be having a D7C done as well as the Novasure Ablation. Things went pretty smooth today, even when I had to get blood taken - I didn't faint!! Lots of paperwork of course and things I need to do tomorrow night, that will not be fun.

Please keep me in your prayers Friday morning that everything goes well, no complications and I can eventually be pain free each month! I will let you know how everything goes on Friday.

Funny Video

2010-04-21T07:14:00.000-07:00

Ok found this video today and definitely put a smile on my face. Love watching Mr. Bean videos they are just too darn funny!! Perfect for the summer coming up too. The ideas they come up with for his skits are awesome, enjoy this video!!

365 Project Blog

2010-04-15T17:01:00.000-07:00

I decided to to the 365 day project blog for us. So come join us at http://www.cone365.blogpost.com I will post a picture taken each day starting from our wedding date April 9th, and a little something about that day. It will be interesting to see when we go back next year to see and remember what happened. So don't forget to come and join us there! Click on the blog link!!

Brinlee and her first ER

2010-04-11T19:17:00.000-07:00

Yes you read that right Brinlee had her first trip to the ER this morning. While picking up in the kitchen for the day, which I wanted to get out the door right after breakfast to get the tires rotated then back home to get things done, Brinlee had to hurt herself!

Jay was out getting milk since we go through it like water runs in the faucet. I hear her screaming in her room. I go in there and she has her finger smashed in the hinge of the cabinet door on her dresser! I had to 1/2 close the door to get her finger out. She had the door all the way open and her finger was squished in between!!

She wouldn't let me touch it, put ice on it or anything. Poor thing was shaking, screaming and then was ok for a little bit until she looked at it, tried to move it or saw the blood starting. It was cut on top and underneath. I called Jay told him what happened and said I was taking the kids to my parents so I could take her to the ER, I wanted to make sure that it wasn't broken. Jay had to go to work, so I put the twins shoes on, in jammies and headed up to my parents house.

My Mom came with the the ER with me, since Brinlee can be a handful in these situations. She was terrified of the ER, or letting anyone touch her. We got right in since it was around 8am so it was nice. Freezing the the darn hospital though come on! Of course you have like 50 people coming in to talk to you, I don't even know who was the doctor. They gave her a bag of goodies and she LOVED the stickers. I think we played with those for 45min, and watched Playhouse Disney.

While waiting for the x-ray people to come for her they gave her some Motrin finally for the pain. By that time she was getting tired and it knocked her out, YES! Bad for my arm though. It was good timing even though it took a long time because she slept through the x-rays. Hard to x-ray those little fingers!

Good news is that nothing was broken, just the skin was cut really good and swollen. They don't know about the growth plate in the finger. The doctor said she will favor that finger for a few days, if she is still not moving it or really favoring it mid-week to do a follow up with the pedi. So we spent a few hrs at the ER, wasn't too bad I do have say.

We cleaned and bandaged up her finger, and tonight she took a bath with the stuff off of it and seemed very happy! I think she will be fine and hopefully learned her lesson of where NOT to put her fingers. She is definitely our little explorer!

Here are some pictures:

Blog Design Giveaway

2010-04-07T11:19:00.000-07:00

If you have a blog and need a makeover for it go over and visit Meghans blog: Tuckers Take Tennessee. She is having a giveaway today only for 2 winners! You can check it out here!!

Also be sure to catch her blog every Wednesday for a chance to win something!

Washer Update 3

2010-04-07T10:59:00.000-07:00

OK well on last Friday never heard anything from Lowes. SO I packed up the kids and picked up my Mom and headed straight there to see if I could get an answer. The guy I was talking to during the week was out sick, but I talked to the store manager. Quickly explained my situation and he seemed to not really care what it was but immediately said lets get you a new washer.

He took the information on what washer I had and scheduled a swap out for that afternoon/evening. I didn't have to do a thing but be at home by 5pm. The same installation guy showed up and was great. Took out the old washer, put in the new one and have a nice day!

So if you ever have problems, or are thinking of getting new appliances go to LOWES! They have great customer service and care about their customers. They listen. I always feel odd when I go into a Home Depot but Lowes is so friendly with great prices.

So we have been sinning around again with our washer and dryer. It's nice to be able to do laundry again. Now to fill out the paperwork fr Whirlpool to get my money for the mattress pad that was ruined.

Look at this!

2010-04-06T04:58:00.000-07:00

Holy cow check this out! Mom you know how you love your Cricut? Well this is the one that I would like. Oh yes it cuts fondant for cake decorating. You can see more of it here: http://bit.ly/new_cricut_cake

You can also see more about it and enter to win one from the DIY Dish HERE

3, 2, 1 LIFTOFF!

2010-04-05T18:08:00.000-07:00

What a great way to end our Easter. On Sunday we decided to go ahead and head to the coast at the weeee hours of the morning to see Space Shuttle Discovery launch. The weather was going to be perfect, and living right here in FL so close why not go and experience it once before there are no more.

So I spent the night at my parents house with the kids on Sunday night. Jay had to work on Monday so we were very disappointed that he wasn't going to be able to make it. Good things is that he has seen a shuttle launch in person before so he was all for us going and experiencing it for ourselves. We still missed him. Anyway...we got up at 1:30am and were out the door with the kids in tow at 2:15am. It was a 1hr 20min drive to Titusville. At least this time it wasn't like 30 degrees outside.

We got to Space View Park by about 3:40am, well a side little part of it with the same view that most locals go to, its less crowded, but still packed! My Mom, Brinlee and I staked out a place and relaxed. We had over 2 hours to wait. Brinlee was really good and was a hoot! I wish I took video of her. Quinn, Bella and Gramps stayed in the van and watched a movie until later. They joined us on the blanket at about 5:30am. They both hid under their blankets for awhile then played some games on our phones to pass the time.

We had a wonderful guy next to us who knew a lot about the stars and launches and such. So we heard some great info. One really cool thing that he knew was that at around 6:08am the ISS you'd be able to see pass under the moon and over the shuttle launch site. TRULY BREATHTAKING! I swear I videotaped this, but for some reason my camera didn't. It looked like a start or plane moving across the sky really fast.

Then only a few minutes later Shuttle Discovery started it's journey. Words can not express what it is like to see it in person. So cool the way the sky lite up, my body was shaking I was so excited and in aww! (Part of the reason why I missed the first second of the shuttle actually taking off on the camera, I was trying to watch it!) Not until minutes later did you FEEL and HEAR the actual rumble from it taking off. You can hear it in the second video part if you listen closely.

I have always loved seeing the launches on TV or from our front lawns here in FL thinking that was amazing, but to be that close and see and feel the launch....AWESOME!! I am very happy we took the kids to see it. They might not remember it, but thanks to technology today I hope they will be able to watch it over and over again. To say they were there for one of the last few launches, have pictures and video will stay in history forever. The long journey home was horrible, but thinking back to why we drove out there to see the launch just brushes those 4.5hrs away to the waste side. Who cares!

So after reading this very very very long post, I do have pictures and video of the launch to share with you.

Washer update 2

2010-04-02T06:36:00.000-07:00

Here is an update....

ON Wednesday I called Whirlpool and they are sending me property damage forms so I can get a check for the mattress pad. Meanwhile I call back the repair place to get them to order the part needed. Well now their distributor doesn't have the part and they need to try to get it from Whirlpool, which could take 7 days. WTH? I have 3 kids and no working washer. (He said we could use it but I'm not risking a flood in my home.) They will call when it comes in, and they have to take the entire washer apart to repair. Though he doesn't even know what was missing? Strange to me.

So I then call Lowe's and talk to the appliance people, tell them the story. Even tell them I can bring the pictures in. The guy was very understanding and said that he is getting a shipment in tomorrow (Thurs), will check them all then call me Thursday and hopefully get a swap out with a new one on Friday! He said you can't be without a washer with 3 little ones. THANK YOU!! I can't wait to do laundry again!!

Thursday...Never got a phonecall, so I called back and left a message because the guy I spoke to was gone for the day. Great! Good thing was that we were out for half the day with my parents celebrating my Dad's birthday and my Mom took some of our laundry home to wash for us.

Now here it is Friday, almost 1 week without a correct washer, and called Lowe's and no one is in yet. UGH!! I'll let you know what happens.

Please welcome...

2010-03-31T06:42:00.000-07:00

Well I am still making bows, crayon rolls, and have expanded to other things. I went away with the name Simple Creations and came up with a wonderful new name to be able to cover all the wonderful and fun things I have to offer. Please welcome my new online store:

www.cre8tive-cre8tions.com

I am still in the process of setting everything up on the website, pictures of products have been taken, and prices set. All of my cre8tions still have to be added in so please check it out frequently as I get things added. With a full-time job, a husband and 3 kids time is limited so I mostly do it all at night when everyone is asleep! Quietness!!

What do I offer?

boutique bows, clippies, headbands
crayon rolls, potato sacks
photo editing
logo design
announcements/invites
digital scrapbooking
more cre8tive items to come (they are in the works)

Everything is custom made to fit your needs. I will have a few items that are ready to go but I will not stock items. Once you order I will then start on your item(s) so they are custom to your needs! If you do't see something you like JUST ASK!

So please tell others, I will offer coupons, sales and other deals here and there. So keep your eyes open. I hope you will support me in this kinda-new adventure.

Washer update

2010-03-31T06:34:00.000-07:00

Ok well since the washer tore apart our mattress pad and took of part of the rubber gasket we have been without our new washer. Service repair man came and couldn't find anything or where it was missing a piece. Ummm hello I have chunks of rubber something had to have come apart and it ruined mt mattress pad. He ran a load and said it should be fine, but call if I still want it replaced he will have to take the entire washer apart. I was not home since I waited from 8am till I had to go to work and my Mom stayed here at the house until he came.

So to be sure I was right that there was a piece that came off I went to Lowe's to look at the same washer. Hello photographic memory I WAS RIGHT! I took pictures of the new washer with the piece that is supposed to be there. So now I have to call them back and schedule for it to be repaired. Also need to call Whirlpool to get my mattress pad/cover replaced. When it rains it pours.

I will let you know what happens and even post pictures later.

You have to try this!

2010-03-28T17:29:00.000-07:00

Ok got this in a email from my Mother and this one was GOOD!

HOW SMART IS YOUR RIGHT FOOT?

This is hysterical. You have to try this. It is absolutely true. I guess there are some things that the brain cannot handle.
You have to try this please, it takes 2 seconds.. I could not believe this! It is from an orthopaedic surgeon............. This will confuse your mind and you will keep trying over and over again to see if you can outsmart your foot, but, you can't. It is pre-programmed in your brain!

1. While sitting at your desk in front of your computer, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles...

2. Now, while doing this, draw the number '6' in the air with your right hand. Your foot will change direction.

Are you laughing yet? Frustrated yet? OMG I can't stop laughing while trying this.

Send it to your friends to frustrate them too.

Coupon Commotion with the Cones

2010-03-28T13:27:00.000-07:00

Well today was a fantastic shopping trip to the grocery store! I usually try to do a big shopping trip every 2-3 weeks. In between we just get the essentials like milk that we go through like water!

Publix was having a great BOGO sale along with other sales, and I had a TON of coupons this time as well. It was one of those weeks where a lot of what I needed was on sale, I had a coupon and had a competitors coupon. It took awhile since I had all three kids with me, but my parents came along as well so my Dad watched the kids while I shopped and my Mom helped me. I ended up with 2 grocery carts FULL!! I think that's a record.

Some good deals I got were: Huggies Diapers for half price. I bought 2 pkg and had 2 manufacturers coupons and 2 Publix coupons. Band-aids were not on sale, They were $2.39, I had $1 off manufacturers, and $1 off Competitors coupons so I got a box of 60ct Band-aids for 39 cents!! Strawberries were 2 for $4, I had a coupon for $1.75 off the strawberries if you bough a SaraLee pound cake, which was 50% off on sale. Yummy dessert!! I had a lot more great deals too but those were a few of them.

My receipt is about 4 1/2 feet long, not kidding almost as tall as me. The breakdown of 2 grocery carts full of stuff:
Total before savings/coupons: $359.18
Vendor coupons: $43.03
Store Coupons: $18.64
Special Price Savings: $92.72
Grand Total: $204.79 (this was my out of pocket)
My Total savings: $154.39

I SAVED MORE THAN HALF!!!

The sweet deal of the day was the Dunkin Hines brownie mixes were BOGO, well at the register they didn't ring up BOGO. So they checked the price in the aisle and I was right so I got 1 of them for free and still got the other one for free because it was BOGO!! Sweet!!

The funny story of the whole trip was my Dad works at the Publix part-time. He said he was in the break room one day and talking to one of the cashiers. She said you come shopping with your daughter here right? He said, "Yes." She asked, "is she the one with the 3 little kids?" He said," Yes she is." She replied back, "Oh the coupon lady. I get her in my checkout line a lot!"

Oh Warranty

2010-03-27T15:02:00.000-07:00

Well good thing we purchased the warranty with our new washer and dryer, een though a 1 yr came with it. I went to wash our cover for our mattress, same size as our king size comforter I just washed. Well I guess it got caught on the rubber gasket that hangs down in the front and shredded the rubber gasket and the pillowtop mattress cover. So I am out a new washer, pillowtop mattress cover and clean sheets till sometime Tuesday!! UGH! I will have a hard time sleeping tonight and nights to come without that pillowtop.

So weird that one fit and the other didn't. I hope that the repairman that Whirlpool is sending will do a great job. I already miss doing laundry...never thought I would say that!

Well I better go and finish cleaning other things around the house. Then have to head out and buy new pillows since ours have hit the dust after 7yrs. Man guess the heavens above don't want me getting any sleep tonight.....what's next?

New Look!

2010-03-21T17:34:00.000-07:00

Well it was time for a change so yes I re-did our blog as you probably noticed. I will be tweaking it some more, but did the biggest overhaul today while not feeling well. This layout is easier on the eyes, easier for me to update theme-wise, as you know I love changing it for each holiday!

Yesterday was such a gorgeous sunny war day we went and got Easter/Spring pictures taken at Hollis Gardens. You can see a lot of the pictures at the slideshow at the top of the blog. Michelle from Hill's Milestone Photography too these wonderful pictures!! Be sure to check out her website at: http://www.hillsmilestonephotography.com for pricing and to see her work or schedule your wedding or family sitting. She also has a blog at: http://www.hillsmilestonephotography.blogspot.com where she does giveaways sometimes too so be sure to become a follower!!!

Well time to go have some crackers I think for this darn stomach bug I have or maybe food poisoning, not sure. Thanks for checking in!

Spinning Around....

2010-03-15T18:52:00.000-07:00

Well I am very excited and I think everyone else is too! We were able to work it out to get a new washer and dryer! Much needed around here to help save money on water and electric with Energy Star and HE!! We sold our old washer and dryer within 1 hour of posting on Craigslist too!

Here is a short video of our adventure....

Fun family day!

2010-03-15T06:02:00.000-07:00

This is a week old but finally getting around to posting it. We went to DAK on March 7th for a fun family day, without Daddy :( We took Nanny and Gramps and a picnic lunch and so much fun!! We met up with our twin family friends from the Tampa area, walked around with them and also saw Festival of the Lion King show. It was one of the first warm, beautiful days in FL in a long time.

Here is a video of our day, enjoy!

Valentine's Day weekend and Big Girl Bed!

2010-02-22T08:59:00.000-08:00

Well a little late in posting this but here we go....

The day before we took the kids to the local pottery place, Plaster Cottage in town and had a lot of fun. The twins each painted 2 things they got to take home. Bella chose a seashell and a car, and Quinn chose a car and Spongebob. Brinlee just watched of course. Jay and I painted letters for their names. Uncle John and Aunt Michelle met us there too to have some fun.

Afterwards Bella and Jay had a dinner date night at Chik-fil-A. So darn cute. They were seated at tables that had linens, and their orders were taken, and even got a desert and a Free picture! (I'll have to scan that one in at a later date). They had a nice little Daddy-Daughter date while Me, Brinlee, Quinn, John and Michelle at at Steak-n'-Shake, Quinn had no problem with that for sure! Brinlee had a lot of fun with the stickers at SNS!!!

Valentine's Day was a fun day. Jay had to work so it was me and the kids. We decided to go ahead and change Brinlee's bed into a BIG GIRLS BED!! I don't think she knew what was going on but sure did have some fun, here are some pictures.

The kids were also excited because they got some cards in the mail from Aunt Marlene and Uncle Dan. They each got $1 and the first words out of the twins mouths were "Let's go to the dollar store!" And of course we did. Quinn bought a box of DOTS CANDY, Bella bought a blue baseball bat and Brinlee picked out a pink calculator. Well Quinn's dots were eaten up fast, big surprise there huh?! Brinlee decided to eat off 5 of the buttons within 5 hrs, and Bella still has her bat to play with.

They also got really cute cards from Uncle Mike and Aunt Debbie. They were so excited to get even more mail!! They each got $5 which they wanted to put in their piggy banks.

Here are some pictures:

Then I was going to make Creme Brule for Jay as a V-Day gift but after buying the ingredients I realized it had to sit overnight, ugh. So I made a nice dinner and made KeyLime Parfait. I made my own recipe: Juicy Chicken and Delicious Dill Potatoes. You can find them on my recipe blog called Yummy Tummy Eats. Link is in the sidebar on the right!! Try it you'll love it! Here are some pictures.

The Man Rules

2010-02-18T04:08:00.001-08:00

Thought I would post this for fun, got this in an email from my Dad, too funny!!

(I MUST ADMIT, IT'S PRETTY GOOD.)
WE ALWAYS HEAR " THE RULES" FROM THE FEMALE SIDE.... NOW HERE ARE THE RULES FROM THE MALE SIDE.

THESE ARE OUR RULES!
PLEASE NOTE.. THESE ARE ALL NUMBERED "1 " ON PURPOSE!
1. MEN ARE NOT MIND READERS. (FIRST & FOREMOST RULE)

1. LEARN TO WORK THE TOILET SEAT. YOU'RE A BIG GIRL. IF IT'S UP, PUT IT DOWN.
WE NEED IT UP, YOU NEED IT DOWN. YOU DON'T HEAR US COMPLAINING ABOUT YOU LEAVING IT DOWN.

1.. CRYING IS BLACKMAIL.

1. ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT. LET US BE CLEAR ON THIS ONE: SUBTLE HINTS DO NOT WORK! STRONG HINTS DO NOT WORK! OBVIOUS HINTS DO NOT WORK! JUST SAY IT!

1. YES AND NO ARE PERFECTLY ACCEPTABLE ANSWERS TO ALMOST EVERY QUESTION.

1. COME TO US WITH A PROBLEM ONLY IF YOU WANT HELP SOLVING IT. THAT'S WHAT WE DO. SYMPATHY IS WHAT YOUR GIRLFRIENDS ARE FOR.

1. ANYTHING WE SAID 6 MONTHS AGO IS INADMISSIBLE IN AN ARGUMENT. IN FACT, ALL COMMENTS BECOME NULL AND VOID AFTER 7 DAYS.

1. IF YOU THINK YOU'RE FAT, YOU PROBABLY ARE. DON'T ASK US.

1. IF SOMETHING WE SAID CAN BE INTERPRETED TWO WAYS AND ONE OF THE WAYS MAKES YOU SAD OR ANGRY, WE MEANT THE OTHER ONE

1. YOU CAN EITHER ASK US TO DO SOMETHING OR TELL US HOW YOU WANT IT DONE. NOT BOTH. IF YOU ALREADY KNOW BEST HOW TO DO IT , JUST DO IT YOURSELF.

1. WHENEVER POSSIBLE, PLEASE SAY WHATEVER YOU HAVE TO SAY DURING COMMERCIALS..

1. CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS DID NOT NEED DIRECTIONS AND NEITHER DO WE.

1. ALL MEN SEE IN ONLY 16 COLORS, LIKE WINDOWS DEFAULT SETTINGS. PEACH, FOR EXAMPLE, IS A FRUIT, NOT A COLOR. PUMPKIN IS ALSO A FRUIT. WE HAVE NO IDEA WHAT MAUVE IS.

1. IF IT ITCHES, IT WILL BE SCRATCHED. WE DO THAT.

1. IF WE ASK WHAT IS WRONG AND YOU SAY "NOTHING," WE WILL ACT LIKE NOTHING'S WRONG. WE KNOW YOU ARE LYING, BUT IT IS JUST NOT WORTH THE HASSLE.

1. IF YOU ASK A QUESTION YOU DON'T WANT AN ANSWER TO, EXPECT AN ANSWER YOU DON'T WANT TO HEAR.

1. WHEN WE HAVE TO GO SOMEWHERE, ABSOLUTELY ANYTHING YOU WEAR IS FINE... REALLY .
1. DON'T ASK US WHAT WE'RE THINKING ABOUT UNLESS YOU ARE PREPARED TO DISCUSS WHAT’S FOR DINNER.

1. YOU HAVE ENOUGH CLOTHES.

1. YOU HAVE TOO MANY SHOES.

1. I AM IN SHAPE. ROUND IS A SHAPE!

1. THANK YOU FOR READING THIS. YES, I KNOW, I HAVE TO SLEEP ON THE COUCH TONIGHT; BUT DID YOU KNOW MEN REALLY DON'T MIND THAT? IT'S LIKE CAMPING.

PASS THIS TO AS MANY MEN AS YOU CAN -
TO GIVE THEM A LAUGH.

PASS THIS TO AS MANY WOMEN AS YOU CAN -
TO GIVE THEM A BIGGER LAUGH.

Learning Fast

2010-02-12T05:24:00.000-08:00

Well the kids have been talking about school so much. They love seeing the school buses go by and always asking about going on it and to school. I've been doing some research online for things to do with the kids at home, like a school setting. I have started the process for VPK, but have read that the funding is quickly running out, so if we can't get them in we will home school them this year and see how it goes. They are like sponges right now and want things to do.

My mother helped me re-organize our family room with our FREE bookcase and the kids toys, I'm going to save up some money for learning tools for the kids, and hang up so they can easily learn things. Bella has been asking to learn the alphabet and she really wants to learn how to write. Quinn already knows how to recognize his name on paper and last night tried to spell it in the dishwasher with the letter magnets!

On the website www.education.com I found some great worksheets and activities that you can do with your kids. They range from all ages from preschool to High School. I added a widget in the left sidebar of our blog for preschool activities. However if you visit the website you can find great information and pages and pages of ideas!!

I hope to get started with the twins within the next few months, and I will post their progress too.