Danielle's Space!

CVS 8/4

2011-08-04T13:26:00.000-07:00

4 cokes (2 sprites, 2 cokes) for $13 get $3 ECB

2 Crest Prohealth $4.99; 2 $2.00 mfc, $2 ECB

1 Pampers $8.99; $2 mfc; $1 ECB

2 Skinny cow candies $.99, B1G1 coupon, receive $.99 ECB

Dawn dish soap $.99, $.50 mfc

3 puffs plus, $.88; $.25 mfc

i had $8 in ECB from last week. I paid $23.04 oop and received $6.99 in ECB for next time. I saved $33.91 today and $958.01 YTD!

Wags 8-4

2011-08-04T13:25:00.001-07:00

2 boxes of walgreens storage bags $.99 each

2 boes of walgreens gallon bags $.99 each

1 pantene shampoo $2.01

1 pantene conditioner @ 4.99 , mfc FREE (plus $2 RR)

1 papermater highlighters $.39

1 sharpie $.69 (in-ad coupn)

4 Rose art glue sticks $.59 ( in-ad coupon)
1 washable markers $2 (get $2 RR)

I paid 12.35 oop and received $4 in RR. I saved $22.96 today!

Target 8/4

2011-08-04T13:25:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the smudge in the middle of the picture. It's julie's print on the lens.

4 packages of papermate pens $1 each, four $1 target coupons = FREE

1 Sharpies $1.49, $1.00 target coupon

1 elmer's glue $.40

3 boxes of crayons $.40 each

1 pair of jeans $4 on clearance, $2 target coupon

1 hanes women's hipster $7, $1.00 target coupon

1 hanes women's socks $8, $1 target coupon

1 hanes boys socks $4, $1 target coupon

1 hanes men's socks, $1 target coupon

I also had 2 bags (.10 credit). I spent 21.09 (used a $5 GC) and got a $5 for the hanes purchases. I saved $19.09 today.

Target 7/7

2011-07-28T11:29:00.000-07:00

I don't get to shop at target often, but when I do, I like to really do it well :)

2 pairs of shoes on clearance $2.48 and $3.74

2 Newtons $3.29 - 2 $1.00 target coupon, 2 $ 1.00 coupon

2 Lean Perrine $2.60 each 2 $1 coupons

1 A1 $3.19 - $1.00 target coupon

1 finger nail polish - $2.09 - $1 target coupon, $1.00 mfc

10 vitamin waters - 3 $ B3G1 target coupons.

1 Glacier water - Free when you buy 10 vitamin waters

Swiffer wetjet - $18.99

Swiffer refill pads - $12.09 - used a free refill that took off $7.00. Plus I got a $5 Target GC for these two purchases.

I spent $46.28 oop and received $5 GC. I saved $32.52.

CVS 7/7

2011-07-28T11:28:00.000-07:00

3 Dr. Pepper - 3/$10 (get $3 ECB)

1 Hershey almond - $1.19 , $1.19 cvs coupon

2 Oral B toothbrush - $3.00, 2 $2.00 mfc ( $2 ECB each)

3 Coke - $.69

2 Sprite - $.69

1 Bounty Basic $5.99 - $1 mfc

1 Gillate razor - $.9.99 , $4 mfc (Get $4 ECB)

I had $6.79 in ECB from last time. I spent $21.26 oop and received $9 ECB. I saved 34.43 today.

Wags 7/7

2011-07-28T11:27:00.000-07:00

1 Fusion Proglide razor - $9.99, $4.00 MFC (get $5 RR)

1 Crest Mouthwash - $3.99, $1.00 MFV (Get $2 RR if I remember correctly).

I spent $9.47 oop and received 8(or 9) RR. I saved $8.00.

CVS- 7/28

2011-07-28T11:26:00.001-07:00

6 boxes of Post Cereal - $2/4 sale, 3 $1.00/2 coupons

2 Oral - B pulsars (rain check from a month or so ago) - $5.99 each, 2 $2 mfc ($3 ECB each)

1 Kotex liners - $3.49 - $1.00 mfc ($2 ECB)

I had $9 in ECB from a past trip. I spent $10.27 oop today and received $8 in ECB. I saved 32.34 today and 925.67 YTD

Wags - 7/28

2011-07-28T11:26:00.000-07:00

2 Finesse- B1G1 (Wags sale), $1.00 mfc - I will turn this in for a rebate - $3.99 each

2 Edge Shaving Creams - $2.79 , 2 $.80 wags coupons, 2 $.50 mfc

1 Yardley soup - $1.49 - $.80 wags coupon, $.30 mfc

I spent $6.78 (should get a rebate back for $2.99 for the finesse). Also note they were out of skintimate shaving gel and I used the wags coupon at walmart and they allowed it ($1.99 each).

I saved $8.79 today!

CVS 7-1

2011-07-01T14:50:00.000-07:00

1 Brilliant Tampons - $6.79, 1 $1 mfc, receive $6.79 ECB

1 Bag of potatoe chips - $1.88

1 Hershey bar (melted) - $.75

I had $8 in ECB, paid $.44 oop and brought home $6.79 in ECB for next week.

Walgreens 7-1

2011-07-01T14:32:00.000-07:00

2 boxes of Curad bandaids- $.99 each 2 $.50 mfc coupons
2 colgate toothpaste - $1 each, 2 $1 mfc coupons

2 M&M's $1.79 for 2 (fillers)

I paid $.77 oop! I had $2 in RR from last week :)

Wags 5/27

2011-05-30T10:13:00.000-07:00

2 Edge Shaving Creams $1.99 each with 2 .$55 mfc
1 Scunci package $2.00 with $22 RR

I had $1.10 in coupons and $4 in RR. I paid $.95 and received $2 in RR. I saved $7.69!

CVS 5/27

2011-05-30T10:11:00.000-07:00

4 12-packs of coke 4 for $10 deal
3 revlon nail polishes $4.99 each with $4 ECB (limit 6)
1 Green bag tag (not pictured).

I had $6 in ECB, $5/25 CVS coupon and a $.99 free green bag coupon. I paid 15.11 oop and received $12 in ECB.

CVS 5/30

2011-05-30T10:05:00.000-07:00

2 bags of m&m singles $.50 each, get $1 ECB
2 Crest Kids Tooth paste, $1.99 each, two $1MFC and $2 ECB
1 Pampers diapers, $8.99, $1.50 mfc and $2 ECB
2 Hydro 3 Razors, $8.49, two $3.00 mfc and on sale for B1G1

I had $12 in ECB from last week, plus my $9.50 in coupons, I paid $1.01 out of pocket and received $5 ECB for next week. I also got a rain check for the preperation H wipes as they were out (they are $3.99, use a $2 mfc and get $3.99 in ECB).

I saved $36.13 today and $728.46 YTD!!

CVS 5/6

2011-05-06T12:07:00.000-07:00

There wasn't a lot of things I just needed at CVS. I think this is the least amount of items I've ever bought! I even made a boo-boo but the cashier was nice enough to help me fix it.

2 tubes of colgate toothpaste (2 .75 mfc, $5.54 in ECB)
2 packages of soleil bella razors (one with an extra razor) - b1 get 50% off (1 3.00mfc.. not sure what happened to my other coupon).
Also received a $2/10 at the coupon giver-outer.

I paid $9.06 oop (I actually forgot to hand her the 1 $3.00 bic soleil coupon.. but she took it later and gave me $3 in ECB for next trip). I have 8.54 in ECB for next trip. I saved $12.04 today and $659.88 YTD.

Walgreens - 5/6

2011-05-06T12:02:00.000-07:00

I broke my "vow" and went back to Walgreens. I found a new website that breaks up the trip into different scenarios and I though I would give it a shot. I actually had a very nice cashier (I've never seen him before). He was VERY patient and he seemed as though he knew the coupon policy as we didn't have any glitches!

2 - 12package of cottonelle
2 - Gum Flossers
5 carmel candies (fillers)
2 tylenol precise heat wraps
1 herbal essence shampoo
1 bic soilea 3-pack of razors

I spent $11.60, saved $33.98 and brought home $3 in RR. I'm happy overall with this trip and my experience this time at wags. I'll consider doing it again :)

CVS 4/28

2011-04-28T11:01:00.000-07:00

I had an awesome shopping trip at CVS!!

1. 3 12-packs of dr. pepper ( $10, get 3 ECB)
2. 24 pack of ozarka water ($3.88, get 1 ECB)
3. 2 boxes of scoobydoo fruit snacks ($1.79 each, .$50 mfc)

I had $17 in ECB from last week, I spent $0.00 oop and brought home $4 ECB for next week. I've saved $26.84 today and $633.04 YTD!!

CVS 4/21

2011-04-21T12:26:00.000-07:00

I made a mistake today at CVS and I didn't realize until I walked out of the store. Luckily I went back in and they helped me fixed my problem. It was 100% my mistake (blonde moment). I didn't do as well as I would of liked, but I'm still not disappointed with my trip.

1. 4 cokes (3 ECB)
2. 2 Lays potatoe chips (2 $.55 mfc, 2 ECB)
3. 2 Thermacare patches (2 $3 mfc, 4 ECB)
4. 1 RS egg
5. 4 Boxes of Stove top stuffing (4 $.50 mfc)
6. 2 M&M pretzles (2 $1.00 mfc)
7. 2 Gallons of milk (2 ECB)
8. 1 GE Energy Bulb (2 ECB)
9. 2 Skittles Eggs ($.50 mfc)
10. 2 Starburst eggs ($.50 mfc)
11. 2 Maybline eyeshadows ($2.50 mfc, $3 ECB)

I spent $30. 10 oop and received $17 ECB (green bag paid out). My kiddos are going to have a lot of goodies in their Easter basket!!

CVS 4/14

2011-04-21T12:17:00.000-07:00

1. 2 lysol cleaners
2. 2 lysol toilet bowl
3. 2 lysol wipes
4. 3 boxes of Special K
5. 2 finish power tablets
6. 2 Gain liquid soap
7. 1 algra 30ct.
8. 1 Complete contact solution

I spent $18.49 oop and received $23 in ECB.

CVS 4/8

2011-04-08T11:10:00.000-07:00

Here is my CVS trip today. I'm QUITE proud of this trip!

1. 100 oz Tide; $10.99 ( $1 mfc)

2. Charmin; $5.49 ($1 mfc)

3. Covergirl Lashblast mascara $6.00 ($1 mfc)

4. Herbal Essence shampoo, conditioner, mouse, hairspray;$2.75 (2 B1G1 styling products, 2 $1.00 mfc)

5. 2 Right Guard Deoderant; $4.50 (B1G1)

6. 2 Crest Pro-health clinical gum ; $3.49 (2 $1 mfc)

I had $5/40 coupon, $27.50 in ECB ($5 came from my beauty club payout). I paid $.47 for everything and came home with $15 in ECB $10 from the P&G deal and $5 from the toothpaste deal) for next week. I saved $68.25 today and $428.79 YTD!

I also got a rain check for the contact solution (comes with $8.99 ECB). I think this was my BEST score in terms of items, coupons, ecb and oop price!!

CVS 4/1/11

2011-04-01T18:33:00.000-07:00

Today was a pretty good trip to CVS.

1. 4 cans of cream of mushroom soup = $.77 each with a $.40 coupon

2. Skintimate =$3.49 with $2.50 ECB (I didn't get a coupon in my local paper)

3. 4 bottles of Axe Body Wash = $4.50 each (2 BOGO coupons and $5 ECB)

4. 2 M&M eggs = $.99 each (coupon for $2/2)

5. Physicans Formula mascara = $9.79 with $7 ECB (I didn't get a coupon for this either)

6. Physicans Forumla eyeshadow = $8.49 with $$7 in ECB (no coupon again).

I had a $5 off $30 CVS coupon, $17.49 in ECB from last week (includes my $2.50 Winter spending ECB). I paid $11.70 and received $22.50 in ECB (My green card paid out this week too)for next week! I saved $41.91 today and $386.88 YTD.

Walgreens 3/25

2011-03-25T11:44:00.001-07:00

Ok I just want to go ahead and say I think I might be done shopping at Walgreens. There are a lot of rules for couponig at walgreens and it's even unclear to the cashiers which is what causes so much frustration for me.

I did 2 transactions today (and I was REALLY bummed b/c they don't carry almay comesmetics anymore so I couldn't get the $5 RR).

Transaction #1 Plackers $2.00 (received $2 RR). Paid $2.17 oop

Transaction #2 Huggies Diapers $7.99 ($2 walgreens coupon, $2 mfc), 2 Freshmatic airwicks $7.99, on sale for B1G1 (2 $4 coupons), 2 carmel filler items (.39). Paid $2.99 oop and saved $24.99 today.

I spent $5.16 total at walgreens today for all 6 items.

Target 3/23

2011-03-25T11:44:00.000-07:00

I don't have a Target close so I don't always get to take advantage of the great sales/coupons they offer.

I bought 4 boxes of triscuits (B3G1 Target coupon, 4 $1 mfc), 4 bottles of Soft Scrub with Bleach (4 $1 Target coupon, 4 $1.50 mfc), Friskies purina cat food ($.75 target, $1 mfc), 4 pairs of socks (4 $1 circo target coupons), 2 pairs of pants (2 $1.00 circo target coupons). I paid $12.22 oop and saved $25.71. None of these items were on sale, I just had good coupon matches up and I happened to be in the are.

CVS 3/20

2011-03-20T19:28:00.000-07:00

Here's my rund own for this week:

4 boxes of Wheat thins, 2 boxes of ritz crackers, 3 2-litters are coke, 2 suave shampoos for men, 2 suave shampoos for kids, 3 suave body wash, 1 suave deoderant and 1 allegra 5 count!

I bought 18 items and paid $2.41 out of pocket and received $14.99 in RR. I saved $52.18 today and $334.70 YTD!

Walgreens 3/9

2011-03-09T10:24:00.001-08:00

I paid $13.97 and received no RR this trip. I saved $22.79 on this trip. Not pictured are the two carmels (filler items). I always eat those in the car :-P

CVS 3/9

2011-03-09T10:24:00.000-08:00

I went and did my CVS shopping today since I will be leaving town Friday! I paid $8.95 out of pocket and received $9 ECB!! I saved $32.37 today ($302.33 year to date savings).

Mardi Gras 2011

2011-03-08T18:21:00.000-08:00

These are my crazy kiddos at Mardi Gras 2011! It was pretty cold, but we had a really good time. Please excuse Lane and his CRAZY face. He is in that "phase". We came home with a BUNCH of beads!

CVS - 3/4

2011-03-08T18:17:00.000-08:00

Here is my CVS trip. I spent $14.75 out of pocket and received $10 in RR. These items were all part of the "spend $30 receive $10 in P&G products" (please note the brawny paper towels were substituted for Bounty).

Walgreens 3/4

2011-03-08T18:16:00.000-08:00

I spent $.14 for all of this! Not a huge score, but I'll take it :)

Painted Piggies!

2011-02-05T16:47:00.000-08:00

Tonight I got the bright idea to paint Julie's piggies! I set her down in her bumbo chair and we picked out a really pretty pink and painted them up! Her pigs are soo ticklelish! She did great until I brought out the hairdryer (to set them). She started screaming. I'm sure she's traumatized for life now! I LOVE this polish b/c it's non-toxic and has none of the bad stuff in it. She still likes to stick her toes in her mouth and atleast she doesn't get the nasty toxins in her body! I bought these from www.piggypaint.com . I highly recommend them and their polish quality is really great! Julie keeps trying to "rub" the paint off her toes! She's so funny! :)

Walgreens 2/4

2011-02-05T16:46:00.000-08:00

I paid $20.00 out of pocket and received $6 in RR on this trip. I bought 1 12 roll package of Cottonelle toilet paper, 2 Emerald Almonds, 2 Dove Deoderants, 1 Dove Shampoo, 1 Dove Conditioner, 2 Digiorno pizzas, 1 lean pocket and 2 packages of Butterfinger Snackerz. Notice the big white dog face in the window? That's my sampon :)

CVS 2/4

2011-02-05T16:45:00.000-08:00

I don't have the entire breakdown this week since my kiddos are sick, but thought I'd post the pic anyway.

1 2L of Coke, 1 2L of Sprite, 2 boxes of Ritz Crackers, 3 12-packs of coke and 1 package of Dayquil. I paid $11.80 out of pocket and received $5 in ECB.

New Years resolution update #2

2011-01-31T17:50:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to leave a little update here about my New Years Resolution!

1. I have read two more books; Gone Green by Judy Christie and Marked by P.C Cast. This puts my total to 4 books for the month of January. I'm 3/4 of the way through another book!

2. I have been working on cleaning out the office. We threw away a trash bag full of stuff this week. I have gotten all the shelves dusted and looked through the books. I want to get a rubber maid container to put some of my "keep" books in to put under the bed. I think that will help free up some space in the office. Still a long way to go!

3. I closed out my first show for the year at $483. It was a successfull party and I had a great time. I also spoke with Donna Roy at home office and had a conference call with my team. I'm hoping Jessica to prepare for her first party! Definitely headed in a positive direction!

That's about as good as it gets :)

Why I bother to post my "scores"

2011-01-21T19:01:00.000-08:00

So my sister calls me today to tell me what a dork I am for posting my "scores". She says that "no one cares what you bought at CVS or Walgreens" and that I needed to "get a life". LOL!! Ahhh the life of a 19 year old.

I don't post my "scores" because I honestly believe you "care" what I get at the store, I post them because I feel it might help someone else who's "learning" to coupon. I'm trying to show that it IS doable, at whatever scale you feel comfortable doing it at.

I recently watched the "Extreme Couponing" show on TLC and I was floored by the "scores" those people got. I was also a bit disappointed to see the "hoarding" that was done (not by everyone)!

I totally get the "high" you feel when you are able to get good deals. There's NO reason you should have to pay full price for much of anything anymore. I'm not perfect in my "scores" and I don't have all the answers. I'm just reading/researching and learning how I can best use our money to buy the most amount of items. I feel like I'm able to buy more things then I'd ever bought before on a tight budget. I'm even buying items we don't normally have the "luxary" of having. Why not stretch that dollar so instead of only being 100 pennies, it might be 110 or 150!! It's YOUR money!!

I hope my "scores" inspire you to try couponing/sales at whatever "level" you'd like to learn to save!

My goal to to never clear shelves and I try to only purchase what I feel my family can use in a resonable amount of time or what I can reasonably give or donate. There are others in the same boat, trying to spread their dollar and I don't feel comfortable clearing shelves just so I can stockpile years worth of an item!

Here's to learning about couponing and I might recommend a few sites to check out. I do all my deal searches on these sites!
www.frugalcouponliving.com (my very FIRST introduction to couponing)
www.thekrazycouponlady.com
www.afullcup.com (great place to see if there is a coupon available and where you might find it).
www.retailmenot.com (great place to find coupon codes for retail business and just about anything else you want codes for).

~danielle~

CVS 1/21

2011-01-21T18:51:00.001-08:00

2 bags of Halls Cough Drops - Sale 2/$3 with a $1.00 off of 2 coupon

Nyquil - Sale $4.99, $1.50 coupon

Colgate Tooth paste - Sale $2.99, $1.00 Coupon

Crest Pro-health Tooth Paste - Sale $2.99, 2 $.75 coupons

I paid $5.48 (5 coupons, $6.48 ECB). I RECEIVED 6 ECB to use next trip. SO I was actually PAID to shop again at CVS!

Walgreens 1/21/11

2011-01-21T18:51:00.000-08:00

Walgreens wasn't as big of a hit for me as I'd of liked, but I'm still happy with what I walked away with!

Huggies baby wipes - $1.99 (no sale or coupons, but I needed these for a baby gift project and filler item).

Carefree Pads - $1.49 - Used a $.50 Wags coupon and a $.50 MFC

Charmin $2.99 on sale

Carmel - $.35 filler item.

I paid $1.97 (used 1 MFC, 1 Wags coupon and $4 RR). I saved $5.50 today but did not receive any more RR :(

Walgreens 1/14

2011-01-14T19:42:00.001-08:00

Special K cereal 2 for $5 - coupon B1G1, $2RR

Shout and Fantastik - 2 $5 - coupons $.55, $.75; $1 RR

2 Bic Razors (bonus boxes; 12 razors total) $4.99 each- Coupons B1G1, $1 RR

I had $1.50 in RR for last week. I spent 10.29 and received $4 RR for next week! I saved $20.25 between coupons, sales and RR!!

CVS score 1/14

2011-01-14T19:42:00.000-08:00

I thought I would try and post my "scores" when I do my shopping. It might help others and will also help for me to see how I'm doing!

Triamnic Thing Strips 2 for $10 w/ 2 $2.00 coupons

Nature Valley Honey and Oats granola bars 3 for $10 w/ 3 $.50 coupons, ECB $4

Puppy Waterfall toy regularly $19.99 - 75% off sale = $4.99

1 Snickers bar $.89 , ECB for $.89 (ate that in the car)

1 Reese P&B Cup $1.59, ECB for $1.59

Finish Powerball tablets 3.00 w/ $.75 coupon

Excederin extra strength w/ 8 Excedrin PM for $4.79, coupon FREE

I had $13 in ECB from last week. I spent $11.72 and received $6.48 in ECB. I saved $47.18 between sales, coupons and ecb!!

My babies in the snow!

2011-01-09T18:42:00.000-08:00

Lane and Julie in the snow! Julie wasn't too sure about it. She wouldn't let me pull her hands out of her jacket! She just kind of stood there and looked around. I think she liked it though. Lane, on the other hand, had a blast! He's checks were all red from the cold snow and his clothes were all wet! I think this is the 4th time he's seen snow! Glad they got the chance to enjoy it. Now I'm ready for it to go away :)

New Years Resolution Update #1

2011-01-09T11:22:00.000-08:00

So I thought I would try to update weekly or biweekly of how I'm doing with my new years resolutions. I hope this will help give me some accountability and to track my progress (whether good or bad).

Mikie and I attended bible study this week and we talked about baptism. This is an interesting topic between the two of us since we come from different backgrounds of faith (mikie baptist and myself methodist). In the baptist faith they don't baptise babies. When a child becomes of age and decides to accept Christ, they are then baptised (usually full emersion). Mikie was baptised when he was around 13 years of age and made the decision to ask Christ into his heart/life. The Methodist baptise usually when a baby is little and it's more of a "dedicating" the baby to Christ. It's a decision made by the parents to raise their child in the faith. We then have a "confirmation" when a child/young adult decides they want to accept Christ into their life/heart. It's interesting how different the two are, yet how similar. But regardless of how it's done, we both feel the children need to be brought up with an understanding of God and the importance in being a believer/follower and when the time is right, allowing them to take Christ into their hearts/life.

I have read two books this week: Karen Kingsbury - Rejoice (4th book in the redemption series) and Reunion (5th/last book in the redemption series). I don't think I'll have a problem reading 2 books a month, I guess that was shooting a bit low :)

I have signed up my first recruit to my Vantel Pearls business! I'm thrilled to death when Jessica Nelson called me to tell me she wanted to sign! She should be receiving her kit this week and start her journey with Vantel Pearls! I pray she gets everything she wants from VP b/c it's been a blessing for me and for my family!

I finished a pair of beaded socks for my mom. I've ment to do it for weeks now and they are done and mailed. This is part of my complete some "UFO's"!

Not too bad for my first full week!

FlyLady: 1 week!!

2010-02-24T19:54:00.000-08:00

Today celebrates my 1 week anniversary with my journey with Flylady.net.

Here is where I am and what I've come to realize.

1. My sink is still shinny. I have been doing really good with keeping the dishwasher emptied and my sink cleaned and shinny. Which is always really nice to see and to have.
2. I have been getting up and getting dressed, to my shoes. Which I see is important to help with the motivation and gets you moving!
3. The post-it notes help! (I have 2; 1 in the bathroom that says "Brush your teeth, clean out litter box and get dressed to your shoes. The one near the sink says "empty dishwasher, keep sink clean and shinny"). It's a nice reminder of what I need to be doing to keep myself on track.
4. I have been reading more on the bigtent site and let me tell you, there is a TON of information.

Today I managed to keep my sink clean and shinny, dishwasher is loaded (youth tonight, so not enough to run the dishwasher) and all of the laundry is folded and put away. I worked on the first hot spot for 2 minutes, which is our bar.

Today's task is to pick my clothes out. I don't normally do this because I never know what the weather is going to be like, but in the spirit of doing new things, I will give it a shot!

~danielle~

FlyLady: Day 6

2010-02-23T20:51:00.001-08:00

"Identify hotspots". Yes we have a few of those. Sadly our bar has become one of those :( The top of the entertainment center is another one. Those are just two I have chosen to start with since they are the first things you see when you walk into the house.

My sink is still shinny! I'm quite proud of this fact. Would you like to come over and see it? Please close your eyes to the rest of the hosue though. I've been doing laundry but we're still living out of baskets. I really dislike folding and putting away laundry! Why can't we all just live out of baskets? Ok, so I'm running out of basket room. I get the point!

Tomorrow I will fold all the laundry and put it away.. I hope..

We made chili for dinner tonight. It was wonderful! Tomorrow night will be dinner at youth so I wont need to prepare dinner! I guess that means I should get the laundry put away!

Almost a week of a shinny sink!

~danielle~

FlyLady Day5!

2010-02-22T17:44:00.000-08:00

"Write down what you hear" - Flylady.net

I know what things need to be done around the house and it's always easier for me to write down a list of things that I need to accomplish. I'm a very goal oriented person! So, my biggiest "nagging voice" is "you wont be able to keep this up". I may not be able to do it every day, but I'm making a big step in working towards doing things better!

Today is day 5 and my sink is still clean. I DID get up and empty the dishwasher, did two loads of laundry (still need to be folded) and I swept the floors.

I made a roast for dinner tonight with broccoli and we had vanilla ice cream cake for dessert. I didn't fix a big meal because Mikie wasn't home and I wasn't starving. The roast cooked for 3 hours and it was very tender. Yummy.

~danielle~

FlyLady: Day 4

2010-02-21T19:58:00.000-08:00

Today is Day 4 of my journey with Flylady to help get rid of all the CHAOS in my house and life!

"Write these things down" - Flyday.net

Today my job is to get dressed to laced up shoes, shine my sink and to read messages on BigTent!! I have been asked to put up post it notes to help remind me of these things. She tells me these little notes will help to remind me of the new habits I'm trying to establish. I'm going to put my post it notes up on my bathroom mirror and one above my sink.

I can honestly say my sink is shinny and clean, I managed to get dressed (I had a pearl party today) and I did my one load of laundry, which still needs to be folded.

So I'm working on it. One step at a time!

~danielle~

Pearl Party!!

2010-02-21T19:56:00.000-08:00

I had a wonderful Pearl Party tonight! I realize how much I really enjoy being an independent demonstrator for Vantel Pearls in the Oyster!! It's SOO much fun to spend time with adults, open oysters and to make/see people smile!

It's amazing to me that I get paid to have so much fun!

We opened up an oyster that had a beautiful 8mm blue/silver pearl! I was just amazed at how large and how heavy it was! It's going to be paired with a 7mm white pearl in the Mother's Love necklace! I can't wait to see how it turns out!

I can't wait until my next Pearl Party!

~danielle~

Dinner tonight!

2010-02-20T12:47:00.000-08:00

For dinner tonight I'm going to fix a chicken sandwhich (sort of) that my mom told me about. They fix this at the La Vernia schools.

Ingrediants:
Chicken breasts (cooked)
sliced deli ham
swiss cheese
Texas Garlic Toast.

Grill up your chicken breasts any way you like. Bake your Texas Garlic Toast per directions. Pull out the Texas Toast and layer your chicken breasts, ham and swiss cheese and then top with another piece of Toast (looks like a huge sandwhich). Put back into the oven to allow the cheese to melt and then you have sandwhichs!

I'll fix a veggie (green beans probably) and then we have ice cream cake for dessert!

And that's for dinner.....

~danielle~

FlyLady: Day 3

2010-02-20T12:40:00.000-08:00

Today happens to be a very beautiful day! The sun is shinning, the temp is near 70 and I'm feeling better today! I hope the weather keeps up but I know it's not going to!

Babystep Day 3 is to continue doing what we've already done. I got up this morning and got dressed and my sink is still pretty shinny! I have also been looking over the bigtent site and the "Flight plan" she has for today! It will take me a little while to get used to it, but I'm working on it :)

I swept the floors today and moved the laundry. I really need to fold and put it all away. I'm going to pick a room/area to work on "Decluttering for 15 minutes" a day. I think I'm going to choose our bedroom. It's really getting bad. I'll start on the pile of "stuff" next to Mikie's dresser.

I also wanted to metion I cleaned out my car yesterday. I make it a weekly habit to get all the trash out of my car on Fridays, after I grocery shop, I fill up with gas and get all the trash out. It really needs a good vacuum, but atleast there isn't any trash in there!

~danielle~

Shopping deals!

2010-02-19T13:41:00.000-08:00

I had a few good deals when I did my shopping today!

Walgreens - 4 6.4oz of crest toothpaste for $.75!! They were 2.50 each. Walgreens had a store coupon for 1.50 off, I had 3 $.75 off coupons and 1 $1.00 coupon. Nice score for toothpaste!

CVS - 4 12-packs of coke for $6.48. CVS had a deal going if you bought 3 12-packs of coke for 9.99, you could get a 4th free. I had 4, $1 off coupons which made them $6.48. That makes them $1.62 a 12-pack.

Walmart- I managed to get a free package of golden double stuffed oreos, free package of bic razors (10 ct), $1 toothbrushes and 2 pairs of pants ($1 each) for Julie. Not nearly as good of deals at Walmart, but I was pleased with my trip! :)

~danielle~

FlyLady.net Day 2!

2010-02-19T13:39:00.001-08:00

Friday is my busy day! I usually try to run as many of the errands as I can as well as get the grocery shopping done! I was pleased to see today's assignment was realtively easy!

Day 2: Get dressed to lace up shoes!

I didn't do it right off this morning since I have to take Lane to school. But once Julie was down for her morning nap, I took a shower and get myself dressed and ready to go run errands! Today was a pretty easy task as it was something I was going to have to do anyway!

She also asks me to shine my sink before I go to bed. It's pretty shinny as we speak! I put a hand towel over the faucet to remind myself to try it out after I use it! So far, so good!

~danielle~

My shinny sink!

2010-02-18T14:56:00.000-08:00

I have completed Day 1 of babysteps from FlyLady.net!! I am very pleased at how it turned out. Who knew my sink could look so good? I even used baking soda and a toothbrush and scrubbed! Now I will have to remember to dry it out after I use it to keep the water spots from forming!

Let me know if anyone else is following her steps! I'm curious to see how others do as well!

~danielle~

Trying something new!

2010-02-18T13:54:00.001-08:00

A friend of mine recommended a website to me called "flylady.net". It is a way to help you get organized, declutter and have a happy and clean home. I thought that I may try it. It certainly can't hurt. My hope is to come away with some new tips, tricks and habits in the process! Maybe you'd like to take the journey with me?

Today I am starting on day one of the baby steps. I love that she starts easy and simple. It's kind of like couponing. I couldn't just dive in head first.

Day 1:

"Go shine my sink"

Sounds kinda silly and simple. But she's the lady and I'm going to take it one day at a time. I'm currently soaking the second side with hot water and bleach. Who knows the last time I really cleaned the sink more than just rinsing out the sink. I LOVE that she actually walks you through shinning your sink. She isn't expecting that you already know how to do it. That's actually what I need!

I will update it after I'm finished!

My new Vantel Pearl Jewelry

2010-02-01T15:45:00.001-08:00

This is "A Mother's Love". It's absoluately beautiful. I love the way it looks and the way it feels. The Pearl at the top is slightly larger than the one on the bottom.

This is the "Twirl Ring". I have a Pink freshwater pearl (not quite a perfect circle) and an Akoya white pearl. It's a very simple ring, but I think it's really beautiful.

I am just amazed by the quality of the jewelry I have seen personally. I have quite a nice display going now as well. I just love sharing and show it off! I couldn't be happier working for any other business!

~danielle~

Happy Birthday Grandma!!

2010-02-01T15:44:00.000-08:00

My Grandma Onderko is 77 years old today! I hope she was able to spend the day with grandpa!

My card went out today. Late as always, but I guess it's better than not getting it out at all!

~danielle~

Taxes are done!

2010-01-28T14:34:00.000-08:00

I'm glad to breathe a sigh of relief now that our taxes are finished. I decided this year I wanted to save some money and ventured into cyber land and used turbotax online. It cost us about $60 to file our return and it was VERY easy to use. I highly recommend it. We had 2 W-2's and 1 1099 and I still felt it was an easy process.

We got our confirmation email today from turbo tax to say it was received and accepted. We should expect our money next Friday. I decided to just have it direct deposited.

My hubby tells me we will be rich for a couple of hours!!! Then it will be time to start paying off some debt. Being rich is only going to be short lived!! BUT we will be a couple steps closer to being debt-free and that is what really matters in the scheme of things!

~danielle~

Julie's rockin'!

2010-01-25T14:59:00.000-08:00

I took this video of Julie today in her exersaucer. The quality isn't great as I'm using my webcam! I have a video camera but the software is no longer available to put it on my computer! I'm hoping to get a flip video camera for my birthday :)

She loves her exersaucer and get's herself so excited! I can't believe how much she is rockin in that thing. She is 5 months old now! :)

~danielle~

Eye opening!

2010-01-25T09:11:00.000-08:00

Mikie and I have been married for 6 years now. We've been through a lot in those 6 years! We got married, I moved from Va to Texas, we bought a house and had a baby all in the first year. It's amazing how much happened that first year together. We managed to do alright, but we did have to most of our first christmas on credit cards. That was a huge mistake, one of which we're probably still paying for, 5 years later!

We now have two kiddos, two cars, a house and a whole host of credit card debit. My parents introduced us to Dave Ramsey in the summer of 2009. We listened to him in the truck (mikie has xm radio) when we were running errands. We read up on him with his website and eventually got a hold of some of his books. We decided we were sick and tired of being sick and tired. We wanted better for ourselves and our family. We wanted to be debt-free and to be able to build a house. We got such a great deal on the current house but we knew it would be too small before too long.

It's amazing how real your situation becomes when you start to right it down on paper. We sat down together and got real with ourselves. We had more debt than I think we realized. We decided we no longer wanted to live that way. We started our debt snowball list and decided what we needed to do to start getting rid of it.

We currently have about $22,000 in credit card, student loan debts and mikie's truck. My car is at $11,500 and the house is about $43,000. Our goal is to have the $22,000 in credit card, student loan and mikie's truck paid for by December of 2011. That will leave us just my car (by then should be around $6-8,000) and the house. That means we need to pay off $11,000 this year and $11,000 next year to meet our goals.

Budgeting tends to be hard for us since Mikie works concrete and his actually pay check is dependent on the weather and work. He gets paid weekly and we sit down now on Sunday nights to work out the bills and budget. I have started to really work on being "frugal". I clip coupons, shop at multiple stores, buy what's on sale and price match as much as possible. I don't keep a running total of what we save, but I KNOW we're making a huge difference. I manage to spend about $100 a week on groceries (that includes baby stuff, dog food, toiletries, laundry, etc). For a family of 4, I feel that's very reasonable.

So! We've been working our tax refund and it seems we are going to get a nice refun (close to $6,000). We plan to pay off the care credit card ($979), Mikie's truck ($1400ish), Best Buy card (1,382), put $250 in the savings to have a $1000 in our emergency fund. Mikie is getting his crown put on at the end of February and we'll pay cash for it ($850). I am getting my cricut for my birthday and Mikie is getting is $100 that we used for pay bills last month (from his original christmas money). The rest will go towards the next debt to pay, which is the Capital One bill ($1800).

It's amazing how real it all becomes when it's all sitting in front of you. There's no way to hide or ignore the fact we've gotten so much debt. You can't erase it and you can't pretend it doesn't exist. So here it is. We are getting real with our debt. Just by paying those debts off, it will free up about $400-$450 a month to go towards other debt (hence the debt snowball theory).

Our "new years resolution" is to get out of debt. 2 years and then we'll have just my car and the house. After my car is paid off, then we can start to look for land. We want to build. Our goal is to be out of debt and into a new home in 4 years (our 10 year anniversary). Here's to the long road ahead of living like "no one else" so that we can LIVE like no one else!

~danielle~

Cash is King and being Frugal is cool!

Prayers for my Grandpa!

2010-01-17T18:40:00.000-08:00

My grandpa has been fighting his battle with Alzheimer's for a couple of years now. He's also had to fight bladder cancer andmom called me tonight to tell me things aren't looking good. He's been moving to a nursing home a week or so ago (grandma had to have a stint put into her heart, she was 80% blocked) and he's now refusing to eat, doesn't want to get up or go into sun light. He's come to the point he doesn't recognize anyone and asks for his mom and dad a lot.

Please say a prayer for my grandmother and grandfather and of course my dad and his brothers and sister. It's been a long time coming but it certainly doesn't make it any easier. Sometimes I hate being so far away from my dad's side of the family (Ohio).

~danielle~

My hopes for my buisness

2010-01-14T13:11:00.001-08:00

As most of you know, I've started a new business venture. I felt it was time to do something for me and help to bring in some extra income. I am an Independent Vantel Pearls Demonstrator. I love the people that I work with and for and I love the products. I'm very excited about this new business for several reasons:

1. Vantel Pearls in the Oyster is a relatively new company and I get the opportunity to help build a wonderful business. There aren't any demonstrators in my area and that allows me free rein for my business!

2. It gives me a reason to get dressed up and feel like a girl!! I LOVE being a wife and a mother and I wouldn't trade it for anything!! But I love the idea of being able to get dressed up and go hang out with other ladies! I'm able to get some adult time, which I really need and enjoy!

3. Vantel Pearls is so different from any other home party I've ever experienced and I know, if given the opportunity to experience it, others will love it as much as I do.

My thoughts/feelings/goals/ideas for my business is as follows:

1. To become a qualified demonstrator by the end of the month.
2. My goal is to do 4-6 shows a month, which I think is realistic with small kiddos (5 and 4.5months) and a hubby who does concrete work and tends to be very unpredictible.
3. I would like to become a Manager by the end of the year and eventually Sr. Manager.
4. To earn a paid for vacation/trip for my husband and I (who never had a honeymoon). I don't know that I will earn it THIS year, but I WILL earn one!

My goals/expectations are not crazy or out of this world. I know I just need a couple good parties so that I can get the bookings I need to get up and running. I'm going to pray about this as I know others will love Vantel Pearls in the Oyster as much as I do!

I am excited to meet some of my team members and upperlinks at the end of the month in North Richland Hills. I am also excited about having a party scheduled for that same night and getting to see someone people I haven't seen in a long time!

~danielle~

THE SICKNESS....

2010-01-13T13:24:00.000-08:00

is taking over my house!!! I hate that I can't get rid of the sickness of my house. I was able to get everyone healthy during christmas vacation and Lane went back to school last week and now the nasty cough is back. Julie ends up getting it and can't have any meds due to her age.

I'm soo frustrated!! I know it's part of going to school but it's really REALLY hard when your kiddos are coughing and throwing up (due to the mucous) and no fever so there's nothing they can do.

Back to catch up on laundry. So tired..

~danielle~

Julie's 4 month checkup.

2010-01-04T18:53:00.000-08:00

Julie had her 4 month checkup today! She weighs 12lbs 14oz and is 24 inches long. She's definitely getting bigger and the doctor said she's right in the middle of the measurements. She is holding her up really well and it wont be long until she's rolling over from back to front. She was NOT happy about the doctors checking her over today and of course the two shots she received.

Lane also had to have a swine flu booster shot today. That was NOT fun and I had to wrap him up like a pretzel. I hate that he had to get two of them but with his allergies and asthma I felt it was the right decision. Plus we don't need him to bring it home from school and share it with his sister. I'm just glad he wont need to have any more shots anytime soon.

What a rough way to start a Monday! My babies are sleeping now though. Mikie is still working and I hate that he has to be out when it's so cold. That's part of the job though :(

Tomorrow is another day! We have our prayer shawl meeting and I'm excited to see the ladies. I really enjoying knitting and spending time with the ladies. They are such a great group of people!

~danielle~

Blockbuster express codes!

2010-01-03T11:23:00.000-08:00

We recently have gotten a blockbuster express in our local grocery store. I'm very excited about this, even though I'm a member of netflix but this will allow me to rent a movie when I don't currently have one, or to get new movies quickly or to be able to get a movie that both Mikie and I want to see and use my netflix more for myself! I have gotten a few freebie codes and I thought I'd post them here for myself and anyone else. Keep in mind, you may use the codes more than once as long as you use different credit cards. Not that I'm suggesting you should have credits cards, nor should you USE them, BUT if you're good enough to return your movies and not get charged an extra night, might as well enjoy it while you have it :)

GW9TB5 - ROGO 1/5/10
GW11B3 - ROGO 1/25/10
G211A2 - ROGO 1/28/10
GT11A - Free Rental 1/31/10
KIOSK - Free Rental 2/11/10
GT95A - Free Rental 2/28/10

My hope is, we will get a Redbox at our McDonalds to create some competition and hopefully more codes in the future! :)

~danielle~

6th Anniversary!

2010-01-03T11:17:00.000-08:00

Last night Mikie and I went out for our 6th wedding anniversary. Today we can saw we've managed to stay married for 6 years (and not kill each other)! We were able to put money away into our envelope system (thanks dave) and went to Texas Roadhouse and then to see Avatar 3D!! We had cash for gas and a babysitter!

Stephanie came over to watch the kiddos at 4:30pm. I had gotten them a walmart pizza to eat and had most everything out and ready for her. We went to Texas Roadhouse where I had my usual ribs and Mikie had a steak! I got myself a strawberry daquari, yummy they are so good. I haven't had one in ages! My dinner was wonderful, as always! Once we were done we made a stop at the Verizon store to see if we could get a new phone for Mikie. His phone gets very little reception, drops calls and doesn't ring half the time. He was able to get a new one, which should arrive on Tuesday!

We then headed back to Marshall (cheap theater, but VERY nice). We got our tickets to see Avatar 3D, which was Mikie's first 3D movie. It was completely amazing! The graphics and the world of Pandora was just too cool. The colors were so vibrant. I'd love to meet the mind behind that movie. It just amazes me. It was defintiely one you want to see in the theaters. It's ashame we don't have an IMAX theater closer, I can only imagine what that would be like!

We came home and watched the rest of the Texas Tech vs Michagan St. game! It was an awesome 4th quarter!

So today, we can say we've been happily married 6 years. Here's to another year!

~danielle~

New Years Resolutions

2010-01-01T07:27:00.000-08:00

I don't usually make New Years Resolutions but here's to trying something new:

1. Lose the last 8 or so lbs from being pregnant with Julie and "tone up" my body some - Wii fit and Zumba
2. Work on the kiddos scrapbooks
3. Finish up some UFO knitting projects
4. Build my Vantel Pearl Business
5. Continue to work to help get our family out of debt and closer to our "out of debt plans"
6. Ride my horse more often
7. Continue to be a good mom to my kiddos (and neice and nephew when needed).
8. Read more books (because I love to read)
9. Have a date night once a month with the hubby.
10. Blog more and post some of my "scores" and "deals" I find when I'm being frugal!

Some are easier than others and all I can do is my best to continue to do what I do and to improve on others.

~danielle~

Awesome Target score!

2009-12-31T14:33:00.000-08:00

I went to Target today (which I rarely do b/c it's so far from the house) loaded with my coupons and lists. I did really well if I do say so myself! Here's my breakdown!

Pampers Diapers 8.99 - $2 Target coupon, $2 MFR
Huggies Diapers 8.99 - $1.50 Target coupon, $3 MFR
Luvs Diapers 6.99 - $1.50 Target Coupon, $2 MFR
Huggies Wipes 184 ct $5.99- $1.50 Target, $.75 MFR
Pampers Wipes 77 Ct $1.39 - $1 Target, $.50 MFR
Destin 2oz - 2.99 - $1 Target, $1 MFR
A&D 4oz $3.39 - $2.00 Target, $1.00 MFR
Johnson's Baby Shampoo 20oz $3.29 - $1 Target, $1 MFR
3 Lysol Cleaning items $2.29 each - 3, $1 MFR
2 Lysol Cleaning products $1.69 each - 2, $1 MFR
Cascade Actionpacs 20ct $3.79 - $1 MFR

I also had 1 $5/$25 in baby products coupon that I received in the mail along with all the target baby coupons. I had 23 coupons and 1 card. Everything I bought was either on sale and/or I had Target and MFR coupons!!

My total was $66.97. After my coupons and such I paid $23.07 (saved 43.90)!!! I thought I did pretty well and if you see all the stuff I got (I did take pictures) I was really impressed. I'm also going to Toys R Us Saturday night to get 3 packages of diapers for $1.50 each!!! I currently have 10 packages of size 2 diapers (we opened the first package last night) and 3 (the ones I bought today) of size 3. I'm hoping to get size 3 at Toys R Us.

What an awesome score and I'm VERY proud of myself! More good deals at CVS and Walmart tomorrow when I do the regular shopping.

~danielle~

My beautiful butterfly princess!

2009-10-27T17:31:00.001-07:00

Here is my beautiful Butterfly Princess! I bought this custome in town from Beauty and the Book. These are handmade halloween costumes and just the cutest things! Julie was not fond of the "halo" on her head, but I thought it was really cute.

I took these pictures in my house. I made a little drapped area in the corner of my dinning room. She did really well all things considering and I think the pictures turned out pretty good! I just love the little tutu!

Lane is going to be a police officer for halloween and I'll get some pictures of him this weekend. He's pretty sick and not doing much but laying around. Poor guy!

~danielle~

My Opening Vantel Pearl Party!!

2009-10-18T20:27:00.000-07:00

YOU'RE INVITED!!!

Hello Ladies,

You are invited to a Pearl Party! THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING PARTIES YOU WILL EVER ATTEND!!

We "dive" for real oysters. You pick the one you want and it is opened right in front of your eyes. A lustrous white, cream, pink, gold, blue or even a rare black Pearl is waiting for you! MAYBE EVEN TWINS!

Invite all your gal-pals to join you -- your mom, your sister, your girlfriends and your daughters, your nieces and cousins! They'll thank you for the experience!

I will show you a wide selection of exquisite Pearl Jewelry settings. Each setting is uniquely designed to highlight your Pearl's natural beauty and luster. (Pearl oysters are only $8.95 when the pearl is set into jewelry. The value of the pearl may be as high as $114!)

Even if you can't attend, ask about placing a pre-party order. Welcome!

At Vantel Pearls, we import our own Pearl Oysters, which are grown exclusively for Pearls. They are from the South Pacific, an area renowned for the most valuable Pearls in the world. These are pearls of the absolute highest quality, yet we keep our prices for the pearls low because we are the largest importer of Pearl oysters in the U.S.

Our settings are Sterling Silver, 14 KT Gold & Vermeil (a sterling silver and 14kt gold combination.)

The Home Party catalog pictures are representations only. YOUR PEARL is what makes each piece unique!

If you'd like to check out our Online Boutique for some unique and trendy pieces, go to my website (below.) Boutique pieces do not require any additional pearls to be set into them.

www.vantelpearls.com/daniellewoods

If you can't attend, we can open an oyster for you at the party, or you can have a 6.5mm white pearl placed into any setting. Or you can simply choose an itemfrom the Boutique! PLEASE DO NOT PLACE YOUR ORDER ONLINE! Give your order to your hostess.

Payment accepted is:
Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express
Cash (of course) and checks made payable to Danielle Woods
Hope to see you there!

Other services:

Do you have an unmounted pearl at home? We can set it into one of our jewelry settings at no additional cost beyond the setting price.

Do you know someone who is getting married? We have a wonderful Bridal program to help the bride have genuine pearls at a reasonable cost.

Are you looking for a unique fundraiser? We can help you there too!

Vantel Pearls is an established company that is growing!

We are hiring demonstrators everywhere! Who do you know? It could be worth $25 in free jewelry for you!

Join us for a “Halloween” VANTEL PEARLS PARTY!
Open an Oyster and treat yourself to a genuine Pearl!

Participate in our scavenger hunt to earn Party tickets for prizes.
RSVP to your Hostess
Arrive on time on your ‘broomstick’
Bring this invitation
Wear something orange or black
Bring a tiny pumpkin
Wear a witch’s hat
Bring an adult friend
Book your own Theme Party

Participation not required to attend. Unable to make it? We’ll miss you. Browse our website catalog and Boutique at www.vantelpearls.com and call our Hostess to place your order. Like FREE shopping? Book your own Party! Ask me about a Special just for Hostesses!

October 25th (Sunday) at 3:00pm at my house!

Lane's 5th Birthday smilebox!

2009-10-17T19:23:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Julie's smilebox!

2009-10-17T18:44:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Lane and TomiJo

2009-10-17T17:11:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday night the phone rings and I answered it and this cute little voiced asked if she could speak to Lane. I of course said yes and passed the phone off to my son. He said hello and his face lit up when he realized it was TomiJo. She is a girl from his class that he came home from school talking all about. Except when he first came home he wasn't sure of her name. It was "Tom and Joe" and finally we found out it was TomiJo. She invited Lane to come watch her cheer at the bulldogs game today. He was very excited about her calling him and after they were done talking her mom asked to speak to me. She told me they were getting ready for bed and TomiJo mentioned she hadn't talked to Lane in a couple of days (she wasn't in school that Friday) and would really like to speak to him.

So today I took Lane and Julie to Elysian Fields to see TomiJo cheer. We also have some family that plays on the football team so it was nice to get out of the house. TomiJo was so excited to see Lane when we got there. She ran over to tell her mom that Lane had come to see her cheer. Prior to this game, I had never met her mom, only spoken to her on the phone. It was nice to put a face with a name! The two kids walked around together after the game was over. A friend took some pictures (my camera was in the car) and promised to send them to me on facebook. I did get this one of them with my cell phone.

Lane says he likes the ribbons in her hair. He tells me all the time how pretty she is and how he really really loves her. So, there it is, my son and his first crush (besides Jessica of course).

She is a beautiful little girl and I'm glad to see my son has such good taste. His father is quite proud too!

~danielle~

The sun is finally shinning!

2009-10-16T14:43:00.000-07:00

I am so glad to see the sun today! It has been so nasty here for the last week! I was begining to feel nasty and almost depressed. The weather is cooler and I know the fall is coming. I dislike the cold weather but the cool weather is nice!

Today Julie and I did our grocery shopping. I was very happy because I went to Walgreens and bought two bags worth of stuff (two packages of diapers, 3 things if dental floss, 2 revelon pedi-eggs and 8 cans of soup) and it only cost me 1.35!! I used a bunch of Register Rewards and coupons. I was so proud of myself! I didn't do as well at walmart (still lots of coupons) but not that great a deal. Here's to being frugal!

I have also made the leap to become a Vantel Pearl Demonstrator. I'm very excited about this. We've been very blessed becaused I've been able to stay at home, but we could really use the extra income. Vantel Pearl will allow me to create my own schedule, be home with my kiddos and hopefully bring in some extra income. Work has been really slow because of all the rain here in North East Texas. We want to put away some more money for Christmas and we would also like to continue our debt snowball (Dave Ramsey). I just received his Financial Freedom program book and plan to read that as well.

Today was just a beautiful day and I'm so glad to see the sun shine again. I've missed the sun so much!

~danielle~

Wonderful Surprise!

2009-10-04T19:29:00.000-07:00

My husband came home bearing gifts when he came home from work on Friday!! I was so surprised!

He brought me a dozen roses, which were absoluately beautiful and smelled SO sweet! He also bought me a gift certificate to get a manicure and a pedicure! I was shocked! I have never had a manicure or a pedicure!!!

I was able to go on Saturday to get my very first pedicure and manicure! I went and picked out some pearly pink color (Sation nail polish, 54- pink pink). I painted a pretty flower on my big toe nails! It DID tickle my feet but I did the best I could not to kick the poor guy in the head. It was so wonderful. It was totally awesome to spend an hour being pampered!

I such a wonderful hubby! I couldn't of asked for a better present. It was really great to know I'm appreciated for all that I do. I *know* he/they apperciate me, but it is nice to be reminded :)

~danielle~

Host a Pearl Party!

2009-10-02T14:09:00.001-07:00

I have decided to become a Vantel Pearl demonstrator! I am looking for 4 people that would be interested in hosting a party in the next 30 (ish) days!!

A Pearl Party is hosted at your house, takes about an hour and is loads of fun! Each person (that choses) can go Oyster Diving! We will open our oysters at the party! I will clean and appraise them for you and then you will be able to buy jewlery to put your very own pearl in!

These parties are so much fun! I can't wait to start my new business. I plan to host the first party in mid-october!

www.vantelpearls.com has the online catty's if you'd like to see our products and learn more about a pearl party!

Feel free to contact me if you're interested in hosting a party or coming to a party!

~danielle~

Learning to be frugal

2009-09-22T13:42:00.001-07:00

My mom and I have been spending a lot of time reading websites and blogs on how to use coupons and save money. These days it doesn't seem you can save enough money and the cost of feeding a family of 3 (will be 4 in not too long) isn't getting any cheaper.

I'm still learning but last week I managed to get $20 in coupons and had a few price match sales. I felt pretty good about my savings. I even managed to get a few things for free (with coupons and/or price matching).

It's almost become a job for me to sit and go through the weekly ads from Walgreens, CVS, Brookshires and Krogers and then go through my coupons and and make my lists of what we need or what we can get for cheap/free (to stock up or donate). Some weeks are better than other weeks of course, always depending on what's on sale and what we need.

My hubby went shopping with me last week and I think he was surprised (pleasently) to see how much time/effort I put into trying to save money. I think he was also surprised to see what I was able to buy and what I managed to get for cheap or free!

I thought I'd share a few websites I visit regularly. You never know how much you can save/get with just a little time and a little effort!

http://www.frugalcouponliving.com/
http://www.budgetsavingmom.com/
http://www.bigtent.com/group/buzz (how to shop for free website..cost $1 to join..keeps out spammers).

~danielle~

Fun frames!

2009-09-21T20:05:00.000-07:00

Last night, while trying to get a fussy baby to sleep I decided to play with my phone. I realized that my phone has some really cool "frames". Here are my test subjects and their pictures. I thought they were pretty funny.

This is how I picture Mikie if he were part of the disco era!

My beautiful baby getting some MUCH needed rest!

Lane and his funny face. He always sticks his tongue out!!

This is Lane if he were in an aquarium! This was his favorite picture!

So who knew my phone could be so much fun? I can't believe all the cool things I can do. See what happens when you're really tired and trying to stay awake? The joys of parenthood :)

~danielle~

Netflix vs. Blockbuster

2009-09-21T11:01:00.000-07:00

I have been an avid user of Netflix for probably 2 or 3 years now. I love netflix since our local movie rental place (mom and pop kinda place) only has a few dvds and they rent them by the night. Most nights I have no idea what's going to happen and can never count on the fact if I rent a movie, I'll get to work it that same night. Our blockbuster is in marshall and I try to only go to marshall on Friday's (save on gas and such).

I noticed on frugalcouponliving.com that she found that blockbuster was offering a 6 week free trial of their service and thought I'd sign up. I wanted to see how they rated compared to the netflix and which would was the best rental for me.

Let's start with netflix.

If I mail a movie out on Monday, they usually received it Tuesday and ship out my next movie that same day and I usually have it Wednesday. That's pretty good. I rarely have any problems getting a movie late (maybe a handful of times in the entire time I've been a member). I've never had a movie lost in the mail and I've only received 1 movie damanged (which I did not have to pay for). I've lost one movie (I'm convinced I threw it away) and I paid the fee and was sent out another movie promptly. I pay 15.07 (with tax) a month for 2 movie rental (unlimited). I've watched several online through their streaming and mostly pretty good quality and I've had no problems with that. I give them an A+.

Blockbuster is next.

I was able to find the movies I was interested in, so the selection seems pretty good. I liked the idea that I could return them to the blockbuster store, but what I think they fail to mention is that you can only do it 5 times in a month. They may not be a problem for some people, but if you can get unlimited rentals, why not be able to return them unlimited as well. I received my first movie about 3 days after i signed up. I mailed both movies back on the same day (to the same place in two different envelopes) and one was received the next day and the other took 3 days to get there. It took them 1 day to mail me a new dvd for the first return and then it's taken 3 days for the 2nd return. They defintiely aren't nearly as fast (and maybe they aren't worried about that since they have the actual store to make money from as well). Price wise, they are more expensive, 16.99 (without tax) for unlimited rentals. I haven't found that you can watch any movies on their site yet either, but I believe you can download one to your box for a 24 hour viewing..

I know that Netflix dvds go to Coppell, Tx and blockbuster to Dallas, Tx (both are very close to either other).

My overall review is, I'll stick with Netflix after my six week trial is finished. Blockbuster is nice, but at this point in time (and in my opinion) doesn't compare with the service I receive from Netflix, nor the price.

~danielle~

Adjusting to a new life style!

2009-09-02T17:46:00.000-07:00

There has been lots of changes the past two weeks. Julie, is of course on her own schedule, which makes things harder for me. I'm such a planned person it's hard for me to just "go with the flow", but I'm managing! She has become a sleep fighter. I was really hoping she wouldn't get that trait from me, like her brother did. Ahhh my mother is just jumping with joy for the fact I got another one "just like me". We are working with it and I'm finding a few tricks that seem to help!

Lane is enjoying school! He is up at 7am (usually without me waking him) and most days he gets up and gets dressed, brushes his hair and teeth and watches tv until it's time to go! He eats breakfast at school with his class and then we pack a lunch. He gets the best of both worlds! He has many friends, most of which he talks about, happen to be girls. Why am I not surprised? Today he told me they learned about ears. He is supposed to use his ears to listen! I said it was a wonderful thing that God gave him ears so he could listen. He surely thought so!

Mikie had to have a root canal yesterday. It took 4 hours to do it and it was long sitting with Julie waiting for him. He had to take a pain pill last night, but he's feeling better today. He goes back next month for a crown. The dentist is working with us and isn't going to charge us until they do the crown. It's going to be about 1600 and since we don't have insurance, we'll be paying for it all. Ahhh.. the joys. He has some more dental work that will need to be done, but will have to wait until we can pay this off first. Then I'll need to see the dentist.

This weekend is labor day weekend. We have nothing planned, but to spend time with the family! Rebecca, my best friend from Ohio will be here next Tuesday. Lane's birthday is next Friday and we'll have his party next Saturday at Pump It Up in Longview. He's really excited! I can't believe he'll be 5. Where does the time go!

I'm hoping to start scrapbooking again some during the day. I need to catch up on Lane's (of course) and start on Julie's. One day I'll be closer to having some complete albums!

~danielle~

Feeling the blues!

2009-08-27T18:45:00.000-07:00

This week has been a worldwind of emotions! I had Julie on Friday, we were able to come home Sunday afternoon, Lane started school Monday morning and I went from having 2 kiddos back to 1 kiddo. I am happy to have the time to bond with Julie, but I feel like part of my job is missing. Everything seems to make me tear up!

I'm so happy when Lane comes home from school and then I'm sad when he goes to bed. I only get about 4 hours with him once he gets home from school before it's time to take his bath, get his medicine and go to bed! Ugh this is definitely harder than I thought it would be!

During the day I'm back to spending a lot of time by myself since Mikie is at work and Julie is doing a lot of sleeping. I know this wont last long, but just a lot of changes at once!

I didn't have the "blues" after Lane, but I certainly feel it this time! I hope it doesn't last long. I hate to cry and I know Mikie hates to see me cry. One step at a time. I'm glad it's almost the weekend and Mikie isn't working. Atleast I can spend it with all my family!

~danielle~

C-section

2009-08-25T17:04:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of Mikie all decked out in his "scrubs" before my c-section. Blue really is such a nice color on him!

We had to be at the hospital at 6am for my 7:30am c-section. I didn't sleep much the night before (surprise surprise). We arrived and I was put in an exam room to prep for surgery. They hooked up monitors to get her heartrate and to check all my vitals. I managed to get the nurse to do my cathater AFTER I was drugged up (score 1 for me). They did my IV in my left hand and it went surpisingly well. I managed to have a good bowel movement on my own before we left for surgery as well.

They took me into the surgical room and handed Mikie his scrubs to get dressed while they prepped me. I had a really good anesthesiologist who talked me through the entire spinal block procedure beforehand. It only hurt for about 20 seconds and then they laid me down and I started to get numb! I was then given the cathetor which I never felt and waited while they finished prepping and for Dr. Gaskin to come in. I had a small reaction to the meds, which made me chest feel very heavy. I was given some meds and it immediatly felt better.

Dr Gaskin came in and they brought Mikie in to sit next to me. They started to cut me open and I could tell something wasn't quite right. I could hear them talking of course and it turns out I had/have a lot of scar tissue, thick bands of it it seems. About half way through, I started to "feel" some pain and a lot of pressure. I was told it was them trying to get through all the scar tissue, 2 more minutes (or less) and the baby would be out. It wasn't uncontrollable pain, but uncomfortable that's for sure. It took 2 or 3 people to pop her out!

I heard her scream as they pulled her out and then it got quiet. They told Mikie he could peek over the drap to see her. The anesthesiologist said "well what is it". I said "well it better be a girl" and Dr. Gaskin goes "oh honey, it's a girl!" She was taken over to the baby area, which I could see and I saw some dark hair!!!!!

Mikie got up and walked over and they spent 5 minutes or so cleaning her up, taking her finger/feet prints. The whole time I could see some of what they were doing (more the flainging of arms and legs, but still). Finally they handed her to Mikie and he came and sat down next to me. This time (unlike with lane's c-section) my arms weren't strapped to the table so I could touch and kiss her.

He probably sat there with me and Julie for 5 minutes or so before they headed to the nursery and it was time to close me up. I decided against the sedation and just tried to relax while they closed me up. It took about 30 minutes. Then the shakes started of course. Which was explained to me that I really am cold, even though my skin is warm b/c of the IV they are pumping me with which is much cooler than my body.

Later Dr. Gaskin came in to talk to me. He explained to me the reason it took as long as it did was because of all the scar tissue. He told me I was a mess.. literally. He advised against having another baby b/c he felt it would be really difficult to get the baby out (even more so than it was this time). So in other words, no more babies. Mikie and I had already said we would be happy with 2, but it gives you a little different feeling when someone else makes the discussion for you.

He did tell me he'd be willing to do a full hysterectomy for me in a couple of years, regardless of my age b/c he now knows what my inside looks like. He also told me, it's no surprise that I experience as much pain as I do....

So.. in a nutshell, the c-section went well, but there definitely wont be anymore babies. We will have to work on find a way (savings, insurance, etc) to fund a hysterectomy in a few years (around 10k). One day at a time though. Our daughter is beautiful, happy and healthy. We have the perfect family..

~danielle~

Lane's First Day of School!

2009-08-25T15:07:00.000-07:00

Lane started Pre-K yesterday!! He was very excited about it. I was a little sad as I felt like I had a lot of changes this weekend with the birth of Julie and now my son going off to school. Mikie took him to school since I was unable to drive. I got up and watched him get dressed and Mikie took some pictures for me. He was ready to go!

I found out that another friend of ours took some pictures of Lane outside the school and with her son. I can't wait to see how those turned out!

Yesterday I went with Mikie to pick up from school. His teacher did the most wonderful thing! She took a picture of Lane sitting at his desk and printed it out! She told Mikie to tell me, she wanted me to have a picture of him at school since I wasn't able to be there myself. I just wanted to cry!!!! It's the hormones, but it was the most perfect thing she could of done for me (us).

He told us about school yesterday. He had a good time. He told me he thought he would like go back! I was so happy to hear that. Sad, b/c he didn't "miss" me, but glad he enjoyed himself!

Here are a few pictures of him ready for his first day!

~danielle~

Julie Amber Woods has arrived!

2009-08-23T19:31:00.000-07:00

Julie Amber Woods was born at 8:07am via c-section on Friday August 21st (Mikie's birthday). She weighed 7lbs 11.3oz. She was 19 inches long! Lane was only slighty bigger when he was born.

She has lots of dark hair, which is great for hairbows and headbands! I had enough indigestion, that it's no surprise she had hair!

She have chubby checks and everyone says she looks like Mike and Mikie!!

The c-section went ok for me. I have a lot of scar tissue, which caused the c-section to take a little longer.

We were able to come home today (Sunday). Julie and I are having some issues nursing, but we are trying to work through them. Hopefully as my milk comes in, she will latch better.

Lane loves his new baby sister. He even wanted to hold her after the 2nd day. He's going to be such a great big brother!

Mikie is the "dotting" father. He's so gentle and loving and looks really cute holding a little girl all dressed up in frills and bows!

Pictures to follow shortly! :)

~danielle, mikie, lane and julie~

Happy Birthday to my beautiful neice!

2009-08-20T07:32:00.000-07:00

Alli, my neice, turns 6 years old today! I still remember when she was born! I can't believe how big the beautiful, blue eyed girl has gotten! She is having her party on Saturday and I wont be able to make it b/c I'll still be in the hospital!

We made her up a new no sew fleece blanket. It has dogs all over it! I hope she will like it. Then Karon can have her horse blanket back I made for her for christmas!!!!

Less than 24 hours to go! Need to do the grocery shopping and pay some bills today. My parents will be here this afternoon and my sister will be here late tonight!

We have to leave here at 5:30am in the morning! Here's for the last day of being pregnant and feeling the baby move inside of me! I wont miss the swollen ankles, the indigestion, the lack of sleep, sore joints/muscles, being physically ill, or the extra 45lbs I put on!

~danielle~

Friday is the day!

2009-08-19T10:53:00.000-07:00

I went yesterday to see the doctor and my contractions just aren't close enough and I'm only dilated a tiny bit. So back home I went.

I did all my pre-op test stuff yesterday. They took lots of blood and urine samples. They gave me a list of things to do before surgery and things not to do before surgery and all the rules for the maternity ward.

My c-section is scheduled for 7:30am on August 21st in Marshall at the Good Shepard Hospital. I have to be at the hospital at 6am for prep work and to get me ready for surgery. I can't eat or drink after midnight on Thursday and I have to shower with some really great smelling "skin cleaner" so I'm good and germfree for surgery!

Hopefully, since my surgery is so early I can go home sometime on sunday! Mom and dad will be here tomorrow afternoon. My sister is coming sometime this weekend and I think my bro is stuck working, so! Less than 48 hours and life is about to change! Lane is excited though! :)

~danielle~

Still no baby!

2009-08-16T14:25:00.000-07:00

Today I am 38w3d pregnant. I had Lane at 38w2d!!! I was hoping Julie would make her grand appearance early, but I'm starting to feel like I might be pregnant forever! I know that's silly since my c-section is scheduled for Friday, August 21st at 7:30am, but....Friday seems so far away! Sleeping has become very hard. I'm up every hour because I either have to pee or my joints/limbs hurt or go numb. It's a pretty bad feeling. I try to catch sleep whenver I can!

Mom and dad left for Cancun today! They have joked all along that she would make her appearance now that they have left the states! LOL. A friend of mine and Mikie's also has the same due date and she decided that 8-17-09 (monday) would be a good day to have the babies. 8 minus 17 equals 9. That makes it easy for us to remember! She's 6 hours ahead of me (in england) so it's time for her to get moving. I'll take my walk tonight and hope that all works out!

Lane has been very curious about how the baby is going to come out. We've told him some of it, like that they will give mommy medicine and mommy wont feel anything, but that when he comes to visit, there will be some tubes and such in mommy's arm and mommy might be really tired. We don't want him to be scared when he comes to the hospital. He understands that mommy will have to stay there for about 3 days. He asked if they were going to cut a "door" into my belly, which yes, in a sense they are. Then he wanted to know if there would be a door knob on there! LOL. No door knob. Kiddos are so funny!

I think that we are about as ready as we'll ever be for Julie to get here. Lane has everything he needs to start school (the first day is August 24th). His daddy is going to take him and he's going to get to meet his teacher on Thursday night! He's counting down the "night sleeps" until this happens!

Lane is also completely potty trained! We have found that if we get him up around 11pm-midnight, before we go to bed and let him pee, he can stay dry the rest of the night. He is very pleased with himself and I'm glad he's finally able to tell his "friends" that he's potty trained! He's such a big boy! We are so proud of him!

Nothing else really new here. I post a lot on Facebook. Just trying to pass the time until something worth while happens!

Off to start dinner. We are having steak, baked potatoes and corn on the cob! We'll see how much I can truly eat!

~danielle~

36w5d picture

2009-08-04T13:53:00.000-07:00

I wasn't going to take another picture b/c I feel huge and I'm rather swollen (thank you texas heat). BUT I did anyway. I'm 36w5d in this picture. Lane is my photographer btw. He didn't do too bad. I didn't have any pictures of his fingers or of himself! LOL.

I had a checkup yesterday. Lots of contractions lately, but no progress. The doctor said it's safe to go into labor anytime now. 37 weeks (thursday) is considered full term! Hopefully it wont be too much longer. I have a hard time breathing b/c she's up in my ribs and the idea of food makes me sick.

Not too much longer though....

Julie's room picture!

2009-08-04T13:51:00.001-07:00

Here are two pictures of Julie's room! It's almost done with it. I'll then try and take some final pictures! The pink in the curtains gives the room a soft pink hue. The color in the room is actually called "muslim wrap". We are hoping to get new carpet put in the bedroom before too long too, so please ignore the ugly grey floor!

Supporting the local economy!

2009-07-25T18:19:00.000-07:00

We headed to target today to get a small list of things we still needed for Julie. We ended up getting a dresser, baby book, receiving blankets, bouncy chair, front carrier, rug, curtain rods, mini blinds, boppy pillow covers and some hairbows (I couldn't resist).

We came home and first put up the miniblinds and the curtain rods so that her window would match the rest of her room! Mikie also put up the hanging items around her crib. Then we decided to tackle the dresser. I wanted to get her clothes put away and put the rest of the items in her room until we were ready for them (things are piled up in the dinning room and office).

After about 2 hours of working on the dresser, we were just about finished when we realized that the directions were incorrect. What they had written as the back of the dresser was really the front of the dresser. We tired to pull out the metal runners and switch them, but they only fit one way. We thought about changing the front to the back, but then we'd have holes in the front of the dresser. GAR?! We were NOT happy! We called Target and they told us to bring it back exactly as it was and they would take it back and refund us the money. My hubby asked if he could have the display model since he felt he put his work into it already. He was told he'd has to speak to a manager! LOL.

So. After spending $150+ on a dresser, it's ashame to see that the directions were so backwards! What a waste!! I'm very disappointed! This was the first furniture we've bought from Target. I wish there was somewhere on their website to post feedback about the product (It's not listed on there online website, I checked), I'd love to save someone the headache!

Tomorrow we will head back to target to hopefully get another dresser, since I'd really like to get her room finished! I did take pictures of Lane and Mikie during the construction phase, I'll post some of those later. Lane found that the styrofoam packing makes really good "ramps and tracks". Boys are so creative!

~danielle~

It's just too hot to do much of anything!!

2009-07-24T18:18:00.001-07:00

It's been so hot lately, I haven't been doing any knitting or crochetting. I just can't sit still or have any of the stuff on my lap/belly! Ugh. I did finish all 10 pairs of the beaded crochet shocks for Julie though. I have another small project I wanted to do for her, but I just can't do it right now. My fingers and my toes tingle and hurt from time to time. I know it's the swelling and I'm coming to the end of my pregnancy. It'll be nice when things start to go back to normal.

I have been doing quite a bit of reading. I thought I would update my list of books I'm working on.

I'm currently reading "The Face of Deception" by Iris Johansen. It's a new series that was recommended to me.

On my shelf to read, in no particular order is:
Chasing Charity - Marcia Gruver
Knit Two - Kate Jacobs
How to Knit a wild Bikini - Christie Ridgway
The Knitting Circle - Ann Hood
A Bride in the Bargain - DeeAnne Gist
Dark Lover - Brenda Joyce
Origin in Death - JD Robb (and to continue with this series)
Even Now - Karen Kingsbury
Mary - Janis Cooke Newman

There are of course a lot more on my shelf and new ones coming all the time from paperbackswap.com but I like to keep a list of the books I have and what's on my mind!

~danielle~

Not feeling great today or tonight. Think I'll go lay in bed and try to read. Julie seems to be up in my ribs!

Baby shower and other odds and ends!

2009-07-23T21:06:00.000-07:00

I had my baby shower last Saturday! It was really nice! We received lots of really nice things. My mom, sister, karon and terri did a great job at the shower! I even had some unexpected guests show up! One of my best friends from childhood surpried me! It happened that she was meeting her ex-hubby to drop the boys off for their visit the same day and he lives in Katy, Tx (south of houston). So she made the extra 2 hour trip here to see me! I haven't seen Becky since our senior year in HS (and we didn't go to the same high school). I'll get some pictures put up soon!

Julie's room is painted and I got her crib and bedding put up today! The room color is "muslin wrap" and it's really pretty with the bedding. I need to get curtain rods and mini blinds this weekend so we can put the curtains up. We are going to Target this weekend to exchange a few items and buy a dresser and a few other odds and ends that I'd like to have.

Karon bought Mikie a camo diaper bag. It's so cute. It has a fawn on the front and it says "daddy's baby" on it. She also got him a camo onsie with booties and a hat. The onsie has ruffles on the booty and around the collar. It's really cute!

I am hoping to get the rest of the things done this weekend so that I'll be ready when Julie decides to make her grand appearance! I packed her diaper bag with a couple of newborn items/outfits and some 0-3 month stuff. I'll be in the hospital for 3 days or so, there will be lots of time for dress-up!

I need to work on my 2nd baby shower thank you cards. I finished my first baby shower thank you cards. I still have a few to give out though!

I'm 35weeks today! We're getting closer! She is spending a lot of time up in my ribs and in my lungs. It makes it really hard to breathe sometimes. Its amazing how much space she can take up! There isn't much room left in my belly! Indigestion is really bad too these days. Ugh. I've started having Braxton hicks. Just a few in the evenings it seems. I'm so glad I don't have to go through labor again!

Not too much longer..

~danielle~

The Texas heat!!!

2009-07-14T11:05:00.000-07:00

I've always enjoyed living in Texas. I hate the snow and I hate the cold. So logically, Texas is the place to go. Although I'm rethinking this whole Texas heat thing during pregnancy. The heat makes me retain so much water! My feet and ankles are all becoming one unit. It's horrible!

I've been doing a lot of reading lately. I want to knit/crochet but I just can't. It's so hot! I have all these little projects I want to do for Julie, but right now it's not in the works! I did manage to get 9 pairs of beaded socks done. I need another package of beads to do the alst sock. I can't wait to see how she looks in them! These are 0-6 mos socks, so I'll have to start working on the 6-18 mos socks next. I'm going to use some pearl beads instead, so they'll be different!

My baby shower is Saturday. I'm really excited! Mikie is going to prime Julie's room and hopefully we can paint it this weekend! Then I can start putting things in there, instead of in my kitchen/computer room! I have some stuff in the storage building that need to be washed/cleaned. Hopefully I can work on that next week, then I can put things in her room.

So my belly is full of watermelon! I'm tired and I need to do some laundry and vaccum. I don't hold out much hope that it'll all get done, but we'll see!

~danielle~

My 2 food loves!

2009-07-13T10:52:00.000-07:00

Oh how I love watermelon. I think I could eat watermelon all day long! I can't understand why it can't be a good meal everyday!! Mom and dad brought me one from SA. Ohh it's been soo good to me. I could almost hurt myself eating one.

My 2nd craving is for hotdogs. Not just any hotdogs. I want the Ball Park Franks with the cheese inside. I don't like mustard or ketchup. Just a nice bun with a nice, warm, cheesy hotdog. mmmm.

So that was my lunch today. 2 hotdogs and a nice, big, juicy piece of watermelon.

~danielle~

My poor Max...

2009-07-09T17:24:00.001-07:00

You know they say when it rains it pours..... I noticed that Max (the cat) has had really bad breath, which isn't normal for a cat. I also noticed he hasn't been eating very much so I knew he needed to see the vet. I took him in today to have him looked at and the vet noticed "sores" on the inside of his mouth. She couldn't get a really good look though b/c it's not easy to get a cat to open it's mouth! She told me she would need to do a mild sedation so she could see what was going on and to make sure there wasn't anything else still in the top of his mouth.

She called me about 30 minutes later to let me know it was not any bite or infection per say, he has Feline FIV. When he was there in March, he tested negative for this. Feline FIV is like Aids in humans. It's not contagious to humans, but the only way he got it would of been from a bite with another male, FIV positive cat. Since he wasn't positive when he was tested in March, it's probable that he go it from a cat around here. *sigh*. My guess would be the cats that just roam across the street b/c the neighbors allow them to breed and then just throw them outside.

Max had a temp of 104, he's lost 2.3 lbs and he was very dehydrated. They pumped him full of fluids, antibiotics and steriods. I also had them clip his nails while he was sedated (makes life a bit easier). She gave him a shot of long lasting antibiotics b/c there would be no way I would get anything into his mouth. The sores on the inside of his mouth are actually his lymphnodes. They are swollen and infected. It's very painful :(

She said some cats with FIV rarely have problems and live a full, long life. Some get flair ups from time to time and others just can't fight it off. We have to do our best to keep Max in the house since he can now infect other male cats. *sighs*. I bought him some can cat food hoping he might be able to eat something softer.

When I got him home, I let him out of the carrier in the bedroom, hoping it would provide him with some privacy and some time to get himself together. I didn't know how he would do since he had been mildly sedatated. He immediatly followed me out and laid on me. He was my shadow, literally! I was really surprised b/c I had taken him to have all those horrible things done to him. But I guess when you don't feel good, you'll take all the lovings you can get.

After a while, I put some of the can cat food into his bowl and brought it over to him. He literally attacked the bowl! I ended up moving him to his normal food area and allowing him to have his fill. He managed to lick most of the gravy and juices out of it. I don't think he ate a lot though. I mixed some more water into the gravy, hoping that it would help. It's a start though. I plan to get him some more can food and feed him some for the next couple of days until he can manage to eat the dry food again.

So 167 later, a FIV positive test, Max is home. If he isn't able to overcome this, I've decided I wont get another cat. I can't subject another cat to the issues that seem to happen around here. Even though I adopted a cat, took him to the vets to be checked out, get all his shots and make sure he's fixed, we still have to pay the high price. It just irks me. I also hate knowing that I have a cat that can potentially infect other male cats.

Ahh when it rains it pours. My poor Maximus Aurelius!

~danielle~

Not been feeling good.

2009-07-06T10:18:00.001-07:00

I'm 32w4d today. I had my checkup. Everything looks good...except I don't feel good. I've gained 6 lbs in 2 weeks. I seem to be swelling a lot. I feel achey and rundown. Almost like I have the flu..except without the fever. The doctor said to just take it easy and call if I start running a fever.

Lane went and spent last week with his moomaw and poopaw. He enjoyed himself! They spoiled him rotten and he managed to do something everyday of the week. He was NOT bored! I missed him while he was gone. The AC went out during that time. We are getting a new unit installed on Tuesday. The AC guy rigged the unit up so it would work until then. I'll be so happy to have a cooler house. We are getting a bigger unit.

4th of July was nice. Mom, dad and travis were here. It was nice to have the family (except caiti) here. We had a cookout at Mike and Karons. Dad painted Lane's new room, so we are that much closer to getting him into it. The new office is coming along nicely. I'll be happy when it's all done. We are looking to get new windows put in this fall. Mom helped me get my lasagna garden going. I wont be able to plant anything until this fall or next spring, but it's a work in progress. I was glad to have the help.

The weather is cooler today. I hope to catch a nap at resttime. Not much else going on around here. Just relaxing. 6 and half weeks until the c-section. I'm ready!

~danielle~

Updated pics!

2009-06-21T08:23:00.000-07:00

Here are some updated pictures of me! I'm 30weeks3days. Lane was my photographer! He didn't do too bad. Although I was laughing at him in the first picture. He goes "You have to say CHEESE mommy." What a goof ball. I have my checkup tomorrow. They are ever two weeks now, until 36weeks and then they go to ever week! I'm feeling ok. Lots of swelling the last week or so but it's been in the 90's. We have been blessed with wonderful neighbors that allow us to come over and swim whenever we'd like. We've been trying to do it in the evenings to help with the swelling and the restless leg I've been experiencing. It seems to help some!

Today is Father's day! Happy Father's day to all the dad's out there! Mikie is working today (lots of work these days, thank God!). We are having a Father's Day dinner tonight, Steak, texas toast, potatoes, corn on the cob and chocolate chip cookies for Dessert!

We are off to church! Just wanted to post some new pictures as baby julie continues to grow and cause me pain!

~danielle~

Things still needed for Julie

2009-06-15T08:33:00.000-07:00

Here is an updated list of the things I still need/could use for Julie! Some of these things are bigger than others (price wise).

1. High Chair
2. Infant Car seat
3. Dresser (we may get Lane a bigger one and give his to Julie).
4. Bouncy Chair
5. Front carrier/sling
6. Baby book
7. Memory box
8. Hooded towels
9. Play mat
10. Fall winter clothes in sizes 3-6 and 6-9 months. We are pretty good for newborn-3 months summer clothes.
11. Bath stuff (shampoo, lotion, body wash, etc).

I have everything for the bedroom (9 piece crib set, lamp, mobile, wall hangings, diaper stacker), thanks to my step mother in law! I have a crib, swing, pack n play, exersaucer, bath tub, jenny jump up, diaper bag, stroller and a bassinet.

I have updated our gift registries at walmart.com and target.com. Hopefully that will help for my next baby shower!

~danielle~

Church baby shower!

2009-06-14T19:32:00.001-07:00

The UMW and the Prayer Shawl Ministries group threw me a baby shower today! There was so much pink! It was awesome! The cake was so cute! The frosting was hot pink! There was probably 10-15 of us there! It was so great! Emma Rose also made her grand entrance, which was adorable! I hated that I couldn't hold her b/c I've got a cold and I didn't want to share it with her!

I received lots of clothes, a diaper bag, stroller, diapers, wipes, bottles, towels, wash clothes, towels, toys, just to name a few :-P Julie's closet is almost full of stuff for the first year!

I hope to post some pictures once I get them from Paula! I had such a great time and need to start working on my thank you notes. I've updated my baby registry as well! I'll make a post of the things I still need as well!

~danielle~

Kiddos can be so funny sometimes!

2009-06-10T18:06:00.001-07:00

There, of course, has been a lot of talk about where babies come from in the house. Considering my present state, it's not a surprise. Lane likes to feel my belly and he always asks if Julie is jumping or kicking. I try to explain to him that there really isn't room for the baby to jump, but I don't think he can understand. He then asks about the kind of toys Julie has to play with. I just tell him she has her hands and feet to play with. There really isn't any room in my belly for toys!

The other day in the car I said something about him being little once. He was a baby and I showed him some pictures from his scrapbook. I told him that he was in my belly once, just like Julie. He looked at me and said "no way." Well of course you were in my belly siilly, how else do you think you got here, I replied? He goes well, you and daddy made me and put me in the oven. I cooked in there for a while and then you took me out!

Well yes, that's definitely true, but it's not the "oven" he has pictured in his mind. Ahh kiddos can be so funny at times. The logic of my 4 year old!

~danielle~

Making julie some things!

2009-06-08T14:56:00.001-07:00

The excitment over having a girl is almost overwhelming! There are all these fun things I can make for a girl that I couldn't do for Lane!! I started crochet beads on the cuff of socks for her this week. I have 10 pairs (size 0-6 months) to do. So far I have 4 pairs completed (red, green, blue and pink). I plan to do 6 more! The smaller crochet hook hurts my hands after a while so I can only do a pair at a time.

I also bought this really cute cowgirl vest and booty set that I'm working on. It's the faux suede yarn and it's really neat. This will be my first attempt at doing a crochet project besides my prayer shawls. I hope it turns out ok! I figure if I can't figure it out, I'll take it to Nana and she'll crochet it up for me! :)

I had my 28week checkup today. My belly is measuring good, I only gained 1.5lbs from last visit (25lbs total now). My glucose test was good and my blood pressure was very good! Julie's heartbeat was 154 bps. I start going every two weeks now! So far so good!

~danielle~

Glucose test and a sick kiddo!

2009-06-05T11:29:00.000-07:00

I went in for my glucose this morning. It took everything I had not to get sick. The stuff is so horrible. I managed to keep the glucose (cola flavored) down for the hour and then they took some of my blood! I find out my results on Monday when I go for my checkup (7 months). I believe I start bi-weekly vists now. The c-section is scheduled for 11 weeks from today!! The church is throwing me a babyshower on June 14th and my mom, sister, stepmother in law and sister in law are throwing the family/friends one July 18th. I'm excited!

Lane has got his nasty cough again. This is the first time in over a year though. He started a dry cough on Monday and by wednesday it was getting worse. We started neb treatments on Wednesday night and his musinex. I decided since I was in Marshall today and that it was a Friday, I would take him in and make sure his lungs sounded clear. Everything checked out and his lungs sounded good. We just have to keep up with the nebs and the musinex. He doesn't have an infection. So we'll just keep up the good work!

Other than that, not too much going on. I'm tired a lot. Julie moves all the time. I don't think she sleeps! I'm so excited for a girl! All the neat things we can buy and do for a little girl! I've been looking at hair bows! I also remembered I have my daybed that one day she will be able to sleep in!

I'm going to take a much needed nap!

~danielle~

Thanking our blessings!

2009-06-01T07:35:00.000-07:00

The last two months, things have been hit and miss with work. Today is June 1st and we've been hoping and praying that things would start to look up. We've been taping out resources trying to make all the ends meet and still maintain all the things we want and like.

Mikie started a job today that's for a 6,000 sq foot house. That's not small, nor is it huge, BUT it means there's atleast 3 days worth of work for them (not in a row). Today they are going to form it up and form up a small addition on another job. He's got a driveway to form up and pour tomorrow and hopefully Wednesday the plumbers will be out of one of the jobs they started today and they can continue on one of those.

I also got a call about the 2 computers we had listed on craigslist (we currently have 3 desktops and 1 laptop). Someone is coming to buy both of them tomorrow! That will help!! Mikie wants a laptop to replace his desktop and the extra money will help to pay a few more bills (my car needs an inspection, oil change and registration).

So! I am hoping that means that things are going to start to look up! We need things to start to work out! LOL!

One breath at a time, one step at a time and one day at a time! That's all anyone can do and it doesn't do much good to continue to worry about things I have no control over! So, today I would like to say Thank you God my hubby has work and it looks like we've sold two computers! Just a monitor left to sell!

~danielle~

Julie's bedset!

2009-05-27T22:21:00.001-07:00

I found the bedset that I abosoluately love! I first found it on Ebay and then emailed the company and found out it was a new item and wouldn't avaiable for 60-90 days. I showed it to my step mother in law b/c I knew she had been looking at bedding as well.

She calls me today and tells me to check my email! To my surprise, she has pre-ordered the bedset and the rest of the room. I think she got everything short of having them come put it all in the room and paint the walls! Julie is going to be sleeping/living in style! What a lucky girl she is!

Here is a link to the bedset. It's beautiful and I can't wait to get it. It supposed to ship at the end of June! That will give us time to pick out the perfect color of paint to do her walls as well!

http://www.beyond-bedding.com/western-cowgirl-horse-pink-brown-girl-baby-crib-bedding-set.html

~danielle~

Dinner at the Magic Time Machine!

2009-05-27T22:13:00.000-07:00

We all went to eat at the Magic Time Machine on Sunday for Mom's birthday. It's defintiely an experience. If you're ever in Dallas or San Antonio, you definitely need to make a trip there. The food isn't anything to write home about but the experience is amazing. Harry Potter was our waiter.

Lane got a "magic potion" to drink and first wouldn't even try the drink. It bubbled and fizzed and later he thought it was really cool. A balloon lady came back and did balloon animals for us. Lane wanted a sword, Caiti got a ladybug bracelet and mom got a teddy bear. Lane has been running around with his sword all week!

Since it was mom's birthday, she received a special "hat". It's made out of aluminium foil. It's supposed to be a hershey kiss. She really enjoyed it I think. They even made her a special dessert and they sang to her!

For dinner, we all had the "Roman orgy". Definitely an experience. They bring out plates and plates of food. Chicken, ribs, brisket, corn, potatoes, carrots and lots of fruits. I couldn't believe all the food they brought out. We had to take a lot of it home too!

I do believe, everyone had a great time. I hope that we get to go back sometime as they try to keep current with their characters! It'll be neat to see who/what else is new!

~danielle~