CarlyBug is growing up...

Our dear lil' niece, "bug", turned 5 just one day ago. I know her mother had an emotional time watching her baby boy,(Carlybug's lil bro), turn one just last week. Yet, I'm having a real difficult time with the idea that "bug" is now a 5 YEAR OLD! What a milestone...she'll be starting Kindergarten and the next thing you know she's all grown up! I have so much fun spoiling "bug" and especially love getting all the snuggles I still get when I see her. Hopefully, she'll still be up for snuggles even though she is a mighty five-year old now! Happy Birithday Carlybug!! We LOVE you SO much!!!
"bug" as the doctorpirateprincessbagladymaryhad alittlelamb.

"bug" as the magician

"bug" as Hannah Montana

sweet "bug"

Reminding myself to be thankful...

So last week as layoffs were being announced at GM, I became extremely grateful for the fact that I have a job. Also last week I was listening to a St. Jude's special being aired on a local radio station; I became SO extremely grateful for the health of my children. I also remembered my wonderful MIL on her birthday and became so thankful to have known her and to have been touched by her greatness. I found myself thinking...why do I have to be reminded to be grateful??? Of course, each day I am grateful for my family and friends...yet isn't it the truth that you never really cherish each moment until something "bad" happens.

Today the something "bad" happened. We were so very excited to attend our lil' Elly's baptism! I bundled up the kids and we were on our way. Hubby was home since he had worked all night. Things were all fine...the kids were jammin' to their Laurie Berkner and I was just about ready to snack on a granola bar. Then we hit the patch of ice. I was on a ramp merging from one expressway onto another. It was seriously like the song "Jesus Take the Wheel" (except I didn't throw my hands up in the air). Anyhow, we were fishtailing and bouncing off the guardrails. So many things were running thru my mind. Mostly, I was just totally FREAKED for my kids. I kept thinking "No, No, NO this is not happening". Also, there was a tow truck on the ramp w/another suv that had done exactly the same thing so I was trying not to hit them! We did a couple 180's and I thought for sure we were going over the guardrails and plummeting over. Somehow, and I don't know how, I managed to slow down and pull over. The tow truck driver ran up to us and asked us if we were okay. He called to get some salt on that ramp (which didn't happen for another hour). Hubby came and we eventually got off the "death ramp" and waited for the next 2 hours for a police officer to come fill out the report. By the way, another car did the same exact thing AFTER us. So, we missed lil' Elly's baptism which absolutely broke my heart. Luckily, the vehicle is still drive-able and we did make it to brunch with the fam'. Now I am determined to be greatest Godparent of all Godparents to Elly...I'm not sure how much money or time this will involve but it has to be done!

In conclusion, I sure am thankful for my life today. Mostly, I sure am thankful for my children. I am not sure anyone can truly understand the terror that I felt today until they have been with their children in a life threatening situation....which I hope never happens to you. Whatever you're doing right now...stop and be thankful................................................Good job.

The Big ONE!!

Happy Birthday to my lil' nephew Cooper Nolan!

Today he turns ONE!! We love you SO MUCH!

Coupons: Are they worth it?

Hopefully, I can answer yes to the titled question in a few months. A new acquaintance of mine has opened my eyes to the world of coupons. I used to be an occassional clipper...now I am trying my best to be a die hard COUPON-ATOR! In the past, I noticed the greatest reward from formula and diaper coupons. Once or twice I bought formula coupons on E-bay...they were worth it! Back in June, I joined Parenting Privileges, which gives you a specified return on online purchases with certain retailers.



So, I got my little binder filled with the baseball card sheets all filled up with coupons. Yep...I look like a HUGE dork at the supermarket. My coupon expert informed me that there are various sites that will automatically load coupons onto your grocery card. So, I visited a few of those sites (Shortcuts, P&G, Cellfire) and added some coupons to my card. She also told me that you can use additional printed coupons on those products and wind up with great deals. Plus, I guess the Kroger in our area doubles so that is awesome. I am not sure about Meijer yet. Anyhow, I ventured out last week on my first shopping venture...binder and all. I only saved 11 bucks in clipped coupons...but still...it's FREE MONEY!


I added a Saving $$$ bloglist in case anyone is interested in becoming a coupon dork like me! You will find lots of resources from much more experienced coupon guru's. Have fun!

"The fish are dead. It's over"

That was the text message I received this morning as I arrived at work. Poor goldfish...I wish I could say I tried extra hard to keep you alive, but that just wouldn't be true. Pretty sure I tried hard, but not extra hard. I knew it was time for a cleaning, but I didn't think it was THAT bad! You were outstanding fish, and really made for a nice Christmas surprise. I'm sorry if the kids really weren't that interested in you. Also, I am sorry you had to watch your dear friend "sucker fish" pass away only one week into his new home. Did the filter get him or was it the plastic plant...I couldn't tell? One more apology for the times I may have fed you too much or too little?? Amazingly, I have never seen so much fecal matter come from such a small living thing. Orangey, I was so surprised by your extremely long bm last week, that I have the picture in my phone as a keepsake. (PLEASE NOTE below...that is NOT normal) I will send it to all my friends and family in your memory. By the way, was that an indication that you were deathly ill? I did find it strange that "poo" was always hanging from you? Also, were those black spots your actual coloring...or was that another indication that you were about to kick it? We kinda loved you... a teeny tiny bit. Yet, I think were officially done with fish.

R.I.P. Orangey and no-name.