Greatful

Hi blogger friends…It has been a while. Today Im linking up with The Gypsy Mama for her 5 Minute Friday. Here's the deal... Write for 5 minutes flat with no editing, tweaking or self critiquing.

GREATFUL…

GO!

Grateful. Oh how this year has brought me such joy and I am so grateful. I’m going to be a mama of TWO! I can’t express to you my feeling of gratitude that this is where I am in my life right now.

Grateful. Maci gets to be a big sister. People this is a dream come true for this little pumpkin, she has wanted to be a big sister for SO long. She cannot wait to meet her baby. She also cannot wait till the DR. tells her in September if this little one is a boy or a girl. She is on team pink that’s for sure.

Grateful. I love looking in the baby section of the store, now I have a reason again!

Grateful. I can’t wait to see how long it takes this little peanut to get daddy all wrapped in.

Grateful. Peanut in 6 short months we will get to meet you and love on you lots. Mommy cannot wait!!

STOP!

The Pinky Swear

Do you remember the pinky swear?

It is common among school age children and their friends…AND at my house.

The pinky swear signifies a promise that cannot be broken.

I love our silly little gestures that carry so much meaning; even if it is just to put my laundry away the next day. Or if your Kyle, a back rub later, not now.

Maci will grow up thinking every family had the quirky little deal in their house, but likely it’s just us. It’s just us that pinky swears to do self-indulgent things like pinky swearing to clean our rooms after dinner (without a fight is the key). Yes, Maci and I throw the same size fit about cleaning our rooms.

What are the silly little things you do in your house?

Motherhood should come with...

A day late, but better late than never. Remember this is where they throw caution (editing, revising, and worrying) to the winds and just write. Without wondering if it’s just right or not. I really want to keep up with these 5 minute Fridays so here it is! This one is so fitting on this Mother’s Day weekend I couldn’t resist still doing it.

Motherhood should come with…

1:48 pm

A performance review. A review of how you’re doing and what you could do better. Someone to cheer you on when you’re doing good, and someone to whip you into shape when you have lost your marbles.

A tissue box. For all the little moments that you let a happy tear slip down your cheek. You know one of those proud mama moments!

A stylist. Where oh where did my style go. I seem to have developed a deep love, and a closet full of jeans, hoodies and flip flops. I can’t keep up with the trend so I resort to one that may not be flattering but will never go away.

A maid. I tell you what; I can’t keep up with all the mamma do’s and a full time job some days. But I give it my all and then some.

A fancy Tahoe. (and a gas card) To truck all these silly little pigtail girls to soccer and back!

1:53 pm

Wishing you all a glorious, sun shining Mothers Day!

A few favorites!

My dear friend Jessica was the first to introduce me to this world of blogging. She originally created a place for us to all watch her so gracefully live the nightmare of losing a baby. She leads such and inspiring message day after day on her blog. I followed her blog for some time. Then I decided to start my own blog. Mine may not hold a deep rooted meaning as some others but it is kind of fun to sit down and pour your heart out or write a funny story. For me, if you have been following since the beginning you will remember it serves as an anchor to the moments that today may seem so small but ultimately define us.

Since then, I have found some of the most AMAZING blogs and sites! Today I wanted to share a few with you. (I will do my best to pick only 5, not my top 5 just 5 VERY good ones)

1. Pick Your Plum They have a crafty item of the day that is dirt cheap! I dare you to check it out. Here are a few of their items I have swooned over lately.

2. CraftGossip is made up of several sub blogs to bring you the latest in craft gossip. Anything from DIY wedding ideas, home and garden, sewing down to food. I have quickly fallen in love with Anne Weaver and her sewing ideas. I send the link to my mom…maybe I will learn to sew soon. What's not to love about this polka dot cake they are sharing today...

3. I♥ organizing I don’t know about you but I need all the help I can get!
4. Hostess with the Mostess This is who I want to be when I grow up. Hostess with the Mostess is the inspiration to many things I do when it comes to party planning. Right now I am planning a bridal shower and bachelorette party; I got my inspiration board from her on BOTH events.
5. Brown Paper Packages. Kierste is one of those gals you feel is your friend even though sadly she has no clue you exist in the world. I just love her crafty style. She is seriously the cutest mom out there, with 5 little people!

Enjoy a few of my favorites!! What are yours?

A party Plan...

So I’m going to try something new here! It is called Five Minute Friday. It happens every Friday over at The Gypsy Mama. You just write for five minutes on a given topic. No editing. No censoring. Just free writing. So here goes my first Five Minute Friday.

This week’s prompt: If I knew I could, I would...

3:17 ready, set, GO

I love to party plan; bridal showers, weddings, baby showers, birthday parties…you name it I love it! If I lived in a city that could sustain a large scale planner I would make that a career in a heartbeat. One of my favorite blogs is Hostess with the Mostess. I get some of the most amazing ideas from all of her fabulous contributors.

I would own a shop, and have fun trendy frilly things like Sweet Lulu. I would have an amazing office where I could meet with my client’s coffee shop style in a fashion that would allow them to tell me their desires, and let my little hearts dreams soar (on someone else’s budget!).

So if I knew I could do it and keep my pay (but would gladly take more) I would love to design and implement parties that would create lasting memories for families. There is nothing better than stepping back at a party to see the joy on people’s faces.

3:22 (and a few seconds) STOP!

Wow, that 5 minutes went fast.

If you’re new thanks for stopping by!

“Jesus Is Risen” Buns

This weekend my sister and her girls shared with us a tasty treat to help children understand the meaning of Christ’s empty tomb, make this fun and tasty treat. They called them Jesus buns.

Ingredients:
1 Can Refrigerated Pillsbury Crescent Rolls
8 Large Marshmallows
Melted Butter
Cinnamon & Sugar Mixture

Directions:
1. Give each person one crescent roll triangle, (this represents Christ’s tomb) and one marshmallow (representing His body).
2. Have each person dip their marshmallow in the melted butter and roll around in the cinnamon and sugar (representing the oil and spices that were anointed on Christ’s body).
3. Next Lay the cinnamon and sugar covered marshmallow onto the crescent roll triangle then carefully wrap, making sure that all seems are closed.
4. Bake according to package directions and let cool.
5. Break open the ‘tomb’ and show how Christ has risen and the tomb is empty.

Happy Earth Day 2011

Happy Earth Day: the day intended to bring awareness and appreciation for the environment. Some choose to plant a tree or introduce some recycling bins in their home, while others help pick up trash. I think what people don't realize is that they can make a big difference for the environment in little ways.

At our house we save our cans and on Earth Day weekend, we take them in to be recycled. Something my hubby has done since the day I meet him. He sometimes takes the money and gives it to United Way.

For me,

I’m going to scoot around in my microfiber slippers and clean today! That is my way of celebrating Earth Day 2011!

One way you can make an impact is to use green household cleaners. Not only is it better for the earth but you will keep a lot of harsh chemicals out of your home and away from your family.

Nothing like last minute but after work today I am going home to clean for our Easter guests (arriving tonight) told you it was last minute.
When cleaning by bath and shower I use old dryer fabric softener sheets! Soap scum can be a struggle. One way to prevent it is to wipe down the tub or shower after each use. But really??? So, we have soap scum. But, it doesn't have to get out of control by using a common household laundry supply - the dryer sheet. I didn't believe it at first, but it really works! All you have to use is an old dryer sheet. You can use new ones but why not use old ones, they work just the same.

As far as the rest of the house, I love love love the smell of cleaning products. I have a fetish with buying them just not using them. But have you ever noticed how expensive some of the “green” products are? So there are ways you can make a great “green” product at home for pennies on the dollar.
All-Purpose Cleanser:

1 Cup Distilled Water
1/2 Cup Vinegar
1/2 Teaspoon Liquid Soap (optional)

Mix ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake before use.

In general any cleaning supplies made out of Baking soda, water, vinegar or liquid soap or detergent are said to be “eco-friendly” and will do the job when it comes to cleaning.

Cheers to Earth Day AND my race to get the house clean before our guest arrive.

If only I were a Secret Millionaire

Within the last month or so, a reality show called "Secret Millionaire" has showered our TV screen on Sunday nights (along with Undercover Boss and Amazing Race). I don’t know about your house but at ours we've been intrigued ever since.

The premise is as follows: Millionaires go "undercover" into impoverished neighborhoods, living alongside the community and surviving on around $6.50 a day. Gawk-factor material is watching the millionaires adjust from private jets and beach mansions to moldy showers and no AC. At the same time they deal with this culture shock, they seek out worthy individuals and causes in the community. In the process, many of them grapple with their preconceived notions of poverty, gain new perspective on their wealth, and are humbled by those getting by on very little but still trying to do good. Our favorite part of the show was seeing how passionately and selflessly the community members spoke of their service work, completely unaware that they were in the presence of someone who could make them a large donation that may change the path of their life or organization.

One of my favorite was the one with Dani Johnson and Special Spaces that creates dream bedrooms for critically ill children. Such a touching organization and a few people with such passion for these little kids they don’t even know with the drive to do more rooms if only they had the financing.

Is it gimmicky reality TV emo-drama? Sure. A little uncomfortably condescending? Perhaps. Inspiring? Oh yes, thats why viewers are watching.

Now what about you? What if you were a “secret millionaire”? Who in your local area would you give to? What are you passionate about?

In my world:

Have you heard of that organization that goes in and surprises the working working moms with a clean house and sparkling clean car. I know I could find a way to qualify if we had one locally! Hahah can you tell what I am in need of today. In the dash from work to soccer to homework it’s hard to find the time to think some days. I would support any organization that praised the race of the working mama!

Secondly, I am forever grateful for the inexpensive afterschool care that Maci gets at boys and girls club. I know they would get a chunk of my change! In our area there are many organizations that would more than deserve a healthy financial gift. Some like the Harvest Church recognizing their support and ALL they do for kids and families (daydreaming of a swimming pool in the heights…aaaahhhh). I don't think I would have a hard time giving my money away:)

If only I were a “secret millionaire”!

Oh yeah, my names not Stella but I’ve got my grove back.

For Steph and me the zumba madness has begun. So brace yourself...because this mommy will be shaking, samba'ing, and ZUMBA FITTNESSING my way to a healthy & toned up me. Even if I have to get Zumba for Wii. I have struggled greatly this past year with the 25 pounds I put on after the wedding…nearly 2 years ago (crazy to believe).
The gym I go to offers a Zumba class. Zumba…the hip shaken, butt rocken, muffin top tackling work out. Not only is it QUITE a workout, but it's so much fun...I really didn’t realize I was even "working out”. In case you hadn’t heard of it, I’ll fill you in. It's the Latin-dance inspired aerobics class that's sweeping the nation. Zumba is probably the most fun you can have with your clothes on, especially if you're a Mom who doesn't go out dancing much anymore. What could be better than hopping around to fast, loud, Latin pop music and disco? The unbelievably sculpted, tanned, well-endowed teacher at my gym has you working on moves such as "the body roll," the mystifying "rib shake" and of course, hip wiggles and pelvic thrusts with some complicated little samba steps thrown in for spice. All while sweating profusely and laughing at yourself. At least Steph and I laughed at ourselves. Some of our fellow Zumb-ers seemed to take it more seriously. Many of them have become experts in the moves.

As a first timer, my goals were somewhat more modest. a) Do not fall down and b) Minimize the number of times I was facing the back wall while everyone else faced front or worse yet I was facing them when they should have been looking at my back side.

On a more positive note, there were moments when it all came together. For one whole song, I felt like I could keep up ("Yep, I'm facing front and so is everyone else!"). It even brought up memories of evenings from my pre-kids life, at the…here it comes…are ya ready…THE WEST!

If you have not tried Zumba, you should.

Coming from parent teacher conferences

I am one proud mama! Gosh it gives me chills to think of how proud I am of that little blond gal of mine! Straight out of the teachers mouth she is a dream kid!
In the beginning of the year we struggled a bit with “only child syndrome” aka… I want all the attention!! We also wrestled a little bit with friendships. Oh the joys of first grade. But all of that has subsided now and we are on the mend. If only we could find a cure for boogers we would be 100%. If you know my kid very well, you know we suffer from boogers peeking out our nose at the most inopportune times, especially school pictures. I put “please check her nose” and highlighted it on the order form but that must not have been enough, next year I will be sure to attach a pom-pom and flashing lights. Thanks Lifetouch, thank god for Photoshop!

Back to being an incredibly proud mama, her dad had the opportunity to join me at the conference today to listen in as to just exactly how our shining star is doing in class. The shining star that has “skool rocs” (spelling comes later) on her desk! She’s the shining star that says when she becomes president she will make fair rules, help the homeless and feed the animals. Now that’s a president I tell ya!

She takes after her dad when it comes to the brains; lucky for her she got the brains from him and the creativity from me. We recently learned after several tests she has been entered into the extended studies program. The Extended Studies Program provides direct services to qualifying elementary gifted and talented students who have demonstrated outstanding intellectual and academic ability. The primary goal is to provide services that are commensurate with student academic needs and to foster a positive self-image. WOW!!! The program focuses on the development of intellectual skills, intellectual curiosity, independence, and responsibility while encouraging originality and creativity. Maci will begin attending that this fall a few hours out of the week.

See what I mean, I have every reason in the book to be so happy that this little blond girl (and her boogers) belongs to me!

I’ve fallen in love…with coupons

Yep I’m the lady with the coupons.

I have always been the one with the coupons for dinner or retail purchases; don’t get me wrong this is not a new found love, just a love that has grown significantly deeper.

I had the opportunity to attend a small couponing class in January with my friend Jessica. I would be lying if I didn’t tell you the real reason I went was to spend time drinking coffee with Jess. I had no idea that I would meet these savvy young moms on a mission to slash their grocery bills by 50-90%, moms that were willing to show us how they scour the ads for the best bargains by overlapping deals, promotions, coupons and rebates.

Being in the banking world I have always been passionate about empowering people to take control of their financial lives while having the ability to have fun at the same time. Here is my chance to embrace what I preach.

Taking this class taught me how to collect and redeem coupons with precision. In the last month I have stocked my kitchen and bathrooms for a fraction of the price I was paying before.
The biggest part about this new found love for grocery/drug store couponing is being aware and organized. It is a learned skill, one with practice you get better and better at.

Cheers to matching, stacking and saving!

I dare you to check out a few of my favorite coupon friends!
http://athriftymom.com/
http://www.livingrichwithcoupons.com/
http://www.pennypinchinmom.com/

nothing like a good book...

I love to read. There is nothing as peaceful as a good Jodi Picoult book to tuck you in at night.
I'm one of "those" readers though.
You know the kind.
If the book is really good I could sit around in my pj's all day reading (it happened with the Twilight books….I’m tellen ya).

For a while now I have wanted an ereader (nook or kindle) but have not wanted to pay the price. I did a little research on one that Kyle and I bumped into at Bed Bath and Beyond (you know the place with the 20% off coupon saving me an additional $34!). It was the Pandigital. Pandigital is known for digital photo frames but is dipping into the ereader market. They have come out with an ereader in full color for a fraction of the Nook Color price yet a rather comparable device (with the new firmware I must add that can turn it into a powerhouse). Research all said and done; I have a ereader that will serve its purpose.

I’m still in learning mode but I’m determined to make this thing shine!

Do you have an ereader? Where do you find cheap books?