Blackmail.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
"lil buckaroo
The mother of my childhood friend, Pam, would yell Annie Oakley! if she sees this picture. I've said before that I am not fond of horses. We don't get along and it stems from a very scarring incident involving a pony and a cute boy at a church fall festival. I think I was in fifth grade.
I still don't know how I earned the title of Annie Oakley - because I'm pretty sure my namesake was a drunken sharp shooter. If you ever watched HBO's series, Deadwood, you'll know that she somehow managed to stay on her horse.
I digress.
This is my 'Lil Buckaroo riding his pony. Cameron, unlike his Mamma, has a good relationship with his pony. In fact, he loves the pony that Santa brought him.
We weren't sure that he did at first. You see, he was about a half inch too short to effectively ride his little pony. However, the one month since Christmas has brought a little more height and the ability to ride like the wind!
Cameron can really get this thing going!
It plays music as he bounces and his smile lights up the room.
It can also be hooked up to the TV to play games. We'll do that when he is ready for it. For now, we're just enjoying watching him ride.
Giddyup!
I still don't know how I earned the title of Annie Oakley - because I'm pretty sure my namesake was a drunken sharp shooter. If you ever watched HBO's series, Deadwood, you'll know that she somehow managed to stay on her horse.
I digress.
This is my 'Lil Buckaroo riding his pony. Cameron, unlike his Mamma, has a good relationship with his pony. In fact, he loves the pony that Santa brought him.
We weren't sure that he did at first. You see, he was about a half inch too short to effectively ride his little pony. However, the one month since Christmas has brought a little more height and the ability to ride like the wind!
Cameron can really get this thing going!
It plays music as he bounces and his smile lights up the room.
It can also be hooked up to the TV to play games. We'll do that when he is ready for it. For now, we're just enjoying watching him ride.
Giddyup!
This makes me happy.
It makes me think of spring, when it is zero degrees outside. I think a pink flat wallet would contrast nicely - and then cause me to think of ice cream cones and popsicles.
It is nothing special - nothing expensive. It came from Target. The color captured my eye and I liked how there are pockets on the ends - homes for my sunglasses, phone and iPod touch!
I can pretty much assure you that you will never see me with a coach bag or any other expensive designer bag. I'd happily accept a gift of one - but I'll never buy one. I bore too quickly. I'm find a bag that I think I will love, but I usually end up hating it. So, for now, I'm just going to enjoy the lime green color that makes me think of spring. It's making winter just a bit more bearable.
It is nothing special - nothing expensive. It came from Target. The color captured my eye and I liked how there are pockets on the ends - homes for my sunglasses, phone and iPod touch!
I can pretty much assure you that you will never see me with a coach bag or any other expensive designer bag. I'd happily accept a gift of one - but I'll never buy one. I bore too quickly. I'm find a bag that I think I will love, but I usually end up hating it. So, for now, I'm just going to enjoy the lime green color that makes me think of spring. It's making winter just a bit more bearable.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Saving Money is Expensive!
Walgreens recently opened in Rochester. I've been following a lot of blogs where people say they are able to get a lot of their personal care items for free using Walgreens coupons, sales, and register rewards.
So, I made my list, clipped my coupons and off to Walgreens I went!
And I did save money. I saved more than I spent and had earned register rewards for my next trip.
I proudly brought my purchases home. It was really cold and the driveway was snowy and muddy. So, I brought everything in to our entryway. Leaving it just inside the door, I walked back to the car to get the kiddos.
The screen door slammed harder than normal and I heard something crash. I shrugged, thinking it was probably just the picture on the wall - it falls sometimes. I didn't think anything of it.
I unbuckled Madison first and sent her towards the house since it was so cold.
I could hear her saying "Maaaooom, the picture fell again" as I unbuckled Cam.
I walked in the house and set Cam down on the steps. I bent down to pick up the picture and noticed it was kind of wet. "Madison, how did you get snow on this?" I asked.
"There was no snow, Mommy."
Hmmm...then the smell hit me.
My $0.99 bleach! I looked down and discovered a giant hole in the gallon of bleach. As I stood there in the middle of our little entryway, I noticed the pool of bleach all over the floor.
The rug was soaked. All of the shopping bags were sitting in a puddle. Madison and I were both standing in it.
Panic.
I kicked off my shoes and grabbed Cam to throw him in the crib. I pulled off Madison's boots and coat and sent her for paper towels and a trash can.
I had to wipe off each item and send Madison to put them away, one by one. Once all the purchases were taken care of I mopped up the bleach, rolled the rug, and threw it in the shower. I was hoping I got the bleach off quickly enough to avoid ruining the rug.
After everything was said and done, the rug was not saved, although it is still in use. There is a bleached out spot on the carpet on our stairs and my favorite brown pants are ruined.
So - I saved $38.95 at Walgreens and it only cost me about $89.95 for a full sized entryway rug, $49.95 for brown pants, and Lord knows how much for new carpeting on the stairs.
I'm not sure my pocketbook is cut out for this money saving stuff! On the positive side, my entryway floor is really clean!
So, I made my list, clipped my coupons and off to Walgreens I went!
And I did save money. I saved more than I spent and had earned register rewards for my next trip.
I proudly brought my purchases home. It was really cold and the driveway was snowy and muddy. So, I brought everything in to our entryway. Leaving it just inside the door, I walked back to the car to get the kiddos.
The screen door slammed harder than normal and I heard something crash. I shrugged, thinking it was probably just the picture on the wall - it falls sometimes. I didn't think anything of it.
I unbuckled Madison first and sent her towards the house since it was so cold.
I could hear her saying "Maaaooom, the picture fell again" as I unbuckled Cam.
I walked in the house and set Cam down on the steps. I bent down to pick up the picture and noticed it was kind of wet. "Madison, how did you get snow on this?" I asked.
"There was no snow, Mommy."
Hmmm...then the smell hit me.
My $0.99 bleach! I looked down and discovered a giant hole in the gallon of bleach. As I stood there in the middle of our little entryway, I noticed the pool of bleach all over the floor.
The rug was soaked. All of the shopping bags were sitting in a puddle. Madison and I were both standing in it.
Panic.
I kicked off my shoes and grabbed Cam to throw him in the crib. I pulled off Madison's boots and coat and sent her for paper towels and a trash can.
I had to wipe off each item and send Madison to put them away, one by one. Once all the purchases were taken care of I mopped up the bleach, rolled the rug, and threw it in the shower. I was hoping I got the bleach off quickly enough to avoid ruining the rug.
After everything was said and done, the rug was not saved, although it is still in use. There is a bleached out spot on the carpet on our stairs and my favorite brown pants are ruined.
So - I saved $38.95 at Walgreens and it only cost me about $89.95 for a full sized entryway rug, $49.95 for brown pants, and Lord knows how much for new carpeting on the stairs.
I'm not sure my pocketbook is cut out for this money saving stuff! On the positive side, my entryway floor is really clean!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
2010 Intentions
A New Year always brings with it a feeling of hope, possibility, and a clean slate. I love that “clean slate” feeling! I almost always spend a little time re-evaluating the previous year and create goals for the coming year.
My goals (or good intentions) almost always include the topics of:
Physical Health – usually weight loss or more consistent exercise
Financial Health - you know, spend less and save more
Spiritual Health - For me, spiritual health isn’t just about my faith but its about doing the things that recharge my batteries. It’s about taking time to do the things that lift up my spirit.
Professional Health. – well, that is self explanatory.
So – in re-evaluating 2009 I discovered that I have grown (and it hasn’t all been positive!)
I learned that I feel a whole lot better when I attend the church of sleeping in less and Bethel Lutheran more. I learned that juggling two kiddos is a lot of work but one of life’s greatest joys. I’ve learned that Madison is my greatest blessing and greatest challenge, all wrapped up into one cute red-headed package. I’ve learned that I have a very soft spot in my heart for my sweet Cameron and I hope his Dad can be the disciplinarian with him because Cam has me wrapped around his little finger. I’ve learned that unexpected surprises (Mike’s job loss) can be a huge blessing in disguise. I’ve learned that I have strength that I didn’t know I had. I’ve learned that sometimes we just need to beg-for, demand, and finally take a little time for ourselves. I’ve learned that a diet of cookies, Coca-Cola, and chicken wings will not help with the baby weight. (That’s the not so positive part!)
So – what do I hope for 2010? I hope that it is a spectacular year! I hope that I can continue to grow in positive ways (and not so much in my waistline!)
Physical Health – My pants are telling me it is far beyond time to lay off the cookies, coca-cola and chicken wings. That is my main goal for this year. I plan to celebrate and reward my successes. I’m following the brand new Mayo Clinic Diet – read the book, it’s great!
Financial Health – well – that goal kind of conflicts with my plan to reward myself for my physical health successes…but I can still focus on spending less and saving more! I am currently learning a few new ways to save at the grocery store (look for a follow up post on my short term failure in that regard!)
Spiritual Health – I worked on this last year and I will continue to work on it this year. Scheduling a little time each week to work on a pastime that recharges my batteries is my priority. Wednesday nights is my night to focus on my scrapbooking. The dishes, meals plans and laundry can wait – I am a better Mom when I take this time. This year I am considering moving into digital scrapbooking and I hope to begin with the 2010 photos. If you have any great digi scrapping resources – feel free to share!
Professional Health – For the past few years, I have been very focused on completing my MBA without paying for it. (That’s why I’m three years in and still working on it!) I have just 5 classes to go, three of which will be completed during 2010. Since that goal is right on track, I’m also going to focus on my next career steps during 2010. Hopefully there will be more to come on that!
So, there it is – a public declaration of my 2010 goals.
My goals (or good intentions) almost always include the topics of:
Physical Health – usually weight loss or more consistent exercise
Financial Health - you know, spend less and save more
Spiritual Health - For me, spiritual health isn’t just about my faith but its about doing the things that recharge my batteries. It’s about taking time to do the things that lift up my spirit.
Professional Health. – well, that is self explanatory.
So – in re-evaluating 2009 I discovered that I have grown (and it hasn’t all been positive!)
I learned that I feel a whole lot better when I attend the church of sleeping in less and Bethel Lutheran more. I learned that juggling two kiddos is a lot of work but one of life’s greatest joys. I’ve learned that Madison is my greatest blessing and greatest challenge, all wrapped up into one cute red-headed package. I’ve learned that I have a very soft spot in my heart for my sweet Cameron and I hope his Dad can be the disciplinarian with him because Cam has me wrapped around his little finger. I’ve learned that unexpected surprises (Mike’s job loss) can be a huge blessing in disguise. I’ve learned that I have strength that I didn’t know I had. I’ve learned that sometimes we just need to beg-for, demand, and finally take a little time for ourselves. I’ve learned that a diet of cookies, Coca-Cola, and chicken wings will not help with the baby weight. (That’s the not so positive part!)
So – what do I hope for 2010? I hope that it is a spectacular year! I hope that I can continue to grow in positive ways (and not so much in my waistline!)
Physical Health – My pants are telling me it is far beyond time to lay off the cookies, coca-cola and chicken wings. That is my main goal for this year. I plan to celebrate and reward my successes. I’m following the brand new Mayo Clinic Diet – read the book, it’s great!
Financial Health – well – that goal kind of conflicts with my plan to reward myself for my physical health successes…but I can still focus on spending less and saving more! I am currently learning a few new ways to save at the grocery store (look for a follow up post on my short term failure in that regard!)
Spiritual Health – I worked on this last year and I will continue to work on it this year. Scheduling a little time each week to work on a pastime that recharges my batteries is my priority. Wednesday nights is my night to focus on my scrapbooking. The dishes, meals plans and laundry can wait – I am a better Mom when I take this time. This year I am considering moving into digital scrapbooking and I hope to begin with the 2010 photos. If you have any great digi scrapping resources – feel free to share!
Professional Health – For the past few years, I have been very focused on completing my MBA without paying for it. (That’s why I’m three years in and still working on it!) I have just 5 classes to go, three of which will be completed during 2010. Since that goal is right on track, I’m also going to focus on my next career steps during 2010. Hopefully there will be more to come on that!
So, there it is – a public declaration of my 2010 goals.
Monday, January 11, 2010
12 month update
Cameron is ONE! I can't believe how fast the past year has gone. My sweet baby boy isn't a baby anymore, but a toddler that is developing his own personality with each passing day.
Cameron had a check-up recently. He weights about 24 pounds (I'm too lazy to go find the sheet that shows the exact weight.) He has actually lost a little bit of weight. He is easily in the 75th percentile for weight but the doctors say he is just a healthy boy and there is nothing to worry about.
I'm not sure how tall he is but he is in the 50th percentile for height. (Man, with Madison I had those number MEMORIZED!) It's funny how priorities change.
Cameron still prefers to say Dada over Mama...but he is saying it more and more. He even said Grandma once on Christmas Eve. (Much to my Mom's delight).
Cameron still has only two teeth, but he seems to be working on a mouthful of them and is quite miserable. Poor guy.
He is walking now - and getting into e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. I don't know why we buy him toys, he'd rather play with whatever Mom is using at the moment. No tupperware, serving utensil or pot and pan is safe! Back to his walk, it's a cute little waddle. It just makes me smile to see him walking through the house. He also likes to dance. A LOT. Anytime music comes on, he starts to wiggle. It doesn't help that I'm always singing "shake your booty" to him!
I have been on the receiving end of his adorable hugs. He squeezes so tight around the neck and then pats my back. It is truly the best part of my day. Mike has been lucky enough to get a kiss from Cam.
Cameron also likes to cluck his tongue. A few days ago, I noticed that he turns his tongue sideways when he tries to talk. My first instinct was to be concerned about it but the more I watched the more I realized it is simply adorable and for now, I'll just enjoy this cute little quirk.
Cameron is a good eater. In fact, he has yet to meet a food that he doesn't like. At his birthday party, he double fisted his cake and ice cream. He didn't need the fork, he just picked one up in each hand and started eating!
I have never seen a kid put away a bowl of chili like he does.
I think he missed a spot....
I
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Sunday School Christmas Program
This post is long overdue!
Can you see her, in the middle?
Madison had her first Sunday School Christmas program last month. I was a proud proud mamma!
When you attend a church this big, its hard to get a good picture of the kiddo singing "comfort, comfort Baby Jesus is coming!" Next year, I will bring the zoom lens. I did not expect to sit this far back in the church so I thought my regular 55 mm would be enough. Lesson learned.
Just to give you some perspective...the Sunday School has to be split in half - and each half does their own program. The kids in Madison's "half" of the Sunday School number more than the entire membership of the church that I grew up in!
There she is again! Just to the right of the lady in the black jacket that is taking a picture.
Madison had not said much about the Christmas program, so I did not expect her to do anything in it - but the beginners sang three songs - and I think she knew at least two of them.
That's my girl!
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