Another Day in Paradise

{More Picts}

2009-11-14T10:49:00.001-06:00

{ New Picts }

2009-11-14T10:35:00.002-06:00

{Life}

2009-10-21T08:59:00.002-05:00

{Paige's 6th Birthday}

2009-03-28T15:55:00.000-05:00

{Holy Hail Storm, Batman!}

2009-02-15T22:21:00.003-06:00

It's amazing what mother nature can do on an ordinary February day. The insurance adjuster will be out tomorrow morning....ugh.

Thankfully, we are all ok and our house is still standing.

If we have this much excitement in Feb, then the rest of spring should be a walk in the park. Or as my dad always says "The worst is behind us." *cue bad things happening*

{ New Blog }

2009-02-04T15:21:00.004-06:00

I've had several people ask me how I do the coupon thing. To help people get started and save tons of money I've started a new blog in combination with several other thrifty mama's.

So if you have more month than money, maybe we can help you play the coupon game and save your family thousands of dollars on everyday items. *yes, thousands!*

Check us out at www.thecouponqueens.blogspot.com

{ Cute Baby Words }

2009-02-01T14:51:00.002-06:00

Just to show off how cute my baby boy is.......

{ Happy Birthday, Davis! }

2009-01-26T18:40:00.003-06:00

Bizi loves to skate with the ladies!

8! How did my baby end up so big?

Some of the kids that skated with us.

My 3 big kids!

We had a great time at the skating rink on Saturday! Blisters all around!

{ Cake Crazy }

2009-01-24T12:33:00.002-06:00

I've been watching waaay to much Ace of Cakes lately on TV. They just make it look so easy!

It's not.

It looks better in the picture than it does in real life, but the kids love it and that's all that matters!

Today is the birthday party for Davis and Bizi at the skating rink. I'm sure some great pictures will be posted soon!

{ A few more...}

2009-01-14T18:10:00.002-06:00

{ New Room & A New Attitude }

2009-01-14T17:58:00.002-06:00

We swapped rooms over Christmas break so that the boys could be together in the bigger of the two rooms. So that means Paige got to pick new colors and bedding for her new room. This is not at all what I thought she would pick, but isn't it fab?!

{ Happy 2nd Birthday Bizi! }

2009-01-14T08:09:00.002-06:00

{ Funny Funny Funny }

2009-01-13T11:51:00.002-06:00

{ Merry Christmas! }

2008-12-25T09:27:00.003-06:00

Merry Christmas friends and family! Hope your morning was full of happiness, wrapping paper mayhem, and good memories!

{ Waiting....}

2008-12-24T20:32:00.002-06:00

Some waiting more patiently than others.

Just a few more hours until Santa comes!

Night night sweet kids!

{ Tis the season }

2008-12-21T18:40:00.002-06:00

CHEESER!!!

He always wants the camera.

Dress up with sis (he really liked it despite the look on his face).

{ Who loves CVS? }

2008-12-21T18:29:00.002-06:00

I DO!! Today was a super sale! Over $200 in free stuff. It pushed my year to date savings over $5,500. Paige was super happy with the nail polish and I was pumped about new eye shadow! I might go back tomorrow and do just a bit more. I'm excited about next week and the diaper deal I have cooked up.

Crazy hu?

{ Chef Davis }

2008-12-20T14:57:00.002-06:00

{ Hey Family }

2008-12-19T12:14:00.002-06:00

Walgreens is doing a free 8x10 when you use the code FREEGIFT at checkout. Perfect for the pictures we just had done!

Mom, that means go to walgreens.com upload your favorite family picture then have it printed at your local store. Call me if you need help.

It expires on 12/20!

Love you all!

{ Outtakes, my favorite!}

2008-12-14T22:18:00.003-06:00

A bit blurry, but cute none the less!

She's a good addition to our family!

Cousin love the Arkansas way!

Jeanne has the best laugh!

{Thanksgiving}

2008-12-14T22:11:00.002-06:00

What a beautiful family!

I love my mama! And she loves me because I make her hair color look natural!

Such a sweet couple!

A rare moment of all 4 girls together.

{Play time}

2008-11-21T14:33:00.001-06:00

These two love to play together and Paige treats Bizi like her life size baby doll. I think he likes it quite a bit!

{Look what buba taught me}

2008-11-21T14:31:00.000-06:00

{More Karate}

2008-11-15T18:03:00.002-06:00

This is Dave getting his butt kicked. Ok, really they are demo-ing some Karate thing, but I think it's funny!

{ Karate Kid, sorta }

2008-11-15T17:47:00.003-06:00

This video is of Dave & Davis' teacher breaking 2 boards after jumping over 3 people. This man is in his mid 60's and can kick some serious butt!

The video below is of Davis doing his Kata.

{ Yes, we are still alive! }

2008-11-11T10:14:00.003-06:00

I have been without a computer for a bit, but we are back up and running now!

This is going to be a great month! Thanksgiving means heading back to Hot Springs to see family!

I'll be back to post pictures soon!

{ Knock Knock Night }

2008-10-29T22:21:00.003-05:00

We had tons of fun getting dressed up for church tonight. I'll have more pictures soon of the boys.

I was dressed as a freaky hairdresser. Just in case you had to ask!

{ Mean People Suck }

2008-10-16T22:06:00.002-05:00

Once upon a time I had the above phrase proudly displayed on the back of my full sized Chevy Blazer.

Today I was reminded that the above statement is true.

Somewhere in between checking out from Party Galaxy and attempting to check out at Old Navy, my wallet was stolen.

Nothing quite like the panic, tight chested, can't breathe feeling when you were just moments ago, pumped at buying a new tank top for $1.97.

Pity the fool that stole the wallet since I had already been to the mall and the cash was gone.

What they do have is my drivers license, debit card, Sam's card, Kohl's card, and a handful of random points cards to places like Ulta and PetCo.

All the good cards have been canceled and tomorrow I'll head to the DMV to smile pretty for a new licence.

It's so violating and just plain icky to think that someone has my personal information and my stuff.

Why is it that even at the ripe ole age of 30, all I want to do is stomp my foot and yell "gimmeitbackthat'smine!"?

{ Silly stuff }

2008-09-23T21:35:00.003-05:00

"Paige, take a pretty picture with mama..."

"Come on....just one pretty smile.."

"Fine, I'll just kiss your sweet head."
"When you can't beat them...join them!"
"Fine Paige, one more picture."

{ Gotcha Day! }

2008-09-21T17:40:00.005-05:00

Our first glimpse of each other. Don't you love the Jesus statue blessing us in the background?

Today is one year! One year in our family, one year away from the orphanage. Praise God!!

I swear he's happy here even though he never says cheese. He's just so intent on grabbing the camera and running away.
Thank you to every one who has come along beside us this year and supported our family. We are greatful beyond words for your love, time and prayers.

Ok, Davis made him laugh! Or maybe he's screaming for me to put him down. Whatever.

{ One year ago today...}

2008-09-19T10:38:00.004-05:00

We flew Ethiopian Air all day and all night with very little sleep due to excitement!

{ One year ago today }

2008-09-19T10:38:00.003-05:00

We kissed our two oldest kids goodby, sent them to school and jumped on a plane headed to Washington D.C.

{ A tough month }

2008-09-13T19:54:00.004-05:00

One year ago this month we made our journey to Rwanda. I expected to feel overjoyed that we had made it a year. Or at least to feel settled in our new life as a family of five. Instead, I feel an overwhelming sadness. It has gripped me so tightly the last few weeks that there are moments it's hard to breathe.

I try hard to stuff down my emotions, to not be overly dramatic about sad issues. But I keep telling myself, what I saw is worth crying over. The children I turned my back on and walked away from are worth crying over. The birth mother who's story we will never know, is worth crying over. But what mom of 3 has time to have a good, ugly cry? So bottled up it stays.

The 21st is Bizi's Gotcha Day. The first day that he was no longer just a picture on the fridge, no longer an orphan. I still remember with heart wrenching clarity the moment the nun brought him to us. He was not afraid, just curious. Dave hogged him WAY to long before handing him to me (we have video to prove it!). Finally, the son that I had cried over, prayed for and waited on was here in my arms. There was no fairy dust or swelling music, but it was more perfect than Hollywood could ever create.

Often I think of returning to Rwanda. There is a need deep in me to do more. I honestly don't feel like I have done anything to help the people. Let's go and build schools for the orphans that will never be adopted. Let's go spend a day rocking babies that don't ever feel the arms of a mama when they cry. Let's just GO. I guess I should just add one letter, let goD. Let God handle the questions with no earthy answers. Let God take the pain in my heart and use it for good. Let God have all the glory for the miracle of adoption.

Thank you, Lord for never letting my life be boring. For letting me experience unbelievable highs, and gut wrenching lows. Most of all, thank you for my children.

{Where are the pictures of Bizi?}

2008-09-09T21:51:00.002-05:00

Here he is!

No, Bizi you can't have the camera.
Check out that pouty lip!
Can you tell he is getting close to 2?

Temper, Temper.

{ Mo' money }

2008-09-09T21:45:00.002-05:00

This week pushed me over the $4,000.00 mark! I have saved over 4K at CVS since Feb. of this year. Can I get a what-what?!

Also, I stocked up on the Kashi deal at Target. My pantry is busting at the seams!

Everyone is getting cereal for Christmas. And maybe some nail polish.

{ My Man }

2008-09-09T21:41:00.002-05:00

I love this man!

Isn't he hott in that bad boy kinda way?!

Then again, he's also uber goofy!
Thanks for a hot date Dave-O. I love ya!

{ Another big day }

2008-08-26T13:51:00.002-05:00

Don't tell my dad, but Paige got her ears pierced today! (I wasn't allowed to have mine done 'til I was 10!)
Here she is getting her last minute pep talk from daddy.

They did them both at the same time. Don't you just love the flower studs she picked!?

I love her face in this picture. A little happy, a little stunned.
Happy girl with pierced ears!

I swear if she starts asking to wear thongs next week I'll croak.

{ Home again, Home again, Jiggity Jog }

2008-08-22T19:17:00.003-05:00

Are we the coolest kids on the block or the worst parents ever, to let our kids ride home on a motorcycle?

I vote coolest! Duh. The kids beg for it and Daddy is happy to escort them back and forth.

Besides, how cute is that?

{ Goodbye Summer }

2008-08-21T08:51:00.003-05:00

Hello School!

Lord please protect my sweet children as they are out in the world with out me. Keep their hearts pure and focused on you. Please let the adults around them have their best interest in mind. In all things let us glorify you. Amen.

{ Hi Yah }

2008-08-20T17:10:00.001-05:00

He did it!

{ Three Amigos }

2008-08-20T15:43:00.003-05:00

They are quite a team!

{ New Attitude }

2008-08-20T15:33:00.003-05:00

Lil' Miss Sassy Pants got a new haircut just in time for Kindergarten tomorrow.

She loves it short and begged for a while to cut it. I figure as long as she doesn't dye it blue and pierce her nose, she can do what she wants!

{ Overheard today }

2008-08-20T12:36:00.002-05:00

Funny #1

Davis: "You know Paige, because I'm sick today, I'm a little bit more important than you."

Funny #2

Paige: "Davis, do you want to go play Barbies with me?"
Davis: "OK."----(what 7 year old plays Barbies with his kid sister???? I love that boy!)

Funny #3

The kids were eating lunch and KLOVE is playing on the kitchen radio. The song Come To Jesus, by Chris Rice is on and the lyrics say "Fly to Jesus". Here's the conversation around the table:
Paige: "That song just said 'fly to Jesus'."
Davis: Wildly flapping his arms "Jesus, I'm flying to you." --now yelling, still flapping--"Here I come Jesus!!"

It's just lunch time, there is no telling the comedy that is to come!

{ This Just In...}

2008-08-17T17:08:00.002-05:00

Paige informed me this morning, "I am no longer a 'dress' person.".

Good grief, the child is 5 and already opinionated about her clothes. I'm in big trouble.

{ it's the little things }

2008-08-14T15:59:00.005-05:00

It's the little things that show me how well The Biz is settling in. Like the way he plays peek-a-boo around the kitchen island or the way he prefers chicken nuggets to veggies.

Or the way he brings me books and stands on his tip toes until I pick him up and read to him.

Sweet boy is truly finding his place in our family.

While getting dressed in my closet today I heard the 'whoomp' of a drawer closing in the bathroom and the 'waaahhh' of a baby crying. As I turned the corner to inspect the damage I saw big brown eyes filled with tears and a tiny brown finger being held up in the air.

Already he understands that mommy's kiss makes boo-boo's go away. *swoon*

A quick kiss and he was off. More things to get into, more siblings to annoy.

More little things that compile into one big thing called, family.

{Mommy Guilt}

2008-08-13T13:11:00.003-05:00

Summer. Such a small word that can evoke large emotions.

Ours is almost officially over. As of the 21st I will have a 2ND grader and a Kindergardner and only one left at home.

Summer use to be just a hot few months on the calendar, but now it's filled with memory making moments. Travel that you can't do when school is in, theme parks that are only open for a season, and staying up late riding bikes until the wishing star comes out.

So here we are in the last week and I am filled with a rush to cram in a few more memories, a few more summer only moments.

And yet, the excitement of a new school year is creeping in. Less sibling fighting, a bit more alone time in the evenings (due to early bed times!), and a break for an entertainment weary mom.

Am I a bad mom for looking forward to school? Ah, the mommy guilt fairy has struck again. I want to grab her little sparkly wand and beat her with it.

{ Some CVS deals }

2008-08-10T17:39:00.002-05:00

Not a super great day at CVS, but still a day filled with free stuff. I did get all the sunscreen, toothpaste, Alavert, face stuff and mascara for free. Still have to work on the baby deal and add some to the candy deal.

The sunscreen was marked $1.99 with a CVS tag that said $2 off any CVS sunscreen. I took them all off the shelf and up to the register and asked what it meant for me. The cashier/manager said "It means you get all of them for free.". Wahoo! The mascara was marked down to $1.20 for a pk of 2. I had 2 $1/q's and 3 $2q's. So they were all free with some overage. I need to go see if I have any more coupons floating around for the mascara. I think the college girls will be happy with the new makeup I've stock piled for them this month.

Hope you all have a super week shopping!

{ Homeland Deals }

2008-08-07T18:15:00.006-05:00

Today was my first trip to Homeland. I recently found out that they double coupons, so I quickly organized my q's and was off!

These are the best deals from the trip!

Mini Spooners-- $.50 each
2 boxes of Pasta Roni--FREE
Lance crackers 8pk--$.50 each
2 Johnson's Shampoo--FREE
2 Revlon nail clippers--FREE
Pickles--$.66
2 Ken's Salad Dressing--$.50 each
Wheat Crisp Crackers--$1.49
Huggies Wash Cloths--$.61
2 Pop Tarts--$.66 each
Veg All--$.12 each

I think this was a good trip. Not that I will be shopping there for all our groceries (the prices were HIGH), but I'll be happy to run in once a week and remove the good deals from their shelves!

{ Questions }

2008-08-05T09:25:00.003-05:00

Paige was asking quite a few questions about where babies come from. Without going into graphic details I was attempting to tell her the truth-ish. This is a glimpse into our conversation:

Paige: "Mom is there a place "down there" that babies come from?"

Me: "Yes hunny, girls have a special place where babies come out when it's time to be born."

Paige: looking pale "Does it hurt?"

Me: "Sometimes it hurts, but I would do it all over again so that I could have you as my daughter. The pain goes away and you are so cute I forgot all about it" (this is where the 'ish' comes from on the above "truth-ish" mention)

Paige: after thinking for a few seconds " Mom, I don't want to have any babies."

Me: "OK sweetie, you have a long time before you have to worry about that."

Paige: "No, mom. I'm not going to have any babies. I'm just going to go to Africa and get a baby who doesn't have a mommy."

That's my girl.

{ Legal Theft }

2008-08-03T19:24:00.004-05:00

Is it wrong to love a store? Can you legally marry a store? Truly this is one of the best relationships in my life. CVS keeps giving and giving and asks very little in return. It doesn't whine or leave underwear on the floor. I heart CVS.

Here's how the deal went down today. The total above was a bit over $77. After coupons I paid $1.28, got $9.50 back in ECB and after it was all done I noticed that one of my ECB's didn't print so they gave me $4.00 in cash. LET'S RECAP--I gave them $1.28 in cash, they gave me $4.00 in cash. I LOVE CVS!!!

My total savings for this year is $3,551.73 (no that is not a typo) and I have spent $51.84 (and that was with free gift cards).

This September I will be teaching a class at church on Wed. nights. There are so many people who could be reaping the benefits of this amazing program. If you live in the area, you should come!

{ More Vacation Picts }

2008-07-29T17:56:00.002-05:00

Super Surfer!

Fun times at Moon Dogs!
Shrimp boat being stalked by dolphins!
Monsoon fish fry!
Aren't my parents cute?!

{ Cheaper than Marital Counseling }

2008-07-29T17:50:00.003-05:00

Here is our new family member. Big Red is a Harley Road King something-or-another.

My sweet hubby sold his last bike to buy the tickets to Rwanda and this one was an absolute steal on ebay. And as every one knows.....if daddy is happy....then everyone is happy!

Wanna Ride?

{ Seriouly Funny }

2008-07-29T10:49:00.002-05:00

My favorite part of a DVD is the out takes. Real life is not all pretty pictures but most of it is really funny. These are some of my favorite out takes from the photo shoot with Joy.

{ A few More }

2008-07-28T08:27:00.002-05:00

{ Pure Joy }

2008-07-27T17:06:00.004-05:00

Joy Neel is a friend of ours and she does the most amazing photography. Here are just a few of the shots she got of Paige and Bizi. (We are going to do picts of Davis and the whole family later)

{ Changes in Lattitude }

2008-07-24T15:55:00.003-05:00

We spent 2 weeks in beautiful Rockport, TX earlier in the month. The picture to the right describes a perfect day in my book.

More pictures and stories (ask Dave about the baby monitor) to come!

{ For the Love of It }

2008-06-23T15:54:00.003-05:00

There are lots of angles I could approach these pictures with. I could talk about how I need to clean my shower doors (it's steam, I swear) or something catty about my husbands farmer's tan. But honestly, my heart swells when I see the two of them all smooshed up in the shower. There is something very gentle about my burly biker man when it comes to bathing the kids. He's always done a better job than my half hearted attempt at another "have to" before bed. He takes time to scrub their hair, under armpits and even cleans out ears while they are warmly wrapped in a fluffy towel. This man loves his kids. He may not have been able to carry them on the inside, but he carries them in his heart everyday.

I do thank God for him. He is the perfect man for me and a wonderful father to our children.

{ Carnivore }

2008-06-23T15:48:00.002-05:00

These are my meat and potato, minus the potato, men. They have a serious addiction to red meat.

{ The Bigs }

2008-06-17T14:15:00.003-05:00

Why do I let this little one talk me into playing Beauty Shop?

Mascara is going to be her best friend.

This awesome boy can make breakfast all by himself. He also empties the dishwasher, folds laundry and feeds the dog. No, you can not have him!

{ 2 Cute }

2008-06-16T09:34:00.002-05:00

I just love this shirt. 2 Cute for Time Out It's the truth, he is too cute, but he also needs time out once in a while! Notice the beads, his big sis likes to dress him up, and he likes the attention!

He's also at the age where he wants to attack the camera everytime I get it out!

{ Just Showin' Off }

2008-06-16T09:13:00.003-05:00

Sometimes I think God is just showing off his skills. Like when I look at my beautiful children or this morning when we look out and there is a double rainbow. It's hard to see in the picture, but I promise it was there. And a promise is what it is.

And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and earth.... Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life." Gen 7:12

It's so cool to be able to open the bible and show the kids scripture in action. What was written so long ago is still relevant today!

{ More Father's Day pictures }

2008-06-16T09:07:00.003-05:00

This is his happy face!

He loves to play in the water
Just Chillin'
Happy boaters
Thanks Dawn for taking such great shots of our family!

{ Thank you, Lord for Dawn }

2008-06-16T08:50:00.003-05:00

I mean it. This woman works with a quiet grace that never stops. She is the one behind the scenes making sure everything goes smoothly, but never asks for credit. She attends every function and never just sitting around, always coordinating, cleaning, serving, or playing with children.

Dawn supported us in our adoption, and I can see it when she looks at Bizi, that she truly loves our little brown bear.

How lucky are we to call this woman a friend?! I'm looking forward to knowing her better and being a sponge to her wisdom and humor.

And Dawn, if you are reading this, check your calender cause you guys are totally coming over for dinner!

{ Father's Day }

2008-06-15T19:11:00.003-05:00

We went out to Lake Hefner today with our church and celebrated Father's Day with our Super Dad! The kayaks were awesome!! A big thanks to all the people who worked so hard to make today special for so many families!

I have several other pictures, at least I thought I did. What I actually have is video. Dang. I'll try to see if I can upload some video of Davis in his kayak. He was a trooper and took off in his own boat. Paige rode with daddy and Bizi sat in my lap and chilled.

Big love to all the great dad's in my life!

{ Last trip 4 the week }

2008-06-13T19:44:00.003-05:00

It's easy to say that this is my last trip for the week because I bought out all that they had of what I wanted! There's no more Garnier, Nivea or cereal! Go me!

I'm still waiting for more Huggies baby wash (you know I got dirrty babies), and toothbrushes.

What about a CVS 101 here at my house? Anyone game? Don't you want tons of crap clogging up every closet you have? Honestly, I love having the extras around so when gas prices are $10 a gallon, I'll still have cereal, a clean shaven husband and children hopped up on sugar!

{Free Stuff from WM this month}

2008-06-13T10:00:00.003-05:00

I love what I can "buy" for free from WM! The Poweraid was $.75 and I had 3 $.75 coupons, Kotex was $1.00 w/$1.00 coupons, Gold Bond and Old Spice Deod, same thing. The ham was $1.98 and I had 2/$2 coupons. Yippee for free ham! The Coffee Mate came from a free coupon that I got in the mail.

There were also some great deals on bacon, cereal, & Kashi waffles.

My subtotal was $115.93 after coupons : $77.00.
Not as good as some of the serious Frugal Hacks, but dang good for little ole me.

{ Takes time to save money }

2008-06-11T09:29:00.003-05:00

This is my project this morning. Utilizing the information on HCW, then sorting my coupons into the binder, to finally double check receipts to see the deals I have left to steal...ahm, buy.

Should take about 30 minutes baring fighting children, crying babies, or cut Internet lines. (more on that later)

People tell me that it takes too much time tying to save money. Well, maybe, but I think it is time well spent!

{ My mom would be in a Coma }

2008-06-10T22:45:00.005-05:00

I don't know if you can tell by the picture, but I ended up with 104 FREE candy bars tonight!

Along with 2 boxes of Cheerios, 2 Razors, 2 blade refills, 5 Nivea shaving cremes, 2 mouth washes, 1 Johnson buddies bar of soap, 1trial size Dove body wash, and a Contour meter.

I rolled ecb's and made some serious ecb's ($15 and counting!) off the candy.

Here's how the candy deal went down. There is a coupon spitter-outter-thingy in the candy section that is $1 off Hershey candy. The Hershey bars in the picture are 2/$1. PLUS they are running a ECB deal where when you buy $10 of candy you get $5 back in ECB. ROCK ON! Lucky for me one of the nicest cashiers was working and thinks that getting deals is fun.

I took all three kids with me tonight, so I told them (not Bizi) to stand in front of the coupon machine and pull out anything that comes out. (child labor is a beautiful thing!)

THEY ACTUALLY MINDED ME! We ended up with tons of coupons and a pile that I brought home! And I got to shop one isle over in peace! I even handed out some of the coupons to the people in line as I was leaving. I felt like Willy Wonka on crack!

I took a bag of the candy to Davis' baseball game tonight, and for the first time all season THEY WON!! GO COLTS!!! I treated all the boys to chocolate!! One of the parents said the chocolate was lucky, so now I have to bring it to all the games. There are only 4 more games and about 11 boys on the team, so I should have plenty to hand out to the siblings as well.

Really hope they have a sale on diet pills, seriously.

{ Here ya go Dawn }

2008-06-10T14:11:00.004-05:00

I was asked how I did the cereal deal...here it goes.

Cereal is 3/$10. Buy $20 of General Mills and get $10 extra bucks back.

6 boxes of cereal = $20
- $4/20 Coupon (get this in your email from cvs.com)
- 6/$1 cereal coupons (printed online)
-$10 ECB (from other transactions)
--------------------------
= $1.60 for tax + $10 ecb

I keep rolling my ecb's and have a gift card (that I got from a RX coupon) to cover tax. So, nothing comes out of my checking account!

Hope this helps you on your quest for free stuff.

{ Daily Loot }

2008-06-10T09:09:00.003-05:00

Here's a lovely picture of my free loot from yesterday. I also added a gallon of milk and a 12pk of TP.

I think I'll head back tomorrow and do the Nivea deal again. We can always use shaving cream, the BBC (bald by choice) man goes through a ton!

Fiber anyone?

{ Hi-Yah }

2008-06-07T09:54:00.004-05:00

Check out the focus on this tough kid! He loves his Karate.

He and daddy are doing this together but daddy was out of town so I got to go for the first time.

I was absolutly amazed at the dedication he has for this sport.

I think he'll be a black belt before we know it!

{ Good CVS run }

2008-06-07T09:44:00.003-05:00

CVS was really fun last night! As you can see I struck the mother load on chocolate. The bags of Hershey's were on sale for $.80 and right below them was a coupon for $1 off! Free I tell you!!! Free!! Good thing my father-in-law likes dark chocolate! Guess what he's getting for Father's Day?

Everything else was also free and I actually made more than I spent in ECB's. My favorite cashiers were working last night and I am teaching them how to make money in their own store. Too funny. I even bought them some free candy last night too!

Tomorrow starts a whole new week of deals! Woot!

{ Silly shots }

2008-06-06T23:18:00.002-05:00

At the bowling alley. Poor Bizi looks tired.

Davis stole the camera from me.
Trying to give him the evil look so he'll give me back my camera!

{ Da Biz }

2008-06-06T23:05:00.002-05:00

This little man is growing by leaps and bounds every day.
He hit a growth spurt and everyone we see comments on how long he is!

As you can see in the picture his is up and running!

His vocabulary is growing as well. His current words are:
Dada
Mama
Woof Woof for Bleu
Dadis for Davis
Dat for Paige
Night Night
Yum!
No no no no no no

He is an absolute joy and we relish everyday that we get to see his personality bloom. I do not take for granted his life and the gift it is to us.

Next month we will have been home 9 months. The same amount of time that he was an orphan. For some reason this timeline is very important to me. Not that I can ever make up for the time we didn't have with him, but we have built a new foundation for him to grow upon and to me it gets stronger with every passing day.

People have made comments about how great we must be as parents or people. It's so hard not to laugh in their face. I am not perfect, most days I'm barely nice. For reasons we may never know God has chosen us to parent this child and I try really hard not to screw him up.

To quote Evan Almighty "He chose all of us.". We just have to answer him.

{ Good Medicine }

2008-06-06T15:37:00.002-05:00

Granny had a knee repacement and the kids were really worried about her, so they got to go see her while she was in the hospital. Both kids loved playing with the bed! Davis kept asking if he could nap with her.

I'm so thankful that we live close enough to help and that the kids have formed such a close bond with Dave's parents.

{ Sweet boys }

2008-06-06T15:06:00.003-05:00

Davis has always been a snuggle buggy but he has taught his daddy to be one too. Even my mom loves to sleep with Davis when she comes to visit. There is something very relaxing about his nature (most days). Best thing: he loves to be loved on!

{ sweet Rwandan Boys! }

2008-06-06T14:28:00.003-05:00

I LOVE THESE BOYS!!

Benjamin (standing) and Nicolas (crawling) belong to our sweet friends and were once at the same orphanage as Bizi. I love the two of them as if they were my own little brown bears.

Thank you, Lord for the addition of all 5 of the boys into our lives!

{ Bowling }

2008-06-06T11:34:00.003-05:00

We had a great time taking the kids bowling, but who knew how expensive this sport has become! It was over $55 for the 4 of us to bowl one game! Yikes!

Personally, I think Dave's face is to pretty to wear that Ozzy shirt, but what do I know?

He does have some serious bowling issues. Don't say I didn't warn you if we ever go together!

{ Smart Boy }

2008-05-16T22:26:00.002-05:00

Conversation between Davis and me this morning:

Davis: "Hey mom, today is Margarita day."

Me: "What?" (It's only 7am and the baby was up a good portion of the night)

Davis: "You know, it's Friday. Margarita Day."

nice.

{ Pretty in Pink, or orange, or blue...}

2008-05-03T13:07:00.002-05:00

Paige and I had a girls morning with NO BOYS ALLOWED! We went to TJMaxx and then over to "the salon" as Paige called it and she had her first mani/pedi!

I think picking out the nail polish was her favorite part. She finally settled for electric blue and sparkly orange that the girl painted in a 'pattern' (thank you pre-K). Then the girl added some glittery flowers and Paige danced out the door with a smile bigger than Texas.

Isn't she a diva in training!?!

Even mama got her piggies scraped and painted, but that's one thing I do not want to post on the Internet!

{ Boo Brooke is gone }

2008-04-30T20:59:00.003-05:00

She's the only one that I picked up the phone for this season. I just thought she was the sweetest person. I'll be sure to buy her album when it comes out. Hopefully we'll hear her on KLOVE soon!

{ Um, wow }

2008-04-30T14:15:00.003-05:00

So, let me tell you how God works in really funny ways.

First off, about a month ago I lean forward in my pew one Sunday and ask my friend, Jan, if she "does CVS". She gave me the weirdest look and replied "I just started last week, why do you ask?"

Honestly, I have no idea why I asked.

Here is where God does his normal wacky thing.

This morning Jan called me obviously excited (I have to add that Jan has never called me before, we are more scrapbooking/pew friends). She tells me that the CVS up the street from her work is trying to get rid of the Softsoap body wash and they are lifting the limit.

Hmmmm...a good deal on Soft soap, no limit, and I have coupons.....how could I resist??

After picking up Paige from school we head over to clean them out....I mean...pick up a few things.

The candy, hair clips and hair brush were $.06 each, the tooth brushes were free after ecb, diabetic monitors were free and the toe separators were $.99 each, I bought 11 and got $20 ecb back.
All in all, I spent NOTHING and brought home everything you see in the pictures. Over $290 in body wash. And I have even more ECB's than when I started.

We have enough soap for all the students, new and returning and the candy, toothbrushes and hair items will go nicely in the back to school baskets.

Once again, God has used unconventional method to provide! Isn't he funny?!

{ Look what I can do }

2008-04-28T21:22:00.002-05:00

Being home sick gives me free time on the lap top! The original picture is down below, but I like all the funky-ness of the new ones. These are going to make some cool scrapbooking pages!

{ It's my own fault }

2008-04-28T16:44:00.002-05:00

For teaching my kids to share. Davis came down with Strep on Thursday and now I have it. The picture above is my sweet hubby making me tea. (he had to sample it first) I lurve him!

Yes, mom, I went to the dr. this morning and they gave me a RX for Amox, and a steroid. Yes, mom, I'm resting and everyone is taking care of me.

I tried to take a picture of my nasty tonsils, but the flash was blinding. Guess that is for the best, it's not an appetising sight!

{ Look What I Won }

2008-04-28T16:30:00.002-05:00

I never win anything, so imagine my surprise when I won this super cute clutch from a blog! I have no idea how I came across this blog, but the writer is funny, free spirited and a breath of fresh air. You can check her out at mycakies.blogspot.com. (Nat, you will love her!)

The purse was the only thing up to win but the sweet heart that she is added this super cute hair bow for Paige. She immediately put it on and wore it to school. I've also had the hardest time keeping the purse away from her! Such a girlie girl!

Thanks again, new friend for picking me and brightening my day...no, week!

Could her eyes be any prettier? Ugh, I am in big trouble.

{ Doin' my part }

2008-04-23T14:42:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was Earth Day. A day to remember to reduce, reuse and recycle. In honor of Earth Day I have decided to recycle 29. Just to help out I will be 29, again. This is in no way a personal gain for myself, just another way I can help make the world a better place!

{ Who am I trying to kid, I don't have any nails...}

2008-04-21T17:57:00.003-05:00

In honor of my birthday and my super cool new frozen concoction machine (it's not your mother's blender!) I created a new drink:

The Dirty 30

Tangerine, Guava, Mango, Triple Sec, Silver Tequila and a little love make this smack-yo-mama-good drink. Mmmm 30 seems better with every sip!

{ Digging in my nails } Part deux

2008-04-21T14:11:00.000-05:00

{ Digging my nails in } pt 1

2008-04-21T09:27:00.004-05:00

Today is a momentous day in my life. It is officially the last day of my 20's. My feelings flip-flop as the day wears on and as more people make nasty remarks about being old.

Right this moment I feel like my 20's are laid out behind me and as I glance or grimace over them I am reminded of the quote "You've come a long way, baby". There are things I would change, but mostly I'm thankful for the grace of God, 'cause man, was I stupid most of the time!

I think my 20's will be mostly remembered for the "baby makin' years". To think that at 29 I have 3 amazing children, is to me, quite an accomplishment. Add to that 11 years of marriage. Dang, I have been busy!

The blessings don't just stop with my children. I have a loving, handsome husband, who married me when I was hott, but young and naive. (Which is probably why I married him!) He and I have survived thick and thin, good and bad, and we still have a long road ahead of us.

Tomorrow is a clean slate, a blank chapter, a new season and any other positive metaphors I can think of. I'm looking forward to seeing what God has in store for me and my family. Knowing Him the way I do, I know that there will be laughter, tears, joy, and heartache. I also know that He will not leave me. He will push me when I move too slow, pull me when I get stuck and carry me when I just don't think I can make it another step.

{ Hair Cut Day }

2008-04-19T09:22:00.002-05:00

Another wonderful thing about boys! Throw then outside with some clippers and Voila! Handsome!

I love the sweetness between Dave-O and Davis. They pick on each other and wrestle, but they still have a tenderness about them that makes my heart overflow.

{ boomer sooner }

2008-04-14T11:16:00.002-05:00

{ M&M = Love }

2008-04-12T17:57:00.003-05:00

CVS had two deals that overlapped tonight and I had to make a run! The big bags of M&M's are BOGO and giving $3 in ECB. So they ended up being $.57 for 2 bags! WOOT!!

I now have enough for each Rwandan college student to have a bag waiting for them when they arrive!

........now to find a hiding place from the family...... and me!

{cuuuuute!}

2008-04-12T15:30:00.003-05:00

Crashed again!

{ Sweetest Sister }

2008-04-12T15:07:00.002-05:00

Look at this sweet sister waiting for her bubba to call. Big bro spent the night with Granny and Papa but poodle had to stay home cause she has a fever.

Poor little thing has been sick all week. It just breaks my heart when they don't feel good.

{ Free Bottle }

2008-04-10T08:11:00.000-05:00

Found this and thought I would share! It's a new bottle from Gerber.
http://www.gerber.com/content/usa/email/promos/nuk/rebate-form.pdf

{ Idol gives back }

2008-04-09T21:10:00.002-05:00

Certain things are harder now. Watching the faces of the orphans, and knowing the smell....

Just seeing the pictures on T.V. strikes a different chord. I don't want to give money to Idol. I want to go back and spend time holding babies that don't get held, feed children that haven't eaten, provide education for mama's so that they don't have to leave their children, naked, on the road. I don't want to give money, I want to give myself.

Sometimes I have to remind myself that I do hold an orphan everyday. To me he is my son, not an orphan on TV, but he could have been. Just by the grace of God is he here, being loved, fed and held.

My heart hurts for the ones left behind, the ones that I left. I turned around and walked out of the room leaving 34 laying in dirty beds.

Who would have thought that watching American Idol could effect me so deeply.

{A freebie for you}

2008-04-09T15:08:00.002-05:00

Check out this link for a free potty cleaner!
http://www3.3m.com/qfrm/ShowSurvey?surveyid=JODPHRP0&WT.mc_id=www.scotch

{I Heart UPS}

2008-04-09T13:01:00.003-05:00

Maybe I should say "I heart Aveeno". Look what the UPS man dropped off today! I signed up for an Aveeno house party thinking that they might send me one tube of lotion, but holy guacamole, they sent a huge box of goodies.

The full size stuff is mine for hosting and there are 15 goodie bags to hand out. Each goodie bag has sunscreen, lip balm, lotion and a book of coupons. They also sent 2 Allure magazines, 2 Allure eye masks and a few other things I haven't even taken out yet.

I plan on using all of this as door prizes for the next crop at my house. (Hopefully this month)

The next house party I want to sign up for is the Margaritaville party. If they send me a box full of booze.....whooo doggie....now that's a party!

Anyone need some lotion???

{Today's Haul}

2008-04-09T12:20:00.003-05:00

Here is my free stuff!

My total was $10.79 that I paid for with a gift card, then I got $17 back in ECB! I saved $39.77 today. How stinkin' cool is that? My year to date savings on this card is $942.20.

My favorite checker was there and that makes everything better. She is super nice to me and my kids and doesn't mind messing with my coupons.

I plan on going back Friday to do the Huggies deal again, then I should be done until Sunday. Heehee!

{Picture of Free Stuff}

2008-04-08T08:24:00.005-05:00

This is my very messy linen closet of freebies. It's not all of them, but it's what won't fit in the bathrooms. It is a huge savings for us and really helps the budget.

The stuff you see in the picture will be donated once the new Rwandan students get here this summer. I already took a care package with a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, mouthwash and a razor to one of the current students. They get a little bit of money each month to live on, but if this saved her enough money where she could buy something she wanted instead of needed, then GREAT! They are the most hard working students you will ever find. So, my goal is to have 10 of everything. I'm there with the tooth paste and body wash.

If you have read The Seven Love Languages, you know what I'm talking about when I say my love language is giving gifts. This is very hard to do on one income with 3 kids. CVS helps me "love". How cheesy is that??!!

Hey, Carri, there are no CVS's in Arkansas. Sorry. It's a big bummer too, cause they are always having deals on diabetic stuff. I'll make a special stockpile just for you!