5 Question Friday!

Happy Friday, Y'all!!  Don't forget, if you decide to participate, copy and paste the questions to your own blog, and then link up to My Little Life!

1. What do you listen to while driving?

Hmm, this all depends on how long I'll be in the car, or where I'm going.  For example, if I am headed to my son's baseball game, then we listen to the Black Eyed Peas.  If I'm going on a long drive, say to Florida, then I load up the CD player with either some Kenny Chesney or music from the 70's.  If it's the morning, then I listen to the Bob & Sheri talk show.  They are hysterical, so I'd rather listen to them then music. 


2. What is your least favorite thing about Fall?

Fall is my favorite time of year!  What's not to love?  If I HAD to pick something, it would be waking up in the morning to chilly weather.  Don't get me wrong, I love the cooler temps {especially after a hot southern summer}, but I would prefer to ease into the chilly-ness.  Like after I've already put on my sweats!

3. What does your dream house look like, inside and out?

This is an easy one for me!!  I've actually already drawn my "dream home" on notebook paper.  One day, I will build it.  It's a 2 story home.  The master bedroom is on the main floor, along with a small living room, a dining room, a huge family room with a stacked stone fireplace, an equally large eat-in kitchen, walk-in pantry and laundry room.  Upstairs, there is 4 additional bedrooms and a playroom.  Of course, by the time I actually get to build this house, my kids probably won't live at home anymore and a house this big would not be necessary.  I'm building it anyway.  Oh, and there will be bathrooms.  And a maid!


4. Would you ever own a minivan?

Once upon a time, I said "NO WAY!"  I wanted to be the cool mom who drove anything but a minivan.  They were horribly ugly things when I was younger.  They have come a long way since then.  Now, I'm on my 3rd one.  There is no way around having one when you have 4 kids.  The room inside is great.  I've looked at other vehicles that all of us can fit in, and have come to the conclusion that if we want leg room, we should have at least one minivan.  Besides, each of my 4 kids can get a corner so there is no "S/he is touching me!"  or "S/he is on my side!"  A win/win all around.

5. Do you wash new clothes before wearing them?

Most of the time I do.  However, if I buy something and really want to wear it the next day and have already done the laundry, then I suck it up and wear it.  Except underwear.  That always gets washed first.  No exceptions.  I've seen an episode of House where kids were dropping like flies from some illness and it turned out that it was the dye in the new, unwashed clothes the kids were wearing.  I know, it's only a TV show, but I wonder if that could happen? 

the other day

Aislinn asked if I would make her a cake for her birthday.  She picked out Red Velvet with white frosting.  Good choice.  I think red is my new favorite color!   Just look at all that delicious red-ness!!  There may or may not have been some licking of the spoon.  Ya know, just to make sure it was coming out right. 

It was yummy!

After much cake was eaten, we moved to the other room so she could open up gifts.

 Aeropostale sweatshirt from Aidan

a pillow with "french" scenes all over it from Maeve

a new digital camera from mom and dad

the latest Sister's Grimm book that she has been looking for (but couldn't find), from Declan

A web cam from her Nana and Papa.  They chat every day now.



She LOVED everything she got.  And with that, we have one very happy 13 year old girl! 

Gift Exchange

Recently I signed up for a Fall Favorites gift exchange.  The hostess with the mostess was Amanda over at Every Crafty Endeavor.  Well, this past week I received my package of fall goodies!  Everything is amazing!!

I'm loving the fall candles!  Apple hand sanitizer, oh my heavens does it smell GOOD!  Inside the little green container is my new favorite candy.  It is Pumpkin Spice Hershey kisses! 

And how adorable is this little figurine?  And a Starbucks gift card!  I'm in heaven!!

These fabric pumpkins she made.  I'm not handy with a needle and thread, but I certainly can appreciate one who is!  I love them, and the garland surrounding them.



And finally in the box was this journal.  I love the bows on the binder.  So cute.  I'm already filling this up with Christmas ideas for friends and family!! 

I just want to send out a huge thank you to Amanda for hosting such fun, and especially to Jocelyn over at Inside BruCrew Life for sending me such awesome fall goodies!!

The day I became a mom

Thirteen years ago I became a mom for the first time.  Joe and I had tried for about 2 years to get pregnant.  We spent a year on fertility meds before the doctor told us that I had "unexplained infertility".  After then being off the meds for a year, and still no baby, we decided to move to Boston.  I was fortunate to get a job pretty quickly and moved in January 1997.  Joe was still in Florida getting the house ready to put on the market, as well as trying to find a job up north.  Well, wouldn't you know it, I ended up pregnant!  After being apart for the first half of the pregnancy, I moved back to Florida so that I could stay home with our baby and be close to the grandparents.   After spending most of the pregnancy as "high risk", because my doctor told me that the baby HAD Spina Bifida, we welcomed a sweet, squalling, little baby girl into our world.  And perfectly healthy at that.  So, at 7:01pm tonight, our little baby girl will be officially 13 years old!! 

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY AISLINN!! 

WE LOVE YOU!!



Little of this, little of that

Have you ever put up a post and then for the next few days felt like you should post again, but don't?  Then, more days go by and you realize that it's harder to post when so much time has gone by?  That's me.  I guess I don't want to mislead anyone into thinking that my life might be anything other than ordinary.  Then more days go by and I look back in my planner and see all that we've done around here.  That's when I am pleasantly surprised to see that my life is kind of interesting.  Or at the very least, busy!  I love to read other people's blogs.  I can spend many hours on the computer doing just that.  I look at my blog list and get impatient when the ones I read daily aren't updated.  I know, I know, pathetic, huh?

Anyhow, these past few weeks have been quite busy.  We've celebrated a birthday!!  My son, Declan, turned 8 years old last week!!  {Happy Birthday baby boy!  I love you very, very much!}

For his birthday, instead of having a party, Joe and I took him to the Humane Society and let him pick out his own cat.  It was a tough choice, but in the end, he picked out a really cute kitten.

He's a spunky little kitten, who loves to talk.  A lot.  And play.  Usually in the middle of the night.  I have been woken up by getting bitten in the face more times than I can count.  Unfortunately, we had to leave his brother at the shelter.  We already have a cat and dog at home.  However, I had to promise Declan that should either of our other pets die, we would go back for him!  Anyhow, this little guy has had several different names so far.  He came to us known as Dos (maybe because his brother, Uno, had one eye?), then he was Coal, then Eclipse, and now Shadow.   Personality disorder anyone?

Joe was out of town last week.  I don't sleep well when he is gone.  Of course, my kids enjoy it when I let them take turns sleeping with me.  Then, I sleep even worse because they spend so much time kicking me!  Anyhow, while he was gone, my mom and dad decided to take a short trip up for a visit!  My kids had no idea they were coming and were so excited to see them!   I wish they lived closer to us.  The last time we lived near them was when Aislinn was 2 years old.  Tomorrow she will be 13. YIKES!!  My parents only stayed a couple of days and then they were off.  I promised the kids I would take them to Stevie B's for dinner.  It's an all you can eat pizza buffet.  The kids LOVE it.  Joe hates it.  I eat too much when I am there.

I just realized in these pictures, they are all eating dessert!  It's no wonder why they like this place.  As soon as Maeve spilled her nearly full glass of root beer all down the front of her white shirt and pants, it was time to go home. 

We've also been getting lots and lots of visitors to our hummingbird feeder.  We've had as many as 10 at a time!  I thought these guys were territorial.  They do fight, but when the urge to eat is strong, they manage to share.  However, when they are all around, it sounds like we are at the airport!!  I could only get a picture with 3 of them.

I'm going to stop here for the night.  Tomorrow I will show you what I received in my Fall Gift Exchange!!  I'm positively giddy!

TGIF!!

Guess what time it is??  That's right, it's 5?F!  Seriously,  I envy people who post things every day.  I just feel like my daily life is not that interesting and don't want to bore you to death.  However, I love my 5 questions!

1. Did you have a pen pal when you were little (or now)? Where were/are they from?


I did!  Actually, I had 2.  One of my mother's aunts was a teacher (as well as a nun) in California.  She hooked me up with one of her students, a girl, there.  Her name was Christina Hernandez.  I can't believe I remember her name!  I was in grade school when we were pen pals.  I wonder what ever happened to her?  Hmmm.... Moving on, I was pen pals with another girl also.  She lived in France.  Unfortunately, I cannot remember her name at all.   I was in grade school when we were pen pals, too!  My daughter, Aislinn, has several pen pals right now.   One is in France, another in Poland and a third in Australia.  It's great because they send each other things specific to where they live.

2. If you could do a different job for one day, what would it be?

An actress.  Staring in something with Josh Duhamel.  Hmm?  Oh, sorry.  I was daydreaming for a minute there.  Whew!


3. Do you remember your biggest fear from when you were little?

I would have to say driving over a bridge over water.  I totally hate that.  Even today.  It doesn't matter if it's super tall or just a low bridge.  There is a very long bridge near where I used to live in Florida that went over a lake famous for alligators.  I would hit 80 going over that.  The thought of having the bridge collapse and being in the water with those man-eaters just totally terrified me.

4. What do you think is a waste of time? Why?

Probably complaining over things you can't change.  Seriously though, we all do it.  And I agree that it is normal.  Sometimes it's just to vent frustrations, but if you can't do anything about the situation, then it is just a waste of time.


5. What is the oldest item you have in your closet?

Other than dust?  I can't think of any specific clothing item.  I rarely buy any new clothes, so what's in my closet has been there for years.  And years.  I think Joe has shirts from when he was in high school.  (He grew up in a family of pack rats!)   I think there might even be a pocket watch of his grandfathers in there somewhere.

I will be back later today to post on some things that have happened in the past 2 weeks.  I know, you can hardly contain the joy!  In the meantime, have a great day!!

5 Question Friday and more...

Today feels like a big post day for me.  I've got the much loved (by me anyway) 5 Question Friday as well as some other stuff.  So let's get to it, shall we?

1. What is the first nightmare you remember?

Oh my.  The first nightmare I can remember was when I lived in Boston as a little girl.  Little, as in under 6 years old.  I would swear that I woke up one night to find my mother washing dishes in the kitchen.  In the hall area by the front door sat a big, black trash bag.  Inside that trash bag was an old woman, with her head sticking out of the top!!  Yes, I have an active imagination.  Anyhow, I am standing there looking at the woman who reaches out of the bag, and scratches one of her long finger nails down my leg!  My mom tosses a look over her shoulder at me saying something.  I'm not sure what.  This image is so real and vivid, that even after over 30 years I can recall it instantly.  One day, a while back, I finally told my mom about it.  She told me that for Christmas one year, she and my dad bought me this doll that they thought was really pretty.  It was placed in the area by the door facing the hallway so I would see it as soon as I started towards the living room.  However, upon seeing this doll, I was terrified and wouldn't come out until it was gone.  She ended up having to throw the doll out.  I can only imagine that it terrified me so much that over the years I had nightmares about that thing!!  Apparently I had issues even as a kid!!


2. Even if you're not a sports fan, what's your favorite sport to play/watch?

As a kid, I played soccer for years and LOVED it.  As a matter of fact, last year I even played for the women's adult league here in Columbus!  I tried baseball as a kid and sucked so bad that my parents let me quit.  I was horrible.  My oldest son plays baseball and while I can't watch it on TV, because I find it so incredibly boring, I really enjoy watching him play.  I've learned so much over the past 4 years.  I love watching kids play sports.  I'm not trying to live through him or anything, I just love to watch him play.


3. If you could pull off one piece of trendy fashion, what would you want it to be (jeggings, hats, thigh high boots, etc.)?

Oh, this question is so easy!!  If I could pull it off, I would wear skinny jeans!  As a matter of fact, even if I didn't wear them, I just want to be able to fit in them.  And breathe at the same time.   Maybe some day I will get a thigh in comfortably, but not in the immediate future.  Great.  Now I'm depressed.


4. Did you make good grades in school?

Hmmm.  In what subject?  Some classes were better than others.  One year, though, I was mad at the world and my grades certainly reflected that.  I just didn't care.  My family had moved from Massachusetts to Florida right before I was set to graduate 8th grade.  I was with those kids for 7 years and now was moving to start a new school 2 months before graduation and be with kids I didn't know at all.  And I was about to turn 13.  Well, I was going to show my parents what I thought of that bright move on their part.  Yeah, I didn't quite think things through, did I?  Anyhow, my freshman year in high school was not very successful.  Things got better after that year.  I may or may not still have a little hostility left over from that year.  I'm a work in progress.


5. What magazines do you subscribe to?

None.  Last year, my MIL got me a subscription to Star magazine, which ended last month.  I think the postal workers really enjoyed reading it as well, because I had to wait over a week after it was on the stands before mine showed up.  And it had been clearly well handled by then.   I used to have several scrapbooking magazine subscriptions as well.  I miss those. 

So that's my edition of 5 Question Friday.  As always, feel free to copy the questions with your answers and link up to My Little Life. 



What else?  Well, these past few weeks have been crazy as usual.  Sunday school has started.  I'm determined to leave on time this year and not get any speeding tickets.  Fall baseball has also started. Aidan has never played in the fall, so this is new to us.  Apparently, it's much more relaxed.  There is no score kept, no pitch count, and it's just fun.  Frankly, it's been hard to get used to!  Progress reports came out last week at school.  I am happy to report that my little geniuses are doing great!!  Mostly.  I've also been looking for a job.  I've taken a substitute teacher workshop and been fingerprinted, so as of now, I am on the sub list for the schools in our county.  I've applied for a couple other jobs as well.  Hopefully I will hear something soon.  I also spent one day this week at several car dealerships.  So not fun.  We still only have one car.  Tomorrow is going to be a busy day.  I need to pick up this month's Angel Food (which, by the way, is pretty good), buy 2 birthday gifts, go to 2 birthday parties, go to church, and Maeve is having a friend come over.  Sunday I plan to close the pool.  And rest.

That's all for now.  Have a great night!!

6 Word Saturday

Today I'm going to try something new.  It's called 6 Word Saturday.  If you want to play along, don't forget to link up to Show My Face.  I'm going to keep it simple and come up with something that probably most of us are feeling today.

Remembering 911 and those that died.

 

5QF

I can't believe how quickly this past week has gone by.  While I have been busy, I am going to stick with a simple post of 5 Question Friday.  Feel free to copy the questions and link up at My Little Life. 

1. Do you feel guilty spending money on yourself?


Actually, I do.  I'd much rather spend any extra money on my kids.   However, if I have been looking for something for the house for a really long time (like that table I just bought) then I get it.  But only, if I can find it at a really good price (like that table I just bought).

2. How well do you know your neighbors?

Well...I know who they are.  I've got neighbors on one side that have 4 kids like we do, but they are never home.  Ever.  I see the dad at restaurants and the mom driving down the road, but never at their house.  The neighbors on the other side of us have 2 kids, and I see the mom more often.  She works with Joe, also.   They should carpool so I can keep the car during the day!  I think times are just different now.  People just don't hang around and have block parties anymore, which is really a shame.  I remember when we moved here 4 years ago.  I was the new one in the neighborhood and yet I was the one to go to my neighbors houses to introduce myself.  They probably thought I was a weird one.  Maybe they are right!


3. What age are you looking forward to being?

I just turned 40 this past June and can finally admit that out loud without hyperventilating!  I can't imagine an age I look forward to being.  However, I look forward to the day my kids are 18 and living on their own!  Ha!   No, Seriously.

4. Do you get excited when the mail comes? Why?

I used to look forward to getting the mail.  Especially when I was little and it was around my birthday.  I loved getting cards and packages.   Now that I am older, all I ever get are bills, so I put off going to the mailbox as often as I can.  My kids LOVE getting the mail everyday and even have their own designated mail days.

5. What is your earliest childhood memory?

I'm not sure how old I was, but because of where I lived, I know I was younger than 7.  As a matter of fact, I think I was younger than 5.  I vividly remember standing in my side yard, which is actually no bigger than a small patch of grass, when an older man was walking down the street.  He was tall, wearing a suit and had gray hair.  He all of a sudden, stopped walking and fell straight back onto the sidewalk.  I remember seeing blood seeping from his head and on the walk.  Our parents (I lived in a 3 family house.  My cousins lived on the 1st floor, we lived on the 3rd) all came out to see what was going on and told us to go into the house.  Some memory, huh?
 
Have a great night everyone! 

Welcome September!

I love it when I get to turn the calendar to September.  That means that fall is right around the corner!  With fall comes several birthdays in our home, which is quickly followed by all the holidays.  Before I know it, it will be February!  It's been so hot here this summer and I am really looking forward to the cooler temps, pumpkin scented candles and sweet potato casserole.  Yum-O!

Yesterday, I was hoping to post about a trip some friends and I took to a local thrift shop on Tuesday.  However, on Wednesday my husband works from home and takes over the computer for the day.  I suppose I could have done it last night, but let's just be honest here.  I was lazy.  Anyhow, there is a thrift shop in town that I think is fairly new and I've been wanting to visit it for a little while.  I tried to find it one day, but got completely turned around.  However, this time, the plans were made and we were going.   There would be no one stopping us!  Michelle and I started out Tuesday morning at....

Panera for something to eat, while we waited for Kellie to join us.   After talking for over an hour, we hit the road.  Michelle goes to Gina's Junk fairly often, but Kellie and I have never been.   How cute is this place!!

And how cute is this little guy hanging over the doorway?  I imagine you could make this pretty easily.

The woman who owns it, Gina, is super nice.  We saw lots of things we could have taken home, if we had space at home for it.  Such as this door.  All you need is a new screen and some sanding.  I'm surprised Michelle didn't buy it.

And what about this window?  I saw on  Tatertots & Jello, that someone had made a really cute coat rack with one similar. 

Kellie ended up getting a really pretty pantry.  Isn't it gorgeous!  It has a couple of shelves inside and tons of room to fit a child who is acting up, perhaps.  Just saying.

In the end, Michelle's van looked like this. 

The yellow table and some of the shutters underneath it are mine.  I've been wanting a table for my front porch for the longest time now.  This one is cute, with a little drawer and it was only $20!!  Score!!  I'll leave you with a final photo of Kellie and the ginormous aloe plant!  She couldn't get over how large this was.

Have a great day everyone!  I'm off to meet the school bus.  :)

Milestones

Today we had a new milestone at our house.  Can you guess what it was?

Today we let Maeve ride the bus for the first time!!  Declan was with her.  His first ride was just a week ago, but unfortunately, I forgot my camera!!  Not today.

Maeve jumped off the bus and was grinning from ear to ear.  They both LOVED it.  I am going to let them ride the bus, coming home from school, from now on.  We only live a few miles away, so I will still drive them in the mornings.   I just wish the bus dropped them off closer to our house in case I am running late meeting them at their stop.  It might only be a half mile away, but you can't see it from our house.  Maybe I will give the bus driver a bribe gift!  One can hope. 

Have a nice night everyone!!

My vanishing act

This is the time of year where I usually do my vanishing act.  At least where blogging is concerned.  However, this year I am going to try and stick around.  You are thrilled, I can tell. 

So let's see what's been going on, shall we? (I'm just going to pretend that we are having a real live conversation here.)   Oooh, guess what!!  I've started is an Etsy shop!!  It's called Ladybugs and Fireflies.   I've got a link of the side of my blog. I'm going to make some cute things for the home and sell them there. Or at least I hope to.  My favorite so far, is the Advent Calendar. Probably because I love Christmas. Anyhow, I've only put a few things on there to see what kind of response I get. Hopefully I can sell some things and make enough to help with Christmas. We shall see. My friend, Michelle, has an Etsy shop as well. She is uber talented and has a ton of things listed. Her shop is called 24 Olive Street. If you are in the market for anything made with fabric, I urge you to visit her shop. You won't be sorry!

What else?  Well, school has been in session for 3 weeks already!  How time flies.  The older kids are doing good with school.  Each of them have friends in class from last year.  The younger two, well that's a different story.   Maeve is liking Kindergarten, except for that little brat girl in her class who is telling the other girls not to play with her!  This is not making momma happy and I'm ready to go to the school and have some words with said child.  It's not going to be pretty.  Declan has class with many of his friends this year.  He loves that!  Of course, he also loves talking, which is why his desk has already been moved away from the other kids.  I've also been asked to call his teacher at home last weekend.  Apparently my son thought it would be a good idea to climb up on the urinal (YUCK!!) and check out some kind of bug that was climbing up the wall.  In his mind, it was not a big deal, he just wanted a better look.  The teacher was afraid he might fall in.  (I think I just threw up in my mouth a little bit.)    Also, there has been some playing on the playground which may or may not involve kids who are falling into broken glass and pieces of cement, resulting in lots of blood and stitches.  Not my son, just kids chasing him.  So naturally, it's his fault.  And he might be playing a made up game called "Tap Out" where boys try to knock each other down, then stand over them screaming "Tap Out!".  Again, while this play time involved 4 boys, the only one to get caught was....Declan!  And finally, another child came to school, so shaken he could not breathe, saying he was afraid of using the bathroom in case Declan was in there?!  Personally, if my child was that upset, I wouldn't just drop him off and leave, I would be in the office finding out what was going on.  But, who am I to judge another parent.  At any rate, he never even saw my son in the bathroom at all, so we are not sure where this came from.  And I was in the office for that as well.  *sigh*  It's going to be a long year for him, I'm afraid.

I am also teaching Maeve how to read.   I have this totally awesome book called "Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons".  I love it and recommend it to everyone!  I even brought it in Declan's class last year to teach some of the kids in his class.  Anyhow, Maeve is up to lesson 15 and is doing great!

What else?  Oh yes.  Baseball has started up again.  Lord help me!  Fall ball is much more relaxed then when you play in the spring.  At least that's what I was told.  However, we have practices twice a week, which will stop when the games start.  They are also twice, possibly three times a week.  Thankfully it's a short season.  A little side note here:  I would like to shout out a HUGE congratulations to Columbus' Northern Little League.  Their team went all the way to the World Series playoffs!!  They did fantastic and should be very proud of themselves!

I've also gotten a few emails asking me how I plan on getting debt free.  First off, let me just say that it's not happening overnight.  There are little changes that we are making, which will hopefully make a big difference when added up.  One thing we decided to try this month was buying food from Angel Food ministries.  We have never done this before and thought we'd give it a try.   I'm not a name brand snob, so it wasn't going to bother me to try something new.  Some things I do like my name brands though.  Anyhow, we checked it out and found that you don't need to provide anything showing a need.  It's open to everyone!  How awesome is that?  Anyhow, we only bought one package to try.  On pick up day, we were surprised to see how much food was really there for only $29!!

We've already eaten most of the food, and I'm happy to report that it's really good!  I know that sounds like I expected it to be spoiled or something, but as I said, we have never done this and didn't know what to expect.  Next month, we are getting a couple of packages.  On their website is a menu for the following month, so you can decide if it's what you want.  Also, you can order as many packages as you like. 

Have a great night everyone!!  I hope to be back soon!

It's 5 Question Friday!

1. Do you have any nicknames and if so how did it come about?

I'd have to say that I do not have any nicknames.  Sure, my husband calls me the usual things like "honey" and whatnot, but other than that nothing comes to mind.  When I was a kid, though, I was very thin and called everything from stick to twig and string bean.  I'm also quite certain that, behind my back, my kids have probably called me something other than mom!

2. What is your birth order amongst your siblings?

My parents only had my brother and me.  I am the oldest.  I've often wanted a sister, especially when I was a young girl.  I like to pretend that my parents had me, and seeing that rainbows sprouted from my arse, decided to have another golden child.  They quickly realize, after my brother was born, that one cannot hit the lottery twice and immediately stopped having any more kids.

3. In a movie of your life, who would play your significant other?

Oh my.  There are so many actors that I really like.  I am always after my husband to shave his head, so maybe Bruce Willis.  However, because Joe is anything but a daredevil, I can't see that working.  If I were to play me in the movies, then I would want John Duhamel to play Joe.  That man is HOT!!

4. What is currently your favorite song?

Sorry, I was lost in thought after that last question!  Ahem.  Anyhow, currently my favorite song is probably California Gurls by Katy Perry and Snoop Dog.  Each summer has a song for that year and this year, that was it. 

5. Are you saving your money for anything right now? Big or small purchase?

If you've read my last post, you already know the answer to this.  I'm not really saving for any big purchases.  I am trying not to spend money on anything that I don't absolutely need.  This way I can pay off any debt.  Once that is done, and we only owe on the house, then I want to buy land someplace so I can build the home of my dreams. 

That's all of my answers this week.  Feel free to copy and paste them to your blog and fill in your own answers!  Let me know if you do.  I'd love to read them.  Then, head over to My Little Life and link up!!

Debt free living. It's a struggle.

Living debt free is my goal.  Although, when you first start out trying to become debt free, it's hard.  As a matter of fact, it downright sucks.  Especially when you have four kids and one is a preteen!  They don't understand why we won't go out to dinner like we used to, or buy new things whenever we want to.  Before you start to worry (hello, mom!) we are not broke.  My husband makes a nice living for us.  I'm just tired of looking around the house and wondering where his paycheck goes.  Can I get an AMEN!  And it's not like we blow money left and right.  For example, my television is years old.  Our goal is to only owe on our house.  In our effort to live debt free, we've cut out certain things like having a cell phone (I heard you gasp!) and even a second car.  Both of which we got rid of last year.  It's not easy having only one car, but certainly doable if you are willing to make the sacrifice.  Much to the horror of my kids, they will find out this afternoon when they get home from school, that I've cancelled cable!  No, I'm not trying to be cruel to them, they have other things to keep them entertained.  I just don't want them turning into zombies every afternoon.  I've been reading other blogs where families only spend $50 per person, per month, on groceries!  I'm not there yet.  Not even close.  I can't seem to get out of the store without spending way more than that.  However, that's the kind of habit I'm trying to break.  I'm trying to make a menu for the week and only buy the food that's needed.  I also painted the side of my pantry door so I can write down my menu plans, which will hopefully keep me from forgetting what the menu was in the first place!   Are you living debt free?  Do you have any suggestions or hints for me?  I'd love to hear them.  Not debt free, but want to be, then join me on this journey!

Back to School

Well, last week school started around these parts.  Against my wishes, all 4 of my kiddos started back.  I was really, really hoping to home school the 2 oldest this year.  However, it didn't work out.  It was a good thing that I requested teachers for them in the event that they went back to school.  They each got the teachers we wanted.  Maeve didn't want to go back to school, unless she could return to preschool and have her old teacher and friends with her.  Sweet, huh?  Once she realized that all the kids were moving on, she was better about it.  She has a super nice teacher this year.

Unfortunately, she was sick on the 2nd and 3rd day of school.  Poor baby woke with a high fever and spent the next few days in my bed with me.  Hopefully I won't come down with whatever she had!  In the end, she was able to return to class on Friday and much to her dismay, come home with a bunch of make up work to be completed and returned tomorrow!!  In typical Maeve fashion, she met a little girl in class named Olivia.  She asked her if she was a pig!  Oh my.  I hope the girl watches the cartoon with the pig bearing her name and doesn't think Maeve is just a brat!  This is going to be a fun year.  I can tell.  Declan has a teacher this year who is practically a saint!  (I say that now, at least)  He has not had the best school experience these last two years.  And that is putting it mildly.  This year, we are determined to make it better.

Seriously, how sweet does she look?  I hope she is ready for him!!  Aidan started grade six this year over at the Intermediate school he was in last year.  He has a fantastic teacher also.  However, he has already had one small project due!  So much for easing into things.  I know he's wishing he was home schooled also.  I couldn't get any pictures of him and his teacher, but did manage to get him to stand still with his younger siblings.

Can't you just feel the love?  Last but not least is Aislinn.  She started over at the middle school.  She did get the team she wanted, but has come home complaining that none of her friends are in any of her classes, the teachers give too much work, blah, blah, blah.  She certainly wishes she was home schooled!  Her school starts at 8am, but she has to be on the bus at 6:50!  Insane. 

Hopefully this will be a good year for her, too!

5 Question Friday

I gotta tell you, I just love 5 question Friday!


1. Are you a neat sleeper or a messy sleeper?


I am a neat sleeper.  I cannot stand it when the covers are messy and feel all wrinkly on my legs.  I know, anal.  I can't help it.  There are worse things in life to worry about though.


2. Fill in the blank. I wish I was more ________________.

Boy, there are so many things that come to mind here!  Maybe: nicer to my kids, health conscious, or financially stable.  This is a good question!


3. What is something that you wish you had been warned about?

Ooo!!  Maybe how much money I would be spending on scrapbooking and other craft supplies.  My husband would have probably put his foot down immediately!!  Although I can't say that it would have stopped me.


4. What was the best thing you ever found at a garage sale/flea market?

I must admit here that I've never been to a flea market!  And as for garage sales, well, I've HAD them, I just don't go to them.  I sound like a snob right?  My mom found a Longeberger basket for 25 cents though.  I don't have that kind of luck.

5. If you could have any meal brought to you right now, what would it be?

Since I've already eaten and am not the least bit hungry, I'd have to say ice cream!  Who can say no to ice cream?  Besides, it's around 100 degrees every single day here, so ice cream always hits the spot!

Happy Birthday, Maeve!!

Today my littlest peanut turned 5.  FIVE!  How in the world did that happen?  I swear, I just brought her home from the hospital.  Time sure does go by quickly.  Pretty soon, she will be wanting to wear makeup and drop me off a block before her destination so her friends won't see her in the company of her mother.  In the meantime, I am going to enjoy every minute of her. 

We went to the movies today and saw Shrek Ever After.  Really cute movie.  Certainly worth the dollar it cost.  Then we came home and had cake and presents!

She picked it out herself.  Lately, she is all about Strawberry Shortcake.  She likes playing with all of the dolls.  Plus, they smell good!!

                                              

She got all new bedding, including this adorable little owl pillow, from her grandparents. It's already on her bed!

I'm so glad you had a nice day.  I love you, baby!

5QF

Has it really been a week already?  I guess it's that time again.

1. Did you have a favorite blanket or toy as a kid? If so, do you still have it?

I probably have to check with my parents on this one.  I remember one Christmas where I got a pair of roller skates and was the happiest kid on the planet.  I used to go roller skating every weekend.  Yes, I spent 10 years of my childhood trapped in the 80's.  On a side note, my neice still has a receiving blanket she got as a baby!  She spent 2 weeks here recently and brought it with her.  She sleeps with it every night.  She's 12.  This poor blanket has holes in it and is as thin as it gets.  I hope she never gets rid of it!!


2. Do you dream in color?

I think I dream in black and white.  At least when I wake up and can remember my dreams, it never crosses my mind that "Wow!  Those colors were so vivid!" or anything.


3. How tall are you? Do you wish you were shorter or taller?

I am 5"4".  Sometimes I wish I was a little bit taller.  Maybe by 2 or 3 inches.  I don't wear heels at all, so I am stuck at my height.  My kids are starting to creep up to my height, so one of these days I might just rethink the heel wearing situation!!


4. If you could have anyone's (celeb or other) voice as the guide on your GPS, who would it be?

Sean Connery.  I love his accent.  However, we have a Tom Tom and I recently found out that I can download Homer Simpson's voice!!  Can you just imagine taking a wrong turn?  "D'oh!"


5. Do you return your shopping cart to the corral or leave it wherever in the parking lot?

I always return it to the corral.  I know, live on the wild side, right?  I would just feel terrible if I caused damage to someone's car because I was lazy.  I even return it in the pouring rain.

Fall gift exchange!!

  
I am so going to do this!  I am already thinking about what to give.  Fall is probably my favorite time of year.  The air is nice and cool.  I start putting using my fall decorations and putting a fire in the fireplace.  I absolutely LOVE fall!!  Won't you join in?