Monday, June 28, 2010

Confession Number 44: She's All About the Dress Up

This morning as KJ and I were eating breakfast I pulled calendar of activities for the Summer Reading Program at our local library.  I noticed they were giving hula dancing lessons today.  I immediately thought she would love it, but noticed we only had 30 minutes to get around and get there.  In 25ish minutes I fixed KJ's hair, brushed her teeth and got her dressed complete with shoes and a bow.  Sat her in front of Imagination Movers while I showered, put on makeup, "fixed" my hair and dressed.  Luckily, I had already brushed my teeth, for all of you out there who were wondering where that fit into the schedule.  We ran out the door and made it to the library only a few minutes late.

The lady had finished her introduction and was just getting the girls up to dance.  Perfect timing, really.  No blah, blah, Hula, blah, blah, Hawaii, just dancing fun.  Kennedy was by far the youngest, so I got up to help her and after awhile she announced very loudly that she wanted "to do it by myself!".  Well, okay.  Really, who cares if she just stands there and waves her arms?  And sometimes acts like she is flying.  And runs around the other "dancers" singing.  She was having a good time.  Then the lady took a little break and handed out leis in preparation for the big dancing finale.  The oldest girl in the group had brought her grass skirt and the lady had 2 others, so she put them on the two next oldest girls.  Now, there were only 5 girls in the group, so that left KJ and a girl maybe 4 or so the odd men out.  I'm thinking,
"Uh oh.  Has this lady never worked with kids before?  Okay, maybe I can turn this into a great learning opportunity and she will surprise me with her understanding."

Um.  Think again.  She didn't throw a fit.  She didn't even cry.  A little whining from both girls, then the 4 year old was fine.  My daughter?  She sat on a chair and refused to dance until she had a grass skirt.  Loudly saying, "I want to dance with a skirt".........over and over and over again.  I quietly whisper to her that it isn't her turn for a skirt and she had a pretty flower necklace.  Whoops.  "I don't want a flower necklace!  I want to dance with a skirt!"  So I said, if you don't get up and dance, we'll have to leave.  Her response?  "Okay!  I wanna go home!"   She's all about the dress up. 

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Confession Number 43: I'm Retaculous

The last few days have been a little crazy around here.  I'm not quite sure why, except for the fact that KJ and I have been pretty much entertained with this, that or the other since we moved into the house, but the last couple of days we have returned to somewhat of normalcy.  Normal has been anything but.  I've forgotten how we were used to spending our days and I think both of us have had a hard time adjusting and our attitudes have shown it. 

A few days ago I told Kennedy to do something and she looked at me, hands on her hips, and exclaimed, "That is retaculous!"  I asked her to repeat what she said, and at the wise old age of almost three, she has learned that she might not want to say it again with the fear of getting in trouble, so she simply states, "I don't 'member, momma".  Hmm.

The next day it happened again.  "This is retaculous!"  This time it was directed toward a toy that she couldn't get to do what she wanted.  Retaculous.  Oh!  I get it!  Ridiculous.  I couldn't help but giggle.  It has happened a couple of times each day this week and while I know I "should" probably get on to her, I just can't quite get over the smile that comes across my face each time.

This morning........

Me:  Ken, come sit in your chair for breakfast.
K:  Ahhhh, I wanna watch Imagination Movers!
Me:  I'll pause it so you can watch it after you eat.
K:  (Huffing and puffing to the table)  You are retaculous!
Me:  (Sly smile, even though she just back talked me....how dare she)  Really?
K:  Yes! 
Me:  Okay, Daddy, did you just hear what Kennedy told me?

It took Dustin a minute, then he laughed, then proceeded to get on to her for talking to Mommy that way.  At least one of us is with it enough to discipline.  THAT is what is retaculous.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Confession Number 42: Momma is Possessive

Shortly after we woke up this morning:

Dustin:  Do we have muffin mix?
Me:  I'm not making muffins this morning.
Dustin:  Well, aren't you happy?
Me:  I'm just saying I'm not fixing muffins this morning.  I'm going upstairs.

Since moving into our new house, I have started a morning routine of getting up about the same time Dustin does for work (sometimes earlier, sometimes later) and going upstairs for "Momma Time".  I do some situps, read my devotional and have my prayer time, then kill time checking email, updating the blog, etc until Kennedy wakes up.  It's my time.  My quiet time.  My chance to rev myself up for the day.  To wake up a little bit and take some time doing things for myself.  As you other mommas out there know, you don't get much of that in a given day.

I guess I've become kind of possessive of Momma Time.  At least that is probably what my hubby thought this morning.  Sorry, hun.  Next time I'll say it a bit nicer.  I didn't have eggs, anyway. 

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Confession Number 41: I Love Father's Day

I've spent years dreading Father's Day.  2001 was the worst.  The first Father's Day without your own Daddy has a special sting to it.  I wasn't quite sure what to do.  I didn't have a phone call to make or anyone to visit.  I didn't have someone to buy presents for or to hug and kiss on the cheek.  It just kinda sucked.  2002 was better.  Dustin and I were engaged, busy planning our wedding that would happen in September, and I remember thinking that I now had a father-in-law to honor on that special day in June.  That was okay.  A good consolation prize, I guess. 

Then came Father's Day 2007.  My belly was big and my heart was full.  I was especially sad that we couldn't share the joy that was about to happen in our lives with Daddy, but I had a new emotion on this special day.  The thought that I now had a reason to celebrate, truly celebrate, Father's Day again, this time with my husband.

The last few years in June have been wonderful.  I have watched the love of my life grow to be an amazing, loving, caring father.  He sits down and drinks imaginary tea, plays Barbies and Candyland, and is an expert in helping our little girl step into her princess gown and high heel shoes.  A week or so ago, he even (after almost 3 years of practice) dressed her in an outfit that matched, including shoes and hair bow.  That bow got him mega points with his friend Micah, who is only days away from entering Baby Girl Daddyhood himself.  Dustin has given a new life to my Father's Day.  Thank you for being the best Daddy to our little girl and for being a wonderful leader of our family. . . And thanks for giving me Father's Day back.  I love you!

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Confession Number 40: What I've Been Doing

So, I've been up to a lot lately that isn't related to finishing up the new house.  Here are some of the highlights of my last week or so...

1.  Spending quality time with the sisters, their girls and Mom.  Unfortunately, it wasn't as originally intended, but it was still lots of fun.

2.  Listening to KJ say, "Look Momma, here is your Bible, it tells you about Jesus" (totally heart warming)

3.  Spending time at the pool and on the lake with great friends.  We live a rough life on Grand Lake.  Might as well give in to that jealousy you are feeling and move on up here. 

4.  Winning a drawing on Simple Saving Savvy for FREE Febreze products.  I'm so pumped and excited to really start using coupons to save some more dough. 

5.  Getting a few cool things together for HootieMomma.  I'm hoping to have some time to create new products in the next few days. 

I can't wait to get back to somewhat of a normal schedule around here.  I'm off to do one of about a bazillion things that needs to be done. 

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Confession Number 39: I Needed This

Sorry I've been away for awhile.  With the whimsical schedule of summer, I've found it hard to sit down and blog on a regular basis.  I promise, I'll be back, though, with better than ever posts.  There is still so much to tell you about the move (including Dustin owning AT&T), the joys we had forgotten about home ownership, and some funny Kennedy stories. 

I came down to the farm to spend a couple of days with my Momma.  I thought I was coming down here so she could see us, but, I really think it was so we could see her.  Isn't is amazing how good just seeing your Mom makes you feel sometimes? 

Friday, June 11, 2010

Confession Number 38: I Stayed Warm

A few years back some friends of ours introduced us to the White Buffalo Resort in Mountain Home, Arkansas.  I used to think that resort was defined by beautiful, tall buildings on white sandy beaches complete with everything you might ever need in life and a cabana boy.  I learned the true meaning of resort on one of my first trips to Grove (now our home) years ago.  Anyone coming into town from Sailboat Bridge will pass by Bear's Den Resort.  I think this particular place is really stretching the term "resort" since they are a really, really nice RV park with a few cabins thrown in for good measure.  Well, White Buffalo is really quite the same.  If it weren't for the beautiful scenery there wouldn't be much resorting going on there.  It really is very nice, and quite possibly the closest thing to camping my friend Jessica and I are ever going to get.  We rent these great log cabins that are nestled on a hill up the bank from the very swift and cold river.

I think the initial draw here was the trout fishing, but I'm not quite sure who made up the lie that there were fish in that river, because this was our second time to go and I haven't seen one, yet.  We have a great time, though.  Floating and chatting and running around acting like big kids.  We cookout (never eating fish), toast marshmallows and stay up way too late.  Here was our group of fisher people...
Miss Sammie put all of those boys to shame.  She actually CAUGHT a fish, although it wasn't a trout, but a small mouth bass and it wasn't as much of a fish as it was a minnow.  The first night we were there we headed down to the river so the boys could try their luck.  While we were there the most majestic, and slightly creepy, fog rolled in....
We have such a good time with our friends.  It reminds us that we need to do it more, then once we get back to the daily grind, we forget all over again.  I'm so lucky to have a wonderful group of women in my life...
On fishing day we headed up the river where they dumped us into canoes and wished us luck.  I guess we had more luck than the group who sank theirs, then had to pay $1000 for it.  Unfortunately, our luck ended there.  No fish.  Again.  BUT, no tipping over in the FRIGID water and losing all of our belongings down stream either, so I guess it was a good day.  I'm talking FRIGID, cold, thought I saw ice cubes floating beside us, freezing water.  Everyone else was a bit more brave than I.  I guess love makes you do silly things.  Check out these newlyweds...
And Jess trying to convince Jordan to jump in....
I'm not sure how happy he was about that...

I was the ONLY smart one in the group.  Crazy.  Just crazy.  At least I stayed warm.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Confession Number 37: I'm Pretty Stinkin' Proud

My friend Nicci over at Nix9to5 has been working hard to cut money from her budget this year.  Kuddos to Nicci because today her hard work is paying off!  It is her last day as a work OUT of the home mom and tomorrow is her first day as a working AT home mom.  She will get to spend tons of time with her Bear all while still contributing to the family income.

One of the ways Nicci has been saving money is with coupons.  Now, I'm saying this with all of the love in my heart, but she has turned into one of those crazy coupon ladies.  I don't really blame her.  Head on over to her site and see what all she got for FREE on her last shopping trip.  Free!  Zilch, notta, nuttin, zero pennies, FREE! 

I have to admit, I've become a wee bit jealous, so I decided I wouldn't go as crazy as Nicci, but I would do a little work and use coupons here and there, whenever convenient.  Dustin and I are pretty brand specific, which isn't always working in your favor when couponing.  My shopping trip today started out pretty normal.  A whole basket full of groceries and one $1 off coupon for Dawn dish soap.  Not so bad.  Made the Dawn (which I never buy) like $1.33  because it was already on sale at Wally World. 

Second stop, Braum's.  The mail fairy brought me some coupons for $$ off marketplace purchases at Braum's, which is great because I regulary (religiously) buy milk, ice cream and OJ there.  Today I had to shop for our upcoming mini vaca so I was able to save $6 on my purchase!  Total for the day= $7.  Not too shabby. 

Then I went to Walgreens.  Now any couponing crazies will tell you that Walgreens and CVS are some of the best places to get good deals.  This is where I earned my gold star.  I got all of these products...
for $11.93!  My loot included 4 cans of Nivea Men's Shave Gel, 2 bottles of Nivea Body Wash and 1 bottle of Coppertone sunscreen.  My total price was less than the regular price of the 2 bottle of body wash.  Crazy.  Here is how I did it...

Nivea Men's Shave Gel was BOGO, so, I bought 2 at $3.49 each and got 2 FREE!= $6.98
Nivea Body Wash was also BOGO, plus, I had a buy 2 take $4 off coupon= $1.99
Coppertone Sunscreen (SPF 50) was on SALE for $6.59, with a $4 Walgreens coupon AND a $1 manufacture's coupon= $1.59

With tax it came up to $11.93, a savings of $25.87!!!!!

Now, I know I probably missed some incredible deal either with what I purchased, or on something else.  I did notice while I was there that the razors Dustin uses were on sale, plus I have a $1 off coupon, so I'll have to go back tomorrow.  I may not be getting truckloads of things for free, but today, I'm pretty stinkin' proud of my $32 in savings. 

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Confession Number 36: I Finally Took Pictures

For all of you out there who have been waiting to see pictures of the house post move in (especially the crazy striped wall in KJ's room) you may now put your voices to rest.  I have heard your cries again and again and finally took the camera out tonight.  Now, the house is by no means "finished".  Meaning we are not finished unpacking, and we've still had sub contractors in and out to fix or finish this or that.  These pictures will give you a great idea, of how we have decorated the house.....so far.

The kitchen featuring my obsession with Fiesta pottery and the most extravagant purchase in the whole house, the chalkboard pantry door on the far left.
The living room wall that mirrors the above kitchen wall, complete with Dustin's pride and joy (although not such a joy to hang), the 58" flat screen TV.  We aren't finished working on the shelves, just yet.  I think we are going to move them around a bit and make more taller than others. 
Quite possibly our favorite room in the house, the upstairs bonus room.  There isn't much furniture, but holy smokes, there are a ton of toys.  I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE not having to pick up toys every night. 
I'm even going to show the not so pretty.  This is our front bedroom.  Possibly for another little Matthews one day, however, now it is being used for garage sale storage. 

The guest bedroom and bath.  It still needs lots of work.  We haven't hung a thing on the walls and we need some sort of console table.  This is a brand new bed, mattress and bedding, though.  I can only do so much in a week and a half. 
KJ's bath.  This picture really doesn't do it justice.  It is very, very cute...and bright.  I love all of the colors!  This bath is a Jack and Jill style with the vanity separated from the shower. 
Now, the room a lot of you have been asking about for weeks.  Miss Kennedy's room. 

Three of the walls are solid light green and the largest wall is striped with three shades of pink, two greens and white.  I did it all by hand and let me tell you, it was a killer.  Just ask my chiropractor! 

So, that is it.  Well, the high parts, anyway.  Of course, it is still a work in progress, but hopefully we will have it all finished soon.  Thanks for following me through this process.  The apartment was rough at times, but it was all worth it.  We are loving our new home!

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Confession Number 35: I'm So Happy!

I'm so happy that .........

1.  I'm in my new house (pics to come soon, I promise)
2.  I'm almost unpacked
3.  I get to go on a mini vaca with great friends this weekend
4.  My internet is FINALLY working
5.  Dustin didn't kill anyone while trying to accomplish number 4
6.  They fixed my dishwasher today
7.  I didn't kill anyone waiting on number 6
8.  The rocks are all covered back up in our yard
9.  Tomorrow is my Momma's birthday
10.  I had a great time getting sunburned at the pool on a KJ playdate

Hope you have had a great day, too!!