Any good recommendations?

I realize that this will seem like an odd thing to blog about, but I am in the market for a new vacuum and want your opinions. And since I know I have some loyal readers (all 3 of you), I thought maybe you'd have some advice. I'd love to get a Dyson, but don't think I can justify spending that much...

So tell me, do you have a vacuum you love? It has to be light since we have a 2-story house.

S

Striiiike!

Ashley loves to play bowling on the Wii so we took her to the real thing last weekend. She had a blast! And I have to say my score went up significantly with the bumpers. She only fell once after she went way over the line and slipped. And she thought the shoes were great (which should be no surprise to those of you that know her). Preston was great, just hung out in the stroller the whole time taking it all in.

S

8 Months Old

I have been so off lately, I spent the whole day yesterday thinking today would be the 27th. Oops!

Preston is crawling pretty well now, getting into everything. He's moved over to the bigger baby side in his class in daycare. So he spends most of his day crawling around playing with the other babies. He's been trying to say Dada more, but it comes out DeeDa sometimes. He's just a really happy baby. :)

S

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for

my kids' great daycare

living in a democratic country

our fenced-in yard

how sweet Ashley is to Preston

Preston staying up a little bit late tonight

S

Thankful Thursday

From Eric:

Modern medicine

Super supportive wife and family

From Me:

Eric's sense of humor

Cheese enchiladas (one food Ashley will actually eat!)

A break from the 100-degree heat


It's almost Friday!

S

Crawling!

It's official- Preston is crawling! He just started last night, and it is quite funny. He isn't really all the way up on his knees, more like scooting along, but I'll take it. Now we have to re-babyproof the house! Ashley was so excited and proud of him. :)

S

Thankful Thursday on Friday

I'm a day late, but better late than never!

Is anyone else having a weird week this week? Everything has felt a little off the last few days- I'm just glad its Friday.

I'm thankful for:

Rain

Caffeine

Gift Cards leftover from my birthday

The Olympics

Blogs to keep me sane during the workday

My healthy kiddos

S

Tips for Disney

This is really just for Kelly, but I'm posting it in case anyone else will be traveling to Disney with small kids. We went with our friends, so we had their
twin 3-year-olds, our three-year-old and our 6-month-old. Good times!

1. If it's your (or your kids) first time there, you can get a special button- ask for it when you get your tickets. Makes a good keepsake.

2. Bring a backpack to haul all the kid's stuff. Trust me on this one, you will be glad to have your hands free. And easier to manage than a diaper bag.

3. You can bring snacks, juice, etc. into the park. No one tells you this, but it's true. I assumed you weren't allowed, but my supersmart BFF Mel brought a ton of snacks and even a huge plastic jug of juice in her backpack for the kids. They searched the bags and didn't care. This will save you a ton of $, plus time wasted in line.

4. We brought our own stroller and I'd recommend it. You can rent one, but they are pretty pricey. Plus you'll have to carry your exhausted little one to the car at the end of the day after you turn in the rental. If you do rent one, bring a blanket or towel because those things are made of hard plastic.

5. Bring a little first aid kit with band aids, etc. Just easier than trying to locate one in the park.

6. If your kids want to meet any characters or Princesses (and who doesn't?), go straight to Toontown when you get there. When I was a kid, the characters just walked around. Not anymore- you wait in line to meet them. It's a much more personal experience this way, but it gets crowded. We had to wait a while to meet the Princesses, but it was worth it.

7. There is a really nice baby care area at the end of Main Street, off to the left. It has a nice nursing room, a room with highchairs and a little tables with a movie playing and a diaper changing room. I think there is complimentary baby food and diapers available if you ask. A nice place to take a break with the little one.

8. Bring your own ponchos- especially in the summer. I found some at Target in the camping section for $1.

9. Buy your souvenirs outside of the park- you'll save a ton of money. We bought hats and Minnie ears in the park, but got a bunch of t-shirts and picture frames at one of the tourist shops.

Wow, I didn't think I had that many tips until I really started thinking about it.

And Kelly, I'm sure you guys will have a blast- Peyton will love it!

S

Vacation

So our vacation was a month ago and I still haven't organized all of our photos. But here are a few favorites. We had such a great time and the kids loved it. We went to Disney with our friends Mel and Eric, and then to stay with my parents for the rest of the time. We hadn't been back to Florida in almost two years- way too long. It was so nice to get away and see everyone.

S

Thankful Thursday

Hard to believe it's been a week already...

I am grateful for:

my great husband, who is my best friend in this crazy world

noggin channel

cold a/c

binkies

my sassy girl

my squishy baby


S

Coupons? Coupons!

So I've always thought cutting coupons was silly, I mean, how much can you really save? But I was wrong, there is actually a ton of money to be saved. I did dabble in couponing (is that a word?) a few years ago but then got away from it. Then a few weeks ago we were at the store and the shopper in front of us pulls out all of these coupons, and Eric asks me why I don't do that. Didn't really have a good answer, so I decided to start. And I have to say there are a lot of good deals out there. And then I discovered that a local grocery store here doubles and triples coupons. Now I'm hooked. At least it's a habit that will save me money. :)

S