An Inspiration........

Well, our family New Year's Resolution was to spend less money.  We have made this a "monthly" goal, but have not quite succeeded YET.  We really talked about it over Christmas, since we will be having our 3rd child soon.  Something that is sort of a MUST, and not optional anymore.....

So, with that, I decided that I will no longer BUY my lunch, unless I have some cash, or if I sold some Pampered Chef...as long as it does not go on any credit card, or out of our checking account.....

With that goal in mind, I cooked dinner Monday night, with some left over, so I could bring it to work (Monday I ordered Chinese for lunch, but had cash), and did the same everynight thereafter, so I could bring my lunch.  My 4 yr old tried to ask if we could have Taco Bell Tuesday night, but I resisted the urge, and she was fine with me making her "Taco Bell Fav." at home :).....

My biggest problem is that I run out of ideas of things to make.....so I started searching the Food Network website for meal ideas.  They actually have some "30 min" ideas, and crock pot ideas.  Those tweaked my interest 1st, because my 2nd biggest problem is that I am PREGNANT! :)  Which, makes me tired.  Not to mention, I have 2 other children and work full time. Excuses, I know....My home ec teacher in highschool would be VERY disappointed.

After searching the website and printing some recipes that would be easy and could cook most of the day with minimal effort, I set out on a plan....  My plan was to PLAN meals for the next few weeks, then go grocery shopping this weekend......  I incorporated a few of the new recipes into some of our old traditional favorites, and went to the grocery store.  I had a "mental" budget of what I wanted to spend, and made sure to not get too many things outside of that... (a bad habit I often have).  I did get some breakfast things for the kids, a few easy snacks and easy quick meals for them, for when my husband has to watch them (like Thursday night when I go get my hair done!) 

The other key is to take a pen and piece of paper with you and put little hash marks for every $ spend, making the 5th mark across so that you can keep them grouped in 5's. Anything over $.50 will count as a $1.  It will all even out in the end.  If you stick to that, then you will know before you start putting things in the basket that you REALLY don't need, and can stick much better to budget.  Also, buying store brand for things that don't really matter.

After posting on Facebook that I planned the meals, went to the grocery store, was within $.08 of my "mental" budget - and was able to get a new crock pot as well - since I broke our....LITERALLY, like dropped it and it shattered into pieces.....others started commenting on my facebook.  My sister (1/2 sister from Dad's side), who is ALWAYS a great cook - even had her own catering company, emailed me to find out what I was making, how I did my shopping, and asked for pointers.  I was THRILLED!  She is the one that ALWAYS has the "good stuff" - even food sometimes I don't know what it is.  My other sister also sent me a message this morning that I "inspired" her to cook more at home too.  The "inspirations" are such an encouragement, because I am one to get tired easily.  Knowing that someone else has decided to try the same thing really keeps my spirits going......Hopefully it will last....

My newest obsession - which I have haulted since after Christmas (trying to save $$) is ETSY.  You probably know what it is and have probably see all the cute stuff they have on there.  Let me tell you...I have bought hairbows, and dresses, and all kinds of stuff on there.  Some of the last bit of stuff is coming in now - since they didn't have enough time to make during the holidays.  One of the girls here at work can sew, and she also told me that showing her some of the stuff I have bought has "inspired" her to maybe start making things again and selling them on Etsy.  I wish I was that talented, and for now, I think Alexis and Kaitlyn have PLENTY of stuff from there.  I even got some stuff for my sister and another friend.  It's just SO cute, I can't help myself!

Here is a dress that I bought for Alexis that came in today......Isn't it ADORABLE???  It's MUCH tinier than the one shown below, but SO cute! I have to stop looking at stuff online so I don't buy it.........

Well, to anyone that reads my blog, I hope you have a great day, and let me know if I even "inspire" you.  It really does boost my spirits and help me to stay on track.....

Annoying people make me mad.......

Why would someone stop by my cubicle at work and ask me why I picked out the curtain I did?? (I have a curtain hanging so I can shut it when I'm really busy, so people won't bother me - it's actually a shower curtain, but still). Then, after I state that I picked it out because I liked it (why else would I have picked it??), they respond "really?" Some people just need to be slapped!!!!!!! This is the same person that I wish my curtain would automatically shut when they come by.......YES, THAT ANNOYING!!!

It's also VERY annoying that the people here CAN NOT COUNT!!!!...... SERIOUSLY....You know how many hours each week you are allowed to work, but it never fails that they still go over..... Always someone. What worse, is not only did they go over their "allowed" hours, but they went WAY OVER in OVERTIME!!!!!!!! Almost 10 hours....ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? Is it really that difficult?? Being the Operations Manager, it is my job to check up on them, but when they pick up some last minute hours, and are asked "how are your hours?" I can only be responsible for so much.....and yet, in the end, I will be the one that gets in trouble for it.....How does that work??? Guess I have to get my calculator out EVERYDAY and add......uggggg.....

Sorry, don't mean to complain so much - actually, yes I do! :)

On a brighter note, this morning, another one of my employees sent my Co-worker (their boss), and email saying how wonderful I am. The funny part is, I have never physically met this employee; she was working here before I started, and only works weekends (while I am off). We exchange emails often and correspond that way......

My co-worker proceeded to forward it to her boss and mine, who sent it all the way up to Regional Management, who sent me back a nice sweet email...(can I get some $$ with that??? :) )

I am looking forward to my dr. appt today. It's at the specialist, and I get to see my little girl! :) Can't wait for her to get here....6 1/2 weeks left. I want to see how big she is now, and see if they can give me a "guesstamate" on how big they think she will be. I am counting down until maternity leave!!!!!! :)

Dr's Appointment(s)

It's getting sooo close!! We have started every 2 week appointments, as of this week. I can not tell you how excited I am. It makes the day go by faster, because I schedule them around lunch time, so when I come back, I don't have much time left in the day.



Today was just normal, nothing out of the ordinary. I actually saw the nurse, because my Doctor is on Vacation. My visit was over in about 45 min......That's a RECORD! We actually have to go to the specialists next week - and I get so see sweet baby Lexi (Alexis), because they will do a very detailed ultrasound. LOVE THOSE VISITS!



This week has been SO slow at work. SO, since my sister works with me (and she is pregnant too), we have been planning our baby showers. YES, I am having one for my 3rd child. My sister is SO GREAT. My sister-in-law is also doing one too. This is my husband's bioligical sister (if you do not know the story, you can read here http://momsenseandmore.blogspot.com/2009/01/so-busy-and-never-enough-time-to-post.html . So, I actually get TWO! The one MY sister is doing is mostly people from work and old friends, and we have 80 people to invite! We will see how many actually come, but I couldn't NOT invite someone from work.

I am doing one for my sister, and another friend is doing another one for her too, and her friends in Pensacola are going to do one for her there too. Her husband's family lives there too, so hopefully they will be able to come. She deserves it! :)

Well, that's it for now.... Maybe something interesting will happen tomorrow I can post about, bc this is BORING! :)

SO BORED...............

Well, for some reason, this week is SO SLOW at work. Normally I have so much to do I just want to cry, but that is not the case today (or yesterday). I should not be complaining should I?? Probably not, but then it means I am BORED....

Today I had an appointment, so I did not have to be in until 10, but that means I have to work until 6:30...BOOO.... I may leave at 6, since I did not go anywhere for lunch.

Good news, I am going to see my friend Angela tonight for an Arbonne Party. Should be loads of fun....Oh and Dallas (her baby) will be there too... We might all fight over who gets to play with her. Maybe if I get there early I can call dibbs!! :)

Tomorrow I go see my OB... We will see what she says, if anything, about how things are going. I don't think she will check anything, unless I tell her I am still having contractions, but who knows. I have to go back to the specialist next week for another Eco-Cardiogram. Nothing to worry about. I just get some extra tests because my 1/2 sister had some complications with her 1st. Nothing I will complain about, because I get to see the baby and get more pictures!! :) I seriously can not wait for her to get here........Then we start every other week visits, which means I will have 1 every week for the next 3 weeks (1 this, 1 next(specialist), 1 regular the next week). It's getting CLOSE!!!!! I can't wait.

I keep saying I'm looking forward to my 6 weeks off from work. Who am I kidding, I will be BEGGING for all my friends to come see. The older two will be in school, so that will be nice to just have some me and Alexis time, but after a few days, I am sure I will be STIRR CRAZY! :) We shall see though. If all goes well and we have normal delivery, recoupe time should not be too bad. All depends on how bad the tubes tying thing goes.... (not overly thrilled about that, but I am sure I will be ok :) ).

O.k. if the rest of the week goes like the last two days, I might blog again....Or maybe for my 1 reader's sake, I won't blog again..... :)

Enjoy your day!!!

BAD BLOGGER

O.k. I just realized that it has been since October since I have posted! WOW am I lazy.....or am I just busy?? I like the 2nd one better.

Well, since Vacation, I have been looking forward to my NEXT Vacation....partly because I will have another baby then! :) I can't wait. 7 weeks, 5 days in counting. That is, if she will cooperate and come on time. I don't see any reason she won't, but we will wait and see.

I have a dr. appt. this week, and one at the Specialist next week, then I think I go back the next week to my dr. again (will start 2 week appointments this week). It's getting SO MUCH closer!!!!!!!!

I will upload some recent photos.... I had maternity pictures done recently, and this was one of my favorite that she took, so she sent me a copy to have for myself......It was one of the better ones that you could actually tell that I was pregnant...

We also had 4-d pictures done a few weeks ago. These REALLY made me want to bring Alexis home NOW!!!

Isn't she beautiful??

For Christmas, I got a new crib/changing table and the bedding for her bed. Right now, it is all in our room. We are working on getting the office cleaned out and moving Tyler into Kaitlyn's room so Alexis can have her own room. She may end up in our room for a while......

The Crib and bedding....

The changing table

We had a really good Christmas, the kids were spoiled with everthing they got. We should almost not buy them any presents with how many they get from everyone else.....:) They are enjoying playing with their toys and their week off from school. Everything should be back to "normal" for the time being after the 1st.

Can I get another vacation??

Last week we went to Pigeon Forge, Tn for 5 days! It was a long drive, but the kids did great, falling asleep at separate times, but enjoying watching DVD's the whole way there and back. They only got a little antzy towards the end of the 8.5 hour drives :).

We didn't get in until 7pm on Wednesday, so we just got to the cabin (mom, steph, and matt were already there), set the kids up where they would be sleeping and relaxed a little bit. Our room had a jetted tub in the room - separate from the bathroom with a normal shower/tub combo.

Thursday, we spent the day shopping at the outlet, and lunch there as well. I could not believe how sore I was when we were done. It did not seem like that long out, but I guess pushing two kids in the double stroller all day, and all the walking we did, my calves were so sore.

The next day we went to DollyWood, as if my legs didn't hurt already. We took the kids to ride some of the rides there size, Kaitlyn rode her 1st "roller-coaster." I was able to ride the elephant ride with her so daddy could ride with Tyler. We decided to go watch the 50's-60's show, and poor Kaitlyn was asking the whole time to go back and ride more. If I had to do it over again, I would have skipped the show and taken her to ride more. Show was ok, but I could have done without seeing it. Would have rather let her have all the fun she could in 1 day. We ate at "Aunt Grannie's Kitchen" in the park after the show. Good home-cooked southern food on buffet....mmmmmm. At the end of our meal, it started raining. Poor Kaitlyn started crying, I almost started crying, because I was sad that she wouldn't get to ride more. We decided to stick it out and wait for it to stop. It let up enough to take them to the carousel and ride. We walked back through the other rides and found a "car" ride that they could "drive" on a track that would not let them off track. We both road passenger, each with one kid. I wanted to let them ride so much more, but we were so tired by then.

Saturday was Kaitlyn's 4th birthday. Mom and I went out to get her present and cake and lunch, and traffic was RIDICULOUS!!! It took 30 minutes just to get 3-4 lights down the street, and the lights are very close together. Pigeon Forge must be a tourist place, because it was INSANE!

We finally made it back to the cabin (4 hours later), and open presents, had cake and dinner, and just did nothing the rest of the day. We left on Sunday and drove home. It was nice to be back at home in our own bed, and the kids in their own rooms. Tyler was in the pack and play in our room the whole time.......

Now, back to work. This week has been busy busy, but went by so fast. I have so much to do everyday, and never seem to have enough time to do it. This week was a little different, but good....my boss was here for training, so we were able to spend some time together. We laughed a lot (mostly @ me), so that keep things less stressful.

OH so glad tomorrow is friday!

Vacation....here we come!!!

WOW! Last week was CRAZY!!!!! The director of our center put in her resignation, and on Tuesday they went a head and let her go. We have a manager (our center is "three-tiered" - Director- resigned, Manager - new, and Operations - ME!!). Anyway, as I was saying, we have a manager, but she has only been on the job for 1 month, so she doesn't really know much yet. Nothing against her, she's just new and still learning.

SO, It's just me and her! Luckily, I have been there a year, so I know what's going on and how things go, but we have been changing a lot of things recently too.....eeekkk!!!! Needless to say, last week was very hectic and stressful. I was really looking forward to the weekend of NO WORK......Do you think that happened???? NOPE! Yesterday they did a Nation-wide ALL CALL for people to come into work and help out. Both the manager and I were calling and scheduling people all day long. Thankfully that can be done remotely, and I didn't have to go into the office.

This next week I only have to work 2 days before we leave for vacation. I am sure the manager would love it if I decided to stay, but we have already made the reservations and everything, so no backing out! I can't wait though!! There is no internet access at the cabin we will be staying at, so even if I wanted to work while on vacation, I CAN'T!!! Yippie. Good news though, my boss will be available to help her, as well as her people too.

SO, Vacation, here we come. Hopefully it will be somewhat relaxing. The kids are coming with us, this will be our 1st "family" vacation. My sister and her husband, and my mom will be coming as well.....what fun right?!?!?!? :)

We will be going to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and will have a cabin up in the mountains for all of us to stay. We get there on Wednesday and will probably just relax from the 8-9 hour drive. Thursday we are planning on going shopping - as much as the two pregnant women and the kids can handle. Friday, we are headed to DollyWood. My sister and I just realized that we will not be able to ride any of our favorite rides - no pregnant women allowed! We will probably spend a good portion of the day there, eat at "Aunt Grannie's Kitchen", and get some "Dolly Dresses." Saturday, the plan is to veg and watch football. The boys will love that. We may venture out and do something, we at least have to get a cake for Kaitlyn's Birthday. Hard to believe she will be 4!!!!! Sunday, we are headed back home! I really wish it could be longer, but I need to save as much time as I can for when the new little one comes.