tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48465888134911875572024-02-22T22:49:02.626-08:0014 Fir StreetKarenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16409363513329416076noreply@blogger.comBlogger771125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846588813491187557.post-10097708349593482322014-06-08T19:56:00.000-07:002014-06-08T19:56:56.683-07:00no computerOur home computer died, unrecoverably dead. Which means my little bit of blogging is now none. I can't share any pictures. I can't share links all I can do is type on my tablet with one finger so this will be short. Not having the computer has been a blessing in some ways. Jay thought it would be a good idea to put all his passwords and some of ours, none of mine into a password generator program. That makes up difficult passwords so people can't hack you. You can access them from your computer but you don't know the passwords either it automatically puts them in. I won't let him touch my stuff with good reason because now that the computer is dead he can't access any of his stuff but I also can't access eBay or PayPal. The bright side is I am saving money not buying things. The bad part is I can't sell anything. I have a bunch of stuff that is summer clothes I need to sell but can not.<br />
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I do have my tablet and he his phone so that will have to hold us and have to do. However I will try to hen peck a few posts :)Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16409363513329416076noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846588813491187557.post-88435874885783284172014-05-30T17:37:00.001-07:002014-05-30T18:25:41.608-07:00The Spring Show2014Since I had promised both sets of grandparents a blog post on Friday I figured I would do it. I will do a recent one that they missed. Even though I have not posted my Easter pics yet. I wonder if it is to late. There is a lot I have not posted but that's okay. I will get to them sometime hopefully. Instagram is the place to find us now days. It is quick and easy and I love it. Not only do I have an account but I let the big boys have one too. A pretty locked down one but it has been fun to share with them that way.<br />
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The Spring show 2014 it was good. The kids, all of them did a great job. The tiny team not so much, true to every event at that brothers school. Unfortunately my camera batteries died there! I was not able to get all the videos of them but 4 particles.<br />
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The upper el, middle school and high school did an American Voices play. They would tell some about a few of the presidents and important american, what they are know for there views and influence that had. It was very good. They would sing a song from the time period. Gregory was a greaser from the 50's. He did the Freddie with his slick back hair. He is on the top far left side dancing except the end when he is in the middle.<br />
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Sorry if does not play I am having trouble because of copy right laws.<br />
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This is the schools 4-12 grades with maybe a few kids missing.<br />
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During the hippie decade he held a love sign.<br />
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That picture was from the schools website took during a rehearsal because by this time my camera was so very dead.<br />
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They sang so many songs but they also sang this little light of mine. I taped it for the tiny team.<br />
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Evans group the lower el did a play called go fish. It was cute and they too did a great job. Evan and his best friends were all clown fish. Evan is the one with the silver top hat, his choice in clown attire.<br />
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They sang the cutest songs here are snidbits of 2 and a joke by Evan.<br />
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The tiny team loves to dance and sing to them too. It's cute.<br />
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And here is their schools 1-3 grade. They are so little and so joyful.<br />
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It was another great spring show. I am so glad I get to see them and have these memories of the boys childhood performances.<br />
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Maybe I will even update you on some other fun thing we have been doing, maybe and hopefully it wont take me a month again. sorry.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16409363513329416076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846588813491187557.post-15021573241418682442014-04-23T11:52:00.002-07:002014-04-23T11:54:15.290-07:00Easter MondayEaster Monday had to be the most beautiful day of the year. It was gorgeous! The weather was warm, it did not snow, the sun was shinning and the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. With such a perfect day we headed downtown to the Nations Capitol.<br />
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Jay and I both had off work so I skipped school and and pulled the kids out of school and took the whole troop to the Smithsonian.<br />
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Our main Smithsonian we wanted to see was the Museum of Natural History.<br />
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This museum is so incredibly awesome, well all of them are. Another reason we wanted to go that week was by the end of the week they are closing the dinosaur exhibit for the next 5 years. Yes five years. They are doing a complete remodel of it and that is not easy.<br />
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Our kids are not that into dinos but they do like them. If they did not have the chance to see them now they won't for quite a while. And Smiley he is having a dinosaur birthday in June so why not get him hyped up now. They had fun, so much fun.<br />
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Baby kept running up to us and yelling RAAWW!!<br />
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People used to tell me how much these two look a like. I saw it but as their mom I always thought they look different too. And the past few years I thought they were really growing their own looks. However this picture, I do see their close looks but more so I see how much they are growing up. It is not baby looks but I can see the teen looks developing. Wipe the tears from my eye!<br />
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one of those two for a throw back Thursday.<br />
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It looks like the dinosaur is going to get them!<br />
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My little LOVES!!<br />
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Even though the dinos were cool the boys are into gems, rocks and stones. So after we saw the dino bones per their request we went to the gems and Hope diamond.<br />
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They loved it here.<br />
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The kids did so good this day. They were well behaved and such a pleasure! Well minus the tongue sticking out.<br />
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A beautiful day!<br />
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We made our way over to the Air and Space Museam too. <br />
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They had fun there too. And were able to touch so much more stuff. <br />
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There were all these tepees on the Mall. Protesting for something and I only know that much cause I saw a stop the pipe or something sign on the ground as we were trying to figure out why they were there. Rule one of a good protest, let people know the cause. Oh well the kids had fun running in and out of them.<br />
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Why don't we go down there more often?<br />
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Its close, there is so much to do?<br />
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Maybe we will. We had a great time and it was so worth it when the kids said so too.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16409363513329416076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846588813491187557.post-33883856240176410342014-04-22T11:54:00.001-07:002014-04-22T11:54:50.212-07:00Wiped outNothing makes you feel old like being wiped out after a day with your kids. Yes I do say life is catching up with us. Sometimes the go, go, go hits you like a wall. We are not trying to keep up with anyone, nor trying to schedule all daytime hours, nor trying to squeeze every moment out of life we can but we have been exponentially bust lately. (kinda why I have not been on this blog in over a few two weeks and before only to what turned out to be a once a week update.) Life moves fast.<br />
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So what is it that has kept us busy?<br />
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Work, both of us are working.<br />
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School, the kids are back to school, and I am trying to finish this semester. That is always an incredible crunch time.<br />
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Easter, we have had weekend after weekend of Easter fun and though enjoyable it takes a lot of planning, organizing, and running.<br />
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Tball, I have only 1 kid in an activity right now but that still consumes many evenings.<br />
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Sickness, my daughter although feeling well are deep raspy chest coughing all night that keeps everyone up.<br />
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Today as I was getting ready for work I took a shower and laid down. I set the alarm because I was exhausted and new I had a few extra minutes. And I am so thankful I set it. Because I fell asleep, hard. I did not wake to my alarm but to my baby crying in her crib because the alarm kept going off and woke her. It is a dark rainy day the kind you want to stay in bed or curl up and watch tv. The motivation needed to get up and going is not there.<br />
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I have a few ideas how to work things out better, get more motivated and get moving more. I will share them with you soon. I have learned a few things is my 4 week money challenge of savings and want to share those too. So good things, stores and hopefully helpful advice are yet to come, maybe just after an energy drink.<br />
<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16409363513329416076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846588813491187557.post-1368869794651920292014-04-10T17:11:00.001-07:002014-04-10T17:12:03.128-07:00March is over!Whew we made it through the March birthday madness. We still have both mothers birthdays coming up later in April, but that feels like such a nice break till then. Whew. I am glad it is over and...just glad it is over. My daughters birthday was the last of the March ones. We had a bunch of things planed but the kids were just not their best. We had lots of running to do to, and that all conflicted with my perfect mental image of a sweet princess/ Angelina Ballerina birthday for her. However, she was BEAUTIFUL and still had a great time. More than a few meltdowns from each child and I think at lest 2 from me.<br />
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She turned 3. She is a grown up still my baby 3. I am just as crazy about her now as ever maybe more. This girl is AWESOME!<br />
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I know it is know almost a month past her birthday but that is because it is truly hard for me to find the time to blog anymore. I try and try but..I am exhausted and always busy. But that is why I love instagram. You don't get the stories but you get a glimps about what is happening and really how many of you read what I right or just scroll through and look at the pictures anyways?<br />
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She wanted an Angelina Ballerina cake. I could not find one, I did not have the time money or skill to make one, so I ordered her a princess Faith ballerina cake and she was over the moon she loved it!! She still talks about "my Angelina cake with my head" Although it was a bit weird eating Faith.<br />
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And the reason we now have back up plans/relighting plans for birthday cake candles.<br />
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They all laugh when it is not their birthday, but when baby blows out the candle on their special day oh they cry. But each of the others did it when they were babies age too.<br />
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We went to watch Frozen again. But this time in her new costume from Ms. Ginny, she loves it and still wears it all the time! Thank you. And for the frozen microphone and Elsa doll they were perfect and she loves loves them.<br />
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I know this is not the best picture but here is baby watching her brother eat popcorn. If you saw them she was astonished like oh that is how you do it. And below is another bad picture. Sorry it was dark in there. My parents came to to see Faith on her birthday and help me out. Can you believe they had not seen Frozen yet?! How did anyone make it without seeing Frozen?<br />
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Yay know idea what my oldest is doing.<br />
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And a selfie of me and Smiley! My love boy<br />
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The movie was great, again, again x8 or 9 times then. It was so fun to see all the little girls dressed in their Frozen outfits. Girls are such princesses.<br />
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It was a nice birthday even with some of the hardships. And truly now nearly a month later I don't remember the stress, I just melt at the princess pictures.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16409363513329416076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846588813491187557.post-24235535990887045462014-04-04T18:15:00.002-07:002014-04-04T18:23:33.156-07:00Week 5 SavingsThis was another bad week. We spent a lot but some of it will be beneficial in the future. Such as I paid for a camping trip. When we go I will just have to pay for gas and food. I bought Easter shirts for the boys and that does not happen but once a year. I have the girls outfits already. I still need pants and shoes for the kids but no doubt payless will have a BOGO going on. It is funny I used to hate that store and through fits when my parents would take me there. Still am not that fond of there shoes but last time we were there we got awesome deals on socks! Cute socks too.<br />
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<b>My splurges</b><br />
Sickness has been running through the home. I have been working with the girls on no more baby stuff. Faith has been out of diapers for over a year and baby is now working towards it too. Once a child turns 3 they have no more bubas (sippy cups) I took binkies (pacifiers) away form Faith somewhere around Christmas and once we lose them I was not replacing them, plus I am trying to ween baby off them too. We were down to 3. And they are always lost and I search for just 1. With baby being so sick and non stop crying for days!!! I caved and bought 2 more binkies. <span style="color: #e06666;"><b>-$7</b></span><br />
New Sheriff Callie Birthday necklaces for the girls for Gracie's Cowgirl Birthday, from etsy <b><span style="color: #e06666;">-$23</span></b><br />
Paid for the reservation for a Labor day camping trip with our neighbors to Raytown Lake! <b><span style="color: #e06666;">-$150</span></b><br />
(non refundable! so lets pray for great weather and good health!!)<br />
Since I sat in front of the computer so much, I found out that Walgreen's had an "EGG"tra special deal everyday this week. Recently we hast years of pictures. Births of babies, holiday, the little moments. This is the second time that has happened. I took advantage of their free 8x10 collage picture deal. And the I ordered a duplicate for my mom made another one too and got prints of all the pictures I used. It cost me <b><span style="color: #e06666;">-$23</span></b> but is really priceless. <br />
Surprises for my kids. But from a thrift store. They loved them <span style="color: #e06666;"><b>-$6</b></span><br />
Drive through one morning <b><span style="color: #e06666;">-$3</span></b><br />
Easter shirts for the boys. <span style="color: #e06666;"><b>-$46</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Jay</b><br />
Still he eats out constantly. I made him food and had it bagged up ready to take and 1 day he forgot it, the next he did not have time to eat it, the following day "well it was to old to eat". And other things <b><span style="color: #e06666;">-$65</span></b><br />
He is still trying to figure out his smoker. Bless his heart he is trying but with no success. Everything he makes takes like wood. Yes like you are eating rubbery bark. Our grocery bill is high because he decided he was going to try to smoke brisket. Brisket that was not on sale, brisket that tasted ....not that good. He also tried to grill wings one night they were horrible! And the chicken you saw last week smoking well eating it as a chicken was bad but mixing into other dishes worked better. However I am trying to stay optimistic. He will eventually get it and it will be good, hopefully.<br />
<br />
<b>Unavoidables</b><br />
Groceries <b><span style="color: #e06666;">-$300</span></b><br />
Gas <span style="color: #e06666;"><b>-$143</b></span><br />
Dr office co payment <b><span style="color: #e06666;">-$14</span></b><br />
<br />
<b>Savings</b><br />
Family Savings Jar <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>+$20</b></span><br />
Pellet/Propane savings Jar <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>+$20</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Other Awesome Accomplishments</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Made a menu plan and stuck to it. (Jay did not)</li>
<li>vacuumed out my car parents in under 4 minutes with time to spare. Only cost me a buck!</li>
</ul>
<div>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="710" scrolling="no" src="//instagram.com/p/mVQ_3aPrqO/embed/" width="612"></iframe></div>
<ul>
<li>did not buy coffee this week but took advantage of McDonalds free coffee promo</li>
<li>Got my first paycheck from the YMCA</li>
<li>PA is a clothing tax free state so on the boys shirts I found a 15% off coupon, free shipping, and it was tax free, and they were on sale It took the Ralph Lauren shirts from $150 to the affordable $46</li>
<li>My parents took the boys out to see Mr.Peabody and Sherman, no cost to me-Thank You!</li>
<li>I had sent the boys to their house to stay a few days with groceries and the boys came back with even more. again thank you. I won't be buying hot chocolate for a year.</li>
<li>Jay had a few extra $$ in his pay check which made some of that camping trip possible</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Advice</b><br />
I heard this on a radio show (I am a talk radio junky) but they said sit and shop. Add what you want to the cart but don't buy it. You will feel satisfied enough at the end that you don't feel the urge to buy. I have done this for some time now. Especially lately with the girls getting bigger I want to buy them ever piece of American girl I see. Sometimes I spend to much time on the site and look around fill up my cart to the best deal possible but then I walk away. I don't order (usually) and buy the time I distance myself from the website I think why would I spend that much on buying my daughters dolls clothes??!! It is great advice because often you find great deals but when they are erased by the shipping it makes you not want any of it that much anymore.<br />
<br />
If we invite you over form a smoker meal, just pass. For now at least, just pass. Or bring over a bunch of delicious sides :)<br />
<br />
<b>Goals</b><br />
Cleaning. I wanted to have my house Easter ready by now. In cleanliness, decoration, spiritual preparation, plans, menus, everything, and nothing is done. So I want to spend time this week cleaning and maybe I can find some treasure to sell. However I did get 10 pounds of Matzos for <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>FREE</b> </span>from grocery store deals!<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="710" scrolling="no" src="//instagram.com/p/mNtD1vPrpG/embed/" width="612"></iframe><br />
<br />
And as always check out the other savers <a href="http://zeahrenaissance.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16409363513329416076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846588813491187557.post-28379452137669094112014-04-02T19:20:00.002-07:002014-04-02T19:20:48.379-07:00Spring is no snowIf it wasn't for the snow earlier this week I would say winter is over. But since it snowed, sleeted and iced up, the following days have been in the 50's and 60's pretty nice. I am not the only one who is tired of winter overstayed welcome. My middle son Evan is too. I found this poem he wrote about spring. It made me smile so much.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s996.photobucket.com/user/jay_clifton/media/IMG_20140329_125314_zps4932dd07.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_20140329_125314_zps4932dd07.jpg" border="0" src="http://i996.photobucket.com/albums/af86/jay_clifton/IMG_20140329_125314_zps4932dd07.jpg" height="400" width="305" /></a><br />
<br />
I love how for N he but NO Snow. He even drew a snowman with the no sign. He is not home this week but I hope he is enjoying the warmer temps, playing outside building his fort.<br />
<br />
And there is no snow, sleet, or ice in the 10 forecast.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16409363513329416076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846588813491187557.post-36653062603192267472014-03-29T06:30:00.002-07:002014-03-29T08:58:30.305-07:00Week 4 savingsOh boy what a week, what a long week. It is Friday as I write this and I know I will not post this till tomorrow because as I write at night it becomes nonsense. Tired ramblings of nonsense. I have every legitimate reason for being tired and I will explain. It also shows up in my spending so lets take a look :<br />
<br />
<b>My Splurges</b><br />
Goggles for my son <span style="color: #e06666;"><b>-$10</b></span><br />
New scarf and shirt from an outlet store <b><span style="color: #e06666;">-$9</span></b><br />
And yes I ate out 1 day, so much for that goal <span style="color: #e06666;"><b>-$7</b></span><br />
<b>Jay</b><br />
Random things and eating out ugh not happy about this one, a little is okay but that seems like a lot. And 80% of it is grabbing food at the gas station <span style="color: #e06666;"><b>-$38</b></span><br />
Food and more charcoal to try out his new smoker <b><span style="color: #e06666;">-$45</span></b><br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="710" scrolling="no" src="//instagram.com/p/l5CMfOvrm0/embed/" width="612"></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>The birthday girl!!</b><br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="710" scrolling="no" src="//instagram.com/p/l2nnBevro-/embed/" width="612"></iframe><br />
Oh what a blessing she is. Faith turned 3. I had bought boxes of "Faith" decorations ahead of time on a F resale sight so those were pricy but already paid for. And I did not even use all of them. But I have them for years to come and some can be used for Easter and Mothers day. Same with her dress and her sisters outfit I bought those in fall? Either way they were paid for. Again with her presents her grandparents and grandmother contributed most the presents and I had got her 6 pack Disney princess set on a black friday deal for half price and have never seen it close to that price again. I just had to hold onto it for 4 months. What we did spend money on for her birthday was pretty new hair bows <span style="color: #e06666;"><b>-$13 </b></span>pizza <b><span style="color: #e06666;">-$14</span></b> and her cake <b><span style="color: #e06666;">-$27</span></b><br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="710" scrolling="no" src="//instagram.com/p/l23BULvrnb/embed/" width="612"></iframe><br />
She also wanted to go see Frozen again. I took all of them plus her grandparents came too to the movies for...FREE. Because it got released on video a church run theater plays it on the big screen for free and it just happened to be Frozen the same night as her birthday. They also give you unlimited drinks and popcorn. It is in a historic theater in MD so a little bit of a drive but well worth it.<br />
<br />
<b>Unavoidables</b><br />
Gas <b><span style="color: #e06666;">-$75</span></b><br />
Groceries <b><span style="color: #e06666;">-$200</span></b><br />
I had to buy these kids school food. They do not have a lunch program so everyday I have to pack a lunch. Plus they are now home for 2 weeks for spring break so some of that was for them being home, which I believe is already gone though.<br />
<br />
<b>Savings</b><br />
This week we were not able to add to the savings jars :( it is okay some week are just tighter than other and I hope we can add some in the upcoming week<br />
<br />
<b>Other Awesome Accomplishments</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I got a part time job at the Y</li>
<li>with that comes a FREE membership for me. I just have to pay the difference for the family one</li>
<li>I met my goal spend under $50 in splurges!!!</li>
<li>Watched a movie at home Friday night cuddled on the couch for free</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Goals</b><br />
With my kids home all next week our grocery bill climbs dramatically. I am going to spend some time today doing make ahead meals and meal planning to help curb the cost. But it is their constant snacking that really adds up. To try to catch this blog up a bit on other happenings besides spending and savings.<br />
<br />
<b>Advice</b><br />
I think the reason I made my under $50 splurge spending goal was because I was so busy. Between school, and a lot of time in the lab this week, starting a job, running the kids to a doctors appointment and other places I just had to time to rest. My advice is focus on things you have or can do that are already paid for or free. I believe idle time leads to unnecessary spending. I you sit in front of the computer you have to to web-surf and see awesome deals (which is not bad) but if you pull yourself away and run in and out of stores with a list and a purpose it might help in overspending.<br />
<br />
And stop by <a href="http://zeahrenaissance.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Rebecca's</a> to read more from the other saving ladiesKarenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16409363513329416076noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846588813491187557.post-50362193827222724692014-03-21T12:07:00.000-07:002014-03-21T13:24:44.173-07:00Week 3 SavingsAgain I blew my goals. I do not think they are that unreasonable, under $50 splurges and no eating out. How hard is that to make? I guess for me it is appearing to be impossible. The rest was not bad but my spending I need to real in, next week for sure. But this is how it went:<br />
<br />
<b>My Splurges</b><br />
Clothes!! Wow I spent a bunch on designer clothes for my kids. And before you say well you don't have to buy designer you can buy from Walmart or target cheaply and save. Well I did save. And I saved BUNCHES. But I still spent a lot for me too, goodbye birthday money. Plus buying better clothes is a far better deal! They wear and wash better, last longer and just look nice. When you are passing down clothes from 4 + girls you need the most bang for your buck and the better clothes with better fabric and that people care more about last longer. My boys, I gave up. They are to old and their clothes now only last for that kid, if they even make it through the season. No I do not have 4 girls,only 2. But since I usually buy them used that is at least 1 prior girl, then my two, then I give my dearest friend all of Gracies clothes that are in great/good shape for free. Sometimes these clothes have only been worn a few times through all girls for pictures or a holiday so they are nice. <br />
Each year there is a special consignment sale in our area. <a href="http://14fir.blogspot.com/2013/03/my-birthday.html" target="_blank">Last years shopping trip with that friend.</a> We look forward to this one each year. We know we are going to spend money there. We, meaning me and all the ladies in the area. Oh yes it is a mad house, when are good deals not? But here is the thing many of you may not know. I live in a Mennonite/ Amish/ little city area and those women show up in droves. In taxis(Yoder toters, but shh don't say that to loud because the friend who watch all 5 of my kids last week so I could have my birthday dinner, to make an easy 11 kids at her house, is a Yoder, it is not the nicest saying but not to mean kinda like redneck), vans, buggies, and cars form 3 states (only because it takes 30 minutes to get to 3 different states). In the romanticized Amish fiction, these women may seen kind, naive, Godly and nice, but in reality they aren't. Godly yes, but you have to be kidding yourself for the rest not all but most I have found to be judgmental, clickish and unwelcoming. The men however do seem to me so much more helpful and kind. And it is not because they are in men to women situations but overall. However if you try to bid against them on anything at an auction watch out! They will win, even when it is against your toddler son. I appreciate their communities but they are out to make money, get good deals and then be left alone to live the life they want.<br />
Off my sidetrack rant, I went there this year and battled those women with my tiny team in tow (that sucked) and the deals were just not as good but I still got 4 pairs of shoes for my for youngest 4, 2 swim shirts/rash guards for my oldest 2, a matching sister outfit to 1 I already have by my favorite Lilly Pulitzer for baby cakes, plus a Gymboree capris sweater new with tags outfit for her, 3 different izod possibilities of shirts for my youngest son to wear to match his brothers and sisters for what was supposed to be a valentines day photo shoot that will now be whenever it is warm, if ever. And a power rangers shirt he will not take off. 2 Dora outfits for Faith, we will never not love Dora apparently, and 3 Gymboree outfits for her. Plus a big outfit lot. It is size 9!! She is in 3 sometimes 4-6 depending on what they are and how they run but certainly not 9. I love this set!! I had quickly grabbed it for that dearest friend, who loves Gymboree, and her oldest daughter is probably a 9 but if not they are dresses so she could go up a size or down. Either way would be nice and they were a steal for the 3 great dresses and perfect jean jacket with bows and 2 matching hair ribbons all for......$25!! I was going to give it to her for the $25 and I would be happy, but it is so stinking cute I thought I might hold it back for my girls and then she would still eventually get it, or I could sell it and make back ALL the money I spent that day. I checked ebay prices. What would you do? Really I am open to comments because I am a bit torn.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s996.photobucket.com/user/jay_clifton/media/imagepng3_zps266bb915.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo imagepng3_zps266bb915.jpg" border="0" src="http://i996.photobucket.com/albums/af86/jay_clifton/imagepng3_zps266bb915.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
But for the whole day: <b><span style="color: #e06666;">-$81</span></b> at the consignment sale and then another <span style="color: #e06666;"><b>-$35</b></span> for my oldest son for his new Air Jordans. Oh yeah, you can not beat that price either. I went to an outlet store because he also needed new shoes and there were none his big size 6 at the sale. Total clothes purchases for kids <b><span style="color: #e06666;">-$116</span></b> :) I rock!<br />
<br />
Taco Bell and Sonic, This shopping day had 3 other stops included. And we, the tiny team and I, were getting cranky and hungry. I had to quickly feed us. <b><span style="color: #e06666;">-$10</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><br /></span></b>
Yugio card for my oldest <span style="color: #e06666;"><b>-$1.69</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><br /></b></span>
Spending money for my oldest on a field trip <b><span style="color: #e06666;">-$10</span></b><br />
<br />
My oldest again, going out to dinner with his friends <b><span style="color: #e06666;">-$5</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Sam's Fundraiser. A son, Sam, of my friend was selling pizza for a fundraiser for his baseball team. I bought 6 pizzas. I figured they would be good for a dinner each here and at my parents house one night when they watch the kids. It will certainly make it easier on them. <span style="color: red;"><b>-$37</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Jay</b><br />
eating out and stuff <b><span style="color: #e06666;">-$35</span></b><br />
<br />
<b>Unavoidables</b><br />
Co payments at the doctors. Nothings wrong, not pregnant, birthday check up. <span style="color: #e06666;"><b>-$20</b></span><br />
<a href="http://s996.photobucket.com/user/jay_clifton/media/IMG_20140317_121035_zps595bd8e8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_20140317_121035_zps595bd8e8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i996.photobucket.com/albums/af86/jay_clifton/IMG_20140317_121035_zps595bd8e8.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
new piano book <b><span style="color: #e06666;">-$6.50</span></b><br />
<br />
<b>Groceries</b> <span style="color: #e06666;"><b>-$105</b></span><br />
Honestly this bill could have been at least half. I had plenty of food here and a plated delivery this week so I did not need food except milk, fruit and bread. But when I was there on Monday, St. Patrick's Day they had all sorts of deals BYGO's and deals on corned beef so I though I would just pick up a few calzones at the savings, and make an Irish dinner for my family to celebrate. They did not like it but at least they tried it.<br />
<b>Gas</b> <b><span style="color: #e06666;">-$31</span></b><br />
I was home this week no school but that did not stop me from driving everyday. 2 days I had to drive my kids in and pick them up for school. One because of a field trip and two because of another snow day. We live in a different school district then where my kids go so when our district is canceled and theirs is not I have to take them. Oh well I got things done while I was out making use of the trip one day at least.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s996.photobucket.com/user/jay_clifton/media/imagepng2_zpse43eb741.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo imagepng2_zpse43eb741.jpg" border="0" src="http://i996.photobucket.com/albums/af86/jay_clifton/imagepng2_zpse43eb741.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The bottom left is their school. No snow days for them when mom has 2 four wheel drive vehicles.<br />
<br />
Yearbooks for my older 2 <b><span style="color: #e06666;">-$36</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Savings</b><br />
Family savings Jar <b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">+$10</span></b><br />
Pellets/Propane savings jar <b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">+$10</span></b><br />
<br />
<b>Other Awesome Accomplishments</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>PA has no clothes sales tax so all the clothes and shoes were tax free.</li>
<li>I returned a pair of shoes I had bought that I was only guaranteed the sales price for but not + s/h and because I stayed on top of them and watched for the credit I got the full amount back +$21</li>
<li>Gas prices went down a little here</li>
<li>again ate a lot of leftovers. I had some I really did not want either put I could not refreeze (I think that is gross) and did not want to throw away. So I made a totally awesome chicken cordon bleu form the left over plus all other ingredients I had on hand. Recipe will be up later this week please check back</li>
<li>I took my kids to school on the snow day. They could have stayed home no problem but I had paid for them to be there that day and they have missed so much because of snow this winter all ready. Plus they very much wanted to go in and pinch people, little leprechauns.</li>
<li>I don't think I had coffee out once this week!</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Goals</b><br />
Same ones no eating out try not to spend over $50 in splurges. I am curious to see if there is a week I can actually do it?<br />
<br />
<b>Advice</b><br />
Lets borrow this one from an honorable mom of many Michelle Duggar, mom of 19+ "Buy used and save the difference" Kids need clothes and often. You can find good deals and good swap circles with other moms allowing you to save lots.<br />
<br />
And of course to see other awesome savings form mom click <a href="http://zeahrenaissance.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16409363513329416076noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846588813491187557.post-74060205924041142832014-03-18T09:03:00.001-07:002014-03-18T09:04:16.777-07:00Spring cleaning- the pantryLast week we had warm beautiful temperatures, then wind and cold warnings. Windchill's dropping back down to nothing back to the negatives. With the warm temps came open windows and spring cleaning, sorta.<br />
<br />
It wasn't by choice. Some how a bottle of apple juice spilled in the pantry. It soaked the floor and everything on the floor. I found it not right away but the same day. So it had time to spill, leak and seap into stuff. wonderful. Cleaning the pantry was something that needed to be done but not something I had wanted to do that day. However now I was forced to. I started to get everything off the ground to clean up the liquid and I pulled a tower of cans the kids had stacked. They are always stacking cans so I thought nothing of it. But they had stacked this tower to hid that they had broke the sport beam holing up the shelf. It had actually been broke for a while and their dad and I just "band aided" it back together so it was so weak. I am actually surprised and impressed they thought to hold it up with cans. As I pulled the can out the shelf and everything on it came tumbling down. It was now an even larger mess, great.<br />
<br />
<br />
I could not deal with it right then so I mopped up the juice and left it till the morning. Since the mess was everywhere the kids could not get to the laundry room so on top of the food and mess they through dirty clothes!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s996.photobucket.com/user/jay_clifton/media/IMG_5826_zpsa347b4d2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5826_zpsa347b4d2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i996.photobucket.com/albums/af86/jay_clifton/IMG_5826_zpsa347b4d2.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Right after coffee I tackled it with Smiley. He was eager to help. Sunday he had made a bank at church. They were supposed to do chores around the house to earn money for something. He helped me moves all the cans and boxes out of the pile on the floor. He helped pull the clothes out and take them to the washer. And threw all the trash in the garbage. As we were unearthing layers I would find all sorts of change. Everything I found I gave to him. And he was over the moon. He knows no difference between 1 cent to $10. The more coins he got the more money he had. After everything was moved I was able to sweep and mop the floor. We were surprised by their dad coming home mid day from work so in his time before going back we was able to attach strong railings to the wall. I can't say how wonderful that was! I did not even ask he just said since you have everything out I will fix it right. Smiley replaced all the boxes, bottles and can on the fixed shelf and in front of the bottom space. A kinda odd arrangement but as we watched him eagerly do it for more money Jay said "you get what you pay for". Well he is still cheap, and certainly cheaper than the older kids, but look like I would be redoing it soon. Still I was happy enough.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s996.photobucket.com/user/jay_clifton/media/IMG_5827_zpsb5732432.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5827_zpsb5732432.jpg" border="0" src="http://i996.photobucket.com/albums/af86/jay_clifton/IMG_5827_zpsb5732432.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a><br />
<br />
I did not organize the upper shelves. I had a lot of other things I had to do that day and did not want to get into a project I would not have time to finish. Which turned out to be a good thing because....<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s996.photobucket.com/user/jay_clifton/media/IMG_5834_zps75484f44.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5834_zps75484f44.jpg" border="0" src="http://i996.photobucket.com/albums/af86/jay_clifton/IMG_5834_zps75484f44.jpg" height="400" width="232" /></a><br />
<br />
A few days later as I was getting some bread from the very top I knocked over powder chicken gravy, Sams club size, and it spilled everywhere on every shelf the whole way down. Ugh!! Smiley just cheered and said YES! Mom now we get to do it all again :)Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16409363513329416076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846588813491187557.post-4356354692699961012014-03-15T09:56:00.002-07:002014-03-15T19:08:14.628-07:00Week 2 savingsWeek 2 of my scrimping and saving did not go that well. I was surprised how much got spent this week. I did not meet any of my goals from last week to spend under 50 on splurges and no fast food. It was an expensive week.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>My Splurges</b><br />
office supplies. Sometimes you are just out and you need them not really a splurge it was nothing fun. <b><span style="color: #e06666;">-$8</span></b><br />
Secret Sister Gift. found a super cute chunky necklace and matching earrings at target on clearance. <span style="color: #e06666;"><b> -$7</b></span><br />
<br />
Getting a Garden Going<br />
I am not a gardener. I do not have room to garden but most importantly I do not have a green thumb. I have a black one that is like acid when I touch any living plant I kill it quickly. My family teases me that I only bring plants home to die. It is true. None the less I went to Lowes after searching on pintrest when to sow seeds inside and bought a few packets of seeds and dirt circles that go in a tray I already had. This could be a money saver if it works (which it won't) but with my history it should be considered a splurge or more so just burning dollars. I am starting with 2 different types of peppers hot poinsettias and Anaheim. We eat so many pepper this could save bunches but honestly the are not expensive anyways. Colorful carrots, even my kids said as I threw them in the cart "come on mom you tried this before remember epic fail." brats. Broccoli it was gonna be cabbage too but I could not find any. So instead we got okra which I love and kale which I use a bunch in Zuppa Toscana yum! And I promised my son I will get him pumpkin seeds when it is time to plant them. Plus down the line I am sure we are going to get a patio tomato plant. <span style="color: #e06666;"><b>-$14</b></span> (death march playing)<br />
<br />
I did not meat my goal of not eating out. I got stuck at school one day hours later than I had planned and was starving. I broke down and stopped by taco bell but the good news was I had put it off so long that it was happy hour at taco bell and they now had a $1 menu for some pretty yummy things. <span style="color: #e06666;"><b>-$5</b></span> (okay<span style="color: #e06666;"><b> -$1</b></span> was for some much needed coffee from McDonalds. Not much needed McDonalds but much need coffee on my way to school that morning- it was the day, the Monday after time change.- And yes I could make coffee at home, I had made 2 pots for me and the kids, no opinions needed that is a whole other issue- but I was dragging, in fact it is late now Wednesday and I still am dragging, stupid time change! At least it was not from the more expensive Starbucks just across the street or next to my school. Although that would have been better it taste better and I have a gift certificate...there is always tomorrow)<br />
Friday birthday coffee <span style="color: #e06666;"><b>-$3</b></span><br />
<br />
USB flash drive for my son <b><span style="color: #e06666;">-$7</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><br /></span></b>
American girl stuff for my daughters. Some of it will held back till Easter for the girls hairs, and the rest will be held back to July (if I can make it that long) for my youngest birthday. I did not plan on buying stuff for them or their dolls but there was a super sale and what I got were such reduced prices, you just don't see stuff that low but a couple times a year. And now my baby and her bitty baby's birthdays are done, for the most part. <b><span style="color: #e06666;">-$58</span></b><br />
<br />
<b>Jay</b><br />
eating out <span style="color: #e06666;"><b>-$15</b></span><br />
parts for his smoker <span style="color: #e06666;"><b>-$14</b></span><br />
A new smoker. Did he need it? In my opinion no. Am I mad, no. Because at the end of the day it will make some delicious food for me. So I can live with it. Plus I found it at Lowes on clearance and told him about it. I had a <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>$25</b></span> VISA gift card from my secret sister and he had a <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>$25</b></span> check of birthday money so it was only <b><span style="color: #e06666;">-$8</span></b> we actually had to add.<br />
charcoal <b><span style="color: #e06666;">-$7</span></b><br />
other grill things <b><span style="color: #e06666;">-$20</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><br /></span></b>
He went to the store to get stuff to make a cake for me and some ice cream to go with it too. So how does that turn it to <span style="color: #e06666; font-weight: bold;">-$60</span>????<br />
<br />
I have 5 clues...<br />
<a href="http://s996.photobucket.com/user/jay_clifton/media/kidsincart_zps8952a466.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo kidsincart_zps8952a466.jpg" border="0" src="http://i996.photobucket.com/albums/af86/jay_clifton/kidsincart_zps8952a466.jpg" height="400" width="319" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>My Birthday</b><br />
This week I turned 35. It was a bit harder than some of the others I am starting to feel old. It was not fun. But there were some highlights like watching these 6 try to make a cake, a $60 birthday cake.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s996.photobucket.com/user/jay_clifton/media/imagepng1_zps67b595ab.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo imagepng1_zps67b595ab.jpg" border="0" src="http://i996.photobucket.com/albums/af86/jay_clifton/imagepng1_zps67b595ab.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The best part was going out to dinner just Jay and I. We had not been out together alone since my birthday 2012. You can not believe how hard it is find someone to watch 5 little kids. You only imagine how expensive it is too. So we never get a date night. Last month we had a horrible experience at Marconi Grill. I had asked for apple juice for my 1 and 2 year old and instead of putting apple juice in their drink they put a cocktail mixer. My daughters were throwing up all over the restaurant would not/could not eat. No one even gave us napkins to clean up, and we still had to pay full price for all 5 meals and drinks even the big mistakes. I was so mad I called when I got home and in trying to make it right they sent me a $50 gift certificate. Have you ate there that barely touches the price but it did cover the tiny teams meals. I had another $25 gift card for them I had got for Christmas so Jay and I took both gift cards and went out on a date, just us. <b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">-$75</span></b> in gift cards and we only had to pay <b><span style="color: #e06666;">-$11</span></b> out of pocket not bad at all for 2 meals and a bottle of house wine. We went to a different one too.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s996.photobucket.com/user/jay_clifton/media/jayandkaren_zps59439d8d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo jayandkaren_zps59439d8d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i996.photobucket.com/albums/af86/jay_clifton/jayandkaren_zps59439d8d.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>Unavoidables</b><br />
food <span style="color: #e06666;"><b>-$120 (not including the -$60 above)</b></span><br />
gas<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>-$105</b></span><br />
post office <b><span style="color: #e06666;">-$7</span></b><br />
<br />
<b>Savings</b><br />
Family Savings Jar <b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">+$10</span></b><br />
Pellet/propane Savings Jar <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>+$10</b></span><br />
My sons birthday money went straight into his CD<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> +$25</span></b><br />
<br />
<b>Other Awesome Accomplishments</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>We ate a lot of leftovers again. We spent a lot in groceries but most of that is milk, juice, water, soda. We need to move to tap water obviously.</li>
<li>A special family I have had in my life forever sent us a package with 4 new books. Rush Revere and the first patriots!! We really wanted that book after we read and loved the first so much. Plus there were other beautiful book about George Washington and Paul Revere and a cute Amelia Airheart one too. These are also perfect for my oldest who is going to Mount Vernon next Friday, George Washington's home.</li>
<li>in the 4 days since I have planted the seed some of them are sprouting</li>
<li>The weather has been warm all but 2 days so we used considerably less pellets and a little less propane. </li>
<li>We took three walks out in the sunshine!</li>
<li>I filled up my suburban for $76! I had earned enough gas points from groceries to receive $.70 off a gallon! I ended up paying $2.85 a gallon, gas is high in PA</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Advice</b></div>
<div>
This sounds stupid but, simply put your trash out on trash day. My neighbors are terrible at this. They never remember to get the trash out the night before or morning of and it seems 3 weeks out of each month they miss it getting picked up. Which forces them to take it to the dump. What a savings it is to use something you all ready pay for.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Goals</b></div>
<div>
My goals for this week are going to be the same no fast food, and try not to spend more than $50!!! I am going to work harder on it this week though. I am going to try too nurture and figure out what to do with those sprouting seedlings.<br />
<br />
And again to see how the other mommas are saving cents go <a href="http://zeahrenaissance.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. And thank you all for visiting! Your encouraging and suggestiuve emails last week were so nice.</div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16409363513329416076noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846588813491187557.post-74678263438982553772014-03-08T15:05:00.000-08:002014-03-08T15:05:03.721-08:00Evan turns 9Evan turned 9 this week. He is now in the count down to the big 10, yes already. He had the longest birthday day. It just kept going on and on, it was so very busy. Here he is celebrating his circle of life with 1 brother and 2 sisters plus his whole class. I really enjoys this every year and it is kinda sad because I don't think they have it in upper el.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5780_zps641095b1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5780_zps641095b1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5780_zps641095b1.jpg" height="230" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Gracie was reconnected with Sweetie Pie. We kept Sweetie Pie over the summer and it is the SAME Sweetie Pie still! (A hamster) She really enjoyed the hamster this summer and was all smiles to see her again. <br />
<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5784_zps5c020225.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5784_zps5c020225.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5784_zps5c020225.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Evan shared a photo time line of his life and I just love this picture of how he and his brother were sharing Evan's years growing up. But it was a picture of Evan in a diaper,<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5785_zps509866f9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5785_zps509866f9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5785_zps509866f9.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a><br />
<br />
Me and my 9 year old birthday boy! Oh I love him!!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5794_zpsd1a4bd6f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5794_zpsd1a4bd6f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5794_zpsd1a4bd6f.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
And I really like this picture of my parents. They came up and took us all out to Evan's choice of a restaurant for dinner. Delicious as always and a fun time.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5795_zps09dca0f6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5795_zps09dca0f6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5795_zps09dca0f6.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
oh Faith. Yes she does not learn a lesson. She was bound to repeat <a href="http://14fir.blogspot.com/2014/01/when-life-gives-faith-lemons.html" target="_blank">the same mistakes</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5798_zpsfa98acee.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5798_zpsfa98acee.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5798_zpsfa98acee.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Yum Lemons!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5797_zps8ebd83f2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5797_zps8ebd83f2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5797_zps8ebd83f2.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
OMG I don't like lemons!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5796_zpsa1ea8bc5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5796_zpsa1ea8bc5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5796_zpsa1ea8bc5.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Well let me try again to be sure.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5800_zps805f72c9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5800_zps805f72c9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5800_zps805f72c9.jpg" height="315" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
They brought out Evan fried ice cream as they sung Feliz <span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 16.1200008392334px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">cumpleaños</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16.1200008392334px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 16.1200008392334px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">to him. He was so happy.</span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5801_zps84639776.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5801_zps84639776.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5801_zps84639776.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
And then they said "we will feed you the first scope", and shoved it right on his nose! He was less happy then.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5815_zps1e59fe97.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5815_zps1e59fe97.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5815_zps1e59fe97.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
And after all was said and done we had a small celebration of presents and cake at the house. <br />
<br />
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET EVAN, 9 year old EVAN!!<br />
<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16409363513329416076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846588813491187557.post-46993216700327509092014-03-07T05:00:00.000-08:002014-03-07T13:19:10.114-08:00Week 1 SavingsAs I mentioned I am trying to save money and pinch pennies. I kept tract for this first week in March to see where the money goes. I am looking for ways to cut corners and live cheaper. Here is how it went...<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Boys Haircuts</b><br />
I thought girls would be the expensive ones for hair but it is the opposite (for now). My boys all needed hair cuts they looked so shabby and with all the birthday pictures coming up they needed a trim.I have no idea how to cut hair so this is an expense. Unfortunately <b><span style="color: #e06666;">-$34</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><br /></span></b>
<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/imagepng_zpsb7ea4326.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo imagepng_zpsb7ea4326.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/imagepng_zpsb7ea4326.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>My Splurges</b><br />
Well with all the time spent at the beauty salon I sent a little money to. But I spent to save. I got an awesome deal on 3 new OPI nail polishes for me and the girls. Buy 1 get 2 free!! <span style="color: #e06666;"><b>-$10</b></span><br />
That is still far better than having them done too.<br />
<br />
Plated. I belong to a food delivery service called plated. They send you fresh meals to your door step and make it all to easy. They do the shopping, they do the meal planning, they portion it, it come fresh not frozen and they bring it to your door. Perfect for a busy mom. They had a deal this week for 4 plates and 3 month membership(which that part I did not want) and delivery all for $20. That is $5 a meal and I do not have to do anything but put it together and cook it. You can not even eat at McDonald's for $5 trust me we went today, and this food is so much better. Give it a try! It is a great gift idea and if you order through my link I get a free meal :) I am not real sure whether to categorize this one as a saved or spent? <b><span style="color: #e06666;">-$20</span> </b><br />
<br />
https://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.plated.com%2Finvites%2Fd50854&h=DAQEgLzHw<br />
<br />
Tacos for my kid after another trip to the oral surgeon. Just a post op check up all is well!!! <b><span style="color: #e06666;">-$4</span></b><br />
<b>Jay</b><br />
club key <b><span style="color: #e06666;">-$20</span></b><br />
eating out and junk <span style="color: #e06666;">-<b>$44</b></span><br />
orange hunting gear <b><span style="color: #e06666;">-$40</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Random Purchases </b><br />
birthday present for Jay <span style="color: #e06666;"><b>-$5</b></span> <br />
(I had all ready got him a nice one in January, and I will make him something special for dinner)<br />
Tights and socks for the girls, on clearance, 3 tights and 12 socks for each of them <b><span style="color: #e06666;">-$20</span></b><br />
It was Faschnaut day, we had to enjoy those tasty treats <span style="color: #e06666;"><b>-$8</b></span><br />
Birthday Present for Gregory's friend <b><span style="color: #e06666;">-$20</span></b><br />
<br />
<b>Unavoidables </b><br />
groceries <b><span style="color: #e06666;">-$212</span></b><br />
gas <span style="color: #e06666;"><b>-$86</b></span><br />
piano lessons <span style="color: #e06666;"><b>-$120</b></span><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Savings</b><br />
Family Savings Jar <span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>+$10</b></span><br />
Pellet/propane savings Jar <span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>+$10</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Other Awesome Accomplishments</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I did not buy any of the new release from Matilda Jane. I wanted to but I did not want nor have the money to spend. No keeping up with the Jones' this week. I will wear my older clothes that I loath. I am also trying to lose pounds for the summers so I tell myself I will buy clothes when I am the size I want to be.</li>
<li>Made <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">+$6</span></b> after shipping and fees for selling a little monogrammed bikini of Gracies from last summer.</li>
<li>Sold a text book on Amazon, after fees <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">+$33</span></b></li>
<li>Jay was only scheduled 28 hours, he was able to pick up another shift and a half to bring the total up to 39</li>
<li>My parents came up and took us all out to dinner twice this week. We had a delicious and awesome time for Evans Birthday</li>
<li>Except for the cake and cupcakes I had already bought all stuff for Evans birthday so I did not have to spend much this week on it and he was so very happy. He had a great day.</li>
<li>The kids and I ate a lot of leftover. And I froze some food to not lose it.+</li>
<li>We did not go out to the movies but watched some new ones on cable for free.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was not that bad of a week in spending, but we still spent more than we made, and most those purchases were on credit cards. A few things to real in like Jay can certainly stop grabbing a bite here and there because it adds up. The rest of his purchase are not ones that occur ever week or often. And I of course did not need nail polish.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Next week without having to drive over an hour each way to a doctor appointment should cut down on gas. And the boys will not need haircuts again for a bit. We have a few more birthdays next week but again I bought the presents in advance on sale or clearance.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Goals</b></div>
<div>
I am going to try to do what I can to spend under $50 in splurges or random and to not eat out next week.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Advice</b></div>
<div>
look around your house and see if there is anything you can sell online or yard sell sites. Items you may not need any more someone else might. If you sell them before they get forgot and ruined you might be able to make back some money.<br />
<br />
And if you would like to connect with other women who are trying to save not spend you can find more links <a href="http://zeahrenaissance.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16409363513329416076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846588813491187557.post-34518653297067831352014-03-02T17:28:00.001-08:002014-03-03T06:35:21.139-08:00Baked Spaghetti<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">This was such a super easy meal to make I almost feel guilty. I like it, it was a creamy, rich and cheesy take on spaghetti. I thought my kids would like it but those picky eaters are hard to please. Each of them found one ingredient they did not want to eat in it, so none of them would eat it. Brats. It is also easily adaptable you can change it to your like and your kids. On the plus side if you have kids you have everything you need to make it in your cupboards. Good for potlucks also.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><b>Ingredients</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">1 16 oz package cooked spaghetti</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">1 (28 ounce) jars prepared spaghetti sauce</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">1 lb lean ground beef</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">1 tsp Italian seasoning</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">1 clove garlic, minced</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">8 ounces cream cheese</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">5 ounces shredded mozzarella </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><b>Directions</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">Cook spaghetti al dente and pick out a pan you want to use that is oven safe to bake in. I chose a pampered chef stoneware mini baker which is 8 inches so I actually took the recipe above down sized it a little and changed it to my own (the ingredients that are listed are mine in this dish) from the inspiration recipe I used, except for the cheese I kept that the same. We love cheese. The more the better and I figured if I smothered it in cheese my oldest would not realize we are eating spaghetti, again. Dump spaghetti, rinse and drain.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">Brown ground beef and drain the fat.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">In the pot used for spaghetti add the cream cheese on a lower temp in order for it to really soften. And the Italian seasoning plus the garlic. Cook stirring it until it become a nice consistent creamy mixture thicker than a sauce. Add in your desired amount of spaghetti sauce, mine was about 3/4 of the jar. Save the rest and you can use it for a dipping sauce for garlic bread to accompany the meal. Add in the ground beef or you could use sausage too. Whatever fits your fancy. Now return the noodles to the pot. Mix until all noodles are evenly coated.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">Dump the noodle mixture in to your pan but not filling it to the top, leave space. I left about a third of space. 2/3 spaghetti mixture and 1/3 left over for cheese. Yes add the mozzarella as generously as you like. Top the mozzarella with the Parmesan.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">Bake at 350 for 30 minutes until it has a nice crisp bubbly look. And enjoy. It also freezes well for a make ahead meal or meal to hand out to someone home from the hospital. Or in my case if it does not fool your kid that it is spaghetti and you now have a bunch that you will be eating for a while. I froze mine in easy single portions. Simply put what you have left over in the freezer long enough for it to firm but not freeze the cut into portions you can take with you for lunch, bag those or box them whatever freezer method you use and now you have take along yumminess that would cost you a lot more and taste terrible if you bought it in a boxed freezer premade meal.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5622_zps9cc033f2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5622_zps9cc033f2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5622_zps9cc033f2.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></span>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16409363513329416076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846588813491187557.post-56825768334620626442014-03-01T10:23:00.000-08:002014-03-01T10:27:13.342-08:00March MadnessOh we have rolled into this time of year again, March. Busy dreaded crazy March.<br />
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That actually sums it up quite well. It says "Hang on Piglet, it's March " (sorry it got covered up by the stupid pin it sign but my picture limit has been reached so this was a way to get around it before I open another photo hosting account) Not because its blustery nor the awakening of spring but just hold on.<br />
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March is our birthday month. Most everyone in our family was born in March. We have 8 imitate family birthday in March, my nephews was at the end of February and then we have both mom's in April. There are 11 birthdays with in 45 days, in is crazy. And everyone hates cake by the third one.<br />
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March is not off to a good start for us either. It is very cold and we are expecting near another foot of snow over the next two day. And we are in another round of sick family. I came down with a sore throat and cold and it has been spreading one girl and son have caught it too. I sure hope this passes quick.<br />
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As you can imagine March hits us hard finically too it is like Christmas, maybe Hanukkah would be a better comparison because it just does not end. Did you know there will be no thanksgivingkah this year, that was pretty rare but there will be Christmas evekah. Yes Hanukkah ends on Christmas eve. What a great way to continue it for all those double dippers. In addition to ll the birthdays the older boys will be home for 10 days+ too. We are looking at no school Monday, spring break, they have off St. Patrick's day (why on earth do that have that off? All I can think of is our teachers like to party. Every year they have off the day after the super bowl too.) With them home so much it unbelievably adds to our grocery bills. I send them a luch everyday to school but when they are home the become grazers and eat/snack all day. Instead of 1 maybe 2 bowls of cereal each they will easily eat 4. If one is eating then the rest our hungry. It is boredom eating for the most part but when you are snowed in you do get bored more.<br />
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Before after and during March I really need to watch my finances. I am going to try this month to make the best effort at spending as little as possible. I will include you on my journey to see where and how money can be saved.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16409363513329416076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846588813491187557.post-71116080634010508412014-02-25T14:27:00.001-08:002014-02-25T15:41:34.380-08:00Post surgery We are back home and Brendan is out of surgery. He is doing well, much better now as a matter of fact.<br />
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We got up there pretty early. Traffic was no problem and the weather was fine. We left at 6am to avoid it all and we got there with 40 minutes to spare. To bad we could not grab breakfast he was on strict no eating orders. Dinner was his last meal for a while. He still can not eat. He has been on a jello, juice, milkshake, ice cream, liquid cold and creamy diet today. He is so hungry. I should have got him protein shakes or something like that. I caved in and let him eat some soft scrambled eggs. He did well with them.<br />
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As you can see he was all smiles before. He did not like the gas mask we had to hold him down till he fell asleep but luckily that did not take to long. Waking him up from it that was another story. It was not easy he flopped around like a fish on a deck. He was crying and disorientated and completely confused about what had just happened. It was a while before I could calm him, even then he was still quite out of it. But within a few hours and some tylenol he started feeling better.<br />
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His brothers rushed in when they got home to see if he knew what happened yet. They were ready to tell him but he was ready to show them the stitches and holes, he grossed them out. You can't see any of that in the above picture but he already has a lot more movement of his tongue.<br />
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Since we got home he has had a relaxed day and some pain. But he is doing well a bit off but nearly himself. Thanks for all the prayers and concerns.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16409363513329416076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846588813491187557.post-42576756993761268932014-02-24T13:58:00.001-08:002014-02-24T13:58:48.150-08:00frenectomyToday is pre-surgery day for Brendan. Early tomorrow we are driving over an for his frenectomy.<br />
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This was at his consult nearly a month ago. We had to wait a while because of snow and insurance. They are putting him under with general anesthesia because he is so little, 4.5. That is the only part that worries me. Anesthesia has side effects and risks. But I hope he will be okay, I know he will, they do this all the time and I have a lot of people praying for him.<br />
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If you don't know what a frenectomy is well there are two types upper and lower. He is having the lower one. They will be cutting the thing/tissue that holds your tongue down to the bottom of your mouth. His is to abundant and needs to be cut back for speech purposes. I have not noticed any speech problems yet but you certainly can see his is much further than your own. Whatever you do though do not google frenectomy like I did to find out the spelling or you will see many gross pictures. It is funny because I can slice and dice, remove and stitch all sorts of problems on people and animals but show me a picture of gross teeth and I cringe. Smiley's teeth are in no way gross. They are all clean shiny, never a cavity, baby teeth.<br />
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Brendan does not know what is going on. I told him we will go to the dentist tomorrow, just he and I. But he has no idea. He will go in fall asleep and wake up probably hurting pretty bad. But I will be ready with ice cream and milkshakes. But if you have a moment please pray for my little guy and the use of anesthesia, a quick low pain recovery, and safe travels. Thanks. I will post an update tomorrow and let you all know how well it went.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16409363513329416076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846588813491187557.post-60352434185218196982014-02-22T03:00:00.000-08:002014-02-22T03:00:04.470-08:00Pretty Princess FaithWhat is so much fun about little girls? Dressing them I love it!! And so does Faith. She is an all around girly girl. She can stand up a little with the big boys but when she gets a boo boo she cries comes running and you better believe it is a pink bandage that she needs. It is hard to keep pants on this princess and so help you if you try to dress her in blue. Good luck getting it on. Here have been a few of her/my recent favorites.<br />
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We both fell in LOVE with this dress! It is a Tammis Keefe. I can not even believe our luck on this find. I won it on an auction. I saw it and it screamed Faith to me. Pink puppies. Well I got it for an unbelievable price. When we got it and tried it on it blew away my expectations. The cap sleeves and Peter Pan collar made it a hundred times better in person. We love it and she lays it out all the time to wear to see her baby friends ins.<br />
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This colorful sweetheart number is to cheery and bright. I actually have one for each of the girls. I thought it was the perfect Valentines day dress for such a monotone winter. It is supper pretty. And they are too cute together. I was hoping to get valentines day pictures of all 5 but because of the snow we could not make the drive. I will take them out soon in the sunshine and snap a few pics myself. Love sister dresses!<br />
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Oh here she is sitting so pretty getting ready to go to church. She had to wear her sparkly shoes and purple pearl necklace. She always looks so nice there and it is truly the highlight of her week. I took all of them there that morning and as soon as we stepped out of the truck she started throwing up, continually. How much did this princess eat for breakfast? We piled back in and turned around for home. I don't think we have made it to Sunday school or church there in a month. Someone has always been sick every Sunday. We go other times of the week for event and obligations but I sure do miss Sunday school and so do the kids.<br />
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And well I can't forget our junior princess. She is so much fun and the cutest little thing. Awe I love my little blond haired baby.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16409363513329416076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846588813491187557.post-90693179321872312042014-02-21T17:06:00.003-08:002014-02-21T19:24:19.237-08:00Snow and sicknessThose have been the themes of our lives lately, its that time of year. With the sickness once one person gets it we all get it. Luckily that is now behind us and maybe the snow too!<br />
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We have been hit with blizzards one after another. Snow and ice and it has been months since the weather has been above freezing. The kids are always home, and always hungry. Last Thursday Pax brought us the biggest snow this year at nearly 2 feet and Last night Sam left us with a couple more inches but the good news... the 10 forecast is in the 40's!!! Yes this stuff can finally melt. We have 2 cars stuck in snow immobile at the moment.<br />
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(Two days since I started writing this)<br />
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And in that time we had a terrible ice storm. I left for school one morning extra early (7am test day, with errands to run before hand) and congratulated the kids as I was leaving hurrah, for today! The first time you will have a full day in weeks! The day before we got more snow, light snow, at least compared to the week before. Which ended up in the kids having a two hour delay. As I was leaving Jay said becareful we are supposed to get an ice storm. I had checked and it was not expect till later so I cheerful drove off. Less than 5 miles it started freezing rain and my car was sliding all over the road. It was scary. Buses full of the older public school students were already being transported. I was having a terrible time driving so I slowed it down and waited to text only during red lights. But I made it to my school and when I went to put up the wipers they were all ready frozen. I figured the buses taking the kids or in the case of mine their van were and big heavy vehicles. That they would all be okay. But as the buses and vans started sliding and accidents were all over the roads the canceled and delayed school after it had opened and kids were on their way. It made for a logistical mess of everything. But eventually mine went to school, by the time I left school it was fine. And that was the last snow/ice day we have had lately. Thank God!<br />
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And the best part it has been in the 50's the past 2 days and is supposed to be even warmer tomorrow! Just in time to melt all the feet of snow for Mondays new storm :(<br />
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I thought last week was the end but I guess not. Howevere here are some pictures to enjoy in your nice warm place.<br />
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Faithy in her house as it started snowing. They love to play in it. And I spend an hour dressing them for it each time.<br />
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Her house a little later and it still came down<br />
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The backyard became grounds to many large forts. Although you can not see it as they are white against white. The whole world we know is now and has been white against white for so long. It is times like this I wish I could have beautiful colorful flowers delivered to cheer us up. But you know with all the snow I had so many friends complain how they did not get their valentines day flowers till the 18th! I am still waiting on mine....I might be waiting a long long time too. ( I got nothing for valentines day! zero, zilch, nada, nothing, except from my mom, lets wait and see how my birthday goes Not even a text or a coffee, no wine, no nothing.) carrying on...<br />
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The girls playing in a break of sunlight. Baby cakes really does not like the snow. And I cant even tell you how many feet or inches they are on top of.<br />
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14 Fir Street<br />
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<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5571_zps0fd27161.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5571_zps0fd27161.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5571_zps0fd27161.jpg" height="270" width="400" /></a><br />
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lots of snowmen have been built<br />
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And some of my favorites have been on instagram if you don't follow me go ahead my name there is karen_huse but I believe you can find it through a link to the left. I love instagram and have turned more towards that but sadly I have been lacking in pictures there too.<br />
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the girls were so sad about their cozy coupes<br />
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The ice falling from the trees looked like sugar crystals<br />
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Just because of all this snow does not mean life still has to go on. And here Faith and I had to take a very early drive up to the state capitol. We never made it because of incredible traffic accidents and conditions but we caught a beautiful sunrise.<br />
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Me on my way to school, yes cross country skiing it<br />
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no snow days for me, well at least not a long time ago. Haha these 3 are OLD pictures of me from Norway. Yeah a snow day there? Didn't happen we had school. We skied to it the had fun on then slopes afterwards. Good times!!<br />
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Yes I am sick of all this snow but I have also got quite used to it. We feel warm in days above the single digits. Thankful on days we get no more. We now laugh at when they forecast under 6 inches. But the end is in sight. And we welcome spring.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16409363513329416076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846588813491187557.post-19612352856457430752014-02-07T17:59:00.002-08:002014-02-07T18:04:28.469-08:00Ice fest 2014Icefest is truly one of my favorite "holidays". It is local, gives our family roots in a community tradition as well as a family one, it is not at my house so I do not have to clean, my family comes, my parents brother and niece, it is really cool, amazing artist show off their talents, and their is a chili cook off, but sadly because of all the kids pallets we have not been to that part in a few years. There is also an Ice Ball which I so very much want to go to, maybe one year when I can find a sitter, and they have special theater events, ballets, cake contest, bands, it really just keeps getting bigger and better. The only down side is it is <b>SO COLD</b>!! Yes it is right during our coldest times of the year. It has to be to keep all the ice still ice but some years are worse than others. With the surrounding weeks dropping down to the negatives and highs sometimes in the single digits we were over joyed when this years Icefest was in the sizzling 40's!! It was a single day heat wave, the next next two days it dropped and snowed us in again. But with warm weather we, the whole town headed out, some in t shirts and shorts, it was not that warm but at least I saw no flip flops.<br />
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This year the older boys each had art work in Ice fest.<br />
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<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5521_zps59877112.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5521_zps59877112.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5521_zps59877112.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br />
Evan had an owl and chickadees<br />
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<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5517_zpsd667073f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5517_zpsd667073f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5517_zpsd667073f.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a><br />
Gregory had a haiku and many snowflakes<br />
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Besides the kids awesome art the ice artist did fantastic jobs once again.<br />
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<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5508_zps920fa087.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5508_zps920fa087.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5508_zps920fa087.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br />
We all loved this guy from Monsters Inc. Just to darn cute. And Smiley scaring just to perfect.<br />
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<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5501_zps2286b6a5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5501_zps2286b6a5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5501_zps2286b6a5.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a><br />
This giraffe was my favorite. The picture does it far from justice but it was...cool. haha<br />
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<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5500_zps017a97f6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5500_zps017a97f6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5500_zps017a97f6.jpg" height="287" width="400" /></a><br />
And my boys in front of a truck well that just fits doesn't it.<br />
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<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5493_zps061b7f45.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5493_zps061b7f45.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5493_zps061b7f45.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a><br />
There is getting to be to many of them to fit on the biggest ice chair. Awe I remember bring only 2, once upon a time.<br />
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<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5523_zpse1870718.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5523_zpse1870718.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5523_zpse1870718.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br />
Me and the kids by a dog and a golfer. The ice sculptures line the both side of streets and some allies for over 4 blocks.<br />
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<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5525_zps44853b5d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5525_zps44853b5d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5525_zps44853b5d.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br />
My parents and the kids. Yes that is Smiley licking the sculptures, smh.<br />
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However to the bigger kids nothing tops the ice slide.<br />
<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5510_zps1ccd9b22.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5510_zps1ccd9b22.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5510_zps1ccd9b22.jpg" height="289" width="400" /></a><br />
The boys all love this. The girls loved the s'mores station better.<br />
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It was fun and not so cold. A nice chance to be outside in the middle of crippling temperatures that keep us in most days.<br />
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other years:<br />
<a href="http://14fir.blogspot.com/2009_01_01_archive.html" target="_blank">2008</a><br />
<a href="http://14fir.blogspot.com/2009_02_01_archive.html" target="_blank">2009</a><br />
<a href="http://14fir.blogspot.com/2011/12/highlighting-2011.html" target="_blank">2011</a><br />
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And there is more but ... recently we lost an entire hard drive of pictures. I need to print more out immediately. Such a flaw of mine.<br />
<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16409363513329416076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846588813491187557.post-42372711274014843292014-02-03T07:40:00.000-08:002014-02-03T07:42:19.712-08:00Our successful Superbowl partyWe had our party and it was great. The kids were so excited and ready for it, they were busting at the seems. From 2 o'clock on and the game was not until 6:30 they were watching the clock and asking can we play the games now?! They had spent all morning decorating. The place really looked festive with the mix and match mostly homemade decorations we went with. We Hung stuff from the ceilings and the boys made posters and decorated the walls.<br />
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They made a scoreboard and loved keeping track through the game. None of us could actually believe the Seahawks were winning.<br />
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<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5556_zpsd0c902f0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5556_zpsd0c902f0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5556_zpsd0c902f0.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a><br />
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Gregory was pretty glued to the tv. He excitedly watched the whole game! One of the game we had was a bingo game and of course skittles to be our place holders.<br />
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<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5538_zps5785ae38.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5538_zps5785ae38.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5538_zps5785ae38.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br />
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That was a fun one and I think looking for the stuff is another thing that helped keep his interest.<br />
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His dad made it 10 minutes before he and the girls turned on Dora.<br />
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<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5559_zpscc778e9f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5559_zpscc778e9f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5559_zpscc778e9f.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br />
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The other game we had was a pin the tail on the donkey type of game.<br />
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<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5541_zps25f073d0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5541_zps25f073d0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5541_zps25f073d0.jpg" height="400" width="353" /></a><br />
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We blindfolded the kids spun them and the had little footballs to stick up. Each goal was worth a different amount of points but we never kept track.<br />
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And of course the was food, lots of food. I never even made a few of items because there was plenty and because it was so late here no one was that hungry. <br />
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<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5544_zpsb134ba79.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5544_zpsb134ba79.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5544_zpsb134ba79.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br />
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I got new baking sheets a week ago and had not used them yet and yesterday was the prefect time. They are fantastic heavy duty huge restaurant size sheets and they worked perfect and I was able to make tons of these homemade chocolate chip cookies that did not last long at all. I also made chocolate covered strawberries and they too got gobbled up.<br />
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You can find all my recipes and games on my Superbowl pinterest page. They were all quick, simple, easy and most importantly delish!<br />
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http://www.pinterest.com/karen_huse/superbowl-party/<br />
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<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5542_zps69ed2606.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5542_zps69ed2606.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5542_zps69ed2606.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br />
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And they were a few other little touches we did to make the night special. Seahawks cupcakes (however the blue "frozen" frosting from a can... yuck) But I loved the wrappers. The boys made cups for all of us like footballs and monogramed each of them too. That made me smile such sweet boys. Gregory even drew a special heart of Faithy's cup. And party poopers made them happy. My kids love party poppers. They were just as exited for the game to end as begin, so they could pop their poppers.<br />
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It was a great fun night that we all enjoyed. Maybe just maybe we will do this every year. Or maybe it was just the once in a lifetime event with Seattle.<br />
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<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5549_zps3a617f65.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5549_zps3a617f65.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5549_zps3a617f65.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Yeah they painters taped Seahawks on their belly. Too cute! I love these little guys!Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16409363513329416076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846588813491187557.post-91706045709603973332014-01-30T17:14:00.000-08:002014-01-30T17:32:37.669-08:00A surprise Superbowl partyThis year we are having a Superbowl party. But it is a secret. Yeah kinda weird. A secret for my non football watching husband. And a family time celebration for all of us. The kids are in on it and they are so happy. They just eat up the time they get to spend with both mom and dad, all 7 of us having fun. <br />
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This year the Seattle Seahawks are in the Superbowl, Washington state is where my husband was born, where we meet. I don't know where he has lived most of his life, there or other place but that is where he went to grade school and high school. I even managed to knock out 6 years over there, in college and after. Hence to say we both have fond memories of Seattle, although none of which have to do with football.<br />
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But still with Seattle going to the Superbowl he has become a bit...homesick. I think he wishes he could be over there in the hype, the celebrating, and with his brothers. He feels a weird attachment to the team not because he could even name one player but because 3000 miles away something is proving to be good from Washington, at least momentarily. [ Stupid pot smokers, you know I can say that because they will not even remember where they read this from! Not that I would care if they did. We really want complete disassociation with such a liberal backwards state. Nothing against our families over there his and mine, nothing against the beauty because on those few non rainy days each year it is a majestically beautiful place, but we pretty much disagree on everything that is happening over there.]<br />
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<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/bowl_zps4b2619c1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo bowl_zps4b2619c1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/bowl_zps4b2619c1.jpg" height="400" width="320" /></a><br />
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With politics aside we are going to maybe somewhat watch the Superbowl. No one in our home cares at all about football. It truly falls below the dirt on our feet. Honestly, we get pissed when the kids drag mud into the car or someone does not stomp the snow off their feet BEFORE entering the house. UGH. And the Superbowl we had to google it a few times to find out the other team and the date. But because he mummered a few words of "I think I will watch the Superbowl" I ran with it. Actually I waited till he repeated that phrase a few times in different occasions. Because I would rather do anything else.<br />
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So we are going to have a Superbowl party. Now we LOVE Superbowl food. So that was a no brainier. I got together a list of so much more food than we could ever eat in a day/week and will cook it. <br />
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<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5462_zps4fc240c7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5462_zps4fc240c7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5462_zps4fc240c7.jpg" height="306" width="400" /></a><br />
(Ignore the "frump" it was one of my lab days, no glam there.)<br />
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I found a few super cute party ideas on pinterest. I love parties! So with both ideas I headed out to collect stuff.<br />
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<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5479_zps72a7f0c3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5479_zps72a7f0c3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5479_zps72a7f0c3.jpg" height="275" width="400" /></a><br />
Smiley helping me plan.<br />
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You would not believe how difficult this task would become. I searched so many store and nothing!. Yes, nothing! 3 sports stores to find outfits...nothing. One of which was even called Olympia Outfitters. And for those of you who do not know why that is ironic Olympia is the capital of Washington State. No Seattle, no Superbowl anything. I checked 5 general store that have a bit of everything, you know the Target walmat store and such and they were empty. They carried nothing mostly. Except in a weird craft birthday corner spot in 1 of the Walmart there were these<br />
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<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_20140129_140759_zps390b3c93.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_20140129_140759_zps390b3c93.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_20140129_140759_zps390b3c93.jpg" height="389" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
my biggest score! I can't believe how happy I was to find them and the lady at the store when I asked her if there was anything else said it was probably a mistake those were even here. I don't care, there mistake my miracle. How perfect. Trust me I then started checking every craft, dollar and teacher store to find anything else for decoration. I finally settled on scrapbook stuff and some ideas that will hopeful look as good in reality as in my mind. Nothing spectacular though. Again it is okay we will probably switch the channel to Duck Dynasty or anything else during this <strike>boring life sucking</strike> game. But the point is we will all be happy to watch anything else together.<br />
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Anyways it is a surprise for Jay. Something I hope makes him smile, even if we do watch it or don't. We will hopefully have a few couple hours of fun. Clean fun, as we won't be watching the half time show or commercials. And yes of course I will be posting the recipes and what happened, the kid games I have planed and did we watch it or not????<br />
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So now lets clean and get ready for our Surprise Superbowl Party!Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16409363513329416076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846588813491187557.post-26248704522481739052014-01-28T08:46:00.000-08:002014-01-28T08:47:24.452-08:00Queen of the couchSitting pretty all happy with her bears.<br />
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<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_20140128_110850_zps67995eb6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_20140128_110850_zps67995eb6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_20140128_110850_zps67995eb6.jpg" height="291" width="400" /></a><br />
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Until her brother realized I was paying attention to her not him.<br />
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<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_20140128_110959_zpsbfe0029a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_20140128_110959_zpsbfe0029a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_20140128_110959_zpsbfe0029a.jpg" height="400" width="317" /></a><br />
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So long queeny.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16409363513329416076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846588813491187557.post-66003037387392037652014-01-20T03:00:00.000-08:002014-01-20T03:00:10.705-08:00UnderwearSmiley got underwear for Christmas from my mom. I don't know why she relates Christmas to underwear but as kids I seem to remember her getting it for my brother and I for Christmas. I do remember my dad usually getting it, and I certainly remember her teasing us that she would give us just underwear and socks. But this year she gave some to Smiley, and he loved it.<br />
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<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5178_zpsa7c58e19.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5178_zpsa7c58e19.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5178_zpsa7c58e19.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a><br />
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It was the funniest hat a 4 year old could get.<br />
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or a two year old<br />
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<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5169_zps07b06621.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5169_zps07b06621.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5169_zps07b06621.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a><br />
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And of course if your big brother and sister are wearing underwear on their heads the your 1 year old self has to also.<br />
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<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5177_zps0b8aa493.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5177_zps0b8aa493.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5177_zps0b8aa493.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a><br />
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Oh yeah, it was an underwear party.<br />
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Faith is growing up to fast despite that she still won't let go of her binkis. I got her a new big girl carseat for Christmas. It was pink and had Minnie Mouse, perfect and it fit her much.<br />
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<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5155_zpsa39744ed.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5155_zpsa39744ed.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5155_zpsa39744ed.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a><br />
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But baby was jealous. Her's is ....blue.<br />
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<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5161_zps54712932.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5161_zps54712932.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5161_zps54712932.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a><br />
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She would much rather have her sisters new pretty pink one. Even if that means give Faithy the boot. Look and devious but sweet face. She daily cracks me up with her expressions, especially her eyes.<br />
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<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5162_zpseeb2e68d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5162_zpseeb2e68d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5162_zpseeb2e68d.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a><br />
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Success!!! hahaha<br />
And Faith ran crying.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16409363513329416076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846588813491187557.post-14167904407943041052014-01-19T11:23:00.004-08:002014-01-19T11:24:04.782-08:00January happenings Shortly after Christmas we went bow shooting.<br />
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<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5232_zps9b8ae2bd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5232_zps9b8ae2bd.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5232_zps9b8ae2bd.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a> <br />
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The kids have really been enjoying it and they are not that bad.<br />
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Evan got a shot right between the eyes. Although that is not where you want to shoot to kill it but I do not believe they would ever live through that either.<br />
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<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5192_zps4e948265.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5192_zps4e948265.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5192_zps4e948265.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5193_zpsf00b4292.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5193_zpsf00b4292.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5193_zpsf00b4292.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a><br />
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Even I have been joining the boys. I am decent at this, but I have done it since I was a little older than Gregory.<br />
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<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/IMG_5198_zps2268a224.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_5198_zps2268a224.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/IMG_5198_zps2268a224.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br />
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We have not actually done much shooting the past couple weeks since it has been unbelievably cold. And not the normal me whining about temperatures lower than 70 but truly very in the -20's FREEZING.<br />
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<a href="http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/karenhuseclifton/media/jantemps_zps12f0244d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo jantemps_zps12f0244d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r784/karenhuseclifton/jantemps_zps12f0244d.jpg" height="246" width="400" /></a><br />
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It was a polar vortex. It was cold! They shut schools down because the temps were single digits and under, for highs. The kids have barley been too school this January. They have had snow days, cold days, ice days a broken heater day, tomorrow is a holiday and Tuesday a teacher in service day. And Thursday? Guess What?? We are expecting a second polar vortex. YAY. Actually even with all these days off the kids are not that happy about it. They would rather be at school. <br />
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Gregory<br />
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They certainly have kept me busy here and I am back at school for one of those super condensed super hard January classes. A 15 week upper level biology class that has so much more chemistry in it I would have thought, all in in 15 days. Yup a week a day and I should be studying. But all those have once again left me to neglect this poor blog. However, that class ends Friday and then back to the normal semester. And hopefully back outside.<br />
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The little princess do go out and play for a few minutes. But mostly they stay in. They can not manage to keep their gloves and boots on, so they come in crying and cold.<br />
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Faithy dancing away<br />
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We are still watching the Nutcracker almost daily. I bought her 3 different ones after Christmas. One the real one with live people. Gregory likes this one best he will sit and watch it with her most anytime. She loves the Angelina Ballerina one. Or at least she thinks she does. She begs for it sings the songs loves watching them for a few minutes but then dances away. Angelina's best friend in the shows, name is Gracie, too cute. Lastly she got the wonderpets one. I think that is the one the tiny team all loves the most. They are all cute though. And YES I did get a video of the kids all dancing the Nutcracker like I mentioned <a href="http://14fir.blogspot.com/2013/12/christmas-eve.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I will get that uploaded to youtube sometime in the next month so I can show you.<br />
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And both of the girls have been playing with their baby dolls.<br />
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They are just such little girls and so much fun to have. Completely different from the boys yet so much alike too.<br />
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<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16409363513329416076noreply@blogger.com0