Finally Organized!

The Things Kids Say...

On our way out of town, we stopped at a restaurant in a small town for some lunch. As we were about to leave, two older women came in and sat in the booth right behind us. Maya was her usually friendly self and said hello to both of them. Maya also gave each one a hug good-bye and said "Bye Grandmas". Maya seems to call any older lady "Grandma".

Another time Maya and I were in the dressing room at Target. Maya said "Mommy's going potty" as I was undressing. I then said "No, Mommy's is not going potty but trying on some clothes". Maya replied "Mommy's not going potty". Of course Maya didn't say it quietly and I could hear the laughing outside the dressing room.

Yesterday Dave took Maya to the mall to run a few errands. Maya saw a black man and said "Obama, President". Hopefully the man was not in ear shot.

Save a Buck

If you are like us, the economy has affected you and your family in some fashion. For us, many companies are laying off employees, daycare's are closing, businesses are closing, and many people are scaling back. One can scale back but you still need to spend money. For us, we still have to buy groceries, gas, toilet paper, diapers, etc. If you are going to spend money, why not save at the same time? I have found several ways to save money and I hope this is useful to you. Please share your money savings ideas with me. I would love to hear them!

• Check with your local radio station about discount gift cards to restaurants, spas, etc. Our local stations sells them for 50% off!
• Check out portrait coupons for JcPenney's and Sear's. They take decent pictures and you can save a bundle by using the coupons. Just don't get suckered into buying more!
• Check out your spa/hair schools for discount on services. We have a great one in our town.
• Sign up on retailers' website for online coupons and you don't have to have the retail company credit card either! My favorites are GAP, Carter's, Children's Place, and New York & Company
• Some flower shops has discount flowers - mine has Friday flowers - fresh bundle of flowers for $5!
• See if your employer has any discounts such as wireless phone and sporting events
• Use coupons! Check out online Target coupons at http://www.afullcup.com/?vbseourl=cmps_index.php&page=coupon_generator and/or check your local newspapers. And trust me - you can find coupons for more than just groceries!
• If you buy Pampers diapers like we do, you can log the rewards points at http://www.pampers.com/ and turn those points into merchandise like books.
• Sign up for the Imagination Library to receive a free children's book each month http://www.imaginationlibrary.com/
• Trade coupons with friends and co-workers. It is amazing how many great coupons go to waste. If you are already planning on shopping at a particular store then you should at least have a coupon with you.

Again if you have any great ideas on how to save a buck, please let me know!

Tag

I was tagged by my fellow blogger friend Theresa. Obviously I have to play along :)

Here are the rules:

1. Go to the 4th folder where you keep your pictures on your computer.
2. Post the 4th picture in the folder.
3. Explain the photo.
4. Tag 4 fellow bloggers to join in the fun!

Here is a picture of our back door hallway and 1/2 bathroom before we remodeled. This area reminded me of a small town church basement that hasn't been remodeled in ages. One of our favorite things in this space is the retro water fountain. It actually functions too! The space got a 360 degree make over which we absolutely love.

Now, I am going to tag:
Nicole
Betty
Valerie
Amy

Random Updates

Let's see...this morning Maya didn't want to go into her classroom at daycare.  Instead she wanted to see her old teacher Katie.  According to Dave, Maya ran right into Katie's arms and hugged her.  Poor thing - chance can be hard.

This afternoon when Maya was picked up from daycare, we learned that another boy bit her in the arm.  I guess the two of them were arguing over a toy.  I guess you can say Maya didn't have the best day at daycare.

On a side note, I tried out a new hair-do on Maya the other day.  It turned out pretty cute but didn't hold as well as the other styles.  It has been fun trying new things and learning to braid.

Super Bowl PARRTY!

My friend Angela invited us over for a kid friendly Super Bowl party. We had awesome food, awesome company, and an awesome game to watch (so I am told as I don't watch football). The kids had a blast playing with each other as much as they are capable of at their age. Maya did great and played really well for the most part. She is 6-8 months older than the other 3 kids. I'm glad they all had a chance to play and the adults had a chance to visit. Hope you all had a great night too!

We attempted to take a picture of the 4 kids...

Maya helping Riley button her sweater :)

Seriously, how cute is Boston? I want to take him home with me.

Another little cutie (Kori) that I want to take home

Dave got to sit with Riley - she is so darn sweet and very cute

Busy Saturday

What a fun and busy day for us! In the morning Maya had gymnastics like usual and did great. She is really enjoying it. In the afternoon we went on a dog sled ride with friends. Maya did not care for the ride and refused to go on it again but she did love all the yummy treats. Who knew Maya loved popcorn so much?! Thanks Nicole for planning a fun afternoon.



Maya with her buddy Solomon


Give me popcorn!!! Her friend Noah loved it too.

During dinner, Maya discovered the back of the spoon. She loved that she could see herself in it. I have to say, it was very funny and very cute.

After dinner, we headed to an NDSU men's basketball game. Maya loves going and loves to cheer on the Bison.

Okay, she was tired too. We didn't make it through the entire game but close.