a parade!

1. What's your favorite time of the day, and why?

When my baby girl takes a nap! Unfortunately, Kyle doesn't do the whole sleep thing anymore. But, I can put on a movie or show for him (and he stay quiet) and get a whole bunch of stuff done. That girl of mine is needy!

2. If health wasn't an issue, what food could you live off of?

Ribeye steaks! Yumm!

drooooool!!!

3. If you could have one wish granted (besides wishing for more wishes), what would it be?
For me and my family to live until Christ's return. I really don't want to die and leave my family. Or have any of my family die and leave me. Too sad to think about. I'd rather we all go to heaven together at the same time. =)

4. What's one thing that you get teased about a lot?
People say I'm a hypochondriac......

5. If you could choose one movie, book, or TV show to spend your life in, which would you pick? What type of character would you be?

Uh, can I skip this question? No idea!!

6. If you could have one talent that you don't already have, what would it be?
An elegant, sophisticated sounding speaker/talker.

7.If money were no object, where would you go on vacation?
Australia!




8. If you were an awesome singer, which genre would you sing?
Country. I've always wanted a southern accent.

9. If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, what would it be?
A super Target... Oh, how I miss Target.


10. If you could live in any point in time, when would it be?
1950's


11. If every outfit in your wardrobe had to be one color, what would it be?
Black.. I'm sure a lot of people would say that!

12. If you were one of the seven dwarves, which one would you be?
(Doc, Grumpy, Sneezy, Sleepy, Bashful, Happy, or Dopey)

Sneezy (I have on and off again allergy problems! Really bad here in NM!)
and
Happy (I'm pretty much always happy!)

14. What's something we'd be surprised to know about you?
I really don't like it when a stranger or someone I really don't know that well says my name. It's a weird thing, but it kinda irritates me, lol.

Pretty fun, eh? Go join the parade!

Labor Day Meme

Jill over at The Diaper Diaries decided to do a Labor Day Meme, and I couldn't resist! If you decide to play along let me know!

How long were your labors?
You know, I don't really understand this question. None of my doctors ever told me "Hey! You were in labor for 15hrs!". So, if someone could tell me when the time "starts to count", I'd be grateful.

Anyhow, with Kyle, my contractions started Tuesday evening, didn't get any sleep that night! Wednesday had contractions ALL day long. They got closer and closer around 7pm, so we went in to the hospital. Kyle wasn't born until 4am Thursday.

With Leah, my water broke in bed around 3am. Got to the hospital around 530am. Miss Leah was born at 2:22pm!

How did you know you were in labor?
Kyle: Horrible contractions.
Leah: Water broke.

Where did you deliver?
Kyle: Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho
Leah: An AFB in Florida

Drugs?
Kyle: Asked for the epidural as soon as I walked in, had so many problems, and had to get a spinal.
Leah: Wanted to go natural, but asked for an epidural near the end. It wore off in no time, and I kept asking for more, but he wouldn't do anything about it.. next thing I know, I was insisting it was time to push!

C-section?
Nope.

Who delivered?
Military doctors, but my husband could have since he was all up in my business! hahaha.. Love ya, Babe!

Friday Photo Flashback - Grandparents

Today I'm sharing a photo of my Mom's parents. I have no idea when it was taken. I know for sure it was before 1980. My Grandfather died before my sister was born, and my Grandmother passed away right after my sister was born (which was in 1980, sorry for tellin' your age, Marie!!!). I would have loved to have met them, I think my Grandmother would have been just like my Mom. Very sweet, soft-spoken, and caring.

I'm linking to Alicia's Friday Photo Flashback!

Build A Bear

Two weeks ago, I won Sandra's $25 giftcard giveaway to Build A Bear. I was excited not only because I knew how happy Kyle would be, but because I had never been to a Build A Bear workshop before. Brandon didn't share my excitement about it because he thinks the place is over-priced. If you think about it, for a stuffed animal it IS a little pricey, but the experience is fun! It's definitely a special occasion type of thing, for us at least. Saturday we decided to take Kyle out to a mall and let him build his own stuffed friend. I had so much fun building his little bear with him. When we were getting ready to check-out, Kyle took my hand and brought me back to the starting line. He told me we had to get Leah a unicorn because he couldn't share his bear!! What a sweet, thoughtful, big brother! ;)Waiting in line to stuff his bear..

He's so shy!!

Washing his new friend!

Getting Tommy (name of his bear) all dressed up.

Kyle tried two different outfits out on his bear. He put a Batman costume on his bear first, but then decided on a Batman pajama set! It's so cute! Too bad I forgot to take a picture of his finished bear! Whoops! =)

Friday Photo Flashback

I love seeing pictures of myself as a kid, because I don't have very many. I was about 6years old in this picture. That's my sister's poodle I'm holding. Gray (our dog's name) lived FOREVER. Seriously. We ended up having to put her down because she was blind, could hardly walk, and then got worms in her stomach. It was a sad day, since Gray-chan had been in our lives for, I think it was for over 13years!

Oh, see that vanity I'm sitting in front of?? I took it with me when I got married and moved out of my Mama's house. When we moved from Japan to Idaho, the screws got lost. Hopefully, I can get the husband to find some that fit, so I can have it back together!

Go here to link up to Friday Photo Flashback!!

Frugal Friday - Unclaimed Money

I recently came across unclaimed.org. It is a national website to look for unclaimed money in states where you may have resided. There could be funds from unclosed bank accounts, safe deposit boxes, company refunds, utility deposits, etc. that you may have unknowingly left behind when you moved. I didn't believe it at first, but when I searched my hubby's name it said we had around $100.00 that belonged to us! I had Brandon print and fill out the paperwork and we mailed it in. We started to think maybe we weren't owed any money, that it was wrong, and we weren't getting anything. What do you think showed up in our mailbox on Saturday?? Yep, a check for almost $150! It only takes a minute to find your state, and to put in your name. Go search and make sure you don't have any missing money!

To see how other people are saving money, go on over to Life As Mom.

Things I love Thursday - Pizza Chips

I'm not much of a chip person. I'd rather eat cookies and cake. But, hand me a bag of Japanese chips and I'll eat the entire bag! Sadly, I have never seen these pizza chips in the States. Whenever my Mom sends me package from Japan, she always includes several bags of these delicious chips. They seriously taste better than any pizza I have ever eaten. The best part of these chips is the chunks of goodness on each chip. If you take a closer look at the bag, they even show you a close-up. *drool*

Check out what other people are lovin' at thediaperdiaries!

Still alive!

I caught my husband checking my blog the other day. Before the page could even load, I told him there was nothing new and I hadn't blogged in a really, really long time. I seem to blog here and there and then stop for a really long time, and then do the same thing over again. I don't mean to, but life is just a bit crazy. When I started this blog, my hubby was on swing-shift (roughly 2:30pm-after midnight). So, I had a lot of time on my hands in the evenings. Now that he works a normal schedule (comes home for lunch AND usually gets home EARLY), blogging is a last priority. Having two kids under the age of three definitely keeps me busy!

Last Tuesday, I took Kyle in to see his Pediatrician. He has had issues with constipation for about 6 months and I was tired of him "pushing" all day without pooping. I was stressed, and I'm sure he was, too!! Kyle was prescribed citrate of magnesium (or something like that), and pooped (more like diarrhea'd) non-stop for 2 days straight!! He still has semi-runny diapers thanks to the Miralax he is on. We haven't figured out the perfect amount for him yet. Hopefully after Kyle is cleaned out, we can go back to toilet-training and be completely diaper free by October! October is when he will be 3 1/2 and I am so ready to be done with diapers! I have heard that girls are easier to potty-train! I am so praying that's true!!!

I wish I could tell you that I haven't blogged in a really long time because we've been on a super duper fancy vacation. But, that's not the case. I am just now getting over a cold that lasted almost 2wks!! Not a whole lot going on here, but I'm okay with that!

I do have something exciting to tell/show you. But, I need to get my digital camera back from our friends so I can show you the pictures! Nice teaser, huh? ;)

It's amazing to think that people from all over the world, come here, to where I live, to vacation!!! When we're out on our friends boat, we see dolphins all the time! I can watch them all day long! This is my life!!

Things I love Thursday - Vonage

We've been using Vonage for over a year now and we love it! Before Vonage, our bill would get very high from all the phone calls to Japan. Now with Vonage we get unlimited local, long-distance, and the Asia plan for $34.99. Now I no longer have to say "Sorry, Mom! We've been talking for 30mins now, gotta go!". Vonage's customer service is very friendly and very helpful, too! For getting my sister to sign up we both got a month free of service. Right now, the promotion is "refer a friend-get two months FREE". How cool is that?! Vonage is definitely useful for people who have family living overseas. I have a few military friends who use Vonage, too. I wish I was getting paid to right this, but I'm not. Just sharing my love for Vonage! =)

Head on over to TheDiaperDiaries to check out what other people are lovin'!

Figure Eight... Number Eight...

Well, since I can't sleep and I just got tagged for this meme by Courtney.. I'm going to share some information you probably don't care about! =)







Eight Things I'm Looking Forward To:

• My sunburn healing, LOL. I mistakenly used SPF 15.. thought it was 50! Ouch!
• Our 4yr wedding anniversary (June 4th). No idea what we are going to do, but still excited
• My husband's family reunion in June. There are still a lot of people I haven't met yet and we get to see family that we don't see often.
• Going to Disney. Again, no idea when, but I've never been and can't wait.
• Being in a single digit clothing size! So close!!!
• Our church's Mother and Daughter Luncheon. I have always dreamed of going with my own little girl and now I get to!!! Yay!
• Going to Publix tomorrow and getting in on some good deals.
• Finishing our yard projects.

Eight Things I Did Yesterday:

• Ran/walked 3.8 miles.
• Played Phase 10 with my hubby.
• Made Pepperoni Pizza Casserole for dinner and one for the freezer.
• Scheduled Kyle's 3yr checkup.
• Searched for lost sippy cups.
• Cleaned my side of the closet.
• Watched Oprah's Earth Day episode.
• Complimented my husband's amazing smile.

Eight Things I Wish I Could Do:

• Run a mile and a half in 10mins.
• Draw/paint.
• Read my Bible all the way through. Hate that I still haven't done this.
• Visit Europe.
• Go back to highschool. K, maybe not really..but I wish I had studied harder and paid more attention.
• Give my Mom a hug.
• Be closer to my niece and watch her grow up.
• Shuffle cards.

Eight Shows I Watch: (occasionally)

• American Idol
• Oprah
• Semi-homemade w/ Sandra Lee
• Desperate Housewives
• The Hills
• Grey's Anatomy
• Keeping up with the Kardashian's
• The Amazing Race

Eight People I Tag:
I'm not going to tag anyone. If you feel like doing it, let me know so I can read your 8 things!! :)

First Giveaway Winner & Giving Thanks

My first giveaway was an impromptu giveaway, but that's okay! Still fun, right? I used random.org and the # it gave me was... #2. KCShipe @ BooksNBoys wins the Clean and Clear package! Congrats!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*



I was driving home from my doctor's appointment today and just couldn't stop thinking about things in my life that I am so grateful for. Here are just a few things that were running through my head today!

• we don't have to worry about my husband losing his job


• I am able to stay at home and take care of our house and children


• we have "free" medical care


• the four of us are very healthy


• we have two running cars


• we live in a nice house


• we aren't starving and have plenty of food


• we are able to go to the gym for free


• and it even has a child and parent room


• our kids have toys and clothes, probably too much of both!

I could go on and on, as I am sure you could, too! Sometimes I just get caught up in the day to day things and forget to stop and just be thankful.

Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul, Thank you, Lord, for making me whole; Thank you, Lord, for giving to me Thy great salvation so rich and free.

(picture credit, Allposters.com)

Friday Photo Flashback

Alicia over at More Than Words has started her own fun bloggy carnival. Friday Photo Flashback!! I'm still a youngin' (not saying anyone's old, LOL) and don't have a lot of pictures that are super old or that are even from the pre-digital camera days. I was five when my parents went through a nasty divorce and somehow my brother and I only have less than a handful of baby pictures. Sad, huh? Well, enough of that. I love this picture of me and my brother. I was six and he was almost four. Ever since we were born we have been super close!

Things I love Thursday - BzzAgent & Clean and Clear

I've been a member of BzzAgent (a word of mouth marketing company) for awhile now. They send me products to try and even a sample product to give to someone else. Included in the packages are several high value coupons. Recently, I was sent products made by Clean and Clear. I received the Makeup Dissolving Facial Cleansing Wipes and a bottle of Soothing Eye Makeup Remover. The wipes are my new bestfriend. My bedtime routine of washing my face is so much easier now. My sister has always told me to use makeup removing wipes, but I never really listened. I am starting to think that maybe that is the reason why I have been having really bad break-outs! Just maybe I wasn't getting all of my makeup off. I have used wipes in the past and after 20 seconds, your little towellete is all dried out! Not these things. These babies stay nice and moist.

All that to say, I am giving away a package of their wipes, 2 coupons for $2 off (one for you and the other to share with someone else!) and a little Clean and Clear makeup bag. Now, I know I don't have a million readers and I really don't care. I am just spreading the word! ;) All you have to do is leave me a comment telling me your favorite skin care brand! That's it. I'll randomly select a winner on Monday. =)

Thanks to TheDiaperDiaries for hosting Things I love Thursday!

Friday Funnies

Kyle was patiently (or so I thought) waiting by the door for me and Leah to finish getting ready, so we could go to the gym. As I was putting my shoes on, Kyle says "Come on, Woman!". I started laughing and thought maybe I heard him wrong. I asked him what did he just say and he replies "Come on, Woman, hahaaha". I couldn't stop laughing. I know he picked it up from my hubby. It was just too funny to get on to him about talkin' to me like that. LOL. =)








To get your laugh on, head here!

Grilling Goodness #21

1. What do you do when you get mad? Depends on who I'm mad at, I guess! But, usually I just vent to my husband or my sister!

2. Do you wash your hair everyday? Oh, yes! Hardly ever miss a day! I guess it's a good thing that my husband doesn't go in to work until 230pm. I get to shower for as long as I like.. and alone!=)

3. How often do you speak to your parents? My Mom lives in Japan, so with the time difference's it's not as often as I like. Definitely a few times a month though. I don't talk to my Dad, ever. But, that's a whole 'nother post!

4. Your nails - painted or nude? Toe-nails are always painted. Can't stand them naked. My fingernails are painted right now, but not always.

5. What pair of shoes do you wear most often? My pink and grey flats, I think. Or my black flippy-flops!

6. If you could do anything you wanted to do this weekend, what would it be? Lay out @ the beach. But it's not nearly hot enough to do that just yet.

7. What's the best cough medicine you know of? I don't know. Not a medicine taker! And I don't give my kids cough medicine. Only Tylenol or Motrin if NEEDED.

8. How do you feel about 'springing forward'?? Still not used to Daylight Savings Time. I know I've been living in the US for 3yrs now, but we didn't have to do this in Japan!

Thank you Tina for hosting Grilling Goodness each Friday!!

Things I Love Thursday - Creamer

I'm not your average drink a cup or two of coffee in the morning gal. I do like coffee though. And the only way I will drink it is with Coffee-mate's Hazelnut creamer. It's my fave!! Recently, Mr. Creamer has been used a lot! We have been trying hard to not eat out as much.. and one of the things I have tried to stop buying is Hazelnut Iced Coffee's from McDonald's. So, I have been drinking my coffee with ice, LOL. Definitely doesn't come close to McDonald's, but it gets rid of the craving! Thanks to my sister, Marie, for introducing me to Coffee-mate's Hazelnut creamer a long time ago!!

Go visit thediaperdiaries to see what other people are lovin'!

44 questions

I need a break from all the cleaning, so since Alicia tagged me, I figured I would do this. This is definitely more fun than dusting!

1) Favorite object in your room? The bed!
2)What's your favorite ice cream flavor? I can't pick a favorite. I love icecream period. Just no nuts, please.
3) Do you own guns? Yes, we have one. So don't be tryin' to break in, mmk?
4) What flavor do you add to your drink at sonic? I always get a Strawberry or Watermelon Limeade.. yummmm
5) Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Always.
6) What do you think of hot dogs? I love the fact that I finally got my friend Rebekah to start eating them.. well, the only beef ones.
7) Favorite song? Too many to list!
8) Can you do push ups? Hahaha.. maybe a few of the girlie kind
9) Can you do a chin up? A big fat NO
10) Favorite type of jewelry? Anything
11) Do you like blue cheese? I do.
12) Ever been in a car wreck? Yep.
13) What's one trait that you hate about yourself? Lack of self-confidence.
14) Middle name? Marie
15) Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment. 1. I'm annoyed that it started pouring... had to close the windows :( 2. Why did I eat that smore!? 3. I want a nap.
16) Name 3 things you bought yesterday. 1. a butterfly cake pan, 2. new razor refills, 3. popcorn
17) Name 3 drinks you drink regularly? Water, Milk, and Water
18) Current worry. Not necessarily worrying, but I have no idea what to make along with burgers and hotdogs on Saturday. NOTHING sounds good to me!!!! Aye!
19) Current hate right now? Kyle's messy room.
20) How did you bring in the New Year? With the family and friends
21) Where would you like to be right now? Just want my family here :(
22) Name three people who will complete this and let them know. Whoever is bored like me!
23) Do you own slippers? Yep!
24) What shirt are you wearing? Blank tank top and a gray zip-up short-sleeve sweater thingie, lol. No idea what it's called.
25) Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? I think it would be nice!
26) Can you whistle? I can.
27) Would you be a pirate? No thanks.
28) What songs do you sing in the shower? Whatever is on our shower radio.
29) Favorite girl's name? Don't have a favorite. I guess I should say 'Leah' since I named my daughter that, right? LOL
30) Favorite boy's name? I really, really like Matthew, but the hubby doesnt. And I really, really like Jake. If we ever have a "whoops, we're pregnant!" thing and it's a boy, definitely naming him Jake!
31) What's in your pocket? Nada
33) Best memory as a child? Being carefree and having no worries.
34) Worst injury you've ever had? Not sure.
35) Do you love where you live? It's ok.
36) How many TVs do you have in your house? 2
37) Who is your loudest friend? Umm, I don't know.
38) How many dogs do you have? None.
39) Does someone have a crush on you? I hope not!
40) What is your favorite candy? Anything with chocolate!
41) Favorite Sport team? Don't have one.
42) Where is the next place you want to travel to? Japan.. we're trying to go next year!! :)
43) What were you doing 12 AM last night? Sitting on our bed w/ the laptop, while talkin' to the hubby
44) What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? "what time is it?"

Show and Tell Saturday - Favorite Shoes

I have been wanting to participate in Show and Tell Saturday (hosted by Homesteaders Heart) for about 2 weeks now, and now I finally get to do it! I have a hard time posting on the weekends, but I just love this meme, so I made it a point to get on today! LOL.

This week's theme is your favorite shoes! This one is actually hard for me! I love shoes! I went and counted.. I have 64 pairs! Of course it's mainly because of my obsession with flip-flops. I think 25 of them are flip-flops. But, anyways, I decided to just show my current favorite pair. The pair that I pretty much wear with anything. The pair that are seriously starting to get a little too worn in! Here's a before picture of them.

Hmm, think she has anything to do with my shoes being worn in too fast?!

Grilling Goodness

1. How long has your longest friendship been? Um, I met my first bestfriend in K5 and we were bestfriends up until we were 18. I got married and he went to college. I haven't spoken to him in about 3yrs. Even though it's been that long, I still consider him my friend. So, that friendship would be 17yrs long. Then my other longest friendship is with Arlene, and I've been bestfriends with her for, I think, now it's 12yrs!

2. What made you happy this week? Finally seeing a difference in my body after working out for over a month. No more elliptical for me! As soon as I started just running & walking on the treadmill I noticed a change.

3. Are you planning any kind of event right now? Nope, I'm not!

4. Do you wear your wedding ring? What is it made of? Only when I go out! :O I know! I just can't wear them around the house. They are made of gold!

5. Do you shave your legs in the winter? I shave my legs every day, no matter the season!

6. What time do your kids go to bed? Leah goes down anywhere between 830-10pm. And Kyle usually goes to bed between 10-11pm. Only because we are on Daddy's schedule!

7. Right this minute, is your laundry caught up? Almost. One load left!

8. Do you want flowers for Valentine's Day? Not necessarily ON Valentine's Day, flowers are over-priced then. But any other day is nice! We're not big Valentine's Day celebraters anyways.

Thanks to Tina for hosting Grilling Goodness!

Grilling Goodness

I love this meme! If you would like to participate, go over to Tina's where she host's Grilling Goodness!

1. Have your children corrected you somehow this week? I don't think so. They are still little to do that :~)

2. Are you waiting for a particular something to happen? Kind of. My husband found out that he has to go TDY for 5wks, so we had to postpone our trip to Disney World! :'(

3. Do you chat online? Not as often as I used to! I don't have time for that anymore!

4. What is the oldest thing you own? Pictures from my childhood.

5. What's for dinner tonight? No idea! Hubby works nights, so it's up to me and Kyle.

6. Are you artistic? Not even a little bit.

7. Are you getting an income tax refund? Plans for it? We already got ours! We paid quite a bit on our Mustang, we spent a little on stuff we needed/wanted, and the rest is in savings for our vacation to Disney.

8. Do you use 'zero payments/zero interest for XX months' to buy things? We have used it before. We don't do it often, and we always pay it off in like 3 months or less.