Thankfulness Day #2

As I sit here quietly(well almost anyway) I reflect on how many things I truly have to be thankful for.  I have a friend from NJ who was excited to find a gas station with gas today and is still struggling to find a hotel that is will allow her to bring her furry family member since vacancy's are few. I think of how my husband is working late, but how many women have there husbands out there who are overseas and don't come home at night, or those who's husbands can't find work. Surely I have been blessed in so many ways that are overlooked daily, but today.... Today I am thankful for the sunshine!!!! With hurricane Sandy we have been so fortunate. We have not lost our homes, been displaced because of power, or any such matter. We simply have had trick or treating postponed(life-changing event right?!?), but we have been without the beautiful sunshine for days now. While our circumstances are so much better than many it has been dark, dreary, and rainy outside.... So while that is not that big of a deal in the grand scheme of things I do love sunshine and am so thankful that it is here today  brightening up the sky and my day.

What are you thankful for today???

Thankfulness~ Day 1

 I love November! I am a shopper, so Black Friday is always fun for me. I'm also a hunter and hunting season begins. Also, I really LOVE that every November I see people(including myself) reflecting on their lives and remembering to be thankful for what they have. We seem to go 11 months of the year being thankful, but forgetting to really proclaim how blessed we are. This month I'd really like to remember to do that myself, so I plan to share that with you.


Today is Day 1 and I woke up exhausted after being up with my teething toddler last night. As I got ready for my day I was increasingly lacking motivation. Usually, I try to be supermom(which no one is, but we try right?) I try to home school my preschooler, maintain my house, teach my toddler manners and language skills. I also, try to  have dinner prepared for my husband,read my bible, and so much more. If you are a mom you know this list goes on and on. I thought to myself today. I have no need to be super mom. I can just be mom and no one will perish. So, that I did. I did make some much needed list, do some lesson planning, read to the kids,throw a load of laundry in,  but I did it all in lounge clothes hanging in the comfort of my living room. Today I am utterly grateful that I am able to work at home and be with my kids. I am thankful that on a crazy day I don't have to be super-mom, mom will do just fine and most of all I'm thankful that Jesus is my Savior.

Pampers Gifts to Grow~ 10 Point Code

Trick or Treat? How about a treat!


Here's a 10 pt. Gifts to Grow code FBHA012PR46DY12 . This code is valid from 10/31/12 – 11/6/12 at 11:59pm CT.  So be sure to head over and enter it at  Pampers Gifts To Grow.

Mommy Alert~ RECALL

If you have small children you probably recognize this though it may look a little different than the one currently in your home.  This is the all amazing bumbo seat. I have one and truly love it. However, they have been recalled as of today. Personally I think it is somewhat silly, but there are always people who lack common sense with these things and so making it into a larger issue.

These seats are not for raised surfaces, meaning they are not to be placed on things like tabletops or counters. Due to a  number of parents, caregivers, guardians deciding to do this several children have been injured by tipping or falling out of the seat. So the company has decided to issue a voluntary recall.

If you own one of these items this is what they say to do.  "Order the free repair kit by visiting www.recall.BumboUSA.com or calling (866) 898-4999 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Thursday and between 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. CT on Friday. Do not return the Bumbo seat to retailers as they will not be able to provide the repair kit."

 You can also read for more information here.

Mommy Gadgets to Save $$ and Time

I love my quesadilla maker!!! Back in 2007 when my husband and I got married we did the typical wedding registry. We hit a few major retail stores and made an ongoing list of all the items that would be wonderful to have as we were starting our life in a new home together. I had worked in a restaurant at the time and loved  chicken quesadillas so it was on the top of our kitchenware's list. Little did I realize back then how much time and money this gadget would save me when I became a mom.


Why I love this as a mom... because you can throw anything in a quesadilla and make it yummy. For instance my kids love pizza. They would eat it morning, noon, and night if it was offered so for lunches  I can throw in some pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese. I can even add pepperoni on half for my older daughter. A makeshift pizza in minutes... both mom and kids are happy.

It makes meals easy to individualize. Everyones quesadilla is made separately.This means unlike a casserole everyone can choose to add or eliminate different ingredients based on their personal tastes. Have a kid who hates onions even though dad loves them, not a problem with this dinner. This fact alone means the issue of, throwing food away because your child is dead set on not eating it, is done. (saving money)

Another money saving tip is you can use leftovers of whatever you have, add it in and dinner is served. Below you will see a quick example. We had bacon left over from breakfast for dinner earlier in the week. Also,we had a left over chicken breast from another night. Chopping up both I threw it in with a little cheese and 10 minutes later we were all eating.

The fact that it only took 10 minutes to make 3 quesadillas may be  my favorite factor. This machine heats up in a few minutes creating a quick meal. Better yet it is a non-stick surface so clean up is quick,  only a few minutes to wipe down after dinner.

Lastly, but certainly not my least favorite about this is the quesadilla "hides" what is inside. This means my picky toddler can't whine that something "green" is in her dinner. It makes it easy to dice veggies and add them discreetly.  Out of sight out of mind:)

Leapster Games 2/$10 (Regularly $24.99 each!!!!)

Toys R Us is offering  2 Leapster Games for $5 today 7/21. I stopped last night at my local store and found this deal going on. It was a 2 day deal so if you know a child who likes to play leapster this is a great deal!!! These games are usually $24.99 each and yesterday I bought 4 for $20! This is in store or online, but online will have shipping charges attached. If you purchase online don't forget to shop through Ebates for a little cashback savings.

Note* If you are new to Ebates you will recieve a"thank you" gift card wen you complete your first purchase. This site is FREE to users so why not get a little money back with your online shopping.

Cheap Date Night/ Family Night~ Pizza & Bowling for 2 $12

 

 

I love date nights when my husband and I can find time to enjoy them, but often they do not fall into our budget. That's why I LOVE Groupon! Right now you can head over and chose from these 3 options at Nesbit's Lanes.

Choose from Three Options

• $12 for two hours of bowling for two with shoe rental, a medium pizza, and a pitcher of soda (up to a $36 value)
• $22 for two hours of bowling for four with shoe rental, a large pizza, and a pitcher of soda (up to a $64 value)
• $33 for two hours of bowling for six with shoe rental, a large pizza, and a pitcher of soda (up to an $88 value)

 Just head over here to get yours now.