Trees anyone?

Byron and I are now the official experts on the local artificial tree market. ( Lowe's, Home Depot, Walmart, Target, Costco, Michael's, Garden Ridge- did we miss anywhere good?) After our gorgeous, but rather high maintenance real tree last year, we decided we would resort to a fake tree. Unfortunately, both of us have champagne taste on a beer budget, so we spent half the day looking for the deal of the century on a tree we couldn't afford! In the end we were pretty proud of our little scheme!

We found the tree at Lowe's who was having a decent sale this weekend. For every $100 gift card you bought, you can mail in for a free $20 giftcard. I had Byron go get two gift cards to pay for the tree. When he came back, both gift card receipts had printed with a $10 off a $50 purchase. Byron bought the tree with one coupon and then I used the other one to buy the lights. When we got up there all the holiday stuff was 25% off in addition. And of course, we got two more coupons for $10 off a $50 purchase! So now we have $80 in future savings ( two $10 coupons and 2 $20 giftcards), which is great for us since we live at Lowe's and Home Depot. AND- we have a new tree to put up tomorrow that ended up being a screaming deal! Sometimes it's actually fun to be so cheap!

Passing down the "snugglie"

One day, a couple weeks ago, I walked into my room, and to my horror, this is what I found. Ethan was passing the beloved "snugglie" down to his little sister Ava! I managed to snap a picture before I informed Ethan that Ava would not be needing one of those, but how kind of him to offer. The good news-- I think it may have been his way of letting go- he hasn't asked for it but one time since this picture was taken. Strangely, I find myself a little saddened that it's gone. Funny how something that drove you crazy is quickly missed when they get too big for it.

P.S.If you don't know what the "snugglie" is, you'll have to seek out someone who does. This is highly confidential material!!

MC Hammer is back in style!

Well at least his pants are-- for Ava that is. I felt bad for her, but I had to take a picture. This is Ava at 3 1/2 months wearing one side only (notice both legs in one pant leg) of these adorable 0-3month pants. Welcome to her wardrobe nightmare! Yes, skater pants and plumbers' resume are in style for her also. I'm confident she'll catch up someday but in the meantime we might as well laugh with her instead of at her. I'm seriously thinking about starting a "Scrawny Runt" clothing line. My company motto will be " for kids' with two cheeks that are the size of one!" We love you Ava!

To Wii or not to Wii?-- that is the question.

Okay, some of you know I'm one of those evil opponents to the video gaming craze. I find it to be a incredible waste of time and an obsessive addiction to all males subjects from 8- 88. I mean, sure, it can be fun, but boys just don't know when to quite--ever! I swore up and down there would not be one in my house for fear I would never again have a meaningful conversation with Byron or my boys.

Well, here goes, insert foot in mouth yet again. (only the 1,367 time since Andrew was born) I'm thinking about it! Yes, it is crazy, but my husband and boys already have an addiction to stupid computer games, so can it really get any worse. At least the Wii has some level of physical activity involved. Besides, I can't think of any toys I want to buy for Christmas- I'm really sick of them already too.

So I told Byron that I would consider buying a Wii under the following conditions

1) We would set up a strict time limit on how long the boys could play and it would have to be an earned privelege, not a God given right.
2) We had to find a game Ethan could play and have fun with. ( he sometimes gets left out because he doesn't get it)
3) We would have to buy the Wii fit and for every hour Byron spent on the Wii he would be required to log 30 minutes of Wii fit time! (My little coersion to get him to exercise once in a while)
4) Okay, I'll admit it- I like it too, so we would have to get something physical that I could play with them when they just can't bring themselves to do something constructive!

So what do you think? If you were me would you bite the bullet and get a Wii?

Byron cooks...

No explanation needed! Guess he should practice more often!

I pledge allegiance...

I recently read an article about some elementary school in Vermont fighting over reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in the classroom. After my "what's this world coming to" commentary, I realized I didn't know if Andrew knew or said the Pledge of Allegiance, so I asked him. He said he did and proceeded to recite it for me--perfectly I might add--without any omissions! He said they say it every morning! I was relieved to know he was getting something of worth out of his government education! (Besides the southern drawl he's picked up from his backwood friends.) There are some perks to raising your children in the Bible belt of America. God bless the Rednecks!

For your viewing Pleasure!

Day 1- What's on the menu?

Every night Byron calls me on his way home from work and asks "What's on the menu?" It's usually nothing spectacular, but what follows is a rundown of the day and how it all came down. So, in my procrastination to keep a journal I decided to start a blog to capture some of my thoughts, daily happenings, and possibly- what's on the menu!