My Spooktacular Kiddos

Natty went as a fairy and Nathan was "Rex" from ToyStory.  Awesome night with the kiddos!  Our church had a candy walk and a children's ministry production called "Joy"-story.  Although our Sunday started off really hectic, the kids had a wonderful time.

 

New Job Title (Or Should I Say Additional)

I have been praying and thinking about this for quite some time now.  I really enjoy Pampered Chef products, and I have so much doing hosting shows and catalog shows for my friend.  This weekend, Pampered Chef is doing a BIG special for joining their business.  I finally took the plunge!  My second job title is now, Pampered Chef Consultant.

There are quite a few reasons I've decided to join now besides the great special.   Tim's been praying hard and thinking hard about getting his Ph.D.  To be hired full time at the university level, it's pretty much a requirement.  On top of that, we have a mortgage, car payment (2 years left - yay!), and house projects we want to save up for.  Finally, with how things have been at work being so crazy, staying home with the kids has been soo soo soo sooo appealing.  I've always wanted to stay home with the kids, but this year has brought me even more motivation.

I just joined yesterday, but I am being optimistic that this will be a new and fun opportunity for us.  SSSSSOOOOO.............if you know of anyone that would love to host a show for me, and even pass around catalogs for me, let me know!!!

 

New Favorite Website

Ok!  All you guys that like to throw parties, you've got to check this site out.  If not, just check it out for the recipes.  This woman is a GENIUS!!!  All I can say is that Natty's Birthday party is going to be rockin' awesome!!!

http://justjennrecipes.com/ 

Sat. School

It's a beautiful day out today, and I am stuck in a room of about 14 adolescent boys and 1 girl.  I have Sat. school duty.  Sat. school duty is interesting.  Intially I was always thankful I got the exta monies that came with having to come into work on a Sat.  The more I think about it though, the more I feel like it's a way of enabling students to not do their work. 

Most students I've come across will save up work that they did not want to do and do it in a 4 hour stretch on Sat.  Why?  Why not just do the work the first time around, do less at home, and have your Sat. free?  I'm still trying to figure out the answer to that one.

I thought about that a little bit more, and I realized that many of the students these days are home alone.  Both parents are having to work to make ends meet.  They don't want to be home because essentially they have no one home to go home to.

So sad....

Being a public school teacher has really worn on me emotionally.  I know I've been placed here for a reason, and that there are great ministry opportunities here.  I definitely don't feel like my work here is done.  I crave to be home with my kids, but I can't help but think, "who else will help them?"

So...

Here I am, on a Saturday, bored out of my mind...blogging...

I have Sat. school duty...

Shopping

I have a confession to make.  I...am...a...compulsive...bargain...shopper!  AGH!!  I've decided it's a disease.  Especially when I get can items for FREE or but pennies.  I can't seem to say no.  When I know there is a great deal coming up, I'll even buy an extra paper.  We have a paper subscription for the sole purpose of the coupon inserts.  Yes, I'm sick - I know.  I have no idea why I am blogging about this, other than I know some will find my bargain shopping habits amusing.

Anyhow, I was SSSOOO excited this afternoon.  It all started when I pre-ordered the new Tinkerbell movie for Natty for her birthday.  I used a $10 off and got a $10 giftcard from Toys R Us.  (AND got $10 off for pre-ordering Beauty and the Beast.)  I usually NEVER shop there - too pricey - but hey, a deal's a deal.   This weekend, when the ads came out, I was almost jumping off the floor.  Toys R Us has a special going this week.  Spend $40 on any "Disney Princess" purchase and get a free Princess Tea Cart FREE!!!  ($24.99) value.  I seized the bargain-opportunity, and figured, I'm set to go for Natty's birthday, let's start on Christmas!!!  Now, I have to say that presents have new been the focus for Tim and I with the kids, but we don't usually just buy things just because.  We always want to save it for a special occasion.  Anyhow, I got the movie, the tea cart, but needed a filler to bring it to $40 before coupons.  SSOOO, I picked up the most adorable Princess Ariel doll for Natty to go with the tea cart for Christmas.  All in all, I got the movie, tea card, and doll for less than $25!!!  I had a $10 off coupon and a $10 giftcard (from Tinkerbell purchase).  It's sick I'm telling you!!!  

Anyhow, all this to say I love bargain shopping!  What's your big bargain find lately?

When It Rains, It Pours...

The wonderful stomach virus has made its way through our entire family.  Started early Monday morning with Natty.  I made it to work, called in for a 1/2 day sub, then came home to take her to urgent care while Tim stayed with Nathan.  Tuesday afternoon, Nathan got sick.  Tuesday evening Tim got sick.  I pulled my first all-nighter since my undergraduate work days.  I was up all night with Nathan, since Tim wasn't feeling good.  Poor little Nathan threw up off and on all night until about 3 in the morning.  I got a teensie bit of sleep, got ready, and went to work Wednesday feeling kinda icky.  I figured it was just because I was running on empty all day.  Well, I barely made it all the way up our driveway.  I threw open the driver's door and threw up.  I went around to the passenger's side to get my bags and threw up.  I ran into the house, threw the bags onto the floor, and threw up.  And it kept going, and going, and going.  Needless to say, I stayed home from work today.  My saving grace is that tomorrow is Friday, so I am planning on an easy-going school day.  I hope my students comply.

In other news, Nathan is developing quite a vocabulary now!  He can say Milk, Thank you, cracker, a funny version of Nathan, George (for Curious George), and it keeps growing!  Natty is talking in excellent complete sentences.  I am so proud of her.  My mommy-moment the other day was when she woke up from her nap.  I asked if she had a good rest, and she said yes.  So I asked if she had a good dream, and yes!  So I asked what she dreamed about, and she said Jesus!  Totally melted my heart. :)

Happy Almost Friday Everyone!

Happy Belated Birthday Nathan!

On Saturday, we were FINALLY able to have Nathan's 1st birthday party.  It was a blast.  Weather was in the triple digits, but we grilled out hamburger patties.  There was tons of food and tons of company.  Nathan sure made out with all his loot.  I have to say, boy toys are SO MUCH FUN!  It took me like an hour to un-package and assembly everything, but it was so worth it.  I think Natty is into his toys right now though.  She likes to "show him" how to "play" with his toys. :)  Here are some pictures from the day.