Belle's World

Where has time gone?

2010-06-30T17:05:00.001-07:00

Can it really be true that today I went to check out preschools for my daughter? It seems like yesterday I was giving her a bottle and putting her down for a nap; now she is going to have a backpack and head to school. FREAKS. ME. OUT!

I want my little baby back...I want to be the center of her world....and now she is so big. I think that with time, I will learn to adjust to the change...and I know it is what is best for her. I loved the preschool, and the teacher seemed great! However, the transition from being with her all the time, to not might be harder on me than her.

My Life Now

2010-06-29T11:54:00.000-07:00

My life has changed a little since the last time I posted! This is what my life looks like now...

We went from this.....

and added this little one....

my first born baby went from looking like this.....

to all grown up with this haircut!
Times have changed....and I welcome them!

Garrett joined our family on June 18th, and has been a delight ever since.

Life and Other Stuff...

2010-03-06T05:44:00.001-08:00

Some of you might have been asking where have I been again? Well, being pregnant this time has been more than I can handle some days. It has been so different having a 3 yr. old at home with me all day, then when I worked full-time when I was pregnant with her. She pulls every ounce of energy from my day...which with the little one in my belly hasn't been very much.

Did I mention that we are having a BOY????? Yes, I said boy. In all honesty, I am a little terrified. I grew up in a family with all women, no fathers, grandfathers, brothers or uncles to be seen....seriously, my husband is the first man I ever spent a lot of time around.

How do you even potty train a boy? Oh well, I keep telling myself that I have years to figure it out. Not to mention, I have a husband that is a boy, to help out. We have been surrounded with baby blue, air planes, and all things boy around here. I have had 2 ultrasounds, and believe me...without question...this is a BOY.

With my last pregnancy, I had blood pressure issues at the end, and apparently they are worried about it again. My blood pressure has been ok during this pregnancy, so far, but they want to make sure. I have to go weekly until the end of my pregnancy...which will be until the middle of June...that is a long time to be going every week. I understand that I need to do what is best for the little guy in my tummy, so I will do what I am asked.

If you are reading this, that means you are still hanging with me, and for that I appreciate it! I promise to try to update on a more regular basis.

Super Savings Saturday! 1/25/10

2010-01-30T05:12:00.001-08:00

WOW! What a week at Kroger....I loves me some Mega Sale! I purchased all above for $71.12, and that included 7 AMP energy drinks and 4 pounds of ground beef and 2 packages of Chicken along with 13 Electrosal! What a great deal!

I went later in the week for a 2nd trip and spent $23.00 to stock up on some cheese, 7 Capri Sun and more ground beef and chicken! What a great week for shopping!

For more Super Saturday savings visit Money Saving Mom!

Christmas is here!

2009-12-18T05:41:00.001-08:00

I am sorry I have been delayed in posting what a great SSS partner I had this year. This pregnancy induced exhaustion is killing me! My camera died not too long after my first (yes, I said first) package arrived, so I don't have pictures....so SORRY!!!!

The first package arrived, and it was truly adorable note cards with my name printed on them. They are ADORABLE!!!!! The card is hot pink and lettering is in black, one of my favorite color combos! A perfect gift and I was super excited about it! Then a few days ago, I got a second package..can you believe it?

The in my questionnaire, I mentioned that I would like to try the new Twilight Woods scent from Bath and Body Works. I tore into my package, and much to my surprise, I got a complete set of 3 from that line at B & B!!!!! I was so excited!

My SSS partner, you went way, way above and beyond this Christmas! If you have read my blog, you will know that this one will be rough...grieving and all. Just know that you helped make my holiday season much brighter!!!

Thanks again!

Happy Late Halloween!

2009-11-05T09:05:00.000-08:00

I am sorry for having gone so long without posting. Although it is kinda nice to be missed! As some of you suspected, the exhaustion has hit in a hard way around here. That mixed with having a very vocal 2 1/2 year old, and it makes for long days! Thanks for dropping by and the comments of concern! I appreciate it!

I went to the Dr. for a 2nd appointment, and everything went really well. They did an ultra-sound and it is amazing that a little person the size of a blueberry already has a heart that beats 122 beats per minute! I could see it just beating away....amazing, God really knows what he is doing.

I am going to have to take an early Glucose test, as I have been constantly thirsty since I found out I was pregnant. I didn't have G. Diabetes with the Princess, but I was on the border. So, I am not going to be surprised if it comes back positive. I will just have to change some eating habits....but no one likes that!

I want to leave you with some adorable pictures of our Minnie Mouse! Hope you all had a great Trick or Treat!

1st Dr. Appt

2009-10-22T05:12:00.000-07:00

Today is the first of many doctor's appointments to come. I am excited, but a little nervous to start this all over again.

It has been 3 years since I have been to see these doctors...and to know there is a baby growing inside me. I am relieved that after trying so hard for so long, it has finally happened. However, there is no turning back now. He or she is coming....

What I have been up to...and a big suprise!

2009-10-18T14:20:00.000-07:00

Man. If only I could get back on a roll with this blogging thing. I think part of my problem is, I am a little ADD with my interests...and it makes it hard to focus the blog on something. I started out talking about leaving my job, then I moved to grocery deals, next on to my loss of a parent...and then even more random things. Maybe one of these days I will pick something and stick to it.

What have I been up to these past few weeks, you ask? My birthday was in early October, and I mostly asked for money to buy this......

No, it was not $700, it was $299 and for those who don't know what this is, it is a Pink Cricut Expression. I LOVE it. Yes, crafting has become my new focus for today. I have used this so much...I have cut out vinyl hanging on my walls, cards made...and more! If you are interested in knowing more..Google - Christmas with the Cricut. This will give you an idea of how versatile this machine is, and then I just know you will insist on one for yourself. If that is the case, email me I have the smaller one listed on craigslist right now and would be willing to ship.

In other news, I am toying with the idea to open an etsy shop for the cards I have been making. Well, I have actually opened..just not posted anything yet. When I do, I will post a link on here.

Oh, and the big news.....after a year + of trying......I AM PREGNANT!!!!!! Yup, pregnant! I couldn't be happier. It is very early yet, but after months of trying with clomid, couldn't wait to share!

Like I Thought....It was Magical!

2009-09-24T06:49:00.000-07:00

It was just how I imagined it would be....the wonder and excitment in her eyes when seeing Mickey and Minnie in person for the first time. She was amazed that they were there, and then proceeded to cry until it was time to meet them and have her picture taken. We are still working on learning to take turns and that the world doesn't revovle around her.

A big thank you to MomCentral for the opportunity to see the show and the amazing chance to meet Mickey and Minnie up close and personal! It was a blast!

If you are interested joining in the fun too and are in the Dayton/Cincinnati area…there is still time!!!! This show, jammed packed with all the Disney favorites is going to be at the Cincinnati US Bank Arena September 23 - 27.

You can get tickets via Ticketmaster for the Cincinnati show here, and you can get a discount with the coupon code “MOM” enter it in the MC promotion box at the Ticketmaster site.

It is Going to be Magical!

2009-09-21T17:16:00.000-07:00

I cannot tell you how excited I am to be taking my daughter to see Disney on IcevPresents 100 Years of Magic! I have long loved and adored the Mouse myself, but my daughter’s love for him is far above mine. She calls him “Meeska” as in the Mickey Mouse Club House Show, her favorite.

If you are interested in joining us, and are in the Dayton/Cincinnati area…there is still time!!!! This show, jammed packed with all the Disney favorites is going to be at the Cincinnati US Bank Arena September 23 - 27.

You can get tickets via Ticketmaster for the Cincinnati show here, and you can get a discount with the coupon code “MOM” enter it in the MC promotion box at the Ticketmaster site.

Hope to see you there!

Pictures and details will be posted on Thursday....I am so excited, I am almost giddy!

Time on My Hands

2009-09-16T12:34:00.000-07:00

I have had some extra time on my hands lately, and I have been messing around with some photo editing software. This is my result...some pretty good ones if I do say so my self. If you like these, I downloaded the software FREE from Picasa, I love it!

2009-08-28T16:42:00.000-07:00

Itunes...I have missed you!

2009-08-26T19:06:00.000-07:00

For lots of different reasons, my play lists from my first itunes has been locked up on an external hard drive. Just tonight, I figured out how to load them on my laptop, thus moving them to my ipod touch...oh how I have missed my eclectic mix of music. Here are just a few of my random favorites:

Wild Thing - Tone-Loc
Ring of Fire - Johnny Cash
Volcano - Jimmy Buffet
Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen
E-Pro - Beck
Holy Water - Big & Rich
Thank U - Alanis Morrisette
Bath Water - No Doubt
I'm Going Home - The Sacred Harp Singers
Hard Habit To Break - Chicago
Toxic - Brittany Spears

Almost every Dave Matthews and Alanis Morrsiette ever produced, as well as a few WOW hits. I also have almost every Casting Crowns CD, love them!

Just thought it might give you a glimpse of the randomness in my head!

Time Goes By So Fast

2009-08-26T10:31:00.000-07:00

I guess it is a reality, the summer is almost gone! Already! I am not sad at this fact, due strictly to the fact that I LOVE Fall! It is my most favorite time of the year. I love the leaves changing color, I love the hot apple cider at Tim Hortons (thank Emily for telling me about this years ago) and most importantly I love the cooler temperatures. You see, I am not a tiny person, so when it is hot, I sweat. I sweat uncomfortably. I hate sweating with a passion. So, welcome Fall!

I can't believe that we are ending the month of August! The kids around here have all gone back to school, their school supplies are clearanced at Target, making room for Halloween decorations and costumes. The mornings are a little cooler and sun a little later to wake me up. The Princess and I have been spending lots of time at a amusement park about an hour from our house. We had season passes this year and it was a very wise investment for us. I packed our lunch, put us in our swimsuits and headed out. She absolutely loves the water park there, and in fact we use it as a reward for....wait for it....POTTY TRAINING!!!! She decided that she wanted to start using the potty about 2 weeks ago, finally. I can't believe it! I had tried to fight her..make her go...but she was just not having it. Not until she was ready. We have had a few accidents, but for the most part, things are going very smoothly. I finally have a big girl on my hands, no more baby. I guess she will always kind of be my baby.

The medicine the dr. put me on for the depression has helped tremendously! I feel like a new person! Hopefully this continues, it is nice to feel normal again!

Ch..Ch..Changes....

2009-07-24T05:42:00.000-07:00

Changes are happening around here, and for the first time in a while, they are for the better. After an extremely rough few weeks, I made the personal decision to go to the doctor, and get some medication. I am in the middle of the second week, and it has already made a HUGE difference in my daily life. I feel like I am able to cope with everyday life much, much better! It has been a long time since I felt this in control of my life, and my emotions. I am so thankful I made the decision to go see my doctor.

The other major change, my husband got a new job (with the same company) and a promotion. I am so, so thankful that in a world today, where people are losing their jobs (me included) he was able to secure a promotion. He is not the handiest, or the hardest worker but he has made some excellent choices to ensure he can provide for our family. I am so thankful for him and his wisdom in these areas of our life. I praise the Lord that he has provided the opportunity for our family and my husband.

Just wanted to share some good news, since I have been a bit of a Debbie Downer these days. Thanks for hanging with me!

Grief

2009-07-12T13:36:00.000-07:00

Wow, yet again it has been awhile since I updated my blog. It has been a strange few weeks for me. I have had a roller coaster of emotions. There are days I feel like I am keeping it together, and there are days I can hardly function. The house is a disaster, my daughter sometimes goes un-bathed for a day (or three) and there are days I would pay you to take my dog away. The constant whining from both her and my daughter are more than I can take sometimes.

I often wonder, how am I supposed to feel after the loss of the most important parenting influence in my life has died? Do I pretend it didn't happen and she is coming back? Do I wallow in the grief? Do I sit some days staring into space? Well, for me it has been a little of all of the above. If you have lost a parent, I would love to hear your advice on how you dealt with it. I think I really have it together for the most part, until I go the grocery and see someone that looks like her. Then it is all I can take not to run up to that person, tell her I am sorry for how I treated her and wait for her to accept the apology. I then snap back to reality and know that she is not my mom, and she would most likely call the police on me for harassing her.

I got this pendant that is her fingerprint, they were able to get before she died, and I want to wear it. There are days, I just can't. It is heavy, and when I move, and it hits my chest, which is a constant reminder that she is gone. I just want to wake up from this bad dream. I want to redo it all, say I am sorry, hug her, kiss her, tell her I love her. There are not days for that anymore....only regret.

My husband tells me that he thinks it wouldn't have made it better, that the fighting would have continued, and the hurt feelings remain. I think he is right, but I guess I want the opportunity to find out. It is so hard for me to discuss things with him, although we were not getting along with her at the time, I still loved her more than she will ever know. It is not the same for him, she didn't raise him, he doesn't have the good childhood memories I have. All he remembers about her is the harsh words, the backstabbing and manipulation. Not the hugs, kissing the boo-boos, the mending of broken hearts, the picking up pieces. So it feels like he thinks I should just get over it, move on, and forget it all.

Let me tell you, there is a huge difference in choosing not to talk to someone and having that choice made for you.

Sorry for the rambling, guess I just needed an outlet...somewhere to share my feelings. Somewhere that I am not judged, hopefully!

2009-07-02T18:01:00.000-07:00

It is Allison's birthday over at The Story of 5, and in honor of her day, she is hosting a giveaway! Check out all the great items at BeddingSets.com! She is giving away your choice of a throw pillow or rug, valued at $55! Go check it out, because who couldn't use a new rug or pillow?

Weekly Shopping - Week of June 22nd

2009-06-24T09:46:00.000-07:00

Wow! Finally some deals worth sharing...Princess and I headed out this morning and hit 4 stores in 3 hours and I think we spent under $60!!!! It really felt good getting back in the swing of deal shopping. Things have been so out of control in my life lately, it was good to have a plan and execute it! It felt good for the control freak in me to be back in control.

First stop was Walgreens, but I didn't get anything exciting there. I went to buy the storage bags on sale, and they only had one box, and it was quart sized. So, I bought it and got a rain check for the rest.

Total - $1.06

Target

Second stop was Target, and I scored big! I had seen on several blogs all the good deals that folks were getting on the travel sized items with coupons. I bought all I had coupons for and I feel like I came out pretty good!

Total Out of Pocket - $6.20

Meijer

Our third stop of the day was Meijer...lots of good deals to be had there. The Lean Gourmet meals were $0.55 each, free Kraft mac & cheese (with the kool-aide), Lysol wipes $0.50 each after coupons. (As I was loading the pictures, I noticed I didn't include the 4 Lysol wipes in the picture..sorry!)

Total Out of Pocket - $21.85

Kroger

Finally, our last store, and it was the best! I love the Daytona promo with the 10 items get $3 off. I got several items for just pennies.

Total Out of Pocket - $25.48 (and got a catalina for $3.50 off next purchase)

We Are Home!

2009-06-05T17:05:00.000-07:00

We are finally home, and I have only one more day of the garage sale left. I made out pretty good with the garage sale, so it has been worth all the trouble getting it ready. I am, however, ready to get back to a schedule. That means, a schedule of bargain shopping, yippee! I am exhausted, so I will leave you with this picture of the princess and I on vacation. Have a great weekend!

I think I might just loose my mind!

2009-05-29T08:15:00.000-07:00

If I didn't have bad luck, I would have no luck at all! I am still so thankful for all of the positive things going on in my life, I am having some drama as well!

The insurance is graciously cover the cost of the replacement of our items, but that is about it. I feel like I am having to coordinate all of the repairs and deliveries, etc. Which, you might think is not so bad, but imagine having a screaming 2 1/2 year old in your ear during all the phone calls. It is a little stressful!

Then, Wednesday night, our air conditioner went out, again. It seems to happen every year, at least we have our home warranty, to cover the repair costs.

The y key on my laptop is broken, and it is really frustrating to have hit it 2 times to get it to appear on the screen.

On a better, more positive note....we are headed out of town! Going to Tennessee!!! It is a much needed break for all of us! I can't wait to watch my hubby race go-carts, do some outlet shopping, visit the Christmas store, eat good food and do lots of walking! I will be back at the end of next week...with some pictures to share. Oh, and we are having a garage sale on Friday and Saturday at house...so that so make for another busy week!

I Made $6.02 at CVS Today!

2009-05-27T11:06:00.000-07:00

I did this deal.....and made $6.02! If you do not see these with the other sun screen, check the shelf in the beauty care area, they were in a container.

Also, check out Bethany's trip to Kroger. I am headed there next, to try to score some of those tear pad coupons.

Great deals to be had, if I could only get my little one to go down for her nap, we might be able to head out soon!

Thankful!

2009-05-25T05:35:00.001-07:00

In the midst of the past few months, during all of the trials, I have realized there is so much in my life I should be thankful for. I am struggling everyday to get through each day, missing my loved ones, but I know they are at peace. In heaven with our Father, and that gives me peace. It doesn't help with the pain I feel for missing them. Being thankful has been on my mind, like God is telling me "I know you are hurting, but look at all of the other wonderful things I have given you." He has done that, situations and timing, loving families and more.

Now, on to my thankful list....

We had a window fall out of our kitchen wall, hit the wall, break the glass in the range (making it useless), hitting the convection oven/microwave (still works) and finally landing on the floor. Here is why I am thankful for this - We are having our whole house painted, range replaced, convection oven replaced and window replaced...for what we would have been charged for the range. I am thankful that we have homeowners insurance that will cover these costs. Thankful that we were out of the house when it happened. The princess regularly plays under that window, so it could have been a lot worse, A LOT worse if we would have been home.

The strained relationship with my mother (had not spoken to her since Christmas) has come to a civil state, since my Grandmother's death. There has been years of resentment on my part, for her letting me live with my Grandmother and not being around when I needed her. We have a LONG way to go, a very LONG way. I do pray that we get there, as I have no other connection to my side of the family. I am an only child, and not until now did I regret that! I am thankful that we have both seen it in our hearts to be civil, to try for the sake of just us.

I am thankful for a husband and a daughter that love me unconditionally. We have had our lives turned upside down over the past few weeks. Going to the hospital and hospice at all hours of the day and night, my husband never once asked me not to go, nor complained about keeping the princess for me. I am thankful that although he and my family do not get along, he allowed me the access and time I needed to say to goodbye to my "Mom". I will forever be thankful for that time. I am also thankful that my daughter adjusted so well to Mommy being gone, it made it so much easier for the people that watched her.

I am thankful to my In-laws, for watching the princess and although they didn't want to, for coming to the viewing. The strained relationship between the families was more than I could take. I am thankful that they had the foresight to see that and help me get through this time. My MIL and SIL cooked the dinner after the funeral at the church (this is their ministry) and I feel it was the beginning of some healing (if for no one else but me).

I am thankful for the CICU nurse, Brooke. I know God sent her to us, to make this transition easier. The day we terminated life support, she was a support to us all, in just the way we needed her to be.

I know this sounds trivial compared to the others, but I am thankful for the new Kraft printable coupons, and for the free or nearly free items it has allowed me to get. They have been a huge blessing.

I am thankful for the beautiful weather we have been having. It has been hot, but not terrible Ohio humid and hot.

I am thankful for the movie Cars. It is my new babysitter while I am in the shower, doing dishes and fixing dinner (not that I would ever let the T.V. be my babysitter). My daughter loves it!

I am thankful for Sonic, and the 1/2 priced drinks at happy hour. They have been a mid-day life saver!

I am thankful my husband has a job. I am thankful that it affords me the right to stay home with our daughter. I am going to start treating my "job" as a mom, wife and housekeeper as just that, a job. More to come on that later.

I am thankful for wireless in our home. I LOVE that I am sitting at the kitchen table (not the basement couch) writing this post!

Well, that is all I can get done now, hope to be able to post more soon. Thanks for hanging in there with me over the past few months, through the sporadic posting. Hopefully, no I am, going to get on a better schedule.

I'm Back!

2009-05-20T12:43:00.000-07:00

I am back. These last few weeks have been the hardest of my life. I loved my grandma, regardless of how these last few months were, I know she loved me as well. I will greatly miss her, and I wish I had more time with her. I had so much more to learn from her. I will move on, remember the good times and hold on to what I have left of her. Thanks for the prayers and good thoughts. My family and I have needed it, and I hope there is healing that comes from all of this.

I have been getting all of my coupons back in order, and doing some deal shopping. I think it has been a good release and a nice distraction from what I have been going through. I hope to get on a regular posting schedule again. I have been saying that for months now, but I really do mean it! I miss connecting in the bloggy world.

Mom

2009-05-02T06:19:00.000-07:00

If any of you read my twitter, you will have noticed my desperate plea for prayer the other day. Not much has changed from that time, and we need nothing short of miracle now. I pray that God's will is to heal, but it doesn't seem to be the case right now. Here is what happened....

My Grandmother (who I lived with my entire life, was like my mother, and that I had not spoken to for 3 months due to family drama) went to the hospital with an eye infection on Tuesday afternoon. They admitted her to get the infection under control. For reasons still unclear to us, she became unresponsive and our family was called at 3:30 am to say our good byes. They worked on her and got her on a ventilator and stable enough, moved her to CICU. This is where she has been since then.

Last night, the neurology (spelling) doctor told us that she has very little, to no brain activity. This was due to a lack of oxygen to her brain. The brain damage is to extensive to recover from right now, and we will have to make some tough decisions in the next few days. Pray for wisdom for my family, pray for strength for us and most of all pray that God preforms a miracle.

I know that I sounded desperate on my tweets, but I am still dealing with the guilt of not being around for the last few months. I will move on, it will get better and I will make it through. It is just hard right now.

Weekly Shopping - April 4th

2009-04-09T04:17:00.000-07:00

I had a lot of catching up to do, I have been out of the deal game for awhile. I spent way more out of pocket than I would like to admit, however we really needed some items (diapers (yes, we are still struggling with them, ugh!))

Meijer - My totals for groceries have been higher, due to needing "diet" food, but they are paying off, my husband has lost over 12 lbs!!! That is great for him, and worth the extra $$. I spent around $40.00 for all of this.

CVS - I did the Huggies deal twice. My husband's old card had some expired ECB that needed to be spent, and we needed diapers. I try not to use this card anymore, but I could let $14.00 just walk away. So, I got 5 packs of diapers and 3 -12 packs of Diet Coke plus all of this for around $50.00. I do also need to disclose that a $20.00 off a $100.00 printed at the coupon printer, so I spent more than I normally would have on things we didn't have to get. I earned right around $35.00 for next time, yeah!

Rite Aid - This was my best deal of the week!!!! I got 22 Mentos gums, and made $0.22 on them. They are on sale for $0.99 and I had 22 $1.00 off coupons. That combined with my $4.00 coupons for the Airwick and Lysol, and the $5.00 off of a $25.00 purchase, made for some really great deals.

I had a $10.00 gift card from an old Huggies deal, and I paid for the transactions (around $8.50) and still have a few cents left.

How did you all do? I would love to hear about your shopping....