tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31520376993998156282024-03-13T23:51:01.678-07:00The Nieto Familycasseynietohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684445103368424989noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152037699399815628.post-16877109778349192472011-09-18T18:57:00.000-07:002011-09-18T18:57:04.586-07:00We Plan and God LaughsI had the full realization this week that I can plan to my hearts content, but if it's not in God's plan then I am just wasting my time. I will be the first one to admit I am a planner. I love to make lists and organize things and keep a neat calendar, it keeps me sane. Its not that I don't trust God, but for some reason I just feel the need to have everything planned. <br />
A few months ago yall read that Frank and I had decided not to have any more children, but to focus attention on the 2 we have and on therapy for Thomas. We prayed and thought this was the way God was leading us. If I am completely honest at the time I still really wanted to have a baby and my prayer was that if it was meant to be God would soften Frank's heart to having another child. But we agreed right now was not a good time to plan a baby when Lily and Thomas needed us so much. Now I can picture God just sitting up there saying, "You have no idea what I have planned for you!" <br />
On Tuesday morning of this week, much to our surprise Frank and I found out we were going to have another baby. We were shocked, and excited, and overwhelmed! This was a complete surprise to us, but not to Him. He has always had this baby planned for us, just as he had Lily and Thomas planned for us. A baby is a blessing, even when it is not our plan it was His plan from the beginning. And we know that all He does is good. <br />
We are all very excited. This week seems to have gone in slow motion! Lily is so excited to be a big sister and I think she has told every teacher and staff member at her school! Thomas doesn't really understand what is going on, but I am sure he will before the baby is born. Frank and I are also very excited, a little afraid because the kids will outnumber us! For some reason I feel like I am already behind in my planning! Like the baby is going to be here next week or something! Told yall I was a planner! I don't necessarily think being a planner is a bad thing as long as you understand ultimately God is in control. We know God loves us and this baby is a wonderful blessing!<br />
casseynietohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684445103368424989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152037699399815628.post-37985772419401367522011-09-09T11:25:00.000-07:002011-09-09T11:25:39.797-07:00Advocate vs. Enabling<div>
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A week ago I had a very dear friend that gently let me know I was enabling Thomas. I tried not to get defensive because after all I had ask her if I was enabling. I felt very strongly I was his biggest advocate and just making the world just a little more user friendly for him. But in fact I was only teaching him that the rules <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">didn't</span> always apply to him and mommy would always take care of it. I took a week to let this sink in and plan a course of action. </div>
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This morning I got up and put my stubborn panties on and T apparently donned his stubborn diaper <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">unbeknownst</span> to me! About 9:30 it was time to leave for the grocery store, not my favorite chore, but it had to be done. I told T he <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">couldn't</span> take his cars or his backpack and needed to put them in his room. Well he quickly informed me he was taking them with him and this is where the fun begins! After about 10 minutes of following me around the house, throwing himself on the floor and screaming he decided he <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">wasn't</span> going to win and decided to put his backpack in his room. I left for the store with a sense of accomplishment, Mommy-1, Thomas-0! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Yay</span>, my common sense told me from here on out the fits would get shorter and I can handle a 10 minute fit here and there! So I cockily posted on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">FB</span> I had won this battle, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">yay</span> me! Off to the grocery store we go. All the way there I am preparing T that he will have to ride in the front of the buggy, he <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">prefers</span> the back, but I had so much to get that he <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">wouldn't</span> fit. He tells me "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">ok</span> mommy". Well apparently between the car and the front door he had a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">complete</span> change of heart! I try to put him in the buggy and he starts screaming. So remind him we are riding in the front, and he loudly squeals like a pig! SO I sit down in the lobby of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">walmart</span> and tell him I will wait. He screams and cries and I point out every child that passes that is riding in the front of the buggy (and pretend not to see the ones in the back of the buggy!), we talk about all the people looking at him because he is screaming like I'm pulling his nails out and the occasional old man tries to talk to him only to have his volume increased. After 50 minutes of this, yes 5-0 he tells me he is ready to get in the front of the buggy. Once I lift him up he changes his mind and starts kicking, at this point I decide he is going in the buggy. So in he goes and buckled and we pass a little old lady who <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">scowls</span> at him and shakes her finger, I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">couldn't</span> help but laugh! Mommy-2, Thomas-0 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Yay</span> me! So I'm exhausted, but so excited that I have held out. Finally as we are finishing up we get our cookie and he decides 1 is not enough, he wants 3. And back comes the squealing pig! He screamed the rest of the time we are in the store and checking out. Mommy-3, Thomas-0. </div>
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So what have I learned from today, he is one stubborn little boy and it is going to be a long road. But there is a fine line between Thomas problems and being a brat. I never want him to use this as a crutch so I have to stop making life easier for him. We will continue play therapy and working with him, but I am adopting a no tolerance policy in my house. All rules that apply to Lily also apply to him. We are not going to work our family around his problems/attitude any longer; we are going to work on his problems so he can be a contributing member of our family. I am sure this is not going to be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">convenient</span> or easy, but this is what is best for all of us in the long run. </div>
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Please pray for us: me-patience, Thomas-obedience</div>
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casseynietohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684445103368424989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152037699399815628.post-18457308871873001582011-07-12T07:58:00.000-07:002011-07-12T08:19:30.585-07:00Our Summer UpdateWOW!!! That best explains our summer. It has been crazy around here. Being our last summer before Lily starts Kindergarten we wanted to make sure she got to do things like visit grandma and grandpa in Austin and have lots of fun before she starts school. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">SOOOO</span> here is our update<br />Lily: We are very excited that lily is #2 on the waiting list for the dual language program at her school. They will place children in that class up until January. This would be an amazing opportunity for her to be immersed in the Spanish language until 7<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> grade at which time she will be able to study a 3rd language. Seeing as though more than 50% of our state is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Hispanic</span> we believe this is a great way for her to get a head start. We have started purchasing school supplies and this weekend mommy is school clothes shopping, there <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">aren't</span> many choices to make because the kids wear uniforms. Lily visited Austin 2 weeks ago and had <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">a lot</span> of fun. She saw big grandma and grandpa (great grandma and grandpa <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Zendejas</span>) for jello, played with her cousin Lexi, got to swim everyday, had lots of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">ice cream</span> and of course Grandmas famous <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">chocolate</span> chip cookies (no worries Patsy, I wont give away the secret ). This week is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">VBS</span>, she (and I) was a little scared the first day, I bet there were 500 kids in there! But when she got home yesterday she said it was so much fun, she wanted to go back today. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Mommy</span> had a little taste of what Kindergarten was going to be like and I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">didn't</span> like it! At the end of July we are going back to Austin to visit and see uncle Michael who will just have come home from the Army, we are all very excited to spend some time with him. <br /><br />Thomas: We are very proud to say Thomas is making tons of progress with his therapies. He sees a behavioral therapist weekly and a OT (for sensory) <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">every other</span> week. We have found ways to avoid and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">defuse</span> about 75% of his fits. His vocabulary is growing by the day (it helps to have a sister that talks 24/7!). He had a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">dr</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">appt</span> yesterday and even the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">dr</span> commented that he was doing so well during the visit (this used to be a trigger). Thomas loves cars and the movie Cars! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">When</span> in Austin Grandma and Grandpa took him to see Cars 2. He has not put down his McQueen car since, he even sleeps with it. Thomas carries a backpack with probably 25 matchbox cars everywhere he goes (it is heavy) and it has replaced his <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">blankey</span> (yea!!!) Thomas is loving the water this summer and will even jump into your arms, just as long as you <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> let him go under! Earlier in the summer Thomas got to go to the City of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rowlett's</span> Touch a Truck. He loved it, he got to touch lots of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">trucks</span>, but his favorite is getting to operate the arm on the trash truck...Oh I am proud!<br /><br />Pups: We rescued a female Boxer at the end of April, her name is Gracie. She is adjusting well, she really likes to bug her brother. She still needs some training, but is VERY smart. Duncan has improved considerably since his hospital stay. I would say he is better now than before he got sick. He is putting on some weight and even chasing Gracie around the yard. He is learning to sit in his new highchair (Bailey chair), he really hates it! <br /><br />Mommy and Daddy: We are doing great, busy busy as always! <br /><br />Hope everyone <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Else's</span> summer is going as well as ours and I think I am ready for school to start so things can slow down!casseynietohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684445103368424989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152037699399815628.post-75114668398071748042011-06-21T09:27:00.000-07:002011-06-21T10:01:18.787-07:00Our Fur Children<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nV6fUu5RgNY/TgDN-HFy9II/AAAAAAAAAI8/jSTB9evWJ8E/s1600/IMG00266.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620718801897321602" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nV6fUu5RgNY/TgDN-HFy9II/AAAAAAAAAI8/jSTB9evWJ8E/s200/IMG00266.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>I used to say I liked dogs more than people and on some days that is true. Dogs always greet you when you walk in the door, wag their tail and are happy to see you; people not so much. Dog are appreciative to have a home and be fed and played with; people not so much. Dogs are <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">always</span> there to listen and not give their opinion; people not so much! I have been a dog lover since I was about 7 and I got my first dog <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Dryphus</span>. I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> think any dog can reach the status <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Dryphus</span> did in my heart. He was a HUGE dog, but so loving and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">protective</span>. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Dryphus</span> lived 13 years, a very long time for a Boxer and when he died it was one of the most emotionally <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">devastating</span> times of my life. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Dryphus</span> was a rock in our lives always there and I still miss him. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>About 2 years after <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Dryphus</span> died I was in college, Frank and I had been dating about a year and we got Duncan. He was our first Fur baby. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Don't</span> get me wrong things were not always rosy. Duncan peed on my bed almost every day, cried when we left him in his kennel and was difficult to potty train. But after we got through the first year he was a GREAT dog. We have so many memories with him, like when Frank let him fall out of the cart at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Petsmart</span> and trying to get "family" photos taken with him, taking Duncan camping and to the park. Everyone loves Duncan, partly because he is a Boxer and people love Boxers, but also he has this sweet dumbness about him! </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>When I say Duncan has been a great dog I mean <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">truly</span> a great dog. One night when lily was about 18months, Frank and I had gone to bed for the night and closed the door. Duncan was crying at the door, after telling him to go away for about 5 minutes Frank got up to see what he <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">wanted</span>. When Frank opened our bedroom door he was meet with a wall of smoke. Our dishwasher had caught on fire. I ran up to get Lily, thankfully everyone was fine and there was minimal damage to the house, but I always wonder what would have been if it <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">wasn't</span> for Duncan. In the past few years Duncan has been company to me when I am home with the kids, he always alerts me when the kids are doing something that is not safe. He really is a great dog. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>About a year ago Duncan started having problems <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">eating</span>. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Every time</span> he would eat he would <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">regurgitate</span> his food. He lost <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">a lot</span> of weight and we decided a trip to the vet was needed. They did <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">xrays</span> to find he has <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Mega esophagus</span>. This means his Esophagus (the tube that carries food to his tummy) does not constrict and take the food from his mouth to his tummy, it just sits in his esophagus. We found a homemade diet that sort of worked, but it was better than anything we had tried. Last week Duncan found some raisins (which are toxic to dogs) and began vomiting, when this was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">happening</span> he aspirated some of the vomit into his lungs and developed <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Pneumonia</span>. He was in the hospital for the weekend on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">nebulizer</span> treatments, oxygen and antibiotics as well as IV fluids. He come home on Saturday night and was still very sick. Frank and I discussed at what point do we say this is enough and let him go. Over the next few days Duncan improved, we have found a food that is working great. He gets spoon fed 3 times a day and then has to be held upright for 20 minutes following being fed. We are working up to 20 minutes (he is not crazy about this) we are at 10 minutes now. He is on 5 different <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">meds</span> and hopefully when we go back to the vet next week his lungs will be clear. Life with a dog with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Mega esophagus</span> is very difficult, they could aspirate at any time, Duncan has problems with water so I make him gelatin out of chicken broth and water. This is similar to what a stroke patient would get so they <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> aspirate. We have already decided that we will give Duncan the best care he can get at home, but we are not putting him though further testing, treatment or hospitalization. Some dogs live their whole lives with this disorder, some <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> make it through their first bout with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Pneumonia</span>. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>We have prayed that we will not have to make the decision to put him to sleep, I know it would be very difficult and I would carry <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" class="blsp-spelling-error">a lot</span> of guilt from it. We hope when the time comes Duncan can go peacefully and not in any discomfort. He has been such a great dog to our family and I know we <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_29" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Will</span> never be able to replace him. </div>casseynietohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684445103368424989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152037699399815628.post-63356465384746956792011-06-02T10:41:00.000-07:002011-06-02T11:27:56.744-07:00Homemade Doggy Food<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LqLkJfjBJyo/TefVaMpVDjI/AAAAAAAAAIw/nEXCxLg9lAs/s1600/IMG00747.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613690106588499506" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LqLkJfjBJyo/TefVaMpVDjI/AAAAAAAAAIw/nEXCxLg9lAs/s200/IMG00747.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>When most people find out I make my own dog food they think I am nuts and that my dogs are spoiled, the first is not <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">completely</span> true, but the latter is! I started this journey of making dog food about 6 months ago and it has been a journey. Duncan was diagnosed with a fairly rare problem with his esophagus that causes him to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">regurgitate</span> all <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">storebought</span> food. The truth is he ate a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">hobenaro</span> plant when he was a puppy and it <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">permanently</span> scared his <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">esophagus</span>...I know hes not the sharpest tool in the shed! So we started experimenting with different recipes and this is the one we have finally after 6 months perfected.<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div>3 cups rice - you can use all white all brown or mix. brown rice is better for them, but mine will not eat all brown rice so I mix it half <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">and</span> half with white rice</div><br /><br /><div>27 eggs</div><br /><br /><div>4-12 oz cans of chicken packed in water</div><br /><br /><div>2-16 oz bags of frozen peas and carrots</div><br /><br /><div>optional</div><br /><br /><div>10 cups of puppy food (more on this later)</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>In one large pan put all 27 eggs and cover with water boil for 12 minutes. while the eggs are boiling put 3 cups of rice, 6 cups of water, 2 TBS of butter and some salt in another large pan and bring to a boil. Once boiling cover and turn down to low for 18 minutes. DO NOT OPEN THE TOP!!! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">While</span> the rice and eggs are cooking I take the chicken and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">shred</span> it, be sure to save the water it is packed in, you <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">necessarily</span> have to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">shred</span> it but <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Duncan</span> has a hard time with chunks so I do. When the eggs finish boiling transfer them to an ice bath <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">immediately</span>. The begin peeling, this is the most time consuming part of this recipe. When the rice finishes, turn the burner off and put both bags of veggies and the water from the chicken in and stir well. Once you are finished peeling eggs you can just slice or chop them up and throw them in the pan with the rice and veggies. At this point I have to take 1/2 the mixture and put it in the pan I boiled the eggs in. Then add 1/2 of the chicken to each of the pans and mix well. At this point your dog food is done. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Recently Duncan has been losing weight so we have started adding some puppy food to the mixture to get some weight on him, so I consider this the bulk up recipe! You would just add the 10 cups of puppy food and then 5 cups of water to the recipe. The water helps to soften the dog food. That might not be necessary for your dog unless they have problems with dry food. Another reason you might add the dog food is if you are transitioning your dog from regular food to homemade, you could slowly add less and less dog food in until they had straight homemade food. It upsets their tummy less. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>So here is the cost breakdown, keep in mind I buy most of the ingredients from Costco so your cost might be a little different</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Regular recipe</div><br /><br /><div>Rice - $1.00</div><br /><br /><div>Eggs - $3.00</div><br /><br /><div>Chicken - $6.67</div><br /><br /><div>Veggies - $2.00</div><br /><br /><div>-----------------</div><br /><br /><div>TOTAL $12.67 and makes approx 24 cups of food. This feeds my 2 boxers for 3.5 days</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Bulk Up Recipe</div><br /><br /><div>Rice - $1.00</div><br /><br /><div>Eggs - $3.00</div><br /><br /><div>Chicken - $6.67</div><br /><br /><div>Veggies - $2.00</div><br /><br /><div>Puppy Food - $4.50 </div><br /><br /><div>---------------------</div><br /><br /><div>TOTAL $17.17 and makes approx 31 cups of food. This feeds my 2 boxers for 4.5 days</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Most of the experimenting stage came from determining how much food they should eat a day. There is lots of information out there, but my vet told me without having the food tested for nutritional content there was not for sure answer, you just have to experiment. The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">guidelines</span> say approx 1 cup a day for every 20lb your dog weighs. This is just a guideline it also depends on activity level and the stage of life they are in. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Some things I have learned along the way:</div><br /><br /><div>Onions, Garlic, Grapes, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Raisins</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Chocolate</span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Caffeine</span> are all fatal to dogs</div><br /><br /><div><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Dogs</span> do not like cold food, you have to nuke this for a few seconds</div><br /><br /><div>It is easiest to put this mixture into <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Ziploc</span> sandwich baggies in serving size portions</div><br /><br /><div>You look really silly walking out of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Costco</span> with 12-18ct cartons of eggs every month!</div><br /><br /><div>Sometimes your hubby gets a little upset <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">when</span> they he is having a sandwich for dinner because you are making dog food! </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Let me know if you have any questions; there is lots of recipes out there, this is just what works for us. We also add a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">multivitamin</span> to their food just to make sure they are getting all the nutrients they need. SO at a cost of a little more than $110.00 a month; this is probably not a cost effective way to feed your dogs if you have large dogs, but this <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">beats</span> the heck out of cleaning up dog <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">throw up</span> all the time! :)</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>casseynietohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684445103368424989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152037699399815628.post-14118880302336254832011-05-27T18:38:00.001-07:002011-05-27T19:46:43.984-07:00Yummy Yougart - For Ms Breanne<div>My kids eat yogurt like it is going out of style. I was spending about $6 - $10 a week on yogurt before I decided to try making my own. To say I was a little intimidated would be an understatement . To my surprise (and the hubby's) it was a success. The first batch was a little runnier than we liked, but with a few adjustments we came up with a recipe that was easy and worked really well.<br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><div>I have had a few friends ask for the recipe so I thought I would take some pictures and blog! Also I will include a price comparison at the bottom.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>Things you will need:<br /></div><br /><div>Large pot</div><br /><div>8 cups of milk or approx 1/2 gallon</div><br /><div>yogurt starter</div><br /><div>candy thermometer</div><br /><div>powdered milk (optional)</div><br /><div>sugar (optional)<br />flavorings (optional)<br /><br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RuIgwCVQsOE/TeBbE01DSaI/AAAAAAAAAHo/TpUO3auEIOk/s1600/DSCN1272.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611585274162399650" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RuIgwCVQsOE/TeBbE01DSaI/AAAAAAAAAHo/TpUO3auEIOk/s200/DSCN1272.JPG" /></a>1. Pour 8 cups of milk into a large pot. Attach candy thermometer so it is in the liquid but not touching the bottom of the pan. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m2599yhV3ao/TeBbQPPA4qI/AAAAAAAAAHw/ytwTxoKaJ_s/s1600/DSCN1274.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611585470229176994" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m2599yhV3ao/TeBbQPPA4qI/AAAAAAAAAHw/ytwTxoKaJ_s/s200/DSCN1274.JPG" /></a>2. Add 1 cup of powdered milk. The powdered milk is optional, but it does make a thicker yogurt and adds to the protien content of the yogurt. Turn the burner on low, I usually put it between 3 and 4. Whisk until all of the powdered milk is dissolved. At this point you can add sugar. Homemade yogurt is very tangy if left unsweetened, but some people like to add honey when they eat it. I add about 3/4c of sugar to the milk and stir. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sx-RwjhZjLg/TeBft0cE9UI/AAAAAAAAAIo/MmRUNWNN1rY/s1600/DSCN1275.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611590376478799170" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sx-RwjhZjLg/TeBft0cE9UI/AAAAAAAAAIo/MmRUNWNN1rY/s200/DSCN1275.JPG" /></a>3. No is the waiting game, you have to bring the milk SLOWLY to between 185 - 200 degrees. I say slowly because if you burn the milk you have to start over. I have never had a problem with putting the burner on a low setting and stirring occasionally (about every 1-2 min). I usually take this time to do dishes or something else in the kitchen. It takes about 20 minutes for this step.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AK-v6SxSrAM/TeBbl1fgRyI/AAAAAAAAAIA/kpjwzARPPkk/s1600/DSCN1276.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611585841276143394" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AK-v6SxSrAM/TeBbl1fgRyI/AAAAAAAAAIA/kpjwzARPPkk/s200/DSCN1276.JPG" /></a>4. After you reach 185 - 200 degrees you ill take the pot off the burner and let it come down to 118-110 degrees. I am not a patient person so I pot it in an ice bath. Run some cold water in your sink, throw some ice in and put your pot into the sink. Watch carefully and stir occasionally, it takes about 5 minutes for the temp to come down.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VtuxCcgjWzo/TeBc4f2vMJI/AAAAAAAAAII/rq4fQp3_u-k/s1600/DSCN1277.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 199px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 159px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611587261397151890" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VtuxCcgjWzo/TeBc4f2vMJI/AAAAAAAAAII/rq4fQp3_u-k/s200/DSCN1277.JPG" /></a>5. Once the temp is between 118-110 degrees take approx 1 cup of the milk and add your starter. I used Dannon all natural plain greek yogurt. After your first batch you will take 1 cup of your yogurt and set it aside for your next batch. Mix the starter and milk well and then add back to the pan, mix well. The purpose of the starter yogurt is to add the good bacteria needed to make the yogurt. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v7JUhCrovtU/TeBc4bOpcLI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/3uW8CZoxp10/s1600/DSCN1279.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611587260155261106" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v7JUhCrovtU/TeBc4bOpcLI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/3uW8CZoxp10/s200/DSCN1279.JPG" /></a>6. Put a lid on the pan and wrap in a blanket. Put this in an over with the light on for between 6-12 hours. This is where you have to experiment and see what you and your family like. The longer you leave the yogurt the tangier it will get. It will also get thicker. My kiddos don't like it too tangy, but they do like it thick so I have added a step. We remover ours between 6 and 7 hrs.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kGHw-Pg1hno/TeBeVJ4p_sI/AAAAAAAAAIg/QlwO9E41si8/s1600/DSCN1282.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611588853227454146" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kGHw-Pg1hno/TeBeVJ4p_sI/AAAAAAAAAIg/QlwO9E41si8/s200/DSCN1282.JPG" /></a>7. take out your starter for next time and add any flavoring you like. Our favorite right now is lemon, but the sky is the limit. Some choose to add flavoring as they put it into individual cups so you can make a variety at one. Whatever works for you! </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TkBAYKOrRjE/TeBd_5j185I/AAAAAAAAAIY/mSkzz0zXpIc/s1600/DSCN1283.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 205px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 155px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611588488067937170" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TkBAYKOrRjE/TeBd_5j185I/AAAAAAAAAIY/mSkzz0zXpIc/s200/DSCN1283.JPG" /></a>8. Line a colander with coffee filters or cheese cloth and set over large bowl. Now pour in the yogurt, it will be runny. This step drains the whey off of the yogurt and makes it much thicker. I put mine in the fridge for this step because I don't want it to get any tangier. Usually between 3 - 5 hrs later it is the right consistency for me. Remember if it gets too thick just add some of the whey back in and mix well. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>9. We divide into small containers for lunches and ENJOY!!</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>I know this seems like allot of work, but its really not. About 20-30 minutes of actually watching and stirring occasionally and the rest is waiting. As for the cost comparison:</div><br /><br /><br /><div>Store bought Yoplait - $0.50 per serving ($0.40 if I have a coupon)</div><br /><br /><br /><div>Homemade</div><br /><br /><div>milk - $1.50 for half gallon</div><br /><br /><div>powdered milk - $1.00 ( this is about $3 and enough for at least 3 batches)</div><br /><br /><div>sugar and flavorings - i don't use enough to figure into cost</div><br /><br /><div>TOTAL $2.50 and I get about 10 containers = $0.25 a piece</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>casseynietohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684445103368424989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152037699399815628.post-69114942653957459692011-05-20T13:00:00.000-07:002011-05-20T13:47:24.070-07:00My Little Man<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T2Hyzn-PfTg/TdbTCy0uoAI/AAAAAAAAAG4/XwBLe4v7q64/s1600/IMG00039-20101013-0758.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608902430892662786" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T2Hyzn-PfTg/TdbTCy0uoAI/AAAAAAAAAG4/XwBLe4v7q64/s200/IMG00039-20101013-0758.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>I know I know I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">haven't</span> blogged in forever. I think I am the worst blogger ever! Oh well sometimes I feel the need to blog about something and I figure that means it is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">especially</span> important and may potentially help someone. So here is my blog about my little man and our learning to live with each other.</div><br /><br /><br /><div>Thomas from the time he was put in my arms has been a mama's boy, I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> know what it is about little boys, but I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">definitely</span> did not have the same bond with Lily. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Don't</span> get me wrong I love my Lily, but for different reasons. I love her because she is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">independent</span>, creative, she <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">doesn't</span> just believe what someone tells her, she asks tons of questions, she is smart and beautiful and oh dear her teenage years are going to be trouble. I love Thomas for almost exact opposite reasons, he is loving, he is needy, he believes whatever his sister tells him and does everything she does, he is very <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">OCD</span> and sometimes a total mystery to me. Why you ask? <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Because</span> I am Lily, I know what she thinks, is going to say or do before she does it, which is why raising her has been ...... well not easier, but less challenging. Trust me when I tell you it is not easy to look into the eyes of a 4yr old that just told you off and KNOW you did the same thing while trying to explain why we <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> behave that way! But Thomas is a different kind of challenge.</div><br /><br /><br /><div>We have spent the better part of the last year trying to figure out what we (Frank and I ) are doing "wrong". It all started on day last May when T woke up from his nap screaming and inconsolable. After about an hour of trying to calm him I take him to the pediatrician to see if maybe he has an ear infection or something that is causing him pain. We get to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">dr</span> office, he is still screaming, the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">dr</span> checks him over to find nothing wrong <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">except</span> his pulse is sky high. After having another <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">dr</span> come in to assess him they send us to the emergency room for a CT scan to look for a specific problem. On the way to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lakepointe</span> he calms down and seems to be fine upon arrival at the ER. We go ahead and go in because this was such an ordeal I am convinced there is something going on. They decide against the CT scan, but do a blood draw to look for infection....NOTHING. No diagnosis, just watch him and if this happens again bring him right back....REALLY? </div><br /><br /><br /><div>At the time I had no idea what was going on, but in hind sight I can tell you this was the beginning of our battle with losing control of our emotions. I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">didn't</span> realize this until a few months back because from last May until October/November we <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">didn't</span> have any "moments" that were abnormal for a 2 yr old. Then around the end of last year and the beginning of this year these moments increased, significantly. At first, being the strong willed person I am, I decided I was going to WIN, yeah right....I got over that quickly. Like one of my dear friends told me, "you cant pick every battle." Oh she is very right! So we decided on specific rules we were not going to let go; no <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">running</span> in the street, no hitting, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">ect</span>. You know the big ones! And then we let the other little stuff slide. We thought we will deal with those things once we are past this phase. So lets fast forward to March. I am at a friends house for the day and Thomas starts one of his moments over a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">peanut butter</span> cracker being stuck to the top of his mouth....yes I am serious, and it lasted 2 hours. I am not <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">exaggerating</span> and had it not been for my friend being there I am not sure we would have all made it thought the day! After that day, these moments became a regular <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">occurrence</span> in our house. We were all walking on egg shells all the time. </div><br /><br /><br /><div>In March at the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">recommendation</span> of our <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">pedi</span> we contacted Early Childhood Intervention for an evaluation. They evaluated Thomas to see if he had a speech delay that would prevent him from communicating what he was upset about. They found a slight delay, but nothing that would prevent him from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">accurately</span> communicating with us. They offered therapy every other week to help in the areas that needed some work. His behavioral therapist (i call it anger management for toddlers) has been able to make suggestions that have helped T relieve some of this tension. We were seeing <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">improvements</span> and becoming very hopeful until this week. </div><br /><br /><br /><div>I am not sure what happened, its like a switch flipped and he digressed. This was so frustrating, we decided again to take him to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-error">dr</span> and make sure nothing was causing him pain. Everything checked out so we decided to talk with the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-error">dr</span> about what we should do. She gave us a few suggestions and we have an evaluation scheduled for Sensory Integration. This seems to be the next step, I am unsure how I feel about all of this. </div><br /><br /><br /><div>I have a very close friend who has been through this very thing with her son who is now in Kindergarten and thriving. I feel that God brought her back into my life after 8 years for a reason and this is it. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">She</span> has been there to hold my screaming baby that is covered in vomit, she has reassured me and made <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_29" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">recommendations</span>, I really <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_30" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> know if I would still have my sanity without her! </div><br /><br /><br /><div>Thomas continues to be my baby, he always will be. We just have to figure out how to get a handle on his emotions and feel things the way he feels them. Our goal is to have this under control before he goes to Kindergarten. </div><br /><br /><br /><div>Interestingly enough a few months ago Frank and I were considering having another baby, we prayed about it <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_31" class="blsp-spelling-error">ALOT</span>! The one thing that kept coming to mind when I would pray was the word disability. I told Frank about this and really forgot about it. We decided later that 2 was enough for us. Then it hit me this week, God was not telling me that the baby we were praying for would have a disability he was telling me the child I already had did and he needed all my time and attention. </div><br /><br /><br /><div>I am going to try and be better about blogging, to keep everyone up to date on our family. </div>casseynietohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684445103368424989noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152037699399815628.post-23927746600852341472010-11-12T10:26:00.000-08:002010-11-12T10:56:36.554-08:00Panic Attack....What I'm Not Stressed!As some of you know I started having panic attacks a little over a year and a half ago. For about 9 months we had no idea what was wrong with me and of course my imagination took off with that! We thought I was pregnant, had salmonella, was hypoglycemic, having heart problems...you name it! Of course this didn't help with the panic attacks. Finally after the Dr ruling out most of my "self diagnosis" and Frank urging me I finally saw a therapist. This was not completely out of the blue, I have also been diagnosed with anxiety (whole other post!) and we thought maybe a recent switch in medication was the cause.<br /><br />So I go to this therapist, and she thinks I am having panic attacks. The first thing out of my mouth was I am not stressed and whatever is happening is real not in my head! Then we start discussing my eating habits...what does this have to do with anything? So I tell her I drink 3-4 diet cokes a day, have a very big sweet tooth and usually skip breakfast I know not the best diet in the world and apparently the worst diet for someone that is predisposed to panic attacks! SO she tells me cut out ALL caffeine, any of you who know me probably don't want anything to do with me pre-diet coke in the morning! Also eliminate most sugar, WHAT now I am feeling stressed! And make sure you have breakfast with a protein and carb in it...I have never eaten breakfast. At first I am thinking, I know more than her, this is ridiculous, I am not going to stop eating sugar and drinking diet cokes! It only took one more attack for me to change my tune. It took me a little over a week to completely give up caffeinated diet coke, I would like to thanks Frank for not leaving me during this time! The sugar part was hard and I still eat a little just not a bunch at once. Started eating breakfast, usually peanut butter on a graham cracker. And miraculously I went from having attacks 2-3 times a week to having one every 3 or so months! Maybe the Dr did know what she was talking about!<br /><br />So for a little info on panic attacks and what they really are. They are an unprovoked release of adrenaline and other hormones due to your fight or flight instinct. Only problem is when you are not in danger and this happens you feel VERY sick. Some people think they are having a heart attack, I never personally felt any heart palpitations. Others feel lightheaded and nauseous, this was me. So a lot of people who suffer from panic attacks also develop a fear of public places. They are afraid that they will have an attack in public and everyone will know their little secret, so they don't go anywhere. Can you imagine how debilitating that would be.<br /><br />I was fortunate enough to be able to quickly identify my target, large crowds. SO the combination of the foods I was eating and the places I was going or planning to go would put me into a panic attack. I am very fortunate to say I was able to get a handle on my problem as soon as we identified the trigger. I now don't fear going out to eat, family gatherings or stores. It is still amazing to me how a release of a hormone at the wrong time can make you so sick!<br /><br /><br /><br />If anyone is interested I have a good resource on panic attacks.casseynietohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684445103368424989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152037699399815628.post-61827101530726621672010-11-09T06:28:00.000-08:002010-11-09T06:38:18.047-08:00Meal ExchangeFreezer cooking never worked for me. I could never carve out a day to only cook, plus the thought of all those dishes just did not appeal to me! About 2 weeks ago one of my friends suggested we do a meal exchange. Everyone cooks 3 of the same meal and we all exchange so we end up with 3 different meals. This has been great, that means 3 nights a week dinner is already half way done! Now if you are anything like me I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">severly</span> dislike reheated meals, so these meals are not cooked, they just have to be put in the oven and some have to be put together. Below are the meals we have made the last 2 weeks, it has really been a great time saver for me.<br /><br />Chicken <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Vermacelli</span><br /><br />This is what is included in the bag<br />1 box of thin <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">spegatti</span> broken into smaller pieces<br />2 large chicken breast seasoned, cooked and diced<br />3-4 cups of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">shreaded</span> cheddar<br /><br />What the cook has to do:<br />boil the noodles<br />layer the ingredients<br />pour 1 cup of milk over<br />cook at 400 for about 30 minutes<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">YUMMO</span>! and it takes <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">alot</span> less time because the chicken is ready for you!<br /><br /><br />Layered Beef Enchiladas<br /><br />This is what is included in the bag<br />1lb of cooked seasoned ground beef<br />1- 19oz can of enchilada sauce<br />1 small can of chili (no bean)<br />2 cups of cheese<br />tortillas<br /><br />What the cook has to do<br />combine chili and enchilada sauce<br />layer all ingredients<br />cook at 400 until bubbly<br /><br />Another easy dinner. Confession: since I got married I have not rolled enchiladas, I always layer them! My MIL said that is how she always cook them so that makes it <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span> in my book! :)casseynietohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684445103368424989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152037699399815628.post-68217796576933017412010-11-05T12:20:00.000-07:002010-11-05T12:29:30.118-07:00End of Year ResolutionTruth be told I hate New Year's Resolutions. You might as well take the thing you are lease likely to do because NO ONE follows through with these! But for lack of a better phrase here are my goals (End of Year Resolutions) for this year.<br />1. Make homemade biscuits. I have wanted to do this for a while, but I am very intimidated by this. With that said I was also very intimidated by sewing, making bread, canning and making jelly...so this to we will try.<br />2. Finish 5 blankets for Project Linus. I have 2 done and I just started the first week on November. Project Linus is a non profit that gives handmade blankets to children in the hospital. These kids are going through the unimaginable and I hope that a small gesture from a stranger will brighten their day.<br />3. Finish Christmas shopping by December 17th. So the deadline for this is a little before the end of the year, but I want to enjoy Christmas and my birthday so this WILL get done.<br />4. Find ways to let Lily my artist express herself. She has become quite the artist and I would like to find a way for her to be able to show this to others. Maybe I just think she is great because I am her mother, but she is a better artist than me (not that is saying alot!)<br />5. Take the kiddos to see ICE at the Gaylord. I have wanted to go for the last 3 years, but due to price, location and the crazy holidays it has not happened. This year is Charlie Brown and they have an ice slide that Thomas will thing is soooo coole. So this year we will go!!!<br />Guys hold me to this, I have to make these public so I will do them..Hopefully an update after the first of the year!casseynietohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684445103368424989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152037699399815628.post-75003226065269198572010-10-28T15:35:00.000-07:002010-10-28T16:04:07.453-07:00Pictures, pictures, pictures<div>I was going through some pictures on my phone and discovered I take some of the most random pictures. So I thought I would share a few....<br /><div><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>My sleeping obsession:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533233323830847506" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-2Gk9c-pRtw/TMn-ZEZKqBI/AAAAAAAAAF4/FIvFxi-i_JM/s200/IMG00144.jpg" /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533233315224503282" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-2Gk9c-pRtw/TMn-YkVQQ_I/AAAAAAAAAFw/5jiN1EDM1SU/s200/IMG00177.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533233300383936018" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-2Gk9c-pRtw/TMn-XtC_LhI/AAAAAAAAAFg/_CY3_se8BN8/s200/IMG00439.jpg" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533233307104800610" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-2Gk9c-pRtw/TMn-YGFXb2I/AAAAAAAAAFo/ZhD5FKB9o_k/s200/IMG00384.jpg" />In my defense this is the only time he is still enough to get a picture<br /><br /><br /><div>My bathime obsession:</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533232166096578578" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-2Gk9c-pRtw/TMn9VrfzqBI/AAAAAAAAAFI/tYoVt-b4xI0/s200/IMG00088.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533232187900879890" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-2Gk9c-pRtw/TMn9W8uW5BI/AAAAAAAAAFY/Oed2PikeIyg/s200/IMG00013.jpg" /><em>yes this is what happens when mommytakes Thomas out of the tub and he is not ready!</em><br /><br /><div>Bathtime is so much fun in our house, how can you not take pics...(they are going to kill me when they get older!)<br /></div><br /><div>And then there is Lily who is the camera hog in the family.</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533235072343107074" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-2Gk9c-pRtw/TMn_-2G-ZgI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/qiafBMh123g/s200/IMG00213.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533235064131793458" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-2Gk9c-pRtw/TMn_-XhPsjI/AAAAAAAAAGI/igK9Y8jnzvU/s200/IMG00279.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533235081450541506" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-2Gk9c-pRtw/TMn__YCW0cI/AAAAAAAAAGY/Ye9FdGbt_p4/s200/IMG00076.jpg" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533235054870194274" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-2Gk9c-pRtw/TMn_91BG6GI/AAAAAAAAAGA/qNLAKILNy8M/s200/IMG00410.jpg" /><br /><div></div><br />And finally my favorite picture on my phone are you ready..... drum roll.....</div><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533236304458892450" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-2Gk9c-pRtw/TMoBGkGRRKI/AAAAAAAAAGg/tjjyLns0HuE/s200/IMG00389.jpg" /><br /><div>This is what happens when you dont get a little boy dressed fast enough after a bath... do you see the hiney print?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>casseynietohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684445103368424989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152037699399815628.post-10066713018968544112010-06-02T18:00:00.000-07:002010-06-02T18:34:27.743-07:00me, domestic....NAH!<div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div>I never really thought of myself as a domestic person. My goal in college was a degree in Theatre and move to NY and Stage Manage or possibly tour. Not really the domestic stay at home mom you pictured, I never would have imagined the person I am today!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478354322960448274" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-2Gk9c-pRtw/TAcGOy3IexI/AAAAAAAAAE4/tGuw4LBhxF8/s200/jelly+making+3.jpg" />I think it all started when I met Frank (sure why not blame this on him!). When Frank and I started dating I started experimenting with cooking(the way to a man's heart is through his tummy, right?). Mom had taught me to cook, but I had never really done it all on my own. Frank was always a good sport, in fact I dont think he would have told me if something was awful! By the time the kids born I have a good hold on cooking and started baking and decorating cakes. Unfortunatly this has fallen by the way side due to our families busy schedule. When I stopped working I started trying to do SOME things they way they used to be done. For example we have made our own cleaners, laundry detergent, diswashing detergent, I bake bread on a regular basis, make our own pizza dough(YUMM), bake from scratch, grown a garden, cloth diapering, sewing, quilting, knitting (this went terribly wrong!) and the latest making jelly. It is comforting to think I am doing soemthing the way my great grandmother did it 75 years ago. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478354315944556002" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-2Gk9c-pRtw/TAcGOYuadeI/AAAAAAAAAEw/ecQ2ckFpacI/s200/jelly+making+2.jpg" />The homesteading movement is very interesting to me. There are some very interesting families out there that are mostly self sufficient. They have chickens for eggs, grow their own produce, raise their own beef, all natural cleaning, make their own clothing, ect. Some of the things I want to try are; making soap, canning, grinding our own wheat, bigger garden, hanging clothes to dry and if I could talk Frank in to it I would have a chicken for eggs! I could never go full into the homesteading; I can't go anywhere without my blackberry, must check facebook 200 times a day, have to get my nails done and I am not really that into raising a cow I know I am going to eat!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 98px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 130px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478354312269202402" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-2Gk9c-pRtw/TAcGOLCJA-I/AAAAAAAAAEo/UxlULocJ2LM/s200/jelly+making.jpg" /></div></div></div>casseynietohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684445103368424989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152037699399815628.post-78113583001634085312010-04-29T11:22:00.000-07:002010-04-29T11:33:48.631-07:00Always take your keys with you.Well I knoew eventually it was going to happen, I got locked out of the house. I was in the backyard water the tree (trying not to kill it!) and I left the door open. Well Thomas really likes to close doors, I dont know why. He closes the door and I dont think much of it and finish up outside. I go to open the door and it is locked! I peer inside to see Thomas standing next to the door with a giant grin on his face. So I have a decision, am I going to get mad, because I really want to, or do I try to coax him to unlock the door. I chose the latter. I try to convince T to unlock the door and he tries, but gets frustrated and throws himself on the floor....not helping my situation! So I go to head around front and oh no the lock on the gate that prevents people from getting into the back yeard is not preventing me from getting out. So i fiddle with it and eventually it is open, it wasnt really locked in the first place just rusty (whew!) I run around front, thinking about how the toilet seat is up and what if T gets into it..... I try the front door hoping that it is not locked (even though I know it is), no luck. SO I open the garage and check for the key we leave in the freezer for situations like this....nope not there. I start to panic, I say a little prayer and try to open the door from the garage to the house.....and it is UNLOCKED!!! I wasnt sure at this point if I was a mad at T, not that it would have done any good! Then I decided it would make a good blog, so as long as something good comes out of it then I am OK! Lesson learned never walk out the door without my keys!casseynietohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684445103368424989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152037699399815628.post-5640586134468796272009-10-20T18:54:00.000-07:002009-10-20T19:17:09.567-07:00Mommy and Daddy's Quiet Weekend.Frank and I took a trip to Amarillo this weekend, in fact this was the first overnight trip we have taken since the kids were born. It was so quiet, no crying kids, 7:30 wake up calls or middle of the night visits!<br />Amarillo is probably not the most glamerous place to visit, but I remembered how much I really enjoy it. The weather was beautiful, 40's and cool in the morning and would heat up to the 70's during the day. We drove around with the windows down the entire time. It is so flat up there, I swear you can see for miles. The sunsets are amazing, I can't even explain it.<br /><div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394871100536243682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-2Gk9c-pRtw/St5ursR7xeI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/DIodaWPbyzU/s200/DSCN0774.JPG" border="0" />We of course did the touristy stuff and visited Cadalliac Ranch, had to take pics for Lily. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394869693105414018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-2Gk9c-pRtw/St5tZxMRn4I/AAAAAAAAADw/gL8VAmmheY0/s200/DSCN0777.JPG" border="0" /> We also went to the TEXAS office to get souvineers. But the main reason for our visit was to see the new Performing Arts building on the West Texas A&M campus, it is amazing!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394870069461254258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-2Gk9c-pRtw/St5tvrOgAHI/AAAAAAAAAD4/rKCeuAw3bK4/s200/DSCN0788.JPG" border="0" /> We also got to see Fiddler on the Roof starring one of our professors from college. Neither of us had ever seen the show, but it was great. We visited the bookstore, ate in the old food court and walked campus. Things have changed so much since I graduated just 5 years ago. It is pretty amazing. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394870520413429058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-2Gk9c-pRtw/St5uJ7J4HUI/AAAAAAAAAEA/gvw2puceRFo/s200/DSCN0793.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394870849096471602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-2Gk9c-pRtw/St5udDmBVDI/AAAAAAAAAEI/25Y7v_oooBM/s200/DSCN0797.JPG" border="0" /> It was nice to get away and get recharged, we both missed the kiddos 2 days was a perfect amount of time. We need to do this more often, not only for us but also for the kiddos. </div></div></div>casseynietohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684445103368424989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152037699399815628.post-52634111243454599382009-08-03T18:27:00.000-07:002009-08-03T18:39:42.140-07:00Shopping...Shopping...ShoppingWell I had another great shopping trip today. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Walgreens</span> is running some great deals on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ragu</span> and Skippy if your family eats either one. I ended up paying .25 for each. I had to buy 8, but we will go through it. I also ended up getting <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">poptarts</span> for .25 a box, which is great. Here is how it worked<br /><br />(4) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Ragu</span> $2 each<br />-(2) $1 on 2<br />(4) Skippy $2 each<br />-(2) $1 on 2<br />-------------------<br />$12<br />-$10 Register Rewards<br />-------------------<br />$2 for all 8!<br /><br />(4) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Poptarts</span> $2 each<br />-(2) $1 on 2<br />(2) Cheese-its $1 each<br />-(2) .75<br />--------------<br />$6.50<br />-$5 Register Rewards<br />--------------<br />$1.50 for all 6!!<br /><br />(2) Fruit Loops $2.50 each<br />-$1 on 2<br />--------------<br />$4<br />-$2 Register Rewards<br />--------------<br />$2 for 2 ($1 is the most I will pay for cereal)<br /><br />I did 3 transactions so I could use some of the Register Rewards today. ( I lost $14 worth of Extra Care Bucks for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">CVS</span> the other day so I am going to roll my transactions from now on so I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">don't</span> have a chance to lose them again!)<br /><br /><br />Kroger was a good shopping trip today as well, I saved 58%. Too much to list, but always check the managers specials. I got <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">yogurt</span> that will not expire until the 15<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">th</span> for .29!casseynietohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684445103368424989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152037699399815628.post-53986248255407829872009-07-12T17:28:00.000-07:002009-07-12T18:11:02.918-07:00Shopping Success!So I did really well at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">CVS</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Walgreens</span> this week, so I thought I would share how I did it.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">CVS</span><br />(3) Paper Mate Grip 8 ct Pens<br /> regular 1.99<br /> sale .99<br /> -.99 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ECB</span> = FREE<br />(2) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">CVS</span> 1 subject notebooks<br /> regular 2.79<br /> sale .99<br /> -.99 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ECB</span> = FREE<br />(1) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">CVS</span> blunt tip scissors<br /> regular 2.99<br /> -2.99 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ECB</span> = FREE<br />(2) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">CVS</span> rulers<br /> regular 1.50<br /> sale .99<br /> -.99 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">ECB</span> = FREE<br />(2) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Electrasol</span> Power Tab Dishwasher<br /> regular 5.89<br /> sale 3.99<br /> -2.50 coupon = 1.49<br />(4) Colgate kids toothpaste<br /> regular 2.99<br /> sale <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">BOGO</span><br /> -.75 coupon = .74 each<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Gilette</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">mens</span> razor<br /> regular 11.99<br /> sale 7.99<br /> -3 coupon & 4 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">ECB</span> = .99<br />(2) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Twix</span><br /> regular .89<br /> - .89 coupon = FREE<br /><br />I also had $20 in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">ECB</span> from a previous transaction from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">CVS</span>, so total I paid $1.44 and got back $14 in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">ECB</span> for my next trip<br /><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">WALGREENS</span><br />(3) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Listerene</span> Mouth wash<br /> regular 3.49<br /> sale 3/$9<br /> -(3) $2 coupons & $3 RR= FREE<br />(2) Mead Envelopes<br /> regular 1.29<br /> sale .59<br />----------<br />(4) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">huggies</span> wipes<br /> regular 2.79<br /> sale 2.50<br /> -(3) .75 coupons =7.75<br />(1) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">huggies</span> diapers<br /> regular 11.99<br /> sale 10.00<br /> -1.50 coupon = 8.50<br />+when you <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">spend</span> $20 on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Huggies</span> items you get $5 RR so<br />total between these 2 items<br /> =16.25-5 RR=11.25 for 1 diaper and 4 wipes<br />----------<br />(4) Blue Diamond Almonds<br /> regular 3.49<br /> sale 2/ 3.59<br /> -.50/2 coupon = 1.55 each<br />(2) Dove Trail size <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">deodorant</span><br /> regular .99<br />(2) Dove body mist<br /> regular 4.29<br /> -(2) .75 dove <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">deodorant</span><br /> -(2) buy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">deo</span> get mist free<br /> =both <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">deo</span> and mist for 2.50 (there was a limit of 3.29 on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">BOGO</span> coupon)<br /><br />I had $2 in RR from a previous purchase + $25 for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">transferring</span> a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">prescription</span>!<br />I paid 1.19 out of pocket and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">received</span> $10 in RR!casseynietohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684445103368424989noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152037699399815628.post-83737741586913028352009-06-22T19:22:00.001-07:002009-06-22T19:26:02.685-07:00Great Shopping Trick<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-2Gk9c-pRtw/SkA89oxSxmI/AAAAAAAAADo/sEBhhGYNKKQ/s1600-h/DSCN0722.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350343386930005602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-2Gk9c-pRtw/SkA89oxSxmI/AAAAAAAAADo/sEBhhGYNKKQ/s200/DSCN0722.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I did so well at Target and Kroger today. I got everything in the picture for less than $40. Woo-hoo. Frank has been asking for "man body wash" for a while, he is so excited. My savings at Target was round 80% + I have a $5 giftcard for next time. My savings at Kroger was 61%, this is the first time I have broken 50% there! </div>casseynietohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684445103368424989noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152037699399815628.post-62668793281176471002009-06-22T09:08:00.000-07:002009-06-22T09:11:48.015-07:00Hair Cuts All AroundThis weekend was haircuts for all which included T's First haircut. We went to Sharkey's in Rockwall and they did so well with the kids. It was worth the overpriced hair cut to get someone used to working with kids. I dont have any pictures, I was to busy bribing the kiddos with m&m's, but mom does and if I can get them I will post. T got the classic little boy cut, sooo cute. Lily got hers cut into a bob just like mommy. She looks so grown up with this hair cut, but it is so cute on her.casseynietohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684445103368424989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152037699399815628.post-82834454693862674212009-06-12T07:14:00.000-07:002009-06-12T07:33:06.556-07:00Why oh why...SO I am laying in bed asleep last night about 11:00 and the smoke alarms start going off. Not just one all of them. So I frantically get up and ask Frank, "DO you hear that?". Yeah I know stupid question, but I was half asleep. Frank checks the house to discover there is no fire so we call the alarm company. After being on hold with the alarm screaching in my ear the kind lady informs me this is not an alarm event, but one of my smoke detectors battery is low. SERIOUSLY do they all need to go off if one has a low battery??? So we scower the house looking for a culprit. We change the battery in the one causing the problem and decide we had better do them all while we are at it. We change all the batteries and the alarm stops going off continusly, but every 5 minutes or so it alarms for about 30 seconds. So the hunt is on again. We find one of the alarms does not have the light on showing that its battery is good, so we changed the battery out and no luck. So Frank decides to unplug it from the celing and the alarm stops!!! YEA...silence. At this point I am relieved, but guarded. If I go to bed and this thing goes off again it is going to piss me off! So I stay up for about 30 min (now 12:30) to make sure that fixes it. It did, so I am off to be. <br />Dont get me wrong I am glad we have smoke detectors, we have needed them before, but do they all need to go off when one of their batteries are low? And why does it alway seem to be the middle of the night when it happens?casseynietohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684445103368424989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152037699399815628.post-89663917192354816402009-06-08T18:33:00.000-07:002009-06-08T19:00:47.544-07:00Walgreens & CVS Deals this weekThis week was really good at CVS and Walgreen's, this is what I did.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>CVS</strong></span><br />(2) Dawn dishsoap @1.00 each<br />(2) .25 coupon<br />= 1.50 & recieved 1.00 off next purchase (.25 each)<br /><br />(6) Always pads @ 3.00 each<br />(3) 1.00 coupons<br />=15.00 & recieved 6.00 off next purchase (1.50 each)<br /><br />(8) Degree Antipersprent & Deo @ 2.50 each<br />(4) .75 coupon<br />(3) 1.25 coupon<br />=13.25 & recieved 10.00 off next purchase (.41 each)<br /><br />(1) Gamer Rasor @ 7.99<br />(1) 4.00 coupon<br />=3.99 & recieved 4.00 off next purchase (FREE!!)<br /><br />TOTAL<br />spent $33.74<br />saved $47.69<br />$21.00 off my next purchase!<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">WALGREENS</span></strong><br />(2) Oscar Mayer Bacon @3.99 each<br />BOGO<br />(1) 1.00 coupon<br />= 2.99 (or 1.50 each)<br /><br />(2) Blue Diamond Almonds @ 3.49 each<br />sale price -3.39<br />(2) .50 coupons<br />= 2.59 (or 1.30 each)<br /><br />Mars Candy Deal<br />Snickers .89<br />Twix .70<br />Milky Way .80<br />Snickers .79<br />Twix .80<br />M&M .69<br />Total before coupons 4.67<br />(3) BOGO coupons - 2.18<br />sale price -1.67<br />=.82 (or .14 each)<br /><br />Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder 3.49<br />(1) 1.00 coupon<br />=2.49 & recieved 1.00 off next purchase<br /><br />TOTAL<br />spent $7.89<br />saved $15.43<br />$1.00 off my next purchase!casseynietohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684445103368424989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152037699399815628.post-82879053470017905802009-06-04T14:17:00.000-07:002009-06-04T14:33:37.976-07:00Family UpdatesOK I have been informed (by someone to remain nameless) that I am the worst blogger EVER! I know sometimes life just gets us sidetracked. So I thought I would give a quick update to all of this interested.<br /><div><div> </div><div>Lily: Miss Lily is doing GREAT, she is so smart (sometimes too smart). She is very into swimming and has informed me (because she usually does not ask) she needs swimming lessons this summer. Which is great because she is completely fearless. We are having so much fun on our break before summer session starts. Next week she will be in Austin with Grandma and Grandpa, hope they can keep up. Lily is very proud of her garden (although mom does all the work). Ask her about it sometime, but make sure you have about 30 minutes, she is a talker!</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343588546628313010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-2Gk9c-pRtw/Sig9eLugX7I/AAAAAAAAADg/G9JmylVc5ss/s200/DSCN0685.JPG" border="0" />Thomas: Oh my can this baby get any BIGGER??? He is growing like a weed and is a very active little boy. He has started pulling up and toddleing around objects, but once he is up he is scared to sit down! He loves playing with his sister (mostly going into her room) and getting into things Mommy doesn't think he should have! We still only have 2 teeth, but it is not slowing us down we eat everything mommy, daddy and Lily have for dinner.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343588540545896002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-2Gk9c-pRtw/Sig9d1EWDkI/AAAAAAAAADY/ugOJWbhpogI/s200/DSCN0677.JPG" border="0" />Mommy & Daddy: We are doing well, Frank will be taking a trip to Amarillo & Roswell in July to see a friend. We are taking Miss Lily to see Dora Live in July (but shhh dont tell her).<br /><br /><div>Duncan: Cant forget Duncan, he is good. Thomas loves to play with him, usually his tail which I find disgusting, but Duncan just takes it in stride! </div><br /><div>I promise I will make an effort to blog more often.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div></div>casseynietohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684445103368424989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152037699399815628.post-90713648821458548012009-05-24T13:53:00.000-07:002009-05-24T13:57:07.602-07:00Reusable Bags<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-2Gk9c-pRtw/Shm0lLA0KbI/AAAAAAAAADI/wY8YQ8dGPU4/s1600-h/DSCN0688.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339497383928801714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-2Gk9c-pRtw/Shm0lLA0KbI/AAAAAAAAADI/wY8YQ8dGPU4/s200/DSCN0688.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I finally drug out the sewing machine and dusted it off to make these reusable sandwich and snack baggies to replace out ziplocs. Below is a picture of the first set. They are really easy to do and you can use whatever fabric you think is cute. Lily picked this one out and she is giving it to Aunt Cindy tomorrow for having us all over. (Paybacks for all the "cute" things Griffin gave us when he was little) I totally expect her to use them!</div>casseynietohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684445103368424989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152037699399815628.post-61701778511454860392009-05-05T11:54:00.001-07:002009-05-05T12:02:26.210-07:00Bread Making SuccessWell the bread making was successful! In fact I am making another batch today. You can see some of the steps below.<br /><div><div><div><div><div>The first picture is the wet and dry <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ingredients</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">separate</span>. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332416659556107154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-2Gk9c-pRtw/SgCMsxM3g5I/AAAAAAAAACg/uLgq9tEZWqk/s200/DSCN0648.JPG" border="0" /> <div></div><div>The second picture is of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kitchenaid</span> doing the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">kneeding</span> for me (love the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Kitchenaid</span>). </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332416665951830866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-2Gk9c-pRtw/SgCMtJBug1I/AAAAAAAAACo/7ocqDTnuuDo/s200/DSCN0650.JPG" border="0" /> <div></div><div>The third picture is the bread after the first rising. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332416671113692818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-2Gk9c-pRtw/SgCMtcQaRpI/AAAAAAAAACw/6M7AK3UeD98/s200/DSCN0653.JPG" border="0" /> <div></div><div>The fourth picture is of the bread in the pan before the second rising. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332416674193255538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-2Gk9c-pRtw/SgCMtnuorHI/AAAAAAAAAC4/ivBvFXq6e88/s200/DSCN0654.JPG" border="0" /> <div></div><div>The last picture is the final product. I have also included the recipe I used. It was yummy!</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332416680493707922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-2Gk9c-pRtw/SgCMt_Mx8pI/AAAAAAAAADA/oZhMVMm6XO8/s200/DSCN0658.JPG" border="0" /> <div></div><div>Homemade Wheat Bread<br /><br />1 C warm water<br />1 TBS milk<br />2 TBS oil<br />2 TBS honey<br />2 TBS brown sugar<br />2 ¼ tsp (or one packet) instant active dry yeast<br />1 tsp of salt<br />1 ½ C all-purpose flour<br />1 ½ C whole wheat flour<br /><br />In large mixing bowl combine first 5 ingredients. Sprinkle yeast on top and gently stir to mix. Let sit for 15 min<br />Sift together salt and both flour<br />Attach dough hook to mixer and turn on lowest speed. Slowly add flour mixture until dough ball forms and pulls away from side.<br />Turn mixer to speed 2 (no higher) and let kneed for 5-8 minutes<br />Take dough out of bowl and kneed a few times by hand<br />grease mixing bowl with 1 TBS of oil.<br />Shape dough into ball and place in bowl. Turn ball to fully cover in oil.<br />Place damp towel or plastic wrap over bowl and place in over with light on. (Do not turn the oven on.)<br />Allow dough to rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.<br />Take dough out and punch down<br />Kneed a few more times by hand<br />Shape dough into loaf place in greased and floured loaf pan<br />Return to oven and allow to rise for another 30 minutes or until 1 inch above pan.<br />remove from oven and preheat to 350.<br />Bake at 350 for 30 min. It is done when you tap the top and it sounds hallow<br />Allow to cool on wire rack</div></div></div></div></div>casseynietohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684445103368424989noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152037699399815628.post-13611947184726554092009-05-03T10:50:00.001-07:002009-05-03T10:53:52.695-07:00Yummy Hand ScrubI found a handscrub online and decided to try and make it. Oh my, it is yummy. I love it and it is all natural. I think this is going to make wonderful Mother's Day gifts, if I can wait that long to give it away. Below is the recipe, try it I think you will love it!<br />1 1/2 c sugar<br />1/3 c Kosher salt<br />zest of large lemon (you could do any citrus)<br />1 c of Olive Oil (cheap stuff)<br />10 drops of orange essential oil (optional)<br />mix together and store in a jar. This recipe makes about 4 small canning jars.casseynietohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684445103368424989noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3152037699399815628.post-74392340686719195152009-05-01T14:49:00.001-07:002009-05-01T15:08:08.202-07:00What Happened To The Old Me?I am beginning to wonder if Frank is thinking, "What happened to the person I married." I don't think he is thinking this in a negative way, just curious. Lately I have suprised myself at the things I am trying out and enjoying. BTW, this is all Anna's fault for getting me started with cloth diaper (JK, love ya Anna!)<br />Actually it all started when I decided to make T's baby food. People ask me all the time why I do this. It takes very little time, maybe 2 minutes every few days and seriously I would not want to eat that stuff out of a jar. Don't get me wrong we buy jarred baby food, but I make everything I can fresh and he loves it. <br />Then came the cloth diapers, suprisingly easy, fun and GREEN! This is my new shopping addiction, I think Frank has figured out it is probably not less expensive than disposibles.<br />Then I started thinking of other things in our house that were not so green. From that came the laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent and all the other cleaners followed. The cleaners really made me feel good about what I was doing. There is a sense of accomplishment every time I get to walk by the cleaner aisle at the store and not buy anything. <br />Now I find myself researching 2 different things, one making my own soap and the other is making my own bread. The soap issue come from T and I haveing sensitive skin and I want to find another fun use for my essential oils. When I started researching the soap it seems very time consuming, so for now I think I am going to buy some natural soap (I found some I think I am going to like alot). The bread thing I have wanted to try for a long time. I think it would be fun, but I have to admit I am a little intimidated. I am going to conqure it this weekend, I think. Dont hold me to that!<br />Now that I have gotten completely off topic, I know I have changed alot in the past 9 months. You could have never convinced me a year ago the things I would be doing now and the fulfillment I get from it.casseynietohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04684445103368424989noreply@blogger.com1