Park Day 4: EPCOT

Final day (Day four)... EPCOT - April 24, 2009!

Park Day 3: Animal Kingdom!

Day three... Animal Kingdom - April 23, 2009!

"What's Your Parenting Style?"

Ok, so for kicks, I decided to take one of those Facebook quizes this afternoon. This one was called "What's Your Parenting Style?" It asked questions like: Where is your baby most seen? a) stroller, B) often in a sling or wrap, but sometimes in a stroller or C) always in a sling or wrap.....

Anyways, here is my result. As usual, there were a few things I disagreed on (duly noted) but overall found it to be quite true, and also semi-comical. What a long way I've come...

Result: Extreme Granola Parenting.

You believe in going back to cave-mom parenting styles. You tend to be untrusting of doctors (They have their place in major medical emergencies.... but in general, are followed way too blindly. I don't think they have all the answers, and definitely are swayed by the influence of the Pharmaceutical companies!) and hostile toward mainstream parenting. (not hostile, but I they do have my condolonces!) You believe cribs and playpens are prisons (lol) pacifiers are evil (not necessarily. I always offered the breast first... but as much as I hated introducing the paci... KB was one of those babes who needed to suck to soothe, and did NOT want milk to always come with it!!) and swings and bouncers are "neglect-o-matics". (they definitely can be (and usually are)... but can be useful when used in very strict moderation!) You gave birth to your kids in your own bed (Actually my own kitchen... lol!) and think hospitals are too interfering. (Amen! Hospitals are for sick people. Birth is not a illness, it's a fact of life... and other than extreme & rare cases, birth doesn't belong in a sterile hospital!) People see you as a tree hugging granola mom and might raise their eyebrows when your 5 year old asks to breastfeed. (I hope so!) But that doesn't bother you! You feel strongly about the way you're raising your kids. (Amen!) Saving the earth is one of your main priorities. You grow your own food and make your own slings, cloth diapers (if you're not doing elimination communication) and wipes. (I believe we should be good steward of the place God has given us to live. I don't make/grow *yet*... but would love to!!! However, we do use cloth diapers & wipes, eat as healthy as possible, and EC.) When people see you with your baby you're always wearing her in a sling or wrap. Your kids don't have beds because they always sleep with you and you wouldn't have it any other way. You're wary of the public school system and believe that the only way to educate your kids is to do it yourself so you can instill in them the same principles you feel strongly about. (The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!!)

I also kinda like the "Kind Of Crunchy" answer, too.. again with a few slight modifications....

"You lean more toward Attachment Parenting, natural births, homepathic remedies, and living green! You tend to question modern medicine and mainstream parenting. (explained above) You tend to delay vaccines or use an alternate schedule. (yup... like, none at all!) You aren't bothered by the fact that people tend to question your parenting style. (heeehee! - I thrive on it!). You feel strongly about the way you're raising your kids. (Amen! If I didn't I wouldn't be doing it this way!) You believe that it's our duty to make the earth a better place for our children by being more eco-friendly. (Good stewardship!) You buy organic foods whenever you can (it's all a balance!) and you use cloth diapers or seriously considered it. (I seriously do!) You've also considered homeschooling. (Planning on it!) When people see you with your baby you're usually wearing her in a sling or wrap. You tell new moms who complain about lack of sleep to try co-sleeping with baby and let them know how much you loved co-sleeping (it's awesome!!!). You believe in breastfeeding and baby led weaning, (Breast is best!) but to a point. And you'll nurse in public but modesty is important to you. (I am not going to purposely flash you... but I am not going to hide, either!) You aren't afraid to disagree with your Dr about delaying solids or vaccines. (Amen!! Solids not till after 6mos - at the earliest!!) You don't like to let your baby cry and cry-it-out methods make you cringe. (eek! ::cringe::) However, if nothing else is working you are willing to try it once the baby reaches a certain age. (A huge, No way!!) You read different books about parenting and take what you feel will work for you and your family. (everyone is at different parts of their journey... as long as you do you research, that's what's important!!) You tend to believe in trusting your instincts when it comes to raising your kids. (there is nothing like it!)"

Free book monthly, for children 5 & under

Dolly Parton Imagination Library: Free book each month for children 5 and under

The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is a program available in many areas which offers a free book, mailed to each month to the child's home, for anyone aged 5 and under.

I just was made aware that is is available in our area, and signed KB up... but I have heard from many different readers that the books they send are good quality and that it's definitely worth your while to sign up if your area offers this program.

To read more details and see if this program is available in your area, go to the website, here.

Park Day 2: Hollywood Studios!

Day two... Hollywood Studios - April 22, 2009!

Park Day 1: Magic Kingdom!

Last week, we had our last family trip to Disney World, before our passes expire! Tonight I worked on editing & uploading most of the pix from that trip... and will post the albums up as individual slideshows, as time allows.

Here is the first one... Magic Kingdom - April 21, 2009!

God Provides: KB's new fluffies!!!

Thanx to a very generous gift, from a very dear friend... I was finally able to order KB some much-needed, new diapers!! I was able to get 2 dozen, brand-new, Chinese prefolds (a HUGE blessing, since ours were handed down from Marmee, are really old, and are quickly becoming thread bare!), several new Thirsties covers, as well as a bonus purchase of a $10 [purple] diaper pail liner... and still remain well into the limits of my monetary "allowance"!! After some research, I decided to order from: Nickisdiapers.com... as they had a trustworthy & professional looking site... the best price for the UBCPF (by the dozen)... and FREE shipping! :-) Then.... I found a separate seller, who had two of the (v1) covers, marked for almost 25% off of the going price..... with no shipping!!! So I was able to get two more covers (the next size up!) to add to my stash.... and only because of the splurged pail liner, did it put me a few dollars over my spending goal!! I am SO excited! Thanx again, JAM.... you're the best! :)

Wordless Wednesday

Trip

For a slightly more "real-time" following of our trip... see my Twitter!

Park day 1: Magic Kingdom... B just got picked to square dance in Frontier Land! Lol!!

How it all came together...

Since I have been posting bits & pieces of my bridesmaid journey... I thought y'all might want to see how it all came together, for the big day. These pix were snapped when we got home last night (after the wedding/reception)... enjoy!

My hair...

It's been described as fun, funky, and elegant... yes, all in the same description. - lol!!

Hair and makeup

Just finished at the salon! And are now waiting at the reception site for the Trolley! - We're "Going to the chapel, and she's gonna get married"!!!

Vanessa

~ Tiffany & Vanessa ~ Summer of 1999 ~

Though we've known each other since we were just tikes (two or three?)... and saw each other on a a weekly basis for years.... we were oddly, nothing but mere ships passing in the night. Then one summer - the Summer of 1994 - something suddenly clicked between us... and from then on, we were best-friends! Through the years, she has stood by me during the good, the bad & the ugly. Our friendship has seen it share of tests & trials... yet the bond between us, has remained strong & true. Vanessa has truly been my "bosom friend." - my kindred spirit to whom I can confide my inmost soul. ;-) But alas, the pages have turned.. and the time since we shared those carefree days of our girlhood- our long walks, mini backpacks, spy clubs, and summer plays - have now swiftly drifted into nothing but fond memories. Mere short chapters in a much grander story of life. Our lives are forever moving forth, & ever-changing. Yet, I hope she knows that no matter what life brings... or how far apart we live.... she will always hold a very dear place in my heart.

So now, exactly 4 years and one week after she honored me, by standing as my bridesmaid in my wedding... it is her turn. Probably right now, as you are reading this... we are busily bustling around, in preparation for her big-day... which hold no greater honor & joy, than to be standing by her side, as she exchanges her vows, and starts such an amazing new chapter in her life! Congratulations Vanessa! I love you! <3

Shoes!

Brides reqst 4 our footwear: silver sandals ~ beyond that, it was our pick. Here's a pic of mine. Aren't they cute? The only thing Im worried about, is the heals. I'm a bareft gal... so I hope I don't fall on my face!! LoL!! ...off 2 practice!! ;)

4 years...

This year, our anniversary fell on.... Easter Sunday! It was a busy but good Lord's day, with church & family.

(^The delicious cake my mother/sister-in-laws made for us.^)


-Album-

Happy 4th Anniversary, B! I love you!

Date Night: 04/09/09...

Just a few snap shots from our date night this week....

We went for a lovely sunset walk on the beach, and then to Sweet Tomatoes for bogo dinners! (yum!) . It was beautiful! ... I love where I live!!

Date night....

We decided to make our dinner our last week, the kick-off to a newly formed, weekly trend.... and use Thursday nights, for a regular date-night, just me & B!! yay! Since money is tight, I am always looking for frugal and creative ways to pull this off.... and as always, the Lord has provided. Over the last week, I have found a buy-one, get one Blizzards at Dairy Queen... a coupon for six free wings at Buffalo Wild Wings... and (the best one!) a Bo-go coupon for Sweet Tomatoes! Whoohoo! I can't wait to use them!

Nail polish...

Chk this out! I dnt usually paint my nails, Xcept 4 spshl occasions... but my sis gav me this one 4 Cmas... & its almst Xctly the same color as my dress 4 the wed!!

Valentines Day....

Tonight we finally got the opportunity to celebrate our Valentines day... and it was *awesome!!!* We had $100 to spend, between a gift card & a coupon... so we got to go all out!! We did the Lobster Indulgence Big Night Out.... which includes 3 courses (cheese fondue, salad, entree) + dessert fondue.

We had the Spinach Artichoke cheese (Fantastic!! -- a mix of Fontina and Butterkäse cheeses, spinach, artichoke hearts and garlic)... Caesar salad... Lobster Indulgence (Twin Lobster Tails, Limoncello Balsamic Sirloin, Shrimp Diablo, Sun-dried Tomato Chicken, Orange Fennel Pork Tenderloin, Porcini and Portobello Sacchetti, Fresh Vegetables) in the Mojo cooking style.. and the "Flaming Turtle" (Milk chocolate, caramel and chopped pecans, flambéed table side.) - with dark chocolate instead of milk! --- Delicious!!

Then after we were done eating... we continued our walk down memory lane, with a moonlight stroll down beautiful Island Park. It was perfect! - very reminiscent of the night B proposed! - so sweet! <3

Trip to PA - BE!

More can be found here: Trip to PA: Bryce Eric!!!

Trip to PA: Family pictures (posed)

The family (minus B)....

Definitely adored!

The happy little family...