Happy Easter from our little family to yours! ♥

Buy One, Get One Free Starbucks Drinks

I’ve been looking forward to this all week long!

BOGO Starbucks!!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

My favorite Caramel Brulée Latte is back....  

AND for the rest of this week - from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m
you  can take a friend, a loved one, or even an enemy (hey it's free coffee)
to enjoy it - or your own favorite holiday flavor - BOGO!

Starting today (Nov, 17th), and going through Sunday (November 20, 2011)
If you buy one Holiday Drink, you get one free (of equal or lesser value)! **

Sooo..... What’s your favorite holiday drink?

** at participating Starbucks locations.

My Desktop Wallpaper...

Happy 4th! Wish you were here to enjoy it with us, Keetz!

Christmas Card 2010!!!

Finally designed, finished & printed...
 Our 2010 Family Christmas Card!!!

(click to view bigger!)

As well as this graphic for website signatures, etc...

I am really loving the way these came out!
What do you think?

Deals & Steals: Veggies Tales: "Incredible Singing Christmas Tree"

Any VeggiesTales fans out there? Download the "Incredible Singing Christmas Tree" album for FREE on Amazon!! :)

I don't know how long this deal will last (it may be today only?! IDK)  So go get yours now, before it's too late!!!

Here's the link!

 I downloaded mine already! It's awesome!  KB's favorite holiday is Christmas (esp for the music aspect of it)....  so needless to say, we're pretty stoked about this deal!  Actually, her current favorite VT's  album is another Christmas-themed one (A Very Veggie Christmas)...  so you could say I am also pretty excited for a little "change of scenery" (in a manner of speaking - lol).  Plus, I love the fact that this is audio.... so along with all the music, singing and fun[ny] dialogue/story... there is a fair amount of imagination required when listening to keep up with what is going on... :) 
  

A *huge* thanks to Jen  for the tip!!

*** UPDATE (12/22/10) - free album download still available!!! ***

Oohh.. pretty!

 I think I have found what I want for Mother's Day...

Valentines Day....

This year we didn't do anything huge for Valentines Day....  there was no big, fancy dinner out, or  roses...  no chocolate, jewelry, cards, or the like.  But you know what?  In spite of it all.... I LOVED every moment of our day!   It ended up being one of the most beautiful, magical & memorable Valentines day we have ever had... and I think it's because it was spent all together - just me and BOTH of my loves! 

KB and the "Big-big Snowman"

Of all the decorations we put up for Christmas, the giant inflatable snowman has proven to be the winner.  KB's face lit up ad her exclamations of joy resounded every time we walked out side, pulled into our drive way, etc.

KB and the "Big-big Snowman" on Christmas morning....

Happy 2010

As I sit here thinking about the new year that's quickly approaching us,  as well as of the beautiful messages we heard at church, last night -- Let's make the new year one of Separation [unto God], Service, & Stewardship -- this song seems to be perfectly fitted for the theme -  as a prayer on my heart, if you will... 

Merry Christmas!

♪ ♫ ♪ "And so, I'm offering this simple phrase.... 

To kids, from one to ninety-two. 

Although it's been said, many times, many ways: 

"MERRY CHRISTMAS, to you!!" ♪ ♫

Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

These delectable Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls (or Buckeyes, as some call them) are one of my favorite sweet treats. (esp. for the Christmas season!)

Note from Mom and Dad on Christmas…

Note from Mom and Dad on Christmas…
This is for those of you who have asked what kind of things [we and] KB would like for Christmas:

Free TCBY Cup or Cone for Mother's Day...

The Country's Best Yogurt (TCBY) is giving away free cups and cones to all Mom's on Mother's day - May 10, 2009! (This offer is at participating locations - so you'll probably will want to check before you go)

PLUS! They are currently running a special... $1.99 for their Frappe Chillers!
(limited time only!)

See more, on their site, here

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!

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

Discounts.... and Valentines Day!!!

I know, I know... those two things really don't seem like they should go together.... but when your hubby is out of a job, and money is tight (or if you are just a tight-wad... ahem! I mean frugal with your money).... then, any little trick is well worth it! -- And I think this one will knock your socks off!

Restaurant.com is currently running an awesome
coupon code (expires 2/19)... for 70% off!!

-- Just use the code: PREZ during checkout!--

That's right! The already awesome discounted prices... just got even more affordable! :-) But what's even more exciting is.... since we had postponed celebrating our Valentines day (due to sickness, & holiday rush, etc.), we were able to get a $50 gift card to our local The Melting Pot Restaurant (which Restaurant.com would have normally sold for $20).... for only $6!!!! Procrastination (even though planned) has once again paid off!!! hee,hee!! ;)

Off course, per the rules of Restaurant.com, the $50 card is only valid with a $100 minimum purchase.* ~ But since we were, once again, being frugal.... my hubby had already redeemed his Am-Ex reward points, getting us another $50 gift card.... which we will pair with the above deal (totaling $100)... and eat oh.so.very.well!!! --

So, we get to have a fabulous & romantic Valentines Dinner, at a fancy restaurant (which also has sentimental value - it's where we went the night we got engaged!)..... All for just $6 + tip!! -- I am SO excited!! God is SO good!!

(Now to get everyone - namely Mother-in-law - well, so we can pick a time/date to go....)

* (Excludes alcohol. 18% gratuity added before discount, 1 cert. per table, No split checks. Not valid on holidays.)

Holidays have come & gone...

The holidays have come & gone.... and now, so have all of it's visitors! It is really amazing how fast these last few weeks have seemed to fly by! It seems like just yesterday, we were happily preparing for the fast-coming Christmas.... and now it's January 2nd.... and the festivities are all over! wow! My three longtime and closest friends (Vanessa/Chris, JAmes, Nora/Steve) - who are now living scattered throughout US - all got to come home for Christmas! What a blessing that was! They each led extremely busy schedules while they were here (holidays, family, wedding preparations, surgery, etc...), yet they all made some time to see me - I was thrilled, and SO grateful! It's always wonderful to spend time with each one of them, and catch up on each others lives! :-)

Sadly, though... the days have fled... and it all had to come to an end. So now, even as we speak, they are each on their journeys back to their location of residence (Indiana, So Cal, & Kansas, respectively)... and back to work & lives as adults. Speaking of which.... B also officially started the crazy three weeks of chaos (aka take down), at work today.... so here I am. KB is sleeping.... and, as you can imagine, it's pretty solitude around here. Thankfully.... there is much that needs to be done.... the dishwasher needs emptying & reloading.... laundry is desperately calling to be tended to... and I have many pictures that need editing - most importantly, the pictures I took for Vanessa & Chris' engagement session!! But that still doesn't make my heart any less lonely.... I guess you can say, I am having a bit of a melancholy day.

So, goodbye everyone! I'll miss you... but I know I'll see you soon! (and talk to you even sooner!) ~ Love you all!

Nora & Steve (photo stolen from her FB!)...JAmes (photo also stolen from FB! - pictured with his precious mama! <3)...
Vanessa & Chris (a preview of their engagement pictures).... ;-)

Wordless Wednesday: Happy New Year!

What Christmas is *really* all about...

Luke 2:7 - 13
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Note from Mom and Dad on Christmas…

I know this is a little late coming... but given the very recent requests for gift suggestions (it seems like everyone !is a bit behind this year!) .. I thought I'd just throw it out there....

Note from Mom and Dad on Christmas…
This is for those of you who have asked what kind of things [we and] KB would like for Christmas:

We hope to raise KB to know what the holidays are all about. Help us to balance the wants with the needs and present them with what will help her to grow in the way we want her to go. Let's bring in toys that are responsible – even in this small way our monies will shape their future, both in where the money goes and what it brings home to them.

When it comes to gifts, please keep in mind "less is more". A few quality items that will last are a much nicer way to go. Also, the more simple the toy, the more the imagination is used – and the more use the toy will get! Here are some ideas:

Things we love:

• Things made of natural materials (wood, cotton, silk, wool).
  
• Toys that use the imagination rather than toys that use batteries.
• Waldorf or Montessori style toys – toys that are real things (musical instruments, gardening tools, art supplies) or that encourage creative play (play food/dishes, cloth baby doll, wooden blocks and cars), push/pull toys
• Books!! (esp ones with real pictures!)
  
• Magazines like “Ladybug”, “Wild Animal Baby” or “Little Kids National Geographic”
• Things we can do as a family like: Annual passes to State Parks, Jungle Gardens, the Children's Garden, etc
• Hand-made things (if you aren't crafty, www.Etsy.com is a wonderful place to purchase everything for adults and kids.
• Clothing, sizes 12M & up (please note, we only wear dresses & skirts - so no shorts or pant sets please!)
  

Things we love to avoid as much as possible:

• Toys made of synthetic materials such as plastic - and *especially* battery-operated ones!
• Items depicting cartoons/companies (ie - toys/clothes/books with cartoon/TV characters such as... Sesame Street, Dora, the Wiggles, Backyardigans, Carebears, Barbie, Bratz, etc.)
• Any edible items which contain dairy or sugar!

Some great places to shop:

• KB's Amazon Wishlist!

• www. rosiehippo.com, www.oompa.com, www.threesisterstoys.com, www.babyworks.com, www.novanatural.com, www.willowtreetoys.com,
• http://www.babymoonflower.com (local Sarasota mom… love the blocks &Toddler Zoom Cars, she sells!)
• Locally: Toy Lab, Funtoysia, [Baby & Kids at] Bennetts, and Learning Express all carry these types of toys.
• "Melissa & Doug" is a good toy brand that I've also seen locally - at bookstores and even Home Goods
• Don't forget, buying USED saves money & prevents waste! www.Ebay.com, www.Craigslist.com, www.Amazon.com, & 2nd hand stores (locally, Pitter Patter & Snappy Turtle Consignment stores are awesome!) hold many treasures...

We thank you for your understanding!
~KB's mommy & daddy <3