Today I started Christmas shopping. Yes, I know Christmas is still over 3 months away. I wasn't intending to start today, but it was an offer I could not refuse. The "mommy, I really, really want this" gift was on sale and, when I was checking out the details online, it really seemed like a good deal.
When shopping online, I try to always get a promotion code or coupon code to use when "checking out". I save a lot of money this way. My favorite sites are:
http://www.couponcabin.com/index.htm
http://www.currentcodes.com/
http://www.wow-coupons.com/index.php
So, in addition to saving $10.00 on the price of the item I purchased, I also used a promotion code and received free shipping. So, in total, I saved myself $17.00 (not to mention the gas savings in not having to drive to a store to purchase it).
One gift down... and a lot more to go. One bargain at a time!!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
The Countdown
Little guy starts Nursery School on Friday. I'm a little traumatized. He's our one and only so it's sad to see him grow up so quickly. He's ready this year. More confident, more talkative and ready to make friends. He loves kids and is always ready to greet them with big hugs. The school had two orientations this summer which was great so he could play with his classmates, meet the teachers, spend time in his classroom and, most importantly, check out the potty in the classroom.
He was a little disheartened when we first went to the school to discover the potty had a "loud flush". I really would like to speak to the genius who decided that designing toilets with the super flush and installing it in public restrooms (and classrooms) was a brilliant idea. The person who designed this obviously does not have small children. The flush can send the bravest child screaming from restrooms, never to return. Think about how their little ears, which are so sensitive, must feel when they hear that. Plus, kids are obviously shorter than us, so the sound is magnified. Anyway, little guy has been contemplating how he is going to work around this flush at school. He knows he is going to have to use the restroom there, and mommy won't be there to flush it for him so he can hold his ears. So, after carefully considering his options, he has discovered that he can hold his ears with his hands and use his elbow to flush the toilet. I call that problem solving.
As for what is in store for me on Friday, I haven't quite decided. I know the 3 hours will fly by. Maybe I'll run some errands to "forbidden" stores (the places you don't like taking an active 4 year old). This would include Hallmark stores, toy stores (when you are actually shopping for a gift for another child), Home Goods/Kirklands/Pier 1/Bealls or any store with breakables. There's always the opportunity to treat myself to a manicure/pedicure or maybe just a stroll along Main Street to window shop. Knowing me, I'll likely be at home... a quiet home which will be a rare treat - just savory the time, maybe shedding a tear and praying for my boy on his first day at school.
He was a little disheartened when we first went to the school to discover the potty had a "loud flush". I really would like to speak to the genius who decided that designing toilets with the super flush and installing it in public restrooms (and classrooms) was a brilliant idea. The person who designed this obviously does not have small children. The flush can send the bravest child screaming from restrooms, never to return. Think about how their little ears, which are so sensitive, must feel when they hear that. Plus, kids are obviously shorter than us, so the sound is magnified. Anyway, little guy has been contemplating how he is going to work around this flush at school. He knows he is going to have to use the restroom there, and mommy won't be there to flush it for him so he can hold his ears. So, after carefully considering his options, he has discovered that he can hold his ears with his hands and use his elbow to flush the toilet. I call that problem solving.
As for what is in store for me on Friday, I haven't quite decided. I know the 3 hours will fly by. Maybe I'll run some errands to "forbidden" stores (the places you don't like taking an active 4 year old). This would include Hallmark stores, toy stores (when you are actually shopping for a gift for another child), Home Goods/Kirklands/Pier 1/Bealls or any store with breakables. There's always the opportunity to treat myself to a manicure/pedicure or maybe just a stroll along Main Street to window shop. Knowing me, I'll likely be at home... a quiet home which will be a rare treat - just savory the time, maybe shedding a tear and praying for my boy on his first day at school.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Reality Shopping
I hear that we are going to have a "heat wave" this week and that's great news for me. You see, after living in Florida for 4 years, I am in no way, shape or form ready for Fall, let alone Winter. Four glorious years of flip-flops, sandals, shorts, capris, and an occasional jacket or sweater for those days the temperature fell below 70 (not a joke) have ended. You can get used to living like that real quick, people. When we lived in Florida, I loved shopping in September. Everything was 75 to 80 percent off .... and it was all summer clothes!! It was great.
You can only imagine my horror at being in the Freehold Mall in NJ this weekend, only to realize that buying summer clothes on clearance wasn't going to be much help to me in October and November. Sure, I could buy Chris a tee-shirt in a larger size for next summer... but the way he grows, there's always a chance that the shirt may be too small for him next summer.
I better start doing some shopping or else I'll be the only one wearing capris dropping my son off at school when it's snowing.
You can only imagine my horror at being in the Freehold Mall in NJ this weekend, only to realize that buying summer clothes on clearance wasn't going to be much help to me in October and November. Sure, I could buy Chris a tee-shirt in a larger size for next summer... but the way he grows, there's always a chance that the shirt may be too small for him next summer.
I better start doing some shopping or else I'll be the only one wearing capris dropping my son off at school when it's snowing.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Five on Friday
Five Things I Will Be Doing This Labor Day Weekend
1) Taking Dad back to the airport (so sad to see him go!)
2) Driving to South Jersey
3) Going on a "date" with my hubby
4) Hitting the pool
5) Scrabble!
1) Taking Dad back to the airport (so sad to see him go!)
2) Driving to South Jersey
3) Going on a "date" with my hubby
4) Hitting the pool
5) Scrabble!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Super Power
So, what is your super power? I have two. One is that I always get a great parking spot -- it's a gift. My mom used to tease me about it all the time. You need to go to the store? Have me go with you. I'll get a spot in front (no.. not the handicap spot, but an actual spot).
The second super power is my keen sense of hearing. I'm not a sound sleeper (no wise cracks about waking myself up with my own snoring people!). Years ago, I was sleeping on our couch in Queens, when I heard some noises outside. I knew exactly what was happening. My brother's car was being broken into. I jumped up, ran to the front door, swung it open and started yelling to my family loudly. As I opened the door, the thieves were already out of the driveway and making their escape. That was not a fun experience, but I'm glad we were able to call the cops right away and get them on the case.
Ever since becoming a parent, though, I think my hearing has increased tenfold. At 4:30 am, I heard a thud from Chris' room. I knew what happened right away, and waited the minute or two it took for him to beckon for me to come because he fell out of bed. His bed is very low to the floor and he wasn't hurt.. just stunned I think. This episode was followed by his request for a drink, which then meant a trip to the potty and then he wanted me to snuggle. I can never turn down that request. So, by this time it's 5:00 am, little guy falls back to sleep and I'm wide awake. It's almost 3:00 pm now, so I better make myself some coffee or I'll be in bed by 7:00 pm. Too bad my super power isn't being able to function on little to no sleep!
The second super power is my keen sense of hearing. I'm not a sound sleeper (no wise cracks about waking myself up with my own snoring people!). Years ago, I was sleeping on our couch in Queens, when I heard some noises outside. I knew exactly what was happening. My brother's car was being broken into. I jumped up, ran to the front door, swung it open and started yelling to my family loudly. As I opened the door, the thieves were already out of the driveway and making their escape. That was not a fun experience, but I'm glad we were able to call the cops right away and get them on the case.
Ever since becoming a parent, though, I think my hearing has increased tenfold. At 4:30 am, I heard a thud from Chris' room. I knew what happened right away, and waited the minute or two it took for him to beckon for me to come because he fell out of bed. His bed is very low to the floor and he wasn't hurt.. just stunned I think. This episode was followed by his request for a drink, which then meant a trip to the potty and then he wanted me to snuggle. I can never turn down that request. So, by this time it's 5:00 am, little guy falls back to sleep and I'm wide awake. It's almost 3:00 pm now, so I better make myself some coffee or I'll be in bed by 7:00 pm. Too bad my super power isn't being able to function on little to no sleep!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
The Day The Lights Went Out
About 5 years ago, much of the Northeast was struck with a huge blackout. I was several months pregnant and working in NYC at the time the lights went out. I remember sitting at my desk on the 43rd floor of this building on Park Avenue thinking, how am I ever going to get home. My daily commute consisted of a 40 minute bus ride (without traffic) and either a 20 minute walk or 10 minute subway ride to my office. With no power, forget either means of transportation. It was chaos and I was in the middle of it.
I called Steve to let him know what happened and, thankfully, he was home that day. He told me to somehow make my way to the ferry to New Jersey and he would meet me on the NJ side. So, I grabbed my post 9/11 emergency kit which included a bottle of water and other odds and ends, left a voice message for my boss saying I was leaving, and decided to get going. At this point, we just thought NY was affected and had no idea if this was a terrorist act or not. I was not thrilled with the idea of getting into an elevator, and at this point, they were not running. I was scared. This was my biggest fear of working in Manhattan (after Sept 11) come true. Walking down 43 flights of stairs was the only way out. Thankfully I had on flat shoes that day..otherwise forget about it.
Looking back, I am so thankful for many things about that day. First, that God had guided me to eat a larger lunch that day. Being pregnant, sometimes I'd eat a large breakfast and smaller lunch, but this day I reversed it. I know that was God's hand on my life...little would I know that I wouldn't be able to eat again till 10:30 pm. Second, and most importantly, God spoke into my friend Kathlynn's life and she stuck by me the whole day. She walked me down 43 flights of stairs, walked ACROSS Manhattan with me, found me a place to sit, gave me her bottle of water, and once she was assured that I was comfortable, embarked on a mission to find us a way home. We knew we had to take a ferry home...it was the only way across the river to NJ. The problem was, there were tens of thousands of people also trying to take a ferry home. It was easily going to be a six to seven hour wait. Kathlynn saved the day by being one of the first people to find out that the Circle Line Ferry was going to run people back and forth to NJ. So, we were able to quickly get in line and about 3 hours later, we were on our way.
God has always blessed me with incredible friends, even in the worst of work places. That is no accident. I learned long ago that God cares for his children. I am still so grateful to Kathlynn for her helping hand that day. She didn't need to help me or stay by me. She had other options and other friends that she could have connected with to get home. I may never be able to repay Kathlynn for the kindness she showed me that day, but maybe one day I'll be able to be that kind of friend to someone else.
I called Steve to let him know what happened and, thankfully, he was home that day. He told me to somehow make my way to the ferry to New Jersey and he would meet me on the NJ side. So, I grabbed my post 9/11 emergency kit which included a bottle of water and other odds and ends, left a voice message for my boss saying I was leaving, and decided to get going. At this point, we just thought NY was affected and had no idea if this was a terrorist act or not. I was not thrilled with the idea of getting into an elevator, and at this point, they were not running. I was scared. This was my biggest fear of working in Manhattan (after Sept 11) come true. Walking down 43 flights of stairs was the only way out. Thankfully I had on flat shoes that day..otherwise forget about it.
Looking back, I am so thankful for many things about that day. First, that God had guided me to eat a larger lunch that day. Being pregnant, sometimes I'd eat a large breakfast and smaller lunch, but this day I reversed it. I know that was God's hand on my life...little would I know that I wouldn't be able to eat again till 10:30 pm. Second, and most importantly, God spoke into my friend Kathlynn's life and she stuck by me the whole day. She walked me down 43 flights of stairs, walked ACROSS Manhattan with me, found me a place to sit, gave me her bottle of water, and once she was assured that I was comfortable, embarked on a mission to find us a way home. We knew we had to take a ferry home...it was the only way across the river to NJ. The problem was, there were tens of thousands of people also trying to take a ferry home. It was easily going to be a six to seven hour wait. Kathlynn saved the day by being one of the first people to find out that the Circle Line Ferry was going to run people back and forth to NJ. So, we were able to quickly get in line and about 3 hours later, we were on our way.
God has always blessed me with incredible friends, even in the worst of work places. That is no accident. I learned long ago that God cares for his children. I am still so grateful to Kathlynn for her helping hand that day. She didn't need to help me or stay by me. She had other options and other friends that she could have connected with to get home. I may never be able to repay Kathlynn for the kindness she showed me that day, but maybe one day I'll be able to be that kind of friend to someone else.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Road Trips
I'm exhausted! We have been in Pennsylvania, Queens, Long Island, Manhattan, Northern NJ, Southern NJ and Western NJ all within the last 4 days. My husband did most of the driving and we spent a fair amount of time sitting in traffic. We saw some bad accidents and I know God sent his angels to protect us on the road. If you live in the "tri-state" area, you may have heard about a bad accident involving two tour buses that sent one of the buses off the road, down a ravine on it's side. That accident occurred moments before we got there. There are no coincidences -- it's God's timing. I used to get angry if we were running late, but I've learned that God can cause us to be late in order to avoid disaster.
We have a few more stops to make this week with some friends and family before my Dad heads out of town on Friday. We are really enjoying his visit and wish it wasn't going so fast.
We have a few more stops to make this week with some friends and family before my Dad heads out of town on Friday. We are really enjoying his visit and wish it wasn't going so fast.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Five on Friday
Five Household Chores I Would Gladly Pay Someone Else To Do:
1) Laundry
2) Iron
3) Take Out The Trash (well.. I have a husband for that thankfully LOL)
4) Scrub Toilets
5) Unload the dishwasher
Thankfully, I am going to Long Island today to visit my aunt and uncle and will not be undertaking any of the above tasks!!
Special PS - Happy Birthday Matthew!!!
1) Laundry
2) Iron
3) Take Out The Trash (well.. I have a husband for that thankfully LOL)
4) Scrub Toilets
5) Unload the dishwasher
Thankfully, I am going to Long Island today to visit my aunt and uncle and will not be undertaking any of the above tasks!!
Special PS - Happy Birthday Matthew!!!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Fun With Grandpa
Chris is having so much fun with Grandpa. We are visiting lots of family and when we aren't at the parks, Chris likes for Grandpa to read his favorite Dr. Seuss books to him...over and over and over. Very cute.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
If You Were An Olympian, What Would Your Sport Be?
I would be a gold medalist in falling down a flight of stairs. This morning, I'd say I scored an 8.5 out of 10. I was just casually walking down the carpeted stairs (barefoot) to make a cup of coffee and down I went. (Obviously I really needed that cup of coffee) I didn't do any flips, thus no perfect 10 for me. I'm not injured, just a bruised ego. The worst part is the reenactment my son is performing over and over on the staircase...Nice...
Monday, August 18, 2008
Slice of Heaven, please
There's nothing worse then trying to find a good pizza place when you move to a new town. The reason I say this is because the only way you can find good pizza, is by eating a lot of bad pizza until you find the right place.
Now, I must say I'm a bit particular about my pizza. It must be authentic..meaning the guy (or girl) making the pie should at least be Italian and have lived either in the greater NYC area at some point in his/her life (again..that's my bias). Now, I'm only about an hour outside of NYC, so hopefully this quest will not take too long.
We tried a place on Friday that was recommended, but the sauce did not agree with me at all. So, it's on to the next place, or maybe I'll just have to start making my own. Anyone have any good dough recipes?
Now, I must say I'm a bit particular about my pizza. It must be authentic..meaning the guy (or girl) making the pie should at least be Italian and have lived either in the greater NYC area at some point in his/her life (again..that's my bias). Now, I'm only about an hour outside of NYC, so hopefully this quest will not take too long.
We tried a place on Friday that was recommended, but the sauce did not agree with me at all. So, it's on to the next place, or maybe I'll just have to start making my own. Anyone have any good dough recipes?
Friday, August 15, 2008
Five on Friday
Five Words of Wisdom from My Mom:
I've been thinking of Mom a lot lately and reflecting on things she told me over the years regarding being a Godly wife, mother and friend. Since she died before I got married and had a family, I cling to the memories of these conversations.
1) In order to have friends, you must be friendly to others.
2) Hang on to Jesus when you don't know what else to do. He will always lead you.
3) Always honor a commitment...even if it means making a sacrifice.
4) Your children need to see Jesus as a priority in your life. Take them to church regularly. Be sure they see you reading your bible and praying. They will likely model their lives after yours.
5) Be a friend to those who do not have friends, or are outcasts. It may not be a popular thing to do, but it's what Jesus has called us to do.
I've been thinking of Mom a lot lately and reflecting on things she told me over the years regarding being a Godly wife, mother and friend. Since she died before I got married and had a family, I cling to the memories of these conversations.
1) In order to have friends, you must be friendly to others.
2) Hang on to Jesus when you don't know what else to do. He will always lead you.
3) Always honor a commitment...even if it means making a sacrifice.
4) Your children need to see Jesus as a priority in your life. Take them to church regularly. Be sure they see you reading your bible and praying. They will likely model their lives after yours.
5) Be a friend to those who do not have friends, or are outcasts. It may not be a popular thing to do, but it's what Jesus has called us to do.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Busy, Busy, Busy
It's been a busy 24 hours. My Dad is coming for a two week visit starting tomorrow night so I'm in full cleaning mode. It's his first time trip to visit us in NJ since we left Florida and we are all excited, especially Christopher. It is taking me a little longer to clean because a certain 4 year old likes to take all his toys and videos out and leave them here and there. Thankfully I have all day tomorrow to work on picking things up.
We have a great weekend ahead of us and we are going to be seeing some family members over the next two weeks while Dad is here. Lots of day trips planned so we are looking forward to that. I wish our townhouse was big enough to entertain lots of people at once, but that's just not the case. I love our little place and I'm just thankful that the 3 of us are living under the same roof again. We are blessed!
I'll try to blog as I can over the next 2 weeks. Enjoy the rest of your summer, which is 3 days if you live in Florida (the kids start school next week.. isn't that crazy?!)
We have a great weekend ahead of us and we are going to be seeing some family members over the next two weeks while Dad is here. Lots of day trips planned so we are looking forward to that. I wish our townhouse was big enough to entertain lots of people at once, but that's just not the case. I love our little place and I'm just thankful that the 3 of us are living under the same roof again. We are blessed!
I'll try to blog as I can over the next 2 weeks. Enjoy the rest of your summer, which is 3 days if you live in Florida (the kids start school next week.. isn't that crazy?!)
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Lullaby
Ah... how refreshing it was to be able to open up all the windows for the last few days and let a nice breeze filter through the townhouse... I can't tell you how I have missed that. We don't exactly get refreshing breezes in Florida very often. It's usually so humid down there, the last thing you'd want to do is open your window. It's more like, crank up the A/C and keep the doors closed.
Our NJ townhouse backs up to a street which provides excellent "white noise" at night to lull you to sleep. I know some of you think that's crazy, but remember...this city girl grew up with sirens, horns, loud cars and music in the background which served as a lullaby to me for years. In fact, it was hard for me to adjust when I went to college in Pennsylvania. (Natalie, my college roommate who reads this blog might remember this story). One night at the beginning of our freshman year I was lying in bed and could not fall asleep. The windows were open and I heard an annoying something, but it was not the usual car horns, sirens, etc. that I was used to and I couldn't place my finger on what it was. So, after several minutes of stirring in bed and unable to fall asleep, I called out to Natalie and said,"What is that annoying sound outside". I couldn't see her face in the dark, but I'm sure her mouth dropped open and then she chuckled... "um.. Beth..that's a bird". Yep.. a bird. I finally got used to it, but let's say I'm sleeping a lot more soundly these days now that I can enjoy the lullaby of occasional cars and sirens again.
Our NJ townhouse backs up to a street which provides excellent "white noise" at night to lull you to sleep. I know some of you think that's crazy, but remember...this city girl grew up with sirens, horns, loud cars and music in the background which served as a lullaby to me for years. In fact, it was hard for me to adjust when I went to college in Pennsylvania. (Natalie, my college roommate who reads this blog might remember this story). One night at the beginning of our freshman year I was lying in bed and could not fall asleep. The windows were open and I heard an annoying something, but it was not the usual car horns, sirens, etc. that I was used to and I couldn't place my finger on what it was. So, after several minutes of stirring in bed and unable to fall asleep, I called out to Natalie and said,"What is that annoying sound outside". I couldn't see her face in the dark, but I'm sure her mouth dropped open and then she chuckled... "um.. Beth..that's a bird". Yep.. a bird. I finally got used to it, but let's say I'm sleeping a lot more soundly these days now that I can enjoy the lullaby of occasional cars and sirens again.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Monday Funday
Steve has been working long days as of late, so yesterday he took a much needed day off. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate with our original plans to take Chris to an amusement park. Thankfully, we had the foresight not to give him specifics as to our destination. We've learned that it's best to say we are going to a "special place" that way if the weather is a factor we can just switch the destination without Chris being disappointed.
So, yesterday we ventured over to the Crayola Factory in Easton, PA which is a short drive from our home. We had a great time playing with all the crayons, markers, and modeling clay.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Five on Friday
Five songs I've been singing around the house this week:
-Holy is The Lord - Chris Tomlin
-Made Me Glad - Hillsong
-He Knows My Name - Tommy Walker
-How Great Is Our God - Chris Tomlin
-I Will Search - Israel Houghton (here is the link for the You Tube video) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dISOZv5k0dk
-Holy is The Lord - Chris Tomlin
-Made Me Glad - Hillsong
-He Knows My Name - Tommy Walker
-How Great Is Our God - Chris Tomlin
-I Will Search - Israel Houghton (here is the link for the You Tube video) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dISOZv5k0dk
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Monday, August 4, 2008
No Bible, No Breakfast
I recently read Stephen Baldwin's book "The Unusual Suspect" in which he describes how he was radically saved not long after September 11th. It's a powerful, sometimes funny story how this Hollywood actor gave his heart to Christ. After he was saved, he met a group of Christians who introduced him to this basic principal of "No Bible, No Breakfast" . It's pretty simple... just read your bible and pray (he recommends an hour) before you have breakfast (or coffee). If you are like me, I'm lucky to get up, grab a shower and dry my hair before my little guy is up and going. So, I thought this would be really hard for me. Then I started feeling guilty because, looking back on my life, I had no problem getting up for trips, or fun with friends. For about 6 years I would wake up at 4:30 am every morning (back when I was single) to commute to the job I loved in Philadelphia. It's all about what is important to you.
This morning I was up at 6:00 am and had my quiet time. So, I'm on a quest to make this my priority and not squeeze it in sometime during my day. Will I be able to do it everyday? I don't know. But I'm going to try. How about you? Want to join in? I know it's going to change my life.
This morning I was up at 6:00 am and had my quiet time. So, I'm on a quest to make this my priority and not squeeze it in sometime during my day. Will I be able to do it everyday? I don't know. But I'm going to try. How about you? Want to join in? I know it's going to change my life.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
For Sale By Owner
Ah.... after 6 frustrating months working with our realtor, we gave her the boot yesterday. Rather than enlist the help of another realtor, we decided to try to sell our Florida home on our own... at least for 2 or 3 months. I won't go into all the details of why we did not like our realtor...let's just say she just didn't seem to care if our home sold tomorrow or 10 years from now, and blamed everyone else on her staff for some major mishaps. I know it's a tough real estate market, but we have God on our side... he brought us to NJ for a reason and purpose, and as far as I'm concerned, selling our house in Florida is not a problem to big for our God...even in today's economy.
So, to all my prayer warriors, please keep the sale of our home on your list. And of course, if you know of anyone looking for a beautiful home in the Tampa area, let me know! LOL
So, to all my prayer warriors, please keep the sale of our home on your list. And of course, if you know of anyone looking for a beautiful home in the Tampa area, let me know! LOL
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