Gas Station Wisdom

I have always known I was spoiled but I never considered myself a brat. Until this morning. I have been very bitter this last week over my job and not remembering to stay thankful.  I was even in tears last night because I just didn't want to do it anymore.  Not that I couldn't, but it just didn't seem worth it. I even told my husband I wanted to be mediocre. I slept on the couch last night so that I could get up early and get into the office.  However, I overslept  anyway and didn't get out the door until 5:30. Of course this made me even more bitter/fussy.  I also had to stop and get gas which I hate doing. If you know me, you know at the point I reach the gas station I am insanely fussy.  The man working at the gas station in my opinion looked a bit shady, so I was nervous and I didn't give the smile or greeting another human deserves. In fact, I was even holding on to my mace ready for a fight.  When I got to the register the man saw my badge around my neck and he smiled and said "Wow you work there? That is a good company.  What a great job!"
Ouch. Point taken God. I drove a car that I didn't pay for, to get gas I don't pay for, wearing new clothes that again, I didn't pay for and were even delivered straight to my door, so that I can go to a job that more than covers health insurance and our expenses, I get to work from home at night or when my munchkin is sick and I am the bitter one.  This man who has been working all night at a gas station away from his family is all smiles and showing the love I should be to others.
God can and will use anyone.  I am going to stop being so bitter and remember to be thankful for everything.

Happy Monday!

Insta-Friday

It's that time again. Upload your cell phone pics that show what you have been up to this week. Then head on over to Life Rearranged to link up.





This week there was only one baby shower. For this one I made Teddy bear cakes. Considering I am a finance person and not a baker, I am pretty happy with it. (which never happens)





Most people use sherbet in punch for showers. If your grandfather is a physicist you use ice cream. There was some technical reason about milk bases and reactions which I won't pretend I understood. I just know my Papa said (in much more scientific terms) if you use ice cream it will look like you want. He was right, and this is my new favorite go to for showers. It is also super yummy.





One of the few of Sydney's happy moments this week. I have new, mad respect for parents with fussy children who do not sleep much. I have been so spoiled for the last 17 months. As much as I hate saying "my baby" and "surgery" in the same sentence, I can't wait for the tubes to make her feel so much better.





Lastly, I am a dork...





A complete dork. Who now clips coupons, and then color codes a spreadsheet to find the lowest possible out of pocket cost for the amount and order of transactions. I am determined not to screw up this couponing thing again.





My best deal so far. I was so excited I took the picture in the car. I couldn't wait to get home. Then I proceeded to send it to my friend on the morning of her birthday. However, I was so excited at getting all of this for $4.64 that I forgot to wish her a happy birthday. I know, I know. Best friend EVER right here.

Thankful

Yesterday we found out this sweet baby had to get tubes in her ears.

Yesterday in the "Jesus Calling" book this was the entry.

"THANK ME for the very things that are troubling you. You are on the brink of rebellion, precariously close to shaking your fist in My face. You are tempted to indulge in just a little complaining about my treatment of you. But once you step over that line, torrents of rage and self-pity can sweep you away. The best protection against this indulgence is thanksgiving. It is impossible to thank Me and curse Me at the same time.

Thanking me for trials will feel awkward and contrived at first. But if you persist, your thankful words, prayed in faith, will eventually make a difference in your heart. Thankfulness awakens you to My presence, which overshadows all your problems."

So today, I am thankful that God provides for my family. I am thankful my sweet baby can go to specialists that can help her. I am thankful that all of our "problems" are nothing compared to others. I am thankful that God is in control. He knows what we need and just when we need it.

Happy Monday!

Insta Friday

(Yes I know it is Saturday but it has been a crazy week.)






Monday started off with a surprise baby shower at work. This is the diaper cake.






The edible cake











And the decorations.






This is our new go to for putting in our taco salads...it tastes yummy and only takes 60 seconds in the microwave. Makes this busy momma one happy lady.






I the krazy coupon lady. $7.99 hair color for $1.99. If you have no idea who the krazy coupon lady is, google now. I won't even mind that you don't finish reading this post.






I saw this onesie online...I am tempted to get one for Sydney. Steve and I got married in Vegas. While she did not "happen" in Vegas I can only imagine how funny the looks would be that I would get.






This week ended with a surprise wedding shower.





Which included another cake...I am so tired from all the showers and baking. So it is a little sad to say I am off to plan and shop for the next surprise baby shower I am throwing this Monday...next weekend is reserved for sleep!

New Motto

I saw this at 30 Days Handmade and it sure did sum up my weekend! With cardstock I made shower decorations, birthday decorations, and an actual card. This was the first time I have used cardstock for it's original purpose!

Insta-Friday

I never got around to explaining Insta-Friday last week. This is where you upload the pictures you have snapped with your cell phone all week that tell the story of your week. Hopefully this week I will get around to putting the button up, and linking this up with the others.




Vacation truly is exhausting. This was Sydney the day we got back from Missouri. She was out!




I do not know the lady who posted this on Facebook, but I her.




Working on the couponing, and making great progress. I was able to save $9 on three bottles of Nivea body wash.




We are having lots of showers coming up at work. This is one of the diaper cakes.




I got my new makeup this week...no more excuses for not wearing any.




I learned how to make fat free frozen yogurt.




Friday snack time. Get to relax and watch TV.

Happy Monday!

InstaFriday

Every week I tell myself I am going to participate in InstaFriday and every week I don't. I didn't instagram the pictures so they are nothing fancy, but at least I'm finally doing it!




I have started couponing and these were some of my first steals. Sydney was trying to play with them at the same time I was snapping the picture so some items are missing.




The pool at my parents' house...where I fully intend to spend my afternoon.




My grandparents bought Sydney some bubbles to play with at their house, but the big excitement was her first time in grass!




On Tuesday we got to hang out with my nephew...who despite the picture and size similarity is actually six months younger than Sydney.



Steve and I attempted to make the Olive Garden breadsticks last night...they looked ugly but tasted yummy.



Sydney's new hair bow from Aunt Erin. She is super talented and I have no idea how she can make such awesome things!!

Grandma's is awesome!

We get to hang out, get spoiled, and play in the pool!

Stronger

Every morning I get to work at a different time.  This ranges anywhere from 5-8. Every day for the last at least two weeks as I pull into work the same song comes on the radio.

I wonder how many other people need this reminder from Mandisa each day to get through the work day!!

Morning Happy

This weekend I found a wrapped Christmas present (from at least two Christmas' ago) in my car under the passenger seat that had been left from the previous owner.  Since the previous owner was my mom, and I recognized the paper, I tore it open as soon as I got inside.  The gift is a book called Jesus Calling  by Sarah Young.  Frequently I have to chuckle at how God works through the little things.  If it was anyone but my mom I am sure the person who would have "lost" the book would have been upset at the time and wondered where it went.  (I know my mom bought extras in case extra people came that night.)  It was no accident that the book fell under the seat and no one found it for years until I did this weekend.  Just when I needed it.  I found the entry for today rather fitting and thought I would share.

"APPROACH EACH NEW DAY with desire to find Me.  Before you get out of bed, I have already been working to prepare the path that will get you through this day.  There are hidden treasures strategically placed along the way.  Some of the treasures are trials, designed to shake you free from earth-shackles.  Others are blessings that reveal My Presence: sunshine, flowers, birds, friendships, answered prayer.  I have not abandoned this sin-wracked world; I am still richly present in it. 


Search for deep treasure as you go through this day. You will find Me along the way. 


Colossians 2:2-3; Isaiah 33:6 "

TLC is out to get me...

This is not entirely true because all of the results end up being positive money savers. However, I am not sure how people are supposed to find time for all of the DIY items they have shows for. That being said...I want to start extreme couponing just like their new show. After seeing someone pay $103 for $1900 worth of groceries how can you not feel guilty shopping unless you coupon??

Exactly!

You can't.

So I am now brainstorming a spreadsheet system that will help me with this. Hopefully, there will be big savings this weekend...

Best Card Ever

The one good thing about not getting to spend my days with my munchkin is that she had time to make me a wonderful Mother's Day card. (Thanks Miss Patty!)





Can you believe she is only 16 months old?! She is a rock star.


...and she knows it.

Babies galore!

It seems like everyone is having babies these days. One of my favorite gifts for a coworker was these baby sundaes.


Which include: a sippy cup, spoon, onesie, bib, and wash cloth in each. We put the sundaes together with some burp cloths








...and a few other baby goodies to make a fun basket.

Burp Cloths

I just finished my first batch of burp cloths tonight.




These are for baby Luke who was also born today! I am so glad Luke is here. He is my dear friend's rainbow baby. This is a different friend than the one who had Levi on Monday.  We are super blessed and excited to have two new additions this week. I haven't seen pictures yet of Luke but he sounds awesome. I am really excited to meet him in May. Since his Momma is a big Cardinals fan I also made him this onesie for the summer




Now it is off to bed to get into work early tomorrow. The fun never stops! :)

New adventures

Today one of my best friends got to welcome to the world her newest son. He is awesome. I love him. We have texted, he knows I'm his favorite. He is also a genius. I know this because at six hours old he can say "I love you Aunt Steph".

Also, Sydney went back to the the baby sitter's house today. This was sad for me, but she did great. At least she did great until she decided she no longer liked to wear diapers. Since she decided this, she took her pants and diaper off, twice, at nap time. When she got home this continued. She kept trying to get her diaper off again without being stopped. When this girl sets her mind to something, that is just the way it is gonna be... This must come from Steve's side of the family. Needless to say we are now potty training and she went pee pee in the potty for the first time!

Sick baby/Mom's visit

It has been a crazy two weeks in our household. Sydney was sick for a week and as soon as she started feeling better my mom arrived for a week. I love it when my mom gets to visit us. We are all spoiled, but the best part is we get one on one time with her. I love all of my family dearly but it is nice to get a week with just mom instead of trying to cram a million things into one week. This time I crammed most things in before she arrived so that we could hang out. I even finished the playroom wall the night before she came.


While she was here I also got some crafts done. It was really nice to hang out and have an extra pair of hands. We miss her already!! Thankfully we will be going home in a month. :)

Family Rules

It is definitely not perfect, but we are very pleased with it and enjoy having our rules up. I am sure there will be rules added and a new version created with milder colors when we move. For now it does the job.

Finally finished...

I know it only took a week...but what a long one! Steve and I were able to finish the spring cleaning and the family rules sign. I did not take a before picture but I took a during picture with the contents strewn about even more.



This was the storage room. We also cleaned out both closets and any other hidden clutter. I am a sucker for the "I might need that again, so I better keep it" mind set. I was so tired of it, hence the purge! We ended up with everything donated, thrown out, or organized neatly in tubs in closets, which left us with this



So, so nice. Now, I just have to get some sleep so I can use the new wii room. I will post pics of the rules soon.