The ONLY nice thing about one of your babies not feeling well....

This was from a couple weeks ago on a day where she had a runny nose AND her shots.  All she wanted was to be held.  Sweet, sweet girl.

Fun Fact Day 2: Nicknames

Bennett:  Norm, Norman T Norman T Norman T Jones, BD
Annabelle:  Annie Miss Annie, Ann, Sis, Anna Banana
Eliza:  Lida Beans, Lidey, Bean Diggity, Beans
CallaMae:  Calla Baby, Super Cal

 We skipped trick or treating this year because the weather was terrible.  But B, A and E went out to McDonald's with Mark and Carol and thought that was a good trade off.  The kids did get dressed up for their schools Monster Mash. It's a dance with various activities for elementary students.  It's to raise money for the Parent Education Group.    And CallaMae dressed up for the sake of a picture.  Every baby has a picture in that honey pot costume.
      Annabelle:  Cowgirl,                  Bennett:  Paul from Gator Boys,             Eliza:  Giraffe

Fun Fact December: Day 1

Today through the end of the month I am going to *TRY* and jot down one fun fact about me or our family as a reminder of how we are/things we do during this season of our lives.

Everyone in this family loves Cinnamon Toast Crunch (or the Aldi's version).  I bought 6 boxes on Tuesday knowing everyone would be home for a stretch of time for Thanksgiving.  We go through about a box a day but I figure it's $1.69 a box at Aldi so that plus the cost of milk is a pretty cheap breakfast.  It's the only cereal Darrin and the kids don't get sick of.  I'm not much of a breakfast eater.  When I do eventually eat, I choose greek yogurt.  I will eat just about any kind.  If you aren't a fan of greek yogurt but think the protein would be a nice added benefit to a breakfast or snack, I HIGHLY recommend Dannon Oikos Key Lime Greek Yogurt.  I'd say it's my favorite and tastes like a dessert.

Today I'm THANKFUL For This Boy!

Eight amazing years of being this boys mother.  NO WORDS for how I love him and how thankful I am he was chosen for me.  He's a cool kid!  We love you Bennett!  Happy birthday Buddy!

Today I'm Thankful For Our Furry Family Member

This sweet boy is 8 years old.  He will be 9 in July.  He has grown up right along with the kids.  He's just a little older than Bennett.  He has put up with and tolerated a lot of changes in our family and he just goes with it.  He has his faults, as do all people (he pulls on a leash and chases small animals off our property :), and it took him a while to get out of the puppy stage.  But patience has paid off.  He is an awesome dog!  His greatest strength is his love and tolerance for his human siblings.  He will tolerate anything and if something does bother him he just lets out a little whine.  He loves to nap on the couch or even on our bed and he enjoys walking at the farm, leash free.   I appreciate him so on nights that Darrin is away.  He has a ferocious bark and can look intimidating.  He makes me feel safer when I home alone with the kids.  We love having our Palmer John!  His nicknames include, Palm, Palmtastic, and Johnny. 

Today I'm Thankful for Family

Having a husband and children of my own is something I have always dreamed about.  I am thankful every day I have the job I do.  I love the activity we have in our house.  We could and would happily invite more children into our home.  More children means more love, more fun!  I love spending my days with my husband and kids.  I learn something new about myself almost every day.  I also think I've gotten better at my job which makes things run more smoothly.  I am currently reading a book called, "The Power of a Positive Mom," and although not far in, I think the gist of it is that the mood and attitude of the Mom in the house can set the mood for everyone else.  It a job not to be taken lightly.

I'm also SO thankful for my parents, parents in-law, and my whole extended family.  Their love and support has shaped who I am, and who we are as a family today. We know that if we are ever in a tough spot, there will always be countless people to turn to who would be willing and ready to help.

I'm thankful for parents who made my childhood happy, who gave us a sense of security and who always made us their priority.  And even when things got tough, they NEVER took it out on us.  I'm lucky to have been born to naturally good parents!

Today I'm thankful for FAMILY!!

Today I'm Thankful for Saving Money

Over the years we've gotten better at this.  I stay home with my babies and feel so fortunate for that!  We've had to get creative sometimes but it works!  It was tough when Bennett and Annabelle were babies but now we're at a place where we feel good about the financial choices we've made and things we've been able to do to have some security in the future.  Our kids will not likely have their college paid for in full by us but we'll be able to help.  We won't be taking yearly anniversary trips or family vacations to faraway places.  Camping will have do do.  But we're happy and it works for us.

Here are some ways we've been able to save money.  Many are ways we've been blessed by others.  We continue to try and return the blessings in ways we can.

Money saving blogs like savingaddiction.com that matches coupons to sales at various stores.
Aldi when I don't feel like clipping coupons.
Many generous people who think of our family when wanting to clear their home of clothes that no longer fit their children.
Friends who barter for babysitting/sewing/carpooling/photography services, etc.
Family who have gifted us furniture and items we need for our home when they are no longer in need of them or are upgrading.
Online shopping with coupon codes.
A town where you don't have to "keep up with the Jones's" to fit in and be accepted.
Amish stores for an occasional GREAT bargain.
My liking of Walgreens brand diapers and their occasional BOGO sales on them.
GARAGE SALES!
Kids who are content hanging out at home.
The LAKE!  Fishing and swimming are summer activities that keep the kids busy for the cost of worms.
The local libraries.  Free story times, music classes, programs and rentals!
And this one I think I was born with.  I do not like to shop.  I hate crowds, trying clothes on, and spending more than $5.00 on clothing items (especially for the kiddos).  That's why in a few long days of garage saling, I always hope to find the items we need and I usually do.  If not, I am so, so thankful for the computer and free shipping deals :)!
The town barber.  Both my boys can get their hair cut for 18.00 total.  As much as I'd like to say I can use the clippers to cut their hair...I just can't.
Pinterest!  So many creative crafts, activities and recipes.

Take any picture of these 4 sweeties, the total cost of all 4 outfits will likely be no more than $5.00.