Saturday, November 27, 2010

Black Friday Breakdown

Me, Carver, Mom and Charlie all woke up at 4:00am, loaded up, got coffee from our lovely Kolette (Kolettey's Koffee) who opened just for us :), and headed down to Yakima.

Stop #1: WalMart
I have a very strong dislike for this store but when they're the only ones that carry Cricut Lite cartridges, what's a girl to do? They only had the 7 new lite cartridges which kinda bummed me but I got the Jolly Holiday cartridge and already have a project in mind for it. I also got two movies for $1.96 a piece! Mom found a Mickey Mouse movie that will go in Carver's stocking.

Stop #2: Target
I LOVE this store!!!! But they lines were ridiculous! They wound from the registers to electronics, back down to seasonal, then along the back wall to sporting goods, up that aisle to the main back aisle back to seasonal, and then back towards electronics. But I have to hand it to the employees. They had us clipping along pretty fast. Here's what I got:
  • Queen size air mattress for Jena - $12
  • Two flannel plaid shirts for Carver - $5/ea
  • 2 sets - 2pk Sleepers for Carver - $12/ea ($6/sleeper)
  • 5 movies - $3.99-$5.99/ea
  • Flannel plaid shirt for me - $7.50
The only things I wasn't able to get were the scarves ($5/ea) and a new hair straightener ($14) but we might go back today.

Stop #3: Starbucks
Needed another coffee and Carver needed some breakfast. He loves their oatmeal. :)

Stop #4: Michaels
I got 3 photo boxes. They were 3 for $5 when they're regularly $4.50/ea. Score! I also got two cricut cartridges - Everyday Paper Dolls for $28 and Simply Charmed for $37. I needed a bigger acrylic block for stamping so I got that too. I want to go there again today if we go because all of their Disney cartridges are $25 today.

Stop #5: The Childrens Place
I wanted to see if they had anymore hats (no such luck). I got three thermal shirts ($4.90/ea), a sweatshirt ($7) and matching half zip sweaters for Carver and Tyler for $13/ea. That was probably the worst place out of everywhere we went. It was FREEZING in there and they only had two registers going so the line was barely moving.

Stop #6: Borders
Mom wanted a book. I found Curious George 2 for $5 and a Mickey Mouse cd for $6 after I used my 40% off coupon

Stop #7: Fred Meyer in Ellensburg
We got there just as the sale was ending but mom got in line real quick so she got some socks at half off. Chris was already there when we got there and he got a bunch of tools for half off! :)

What deals did you get???

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 24-27


Day 24: I'm off by a day. This day was covered by the last thankfulness post

Day 25: I am thankful for friends. We went up to our friend's house for thankgiving and it was so much fun! Carver was letting everyone hold him (he's usually really shy at first... not today!) and climbing up and down and up and down the stairs. haha Yummy food too!

Day 26: I am thankful for Regence Blue Shield. We paid them for October right before we switched to a different company. So they sent us a check for that month. This meant that we were able to get [almost] everything on my list for Black Friday without using the credit card!!! Toe Touch!!!

Day 27: I am thankful for Chris. Carver decided to get up at 4:00am again and after an hour and a half of trying to get him to go back to sleep Chris got up with him and fed him breakfast so I could catch up on my sleep. I love you honey!

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!



HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

May you be be surrounded by family and friends.
May you be continually thankful for all you have.
May you be reminded of God's love and grace.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

The Storm

Here's what happened...

Monday: Chris tried to work but that wasn't happening because of the snow that fell all day long so we decided to drive to Tacoma and get the license plates for our car and stop at Tijuana Taco in Lakewood for lunch. We knew the roads would be interesting but we're both very comfortable driving in snow/ice and would've died being stuck at the house all day. Well, let me tell you... there are some pretty STUPID drivers out there!!!! People were parking and leaving their cars in the middle of the FREEWAY!!! It was hilarious! And they were cars that you'd expect to be able to handle in the snow. We didn't even try to take I-5 and decided to take the back roads. It tested our knowledge of routes because we were trying to find a route that had the least amount of hills.

We finally made it to the dealership, got our license plates (which say ACH**** haha I have the Ach-ooo car!) and went to lunch. If you've never been to Tijuana Taco and live in the Tacoma area, PLEASE go!!! It's right by the Lakewood Towne Center and it's amazing!

Anyways, then we decided to go to the mall because The Children's Place is having all of their outerwear accessories (hats, mittens, etc) for $5. They didn't have anything that I hadn't bought on Thursday so we just walked the mall for awhile. Then we made the trek home.

It snowed all day and was really windy. The wind wasn't any stronger than in Ellensburg but the trees over here don't know how to withstand it. So there were branches and downed trees all over the place. Around 530pm we fed Carver dinner and at 6pm our power went out. At least Carver got fed, right?

So we got the bright idea to head to Subway and Target since we were twiddling our thumbs at home. As we were coming down our hill towards town, we saw a downed power line and at the same time we saw a tree in the road. Now, remember that it'd been snowing all day so there was ice on the road. Well, we couldn't slam on the brakes so we went up and over the tree. Thankfully it was a small tree and it, thankfully didn't do anything to our car.

So we putts around Target after eating dinner. On our way home we went up our road to see if the tree had been cleared (I'd called 911) and there was ANOTHER tree in the road that was windshield level. Definitely not going up that way. So we went to the next parallel road. There was a tree down there too. So we went to the next road over from that and decided to just go for it. We couldn't see anything and felt that if we did come across something we could safely back down the road and turn around. Well almost to the top, there was a tree down but it was angled just so that we could drive underneath it (it was a pretty small tree). So we did that and cut across to our road.

Once we hit our road we were in the clear as far as trees were concerned. But remember that it was icy and there are hills every which way around our house. Well, all that to say, we made it home safely. :) We made a makeshift bed in the living room in front of the fire (gotta love wood fireplaces!!!). Carver thought that was the coolest thing ever! He was running in circles around the 'bed' having a great time. He didn't end up going to bed until around 9pm.

Tuesday: When we woke up Chris walked the property line to check the fences and then ran to Albertsons to get Starbucks. Chris wanted to drive by some of our accounts to check for any damage so we loaded up in the truck this time. We met Kim for lunch and then stopped by a couple accounts. We went back to Target, because that's what we do when we get bored and then came home. The trees on our road had been cleared and the roads were A LOT better today. We were toying with the idea to leave for Ellensburg today but Chris didn't want to leave if the power wasn't back on because it was supposed to be really cold that night. Well it didn't come back on.

At some point that evening, Chris remembered that we had a portable generator we use on jobs when they have to use nail guns, etc. What a great idea! So we hooked up the fridge for awhile and then the microwave so we could have a hot meal and then we got even more adventurous and hooked up the tv! We still didn't have cable but Carver got to watch Happy Feet and after he fell asleep, Chris and I got to watch one of our netflix. Too bad we didn't think of this last night. :(

Wednesday: Still no power. At some point last night the generator was making funny noises (low gas, I think) so Chris worked on that this morning. He had to run to Home Depot for some starter fluid and got me a coffee while he was there. While he was out he ran across the Puget Sound Energy guy that was on our road making notes and he said that he hoped to have power back to the road today. Once Chris got back, we loaded up and hit the road! The pass was bare and wet the whole way and there was barely any cars on the road. :) It was so nice to get to Mom's and have power and hot water! I didn't want to get out of the shower!

So that was our adventure. We had Chris's mom go by the house this afternoon and we still didn't have power. We turned all of our space heaters on so when the power does come back on those will take the chill off, but it'll be an igloo when we get back. There's no way around that.

I have a feeling this is just the start of the storms for this winter. Everyone keeps saying that it's going to be worse than 2008 when parts of WA were without power for WEEKS but we'll see. It's definitely made a grand entrance.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 22-23



Our power has been out since Monday so I'm going to post two things that I'm thankful for instead of back-posting.

#1: I am thankful for POWER!!! It's very true that you don't miss something until it's gone. We had a big snow/wind storm on Monday and our power went out around 6pm... and it's currently STILL out!!!

#2: I am thankful for HOT WATER!!! I, thankfully, took a shower on Monday so I wasn't a stinky gross mess by now but it was heaven taking a shower at Mom's house when we got here. I didn't want to get out!

**I'll post about the storm/power outage later.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 20-21


Day 20: I am thankful for my mom. She is an amazing woman and I'm so glad to call her mom. We've become friends and it is a friendship that I cherish every day. Thank you mom for all that you do. I love you.

Day 21: I am thankful for Carver. He is the light of my life and he brings joy to all around him. I couldn't imagine my life without his smiling face. :)

Friday, November 19, 2010

Only one month left until...

... Carver is 18 months old. :( He's officially 17mo old today. He's becoming more 'little boy' than 'baby'. It makes me sad but I LOVE the stage he's at now. He interacts with you and responds when you talk to him. Here's our conversation in the car tonight...
*Carver sneezed
Me: Did you get boogies on you?
Carver: yeah!
*So I wipe them up
Me: Are there more boogies in your nose?
Carver: yeah!
Me: Do you want me to get them?
Carver: no!
Me: Can I suck them out?
Carver: *silence*

Here's some things that Carver's been up to lately...
  • We've taken down the gate around our fireplace (please no criticism. it was a decision that took a lot of thought) and Carver LOVES helping Chris bring in firewood from the back deck. He'll stand a little ways away from the fire and put his hand up and say 'hot'. [so cute!]
  • If we're sitting on the couch and Carver wants something he'll reach around you and pull you off the couch, grab your hand and pull you to the fridge, etc
  • He still has a love obsession with Mickey Mouse and will say hi if he sees one in the store
  • He doesn't cry anymore when we drop him off in the nursery [makes me sad :( ]
  • Loves playing peek-a-boo
  • He likes throwing things away for you... even if you didn't want them in the garbage. We've learned to check the garbages as we walk by them
  • He's still in size 2 diapers, in 9-12mo clothes, and just moved up to size 5 shoes
  • He is in love with Maggie (my mom's dog). He was ECSTATIC when we got to mom's tonight and he saw Maggie!
That's about it. He's growing up way too fast but we're savoring everything as we go. We couldn't imagine our lives without this little monkey and were sitting at the tub tonight, watching Carver play in the bath, we were just in awe that we CREATED him! Ten little toes, ten little fingers, eyes, nose and mouth... all perfect! How amazing is it that a whole human being is created in 9 short months! It baffles my mind.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 18-19


Day 18: I am thankful for my friend Vanessa. We've known each other practically all our lives (ok, since I was about 3yrs old and she was ~1yr old). We got together yesterday and 'walked' the mall (read: walked, shopped, ate, etc). We've got a relationship where we pick up where we left off and it's just so EASY! I love you Ness and I'm so glad you live closer now. :)

Day 19: I am thankful for SNOW!!!!! It's snowing in Ellensburg and I'm so glad we're here for it. We're definitely going to have to play in it tomorrow before it most likely melts.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 17


Day 17: I am thankful that we finally got dental insurance. I had a root canal done this morning and a little stress was taken away because I didn't have to worry about the $1371 bill that we would have had to pay if we didn't have insurance. We paid $337!!! What a difference!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 13-16


Day 13 - I am thankful for my friend Mallorie. We are twins in some respect. We both love to craft, are addicted to Starbucks and are BIG Seahawks fans!!! For Mallorie's birthday I bought her a ticket to go to the Scrapbook Convention in Bellevue. It was today and SOOOOO much fun!!! We both spent less than we expected (me $60 and Mallorie around $65-70) and got some really cool ideas. We're definitely going back next year!

Day 14 - I am thankful that we've found a church that we love. There is NOTHING we don't like about it! And Carver is making friends in the nursery - to the point where he doesn't want to leave haha

Day 15 - I am thankful for my sister-in-law Kim. We became fast friends when Chris and I started dating. We can talk about anything and we both feel comfortable venting to each other. haha

Day 16 - I am thankful that Chris cut down all the trees around our house when he first bought this property. We had massive winds last night and our power went out. The winds were so strong that the tent/shed thing that covers our firewood blew over and broke into pieces.


Side note: We just had an earthquake!!! It was down in Mossy Rock (more towards Oregon) and it was a 3.5 and we definitely felt it here! It was only 10 miles deep so it wasn't very strong.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

A Giveaway or at Divinely Domesticated!!!

My friend, Meghan's, parent's just opened their own business! They sell all organic lotions, soaps, jams, and spices... just to name a few! Meghan is having a giveaway to kick off the opening. All you have to do is go to Hill Country Mercantile's site and check out all they have to offer. Then, go to Meghan's blog, Divinely Domesticated, and leave a comment telling her what you would love to have!

Good luck!

Friday, November 12, 2010

List Plan It

I found out about List Plan It about two years ago and fell in love! They have about 500 different lists to help simplify your life. Anyone who is a list-maker will love this site.

The reason why I bring this up is that I just signed up to be apart of their affiliate program. This means that if anyone I refer becomes a member and/or buys an ePlanner, I get a small commission. All you have to do is click the link below and sign up. It's that easy! AND it's cheap!!

Click here to go to List Plan It!!!

We've been gone

I've mentioned before that we were gone last week. I'll post pictures later but wanted to let you know where we were. :)

Wednesday: I had Chris take the afternoon off so we could leave early. We went to Ellensburg for the night.
Thursday: We got up and went to Dakota Cafe to get berry sweet rolls (YUM!!!!!) and coffee. Then we went to Mom's work to eat them so we didn't get the new leather heated seats sticky. Then we went to Spokane to Jena and Moktar's house.
Thursday-Sunday: In Spokane hanging out with the Batibure's!!!
Sunday: Alea's 4th birthday party and then we headed back to Ellensburg
Monday: Chris had a dentist appointment in Ellensburg, then we headed home.

It was a lot of driving but it proved to be a good idea to break it up like we did. We definitely don't see Jena, Moktar and Alea (and Jena's whole family) enough. Love you guys!!!!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 9-12


*Sorry for being so late on these. I had a lot to catch up on once we got home from being gone.

Day 9: I am thankful for the dollar section at Target. haha I found a couple PERFECT stocking stuffers when Carver and I were there picking up a prescription. I love when I find that perfect present for cheaper than I was originally going to spend.

Day 10: I am thankful I have a nail tech that I LOVE! She always makes my nails beautiful and its a couple hours to myself (appointment plus drive time to Silverdale and back). It's the right amount of time without being too long. I usually try to schedule my appointments so that Chris can watch Carver so everybody wins!

Day 11: I am thankful for all of those who are currently serving, or previously served, and their families. We are free because of you.

Day 12: I am thankful that it's FRIDAY!!!!! This week seemed to drag. And I'm going to the Scrapbook Expo tomorrow with Mallorie! We were originally going to go today but Mallorie got a new job so she couldn't take the day off.


What are you thankful for?

Monday, November 8, 2010

A Giveaway!

I've been following The Exposed Mom for awhile and she has recently launched her photography blog!!! To celebrate this she's hosting a giveaway with the prize being a $75 gift card to WHEREVER you want!!!

All you have to do is:
1. go to: http://www.kipperphotography.com/
2. Click "Facebook"
3. 'Like' them on facebook; if you don't have facebook, you can still comment!
4. Go back to her post HERE and leave a comment telling her you did so!

Good luck!!!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 8



Day 8: I am thankful we have a reliable car. We've done A LOT of driving over the last 6 days and it was so nice to have our new Highlander. We even filled up every seat and, I have to say, the 3rd row was pretty comfy!

Sunday, November 7, 2010

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 6-7



Day 6: I am thankful that I started Christmas shopping early. It is so much easier, less stress, and (a little) easier on the wallet. I found the book, "Twas the Night Before Christmas" at Costco for only $10 hardbound! And I also got part of Alea's Christmas present. I seriously sit down in like, September and make a list of what I'm going to get everyone and then when I see it on sale I pick it up. That way we're not scrambling right before Christmas and putting everything on the credit card.

Day 7: I'm thankful Carver is ok. He's been sleeping in the bed with us since we've been at Jena and Moktar's and I laid him down last night. A couple hours later we heard a thump and SCREAMING! Carver had rolled OVER the pillows I put around him to prevent this from happening and rolled OFF the bed!!!!! He's got a nice goose egg and a little rug burn where he hit the floor but he's no worse for the wear. Thank God!

Friday, November 5, 2010

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 5



Day 5: I am thankful that Carver adores Alea. He as been so much more talkative since we've been here. He looks up to Alea so much and wants to be just like her. :) It warms my heart.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

30 Days of Thankfulness: Days 3-4

Disclaimer: I had every intention of posting this yesterday but for some reason Chris's iPad wouldn't let me type the post. Weird.


Day 3: I am thankful that Chris has a job where he is able to take time off when he wants/needs. I talked him into taking Wednesday afternoon, Thursday, Friday, and Monday morning off so we can go to Spokane to celebrate Alea's 4th birthday!

Day 4: I am thankful for good friends. Jena and I only see each other about 2 times a year (at bare minimum) and we pick up where we left off. Our friendship is so easy, our husbands like each other and Carver ADORES Alea!!!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

30 Days of Thankfulness: Days 1 & 2


Last year I did a series where I posted something I was thankful for each day (I think I only got to 26 of the 30 days. oops!). Well I decided to do it again this year. Its a great way to take time to appreciate your life and the people around you.

Day 1: I am thankful for Chris being able to take 3 days off work (wednesday afternoon, thursday, friday and monday morning) so that we can have a mini vacation and go to Spokane for my best friend's daughter's 4th birthday. We don't get to see them very often and if I had my way, we would've gone a couple weeks ago.

Day 2: I am thankful for my MOMS group. I look forward to it every Tuesday morning. I love the little 'break' I get, Carver gets to play with his friends, and I get to know some pretty amazing ladies. :)

Monday, November 1, 2010

More of the Clubhouse

Last night, Carver decided to get out of the clubhouse at the same time Chris was 'trying' to get out... lets just say it was pretty entertaining for me. :)


Halloween 2010

This is, technically, Carver's second Halloween but he napped all through trick-or-treating last year. Go HERE to see the monkey costume he had last year. Downtown Gig Harbor hosts trick-or-treating for all the little kids in the afternoon. All the houses and businesses (well... most) give out candy to the kids. It's so much better than going through neighborhoods!

Carver had a BLAST... even though he had barely napped all day and he was cutting a molar.


Mama's little monkey! :)


Hop on over to my craft blog, A Caffeinated Crafter, and check out the Halloween bucket I made for Carver to put all his candy in!

Carver

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Noah

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