Family Life & Updates

Good lord it has been awhile since I blogged. Busy is not even a word to describe how hectic my life has been at times recently. Getting a business up and running while being a stay at home mom, has been quite the challenge but it has been working out well! Throw in Trav working nights for the last few weeks, and that equals TOUGH! lol Of course he was getting home in the AM and then needing to sleep, and trying to keep Bailey quiet so he could was next to impossible :) Thank goodness he is back to his regular schedule tomorrow. Bailey is doing so great and learning new things every day. Her newest words are Nana for my mom, Momma, and Papa. She is such a smart little girl, and we painted for the first time the other day. She had such a blast and made quite a mess. A few weeks ago she also had her first pony ride, and we have been trying to talk daddy in to buying her one ever since :) She LOVED it although I was not surprised because she LOVES animals. She has gotten her 1st through 3rd boo boos in the last couple weeks......first she fell and cut her lip on her wagon wheel, then she hit her head on the arcadia door, and lastly today she hit her face on the coffee table! It is heart breaking to ever see her get hurt, but I know it is a fact of life and remember getting hurt as a child. Of course that does not make it any easier on me! Amongst all we have going on we have continued trying to conceive baby #2. This month we really gave it a go, so we will find out shortly if we were successful. I was sure last month I was because Bailey weaned from BFing, but I guess it was just time. I was SOOOO sad because I had hoped to continue until the age of 2 even while nursing, but I planned to let her self wean and she did. If I ask her if she wants her nu nu nu now she just puts her head on my shoulder and pats my back as if she knows it was a special bond that I will forever miss. Oh goodness I am tearing up now just thinking about it. My little girl is growing up so fast. If we are not successful in getting preggo this month, I am going to take a couple of months off or at least not "try" so much because I am headed to Cancun with the girls for a weekend in June or July. I am still not sure if I will go only because I have a hard time leaving B, although she will be with daddy and he promised to stay home and not take her anywhere while I am gone. We will see. I hope to be preggo, but it is in god's hands and I know I will be blessed again one day. Roo-Bug's is doing really well, and I decided to start doing custom orders as well as stock the store. I have a larger work load now, but I really enjoy it. At the beginning of July I will launch my individual store where I will also be selling fabric. I look forward to branching out a bit more. This month I also launched a dress line that has gotten some great feedback so I am super excited about that. My goal with my profits, is to pay off my Honda so I can build a pool in time for next summer which Trav said we could do. We are also shopping around for an old VW bug so I can have a play car for the cooler months. Trav said he will help me keep it running, and we can fix it all up and just have fun with it. I have been doing a ton of research lately on home birthing and also just more natural childbirth and I am excited about the next pregnancy. I may end up birthing at home in a tub, and Trav suppports me 100% in whatever decision I make. We are going to meet with my doctor first to see if I can achieve the type of birth I am looking for in a hospital setting. The business of being born is a great documentary to watch regarding birth in the United States. Definitely opened up our eyes into doing more research. Ok I think I have typed enough for now. I am REALLY sun burnt from hanging by the pool today, and I need some sleep :)

Mommy to a little girl now, no more baby!

I found myself Wedn night before Bailey's bday rocking her to sleep and thinking about it being the last time before she turns on. That is when the tears started to fall, and did not stop until yesterday! lol I held it together pretty good on her bday and only cried once during her video montage that I made. The day before though I was struggling so hard with keeping it together. My little girl is my world and I find it soooo unfair that time is going by so fast. I do my best to cherish each moment with her, but wish it would all last longer. We had such a beautiful weekend celebrating Bailey's bday. On her actual bday we took her to her favorite BBQ joint where she decided it wasnt her favorite anymore and just wanted to eat bread! lol We headed to Toys R Us afterwards because we had to buy more gifts since I let her talk me into opening all the ones we already had the week prior! lol She had fun and we picked up some really cute things for her including a motorized Barbie ATV. Trav took the day off Friday to help finish things up for the party which was awesome. The party was great! Bailey was her funny self as always, and really enjoyed having everyone over. The bounce house and sno cone machine were a HUGE hit with the kids, and kept them outside all day! lol She made out like a bandit with gifts, but could care less really, and just wanted to know why I was taking them away after she opened them! lol She wanted nothing to do with her cake, which I expected because she does not like to get dirty and is not into sweets. Everyone else enjoyed themselves which was awesome. I only cried once during the party, although I must have broke down 6 times shopping the day before! lol We had a grown up party that night playing poker and watching the UFC fights and getting a little tipsy! lol The next day we had to be up bright and early for the cancer triathalon his sister was competing in........UGH! This morning I am sick with a fever and feeling like the poop truck ran me over :) I still cannot believe I am a mommy to a 1 year old already! She is amazing, and so special to us. I can't wait to continue to watch her grown :) My second store stocking after Easter was just as good as the first, and all my diapers sold out in just a few minutes. I am excited to stock again with my tags! Work is going great for Trav and the just found out that they have a ton more work to last a few years, so that is comforting. Well I am not feeling so hot and need to rest while Bailey is!

Easter & More!

We had such a beautiful weekend spent with family, but boy did it go by fast! We had Bailey's cousin's party to attend on Saturday and I whipped up a dress for her to wear that morning and it came out soo cute. Saturday was rainy but the party was fun, and Bailey was such a joy as always. She really is just sooo well behaved. (Except for the 2 meltdowns we have had the last 2 days) LOL Sunday we had Easter and Bailey's first egg hunt. I made another dress for her to wear that morning and it also came out so cute. I will be adding a clothing line to my store also shortly. After an eventful weekend, I had my second stocking on Monday. Once again my dipe sold out within minutes and I am sooo excited about that! I started receiving a ton of emails again requesting custom orders for those that missed out at my stocking. I decided to do a few and finished those up already and mailed them out. Now I am concentrating on finishing up the rest of the house for Bailey's party. I cannot believe my little girl is going to be one tomorrow :( I am quite emotional about it, but hope I can hold it together on her bday. It is truly unfair how fast our babies grow up. Well TTC this month was no bueno so we are on to next month! lol This time I am using an OP (ovulation predictor) so there will be no guessing involved. I was a little bummed, and Trav felt bad because he knows how excited I was to start trying. We will be blessed again I know it! Tomorrow night we take Bailey to her fav BBQ joint, and to Toys R Us afterwards. It will be a ton of fun. Well just wanted to update quickly. Bailey is napping and I need to do diaper laundry :) Hope everyone had an amazing Easter!

Roo-Bug Launch #2, TTC & More

It has been wayyy too long since I last blogged, and so much has happened since! I will start with Roo-Bug's! My second stocking is the 13th of this month at noon, and I added newborn dipes "bitty bug's", Cloth Wipees, and Bug-Leg's which are like babylegs that I make. I have had a blast preparing for this stocking and have a ton up. Last time sold out in 4 minutes and I hope to do the same again. I bought my domain http://www.roobugs.com/ the other day and will work on my web design this week and hope to stock my store on the 1st of May. I will also be selling cloth wipe solution called Roo-Bug Rear Rinse at that time. I should get my custom tag's for my products this week and am sooo happy about them. This will make me super official!!!! I plan to add a line of clothing in the near future also. To me it is go big or go home, and I found somethings that I am really good at besides cooking, and being a mommy! lol Ok enough on that, Bailey is doing great! Crawling everywhere, getting into everything and although not walking loves to pull up onto stuff. She is down to nursing only 3 times a day now, and I give her Organic Rice Milk. She is such a good little girl and LOVES to talk up a storm. We are so excited about her bday next week and plan to take her to her favorite bbq joint on her real bday and then her party on Saturday. I put a ton of work into her party so I hope it goes off without a hitch. The kitchen remodel is going great and Trav is almost done with it. I am looking into replacing our appliances with retro stuff soon. I will post pics when it is complete! Off to the crazy news. After the proposal alot of people wanted to know WHEN I was getting married. After much thought we have decided to have another baby first, that way I can start planning during my pregnancy my wedding, and have the one I want when I want without spacing our kids too far apart. It is important to me to keep them closer in age since I want a few more. It is AMAZING to me how many people have issues with TTC or how many kids we should have. Finances is something that I hear alot. We do fine, and I honestly do not worry about money at all nor does it factor into the size of my family. Recently a relative of Trav's made a comment about being able to pay for our childrens college and my answer to that is if we can then great and if not they will do what I did which is work to pay my way. Bailey can work in the family business. I am NOT about handing everything to a child, and believe alot is learned when you get something on your own. Trav agrees, so we are TTC. I am SOOOOOOO excited and believe I am preggo now, although I will wait a week or so to test. I FEEL completely preggo though, and kinda know already. Trav does not want me to get my hopes up though and get let down. We will keep trying though until it happens. OK that is all for now. I have a ton to do for Easter and a busy weekend ahead! Hope all is well with everyone! I added a few pics of my dipes for this stocking, wipes, and bug legs!

WOW!!!!

I knew today's opening would go good, but not as good as it went. All of my dipes sold out within 4 minutes!!!!! Not everyone that wanted one got one either so many are awaiting my restocking. Back to the sewing table for me! There are 2 auctions still up in my store, one of which benefits the March of Dimes walk for babies. I am so excited to raise money for my friends son's team Jaxson! Roo-bugs are a hit, and soon I will be stocking other things as well. I am having a blast!

He did it!

He was able to actually surprise me, and proposed yesterday morning! I had NO idea, and was completely caught off guard. Literally in my chonies with a towel on my head caught off guard! lol He always told me it would be at a time when I least expected it. Saturday night he headed to run some errands and took FOREVER, but I thought nothing of it because he always takes forever when shopping. Sunday morning I woke up early because my store opens today and I had some last minute things I had to take care of. Usually I sleep in for an hour or so and Trav hangs with Bailey. He did not expect me to get up, so he told me he was making breakfast and to just hang out upstairs until it was done. I thought nothing of it because he cooks sometimes although not often. I watched a little tv, and he came in the door with a breakfast in bed tray with yummy waffles in roses. At that point I just though how sweet he was to do something like this. Turns out he bought me a new waffle maker too, and that is what took so long at Target. I was eating my breakfast, when he comes back this time with Bailey in a dress. He looked nervous and at that point I knew something was up. He asked me if I noticed anything different about Bailey and brought her closer. She had a necklace on and around it was my engagement ring!!!!!! I thought I might throw up! I had waited for this moment for so long, and I could tell he was nervous so I told him not to be nervous, and that I loved him. He then went on to say that he feels so lucky to be able to wake up every day next to someone as special as me. He said he has known for a very long time that I am the only woman for him. He said there are no words to describe how he feels, and would I make him the happiest man in the world and marry him? I of course by this time was crying, and said Yes, Yes, Yes!!!! I was in shock, and then Bailey pooped and I had to change her! lol It was beautiful, and he was so happy to be able to pull it off. He had gotten my moms blessing on Tuesday and told her his whole plan. I had wondered why she did not call all weekend. Turns out she was afraid she would spill the beans. My mom is sooo happy for us, and I am on top of the world. Wedding wise it is all up in the air. I kinda want baby #2 first, but we will see. A winter wedding is also something we have talked about. I have my dress already, and plan on having B as my flower girl. I have waited for this for so long, and living my dream is awesome!!!!!!! My ring is gorgeous, but I already knew that since I picked it out! lol Trav wanted to make sure that it was something I wanted, since I have to wear it forever. I originally wanted something simple, but Trav said he wanted everyone to know how much he loves me and boy will they know from the rock that is on my finger! I am still a little in shock and have to get used to wearing a ring since I never wear jewelry. I am getting my nails done sometime this week, because I have some serious sewing hands. Bailey was so happy and after Trav and I kissed, she wanted kisses to. I am super happy he included Bailey in the proposal as I would never want it any other way. What a great start to the week!

I need more sleep!

You would think with Bailey sleeping through the night I get plenty of sleep! NOT! Between birthday planning and trying to get inventory done for my first stocking while taking care of everything else I do on the daily is cutting into my sweet sleep I used to enjoy so much! lol At night I am often drinking coffee and sewing until midnight some nights. It is worth it though and after B's bday I think things will slow down a bit, although by then I will have a wedding to plan! It never ends. Eloping is looking even better now, although that would not make my mom happy. Bailey is napping and I am taking a break from my busy day. I am still roasting chiles today. Who knew 40 pounds would be sooo much! Trav came home from work yesterday and was eating the roasted chiles plain! He was like "I love these things so much"! I had planned to serve leftovers last night but instead made chicken tacos so he could enjoy more of the roasted hatch chiles. I forgot to share in my last post that Thurs and Fri of last week Trav did his yearly career days fair with his work where he goes and shows HS kids how to do his job. He has fun doing it but by the end of the day he is pooped mentally because he never has to interact like that on his normal job. It was kinda funny to hear him talk about having to socialize all day was difficult. Anyway while he was there a lady that works in HR was there with him and he took a few of my diapers to show her because he is so proud which is too funny, but he also told her all about our natural lifestyle and the Co-op and such. Never in a million years did I ever think he would be excited about these choices and want to share the info with others. I think it is sweet and the lady thought it was great and took down my store info and the co-op also. The bad thing about him hanging out all day with an HR lady is she confirmed every rumor he heard about the crapshoot of a company he works for. They put absolutely no value in their employees and some day soon he believes they will all be let go. They are subbing out his work that he does to other companies that will do it cheaper to make a profit. It sucks but what can you do. This really bothered him, and I just tried to let him know that we have so much to be thankful for and he can find something else. He is really good at what he does, and I have told him its time to break away now for awhile. Although he does not plan to quit before they for sure let his crew go, he did find another job working for a friends dad doing something a little different. I am so proud of him, and the fact that he is not listening to the smoke they blow at him daily saying they are going to have work after June. It makes me happy that if they do say "see ya" he has another job to go to the next day. It will all work out, but I am sad that a company that he has worked several years for cares so little for their employees. Whatever, he is better off elsewhere in my opinion. Alright enough about that. I have had several people coming to me recently regarding Organics and such and wanting to know if it is worth it to switch and mostly in the economy where money is tight for alot of people. Where I try very hard to be as close to 100% organic. I found a list that comes in very handy when figuring out which foods to choose organically over others. They call it the dirty dozen and here is the info.
12 Most Contaminated
Peaches
Apples
Sweet Bell Peppers
Celery
Nectarines
Strawberries
Cherries
Pears
Grapes (Imported)
Spinach
Lettuce
Potatoes
12 Least Contaminated
Onions
Avocado
Sweet Corn (Frozen)
Pineapples
Mango
Asparagus
Sweet Peas (Frozen)
Kiwi Fruit
Bananas
Cabbage
Broccoli
Papaya

Also people have wanted to know what cleaning products I use. While I make my own detergent and all purpose cleaners. I do buy stain remover, fabric softener, and also soy toilet cleaner that is made from natural plant enzymes and not chemicals. Biokleen is the name of the company, and I buy my products in bulk off of Amazon.com because that is the cheapest way to go. Lately too as if I do not have tons of stuff going on. I have certain friends calling me for advice. One friend recently wanted to know how you go about choosing in your will who your child should go to if something was ever to happen to both of us. I know for Trav and I months ago we talked about this and the decision was super easy. Of course you have to make sure for one the person or persons you name are willing to take on the resposibility, so you should talk with them first. Secondly and to me it SOOO important.........is that their is no doubt in your mind that they will raise your child according to your wishes. It was as simple as that for us, and I hope I was able to help her with that. Of course nobody wants to think of something like that, but you totally have to. I know that last thing I want if something was to happen to us, is for people fighting over who gets our daughter. I do not see this ever happening though since one of us is always with her! lol Something to think about though for those who have kids and have not done so. On a lighter note yesterday I finally ordered the tin backsplash for the kitchen. I was having a hard time deciding between copper and silver and Trav left it up to me. I went with copper because it really ties in with the colors I have chose! I am going to take before pictures tonight because we are starting the major work this weekend! Yay!!!!

Busy as a bee!

That is what I have been lately, but when have I not been! lol Today I am roasting 40 pounds of hatch chiles, sewing diapers, doing laundry, working on invites, and being a mommy! I thought I would hop on while Bailey is napping to give a quick update on some exciting things going on in our home. The weekend was beautiful! I had Co-op and got 40 pounds of hatch chiles for roasting plus tons of great veggies. I made some delish chicken eggrolls from a new recipe and chicken lo mein last night with some of the ingredients I got over the weekend and boy was it yummy. We were able to do some shopping this weekend at Home Depot and Lowes for stuff we need to redecorate the kitchen. We had lunch at an indian fry bread place down the street that we love. Sunday I went to a party that one of the girls was throwing no babies or hubbies allowed. I actually had a great time, and Bailey and Trav had fun back at home. I have been working hard at getting all my inventory done for my first stocking on the 16th. Some of my items are up for previewing in the store already. Here is the link http://hyenacart.com/CWCB/, I will have a ton more to come, and will be doing more stocking as I sew. After my first opening I will be stocking my wipe solution cubes also, and maybe cloth diaper friendly detergent. I got my sewing table finally a few days ago and Trav got it all set up for me. I have SOOOOO much fabric now I could seriously open my own store. I also got my new sewing machine, but my old one still works so I plan on using both :) I am more than excited about my products, and my testers love them more than I ever thought possible. Well updates on Bailey.......she is 25 pounds 11 ounces now! My little big girl :) She is really saying alot of stuff now, and loves to walk with help behind her walking toys. She is also really into showing off now and LOVES to crack us up! The other night we got her on video showing off and it was the funniest thing ever. My mom says she is very advanced, but then again I spend ALOT of time talking to her and trying to teach her new things. We got her pictures back from the photog and they came out great. I can not share them here because they will be on the invites for her bday. Okay one huge reason I sat down to blog today is I am so excited I could do a back flip! For awhile now Trav has known that my mom really wanted to chat with him prior to his proposing, and I thought it would NEVER happen. Trav is super shy and tends to stay away from uncomfortable situations. I knew it was super important to my mom, but did not expect him too. Turns out yesterday he took the chance when he saw my mom by his work to stop and talk to her and in so many words ask for her blessing!!!!!!! I about died when he told me after he got home. My mom adores Trav and I knew she would make him feel comfortable. He did not go into detail on all they talked about however he said he agreed 100% with everything she had to say to him. I have an idea of what she had to say. They are now going to meet for lunch to talk more :) My mom is a HUGE part of my life so it is so great to see her adore our family and see Trav feel the same way about her. He says she is just so "real" and just genuinely kind. He said he knows that she loves me very much and wants what is best for our family. I am still in shock that he did it! I love him so much and have for a really long time. I look forward to sharing the same last name and continuing to build on what we already have. He was happy to hear her say so many flattering things about him, and you could tell it was not uncomfortable at all. I have known for awhile that he has a very special something up his sleeve when asking to marry me, but now since this happened I know it will be soon!!! AHHHHHH! I am on top of the world :) I am so blessed!

If I only had one more arm!

I could get so much stuff done! lol I feel like superwoman around here lately with all that I have going on my plate. The weekend was so packed with stuff it flew by as usual. Friday I was stuck home because we had directv come to install our dish and they were here FOREVER. The guys were just lazy and taking their time, but so far we really like having directv. It is much cheaper than Cox and we have everything we had with them. We switched everyting to Qwest which offers directv now because they dropped their digi cable service so I have Qwest internet and phone now with a new number. Our family email has changed to wemustbedreaming@gmail.com, so Travs angryt stuff is gone thank god! Our phone number is most likely going to change again because it is unlisted however we are being called ALL day by dumb telemarketers :) Needless to say Friday was just cleaning while trying to keep an eye on the Directv guys. First thing Sat I headed to pick up my Co-op goods and am soooo happy that they are offering Organic baskets now in my subdivision every other weekend. I got some great fruits and veggies for Bailey and I to munch on all week. Saturday we also had Bailey's photoshoot at 12:00 and we though leaving an hour before would be perfect. NOPE, it was not and we were 20 minuted late for our appt. I HATE being late, and we had called ahead to make sure we could still come because traffic was SOOOO bad. The photog said many people that day had the same issue and said we were find so I was super excited. Bailey only smiled really twice, but was her usual happy silly sticking tongue out girl. We got some great shots for her invites, and I hope to get the CD later on in the week. Her bday is coming together and we got her chair delivered the other day. We bought her a recliner that says "Always our Princess" on it to sit and open her gifts in on her bday. Trav really liked the chair its kinda funny. The work we are doing on the house is coming along. I was able to score some darkening shades finally for our room and Baileys room and they look great. We also did some shopping at Dillards on Saturday at PV mall. We bought more great deals, and went to lunch. After that we headed home because it was my brothers graduation and I was off to celebrate with my brothers. Trav was home with Bailey of course and he let her stay up until 9 pm! It was nice to go out and let loose a little since I have had so much going on lately. It was also fun to celebrate my company opening March 16th!!!! Sunday was a lazy day and although we had planned on gettting alot done, it so did not happen. Bailey finally started to really crawl last night! She has been so lazy up until now and just rolled everywhere and crawled backwards. Turns out she was just waiting for us to buy her an oriental rug for upstairs that was soft for her knees! lol Seriously within minutes of laying the rug down she was scooting around! Of course I have been shopping around for a rug in the loft for a long time and yesterday I was out shopping with B and found a 600.00 rug on sale for 100.00 that would go perfect in the loft, so when Trav got home we headed and picked it up. It looks great in the loft and I am excited to have a place in the loft for B to play. I am working hard this week on getting inventory done for my store, and getting party bags and such done for B's bday. I still have tons to do. The demand for my dipes is incredible and I have SO many people sitting and waiting for my opening to snatch my diapers up. I am amazed and so thankful for the networking I have been able to do among friends. My sewing table and new machine should be here hopefully this week so I can get everything organized :) For now my work is done on the kitchen table. Trav is so proud and excited for my new endeavour and is so supportive. He is the best. Bailey is talking ALOT lately and now says "Who is that" and also "What is that", she loves to play the Uh Oh! game and we played it all through frys yesterday with her monkey. We are doing great, just super busy. My sister has worked out childcare so that I can focus on my company until June which is when she will be moving right down the street. I am so excited to have the kids close and the summer should be fun :) Well it is breakfast time :) I posted a few pics of 3 more dipes that will be at my opening. A VERY sought after Harajuku lovers print by Gwen Stefani :) I will post my store link when I have it all put together! Happy Wedn!

live well, laugh often, love much!

This is my new motto to live by! Trav and I had talked about doing some redecorating in the kitchen and such and I came across this piece to remodel my kitchen around (I always find one piece and design around it) and it has those words on it. Lately we have been blessed with alot, and it seems like great things just keep on coming. Things are really coming together now for my cloth diaper company! I am shocked and completely stoked to see the feedback on the diapers people are testing currently. They compare them to the biggest name cloth diapers out there right now that go for 35.00 a piece. My website/store should be up and running in the middle of March. I plan on stocking whenever I can, and do not plan on doing custom orders. This keeps the work going on my terms and does not put me in a rush to make dipes since I am a mommy first. I have settled on a name after chatting with a few friends on my ideas. They are Roo-bugs! This name is 2 nicknames that we have for B combined. I call her my chunkaroo, and Trav calls her his bug. I am getting custom tags made and business cards. I cannot even say how excited I am to have found something I am super good at, besides cooking. We have alot of exciting things going on this weekend. We are really redoing our kitchen. There is NO way we can sell this stupid house right now so might as well make it what I want. We may buy again and rent this one, but it will still be ours so remodeling isnt a bad thing. Trav and I were talking the other night, and with our expanding family if push came to shove we could turn this house into 4 bedrooms if needed. So in my kitchen we are refinishing the cabinets, and putting a stone backsplash on the wall among other things. Trav really wants to repaint the entire downstairs with new colors, but I HATE painting so its all him if he wants to do it! lol We got a great sewing table that is being delivered for my business and I will set up shop for now in the loft. Tomorrow morning we are taking Bailey to have her pictures taken for her 1st bday invites. I was able to score a photoshoot with an AWESOME photog for a great deal. This will be her first real photoshoot besides what we have had done at portrait innovations. My brother is also graduating from his nursing program tomorrow! I am SOOOO proud of him. Sunday we are headed to do some shopping around at Lowes and Home Depot for remodel stuff. Gosh our weekends are always so busy! Yesterday Bailey and I went to do some shopping at Dillards because they are having an awesome sale right now, and Trav wanted me to go look at home decor stuff and clothes, etc. I came away with some AWESOME deals. I hate paying full price for anything and recently started getting low on the makeup that I use. Turns out Sephora is the only store that sells it and it never goes on sale. When we were at the mall over the weekend I passed on buying it ($38) to find a better deal. Really it is not soo bad because I do not always wear makeup and the last time I bought it was before Bailey was born. Well yesterday at Dillards I found a new brand that is the same price however it was on a UBER sale. I got Foundation, concealer, a whole smokey eye shadow kit, and a blemish stick for 20.00! Less than that one makeup would have cost. The great deals did not stop there. Last weekend we had looked a a kegerator for Trav, but he passed because it was 200.00 and not something he NEEDED. Well at dillards I see one, and it is the floor model, but at 65.00 plus 40% off that was a steal. I got up to pay for it, and the lady said......"I have a new one in a box in the back let me get it for you"!!!!! What? I seriously got a kegerator for Trav for 33.00 total!!! He was SOOO excited and sent me to pick him up a keg as soon as he got home from work! lol I also got for the 2 of us some clothes. I ended up with 4 pairs of jeans and 1 shirt, and 1 pair of jeans, 2 shirts, and 2 hoodies for Trav and spent 100.00! These are all name brand stuff too like Volcom, Quicksilver, and Buffalo jeans for me. I tell ya that was my kind of sale! I plan on hitting another location over the weekend by myself to really take the time to shop. It was funny because the kegerator box was huge and I parked far so I had to hold Bailey and put the kegerator in the stroller! lol I got alot of funny looks! Well I have alot going on today, so I better get started. Bailey is perfect, and is such a sweet girl! Today is a beautiful day to head out and get some more shopping done :) Oh and my sister is coming today to look at a house right down the street from us. I would love to have her close by, and it is the only way I can watch her kids until June. Of course she will pay me, but right now the daycare is costing her 500 a week, and that is crazy. If I do take them on again......all that money will go towards paying cash for our wedding/eloping? lol Who wants to finance a wedding? Not us that is for sure! We shall see! Hope everyone has an amazing weekend!

Short weekend, and a busy week ahead!

I will be super busy for the next couple of months with Baileys bday coming. I have so much planning to do, and the frugal part of me would rather do most of it myself than pay for someone elses services! lol I have been working on a video montage for her bday also that will only include pics of our little family to avoid anyone else feeling left out. The weekend was a great one. Trav had to work on Saturday all day so he really only had Sunday with us. His dad hurt his back and had to go to the hospital but ended up getting sent home which was great news. Trav said he is back at work today so it is great to hear he is on the mend. Our weekends tend to be very busy since Trav obviously works all week long. Sunday we took Bailey to the mall to do some much needed shopping. We had sooo much fun, and she LOVED looking at the puppies in the store. It won't be long before she is asking for one. That night was the first night we went out to eat and ordered her a meal! lol It was fun to sit as a family and enjoy our meal. We went to Toys r Us to pick up a few toys for her bday. Bailey is growing so fast and learning so much daily. Trav reads these books "If you give a mouse a cookie" etc that her cousin Carson gives her on holidays and she loves them. She can point out where the mouse is, and also the boy. We think she is super smart, but I think every parent is the same way. Trav also sings to her alot and one is just a melody where he sings Baby, Baby, Baby, Baaaaaaby! She now will sing it right back to you. We are LOVING her so much and really feel blessed. I hope to TTC at the beginning of April which is only a month and a half away, but we are ready. A few of my friends tease me about getting into shape to only get preggo again, but I want to start from the same weight I started with B. I am busy with alot of different things. I am going to be doing some work with the March of Dimes with my cloth diapers to raise some money. I am in the middle of having some people test out my products to give me feedback before I go full speed ahead. Some things have come up with my sister needing childcare again, so I may be having my niece and nephews again until June or so. I miss them and would love to have them here, but its alot to add to my plate. Trav would prefer I just stay home with B, but I also know when my sis really needs help and now is the time. We will see how it all pans out. I gotta run and make some breakfast. Hope everyones week is off to a great start. Bailey and I are shopping today for house stuff and bday stuff~

Happy Birthday Mom

This morning I wake up so thankful that I save all of my emails! It is one thing to have a conversation face to face with someone and make up a lie about what they said, because then it becomes a he said she said situations. With an email there are exact words saved, and I am SUPER thankful for that. At the click of a button, what I really said is right there to read word for word. Poor Trav! lol Today I want to do a special blog because it is my Mom's bday. I know you are reading this, and I tell you everyday how much I love you. I do not always get the chance to tell you why, but today I am going to do just that. You are AMAZING, and more than I could ever have hoped for in a Mom. Trav and I both adore you, and cherish all you do for us.

I want to thank you for being there for me ALWAYS, even when at times I probably would have walked away. It isnt often anymore that you find a mom so dedicated to their children like you were to me growing up, and even now. Your patience and tender kindness you have about you is something many people lack. You were there to pick up the pieces when my heart was breaking, and I will never forget the worst day of my life holding you while we both cried. At a time I did not know how I would make the next day a great one, you made me see that it was possible. Sure enough almost 2 years to the day I was blessed with our healthy daughter, and your grandaughter Bailey. I am so thankful to have had you there on that day. It was so special to have you there coaching me into bringing our daughter into this world. Since then you have been such a great help to me, and I will forever be grateful. Thank you for knowing your place in our family, and cherishing the time you get with Bailey even if it isnt as often as you would like. Thank you for respecting all the choices that Trav and I make for our daughter, even if you might do something different, and never even questioning us. Thank you for realizing and giving us the space we need to build our family. I know Trav really appreciates your support and respect in a huge way, and your trust knowing that WE are doing what is best for OUR daughter. I want to thank you for the effort you put into making Trav comfortable when we hang out, even if that means you have to talk sports (something you know nothing about)! :) Thank you for not letting me know when I am in the wrong even though I am your daughter. I want to thank you in a HUGE way for giving me the tools I need to be the best mother to B, and wife to Trav. I know he wants to thank you for teaching me how to cook. :) You are soooo special to us. Bailey adores you and would thank you if she could for cherishing each moment with her even if it is only for a few minutes at Target or wherever it may be. Thank you for being so laid back, and just normal. I will never forget the sacrafices you have made to give me the life you have. Thank you for knowing and teaching me that life is not about material things. I know you do not buy B tons of toys, clothes, and gifts and that stuff truly means nothing. Your bond with her, and the love you give her means the world and she will grow to one day cherish that. I LOVE our Monday Tuesday long chats on the phone, and wish I could see you more. My world is better because of you, and I could never have the right words of time to thank you enough. I LOVE you Mom with all of my heart, and I am so grateful to have your positive role in our life, and I know Trav feels the same. Your being religious used to throw him off a little bit, but he knows that you are just a really good genuine person who loves us all to bits and he appreciates that. Lastly I want to thank you for understanding your role as Baileys grandma, and knowing your job is to love her and that is it. Happy Birthday Mom~~~ I can't wait to have dinner tomorrow!

Tamale making and birthday planning

Bailey is sleeping in this morning, which I figured she would because we were up later than normal last night. The past couple of days have been super busy, and they only get busier with Easter, and birthdays coming. Monday was a holiday so my mom and sister came out to Gilbert to meet us for lunch at Joes BBQ in downtown Gilbert. Lunch was great, and it was sooo nice to see my mom. She is the best, and is losing tons of weight. She looked awesome, and we really enjoyed the time eating, and the kids adore Bailey and her fun personality. Turns out she LOVES BBQ! She was grabbing handfuls of pulled pork off my plate and shoveling it in. It is always funny to see her next to her cousin Ethan who is older, but literally half her size! lol Trav wanted to meet up to go bowling because he had his nephew, but they had been at the zoo all morning and were zonked. Plus we are hanging out again on Friday for my mom's bday. I felt bad for Trav because he did not see B but for only a minute on Monday because he had to babysit. He had fun with his nephew though and got to spend tons of time with B last night. We had shopping to do yesterday so we were out and about and I was making tamales which I am continuing to do today. It is quite a process since I make three kinds, but they are sooooo yummy. I bought more sewing supplies yesterday to make things easier, and also bought the stuff to start knitting. Knitting is like a foreign language, but I am sure I will catch on quick. A few of my CD friends and I are starting a website for our goods. Trav and I have thrown a few ideas around for a name. We are loving both Chubby Wubby's and Chunkaroo's. We have alot of work to get done this weekend to get my sewing area together in the loft and organized, among a million other things. Trav had talked about going to a yard sale his sis was having to sell a couple things we have, but I told him last night it really is not worth it to me to spend a whole Sat trying to make a few bucks on the little stuff we have to sell. Plus he has to drive all the way across town to do it. We have alot of other things to do. He may go still, but B and I will stay behind to get some stuff done. I have Coop pickup in the AM, and was hoping to volunteer this week but cannot if Trav is gone. We are going to my mom's bday on Friday, and then I hope to go to church Sunday so I want to be home one day of the weekend. So yesterday I got a surprise in the mail. When we had gone to Flagstaff we originally booked our room through hotels.com but they overbooked the hotel and we had to do it elsewhere. I thought nothing of it, but they sent us a certificate for 100.00 towards our next stay wherever for the inconvenience. Trav was super excited because we love taking mini vacations as a family. Today is going to be a super day, and my sunshine is talking in her room so I gotta run.

What a perfect weekend & 10 months today!

We had such a blast this weekend celebrating Valentines day and spending time as a family. It proves to us for sure that Bailey does not need to be babysat by anyone for us to get the time we need as a couple. Which brings me to something funny Trav said last night. He said "You know there has been only one time that Bailey was out of either of our sight, do you remember when that was"? Of course I do, it was in the hospital and we let our nurse take her for a few hours so we could get some much needed rest! Other than that she has never been our of our sight literally. I personally do not even feel comfortable with someone taking her out of the room I am in while holding her, it makes me sick! lol Trav understands this so he has my back. I try not to even think about it, because we both have a pact, until we are both completely comfortable with something it doesnt happen. So if he is ok with a babysitter and I am not, it is a no go until I am period. Funny he brought that up last night though. Everyone had been asking us if we were going on a date for V-day. Sure we had a date after Bailey was in bed in our living room! Another thing that I do to keep cost down in our home is taking Bailey's pictures myself instead of going to the studio where we always spend atleast 100 every time. Friday we had a Valentines photoshoot for Daddy and the pics came out so cute. B is such a ham. We will be having our first real family photos taken professionally though right before her first bday. Her birthday is starting to come together a little bit. We have decided to have it here, and just keep the guest list small. We are toying with the idea of renting a bounce house because that will keep the kids occupide and not running around the house. It has been fun planning her party, but honestly Trav is NO help in the plans. He says everything sounds good! lol My mom is helping me out with it. It is a big deal to me, and will be fun for B. Today she is 10 months old, and we just cannot believe it. What an awesome 10 months it has been though. We love our little girl to bits, and I look forward to trying for baby #2 in April if that is what I choose. I had such bad all day sickness with B, I wanted to wait to get preggo until after her first bday. I would love to give Bailey someone to play with, and we want to expand our family. We had a long talk over the weekend about moving, and right now even if we sold our home it would be at a loss because our home is actually worth less right now than what we paid for it. The only way we will move which I hope is still going to happen is to buy a second home and rent this one out until the economy recovers. Trav likes Arizona because it is a comfort zone for him, but I am hating AZ. We always find a compromise, so maybe we will end up closer than the east coast. I am going to plan a vacation to Idaho for us so he can have the chance to check it out, hang out with Jessicas husband and get a feel for what life would be like there. I talk to Trav about Jess ALL the time and he gets tired of hearing about her. I have told him he would hear alot less if I was her neighbor and got to see her all day. She is such a genuine person, I really miss having her around. I sent her care package out with tons of goodies for her family and the new little girl she had. So our Valentines celebration at home was perfect. Trav is so great and always knows exactly what I need. He bought me a new huge crockpot that has a touch screen on it! Leave it to Trav to do research and find the coolest one on the market! lol It is sooo neat, and cannot wait to use it. He also bought more fabric and stuff for my business, and ok's the purchase of a new juicer for our family. So far the best one we found was 200.00 but totally worth it. Of course my favorite thing always is the card. He said I am amazing and he is the luckiest man in the world to have someone like me! He went out and bought Bailey her first Vday stuff (a growling lion, and a card) so cute. Bailey bought daddy a new wallet, flip flops, undies, gloves, and long underwear for work. I bought him some stuff for after hours if you know what I mean! lol We planned to have our dinner after Bailey went to bed so I made her dinner, and we played with her and put her down. Trav grilled up our Filets, and I made cheese fondue and chocolate covered strawberries. We had my favorite wine, and the dinner was delicious! Somehow I got suckered into watching a slam dunk contest. The night was beautiful. We mesh so well! Yesterday we did a little shopping, and then came home to BBQ again. *Note to self.......do not eat new york strip steaks the night after eating filet mignon.......no bueno! We have a busy week, as Trav has his nephew tonight and my moms bday is this week, and she is on vacation so I hope to get some time with her. Happy Monday!

winding down

Today was such an eventful day. I am constantly reminded why it is that I love Trav so much. He unlike anyone else knows exactly what to say to make me feel at ease, when I am upset about anything. After my interesting morning, Bailey and I headed out to do some Valentines day shopping for Papa, and just had a ball. Anyone who knows me is aware that I LOVE a sale! lol I never pay full price for anything, and usually find steals for pennies on the dollar. The last time I shopped for stuff for the family at Old Navy, I spent under a hundred dollars and got like 40 things! Trav loves that I really search for a deal before buying stuff. That is one of the many things I do to allow us to live off of one income. That and if we do not have the money to spend for whatever it is, we do not buy it period. It is a great rule to live by. I have been asked by a few people how I am able to stay at home. It started it off by saving long ago when we first talked about having children. We paid off cars and continued to save. We do not eat out alot and never have. I do my own nails. Shop sales for everything. The biggest thing we did was budget, and made sure not to buy things we could not afford. Sure we would love to have a plasma TV, but if it has to be bought on credit, we truly cannot afford it, and that just starts the hole of debt. We both had the same common goal from way back, and were determined to make it work. When I was preggo and still working all my money went towards paying for everything that we would need for B. Stroller, swing, clothes, furniture, etc. We knew then that we could totally live off of one income, because we were. We also do not have to buy diapers, wipes (since I used cloth there too), and I make reusable paper towels. Cutting cost wherever you can helps tons. I also buy in bulk if it is a great deal. When we sat down to budget for my new car we calculated how much was coming in and going out, and what we could afford to pay monthly without making us feel strapped for cash. We do that with every larger purchase we make. I know recently we had looked into getting a SLR camera, and we figured out what we could afford and it is my job to shop around and find one at that price. Trav and I work so well together, and I do not always stick to the budget, and usually it is groceries that I cheat on, but you have to leave room for that also. One thing I cannot stress enough is taking care of your credit. I learned the hard way when I was younger and made some mistakes that I barely got rid of recently and my credit is worlds better. When you have awesome credit you can qualify for 0% interest on vehicles which is ideal, and also deals where if you need something and do not have the cash you can get it for no interest and no payments for a certain period of time and if you pay it off within that time it is all gravy :) So if you have credit anywhere make sure your payments are ALWAYS on time. Protecting your credit is huge! We really have made many changes that we are so happy to make to afford the life we live now. We were talking the other night about our local bar we used to go to quite a bit out here. It was not unusual for us to go and spend 100 on having a blast in one night. We now enjoy a glass of wine or a beer at home for a couple of bucks. I used to go to starbucks often, and now might go once a month. I make green tea at home, and coffee on mornings that are rough. I also cook almost everything from scratch and that saves a ton at the grocery store. Buying processed or frozen foods is alot more expensive. Grocery shopping for me is a job itself! lol I sit down with the ads and plan my meals according to what is on sale. I am fortunate enough to have several grocery stores very close, so I usually go to a few different ones in my grocery day. I always eat before I go to avoid buying stuff because it looks good. I have also figured out food wise what is used alot, and if those things go on sale I stock up. Butter freezes really well, and so does bacon! :) Well I sure wrote a book! I know some of you were wanting to know how we do it, so those are some things we have done. I was trying to get to the good deal I got at Target today. My best friend just had her baby and I had been getting a care package together to send to her, and I wanted to get her some comfy pjs or something because I remember after having B, I just wanted to be comfortable. I ended up finding a 30.00 robe for 4.00! I was stoked, and also happened to go on the toy aisle and found a Radio Flyer pink tricycle for B at only 14.98 and it was 60.00 normally. A cute gift for Valentines day, although Trav is going to buy her something she can enjoy now. She is definitely not ready to hop on her trike! I was so excited to get those deals, and send Jess her package tomorrow. We got the grocery shopping done for my vday dinner. We are grilling filet mignon, and having cheese fondue with bread, apples, potatoes, asparagus, and for dessert choclate covered stawberries. I also got a bottle of my favorite wine to enjoy. I look forward to sharing the day with my little family. Well Trav came home today and told me that they are only promised work until June, which I am not surprised by. The company he works for has been subbing their jobs out to cheaper companies to make a profit. I see it as the perfect time to relocate, and I believe Trav sees it too. His only worry is selling the house, but we spoke tonight and we agree we wont know if it will sell until we try. If we put it up now, maybe by June it will have sold. It has def put a fire under my butt to start looking for opportunities elsewhere for him. I LOVE Georgia, and have already found some great companies looking for him one being Waste Management. We are not worried about him not having work, because he is a hard worker, and worrying does not change anything anyway. I guess we will see how it all unfolds in the coming weeks. I look forward to a change in scenery, and believe everything happens for a reason. Well I think I have said enough for tonight, but one last thing. I asked Bailey this morning if she wanted to go shopping, and she said "Yeah"...........I was like.......thats my girl! :)

Today is going to be an AWESOME day!!!

I am a little peeved today, although I cannot say much here. I am super upset, but glad I am aware of EVERYTHING in our life. It boils down to disrespect by others period and I find it extremely sad. I will leave it at that. I love Trav dearly, and am planning a special night for him tomorrow. I am still working hard at trying to move out of state. The other night I was looking into Logansville, Georgia which is a beautiful place. They have AWESOME opportunities in Travs line of work, and they pay really well. I know people that live there, so we would not be all alone. The only thing standing in our way is selling this house. Trav has said if I can find him great pay with a good company he would be all over it. I really am hoping to get the ball rolling, because I would really like to have another baby, but not until we move if that is what we choose. We looked at a few gorgeous homes out in GA with wrap around porches and such, just beautiful for good prices also. Our house is way too small to build our life in, so we really do not have a choice. We def wont rebuy here in AZ. I want to see other places, and since Trav is not sold on Idaho which would be my first choice. I must look where he wants! I am holding off on my bathroom remodel for that reason, and am done doing any work on this house. I will miss B's nursery because we worked so hard on it, but she will have a new better one! I have been working hard the last few days on making some more diapers for my business. I have a few other surprises in the works. Today though me and my favorite girl are headed out to do some shopping for Valentines day!!!! Should be a blast! We have a great surprise in store for daddy........he will be soooo happy! I am so thankful for my honey and his huge heart (to a fault at times). Well I must run, we have a big day of shopping ahead and it is breakfast time!