Merry Christmas

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas.
We hope your homes are filled with love, laughter, happiness and good health.
Remember what the season is for.
Happy Birthday Jesus!

2010’s Funny Facebook Postings Part 1 of 2

I never thought about all the little sayings I posted on Facebook about my son and how someday he might enjoy reading them. So I went back through them and copied them all down. Whew! That was a job and I don’t even post that much! So here is the first six months. When December is done, I will post them, too.
You might want to do something similar for your children. They may enjoy hearing what was happening when they were little at the time it was happening.


January

· Jacob is watching the Cars movie for the zillionth time. He LOVES this movie so much! He calls it "Pachow". I don't like for him to watch too much TV, but letting him watch this once or twice a week sure allows me to get something done! OK, I admit it, it's my favorite movie, too!

February

· It’s amazing how a 2 year old turning the computer’s power button on and off really fast while it’s trying to install updates can cause more damage to your operating system than any virus! Ugggh!

March

· My 2 year old brought me his battery operated toy car that quit working. With big sad eyes and very upset he holds his car up to me and says, ”Fix car?” New batteries didn’t work, so I decided to take it apart. After mending a broken wire, handing it back to him and seeing his big smile, that was worth more to me than any paycheck I have ever received before. Five minutes of my time made me a hero in his eyes.

April

· A typical 20 second conversation with my 2 year old. “Jake, will you pick up your crayons please? “NO!” “Jake, please drink your juice in the kitchen.” “NO!” “Jake, are you done eating?” “NO!” “Then sit back down.” “NO!” “Jake, do you have to go potty?” NO!” “Jake, did you just go pee-pee in your pants?” “NO!” “Jake, do you want to go to the track to see the cars?” “YES!”

· What I would give to have an ounce of my 2 year old's energy level.

· My 2 year old locked the front door behind me as I went outside to get something. Luckily I managed to beat him to the backdoor before he did! What have I learned? To always take my keys with me!

· Why do little kids at night in bed flop around like fish in the bottom of a boat? I am up 3-4 times a night covering my son back up. He wakes me up as he gets cold and I find him huddled up in a ball crying with the blanket balled up on the other side of the bed. I guess I am going to have to velcro it to his body.

May

· We were laughing the other day when Jim's blue '63 vette and Stevie's red '63 vette were on the line, Jake started jumping up and down screaming that The King & Pachow (that's what he calls Lighting McQueen) from the movie Cars were on the line racing! He loves those cars. That's my boy!

June

· I've worked for some pretty demanding bosses in my time, but by far the most demanding is my 2 year old. Though he's tough to please, my performance reviews from him have been great and unlike other bosses, I'll accept his kisses as payment. lol :)

· How do you convince a 2 year old that there is no racing today? He doesn't believe me!

· Take 1 screaming mad toddler + 1 haircut + exasperated hair stylist = 1 big, fat tip.

· Finally got cable with Speed channel. While staying up with sick little one, watching neat shows like Pass Time and Pinks. The motor sounds help Jake to sleep as he loves race cars. :)

· So proud of my little one! He is now using the bathroom on his own. Only thing he needs help with is turn the water on and off and help with putting his pants back on. Not bad for a 28 month old!

50% off Michaels's Coupon

If you are planning on doing some shopping at Michael's Craft Store then you will want to print out this 50% off coupon before you head out. Good till 12/13/10.

To print coupon click here: 50% off Michael's Coupon

Check out these other coupons from Michael's like $5.00 to $25.00 off on Saturday Dec. 11 only and 25% off Celebrate it Christmas Floral

Always check for coupons before heading out to the stores! Saving money makes the holiday all the more merrier!

Save Big at Amazon

Planning on doing some online shopping? Don't miss Amazon's Deals pages.
Now through December 23, 2010 you can save big at Amazon on toys, electronics, movies, video games and more!

You get these savings through different delas pages like what is called a "Lightning Deal." A Lightning Deal is a promotion in which a limited number of discounts are offered on an item for a short period of time.
Check out the Lightning Deals here: Lightning Deals

There is also Amazon's Gold Box Deals. These are special deals that have short lives, but big savings and you can see what's coming up. Check them out here: Gold Box Deals

Then there is Amazon's Best Deals. These are ongoing deals. Check them out here: Best Deals

To see all the Amazon deals at once you can click here: All Deals

I try and never pay full price for something. Getting a good deal on a gift for someone else is like getting a gift for yourself.

Save $10 of $25 on a Yankee Candle

My husband and I both love Yankee Candles, but boy they are expensive!

I like how they totally burn down, not just down the center of the candle and I love their easy lighting wicks. Not to mention their lovely scents. They really smell authentic.

If you love them too and are planning on getting some for gifts for others plus one or two for yourself, then be sure to print this coupon: $10 off $25 Yankee Candles

You can use this at most places that sell them except outlet stores, Target and YC fund raisers.

The coupon is good till 12/24/10 so be sure to keep an eye out for sales and then use the coupon to maximize your savings!

Bath & Body Works $10 off $10 Purchase (online)

If you're like me, you may like some of the gift sets Bath & Body Works has, but have a really hard time walking into that store because of all the overwhelming smells.

Too many strong smelling items crammed together in that small space makes my head swim and my sinuses throb. I'm sure most men know what I mean.

But if there is a lady in your life who has said she likes a specific fragrance, but you feel uneasy just standing outside the door of Bath & Body Works you can do one of two things: Bribe some stranger going in to go and get you the gift you need or order it online and use the $10 off $10 purchase coupon.

You will have to pay $5.99 shipping, but that may be less than the bribe you would have to pay to that stranger!

Just use the code F102785

Toys R Us Members Only Sale Today!

If you are a Toys R Us Member you can save big today with their Members only sale!
They have these awesome coupons you can print by clicking here: Toys R Us coupons
Becoming a member is easy and free. Just sign up at the store the next time you are there or at www.toysrus.com/rewards and you can earn up to 10% back! See store or website for details.

CVS 25% Off Coupon

Get your CVS 25% off in-store coupon by clicking here: CVS Coupon
Good till 12/12/10
So print one off before you head out!

New Coupons Reloaded

Coupons.com has reloaded with all new coupons just in time for the baking season.

Here are just a few of the coupons available. Check out coupons.com for more!:

- Hershey Kisses - $1.00 off 2
- Crisco Shortening - $0.50 off 1
- Betty Crocker Cookie Mix save .40 off 1
- Pillsbury Cookie Dough Save $1.00 off 2
- Nestle Jingles - $1.50 off 2
- Hefty Save $1 off 1
- Rembrandt Kit - $5.00 off
- Sinusense Products - $5.00 off 1
- ProPlan Dog or Cat Food - $5.00 off 1
- Nutro Small Breed 4lb bag - $4.00 off 1
- Prevacid 24hr - $4.00 off 1
- Glad Automatic Spray Starter Kit - $4.00 off 1
- Glade Scented Oil Lasting Impressions - $3.00 off 1
- Afrin Nasal Spray - $3.00 off 1
- Aleve (80ct) - $2.00 off 1
- Whiskas Bag or Multi-pack - $2.00 off 1
- Sinus Buster - $2.00 off 1
- Listerine Whitening Rinse - $2.00 off 1
- Starbucks Ice Cream - $1.00 off 2 pints

Still Trying To Please Everybody?

"I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody."
~Bill Cosby

If you are still trying to please everybody, then how’s that working for you?

I know from time to time that I am guilty of trying to please everybody. I want to make sure everyone is happy. I make the mistake in thinking that I am responsible for other people’s happiness, when in truth I am not. You are only responsible for your own happiness.

Still, that doesn’t stop us people pleasers. We bend over backwards to help people and try to make their lives a little easier. We will do this at the price of our own health and sanity. We often times stretch ourselves so thin, that we break under the pressure. We don’t set out to be that way, we just love and care about the people around us. We want them to be happy and when we do something that elicits a positive response we want to keep doing it.

The problem with that is it becomes a vicious cycle. We do something to help someone else that makes them happy. In turn it makes us feel good so we keep on doing it. Ultimately you become worn out, used up and taken for granted. And believe me, other people will begin to expect certain things from you and then you feel the need to not let them down.

So what can you do to break the cycle? Start by taking care of your own needs first for a change. Now I’m not advocating ignoring the needs of your children or other close family members. I am suggesting that the best way to help others is to help yourself first, then be very selective on what you do and for whom.

“But aren’t we supposed to help everyone?” you ask. Yes, we are expected to help others, but no one expects one person to do it all. You are not meant to overdo it. You must choose where you want to help and who will most benefit from your help. Then gently let go of the rest. Learning to politely say the word, “No” is a very hard lesson to learn, but must be learned if you expect to enjoy life.

The bigger the circle of people in your life, the more selective you must be in how much you help. You can only go so far, so choose wisely. Select who you will keep in your inner circle, the ones closest to you. Help the people outside your close inner circle only when you have the time, the resources and feel you are the best person for the job. Sometimes the best way to help them may be to suggest a different source, whether it be a mutual friend or a professional.

So you want to continue to help others? Great, just be sure to do it wisely. Start by helping yourself first, then your inner circle of the people closest to you, then someone else outside your circle next and only if you can without over extending yourself.

God said to love one another and help each other. He didn’t say to kill yourself trying to help everyone!

So remember this good advice,
"I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody."
~Bill Cosby



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Sometimes We Need Comforting, too.

"As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you," says the Lord.
~Isaiah 66:13

In this holiday time, sad feelings can overtake us. Even though we may feel joyful around others, when we are alone such as driving home from work, in the shower or standing in line at the grocery store, sad, even lonely feelings can somehow overtake us.

Does it mean we are depressed? Does it mean we are ungrateful? Does it mean we are oblivious to our blessings? The answer can be both yes and no.

Sometimes we do have a chemical imbalance in our brains and are clinically depressed. If your feelings of sadness last for weeks with no breaks from it, then it’s time to see a doctor. However, if the feelings come and go and are short term, then you might just be suffering from burnout or a case of disconnect.

We can have the best of families, the most fulfilling career and all our basic need fully met and then some and still feel like something is missing. You may ask yourself why you feel that way. Maybe you’ve over-committed yourself and are just tired. Maybe there is some unresolved conflict you need to address, whether it be with a co-worker or more closer to home with a loved one. Either way you need to “fix” it. Or maybe you realize something is missing, but just aren’t sure exactly what that is.

It could be that you’ve lost your way to God. Though we may feel loved by God we may not feel connected. And we only have ourselves to blame for God is always there. It is us that have disconnected the ties. We only need to reconnect with God to fill that void that may be causing our unhappiness. And like a patient parent, He waits for us to come back to Him.

There are times that our blue feelings have merit. Missing a loved one who is gone, worry over finances or job loss, a child who has somehow lost his way. The reasons could be endless. This is the time to go to God and ask for more than just His help. Sometimes you just need to be comforted. Just like a child sometimes needs to climb into your lap and be comforted.

We do more than help our children when they need us, we also comfort them when they are hurting, both physically and emotionally. Just as we are with our children so is God with us. All we need do is to ask, to reconnect, to reach out and ask to be comforted. He is waiting for us.

So remember what the Lord has said,
"As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you."
~Isaiah 66:13




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Over-Commitment This Holiday - Sounds Like Something You Do?

"Over-commitment kills relationships and steals joy."
~Susie Larson

Are you starting to over-commit yourself already this holiday season? Are you secretly dreading the holidays and can’t wait till they’re over because of all the work that’s in store for you? Then maybe you are over-committing yourself.

When you promise too much to too many people you aren’t helping any. You are actually harming. You are harming yourself and the ones around you, because when you over-commit by promising too much, you end up worn out, grouchy and depressed. This causes the people around you harm when your actions reflect your bad mood. In essence, you hurt their feelings. You get short tempered with your kids for causing more havoc and chaos (why can’t they behave better?), you get angry at your spouse for not helping more (after all they are his parents!), and irritated with your family for expecting you to do it all (can’t someone else host the party this year for a change?)

So, how can you stop over-committing yourself and still get all the things done on your to do list? Well, the simple answer is, you can’t.

Sometimes, doing less is actually doing more. Sit down with your spouse and your children if they are older and make a list of all the things you think you need to do. Then prioritize. Do you really need to attend all the parties you’ve been invited to? No, of course not. Find out if there is one thing that is really important to anyone in your household they want to attend and only commit to those activities. School plays and any religious ceremonies might be some important ones not to miss.

If you feel you must attend more than one holiday party, then make your appearance brief, but friendly. An hour is long enough as long as you make a point to try and visit with everyone briefly and remember to be lively. Just long enough for them to know you were there, but not so long as to cut too much into your time.

And don’t bother making something from scratch if you feel it’s too much to do right now. Just swing by the grocery store and pick up some cookies or cupcakes. Buy a cheap plastic, decorative plate and have it ready for you to transfer the goodies from the store’s plastic box onto your plate and no one will be the wiser. Some inexpensive bouquet of flowers or wine for the hostess is also a nice touch.

When it comes to hosting your own family holiday party, it’s OK to ask for help. Ask everyone to bring something to share. So what if everyone shows up with desserts. Most people won’t complain about having more choices in goodies.

Also, though we are all trying to be more Eco friendly, I think it’s OK to occasionally break out the plastic utensils and paper plates. What dishes you do have, ask for help cleaning up. Some great conversations are to be had when one is washing, one is rinsing and one or more is drying.

Keep the menu simple, no big turkeys or hams unless you really want to. If someone makes a snide comment about the store bought cold cuts tray, then smile and say you look forward to attending next year’s party at their house!

If you do want to cook, then ask for help making the side dishes. Light some candles, put on some music and crack open a bottle of wine for the helpers to make it fun. Cooking can be fun and festive with a group of people and some good conversation. Your guests will enjoy themselves and you more if everyone, including their hostess is having a good time.

Shortly before the holiday’s craziness begins make an appointment for yourself at a salon. Just make sure to make your appointment weeks ahead of time as this is their busy season. Get your hair done, your nails and maybe even a massage. Taking some special time for yourself and maybe giving yourself a new look does wonders for your mood and your outlook.

Most of all remember what the season is all about. It will help put things into perspective.

Then sit back, enjoy your loved ones and accept all the compliments on a great time had by all!



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When Little Boys Are Quiet

"Admit it. When the girl's are quiet, all's sweetness and light. When the boys are quiet, someone better check on them."
~Hal and Melanie Young

So true. I know when my son is quiet I better drop everything and check on him. He’s either doing something dangerous or something destructive.

It may be that way for some girls, too, but boys tend to be more secretive in their exploration of new things and their ultimate destruction.

I wonder why that is. I wonder why boys are so secretive. I'm not totally convinced it's because they are purposely trying to conceal their actions, especially when they are toddlers. I think it's more of a fact that they get so engrossed in their play, they block out the rest of the world. At least until they get past the toddler stage. Then their secretness takes on a whole other purpose.

How can I teach my son to enjoy and explore his surroundings, but not learn to hide things from me? I understand as time passes he may pull away from me more and keep secrets from me, but how do I keep that to a minimum? How do I teach him to come to me when it’s something really important?

Right now, his concealment is limited to coloring on a wall with a crayon or playing with an ink pen he managed to reach off of the counter. But later this might gradually turn into playing with matches, bullying another child or being bullied. It may then later be succumbing to peer pressure and smoking and trying drugs.

It’s innocent and cute now, but how do I gently teach him to come to me? I may start by teaching him that God sees and knows all that he does. He knows the secrets my son keeps in his heart. But I must temper that with teaching him that even though God knows all that he is thinking and doing, God will also welcome him into His confidence. I must teach my son that God encourages us all to come to Him with our secrets, our worries, our concerns and our problems and know that our secrets are safe with Him.

Maybe if I teach my son that even if he can’t come to me, he can always go to God. Then in doing so, he may also learn that he can come to me as well. God may very well tell him to go to his mother (or father) for the help and security he seeks.

I have learned that when you have trouble trusting anyone, trusting in God first helps us learn to eventually trust others again. This is what I must first teach my son, to trust God first, then to learn to trust his parents as well.

I must be the parent he seeks. One he can trust, one he can turn to when he needs me. So for now in the present I will be there to encourage him when he does right. Reward him for telling me the truth and gently, but firmly correct him when he conceals his errors. I must always, always be there for him. Just like God is always, always there for His children.