Life With the V's

Flash Forward

2010-04-25T12:39:00.000-07:00

A YEAR in PICTURES

Ella in her favorite dress up attire.

Fun in the summertime.

I'm telling you...I'm ready to go swimming.

Ella before a swim lesson.

A Big Summer Road Trip...to Michigan

and Virginia, with quick stops

in North Carolina and Georgia.

Mimi gave the girls flowers from a trip to the downtown farmer's market.

The cousins at Dawson's first birthday party.

A birthday kiss from Mom and Dad.

Ready to go!

Celebrating Great Grandma's birthday.

Sweet ladybug, Ella.

Our cute "little man".

The cousins.

Our Family

The entire clan.

In Virginia, a way too quick visit with The Arnolds.

Our neighbors and great friends, The Phillips.

Uncle Brian abusing Dawson by making him play

with an Ohio State doll. No worries, Dawson promptly

threw it to the ground and yelled, "Go Blue!"

Visiting with family.

Dawson with Great Paw Paw, Dawson!

Catching up with the Jacksons in N.C.

Meeting their newest addition!

Having fun together!

Off to Georgia to visit the Breslins before heading home.

A trip to the grocery store. Ella sporting a big

boo boo after running into the wall.

Rain??? We hadn't seen it in months.

Mimi must have brought it with her from Michigan.

Family picture at the pumpkin patch.

Which pumpkin shall I pick?

Mommy and the kids at the Corn Maize.

Playing in the leaves...sent to us from Virginia...

thanks to our sweet friend Heather P.

This is the best picture we could get of the kids

in their Christmas attire.

Ella and Dawson pose for a quick picture right

before bed on Christmas Eve.

Dawson's first corn on the cob...he loves it!

Ready to go!

Ella's first roller coaster ride (and the only one Nana will ride).

Waiting to see the Shamu show.

Ella and Dawson ready to head to the Easter service at church.

Mommy ready to head to the hospital to have an Easter baby!

Our Easter 2010 gift...

Gabe Alexander

We're Back

2009-08-15T18:55:00.000-07:00

Four Weeks
Over 4,000 Miles
82 Hours in Van
15 States
3 Boxes of Graham Crackers (mostly consumed by Dawson)
3 Complete Diaper Blowouts

MORE DETAILS TO COME

Earth Day

2009-04-22T14:18:00.000-07:00

We participated in Earth Day today..........well sort of! I think we all need to do our part to protect our environment by being a good steward of the things we have been given and not using our resources recklessly. So today when we headed out to Walgreens to get our free reusable shopping bag, we walked. Now, it is less than a mile away, but it felt good to hoof it instead of taking the van. When we first moved here we had only one car for 5 months so we walked quite a bit more. If we dropped Chris off at the pool for practice in the morning so the kids and I could have the car he would walk the mile to the school and back again for afternoon practice. Of course, when you have access to the ease of the transportation, you fall back into your normal ways.

So, this is what we got on our trip:

I didn't have any register reward (rr) dollars or money on my gift card to use, so I paid out of pocket (oop).

Transaction #1- Edge Shave gel- paid $3.23 oop, received $3 rr

Transaction #2- Used a coupon I received last night via email for 15% off and a free bag

4 cans of pringles, store coupon 2/$3= $6, used 2 $1 of 2 coupons

Dawn- store coupon made it $.85 used 1 $.25 coupon

Used $3 rr from transaction #1, paid $.54 oop

So, not my best shopping trip, but no too bad either!

A Late Easter Greeting

2009-04-19T12:42:00.000-07:00

I'm a little late getting up an Easter post, but didn't want to skip it all together. We had a wonderful celebration of the Resurrection of our Savior! It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed a new tradition in the morning (more on it below), a great Easter service at church and dinner with neighbors. I made my first ham and Chris family's recipe for ham sauce--and both turned out great!

So, when is a good time to snap pictures of the children in their Easter outfits? There is most definitely not time before heading off to church and after church they were hungry and tired. So, what you see is the best I got. I didn't even get one of Ella along. Maybe a staged photo shoot is in order?!

Dawson was really interested in the flowers.

At this moment he was contemplating how to eat it!

He did wear shoes, but I took them off during church.

I love his cute feet and can't keep them covered!

And on to our new tradition. I had been looking for something fun to do for Easter and my friends at MOPS mentioned making Resurrection Story Cookies. Ella had a great time with it!
You make the cookies as you tell the story of the resserection (thus the name). Then you put the cookies in the oven overnight and when you wake in the morning you eat them. They are supposed to be hollow in the middle--to symbolize the empty tomb. Our were not, nor were those of my friends who made them.

Ella did not like leaving the cookies in the oven overnight. Delayed gratification is difficult for a 3 year old (okay for me too, I wanted to peek so badly). We made the cookies late because Daddy was working all day with water polo--so bedtime was pushed way back until 9pm. She came out of her room once with a very sad face to tell me that we had left the cookies. At ten I went in to remind her that she needed to be sleeping. Here is how the conversation went:

Me: Ella, you need to close your eyes and your mouth and go to sleep.
Ella: It is hard to go to sleep.
Me: Ella, why is it so hard for you to go to sleep.
Ella: Momma, those cookies are in there!

Here are some pictures of the event!

The finished product! Yummy!

Here is the recipe!

RESURRECTION SUNDAY STORY COOKIES

You need:

1 c. whole pecans

1 tsp. vinegar

3 egg whites

pinch salt

1 c. sugar

zipper baggie

wooden spoon

tape

Bible

Preheat oven to 300 F. (this in important - don't wait till you are half way done with the recipe!)

Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested he was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27.

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 c. sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Ps. 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks> are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's> eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isa.1:18 and John 3:1-3

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie> sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read Matt. 27:57-60.

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matt. 27:65-66.

GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the> oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was> sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.

On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matt. 28:1-9.

HE HAS RISEN!!!!!

-- Author Unknown

Dawson at 8 Months

2009-04-09T18:16:00.000-07:00

Dawson is eight months old and such a delight. He has finally decided to start sitting up and he has become efficient enough with rolling that he can travel throughout a room. By 8 months Ella was crawling, so he is definitely slower with mobility than she was, but we have no worries. I am thankful that he is easing me in to chasing him around.

He hasn't changed much since the last post (6 months). He is taking two naps a day, typically around 10am and 2pm. He still loves his bed and doesn't fall asleep easily anywhere else. Naps are about 2 hours each--if he wakes earlier, he plays and talks to himself in his bed. Nighttime sleep is from 7:30pm to 8am.

He really does love to eat--there has not been anything that I have put in front of him that he hasn't liked. We have added peaches, mangos, bananas, applesauce, blueberries, sweet potatoes, mixed vegetables, peas, carrots, yogurt and chicken to his regular rotation of meals. He also loves che*rios and puffs. And he loves toast that I make for him--just wheat bread dried out in the oven for an hour. He typically eats cereal and fruit for breakfast, a fruit and a vegetable for lunch and a vegetable and cereal for dinner. I have added in chicken or yogurt with lunch or dinner. Nursing is going okay. He definitely seems to be losing interest, but he will not take a bottle. He is nursing when he wakes in the morning, after each nap and before bed in the evening. Sometimes it is only for 5 minutes total! Trying not to worry about it!

HOT, HOT, HOT

2009-02-27T18:03:00.000-08:00

It is February, right?! February is winter, right?! So, why was it 90 degrees today. Only in South Texas. The past couple of days have down right hot. I know our friends and family in Michigan and Virginia are feeling so sorry for us! If it makes you feel any better, a cold front is coming through tonight and it is supposed to be in the 60's tomorrow.

Here area a few pictures of the kids enjoying the warm weather.

Ella enjoying her halter dress and the warm afternoon. She was also wearing her pink cowgirl boots but I had enough trouble keeping her still to snap these pictures.

Dawson's first swinging experience. He loved it!

Dawson is 6 Months Old

2009-02-12T18:11:00.000-08:00

The past 6 months have gone by faster than any time period in my life! Dawson is halfway through his first year of life, already. He is a joy and I am blessed to be his Mommy. He has become such a happy, easy going little boy. He definitely lets us know if he is tired, hungry or bored, but most of the time he is smiling, talking and laughing at his big sister.

At 6 months Dawson weighs 14lbs and 7 oz (5th %) and is 26 and 1/4 inches tall (45th %). He is almost sitting up but prefers to lay down. He has rolled in both directions, but he doesn't do it regularly. He doesn't care to be put on his belly. He just likes to lay on his back and look up at the world or to be carried around. He was enjoying the exersaucer for a few weeks, but not so much anymore. I think he is just on the brink of realizing all there is to explore and will be sitting up and rolling from one end of the house to the other very soon!

Dawson still likes a routine and prefers to sleep in his bed. Most days he is taking two naps. If the afternoon nap isn't very long he will take a short pre-dinner nap. His wake time is about 2 hours. He loves to sleep (what a difference from the first 2 months)! At night he will go down around 7pm and wake around 8am. His naps are typically at least 2 hours long, around 10am and 2pm.

Dawson likes to eat about as much as he likes to sleep. He is nursing 4 times a day and eating breakfast and dinner. At breakfast he is eating a bowl of cereal with applesauce and a squirt of vitamins. At dinner he is eating a bowl of cereal and a vegetable. So far his favorite vegetable is avocado (or is that officially a fruit) with carrots coming in second. He isn't a huge fan of peas, but we are continuing to try them! I am making most of his food so far and I really prefer it over buying the jars. It is so much easier than I expected! Next week we will introduce spinach and pumpkin.

Watching the SuperBowl with Daddy

She's Three

2008-12-04T13:26:00.000-08:00

I am still trying to realize how it all happened...it seems so recently that we were bringing her home from the hospital and trying to figure out what being a parent was all about. Now she is 3 years old. She is her own person--with ideas and opinions (often very strong). What is most amazing about her and what I love the most is her heart. Chris recently asked me what qualities I most wanted to see in my children and I answered, "...a servant's heart." I can already see how God is shaping her heart and it warms my heart so much. I am so blessed to be her mom. Happy Birthday our little princess!

Here are a few recent pictures and a little about Ella at three:

She absolutely adores her little brother. She loves to give him toys and to help give him baths. She talks sweetly to him when he is upset and brings out his belly laughs.

She loves being a princess and having her girlfriends join her.

With her castle birthday cake that Mom and Dad poured so much love into (not that it was evident by the skill demonstrated by the finished product).
She loves arts and crafts and could spend the day creating great works from playdough, paint, crayons (or all). You can typically find her helping Mom, reading or doing something artsy!

2008-11-11T12:50:00.001-08:00

Dawson's Dedication

2008-10-21T08:37:00.001-07:00

Believing that our son was given to us as a priceless treasure from the Lord, we are dedicating him back to our God, knowing that he belongs to Him. In acknowledging this, we are dedicating ourselves, as his parents, to raise him according to biblical standards and to do our best always to be Godly examples for him to observe all of the days that God would allow us to be together here on this earth.

With Pastor James.

With Mimi and Papa, visiting from Michigan.

Look Alikes?

2008-10-11T16:51:00.000-07:00

Dawson at 9 weeks.

Ella at 10 weeks.

Dawson at Two Months

2008-10-04T12:36:00.000-07:00

It is hard for me to believe that only a couple of weeks ago I was in tears over Dawson's crying and lack of sleeping (thus, my lack of sleeping). At 2 months old he is a different baby. He is happy, sweet and even a good sleeper. I want to document a few things so that I will remember them down the road. My mom and Chris keep reminding me about things with Ella because I didn't write them down. So, this is a easy way to record what he is doing.

At 2 months:
~He is on a 2.5 to 3 hour eat, play, sleep routine. His wake time is between 1 and 1.5 hours.
~He is sleeping through the night (at least for the past two nights and two other nights previously). He is nursing 7 times a day (if he nurses at night it is the 8th feeding). The times are typically around 6am, 9am, 12pm, 3pm, 5:30pm, 7:30pm (shorter, cluster feed) at 10pm (late night/dream feed).
~He is going down for naps with little or no crying. The only exception is the evening naps. After the 3pm feeding he typically sleeps in the swing and if there is a nap after the 5:30 feeding it is in the swing. Our naptime routine consists of a diaper change, my singing Jesus Loves Me and patting his back and shooshing for a few minutes before putting him in his crib. Most of the time he gives me look of "what are you doing to me" when I lay him down and then he puts his bottom lip out for one last attempt for me to give in and hold him through nap (which I have given into, but only once). As I walk out the door he may give a little fuss or he may cry for 2-3 minutes, but he typically goes off to sleep.
~He loves to smile, especially at his big sister and daddy. He also likes the bouncy seat, swing, and a floor activity mat. He doesn't prefer to be laid on the boppy pillow.

Some other events to note:
~At about 5 weeks he started to go to bed without crying--routine was nurse, bath, massage and then a little rendition of Jesus Loves Me and put in bed (bassinet in mom and dad's room at first).
~At 6 weeks (when nighttime feeding dropped to once) moved into his room to sleep in crib.
~At 7 weeks he became noticeably less fussy and started to smile more.
~At 7 weeks he started to take some naps without crying or only crying 5 minutes or less.
~At 8 weeks he had his first big diaper blow out. And I mean big and messy!!

His 2 month check-up is Monday so we will post about his weight. He seems huge to us and is starting to develop those kissable chubby arms and legs. His hands and feet still seem large to us. Maybe we have the next swimming great in our midst!!

So Big

2008-09-28T18:42:00.001-07:00

One day old.

And now, at 8 weeks.

Catching a smile!

Improvement

2008-09-11T12:45:00.000-07:00

I almost don't want to say it, because typically when I do things go downhill...but, Dawson seems to be improving. I can't say that I know why- could be that I am no longer consuming dairy, could be that we have stayed home everyday this week and really worked on a routine. Who knows, but I'll take it! Thanks to all of you who wrote/called with ideas and support.

So, what is he doing now. The most amazing thing is that he can put himself to sleep at night. I feed him around 8pm and then he has a bath and goes right down. He may grunt and fidget for a few minutes, but then he is out. Now, why can't he do this during the day? My conclusion is that he has realized that there is a routine. So, now I am focusing on the routine during the day. We have launched into Babywise, which I didn't plan to do this early. We always start the order part- eat, play, then sleep early on, but not the cry it out part. With Ella it wasn't really needed. She learned to sleep on her own and was doing good naps and sleeping through the night by 9 weeks. I likely wouldn't have started with Dawson until about 8 weeks at the earliest. However, nothing else has worked for him (swing, carrying, rocking, etc.) with him so for my sanity and the chance that he may fall asleep I have started to let him cry. It seems to be working. He did put himself to sleep today after limited crying. We'll see how this continues to go!!!

That isn't gas...it is a smile. The shadow is sweet Ella trying to get a picture with her camera!

Ella sharing all of her favorite things- blanket, lovey, pillow and bunny.

Coffee Anyone?

2008-09-05T12:43:00.000-07:00

Yes, I would love to have coffee with each of you! Especially as I hang out with one of our old playgroups and discuss why my little man doesn't sleep and watch our toddlers play together!

But, this post is more about how my ability to have a cup of coffee is an indicator of how my day is going. I had not been making coffee at home for some time. Not because I don't drink it when I am pregnant (although I couldn't stomach it for the first part of this last pregnancy), but it is hot here and I don't have much counter space for the coffee pot. Well, when my parents were here we made coffee every morning. I got hooked again. It is not caffeine, as it is only 1/2 caffeinated, but because of the yummy creamer that I have with my coffee and the thought of having a moment to relax a bit and drink it. Now that my parents are gone, a cup of coffee can tell you how my day is going. There have been many days when I don't make it at all, which is no big deal typically as we are busy doing something. The difficult days are either when I make it and the pot just sits there or when I make it, pour a cup and never drink it. The later seems to be happening most often. One day I ended up having iced coffee before dinner (thanks to Angela B. for introducing me to making this) just so I wouldn't waste the coffee.

So, why can't I get this coffee down. Dawson has 3 modes--sleeping, eating and crying.

Sleeping...no that doesn't look comfortable. I'll take whatever I can get.

Right before breaking out into a wail! Yes, the bottom lip is cute, but what comes afterwards is not!

And I can't get a picture of him eating since I am the food supply. Either Ella was a much easier baby or I just don't remember it being this hard. This little man fights sleep like he was going to war. He has been know to go up to eight hours without sleeping (4 is more typical). I have been into the pediatrician to discuss and the only advice she gave was to keep doing what I am doing as he is gaining weight and looks good. Well, she isn't living through these periods when he only cries or nurses, for HOURS. I'm looking for a new pediatrician. Not only for this reason, but because in my 3 interactions with her she always seems rushed and doesn't really listen. So, any advice you have would be appreciated. Anyone want to fly out for a visit?

Sorry for all of the complaining. This is a very honest post. We are having some wonderful moments sprinkled in with the difficult ones. And I know this will pass- hopefully soon!

Here are some more pictures...

Ella being a little mommy. We were at the lactation center to weigh Dawson and she found a baby, took off it's clothes and diapered it with one of Dawson's diapers and read to it while I nursed. What a big girl she is!

At the library with one of the puppets.

We are loving pig-tails. Although she is not cooperative with having her picture taken!

Dawson is Here!

2008-08-07T11:09:00.000-07:00

Welcome Dawson Henry

Little did Katie and I know that while I was updating our blog on Saturday, August 2 that Dawson was about to join our family. Around noon on Saturday, Katie was having what she thought were Braxton-Hicks contractions and by 4:00 pm she was having strong regular contractions. The Van Slooten's sprang into action calling on our new friends to take care of Ella and others to take care of Double Stuff and Oreo. Katie checked into the hospital at 5:00 pm and at 7:21 pm Dawson Henry was born weighing 7 lbs 12 oz and 20 1/2 inches in length.

What's In A Name?

Dawson was the name of Katie's maternal grandfather and Henry was the name of Chris' maternal grandfather, but more than family namesakes Dawson Henry means beloved home ruler.

What Does Ella Think?

To write that Ella is going through dramatic changes would be an understatement, but she takes great pride in being the big sister. She loves to hold Dawson and share her blanket, lovie, and bunny with Dawson. Katie and I keep our ears tuned into what she is saying so that we can better understand what she is processing. Here are some recent conversations with Ella:

"Daddy please ask God to turn the heat down."

"I am sorry Sweetheart it is hot in Texas. Here in Texas it is hot, but in Virginia there is snow."

"I don't like snow Daddy. I like Texas"

"Daddy, please don't let the sun hit our car."

"The sun is warming our car Sweetheart..."
"No, Daddy the sun is going down and I don't want it to hit the car or the buildings."

"Ella, who made the sun?"

"God made the sun. It will be ok Daddy"

"Daddy, God is making me and Dawson a castle."

Dawson's first pictures:

About 7:30pm, new to the world.

Yes, those are chubby cheaks.

Ella finally gets to meet her little brother.

Helping mommy.

Two days old.

2008-08-02T10:12:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

In our last posting we gave you a summary of what the V's have been up to and now we will fill in some of the details.

First, thank you for your prayers - prayers when we were prayerfully seeking His councel for wisdom and clarity; prayers during the packing phase, while we were traveling, and now as we begin this new chapter in our family. We also want to thank all of you who helped us pack up our moving truck. As you can see, Ella had fun in the packing paper.

The actual packing of our moving truck only took three hours and while 95% of the packing was easy we were faced with a few challenges. The first challenge was safely moving and securing a pre-Civil War hutch which proved to be a bonding experience from the securing of the piece to physically moving it (taking 6 men to move it). We finally moved it onto the truck and secured it. I am happy to write that it arrived safely.

We set out on Sunday, July 13 after many tearful goodbyes and traveled to Roanoke to spend the night with Katie's mom and dad. The entire caravan (me and my father-in-law in the moving truck and Katie, Ella, my mother-in-law, Double Stuff, and Oreo in our minivan) left Monday morning on July 14. I must write that I have a deep appreciation for truck divers since we were cut-off, not allowed to merge, and even stopped on the interstate because one driver misinterpreted a Yield sign for a Stop sign.

Throughout our journey we clung to the promise in Psalm 91:11-12 "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone." We serve a Creator who is so good and we were reminded each day of His love for us. I am reminded of Isaiah 40:11 "He tends to his flock like a shepherd:" Each day providing us with safety, health, wisdom, and moments when we were tired to look into the eyes of a child and remember that He is with us. One night we were very tired and we could not find a hotel that would take pets (one would take goldfish. Who travels with goldfish?) and we had to drive an extra hour to a hotel. After dinner Katie and I drove the minivan with Ella and the dogs; we were exhausted and a little short with one another when I looked in the rearview mirror and saw Ella sticking her crayons in her shoe! This is exactly what Katie and I needed afterall here we are as adults with sour hearts and Ella still has a sense of humor! Oh how our Shepherd tends to EVERY need. "He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young." I am so thankful that I am
carried close to His heart and not at a distance like I sometimes do when Ella has a really stinky pull-up! No matter how "stinky" our hearts are He promises to carry us close to His heart and tend our needs.

Well on Wednesday, July 16 we arrived in San Antonio and took some time to rest and be together. Ella finally has her big-girl bed and I admit that sometimes it is hard for me to blink my eyes because when I do it she is more grown up and I don't want to miss one nanosecond.

Friends, we miss you and are looking forward to seeing you again - either in Heaven or here on earth.

One final note, I don't know how many of you know Pastor Greg Laurie of Harvest Christain Ministries, but last week his 32 year-old son went Home. I encourage you to visit the website at Harvest and watch the video from July 28.

SDG,
The V's

Where have we been?

2008-07-31T19:32:00.000-07:00

Since I am so terrible at blogging you may not be asking this question, but we have been:

Putting our house on the market
Packing up
Growing a baby in a belly (just me :-)
Ending a job
Moving half-way across the country
Preparing for a new job

So, there hasn't been too much going on! Chris has promised to help me out with the blog, so look for more updates soon!

This Week's Menu

2008-05-05T05:48:00.000-07:00

Monday- Asian Lettuce Wraps and Fresh Pineapple
Tuesday- Black Bean and Brown Rice Pitas and Tortilla Chips and Salsa
Wednesday- Greek Salad with Chicken and Oregano Breadsticks
Thursday and Friday- playing it by ear as Chris will not be joining us for dinner
Saturday- Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes and Broccoli
Sunday- Mother's Day- hoping to head to Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, so we will eat in Richmond

A new CVS just opened right outside our neighborhood, so I am heading there today. I'll share my deals later!!!

Shopping this Week

2008-04-21T05:21:00.000-07:00

I must say that this week's shopping trip was discouraging. I spent way more than I expected and haven't yet sat down with the budget to determine how this will effect the rest of the month. I did shop the sales, but didn't use many coupons. I started with a bare freezer and zero meat, so I knew that I wouldn't get out cheap. And I was feeling like I had been ran over by a train as I am really feeling the symptoms of allergies! DH reminded me that I am doing my best and I will become more efficient as time goes on.

I ended up going to 5 stores (way more than I had planned). I will not post everything I bought, just enough to give you an idea.

Sam's- I really still think this is the best overall place to get meat and milk. Sometimes I can find meat cheaper on sale, but I am never as happy with the quality. My Sam's total was $93.78 and I got 2 gallons skim milk, 2 half-gallons 2% organic milk, huge box of baby wipes (should last through the summer and into when we start needed them for Dawson), bread, clementines, frozen broccoli, ground turkey, veggie burgers, meatballs, pork chops and chicken. The meat will last us more than a month and hopefully, I can replenish the supply slowly and not run out all at once! Although I gasped at the total, I really got a lot!

Kroger- Didn't get any great deals here, just lots little things. Total was $44.74.

Cville Market- My favorite place for produce. Total was $15.23. Included a 5 pound bag of potatoes and our favorite treat, Voortman cookies!

Asian food market- Just some sesame oil and fish sauce for various recipes, total $3.60.

Food Lion- There were a few things I missed at Kroger...total was $15.66.

Overall:
Grocery Total: $159.51 (yikes, over half our budget for the month, let's see how we make it till May 15)
Ella Total (just wipes, we have a different budget line for this): $13.50

Menu Plan Monday

2008-04-21T05:09:00.000-07:00

Hopefully, by posting my menu plan every Monday I will be more motivated to create a menu and follow it. I am still working to get to the point that I shop the sales and then create a menu based on what I have in the pantry, freezer and fridge. This is definitely going to be a slow transition!

This week is a bit different as we are leaving on Wednesday morning to chaperon a field trip to New York for the ninth graders at my DH's school. Hard work, right! My mom will be coming to stay with Ella and she was very nice to say that she would take care of meals for her and Ella!

Here is what I have....

Breakfasts- all with fruit
Cheerios and milk
Eggs and toast
Waffles

Lunches- (for kids, I will find something if I don't eat what they are having)
Leftover meatballs, green beans and scalloped potatoes
Baked beans
Tuna Salad

Dinners-
Monday- Southwestern Chicken Wraps, Fruit, Chips
Tuesday- Lasagna, Salad and Bread (homemade from bread machine)
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday- out of town
Saturday- Honey Mustard Chicken, Potato salad, Fruit
Sunday- Pork Chops, Mashed potatoes, green beans

To find more ideas for menus, check out http://orgjunkie.com/

This Week at CVS

2008-04-10T12:11:00.000-07:00

This was a good week at CVS, however, I am struggling a bit in this process because it seems I have to purchase things I wouldn't typically in order to keep my Extra Care Bucks balance up. This week it was make-up! Now, I enjoy make-up but I don't wear it all that often and I tend to go for a powder foundation, especially during the summer. But, purchasing the make-up gave me $2.50 (after cost of purchase). So, now I am looking to determine how to best use these products that I don't need. I know some folks hold on to them for yard sales, however, I would prefer to donate them as I didn't really pay anything for them. So, I plan to put everything in a box to go through every few months and then determine where I can bless others with them. For the make-up, I was thinking of a women's shelter. Granted, they have much bigger needs, but maybe I can meet a want!

So, here is a break-down of yesterday's trip. Sorry that I don't have a picture. Our camera is almost dead, so I am holding off on pictures until we have enough reward points on our Mastercard to "purchase" a new one!

2 Packs of Huggies Pull-Ups for $8.99
Used 2 $2/1 coupons

1 Pack of Huggies Diapers for $8.99
Used 1 $1.50/1 coupon

From above, I generated $10 in ECB for the Baby Spend $25 get $10 ECB

2 Covergirl True Blend Whipped Makeup for $9.49
Used B1G1 coupon
Generated $12 in ECB, $6 for each

1 Pepsid Easy Chew 25 Count for $7.99
Used $2/1 coupon
Generated $5 ECB
I will be sending off for a rebate of $5.50

What I paid:
Used $16.99 in manufacturer coupons
Use CVS generated coupon that I got at the bottom of last week's receipt for $10 off $50 purchase.
Used $22.97 in ECB.
I paid $5.33 out of pocket (which will be covered completely after I receive the Pepsid rebate).

I currently have $27 in ECB (all from the above).

We are having a...

2008-04-10T12:09:00.000-07:00

Our ultrasound was yesterday and we are excited to share the exciting news. The tradition in our Friday playgroup continues...all of the moms of a little girl have (or are having) a boy!!! We are joining the club as Dawson Henry will be making his way into the world in August. We are excited to join the Whites, Lovelaces, Fergusons, and Browns in the land of parenting boys and I'm sure all of the big sisters will educate Ella on how to best handle a little brother!

Update

2008-04-10T11:49:00.001-07:00

Once again, I was out of the blog world. Although I like to blog, I just can't make it a priority. So, no stress here, how freeing! I guess I will get to it when I can, which just happens to be today.

We have had a very crazy couple of weeks. On Good Friday we were traveling to Michigan and ran into a snow storm. Chris is wonderful at driving in the snow and was doing everything right when we were cut off by a car that was driving aggressively. Our car began to fish tail and on the fifth or sixth time we hit the rumble strips and rolled into the median. It was so scary! We were protected by God's angels as he promises in Psalm 91:11, "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways."

There are so many things I am thankful for concerning this accident...I would like to address a few.
~Moments before the accident I sat up straight and adjusted my seat belt under my belly so the baby would be safe if anything were to happen.
~We landed on all four wheels, not on a side or upside down.
~We didn't hit any other cars, AMAZING!
~We left the dogs in Roanoke with my parents.
~We were all incredibly okay!
~God placed a van from the towing company right beside of us at a stoplight when we were looking for the lot so we could follow. Please note, it was snowing and we were in a strange town and had terrible directions.
~Our insurance settlement was much better than we expected so we were able to purchase a van that I can't imagine we would ever have been able to buy.
~Chris spent 2 days with his dad looking for a vehicle and felt extremely supported.
~We returned home to wonderful friends (Thanks Melissa, Jennifer, Dana, Amy, Laurie and Alison) who made dinner for us for a week while we got everything back together, did insurance paperwork and dealt with unexpected emotions.

We are happy to be home and getting back to normal life. We saw God at work through this entire situation and although we would never want to re-live it, we wouldn't change the past!

See Kroger Deals for Cereal and other Stuff

2008-03-12T08:50:00.000-07:00

Whoa, I'm going shopping...because I didn't get enough cereal last week!! See Crystal's blog, Money Saving Mom for the details. This is a blog I check daily to get deals and coupons. Crystal's methods really work (see sidebar). She and her husband just fully funded their emergency fund and now they are saving to purchase a house WITHOUT a MORTGAGE.

Grocery Shopping/Deals

2008-03-10T10:37:00.000-07:00

Since the first of the year (really way before that, but now with more effort) I have been working to cut our grocery budget. No easy feat considering the rising costs of food. I plan to chronicle this journey here in hopes that others can learn from my efforts (and mistakes). Also, I want to give God the glory for the success I have in this process. I feel extremely blessed to be able to stay at home with Ella and serve my family. We have had to make numerous financial sacrifices, which many friends have thought are crazy, however they are worth it as I am able to invest into Ella's life continuously!!

So, by no means is my grocery budget as low as I hope it will go. I have been using many sites for encouragement, I have listed some of them on the side bar. Money Saving Mom is my favorite site. Crystal is able to feed her family and purchase all cleaning supplies and personal items on $40 a week. Right now, I am working on $300/month. This includes eating out, which I must say we do more often than we can afford (even though Sam's food stand is our most frequent meal "out").

I want to share my successful shopping endeavors from last week. Below is a picture of my purchases from Kroger and CVS.

I didn't plan to do any shopping last week, however, I am learning to stockpile things when there is a good deal.

My quick trip to Kroger...

7 boxes of Honey Bunches of Oats with Chocolate Clusters

Sale price $1.99/box

I had 7 $2 off 1 coupons, so I got all 7 boxes for $0.28 (just paid the tax)

My CVS trip...

2 Mach3 Sensitive 3 count razors

Sale price $7.99, used 2 $3 off 1 coupons

Received $10 Extra Care Bucks (ECB)

So, they were free!

1 Venus Embrace razor

Sale price $9.99, used 1 $4 off 1 coupon

Received $6 ECB

So, they were free!

1 Sunsilk shampoo

Price $4.49, used $2 off 1 coupon

1 Sunskilk conditioner

Price $4.49, used $2 off 1 coupon

1 Dove bar (this was a filler to get to the $30 I needed to use a coupon)

Price $1.99

Received $1 ECB

Paid, $0.99

1 Tic Tac (again, a filler)

Price $0.89

Applied $5 ECB from a previous visit.

Applied a $5 off $30 coupon CVS sent me by email.

My total out of pocket was $11.15.

I received $17 back in ECB.

Not bad for a newbie! I'll keep you posted on my progress!

I'm Back...at least I'm trying!

2008-03-10T10:35:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been so far behind with something that you decide not to go back and catch up. That is were I am with this blog. For months I have been ignoring the blog because I didn't have the time to "go back" in time to catch up on all the happenings of our life, so I have decided not to catch up, just move forward. So, here I go, ENJOY!

Our Thanksgiving

2007-11-30T05:15:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving as we shared the day with my in-laws. This was my first time making the meal and I really enjoyed serving my family in this way. We are so blessed and it was a great day to remember those blessings while creating memories to cherish.

Our menu:
Spinach-and-Cranberry Salad with Warm Chutney Dressing
Green Bean Casserole
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Mashed Potatoes (my playgroup insisted they had to be on the table)
Cornbread Stuffing
Sugar-and-Spice Cured Turkey
Yeast Rolls
Pumpkin Cheesecake

Since I spent more time in the kitchen than behind the camera, I don't have many pictures to share. I did manage to snap this one of my table. I love to set the table, yet I rarely have the opportunity to bring out the china and crystal. It was so much fun to really go all out!

Our D.C. Trip and White House Tour

2007-11-26T04:56:00.001-08:00

On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving we headed to D.C. (yes, on the busiest travel day of the year) for a tour of the White House. My in laws went to high school with the father of a man who works in the situation room of the White House and he arranged for a private tour. It was awesome! We had a wonderful time and were just amazed that we were there--walking where our past presidents had walked and standing at the door of the Oval Office. My mom-in-law and I even used the bathroom...not the same one the President uses...but, quite possibly the same one as Condoleezza Rice! It will definitely be a time I will never forget. Ella on the otherhand...just see the pictures!

Before the White House...at the Merry Go Round at a D.C. area mall. We love the new outfit from Mimi and Papa.

Enjoying time with Mimi.

We were early to the White House so we stopped to have some coffee and there was a great fireplace for the backdrop for some pictures.

Daddy, Mommy and Ella

In the Press Room, which is the only place inside we could take pictures.

The family outside under the seal. You can see what Ella thought about the experience. She fell asleep about halfway through the tour on Daddy's shoulder. The tour started at 8pm and her bedtime is typically 7pm, so she was tuckered out!

We wanted a picture of the three of us for our Christmas card, but this one will not be making the cut!

Our Injured Family

2007-11-25T08:31:00.001-08:00

Chris and DoubleStuff have matching boo boos! Chris cut his finger while drying a glass and Dubs has a really bad ear infection that led to an ear that had to be drained. Both are healing quickly!!!

Ella Turns Two

2007-11-25T08:03:00.000-08:00

Not three, and most definitely not five. When we ask Ella how old she is it takes her three tries for her to say that she is two. We are amazed that two years has passed since we were in the hospital waiting for her arrival.

We had a wonderful time celebrating our little girl with family and friends! Mimi and Papa came from Michigan and Nana and Poppy were here from Roanoke. The Philips Family and the Ferguson Family also joined us! And our special friend Carrie came from Richmond, too! Here are some highlights...

Ella's cake!

Enjoying cake and ice cream.

And mom thought I would be cleaner this year...little did she

know that chocoate cake is great for your skin.

Reading a birthday card.

Ella and Ethan playing with Ella's new shopping cart and food.

Ella on her new sofa from Uncle Tom, Aunt Emily, Cousin Kurynn and Cousin Marek.

The perfect place to read!

Enjoying Fall

2007-11-02T04:45:00.000-07:00

We are enjoying the cooler temps, although I can't say we are a big fan of the end of daylight savings time. It is not even 6pm and I don't know what to do with Ella. It seems like she should be going to bed, yet we have another hour of fun to be had. I'm sure we will adjust to the change.

Below are some pictures from Halloween. Ella was a lamb (mommy's creation). She was a cutie and enjoyed visiting neighbors. At first she wasn't very happy about putting the costume on and I thought she would just be wearing a cute Talbots t-shirt with cats dressed up but she got used to it. You can tell from the first picture that she was not impressed by the 500 pom poms that I glued onto a onesie. By the end of the evening she was saying "baah" and laughing.

Mom, are you sure about this?

Maybe I will like it, if I get some sugar in me...

This is fun, bring on my friends.

With neighbors...they were a bit scary for Ella.

Ella with Ethan and Emelia.

I love my CROCS

2007-10-04T02:59:00.000-07:00

Ella's Crocs are on her list of favorite things. She received them as a gift from Mimi (thanks again Mimi) when we were in Michigan in August and she has worn them almost every day since. When I ask her to go get her shoes she says, "Crocs Mommy". She can even put them on by herself! We have received so many compliments and Ella graciously says, "thank you".

On the correct feet...50% of the time.

And then there is the other 50% of the time....

Is it FALL yet?

2007-10-03T11:36:00.000-07:00

So, it is officially fall! My favorite season! But, it still seems like summer. We went to the playground today and we had to put on sunscreen and the little ones were sweating. I guess we should take advantage of the warmth while it lasts, but Fall, hurry it up!!

Here is Ella in her attempt to help me water plants a week or so ago. She is still enjoying the summer weather!

My Up Do

2007-09-28T13:53:00.000-07:00

Ella finally has enough hair for a pony tail and Mommy loves putting it up. Surprisingly, she leaves it up. Although she plays so hard that I have to redo it a couple times a day! Which you know I don't mind.

Fabulous Food Friday

2007-09-28T13:45:00.000-07:00

First, I hate to say this will be my last post that is defined by the day of the week. As you know, I missed Thankful Thursday again. So, no more pressure for me. This is supposed to be fun, right....

This marinade is from my best friend Katey's mom and I love it! I use it for kabobs with chicken, sausage and vegetables and it is my favorite meal (except when I was pregnant with Ella and the thought of it made me sick).

O'Brien Marinade

Wisk together 1/3 cup honey, 1/2 cup dijon mustard, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 2 cloves of garlic and 1 teaspoon ground ginger.

Enjoy!

Fabulous Food Friday (ok I know it is Wednesday)

2007-09-19T06:05:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite fall treat. I had been craving it for weeks, but it just wasn't cool enough to make it. The temperatures finally dropped and the weekend had the crisp air of Fall, so it was time. I don't have this recipe written down, so it may not be the original, but it worked and was yummy!

Pumpkin Dump Cake (aka Laura's dessert, which is a recipe she was given by Marianne)

Mix one large can of pumpkin pie mix, one can of sweetened condensed milk and 3 eggs. Dump in a lightly greased 9x11 inch pan. Sprinkle with one yellow cake mix. Melt 1 and 1/2 sticks of butter and drizzle over cake mix. You can add chopped pecans before the butter if you wish.

Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes. Serve warm. With ice cream or whipped cream for a real treat!

Thankful Thursday (combined this week and last)

2007-09-19T05:50:00.000-07:00

I have so much to be thankful for, yet I know I take it all for granted. These posts are a wonderful way to remember all the ways I am blessed.

I am so thankful that Ashleigh, Cathy and I took the infant and child CPR class a couple of Saturdays ago. I thought I would never have to use what I learned. Yesterday, Ella choked on some goldfish and I have to use my newly learned techniques. She has swallowed wrong before, but nothing like this... She did the universal choking sign and it was clear that she was distressed. I picked her up and did the Heimlich. It took two times for the clump of goldfish to come up. Very scary!

I am thankful that my husband doesn't have to travel often. He was away on Monday night and I did not enjoy it one bit. I feel for all of you that have to play "single mom" while your husband travels for work. It is hard work to be the sole caretaker of a little one(s).

I am also thankful for my husband. This past weekend he realized my need for a break and planned a night out. We rarely go out and it is a real splurge in our budget, but I have been in a transition mode as I am watching a little boy every day and I just needed some time with just my husband. We went to PF Chang's and enjoyed an awesome dinner!

Catch-Up!

2007-09-19T05:47:00.000-07:00

I'm already a bit behind in my posts...surprise! So, today I am going to play catch-up and hope you enjoy the posts....better late than never.

Fabulous Food Friday

2007-09-07T05:43:00.000-07:00

Each Friday I am planning to post a favorite recipe or shopping tip. I am on a quest to master my food budget (which I typically overspend) so I am always looking for new ways to save time and money and great, easy recipes.

Today I have a favorite recipe which I made for our at home date night last Sunday evening.

Barbecue Roasted Salmon

Combine 1/4 cup pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and 4 (6oz) salmon fillets in a zip-lock bag; seal and marinate in refrigerator 1 hour, turning occasionally.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Remove fish from bag; discard marinade. Combine 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 4 teaspoons chili powder, 2 teaspoons grated lemon rind, 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon in a bowl. Rub over fish; place in an 11x7 inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake for 12 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.

**Don't try to skimp by not using fresh lemon. I tried once because I didn't have a lemon on hand and I noticed the difference.

***Great with my favorite wine, Our Dog Blue from Chateau Morrisette on the parkway near Floyd, VA.

Thankful Thursday

2007-09-06T11:18:00.000-07:00

I have seen Thankful Thursdays on other blogs, so I thought it would be a great addition. Here is my first attempt...

~I am very blessed to be able to stay at home with Ella. I am thankful for a husband that works so hard to provide for our family. I am thankful that God has blessed our decision for me to be home and has never let us down financially (even if we don't have our "wants").

~Our two shedding dogs, Oreo and DoubleStuff, who love me unconditionally, despite the messiness of the house (often due to their abundance of lost hair) or my lack of time for them.

~Our neighbors, the Phillips family. Despite the fact that they are Ohio State fans, they brighten our days and our doorstep so often. And they adore Ella.

More Pictures from Beach and Michigan Trip

2007-09-05T17:00:00.001-07:00

Last night at the beach

Ella being "crabby"

Ella and Daddy at the park

Eating Daddy's favorite ice cream, Blue Moon

Ella with MiMi and Papa

Ella in MiMi's Flower Garden

Ella and Cousin Kurynn

Cousin Marek

Welcome

2007-09-05T12:37:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my first installment of the Life with the V's post. I must say that I have absolutely no clue what I am doing, but I think a blog would be a fun way to "scrapbook" the happenings of our journey through life on earth and to share pictures and updates with family and friends.

For now, I will share some updated pictures of Ella. She is now 21 months old and so much fun!! This is a picture from our early August beach trip and you can see from those eyes that she always catches the attention of everyone around.