Five on Friday!

Yes friends.  This is how I feel tonight.  But I am trying to be an optimistic person, and see the lessons in all, and believe that the sun is still out there, even though I can't see it.

1.)  I think I may need to hit a tanning bed.  Not for a tan, but to get some vitamin D!!  I could never live in a place like London or Seattle where it rains more than it doesn't.  I have truly felt that February is the longest month of the year, even though I know it is the shortest. 2 more days!! 

2.)  I am loving the Valentine's Day coupons for free kids meals!  So far we have hit Skyline, and Frisch's (several times!).  Of course, I doubt that Skyline counts since we went on kids eat free night.  I am hoping this next week to take the kids to La Rosa's.  If at nothing else, I am getting great salad's everywhere we go.  :)

3.) Did you know there is some candy holiday like every day!  Well maybe not every day, but it sure does seem like it!

4.)  My sister and I are thinking of trying out a subscription to Apron Strings.  I haven't been scrapbooking in ages, and it hasn't been for lack of wanting to.  It has been more like time and financial setbacks in re-starting this theraputic hobby.  All my stuff is archaic by today's standards, or dried out.  To start all over would be too overwhelming.  This service seems like it is right up my ally in slowly getting back into it.

5.)  I am going to be posting my Frugal Friday blog, hopefully by midnight to make a true Frugal Friday.  This week has been a kick to my tush!  I had sick kids, appointments, and a crazy load of school work to get done this week.  But I got some awesome scoop as I begin my quest into couponing, and finding great deals.  Why should I ever have to pay full price again?  While I am at it, I got free toilet paper this week!  Why should I pay for it when it just gets flushed down the toilet.  Want to know more... check back soon!

Ok....

5 and half )  I am so excited to go to the luncheon for the Walk for Autism tomorrow!  I will no doubt have plenty to say about that too!

Be Blessed!

Ten on a Crazy Tuesday

1.  Tuesday is supposed to be my day off from school...

2.  Last Tuesday Madie was at the doctor's for her Asthma problems that were manifesting at school.

3.  Today she was at the doctor's with strep throat.  It was giving her fevers that would top off near 104.  So, Motrin, antibiotics, and lots of water for her.

4.  Annika and I played with our hair while wearing our matching glasses.  :)  We declared it Bjork Hair Day and took pictures...

5.  I think that time goes faster when you are on facebook.  

6.  I am looking forward to Saturday, I am going to the luncheon kickoff for the Walk for Autism!

7.  Madie has been watching, "It's me or the dog" on animal planet.  I can't believe that people let those dogs get to that!! 

8.  If I am not on facebook, or doing homework I am listening to podcasts of NPR's, "Wait... wait... don't tell me".  

9.  I want Carl Casel's voice on my home answering machine!! 

10.  I should have posted this on Tuesday... But I stopped midway through and fell asleep.  Bad Blogger...

Mardi Gras wrap up on Monday and more...

I have been notorious for getting cranky servers wherever we go.  I wonder if it is the sight of 4 kids that turns them on me, or just a bad day.  Our good friend Tim always folds his tips origami style and it makes the server smile.  So on Friday the kids and I went for coupon night at Frisch's and we left the following for our server.  As we were at the register paying I noticed that the entire staff was looking over at us, Jake heard one say that they hoped they would get us some time.  Hopefully I will get better service from now on.  :)

Shirt and Pants, Elephant (or Rhino...), #1 ring, and Santa (can you see his face?)

Saturday was the annual Mardi Gras Bash at the Vogel home.  It is a family party, but don't let that fool you, we have tons of fun!  

I was seen the majority of the evening with a frozen chocolate Martini in hand...

Yummm... King Cakes

although there was no baby in them this year.

Whatchoo talkin bout Willis?

Annika went for the dress up box.

She dons this every time we go over. 

This is Madie "go-to" dress up.  I love how she 

looks like a bee, well with giraffe legs! :)

Noah in-cognito

Goofy boys, being boys.

As always, we had a great time celebrating Mardi Gras.  There was talk that next year might have a more tropical theme due to the cold and snow, a pick-me-up if you will.  Either way it is always fun when the Mundy's are with the Vogel's!  

Thanks Vogel's!

Be Blessed!

Missed frugal friday, but how about a Silly Saturday?

A friend of mine, Connie had a cute picture of her kids in a circle on the floor.  I thought it was cute and tried to recreate with my own little models.  I guess my models weren't in the mood to cooperate.  They wouldn't get in the right position for fear they would be upside down.  (Kinda the point)  And the were giggling, which didn't help.

Then they complained that the flash was blinding them.  Oh wait... 

 They were blind to start with.

Have a great Saturday!!

Be Blessed!!

How do you get a 3 year old to wear glasses?

I had held on to hope for almost 3 years that our sweet youngest, Annika would have my vision, rather than Aaron's.  A week before Christmas 07, Annika ws given her first script for glasses.  She received them on Dec. 23rd.  Merry Christmas.  It was fun for the first day, then for her the novelty wore off and they were more in the way.  We would find them stuffed in places, and they had to be put back together more times than I could count.  She was 2, and very um... determined.  Her need wasn't as great as Jake's had been when he got his at 18 months.  He realized from the get go that they helped and he couldn't see without them.  Madie and Noah were old enough that bribes and threats worked great.  But miss fig truly thought she didn't need them.

Here is baby girl with her new specs over a year ago...

We revisited the Ophthalmologist a few weeks ago and I knew what I was going to hear.  Her vision was sliding due to not wanting to wear them.  We discussed options to make her wear them.  Since she has the same condition that her sibs do we chose to use drops to force her to wear them.  We use atropine to blur her vision enough that when she puts her glasses on she can see clearly, and they are helping to correct the sliding of vision that comes with the condition.  

One visit to the optical center for High School Musical glasses, and pharmacy for drops later:

Here is Annika deciding if she really likes them... Hmm...

She loves them!!!

Posing with the new specs

 

All the stress over it is making me tired

See my new glasses Horton?

I can still play, Yes!!

And I can still give momma nuzzles too!

Madie in her Hannah Montana's, and Annika in her 

High School Musical's.  I am so happy that they offer cute 

stuff that kids will want to wear!

Coming Soon....  Jacob in his new specs... His take a week or two longer due to how much stronger his have to be.  Only 2 labs in the country make them strong enough, so they are cut specifically for him.  

Be Blessed!!

Some of the reason's you should support Noah's Pirates

There have been few times where I wasn't surprised by the things that Noah does, or says.  His logic intrigues me, and I can't help but love him because he is who he is.  While I prepare as a team captain for the Cincinnati Autism Speaks: Walk for Autism, I was thinking of just how sweet and special this kid is.

The day before Valentines Day, Aaron and I decided to take the kids out for dinner.  Aaron and I decided to go to a Mexican Food place we love.  We know the kids will eat anything covered in cheese.  While on our way there Jake asked where we were going to go, we said Mexican.  Noah says, "I don't want to go there."  So I asked him why.  "I'm just not interested with what the Mexican's have to offer."  It's ok, I couldn't stop laughing either.

He has two girlfriends, and they are twins.  He told me that they may have to do rock-paper-scissors to see which one he gets to marry.

Noah was worried after hearing about some of the details of the rapture.  He worried about our pets being alone since they can't talk.  He decided that if Jesus comes back while he is sleeping he will have to have the dogs with him.  If he is holding them, they get to go too.

Noah prays before he eats, and he is often found praying for others.  Like when he prayed for Jake to get better so he could help him beat the next level on a wii game.  

Noah is an amazing dancer, and loves to dance....

Sorry it is sideways, I don't know how to rotate it....but you have to agree that it is adorable. 

On May 16th I am going to be walking at Coney Island for Noah and for the families in Cincinnati who are affected by Autism.  There is help out there, help me help those families who are getting the news, and looking at the long up-hill journey that it takes to help a child with Autism.  If you want to walk with me, let me know!!  If you want to support me FANTASTIC!!  I realize this economy is tough, and we are all having to tighten our budgets.  Imagine how much harder it would be on your budget if your child was just diagnosed with autism.  

I understand if you can't walk, or offer financial support.  I also accept encouragement and prayers!!  :)

Here are the links:

Team Page for Noah's Pirates

http://www.walknowforautism.org/cincinnati/noahspirates

my page

http://www.walknowforautism.org/cincinnati/tribemom

Be Blessed!!

Tired Ten on Tuesday

1.)  I missed a Tuesday of my trying to be random.  What... I think it worked!

2.) So, special people gifted me with the very Vera Bradley I have been drooling over.  To say that I am enjoying my new backpack is an understatement, and the clutch wallet is fabulous.

3.)  However, I ordered a snap case online for my beloved companion, my iPhone.  I was very careful in selecting the colors to kinda go with my new vera, but I got the wrong colors... and I don't think I like it.  So I am shipping the case back in hopes of an exchange.  I have dropped my friend a few times, and I would rather scratch a case then my iPhone. 

4.) Little Miss Natasha got a haircut.  I love when she gets her face trimmed up, she looks like the puppy I brought home.  Poor baby shakes more though...  She does have Chihuahua in her.

5.) My mom is feeling much better, and I enjoyed hearing the happy tone in her voice today.  

6.) Since my mom's heart attack I am trying to research better recipes for heart health.  I hope to pass on some healthier eating tips to her, and my sister.  Oh, Ok I can use some of my own advice too!  

7.) My kids are growing up!  Jake got his shoes last week in the man section!  You know....where Men buy shoes!  My 10 year old is wearing man shoes.   Now Madie has decided to see Jake's shocking shoe news, and raise him.  She can wear my shoes, but I am a shoe diva and refuse to share.  Not only that, but she has (finally) mastered the art of the inhaler and I will not be having to run to the school twice a week for a breathing treatment. Whheewww.... 

8.)  It's ok, in a week they will be getting a permit and driving me everywhere.  

9.)   I am so enjoying my Moka pot still....

10.) Midterms are officially over.  Overall I did well, but I was very disappointed with my Euro Civ.  What can I say?  I guess I am allowed an off day.  But no more.... I want to maintain my 3.8 GPA.  

Be Blessed!

I got a few Valentines

Friday was spent getting ready for class parties, and valentines with friends.  The kids were so busy making out their cards, and getting boxes ready to receive cards and candy from class mates.  Of course I like to make a big deal reminding my kids that they are my valentines too.

Here are the girls in the love outfits for the big day!

They even had adorable socks to match their outfits!

Such a sweet Valentine. 

My goodie bags for the kids with my other Valentine, Tasha. 

Goodies!

Our Valentine's from Mamaw!

I love that woman's sugar cookies!

Madie with her Valentine Webkinz.  

Kaila got chocolate!!

Jake got an owl webkinz.

Annika got the Valentines Love Monkey

for her Valentine. I got her to stop jumping for a quick picture. 

Noah and his Valentine Pirate Monkey. He was 

really excited since he wore the same outfit for 

Halloween.

Noah really enjoyed his heart sucker.

Annika too!

Here's my girls, I love love love these girls.

Here is my Valentine for the last 12 years.

He is the best Valentine I get every year.  

I hope I get the same thing every year!

I hope you had a blessed and fun Valentines Day.  I know in our home it is special.  I know my husband thinks it is a "Hallmark" holiday.  And I know we love each other every other day of the year.  But it is a day to stop and do something special for the person you love, and for no other reason than for the fact that you truly do love them with everything you are and have.  

Happy Valentines Day!

Too Cute for Monday

Here is video of the Figit trying to be miss independent on her sled.  I can't help but post this on a Monday.  I need something to make me smile after all the midterms, and exhaustion.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.  Turn your volume up so you can here her giggle as she goes down.....

Roller Derby

Madison is part of American Heritage Girls.  It is very much like the Girl Scouts.  There is more biblical teachings, and the lessons are geared around being a lady as well as being a good scout.  Our council hosted a skate night at our local RollerRama.  Aaron and I decided to make it a family venture, and even Papaw Don joined us.  Yes, at 60 that man is still amazing on 8 wheels!

Here are Annika's skates.  She wanted to be sure I got a pic of them.

Michaela and Annika before they hit the boards.  And I mean that literally as well as 

figuratively. 

Aaron taking Annika out for her first skate.

Once her skates hit wood, she screamed.

Here is where Noah was when he was on the rink.  Soon after he had his shoes on

and fed money to the video games the rest of night.

Michaela helping Noah.  Funny since this is the only picture

I have of her up on her feet.

Skate Jake.

Awe, here is the professional now!

Laurel with Christa on her way down.

Madie and I taking a break at the snack bar.

Thinking..."Where are all the kids?"

Me and the Fig at the tables, where she chose to spend the evening. 

I love how the camera got Tim and Laurel, and I am a blur.

The girls counting their tickets to cash in on tootsie rolls!

Noah's tickets were taller than him.

This shot of Aaron is really cool.

All the monkey's but Christa, we couldn't get her 

out of the rink.

Madie's glasses say, "Bliiinnggg!"

We had a lot of fun, and no doubt there are plenty of blisters on all of our little toes.  Noah's elbow is bruised nicely, but it is always good to come home without broken bones!

Thanks AHG!