The Break Room

Crafts

2012-01-06T13:39:00.000-06:00

Content by Mitch Osborne

I have become obsessed with crafts this Christmas season. I am all about finding the best and cheapest way to make decorations for my home and gifts to give people. I have been looking on the internet and watching shows with craft ideas. I recently sent my husband to http://www.expertsatellite.com/ to look into getting satelite TV. I want as many craft channels as possible so I can always have something to watch on TV! I have found some interesting ideas. My favorite this year are my lighted Christmas trees on my front porch. To buy these in a store they are usually around fifty dollars. I made both of mine for about thirty dollars. They are actually tomato cages that you turn upside down and wrap with garland and lights. I stuck mine in the pots on either side of my front door and they look so pretty and classy. I also made my wreath this year. I used my new favorite material for Christmas: deco mesh. It is so easy to use and instantly looks great on a wreath!

Actos Lawsuit

2011-07-30T07:12:00.004-06:00

I know several people who have diabetes. I feel for them when I hear how much their lives have been effected by it. It must be really difficult to find the right medicine too. I was recently reading a press release about Actos which is an oral diabetes medicine. It has been shown by recent studies to lead to serious injuries like heart attacks, heart failure, and an increased risk of bladder cancer, etc. This can result in an Actos lawsuit. Just note if you come across this medicine that Pioglitazone, the chemical name for Actos, was sold under the trade names Actos, ActoplusMet, Competact and Duetact. I'm really happy to have come across this info. I hope other people hera about it too.

Hard time sleeping...

2011-07-30T07:12:00.001-06:00

Have you ever had a hard time sleeping? Lately I've been waking up frequently at night, and worst of all...I always have a neck ache in the morning. I don't have the best posture, and it gets to me at night and during the day. I really need a better pillow and can not find one for the life of me. I need something that's flat and firm. Hopefully I'll find one soon so I can stop wasting my money on the ones that aren't helping. It doesn't help that I'm pregnant and have a hard time getting comfortable anyways.

Where is summer going?!

2011-07-30T07:03:00.002-06:00

This summer is just flying by. I can't believe August is almost here. As I walk through the stores, I see school supplies and it hardly seems possible. Is it really that time of year already?! Wow. Where do the months go? I feel like we haven't been able to enjoy the summer much because it's been sooo hot or raining out. The mosquitoes have also been really bad lately.

Chantix Lawsuit

2011-07-30T06:56:00.003-06:00

There are times I'm leery of taking prescription medication. You just never know how your body will react to taking them. That's why it didn't surprise me to learn that in July 2009, the FDA issued a black box warning for Chantix. This is the agencies strongest warning. It was added due to public reports of side effects including depression, suicidal thoughts and suicidal actions. It's scary to think and read about this Chantix lawsuit, but at least they have warnings out there for people to be aware of. I know I'll be looking twice when it comes to medications...just to make sure there aren't any warnings.

One Month Left

2011-07-30T06:55:00.002-06:00

This is the first weekend in a while that we really don't have any plans to go anywhere. We're going to be busy cleaning and beginning to pack up the house, but other than that...I'm hoping we can just relax. I hope we get a lot done around the house too. That would be wonderful!! Only one month left until we move...yay!!

Selling a Home

2011-07-30T06:53:00.002-06:00

Well, it's finally happening! We sold our house!! We couldn't be happier about moving on and being closer to Scott's job. I'm looking forward to being closer to family as well. It's going to be a busy month, but by the end of August we should be moving into our new home and saying good bye to the great house we've called home for four years. It will be bittersweet, but we can't wait!!

My third concert ever, at almost 30 years old

2011-04-30T08:00:00.001-06:00

My third concert ever, at almost 30 years old

Guest Posted by Roland Hyde

I am not a concert person and I don't have a huge love for music, but I have a few artists that really make me feel the messages behind their songs and P!NK is on of them and her concert was awesome! I got all my stuff together; purse, money, camera and tickets, and when my friends got to my place so we could all take one car, I set the home security alarm (Adt home security prices Ohio) and we were out the door.

On the drive to the venue, we played songs from the multiple P!NK albums I own and we all sang at the top of our lungs. We were so excited! It was a fairly short drive, probably about a half hour, but it took much longer once we got there because the line to get into the parking line was so long.

Finally after parking the car and hiking to the entrance of the building, we got some drinks when we were inside and then went to find our seats. We had a great view of the stage and I took a test picture before the concert started so I knew how the pictures were going to come out. We were just close enough to get really good pictures.

This was the third concert I've been to in my life and so worth the price we paid and I will see her next time she is in town.

Injury Lawyers

2011-03-10T18:59:00.002-06:00

Providing clients with superior client service and legal representation, O'Hanlon, McCollom & Demerath are known for their experience and high quality expert advice. If you have a problem, they are the ones you can turn to to solve it. Priding themselves on being approachable, it's no wonder accident injury victims across the state of Texas turn to them in times of need. If you've ever been injured through negligence of another party, you need an injury lawyer to help with your recovery. If this is you, I would recommend checking into their car accident attorney Austin and counselors at O'Hanlon, McCollom & Demerath: O’Hanlon, McCollom & Demerath – Personal Injury Lawyers – 808 West Avenue, Austin, TX. 78701 – 512-494-9949.

New Pillow

2011-03-10T18:56:00.002-06:00

Have you ever had a hard time sleeping? Lately I've been waking up frequently at night, and worst of all...I always have a neckache in the morning. I don't have the best posture, and it gets to me at night and during the day. I really need a better pillow and can not find one for the life of me. I need something that's flat and firm. Hopefully I'll find one soon so I can stop wasting my money on the ones that aren't helping.

Mini Vacation

2011-03-10T18:52:00.001-06:00

Well, it's been a while since I last posted here, as my family and I have been very busy. Last month we were fortunate enough to have the chance to go to Great Wolf Lodge for a long weekend wtih the kids. It's a place where we created memories to last a lifetime. The indoor water park and all the other fun things offered were so amazing. Kaelyn still talks about it and would like to go back with her cousins sometime. I can't argue with that. We'll definitely be going back!

Taking A Trip To See Grandpa

2011-02-09T12:17:00.001-06:00

Taking A Trip To See Grandpa

I appreciate the guest post, Emerson Moses

While many people will take a trip to see parents or other relatives, I try to take a trip to see my grandfather. He recently just turned 90 so the amount of time that he has left is starting to dwindle. Since it is becoming so short I always try to talk to him or visit him once a year and the holidays are going to be the best time to see him. However, he does live quite a distance away so it does make it hard to see him.

When I go to see him I know the trip will be long and often can be boring for children. However, I know that they love the trip just by the joy that I can see in their faces. The main problem that I have is trying to keep them entertained, but with the advent of some of the modern electronics that are portable I am starting to have an easier time keeping them entertained.

Once I arrive I call the neighbors to check on the house to ensure that everything is okay with it. However, I know that if the home had been broken into I would have gotten a call from the security company because I remembered to set the home security alarm systym by ADT security before I left on the trip with my wife and kids.

United States Gold Bureau

2010-12-16T14:58:00.003-06:00

Have you ever thought about investing with silver or gold? If so, you may want to check out United States Gold Bureau. I have been searching through their site and have been impressed with what I have found. They make it easy to purchase silver, gold and other precious metals and coins. They even arrange for immediate delivery and safe storage. With the world demand exceeding production...now is a great time to buy silver...but I'd love to buy gold coins too.

With the state our economy is in, have you considered investing? I guess that's the main reason we've been talking about it lately. I'm not sure if we will...but if we do...we'll definitely be looking further into US Gold Bureau!

Gold Bullion

2010-12-16T14:54:00.002-06:00

The United States Gold Bureau makes it possible (and easy) to purchase silver, gold and other precious metals. I have been looking into this quite some time and have finally talked my husband to check into it with me. We're both very impressed with this company especially and like how they deliver immediately or have it arranged for safe storage. Now is a great time to buy silver, but I'd even be happy to buy gold bullion too. I'm not sure what we'll do yet, but it's definitely something we're considering....especially with the state our economy is in. How about you? Something you've considered?

Zappos.com ~ Christmas Shopping Made Easy!

2010-12-11T16:28:00.001-06:00

With Christmas just around the corner many of us may be looking to pick up those last few gifts, or even a little something for ourselves to wear at the next holiday party. Whatever the reason, one place you can count on to provide a great selection of everything from shoes and handbags to clothing and houswares is Zappos.com!

I have browsed the Zappos website several times before, and currently have my eye on a great pair of Dr Martens shoes! I don't often go out and buy myself apparel items, especially this time of year with so many other people to buy for...however, I have lots of family get-togethers over the holidays and want to look my best. I'm not sure if I'll go with boots or shoes yet, but either way...knowing their Dr Martens lets me know they'll be of the highest quality and something that will last for a very long time.

If you're finishing up your Christmas shopping, definitely check out Zappos.com! You won't be sorry you did.

**This is a sponsored post, however all opinions are my own**

Buy Gold Coins

2010-11-06T15:52:00.000-06:00

Watching our economy has brought some concern for me over the past couple of years. The stock market has been wavering with uncertainty. People have lost as much as one third of their investments. The United States Gold Bureau can assist a person with the purchase of silver, gold and other precious metals. You can buy gold coins or gold in an ingot form. The ingot form is a pure bullion cast that is made into a convenient size and shape. For centuries gold has been known for being a great way to protect one's wealth and purchasing power. Browse their website and learn more about it.

**I was paid for this post. My honest opinion was given and not swayed in any way.**

Windy Days

2010-11-06T15:47:00.002-06:00

We have had some very nice weather lately but the wind has been quite strong. I know it won't be long and winter will be here but I prefer a bit warmer temperatures. I am just glad that it isn't snowing because of the strong winds we have had. We have had some terrible blizzards in the past. I don't know if there is a perfect climate but if there is I would like to find it.

Elections

2010-11-06T15:39:00.002-06:00

Well, the elections are finished for now. Whether you are pleased with the results or not is another story. They will be many changes coming in the near future. Congressmen and women will be leaving Washington and others will take their place. Some think that Nancy Pelosi should just retire but I really don't think she will. What are your thoughts on all of the changes coming?

United States Gold Bureau

2010-10-27T10:50:00.003-06:00

The United States Gold Bureau is a great place to go if you want to purchase silver, gold bars or other precious metals and coins. With the economy the way it is...there are probably many people considering investing like this. I know we have! That's why I have started to learn more about them, and so far am impressed with what I'm learning. They arrange for immediate personal delivery or storage of your purchase. Now is the time to buy silver bullion if you want, that's why we're talking about it even more. With the world demand for it exceeding annual product, it's important to decide soon. I'm thinking we'll probably look into a little more and then make a decision.

3 years old

2010-10-27T10:05:00.000-06:00

Kaelyn turns 3 on Monday. I can't believe how fast the time has gone. It seems like just yesterday we were bringing her home from the hospital, and now here she is...such a big girl! She's really looking forward to being 3...she's already telling people about it. I love each new stage, but at the same time, wish that time would slow down some. These years just go by too quickly!

Halloween

2010-10-27T10:00:00.000-06:00

Halloween is just around the corner, can you believe it? Kaelyn is going to be Dorothy and Kaden is going to be a lion. We thought it would be fun to go with the Wizard of Oz theme...hopefully the kids enjoy their costumes as much as we do. :) I know Kaelyn's really excited about trick-or-treating. I love that part too, however, I'd rather people give something other than candy. Maybe stickers or something. We'll see.

United States Gold Bureau

2010-10-19T09:35:00.002-06:00

The United States Gold Bureau makes it easy for people to purchase silver, gold coins and other precious metals and coins. They even make it possible for you to receive the product or have it delivered somewhere to store it. I thought that was really great! We've been talking off and on about purchasing silver, and once we found out that now is the time to do it with the world demand exceeding annual production...we may just have to move forward with it. I'd like to learn more about the United States Gold Bureau, but so far it sounds like something we're probably interested in. I'd love to hear any experiences you've had with them.

Fast Week

2010-10-19T09:34:00.001-06:00

So far this week has been busy, busy. Yesterday Kaelyn had her first dentist appointment, so we were out of town for that a lot of the day. Today we have a showing, tomorrow we have a showing and an appointment...I think this week will go by very quickly. That's a good thing though, as long as the weekend doesn't go this fast we'll be good. :)

Selling our house

2010-10-19T09:33:00.003-06:00

Our house is for sale and it's odd how the showings have been going. There will be a couple weeks where we don't have any interest, and then other weeks where everyone wants to see the house and even have some offers. I'm not complaining, I just think it's odd how it's been going. We would love to sell the house before winter, but know that whatever happens is the way it's supposed to be. We're excited to see the plan God has for us.

United States Gold Bureau

2010-10-17T19:59:00.004-06:00

Anyone who has looked into investing and purchasing gold coin before, has probably heard of the United States Gold Bureau. Are you one of them? It's pretty impressive for those who have never checked out their website. I've been able to learn a great deal and am now actually considering buying silver bullion. It's the best time to do so I from what I read, because world demand exceeds annual production. It's very exciting and something I'm looking forward to exploring with my husband more. I have a feeling we'll be doing business through them at some point though. Either way, I'm happy to pass along the word.

Sunday School

2010-10-17T19:56:00.002-06:00

Kaelyn started going to the 'big kids' sunday school this year. So far she is absolutely loving it. She has always had a love for reading and learning, as well as an outgoing personality...so this is something I knew she'd enjoy. I was right! They learn different Bible lessons, sing songs, and probably her favorite part...do art activities. It's fun to hear all about her morning when we come in to pick her up. Kaden seems to be enjoying the nursery too!

Baking

2010-10-17T19:55:00.002-06:00

In our household we have the habit of making snacky type foods late. I know it's not ideal, or probably the most healthy, but it's mainly because it's the first time during the day when we actually have time. Otherwise it seems like we're always going, going, going. Tonight it's banana bread muffins, and last week it was cookies. Usually Scott makes it which I love. He's such a great husband.

United States Gold Bureau

2010-10-17T19:50:00.002-06:00

Have you ever thought about buy gold bullion, silver or other precious metals and coins? I really never thought about it much until I came across the United States Gold Bureau. From what I've read, I've learned a great deal about them and am impressed with how easy they make it for people to purchase metals and coins. They even arrange for personal delivery or storage which is great too. It might be worth checking them out if you are interested in learning more too. You'll find that their site is very helping and may even learn that silver is the best choice right now. The World demand for it is higher than annual production...so if you're interested, I'd check into it soon.

Beautiful Fall

2010-10-17T19:49:00.003-06:00

We have had such a beautiful Fall so far. It began a little chilly and I was thinking winter would come early, but then all of a sudden we got summer-type weather with temps in the 80's! That's so great here in the midwest and we've been soaking it all in. Soon I'm sure the snow will be falling, so we try and enjoy the warmth while it's here. I don't mind winter, but I much prefer warm weather without all the layers and coats.

When will our house sell??

2010-10-17T19:46:00.000-06:00

So our house has been on the market for almost 5 months now, we've had three horrible offers, and no good ones. We have lowered our asking price as low as we can in order to give us a little wiggle room. We are wondering when the right offer is going to come to allow us to move.

DePuy Orthapaedics Recall

2010-10-17T19:45:00.003-06:00

I usually keep up on the news, but missed this and was wondering if you had too. Did you know that the in August of this year, DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. announced a recall of 93,000 hip replacement systems? This was due to a high number of people experiencing pain and swelling really severe that a second hip replacement surgery actually became necessary. Pretty serious stuff, huh?! I was surprised to hear this, but am happy that the people affected can turn to O’Hanlon, McCollum & Demerath. Their attorneys really understand that hip injuries may not be your fault – and possibly due to a defective DePuy Hip Implant. It's definitely worth looking into the DePuy Hip Replacement lawsuit more, as they are very experienced in handling things like this.

Great Kids

2010-10-17T19:40:00.003-06:00

I'm so blessed to have such great kids. They make my life so easy, between going down for nap and going to bed at night, they never complain. It's so easy and I'm not afraid to go anywhere with them. I love my kids and can't wait to have more in the future. Family is the best, isn't it?! I just love being a dad...the best thing in the whole world.

Fun Time of Year

2010-10-17T19:39:00.001-06:00

This marks the beginning of many birthdays in our family. First it's my twin brother and I, then a few days later my sister-in-law, then a few days later Kaelyn, then our nephew, then our son, then our other nephew, and last but certainly not least...my mom. It's a busy time of year, but also a very fun one. It's neat having so many Fall/Winter birthdays so close together. That just means more time to spend with family. I love it!

United States Gold Bureau

2010-10-17T19:38:00.002-06:00

With the economy the way it is, I hear more and more people talking about investing. It got me thinking more about it which led me to the United States Gold Bureau. You can purchase silver, gold or other precious metals and coins for immediate personal delivery. They will also arrange for it to be shipped to a safe place of storage. It sounds very easy and convenient. I haven't actually worked with them yet, but soon I'd like to. Now I just need to decide which to do...do I buy gold bullion or silver. I guess silver is supposed to be the best to buy right now with the world demand exceeding annual production. We'll have to see I guess.

Birthdays

2010-10-17T19:37:00.002-06:00

Isn't it funny that as you get older you seem to forget and think less about your own birthdays?! I was talking with my mom recently and she reminded me that it was my birthday this week. I guess now that I have a family of my own I pay more attention to when my hubby's and kids' birthdays are than my own. Who needs to keep track of the numbers anyways...especially as we get older, right?! It's more fun for me to plan their birthdays than get excited about my own.

Great Weekend

2010-10-17T19:36:00.002-06:00

It seems like, anymore, the weekends fly by way too fast. With having company over on Saturday and Church on Sunday it makes for a filled weekend. I can't complain because it was still a great weekend.

Get Degrees Online

2010-08-26T20:51:00.002-06:00

I love technology for so many reason, but more than anything, I think it's so great that because of the Internet we can now take college courses online. I recently learned that now people can ever earn a college degree online while serving our country. Whether a person wants to advance in their military career, or prepare for their exit....a college degree is so important.

Does this sound like something that might interest you? At MilitaryDegree.com you can learn about on-campus and online college credit and degree programs tailored to U.S. Military personnel and their families. What's great, is that education benefits earned from being in the military can be used for tuition, and some schools even offer discounts for active duty and veterans.

If you or someone you know is in the military, it's definitely worth checking this out. I had never heard about it before, but think it sounds like a great option to get online military degrees.

Scott's Birthday

2010-08-26T20:47:00.003-06:00

Tomorrow is Scott's birthday. He decided to take the day off so we could spend the day together as a family. We have Kaden's 9 month Drs appointment in the afternoon, but other than that I hope we can relax and enjoy each other's company. I think we're all going to take naps too. It's been a very busy week that has left us all very tired. I hope whatever we do, Scott enjoys his birthday. He deserves it!

Holidays

2010-08-26T20:40:00.002-06:00

As August comes to an end I can't help but get anxious at the thought of the holidays being just around the corner. I love that time of year, but it's also very busy and stressful. There's lots of things to do between now and then. I have birthdays to plan, gifts to buy, and other commitments. I hope the time doesn't go by too quickly, as I think it would stress me out even more.

Buying Gold

2010-08-11T20:16:00.002-06:00

With the world demand for silver bullion exceeding annual production, many people are looking into purchasing. We are one of those people. We have been talking about it more and more and have even looked into the United States Gold Bureau. We were quite impressed with all they have to offer and how easy they make it to purchase silver, gold bullion and other precious metals. They even arrange for immediate personal delivery or convenient and safe storage. Either way, I'm thinking this is something we'll be doing in the near future. I've known people in the past who have done this and are very happy they did.

Good Sleepers

2010-08-11T20:15:00.001-06:00

Kaelyn loves bedtime. Ever since she was a baby she has been a great sleeper. Now that she's older she especially loves story time. I hope Kaden grows up to be a great sleeper like her. He's pretty good right now, but doesn't sleep quite as soundly. I think teething bothers him a lot...so maybe once that passes?! I guess we'll have to see. For the time though, I can't complain. We're usually in bed by 10:30 and get to sleep til' 7. Not too bad, right?!

House on the market

2010-08-11T20:14:00.002-06:00

Our house is on the market which means we are always doing our best to keep it clean. It's a harder job than one might think with two little ones around. I love the fact that we're taking the next step to hopefully selling and finding a different home, but at the same time I'm not a huge fan of the showings. It's difficult for me to get the kids out of the house last minute and make sure everything is clean and ready to go. With two little ones messing up everything I do...it makes my job twice as hard. Oh well. I keep telling myself it will all be worth it in the end.

United States Gold Bureau

2010-08-11T20:09:00.002-06:00

Did you know that the world demand for silver bullion now exceeds annual production? It actually has for 20 years or so, which is why now is definitely the time to buy if you're thinking about it. Scott and I have talked about it off and on, but after hearing this we're considering it even more. I went on and found information about the United States Gold Bureau and all they have to offer. I was quite impressed with how simple they make the whole process. You can easily purchase silver, gold or other precious metals and coins for immediate personal delivery or arrange for convenient and safe storage. Be sure to check them out if you're ever in need of more information about purchasing coins and metals.

Scott's Bday

2010-08-11T20:08:00.000-06:00

Scott's birthday is coming up in a couple of weeks. He talked about taking the day off, but I don't know what we're going to do exactly. Kaden has his 9 month dr appt, and sometime that weekend we have to get his 9 month pics taken too. It would be fun to do something special for him, but he never seems to have anything in mind. I think he'd love to go to a movie, so I was think we may do that if someone will watch the kids. I guess we'll have to see as the time gets closer.

Other website

2010-08-11T20:06:00.002-06:00

If you've never checked out my other blog, you really should. I work on a Mom Blog which features lots of great product reviews and giveaways with so many wonderful family friendly companies. I love sharing our experiences with others so that they have an honest mom's perspective of some of the newest gear out there on the market today. If you'd like to learn more about my other site, visit my sidebar and click on A mom's Balancing Act.

United States Gold Bureau

2010-08-11T20:02:00.002-06:00

If you've ever looked into purchasing metals or coins, you might know something about the United States Gold Bureau?! They make it simple for you to purchase silver, gold coins and other precious metals and coins by arranging for immediate personal delivery or arrange for convenient and safe storage. Scott and I have been considering this for quite some time, and now learning that the world demand for silver exceeds annual production...we figure now might be the time to do it. If we decide to, we'll definitely be looking further into the United States Gold Bureau. Have you ever looked into purchasing coins? What are your thoughts?

Blessed!

2010-08-11T20:00:00.001-06:00

I absolutely love my job as a stay at home mom and wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. I can't tell you how honored I am to be able to stay home with my kids and watch them as they grow and learn. I would hate to miss all their firsts and am so happy to be the one that gets to see them. I am so thankful for a hubby that realizes the importance and supports me in staying home with them. He's such a great husband and dad. We are very blessed!

Never enough time!

2010-08-11T19:53:00.002-06:00

It seems like there's never enough time in a day. No matter how much time I think I'm going to have to do something, I just don't. I always say there will be tomorrow, but them 'tomorrow' fills up with something else. I have to face the fact that it's probably always gonna be like that and just do what I can. I want to take this time while my kids are young and really enjoy every moment that I'm home with them.

United States Gold Bureau

2010-08-11T19:42:00.003-06:00

Have you ever looked into purchasing silver, buy gold coins or other precious metals? If so, you may have come across the United States Gold Bureau. They make it easy to purchase the metals or coins you're looking for and will arrange to have it immediately delivered to you or stored at an independent bank or depository. From what I've learned, it sounds like a great thing and something I'm definitely considering. If I purchase silver, I'm thinking now might be the time to do it since world demand now exceeds annual production. We'll have to see what hubby says...but there's definitely the possibility that we'll look into this more.

Mosquitoes

2010-08-11T19:38:00.002-06:00

The mosquitoes are absolutely awful! They sprayed the town last night, but then it rained right after. That defeated the purpose and tonight they were biting Kaelyn like crazy at the park. They're not just bad in the grass, but also the roads and everywhere. It makes it miserable to be outside which stinks since summer is coming to an end already. I am hoping they get better so we can enjoy the outdoors again.

Golf Outing

2010-08-11T19:35:00.000-06:00

I had the idea that we were going to have this weekend to relax, and then remembered tonight that we have a golf outting with Scott's family. It will be fun, but is a bummer I didn't remember until just now. I won't be golfing, as I need to watch the kids...but I know Scott and my dad will. They will have a lot of fun. My mom, myself and the kidsw ill go to the dinner though. It will be fun to see everyone I think.

Regency Beauty Schools

2010-08-11T09:50:00.002-06:00

I've known several people who have decided to pursue cosmetology. I think it would be a fun career. If I ever went to school for this, I would probably look into Regency. Founded more than 50 years ago in Minneapolis, they are the fastest growing beauty school in the country. They have expanded to include schools on 30 campuses, like hair schools in Wichita, and continue to grow each year!

What's so interesting is their approach to teaching. They offer campuses that actually mirror salons so that students get real hands on experience. I think this is terrific and what great practice. It's also nice for the public because they get great service at discounted prices. Sounds like a really neat set up they have going on.

Chore Chart

2010-08-11T09:48:00.002-06:00

Kaelyn is at an age where she's becoming more independent and able to help with things around the house. She is slowly taking on little jobs to helps us with and loves it. She enjoys making her bed, picking up her toys, helping unload the dishwasher and more. I have decided to work on making her a chore chart. Just something she can use to see how she's helping out. She's very excited about it. Now if only I could find the time to finish it. :)

Fair Time

2010-08-07T09:47:00.001-06:00

We had such a nice time last night. It's fair weekend in our town, so we took the kids to see the animals like we do every year. Kaden wasn't too sure about it all...but as always, Kaelyn loved it! She really enjoys animals of all kinds...especially the pigs. I think the highlight though, was getting to do the pony ride. Her Aunt Kim walked around with her and she loved it. I think we'll make it a family tradition to do this every year. Such a fun time!

On Your Way To Retirement!

2010-07-28T20:48:00.003-06:00

Everyday, on my way to work I listen to the satellite radio in my truck. It seems like, everyday, I hear an advertisement on how it is such a great time to invest in gold. The US Gold Bureau is making it easy for those who would like to invest in gold, silver and other precious metals and coins. The easiest way to buy gold eagle coins is to get in contact with the US Gold Bureau. They have a dedicated staff to help you find the best investment opportunity for you! What a great way to start a new investment opportunity, then today!

What's for supper?!

2010-07-27T09:45:00.001-06:00

What should we have for supper? That is the question of almost every single day. I know it's only morning, but the days go by so quickly, and before we know it 6:00 will roll around and we're all going to be hungry. Why does coming up with ideas have to be so tough?! I think I may go ahead and throw something in the crockpot. It's been a while since we had something warm with the heat outside...so that will be nice for a change.

Time Flies

2010-07-25T09:43:00.002-06:00

Can you believe that July is already coming to an end?! Wow...where does the time go. I feel like summer should just be starting and here it is almost over already. Yikes! I just wish time would slow down a little bit. WIth as fast as it's going, my kids' birthdays are going to be here before we know it. I love it...but it's kind of sad to think that they're getting so big already.

Investing

2010-07-24T11:57:00.004-06:00

If you've ever considered investing in gold, you have probably heard of the United States Gold Bureau. Through them, you can purchase silver, gold and other precious metals and coins for immediate personal delivery. If you like, you can also arrange for convenient and safe storage at an independent bank as well.

Scott and I have been talking about buy gold bullion, and the more we read about it, the better it sounds. It's a great time to buy silver and gold right now because the World demand for it exceeds annual production and has for the past 20 years! We are strongly considering it and will looking into a bit further before making a final decision.

What about you? Have you ever purchase silver or gold for investment purposes? Who did you go through and what was your experience like?

What a wonderful day!

2010-06-16T21:15:00.002-06:00

It has been almost 2 weeks since we last had a nice sunny day, like today. Over the past 2 weeks it has been a constant rain for a couple days and sunshine for a day or two. This has made it very difficult for me to do my job. It has been great to finally get some work down and make this summer better!

Gold Bullion

2010-02-11T21:02:00.002-06:00

Have you ever heard of gold exchange traded funds? Well, soon they will be hitting the Thailand stock market. The Capital Market Supervisory Board made this possible. They are in charge looking after the rulemaking for the Thai capital market and have agreed to permit two different kinds of ETFs. I was recently given the opportunity to learn more about this and actually learned a great deal about how to buy gold bullion and why. If you'd like to learn more about this subject, you can visit the US Gold Bureau, there's really a lot of great information there and it's quite interesting.

Fun weekend

2010-02-11T20:59:00.002-06:00

I'm really looking forward to this weekend. We're taking a little vacation up north so the kids can go swimming in an indoor waterpark. We've never taken Kaelyn to a motel, so I think she'll really have a lot of fun. It's been a while since we've gotten out and done anything so I'm really excited. It's been so cold outside that we've been stuck indoors and have a bit of cabin fever. Hopefully I"ll have lots of pics to share with you when I get back.

Time Flies

2010-01-23T21:00:00.002-06:00

I can't believe our little boy is already 2 months old! Where does the time go? I thought it went fast with our daughter, but I think it's going even faster the second time around. It's kind of sad when you think about it, because they're only little for such a short time. I guess that's why we take so many pictures so that we always have these times and memories to cherish. Before we know it he'll be two like our daughter is...crazy.

Jewelry

2010-01-07T16:46:00.002-06:00

My hubby is pretty good about buying jewelry. He often surprises me and finds just the perfect item. Most recently he came home with beautiful diamond hoop earrings. I absolutely love them. He was saying that next he'd love to get me some sapphire earrings which I think would be really nice too. I love that he's so thoughtful like that. I was doing a little looking of my own and came across Holsted Jewelers.

They provide exclusively designed jewelry, gifts and accessories to millions of customers. They are known for their high standards, quality and service. I am so glad to have come across their company. I love that they offer fashionable jewelry that is unique. If I end up getting something from them, I know I won't see every woman I walk by with the same earrings. I also like the fact that their jewelry is affordable, something I'm sure many of us can appreciate during this time of economic hardship.

Snow Storm

2010-01-07T16:44:00.002-06:00

Wow! The weather is bad out there. Schools and business all around were canceling today. This is the second or third large snow storm we've gotten in the past month or so. It really puts a damper on people's plans to go places, especially work and school. It's also very dangerous to drive in. Thankfully hubby was able to get off work early and is now home safe and sound. I don't like him out in the bad weather, so I am very thankful he has a job where he can leave early if he needs to. Hopefully tomorrow will be nicer, but we'll just have to see. Sometimes the day after the storm is just as bad with all the snow blowing and drifting.

Stay At Home Mom

2010-01-06T16:42:00.002-06:00

We've sure been enjoying the newest addition to our family. He is such a joy. I am so happy to have the opportunity to be home with Kaden and Kaelyn every day. What a blessing it is to be able to watch them as they grow and change right before my eyes. I enjoy getting to see all of their firsts and teach them things along the way. Being a stay at home mom is the most rewarding job I could ever have or will ever have. It's also the most important. It's a decision that Scott and I made well before we even had kids, and for that I'm very thankful.

Planning a Family Vacation

2010-01-06T16:38:00.002-06:00

Now that we have two children, we definitely look for places that offer a Kid friendly hotel when planning a vacation. I know it's a little early, but with this terrible winter weather we've been having, my hubby and I find ourselves dreaming of, and planning a family vacation already. We heard some good things about the Karisma Hotels located on the white-sand beaches of the Mexican Riviera Maya and are interested in learning more. From what I understand they have a new gourmet-inclusive concept which is great for those that like food. They also have terrific service and a lot of amenities that would really enjoy. I'm looking forward to hopefully going here sometime this summer...now if only summer would come more quickly!

Check out my blog

2009-12-29T16:28:00.000-06:00

I don't know if any of you are aware, but I have another blog out there that I do some great reviews and giveaways on for products that relate to families and children. I've been focusing on growing my reader base there and am happy to say that over the past few months it's really taken off. If you have never checked it out and are interested, head over to A Mom's Balancing Act. I hope that you'll find my posts on life and fun products and sites as fun to read as they were for me to write. Leave a comment if you like too...I love hearing from those who visit.

It's a BOY!

2009-12-17T16:23:00.000-06:00

On November 23 our second baby arrived...we now have a beautiful, healthy little boy!

Kaden Scott
7 lbs 14 oz
21 inches long

He is truly a joy and his sister absolutely adores him! We are settling into becoming a family of four and loving it. He has been such a good little guy. He loves to eat and loves to sleep. Lately he's been awake more and is even letting us hear some cooing and see some of those adorable smiles of his. I feel amazingly blessed and cannot wait to see what the next year has in store.

Monex Deposit Company

2009-10-17T08:04:00.001-06:00

I've always been interested in Monex Deposit Company and doing some investing through them. Scott and I have talked about it some and from we hear, they are a very well known and dependable company. They've been around for over 30 years and are America's leader in silver, gold and precious metals investment. Through them, we can purchase silver, gold and other precious metals and they will immediately deliver it to us or arrange for it to be delivered to a safe storage place. I think we're going to go ahead with it. So far they are the option we're most impressed with.

Lots to do

2009-10-08T20:40:00.000-06:00

Thinking ahead to the weekends between now and the baby's arrival...it seems that it will go by quickly because we are busy almost every one of them. It's crazy how we only have 7 weeks left. I cant' believe how fast the time is going. With birthdays and other things going on I know the 23rd will be here before we know it. Although I'm excited, I'm also feeling a little overwhelmed because I know there's a lot to do between now and then.

I can't wait!

2009-09-16T20:39:00.000-06:00

I can't believe that we have just over two months til' we meet our little one. The time is just flying by with this pregnancy. It's been fun not know what we're having too. We chose to be surprised with Kaelyn and it was the greatest thing in the world. We decided that with all of our kids we'd like to keep it a surprise. I can't wait for Nov 23 so we can meet our little one and introduce him/her to Kaelyn. She's going to be such a wonderful big sister!

Karisma Hotels

2009-08-28T13:50:00.003-06:00

It's been such a long time since Scott and I were able to go on a vacation together.
We would love to go on one sometime in the near future if at all possible. When looking into possible destination options, we came across Karisma. The Karisma Hotels are a collection of properties on the beaches of the beautiful Mexican Riviera Maya. This resort looks so great and the things they offers sound amazing as well. They offer a new gourmet-inclusive concept, particularly great for those who love food like we do! I think this is my favorite part of the whole place. They also have elite service and a truly relaxing environment with many classy accommodations. When the time comes for us to look more seriously into a vacation spot...Karisma will definitely be on the top of our list. I think with a place as beautiful as this, people could definitely look into destination weddings here. It's beautiful, relaxing...what more could you ask for?!!

Scott's Birthday

2009-08-27T07:52:00.000-06:00

Today is my hubby's birthday!! He's such a great husband and Daddy...we love him very much!! I feel bad that he has to work on his birthday, and it's going to be a longer day than usual for him besides. Hopefully he'll still have a great day and hear from all the family members wishing him a happy birthday. Maybe we can do something fun this weekend as a family to celebrate?! I know on Saturday we're seeing hi dad to celebrate and we already celebrated with my family and his mom....so maybe he and I, and Kaelyn can go do something.

Garage Sale

2009-08-16T07:50:00.000-06:00

This weekend we had our garage sale. I was a little nervous how it would turn out and if it would actually be worth the amount of time put into it. Thankfully it went great and much better than expected. We had an entire garage and driveway full of stuff, and ended up ended up with only two tubs left of things that we'll take to the Salvation Army. It is nice to be able to sell our things to other people who can use them, while giving us some much needed space in our spare room at the same time. I'm so glad it went well.

Monex Deposit Company

2009-07-30T07:36:00.002-06:00

The Monex Deposit Company has been around for over 30 years and is known as America's leader when it comes to gold, silver and precious metals investment. They are dedicated to helping their customers purchase silver, gold and other precious metals and will arrange for either immediate personal deliver or arrange for convenient and safe storage at a bank or depository of your choice. If you're interested in learning more about them and what they can do for you when it comes to precious metals investments...take a look at their very user friendly website where you'll find all the information you need to make an informed decision. You won't be sorry you did!

New Toy

2009-07-29T12:34:00.001-06:00

We had such a nice weekend spending time as a family here at home. We went out and got Kaelyn a climber for the yard on Friday and she played with that all weekend long!! She just loves it! We've been wanting to get one for a while now...so it's nice that she finally has something to play with in the backyard besides rocks and dirt!! I hope she continues to like it...as we won't be getting her a swing set or anything until we move to a different house. So far it seems like a big hit...and is great because it's something kids of all ages can use.

Potty Trained!

2009-07-29T12:32:00.001-06:00

Well..we're officially saying Kaelyn is potty trained now!! She hasn't had any accidents for about two weeks and wakes up dry 9 times out of 10! She's done so great...I couldn't be happier. We were hoping she'd catch on by the time the baby gets here in November, so to have her potty trained already is just great! Next comes the weaning of the pacifier...we'll see how that goes. She's quite attached, but only gets it at nap time and bed time...so hopefully it will be easier than I think to get rid of. I hope....

PowerOptions

2009-07-22T08:02:00.003-06:00

If you're looking for the best returns then you may want to check out PowerOptions today and their patented SmartSearchXL technology which makes it easy to find, compare, analyze and make money on stock option trading! They offer a complete suite of educational materials and premium toll-free customer support. It's a service which can't be found anywhere else! They are the only internet-based provider that gives investors the SmartSearchXL technology. I would encourage anyone who is interested to check out their site today. It's extremely user friendly and something you may definitely find helpful when it comes to covered calls.

Big Girl

2009-07-21T18:09:00.003-06:00

Kaelyn is officially in a big girl bed now. I was a little nervous about how the transition from a crib to a bed would go...but our little girl has transitioned wonderfully! She loves her bed and is so proud of it. She wants to show everyone who comes to our house! She sleeps very well in too. We've had very few times when she gets out of bed for any reason. It's nice to have her transitioned...that way the baby will be ready for his/her crib when they arrive in November.

Garage Sale

2009-07-21T18:05:00.001-06:00

With getting ready to move, we've decided we have to get rid of some things we no longer need. That means it's Garage Sale time!! My mom also has some things she wants to sell...so we've decided to do a Garage Sale together here at our house in the middle of August. I'm looking forward to it. Not only will we be able to clear a lot of things out of our storage room, but we'll also make a little money too! Who doesn't like money, right?! Hopefully it will be quite successful and we'll be able to get rid of a lot!

Karisma Hotels

2009-07-21T18:04:00.001-06:00

Aww...to have a relaxing family vacation....it's a dream of mine. I've heard a lot of great things about the Karisma Hotels which are a collection of properties located right there on the beaches of the Mexican Riviera Maya. Beautiful is all I can say!! They offer a gourmet inclusive concept which is perfect for anyone who loves food like myself! They also offer amazing service and great accommodations like bars swings, beach butlers, and so much more! It's the relaxing vacation I know I've been looking for...how about you? If so, you may want to take a moment and head over to their website. There you'll find more information about their services, prices and everything else that can help you make a decision.

House For Sale

2009-07-21T18:03:00.003-06:00

Our house is for sale, but so far still no offers that we can accept. We're waiting for the perfect buyer and know he/she is out there somewhere. We're trying to be patient, but it's sure hard when we want so badly to live closer to Scott's job. I guess it will all happen in the Lord's timing. For the time being we're just looking around trying to find the right house for us. It's not an easy thing to find a house with all that ours offers. I'm sure the perfect house is out there somewhere though.

Time to Clean

2009-07-21T18:03:00.001-06:00

How does our house get so messy?? It seems like we clean it one minute, and the next it's a mess again. I think it has something to do with Kaelyn. :) Toddlers are very busy and into a lot of things. It's fun though....I wouldn't have it any other way! It just makes it hard sometimes to have clutter since our house is on the market and we're having showings every now and then. Oh well...what can you do?!

Holsted Jewelers

2009-07-21T18:02:00.002-06:00

I love all sorts of jewelry...whether it be designer jewelry like jewelry cubic zirconia or the real thing...it's all beautiful in my opinion. I especially like Holsted Jewelers who provides designer jewelry, gifts and accessories to millions of satisfied customers. They believe in great customer service and high quality products....two very important things when running a business of any kind...especially when it deals with jewelry. What I like best is that their products are so fashionable and one of a kind...it's not something you're going to see on everyone walking around which is nice too. Learn more about Holsted Jewelers and all that they have to offer by visiting their website today!

Frosty The Snowman

2009-07-21T18:01:00.003-06:00

This may sound a bit odd for the month of July...but Kaelyn's new favorite movie is Frosty the Snowman. She saw it sitting in the DVD drawer and wanted to watch it one day. I put it in and now that's all she talks about. She seems to go in stages with the movies she likes. One day it's Nemo and the next it's Frosty. She loves dancing to the music and watching the snowman. I think she'll Christmas this year and all the fun Christmas/winter movies we have. I can't wait!

20 Week Ultrasound

2009-07-21T18:00:00.001-06:00

We recently had our 20 week ultrasound. It was so much fun seeing our little baby moving around. I've sure been feeling him/her moving around a lot. Quite the busy little bee. Everything looked great on the ultrasound and heart was beating strong. I look forward to November so we can actually hold our baby in our arms and see his/her face. I'm not sure if the time will go quickly or not, but so far the first 21 weeks have just flown by. Hopefully the last half will as well!

Capella University

2009-07-21T17:59:00.003-06:00

Are you ready to start furthering your education, but still want to keep your job at the same time? If so, online college courses like those offered at Capella University may be just what you're looking for. They make it possible to get an education online...a master's degree or even an undergraduate degree....all from the comfort of your own home. If you're interested in learning more about this fully accredited online college and all that they have to offer you...you can check out their very user friendly and informative website. Here you'll even find their latest Inside Online Education podcast which currently features a discussion of state approved reading and literacy program. Check it out and see what you think....you won't be sorry you did.

This blog post was based on information provided by Blogitive. For more information, please visit Blogitive.com

Mom Blog

2009-07-21T17:55:00.002-06:00

I have mentioned my Mom Blog before, but wanted to again for anyone interested in checking it out. I have many great giveaways and helpful information for parents located there. I have a new design too...which I think really gives it a more professional and organized feel. If you check it out, let me know what you think! I'd love to hear your impressions and thoughts. Don't forget to enter any giveaways you are interested in as well!! Check it out here.

Being a Mom

2009-07-21T17:52:00.002-06:00

Kaelyn is sure growing up. She's going to be 21 months in just a week or so. It seems like just yesterday we were bringing her home from the hospital...now we're preparing for our second baby already. Life is great. I hope it slows down a bit though. These are such fun years with our kids...I want to be sure and treasure each and every precious moment with them. Kaelyn has reached so many milestones that I will remember always, and I want to do the same with our other children. Being a mom is the greatest.

Allegro Medical

2009-07-21T17:51:00.002-06:00

Allegro Medical is a company which serves over 1 million customers and offers life enhancing products that many can use! They are the largest and most technologically advanced independently owned online retailers of this type of products and a site everyone should check out. Whether it's Exercise & Fitness Equipment, Nutritional Dietary Supplements, ensure, Maternity/Baby Supplies or Outdoor Gear....they have it all! If you visit their site you'll find that they offer over 55,000 products. They make it very easy to navigate and find what you're looking for though as everything is listed under 50 categories and hundreds of sub categories. Check it out today and see what you think!

Fast Summer

2009-07-15T17:50:00.002-06:00

Wow...where has July gone? I swear this summer is flying by faster than I can even enjoy it. It's been so cold here and rainy for much of the summer...it's felt more like fall than anything. I sure hope the last couple of months of summer warm up so we can enjoy it more. Kaelyn loves being outdoors and going to the pool!! She begs to go out in fact, but many times the temps are just too cold or it's too wet out. I just can't believe how fast it's going. Where does the time go?

Moving

2009-06-28T17:46:00.002-06:00

I am really looking forward to heading to Cedar Falls soon to help my brother and his family move in to their new place. They've been living in Texas for the last 4 years and we haven't been able to see them much. Having them closer will be very nice...I'm excited! I think the move should go pretty smoothly. It will be fun to see everyone and get the family together.

Monaco Rare Coin

2009-06-21T07:36:00.002-06:00

Monaco Rare Coin is part of the Monex family of companies. If you've heard of them before, you know they are a trusted leader in precious metals investments and have been for almost 40 years. They have helped thousands and thousands of people invest, including rare coins like rare gold coins, silver and platinum bullion and bullion coins. Monaco Rare Coin has a unique and variety of resources that investors can utilize. Collectors also appreciate their services. If you'd like an experienced and knowledgeable company to work with, you definitely should look into Monaco Rare Coin! You won't be sorry you did.

Father's Day

2009-06-21T07:31:00.002-06:00

It's Father's Day and we have a busy day ahead of us. Today we are going to see my Grandpa for lunch while the guys go golfing. Scott, Dad and Jake all love to golf, so they're going to have a great time! It was my gift to Scott because he never gets to go golf any more. Then we're going to go and see Scott's dad this afternoon. It will be a great day...I'm looking forward to it a lot! Hope it doesn't go by too quickly.

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

2009-06-19T14:53:00.001-06:00

Rain, Rain, Go Away! I can't believe that it's still raining out. I feel like it's been raining for weeks straight! That's not exactly true...we did have one day that was nice enough to spend outdoors. For the most part though, all we've had is rain. In fact, it's not just rain, but some pretty nasty weather. It sure doesn't feel like summer is here yet. What a bummer. Here in the midwest we wait for summer...and once it comes we cherish every day because it's not long at all. Unfortunately this year, summer doesn't even feel like it has begun yet and it's probably half over already.

Planning a Wedding

2009-06-10T19:34:00.001-06:00

Planning a wedding can be very stressful and time consuming. I had a lot of fun planning mine, but at the same time it was a bit overwhelming too. I wish I had knowing about the Knot Wedding Ship and all they have to offer back then. It's a great resource for grooms and brides. Here you'll find top-quality wedding supplies and other items ranging from cameras, ring pillows, gifts and cake toppers. You can even find personalized things and unique wedding favors as well. I was very impressed with the user-friendliness of their site and the variety of things they offered. Any bride-to-be should check it out. A MUST-SEE for sure!

Growing Up

2009-06-10T16:54:00.000-06:00

Our little girl is 19 months old already! Can you believe it?!? It hardly seems possible. The time has gone so quickly. She continues to learn new things every day. She amazes us with her vocabulary and verbal skills. She is putting together sentences and making sense of the world around her. It's a lot of fun to listen to her and to be able to talk with her in a way she understands. Her comprehension skills are unbelievable. Our little girl is growing up....

House Stuff

2009-06-10T16:51:00.002-06:00

Tomorrow morning we have a plumber coming. Our laundry room drain has been acting up and we want to get it fixed since our house is on the market and someone could be buying it. For some reason when we run the washer, the drain bubbles and water comes out...it's like it's backing up or something. Hopefully they can figure out what the problem is and it won't cost us very much. We've had to reschedule this appointment twice, so hopefully it won't fall through again.

Holsted Jewelers

2009-06-10T16:50:00.003-06:00

I love jewelry...what girl doesn't?! A while back I had heard of jewelers and tonight Scott was asking me about them. Our anniversary is coming up...maybe that's why?! Hmmm. Anyways...they're a company that has been around since 1971 and offer some really great designer jewelry, gifts and accessories. They already have millions of satisfied customers and I can see why. Between the high quality of items they sell as well as their fantastic customer service...all I have to say is "I'm there"! Find great deals to fit any budget and wonderful products to fit any style and taste. Find truly fashionable merchandise with a price tag you can afford. I really enjoyed looking their site over with my hubby and I'm sure you will too!

My Mom Blog

2009-06-10T16:48:00.002-06:00

Have I ever mentioned that I have a Mom Blog. I enjoy blogging on there quite frequently and sharing money saving tips with parents. Not only that, but I like to conduct reviews and giveaways for different mommy and baby products as well. If you ever want to check it out, just head over to A Mom's Balancing Act which can be found in my list of blogs in the side column. You can even subscribe if you like so you can keep updated on all that is going on there. Stop back and let me know what you think if you want...I always enjoy feedback.