City of Compton

Bella is 5!

2010-10-07T20:45:00.008-04:00

I cant believe it has been this long since I posted but I have some great pic to share. Life is crazy busy and we are preparing to go on our cruise for Bella's 5 th birthday. How time flies as everyone says and my baby is no longer a baby, but she'll always be my baby...Happy birthday my sweet sweet girl...I love you more...

This is called the blog of a video since I haven't posted in so long

2010-02-14T21:03:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year 2010!

2010-01-02T10:44:00.004-05:00

Alright Ya'll I have been so busy at work I have been to tired (read Lazy) to update either one of my blogs. Well work has finally settled down and I will try to update this more regularly. For anyone else who is interested I post all my pictures on Facebook. Update soon! Like maybe Wednesday!

Crystal

Happy New Year 2010!

2010-01-02T10:44:00.003-05:00

Bella

2009-10-07T21:16:00.007-04:00

Lifting weights,she needed to work on her form...
She looks like a little girl now , a baby no more :(((
This is just a funny self portrait,she is really enjoying my camera.

Ah my principesa is all grown up. She is creeping up on 4 and well I am finding myself very sad. She was in the bath earlier and began reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to me (to the republic and all) Then she began humming "Where is thumkin?" I just don't remember knowing all of this at age 3. Maybe I didn't...anyone with me????So listen here's the thing, I will surely do an update on Bella's last year hopefully before her birthday so I will spare you the sob story now but this little girl amazes me every day and I couldn't love her more.

xoxo,

Pru's retirement party

2009-10-03T15:59:00.006-04:00

Bella 4 year pictures

2009-10-03T15:39:00.005-04:00

Wow this was so much fun...

Bella

2009-09-25T16:46:00.010-04:00

Bella took the rest of these pictures with my camera

Target/Wags

2009-09-25T16:12:00.009-04:00

Target:
This receipt is a mile long so here are the highlights
48 lbs Purina One Dog food $9.49
used $3 MQ and $2 TQ =$4.49 ea (not super but pretty good)
11 Glade Candles $1.66 ea
used -$1.50 MQ inside tins
Jonas Bros DVD/Wizards Hannah Montana DVD $14.99 ea
used -$6 peelie
Tide to Go .97
used -$1 P&g 8/30
Head and shoulders trial .97
used -$1 MQ P&G 8/30
LPS activity kits $5.99
used -$5 Hasbro TQ
20 cheese sticks .40 ea
used -$1/2 TQ
Crystal Light to go .68 ea
used $2/2 MQ
other random junk
Total OOP:$77.76
Total Savings:$138.75 (almost doubled my OOP!!)

DD just had to be in the pic!

Wags:
Two transactions because I got my flu shot and it printing a $3/$15 order

Kids room rug on clearance for $5
6 Sally Hansen nail polish $1.37-$3.59
used -$3 cat from last trip ( I am now up to like 30 new polishes)
received 2 $5 CATS for buying these new ones
white eye liner .99
2 popcorn balls $1
-$1/2 MQ Nov All You
2 Oral B tbrushes $2 ea
used B1G1 $2
Thermacare $2.49
used -$1 print
Burt's Bees $2.99

Total OOP:$6.32
Total Savings: $46.62
Total RR:$4.50, 2 $5 CATS Sally Hansen

Our little artist

2009-09-13T23:08:00.007-04:00

SO the other day while I was printing some coupons in the office, Bella kept coming in and saying "May I have another piece of paper please,ma'am?" I obliged several times. I asked her to go wake up her Daddy so I could leave for work and when i went to follow her in I found these all over the floor.

When I went in the room I asked Mike if he drew these and he was still asleep. He woke up and said she did the same thing last weekend. When did my kid stop scribbling? She's still 3 I guess school is really teaching her a lot.

The more I look at these I realize that they are of Mike. Hilarious.

xoxo,

Danny's final hurrah,with us anyway!

2009-09-03T21:21:00.008-04:00

So as it happens Danny not only does not communicate well with us, he doesn't communicate well with anyone else either. For those who don't know still, Danny was transferred to another store hence the party. We wish him well.

Ethan's 1st day of VPK

2009-08-28T21:38:00.005-04:00

Ethan's first day of VPK. He was obviously very unhappy
Emma was happy though
It's ok Ethan it will be ok

He eventually came around and told Heather and Danny he loved it but he wasn't going back tomorrow.
My kiddos contrary to what it seems as if Ethan and Emma are mine. They are not.

xoxo,

A Season of Birthdays

2009-08-20T22:42:00.014-04:00

Danny's birthday as you can see he likes to throw things
The clown came just for him
hmmm feet on plates,that seems right
nice
As Tony says I should've had a V8

Emma practicing her Yoga on the table
Emma's 1st birthday

Dave

Sleepy girl

Mom's bday

The End
xoxo,
CC

Ethan's 4th Birthday

2009-07-27T20:26:00.009-04:00

These are all out of order but I'm tired

Kathy's holding new baby Samantha

After getting out of the pool crying
Little blue eyes

Bella was like this all weekend

More than meets the eye

Candy dance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So she whined all day refused to stay in the pool because other kids were there, and was just generally unhappy all weekend. I can't figure it out minus being overtired but she does nap most days in school. We have definitely figured out that as long as we get here there when its playground time she is fine with no tears or screaming. The last few days she has announced her appearance with "its Ethan's and Juno's birthday today" She is so anxious for her birthday now but it is still a few months away. I told her we still have Mamaw's, Emma's, Danny's, Uncle Jon's, Aunt Adrian's, Sydney's, Uncle Tony's and then hers. I think that will keep her mind occupied until then!

xoxo,

Mike's birthday

2009-07-18T18:04:00.013-04:00

I add this one because Danny could not join us for dinner. Anyone who doesn't know,Danny is a workaholic as seen here wiping his brow from his daily woes.

I'm sure she just loves me for this
Have table will sleep

This is funny because Heather and Ethan both seem to have standard picture faces as in they are always making the same face in most of their pictures!
I only post this for you Rob
He's pretty sassy or maybe just pretty

Emma and my horrible posture

Isn't she adorable?

This is why my kitchen floor is always soaked

Reference the comment with Heather and Emma picture

He LOVES chocolate cake!

How many can we fit on one couch?

My puppy no more he is officially 1 year old and 100lbs!

I haven't been posting because other than birthdays not much has happened and now that I am working full time I am just plain exhausted, Training is finally over and I just had my first official day working in the store. It went ok but I still have a lot to learn. Bella is doing much better in school and has even made some friends. There is another Bella in her class and a new mention tonight of Logan. Watch out Ethan, you've got competition!

xoxo,

2009-07-13T21:11:00.006-04:00

I've got no pictures to post but they wouldn't be any good anyway. We began our first week of me being at work and Bella starting Preschool full time. As expected the first day was very difficult dropping her off. She was very excited to go and when we got there she even marched right in there and even went right into the potty. I guess I waited too long because when I went to leave she went a little cuckoo and was clinging and pulling my hair to hold on to me. It was absolutely heartbreaking. Of course I cried like a baby and not just a tear or two either.

Day 2: She held my hand at drop off and asked me"Mommy can you not go to work today?" I said "No I gotta go to work so I can buy you toys" Who's betting that will come back to bite me in the butt? The kids were outside so at this point she just walked away from me. OK, better.

Day 3: She threw herself all over the floor all morning saying she didn't want to go. When we finally go there she sat down and looked at me like why are you still here. GREAT!

Wednesday night she woke up coughing and had a fever.

Day 4: Mike stays home from work with her. That night 102 degree fever.

Day 5: Mike takes her to work with him to talk to a few coworkers about what he's missed. Then he takes her to the doctor. She is diagnosed with a double ear infection apparently due to her not blowing her nose (use your imagination here) As a note she is 3 1/2 and this is her first ear infection. How? I have no idea, apparently I had a ton when I was a kid and subsequently had to have tubes put in.

Anyway my week was incredibly boring with a few highlights here and there but I have never been good in the classroom as I have an undiagnosed case of A.D.D. so it was difficult to concentrate and the training was an hour drive away so I had to get up super early. Blah blah blah.

This week I got to be in the store and so far that is proving much more exciting. Bella's first day back was very traumatic again pulling hair and all and all morning she wailed "I wanna go to Daddy's work!!!" AH well that's what's up!

One of my favorite non money saving blogs

2009-07-08T22:12:00.003-04:00

Check out The Meanest Mom and make sure to read about grumpy 70 year old women. This blog makes me laugh every time and is well worth you time!

Check it!

4 of the July and fruit pizza

2009-07-05T21:42:00.007-04:00

I got this amazing recipe at My litter of six and it was sooo yummy! Pretty too!
We had a few random fireworks going off aside from our own
Straight out of the bath in her nightgown. I swear if it is not a dress of some sort she WILL NOT wear it! Not that I am arguing that as they are very easy but she has so many other clothes that are just sitting there. It also makes playtime not so easy. But I digress...
Some of our pitiful fireworks, Mike made them into the shape of a "C" AWWWW

While he's lighting ours she is looking at bigger ones in the sky
Her nightgown was bunched up in her panties

The next day in her ballerina leotard (thanks Farrah!)
I have yet to figure out why we didn't do anything this 4th of July. I guess maybe we just didn't feel like it but anyway we had a great home cooked dinner and dessert ans some quiet family time. Ah well its off to work I go, wish me much success PLEASE!!

Georgia on my mind

2009-07-04T10:54:00.011-04:00

We took an impromptu trip to Savannah before I went back to work and Mike wanted to get away for a bit. This is on the way home but Bella just loved those wax lips!
Our room with a view

My loves
Checking out the view
The bridge from our room

Bay street

This was the longest boat I have ever seen and this was only half of it
There were lots of steep stairways in Savannah and this was not one of them. Mike walked down a much steeper one with Bella on his shoulders because she had a boo boo on her toe. My heart stopped until we got all the way down!
Pretty trees

God I love her!

This is the Pirate's House where we ate dinner. It was supposed to be haunted and I was really hoping to see a ghost but no dice. Cool atmosphere though and The Herb House inside there is the oldest building in Georgia and it was creepy but the food was tasty and it was authentic fare!

And the hallway leading to where?????

Other than that we checked out the city and ate at One Eyed Lizzy's for lunch the next day and was great food, fast, and cheap too! We were going to go into the hotel's indoor pool but I packed Bella's bathing suit while she was at school and she had a major meltdown when we went to put it on because she said it itched her. It is the cutest thing I've ever seen but now she refuses to wear it. Oh well.

xoxo,

Bella's first day of "preschool"

2009-07-04T10:43:00.003-04:00

Oh my sassafrass! I took her in for a pre first day so she could get a feel for it before I go back to work on Monday. I was so worried about it but of course it was in vain. She was so excited to go and walked right in like she owned the place. She even went potty right away! While the director was just getting us acquainted it seems we stayed too long and she got upset that I was leaving but I didn't want to just skip out on her without her knowing. I called to check on her in a couple hours and they said she was doing great and she did not want to be touched! When I went to pick her up a little boy named Carter (apparently the welcoming committee) asked me if she had an Emma. I said "no her neighbor friend has a little sister named Emma" He tells me "No she said her mommy has a baby sister in her tummy named Emma" I said well Bella you know that I don't and she said "yes you do mommy!" Glad they let me know.
The director said she will be leading everyone before long and that she was very mature :) I hope the next week goes as well and guess what? I didn't cry! We will see if it is the same on Monday. Speaking of Monday I am excited but still sad. I know this will cut my Bella time down to practically nothing and I am not sure how I will deal with that. Time will tell...

xoxo,

RIP Scrappy Doo

2009-06-27T10:50:00.003-04:00

You are missed!

Things to do

2009-06-26T16:48:00.007-04:00

As I am preparing to go back to work (I only have one week left! After 3 years this should be interesting!) I have been marking off tons of things on my to do list that I know I will not feel like doing once I go back. One of the things on my to do list is to go through Bella's old toys and baby clothes and do something with them. This is something I have been putting off as indicated by the above photo and the missing drive to just get it done. SO here it is all over the floor.

And the "After" picture. Can you believe we had a half bag of just happy meal toys? Disgusting I know. I was going to donate them but most of it was just plain junk so I threw it out. Recyclers everywhere are cringing. You can actually completely shut the lid now. What a concept. Now on to the playroom toy box (which isn't nearly as bad) and all of her baby clothes. UGH!

And finally here is a sweet one of her "feeding" her baby. Her baby's name is Bella (naturally) and she is feeding her Mickey Mouse ears that came off her headphones. Tasty.

Church sign

2009-06-17T14:10:00.001-04:00

I saw a church sign today that said:

"Florida is cooler than Hell"

What do you think??

xoxo,
CC

My lovely

2009-06-17T13:41:00.005-04:00

Going to church for VBS performance
she refused to "perform"
Our little "stuperstar"

xoxo,
CC

VBS 09

2009-06-12T11:29:00.008-04:00

So this is what we have been doing this week! Vacation Bible School 09. We had anywhere from 13-16 kids each night for 5 nights. It was a lot of fun but exhausting! Ethan got to go with Bella for the first two nights but then he went to Pennsylvania for the rest of the week. Bella had lots of fun and is doing great with the potty but has become a bear with bedtime/naptime. She refuses to sleep in her bed and when she does we have to lay down with her. If we fall asleep with her and leave she ends up in our bed a short time later. I do love lovin on her but my back is paying for it every morning having to accommodate to her. I know we have created this monster but now I am over it. I wish I could get Mike on the same page...

Right now she is running a slight fever I am guessing from being around all the kids this week so we will see how that turns out.

In other news, I got the job! It is at AT&T Mobility and I start July 7. I am happy and sad all at the same time but I think it is time for both Bella and me. Wish me success!

xoxo,
CC

1st sunburn

2009-06-08T23:18:00.004-04:00

My poor baby :(

Artist hard at work
Happy artist

MY kids
Aren't they adorable???

Ok so Bella got her first sunburn this week. Heather was going to the beach with Ethan and Emma and since I had so much to do at home I opted out. She offered to take Bella and since Bella doesn't enjoy housework I slathered her up with 50 SPF (twice beleive it or not) and sent her on her way. Unfortunately, you couldn't get her out of the water so most of the sunblock washed off and they were in a convertible Jeep on the way home. She kept insisting it didn't hurt until the next day so I gave her some Tylenol and Aloed her up. She took it amazingly well. I hate being sunburnt, its so uncomfortable. I hated it even more for her. Anyway she is healing fine with a little peeling. Word of advice besides the obvious, make sure you cover the scalp and the BOTTOM of feet! Both of Bella's were peeling and I was sure I covered everything with her ears and back of her neck. Who knew? Well, I didn't.

xoxo,
CC

Puggles graduation

2009-06-04T16:50:00.014-04:00

Abby and Jenna
Lisa, Katie, Cameron
Kaylynn

Eli

Ethan, Tucker, garrett, Jenna, Kaytlin,Joe, Gage, Jenna

Stephen

Stephen got the most pie

See I was a good sport

Well our 4 year old Puggles graduated this year and we lost a good part of our class. To celebrate the occasion we decided to let them slap us in the face with Whip Cream pies. Whose idea was that again??? Anyway, we let them pick who they wanted to get so I got it about 4 times, same for Lisa. Dianna somehow got off with like 2. Stephen, well we lost count. All the kids thought it was just great to get him! The younger kids didn't seem to like it, I think it scared them but the older kids were all for it. My sweet Bella didn't want to do it either (ah that's my girl) Congrats Puggles-Eli, Tucker, Joe, Gage, Bryce, Bradley, Ethan, Abby, and Kaitlyn-we will miss you.

xoxo,
CC

Kids,beach, and dripping in sweat

2009-06-01T15:31:00.008-04:00

When Fred and Pru came up this weekend I watched Ethan and Emma for a bit. We went shopping and then spent some time outside. Way.Too. Much.Time. Outside.

We played with the sidewalk chalk and the kids took a spin around the block in the pink 'stang. They even stopped on the way way for McDonald's and pizza. Hi-larious!
The sidewalk chalk was 3-D so super duper fun it actually looked well 3-D.

She was getting increasinglymore and more unhappy about being in the heat

As we couldn't take the heat anymore we took a break and had Flavor-ice. Did I mention these are the best ever? They helped with my nausea when I was pregnant so of course I was happy to indulge again.
Poor things we were literally melting,YUCK

On Sunday we hit the beach and Bella tried her hand at surfing. She laid on the board but it was more than we expected her to do. Mike tried to surf but alas there were literally no waves. OK maybe one foot.

So he resorted to boogie boarding it, so did I teee heee

This one is my favorite, she's so happy!

xoxo,
CC

Kiddos

2009-05-26T10:56:00.007-04:00

The new addition to the Fariello home. Heather found this little guy on the side of the road all by himself. He cannot be more than a pound he's so tiny. Sydney has already named him "Gucci" We will see how this goes! He is so stinking cute!
He's the size of Danny's shoe

Pulling momma's hair

xoxo,
CC

Well folks its official...I think

2009-05-22T12:01:00.004-04:00

She helped me make a cake

I think I can safely say now that Bella is officially potty trained! Yay! It took 3.5 years but I think she gets it now. I have hesitated on writing this post until I was sure but I think I am now sure. One thing is definitely for sure...she has an amazing bladder. At Disney the other day she did not go from 10 in the morning until 9 at night. And it is not the first time either. If you can imagine that could be why it took her so long because she didn't get much practice. I wish I could hold it that long! She is still in Pull Ups at night "just in case" but she has woken up for a few days now with a dry one.

I also put her on the scale this morning and she weighs 34.6lbs! I cannot believe although my back can! She really hasn't grown much this year until now and that would explain the grouchiness we have been experiencing lately,a growth spurt! I haven't measured her height lately but we did it about a month ago and it hadn't changed.

In other news, I have been applying for jobs since March and have applied to at least 35 with almost zero response. I did finally get an interview with AT&T that I went to yesterday. The interview went really well and I am going in to do a job preview on Tuesday which just gives me a feel for the job but we all know that I know what to expect here! If hired I would start the first or second week of July because that is when their next training class starts. I am excited and sad all at the same time! I will keep you updated once I receive an offer.

xoxo,
CC

Weekends

2009-05-18T14:00:00.012-04:00

Mother's Day

2009-05-10T22:03:00.012-04:00

Daddy's girl

Everyone left Mike in the pool

Bella Juno enjoyed the Slip n Slide
John and Jodi
Dave
Umi aka Janice
Jodi, Fred, Pru, Momma
Syd participating in her favorite actiivity, next to texting
Grandma, Corey, Kathy

Fred, Pru, Zoie
Where we always find them and we wonder why Ethan makes those faces...
In Heather's room without her knowing it
Nothing sweeter than a sleeping baby
He ate two ears of corn and lots of butter!

Mom and son
Me and momma

Picking weeds with Kathy

What an absolutely lovely day.I got to sleep in like most Sundays but Mike made us chocolate chip pancakes which was a treat we haven't had in a long time and was just delicious! Not only was it gorgeous outside and probably pushing 90 degrees but my mom and Mikes mom came up here for a cookout. We met them in St Augustine first for lunch at my favorite Sonny's and then to do some outlet shopping. They had a crazy sale at the Croc store and yes my kid wears them and I love them because they are cute and easy and comfy for me. I can definitely recommend an awesome flip flop that I wear everywhere! Anyway they had most of the kids and Disney Crocs for $4.99 or BOGO $9.99 so the same so between the grandmothers Bella got 5 new pairs of shoes (in bigger sizes she can grow into of course) and I got some sassy ones with heels. They are so comfy and I just cannot wear heels anymore but I can wear these.

Then we headed to the Fariello's for some pool/slip n slide time before the cookout. We had a great dinner thanks to Heather and Danny as always, well I will go ahead and say it, mostly Heather and a lovely rest of the afternoon. Thanks to everyone for making my day truly special and I hope everyone else enjoyed their as much as I did mine.

xoxo,
CC

A week in the life

2009-05-08T18:01:00.009-04:00

He always seems to make these faces

She asked me to take this picture

xoxo,
CC

My buddy and me

2009-05-04T11:16:00.004-04:00

A cute one of Bella and Juno with cookie all over her mouth. They really do love each other!

xoxo,
CC

Houston,we have a problem

2009-05-01T17:32:00.002-04:00

So here is our snack /candy collection. No wonder we are overweight. A lot of this is Christmas/Valentines/Easter candy and then fillers or free candy or snacks I have gotten over the past few months. I was so disgusted I had to walk away. Anyone need or want any snacks? I am sending it to work with Mike and donating the rest. Seriously, I almost cried.

xoxo,
CC

Catching up

2009-05-01T10:32:00.012-04:00

My goodness have we been busy! These first pictures are of Mike's company picnic. We have spending a lot of time with them lately! They had a huge blow up slide that Bella refused to go on but I did and looked like a beast doing it but it was fun! I am not posting pictures of it don't even ask.
You can have this one of me

Watching everyone else slide

Having a talk

Some of Mike's coworkers and the slide

These are the twins that are one month older than Bella. They were Brody and CeCe (for Cecilia I think) and some more coworkers.
This is the "other" Isabella. She is the granddaughter of the lady holding her which I think is the admin at Mike's office. So cute!
Bella hanging out with people she doesn't know
Weird pic
Mark,very nice guy

Joe, Mike's boss and his house where the picnic was hosted
Then on Sunday Tommy and Danielle came up with Savy for a few days to look for jobs here. She and Bella had a blast in the tub together, I will also post a video.
Bella just kept soaking Savy with water, poor thing

Here is Savy eating her lunch the day Bella got sick(she slept through lunch)
This is Bella's room after I put her to bed that night.
She loves to read
She ended up in our bed that night and I caught Mike with his signature video game playing face, tongue out
On Tuesday we had to go to Daytona to get my crown fixed supposedly for the last time. It still isn't right but its a long boring story. Anyway we went to Target with Pru later and Bella finally got a hula hoop which she has wanted for a long time. Little did I know that my mom could hula hoop so well. She has two so they did it together. My mom had it around her neck then her hips and then around her leg. She's is like a pro. I mean really how did I go through my life this long and not know this about her?
Right before dinner I said to Bella that we needed to go wash her hands, when we got in there she said she had a hair on her tongue. As I tried to look she started gagging, then puking, then puking more and more. This is the first time I have had to be there and it was no fun. By the time it was over it was on the floor, all over the toilet,sink, Bella, my mom , and me. She has my gag reflex I guess. Poor thing. I guess the thing is also that since she has been sick, she refuses to blow her nose so she is swallowing the phlegm (I know yummy) so I think it just had to come up somehow. Well no more puking since but she is still sick, cough,sinuses, etc.
Unfortunately I was too shocked to get any pictures of her, bummer
Rob's turn now
D.O.D (dear old dad)
Fred and Pru

I tried without much success please excuse my wrecked hair
hiding, her new thing

xoxo,
CC

Tennessee

2009-04-22T18:18:00.004-04:00

Logan and Sarah

It was rainy the first day so I only took a few pics on the last day so these are in front of the hotel.
Waiting for the shuttle to the airport
Had I known I would've packed food
I spent a lot of time here
This is bigger than ours!

Just a few pics of our room and stuff in Tennessee. I didn't get many pictures but we had a nice relaxing time and best of all it was all on Mike's work tab! He was being honored for getting his certification in Interior Design! Go Mike!

xoxo,
CC

Easter Egg Hunt-Big kids

2009-04-15T09:38:00.003-04:00

Easter-Mike's camera

2009-04-13T19:50:00.011-04:00

Not sure why Mike took so many pictures of me and Emma but I think he was trying to get her to smile. She was happy just not smiling. We love little Emma!

Looks like Brody was running the wrong way

As you can see Mike is a much better photographer than I.

xoxo,
CC

Easter Sunday

2009-04-13T10:03:00.008-04:00

Love that smile~
Dyeing eggs
"You have to let them cook!"

All done minus one Mike crushed with his hand
Bella's basket #1

She wants to pose for me again
Basket #2
Basket #4

She's crawling, it won't be long now

Oh how they love each other
More pics to follow from Mike's camera

xoxo,
CC

I couldn't resist

2009-04-11T10:39:00.008-04:00

Bella's definition of cleaning up her room.She was so proud of herself. Tops shelf me,bottom, Bella
Bella's new bubble wand, this thing made giant bubbles it was so cool. I will try to get the video up.

So cute before bed
My best friend

Ready for bed at Mamaw's

Can anyone tell me what's wrong with this picture? This is my mom's office employee restroom. How would you like to pee next to me?

xoxo,
cc

Easter Egg Hunt

2009-04-09T17:09:00.007-04:00

We had an Easter Egg Hunt at church last night with all the other Puggles and the kids had a grand ole time. It took much less time that I expected and so we went to the gym to let the kids play.
We said"let's go" and here they ran to get in the car!

Bella upside down
I heart Lisa
H & Em
Proof that I got all of them to church
Puggles song

Outside next to the cemetary, that's where they congregated...

In the gym tree

xoxo,
CC

Slip n Slide and the Fair

2009-04-06T21:05:00.008-04:00

I watched Ethan and Emma a few days this week and Bella just LOVES her some Emma. I watch her with her and realize what a great big sister she will be someday. She is so sweet and wants to hold her all the time. She always tells me 'I will be gentle with her Mommy". Emma has grown so much and she is getting so heavy! But she laughs and curls her tongue up and it is so cute. I wish I could get a picture of that! Here she is spilling her bottle all over my floor.
Sitting on her potty but not actually going. She has done so well with her potty training at home but has no interest in going in public because she thinks she will fall in. I told her we can't go to Disney again until she does. Is that mean? I told her we can use her portable seat so she won't fall in. She still will go in her Pullups and a lady at church in Gainesville once told me "pull-ups are not your friend" and they are not.

We watched Sarah Jane this weekend while Rob and Tony went to Raleigh(just call us the caretakers) and she and Juno played like a bunch of lunatics all weekend. Thank goodness because Juno is working my last nerve lately so now he is all good and worn out.

Sarah really tired here but she's smiling!

On Saturday we broke out the slip and slide and had a blast. Well Mike and I did anyway. The kids oddly enough were very slow to warm up to it. Emma however loved it. I slipped around like a beached whale but I had a great time so I don't care. Emma was trying to drink the water and finally Bella and Ethan got in a slid around a bit but neither would actually tried "sliding" Maybe this summer. Heather got pictures of the kids and I got a video of Mike but he won't let me post it. Good times!
This is Bella's old bikini... so cute
Later we went to the Clay County Agricultural Fair. The kids didn't want to do much at first and then Ethan found a few rides he could go on and went on the same boat ride like 10 times. Bella would only go on the carousel and did it twice. Since she wouldn't go on anything Mike and I used her tickets to go on the Tilt-a Whirl (my favorite...I laughed like a maniac) and this cool air glider ride where we laid down and flew through the air. It was one of the coolest rides we have ever been on. Of course we ate like crazy and enjoyed most of it although the hot dogs were a mistake. There were a lot of animals to see so we checked out the pigs, bunnies, chickens, roosters, and ponies. Bella decided she wanted a bunny and I told her she doesn't take care of her dog so no bunny but she keeps asking because that's what she does. So I asked her the other night what she would name a bunny if she got one and she said" Grim grim busby" When I asked where she heard that she said "Uncle Tony" He has no idea what she's talking about but he seems to be her scapegoat so well you know.

mmmmm cotton candy

End of the night and everyone was exhausted.

xoxo,
CC

Some pictures

2009-03-31T22:04:00.006-04:00

I know I 've been totally slacking. We have been sick again. This time me and Bella with colds. Bella and her Daddy went to Orlando this weekend to see her buddy Savy for her birthday but since she was sick they just stopped by to drop off her gift. They then headed to Disney to meet Mike's parents. I had a baby shower here to attend so I got a day and a half by myself. All I can say is ...weird. I did end up watching Emma for a bit so I had a little company with her and Juno. All of this and no pictures. Pru can you send us some from this weekend? Bella also got to go to Cracker Barrel for breakfast with my parents on Sunday morning. She has been asking to go for weeks. Apparently she was a big grouchy pants all weekend. Anyway, here are some other pics from recently.
Emma and Juno (he is now 92 lbs.when will it stop?)
Bella wanted to hold her so bad
Messy face

Her room pre-mess
Emma,Emma

He was laying in the dirt sleeping so I tried to sneak out there to get a picture. I thought awww he's so cute. The same day I spent $10 for an outdoor rug so he would stop tracking said dirt inside. Now as you know I can do a lot with $10 so for me to spend it on one rug was a BIG deal. I had a gift card so I said, sure I'll splurge. Well he tore it up within 30 minutes of me placing it out there. It is now in pieces all over the yard. I guess I should have known better. Dumb,dog.

xoxo,
CC

Fireproof

2009-03-23T10:42:00.010-04:00

Please check my money saving blog at

http://crystalscouponcupboard.blogspot.com/

Walgreens:
Two Window Clings (I normally buy these on clearance) 1.98
Breeze Contour Glucose Monitor 14.99
Tums 7.99
2 Colgate total 6.98
2 Windex Multi Purpose
Axe Shampoo for Men 5.99
Wags Extra Strength Pain Pills 2.99
Bubblicious 1.69
Reese's cups 2/$1.00 (I ate one sue me)
Right Guard Professional 5.99
11 cans Hunts tomato sauce
Used: $50 in coupons and total was $7.52 but I return four razors because of a coupon debacle and got back 11.52 so total was -$4.52 for all of this
Also I got $3 more in register rewards for the Tums and will recieve $20 in mail in rebates! STEAL!
CVS Transaction #1
4 -8packs Mountain Dew4/$10(not pictured)
2- Post Cereal 1.88 each
2- Colgate wisp mini toothbrushes with paste built in( I am so excited about these!) 1.99 each
2- Gold Emblem candy .99 each
Total: 19.72 before tax
Used: $12.76 Manufacturer coupons
$5off $15 CRT
$5.99 CVS coupons
The reason this doesn't add up is because I bought a maybelline foundation for 7.99 that was supposed to give ecbs but didn't so I returned it. This left me with an overage of $2.53. I also recieved $2 ECB back for the Mountain Dew. Total profit of $4.53!
CVS transaction #2
Nova Max Glucose Monitor $9.99
2-Gold Emblem Candy 1.98
Reinventing Beauty mag has ($20 CVS coupons inside) .99
2-Colgate Wisp 3.98
Diet Coke 1.49 (I never do this but I was super thirsty)
Total before coupons: $18.43
Used : -
$1 off candy CRT
-2-.50 Colgate Wisp
-$5off $15 CVS CRT
-$9 ECB
Total OOP: $2.93
I recieved $9.99 in ECB for next time!

I went to Target the other day and got a lot of meat for super cheap(another post) and on the way home Mike called and needed me to meet him to pick up the car (yes it was finally ready) so I thought well I don't want the meat to be out too long so I stopped to get some ice to keep it cool. I was going to run in a gas station but I thought why should I spend money there when I have register rewards at Walgreens (right next door to gas station). I went in with $6 RR and some other coupons and I came out with this. I even added an etch a sketch for Bella(also missing from package because she just had to play with it) to fill in and somehow I ended up with a negative balance so I added two more pieces of caramel candy (not pictured because Mike and Bella ate them on the way home also the bag of ice for melting reasons) for a total of .30 Total savings of over $50!

We rented the Movie"Fireproof" the other day and I wanted to review it. What a great movie! This movie is essentially about Fireproofing your marriage and for those of you who haven't heard about it stars Kirk Cameron! You know you are getting old when he was one of your hear throbs growing up. The story tells of Kirks character named Caleb who is a firefighter and has been married for a while and the honeymoon phase is long gone. Caleb and his wife are all but disgusted with each other all the time and Kirk talks with his dad about it and they decide to do whats called The Love Dare for 40 days (you may have seen this book in Target I think when I figure out how to get it free or close to it I will let you know). The Love Dare gives you things to do each day to improve your marriage. The first day for example is no matter what go the entire day without saying anything negative to your spouse/significant other. This is all I am telling you except that I cried throughout this movie and Mike has promised to watch it soon. I think it can help any marriage no matter where you are in it and I think it could help in other relationships too. So my advice is to check it out and I give it 5 stars out of 5! You can rent it at Blockbuster and it is also sold in stores. I have also seen this on church signs as something they are showing at their churches.

So as we are working on our Love Dare or I am because he hasn't seen it yet, I have also lost 11 pounds! Yay! I have no idea how I have done it because I just haven't put effort into except to say that I have been busy trying to save money and trying to find a job. Also as I have previously posted we are still working on potty training Bella. I thought maybe since she waited this long to potty that she would do it one day and it would be done. Not so. I mean really who am I kidding this is Bella we are talking about here. Bella does things in Bella time and no one Else's. I am afraid though that she will done before I go back to work and then regress once I start. Arrrggg! Anyway she is doing better but we are having to stay home a lot because if I put a Pull Up on her to go somewhere she immediately goes in it. Otherwise she seems to hold it most of the time. She will sit on her potty more willingly but not if it interrupts what she's doing. Again, any advice is welcome.

2009-03-19T21:32:00.010-04:00

At our MOPS(Mothers of Preschoolers) meeting today we had Mom olympics which was lots of fun and then they brought the kids in and Bella refused to participate in any of it. But even still they handed out prizes to all of the kids which included a beach pail and shovel,sidewalk chalk, water balloons, water guns (my favorite) and some sunblock and you know how I love free stuff! What a great prize, Thanks Angela! We have been working on potty training lately and we have made it to the potty four times so far. We have had a few accidents but that's all part of it. Since we have tried everything to get this far including witholding her pricess dresses until she at least tries we took advantage of her new pail after dinner and it was on a night Mike got to be home with us so we had lots of fun as a family although Juno barked most of the time because we made him stay inside. One positive of the time change is definitly that it is light out longer so we got lots of fresh air. Here are some fun pictures. She is so sassy!

You can have my king

2009-03-17T09:00:00.002-04:00

Bella and I were playing with her Barbies this morning.I was ballerina Barbie and she was Sleeping Beauty.Our conversation went like this:

Ballerina Barbie:HI!
Sleeping Beauty: HI Ballerina Barbie!
BB: I like your dress its pink and glittery.
SB:Yeah
BB: Don' t you have something nice you can say about me?
SB: I have a King and you don't
BB:Well that's nice for you but not for me
SB: you can have my King if you want,OH KINNNNNNGGGGGG!!!!! You go live with Ballerina Barbie

xoxo,
CC

Weekends

2009-03-16T10:09:00.005-04:00

These pictures are out of order but here is Bella crying all the way home because she didn't want to go home.
Asleep we couldn't get her to wake up

Awesome,this is how I feel while watching Mike play video games

ADORABLE

Can you find the high heel princess slipper?

We went to Daytona again to get my crown fixed and got to see most everyone while we were there. Here are some pictures. The ones of Bella asleep in the chair are awesome. I always seem to want to take pictures of her sleeping!

Oh and for some good news! Right before we left for Daytona on Friday Bella went all day without a diaper on and didn't make any mess for like 7 hours. I was starting to worry but then I put Pinnochio on and sat her on her potty. She then peed in it twice! We were so excited but she didn't seem fazed like it was old hat or something. SHe then began telling everyone she was a BIgggg and stronnngggg girl with a growl on her face! She hasn't done it again since but we are definitley using a whole lot less diapers. Too bad I got such a good deal on them last week and stocked up. Ah the irony...

xoxo,
CC

Money Saving Blogs

2009-03-16T10:04:00.007-04:00

CVS transaction:
2 Pampers Baby dry $10 each $20
2 CVS cashews .99 each $1.98
1 Johnson Johnson baby shampoo $3.00
1 Johnson Johnson detangler $3.00 (I needed this and it was on sale)
Carnation instant breakfast $4.99
CVS Vitamin D $2.99
3 Secret deodorant $1.99 each =$5.97 (not pictured)
Total before coupons: $41.93
I used these coupons:
-2 $1.00 off pampers=$2.00
-2 $1.00 nuts = $2.00
-3 $2.00 off secret =$6.00
-2 $2.00 off Johnson and Johnson =$4.00
Total before Extra Care Bucks :$27.93
ECB used :$21.98
=Out of Pocket:$9.35
Got back $13.00 in ECB for next time
Total savings: $ 46.64 and $13.00 to use!

Note: This is a deal I got on March 1 so these sales no longer apply but I just took forever posting it. I am posting more current deals on my savings website at

http://crystalscouponcupboard.blogspot.com/

The following are free samples and coupons and the like that I have gotten in the mail in the last two weeks
Notice there are free magazines in here too!

I always talk about how much money I save and the websites I use but I wanted to list a few here so you can check them out. I am still trying to figure out how to add linkys to my page so until then I will just list the sites. Also if you are a Twilight fan, The Centsible Sawyer is giving away an awesome gift pack check her site for more details.

A few of my favorite sites:

http://thecentsiblesawyer.blogspot.com/
http://www.thethriftymama.com/
http://www.iheartcvs.com/
http://iheartwags.com/
http://www.southernsavers.com/

Good luck on your mission to save money! I am now addicted!

xoxo,
CC

Compton happenings

2009-03-13T15:06:00.007-04:00

Juno falling asleep in the car after a long day of play with Sarah Jane
It was hilarious he couldn't keep his eyes open,she gives him a run for his money

Bella PLEASE just leave me alone(she kept trying to kick him from the backseat)
B and Grandpa Fred watching Mickey Mouse
Before his visit with Sarah
Bella said"HEY that's MY baby!!!!"

The last week or so has been very busy so I haven't had a chance to post but Ethan is here playing with Bella so I have a few minutes to concentrate. Mike officially lost the second job teaching so I began my hunt for a job last week. Not something I really want to do but I am getting more excited about it. Bella however wants no part of it. She seems to be appeased by the fact that Mike will be home with her at night though and he is thrilled to get to spend more time with her. Now if only someone would just call me for an interview...

Mike has still been sick but just with the cold thing and I have to say I have never seen him this bad. Bella has had a few sniffles and a low fever but seems to not be affected by it. I went home on Monday to get my teeth cleaned and hair cut and Bella's teeth cleaned too. Since we were there only overnight we didn't get to my hair or Bella's teeth. My teeth,well that's a different story. Apparently my crown is broken or something and bacteria is getting under my gums. I know...gross. So we are heading back into town so mom and team can fix it. I was also advised to get a Waterpik to help with the situation. I am very proud to say that with my coupons and sales I was able to get my $50 Waterpik for FREE. That's right...FREE. MAN I love this saving money thing!YAHOOOOOOO! While I was at the dentist Bella got to hang out with her Papaw Bert and was running the place by the time I got back. I stopped by the house before I went for my oil change and I was trying to say good-bye to her she waved and said"BYE Mommy" as if she was shooing me away. Boo hoo she doesn't need me anymore...except when it comes to church,well that's another story.

During this time Juno went to stay with his sister Sarah and she wore him out like usual (see pics above) Also Tony and Rob felt sorry for him because he is too big for his kennel and bought him a new one for his birthday/Christmas gift. He is thrilled!Thanks Rob and Tony! Bella also managed to con them into a new toy as well. I am sure we will have more pictures to post after this weekend so until then...

xoxo,
CC

Update from the Comptons

2009-03-02T20:11:00.008-05:00

Doris at our wedding 2002

So the last few weeks have been a whirlwind. It started with the accident as you have seen. On Wednesday, Mike's step grandmother Doris Compton passed away. She was a nice woman what I got to know of her but she has been in a nursing home since 2005 and with us living away from Port Orange for our entire relationship I didn't get to spend much time with her but she was a lovely lady and she will be missed.

Just so you know she went in here on her own
Still not sure why but it was pretty cute
She spends a lot of time here

Eating apple butter toast
Posing with all our free stuff from Target

Friday we ate "cheap Chinese" and Mike and I both ended up with food poisoning or so we thought. The same night Danny ended up with it too so we figured it was some sort of virus. Mike also had a nice nasty cold starting. Could be that he has been working nonstop as well as the stress from the accident and losing one of his classes for next semester. If you think you are immune from this economy just wait a little longer. Somehow thank the good lord Bella did not get this virus. I have a very difficult time dealing with my own puke let alone anyone else's. The only time she did it on me was when she was a baby and I gave her rice cereal in her bottle but it was just barely digested so you know, not so bad. The other time her grandmother was babysitting and had to "deal" with it. Sorry Pru. Unfortunately, she does seem to have picked up this cold Mike has but she is still in good spirits mostly. So all in all I feel better aside from a stiff neck that some days I can move and some days not. Mike and Bella have colds and well Juno is just Juno...all 85 pounds of him. He seems to have a stomach of steel.

Today seems better though especially considering its a Monday. I wanted to post some picture s of Bella being silly Bella and yes I promise she put herself in Juno's kennel. She then told me she was in jail and to take a picture! Crazy kid!

Otherwise we are just trying to stay warm which is weird to write in Florida in March but it is so cold! Sorry for all the negativity but hopefully the funny pictures will help a little!

xoxo,
CC

Habijax...or not

2009-02-22T03:20:00.007-05:00

Mike had to do some community service for his license on Saturday and was doing a Habitat for Humanity project in downtown Jax. He somehow talked me into to going and let me tell you I went kicking and screaming. Not that I don't support it,its just so not my thing. When Mike told me he signed me up for painting, errands and office work I was a bit relieved. His mom came up to watch Bella and we headed out at 6:30 a.m! We were just about to pull into the parking lot when WHAM we got t-boned. The guy said he stopped at the stop sign but we were in his blind spot. We were on a tiny road in the middle of the city and we were the only cars there. It was a two way stop and we didn't have the stop sign. Mike swerved to miss him but it seemed he was accelerating into us. The car was able to be drove home so thank goodness we didn't have to wait forever for a tow truck. It was COLD outside! Mike hit his head on the roof of the car and has a bruise on his hip. We both had headaches all day but seemed ok. Now here I am at 3:30 in the morning and I can't really move my neck to the right. Now I know I should go to the hospital but I know they would not consider this an emergency and I could be there for hours and hours. As soon as someone in my neighborhood wakes up I will get them to watch Bella so I can go(he is very stubborn and won't go get himself checked out)
Mike has to work a job fair in Gainesville Sunday so we only have one car. Hey what do you think the chances are that he drops me off before he leaves and I am still there by the time he gets done? My gut tells me its a safe bet. Well pray for a short visit please!

Oh on a funny note, the cop put down on the police report that Mike was black. He sure doesn't look black to me. Who's with me? Oh and he was totally trying to pull a Dukes of Hazzard trying to climb out of his window or missing window.

Update: we went to the hospital this morning and even though we were the only ones there for a while we still ended up spending 2.5 hours there. Not too bad if you compare it to Bella's 13 hour stay at Shand's ER. They say I have a cervical sprain and gave me some meds. I took some at the hospital and it still isn't working so we will see how the muscle relaxers do. Oh and Mike stayed with me in the ER even though I told him to go ahead to the job fair. He does love me! Kidding of course I was glad he stayed,love you baby!

xoxo,
CC

Valentine's Day

2009-02-17T18:46:00.006-05:00

i

A quick update on the happenings here. We had a very busy V-day weekend! On Saturday my mom came up to spend the night so Mike and I could finally have a date night! We have not been out on Valentine's Day in over 6 years! Hard to believe I know, but its true. Between having a three year old, money, and the general chaos that comes along with going anywhere on this day it just hasn't happened. Well, this year Mike surprised me and Bella with a lovely batch of roses. He's so sweet to include her with the flowers. I never got them until I was 15! We went to an early movie before dinner to beat the crowds and saw "He's Just Not that into You". I know this isn't what some would consider a romantic movie but I got to pick and I had to take advantage while I could. It was a cute movie but depressing to see how women act to get a man's attention. No...I never acted that way... After the movie we both looked at our watches and it was already 7pm! Yikes! Our reservations were for then and we were a half hour away! So we called the restaurant and they said they could still get us in. When we got there the place was a zoo. Not unlikely for a Japanese Steakhouse, but a little insane. Like I said, we haven't been out in YEARS! About a half hour later, we were seated and excited about our meal. We sat there with drinks and soup for an HOUR. Finally our cook arrived. They made too many reservations and not enough chefs. Now I'm not genius but who's brilliant idea was that? We finally got our food and as always it was delicious. We sat at a fun table of people and a couple of which had just gotten engaged that day and celebrated by drinking three bottles of wine and laughing hysterically. They were very entertaining but I couldn't help but wonder who was driving them home? But I digress...we got home and Bella was still up and refused to go sleep in her bed or with Mamaw. So I know you know where this is going, we had a three year old in our bed on Valentines Day, back to reality.

The next morning Grandma Pru and Papaw Fred came up with Uncle Toneeeeeeeee and Sarah Jane to bring Valentine gifts. Sarah Jane and Juno had a blast as usual and Juno was actually limping by the time the day was over. At lunch Bella pick pocketed Uncle Tony and managed to walk away with $20. He kept trying to trade her for a dollar and she said "no" with a little coaxing from me:) So today she picked out a Minnie Mouse bathing suit to buy with it. Thanks Uncle Tony!

This weekend we have some community service at Habijax that Mike needs for his license that he has conned me into doing with him. I know it is my civic duty but it is so not my thing! Will post about that later.

In other news I am down 9lbs and Juno is up to 80lbs. He is eating us out of house and home. SERIOUSLY. Bella got on the scale at Winn Dixie last week and weighed 34 lbs. No wonder my back hurts! She is also 3 ft 4inches tall. I am so glad she got whoevers tall gene! Growing so fast...

Until next time...

xoxo,
CC

Bubbly

2009-02-12T20:20:00.003-05:00

Well since it has suddenly gotten hot here again (welcome to Florida) and we even had to turn the air on, we went outside to blow some bubbles. At first Bella just wanted to chase them but the wind was blowing so she couldn't really catch any. Then she wanted to blow them and I think this is the first time she did it! She was even able to catch soom on the hoop and then blow those to make more bubbles. So cute!

This...is...American Idol

2009-02-10T21:20:00.008-05:00

This weekend we got to go to Hollywood Studios to see the American Idol experience. How cool is that? They have an actual stage set up and actual singers that you can actually vote on. I think we were the second showing of the day. There was a 16 year old girl from Jacksonville who sang really well and of course we were leaning towards because she was from Jax. Then there was what I can only describe as a mom jeans wearing, country singing, happy lady. She had bangs combed up like straight out of the 90's and was well over the typical American Idol age. But...she could sing. She sang Independence Day by Martina Mcbride and stole my vote. Then she won...at least out of the three for that round. Go 90's mom jean lady! Sandy was her name I think!

We also met up with Fred and Pru and ran around Epcot too. Bella had a blast and twirled in her Minnie ballerina dress. Unfortunately she was in no mood for pictures so I think Mike got some better pictures.

In other news, I cannot seem to kick this stinkin bronchitis thing. I am calling the doc again tomorrow for some different antibiotics. Any advice is welcome...