Random Sunday Thoughts

We took our "official" family pictures yesterday, but in an attempt to catch up from the week or two we've missed we took another today. Maggie and I have shifted to sundresses and Brent ended the day with a sunburn so perhaps warm weather has arrived. As with so many weeks, B is not looking at the camera, but we've come to accept that as sufficient and aren't forcing it. (Here is hoping Heather had better luck with her shots yesterday).

Our weekend felt really busy. We did lots of things that we really enjoyed with friends, family and each other. We even accomplished making a flower bed (sort of). Trying to set up this bed and seed the back part of our yard with shade grass were definitely "I miss my Dad moments." I am absolutely unsure if either project will work out in the end, but we did get the T-posts out of the front yard at last and did our best with the other projects.

I find myself a little stressed about money today as it flowed freely this last week so my goal for the week to come is revisiting fiscal restraint and thinking about needs versus wants for awhile.

My vegetable garden is making me really happy. I discovered in looking at pictures today that it is not progressing as quickly as last year. My guesses as to why center on lack of my parents magic touch during the planting or perhaps more realistically our wacky weather of late. We planted a bit more today and even if it is a low yield year I am still so happy that it is just there.

I think perhaps my favorite part of the weekend was the last hour or so this evening where the four of us just played in the back yard with no agenda as the howling wind calmed to a breeze and the sun began to set. It was lovely. I adore the few weeks each year where Oklahoma weather is just right for lazy back yard evenings.  My hope is to savor them while they are here with the knowledge that much more heat is on the horizon.

Ten on Tuesday

1.  Had M's photos taken today with Kristi from Twice Blessed Photography.  I think they will be lovely.  We did them at Will Rogers Park this time.  I've never been before and must go back to enjoy it more sometime when it isn't 104 degrees.  We took family, B, and sibling pics as well as the one year pictures. I am very excited to see them.

2. M fell getting out of the sandbox at Ms. Courtney's today and has some bruising and scratches on both sides of her face.  Yes, this might make Kristi's editing job a smidge more complicated-- so sad, but she assures me it will airbrush out nicely.

3.  At the very start of the shoot, I was stung by a wasp.  I was very calm to keep everyone else calm.  As the shoot continued it started to hurt and now more than four hours later it is excruciating (My mom and sister think I'm being dramatic, but seriously I don't get hurt often and don't manage pain very well, apparently).  Yes, typing is uncomfortable so I'll try to keep it short.

4. B was awesome for his photos.  Big smile, very cooperative and great at helping M.  Such a big boy in his new clothes and so interested in everything at the park.

5. Thursday we are going to the farm to see the meteors/falling stars with my parents.  It is an August tradition of theirs and one we aren't often able to participate in.

6.  I have to grade student papers all week for Drexel. This is no fun and the pain is literally so distracting to me today that I did not finish any today so the remainder of the week is not going to be pleasant. (Yes, Brent is off getting me some Benadryl right now).

7. This fairy party is so gorgeous!  Thee incredible costumes are from Fairy Nana Land.  The prices there are outrageous, but am tempted to make some fairy costumes someday myself as I would love a party like that (or just a play date!)

8. I have not scrapbooked since I returned from STL.  I am going into withdrawl, but don't know how I can with these papers looming over me.  Maybe I'll promise myself some time for the weekend as the new Big Picture Scrapbooking free Big Ideas Festival starts on Thursday!  (There is a link via the blinky on the left side of the blog).

9. In random money saving news, I've been using Ebates whenever I buy things online from stores in their list for about 6 months now.  I've gotten about $60 back from them from my purchases.  It isn't a huge amount, but is a nice little "discount"/ rebate on things I would be buying anyway.  If you are interested in trying it, here is my referral link. The tricky part is just remembering to use it, but it is somewhat a habit now.

10. I'm also a big fan of Groupon and Living Social deals.  We have used them for discounted ice cream, museum entrance, food, etc... It has helped make some of our summer fun a bit cheaper.  The links there are referral links as well if you want to try it out (I get some small amount of credit if you do, I believe). I know many of you are doing it already as we've bought some of the same "deals."  For those not familiar, if they have it in your city there is a daily deal.  Usually more than 50% of X service, restaurant, exercise place, etc... You buy it then and are entitled to use the credit anytime within a stated time frame.  So far, we're actually using most of them quickly (none have come close to expiring) and liking it.  I do recommend being wary of impulse buying things you don't want just because it is a good deal as you are no longer saving money at this point.  I usually wait several hours after any deal I'm interested in buying to decide whether to get it or not just to be "safe."

Those are my random, painful thoughts for today.  Hope you all are having a great week!

Give Aways you might like

I've found some neat give aways lately on other blogs I read and wanted to share some with you. Each includes a link with directions on where to enter as well as the deadlines. There are many more out there, but these look particularly interesting.

Go Be Creative - November Kit Giveaway - on Living Out Loud - is giving away a kit full of scrapbooking goodies (Deadline November 15)

Epson Artisan 800 multi-function Printer - via Simple Mom Imagine being able to print from anywhere in the house! (Deadline is November 12)

Hip Hostess Apron Giveaway - via The Little Window Shoppe - I have plenty of aprons, but these are just so pretty..... (Deadline November 12).

Frugal Mommy of 2 Girls - is always giving away many things, but my favorite is the See Kai Run shoes as I am a big fan -although too cheap to buy them at full price. (Deadline for See Kai Run give away November 13)

2009 Life Well Crafted Class - Altogether Too Happy (in coordination with Big Picture Scrapbooking)- A year long class with projects, quotes, instruction and inspiration about crafting a better life (Deadline November 17).

$25 Amazon Gift Certificates (One per day!) - Work it. Mom! Daily Deals - you do have to create a user profile at the site, but it is free. Then, just leave a comment for a chance at free amazon money--- I do love amazon:) (Final day - Friday, November 14).

In case you're wondering if people ever actually win these things. I have thus far one a "Little Dreamer" onesie through Cool Mom Picks, and a Zoobie Pet from Want Not. (The Zoobie pet is awesome, but I seem to love it more than B and they are not cheap.) These two sites have contests most weeks (or even most days in some cases), but they are usually very short lasting just a day or less. I have won a couple other little things here and there such as a $30 Amazon gift certificate, book and tote from the Parents Bloggers Network too. No, I don't enter often just now and again when I happen on to something I like. In any case, I thought I'd share the link love and help you towards maybe winning some cool free things.