Happy Birthday..To Me!

Today is my birthday, although it seems like any other day. Not as much fun and anticipation as I remember as a kid. But I turned 29 today, last year of my twenties( lots of great things happened in my twenties, most importantly my boys!) The day was cold, rainy and gloomy but I didn't let that slow me down. I took advantage of a few deals today. I ate a free meal at IHOP, just had to pay for the beverages. Then I headed to a second hand store where I recieved 25% off my total purchase, ran a few more errands, then meet my mom and sister at Crazy Horse for lunch. They graciously paid for my meal + I got a free sundae. My sister gave me some candy too. The rest of the day was pretty normal, pick up kids from school, chiropractor appt., make dinner. It would have been a better day if I could have had John home to celebrate, but he was in PA heading for home. Since our b-days are only 4 days apart we are heading out tomorrow afternoon as a combined b-day celebration. We are going to grab some free( of course!) burgers at Red Robin, check out the new casino in our area( and probally leave with nothing) grab some dinner and then head home, probally rent a movie too. Nothing to exciting for us old people :) haha. Next year is the big one. It does not bother me that I will be 30, we shall see how I feel about that next year.

FREEBIES!!!!

I normally don't post about my shopping deals, but this week was good. I love getting free stuff! I mean who doesn't, saves you money!! I got free printer paper from Staples, after rebate. From Walgreens I got 3 free scotch tapes, 2 Peeps, and 3 single bags of M&M's, and travel toothpaste + 2 full size toothpaste( not pictured) for $0.50 each. From Meijer I got free ketchup and the Lysol was not free, but almost! I paid $0.17 each + I got many other good deals at Meijer this week! I also recieved free stuff in the mail, this week I got Orville Redenbachers pop-up popcorn bowl( not pictured) If you want to hear about the deals, I always follow moneysavingmom.com and westmichiganmommy.com, I have heard alot of people like savingsaddiction.com also. They all pretty much tell you the same things, but the last 2 are local ladies. You can also follow them on Facebook and since I am on there often :) I always see the newest/latest deals

Carter's 5 Year Pictures

Carter had his 5 year pictures taken today. The first one is my favorite and the one I chose. I had wanted him to wear a different shirt but it had a stain on it, so he wore this one instead and then we got there and I realized that he had a tatoo on his arm that would not come off,but the lady did a nice job of hiding it :)

Party #1

We had 2 parties for Carter's 5th birthday, normally I do one evening with just the grandparents, but it just worked this year to do it this way b/c it fell on a Sunday and we are usually at one grandparents on a Sunday. So a week before his actual birthday we were at the VanRhee side with all my family and celebrated then. We had a nice dinner and then he opened his presents. He got all Beyblade stuff, which he was super excited about. They had to come out right away to be played with. I made him a Lego block cake in the shape of a C for Carter and put little Lego guys on it. It was cute, but very time consuming, it took like 2-3 hours to make and decorate! But everyone seemed to like it b/c it was completely gone.

Party # 2

We celebrated with the Scholten side on his actual birthday in the evening. He wanted a monster truck cake, so I got and icing sheet made and then just put it on top of a 9x13 b/c after his first cake I wanted something quick and easy. We had pizza and then played outside a bit and then opened his presents, he got some cash( I think was his favorite- I mean who doesn't like free money?!) and some figures to go with his play castle and a Wii Hot Wheels game and cousin Lexi got him some cars. All the guys got haircuts and then we had cake and ice cream, even the dog, Buddy, did too b/c its his birthday too( he is 3 or 21 in dog years) I was such a nice day for a birthday!

Birthday Boy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARTER!!!! Carter turns 5 today, I can't believe it! I remember every detail of that day. We were so excited and blessed to welcome a second son! We Love you buddy He looks so grown up, like he has finally lost that baby/toddler face. I snapped this right away this morning, so he may look a little sleepy eyed yet. :)

Another Visit from the Tooth Fairy

After about 4 months of wiggling and coaxing, and one little tug he finally lost one of his top teeth. It looks weird with such a big gap but the other tooth is already there so it won't look silly long,that is until he loses the other one.

Just Like Mom

I heard Levi moving chairs around, which is nothing new b/c he does it all the time and it drives me bonkers, but he had pulled all the chairs away from the table to use his vaccuum on the rug under the table like he has seen me do before. :)