Halloween!

Thought I would post these pictures before too much time passed! Hope you enjoy them!

Jayden getting ready to help carve the pumpkin. It was much easier to just strip him off!

Daddy carving into the pumpkin.

Jayden attempting to clean out the pumpkin with a spoon. He wouldn't use his hands. In his words, "I don't love it."

Our finished jack-o-lanterns!

Chris dressed as a caveman. He had to dress up for work. I think the wig made him look like Freddie Mercury from Queen!

The caveman and the "friendly" monster!

A very tired Mommy and her cute little monster.

Quite possibly, the cutest monster ever!

My perfect day.

In my last post, I told you that I had last Monday off of work. Well, I have to say, that it was my absolute perfect day. Jayden and I had a great morning going to lunch with Chris, and going to the pumpkin patch, but we had an amazing afternoon as well!

While Jayden took his afternoon nap, I decided to do a craft project I have been wanting to try out. I love decorative trays, but I am not willing to pay $50.00 for a tiny tray that has absolutely no personality. So, I decided to make my own!

I purchased a picture frame without an easel back from Hobby Lobby (on sale for half price of course!)

I also purchased two drawer pulls for half price! (Sorry...I don't know what the black line on the pic is!)

I then chose a fabric that I liked (also half off!)

I drilled holes in the picture frame for the drawer pulls!

The drawer pulls on the frame make perfect handles!

I inserted the glass and the fabric.

Ta-da! Yea! My perfect tray!

When Jayden woke up from his nap, it was craft time! We had been to Hobby Lobby earlier in the morning, and had picked up a bunch of craft supplies. We purchased feathers, googly eyes, and finger paint! Jayden was so excited!

Jayden all ready for craft time with Mommy! I decided to strip him down to his underwear and put an apron on him. It was going to be a messy afternoon!

It's YELLOOOOOOWWWWW!

We traced Jayden's hand to make a turkey!

Jayden's turkey!

Perfect, isn't it? :)

He worked so hard!

He had a great time!

Now onto the finger paint!

He loved the blue paint!

He thought it would be fun to use a sponge too. :)

It's beautiful!

Jayden loved the finger paint!

My little artist's work!

What a mess! Well worth the clean up though for such a happy boy!

After our craft time, it was time to make dinner. We decided to surprise Daddy and make his favorite dinner-lasagna! Jayden was so excited, and wanted to help me!

He pulled up a chair so he could help! (He was being inpatient and wanted me to stop taking pictures!)

Jayden added the garlic. (Don't worry...the stove was not on!)

He also added the tomatoes!

In goes the basil...

And onto the floor the basil goes!

I caught the little man licking the spoon!

He loved adding the cheese...and sneaking a few bites!

He was so proud of his work! He had to smell it before we put it into the oven!

Yea! It was SO good, and Daddy loved it!

So....there you have it, my perfect day! Nothing glamorous or expensive, but it was an entire day spent with my son, and it was perfect. In fact, so perfect that I cried all night and all the way to work the next morning. I want so badly to be able to stay at home everyday with Jayden, but I know that it is just not possible right now. Chris graduates in a year and a half, and then, if everything goes as planned, everyday will be able to be the perfect day, and I will be able to stay at home. :)

Picking the Perfect Pumpkin

I had the day off of work today, and we finally got around to picking out our pumpkin! We met Chris for lunch, and then went to a great pumpkin patch at a local church right by the OU campus. Jayden loved looking at all the pumpkins and trying to find the perfect one!

He liked this one, but thought it was kind of crooked.

I love this picture!

Jayden looking at all the pumpkins.

He had a difficult time narrowing them down!

Daddy found a good one!

Horrible picture, but proof that I was there!

Such a cute little pumpkin patch!

They found the perfect one!

Jayden wanted a little one too!

He wanted them all! It was so hard to just pick one!

He found it!

We had a wonderful fall day together! I can't wait until I don't have to work anymore, and we can do this sort of thing all the time! Just a couple more years!

Avon Calling....

Honestly....times are tough financially right now. I am sure you are all aware of that with all of this economy mess! Well, it is really difficult with Chris being a full time student and not being able to work very much. I still have my business, The Thrifty Trendsetter, but I have also just become an Avon Representative to try and supplement our income. Avon is a great company and it has some really great products! If you haven't checked it out in a while, please do. They have great deals on makeup, skincare, haircare, perfume, jewelry, and even clothes and shoes! I would LOVE to be your new Avon Rep! You don't even have to call me if you don't want too! I have a website that you can browse through the products, place an order, and even have your order shipped to you! (Plus, any order over $30.00 gets FREE SHIPPING!) Please take a look if you have a chance! There are some great stocking stuffers available right now! Check it out at: http://www.youravon.com/klee9283!

An Interesting Conversation....

Jayden: Mommy, Do you have a baby in your tummy?

Mommy: No Jayden. Why? Do you want there to be a baby in my tummy?

Jayden: Yes.

Mommy: Well...me too, but Mommy can't have a baby in her tummy until Daddy finishes school.

Jayden: Oh. Mommy, are babies covered in chocolate?

Mommy: No Jayden. Why?

Jayden: I thought they might be because you eat them to get them into your tummy.


I was not about to explain to a two year old how babies get into a mommy's tummy.

A Field Trip to the Sewer!

Yep....you read the title of this post correctly. We actually went on a mini field trip to the Sewage Treatment Plant of Norman. Maybe I should explain. There is a certain road in Norman that we drive on every day. When you pass a certain point on the road, you smell a horrible smell. Well, Jayden always asks what "that smell" is. So, one day, my parents told him that it was the sewer. This was correct information, as the Sewage Treatment Plant is located off of this road. I don't think that anyone expected Jayden to say that he wanted to see the sewer. We blew it off for awhile, but he became very persistent that he wanted to see the sewer. My dad, Papa, kept telling Jayden that he would take him on a field trip someday to see the sewer. Well, Jayden was so excited about this upcoming adventure, and it was all he could talk about. So, this past Monday evening, my parents came and picked me up, and we went to the "sewer." We didn't go in or anything, we just drove by very slowly and talked about it. Jayden was so excited and took it all in. He is completely obsessed about the sewer now and talks about it non-stop. He even tells random people that we went to the sewer. There is no prouder moment for a parent than hearing your son tell random strangers that he went on a field trip to the sewer. It can definitely be embarrassing as you are trying to explain why you took your two year old son to the Sewage Treatment Plant!

Chris was at work when we went on this outing. This is a video of Jayden telling Chris all about his adventure!

Goodness Gracious Sakes Alive!

As you all know, we recently got Jayden's pictures made by Amanda Scott. Well, we all love them, but we have noticed that Jayden REALLY loves them! This is an actual conversation that Jayden and I had the other day....please remember that he is only 2 1/2! :)

Jayden: "Mommy, can you turn on your computer so that I can see the pictures of Jayden?"

Mommy: "Sure Jayden."

(As soon as the pictures are pulled up on the computer....and Jayden looks at them.)

Jayden: "Oh goodness. My, my, my..."

Mommy: "What is it Jayden?"

Jayden: "Goodness gracious sakes alive. Look at me! I sure look cute...I look like Daddy!"

Wow. I was speechless.

Church Picnic Fun!

We had a church picnic after Sunday night services this past Sunday, and we had a blast! The kids absolutely loved it, and the adults had a great time getting to know each other better. There was a great playground for the kid's to play on, and Jayden had so much fun!

Jayden loved to climb up onto the platform of the playground.

This is big stuff! See him climbing up the ladder? He's never done that before!

Getting ready to go down the slide.

Daddy at the picnic.

Our good friend's baby. She is so cute! We love her! :)

Jayden eating his sandwich.

Jayden and his little friend Baby M! Isn't she a cutie!?

Climbing the ladder again!

And again!

Climbing up the slide.

Some of our friends from church! Jayden has really taken a liking to John! He had to make sure John was watching him go down the slide!

Getting ready to go down the slide!

Jayden and Daddy listening to the game instructions. Jayden was the smallest one to participate!

Waiting for their turn....

Some of the kids playing the games.

Jayden and Daddy playing the game! It was so cute...they were in last place, but everyone was cheering them on!

Still playing...

Playing the second part of the game!

They were having so much fun!

Climbing on the jungle gym...trying to figure it out.

Success!

Our little gymnast!

Look at that balance!

Hiding from Daddy in the maze!

Daddy hiding behind the house...Jayden is about to find him. :)

We are so glad that we had the opportunity to attend the picnic and get to know our friends even better. We love our church family, and we are really enjoying participating in all of our church's activities. I will be attending a Ladies Retreat this weekend at Lake Texoma, and I am so excited about it! I will be taking my camera, so I will post pictures of our trip next week!

The Best Pictures Ever!

About a month ago, we decided that it had been way too long since we had had professional pictures taken of Jayden. It just so happens that Amanda Scott goes to our church! She is an amazing photographer and the genius behind Amanda Scott Photography. She did such a great job working with Jayden, and we couldn't be happier with the results! These are just a few of the many great pics that she took! Enjoy!

Aren't they the best pictures you have ever seen?! Thank you so much Amanda! I would highly recommend Amanda to anyone wanting great pictures!

The 2009 Oklahoma State Fair

We spent most of the afternoon at the Oklahoma State Fair yesterday, and let me tell you, it was an experience! We knew it was going to be an interesting day as soon as we arrived! You see, you park out in the grass at the fair. Well, it rained every day last week, and the entire parking lot was like an enormous mud pit. We got to slip and slide all the way to the entrance gate, and it was an adventure!

We had to roll our jeans up so that we would not be covered in mud! I assure you, my husband does NOT wear his jeans like this! :)

The picture does not do the mud justice...it was a mess!

Jayden got to eat an enormous corn dog while he watched the pig races.

He loved it! He actually almost finished the whole thing!

My whole reason for attending the State Fair...Dan's Famous Indian Tacos! Yummm...

My boys enjoying their fair food.

The pig races...I love them! :)

The baby pig, "Swifty," that swims. :)

Taking it all in...

More pig races...

Chris loves his turkey leg!

A true man...food on a stick (in both hands), and listening to football during our family event.

Papa and Jayden looking at the pig!

I love this picture!

Jayden LOVES fountains! Papa was telling him about the fountain.

So cute!

What a cute goat! Jayden liked him. :)

Jayden was so excited to see the eggs and the baby chicks!

Daddy and Jayden talking about the cow....

The cow.

Silly little boy!

Silly big boy!

Mommy and Jayden getting ready to go through a "farming experience."

Jayden and Mommy "planting" seeds!

I love my mommy!

...And my daddy! :)

Don't ask....I don't even know!

Wow.

Mommy and Daddy! (As you can see, Daddy is still listening to the football game!)

Okay...this next section of pictures I like to call self-esteem boosters. I know that I can always come at look at these pictures and feel better about myself. I know that may sound cruel, but seriously people, it is 2009...what are you doing/thinking?!?

Now....this cowboy decided to pull up his shirt, stick out his hip, and show the entire population of fair-goers the sores on his back. EEEWWWW!

Serious mullet. It is NOT okay.

Business in the front, party in the back. This went out in about 1985 folks.

Notice the three bums (as in behinds, not homeless folk). This is what fair food will do to you.

Wow. Need I say more?

Only at the fair is it perfectly acceptable to wear a traffic cone on your head.

The reason America is so overweight.

Okay...now back to pics of our fam. We ended our day at the fair by letting Jayden, Daddy, and Papa go up on the OG&E Wind Tower (space-needle thingy). Jayden was so excited! He had a blast. I gave Papa and Daddy the camera so that they could take pictures when they were at the top, but of course, they completely forgot! (This is why so few men have blogs about their families...they never remember to take pics of anything!)

Jayden and Papa looking up at the tower (Jayden called it the big elevator)!

Jayden was looking back, telling me and Nana about the "elevator." We stayed off the ride to keep watch over the stroller.

I LOVE this picture!

The "big elevator!"

Remember the mud? Well everyone was stuck and couldn't get their cars out! Papa to the rescue! He helped push some of the trucks out!

Ugh....what a mess!

Papa pushing out another truck.

We ended our day at Freddie's! Jayden loves their frozen custard!

I guess Papa loves it too!

I hope you have enjoyed all of our lovely fair pics! I am sure I will have more to show you next year!

Okay...one more new item!

Here is one more item that I just made! It's a set of two altered mini-notebooks! At $5.00, they are such a bargain! Head on over to The Thrifty Trendsetter!

A new item on The Thrifty Trendsetter!

Okay...so I didn't make these, but I thought they were so cute! I had to buy a few sets and share them with you! I just listed three sets of these adorable "Posie Salt and Pepper Shaker Sets" on The Thrifty Trendsetter! Head on over there and get them before they're gone!

Is this not the cutest set you've ever seen!?

Look at that adorable little tray that they come with!

We're in gymnastics!

Yep...I said WE! Jayden and I are taking a Parent and Tot gymnastics class at Bart Conner Gymnastics Academy! And yes, the parent does participate! I have to tell you, the first class was a disaster (Jayden cried, clung to me, and sucked his thumb...he never sucks his thumb...the entire class)! He had been so excited about going, but he just isn't used to being around a lot of other kids. It was a bit of a traumatic experience for him! We have been back for a second class though, and he LOVED it! He can't wait to go back for his next class!

Jayden was so excited to go to his first gymnastics class!
"Do I get to vault, Mommy?!"

Jayden and Mommy about to leave for gymnastics!

Apparently...this is his favorite face to make right now! He was excited to go into class!

Bart Conner Gymnastics Academy!

I'll keep you posted on our gymnastic accomplishments!

My first sewing project!

I know that everyone thinks that I am really crafty, but I have a confession to make. I have actually never made anything with a sewing machine! I have always wanted to make something, I just never had a sewing machine that worked, and didn't have the patience to learn. Well, thanks to my very generous M-I-L, I now have a sewing machine that actually works! As for the patience to learn part, I just decided the only way I was ever going to learn to sew was to just jump in and try! I have had this zebra material for over a year now, and finally made the curtain that I intended to make a year ago! It's not perfect, but I'm pretty proud of it! I think it turned out really well for a first attempt-especially a first attempt without a pattern!

Yea! My new curtain in the kitchen!

I love how it turned out!

The cute little pleated ribbon that I added to the bottom of the curtain!

I can't wait to start my next project! I am going to make a cute little pillowcase for Jayden! I know it's nothing big, but I'm learning!

The boy likes his ice cream...

A couple of Saturdays ago, we went to Freddy's Frozen Custard. They have amazing hamburgers, and great Chicago-style hot dogs! Jayden always enjoys the food, but his favorite part of the meal is dessert! He LOVES the frozen custard!

Not quite sure what to expect....

Daddy likes his custard!

Jayden and Mommy like their custard!

Yummmmmm.....

Trying to get the last bite!

Uh-oh...I think it's all gone!

Looking pretty concerned about the lack of custard...

There appears to be one last drop of custard in the bottom of the cup!

Mmmm...satisfaction!

Yep...it's definitely gone now! Like I said...the boy likes his ice cream (or in this case, frozen custard!)

A Saturday Morning with Mommy

I am so sorry! I am not doing very well with keeping up with my regular blog postings recently. I really do have great intentions, life is just so busy, that it has not been very realistic to post daily. I really will try to do better!

A couple of Saturdays ago, I decided that Jayden and I would have a special morning. He had been sick that week, and was finally better, and Chris had to work, so I thought we would take advantage of the beautiful morning!

We started our day by going to McDonald's for breakfast. I know....not the healthiest place in the world, but it makes for a special treat every once in a while.

Jayden had the "Big Breakfast." He loved it! Especially the biscuit! :)

The literal meaning of having egg on your face.

My guilty pleasure...a bacon, egg, and cheese McGriddle, hashbrown, and a large Dr. Pepper. Mmmmm....so good. And yes, I know that the McGriddle is the worst possible thing you can order at McDonald's.

He kept making funny faces at all the elderlies who were in the restaurant...they loved it!

We had to stop at the grocery store to get some money at the ATM. Jayden had to stop to smell the pretty flowers.

After we were done at McDonald's and stopped to get money, we went to the Norman Farmer's Market. Jayden loved looking at all of the fruits and vegetables! It made a great little field trip for a Saturday morning!

Jayden was so excited about what we purchased at the Farmer's Market!

He liked to pretend that he was eating the cherry tomatoes that we bought!

We purchased three little cantaloupes, a watermelon, some cherry tomatoes, a bottle of honey, and a jar of blackberry jam! It was all very tasty!

He tried so hard to pick up the watermelon! He never was able too though!

He had a lot better luck picking up the cantaloupe!

I realize that we didn't spend a lot of money, and didn't do anything big and fancy, but we had such a great time together! It's not about the money that you spend, it is about the memories that you make!

Grana's 81st Birthday Party!

Last Sunday was Grana's 81st birthday! We had a great party for her after church last Sunday evening. We went to Red Robin, and then came back over to our house for presents and cake. Jayden is at that age where he is really into birthday parties, so we had to make it a great party, or he was not going to be satisfied. I think that Grana really enjoyed herself too!

Chris and Jayden at Red Robin waiting for Grana to arrive. The snarl is a new expression that Jayden is really proud of.

He is so excited...he can barely wait for Grana to arrive!

The Red Robin mascot. Jayden loved it, so I thought I'd take a pic of it. :)

Awww...I love my Mommy! (We look tired though!)

This pic cracks me up! This is Grana (on the right) and her sister Aunt B (on the left). They are studying their menus deciding what to order. Can you tell they are related?! :) Look at how their heads are tilted, the open mouth, and how they wear their glasses! :)

Check out this wild bunch! Aunt D (in the middle) looks ecstatic about this shindig!

More of the party animals...(really...we did have a good time!)

Mmmmm...the Bonzai Burger!

Jayden and Mommy...I hate this pic, but I am always taking the pictures, so I had to prove I was there!

The cookie bouquet Jayden and I made.

All of Grana's presents! Jayden was so excited that Grana was at his house for her party!

The super-neat stepping stone that Jayden made Grana!

One of the gifts that I made for Grana-a giant clothespin. I made this because clothespins seem to be my claim to fame in my business!

Another view of my present to Grana...

The back-side of the clothespin.

I also made her this recipe box! I love it! So did she! :)

The inside of the recipe box.

Grana's birthday cake that my mom made. Jayden picked out the candles!

Jayden had to help Grana blow out all the candles...he thought this was such a big deal! :)

Jayden and the Birthday Girl!

Eating his cake...

She loved it!

Chris...I think he usually gets stuck with the job of cutting the cake.

He licked off all the icing and then decided he would eat the actual cake-part! That's a boy after my own heart!

Well...that about does it for Grana's 81st Birthday Party! I hope you all have enjoyed the pics! I know it was nothing big and elaborate, but it was homemade full of love! Sometimes, that's the best type of party!

Mommy's little helper...

Last Friday, Saturday, and Sunday were spent in preparation for Grana's 81st Birthday party! Jayden is at that age where he LOVES birthday parties, so we really needed to make it special, or he was not going to be happy! We made presents, made cards, cleaned the house, baked, and decorated! I think it definitely was a success! I know Jayden loved it, and I am pretty sure Grana did as well! :)

Jayden mixing the concrete mixture for his present to Grana.

He was such a big boy making his own present!

A perfect little handprint by our perfect little boy!

He loved putting the glass into the concrete! (Don't worry...the edges were rounded and polished, so it was impossible to get hurt!)

He arranged all of the pieces all by himself! He is such a little artist! Hmmm...maybe he gets that from his mommy!

Look at the amazing stepping stone that Jayden made for Grana! I think he did such a great job! We later added words around the handprint, but I will save that pic for another post about the actual party!

Jayden wanted to bake cookies for Grana's party!

What a good helper!

Mixing up the different colors of doughs...

Patting the cookie dough onto the flower shaped cookie sheet. We added sticks, and made a cookie bouquet!

This is probably my favorite part of baking cookies too!

I will try and post pictures of the actual party tomorrow! Have a wonderful Saturday!

I'm featured on The Shopping Mama today!!!

I am so excited!!! I am the Sunday Spotlight Feature on The Shopping Mama today! (Well...my business, The Thrifty Trendsetter is!) Kate, the wonderful lady behind The Shopping Mama did a wonderful write-up about my business! This is such great publicity, and I am so excited about it! Hopefully, I will get some business from this great feature! Head over there, and she is giving away a MAG Board and a set of Board Bling that I created! The giveaway deadline is August 31! Check it out!

This amazing MAG Board is being given away!

So is this set of Board Bling!

Thanks again Kate! Okay everyone...now go check out The Shopping Mama and The Thrifty Trendsetter!

A Weekend at the Lee's

It had been awhile since we had gone up to Edmond to the Lee's house, so last weekend, we decided to visit the Lees. We had such a good time, and spent lots of time in the pool! Jayden absolutely loved it! Here are some pics of our time spent by the pool!

Jayden loves to play on the steps of the pool.

Aunt Katie and Jayden.

Jayden and Mommy.

Chris about to go down the waterslide.

A video of Chris going down the waterslide. It was a lot of fun!

Jayden was too small to go all the way down the slide, so Chris put him about half-way up so that he could still participate. Not sure what that look on my face is. :P

Look at that big boy!

Aunt Katie was getting ready to catch Jayden as he slid off into the water.

Look at that smile! Priceless!

Jayden and Mommy playing in the water.

He sure can make some funny faces!

Jayden had to take a break to "drive" the tractor. Apparently, he thought he still needed his floaties on for protection!

Jayden on a floatie in the middle of the pool. He sure is brave!

I love this picture! Jayden is sitting in the hot tub, and can just barely sit on the seat without being under the water.

Nonni, Jayden, and Chris in the hot tub. Jayden loves to splash Daddy!

He loved to ride on Daddy's back in the pool and go into the deep water!

Another priceless face on our sweet little boy! You can tell what a great time he is having!

Jayden exploring the outside of the hot tub.

Freaky, huh?!? Well, this was a gag-gift that Katie bought for her boyfriend for Christmas because he has always wanted a monkey. It's name is Umi (ew-me), and apparently, Jayden loves to carry this freaky thing around when he visits!

It's enough to give you nightmares, huh? I can't believe that Jayden likes it! What a peculiar little boy we have!

Well, I hope you have enjoyed the pictures! We had a wonderful weekend, and look forward to going back and visiting again in the near future!

Some of my favorite Etsy Shops!

My post tonight is a little different than usual. It isn't about our everyday life and what is happening with our family. Let's just say, it's crazy right now! Anyway, I thought I would share with you some of my favorite items right now! These all happen to be on Etsy, so if you are interested in any of them, you can click on the pictures, and it will take you directly to the items. Etsy is a great source for homemade items that you can't just go to the store and buy. If you haven't checked it out, I would highly recommend that you do so! You can get great prices on one-of-a-kind items! Hope you like some of my favs!

Flirty Everyday Housewife Apron by momomadeit-Etsy Shop

A Suprise in my Mailbox-Scrap pack of designer fabric by Fabric Shoppe-Etsy Shop

Oh Deer Tags-Set of 4-Scrapbooking-Gift Tag by AScrappyDesign-Etsy Shop

Eternity-Dried Floral 8x10 Black and White Fine Art Photograph by Jenna Designs-Etsy Shop

Designer boutique whales, polka dots, and stripes burp cloth set by Funky Laundry-Etsy Shop

Pretty Eco Friendly Blooms for Scrapbooking and Crafts by Paper Cakes-Etsy Shop

Gourmet Tea Sampler by Teaman-Etsy Shop

Chocolate Full Bloom Purse by Aggie Ray-Etsy Shop

Wristlet Keychain by Jimmy Pickles-Etsy Shop

Mini Owl by April Foss-Etsy Shop

Have a great day! :)

My HUGE Project!

As most of you know, I have started my own business recently-The Thrifty Trendsetter! Well, I have talked A LOT about the huge project that I have been working on recently-in fact, it's been so huge, I haven't had a chance to post to this blog this week! :( I have decided to finally share with you a little bit about this project. I have been working with the nicest lady, we'll call her "J", who has been in the process of opening up an online store which sells an array of products to sororities. She hired me to make magnetic message boards, magnets, and photo frames for each of the ELEVEN sororities at a university here in Oklahoma!

As you can imagine, this is a really big undertaking. 2000 mail-outs were sent out advertising my products, very aggressive marketing has been done throughout the city of the university, and now, today is the day that all of the girls who are rushing arrive on campus, and "J" has a booth set up that the girls must pass to get to the sorority houses! The orders could start coming in as early as tonight! I am both excited and nervous!

A lot of people keep telling me that they don't know how I am going to get everything completed if I get a lot of orders, but I have been trying to brush off those comments. The way I see it, this is a really huge opportunity! After all, I just officially started my business about a month ago, and I have already been discovered and have people buying my products! Some people try their entire lives to get discovered by doing some sort of craft, and I wasn't really even trying and this fell into my lap! I feel completely blessed that I have been given this opportunity!

And now, I am sure that you have been wondering what my products look like! I am going to give you a peek at some of them! Enjoy!

Well...I hope you have enjoyed taking a look at some of my products! If you would like for me to create a magnetic board or picture frame for you, you can email your request to thriftytrendsetter@live.com, and I would be happy to work with you! Also, as always, your comments are greatly appreciated! Have a wonderful weekend!

Sweet, Sticky, and Blue!

Jayden's favorite ice cream flavor at Braum's is the "birthday cake" flavor. Of course, this is the one flavor that is bright blue and totally unforgiving when it comes to staining clothes and every item that crosses it's path! We have resorted to stripping him down before he eats this beautiful blue bliss!

We get to clean up this mess at least once a week! Aren't you so jealous!? I know that the employee's at Braum's just love us! :)

And now...a GIVEAWAY!!!

I am so excited! I absolutely LOVE the blog UCreate, and today is her one year blog-o-versary! In honor of this, she is hosting a lot of great giveaways! And....she has chosen one of my pieces to be given away! Yea!!! Thank you Kari! This is what I have made and is being given away!

It is a "Create" sign! I hope you like it! It would be perfect for those of us who love to make things! Okay...go on over to her blog and sign up to win!

Happy Saturday! Have a great one!!!

Maybe the cutest thing ever!

Jayden has always loved the book, "Good Morning, Good Night." Ever since he was a tiny baby, we have read this book. Recently, he has decided that he likes to read it to us before he goes to bed. So, turn up your volume, hit the play button, and enjoy story time!

A Wonderfully "Wicked" Weekend!!!

Chris and I just got back from our little mini-vacation to Tulsa, and we had an AMAZING time!!! We took tons of pictures documenting our trip, so this post is going to be more of a photo documentary!

Chris and I about to leave our house for Tulsa. Jayden spent the weekend with Nana and Papa!

We were so excited to get on the road! We have been looking forward to this trip for awhile now.

The driver.

The passenger.

Acting goofy....there was a lot of that over the weekend!

Here's a lesson about cause and effect.

Cause: Drinking yummy chocolate Dr. Pepper and vanilla Coke from Sonic.

Effect: A pit-stop at McDonald's to visit the restroom.

Much happier after our McDonald's stop!

So...I make this face all the time without realizing it. I felt myself making this face, and I had my camera out, so I decided to see what it looked like. Needless to say, I am really going to try to stop making this face. Definitely not attractive!

Yea!!! We arrived in Tulsa, OK!

We stayed in the Double Tree downtown.

We ate lunch at Starbucks in Utica Square. Mmmmmm....I LOVE caramel frappachinos!!!

Chris eating his lunch. (Great shot of the bathroom too!)

Look at me stuff my face. Ugh...what a look!

Utica Square is so pretty...and so expensive!

When we checked into our hotel and arrived at our room, we were shocked! We had upgraded to the "romance package," but this just meant a free breakfast in bed and a later check out time. We paid the normal rate of $125.00, but ended up getting a HUGE suite on the top floor of the hotel! You could tell the hotel was older, but it was very nice and clean! (This is a picture of Chris posing in the living room.)

Dreaming about going to see Wicked later in the evening!

Chris posing by the window. Yep folks...he's a big dork sometimes, but I sure do love him!

The bedroom side of our suite.

The view out of our window.

All dressed up to go eat dinner and go to the musical! I bought this dress Friday...I found it at TJMaxx...it had been $160.00, and I purchased it for $15.00!!!

Getting ready to go out for the evening! We were so excited!

Me eating sushi!!! I did it! Granted I ate the "not-raw" sushi, but this is still a HUGE step for me! And...I LOVED it! This is a picture of me eating a California Roll. Mmmmm...good!!! We ate dinner at In the Raw.

Chris eating his Id Roll. It was raw. He wanted me to try it, but I just couldn't bring myself to do that yet. Maybe someday....

Inside of the Music Hall.

Posing in front of the Wicked signs!

This was a huge moment for Chris! He has been wanting to see this musical for almost a year now! I am so glad that we had the opportunity to see it!

Getting ready to go into the show!!!

Okay...one more in front of the sign!

Inside of the theater!

Breakfast was delivered to our room Sunday morning!

It was good! Eggs, bacon, home style fries, toast, and tea!

Brushing my teeth. Just being silly...seriously...who takes a picture of someone brushing their teeth? :) I guess we do when we are documenting our trip for all of you blog readers!

This is where we saw Wicked.

We had a blast! On our way home now. We will forever remember this trip! If you ever have a chance to see the musical Wicked, we highly recommend it! It was the best live performance I have EVER seen. It is such a great story too! For those of you who do not know, it is a prequel to The Wizard of Oz. If we ever have a chance to see Wicked again, we will definitely go...I think we could both watch it a million times, and still not be sick of it! The music, the dancing, the plot....everything....is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!

Here is my souvenir from Wicked! It is a tank top that says, "it's just life so keep dancing through!" This goes along with one of the songs from the musical! Chris got a coffee mug that says "Wicked," and we got a souvenir program from the show so that we would be sure to remember it!

And now...some comic relief, and a ton of embarrassment for us! We LOVE the music from Wicked! Here is a video of Chris and I singing "As Long as You're Mine"...our favorite song from the show. This is REALLY bad, and REALLY embarrassing, so be prepared!

Funny Faces and Veggies

I have been so swamped with work and with my business, that I haven't had much time to post to this blog recently. Every free moment I have, I am trying to spend quality time with the fam. I feel like I have been neglecting them the past few weeks because of my busy schedule. This next week should be a lot better though since I will be working my early schedule at my job. These are a few pictures of Jayden and I at Braum's this past Wednesday night. He likes to make funny faces for the camera!

Now this next picture cracks me up! We have been growing veggies in our garden since the spring, and we are finally getting to enjoy some of them. Jayden prays every night for our garden, so he was thrilled to see that we were going to get to eat veggies from it. Well, I was busy with an order for The Thrifty Trendsetter, so I asked Chris to take a picture of some of the veggies before he cut them up. Now I would have spent a long time planning the perfect picture for these gorgeous gourdes and cukes, arranging them in different ways, on different backgrounds, but not Chris-he just laid them down and took their picture! It's funny how different girls and guys are!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Chris and I are going to Tulsa this weekend to see Wicked! For those of you who don't know, this is a Broadway musical! We are so excited! I will post the details and pics when we get back!

Great Way to Save Money!!!

Hey everyone! I just wanted to tell you of a great way to save some money! Follow this link and sign up for ebates.com!

http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=%2FIeYya8c6bss0gPqbLZd7w%3D%3D

Anytime you go online to make a purchase, go to Ebates first and click on the website of the store you are wanting to buy something from through this site! You will get coupons and cash back! It's great! Most of us shop online anyway, so why not get some cash back for a purchase you are going to make anyway?! Check it out! It's a reputable site, and I have received a check for the purchases that I have made! Click through my link above, and you will get a $5.00 sign up bonus, and I will get a $5.00 bonus for referring you!

Some of my favorite moments...

Everyone always says to enjoy your children when they are young, because the time will go by so quickly. The older Jayden gets, the more I realize how true this saying actually is. I cannot believe that Jayden is 2 1/2 already! It seems like the time has flown by. It makes me so sad because I see him getting bigger and bigger every day, and that little baby of mine is quickly fading. :( I know that this is what is supposed to happen, and that we will have great times with him as he gets older, but it still doesn't make it any easier! I decided to document a couple of my favorite moments with Jayden at this point in his life. These moments are bath time and talking to Jayden on the phone when I am at work.

Look at that sweet little face!

No matter how many times I tell him not too, he still insists on drinking the bath water!

One of my favorite pictures ever! He looks so innocent!

All soaped up and playing with his toy shark.

What a serious look!

Talking to Mommy on the phone!

It totally makes my day when I am at work and I get to talk to this sweet boy!

Now open for business!!!

I am SO excited! My website, The Thrifty Trendsetter, is now up and running, and I am officially open for business! I don't have a ton of items on the site yet, but I am working on it. It's kind of a slow process starting out, but as I become more used to the system, I am sure it will become much quicker. I would love it if you all would take a look at the site and give me your comments-good or bad! Also, if you have any suggestions for items that you would like to see added, please let me know that as well. I know that a lot of you who read this blog are fellow mommy-bloggers, and you are pros at advertising your blogs and businesses. If you have any ideas on where or how I should advertise, I would love some suggestions. I don't have a lot of extra money right now, but I can definitely afford some advertising! Please visit me at: www.thriftytrendsetter.com!

For those of you who are family and friends, I'm sorry for the lack of family-related updates recently. I've really been working hard on this business, and just need to get the word out that I am out there in cyberspace! It's really hard to get noticed, so the more I can get my name out there, the better chance I will have at being successful! Not much is going on in our lives right now besides this new business endeavor. Chris started his new job this week and loves it, and Jayden is cutting his two-year-old molars, so he is terribly fussy! I hope you all are doing well. We love you, and I promise to post family-related posts very soon! :)

A Sneak Peak!

Most of you all know that I have been super busy the past month or so working on starting up my business. Well, I have a surprise for you! Here is a sneak peak at one of the items that I am going to be selling. You all are the first to see it, so if you would leave me a comment, I would greatly appreciate the feedback!

This particular item is a designer magnetic board. It is perfect to hold important notes, reminders, phone numbers, etc. It can hang on the wall, or looks oh-so-cute sitting on an easel! I will be making them in all different designs and sizes! I have also included a picture of what I call "Board Bling." These are designer magnets that will coordinate with the various boards!

Designer Magnetic Board

I LOVE the colors on this board!

Coordinating Board Bling!

I have a lot more I am working on, but I am going to premiere that with the debut of my website! It should be up and running soon! In the meantime, check out some of my designs at http://www.thriftytrendsetter.etsy.com/!

A Great Day!

We had such a great Saturday! I actually got to sleep in! Usually, when I say that I got to sleep in, I mean until about 7:30, but I actually got to sleep until almost 10:00!!! Chris took care of Jayden and also cleaned the house...I know, I know...I am a very lucky girl! :) When I did get up, Chris went out and brought back chocolate covered doughnuts (possibly my most favorite food ever)! After breakfast, I worked on my crafts for a while, and got quite a bit done. Chris and Jayden played while I did this, and had a great time!

I got to sleep in, and apparently, Jayden thought that I needed some friends to keep me company!

Chris went to the grocery store, and picked up groceries for lunch and for the week-I know... lucky again! When he got home, we all went outside and played, swam, and worked in the garden. Jayden LOVES his little pool! Chris cooked out hamburgers and hot dogs as Jayden splashed around.

Jayden trying to splash Mommy!

Getting ready for a big splash!

Yea! We have cucumbers!

And squash!!!

Look at that boy run!

Chris cooking the hamburgers and hot dogs.

So excited that he's going to get to eat corn-on-the-cob!

So sweet! Jayden always says our prayer before we eat. Recently, he has started looking around and praying for everything that he sees. It's really cute, but can make for some really long, funny, and interesting prayers!

He loves watermelon!

So does Chris!

And the day wouldn't be complete without getting to go pee-pee in the grass!

We had so much fun even though it was 104 degrees outside! Jayden is at such a fun age, and we are enjoying every minute that we get to spend with him. I thank God everyday that He brought this precious little boy into our lives! We cannot imagine life without him!