I recently bought a box of Little Debbie fudge brownies that I was greatly disappointed with. The picture on the box shows them covered in walnuts, but only one pack of brownies had half the walnuts in the picture the rest had even less. I emailed Little Debbie to complain, which isn’t something I normally do. About a week later I got a full refund and an apology in the mail.(Of course they had nothing to fear of me not staying a loyal customer.)
I learned from this that next time I’m not satisfied with a product to take a minute to email the company. It may get me a refund or coupons on my next purchase. I’ll also email a company if the product exceeds my expectations.
Marie-Anne
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Going green and saving green (money)
I’ve been reading up on ways of going green and saving money at the same time. I went on several power companies’ websites for some of this information. I haven’t tried all of this yet, but it seems to be good information.
During the day I don’t use lights, besides in the bathroom. Thankfully the way our house is set up there’s no need to turn on lights until it starts getting dark. I also try to enforce the turn the light out when you leave a room.
Turning off or unplugging appliances when not in use also helps. Especially things like the computer and unplugging cell phone cords that aren’t in use. I have a friend who even unplugs her washer and dryer and other appliances. She said she saved $13 in one month by doing that.
I bought some energy saving lights at Wal-Mart that are supposed to cut our electric bill down. My mom and a friend both recommended them. Our house has recessed lighting and I’ll have to check to see if I can get that type of bulb as energy saving.
I normally use the cold water setting on the washer and only run the dish washer when it’s full. Keeping the dryer lint free not only helps prevent dryer fires, but saves money. Run the dryer, washer, and dish washer after 8 at night.
On thing I have not tried yet is putting a brick or a half gallon jug of water in the toilet’s tank to reduce the amount of water used. I’ve read about it on several websites.
Although it isn’t saving money I also bought some reusable grocery bags. I bought them after Alex put a plastic bag over his head to keep the number of that kind of bags in our house down. I do use the plastic grocery bags as trash bags for the bathrooms and for Frank’s lunch so I need some. I haven’t seen my reusable grocery bags since we moved so I guess I’ll look for them tonight.
I want your tips on going green and saving green! Please share!
Marie-Anne
During the day I don’t use lights, besides in the bathroom. Thankfully the way our house is set up there’s no need to turn on lights until it starts getting dark. I also try to enforce the turn the light out when you leave a room.
Turning off or unplugging appliances when not in use also helps. Especially things like the computer and unplugging cell phone cords that aren’t in use. I have a friend who even unplugs her washer and dryer and other appliances. She said she saved $13 in one month by doing that.
I bought some energy saving lights at Wal-Mart that are supposed to cut our electric bill down. My mom and a friend both recommended them. Our house has recessed lighting and I’ll have to check to see if I can get that type of bulb as energy saving.
I normally use the cold water setting on the washer and only run the dish washer when it’s full. Keeping the dryer lint free not only helps prevent dryer fires, but saves money. Run the dryer, washer, and dish washer after 8 at night.
On thing I have not tried yet is putting a brick or a half gallon jug of water in the toilet’s tank to reduce the amount of water used. I’ve read about it on several websites.
Although it isn’t saving money I also bought some reusable grocery bags. I bought them after Alex put a plastic bag over his head to keep the number of that kind of bags in our house down. I do use the plastic grocery bags as trash bags for the bathrooms and for Frank’s lunch so I need some. I haven’t seen my reusable grocery bags since we moved so I guess I’ll look for them tonight.
I want your tips on going green and saving green! Please share!
Marie-Anne
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Peter Piper Pizza
My parents sent money to take Alex to Peter Piper Pizza. At first I was extremely disappointed because it seemed that most of the games were for much older kids and several machines took our tokens. Alex, however, was having a blast in a smaller version of McDonald’s tunnels and on an ice cream truck ride.
We ordered a Chicago pizza and I think that was the best pizza I’ve ever had! Frank even suggested that we get it to go in the future. Alex was too busy to eat and even told us he doesn’t like pizza- a BIG lie.
After we ate we found several games for younger kids. Alex hit the hammerhead sharks with a hammer about 3 times and he played a basketball version of skeeball. Alex had trouble rolling the ball hard enough and several times he threw it into the next lane, (I’m glad nobody was there). With lots of help Alex got 42 tickets and was able to get 8 toy soldiers, I know we could have bought a bag of about 30 at the dollar store, but he had a lot of fun.
What started out as a big disappointment turned out to be a lot of fun. Thank you Mom and Dad!
Marie-Anne
We ordered a Chicago pizza and I think that was the best pizza I’ve ever had! Frank even suggested that we get it to go in the future. Alex was too busy to eat and even told us he doesn’t like pizza- a BIG lie.
After we ate we found several games for younger kids. Alex hit the hammerhead sharks with a hammer about 3 times and he played a basketball version of skeeball. Alex had trouble rolling the ball hard enough and several times he threw it into the next lane, (I’m glad nobody was there). With lots of help Alex got 42 tickets and was able to get 8 toy soldiers, I know we could have bought a bag of about 30 at the dollar store, but he had a lot of fun.
What started out as a big disappointment turned out to be a lot of fun. Thank you Mom and Dad!
Marie-Anne
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Marjorie Barrick Museum of Natural History and playlands
Today I NEEDED to get out of the house. Alex and I went to Marjorie Barrick Museum of Natural History at the university. We got lost on campus. It was totally confusing even with a map. Finally we found it. It was okay, but I don’t think we’ll go back. To call it a natural history museum is misleading because it was mostly Indian artifacts and pictures of birds. Alex flew through the museum, but he loved the tortoise and snake in the lobby. He watched them for quite a while. The gardens were nice and Alex had fun running over the bridges. Alex took his first pictures there and I’m looking forward to seeing them; especially the one he insisted of taking of dirt.
After we finally found our way off campus we went to the mall for the sole purpose of going to the indoor play area and the bookstore. Alex climbed on the house and declared himself to be Buzz Lightyear before leaping off. After Alex played for 30 minutes I read 8 books to him.
Next we went to McDonald’s. I had to make Alex eat before playing or I knew he wouldn’t eat. I did NOT like the demonic looking toy so I tried to exchange it. I didn’t care if he ended up with a toddler toy or a girl toy, but that was all they had so I left it. Another mom was trying to exchange it too. I got bored while Alex played for over an hour. (I wish I’d brought a book, but I wasn’t planning on going there.) Alex, of course had a blast- we normally don’t stay that long.
Next Alex wanted to go across the street to Barnes and Nobles because they have a Thomas the Tank Engine train set. Alex played for a while then I read 5 books to him. Right before we left Alex was choosing books for me to read from a spinner rack. He spun it a little too hard and books flew everywhere. He didn’t expect that and I couldn’t help laughing as we picked them up. Needless to say he fell asleep almost as soon as we got in the car.
If you ever hear Alex say we don’t do anything with him or for him have him read this post!
Marie-Anne
After we finally found our way off campus we went to the mall for the sole purpose of going to the indoor play area and the bookstore. Alex climbed on the house and declared himself to be Buzz Lightyear before leaping off. After Alex played for 30 minutes I read 8 books to him.
Next we went to McDonald’s. I had to make Alex eat before playing or I knew he wouldn’t eat. I did NOT like the demonic looking toy so I tried to exchange it. I didn’t care if he ended up with a toddler toy or a girl toy, but that was all they had so I left it. Another mom was trying to exchange it too. I got bored while Alex played for over an hour. (I wish I’d brought a book, but I wasn’t planning on going there.) Alex, of course had a blast- we normally don’t stay that long.
Next Alex wanted to go across the street to Barnes and Nobles because they have a Thomas the Tank Engine train set. Alex played for a while then I read 5 books to him. Right before we left Alex was choosing books for me to read from a spinner rack. He spun it a little too hard and books flew everywhere. He didn’t expect that and I couldn’t help laughing as we picked them up. Needless to say he fell asleep almost as soon as we got in the car.
If you ever hear Alex say we don’t do anything with him or for him have him read this post!
Marie-Anne
Sunday, July 20, 2008
On-line Kidergarten Readiness test
I took an on-line kindergarten readiness test for Alex. A raw score of 58 is the goal for reading readiness. Alex’s score was a 72 and he’s only 3! What do parents teach their kids?
• 65 - up Begin now! Capitalize on your child's superior motivation and readiness.
• 58 - 64 Congratulations! You are ready for Covenant Home's Kindergarten!
• 48 - 57 Proceed with Covenant Home's Kindergarten, adjusting the pace to accommodate student's maturation, OR
• 47 - below Proceed with Covenant Home's Pre-School curriculum.
http://www.covenanthome.com/kready.htm
Marie-Anne
• 65 - up Begin now! Capitalize on your child's superior motivation and readiness.
• 58 - 64 Congratulations! You are ready for Covenant Home's Kindergarten!
• 48 - 57 Proceed with Covenant Home's Kindergarten, adjusting the pace to accommodate student's maturation, OR
• 47 - below Proceed with Covenant Home's Pre-School curriculum.
http://www.covenanthome.com/kready.htm
Marie-Anne
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Lowes
Today Frank, Alex and I went on an exciting field trip; actually we stopped at Lowes for an outdoor trash can. Alex was soooo very excited! It was the first time that he remembers being in Lowes. Frank showed him the power tools and explained what they do. Alex ran from one thing to the next. He loved the door display and kept inviting us to come in with him. I let him get a couple of samples and that made his day. Alex can hardly wait until we go back.
Marie-Anne
Marie-Anne
Monday, July 14, 2008
Baby update
Sabrina Marie has been Very active for about the past week. Alex laid his head on my belly and said, “She’s kicking me.” I replied, “oh, really?” Alex said, “But its okay.” He’s getting excited about becoming a big brother. Of course he thinks our baby won’t cry and will be able to play with him from day one. He’ll soon learn.
Marie-Anne
Marie-Anne
Alex the Builder...
Alex loves Bob the Builder very very much. He will watch Bob the Builder DVD’s all day if we let him. Alex also has a lot of the Bob the Builder toys and books. Right now Alex is upstairs singing the Bob the Builder theme song while he helps Frank put together a book shelf.
Marie-Anne
Marie-Anne
Friday, July 11, 2008
My dad, Jimmy and sister, Courtney's visit
We went to the Natural History Museum, (one of Alex’s favorite places). Alex suggested it. He’s been there 3 times. I am planning on getting a membership. Alex insisted that Courtney and I get in the submarine in the kids section with him and showed off being a paleontologist. And he gave Papaw Jimmy a tour.
On Independence Day we moved into a 2 story 3 bedroom house. Jimmy and Courtney went sightseeing that day. That night Alex and I watched fireworks from his bedroom window. We really enjoyed that and Alex pretended to eat the fireworks.
We went to the Mini Grand Prix, go-karts and an arcade. Alex had a blast riding with Papa in a go-kart, with Papa and Papaw Jimmy on the roller coaster, and riding in the airplane ride and on the giant slide with Aunt Courtney. It was soooo funny when Alex drove the kiddie go-kart. His feet barely reached the pedals and he didn’t even try to steer! After about the 5th time of getting Alex back on the track the attendant finally got on the side of the go-kart and helped Alex. Alex played Mommy at air hockey and skeeball. Alex also got to play different games in the arcade. He got 60 tickets, (with some help) and got a blue Kazoo and 45 toy soldiers.
On Sunday we had a potluck and a children’s award ceremony at church. We had 29 people there! That is the most we’ve had for a service. Alex got awards for attendance, participation, learning the memory verse, and giving in the offering.
Monday we went to see them off. Alex was sad and kept asking why they had to go back home to Louisiana. It was a good visit and I’m glad I got to know Courtney and that Alex was able to get to know them both.
Marie-Anne
On Independence Day we moved into a 2 story 3 bedroom house. Jimmy and Courtney went sightseeing that day. That night Alex and I watched fireworks from his bedroom window. We really enjoyed that and Alex pretended to eat the fireworks.
We went to the Mini Grand Prix, go-karts and an arcade. Alex had a blast riding with Papa in a go-kart, with Papa and Papaw Jimmy on the roller coaster, and riding in the airplane ride and on the giant slide with Aunt Courtney. It was soooo funny when Alex drove the kiddie go-kart. His feet barely reached the pedals and he didn’t even try to steer! After about the 5th time of getting Alex back on the track the attendant finally got on the side of the go-kart and helped Alex. Alex played Mommy at air hockey and skeeball. Alex also got to play different games in the arcade. He got 60 tickets, (with some help) and got a blue Kazoo and 45 toy soldiers.
On Sunday we had a potluck and a children’s award ceremony at church. We had 29 people there! That is the most we’ve had for a service. Alex got awards for attendance, participation, learning the memory verse, and giving in the offering.
Monday we went to see them off. Alex was sad and kept asking why they had to go back home to Louisiana. It was a good visit and I’m glad I got to know Courtney and that Alex was able to get to know them both.
Marie-Anne
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
The Good Shepherd
Our Sunday School class on the Good Shepherd worked out really well. It could also be used for the Lost Sheep. For our game I hid a sheep puppet in the room while the kids had eyes closed and heads down. Since our room is small I made a lot of noise all over the room. After I hid it a few times the kid who found it got to hide it. We had ages 3-10 so every few times I had the older kids let the younger ones find the sheep.
I found a coloring page of a sheep without a lot of detail. I copied and pasted it to a word document so I could have two to a page with the memory verse on the back. The kids were very creative with washable markers. They all created masterpieces then covered it up with cotton balls.
We only have Sunday School on Sunday mornings, but I had left the supplies out and that night the same kids made the craft again on their own.
Marie-Anne
I found a coloring page of a sheep without a lot of detail. I copied and pasted it to a word document so I could have two to a page with the memory verse on the back. The kids were very creative with washable markers. They all created masterpieces then covered it up with cotton balls.
We only have Sunday School on Sunday mornings, but I had left the supplies out and that night the same kids made the craft again on their own.
Marie-Anne
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Father's Day
On Father’s Day we gave Frank a huge pink with orange polka dots clown tie. He wore it for the congregation. Since Sunday is our busiest day we celebrated Father’s Day on Sunday and Monday. I baked cookies, made a cute picture frame that says I love Dad with a picture of Frank teaching Alex to ride his bike, gave him a foot massage, and we let Frank relax (sorta).
Here’s the link to the picture frame: http://www.dltk-holidays.com/dad/mdadframe.html I used two sheets of colored paper. Frank liked it so much he left it hanging on the front door.
Marie-Anne
Here’s the link to the picture frame: http://www.dltk-holidays.com/dad/mdadframe.html I used two sheets of colored paper. Frank liked it so much he left it hanging on the front door.
Marie-Anne
In Stride Cycle
We got an In Stride Cycle which is like a bike’s pedals. I can sit on the couch and “ride a bike” while I read a book. Frank and I both love it. Even Alex uses it. It can also be used for arms, but I haven’t tried that yet. We got it because it doesn’t take up much space at all and we still get a workout. It was less than $25 at Wal-Mart.
Marie-Anne
Marie-Anne
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Happy Flag Day!
Don’t know much about Flag Day? Neither did I until I checked out some kids books on Flag Day for Alex. I also checked several web-sites. Here’s what I found out:
The Flag Act of (June 14) 1777 created a national flag with 13 stars and 13 stripes, but the law did not state how the stars were to be arranged. Many historians believe that Congressman Francis Hopkinson designed the first flag. There is debate on whether or not Betsy Ross sewed the first flag. The Second Flag Act of 1794 added two stripes and two stars. The Third Flag Act of 1818 changed the flag to 13 stripes and added a star for each new state. In 1949 President Harry Truman declared June 14th National Flag Day.
Now you know.
Marie-Anne
The Flag Act of (June 14) 1777 created a national flag with 13 stars and 13 stripes, but the law did not state how the stars were to be arranged. Many historians believe that Congressman Francis Hopkinson designed the first flag. There is debate on whether or not Betsy Ross sewed the first flag. The Second Flag Act of 1794 added two stripes and two stars. The Third Flag Act of 1818 changed the flag to 13 stripes and added a star for each new state. In 1949 President Harry Truman declared June 14th National Flag Day.
Now you know.
Marie-Anne
Friday, June 13, 2008
Yoga-who me?
I got Heather Seiniger’s Yoga Pregnancy from the library. I tried it today and I like it. I was only able to do about 10 minutes, then it got harder than I can do right now, so I did the first 10 minutes three times today.
With Alex I gained about 50 pounds, but this time I am not gaining too much. In fact I talked to my doctor because I wasn’t gaining, but she said it’s nothing to worry about and I am to gain 22 pounds. I am a lot more active than when I was pregnant with Alex and I’m eating more fruit. After Sabrina is born I am going to exercise and change my eating habits so that I get back down to what I was when Frank married me.
Marie-Anne
With Alex I gained about 50 pounds, but this time I am not gaining too much. In fact I talked to my doctor because I wasn’t gaining, but she said it’s nothing to worry about and I am to gain 22 pounds. I am a lot more active than when I was pregnant with Alex and I’m eating more fruit. After Sabrina is born I am going to exercise and change my eating habits so that I get back down to what I was when Frank married me.
Marie-Anne
It's a....baby!
We had an ultrasound earlier this week and Alex isn’t too disappointed that he’s getting a sister. That’s right folks, Sabrina Marie is scheduled to make her debut in November right about the time Alex turns 4. My sister already mailed some things that Amelia (her 1 year old) has outgrown. I got them today and I love the bunny slippers and the cute bibs. Elexa and a friend from church are planning on making baby blankets.
Marie-Anne
Marie-Anne
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
In God We Still Trust
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PLwsDvaURY&feature=related
I love this song!
Marie-Anne
I love this song!
Marie-Anne
Monday, June 9, 2008
Marie Day
My wonderful husband proclaimed today “Marie Day.” He got me a giant Hershey with almonds bar, a romantic card, three scented candles, bubble bath, and a bath scrubbie. I am so blessed!
We saw a comedian who got his wife a card with double loopy hearts, but didn’t read it. When his wife read it she burst out laughing because it said to my husband. So Frank got me one like that on purpose.
We went to the library and for a walk. Then we enjoyed Alex going to sleep super early for him. Frank and I had pizza bread and watched a documentary. All in all “Marie Day’ has been a wonderful day spent with my wonderful husband and best friend. It’s easy to appreciate Frank.
Marie-Anne
We saw a comedian who got his wife a card with double loopy hearts, but didn’t read it. When his wife read it she burst out laughing because it said to my husband. So Frank got me one like that on purpose.
We went to the library and for a walk. Then we enjoyed Alex going to sleep super early for him. Frank and I had pizza bread and watched a documentary. All in all “Marie Day’ has been a wonderful day spent with my wonderful husband and best friend. It’s easy to appreciate Frank.
Marie-Anne
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Gilcrease Wildlife Sanctuary
Alex and I took some friends to Gilcrease Wildlife Sanctuary. Alex and I had been there before when Cassandra was here, but Josie and her kids had never been. This time they had little bags of carrots for a quarter a piece so I bought some for the kids to feed the animals. Serena and London were scared of the animals, but not Alex. At least Alex wasn’t until he saw them acting scared, even then he wasn’t afraid to feed the goats, cows, llamas, and donkeys. The kids had a lot of fun. They LOVED the baby pigs- I had never seen pigs so tiny!
After that we went to Cityview Park and had a picnic. Josie’s tuna sandwiches were awesome! I’m going to have to find out what she put in them. The kids played on the playground for a while then we fed the ducks. To me that was a little scary because they went on a dock with no railing. Alex kept getting near the edge. After the second time I just held his hand- of course he didn’t like that, but I was taking no chances of him falling into that water. We were all tired when we left and I am amazed that Alex didn’t take a nap, but he’s still going. He’ll probably sleep through Bible Study tonight.
Marie-Anne
After that we went to Cityview Park and had a picnic. Josie’s tuna sandwiches were awesome! I’m going to have to find out what she put in them. The kids played on the playground for a while then we fed the ducks. To me that was a little scary because they went on a dock with no railing. Alex kept getting near the edge. After the second time I just held his hand- of course he didn’t like that, but I was taking no chances of him falling into that water. We were all tired when we left and I am amazed that Alex didn’t take a nap, but he’s still going. He’ll probably sleep through Bible Study tonight.
Marie-Anne
A girl with a Jeep
Monday we went to a nice park about 20 minutes away. After we walked the path twice Alex got to play at the playground. A girl with a Barbie power wheels jeep came. Alex was in love- with the jeep. He almost immediately abandoned the little girl he was playing with to follow the girl with a car. She let him ride with her for a while then he took turns with some other kids.
As we left Alex said that her jeep was something to drive around on a farm and that he and the girl were farmers. He said that when he gets older he’ll get a tractor and she’ll drive him around the farm in her farm thing.
Marie-Anne
As we left Alex said that her jeep was something to drive around on a farm and that he and the girl were farmers. He said that when he gets older he’ll get a tractor and she’ll drive him around the farm in her farm thing.
Marie-Anne
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