Introducing Dakota

My sweet West Texas parents wanted us to name our first child, whether boy or girl Dakota...b/c they're my sweet West Texas parents. When I told them I wouldn't honor those wishes, they've been finding all sorts of ways to put a Dakota in the family. My dad is really good at wood working, and I've been bugging him to make Miss Mia something special. He came up with her a rocking horse...this ridiculously cute rocking horse..named, of course, Dakota! Dakota is a little big for Miss Mia to climb onto by herself, but she loves putting her babies on and making them go "weee!"

Good Deals This Week

Hit Homeland this morning with Miss Mia to get a few good deals. I got the above for less than a quarter!
Here's how I did it:
Suave Shampoo & Conditioner: On Sale for $1 each, used $1 off 2 coupon (doubled to $2=Free for both)
Jell-O Sugar Free Gelatin: On Sale for 70 cents each, used $1 off 3 coupon (doubled to $2= 10 cents for all 3)
Kotex: On Sale for 2.50 each, used 3 $1 off coupons (doubled to $2= 1.50 for all 3)
Kraft BBQ Sauce: On Sale for $1, used $1 off coupon (doubled to $2= $1 overage)


1.60 total
-1.00 overage
-.45 cents for bringing own shopping bags

=.15 cents for the entire shopping spree!

Feeling Crafty

Now that my papers are turned in, and all I have left is grading, I've been feeling crafty. I have been anxious to try to make Miss Mia some hair clips. So I went on ebay and got a huge stash of metal clasps for $3! Now I'm using up fabric, checking out other designs I want to put on them, and going through my craft boxes for felt and other materials to add to the buttons. Miss Mia loves them. She's been putting them in her baby dolls hair. Evidently, to an 18 month old the clips are "pretty girls!" You think she's heard this before?

Happy Mother's Day

In November of 2007 Miss Mia was born as was a mother. This year marks my second Mother's Day. In ways I still can't believe she is here. Yet I can barely remember life without here. These are two of my favorite pictures of Miss Mia. The first is from our first photo shoot together. The shot was actually not staged, she just reached up for my hand and the photographer grabbed it! The second picture is during Christmas vacation and my hubby took the picture of the two of us napping.

In honor of Mother's Day, I began to think of what are the best aspects of being of Mom:
1) I can buy really cute clothes without feeling guilty b/c they aren't for me!
2) I get to sing the Hokey Pokey, read Dr. Suess, finger paint, write with side walk chalk and am found awesome and hilarious in my daughter's eyes.
3) I gaze upon one of God's most beautiful creations everyday when I look at my little girl!
4) At this stage in life, Mommy can do no wrong, unless M&Ms are denied!
5) I appreciate and adore my own mother so much more given that we now have something so amazing in common!

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mother's...and a Special Happy Mother's Day to my Mom & Miss Mia's Nana!! We Love You!

Belle & Boo

I have found a new love, Belle & Boo. I first came across their illustrations whilst browsing on Etsy. The illustrators are from London and have so many beautiful pictures. I absolutely love all of their work and am planning on purchasing some of the prints/cards for Miss Mia's room.

On their blog, they have a free print to download. I am planning on printing it out later today! I love free stuff! Go here to get the free download and other free illustrations as well!