It's Official...

Our little girl is headed to preschool.  Last week we got the definite word that Makenna got accepted into Tiger Cubs preschool for next year.  It is the preschool for my school district so teachers' kids do get first dibs at the spots.  However, I was still nervous about there not being a spot for Makenna in her age group until we got the official word last week.  I am already preparing myself for the first day of dropping her off--I know it will be difficult.  Heaven help me when she goes to kindergarten in a few years.  Makenna, on the other hand, if very excited about shopping for her backpack and is excited that a few of her friends from church will also be there.

Pray for Joplin

The massive destruction left behind from yesterday's tornado is simply devastating.  Please pray for the town of Joplin as they deal with this horrible disaster.

 

Thankfully all those I know in the Joplin area are okay, but there are so many who have lost everything.  I have students in Willard who have lost family members or have family members missing and it is so sad to see them go through this.This is just a little too close to home.

A Nice Weekend

This weekend wasn't too busy, but we got a lot accomplished.  Friday night we dropped the kids off at their babysitter's church because they were hosting a parents night out and Justin and I had a night out without the kids.  We headed to a local Japanese place downtown and had some sushi and then went to a frozen yogurt place for dessert.  It was a nice evening and the kids also enjoyed themselves.  Makenna keeps asking when she can go back.

Saturday was spent working on cleaning out the kids closets, other housework, and yardwork.  It was a nice, laid back day, but we did get a lot accomplished.  We topped the evening off with grilled pizza and a movie.

Today was a special day for us at church.  We dedicated Beckham and pledged to raise him in a Christian home.  This is something Justin and I have always done, but doing it publicly just reminds us of this important task we have a parents.  After church we grabbed a quick bite to eat and headed home for another relaxing afternoon.  While everyone else napped, I signed Makenna up for summer soccer camp and I ordered Justin's Father's Day/Birthday gift.

Currently we are glued to the TV as severe storms are moving through the area.  The week ahead will be busy, but it is the last week of my regular school year.  Unfortunately, I don't get done with work until the end of June, but it is nice to know that come Friday I will have another year of teaching under my belt.

Hope everyone has a great week!

Mother's Day Weekend Recap

Since it has been a week since Mother's Day I guess it is time that I post about my wonderful weekend.  Friday evening Justin and the kids took me out to dinner at Houlihan's and then we braved the crowd downtown to indulge in these:

The cupcakes from the Cup are delicious.  We were originally going to try the newer cupcake place in town (owned by a friend of my brother's), but they were closed so we opted for the Cup instead.  It sure didn't disappoint, but we will be trying the other place soon.

Saturday was a pretty low key day.  Justin had to ref two soccer games at Lake Country so before his games we all headed out there to watch my cousin, Luke, play in his game.  Makenna is all excited now for soccer and she will be attending a soccer camp this summer to make sure she likes to the sport before we enroll her to play this fall.  That afternoon we just relaxed, I went to the gym for a quick workout, and we grilled out for dinner.  I was a great day.

Sunday, we got up early and went to breakfast at Craker Barrel before church.  It was delicious.  After church, we headed to Bolivar to take my mom out to lunch and spend time with her.  We also visited with my aunt who was here from Deleware and we (my brother, sister, and I) were asked to go through some of my grandma's things and split them between us.  It made me kind of sad to be doing this on the first Mother's Day without her, but I am just glad to have some of her things.  And here is just a funny story.  When my grandma served as a Foster Grandparent they were given things from Hallmark that were discountinued, overstocked, etc.  Well, over the years she had gained quite the supply of wrapping paper, gift bags, etc.  She did use them and she also gave them to us when she received some "loot" as we called it.  Well, apparently she didn't use enough because I am now the proud owner of approximately 20 rolls of wrapping paper, 100 gift bags, and tons of packages of napkins and plates.  I know I will use them at some point, but I just can't believe how much she had.  And keep in mind that my sister and I split this stuff between us so my part is only half of what she had!

Also, I promised to post about my Mother's Day gifts.  I would have been perfectly satisfied with just spending time with my family, but I admit that I was spoiled with gifts.  Here is what I got:

A beautiful bracelet similar to this one.  I tried to take a picture of mine, but you just couldn't see the detail of it from my picture.  Of course mine has two strands (one for each child).  I absolutely LOVE it and have received many compliments on it.

My first pair of Toms, but definitely not my last.  These shoes are so comfy!

I also received a gift certificate to the Mudlounge to use sometime when we go out without the kids and also a gift certificate for a manicure, pedicure, and facial at my favorite salon here is town.

So, needless to say it was a great weekend all because of these great people.  I love them so much.

A Tribute to All Moms

Happy Mother's Day to all moms out there.  I am celebrating my 4th Mother's Day, but my first as a mom of two,  and as cliche as it sounds, it truly is the most rewarding job there is.   I have definitely already been spoiled this weekend by my husband and children, but I will save that for another post.  For now, I just want to show this hilarious video with you about motherhood.

Link for Zulily

In my previous post about ebates.com I mentioned my favorite online store for baby and kids stuff, http://www.zulily.com/.  I have to admit that I am addicted to this site and I check it everyday for the new items posted.  Plus by shopping through ebates I get 3.5% cashback.  I have already purchased some great items for the kids for Christmas.  And if you wondering, the bike Makenna received for Easter came from zulily.  Even the Easter Bunny uses this wonderful site.  If your are interested just click the link below and sign up to start saving on some great baby and kid items.  I love helping people save money.

http://www.zulily.com/invite/jenncoffer

I Love Ebates

I signed up for Ebates on Sunday and have already made money for my online purchases.  Can't beat free money.  Anyways, when you shop through the ebates website (which literally has links to hundreds of stores)you earn cashback for your purchases.  Every three months you can either receive a check in the mail or they will apply your cashback to your Paypal account.  And, right now they will give you $5 free just for signing up.   Plus, for all you moms out there, my favorite site (http://www.zulily.com/) is on there and I get 3% cashback when I buy already discounted baby and kids items.  Simply click on the link below to sign up and start earning money by shopping online.  HAPPY SHOPPING!

http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=Yv83cjjnLsehyXyowXnrBQ%3D%3D