His First Visit To His New School

Kyle starts school in just a few days!  He will be starting 6th grade at a brand new school, in a new school district.  

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Need a laugh?

TURN ON YOUR SPEAKERS ~

I could not stop laughing...

This is just too funny not to share...

Let's put a smile on everyone's face today.... Enjoy!

Monday, January 28, 2008

Time Spent

These last few months, Shannon's had a chance to spend time with our son and really bond with him. We have both had a chance to watch Kyle grow and learn new things and witness these events together.

Shannon had to get the car inspected and get a smog check. For some reason, they don’t call it a “smog check” here. A few days ago, he went to Valvaline (i.e. Jiffy Lube) and asked if they did smog checks. The lady didn’t know what it was! LOL They refer to it as an “emissions test.” Shannon also got his hair cut. He also plans on getting his clothes ready for tomorrow (shoes, tie, etc). He was gone for over 2 hours and I didn’t expect him to take that long.

I got a whole bunch of things in the mail today. I got 2 freebies, one is a sample of perfume and cologne and the other is a cloth backpack for Kyle, I guess I joined a (free) book club. It’s really colorful too. I got one pen pal letter, and information regarding Shaklee and more CDs to listen to. There is so much I want to buy from Shaklee but I have to wait until we have some steady income again.

Shannon got at least 3 credit card offers. I am kind of jealous because I used to be the one to receive them! LOL But I quickly tore those up and threw them away. Credit cards are the last thing that Shannon needs.

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Open your mind

Open your mind

My husband and I are Ron Paul supporters. I understand that some people may think that RP supporters are “radicals” but I can tell you my husband and I are normal as can be. I am not trying to force my beliefs on anyone but I wanted to share these funny videos!

This first one is the original video:



Here is John McCain and Miss South Carolina on Economics:

Friday, January 25, 2008

Busy Friday

Our day started with Kyle’s playgroup at 11:30am, which meant I had to wake my husband up early because we should leave at 11am. Of course, he didn’t get up until 10:40am. Kyle had already had his breakfast. We ended up leaving around 11:15am and made it there on time. There are 5 other kids that showed up, which was great. At times, Kyle played on his own or he’d see what the other kids were playing with. It was insane with so many kids.

About 15 minutes after the other kids showed up, Kyle grabbed my hand and lead me to the door. He wanted to leave. I picked him up and told him it was okay. Then he said “dad.” So I think he wanted his Dad! =) To distract him, I put him in my lap so he could turn the pages of a book. That kept him occupied for a little longer. About 5 minutes before the hour was up, the lady read a story and Kyle wasn’t into that either. He just really wanted to leave.

After playgroup, we had to go to DMV which was only a few blocks away. I had to register the car and that took only 10 minutes. There wasn’t a wait!

I took some pictures of my son outside. My mom sent me a box of clothes from my uncle, who happens to have twin boys! He was wearing one of my cousin’s light jacket. It looks really big on Kyle and it makes him look like a little gangster. All he needs is a gold chain and maybe a big gold ring. LOL

Shannon got a call from the recruiter. He talked to this guy last week and the guy said he’d send his resume over. So the recruiter was following up with my husband to see if anyone called, which they have not. So the recruiter said he’d call them to see if they received it or not.













Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Get over it kid!

This video is making the rounds on the internet!




Here is the full message:

File Taxes Free with TurboTax

File Taxes Free with TurboTax

Free federal filing if:

Your income was $30,000 or less, OR

You qualify for earned income credit, OR

You served in 2007 as Active Duty Military

http://turbotax.intuit.com/taxfreedom/

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Just want to brag!

We received a check in the mail today. I believe this is the biggest check we have ever received! Our check was for a whole $0.09!!!

Update on Kyle’s Tantrums *knock on wood*

Now that it’s a new week, I realized that Kyle only had about 3 days of tantrums and that’s it! So far, he hasn’t had a tantrum in over a week!

We didn’t go to playgroup 2 weeks ago because he was sick with a fever. We didn’t go to playgroup last week because he was having tantrums and we weren’t sure when he was going to have one and also because I kind of forgot! LOL So this week, I really do want to take him this week. He definitely benefits by playing with other kids. Plus he loves playing with all of the toys.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

3 Letters/Vitamins/Errands

I wrote 3 pen pal letters today. I wanted to get a few letters out that were sent to me over 2 weeks ago. Just trying to get through my pile of letters.

We started Kyle on the generic brand of Flintstone vitamins. The first day, I tried giving him a full vitamin but he wasn’t going for it. He tried but I guess it was too much for him. So then I tried cutting them in half and at first he didn’t want them. But now I have learned to give them to him at lunch. I have to place it on the table next to his plate and he eats it either after his meal or halfway through his meal. But thankfully he’s taking his vitamin. He’s still a little hesitant though. I was looking into using a powder form of vitamin for him. I may change to a powder vitamin after he’s done with these.

I told Shannon that we need to go to the bank to get my name added to the account so we can order checks! He said we’ll do the last of our errands this week! We also need to register our car. He said once that is all done, he’s going to start going out to look for jobs (instead of just applying online).

We are running out of the checks that the bank started us out with so I really want to order checks before we run out.

Saturday, January 19, 2008

It's Snowing!

Just wanted to share some pictures I just took!




I want to tell the world!

I just wanted to take a moment to tell the world, or at least whoever reads this, how efficient our United States Post Office is. I ordered 2 books of stamps on January 3rd. I received my order about a week later. Well, today, January 19th, I received an automated email from the Post Office saying that my order has shipped!

So, to anyone who orders online from the Post Office, they will email you about 2 weeks AFTER you receive your order that your order has shipped! LOL What efficiency!

Friday, January 18, 2008

One less

We got a call from our insurance company -- Progressive! They called about our drivers licenses. Let me explain. At the time that I bought our insurance, we still had our Nevada licenses, so I used that information when I signed up. Plus we needed to switch to a new company. They couldn’t find my driver’s license information because mine was expired and they said to fax over a copy of my license. Well, just this week, we got our new licenses for North Carolina.

Today’s phone call was regarding my license. So Shannon gave them both of our new license numbers, now they can pull BOTH our current information. I am just glad I don’t have to fax over my license.

I am very happy with Progressive and how thorough they are for following up with us! I am so thrilled that we have insurance with them. I am just glad I didn’t take my husband’s advice and stick with our former insurance company. I think that company is a joke. We were a customer with them for over 4 years and they kept raising our rates every 6 months. During those 4+ years, we had never been in an accident either. I’ve wanted to switch insurance companies for so long but never did because it was such a hassle and the money wasn’t steady, just like our current situation.

Yesterday it snowed about 4 inches and they closed the schools for that! I believe they closed half the city too! LOL How lame! It’s supposed to snow today too. I am just glad our mail is still being delivered.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Finally! Half Way Done!

I got my new driver’s license today! I am so excited. My husband got his yesterday! We are half way done from completing our DMV visits. We have to make one more visit to the other DMV office to get a new license plate!

Shannon was talking about going tomorrow if it doesn’t snow. It’s supposed to snow and then freeze up. When that happens, it can cut out the electricity and even the water. I am hoping it won’t be that bad. If it does happen, they apparently close the city and tell everyone to stay home! LOL

There are few more things I need to do since I have a new license! I need to add my name to our bank account and then order checks! I also need to fax my a copy of my new license to our insurance company!

This Friday is Kyle’s playgroup. I am not sure if we are going to go. It depends on the snow! If its that bad, they may cancel it. But I really do want to go if it isn’t!

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

It’s Official: Terrible Twos

This week, Kyle hit the terrible twos stage. Yesterday he had a tantrum for at least 3 hours straight. Most of the day was full of tantrums for him. He fell asleep at the dinner table during dinner and woke up about an hour later. He stayed up to play for a bit and then went to bed. It took awhile for him to fall asleep.

Today, he seems back to his normal self. He’s been really good and no tantrums so far. Hopefully it won’t always be like yesterday.

Saturday, January 12, 2008

I like to steal

It’s true. I like to steal. I don’t see it as a problem. I am not hurting anyone.

It started in late 2001 and really picked up in early 2006. Stealing gives me an exciting high feeling. It’s exhilarating. The parties involved are well aware of what is happening. However, they have not told me to stop. I get caught every time, but so far, it hasn’t stopped me.

Stealing leaves me smiling afterward and makes me happy every time I do it. I know I have a problem, which is why I am coming forward. Maybe someone knows of some support groups for this? I wonder if anyone else has this same problem.

So, you must be wondering what I like to steal! Well, I like to steal hugs and kisses from my husband and son.

Friday, January 11, 2008

Twice

We ended up not going to playgroup today because Kyle was feeling a little warm and didn’t act like his normal self. We also didn't want to risk spreading his fever to the other kids. At times he did seem okay but mostly he seemed drained and tired looking.

The weather was so beautiful today that I took Kyle out for a walk twice! He loves going outside and on walks with me so I thought the extra exercise was needed. Even though he wasn’t feeling well, he enjoyed the walks. It was a little warm but windy. It was long sleeve type weather, really nice! Clear blue sky. Shannon even took Kyle out front on the driveway to play on the tricycle!

Tonight he was even more tired and drained. He did seem that hungry for dinner so I didn't give him as much as usual. He did stay up to play for a bit. When Shannon brought him to bed, it didn’t take him long to fall asleep! LOL

Kyle is so loveable and huggable when he’s sick, I am enjoying his affection. He’ll actually lay down and just rest for a bit. This morning, he fell asleep on my legs.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

My GOOD Deed!

I am very proud of myself! I think I did a good deed for someone who works in customer service! I know from first hand experience how difficult a customer service job can be and how customers can take their anger out on you and blame their problems on you. I do enjoy taking the time to report GREAT experiences to companies.

I recently switched our car insurance to Progressive. I have seen their TV ads, but never switched over to them because it just seemed like so much of a hassle and too much trouble. Plus, we felt a little obligated to stay with our former insurance lady because we had been with them for 4 1/2 years. So when we moved, that was my excuse to switch. My husband actually wanted to stay with them but I refused. I told him that our rate kept going up every 6 months! The last time it went up, it literally shot up $20+ for no reason. I called our insurance lady to ask why, and she said there had been a lot of accidents in our zip code and that was why our insurance went up. Well, I am not in the insurance business but that made absolutely no sense to me. That really upset me that our rate went up without fault on our part.

Anyway, I had to call Progressive this morning. As you can see below, I was very surprised to learn that they were open 24/7 for calls. Whenever I have to call a business, I always figure they don't open until normal business hours and I was so excited that Progressive is always open.

Here is what I sent through Progressive.com's website:

I am a very new customer and I was impressed by the customer service I received today. First, I knew I had to call customer service and noticed that you are available to take calls 24/7! Wow. That is great! LOL My former car insurance company (rhymes with LARMERS) -- I don't think they even had a customer service number! If they did, I believe they had "hours of operation."

I don't remember my policy number but I am sure you can look up my number by my name.

I wanted to personally THANK Peter for his EXTREME friendliness and willingness to help me with what I needed and answer my questions. I don't know if your company recognizes employees but I hope you do! Please let Peter
and his supervisors/managers know that he is awesome!!!

I received a response only 19 minutes after I submitted the above. Here is what they said:

Dear Mrs. F----,

We are pleased that you have decided to purchase a policy with us. We appreciate the confidence you have placed in our company.

I received your complimentary note. Thank you for taking the time to share your positive experience with us.

I will be sharing your comments about Peter with his manager.

Thank you again for your kind words and for choosing Progressive.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to reply to this e-mail or contact us at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE (1-800-776-4737). Our licensed Customer Service Representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you.

It is our goal to provide you with prompt, courteous and accurate service. We value your business and the trust you place in us as your insurance carrier.

Sincerely,
Peggy M.
Progressive Internet Service Specialist

A Wasted Day?

Or at least that is what it felt like. My husband was supposed to have a phone interview today at 10:30am. Well, the guy never called. So the, my husband thought that the guy may have actually said 2:30 and he misinterpreted him with his accent. Then 2:30 comes and goes… My husband called the guy and left a voicemail for him, letting him know that he can come in for a face to face interview if needed.

We were going to go to DMV for the 3rd time this week but decided not to because of this phone interview. We also need to go grocery shopping because we are very low on food.

We may have to stay home all day tomorrow too, just to wait for this guy to call back. I really don’t know what’s going to happen.

We have Kyle’s playgroup tomorrow but I don’t think we’ll be going. Kyle still has a fever. He fell asleep on the living room floor watching cartoons. Shannon moved him to the bedroom and he slept a good hour and a half. When he woke up, he was burning up! I gave him more Tylenol too. His cheeks and ears were RED! So I fed him fruit, yogurt and water.

He’s not feeling well and he’s definitely showing it to us. Shannon gave him a bath tonight to help cool him off.

Fever!

Yesterday we realized that Kyle felt really hot! Shannon had mentioned it earlier in the day but I shrugged it off because he had just been running around outside. Then that evening, I felt his forehead and he still felt hot. So we gave him Tylenol made for babies and toddlers. He didn’t have much of an appetite for dinner because he barely ate anything.

When Shannon came to bed this morning around 2am, Kyle still felt hot. So he gave him more Tylenol and had him drink lots of water. Luckily, Kyle wasn’t complaining at all, he didn’t act or even seem sick and miserable.

For breakfast, his appetite was definitely back! We’re making sure he drinks plenty of water.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

DMV Employees

I needed to vent!

What is the deal with DMV Employees? It seems that every other time we have to go to DMV, the employees we have to deal with seem so rude. It’s unfortunate that they talk and act like robots. I guess they expect us all know what we need to bring, what they are thinking, and how dare us for not being ready with all our paperwork ready to hand to them!

I understand they are State employees and they have the BEST medical benefits, retirement, 401(k) and all there is to offer to an employee, yet they treat the regular public like dirt. I think SOME of them need to learn customer service skills and how to be friendly. DMV employees have a really great customer service job compared to other companies. Their employer offers them the BEST pay, benefits, etc! Remember, that not all of us have that!

One lady literally rolled her eyes at my husband, right in front of him! LOL But she quickly changed her tune. I have a feeling it may have been that she finally noticed Kyle. She even offered him candy, which he thoroughly enjoyed! After that, she was much nicer to us.

DMV First Attempt

We went to DMV yesterday afternoon around 2pm. When we got there, we were surprised about how old the building looked. It just had that old feeling, I guess. The parking lot was pretty full and much smaller compared to the DMV we went to in NV. The building is much smaller too!

Well, it was packed! The waiting area is about half the size of a regular high school classroom. After waiting for about 20 minutes, a DMV representative came out and said that the computers are working really slow today. Apparently the computers weren’t working the day before and today it’s been off and on. So that is why it was so packed with people.

While I was inside, Shannon took Kyle outside to walk around and keep him entertained. After I heard about why it was so packed, I went outside to tell Shannon the latest news and asked if we should come back tomorrow. We ended up leaving. One guy said he had been there since 7:30am.

We’re going to try going again today!

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Potty Training!

My husband and I have talked about buying a potty for our son soon. We are holding off for a while longer due to a few reasons, including our son. He just turned 2, and I originally wanted to wait until he could talk. For now, I am just waiting for cues from him. That seems to be the best way to go.

I have no idea what to do or how to start with potty training and luckily I had several moms tell me on what they did, which really helps. It will help me to come to my own conclusion on what would be best for us. I was looking at getting the reusable pullups for cost reasons. There were moms who said go for it since it will save you money. On the other hand, there were moms who said just buy the disposable pullups for the convenience. It will have to depend on what our financial situation is at the time. Hopefully my husband will find employment soon as well.

I looked at the different potties and the first one I clicked on is the one I want to get. It comes with a little step stool for my son to use at the sink. The potty itself has another step stool as the base of the potty and can be removed. The seat itself can also be used on the big potty when he’s ready. So it “grows” with my son. I knew that I didn’t want a potty that makes sounds and music. That’s not my thing.

The Lone Boy!

We went to playgroup last Friday, January 4th and we were the only ones there! LOL The lady said there may be more kids joining on our timeslot! There are 4 kids total and 2 moms. The kids are all around Kyle’s age too! So that will be great. I am really hoping these kids can come in at our time slot, Kyle will be able to see more kids play.

Monday, January 7, 2008

I got a BEANIE!

My husband got a call back from one of the jobs that I applied for him. I saw these two jobs listed on a hotel job site and I applied for both of them. Hopefully he’ll get an interview this week!

I received a letter from a new pen pal! I also received the first set of Cds from Shaklee. I am trying to earn $100 worth of product. I just have to listen to these Cds.

I got my first beanie in the mail today. It was for one of the freebies I signed up for. I have it on now and I really like it, its pretty comfortable. It’s black with the company logo on the front.

I only had time to write one letter today. It took me about 45 minutes it seemed. I may try to write more letters later today.

Another item I received in the mail was my long awaited gift card from Walmart for $150! I was so proud of myself to have earned that. It took a LOT of offers to complete but I did it. Very pleased. I am not sure if I want to buy a new digital camera or not. I think I deserve to spoil myself a little.

Friday, January 4, 2008

My Message to Britney Spears

Brit Brit, you just lost custody of your kids. I think you've hit rock bottom! At least I would feel that way if I lost my son.

But I digress, please get some help! Get better. Take care of YOURSELF. GROW UP and be a MOM. Be a role model to your kids.

STOP going out EVERY night. You are a MOM, you have responsibilities. Your children should come first and should be your priority.

There’s Something Wrong

***Warning ~ ADULT language below… do not tread if you are easily offended***





I think there is something wrong when illegal aliens (or to be politically correct ~ “undocumented workers” -- But in my case, I don’t shit either way) are able to get driver’s licenses. However, for a U.S. Citizen to obtain one, we need 30 forms of I.D. to prove who we are. Okay, not literally 30 forms of I.D. but it certainly seems that way. My husband and I need to get our driver’s licenses for NC and we need 2 forms of I.D., proof of residency, and so much more. We’ll also need to register our car here in this state and we need all these documents to show to DMV.

Perhaps, we should go into DMV say we are from Canada and here illegally and see how easy it is to get a driver’s license!

How are illegal aliens able to get off free without paying taxes either? U.S. Citizens can get audited for not paying taxes but illegal aliens can live in this country without paying them without penalty?

I just don’t understand.

One of my PTC Sites

I am doing very well on one of PTC (paid to click) sites. Over the holidays, I decided to upgrade to premium membership, as well as purchase 15 referrals. After that, there was a slight difference in my earnings. I am earning more per click and I am earning more from my referrals clicks.


Then about a week or two later, I bought 500 referrals. Since then, I have noticed a real big difference in my earnings. I was making about $45-$50 a day from my referrals as well as from my own clicks.

After I did make these purchases, initially, I decided not to tell my husband. But then after I saw my earnings increase to $45-$50 a day, I told him about a week later. He wasn't even upset like I thought he would be. He was surprised and happy! Now he's always asking me how much I am making or what I am up to (in my earnings).

I asked him if I should buy more referrals, since I really wanted his opinion first. If I were to buy more referrals, my earnings to increase to $95-$100 a day! So I ended up buying more referrals a few days ago and now making roughly $100 a day! Once I break even, which I should in a few days, I plan on cashing out and buying more referrals with my earnings.

Real Customers!?


I am so excited, I didn't know where else to post this.
I may have some NEW customers this year! If so, 2008 is treating us very well, despite my husband's unemployment. My only customer was my mom (thanks mom), and myself! :)
As for this year, 2 of my pen pals have expressed interest in mineral makeup! So I will be sending them more info!
Also, my MIL would like to try Mineral Girlz! The other day, she just happen to mention that her face is feeling dry and that she uses BE (that brand that says "so pure you can sleep in it"). Anyway, I told her that I sell mineral makeup and it's very affordable. She said she would cancel her subscription since she has so much makeup from them and she's interested in Mineral Girlz makeup. Unlike BE, Mineral Girlz allows you to order new product when you want to. There are no automatic payments from your bank account. Orders are shipped within 2-5 business days! All of my orders arrived within a week and a half from the date I placed my order. We also offer samples, so if you are unsure which colors will work, samples are perfect to start out with.
Not only that, my MIL told one of her co-workers that I sell mineral makeup! So she's interested as well. I sent my MIL to work with my website link so they can look through my site at work.

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Two Years Ago Today!




Two years ago today our little son was born! Today is our son’s 2nd Birthday! Happy Birthday Baby Boy!

You have changed our lives for the better.

You are our natural alarm clock and wake us up at around 7am every morning!

You demand attention and play and we are rewarded with smiles and laughter. We are inspired to try more healthy choices in foods, because of you.

You encourage us to get out and love taking Mom for walks. You love playing with Dad in the backyard.

You make those messes only for us to clean them up.

What would our life be without you?




Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Jenna Bush (on Ellen) calls the President!

This is really funny! Turn on your speakers!

Enjoy!


Wedding Video

I LOVE this Wedding Dance Video. This is really cute and FUNNY! Every time I watch it, I get a laugh! It is really cute. This couple has been on Ellen already.

Turn on your speakers!

Enjoy!




Here they are on Ellen! I just lololove this video!

5 Years Ago Today!

Today is my 5th Wedding Anniversar! Five years ago today! Wow. I can't believe we made it another year!

Happy Anniversary!

Hopefully we'll be able to go out and celebrate soon! It's been since our 1st Wedding Anniversary that we've been able to really celebrate. I think I deserve a nice dinner date!

So Excited!

I've been with Mineral Girlz Basic Consultant since February 2007 and could never upgrade to the Senior level due to financial reasons.

For the new year, they decided to change the signups for the senior level. They now have a few requirements you have to meet and if you still didn't meet them but feel you should be considered, you could still email them. Well, I sent in my email about wanting to upgrade and why. I also met at least one of the requirements and possibly a second one. I also gave a few other reasons as to why I'd like to upgrade!

Well, I just received an email back saying that I've been upgraded! I am so excited and so happy. This is the BEST New Year's Gift/Anniversary gift I have received this year!