TGIF!

My work week has been hectic to say the least. We have been reconstructing some people around. We lost 3 people to better opportunities so there was no need for a layoff of any kind. Thank the Lord! I was worried for a while when I heard the rumors but not to worried. I left it in God's hands.

David's work while they canceled the overtime for this week, they told him he is working overtime next week for sure. lol. Poor David working til 3 am for a while. He's glad though, he wanted a bit more monies for our trip to Michigan. We're both excited to go and see and spend time with Family.

The littles ones are growing so fast and maturely. Alyssa is trying to stand on her own. Little bugger, she is still staying awake til late hours lol. David is growing into a young teenager and hopefully he will be still the same that he has been - mindful, attentive, and considerate. He really does help me out with things for Alyssa. Gradually he's talking more to her now. lol

We ran into Tom Thumb's for some milk as we were taking the Old Man to work and Little David picked up a Senior Flyer Newspaper as a joke for his Dad. LOL He was laughing as he handed it to him.

It rained pretty heavy tonight, and some of the streets were flooded within minutes. Hopefully it's not too bad when I pick David up from work.

Some More Pictures!

I took some more pictures of the children before and while we took David to work. Alyssa has her blankie which has a stuffed animal (bear) sewn to a nice soft silky blanket. Yet again you can see her moving in one of them. She was laughing and not holding still. lol

Parenting Class And Its Perks

We went to our weekly class at the Dallas Pregnancy Center. If you haven't read, our current lesson is Credit, Credit scores and Budget.s You guessed it, we are at the Budgeting part. My homework was to itemized our budget and let me tell you when I was through, I was not too happy. We literally are stretched and that's being nice.

David and I both agree we can clamp down on some of our spending and where our money goes. ;) Even if this means saying NO more often.

While we may not longer be over budget, we hardly have any room for emergencies or unexpected repairs.


I will leave you with a pic of Stephanie's new baby girl. Stephanie is Tatty's oldest daughter. Congrats to the family!

Popeye's?

I've blogged before about Popeye's Tuesday's specials. Unfortunately we're saving money at the moment for our trip to MI on Labor Day so we will not be getting Popeye's for a while. lol

It's been hot hot and muggy. David refuses to go outside and I don't blame him. David's overtime was canceled until next week. I did my homework for my parenting class tomorrow just procrastinating to start work lol

Monday Blues

Another Monday, another week of work. It's been so hot and rainy this week. In fact it's been raining cats and dogs. Dallas City will also be working on the water and sewage pipes in the road. Yippee lol. Hopefully it won't be such an inconvenience.

We hopefully will go camping this weekend - keeping our fingers crossed that the weather clears up by then.

Galaxy Drive In

We watched the G-Force and The Proposal at the Galaxy Drive In Theatre. Both movies were funny and we all enjoyed it.

While there I was on the phone with Mom and David kept making sure I wasn't taking a wrong turn lol. We were a little disappointed that we couldn't go camping because of the rain but instead we decided to go to the movies.

When we got there, we organized the back so that Alyssa could lay down and slept in comfort. We also had our own snacks, and soda with ice. lol






It was a bit hot and humid since it was preparing to rain but we had brought along our portable fan for us to use.

Since we didn't return home til after 2 am, this morning we slept in pretty late. It's taken us all day to decide what to do but I think we just really wanted to lounge around being that it was rainy/humid/hot - very hot. It's suppose to be in the 3 digits all week as well. Thank God we have central air and a air conditioned car. lol

Movies at the Drive In

We are shopping for goodies to take to the Galaxy Drive In. Goodies like soda, ice, candy, and of course glow sticks for David.

The Galaxy Drive In is pretty cheap - $6 for adults and $2 for children under 12 or 11.

I'll try posting pics tomorrow. :)

Another Fire on Loop 12/408 Highway

Apparently this week is hot fire day! Yet another fire on the same highway although this time it was a truck on fire.

Told David "Gosh, Loop 12 has been very exciting lately" lol. Luckly no one was hurt in either fires. I had time to take a few pics.

Cop Car Fire On Loop 12

As we were going to David's work. We had to detour off the highway loop 12 because a cop car was on fire! Apparently the converter catalyst caught on fire and they were being cautious with the ammunition.

Fun fun, lucky we were at the start of the traffic jam and went through within 15 mins. :) Fun, fun.

Parenting Class and Credit Score

It's Wednesday again and it's time for our class. I really enjoy going to our class for many reasons. Support, prayer, fellowship are the main reasons though. I repeatedly say they are my angels from God.

As I mentioned last week, we've been going over credit, credit scores, and budgeting. As part of our homework, I was to go over our credit report and see the negative, and if there was anything that needed to be disputed.

I was surprised to see that we did not have as much negative accounts as I thought we had. We did see that the mortgage company that is for the other David is still showing on David's report so we will be sending a letter to both the mortgage company and the 3 bureaus. Hopefully this will improve David's score some.

Alyssa is 6 months old and David is 11 yrs old

Where does the time go?? Alyssa turned 6 months yesterday and I cannot believe it. It feels that I just barely had her lol. She's so adorable though. David and her have the same tendencies when they were/are young. Lauhing, talking, and loves to be kissed and hugged.

Here are a few pics I took yesterday.








In a few pics Alyssa has a blur because she is moving. It's been very hard to get her to hold a pose for more than 3 seconds. LOL She's just so active.

Right now as I'm on the laptop, she is sitting down, swinging her arms which of course hits my body, then she'll move her legs up and down. This of course is hilarious to her lol She won't stop laughing. Now you tell me, how can I work when she makes it so hard to not lol. ;)

Giveaway: Beautiful Fairy Art

Again I found an awesome giveaway.

This time it was at Design Dazzle.

"Tyanne Hitchcock of Sticky Pixies is a fabulous artist who has generously offered beautiful fairy art to a lucky Design Dazzle reader! This fairy canvas giclee is 11" x 14" and is valued at $110!"

It's very simple to enter these giveaways. Most have multiple entries and you only need one to try to win.

I just wish I had stumbled about these earlier. There are numerous giveaways with very nice items. :)

Over A Month Of Blogging!

I just realized it's been over 30 days since I started blogging. I can definitely say that while (hopefully) our relatives have been able to stop by, it has helped in many ways for myself. Aren't I selfish? LOL

Living so far away from my family it's been pretty hard. Thank God for his many blessings, guidance, and angels in helping me, David, our children all adjust.

I may falter, I may stumble but I know I'll continue to be the best woman/wife/mother I can be.

Love you guys and miss you all!


Finishing up what was a relaxing weekend. Caught up on some reading, blogging, and of course odds and ends here as well. David was also able to catch up on some much needed sleep he lost while working over time.

Relaxing Weekend

Somewhat anyways. lol This week due to the hectic running around, we decided to just sit back and relax. Yes we would have liked to go camping but it was just plain too hot to go.

David has not been feeling well at all all week. He thinks maybe it's the gaterade he's been drinking at work. Perhaps it conflicts with his medication. He wasn't feeling up to par to do much either.

Instead we cleaned our room (had done the house yesterday), and sorted Alyssa's clothing. I've been donating all her clothes to the Dallas Pregnancy Center for two reasons. One - to bless someone else as God has blessed us and two so that I do not have to store it and take up space. lol

It seems like I'm taking a few bags every other week she's growing so fast.

David cleaned our car and washed it although it looks like it may rain again since it did last night lol.

Shopping!

We had to go to the store for a 3rd diaper bag! This time We knew exactly what we wanted. One with strong straps and enforcement as well as space.

My first one broke from the zipper from being too packed. Yet I had everything I needed. lol Second broke from one of the straps. Apparently it's too heavy.

Yes I packed what I would need for a whole day. Of course I have a few things of my own like my wallet/papers to minimize how many bags I'm carrying. While I love carrying a purse I don't want to juggle 2 and the car seat or Alyssa while being out and about. lol

I finally found a pink/grey one that is double enforced at the straps, has 3 large pockets on the exterior sides, 2 bottle pockets on each side and then mesh and one big pocket in the inside. A diaper changing pad and a dirty clothing bag too. Tons of space. In fact after I put everything in, I still have room for more things. LOL

Angels growing up

David and I were discussing of how fast Alyssa is growing. It's very funny how she is already showing her own personality. David's family says that she does indeed look like both David's and a little of David's mom: Carmen.

I am enjoying my little girl so much. At times it makes me miss David as a little baby boy too. He's grown up so much. He's getting taller and taller. He's going to be quite the young man soon. Reminds me how old I am at times lol

While I opted to have just two (David still wanted to keep going), I cannot give God enough thanks for sending me my two angels. They are truely a blessing from God and I would not have it any other way. I hope everyone experiences that for themselves and they will know what I mean.

I thought I would share a few pics of Alyssa when she was exactly 2 months old. Isn't she cute in her little bunny hat and shoes?

Parenting Class

It's parenting class again, and I just love going. Sometimes I can talk and talk and before I know it David is telling me I have to hurry so he can make it on time for work. lol

I love going to the Dallas Pregnancy Center. They have tons of resources, advice, and spiritual guidance available. My mentor Arlene is such a blessing and my angel from God. Nelli is also another mentor and God really uses her to speak to both David and myself.

It's funny how much God is showing both David and myself. We really do feel our marriage has grown stronger, better, and well more in love than ever before.

It's great how God just sends things our way just in the right time that He deems fit for us.

This last week, and today our classes are about credit, credit scores, and savings. Most of the things that I know but have a hard time achieving. David mentioned that some things have been an eye opener. (Even if I have told him numerous times lol).

Popeye's Chicken

For the past few months, we have been having Popeye's chicken every Tuesday. Expensive you ask? Heck no, I get a good deal. Two pieces for 99 cents. That's right. I can get a whole meal for us 3 (soon to be 4) for only like 3 dollars! They have spicy which both Davids love and mild for me. ;)

David's co workers have started teasing David because he is no longer taking just sandwiches to work. lol I've been saving the leftovers from previous meals so he can take to work again. I used to do so in Michigan but once here our leftovers were hardly at all.

I figured if I save at least $10 a week on his lunch just by making it, I'll save about $520 a year. That's quite a bit of money I could use for other items we need!

Saving and clipping coupons of items I need are also something I've been doing. I average about $50 a month of savings since I only clip things we buy. I always find coupons for diapers, wipes, shampoos, cat food, toilet paper. Mom would be proud of me! (Even if she doesn't clip herself. ;) ).

Another Monday

Some Mondays are very hard to get back into the work mode. LOL It's always surprising when I log back into work. Tons of emails that somehow I *missed* over the weekend.

Alyssa has been teething, David has been working a little of overtime not feeling well, Little David has been enjoying the summer playing and fishing, and well I've been working. lol

If I'm not working I'm playing with Alyssa. That usually takes care of my day for Monday. lol

Birthday Parties

We had a great time at the birthday party. I almost thought I had made too much potato salad but I had not. In fact it was gone in 3 hours. Perhaps I should have made 5 more pounds instead. lol

Little David had a great time playing with the kids, running around, playing in the bounce house, playing games, and just being kids. Alyssa was such a sweet girl. Playing, laughing, being very alert and watching everything and everyone. David although not feeling well, was glad to spend time with his family albeit even on a hot day, lol. I enjoyed catching up with everyone seeing everyone since we had missed the 4th of July party.

We didn't get to stay long because David wasn't feeling well but we did stay for the cutting of the birthday cake. I also was able to meet David's Great Aunt - even if he couldn't remember her name lol.

David and the birthday gal his cousin Lisa

Alyssa with David's sister Gilda

David at the bounce house. He's unhappy since I pulled him away from the children lol.

David and Alyssa

Close - up. She's staring off at everyone else not wanting a phoot shoot yet. lol

Getting Ready

We woke up to doing errands this morning and feel already exhausted. lol All week we've had things to do - errands, pay bills, appts, classes, work.

We were hoping to go and do our mini vacation that we have been enjoying - camping if you haven't guessed it. Just that today we have a quinceañera (Ex-Uncle Eddie Reyes' daughter) and a dual birthday party (David's Grandfather's 95th and cousin Lisa's birthdays). To which is the 15 lbs potato salad for.

After running errands the heat/sun just became unbearable so we headed back home. It's such a blessing to have a working central air system lol. We will be heading out soon after we've had a chance to relax, cool down, and change. :)

I have been teasing David's Dad because he keeps saying he wants to go to Mexico and visit his current female friend ;) who is visiting her mom there. A month away from her seems too long he says. lol

Hopefully everyone is keeping cool up in Michigan. I did my usual checking in with everyone but of course Eva was the only one that replied in a timely manner! Everyone else is too busy to talk to their big sister. :P

Love you all and hopefully God willing, we'll be able to see you in Sept.

David's Graduation

I know I've sent pics of David's Graduation yet I haven't had time for his video. I edited enough to show the good part since it would take a long time to upload and probably stream for those of you on dial-up. :P

Don't mind the shaking. I started to clap then I realized too late I shouldn't have.

David received his diploma, an award for getting commended on his TAKS test and a certificate.

Doesn't he look handsome in all dressed up?

Frugal Bon Vivant Giveaway: Giveaway: Win a Sansa slotRadio MP3 Player

I stumbled acrossed this Great giveaway of a Sansa slotRadio Player.

The site itself has great ideas, deals, coupons and tips. I'll definitely be going back to check it out.

Born 2 Impress:Peacelovemom

I came across a cute site Born 2 Impress that has this awesome giveaway of Peacelovemom hat/bag. Has tons of items for what would be great birthday and xmas gifts.

I love the Happy Baby Pink One Peacey 18 month suit. Looks so adorable.

Go check them out!

Hot Scorching Day!

Least there is no humidity!

We had to take extra water with us just to make sure we wouldn't get dehydrated on the way to drop off David.

Alyssa has been a little fussy because I think she's teething. I can feel a little tooth on her upper gums. It just hasn't protruded yet.

We also had an invasion of ants in the house to which David's Dad had to take care of. Usually happens after a rainstorm.

Monday Blues for David

Back to work. David said his small weekend was not enough. We were very disappointed we got rained out while camping but we ended up driving around town.

We took Stephanie some of Alyssa's clothing that she has outgrown. She is growing so fast that some of her outfits she hasn't even worn.

We also dropped off David's Dad's medicine, went through downtown for the drive and later ate our leftovers from camping lol What a day huh?

It's Raining!

Oh no! We woke up to rain! A day early. I checked weather.com on my phone and sure enough - rain all day! It's also very humid, (luckily we didn't feel the humidity we had our portable fan with us.)

However, nothing got wet! Our tent was that awesome. (Thanks again Grandpa Larry!) The only thing we put back wet was our tent but we're air drying that now. Or least trying to in the rain so it'll be outside drying for another day or until the rain stops.

This is our before camping pic

The old man sleeping this morning lol

Happy 4th Of July!

We're going camping today! Finally the weekend is here. It's sorta hot but very windy. Which should make the day bearable and besides near the lake it's always cooler.

It's suppose to rain Monday so we'll be coming home late tomorrow.

Happy Fourth of July!

Updated My blog

Since I nudged my sister I thought I would also take my own advice. Aren't I nice? lol

Today we brought the last minute items that we needed for our camping adventure. We will be gone for 2 days if the weather keeps. Unfortunately they say there is 50% chance of rain on Sunday. I'm hoping not but if so we'll be back a day early lol

They had the fajita meat on sale at Jerry's. Yum! It's already marinated and everything so all we have to do is cook it.

We brought a few things for the house but I figured with the heat that I'll wait til we get back to do some more grocery shopping.

We also brought a new duck bathtub for Alyssa since her other one was ruined by some mischievous family members. (It happened when we were not there unfortunately).

It quacks and everything! So cute.

Alyssa just loves it. She laughs and kicks and splashes when she in it. She also has a little rubber duck that she likes to grap onto.

Sister's Journal

I keep checking her journal out to see if she's updated but she hasn't!

I think you really should. *Nudge Nudge

July already?

Wow I cannot believe how fast these months have flown. It seems that as we get older that time will not slow down. Remember when we were younger and we used to complain how long a day was? (Especially when we were in school) lol

David's job even though they predicted that it would be slow has actually picked up some. They are not working 4 days like they thought but 5 days. They even cancelled next week lay offs. Thank the Lord! He really does answer our prayers when we are obedient.

Little David cannot wait to go camping. He keeps saying can we go early Mom, lol. I tell him depends on Dad since David isn't not sure whether he is working on friday or not. Orginially he has it off but we'll see.

Alyssa is eating more of her puree baby food. She loves carrots and sweet potatoes the most. Can you believe this, she did not like bananas! I brought a jar and she just didn't like it. She rather have her carrots. Very smart little girl.

Myself - work is slowing down a bit but I'm still working 40 hours. Alyssa is getting more active so she keeps me very busy. Sometimes I wish I had a break but with no one willing to help or even...