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How I Spent My Summer Vacation!

August 24, 2011 | Leave a Comment

Union Station was one of the places we visited in Kansas City

(via PhotoCommunity)

I haven’t written for Kids Ain’t Cheap for a couple of months now. I was on hiatus while Brian was busy moving and making improvements to the site. I am glad to be back and I can’t wait to jump back into doing my weekly posts here.

So what exactly have we been up to this summer? A lot of things — including becoming very coupon savvy, which I promise to write about in a future post.

Kansas City, Missouri

My family and I also did a little traveling. Our first trip was to Kansas City, MO and then down to the family homestead in southern Kansas. I had never been out that way before and it was such a treat! Not only did the boys and I get a chance to meet family we had only heard about; we also got to spend a lot of time with my husband’s grandparents. It was wonderful!

Kansas City was amazing! I loved the old buildings and rich history of the city. We visited Union Station. It was so neat to hear Chris’s grandfather describe what is was like when he stepped foot in it for the first time at the tender age of 17. We then visited a family fun place called Deanna Rose Farmstead. It was almost like stepping back in time. There was a one room school house – very similar to the one my husband’s grandfather attended in Kansas. The boys got to fish, ride horses, bottle feed baby goats (yes, it was as adorable as it sounds), see all kinds of animals, go on a hay ride and a lot of other fun things.

While we were in KC we also enjoy lunch delivered by train. I kid you not — a train drives on a track above the restaurant patrons and drops off the food. If you want to see what I’m talking about visit Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant. Just scroll down to see the video; it’s pretty cool.

Kansas

We then took a road trip down to visit the old family homestead in southern Kansas. It too, was rich in history. The home that we stayed in, is over 1oo years old. The boys each had their photo taken in a 200 year old chair, which made its way to Kansas via covered wagon. There was a lot of family around, fun times to be had, great food to eat and interesting stories to hear.

Back at home the boys and I have been spending a lot of time at our local parks. I’m kind of embarrassed to admit that I only knew of a few parks in our area but we have explored quite a few this summer. I had no idea there were so many fun parks! We have enjoyed meeting friends and even going on our own. Parks are definitely budget friendly and kids have so much fun!

We have also participated in a summer reading program through our library. The boys don’t know how to read on their own — but our local library has developed a fantastic way to let younger kids participate. Each month you go to the library and get a flyer with about 20 different activities to do with your child and they also want you to list all the books you have read together. The boys love it! After they have completed a form I take them to the library, where they proudly walk up to the librarian and hand it in. Then they get to choose a prize from the prize box. It’s all very exciting — and free!!!

Idaho

Our next trip was to Idaho where we took in a baseball game, ate yummy food and spent time visiting with family and friends. It’s so nice to relax and enjoy being with family. We always look forward to our Idaho vacations. Since my husband and I are both from there it is also interesting to see all the things that have changed and the things that have stayed the same.

Wow! I can’t believe summer is almost over! We still have some other things planned but the boys start school in a couple of weeks. Even though we haven’t had a lot of summer weather out here; I am really looking forward to fall. It’s my favorite season!!!

Stay-tuned for articles which will include recipes, not so crafty crafts, information about couponing and other ways to save money, I’ll probably talk a little about football (just because I love it), and much more!!!

Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Did you do anything special for the summer?

Kindergarten….WHAT!!!!

August 21, 2011 | Leave a Comment

I can’t believe Harrison, my oldest boy, is going to Kindergarten in one week! If you read my last post you know there are a lot of changes going on. Shortly after Kindergarten starts, we are going to be moving to a brand new house, a brand new school district and a brand new Day Care. It’s a lot of changes for these two little guys to deal with. Luckily, our new school district is letting Harrison start even though he won’t be living in the school district for a few more weeks.

I spent part of today looking for tips on getting kids ready for school and I found this list of articles to be pretty helpful.

Do you have any tips for when your child starts kindergarten?

Yaaaa, We Sold Our House… We Hope

August 17, 2011 | Leave a Comment

Since the house sold, we don't need these for-sale signs anymore

If you have been reading this blog for any length of time you may have read one of the posts about the years we spent fixing our credit, the months we spent slaving away fixing up our house and getting it ready for the market and then finally listing it for sale. It’s only been on the market for 2 months but all that work paid off. I am very happy to report that we have accepted an offer on our house and will close in time for Harrison to start Kindergarten in our new school district.

That was a big concern of ours. Harrison isn’t as sociable as his younger brother and we really didn’t want to have to start him in one school district and then pull him out and have him finish in another school. I know at that age it’s not a big deal but as parents, we didn’t want it. We wanted Harrison to start on even footing with the rest of the kids.

In this current housing marketing, we couldn’t be happier with how quickly our house sold. We live in a semi-detached house on a busy road. It’s a great starter home but still, being right on a major road, we had our work cut out for us which is why we put so much effort into getting it to look as good as it possibly can. Based on the feedback we received from the people who walked through the house, it definitely paid off.

When we got the news the house was sold

What was even more special is when we got the news. We were on vacation with my wife’s family when our Realtor called. We were down in North Carolina at the Outer Banks. It was great, throughout the week people came and went but most of the immediate family was there. Her Mom, her sister, her sisters children, her cousins, her aunts and uncles, it was great. Some husbands would find that to be a nightmare but I love her family and get along quite well with them. My own parents didn’t get along with their in-laws and I always hated it. When I met my wife I told her pretty early on I wouldn’t get serious with anyone if I couldn’t get along with their family. Luckily for both of us, we both get along with each others family splendidly.

So, what does that have to do with us selling our house? Well, we are buying my Mother-In-Laws house and what is even more special is most of the houses in the area are the relatives we were on vacation with. Stephanie comes from a good farming family. They aren’t all farmers but some of them bought pieces of the farm property and built houses so they all live on beautiful pieces of property surrounded by loved ones and country landscape. We got to immediately celebrate the news with the person we were buying the house from and our new neighbors all at once. It was great and everyone was so excited.

I can’t wait to move on to this next chapter of our lives. Let’s just hope everything goes smoothly with settlement.

Have you ever sold a house? What was your experience with it?

A Toddlers Rules of Possession

July 20, 2011 | Leave a Comment

I stumbled across this on the UC Berkeley Parents web site and thought it was pretty funny. Whoever posted it on that site, found it somewhere online and it was unattributed so I don’t know who the author is. It is definitely worth a repost though.

Toddlers are very possessive of their toys

(via Pixabay)

Rules of Possession for a toddler

If I like it, it’s mine.
If it’s in my hand, it’s mine.
If I can take it from you, it’s mine.
If I had it a little while ago, it’s mine.
If it’s mine, it must NEVER appear to be yours in anyway.
If I’m doing or building something, all the pieces are mine.
If it looks just like mine, it is mine.
If I saw it first, it’s mine.
If you are playing with something and you put it down, it automatically becomes mine.
If it’s broken, it’s yours.

Have you ever seen this list before? Do you agree?

Dinosaur Summer Camp

July 18, 2011 | Leave a Comment

(via Pixabay)

I am sure you have heard me ramble on about how much my oldest son loves dinosaurs. He is only 5 years old but he is so passionate about them. He reminds me a lot of how I was as a kid. I used to get super passionate about everything I got into and it just took over my world.

At the start of Summer, we saw an ad in our paper for a Summer day camp that we could not pass up. It’s put on by a company based in New Jersey called Roving Nature Center Day Camp and they offer a few different options. The one we signed Harrison up for is called Jurassic in the Park. How perfect is that. A week long Summer camp (half days) for 4 – 6 year olds that focuses entirely on dinosaur fun. Today was his first day and he was just so freaking excited to tell us about it at. I can’t wait to hear about how much fun he has the rest of this week. Best $100 we spent so far this Summer.

Have your children ever gone to day camp? How did they like it?

The House is Finished, WooHoo

June 16, 2011 | Leave a Comment

If you’ve noticed, I’ve been a little quiet lately. It’s because we are finally done working on the house and as of this week it is officially on the market. Our house has never looked this good and I have lived here for 9 years now. It’s not to say we didn’t work on it in those 9 years but life always seemed to get in the way of this house realizing it’s full potential.

We worked our butts off over the last 2 months and we are very proud with what we have accomplished. We worked together as a family and it really looks impressive. Part of me regrets that it took us this long to get this house looking this way but a much bigger part of me is ready to move on to our next adventure. We can feel good that we will be selling someone a starter home that is in wonderful condition.

The Realtor had a photographer come through and take pictures today so as soon as they are posted I will post them here.

Have you ever sold a house? What did you do to prepare?

Little Girl Can’t Let Go as Father Prepares for Deployment

June 8, 2011 | Leave a Comment

Wow, what a powerful and incredibly sweet picture. The solder next to the little girl is a local. He lives and raises his family in my part of the country. When the local paper ran this picture, I just about cried. It’s so sweet and powerful. Having a little 4 year old girl in formation is against Army regulations but not a single man there was strong enough or heartless enough to tell that little girl she couldn’t stand by her fathers side as he prepared to deploy overseas. You can read the full article in my local paper here

Doesn’t a story like this just warm your heart? Do you know of any other examples like this?

April Best Sellers on Audible

April 26, 2011 | Leave a Comment

As mentioned in my review of Audible.com a few months ago, I have grown to become a big fan. It’s been a great way to pass the time on long commutes to work. I alternate between a fun book for myself and a business related book to help me stay on top of things and it’s been working out well. I have also gotten a few great kids books that we play for the boys on long car rides.

I just got an email from them listing their best sellers for April and thought I would share: PopShops™ affiliate stores

Do you listen to audiobooks? Do you get them from Audible?

10 Lessons Learned Since Becoming a Mom

April 18, 2011 | Leave a Comment

Image by WILPF

The boys’ birthday – and Mother’s Day – are just around the corner. Because of this, I have begun thinking about all of the things I have learned about myself – and life in general – over these past four years.

I also realized, some of these discoveries actually began, just as I embarked on my journey towards motherhood. For instance, I learned that when I really want something – or feel in my gut that I must do something – I will do whatever it takes to attain that goal. If I think back on events in my life, I suppose that would be true but I never realized it before — not really.

My husband and I knew we wanted to start a family a few months after we were married but soon realized — that was something we could not really control. It was during this time that I also learned, if I really want something – and I can’t get it because I really have no control over the situation – it drives me bonkers!

I read at least three books about trying to conceive, I charted my monthly cycles, joined TTC/pregnancy support group, I consumed lots of fertility tea (yes, I really did this) and I did everything I was “supposed” to be doing to ensure success!

But month after month — nothing, and nothing, and a bunch more nothing. It was the hardest thing I have ever been through, or so I thought.

After trying to conceive (TTC) for almost 8 months I FINALLY got a positive pregnancy test. We were elated to say the least! However, that pregnancy wasn’t meant to be.

Back down the roller coaster we flew!

THEN, after almost 2 years we were blessed with our darling boys.

Since that day I have learned…

1. Trust my instincts

The best advice I received, was from my Mom (imagine that). I was just about to go home from the hospital and I had well-meaning nurses giving me conflicting advice. I was confused and stressed — and my hormones were totally out of whack. My Mom said, “You just do what you think is best. You are the Mom. Trust your instincts.” And so I have…it’s worked out okay this far!

2. Moms really can do anything

I have said this for years. If I ever needed anything, I would ask my Mom or one of my friends – who had kids – to help me out. Now that I’m a Mom, I realize it’s because you do what you have to do. Kids rely on their parents for so many things – especially when they are small – so if you can’t do it for them, who will? This is why, even if the request seems impossible, Moms will do whatever it takes to get it done.

3. I am stronger than I ever knew

I am stronger than I ever knew — and I am more capable than I ever imagined. When it comes to my children I will move heaven and Earth to keep them safe and give them what they need.

4. Babies do not read parenting books

Babies don’t always do what parenting books say they will but those books can provide a helpful guideline. It’s just like using GPS — you must use common sense combined with your own intuition.

5. the importance of the “Mom Look”

It took me awhile to get it down — but it’s amazing how effective it can be.

6. Nothing compares

Although I have always loved and been loved; nothing compares to the intense love a mother has for her child.

7. Story-time before bed is as much for them as it is for me

It’s our sweet snuggle time. I love it!

8. A kiss really can fix just about any boo-boo!

It’s magic!

9. If you sneak up on geese – and surprise them – they will laugh.

This is according to A. I haven’t actually tried to see if this is true yet. It’s amazing how his brain works. The kid cracks me up all day long.

10. Just because I don’t think something is stylish — doesn’t mean it’s not in style.

This I have learned from my trendsetter son N. For about a year and a half, his feet were always covered by frog boots, for about six months he was often spotted wearing his spider-man costume OVER his footie jammies. He is particular about every piece of clothing he puts on. I think we are in trouble!

There are so many wonderful things I have learned — and I know there is much more to come! I can’t wait!!!

*I know this was a Mom centered post, I promise a really great post – for Father’s Day – to honor Dads — because you guys are SUPER important and wonderful too!!!

What are some of the things you’ve learned since becoming a parent?

A Warning to Worms!!!

April 7, 2011 | 4 Comments

Image by Soil-Net

Calling all worms. You! Yes, you! You’d better listen up, if you know what’s good for you!

I really appreciate all the work you do underground. I know you are great for our garden, flowers, and yard. We’ve maintained a friendly relationship over the years — you do your thing, and in return I leave you alone and promise not to make fish food out of you.

But something has changed.

I am so so so sorry to have thrown a wrench in things. I didn’t mean to. You know my sons A. and N. right? Do you remember how things went down last year? If not, let me refresh your memory.

Boys love worms

My boys love worms! Yes, they love you, and think you are the greatest things ever. They ADORE your sliminess! They love the way your move and groove, and they think it’s super awesome that you live in dirt — but BEWARE! These angelic, sweet and well meaning little boys love you too much! Is there really such a thing as too much love? In the relationship between children and worms — I’m afraid so.

“Come here little bug (if you dare).”

Last year, they often went in search of your kind. They made you their outdoor pets. They put you on swings, and swung you until you thought you might puke. If that wasn’t bad enough, they would pick you up, put you in the front packs on their bikes, and take you for a ride. Sure, traveling and doing new things can be fun — I’m just not sure the same is true in worm world.

I did my best to find and rescue you. I saved hundreds – no thousands – of you, but I am afraid to report that there were some casualties. I’m also very sorry about Walter Worm. Yes, he was the one A. was holding when he suddenly declared, “Uh oh! I bwoke him.” — and the one shall become two. Good thing you guys can just keep on going after an accident like that….hahahahaha

Oh sorry — perhaps that wound is still a little too fresh…

Anyway, I thought you all might have learned your lesson – but as I was pulling weeds the other day – I found tons of you little squirmies all over the place! As I said, I really appreciate all your hard work, but I just can’t – in good conscience – let you guys work your little hearts out (do worms have hearts? I need to look that up) only to become play things for my children. I can protect you a little but I am only one Mom.

“I see you little worm. Do you want to be my new friend? I’ll hug you, and sqeeze you, and call you George”

So my message is — RUN, or slither, or whatever you do. Seek refuge in the neighbor’s yards, dig down as deep as you can go, just don’t let yourselves be found by my children, unless you want to be their new BFF!

On your way out, you might want to warn your friends the caterpillars and rolly pollys too. All the best to you and good luck! You’ll need it!

Do your kids like to play with worms?

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