Happy Discoveries.

This weekend I am visiting family to celebrate my Gramma Eva's 85th birthday. While I'll post on this whole weekend after it's through, I thought I'd share a lovely surprise from today. This afternoon, my mom and I snuck away from the house to run a few errands and to get a new pair of jeans for me, as mine are now too large. (yay!) After trying on MANY pairs in different cuts, lengths, and styles, we made the lovely discovery that I am down not one size, as I thought, but two jean sizes! Woot! The new jeans are ever so slightly tight, but as the next size up was falling off, they'll work well. Besides, today was that much more incentive to keep working out! (let me tell you, I needed that!) on top of all that, I got a free shirt, just for buying my jeans! Awesome day. :)

Texas Meat Marinade from Former First Lady Laura Bush.

When Chris and I were wed, my mother gave us a lovely gift. She wrote to friends and family, as well as our current politicians in office, and asked for well-loved recipes. Pres. George W. Bush was in office at the time, so she wrote to First Lady Laura Bush as well. Some of the recipes received are of the sort that my family simply will not touch; this is not one of those.

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Techies.

My boys are techies.

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Jonathan, now two, loves to play games on his iPod, (mine repurposed with baby games) and to 'type' on his computer next to Daddy. I love them. :)

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Summertime.

Wow, it's been a crazy summer. I feel as if I'm finally settling back into routine after three major trips, a couple illnesses, and a few other upheavals this summer. I remember really looking forward to this summer, looking forward to the weather, the farmers markets, the lovely fresh produce available, and the family time. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed all of that, and more. Suddenly though, fall is staring me in the face, and I feel as though I've missed something. As though I need to squeeze in one more smoothie, one more walk, a splash in the pool, something. I never made popsicles. :)

While I contemplate all of this, I anticipate what is ahead. Fall, my favorite season, with the leaves changing colors, light jackets and the occasional scarves needed, and a cool, clean crispness in the air. A season of apple pie, applesauce, apple cider...I can get carried away in apple season. :)

My hope is that I can squeeze every last drop of happiness out of summer, and fully enjoy fall and the coming winter as well. Too often I get caught up in the day to day trials, and I miss the changes God presents all around me. I hope to change that, and truly appreciate what He's shared.

Money Saving Tips.

Whether or not the economy is up or down, (and it still seems pretty down...) we all benefit from saving money, no matter whether we're saving for a nice night out or a new car or home. I've decided to compile my list of money saving tips that I've discovered or that people have given me over the years. Please share any you've found in the comments section.

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