Super Saver

I am doing this post for two reasons. First, because I just booked a vacation to Disneyland for our family in April and secondly, because there are some of my blogging friends who love a great bargain. I love a great bargain too but I am unwilling to shop around for one. I wanted them to be proud of me.

I have booked round trip airfare, a rental car and hotel room for 5 nights for under $1000!

I know, I should do this for a living. I am so excited. I think Nolan has heard enough about it to last a lifetime. I struggle to spend money on these kinds of things. We had gotten a good tax return but the Scott O'Brien (that's my dad, he's great with money) in me thought we should just save it. Then I thought, this country needs me to put this money back into the economy. I didn't want to be un-American, so I went for it.

I found us a room (it has a separate living room, which makes me very happy) for $79 a night. I googled promotion codes and found just what I needed. I took my room down to $63 a night. We've stayed there before, no frills, but clean and comfortable. I was so excited. It became a mission to find good deals. I went to priceline.com and named my price.... $18 a day for a compact rental car!! I also found a coupon for a double upgrade on the rental. Flights are very affordable on Jet Blue at $49. We also booked the day after some of the Disney price increases stop due to the end of the spring break season.

Take that my coupon clipping friends! I now see why you have so much fun doing this. Granted, I have spent countless hours on this project. Just took time away from my facebook addiction. Cannot wait to go.

Now if I can just find a coupon for this shirt, I'll be set!!!

It Ain't Always Pretty

Let's face it, generally all my posts are about the proud moments in parenting. Anyone who has children knows that's not real life. So.........
Yesterday, Cole was playing outside with my parents and went inside with my Mom to put on his shoes. He asked my Dad to babysit his stuffed dog, Barkley, while he went in for a minute. My Mom reports that Cole looked up from watching his shoes being tied and declared with disguist "Oh, Sh*#! Papa's not watching Barkley."
Nolan should really start watching his language!

ToP O' ThE MoRnInG To YoU

I tried to rise a little early this morning to make a fun St. Patty's breakfast. We had green pancakes and milk.

The boys were very excited to see the pancakes, but not so excited to eat them. They kept waiting for the other to take a bite. Cy, always the optimist, was telling Cole that they taste exactly the same...all the while not taking a bite. They were just fine. Cole's pre-school has a leprechaun that visits, makes a mess and leaves some treats and Cy was looking for a leprechaun of their own in his class. Cy kept talking in "Irish" as he called it. Saying "good morning Laddy!"

I had almost forgotten about this, a couple of weeks ago while Nolan was having his nightly gab fest with Cy before bed, he mentioned that Cy was part Irish and Cy almost started to cry!?! When Nolan asked what's the problem was Cy saidthat he did not want to talk "funny," and again gave us his best Irish accent. Funny kid. Today he was much happier about it - excited to tell all of his friends just how Irish he was.

Happy St. Patrick's Day to All!!

“May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.”

Surprisingly Enough....All things Girly

So as the title suggests, I spent much of the weekend doing some girly stuff. It was a fun change from the norm. Nolan's mom, her sisters and their daughters/daughters-in-laws have decided to meet once a quarter for a lunch and craft day. This was my first one and it was a big success. It was held at Aunt Kathy's house in American Fork. I'm hoping to host the next one, if anyone has any craft ideas - let me know. Oh, and make them easy please.

Jody, Cambra and Gayle

Getting serious about crafting.

Gayle & Pat

Gayle giving Pat some friendly crafting advise. After the trouble Pat had with her ribbon, it was much needed.

Briley

This is Nolan's cousin Cambra's baby girl. She's so darn cute. I was lucky enough to play with her much of the afternoon. I had her lying on the couch and was talking too much. I looked down and this is what she had done with her bib. She didn't make a peep though. She is so pleasant. She did not make a peep only coos, throughout the afternoon.

Shauna and Kathy

A hard working Melanie

Melanee did a great job manning the cricket machine....which is amazing by the way. She was nice enough to make everyone's vinyl lettering.

Ta Da!! The finished product

I made mine as a Valentine's Day decoration. They were really fun. Parlene and Melanee did all the labor so that we could assemble them. They turned out terrific.

Kathy

Everybody was able to chose whatever 4-letter word (only the nice ones) they wanted as well as the font. I wish I had taken more photos of the finished products. Everyone's looked great. Kathy made an address plaque...so cute!!

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Later that night......

We gathered for Stef's B-day/Bunco. We call it "Bunco" even though we have not played in years, too much visiting to be done. I have realized the older I get how very important it is to have good friends and I have some of the best. This gathering once a month is always greatly anticipated and needed.

Thanks girls.

Emmalee, Steph and Kanani

Me and Tara

Alex, Shanon, Jen and Me

Kanani, Christy, Al and Linsey

Christy made this cake for Steph. We were all very impressed. It tasted as good as it looked too.

My Privilege

Today, I had the great privilege of becoming the Godmother to Olivia Nicole. She is the daughter of my dearest friends, Tara and Jeremy Jewkes. I was so honored that they chose me to fulfill this big responsibility. It means so much to me to know that I will always be a member of Olivia's life. It is the greatest gift anyone has ever given me. Thank you so much Tara and Jer.

Getting ready..the photo shoot begins. Tara, Olivia and Me.

Doesn't she look precious. She was so funny during mass, she certainly showed off for the crowd, spotting her Nana and Tof behind us. She giggled and cooed throughout. We giggled when the speaker that announced the baptism and called her Olivia "Jenkins."

Cole, Cy and Josie.
A small part of the big crowd of supporters.

Olivia had fallen asleep during the ceremony but was awaken by the cold water (someone forgot to turn on the water heater the night before). She cried for a second then fell right back to sleep with the cutest pouty lip. I wish we would have gotten a picture of it.
Some were surprised that I did not boo hoo through the entire thing, I was too, that tends to be the norm. Unfortunately, I was far too nervous. As the only non-catholic, I appreciated how much Tara had worked to assure that I would still fulfill my Godmothering duties, but was afraid I would mess up so much that I would make a fool of myself and embaress Tara. Or the powers that be would change thier mind and tell me no. Gratefully, it all went off without a hitch. I didn't mess up, Olivia did awesome the church was beautiful and filled with love.

Sleeping angel.

It's official now.

The proud parents & Godparents.
Jer's brother Rod, Tara, Jer and Me.





Cy and Olivia at the delicious brunch held at the Jewkes' home afterwards. She is the happiest baby ever. After having two colicky babies I am just blown away with how agreeable she is about almost everything. Poor little bug, just struggled with a bout of RSV and double ear infections, but grinned through most of it. I am so glad she's feeling better. The boys think she is a lot of fun. Cy particularly likes to help take care of her. We are so blessed to have her in our lives.
I love you, Olivia.