Try This! Thursday - The New Years Eve Edition

Unlike other people, I am not a big fan of the New Years. To me, it's just another reminder that the clock keeps ticking and I am getting older. It also makes me wonder if I made the best of my year. Did I accomplish anything? Did I change? Did I do anything right? Thinking about the future scares me. I don't want to think about the year 2010. Changes scare me. The unknown scares me. And the fact that Bree is going to be 3 years old in 2010 scares me the most! Nevertheless, considering how much I hate the New Year and looking into the future...I have started a little tradition for myself that I began about two years ago. I make a list of things that I would like to accomplish in 2010. I don't think of my list as New Years Resolutions like others write. For me, it's different. Usually the things that fall on my list are things I accomplished the previous year, and would like to continue to accomplish.

So, for Try This! Thursday, I thought it would be fun for you to make your own list. Not a list of Resolutions, but a list of accomplishments that you would like to accomplish even more. For example, vow to make your finances more...well...there. Or maybe you have already achieved your weight loss goal, and would like to lose more...list that too. Perhaps you just want to be healthier, that can go on the list too.

You don't have to publish this list, and you don't even have to show your hubby if you don't want to. This is your own personal, private list, for you...for the year 2010.

I hope you all have a wonderful New Years! Stay safe, and don't forget to watch the ball drop at midnight!


...Samantha

So...Change of Plans!

This has been a pretty crappy week...

until now...

Verizon got our internet hooked up sooner than the 4th of January, which I am thankful for because well...my name is Samantha and I am a Facebook Addict. I haven't even really been able to check my Facebook on my phone either, because evidently Facebook was having issues with their FB Mobile. Now, I'm not talking about issues where FB Mobile just wasn't working; I am talking about FB mobile logging me on to some other random person's profile and giving me the ability to change their status, information, etc. This happened to me several times over the course of the last week or so, but I had the courtesy enough to just log off of that strange person's profile and get on my own. Evidently, whoever landed on my profile decided to have some fun. I woke up yesterday morning and realized that my status on Facebook had been changed, and it had not been changed by me. The context of the status update was humiliating and embarrassing, and something that I would never say or do, and I was so mad I cried. So, we hopped in the car & headed over to AT&T, because I had been having other internet issues on my phone, getting random texts from numbers I didn't know and after the Facebook incident, I was convinced that someone had hacked into my phone somehow. But, the Tech Guy convinced me that the Facebook issue was a separate ordeal and more than likely it was Facebook's problem. The rest of the internet issues were AT&T's and they were working on getting it all fixed.

I swear, we would have been better off living in the dark ages.

It does look like Facebook has fixed their mobile problems, because I haven't noticed anything wacky today...but I have never felt more violated than I did when I saw that my FB status had been hijacked. It was not a good feeling.

Anyway, I began reading this book that my Mom got me for Christmas. It's called, "12 Pick-Me-Ups for Stressed Out Moms". It is a self help book that is to teach me how to not be so irritable as a Mother & a Wife. I concluded earlier today that I definitely picked the wrong week to begin reading this book. I have had absolutely ZERO tolerance for anything this week (because it's that week if you know what I mean). I feel sorry for Bree & the Hubs, because I have been bitching kind of yelling at them. Well, not kinda, I have been yelling. But they should definitely put more effort into not pissing me off. I swear I was having chest pains today from the stress of those two.

I need a vacation.

Does anyone have any good parenting tips on how to train a 2 year old not to bring all of the crap toys that Santa brought her, into the middle of the living room floor? I am tempted to just pack it all back up and cart it off to Goodwill.

...Samantha

M.I.A

So...I am really sad to have to do this, because I had some really great ideas for the New Year, but I will be M.I.A until January 4th or 5th. Why? Because my internet will M.I.A too. We are switching internet servers, and will not have the internet at all.

This will be especially hard for me as I am a Facebook Addict, and will not even be able to access Facebook from my phone, because my Facebook Mobile was hacked into yesterday.

It has been one hec of a week for me already, and it's only Tuesday.

I need prayer.

Anyway...I hope you all have a wonderful New Year & I will definitely see you all back here next week!

Don't forget about me!
...Samantha

Best. Christmas. Ever.

This is the first Christmas that I can remember, where I wasn't disappointed when it all ended. It was probably one of the best Christmases to date, and everyone was satisfied with what they got. Bree, of course, got more than any of us...but seeing her face on Christmas morning was the best present of all!

We started out our Christmas Eve pretty hectic. Nothing is ever organized, or on time on Paul's side of the family. We were supposed to be at his Dad's house around 7, eat a little, open presents, and then go on over to my Parent's house where we were to spend the night. When we arrived at his Dad's house at 7:20, they were vacuuming the floors and putting presents under the tree. Clearly not ready. So, we didn't eat or open presents until well after 8, which put us leaving from there around 10 o'clock. Not cool.

Now, I must admit that Paul and I did not think the "spending the night with Parents" out too well. We had planned to go to Paul's Dad's house, Paul would then take me & Bree and drop us off at my Parent's house, & then he would go back to our house to pick up all of Bree's "Santa" toys. This was a stupid, dumb, not well thought out plan. We ended up using more gas & time than we really had to. I guess though, when you start new things, like spending the night in a different house on Christmas Eve, there are some things you just don't think about. Gas & time were two of those things. But, Paul finally got back to my Parent's house around 1:30 a.m. From there, we proceeded to put together and set up all of Bree's toys.

We didn't get to sleep until well after 3:30. Now, like most people, when I sleep in a different place...I hardly sleep. I maybe got one or two hours of good sleep, and the other 2 hours were spent tossing and turning and trying to go back to sleep. I was thankful that Bree woke up early, because I didn't know how much longer I could lay there watching the sun come up & no one awake to see presents yet. Yes, I was one of those kids who got up at 3 a.m to see the presents. My Mom brought Bree down, and waited until I had my camera ready to bring her into the living room. Her re-action to the new toys wasn't what I had expected. She was more concerned with the fact that her Daddy was laying on the couch where he had slept than the new rocking horse and other great toys that lay before her. Finally though, she put her attention on the toys & that's where her attention remained until later on that night. My Mom & Dad got her the Flintstone Car Little Tikes Cozy Coupe, and we got her the rest. She dug through her stuff, looking at everything, and then tested out the rocking horse before hopping into the Flintstone Car Cozy Coupe, where the remained for the rest of the day. She spent her time wheeling around the house, eating her meals and opening her presents inside that little car while we spent the entire day being lazy. We laid around in our pajamas, playing video games, getting fat eating, watching movies, playing with our new gadgets, trying on our new clothes, laughing at Bree and my brother race each other with the Flintstone Car Cozy Coupe & the Radio Flyer Tri-Cycle, and having not one single care in the world. It was a perfect day.

My Christmas felt complete this year. There was no disappointment or regrets. I wasn't sad to see it end, and I didn't have those after Christmas blues. This Christmas I had my Mama, Daddy, 2 brothers, Hubby & Daughter all under one roof and I know that is what made this Christmas the best Christmas ever!



...Samantha

Just a Quickie...

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! Ours was the best one yet! I, of course, will have pictures ready for you on Monday, but I went ahead and changed the layout of the blog. I have been having some internet issues, and thought I would go ahead and get this changed over while I could.

Make sure you all stay safe this weekend as you are out hitting up those AWESOME after Christmas sales, and I hope to see you all back here Monday!

Have a wonderful weekend & Merry Christmas!


...Samantha

Try This! Thursday - The Christmas Eve Edition

I can hardly believe that is already Christmas Eve. Tonight, our kids will be waiting impatiently for Santa to come down the chimney, and we will be resisting the temptation to eat the cookies laid out for Santa. Tonight, we will be continuing traditions that we have been practicing through out the years and hoping that our Children will take them with them when they grow older and have families of their own.
For this edition of Try This! Thursday I thought it would be fun if you shared some of your favorite Christmas traditions. You can send them to me personally, or leave them in the comments section for everyone to read! So, go ahead, Try This! Share with us your favorite Christmas Traditions.


...Samantha

Wordless Wednesday: The Pre-Christmas Eve Edition

Santa was in town at Chick-Fil-A last night, and Bree got to have her picture made with him. When he asked what she wanted for Christmas, she began showing him her new, black shoes. Shoe fetish much? Anyway, she got pretty distracted with all of the people inside Chick-Fil-A, but I was able to get a couple of good shots! This beats visiting Santa at the Mall any day, especially since it was FREE!!

Only 2 more night until Christmas Day!! HOLY CRAP!
...Samantha

Well, Merry Christmas Samantha!

I got another early Christmas present today! I got an award!! Beth of "Laugh Until You Cry" has given me the Happy 101 award, and it is super cute! Thank you Beth!!



RULES FOR HAPPY 101 AWARD
1. List 10 things that make you happy, and try to do at least one of them today.
2. Tag 10 bloggers that brighten your day.
3. Each of the tagged bloggers, should be notified and they in return will link back to my blog.

10 things that make me happy:
1. Bree. She is the reason I get out of bed in the morning.
2. The Hubs. He just makes me happy.
3. Down time. I need it after a full morning of a hyper 2 year old's messes.
4. Blog comments, they let me know someone is reading it.
5. Snicker Bars. They make me fat, but they're oh so good!
6. Making others happy.
7. Summer time!
8. The beach.
9. Doggies :)
10. Spending time with my family & friends.

10 blogs that make me happy:
1. I've Changed My Name to Mommy
2. I'm Living Proof That God Has a Sense of Humor
3. In the Trenches
4. Confessions of a Working Mom
5. Nicely Composed
6. Our B Life
7. The (Un)Experienced Mom
8. You Don't Know
9. The Crazy Baby Mama
10. Speaking From the Crib

...Samantha

Santa at the Mall - No Thank you.

Last year we took Bree to see Santa at the Mall. I had felt pretty guilty because we didn't take Bree to see Santa at the Mall for her first Christmas. So, one December night we stood in line behind 50 other people awaiting Bree's turn to sit in Santa's lap. We didn't know how much it was going to cost, because we had never been before, which is why we were nearly floored when we saw the prices. I don't remember all of the prices for the raping packages, but I do remember 25.00 for a c.d with ONE picture of my choice on it. Now, I am a cheap person bargain hunter and I know that the Santa at the Mall people didn't purchase that c.d for 25.00, and I know that the ONE picture they were going to put on the c.d wasn't worth 25.00 either. These Santa at the Mall people were raping all of these poor families, and what's worse...the families would continue to come back because they didn't know any better!

Now, let me make this clear, I am cheap...but...I have good stuff. I am a bargain hunter. I never pay full price for anything. I bought my Dad a fleece pull over that was originally 40.00 and I only paid 2.00 for it. Yeah...that's what kind of a bargain hunter I am. Anyway...I am not going to let these Santa at the Mall people rape me every single year like they do so many other people. 25.00 is a tank of gas for me. 25.00 is a new sweater, or 2 packs of Pull Ups! 25.00 is about how much we spend on groceries each week with coupons. I can make a whole list of things that 25.00 can buy us, and ONE C.D with ONE picture on it, is not practical.

So...

This year we are taking Bree to see Santa at Chick-Fil-A. Why? Because it's absolutely FREE, and we get a picture for absolutely FREE, and I can take as many pictures myself as I want...for FREE.

Keyword: FREE

How do you feel about Santa at the Mall? Do you think it's worth it?
..Samantha

Christmas Shopping? DONE!

So, it's the week of Christmas.

...I'm still wondering where the weekend went.

If I didn't have Christmas shopping finished, and the gifts to prove it...I would have thought the weekend had never existed.

...Yes, I said it. Christmas shopping is done! We spent all of the Christmas money, but it's done!

As I mentioned in Friday's post, the Hubs & I were able to go out on a "date" night, Saturday. We dropped Bree off at a friend's house around 6:30, and off we went! One hundred & eighty dollars later...we had completed the remainder of our Christmas shopping! Talk about relief. However, the after shock of having spent all of the Christmas money hit me yesterday morning when I finally began to realize that it was all gone! Nevertheless, I had to focus on the fact that we never once had to take any money out of the savings account or checking account. Everyone's Christmas was bought on Bonus money. When Christmas was said and done with last year, we literally stayed broke until our Tax Refund came in February/March. I WAS NOT going to let that happen this year!

I am pretty satisfied with the amount of things that Bree is getting this year. She is getting the "Smart Baby" set complete with play pin, stroller, and changing table. The Hubs made her a rocking horse, and we got her a Baby Monkey Fur Real Pet. She's got a pink football, a HUGE Kai Lan coloring book, a Raggedy Anne Doll, a few books, a Kai Lan shirt, and some super cute stocking stuffers. Not to mention everything she will get from the rest of all of her family members that love her. I think that's enough for a two year old. She is so spoiled.

We have two Christmas family dinners done, and two more to go. What did you all do this weekend? Is your Christmas shopping finally done?

Holy Crap only 4 more sleeps until Christmas Day!!

Here's What I've Been Working On...

Over the course of the last week or so, I have been working on a new look for this blog. I've got everything ready, and I wanted to let you all have a sneak peek. Let me know how you like it or if there is anything I need to change or fix. After all, you will be looking at the layout until Spring comes...so I want you to like it! So...here it is:



...Samantha

Don't Blink! You'll Miss Everything!!

I can hardly believe it is already Friday...again!. I can hardly believe that this time next week, Santa will have already come and gone, and we'll all be busy playing with our toys and gidgets and gadgets. I can hardly believe that in 2 weeks, 2009 will have left, and 2010 will have arrived. When I was a child, time crept by much slower than it does now. I remember when an hour felt like a decade. I remember when a year felt like 50 years. The only part of my childhood that did seem to fly by, was when we went on Family Vacation to the beach every year. Some how seven days seemed like two. I always thought that there must be some type of time warp on the coast, that made time go faster. Anyway, that is beside the point. The point is that 2009, all 365 days of it, feels as though it flew by in just a few weeks.

The Hubs and I finally get to go Christmas shopping by ourselves on Saturday Night. We haven't had a "date night" in quiet a while, and quiet frankly...Bree has been driving me nuts lately. I need a break. I hope to finish up her Christmas tomorrow night, although, we have probably gotten her enough, I can't stop buying her stuff. This could be a major, potential problem.

This weekend, we are supposed to be getting some snow (I doubt it), but everyone is evidently excited about it. I'll believe it when I see it. That doesn't mean that it's not cold though, because it is freeeeezing and it is yucky, rain outside!

Only a few more months until I'll get the warm sunshine back, 70 degree temperatures, and I can slip into my flip flops again!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Stay warm, and get that Christmas shopping done if you haven't already!!

Only 6 more sleeps until Christmas Eve!! Holy Crap!

..Samantha

Try This! Thursday - Candy Stick Vase

I can't believe that Christmas Eve is a week from today! Where did December go? Better yet where did 2009 go? Nevertheless, I have found the perfect craft for you and your child to make together! You can use it as a beautiful center piece for your Holiday table, or simply give it to a special someone on your Christmas list. Either way, it is a super cute craft and I think I may even make it myself! Remember, I am not a very crafty person! So, Try This!!!

Candy Stick Vase


What You Will Need
- Aluminum can
- Candy
- Double-sided foam mounting tape
- Ribbon
- Plastic cup

Directions
- To make one, first snugly wrap 3 or 4 rings of double-sided foam mounting tape around a clean, dry, and labelless aluminum can (ours was 15 ounces).
- Peel off the tape's protective covering to expose its second sticky side.
- One at a time, attach colorful individually wrapped candy sticks (available at candy shops; we used 26) to the tape, setting them as close together as possible and pressing them firmly in place.
- For a festive finish, tie a ribbon around the container. To use the vase for fresh flowers or plants, set a plastic cup inside the can as a liner before adding water.

To see this craft and others like it, click here

7 days until Santa comes to town! Holy Crap!


...Samantha

Wordless Wednesday: Bree & Santa Cow

I took Bree to see Santa Cow at Chick-Fil-A last night. She loved him. In fact, she was a Santa Cow lap hog. She didn't want to share him with any other little kids.


...Samantha

Stressed & Depressed...

I've been stressed, and depressed. No, I'm not trying to make a rhyme here. I've been homesick. I haven't had this problem in two years. So, why now? Because the previous 2 years we lived less than 10 minutes from my Parents. Now, we live 45 minutes to an hour. That may not sound far to some of you, but when you're used to be down the street from someone, and then move so far away that you have to plan a visit...it's depressing. I'm lonely in this little town, and I haven't gotten to do much "Christmasy" stuff with my Parents or two brothers. Actually, we haven't done anything at all. I have already cried my "homesick" tears over it though, and am looking forward to Christmas Eve where we will get to spend the night at my Parent's house. I have seen my Parents on Christmas Eve in about 4 years, so I am pretty excited about this one.

I was pretty stressed yesterday. All I wanted to do was go do some Christmas shopping, and buy some groceries. Bree woke up in one of those, I'm-going-to-be-difficult-just-for-the-hell-of-it moods yesterday, but I got us out the door, and into the parking lot at Target. It was there in the middle of the Target parking lot, that I had a minor nervous break down. You see, Bree has this thing where she likes to take toys into the car with her when we leave the house. Most parents wouldn't allow this, but it's fine by me, because it keeps her quiet and entertained in the back seat. Nevertheless, when it's time to get out at the store or wherever we are, she wants to take the "toys" in with her. This is why I had my minor nervous breakdown. She clutched onto that damned baby doll, and was determined that she going to take it inside Target with us. I looked at her hard. She wasn't going down without a fight, and I didn't feel like fighting. I was having one of those days, where I wasn't in the mood for bullshit. I told her that if she didn't put the baby down, I would get back in the car, we would go back home and she would take a nap. "MINE!" she screamed back at me. If I had done to her what I felt like doing at that moment, I would probably be sitting in a jail cell somewhere right now. Instead, I got back in the car, turned on the ignition, and we left. We went back home. She went down for a nap. And I was so mad I could have cried.

The Hubs did take me back to Target last night, and that made me happy. Bree was still being difficult, but it wasn't just me having to deal with her. We got nearly all of Bree's stocking stuffers at The Dollar Spot in Target, which made me super happy! Oh how I love Target. If I could marry it, I would!

I feel a little less stressed, and little less depressed today. Because we got something accomplished last night, something I had been trying to accomplish since Saturday, I feel better. I ended up getting my 83 year old Grandmother one of those "Bulb Kits" It looks like it will be a beautiful flower, and it's in a beautiful little vase. I had thought I would buy her a sweater, but then decided to take my own advice from here and not buy her any clothes. We went down the pajama route with her last year, and it didn't quiet work out. If digital frames weren't so expensive, I would have definitely done that, but honestly, the woman has so many pictures in her house...she is going to one day be over run. She does, however, love plants and pretty things like that. Target had their Amaryllis Bulb Kits on sale for 7 dollars. I hope she likes it. It'll give her something to do, and something to take care of.

How was your weekend? Do you have your Christmas shopping done?

Only 10 more sleeps until Christmas! Holy Crap!!


...Samantha

What Do You Get a 83 Year Old Woman for Christmas?

It's just a simple question, with such a complex answer. I was planning on making my Grandmother a calendar with pictures of my Breezy in it, but I couldn't find a theme that I particularly liked. So, I gave that up. Now, I have no idea what to get her. I am a perfectionist when it comes to gift giving. I like WOW-ing people. I like giving something out of the norm. Something different. Something that they have never been given before. So naturally, when I try to practice my OCD gift giving tactics on a 83 year old woman, I'm going to run into some road blocks. She's 83 years old. That's 83 Christmases! She has been given pretty much everything in every category!

I need your help...What can I get my 83 year old Grandmother for Christmas?

I am open to any and all suggestions!


...Samantha

Under Pressure

This past June, for the Hubs's birthday, I bought him a piece of exercise equipment. He had been talking about how he was getting fat, and wanted to get back into shape. This was partly true because when we first started dating he wore a size 28x32 in jeans, and then sometime after we got married he got up to a 32x32, and now he's back down to a 30x32. Nevertheless, he was wanting to get back in his "high school body". In high school he was on the soccer team, track team, and in marching band...so he was pretty fit (and sexy). He's still sexy now of course, but it's just not the same. Anyway, to get back to the story; I bought him The Perfect Pull Up, and it cost me 90 bucks at Target. I was pretty excited, because he was expecting a video game and I had gotten him something completely different and unexpected (and more practical). So when he opened up his birthday present, he looked at it...looked at me...looked back down at the The Perfect Pull Up, and then looked back up at me. I realized quickly that the expression on his face was not one of pure and utter happiness or joy. It was a "...what the hell is this piece of shit, and where is my video game?" type expression.

"...You said something about wanting to get back in shape, so I thought this could help." I explained.
"...I would have rather had a video game." Yes he did. He said that to me.

Oh the things I could have said to him after that. You wouldn't believe the words that my mind filled with, like:You ungrateful S.O.B, you need that exercise equipment you big, stupid, fatty!, but I kept my mouth shut. Instead, I threw the receipt at him (which didn't go very far, because, well, paper can't be thrown unless it's balled up) and walked away yelling "Go get whatever the HELL you want!". Of course, the Hubs then realized that what he had said to me was very jerk-ish (I'm not even sure if that is a good enough word for it), and he chased me around the house as I walked from room to room refusing to say anything more to him.

We ended up okay with each other in the end, but he did take back the exercise equipment and got a couple of video games. He said he didn't want to take it back, because it would hurt my feelings, but I told him that "I paid 90 dollars for that damn thing" and if he wasn't going to use it...then he needed to get the money back for it. Besides, my feelings had already been hurt by his heartlessness.

The point of this story was to let you know that I don't have it easy like most wives. Most women's husbands could care less if they get anything for Christmas or Birthdays. Mine cares. So, as you can imagine, I am under a lot of pressure for Christmas. He of course wants some video games for the Wii, but what games should I get him? He's not like me. I grew up playing Super Mario Bros. and racing games on the XBOX. He grew up playing those stupid war games where you blow people up and the entire screen turns red with blood. Yuck. He also likes expensive things. Things like, iPods, iPhones, and Playstation 3's (even though we just got the Wii last year). I'm not sure if he thinks I have a secret stash of money hidden somewhere and can afford all of these things, or if he's just completely outside of his mind.

I don't think that I can really blame all of this on him though. Growing up, he was given lots of expensive things at Christmas. And one year the Easter Bunny (which I do not celebrate) brought him and his brother 4 Wheelers! What the hell? Who gets 4 Wheelers for Easter? So, needless to say, the Hubs is spoiled. Thank God that my Parents made me a practical person. For Christmas we got one big gift (Video game console, bike, camera, etc), and then a few little things (clothes, movies, etc...). I still had an awesome Christmas without my Daddy having to go broke just to spoil me.

My goal in our marriage is this: I want to make the Hubs a more practical, and less spoiled person. This year for Christmas, he is getting a few clothes and a couple of video games. That's it. Nothing less, nothing more. Hey, the kid needs to grow up some time.


...Samantha

P.S: As much it may not sound like it, I do love the Hubs with all of my heart.

Try This! Thursday - Mocha Hot Chocolate

I don't know about you, but it has been freeeeeezing where I live. Of course, not as cold as those mid-western states. If we ever saw 16 inches of snow or -25 degrees, the entire state of South Carolina would self-destruct. Nevertheless, there is nothing better than having a nice cup of hot chocolate in these cold days ahead. So, when I ran across this mocha hot chocolate recipe, I just had to get you all to try this!!

Mocha Hot Chocolate

Serves 1
Ingredients:
- Shaved Chocolate
- Whipped Cream
- 1-2 rounded tsp. sugars
- 1/2 c. freshly made coffees
- 1 rounded tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 c. milk

Method:
- Prepare coffee using your favorite method.
- Heat milk to steaming (you can use the microwave).
- Mix cocoa and sugar in the bottom of a large mug.
- Add a few tablespoons of hot milk and stir to blend.
- Stir in the rest of the milk, and then add the coffee.
- Place a dollop of whipped cream on top and sprinkle with shaved chocolate, cocoa powder or cinnamon.

Warning:'Tis not wise to drink before bed time...unless you want to be up all night.

You can find this recipe along with others here.


...Samantha

Wordless Wednesday: How exactly did Rudolph get his job?

...Samantha

Now Accepting Donations...

How did this happen? How did we go broke? We were doing so well (for about a week) and then suddenly, POOF, gone! ALL GONE! Well, not all gone, maybe I am being a little dramatic...but it sure does feel gone!

ALL of our bills go out at the SAME TIME during the beginning/middle of each month. So, we build up our bank account all month long, feel pretty good about ourselves and how much we have, and then suddenly...when the beginning of the month comes...it all disappears. FAST.

THANK GOD WE DO NOT HAVE ANY DEBT. I have no idea what we would do if we did. We are just on a very tight income. We pay rent, car insurance, gas, electric, and then of course the birth control that I have to (and I mean, I really do have to...I'm not taking any chances) buy each month WITHOUT health insurance (because we can't afford that either). Most of the time all of these bills end up adding up to about a 1,000 dollars a month. Now, I know that most people have house payments that big, but for us, that's a lot.

Now we're just waiting, wishing, and hoping that the Hubs will get a bonus check for Christmas. If not, we have a savings account (that I pretend doesn't exist) with a little bit of money (not much), that we'll fall back on. I pray that we don't have to do that, but I am fully prepared to do so. I want Bree to have a wonderful Christmas. She may actually remember this Christmas!

As my Facebook status reads: "Samantha is now accepting donations. You may make checks payable to the Dobbins Christmas fund. Thanks."

So, if you feel like you're in the gift giving mood, and have a little extra cash lying around...send it my way!

Totally kidding. But seriously... :)


...Samantha

Football Schmootball...

This past weekend I was reminded of why I don't "get into" football. Yeah, I am a fan of a team, but I am not a in-your-face, paint-my-body-orange, trash-talker-till-I'm-blue-in-the-face type of fan. In my opinion, a true fan can admit when their team played crappy, or just straight up sucks. If you can't do this, then you are an ignorant fan who probably didn't even watch the game to begin with. By the way, this applies to all sports of different kinds, not just football. Anyway, college football is like a religion in the South. I don't know why, it just is. In our State the two rival teams are the University of South Carolina and Clemson University.

Now, generally, Clemson is waaaaay better than South Carolina, but this year...South Carolina beat Clemson in their Rival game which was played Saturday a week ago. I am a Clemson fan, keep in mind, and we didn't get beat by just a few points. We got beat by a good many points. An embarrassing number of points. Still not as bad as the time we beat South Carolina 63 to 17 in 2003. Nevertheless, Clemson played like crap and South Carolina deserved to win that game.

We did have a pretty good season though, which is why we made it to the ACC Championship game where we got to replay Georgia Tech for the 2nd time this year. The game was scheduled for this past Saturday at 8 o'clock p.m. I wasn't like all excited about this game or anything. In fact, by the end of the season, I am generally so SICK of football that I would rather watch Basketball and anyone who knows me, knows that I can't stand to watch basketball. Anyway, no matter the outcome of the game, I knew that there would be several times during the game in which the Hubs would slam his hat on the floor, yell "SHIT!" numerous times, scream at the Refs like they can hear him, and change the channel out of pure irritation.

I was right. Especially since we lost the ACC Championship game. The good part is that the score was close. The bad part is all of the South Carolina fans who got way too much enjoyment out of us losing. This is the part that pisses me off the most. South Carolina fans are the worst at making excuses for their crappy team, but when Clemson lost to them for the first time in 3 years last Saturday night, they suddenly thought they were the kings of college football. There was absolutely nothing nice to say to any of us Clemson fans. So, you can imagine, when we lost the ACC Championship, there was even more, very unkind things that they said to us, me, Clemson fans. I decided Saturday night that this is why I don't like football. People don't watch it or pick teams just for fun, they do it so they can cut down other fans of other teams. They think that by putting a football team in front of them, that gives them permission to say whatever the want to rival team fans. I was picked on and made fun of less in school.

I have enough stress in my life without having fans of other teams, call me names and accuse me of things. I know that they do not mean anything "personally" by it, but when you call out a group of people by the name of "Clemson fans", that includes me. So, it kind of pisses me off. My Facebook was lit up with all kinds of mean and unkind words on Saturday night after that game. I couldn't help but get mad, and it took the fun out of football for me.

Anyway, we have one bowl game left and then the season is over. I cannot wait either! Football fans played a major role in making my weekend suck, and I am ready to be done with it all.

How was everyone else's weekend?

2 and a half weeks until CHRISTMAS! HOLY CRAP!


...Samantha

A Little Christmas Survey that I Stole...

Well, I didn't actually steal it...I was given permission by Deb over at Menopausal New Mom to take the survey too. I thought it would be fun, as I have watched it circulate around different blogs over the past couple of weeks. I was just waiting for it to be my turn to take it! So, now it is!

Have you started your Christmas shopping?
I have, and we're almost done!


Tell me about one of your special traditions.
Well, since we are a relatively "new" family, we haven't set any traditions yet. I guess we are working on that.


When do you put up your Tree?
The day after Thanksgiving :)


Are you a Black Friday shopper?
Heck no! I can't see putting that much stress on myself just to save a few dollars. Plus, I would end up getting trampled on and killed like the Wal Mart worker last year.


Do you Travel at Christmas or Stay home?
We generally go to my Parent's house, and then go south to the Hubbie's Grandmothers house, but this year we get to stay home because my brother leaves for boot camp on January 10th, and I wanted to spend my entire Christmas with him and my family :)


What is your funniest Christmas memory?
My brother used to sleep in my room on Christmas Eve, and one year we both woke up around 3 a.m. Of course, "Santa" had already come, so we got up and snuck into the living room to see if we could look at some of our presents. We would both grab a present and then race back to my room to look at it. My Dad had a tick tock clock that sat on the mantle, and during one of our trips into the living room to grab a present, the clock went off. It seemed so loud, we both jumped out of our skin and ran as fast as we could back to my room. My brother ended up stumping his toe on a wooden box that my Mom used for decoration. When we got back to my room, we decided that we had looked at enough presents and we should probably go back to sleep. I look back on that now, and wonder why in the world we were so scared. I guess we thought that we were doing wrong by looking at our presents before sunrise.


What is your favorite Christmas Movie of All time?
It is really a tough tie between The Santa Claus with Tim Allen & National Lampoons Christmas Vacation.


Do you do your own Christmas Baking? What’s your favorite treat?
I don't bake, but my favorite thing that my Mom cooks and has been tradition every since I can remember on Christmas Day, is her breakfast casserole. It gets better EVERY YEAR!


Fake or Real Tree?
We have a fake tree just because I don't like the clean up of a real tree, and I wasn't sure if my allergies could handle a real tree.


What day (as a Mom) does the actual panic set in to get it all done?
I don't think I ever panic, I just continue to get really excited!


Are you still wrapping presents on Christmas Eve?
Depends, but probably won't be this year. I already have a few under the tree now.


What is your favorite family fun time at Christmas?
Going to the Christmas Parade, and then going to my Parents for food afterwards. That didn't happen this year though :(


What Christmas craft do you like the best?
I'm not a real crafty person honestly. I would like to be...it just never happens.


Christmas music? Yes or No. And if yes, What is your favorite song?
Christmas music is only allowed AFTER Thanksgiving, and I love it. My favorite song is either "The Christmas Song" by Nat King Cole or "Merry Christmas (War is Over)" by John Lennon.


When do you plan to finish all your shopping?
A few places like Toys R Us and Target :)

Feel free to copy and paste the survey and take it yourself too!

...Samantha

What Not To Give for Christmas

I know what it's like. Scrambling around, trying to find that last minute gift for one of your relatives that you only see a few times a year. Or maybe there is a person in your family who is just hard to buy for. Nevertheless, a few days before Christmas you have shopped for everyone in your family except for that one person. So, in a desperate attempt to find something that he/she might like, you pick up the best piece of junk you can find. Not that you think it's junk at the moment, but if you gave it more thought you would realize that the gift would never be used. It would be opened on Christmas only to spend the next 12 months stuck in the back of a drawer never to be used or looked at again. Ultimately, you have just wasted your money. So, why not get a gift card to a popular store or a nice coffee mug? Those are two relatively cheap things, that will be used and maybe even enjoyed! Below is a list of things NOT to buy someone for Christmas.

10. Manicure/Pedicure at Home Set
Why? While the idea of being able to do your own manicure and pedicures at home sounds nice, it's highly unlikely that it is really going to get used. Mainly because the machine needs batteries, and mainly because there isn't enough time in a day to do something like that. So, while it's a nice thought, it is one of those gifts that will sit in a drawer or closet, unopened and unused. And don't even think about re-gifting it.

9. Perfume
Why? Unless you have been instructed by the person you are giving the gift to of what type of perfume they like, then I wouldn't try it. Everyone has their own personal preferences for perfume. Some like musky perfume, others like sweet perfume, while some like the strong make-your-eyes-water perfume. It would be in your best interest (and your wallet's) to not purchase perfume for another person unless you know (for certain) what they wear and/or like.

8. 5 Dollar, Dollar Store Movies
Why? If it was a box office hit movie on sale for five dollars, then by all means get it, BUT if it's one of those World's Funniest Sports Bloopers movies or a made-for-tv movie, then don't! You will just be helping that person add more clutter to their DVD Collection where it will sit in their DVD cabinet, unopened, collecting dust, and each time they look at it they'll wonder what in the world you were thinking. Back away from the 5 Dollar shelf at the Dollar Store.

7. Purses
Why? Most women have their preferences of purses. Some like them big and open, others like them small and compact. Some like neutral colors while other like vibrant patterns. So, unless that special lady has told you what color, shape, size, serial number (kidding), and brand of the purse they like or want...I wouldn't venture into this territory. My Mother In Law once asked why I carried a big purse, and then bought me a tiny one for Christmas. I never used it, and it is still sitting in my closet. Don't waste your money on a purse for someone else...they won't use it.

6. C.D's
Why? This is another one of those things that, unless you were instructed by the person as to what CD they want or what artist/band they like, it's not a smart thing to do. I've been given CD's by artist that I didn't even like, and their CD sat in my CD collection, collecting dust. CD's aren't all that cheap either, so, save your money and get that special someone an iTunes gift card, or something of that nature.

5. Video Games
Why? I know that those 10 dollar Wii, Playstation & XBOX Games look enticing, but there is a reason why they are 10 dollars, and it's not because they are so intriguing and fun. It's because they're terrible, and you're lucky if your gaming system doesn't spit the game out itself from pure disgust. So maybe instead of picking up one of these horrible games, get a nice gift card that can help pay for a game that special someone might actually enjoy.

4. Annoying Toys
Why? I never understood why my Parents got so agitated when we'd get some kind of annoying, singing, chattering toy for Christmas from one of our relatives. I understand now that I have a child. I swear these things play by themselves in the middle of the night, and the kids don't really play with them. They use them to aggravate the Parents. Settle for a nice stuffed animal, a Barbie, or even a Hot Wheel. Silence is key.

3. Clothing
Why? You really shouldn't buy clothes as a gift for anyone that you do not live with or are very close to. There is a good chance you'll get the wrong size, wrong color, or even wrong style of clothing. Besides that, you are setting yourself up to offend someone. Maybe they wear a medium size shirt, and you bought a large. It's happened to me before, and it is offensive. Nevertheless, it will inevitably hang in the closet for days, weeks, months, and even years. Mid as well hang a 20 dollar bill in your closet, and call it quits. Again, gift cards fix these problems perfectly!

2. Books
Why? Only the reader knows what they like to read. So it is in your best interest to save your money on a book that will just sit on a shelf, and perhaps get a gift card to Barnes and Noble instead. Unless, of course, you know there is a book that they have been dying to read, but do not randomly buy a book that you think they might enjoy.

1. Pillows, or Blankets that are stuffed with feathers
Why? I saved this one for last because I received a blanket stuffed with feathers a few years ago, and have been vacuuming up feathers off of my floor and couch ever since. It's a nice decorative piece which is the only reason I have kept it on the back of my love seat, but the feathers are not so enjoyable. If you decide that a pretty blanket or throw is what you want to get that someone for Christmas, just make sure it doesn't have any feathers in it.

I know that money is tight for everyone at Christmas, and I hate to see someone waste money on a gift that will never get used. Of course there are exceptions to everything I listed above, and I hope that I didn't offend anyone. Let me know what you think about my list, or if you have anything to add to it.

Oh, and if you are an online Christmas Shopper, check out this website for lots of GREAT deals: 6pm.com

...Samantha

Try This! Thursday - Homemade Time Capsule Ornament

I remember for a brief period of time while growing up, my Mom had a few ideas for some home made ornaments. This of course only happened after we got internet. Before the internet, we didn't know a thing! Which leaves me to wonder how the world functioned before the internet was invented. Anyway, that's beside the point. My point is that there were a few years there that me, my Mom, and my two brothers made Christmas ornaments. One year this included making an ornament out of a plastic spoon, and one year we made snowmen out of those powder puffs that come in the powder compacts. It was fun, and the ornaments still decorate my Parent's tree to this day. So, while I was "googling" unique crafts to feature on Try This! Thursday, I ran across this adorable ornament! So, have a look and Try This!

Time Capsule Ornaments


Commemorate your baby's first Christmas -- and each one thereafter -- with a tree ornament that's filled with handwritten recollections of the year. The plastic balls are easy to open, so your child can reread the notes every Christmas.

What You Will Need
- Fillable clear plastic ornament (ours is 80 mm)
- Double-sided tape (we used Terrifically Tacky Tape for its extra-strong hold)
- Rickrack or ribbon
- Scrapbooking paper cut into strips (ours are 5/8 inch wide)
- Small photos or other memorabilia that fits inside the ball (optional)

Instructions
1. Separate the two halves of the ball. Apply a strip of tape around the outside of the wider half. Carefully press the ribbon to the tape so that it's close to but not touching the outer edge.

2. Write notes on the strips of scrapbooking paper, then roll them up and tuck them inside the ball. Add pictures, a photocopy of your child's newborn footprint, and other mementos, if you like. Put the ball back together, then tie some ribbon and a tag with the year written on it onto the plastic loop.

Picture and Craft found here

...Samantha

Wordless Wednesday: I see London I see France I see Santa's...butt crack?

This is certainly something that you DO NOT want to see under your tree.


...Samantha

Merry Early Christmas to Me!

So...the very funny Beth over at Laugh Until You Cry gave me an early Christmas present!! An award!! Yay!! Thank you so much Beth, I love it, and it'll look perfect with the others!


As with most awards, there are a set of rules & they are as follows:
- thank this person who nominated you for the award
- copy the logo and place it on your blog
- link to the person who nominated you
- name 7 things about yourself that people may not know
- nominate 7 creative bloggers
- post their links
- leave a comment on each

So...here are 7 Random Things About Me:
1. Eating broccoli makes me pee a lot.
2. I really do not like Fall or Winter.
3. I remember the moment that I met my hubby & I knew in that moment that he was the One.
4. I have a lot of regrets that are beginning to surface through my dreams at night.
5. I dream often about tornadoes, hurricanes, and tsunamis.
6. I am addicted to Desperate Housewives.
7. I actually do have a heart.

I am going to bend the rules a bit and nominate anyone who is reading this right now to take this blog award. It's yours, go on, take it...you deserve it. Call me lazy, but I really just like so many different blogs, I don't like not choosing everyone!

...Samantha

Christmas Movies Make Christmas Traditions

Christmas movies were a very significant piece of our Christmas traditions growing up. We watched the same movies at least three or four times a Christmas season, and rarely added a "new" movie to the list. These Christmas movies were our "classics", and I have yet been able to accept any other Christmas movies into my list of favorites. Below is a list of the movies that we watched religiously, all Christmas long.

- National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
- The Santa Claus
- Home Alone
- Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
- A Christmas Story
- It's A Wonderful Life
- Jingle All the Way (This would be the newest movie accepted into the collection)

Don't get me wrong, I have actually seen other Christmas movies like The Polar Express, Elf, and White Christmas...but nothing compares to the hilarity found in list above.

No story could ever compare to that of Clark Griswold and his desperate attempt to have the "hap hap happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tapped danced with Danny fucking Kay", or poor little Ralphie who just wanted a BB Gun for Christmas.

Nothing Compares to the awe inspiring wit that Kevin McCalister exhibits by taking down two bad guys with his 8 year old booby traps. There is nothing to compare Tim Allen as the Santa Claus, and what is funnier than watching Arnold Schwarzeneggerr in a Christmas movie?

Each of these movies holds a special memory for me. They represent a happy childhood, and wonderful times held at Christmas. Although some of my fondest memories are of the Summertime and the Beach, Christmas movies allow me to remember the happy childhood memories and traditions of Christmas.

What Christmas movies are included in your list of Classic Favorites?


...Samantha