November 28, 29, 30

I was thankful for the morning out with my Aunts, Mom, brother and sister-in-law.  We didn't "Black Friday" shop per se but checked out a neat fabric store.  It was only for a couple of hours but we had fun.


I was thankful for a fun day with friends and family at the KSU football game.  We anticipated it being cold but it turned out to be a beautiful day.

I was thankful to be home for the evening.  It was nice to unwind and vegetate a little on the couch.

This concludes 30 days of Thankful, but know I am thankful for my life, my friends, my family, husband, the Chickie, and the dogs.  We have a very blessed life.

November 26 & 27

I am thankful for my little Chickie, she makes me laugh and think and see things through her eyes. It's like growing up again.

I am thankful for my life and all the blessings each day. Some days are crazy, but it all usually works out.

November 24 and November 25

I am thankful for my sister, the 24th is her birthday. Even though I keep forgetting how old she is, she continues to grow and blossom.

I am thankful we live in a country where we can disagree.  I don't always like the tone or methods in which people disagree, but at least we can.  I keep hoping for that wake up call that will bring our country back to productive dialogue.

I read an interesting article today where two things stood out to me:

But remember that a crucial tactic in winning a debate—and a crucial component of being a good-hearted, mindful human being, more importantly—is listening. Is trying to understand, even when we don’t. Is thinking before you speak.

To everyone with a lot to say and a no-holds-barred social media platform on which to share it: leave room for dialogue. Change the conversation, don’t shut it out when it looks different than your own. Use your voice to spark unity, not hatred.

Full link: http://www.elephantjournal.com/2014/11/why-i-want-to-delete-half-of-my-facebook-friends-during-a-national-crisis/

November 22 & 23

I am thankful for time spent with my Grandma. She always makes me smile.

I am thankful for family days with all the sibs and their families.  Its almost hard to believe how much it has grown in the last few years.

November 20 & 21

Thankful for my friends from afar that I can commiserate on games with.

Thankful for a night to myself to go watch a movie that makes me glad I read the books first. The liberties they take with the images in my head..... :)

November 19

I was thankful for the dinner in fridge that I didn't have to make.  With B's schedule change, Willa and I have been doing our own thing for dinner most nights. Getting a text that Ziti was in the fridge for us made our night.

November 18

I am thankful for good childcare.  We have pretty much always had it, except for the one instance when we didn't, so now we are that much more thankful Willa is in a safe and happy environment.  We have never looked at it as someone else "raising our child" but finding the place where she can learn, grow, be safe, and reinforce those things we find important like being kind and using manners.

November 17

Thankful for our doggies.  It doesn't seem so, but they are both "senior" dogs and starting to show it in one way or another.  Bosco for sure, but poor Belle is also not feeling well since she hurt herself last week.  While they are sometimes a pain and under our feet, the joy and comfort and laughs they have given totally out weighs it.

November 15 & 16

Saturday I was thankful for the small accomplishments.  My parents came over and sometimes I think people visiting are motivation enough to get things done.  I have been really trying to use up some of my fabric stash before buying more and we got some of the scrap stash cut to start on a new project.  I am however, to a point where I need to go buy some items to finish up some Christmas presents and other items, you know, like, batting, thread, some backing fabric.  Sometimes the stash can only go so far.

Sunday I did my best not to go outside since it was snowy and cold.  I am thankful for weekends to unwind and relax.  It was much needed.

November 14

Today I am thankful for non-grumpy people.  I had been dreading a meeting with a client to deliver maybe not so great news and they were far from grumpy and it was a pleasant conversation.  While life isn't always great I think it is important to keep a good perspective and not let crappy stuff slow us down from enjoying life anyway.

November 13

Today I am thankful for technology and the times when we need information ASAP and it provides it ASAP. Now for resolutions to be ASAP and I will throw up an extra thanks!!!

November 12

Today I am thankful for our awesome Public Library.  We borrow constantly, books and movies, and recently figured out which app to download to read the e-books directly on our tablet.  Willa has always loved books but hasn't been so keen on reading chapter books before bedtime.  Downloaded a book on the tablet and she is hooked.  Now, we read a few chapters a night.

Funny part is, I remember chapters being so long when I read them back in the day.  Now I realize they are only 5 or so and we fly through these little books.  Right now it is the Boxcar Children.

Our library has a calculator on its website where you plug in how books and movies you borrow a year and it calculates how much money you save by using the library.  Let's just say...tax dollars well spent.

November 11

I am thankful for all the veterans past and present that have fought or protected the freedoms of those in this country and those in others who could not protect themselves.  It is something not easily repaid.

November 10

I am thankful for a warm home.  As the temperature dropped quickly, I know we are very fortunate to have a shelter that keeps us safe and warm from the outside elements.

November 9

I am thankful for family time.  We were able to enjoy a movie today that B and Willa have been waiting to come out in theatres.  We had such a good time eating popcorn and watching.  I knew nothing about the movie going in but it was pretty good.

November 8

I am thankful for weekends when I get things accomplished. It makes the weekdays when I don't not feel so bad.

November 7

I am thankful I have some skills in the craft world. I can create gifts for people I love,  while not perfect, they can enjoy.

November 6

I am thankful for a freezer full of food. Sometimes we may not always want or crave what we have but we have never been hungry.

November 5

I am thankful for multiple options. The pharmacy didn't have something for Willa's prescriptions and they kindly told us which other pharmacy might have it. They did have it, and we were soon on our way.

November 4

I am thankful for an understanding work environment where I have no doubt that I can put my family first and be where I need to be. Poor little Chickie isn't feeling well and I left to pick her up. She has rarely ever been sick (besides the car) so we figure we were due for an illness. Hopefully, she will rebound quickly without infecting anyone else.

& we voted.

November 3

Today I am thankful our precious little doggies stayed home. We recently had to move their pen and we didn't quite get it secure. Between the wind and their tenacity a wire broke and they escaped.  When B got home they were just lounging by the house. Whew!

November 2

Already Day 2 and I am slacking.  But good excuse, we went 90 miles an hour this weekend and I crashed last night.

I am thankful for all the awesome cousins I have and our relationships that have continued and grown since we were little kids.

November 1

While I know I haven't posted in months I feel like I started a tradition the last few years offering up my thankfulness in November.

Today I am thankful for our ability to travel quickly. We are fortunate to drive back and forth to Kansas basically at will. We are very fortunate to live in a time that is possible.

The Frugal Five

I am taking a page from the Non-Consumer Advocate blog and writing out the 5 things I think were pretty frugal this week. It was fun to think about the things we did this week and some pondering for next week too.

1. I hemmed a pair of jeans (Silvers!) that my mom picked up for me at a garage sale in Great Falls a few years ago (possibly 2010, maybe 2011) for $5.  I had to seam rip one leg because I had already hemmed it once and it was still too long.  This was 1 of 2 pairs she bought for me that day and I hemmed one pair to wear with boots and shoes and the other to wear with my flats.
2. I couponed at Walgreens this week for the first time in a while.  Saved over 41% (probably close to $30 with sales and coupons) and got an additional $9 to use later.  In this purchase I bought cereal, a few deodorants, some razors and Ziploc baggies, plus a dry shampoo to try.  All things we will use up.  I also couponed at the Commissary and almost saved the amount of the surcharge which is always my goal.  I would have, but the $1 deli counter coupon was expired and the cashier put it aside. But I was happy to be close.
3. I haven't ate out this week and plan not to tomorrow as well.  We finally got to have a real grocery trip this past weekend and it is nice not to be scrounging for lunch or breakfast.  It also means I have maintained my weight this week.  I have lost 7lbs. since in the last few months and pretty excited about it.
4. I finally dropped off the recycling.  While it may not necessarily qualify as frugal, I discovered the recycling drop off isn't far from my office so now it won't build up and I won't have to remember to take it with me when I go to the Base.
5. Use It Up challenge.  Since we have been grocery-less, we have used up several things and I finished off a few food and toiletry items this week.
6. I am adding a 6th since I remembered...Willa and I stopped into the Kid's consignment/2nd hand shop before gymnastics on Tuesday and picked up her up some new dresses, show shirts and a brand new Tinkerbell nightgown.  She was so sad in the mornings because she has a)hit a growth spurt and b) the seasons is changing so most of her dresses just weren't working out.  Happy camper and happy mom since I only spent $32.  We walked in to the retail shop next door first and one outfit was $25.  As quickly as she stains clothes at school and wears them out I was glad not to spend a small fortune.

An update at last

I know I have taken an extended blog break, but I am totally ok with that.  I think of things I could blog about and write them in my head but they just stay there.

So instead some more Willadom’s:

She was so excited for Mother’s Day that she was planning gifts for months.  I had to close my eyes and sit on the couch when she was giving me her gift.  Her excitement caused her to jump up and down with glee and then she was trying to help me open the necklace and explain to me that it was “rose”.  It was really an infinity necklace made from rose gold.  She could have given me a garbage sack full of leaves and I would have loved every minute of her excitement.  It is so sweet to know she has such a generous heart.

This year of four is very different from the year of three.  She asks lots of questions, not easy questions like what is that over there, but very thought provoking questions.  Ones that I am not always sure how to answer in the most age appropriate way.  A twenty minute ride in the car can leave me mentally exhausted.  She doesn’t give you time to ponder she likes rapid fire responses so she can move on to her next question.

She did a five week soccer thing and really enjoyed it.  There weren’t a large number of kids during the session and she progressed to the top tier I would say.  She is a pretty good goalie.

We have been on a Swine Show Series this spring that will wrap up in a couple of weeks.  Totally fun for all of us and I hope she continues to stay excited about it.  She is pretty darn cute out there.

It has been such a crazy couple of months.  Since April 15^th, I have not spent a weekend at home and will not until after our birthdays coming up.  Willa even asked this morning if we were ever going to have a day off.  I said you had one last Friday and she said No, a day off at our house.  Poor girl, she is feeling the whirlwind too.

Willa's Wit

Willa zinged her dad again on our way to the Commissary one day.  That reminded me I should write down her funnies.  The top 3 that I can remember and still laugh about, I am not sure which order they should go.

B: Look at that Belly!
Willa: We match!

Me: Willa, quite being bossy.
Willa: I am not Bossy (Bosco), he's in the kitchen.

The latest;

Willa requested to listen to Downtown on the way to the Commissary.  B, jacking with the CD hit the wrong button and then peppered her, rapid fire questions.

Willa: I said Downtown, please.
B: Downtown, change it?
Willa: No
B: You're over it?
Willa: No!
B:  You're done?
Willa; I'm done with your face!

There might have been a few more questions in there, but I was laughing so hard I had tears. B had to move the rear view mirror so she couldn't see him laughing too. I imagine there might be some interesting conversations in the teen years to come.

She is pretty funny everyday, but these are the ones that stick out the most.

The Queen

Little Kids' imaginations just crack me up.  Willa's just rocks in her own cute way and she constantly surprises me with some of the things she comes up with.  Her storytelling usually has some truth to hit which makes us many more questions to find out the real scoop.

But the other night I thought she might enjoy watching the video from Frozen where Queen Elsa sings Let it Go.  She has seen the movie twice now and pretty much new all the words.  Again, she beats me in the song knowledge game.  Since I really enjoy the song I have no problem letting her listen to it.

After we spent a half hour watching all our favorite Disney tunes on You Tube, she decided she was going to be Queen Elsa, which wouldn't be that big of deal normally because dress up is a big part of the routine around here.  Oh no, she reached up and pulled the snowflake gel clings off the window and proceeded to use those to build her ice castle.  I was instructed to not touch her because I would "get froze."  Had me cracking up when she asked for a braid too.

She is potentially working on her fear of heights.  She moved up into a new tumbling class and the gym got new gymnastics equipment including uneven bars. (Don't think I don't wish I could take a class and dream about being an Olympian). Anyway she got to hang on the high bar.  It looked to me like she enjoyed it but she confessed it was a little scary.  But we were so proud of her.

 We also spent 4 days working on a 1000 piece puzzle that we bought for Christmas only to find there were 3 pieces missing.  We suspect the dogs maybe ate them.

 P.S. Don't mind my phone photos.

A quick recap

I meant to hit post before the new year but kind of forgot, but here it is now.

 

Christmas this year was just lovely though a little exhausting.  It was the first year that we didn’t take the whole week off to travel and instead worked the week of the holiday.  That meant instead of just hanging around and enjoying everyone we spent some time on the highway driving back and forth 3 times in a week.  But we hit every family party and saw so many people.  There were 49 people at the Moylan’s and 75 at the Newport’s this year.

Willa really enjoyed the holiday.  She understood presents last and Santa last year but this year she was totally into it.  She was a little worried because we don’t have a chimney in our rental house and she knew we had a fireplace in Montana so she just wasn’t sure how he was going to get in.  However, we were in Kansas on Christmas Eve and Mimi reassured her that they had “chimney” and showed her where smoke was coming out on the roof.  All three of us got very nice and practical things from our lists and a few that weren’t on there.

We do a gift exchange with my sibs and their spouses and I had tossed out there earlier in the season that we were ok with homemade gifts or second hand items and I was pleasantly surprised to see my brother make his Christmas present for our new brother-in-law.  I don’t know if my thought inspired him but it was a hit.  It was also pretty funny to see my sister open her new pillows.  She bought the fabric two years ago and I finally got around to making the cases.

Willa was a school skipper for the week and traded time at both sets of grandparents.  I think she had a lot of fun but she is really excited to have a school bus day and go to the movie theatre with her class on Tuesday.  She doesn’t even care that she has already seen the movie.  Next week, she is moving up in her tumbling classes and we are pretty excited to see all the new equipment they put in.

 Our use it up challenge seems to be going well around the Moylan house.  I have been using up toiletries and samples in the shower to reduce the amount of them floating around doing nothing. I have finished up a perfume that I have had for too long, some MK samples, the little travel hair things we have too many of.  There are still a few items that I found in some unpacked boxes so I am trying to work my way through them too.  They aren't big in terms of taking up space but it is fun to finish them up.  B and Willa, though they mock the challenge, have been helping use up items in the pantry.  It is actually looking pretty bare this week since it has been a while since we have seen a grocery store.  Thankfully, the freezer is stocked so at least we can come up with some meals.  With all the new things we received this week I think it is time for another purge of items we are no longer using and to see what else we can use up.  It’s kind of fun actually.