I'm BACK!!!

OK.....so we are officially in our new home and I no longer have any excuse for not updating this thing!! Can't promise pictures this time around, but I'll get some up soon~

We moved in to our house on the 2nd of October, after an incredibly emotional closing.....to make a long story short the sellers did not want to sell their house, so were clearly upset. Our luck has been the absolute worst with this whole thing, but when it came down too it, as much as it broke my heart to feel as if I was ripping this house away from them, I had to put my family first and for once say...."business is business"! Since we had to be out of our rental, we were literally homeless, so even though a part of me felt awful, I also had a strong desire to protect and provide for my family, even if it meant hurting someone in the process. So, we are in, we own it, and IT'S OURS!!!

We LOVE it!!! It took me a few days to feel worthy of such an amazing home.....I think that frugal side of me, kept holding me back. But, I know this is a home that we will be in until the boys graduate. We will NEVER do that whole thing again, I SWEAR!! So, I'm thrilled that we found a house that we will never grow out of and will have sooo much fun in making life long memories with our boys!!!

The house is a 5 bedroom, 4 1/2 bath, 4450 sqft on almost 5 acres. We got an AMAZING deal (which, I'm sure had more to do with the seller's remorse than any attachment they may have had), but we also gave them an amazing deal too...$9000 under asking price. There is plenty of room for the boys to ride snowmachines, 4-wheelers, bikes, play soccer/hockey/football.....and everything possible boys love to do!! And mom loves her new kitchen sooooooooo much!! I can't tell you how much I've missed cooking. For some reason cooking in this kitchen just brings me pure joy!!!

We are getting new carpet in a few weeks and after that and all the final "touches" we will for sure have a house warming party, so be prepared!! I've attached a small picture of the front of the house, for some reason I can't make it bigger???

Selling a House = NO FUN AT ALL!!

===NOTE THIS WAS WRITTEN ABOUT A MONTH AGO (i've calmed myself since then)===

To say I'm exhausted is an understatement!! I can't even comprehend what has happened to us in the last month. All I know is that I need to somehow try and find peace about it or I'll seriously loose it!!
Our house has been on the market since April 1st. We have known we wanted to sell and find a 4 bedroom for a few years, but finally decided to jump on trying to sell while the interest rates were so low. We received a full price offer within 3 weeks and were thrilled beyond belief!! Then 5 days later, they backed out, and because of some silly clause in the contract we did not get to keep their earnest money either. We quickly put it back on the market, but it sat for the next two months with hardly a showing. Finally, we knew we needed to pull it off the market and try and sell it FSBO in order to drop the price quite a bit. The DAY I took it off the market a man knocked on my door wanting information about the house for his brother who wanted to move to the neighborhood from Anchorage. God had truly answered our prayers!! The brother and his wife came out the following night and looked at the house...they seemed very interested and told me they would get back to me. A week later they called to say they'd like to make an offer on the house. Everything seemed great, until I got a random phone call the next day from a real estate agent saying she had an offer to submit for my home. Confused, I called the couple to find out if it was them or if not to tell them that another offer was coming in. Apparently, while the couple was getting their financing from the lender and agent just "happened" to be there and convinced them they desperately needed to be represented since it's dangerous to not have a real estate agent. GIVE ME A BREAK!! But the buyer assured me they would be paying her commissions. Whatever I thought.....little did I know what I was getting myself into~ I received a phone call from the agent wanting to submit the offer.....she explained right away that she was going to ask me to pay half of the commissions.....I immediately stopped her and told that wouldn't be happening.....she was not happy.....and to make a long story short has been all about "HER commission" since that moment!!! Move forward a few weeks and we now find out our appraisal was coming in $20,000 low!! WHAT??? After much emotion, panicking, and screaming, we were able to get the appraisal back up, but it was still $8500 low. We new this for a few days, so we had settled and were prepared to have to lower our price to appraisal price. But, the agent, who so desperately wanted this deal to fall through so she could sell them another house with more commission was going to surprise the hell out of us a week before closing!! She sent me an email (no phone call just email) that the buyers were terminating the agreement because the appraisal was low.....WTF??? (pardon my acronyms) Why the hell would they do that, since it benefits them to have the appraisal come in lower? I immediately called the agent begging for an explanation, since we had literally talked two days prior knowing it was coming in low and she told me the buyers were hoping that we would come down in price and still sell (well obviously we would have too!!). She gave no explanation other than "the value just isn't there, sorry your appraisal came in low".......furious that she could give me no valid explanation I suddenly remembered her comment that she could always show them another house and sell it making full commission which she'd love to be getting??? I knew exactly what she was doing.....screwing us and lying to the buyers so she could sell them a different house. What a nightmare!!! I called her broker the next morning to share my disbelief in how unprofessional this agent had been since the beginning. He agreed and was very apologetic that we had been through so much. But, we knew there was nothing that could be done at this point.....whatever she had said about us or the house was done and the buyers wanted to move on. We (well I) cried and screamed for two days and then finally knew we too had to move on. I was heartbroken, but knew that God would take care of us always no matter what home we were in.
Then low and behold two days later my phone rings and it's the agent.....apparently after showing the buyers 10 different homes they decide they want to stick with ours. The offer of course was lower than we expected and yet they still wanted to close on time (on Thursday and it was Friday night I received the call), so less than a week. We quickly decided that we needed to just go ahead and sell this house. Corey was leaving on a business trip on Tuesday so we had to bust our butts off Sat, Sun, and Monday to get as much done as we could. Most of the heavy items were moved out by Monday and the clothes and small things were left for me to finish. Thankfully, my parents were there to help (I have no idea what I would have done without them!!) and we literally pushed until literal exhaustion had set in to get moved out by Thursday, our closing day. Low and behold on Wed I get a call from the title company that we will not be able to close on Thursday since the lender is not ready. Surprise, Surprise...not only did we have to deal with the agent from hell, but they just so happened to have the lender from hell who I called on almost a daily basis to keep on track. She always assured me that when "she" did things they got done on time........YEAH RIGHT, now look where we were.....late on closing with no date in sight? Friday turned into Monday, then a screaming match on how poor customer service was turned into Wed, and finally Thursday!! All while, Corey and I are still paying the mortgage, utilities, etc and get punished for the lender's inadequacy!!
The sad things about this whole deal is that the buyers are good people, nice people, people that if these two woman had never been involved would have been awesome to work with.....but instead I get the nightmare from hell, because two woman "best friends at that" were conspiring together to get the most commission they can possibly get and screw the screaming crazy lady (AKA ME) as much as they could.
I've now come to the conclusion that God led us on this bumpy path to reassure that He is in control and that I need to release my control and find peace and comfort knowing that ultimately He will take care of us. That's hard to do, especially when I LOVE being the screaming, raging, crazy lady who expects nothing but the best in customer service!! I'm a little nuts in that department what can I say?
Bottom line and moral to this story.....don't ever use Anchorage Realtor A****a G**b**n and also stay away from Bank of America/Country Wide Mortgage!!!

My first Coupon Adventure!!!

I so wish I had my computer set up to upload pictures!! As soon as I can I will post a picture of the loot I got tonight at Walgreens!! I had Corey watch the kids tonight so I could run to Walgreens and scoop up the good deals. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it!!!


First, for the newbies, you'll have to excuse my coupon clipping jargon....I just started taking Coupon 101 and it's a whole new language in itself, so pardon me if I use a term you haven't learned yet~ Since Walgreens is new to all of us, I'll start by explaining their Register Rewards program.....every week Walgreens comes out with new products which have Register Rewards if you buy them. Register Rewards is money that is returned to you in the form of a redemption coupon to use at a later purchase. Some only have a few bucks tacked on and some have the entire amount returned to you in Register Rewards. There is usually 3-4 products a week that you basically get for free with RR and many more that have huge discounts.


This being my first week to try this, I decided to just go ahead and get as many RR products as possible (well, that I needed) to see what kind of savings I could get. Ooh, Ooh, and I was also able to print off a 15% off your entire order coupon (Friends/Family Appreciation) from www.alaskacoupondiva.com, so that amounted to extra savings!! Here's my loot for today's shopping trip:

Colgate 360 Toothbrush Reg Price $2.99
15% off coupon $2.54
RR $3.00 (it says it is suppose to be $2.99 you get back, but they actually print you off a $3 coupon!)
Paid: FREE plus got back $.46 (overage)


Men's Zone 6 blade Razor Reg Price $3.99
15 % off coupon 3.39
RR $4.00
Paid: FREE plus got back $.61 (overage)


CareFree Pantiliners Reg Prices $1.99
15% off coupon 1.69
RR $2.00
Paid: FREE plus got back $.31 (overage)


Rembrant Toothpaste Reg Price $4.99
15% off coupon $4.25
RR $5.00
Paid: FREE plus got back $.75 (overage)


Breathe Right Nasal Strips Reg Price $5.99
15% off $5.09
RR $4.00
Paid: $1.09


(2) Kleenex Tissue w/ Lotion (100 count) Reg Price $1.99 each
In store coupon $1.69
15% off $1.44
Manufactured Coupon $.50 X 2
Paid: $.94 each $1.88 total


So my total amount spent tonight was............$.84!!! YeS EIGHTY FOUR CENTS!!! Are you freaking kidding me?? I should note that I actually paid $18.84 out of my pocket, but then received $18 worth of Register Rewards which have to be used by 9/14/09 (two weeks). So my plan is to go back and buy Corey's hunting snacks with the $18 tomorrow. This is an incredible deal if done right and actually I'm kicking myself that I didn't check for Manufacture coupons on these other products before I went!!! I could have received even more cash back!!


I'm officially addicted!! I love Walgreens and will now make this my Sunday ritual after the weekly ad comes out!! Then I plan on using my RR's to buy the Health/Beauty/Bath things I need for the week!! I've honestly never budgeted how much we spend each week in groceries, but now I want to know, so that this challenge will be that much more interesting!!


I'm off to Target tomorrow to double up my coupons and get a whole bunch of things at crazy prices!!! Until then....get your bum to Walgreens and get some deals, especially if you need a toothbrush, razor, toothpaste, or panty liners!!!

Coupon Craziness!!

Ok, so most of you that know me know that I am in constant need for a good deal...it's in my blood. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE a good deal and even blush when I get something for free!! I've been known many times to buy an item "just cause it's such a good deal" and then have absolutely no need for it!! I just can't pass up a good deal.


Anyways.......I have a friend in Spokane who got me started on clipping coupons again. Although, I have always clipped coupons, this is the first time I've actually strived to pay nothing or nearly nothing for an item!! It can be done...crazy as it seems, but oh yes, it can be done!

There was an article in the local Eagle River Alaska Star paper about a wonderful gal who started a blog about her coupon clipping! I'm secretly jealous and soooo envious of her ability to save, so I've become a stalker along with a few other ladies from our glorious state! Take a look and try not to drool......trust me you too will soon become addicted.


My next goal is to find someone in the lower 48 who will mail me their Sunday inserts every week!! (paying them of course)

http://www.alaskasbestgrocerydeals.blogspot.com


http://alaskanbargainhunter.blogspot.com


http://www.alaskacoupondiva.com

The Pioneer Woman

A friend of mine, Anne, has started an incredible blog that she updates DAILY (yes, she's even more crazy than me!). I love checking for the latest Seneca daily adventure and looking at pictures of her ADORABLE children!! Then I came upon her website favorites and one of them was www.thepioneerwoman.com.

This woman (Anne too, but now referring to PW) is incredible!! If you are ever in the need to have all the memories of falling in love with your husband come flooding back to your mind or if you just love a good love story, then you have to read her Love Story titled "Black heels to Tractor Wheels" It's hilarious in so many ways and makes you want to stay on the computer all 10 hours to read the whole thing in one night (ok, well it took me two nights). She is an incredible writer and has a way of making all of the emotions that a woman feels come to life in her story. I laughed, cried and smiled with every entry!
It gave me a renewed love for Corey and brought all those feelings I felt when we first fell in love back and warmed me all over!! I even ran to bed and snuggled him making sure I told him just how much I loved him. Seeing that it was 3am, he rolled over and asked "Are you wearing rain gear to bed?"....I laughed and squeezed him tighter.....I am absolutely in PASSIONATE LOVE with my husband and am thankful for him everyday.....rain gear delusions and all!

Alaska Airlines Picnic

I decided to take the kids to the annual Alaska Airlines Summer Picnic. It was a beautiful day out, a little windy but since it was so hot was nice to feel the breeze. The boys had such a good time. They had games, petting zoo, face painting, food, climbing wall, prizes and more!! It was nice to get together with some of the girls from work and chat. I don't' work too often and rarely with all of the girls, so it's nice to catch up. Thankfully, Mimi came along to help wrestle and chase kids!! We had a great time and were all sunned out ready for naps when we got to the car. Actually, Boden fell asleep riding the horse.....and it was only about a 30 second ride!! He was soo tired~ Bradyen and I both did the potato sack race. I did not win, but Brady was way out in front and then looked back and decided to wait for the rest of them......letting the girls win!! I'm not sure he even understood it was a race, he just wanted to be next to the other kids not in front! Thankfully they all got prizes!!

Miss Birchwood's Outstanding Teen, My Niece Krystina!!

My beautiful niece Krystina, who is the Miss Birchwood's Outstanding Teen 2009!! She was in the local Bear Paw parade wearing the gown that I pick out and bought for her!! Love it!! She's riding with one of the little princesses part of the Miss Alaska program.

She use to ride with me in the parades 8-9 years ago when I was competing!! I threw in a couple pictures so you can see how much she's changed!! I can't believe she is going to be 18 next month!!! Where has time gone!! I'm so incredibly proud of her!!

Bear Paw FUN!!!

It's Bear Paw time!!! What fun we had from riding the rides, eating good food, watching the parade, and playing games!! I've always loved the Chugiak/Eagle River community and here's one more reason why...The Bear Paw Festival!! A good time had by all and we were some of the first to enjoy it!! I made sure I was there as soon as it opened to avoid the crowds and lines! I'm always amazed at how much those silly rides cost, but I suppose it only happens twice a year, so I give in and let them do a few, plus a few games that I know they'll never win anything more than a silly stuffed animal, but it's the memories that count right??

Crazy Blogging Lady!!

Ok, so I know you guys are getting a mass amount of blogs all at once, but with weather like we've had this summer the last thing I want to do is be inside on the computer!! And my usual late night computer time has been sleeping time....the sun wears you out, especially with two ACTIVE little boys!!

Wanted to show some love, so here is the boys lovin on each other and posing perfect for pictures I might add!!

Daddy has been a source of relief for Mommy this summer.....the boys are estactic when Corey comes home and so is mom, for so many reasons then they know!! haha Brayden is so incredibly proud of his "best buddy" and wants to be exactly like him. As I type, he is asleep in his bed with nothing but undies on, JUST LIKE HIS DAD!! I tried to explain that he needs his jammies to keep him warm, but he doesn't care. Anything to be like his daddy! On weekends, Brayden always makes sure Corey has the same color shirt that he has on. One time he snuck into his room to change his clothes and came out with a white t-shirt and jeans on, exactly what Corey had on!! I love it!!

Boating with Daddy

This summer has been so ridiculously warm, that we've done just about everything from hiking to boating!! The boys absolutely LOVE Daddy's new boat and I do too with the padded seats!! We took the boat out to Maud Lake and brought lunch and snacks for the boys. This lake is one of my all time favorite places to take the boat, because there are these really neat canals that you wind back and forth to get out to the lakes. You are almost guarenteed to see moose back there and usually right next to you in the water!! Today we saw 8 moose, 3 of which were babies!!! The kids were so excited, it almost became a game to spot the next moose!! I love Alaska and sun like this!!

Church and Boden

Lately, when we head to church...Bodey starts to get this whimper about time we pull into the street of our church. I didn't correlate it at first, but now I realize he hates to be left at church. He's been in the baby room for the past year, so is usually bored out of his mind. I just realized he could move up to the toddler room where there are lots more toys, slides, and BALLS!! The last few Sunday's I've helped out since they were short and he acted as if I wasn't even there...so I'm hoping next Sunday he plays and is excited to go much like his brother Brayden!! Brayden tried to console him, but he wasn't having any of it.....I think he was hoping I'd feel sorry and keep him with me!! They have to learn sometime right??

Time to catch up!! Starting with the 4th of July!!

The 4th of July is a very important holiday in our household.....we celebrate our country's freedom everyday, but the 4th is a special day to remember what this country was founded on...Faith, Family, and Patriatism!!

This year we headed to my parent's annual 4th of July bar-b-que and the Chugiak 4th of July parade (which I've watched since we first moved up). Brayden loves parades and made sure to have a "special" bag ready for his treats!!

We stopped at the park before the parade started.....it was a hot day, so sitting in the sun for an hour waiting for the parade did not seem as fun as playing on the playground!! Bodey has gotten soo independent and insists on following Brayden wherever he goes, even if it's too big for him!! Thank goodness for Mimi to help me play "catch" when and if he ever fell!!






And of course we all have to dress the part, including Grandma!! We are proud to be Americans and proud of our country!! The parade was great and the kids made out like bandits thanks to the "Candy Cash Cow (aka Rural Discount Center)".....I totally teared up when a float with some Marines that had just returned from duty went by......I'm a sucker for soldiers and what they do for us!!! Remember to thank a soldier tomorrow!

Mosquitoes Love Babies!!

Yes, I had to find out the hard way, but mosquitoes LOVE Boden....it must be his sweet sweet blood!! Poor little Bodey......I was mowing the lawn the other day while Brayden and Boden were playing on the bikes in the yard....I looked up and saw Boden's face covered in bugs, there was literally 10 mosquitoes feasting on his face!! He wouldn't even swish them out of the way, almost as if he didn't even feel them~ I even put some repellent on them, but of course, couldn't really put any on his face. After we made it inside, his poor face looked awful...I had to take some pictures so I wouldn't forget my guilt!!

AND HE'S WALKING!!

YEAH!! Bodey is finally walking!! He's been standing on his own for the past few months, but never quite brave enough to take the leap of faith. He would walk as long as your fingers were touching his, but the minute you drop them, he would fall to his knees and do his famous "Bodey Shuffle". My mother-in-law actually thought something was wrong with him and asked her doctor if he'd ever heard of a baby doing that....haha poor Bodey~ He just loved to walk around on his knees, almost more than crawling, which was so funny to watch.

Anyways....This past week, he's been a little more braver than usual and had taken a few steps here and there. Then on Thursday, he finally took more than 3 steps in a row!! The best part was he was soooo proud of himself. Even after he'd fall, he would get right back up and start walking again and smile at us the entire time, maybe cause he knew just how proud of him we were!! He is still a little unbalanced, so he looks sort of like a drunken sailor walking around. He also sometimes favors one leg over the other, so ends up doing a circle instead of walking across the room. We are having so much fun with his newly learned skill and the camera has been on standby and will be for awhile!!

I love it that my kids reach their milestones, but with each one, I also shed a tear knowing they'll never have that 1st again~

MIA

Ok, so I'm back....I know, I know...it's been way too long!! An 88 page program book for Miss Alaska has been the only thing my eyes have looked at for the past 3 weeks!! Thank goodness it's done!!

So what's new? Well Brayden is officially signed up for preschool next year....2 days a week for 2 1/2 hours each day~ I can't believe he's actually in preschool (well almost!!). He'll actually do 2 years of preschool, since I've decided to hold him back since he's an August birthday. But, more experience right?? Plus, he's bored out of his mind at home. On a daily basis, he wakes up and says, "What are we going to do today mom?", then as soon as I tell him what we are going to do, he'll say "and after that what are we goign to do?". He will repeat this until I finally say enough and tell him not to worry about it (as we arrive on day 3 of our schedule)!! I know he'll enjoy it.....he tells everyone that church is his "school" and often wants to take his "pack-pack" to church with him. Smile!

Kids are so darn smart!

Tonight, as I was putting Brayden to bed and going through our nightly rituals it dawned on me just how smart my child really is. Brayden is a creature of habbit and almost every night we read the same books, eat the same snacks, and sing the same song (Jesus Loves Me). If I try to change one thing, it's upseting and not worth it, so I look forward to the nights HE wants change.
He has a small book about the Backyardigans going through colors on their jungle journey. When we first started reading this book, I used the opportunity to help him practice his colors by stopping just before the color and letting him say the color on the page. Now when we read this book, I have to make sure to stop and let him say the word or he reminds me that I forgot! Well tonight when I was reading I decided to stop at a few other points to see how much he knew. To my surprise.....he continued EVERY place I stopped to the and said it perfectly!! I got to laughing so hard and he'd giggle too. He even finished this line "It says that the legend of the missing ruby needs to be returned to the Great Golden Idol".....I mean come on, a 3 year old saying "Great Golden Idol"???? Hysterical!!
He literally knew the ENTIRE book, word from word!! I wish I could say he could read, but obviously he has a memory like his mama!! Since he was little, he always knew all the words to songs I would sing him. Even now, I catch him in the car singing along to the radio......his latest..."Pa,pa,pa,poker face..pa,pa,poker face" all while Bodey does the Bodey Shuffle! Sooo funny~

Alaska Barbies

I received this from a friend and loved it!! Sad, but true, I have become the Wasilla Barbie and married a true Wasilla "Ken"!! My friends from Valdez will love their girl......totally fits them to a T! Enjoy~


Anchorage Barbie:
This fit Barbie has a graduate degree in science, resources management, and/or is an environmental lawyer. Comes with brand new Subaru with roof rack holding skate skis and a kayak. Accessories include running tights, cross-trainer shoes, a husky named Kobuk, and a cell phone. Boyfriend Ken comes in seasonally employed climbing guide, fishing guide, or Girdwood bartender models.
Sold at New Sagaya.

Wasilla Barbie:
This Barbie comes with big hair, country music CDs, a .44 Magnum and a bible. Weekender Kit includes snow machine, 4-wheeler, and fishing boat. Brand new duplex dream house and lake cabin are also available (sold separately). Ken comes with a Ford F-350 Diesel pick-u truck with gun rack and trailer, his own snow machine, 4-wheeler, boat, and .44 Magnum. Ken is available every other two weeks when he is not working on the Slope. Alternative Military Ken available by special order.
Sold at Wasilla Wal-Mart.

Fairbanks Barbie:
This graduate school Barbie kit includes a tiny cabin with detached outhouse. This Barbie has hairy legs, hat hair, and a fleece jacket covered with dog fur. Accessories include extra long johns, shower bag, head lamp, case of Ramen noodles, and bug dope. Also available is a beater, 1979 model Subaru, complete with plug-in, ice scraper, shovel, and set of studded tires. Ken is either at the Marlin, the Howling Dog, the Loon, out hunting, doing field work, or is long gone.
Sold at Big Rays.


Ketchikan Barbie:
K-town Barbie lives in an old leaky sailboat that is moored down in Thomas Basin -- in a slip that is conveniently located just off the ramp directly below the Potlatch Bar. For basic transport, she runs a beat up old 18' skiff that has a rundown Johnson 30 hp outboard that leaks oil. She can out fish most any old Norwegian bachelor fisherman; can cut down old growth cedars faster than most any drunken old Swede logger; and can shoot and skin black tail deer that foolishly wander down to beach at sunset faster than any alcohol fueled Finn bushwhacker. Her Ken can be found anytime, day or night, on the deck of the Alaskan Bar pontificating -- often with wild, exaggerated arm waiving and finger pointing -- as to exactly where the Bridge to Nowhere is going to land over on Pennock Island

Sitka Barbie:
Sitka Barbie has most of the same endearments as K-town Barbie except she recently shot her Ken in what is colloquially known as a Sitka divorce. She took the life insurance money and purchased a brand new 26' Hewescraft "Alaskan" with enclosed heated cabin and a 200 hp Honda outboard. Sold only at a kiosk on the cruise ship dock during June, July & August.

Barrow Barbie:
This Barbie comes with blonde hair with dark roots, kuspuk and parka. Accessories include a 650cc Skidoo snow machine, tiny ulu and baleen carving kit. Ken alternates between being a whaling captain and working for the North Slope Borough.
Available at the northern most KFC store.

Juneau Barbie:
This Barbie comes with membership cards for the Alaska Democratic Party, AFSME/AFL-CIO and Alaska Conservation Voters, little red X-tra Tuff boots and an un-used fishing outfit. She lives in tiny apartment above an obscure bar and works as a secretary in the State Office Building. Drives rusty Subaru Forester, but has peeled the "Forester" lettering off because she feels that logging is evil. Ken claims to be a fisherman, but actually he is also a secretary in the State Office Building.
Available in gift shop at the Baranof.

Ft. Yukon Barbie:
This Barbie comes with a Honda Big Red, a 24 foot boat with ancient outboard that would better be kept in the Evinrude Museum, hip boots, little marten trapper hat and snogo suit. She lives in a nice little log house and goes to all the basketball games. A lot of her groceries are flown in too, but she is outfitted with a selection of knives and knows how to cut fish, skin a lynx AND pack moose. Ken is not in town much. He claims to be on the trapline or at fish camp, but someone saw him in Fairbanks.

Valdez Barbie:
This Barbie was not born here, comes with an Alyeska modular or a brand new cookie cutter house by Stan Peterson. This Barbie is best accessorized with an Alyeska husband. She drives a brand new Chevy Suburban, or other large 4x4 vehicle, needs it to get her over Thompson Pass when it has snowed 5' overnight. Has 2.5 children and runs all over town shuttling them from event to event. She typically does not mind the snow or rain, but is always complaining about the weather regardless. Valdez Barbie also spends her weekends shopping in Anchorage although she could get the same thing at the Prospector or so the ad says.

Kenai Barbie
Kenai Barbie is just a weekend Anchorage Barbie that fishes.

Homer Barbie
Homer Barbie spends summers on the Spit and winters going from protest to protest, also hears voices in her head.

Copper Center Barbie:
Lives off the grid, hauls water in a huge tank on the back of her vintage Ford pickup truck. Most often accessorized with Barbie's friend Midge, no need for a Ken doll, but enjoys having Allan, Skipper, Scooter, Francie and Ricky around to play cards on those long dark winter nights. This Barbie owns a 4-wheeler, solar panels and sometimes grows pot in her shed out back. She enjoys mushing dogs, and actually prefers them to people.

Tea Party Tax Day

As the Conservative that I am and to fulfill my patriotic duty.....my family participated in the Tax Day Tea Party Protests in our local community. I was shocked at how many people came out to support this and had a great time knowing that I was not alone in my beliefs. As a life-long Republican, I have always been very modest in sharing my views...hoping never to offend anyone who may have different views. However, I'm at a point in my life now that I've learned that being "nice" really hasn't taken this party far. We have to truly stand up for what we believe in, UNITE our party and take back the office for the sake of Our God, Our Country, and Our Children!! Socialism is not the direction I want this country to go and most importantly.....God MUST stay center of this country, the more we push HIM out the more fearful I become!

Computers...OUT THE WINDOW!!

I officially hate computers!!! Why is it that they know just the right time to get infected with a virus, lose your important document, or best yet..stop working all together??? I'm so incredibly frustrated I could scream....I use our desktop for our of our files, pictures, and uploading/downloading and now with it completely not wanting to cooperarate, I'm trying my best to let my laptop substitute. It just isn't the same.....I like my laptop, but only for emails. Since it's an Apple, I don't have the same software, downloading, or burning capabilities.

What kind of world do we live in that when our technology is taken from us, we feel empty and lost?? I'm just getting ready to start a HUGE project creating the program book for Miss Alaska and now I'm screwed!! Thankfully, I have most all of our files saved on our external hard-drive, but none of the software....So I'm guessing I'll have to start over. If I can't seem to get it working tomorrow after a system restart, then I'm marching straight to the store to buy another computer!!!

So for now, enjoy my "text only" blogs.....pictures will have to wait, unless I can figure out how to upload them on the ibook~

Holiday Blessings

I have always loved holidays since I was a little girl. There is something so magical and exciting about them. Even now as an adult, I look forward to the time spent with family and always the GREAT food. As a mother/parent, you get to re-live all that magic with your children and it's absolutely the BEST!!

However, I have to admit I am guilty of using special holidays in my favor. I not only look forward to them for a time of happiness, excitement, and family.......I look forward to the bribes that lead up to the special day!!! I often wonder if it's wrong of me to abuse the holiday power, but then I quickly remind myself that these holidays were created by parents and I wouldn't doubt if this is why!!!! It's a secret "holiday code" that if you don't know yet, you need to!

Brayden is now old enough to understand that on holidays he usually gets some special treat. As Easter is upon us, I do my very best to explain why we celebrate Easter, because of course I want him to understand that Easter is not about the Easter Bunny, but Jesus. No matter how hard I try, a 3 year-old will always relate better to the Easter Bunny....especially when he thinks Tinker Bell lives with Jesus in Heaven. Oh well....I know in his little heart, Jesus is just as magical as the Easter Bunny and he is grateful that Jesus "keeps the monster's away and plays with Sparky and Chelsey in Heaven" (those are my mom's dogs who passed). And although Jesus and the Bible will always be taught in our home, I have always felt it was important to let my kids enjoy the same magic I felt as a child by believing in these holiday visitors!

This is where the fun part begins as a parent....you ultimately have the upper hand, because the Easter Bunny is only a phone call away! We tried not to tell Brayden that Easter is coming until we had to or else we wake up every morning to a semi-fit because EB didn't come that morning. Kids have no sense of time, so telling them it's still a week away means nothing to them! Lately, Brady has been having a little trouble with bedtime and the number 2 department....I strongly felt it was time to use the "Secret Code". By adapting the song "Santa Clause is Coming to Town".... I sang "You better go to bed, you better not cry, you better not pout I'm telling you why....The Easter Bunny is coming to town...He knows when you are sleeping...He knows when you go poop on the potty, He knows when you've been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake!" So, we are on day two of saying "The EB is watching" whenever he needs a reminder......EVIL I know, but oh boy it works sooooo well!! Like I said, how can I feel guilty by just using my special "mom" power a few times a year! I may even make up a few holidays, just to have the same effect....cause there is an awful long time during the summer to go with no holidays!!! Try it, it's glorious!!! Kids will do anything for CANDY and a special treat!!

13 months ago.......THIS HAPPENED WAY TOO FAST. My baby no longer crys for me, he now calls "MA, MA" when he's ready to get out of bed!!

Ad Sense.....Does it really work??

Ok, so normally I try to place those annoying "CLICK HERE" links at the bottom of my page where they seem to stay out of the way. But, now I'm really curious if they work. Granted I only have 5 followers (thank you to my faithful!), but has anyone actually received a check from Google. I decided to move them back up towards the top of my page to see if anything happens. I have no clue how much you even get from each click, but I did read that you have to wait until you get enough hits to pay out $100 before they send you a check.
If anyone has benefited form this please comment on my blog or email me. I'm totally curious. My mission is to get my blog out there, so if you are one of my FAVE FIVE (like the cell phone commercial), please send me to your mass followers!! I'd love to see my numbers double. I want to see them double like the HcG hormone does when you are pregnant.....it's suppose to mulitply itself every 2 days....so by Thursday I need at least 10 followers. YIKES...maybe I've stretched too far.
If nothing else, at least click on my Google AdSense links......maybe with enough hits I'll receive $100 and blog about it!! I just heard a women makes $40,000 a month on her blog!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME. I must not be that good yet!!

Psychotic Breakdown with a visiting Relative!!!

ADVISORY: IF YOU ARE A MAN, YOU PROBABLY WANT TO STOP READING NOW, UNLESS YOU ARE DOING RESEARCH ON HOW TO BETTER UNDERSTAND YOUR WIFE!!!

So, normally I love visitors, ESPECIALLY my family and relatives!! But, yesterday was an exception to anything normal in my life! I haven't seen my lovely Aunt for literally a month shy of 2 years and her arrival was anything but expected.

The night before was eventful, with Brayden testing me beyond his normal nightly "see how far I can get before Mommy freaks out" routine. As I was laying in bed thinking to myself, "what on earth can I do to outsmart this little boy and break his strong will" the thought dawned on me.....I need a REALLY undesirable timeout spot.....I know the GARAGE!! So I escorted my little rebel down the hall and into the garage, explaining that he may come back in and go to bed when he's finished crying and throwing his fits....until then in the garage you go! He protested like no other, banging on the door like a maniac. I went out again and told him I hated that he had to stay out there, but until he calmed down and wanted to come to bed, he had to stay put. After a few minutes he stopped crying and I thought to myself......"This worked!!!", so I went out to the garage ready to love on my little boy and explain my new discipline technique and carry him to bed to kiss him goodnight. However, Brayden had another plan.....as I opened the door and told him why he was there and thanked him for calming down...I asked if he was ready for bed...he looked at me, crossed his arms and said "No, go get me my blanket!". I said "No, it's time for bed and you need to go sleep in your own bed".....another fit began.....I closed the door after once again explaining the process. Another 5 minutes of protest passed and he finally quieted down. I went back out expecting to FINALLY break his will and open the door to find a tired little boy ready for bed.........INSTEAD, I opened the door and found a tired little boy lying on the dog bed pretending to sleep informing me that he was sleeping out there tonight~ ARG...I give up....I dragged him to bed, said goodnight, gave him a kiss and hug and walked out of the room. He cried for about 2 mins and fell asleep....Thank GOODNESS!! Brayden will always outsmart me.....I'm dreading the teen years!!!

So morning comes and I'm exhausted......the last week I've spent every waking moment cleaning, taking care of kids, cleaning, cleaning, and more cleaning. I was in desperate need of ME time and just wanted to find my way to church. That's when she arrived!!! ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME??? Could I at least have had a notice? Why is it that she always arrives at the worst possible time. I politely welcomed Aunt FLOW and cursed under my breath until I remembered where I was heading!! Jesus blessed me with my wonderful Aunt Flow, so the least I could do is thank her for my beautiful children that she gave me!!

Corey arrived shortly after that to find me trying to hurry to get ready so I wouldn't be late. Being a typical man, the lack of support was obvious and when Brayden came to tell me ..."Mom, I pooped my pants" I lost it~ Literally, I sat crying on my bathroom floor with Corey looking at me like I was nuts. This is when all smart women, would never admit that they started their period, so I said..."I've had a hard weekend and I'm done for awhile!!". Still trying to master the crazy woman, He gave me this dazed look and wanted more explanation....I shut the door.

Thankfully, he took Brayden for the day so I could head off to church and a meeting that I had. Ironically, I never made it to church. When I got in my car and realized what a mess I looked like and that I was already 15 minutes late....I headed for the mountains with Boden. When I got there I walked around, breathed the fresh air, smiled at God's creation, and PRAYED FOR SANITY. Hormones SUCK.....I'm not usually one to have moodiness along with my period, but I can honestly say, in my husbands defense......I've gone off the deep end and am just plain crazy!

Good News.....I'm officially NOT pregnant!!

Vista Print

Ok, so you'll notice a new "widget" on my right for VistaPrint. I had to put this out there, because I'm constantly running into people who spend WAY TOO MUCH money on business cards or advertising needs. This website is the best thing since slice bread for your business!! When you click on the link, you will be able to sign up for email specials....they will then send you emails with free offers. You can also see what the daily/weekly free offers are by clicking on "promotions"....anyways.....the postcards are the BEST!! They are perfect for invitations, holiday cards, event notices, etc!! Since I'm involved with the pageants, we are in constant need of publicity for our events. For Trunk Shows, I'll upload a picture of our winner and put text write over the picture with information about the event. You can also write on the back and have them printed. I can get 100 for free and only pay $5-6 for shipping!! Ridiculous how cheap they are!!! And the best part is they are very professional looking and not cheap by any means.

If you are printing your own business cards, go here and order the Professional Business cards.....they have a glossy front and are GORGEOUS especially the price!!!! If you need any hints email or comment......I'm not kidding when I say they are awesome!!

I've even uploaded pictures of the kids and sent out postcards just for the fun of it!! I have to share my treasure now, so you all won't be missing out!!!

Selling Our Home

I can't believe we have finally started this process! And what a process it's been! Corey and I have known for a long time that one day we would be selling our home to find a 4 bedroom home for our family, but I just never thought it would all happen so fast. I made the decision to list it on Thursday and by Monday it was up. This meant.....I became an absolute wacko for about 4 days to get this thing cleaned worth of showing. Honestly, I hate to even admit this, but it's probably the cleanest it's ever been!!! haha

We have de-cluttered to the point that I no longer have any room in the crawl space and the Salvation Army has already received 2truck loads of goods!! I wish it was spring, cause I would have had an AMAZING garage sale!!

The past few weeks I've actually been inspired to clean, and I mean REALLY clean, my house and organize after watching Oprah's Clean Team Challenge. It really isn't that hard to go through one room at a time and clean it out. The guy suggests starting with 15 minutes a day. Pick a closet, drawer, toy box, etc...and go through it throwing anything away that is garbage, setting aside things to bring to the thrift store, and organizing what stays. It's amazing the things you can get rid of!!! I've actually even kept the good things to post on craigslist and have already made over $400 selling things!! The biggest lesson this guy wants to spread is how good you feel once you are free from clutter......It truly is one of the best feelings!!

Now that I'm living in a model home that is TOTALLY clutter free....I feel this sense of freedom and peace. Before, I never went to bed without thinking about all the things that needed to be done around the house. I even made To-Do lists and let them sit for months hoping they would motivate me, but in reality only made me feel even more guilty. I have learned my lesson!!! I will never again let clutter and messiness make me STRESSED!!! Life is absolutely too short to let small things like that upset you.

The best part of all of this is that if you truly dedicate the time to do this....You too could have it done in one weekend. It always seemed like my list was never ending and I would never be able to get through all of it in a month let alone a weekend. I'm here to tell you that I did it....one of the world's biggest procrastinator and I actually accomplished it!! I'm BORED for the first time and now have time to play with my kids, work on scrapbooks, organize my makeup drawer, etc. The best medicine for the blues ever!!! I'm now making this my regular WINTER activity. Winter's always get me a little down, so something that transforms where you live and how you feel......SIGN ME UP!!!

www.ourpalmerhome.blogspot.com

Rock Star!!!

Brayden's new thing is "I'm a Rock Star".....when I ask, "What does a Rock Star look like"...................

I have no idea what started him on this "phase", but it's hilarious. I wish I knew how to put a video on here...maybe one of these days....anyways I have a video of him playing the drums. I'll say "Play like a Rock Star!" and he'll go "1,2,3....Let's ROCK" and starts playing his drums!! AGAIN...I have no idea where he learned this.

Thankfully, Boden hasn't picked up on his antics too much.....although he did want to show me his best ROCK STAR pose.....

God's Gift to Ironing!!!

Ok, so I admit......I HATE TO IRON. It's one of those chores that I absolutely cringe when Corey needs it done. Another reason why I NEVER buy anything that needs ironing. Corey use to rarely wear THOSE type of clothes, but now with his new job, I suppose he likes to look more professional....MAJOR UGH for me!!

I honestly don't even think I owned an iron until a few years after we got married. I went to Walmart and bought the cheapest one I could find. I hate to admit this, but I even bought that funny infomercial one you see at the Women's Show that irons with no heat just steam, water, & salt......SPECIAL ALERT-Don't waste your money, it doesn't work!! I would iron, spray some starch, iron, iron again and continue for at least 20 minutes and the shirt would still look wrinkly...truly a waste of my time. If there was a dry cleaner closer to my house, I would have gladly paid someone to do the ironing. Since most of you know how incredibly frugal I am.....that's how much I despised ironing.

Move forward to a few weeks ago, while browsing my favorite store Costco......I happened to find this iron that has the word "professional" on the box. "Maybe that's what I need" I think to myself. It wasn't like the $18 one I originally bought at Walmart and in my frugal mind I couldn't believe I was about to spend $65 on an iron....but I was desperate to find a calm in this ironing storm, so in my cart it went! I brought it home and obviously didn't open it right away.....as usual I put it off as long as I could. But last night, Corey needed a shirt to wear and all of his shirts were in need of an iron job, so I could no longer put off my chore. I pulled out my new iron and plugged it in. First off, this thing is heavy duty! I poured the water into the iron and waited for it to heat up.....I decided to test to make sure it was working and put my hand on the iron (remember this was like 20 seconds after I plugged it in)...I suppose I should have read the box that said "Heats up in 30 seconds"...thankfully I was able to pull away fast enough to only feel the heat and not get burnt!! WARNING-This iron will burn you, do not touch!

I line my first shirt up on the ironing board and ironically feel an excitement for the first time ever (when ironing)...almost like when you are about to go down a water slide and know it's going to be fun....the iron hits the shirt and LITERALLY one swipe and that shirt is flat as a pancake!! Could this be true? Did this iron really just do that? After finishing that shirt in like 45 seconds, I had to try again, and again, and again, until all 10 of his shirts were ironed!!! I actually LIKE to iron....I was just missing out, all these years with a crappy iron. Boy do I feel sorry for the poor soul who buys my old iron at the Salvation Army!! I know I should just throw it away but I come from a family (Meyer) who never throws ANYTHING away!! Thankfully, I didn't inherit the "pack rat" mentality too bad and discovered the amazing right off world of taxes.

Now the burning question......what is the name of this iron and where can I get it!! I know I'm not the only one out there who hates to iron...so ladies and gentlemen......GOD'S GIFT TO IRONING........THE ROWENTA PROFESSIONAL IRON

Time-In's??

Ok, so I recently read an article in my Mothering magazine about "Time-In's" instead of time-outs. Interesting, but would never work with my child....I thought. Basically, a time-in consists of setting your child down in a "family circle", with all involved and taking turns expressing your feelings using the "talking ball/stick".

So, the other day I get my opportunity and try it. It goes something like this: Brayden hits Boden.....I immediately want to react with my normal "GO TO YOUR ROOM" scream, but instead call everyone into a family circle.....all while Brady looks at me as if I've lost my mind. Mom gets the ball first and starts by saying how sad and angry it makes her to see her little boy hit his brother. Boden is then handed the ball and cries loudly, sharing his sadness. Brayden gets the ball next, and expresses why he hit his brother. Mom gets the ball back and asks what we can do to make this situation better instead of hitting. Brayden has an idea, therefore gets the ball back and shares his idea. Boden....stopped crying so he must like the idea too. Mommy says....."I REALLY like that idea, high fives for you and high fives for your brother too." It WORKED?? (10 minutes later)

As much as I hate screaming like a wild ban chi....anything was worth the effort, even if it does take 10 minutes out of my day. Can't tell you that I will remember to do that every time, but when I have the time, I'll try. Plus, Brady always comes up with the best ideas that continue to make me smile....something I desperately need when I'm about to lose my mind!!

Here's to Time-in's......don't worry though, I haven't completely converted...there's still something bout a good ole spanking that seems to do the trick when craziness has set in!!

Ok...so I'm a little behind!!

After being inspired by so many cool blogs out there, I've somewhat decided to start posting more.....meaning, I promise to be more dedicated to my blog. I WANT GROUPIES TOO!!!

My life is full of laughter and as mothers we can all relate to those "funny moments" in life that you just stop and say....."Boy I hope we can remember this when he's 16!!"

So my journey begins and I only hope you'll join me.

We recently had to sit Brayden, my 3 year old, down and explain to him why using his manners with "Mimi and Papa" is a must. He often forgets his place with them and becomes the biggest bossy-butt I know. So, before Mimi & Papa came over the other day I reminded him to use his manners and be nice. He agreed and when the doorbell rang, he ran around like a crazy monkey full of excitement and ready to play. He quickly hugged and kissed me and told me to leave ....gee thanks, but I understood and was happy to go, knowing he is so secure with them. Just as I was leaving, I forgot something in my bedroom, so went back to get it. When I returned I heard Brayden say very directly and with the bossiest voice I've ever heard, "E-X-C-U-S-E...M-E..M-I-M-I...GO GET MY BALL"!!!! WHAT?? I immediately said, "Brayden....that's not what using your manners sounds like". He quickly corrected me...."But Moooooom, I said excuse me???"

Kids, you have to love them!!

Cloth Diapers....check out this freebie!!

Win a free Bumgenius 3.0 Diaper! This is a valuable All-In-One cloth diaper that you can use for yourself or give as a gift to someone expecting a baby! Go check out Hot Belly Mama's Blog for details on how to win this wonderful All In One Cloth Diaper. Hot Belly Mama will announce the winner on March 30th, after her 30th birthday!

Here is the direct link to her blog:
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Good luck!

Viva La Vegas!!!

I'm back and proud to say we had a fabulous time!!! I was very uneasy as to what to expect taking kids to Vegas, but ironically there were things we never even had a chance to do, because there was SOOOO much to do for kids!! The only hairy situation was arriving at the hotel around 9pm after a long day of flying and needing to find somewhere to eat. There was an awesome and fun Rainforest Cafe, but with our luck it was on the other side of the casino (I swear a mile away!!). So, I grabbed the stroller and we started our journey across the hotel at 930pm....for those that don't know PRIME gambling/drinking time!!! The whole time I was mortified thinking "I'm sure these people think I'm the worst mother ever...way past their bed time....wading through smoke and drunks....they're thinking I'm off to gamble while my kids are waiting in the stroller....ARGGGG where is this place????" So, to make myself feel better (and justify my actions).....I proceeded to loudly state "I know you guys are STARVING after FLYING ALL DAY.....MOMMY HATES TO HAVE YOU UP THIS LATE". It became a repeditive statement just in case someone knew questioning my behavior hadn't heard the last 50 times I said it. It made me feel good and my kids think I was crazy! haha We finally found the cafe and quickly hate some food and enjoyed all the animals and even a couple rainstorms!! And to my amazement on the way back to the room......We saw another stroller!!!! YEAH, I'm not the only crazy person in this place~!

Are next couple of days were filled with FUN!! I was bummed the pool was closed, but we found carnival games in every casino, fun resteraunts, an EXCELLENT Midevil Times show with live horses, knights, maidens, and kings!!! We hit the M&M factory, only to spend $11.95 for a pound of M&M's....ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!! I bought Brayden a baggy of about 15 total peanut M&M's and paid $2.68!! RIDICULOUS!! But Brayden enjoyed them and was excited to have only BLUE ones!! We went shopping, saw sharks, touched stingrays, hit the Bass Pro Shops (Daddy's play time), played mini golf, saw a circus, drove by the pirate ship and water show, went to an amuzement park and even rode a REAL roller coaster!! Overall, it was so much fun!

The best part was after Mommy put both boys to bed and Daddy watched TV.....I got to slip away for some fun Slot Machines and Black Jack!! Although I never really won much, it cured my desire to "PRESS MY LUCK" and I enjoyed my alone time, even if I was with a MILLION people!!!

My mom and I had a wonderful time at Miss America and after the show wrapped up we quickly headed back to the boys and all had a GRAND buffet!!! It was great!

I'm off to VEGAS....and taking the kids!!

We are heading to Las Vegas on Wednesday for the Miss America pageant (yes, but another side of me)! Who would have know a conservative hippie would be into pageants!!! haha Strange, but yes I competed myself back in the day and then stayed involved as a volunteer! This is my second time to Miss America, but the first with kids.

I know, I know.....kids in Vegas???? Well, let me explain.....1) my husband and parents are both going too...2) we are not really gamblers or partiers...and 3) what kid wouldn't want to see all the cool things in Vegas???? The more I thought about it the more our days have become packed with activities to do with the kids. We are staying at the MGM, so we have lions right in our hotel!! Plus, we're headed to the Medieval Times Dinner with the horses, knights, and kings!! Brady will go nuts for that~ We thought we'd go down to see the circus at Circus, Circus. Volcano at Mirage, Pirates at Treasure Island, M&M factory, ESPN Zone, Rainforest Cafe, Downtown Light Show, Eiffel Tower and Venician Canal Rides, and way to many more to list!!! I'm actually soooo excited for Brayden and Boden to see all the lights. Imagine what their little minds will think??? Soo fun.......so I'm off and will report when I get home whether it was a great idea, or one of the worst yet!!!

And Crawling Shall He!!!

I'm thrilled to announce that at 10 1/2 months my son is FINALLY crawling. My last appointment at 9 months the pediatrician said he was DELAYED (along with lecturing me about solids)......Are you kidding me?? I know I've said before that I'm not really one to listen to the "charts", but when someone tells you that, you can't help but to come home and worry. Is something wrong? Have I not been working hard enough to get him to crawl? So, like any good mother (worried out of her mind)...I went straight to the floor and pretended like I knew how to teach my child to crawl. I would get him up on his knees and move them showing him how, and after about a day of that with no real improvment....I did what all the sane mothers do....gave up and stopped worrying~
And low and behold a month later, he's mastered it!!! So, let this be a lesson I know we've all heard a million times, but is soooo true......."They will do it on their own timing, no one else's"!!!!