I've recently found out something neat called Swagbucks. Swagbucks is a search engine that uses Google and Ask and randomly gives you "swagbucks" for searching. Swagbucks are cyber dollars you can easily earn and redeem for great rewards such as gift cards.
Here’s how it works:
Register with Swagbucks and whenever you perform a search, use the Swagbucks search engine and you’ll earn Swagbucks as you surf. The Swagbucks search engine is powered by Google and Ask, so you receive quality search results. You will not earn Swagbucks every time you perform a search. Swagbucks are awarded randomly, but I usually earn 3 to 5 a day just by searching as I normally would. I've already earned enough Swagbucks for a $5 Amazon e-Gift Card and on my way to a second one.
You can earn even more Swagbucks by doing your usual online shopping with stores who have partnered with Swagbucks (Avon, Shutterfly, Lillian Vernon, Macy's, Oriental Trading, just to name a few). Once you’ve earned enough Swagbucks, you can redeem them at the Swag Store for gift cards and other prizes.
Searching is not the only way to earn Swagbucks. If you refer your friends, you’ll earn Swagbucks. If you find a Swag code during a Swag Hunt, you’ll earn Swagbucks. (These codes expire quickly so once you find one, enter it right away.) If you email a photo of yourself and your Swag prize, you can earn a Swagbuck.
So swag away!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
"Circular" saw
T walks up to me with one of his Home Depot tools and asks me what kind of saw it is. I read the label and tell him it is a 'circular' saw. Then T motions towards the table with next week's supermarket circulars and asks "Can I cut a circular?" Talk about taking things literally! Or is my boy a little too familiar with store circulars?!?
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Marriage
T comes into the kitchen and asks me what song did Daddy and I dance to when we got married. So I answered, "I finally found someone" and in return, I asked him, "What about you?" T responds, "I'm not" as he leaves the kitchen. What??!? I had to follow him and continue the conversation to see if he means what I think he means.
"What do you mean you're not?"
"I'm not."
"Going to dance?"
"No"
"Okay, are you going to get married?"
"No" said with exasperation.
"You don't want to get married like Daddy did?" I say laughingly.
"No"
"Don't you like girls?" Bad question, I know, but I couldn't help myself!
"No" like are you kidding??!?
I knew about these kinds of conversations when I was younger. I never knew I would hear it from my son!
"What do you mean you're not?"
"I'm not."
"Going to dance?"
"No"
"Okay, are you going to get married?"
"No" said with exasperation.
"You don't want to get married like Daddy did?" I say laughingly.
"No"
"Don't you like girls?" Bad question, I know, but I couldn't help myself!
"No" like are you kidding??!?
I knew about these kinds of conversations when I was younger. I never knew I would hear it from my son!
Friday, February 6, 2009
My Little Bargain Hunter
So I had to go to Target the other day. I wanted to take advantage of the sale on Gerber Finger Foods for Z. It's about time I let the little guy try some finger foods! lol Anyway, I told the boys that that's what I wanted to do and we were solely going to Target for Z's snacks and check out clearance and we were outta there! Of course we didn't get out of the house til noon! All morning to get out of the house! Anyway, I checked out the baby clearance first - of course. Nothing. :( So on to Gerber Finger Foods. They were 3/$5, a pretty decent deal since I saw at A & P, they were $2.19. I started rifling through my coupons because I thought I had Gerber coupons that I could use. I thought wrong. I have Gerber foods coupons but not for the Finger Foods. And yes, I did check online before I left the house. So the following conversation ensues as I put the Gerber Puffs and Wagon Wheels in the shopping cart:
T: We're getting them because they are on sale.
Me: Yes, that's what I said.
T: Where are the coupons?
Me: Oh, I don't have any.
T: Then why are we getting them???
LOL And I was embarrassed (and proud) because there was another mom with her baby coming down the aisle. My little bargain hunter!
T: We're getting them because they are on sale.
Me: Yes, that's what I said.
T: Where are the coupons?
Me: Oh, I don't have any.
T: Then why are we getting them???
LOL And I was embarrassed (and proud) because there was another mom with her baby coming down the aisle. My little bargain hunter!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Letters that I wish that I could write - Part II
Dear T,
You made me a mommy. I never really thought about it til it mentioned by another mom. But it is because of you that I have the most important job in the world. It was such a revelation. Oh, yes, I continued to have other children, namely your brothers. But it was you, you who made me who I am. I love you so very much. I know it doesn't seem like it nowadays. Mommy is having many, many bad days. I am so sorry for it. I should know better. I am the mommy. I am certainly not teaching well by example. I promise I will try harder. But that means you need to as well. I know that you are and can be such a smart, sweet and loving boy. You are so smart. I am having such a great time homeschooling you. Yes, I have many moments where I am frustrated with you. For some reason you have trouble keeping on task. While I do not doubt the abilities of the public school, I treasure the moments I have with you. I cannot imagine sending you off to school for so many hours of the day. I try not to stifle you and allow you to bloom. I know I am hard on you often, but I guess I expect better of you. You have such an amazing memory. You've had one since you were tiny. Daddy and I were always so amazed by how you always knew where you left something, like your sippy cup. You didn't even have to think about it and you knew. Sure, you shouldn't have left it in the first place, but that doesn't stop me from being amazed about it. And you're always popping out with memories of things that happen so long ago, that I wouldn't think you would remember. Like when things that happened when you were 3. Thank goodness you don't have my memory, my dear child! I think that is what is helping you with Chinese school. I sure am not able to write all the words that you are able to. You are also so sweet and loving to your baby brother. Maybe not so to L but you can be at times. When you are not fighting with him over something. Okay, not physically fighting that I know can sometimes occur between siblings, but the squabbling. I still remember how protective you were of L when he was born. I knew you would be a great brother. Still are despite what I say at times. I just really want you to get along and hopefully provide you with tools to know what to do when you don't. I just wish you wouldn't make L scream and cry. It really is not necessary. You do not have to get on top of him. You do not have to snatch toys away from you. And you certainly do not have to order him around in that nasty tone of yours. Speaking of nasty tones, why does that disrespectful tone have to creep into your voice? Don't you realize that if you do as you are supposed to, you wouldn't put in a time out, you wouldn't get into trouble? I know, I should know better. I am the mommy. You are 5. I will try to remember all the good things about you and concentrate on that. And you will concentrate on following the very simple things that you are told to do - like not drawing on the furniture or climbing on your brothers!
Love, Mommy
You made me a mommy. I never really thought about it til it mentioned by another mom. But it is because of you that I have the most important job in the world. It was such a revelation. Oh, yes, I continued to have other children, namely your brothers. But it was you, you who made me who I am. I love you so very much. I know it doesn't seem like it nowadays. Mommy is having many, many bad days. I am so sorry for it. I should know better. I am the mommy. I am certainly not teaching well by example. I promise I will try harder. But that means you need to as well. I know that you are and can be such a smart, sweet and loving boy. You are so smart. I am having such a great time homeschooling you. Yes, I have many moments where I am frustrated with you. For some reason you have trouble keeping on task. While I do not doubt the abilities of the public school, I treasure the moments I have with you. I cannot imagine sending you off to school for so many hours of the day. I try not to stifle you and allow you to bloom. I know I am hard on you often, but I guess I expect better of you. You have such an amazing memory. You've had one since you were tiny. Daddy and I were always so amazed by how you always knew where you left something, like your sippy cup. You didn't even have to think about it and you knew. Sure, you shouldn't have left it in the first place, but that doesn't stop me from being amazed about it. And you're always popping out with memories of things that happen so long ago, that I wouldn't think you would remember. Like when things that happened when you were 3. Thank goodness you don't have my memory, my dear child! I think that is what is helping you with Chinese school. I sure am not able to write all the words that you are able to. You are also so sweet and loving to your baby brother. Maybe not so to L but you can be at times. When you are not fighting with him over something. Okay, not physically fighting that I know can sometimes occur between siblings, but the squabbling. I still remember how protective you were of L when he was born. I knew you would be a great brother. Still are despite what I say at times. I just really want you to get along and hopefully provide you with tools to know what to do when you don't. I just wish you wouldn't make L scream and cry. It really is not necessary. You do not have to get on top of him. You do not have to snatch toys away from you. And you certainly do not have to order him around in that nasty tone of yours. Speaking of nasty tones, why does that disrespectful tone have to creep into your voice? Don't you realize that if you do as you are supposed to, you wouldn't put in a time out, you wouldn't get into trouble? I know, I should know better. I am the mommy. You are 5. I will try to remember all the good things about you and concentrate on that. And you will concentrate on following the very simple things that you are told to do - like not drawing on the furniture or climbing on your brothers!
Love, Mommy
Monday, February 2, 2009
Letters that I wish that I could write
Dear Little Z man,
It makes me smile to see you, to look at you. You make me so very happy. I am so lucky to have you in my life. You are such a happy little boy. Most of the time. Of course you have your cranky moments. Who doesn't? I just wish, wish, wish you would sleep. Okay, you are not as bad as your older brother who only slept 1/2 hour each day and woke up frequently at night, but it still is rough. At least then, I only had one and I could sleep later and hold your older brother all day if necessary. I just cannot do it now. It's been over 5 years and I just cannot do it anymore. I am utterly exhausted from lack of sleep. You know, it's not normal to not have had a good night's sleep in such a long time. I know it's unfair, but unfortunately that's how life is right now. I realize it's hard for you to nap during the day with all the ruckus your brothers make. I also know that you are very entertained by your well-meaning brothers. They love you very much and I know they show you their love frequently. But what is up with the nighttime? Why are you waking up every hour on the hour nowadays? And waking up very upset, no less? It makes for a very, very tired mommy. And a very, very tired makes for a very cranky mommy. And that's not a good mommy. I am really trying my best, but my best is not good enough. But please know that I love you with all my heart and I will continue to tell myself that this, too, shall pass. That you'll be a big boy before I know it and I should treasure these moments as long as I can.
Love, Mommy
Dear LJ,
You are such a handsome little boy! I am not just saying so just because you look like me. ;) Seriously, you are sweet, polite and such a loving little boy. You are always telling me that you love me. I love hearing it. It makes me all warm and cuddly inside. I love the kisses you give me - so European, on both cheeks. And I love you so very much. I'm so sorry you are stuck being the middle child. From all accounts being the middle child is not fun. I will try my best to keep you from being the typical middle child and being lost in the shuffle. I think with your food allergies, it makes me focus my attention on you. Much needed attention. For my clueless little boy. Yes, you are such a clueless little boy. You are always just in the moment and when I tell you something, you forget it in the next second. But never forget for a moment, that Mommy loves you very, very much. Yes, I may seem very frustrated nowadays. Did I say nowadays? I know I've been frustrated for a long time now and I'm very sorry. It would help if you stopped screaming and crying at the drop of a hat. Your brother is not hurting you when he touches you. It's alright for you to tell him that shouldn't take the toy from you. You do not need to scream. You will wake up the baby! You are doing much better, though. Thankfully. Now if only you'd listen when I tell you to do something. That's not too much to ask for, is it? I also wish you would stop scratching yourself and causing yourself to bleed and scab up. Oh, and can you start potty training? That would be wonderful. Please stop being so stubborn about it. There's nothing wrong with going to the potty. You tell me you want to go to the preschool class with your brother, but you can't go unless you're potty trained. Going to the potty one time does not mean you are potty trained! Can you please make an attempt? That would make life so much easier on mommy. Thank you so much!
I do have to add that I am soooo super proud of the way you are in regards to your allergies. You never ever fuss about not being able to eat something. When I tell you that you are allergic to something, you accept it. You are so grown up about your allergies. You don't cry or whine about it. You simply say okay. It makes me so sad to see a little frown on your face sometimes. Your actions make me so sad and so proud at the same time. You are such a little man about it. I love when you say matter of fact-ly to me, "Mommy, you'll get me my special (fill in the blank with whatever food it is that I say you cannot eat.)" You even gone so far as to say that mommy will get you your special eggs. lol You are such a sweet boy! It makes me want to work extra hard to provide you with foods that you can eat, without thought to cost. And I do not want to give you false hope or make you think I think any less of you by saying "if only you didn't have such and such an allergy." You are who you are and we will make the best of it. Together.
Love, Mommy
It makes me smile to see you, to look at you. You make me so very happy. I am so lucky to have you in my life. You are such a happy little boy. Most of the time. Of course you have your cranky moments. Who doesn't? I just wish, wish, wish you would sleep. Okay, you are not as bad as your older brother who only slept 1/2 hour each day and woke up frequently at night, but it still is rough. At least then, I only had one and I could sleep later and hold your older brother all day if necessary. I just cannot do it now. It's been over 5 years and I just cannot do it anymore. I am utterly exhausted from lack of sleep. You know, it's not normal to not have had a good night's sleep in such a long time. I know it's unfair, but unfortunately that's how life is right now. I realize it's hard for you to nap during the day with all the ruckus your brothers make. I also know that you are very entertained by your well-meaning brothers. They love you very much and I know they show you their love frequently. But what is up with the nighttime? Why are you waking up every hour on the hour nowadays? And waking up very upset, no less? It makes for a very, very tired mommy. And a very, very tired makes for a very cranky mommy. And that's not a good mommy. I am really trying my best, but my best is not good enough. But please know that I love you with all my heart and I will continue to tell myself that this, too, shall pass. That you'll be a big boy before I know it and I should treasure these moments as long as I can.
Love, Mommy
Dear LJ,
You are such a handsome little boy! I am not just saying so just because you look like me. ;) Seriously, you are sweet, polite and such a loving little boy. You are always telling me that you love me. I love hearing it. It makes me all warm and cuddly inside. I love the kisses you give me - so European, on both cheeks. And I love you so very much. I'm so sorry you are stuck being the middle child. From all accounts being the middle child is not fun. I will try my best to keep you from being the typical middle child and being lost in the shuffle. I think with your food allergies, it makes me focus my attention on you. Much needed attention. For my clueless little boy. Yes, you are such a clueless little boy. You are always just in the moment and when I tell you something, you forget it in the next second. But never forget for a moment, that Mommy loves you very, very much. Yes, I may seem very frustrated nowadays. Did I say nowadays? I know I've been frustrated for a long time now and I'm very sorry. It would help if you stopped screaming and crying at the drop of a hat. Your brother is not hurting you when he touches you. It's alright for you to tell him that shouldn't take the toy from you. You do not need to scream. You will wake up the baby! You are doing much better, though. Thankfully. Now if only you'd listen when I tell you to do something. That's not too much to ask for, is it? I also wish you would stop scratching yourself and causing yourself to bleed and scab up. Oh, and can you start potty training? That would be wonderful. Please stop being so stubborn about it. There's nothing wrong with going to the potty. You tell me you want to go to the preschool class with your brother, but you can't go unless you're potty trained. Going to the potty one time does not mean you are potty trained! Can you please make an attempt? That would make life so much easier on mommy. Thank you so much!
I do have to add that I am soooo super proud of the way you are in regards to your allergies. You never ever fuss about not being able to eat something. When I tell you that you are allergic to something, you accept it. You are so grown up about your allergies. You don't cry or whine about it. You simply say okay. It makes me so sad to see a little frown on your face sometimes. Your actions make me so sad and so proud at the same time. You are such a little man about it. I love when you say matter of fact-ly to me, "Mommy, you'll get me my special (fill in the blank with whatever food it is that I say you cannot eat.)" You even gone so far as to say that mommy will get you your special eggs. lol You are such a sweet boy! It makes me want to work extra hard to provide you with foods that you can eat, without thought to cost. And I do not want to give you false hope or make you think I think any less of you by saying "if only you didn't have such and such an allergy." You are who you are and we will make the best of it. Together.
Love, Mommy
Scholastic book order
Woohoo! I got a response from Scholastic (thanks, Debbie Niemeier! Scholastic Customer File Maintenance 18004978291 ext 3200) and my order has been released.
Thank you for your response. Your customer number is 1033840123 and your order will be released. We are finding some items are no longer available, but you will be notified of that. You are welcome to order from Scholastic Book Clubs if you wish. If you have questions, please contact customer service at 1-800-724-6527.
I figured that I would not get everything, but something would be great. I can't wait! I am also excited that she says I can order from Scholastic Book Clubs. That's how I was able to create our awesome library for the boys. Dare I? Should I? I'll just take a peek in the months to come....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)