Summer random things

We've  had our patio set for 5 or 6 years now and never got an umbrella for it.

 When we've had birthday parties outside and people over, we've borrowed my sweet in-law's umbrella. 

Why? Because we just have done without it I guess and possibly not wanted to spend extra money on that. But I was SO excited when I saw in the target ad this Room Essentials Patio umbrella on sale for $45 instead of $65. It's not for sale at that price anymore, but it is on sale for $52. Still a good deal. 

I just love the turquoise stripes. By far turquoise is one of my favorite colors. Love. It works perfect!

I shared this photo on Instagram. 

I want to try to be more "natural" and safe with my skin and my kid's skin. So I went to The Honest Company and ordered some sunscreen (that we all can use), bubble bath, Shampoo and conditioner and hand sanitizer.

 I got a great deal with a coupon. I am really loving everything. Like a lot. The sunscreen goes on so smooth, it's not thick and doesn't leave a white look either. The S & C smells divine and left my hair super soft. The kid's love the bubbles! And the hand sanitizer is so handy to bring with me everywhere. We always need that. And I love that these products are natural and have organic ingredients. You could bundle and save by getting a monthly delivery. I did not choose that option but will definitely be thinking about it. 

This bag. Is too cute! It's a "Hobo Handbag." Can I just say that I think "Hobo" is such a weird way to describe a bag. Are you with me on that? I looked up the definition by the way. Check it out here. I still think it's odd. 

 The bright colors are screaming summmmer. It works great as a purse/diaper bag. And it was only $19.99. Hello GREAT deal! It's practical, pretty and perfect. And I love it so much. 

Much brighter in person.

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This quacamole is delish! And so easy because they're in single serve packages. Up my alley! Easy! I got a box from Costco and since I'm the only one in the house that likes it I've loved every single last one of those 134 packages ;). I dip my carrots in it and it's so yummy.  

 And my kid's FAVORITE juice boxes are these. And Austin is picky so that says something. And I love it that they're organic and not full of sugar like most juice boxes. They are a bit more pricey but that's ok with me. 

{Peace}

Jamie :)

Coupons and a Funny story

I really have the very best intentions to use my coupons.

But, I forget about them or can't find the right one when I'm rushing at the store. 

So my new resolution is to start using coupons more. I've already started saving. Yipee!

I started by buying our MN Star Tribune a couple Sundays ago. There are a TON of coupons in there. This time around, I don't waste time by clipping out the "Buy 3 cans get 0.50 off" coupons because I usually don't need to buy 3 cans of something. By eliminating the clipping of the coupons that I know I will not even use, I save time and can remember more easily which coupons I have. 

It's a little bit of a thrill when I see how much I saved myself by using a few coupons. 

I really love Retail Me Not

So many great coupons/coupon codes there, check it out.

Okay onto the silly stupid funny story... 

I went to our local grocery store/gas station last week with the kiddos. After paying for my groceries (with some excellent coupons by the way) I realized I had a 0.05 off coupon per gallon of gas. I get them all the time but you need to go inside to use the coupon. I usually have the kids with me and really haven't wanted to bring the kids in just to save some change on gas. But THIS time I wanted to use that coupon (remember my new couponing resolution) and I was determined. So I asked the sweet lady since I was already in the store if I could use the coupon and prepay for gas. She said that was fine. We looked for an empty gas spot and decided on #3 as long as no one would take it by the time I could get my groceries in the car and drive to the spot. Sure enough, some one got there before me. Parking lot was BIZEY. So I tried to motion to the lady that I 'd take #8, then that spot was taken. So I just drove around and finally found one open. I tried to wave at the lady behind the glass to ask if that one was fine while I struggled to finally park there. I was almost making a scene because the man next to me pumping his gas was laughing at me. The lady looked so confused and worried. I thought she'd just smile and nod as an "OK, use that place" but nope something was wrong. Another girl came outside and said screamed 

"Your gas cap is on the OTHER side of your car!" 

WOW! Just wow!

To my defense, I'm use to the side my past car's gas cap was on.

I did all that maneuvering to get into that spot for nothing! And when my gas cap was actually on the other side of the car. Then that man told me (while grinning) "They have this all on video." LOL not. 

I finally found a spot and saved a whole 0.45. I'm not so sure I'll do that again...

Now I laugh about it :)

This is what I should've done...

Have a great day!

Jamie :)

Austin is SIX

My sweet Austin William!

I'm still in shock that my first baby just turned 6 years old!

(Which is maybe why it has taken me so long to write this)

It feels like he is still just four precious years old going to preschool. But he'll be going into first grade this fall. I'm getting ahead of myself :) We have the WHOLE summer to have fun and enjoy time off from school. It'll be super fun! :)

Austin was a big hunk as a baby! So sweet and such a cuddler. I was in the nursing program his first year of life. I remember sitting in the recliner with my nursing books next to him while I was nursing him ;). I would set up everything I would need for the night (phone, remote, nursing pads and cream, diapers, wipes, diaper cream, books, magazines, etc) next to me on a tv stand. LOL! And my hubby would ask me if I was coming to bed and I would kindly say "No, I'm going to sleep in the recliner with Austin. It's more comfortable." And Austin would sleep on my chest as a newborn. And I LOVED it! And I know he did, too. I did not do that with the other kiddos. I just wanted to spend every minute with that little cuddle bug as a new-learning Mommy. During the day if I'd nurse him, I would study with my books on the boppy pillow.

He grew into a very strong-willed toddler. Really! If he didn't want to do something... he would NOT do it. Like if we were at Target and he wanted to run to the other side of the store while I told him to come back, he would keep running. He was such a fun little toddler. Always on the go.go.go

I think he went straight from crawling to running. 

I prayed for that wild toddler often. That he would grow into a respectful child who would listen well. And he has! 

Austin is a hard worker. When he comes home from school, he is excited to show me his work and the stars he received. He'll remind me what permission slip is due on what day. He's nice to his school friends. He enjoys school a lot. His teacher's soft voice he appreciates. He anticipates first grade because that means he's getting older. And he told me the other day "Mom, soon I'll be in college!" #stopgrowingplease

He is a fantastic big brother. My heart melts into a puddle when I see him show love to his siblings! He is so good at being a big brother. He's funny. Really funny. He makes me laugh so much. Sometimes I maybe shouldn't be laughing (like when he calls his butt his "B word." Because he knows that Mom and Dad don't like him talking about butts). His imagination is endless as well.

He loves Jesus! And that is the most important thing of all time. If I can teach him anything of importance it would be about Jesus and His never ending love for him. From a young toddler he He has liked to collect various kid's Bibles and read them. David and Goliath is one of his favorite Bible stories. 

He's strong and courageous. Full of joy. Loves meeting new people. He's not shy one bit!

And he's always enjoyed baking with Mommy! Especially when he can be a taste tester :).

This photo is pure cuteness! Him cooking in his birthday suit.

Legos are his favorite! If he makes something creative, he likes me to take a picture. He'd love to have his creation be in the Lego magazine :).

He loves me so much. He told me the other day that he thinks I'd be a great teacher. My heart melted. Then, he said he wished Daddy was a teacher,too. When Daddy comes home, he yells "Daddy!" And runs to the door. He really wants to be just like his Daddy. His Daddy is like his best friend. 

His wrestling medal

He loves playing football.

Happy Sweet Sixth birthday Austin! We love you so much! 

Love, Mommy :)

Bitter or better?

Can I just say that Job's strong and fearless faith is what I want.

He was such a GOOD man. 

Follow along at Job 1-2

(By the way, this is the Bible I have and I love it!)

Job had...

7 sons

3 daughters

7,000 sheep

3,000 camels

500 yoke of oxen

500 donkeys

A large number of servants

He had a lot of children, animals and servants!

The Lord and Satan had a conversation about Job and how there was not one person on earth as blameless as him who fears God and shuns evil.

Satan believed that if everything he had was taken away he would curse the Lord.

Didn't happen. 

He lost everything!

Still Job worshiped the Lord and said...

"The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised."

~Job 1:21

Wow! 

Then, Satan and the Lord spoke again about how Job continues his integrity.

Satan believed that if Job's body was harmed, then he would curse the Lord.

Still, it didn't happen. 

Job had painful sores head to toe.

Even his wife was shocked that he wasn't cursing God.

"Job replied, "You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" In all this, Job did not sin in what he said."

~Job 2:10

So true! 

We are expected to have good and difficult times. I believe that during troubles is when our faith can be strengthened. If we only had good and no trouble, how could we strengthen our faith? 

We can choose to become bitter or better during those troubles. I want to choose to become better!

Continue to read Job, it's good!

Jamie :)

A beautiful song!

Hey friends!

1.) You need to watch the video above!

It is an AMAZING video on YouTube posted by this lovely young lady named Molly Kate Kestner. It is called "His Daughter." I won't give away any of the details but you need to watch it! She tells her life's story through a beautiful song. What an amazing testimony she has! It brought tears of joy to my eyes. I pray for that beautiful young lady to continue following the Lord's big plan for her life! Her voice is going to take her far! Check out the rest of her videos, too.

Oh and she'll be on Good Morning America tomorrow May 14th. :)

Jamie :)

Top 3 favorite things right now

It's beautiful in MN right now!

 I'm so grateful, too. Because I was more than ready for some spring weather. 

It's been a loooong wintery winter.

This last Friday was my 29th Birthday! Time flies by! I had a great Birthday. My hubby got me some thoughtful gifts, Subway for supper and a lemon cake. Lemon is MY favorite. It was so delicious. The kids were so cute and sweet to me, too. 

Now I'm getting ready to celebrate my big boy's 6th Birthday. This Saturday we're having an "Angry Birds" Birthday for Austin. I'm praying the weather is going to stay nice because there will be a lot of boys and they've got energy :). Lots of good energy! We're currently working on building a giant slingshot!! I'll be sure to post photos after the party.

Here we go. Some of my favorite things right now...

1.) This candle smells amazing. Think summer ;).

2.) This shirt I am in love with. I paired it with some light turquoise cropped jeans and it was super cute and comfy. It's a nice light color which I really like. With a long necklace and earrings it can be dressed up.

3.) These TOMS crochet shoes are just lovely. I just got the deeper purple color but couldn't find that color online to show you. Here's a lilac color that is also darling.

Happy day to you!
Jamie :)