tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58156429923387664052024-02-07T02:12:15.930-06:00The ValentisThe Valentishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452948739353611329noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815642992338766405.post-66017801264585316232012-04-17T14:20:00.003-06:002012-04-17T14:30:58.069-06:00Full time momager!Oh blog, how I have missed you. I really have no excuse for not sharing all of the fun we have been up to. I do have some exciting, and late coming, news to share though. I'm a full time stay at home mom now!! Can't believe how lucky and blessed I am to get the opportunity to do this! It's definitely not for everyone, and without lots of play dates and projects I think I would go crazy, but I can honestly say I finally feel like I'm doing exactly what I'm supposed to be doing! Staying at home and taking care of my 10 babies is something I have dreamed about since I was a little girl. I was starting to think maybe it just wasn't going to happen, but with lots of trust in a providing, loving God and a super supportive Hubby, it did! Now I just need 9 more babies! ;)The Valentishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452948739353611329noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815642992338766405.post-75194756558518803282011-09-05T16:26:00.002-06:002011-09-05T19:31:56.143-06:00Mason's first time eating rice cerealWe fed Mason rice cereal for the first time the other night. It was pretty stinking cute! <br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzOIcqN3pjQFykH4TOoZgqsao1OXIqps2EFl3WuhTATG-fIwi04k8lRJayUcnZnAPYG6pI6Jom4jOD_xSX4mg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>The Valentishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452948739353611329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815642992338766405.post-46249036890639395382011-07-11T14:01:00.005-06:002011-07-11T14:08:52.440-06:00Nail CandyI am loving <a href="http://d1535dk28ea235.cloudfront.net/preset_15/Photo_53_3.jpg">this</a> recent trend of painting your ring finger a different color from the rest. <br /><br />I found <a href="http://cupcakesandcashmere.com/mermaid-nails/">this post</a> and absolutely <span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">LOVED</span></span> the take on this latest trend. I will definitely be sporting this color very soon! :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhHBzRBCd2xXB11RWaft_dh_oZAjRNcAbMPnvu5JTFjaA5wZyudMx3LL_NqwFimzDYVrz9IZaRDlbUMnfXBwYfjsp5r1CaS5anF8dTmLn_-Aye0TS7n6db-cYzzuMHNvhyphenhyphen3XHi2BQeEk/s1600/nails.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhHBzRBCd2xXB11RWaft_dh_oZAjRNcAbMPnvu5JTFjaA5wZyudMx3LL_NqwFimzDYVrz9IZaRDlbUMnfXBwYfjsp5r1CaS5anF8dTmLn_-Aye0TS7n6db-cYzzuMHNvhyphenhyphen3XHi2BQeEk/s320/nails.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628188219377650226" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Color- Mint Candy Apple, by Essie</span>The Valentishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452948739353611329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815642992338766405.post-55666044209394957522011-07-10T11:29:00.004-06:002011-07-10T12:18:04.588-06:00Organizing Baby ClothesI have been wanting to get <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2885699">these</a> for Mason's closet for a while now. I am constantly looking for ways to make things more organized and easily accessible. However, I didn't think they were very cute and wanted to see if I could make my own. :)<br /><br />Materials Needed:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkZMGXzUK4Ar7oyCqcoBNbxLb8m26tWBRC-kXGF0W1TvLAGvzVSuElk2i02nn2g3QrpbLEgXkeNzcNGenNYKlUsqQSo41ArV934sJKqFNlBRHWOCkQZCGSitFHxWhqs3l1cxd3jBR_ss/s1600/IMG_2833.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkZMGXzUK4Ar7oyCqcoBNbxLb8m26tWBRC-kXGF0W1TvLAGvzVSuElk2i02nn2g3QrpbLEgXkeNzcNGenNYKlUsqQSo41ArV934sJKqFNlBRHWOCkQZCGSitFHxWhqs3l1cxd3jBR_ss/s320/IMG_2833.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627781272695967346" /></a><br /><br /><br />Steps:<br />1. Trace door knob hangers on scrap book paper (cut out 2 for each hanger)<br />2. Mod Podge Paper to hangers (front and back)<br />3. Add stickers for sizes and mod podge <br />4. Cut section on the hangers to hang on closet rod<br />5. Happy Organizing!<br /><br />Final Product:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7gzKWt0kAzDWgHiJJVHX4mGBN8UxPM8aIk82eTIgAPSju2Ynhxz7FM7IVSIADuJq4Zz7bqB36TLqTnK-IEa_1fO3dZO0kCJv-bFcy9r0J_pnywgbkznZRBzUd143YbU9ZycJMK7qzfuo/s1600/IMG_2866.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7gzKWt0kAzDWgHiJJVHX4mGBN8UxPM8aIk82eTIgAPSju2Ynhxz7FM7IVSIADuJq4Zz7bqB36TLqTnK-IEa_1fO3dZO0kCJv-bFcy9r0J_pnywgbkznZRBzUd143YbU9ZycJMK7qzfuo/s320/IMG_2866.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627785761901322818" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxzEZ34gw8VcyX0URlEEJEsmkhmX_HkZq66VulRRGWyD_ZR5ga2nwYBrGYFGUqezN914TzqZbtYT1giH0OMhKyd83PdcKi3VhxyhfhsWwgc0KzuOi81zv6M0zI0dJ9QvYePOfiN3KqNE/s1600/IMG_2869.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxzEZ34gw8VcyX0URlEEJEsmkhmX_HkZq66VulRRGWyD_ZR5ga2nwYBrGYFGUqezN914TzqZbtYT1giH0OMhKyd83PdcKi3VhxyhfhsWwgc0KzuOi81zv6M0zI0dJ9QvYePOfiN3KqNE/s320/IMG_2869.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627785765290618114" /></a>The Valentishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452948739353611329noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815642992338766405.post-79749102154621131362011-06-21T09:59:00.004-06:002011-06-21T10:46:34.904-06:00First Day of SummerHappy Tuesday and Happy First Day of Summer too!!<br /><br />It really is a happy Tuesday in the Valenti household! Mason and I started our morning with a nice long walk with our sweet friends Lindsey and Jack. Notice I said <span style="font-style:italic;">walk</span>. Our intention at the beginning of summer was to work on project....Make Bailey a runner. Well, that didn't work. I have decided I hate running. There are some things we just aren't ever good at, right? So walking it is. <br /><br />After our walk, Mason and I came home and I enjoyed a very yummy green smoothie! On quite a few of my favorite blogs they talk about green smoothies and various recipes, so I thought I would give them a try. They. Are. Yummy! Mine consisted of... a handful of spinach, frozen blueberries, half a frozen banana, dark chocolate almond milk, and peanut butter for protein and a little thickening! If you're thrown off by the spinach, don't worry, because you can't even taste it! (I would love to have pictures to show you but my Hubby took my memory card to work. ;) Stinkin' Hubby!)<br /><br />Mason and I have a <span style="font-style:italic;">very</span> busy day ahead of us. Lots of cuddles, playing, smiles, and nap time! <br /><br />Then, for the main event, tonight is..... <span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Date Night</span></span>!!!!!<br /><br />I'm not gonna lie, I am SO excited for date night! Although I will miss little man terribly, and he will probably be what we talk about most, I'm excited for some adult time. :) Mason must have known this, because for Mother's Day he got me <span style="font-weight:bold;">Michael Buble</span> tickets!! Such a smart baby, he is! :)<br /><br />I hope the rest of you have a great day, as will!The Valentishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452948739353611329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815642992338766405.post-7284501310970498682011-06-18T22:15:00.000-06:002011-06-18T22:17:44.165-06:00Mason loves his Daddy!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5a7M87Hyd2l84iCQ_2XLTKQA_qADbUsYjJzNHDTHy9ySAS3lOsbeJp61QFqtG8ZvrQ7aKkH0pyW2afOzjqYTMozVUmnMx2O2ovMlX7_JGYJhiLaTqlnJFr_pL1oqoBzUXehuFQFGDWg/s1600/IMG_2764.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5a7M87Hyd2l84iCQ_2XLTKQA_qADbUsYjJzNHDTHy9ySAS3lOsbeJp61QFqtG8ZvrQ7aKkH0pyW2afOzjqYTMozVUmnMx2O2ovMlX7_JGYJhiLaTqlnJFr_pL1oqoBzUXehuFQFGDWg/s320/IMG_2764.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619780023565031458" border="0" /></a><br />Who's excited for Father's day tomorrow?......<br /><br />This guy!The Valentishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452948739353611329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815642992338766405.post-54976752018276589492011-06-17T14:43:00.003-06:002011-06-17T15:07:19.054-06:00Day at the SpaNot to brag or anything ;) but <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.grovespa.com">this</a> is where I spent my morning. It was pure heaven!<br /><br />I enjoyed a very relaxing manicure and pedicure, <span style="font-style: italic;">(I must add, once you go shellac, you don't go back)</span><br /><br />followed by an hour of this.....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83kJy0w11idl2zshmMGmoDkfKdmnWGOguTiV1IQ3T-RFA1CQwzQDUhz3fzqS7TOlILDpDCDSrZsek-38ykhCvO-rdo5J_HvGS-Bn8iazV5uZJ1WUmJVjWnzCPnc_DN5KLBiv_c4s2zqs/s1600/49d329afda00d2bb0a5dbb3670f6ae96.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 291px; height: 235px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83kJy0w11idl2zshmMGmoDkfKdmnWGOguTiV1IQ3T-RFA1CQwzQDUhz3fzqS7TOlILDpDCDSrZsek-38ykhCvO-rdo5J_HvGS-Bn8iazV5uZJ1WUmJVjWnzCPnc_DN5KLBiv_c4s2zqs/s320/49d329afda00d2bb0a5dbb3670f6ae96.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619294614741020226" border="0" /></a>Have I said yet that it was pure heaven??<br /><br />I am a very thankful wife! On Wednesday, my super sweet Hubby surprised me with this spa day and a certificate thanking me for being such a great mommy and wife. How did I get so lucky??<br /><br />Now we are off to pick out patio furniture for our <span style="font-style: italic;">new deck!!!</span> I see many summer nights being spent on our back deck this summer. :)The Valentishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452948739353611329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815642992338766405.post-91139173767542013292011-06-16T12:12:00.004-06:002011-06-16T12:29:42.275-06:00Wreath Project #2I decided it was time for a new wreath for the door. I have had <a href="http://mattandbaileyvalenti.blogspot.com/2010/06/cute-new-wreath.html">this</a> one hanging for all of spring and was needing a change. I got my inspiration for this wreath from my crafty friend, Rebekah. <span style="font-style: italic;">Thanks friend! :)</span><br /><br />I forgot to take before pictures of the materials, so you are out of luck, but here is what you will need....<br /><br />a plain wreath (Hobby Lobby has good ones)<br />Yarn<br />felt<br />buttons<br />ribbon<br />hot glue gun<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">lots of patience!</span> (The yarn was a pain in the tush! Thanks Hubby for getting out all of my knots!)<br /><br />I used a few different tutorials to help make the flowers for my wreath. You can check them out <a href="http://whipup.net/2011/03/09/guest-blogger-series-fabric-bows-tutorial/">here</a>, <a href="http://whipup.net/2008/11/07/felt-flower-tutorial/">here</a>, and <a href="http://www.vanessachristenson.com/2010/05/tutorial-flower-corsage-for-celebrate.html">here</a>.<br /><br />Here is the finished product...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkD4yiukrEP3SX6CWxxoexx64ZLl7R8vIKXgc74uHL0VrBIUK9J5DGOpNjvHxBhfJov2WylIT_R7spwjLk946-tMr2TxaUYHKFoDro7001pL-PC7zreuy_OUsuv3mCse4zg_2QcFwERZg/s1600/IMG_2768.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 451px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkD4yiukrEP3SX6CWxxoexx64ZLl7R8vIKXgc74uHL0VrBIUK9J5DGOpNjvHxBhfJov2WylIT_R7spwjLk946-tMr2TxaUYHKFoDro7001pL-PC7zreuy_OUsuv3mCse4zg_2QcFwERZg/s320/IMG_2768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618885489345146530" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-70Nn5BkSxwR3KWNC6_el1y5lwnDcCYHlhm56PS_xdrjQHuOlNoxh30IkT6sSs9To6dbFnO0Fjd5ydmtAB_vJjsF1XuYLw-VokCJM_m6eLemFCP8xSwFI0gSIGskmuUpPkDVSRdL0dPM/s1600/IMG_2767.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 438px; height: 292px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-70Nn5BkSxwR3KWNC6_el1y5lwnDcCYHlhm56PS_xdrjQHuOlNoxh30IkT6sSs9To6dbFnO0Fjd5ydmtAB_vJjsF1XuYLw-VokCJM_m6eLemFCP8xSwFI0gSIGskmuUpPkDVSRdL0dPM/s320/IMG_2767.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618885483225377122" border="0" /></a>The Valentishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452948739353611329noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815642992338766405.post-21504409493868165092011-06-07T08:44:00.004-06:002011-06-16T12:55:25.556-06:00Becoming a Better MeBefore I had Mason, everyone always told me that motherhood changes you. I never really understood what that meant (<span style="font-style: italic;">obviously- I wasn't a mother yet</span>) until now. While I'm still <span style="font-style: italic;">me</span>, I definitely feel different. I feel like I'm becoming a <span style="font-style: italic;">better</span> me<span style="font-style: italic;">. </span><br /><br />Relationships have a whole new meaning and importance to me now. I want to be the best mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend that I can possibly be. <span style="font-size:100%;">It is not that this wasn't important to me before, it's just magnified now.</span> I have a whole new appreciation for my parents. I don't know how it is possible, but I feel like having M has made my love for them grow ten fold. Nothing compares to a love you have for your child, and now I feel like I really understand them a lot better.<br /><br />I <span style="font-style: italic;">want</span> to take better care of myself. Before I didn't really care about what I ate or what I was putting into my body. While I definitely still <span style="font-weight: bold;">love</span> chips and dip and my huge diet coke, I'm incorporating a lot more fruits and vegetables into what I'm eating, and always looking for ways to make recipes healthier. (Get excited for some yummy recipes to share in the future!) :)<br /><br />I can honestly say, I am happier than I have ever been. Looking at Mason <span style="font-style: italic;">melts</span> me! Sometimes I just feel <span style="font-style: italic;">drunk</span>, because I'm so happy! I guess that's where the saying love drunk comes from?<br /><br />I used to think there were major steps in life to look forward to... graduating high school, graduating college, getting married, buying a house, having kids. As silly and very weird as this sounds, I was always worried that after I had my first child, there wouldn't be anything left to look forward to, but I was SO wrong! Now, I'm just excited about living life! I look forward to each day and all of the exciting possibilities for my sweet family's future.<br /><br />The following is a verse that I am holding on to right now, and reminding myself daily of. This is something that has really been on my heart lately, that I am working on.<span class="messageBody"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Eph 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come </span></span><span class="messageBody"><span style="font-style: italic;">out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.</span></span><br /><br />LOVE this journey I'm on! Couldn't ask for anything more! :)<br /><br /><br /><span class="messageBody"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdyNzes5FL4yNQqEcO2DDwMMQziTuYdrxt4oyOQPT2x4wQ9OTXTz2DF9H6F8hYkgMSfog8s70jhVg9wAO5YjL6chyphenhyphenPoP0aLTA1QPeOnEMBuODf30J2QQhLOQeO9sXzGm_Qt_TG92rYAA/s1600/IMG_2537.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdyNzes5FL4yNQqEcO2DDwMMQziTuYdrxt4oyOQPT2x4wQ9OTXTz2DF9H6F8hYkgMSfog8s70jhVg9wAO5YjL6chyphenhyphenPoP0aLTA1QPeOnEMBuODf30J2QQhLOQeO9sXzGm_Qt_TG92rYAA/s320/IMG_2537.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615617344206385586" border="0" /></a></span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWdrXCkdgZlF7LQfriCS8Y95qYd6_Qg55aKRdZ-E-0K3JN2Vkt49kK7628RYqbm_FxKldeyfKKTeo81nX_nKLNYdMzxftEEi29di0kv9njEsKGUg4v6W06r2kb5H0vEZ0IdnH2xktj28/s1600/DSC00345-2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 393px; height: 292px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWdrXCkdgZlF7LQfriCS8Y95qYd6_Qg55aKRdZ-E-0K3JN2Vkt49kK7628RYqbm_FxKldeyfKKTeo81nX_nKLNYdMzxftEEi29di0kv9njEsKGUg4v6W06r2kb5H0vEZ0IdnH2xktj28/s320/DSC00345-2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615617332643232562" border="0" /></a>The Valentishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452948739353611329noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815642992338766405.post-69233804510399056572011-05-27T19:29:00.002-06:002011-05-27T19:49:48.608-06:00Photo Friday!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASOCsNssucb-BRdymt4XxNsnmy2upUgbdUr2S3kzAnUMC11Jz639LBNwDTKuWG6MVJoIg6Jm3xZ_6k_LL3HV5zFMDbtc-LpnapoJ512xilNeFiS5zhTsAdhmYyZRldzMhzXqNjBtcM90/s1600/IMG_2512.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASOCsNssucb-BRdymt4XxNsnmy2upUgbdUr2S3kzAnUMC11Jz639LBNwDTKuWG6MVJoIg6Jm3xZ_6k_LL3HV5zFMDbtc-LpnapoJ512xilNeFiS5zhTsAdhmYyZRldzMhzXqNjBtcM90/s320/IMG_2512.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611578186133470114" border="0" /></a>The Valentishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452948739353611329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815642992338766405.post-57243847897190457982011-05-08T15:53:00.006-06:002011-05-09T14:06:47.046-06:00Mason's Birth StoryMy poor blog has been very much neglected, but I assure you, it was for good reason. Mason Michael was born March 24, at 11:23 PM. Life has been just a little crazy, so my poor blog took a backseat. But... I'm back!! :)<br /><br />In a previous entry, I mentioned there were a couple of exciting opportunities in the works for my family. One of those opportunities was that I was asked to write a monthly article for a new magazine being published in the Springfield area. My article was a mothers perspective article, titled... The Mommy Journey. I say <span style="font-style: italic;">was</span>, because unfortunately, the magazine is no longer being published. One of the articles I wrote was Mason's birth story. I thought I would share it on here also. Enjoy! :)<br />---------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="Georgia","serif"font-size:100%;" >On Monday, March 21 I had my final doctor’s appointment. After an ultrasound to check Mason's progress and talking with our doctor, we decided that if Mason did not make his arrival on his due date, March 22, then I would be induced on the 24<sup>th</sup>. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="Georgia","serif"font-size:100%;" >The 22<sup>nd</sup> came and went without any sign of our little man making an appearance. My husband decided to take the next day off before my induction and told me not to make any plans. Little did I know that he had planned an entire days worth of activities for us to do. Our “Date Day,” which we called it, started off with breakfast at our favorite place, Gailey’s. When we finished eating we did a little shopping down town, where Matt bought me a very cute dress from 5# Apparel. From there we did some arts and crafts at Firehouse Pottery, went for a walk, ate a very snazzy lunch, caught an afternoon matinee, and wrapped up the day eating pizza at home, catching up on some television. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="Georgia","serif"font-size:100%;" ><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>At the time we really hadn’t thought about it, but that would be the last night of just the two of us.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The next morning we made our way to the hospital, bright and early at 5AM. On the drive there, everything seemed so unreal. We knew that when we returned home again we would be a family of 3, but it didn’t seem like it was actually finally happening. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="Georgia","serif"font-size:100%;" >Walking in the hospital with our overnight bag and my nine month pregnant belly was like holding a bright neon sign that said “Show Me to Labor and Delivery.” We made it to our room and got settled in.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After hearing horror stories of epidurals sometimes taking five plus hours to arrive, I made sure to request mine as soon as I changed into my gown. I must say getting my IV hurt worse than the epidural did!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After both legs seemed numb and I was sure the drug was working, I made my husband promise me one thing... not to tell me about the contractions on the monitor. I did not want to know!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="Georgia","serif"font-size:100%;" >The hours passed and the visitors started to come.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The nurse said I was progressing fast and she seemed to think that before she went home at 7:00 pm, that baby Mason would be here.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Little did she know.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In between the hours of 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm I moved from a 4-6 cm dilated.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>By 6:00 pm I was all the way up to a 9.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>All Matt and I could think was that Mason was coming soon, and we were ready!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>By this point, I was tired, hungry, and emotionally spent.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When 7:00 came and went my first nurse went home and the second nurse came on shift.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>To be honest, I was a little sad. I grew fond of my first nurse. She cared for me, talked to me, and had a very compassionate attitude.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <span style="Georgia","serif"font-family:";" ><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">We continued to wait for Mason to come.</span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Every hour they came and checked on me. At 7:00pm I was still at a 9. 8:00pm a 9. 10:00pm a 9.</span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">I couldn’t help but think... Is this ever going to end!? Then I felt it. I knew it was time.</span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">My husband looked at the monitor and noticed the contractions were coming fast.</span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">We called for a nurse, and she quickly came in.</span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">After a quick check all she said was “It's time to push!”</span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">When she said push, it was like I had the biggest rush of energy.</span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">I pushed for a little over an hour.</span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> Strangely, </span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">I never felt tired. I never felt weak. I felt empowered.</span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">At 11:23 pm, Mason was born.</span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">He had the sweetest cry a mother could ask for.</span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">He was beautiful and a gift from God.</span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">To be honest, I didn’t even count his fingers or toes, because all I cared was that he was here.</span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">The nurses checked him over and finally I got to hold him.</span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">He was 7 lbs 2 oz of pure love.</span></span>The Valentishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452948739353611329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815642992338766405.post-64835104079514355082011-01-12T17:47:00.005-06:002011-05-08T15:16:09.548-06:00Name ArtA little over a year ago, Hubby and I decided we wanted to start a new project together. I had seen these name art pictures all over and had been wanting one really bad with our name on it! However, everywhere I found them, they were <em>so</em> expensive!! Thus, our new project idea was born. We have been taking pictures all over (Colorado, our neighborhood, parks, downtown areas, St. Louis, etc.) of different objects/things in nature that look like letters. It has been so fun for us to do together, and we have gotten some great shots! We have almost every letter and multiple of each! For Christmas this year we had the pictures matted and framed for our parents. They turned out really well!! I've been so excited to share this project with you guys, but didn't want to ruin the surprise for our parents since I know they read this. :)<br /><br /><p>Here is one we made for a friend...</p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 256px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570696568916240882" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClXUMQsyMmxV7fM5DXOn9hrwcOEXSBnnFMEi0na80h1Vg0nz7f0KgfNMMnrIBzgDiqboyHMfjNcZVwXXy1C7WoDUP3wVrHvMbO4YjIIHGflCqXBQAYm8Jg3FCKshs5kWBI2maBAm5Pjc/s320/164862_750901625304_34302345_41277438_3269711_n.jpg" border="0" /></p>The Valentishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452948739353611329noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815642992338766405.post-51437234451508989672011-01-07T17:20:00.002-06:002011-01-07T17:29:49.179-06:00Pregnancy Update!<div align="center">20 Weeks<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixBRhj9EeHYRVYVc2K9kbt8tc1gWoydw42MfGnQMDQ5rdlWtqQvlrBvjw1G5U9oq71QBwiKT55lAs0Oh3laLitXMVDs6GCRDM74kqMu78pJIRPdsU1WcLyX-zoT63X5gqhc7Hu9sGTG00/s1600/20+Weeks.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559589204608069170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixBRhj9EeHYRVYVc2K9kbt8tc1gWoydw42MfGnQMDQ5rdlWtqQvlrBvjw1G5U9oq71QBwiKT55lAs0Oh3laLitXMVDs6GCRDM74kqMu78pJIRPdsU1WcLyX-zoT63X5gqhc7Hu9sGTG00/s320/20+Weeks.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a> 23 Weeks</p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559589208631100050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg41nffuxGeSauW3CiLMmX8BlC6qXlkTohHlFNDQWDb-J5u3veeVy63vG3PEF9hihBRQb_LAPtOsh1qByhVTG9wQxmSN9hvVSZQm7K8IU_AODdWbFxxvZkVcKMHtWLTWcqp7wYIO6-kSZ4/s320/23+Weeks.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">28 Weeks</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559589209695623970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5GEJBFbrVysuN5H-KsTRUKOC-EVCTa4dYz80d3JC6AKDOPLEubbQMW15iL6tVIhHC4FHFjA4Y-aEm_7mxyhOffzbXUqNEtUvxk2wEloDX2pczS-P75Qt3ljjwaTp0g5sh7-ddF_A5-Ks/s320/28+Weeks.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Mason is doing wonderful! I have been so blessed during this pregnancy and have been feeling great. We have a little over 2 more months to prepare for our little guy and could not be more excited for him to make his grand entrance in March.</p>The Valentishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452948739353611329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815642992338766405.post-64585351956462016842011-01-03T16:33:00.002-06:002011-01-03T16:52:25.541-06:002011 IntentionsI've decided that instead of setting resolutions this year, I'm going in a different direction. I've come up with a couple things that I intend to accomplish this year, however, if I don't, no biggie. Although it is not that much different from setting resolutions, I feel like it is putting my goals in a more positive light, with less pressure. :)<br /><br />So, here they are....<br /><br />1. Spend more time reading<br />2. Have a more positive attitude and outlook... stress less!<br />3. Do a better job keeping my house clean<br />4. Focus more on some new exciting opportunities (more info to come later)<br />5. Enjoy the time I have off with Mason, instead of worrying about how hard going back to work will be (This kind of goes along with that positive attitude I tend to struggle with at times.) ;)<br />6. Eat more vegetables (This one is going to be hard...) <br />7. Make more time for things I enjoy... crafting, couponing, sewing<br />8. Blog more!!! (I know it's been a while. This whole pregnancy thing has been distracting.) :)<br /><br />I could keep going, but then I would have a huge list of things that I would start stressing over accomplishing. And, who wants that? ;)The Valentishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452948739353611329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815642992338766405.post-23370042778717046992010-10-30T22:02:00.003-06:002010-10-30T22:10:03.561-06:0020 weeks!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN_jFpNNAizxSokrNbxMb9nXVSssuee8FSL23Rs9Mzo4aYCrBlA6zaJ14llGRpyV7vTFChJLwDIRoDmSb7rFsH9AIdKGQcYDAOE4CMMTyJC6vAgrWr7ji-xdsQEing469011Q1jkJaXqU/s1600/photo.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN_jFpNNAizxSokrNbxMb9nXVSssuee8FSL23Rs9Mzo4aYCrBlA6zaJ14llGRpyV7vTFChJLwDIRoDmSb7rFsH9AIdKGQcYDAOE4CMMTyJC6vAgrWr7ji-xdsQEing469011Q1jkJaXqU/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534056946779277154" /></a><br />Life is good. Mommy and baby are healthy and pregnancy is wonderful! Granted, there are some funky things that happen during pregnancy that someone should have warned me about it, but it is still wonderful. :)<br /><br />In a couple short days I will will be 20 weeks and we will officially be half way there. We had our big anatomy scan yesterday and our little guy is developing right on schedule. Praying the next 20 weeks go as smoothly as the last! So thankful for the Lord blessing us! :)<br /><br />BaileyThe Valentishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452948739353611329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815642992338766405.post-53225125619837302092010-10-03T11:12:00.005-06:002010-10-03T12:46:00.327-06:00Walgreens Trip 10/3It has been a while since I have shared a couponing trip, so I thought it was time for another one. I didn't get a ton of stuff, but it was a successful trip! Here is what all I got:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQAS-AKKvU95lwSI_NUseDjvZIb5yMmzSmZWtzV8zCh3H_l_c2mMxfPXEXRWPOjyD4GID-Y5zUygrNWUTQh49RVP0LB_LC77YF6qlADkwP2AZuDlb-lC9rtfPvWkWve3P9zP0-P7CGQwg/s1600/DSC01546.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQAS-AKKvU95lwSI_NUseDjvZIb5yMmzSmZWtzV8zCh3H_l_c2mMxfPXEXRWPOjyD4GID-Y5zUygrNWUTQh49RVP0LB_LC77YF6qlADkwP2AZuDlb-lC9rtfPvWkWve3P9zP0-P7CGQwg/s320/DSC01546.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523869688579364130" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Breakdown:</strong><br /><br />Nivea Lip Product: Sale Price $1.00 ... Reg. Price $2.99<br />I used 4 $2/2 mc<br />final price: 8 for free!<br /><br />Wheat Thins: Sale Price $.99 ... Reg. Price $1.99<br />I used 2 $1/1 mc<br />final price: 2 for free!<br /><br />Newspaper: $.99<br />final price: $.99<br /><br />EOS Lip Balm: $3.00<br />I received $3.00 back in RR<br />final price: 1 for free!<br /><br />Recess Peanut Butter Cup: $.69<br />I needed a filler item so that I could use all of my coupons ;)<br />final price: $.69<br /><br />Schick Hydro Razor: Sale Price $7.99 ... Reg. Price $9.99<br />I used 1 $3/1 mc<br />I received $4.00 back in RR<br />final price: $.99<br /><br /><strong>Total Cost: $2.67<br />Total Saved: $ 39.90</strong><br /><br />mc= Manufacturer Coupon<br />RR= Register Rewards<br />$_/_= value amount of coupon/# of items good forThe Valentishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452948739353611329noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815642992338766405.post-68600709590171536882010-09-24T15:38:00.003-06:002010-09-24T15:43:27.261-06:0014 Week Baby Bump<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqYh8Ro8NHo0bJ0jlj6iqmob2c5H7552crrQjFCO1Fd3VrhWXZySm8gScnnOBF6N3Qtgs7CgzKBx_DO_zutPjIHhvp5oZYEMi_Sq8YttXwhYyCp9E4RmmGmBn4mmWfnJ69aEl_-JMKhs/s1600/14+Weeks.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqYh8Ro8NHo0bJ0jlj6iqmob2c5H7552crrQjFCO1Fd3VrhWXZySm8gScnnOBF6N3Qtgs7CgzKBx_DO_zutPjIHhvp5oZYEMi_Sq8YttXwhYyCp9E4RmmGmBn4mmWfnJ69aEl_-JMKhs/s400/14+Weeks.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520598580823246418" /></a>The Valentishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452948739353611329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815642992338766405.post-64614083002969295222010-09-13T16:29:00.004-06:002010-10-03T11:36:03.990-06:00Kids say the funniest things!I told my students today that I am pregnant. They were so cute with their comments and how excited they were. Here's one of my favorite comments...<br /><br />"Mrs. Valenti, I knew you were pregnant. Last year you were a lot skinnier!"<br /><br />Haha, I couldn't help but laugh. The little girl that said it is so sweet and doesn't have a mean bone in her body. I knew she didn't mean it anyway but kindly. :) <br /><br />I love my kiddos so much this year. I seriously have the perfect class! I will definitely be sad to leave them in March but of course excited for this little one to be here!The Valentishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452948739353611329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815642992338766405.post-92144702462161696552010-09-06T15:35:00.006-06:002010-10-03T11:37:09.112-06:00So good to be back!I have missed blogging so much! I realize I took quite a long break this summer, but between being sick (a lot) and only wanting to write about the amazing things happening with Baby V (who is now the size of a large plum!), I decided it would be best if I stayed away for a little while. But now that our news is out... I'm back!!!<br /><br />Hopefully now that I'm starting to feel better, I will be able to share more crafts that I'm working on, couponing trips, and other fun things happening in our lives. <br /><br />Stay tuned... :)The Valentishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452948739353611329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815642992338766405.post-6672022026057772010-09-04T11:32:00.001-06:002010-09-04T11:35:14.904-06:00Expecting!This year started off pretty rough for Matt and I. I miscarried in February at 10 weeks, and we were beyond devastated. However, Matt found this song, and even though not everyone believes in the power of music, it really gave us hope.
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<br />Although we don't, won't, and can't always understand why some things happen, it's important to remember, even in our lowest times, that God has a plan. This song helped reassure us of that.
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<br />God has really blessed us. I am now almost 12 weeks, and we are so excited to finally announce to everyone that, I'M PREGNANT!! :)
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<br /><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlZNcTFifpcfOVIDV6BjTLJGjHn2CedJ_9cDWTBUSWibTE7emmuwycRZVlZ1-Msd_Xvyb-EEIEU6KLZwtn4CeVFTcd7zSAt2v5smX2N4e5WG52PaW7HTyIb7I_GCY0tcjZJpaPbUcufo/s400/Baby+Valenti+is+due+in+March.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508400906376572290" border="0" /></div>
<br />The Valentishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452948739353611329noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815642992338766405.post-73033761663161225202010-07-31T14:46:00.009-06:002010-07-31T15:14:23.140-06:00Learning to sew again<div align="left">So, I haven't really sewn since I was in high school, and lately I starting thinking about how fun it was. I'm sure we all remember having a home-ec sewing class where we made those hideously, amazing pajama pants! <em>Ok, maybe not all of us did that. Anyway...</em></div><div align="left"><em><br /></em></div><div align="left"><em></em></div><div align="left">I decided it was time that I learn to sew again. Thanks to my super sweet Momma who gave me her sewing machine and my super sweet friend Rebekah who showed me how to work the thing, I think I am well on my way to my goal.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Rebekah is also the friend who got me started couponing. We decided that because we both share the love of organization and couponing, it would be appropriate if my teaching project was a coupon binder clutch! </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Now, I'm not going to go through the step-by-step process of how this was made in this post. Why? One, because I don't remember any of the steps <em>(it's not my fault, I was learning!)</em> and two, because Rebekah makes these binder covers and will most likely start selling them on <a href="http://etsy.com/">Etsy</a>. </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">So, the purpose of this post is to show you that I am now legit and can sew again (<em>Yayyy me!)</em> and to share a fun project idea with you, that you can make on your own OR purchase from Rebekah. :) </div><div align="center"><br />Here it is: </div><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500179276154703586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjCv2ur9xPGuhIHnmjQE9mTqybnwaEiKtjKoZ9EL8x5J95hBN9qGlFTxuaQxRppPckbBrs2faGQQpMNPyHUYvYo9KW_2QjlHtoZhmkwnVGDTnPDi6Dab57LQJjD8ViMJTYkH17LfZ2HM/s320/DSC01285.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><br />The sides velcro shut to avoid having anything fall out. </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500179301680593506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlO1BwQe-LtYRc2arQj_TP4HY_BQEr1NLIgCs4JJZDygGV8-jS-zD7n3jHFPZ-NV8VpaIMdb1qAJfesiYOWS-Axg7IV7T7Ot5IR6lzm6vN_1fDVsJ-tEqVWoX4IkTEbtdwwWbfTVUtLm4/s320/DSC01288.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">Check out those cute pockets! :)</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500179297273739570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hC1f1qRbbddr027YyRyJX9LmKn72nHra5HYK9NvZzaGjXaACLMTW4YVnOPNJHNcMydY3OIzDfXYFnh8XW9NKdFrvWsNPFWithvf1y-ozm628URbPSNb9g3mEDhhfT59eqeqI1WmYnME/s320/DSC01287.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><p align="center">A binder can easily slide in the front and back flaps.</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500179284719187250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEdCWzCDF5_TIwchQuaop42GSJ0a2j-HYa-DOUwlKAUUZst-QvXjHwKqPZ4kzoCMjQvBpNNpne2ZLPC6K_aF2di0xYSyZ3gSVOeN6qBTDbZTFeAjN4VsMrQXDhHTcQOinVVVyO0q0-AE8/s320/DSC01286.JPG" border="0" />The Valentishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452948739353611329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815642992338766405.post-2738632178181484912010-07-30T15:57:00.004-06:002010-07-30T16:04:44.473-06:00Target/Walgreens TripI haven't shared a couponing trip with you guys in a while, so I thought I would share this one. All of the items I got were from Target, except for the foil, which I got at Walgreens.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Here is my trip:</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499823120187284562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHVLWcIgq-rqTc_FC4Zfv3ZOiFWN6t7Fuq8pfZGEGTkqZ77CDqvUiNE4Q_VahQSQa4JoG9-LYGu3Pq9fppZ-bhePw1AYTHBWaKCnysMJF3KbulwxJRPicIQGBzO34zUKbW6nCgQjHbnY/s400/DSC01283.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>Total Spent: <strong><em>$4.05</em></strong></div><br /><div>Total Saved: <span style="color:#000000;"><strong><em>$24.04</em></strong></span></div><br /><div><em>Happy couponing! :)</em></div>The Valentishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452948739353611329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815642992338766405.post-58047803815038151992010-07-07T19:35:00.007-06:002010-07-07T19:51:15.354-06:004th of July!My church, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">NorthPoint</span>, set up an amazing opportunity for hundreds of people to come forward in their faith and get baptised. The event was called Freedom Splash and took place on July 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span>. I had never been baptised, and Matt hadn't since he was a baby. We both felt like it was something we needed and wanted to do. I'm so thankful we were able to do it together. What a great experience! Later that day we went to I Love America and got to see Story Line, After Edmund, and Group 1 Crew play. They were all so good! The fireworks were amazing also... I absolutely love the 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> of July! It is such an uplifting holiday! I hope all of yours was just as great! :)<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491346027494765602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 308px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjygbvDdOYIPdcx2jvjSLdFq1Bl5D9twGhtW6y7vjQCPQdS9_U9r1B7KQ2OxCSZQMaTY_GEvkBymEMG95AQWTTdvBq_3AdbIhjqIrTjDCDLVUrBvdLEt_ADJRtnX6Fu2WpLOJ32fwixqok/s400/DSC01139-2.jpg" border="0" /> <div> </div>The Valentishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452948739353611329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815642992338766405.post-81376583926267123022010-06-22T12:58:00.010-06:002010-06-22T13:32:19.741-06:00Cute New Wreath ProjectThe other day I decided that my front door was looking a little bare. I absolutely love wreaths, but all of the ones I want are a little too pricey for just a wreath. So, I decided to make my own. I saw one similar to this on a crafting blog (which I can't find, so if anyone else runs across it let me know) and decided it would be super cute and cheap to make my own.<br /><div><div><div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSZ4FVC02b2a5qlyp_ljT588hLav7k17daM-hJp3Fs3-Zr54cQXZ3QXvcVkiqvjGmN1irOvglq3dgJla_9MpvoW16VkWE1rBEJGUnk4jM6CNSwI5CAJA_linjcZh3Xd30Kncaljn9xqk/s1600/DSC01112.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485681244673635586" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 244px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 205px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSZ4FVC02b2a5qlyp_ljT588hLav7k17daM-hJp3Fs3-Zr54cQXZ3QXvcVkiqvjGmN1irOvglq3dgJla_9MpvoW16VkWE1rBEJGUnk4jM6CNSwI5CAJA_linjcZh3Xd30Kncaljn9xqk/s320/DSC01112.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Here are the materials you will be needing:<br /><br /><br /><div>*Wreath<br />*Decorative berries<br />*Hot Glue Gun<br />*Ribbon<br />*Scissors</div><div>*Big Sonic Drink (Who can craft without Sonic??)</div><br /><br /><div><br /></div></div><br /><div>This project is super simple! All you need to do is:</div><br /><div>-Cut off your berry stems from the vine<br />-Arrange them around the wreath however you choose<br />-Once you have them arranged, start hot gluing them to your wreath </div><div>-Use your ribbon to hang your wreath for cute added decoration</div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485680523757365010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 279px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 336px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA55yW4XRAmWFBIpVsrBTym6PYtNg_HrTtoOZKDDnJlsTPTul_SwdaSkjT6WRzbs0JrlY_gqmnayT23AxK5BcP0ffi6ox9i0lDtGmMoVlkdAIZcIuHqDdF34T0e8aMuexSwpwmgvA2kdM/s320/DSC01118.JPG" border="0" /><br /></div><br /><div>Extra info:<br /></div></div><div><div>-When I hot glued my stems to the wreath, I only hot glued the bottom parts of the stems and stuck them down in different nooks in the wreath to hide the hot glue.</div><div>-I wish I would have used a thicker ribbon to stand out more. You may want to consider that when making your own.</div><div>-Next time I won't forget to take pictures of the process! :)</div><br /><div></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>The Valentishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452948739353611329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5815642992338766405.post-63411903574567036612010-06-18T11:29:00.018-06:002010-06-18T14:30:24.877-06:00Walgreens Trip 6/18Here's the breakdown from my trip this morning...<br /><br />This is what I bought....<br /><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484170093702825618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTm9THU7_urotYN0N6eJFQ-Hmahz0XkU0_YgQnkl7ByoTxrvcbiPQwzx2huQoEpJ5z7ZsD8AsrgJSwJnqvNT25Ygb_m0ZlRxit-iJlNzQTKPu7Eet8OPFI49oEFLWgOjX6GHLwG-RdKY8/s320/DSC01109.JPG" border="0" /><br />And this is what I spend and saved....<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYeqXez3ddKBKQXT9rKKcMxdXU1DLAS0sLIUSduk24vva21jwhZcV1R8UaIbGfnjYtiw4qQl7-qV2Srj0WEAr0noy4I9EEn9B4WEe2_p2suJCmj4-Tn4abUs03iuH61O1XcdrkcetiqUg/s1600/DSC01111.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484170702823095618" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYeqXez3ddKBKQXT9rKKcMxdXU1DLAS0sLIUSduk24vva21jwhZcV1R8UaIbGfnjYtiw4qQl7-qV2Srj0WEAr0noy4I9EEn9B4WEe2_p2suJCmj4-Tn4abUs03iuH61O1XcdrkcetiqUg/s320/DSC01111.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUaq9J5BYzaemHFKfxuxXrLhjAtsHID2RBUC5ag6uMTquLuPltzJjPnOP5sOwGhATe62VFDJQ2BXOkAotFMFDh_6Ao8WAMEg_u5I-Qji25evX_UVYzPvX7LngpUZuPIfanJCPZd2wBuqU/s1600/DSC01110.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484169538814583106" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUaq9J5BYzaemHFKfxuxXrLhjAtsHID2RBUC5ag6uMTquLuPltzJjPnOP5sOwGhATe62VFDJQ2BXOkAotFMFDh_6Ao8WAMEg_u5I-Qji25evX_UVYzPvX7LngpUZuPIfanJCPZd2wBuqU/s320/DSC01110.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I did this in two transactions. </div><br /><u>1st transaction</u>-<br /><br />*3 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Neutrogena</span> bar soaps, $2.24 ea<br />I had (1) manufacturer coupon for $1.o0 off = $5.72<br /><br />*Gum = .99<br /><br />Total = $6.71<br /><br />I had $6.00 in *RR from a previous purchase, making my total <u><strong>$ .71 out of pocket</strong></u>. Also, from this transaction I earned $10 in RR!!<br /><br /><br /><u>2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">nd</span> transaction</u>-<br /><br />*<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nivea</span> Body Wash= $5.99<br /><br />*(2) Pro Clinical Toothpastes, originally $4.99 ea, on sale B1G1<br />I had (1) manufacturer coupon for $1.00 off= $3.99<br /><br />*Gum= .99<br /><br />Total= $10.97<br /><br />I had $10.00 in RR, making my total <strong><u>$ .97 out of pocket</u>.</strong> From this transaction I earned $6.00 in RR!!<br /><br /><br />**Total out of pocket for both transactions = $1.68<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><u>But</u> I walked away with $6.00 in RR, making my trip today a </span><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>profit of $4.32</strong>!!!</span><br /><br />With all that being said, I should point out for <em>learning purposes,</em> :) that I did make a few mistakes today during my trip....<br /><br />First- I had to purchase the gum as a filler item to bump up my total. With RR, your total needs to be at least the amount of what the RR is worth, in order to be able to use it.<br /><br />For example, my first purchase before the gum would have been for $5.72, however, I could not have used my RR of $6 because my purchase didn't reach that amount.<br /><br />What I should have done was find a cheaper filler, which would have allowed me to pay less out of pocket. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Walgreens</span> normally has fillers for around $ .35. But, I like gum, so... who cares! :)<br /><br />Second mistake- When you are using RR to pay for items, you want to use them on items that are going to earn you at least that many RR back.<br /><br />For example, on my second purchase, I paid with $10 in RR but only earned back $6. This is not really that big of a deal, just something to keep in mind.<br /><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Ok</span>, there's the breakdown of my trip. I don't post all of my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">couponing</span> trips on here, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">especially</span> if they are only a couple items, but I'll try to keep adding some <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">in case</span> you're learning the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">couponing</span> process as well. If you ever have any questions, let me know. I learned from the best, thanks Rebekah!!! :)<br /><br /><br />Have a great day!<br />-Bailey<br /><br /><br />*RR= Register Rewards<br />If you are not familiar with these, <a href="http://www.coupongal.net/2009/05/walgreens-q-a.html">here</a> is a good website that explains the program.The Valentishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452948739353611329noreply@blogger.com3