"I'm a big kid now!"

I have to take a moment to brag on my little baby boy. We decided to transition Christopher from crib to toddler bed at the beginning of the year - 18 months old - and he is doing SO well! Even at naptime he will stay in his bed without many issues. At first, we had a few nights when I would walk by and find him in his room "vacuuming" with his toy vacuum. He would look at me, smile, and run back to bed. It was so incredibly cute I could hardly keep from laughing and smiling. :) Now that we have a good routine in place (brush teeth, read/cuddle, pray, tuck-in with Scout), we rarely have any issues. No tears either! It wasn't nearly this easy with Michael. I figured he would do better since he has big brother in the room, but he even does fine on the nights when Michael isn't going to bed at the same time.

He's such a little sweetie. Although he is usually on-the-go all the time, I got a lot of unexpected cuddling in this weekend! I love my boys!

{ <>< } Stacy

Giving Back

I wasn't expecting to be home with my sick little boy today, but I was able to complete a few things that just kept getting pushed aside in order to keep things running here on my own. I had plenty of time to design a flyer for our February toy drive!

I am excited to announce that we will be collecting new books and toys throughout the month of February in celebration of 1 year since Christopher fought for his life. The books and toys collected will be donated to Happy Wheels, an organization that gives books and toys to each patient at the children's hospital on Mondays. Knowing the Happy Wheels cart was coming made each Monday a little bit brighter when we spent 33 days in the hospital.

I am hoping this toy drive will help me focus on 'giving back' during February. We had support from so many people at church, family, work, within the hospital, and even strangers praying last year. There is no way we could ever give enough thanks for the support we had. Through this toy drive, we will give back to an organization that is continuously supporting children and families in the hospital that are currently enduring challenging circumstances.

I can remember each and every terrifying moment when Christopher was admitted to the hospital, had surgery, and was on a ventilator for 9 days. I am praying February will be a positive month in which I can reflect on God's grace, love, and blessings in our life rather than re-living the painful emotions we experienced last year.

Please help us by contributing to our donation! Even 1 small book, toy, or $5.00 helps! If you prefer, you can make a financial donation and we will purchase toys at the end of February. We have already received toys from a few friends that have followed our story.

<>< Stacy

Couponing Blurb

I haven't been couponing very effectively the last couple of months (well, we really haven't even shopped much!) Yesterday I got some good shopping in while waiting for Christopher's medicine at the Publix pharmacy (free oral antibiotics at Publix).

19.99 Huggies 82 count diapers

2.99 Huggies wipes package

3.99 Viva Napkins "on the go" (in a box like tissues)

5.59 Health and Beauty purchase

- 3.00 Publix Huggies coupon

- 3.00 Manufacturer Huggies coupon

- 2.99 Free wipes if you buy Huggies diapers

- 3.49 Free Viva napkins on the go if you buy Huggies diapers

- 3.00 Health and Beauty Publix coupon

- 2.00 Health and Beauty manufacturer coupon

Total Spent: 17.36

Total Saved: 17.48

Not bad since that included diapers! Also, I did this transaction twice so I got 2 of everything!

To sweeten this deal further, I am using the diapers, wipes, and napkins UPCs (Kimberly Clark products) to get a mail-in $10 rebate for purchasing $20 KC product + Cars 2 (which my mom got the boys for Christmas).

Not bad, Not bad at all! :)

<>< Stacy

Every Road

The blog is dusty again!! I can't think of a better way to get it going again than with the words of this song as a prayer to God. I was touched by this song as I played it on Sunday.

Every Road
Lord, I give You every road. Guide my steps and take control;
Til this journey leads me home, Lord, I give You every road.

Lord I give You all my past. Find me holding nothing back;
Cleanse me, make me free at last, Lord I give You all my past.

Lord, I give You every storm. When my spirit's weak and worn;
Give me grace to trust You more, Lord, I give you every storm.

Lord, I give You all I am. All my dreams and all my plans;
Now I place them in Your hands, Lord I give You all I am.

'Til this journey leads me home,
Lord, I give You every road.


**** You can hear the full recording here http://www.jwpepper.com/10095813.item

My family has seen many storms and made many plans, but I am praying now and giving every road to God. May his will be done in our lives always.

<>< Stacy