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About Me
I am a wife to the man of my dreams! We've been married for nearly three years now and I couldn't imagine my life without him in it! I am also a mom to a seven month old daughter who I absolutely adore! I love the Lord with all my heart...without Him in my life I would not be where I am today! I am enjoying the balancing act of being a stay at home mom and wife and, together with my husband, am enjoying our wonderfully blessed life!!
Motivation For Moms
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Childhood Memories
Posted by jennasue
Isn't it fun to reminisce about the fond things you remember about your childhood? I really enjoy this, and have found myself doing it often now that I have a daughter of my own. For instance, this morning as I was feeding her and Scott was leaving for work...giving us kisses and telling us goodbye. This moment reminded me of when I was a little girl and saying goodbye to my Dad as he'd leave for work. He is in law enforcement, and at that time he was a state police officer, always wearing his police gear...the hat was my favorite! I remember thinking how "cool" it was to have a Dad who was a police officer, and liked seeing all of the neat stuff he got to wear to work each day. I'm not sure where he got his shirts or even his tacticle BDU Pants... as back then we didn't have the internet so readily available. Nowadays you can just go online and find great sites like lapolicegear.com and find everything you need, from footwear to Under Armour. What a convenient way to get the gear you need at fantastic prices. It's fun thinking back to these memories, and I'm sure I'll have many more instances like this as our daughter continues to grow and do new things.
First Solid Food
Posted by jennasue
Isn't the process of starting solid foods with your little one fun!? I've enjoyed it so much!! Kaelyn knows from the moment that we sit her in the highchair that her "big girl" food is coming. She sits there patiently and waits for that first yummy bite! We started with Rice Cereal, and it seems to be going fairly well so far. I'm not sure how much she's actually eating, and how much of it is ending up on her bib, but either way...it's a learning process for us both and going very smoothly. She gets so excited to eat and even grabs for the spoon to help put it in her mouth! She likes drinking a sip of water out of her sippy cup just as much! I wasn't sure how she'd like that, but she's done very well. We even tried giving her a little water in a cup without a lid and she did great! We'll be starting a new food by the end of the week...so we'll see how that goes. I'll keep you updated....:)
Need Health Insurance?
Posted by jennasue
When I was pregnant, Scott and I learned how very important health insurance was. As the bills rolled in, we were SO thankful that we had good coverage. Recently we've been discussing how great our insurance is, but also how expensive it is as well. Being a stay at home mom and not working out of the house at all...I get my health insurance through his place of work. It's VERY good insurance, but a bit spendy, especially now that we're covering our daughter under that same policy. We've been discussing looking into something that was a little more affordable for us. Labels: Children, Health, Making Money
Anyone ever heard of Peoples Health Insurance, LLC before? I hadn't heard of them before just recently, but it turns out that they are a licensed insurance agency that helps people through the application process, plan pricing, and questions about health provider networks and a Illinois healthcare plan. I like knowing that there are people out there who will help me to select a quality health plan that is priced to suit our needs and offers the protection that we need. I'm strongly considering looking into them to see what they can do for us. I feel they could help me to find a more affordable alternative to the insurance we have currently. I was quite impressed to learn about them and all they offer, especially to learn that their "Rate Quote" process is really fast and easy to use. Using this I'll be able to find a number of quotes from different health insurance carriers. I've been looking for an option like this for quite some time...I'm hoping that they'll be able to help me out!!
John Deere Baby Clothes
Posted by jennasue
My little brother has been working for John Deere since he graduated from college last year. He really loves it and the type of work he does is write up his alley!! It's actually kind of fun. John Deere is really big here where we live, and we often see all sorts of John Deere apparel, toys, etc. that are perfect for Kaelyn. We haven't gotten her any yet, but Uncle Jake has.;) For Christmas this year he got her a John Deere dinnerware set (with a plate and cup). And, when she was first born, he bought her a SUPER cute John Deere outfit...bibs, onesie and even jean jacket!! When she was first born it was a bit too big, but a couple of days ago I tried it on her again and it fits perfectly! I was really excited, as it's a cute outfit that she can wear at home or out and about. I'm hoping that it will fit her for quite some time now, so that we can get much use out of it and even show Uncle Jake when he visits sometime...he'd really like that!
Cleaning The Carpets
Posted by jennasue
As many may already know, Scott and I bought our very first home last August!! It's been great having a place to call our own...being able to do the things we want to it. I remember when we first moved in, we asked that the previous owner please clean all of the carpets. He had dogs and cats, and that was something I definitely wanted cleaned before moving in. Looking at our carpets, I still feel that we could have them cleaned even better. I'm probably a little paranoid now that we a little baby on the carpet all of the time. I was looking around for a carpet cleaning option that would meet my expectations and came across Dalworth.com. Dalworth Clean specializes in carpet care and hard floor cleaning. I liked the fact that they not only clean the carpets, but get rid of pet odors, repair carpets, steam clean, and even help restoration after a fire, water damage, etc. Although Dalworth Clean is not based in my area, but in the Dallas Fort Worth area...it still lets me know that there are great companies out there like this. In fact, I have a brother and his family who live in that area...I'm going to let them know about this fantastic find of a Carpet Cleaning Dallas company.
The Joys of Motherhhood
Posted by jennasue
Isn't it fun to watch a baby learn to do new things?! This is one of my favorite things to do, and it seems like a daily occurrence with Kaelyn these days. Whether it's learning to get up on her hands and knees or taking her first bite of cereal, it's the greatest thing in the world!! As I've recently written, Kaelyn is getting so close to crawling! She's so cute as she moves around the floor and rocks once she gets up on her hands and knees. She's also been using her voice a lot more now. Before she would just coo, but now she "jabbers" all day long!! It's so fun to sit with her and talk. She's such a happy baby, and a couple of days ago she began squealing a lot too. It's adorable. I was excited today to catch her on film doing this a little bit.... Labels: Children, Motherhood, Parenting
In The News....
Posted by jennasue
Even though I don't get a whole lot of time to sit down and watch television, when I do turn on the TV I like to catch up on what's going on in the news. I don't know about other stay at home moms, but this is something that I enjoy doing when I get the chance. The only thing about the entertainment channels that have news, that really gets old, is hearing about the young adults in Hollywood who are finding themselves in need of a rehab program of some sort. I mean, don't get me wrong...I think it's wonderful that they are finding addiction treatment programs to get help....but it really seems to be a trend that is getting out of control among young celebrities especially. It's almost gotten to the point where it doesn't even surprise me anymore to hear about the most recent people going to treatment centers. It's just kind of sad that you hear of it almost daily...don't you think?!
PacSafe Pouch
Posted by jennasue
I don't know about you, but I am not one to carry a purse everywhere I go. I do enjoy using purses on certain occasions, but it is not me to have it everywhere I go. First of all, it's just one more thing to lug around, and second, it doesn't seem real safe to be out in big places with a big purse hanging off your arm. Seeing how this is the way I feel about carrying a purse, I was pretty impressed with the Pacsafe pouches and purses that I came across. They are really small and great for important things like passports or credit cards. They can be worn around your neck and go right under your clothing. This is easy and safe....more my type of purse I think. If you've never heard of them, you should really check them out. They're pretty neat...especially if you find yourself traveling a lot.
Making Your Dr Visits Shorter
Posted by jennasue
About a month ago I had a doctor's appointment. It was still quite cold out at that time, and I really didn't want to have to take Kaelyn out in it if I didn't have to. I decided that it would be better to get someone to watch her. I hadn't ever had anyone babysit her before, but who better to be the first than my Dad! He was more than willing and had so much fun with her!!:) Kaelyn sure loves her Grampa!!
I went to my appointment a little early, hoping to get in and out. Unfortunately that is not what happened...not a big surprise for a doctor's office, right?! I sat in the waiting room far too long, and on top of that, had to sit in the room quite a while too. As if that wasn't bad enough, my doctor then left me waiting so she could go and do some research on a prescription that she was going to give me for my migraines. I am nursing still and she needed to see which would be safe to take. I recently read that Epocrates came out with medical drug reference software for PDA's. This allows healthcare professionals to locate answers to their questions regarding drug dosing, healthcare coverage, side effects and more, quickly and easily! Boy would this have been nice during my appointment!! Over 500,000 healthcare professionals currently use the software, and that number continues to grow as they make it available for Blackberries and soon iPhone.
I thought this was a great technological advancement, and one more doctor's should take advantage of. Hopefully by the next time I go to the doctor, mine will have heard about this great option so my doctor visit can be half the time. I wish this would have been the case last time, for it would have been nice to spend more time with my Dad while he was there.
Lessons in Motherhood: 5
Posted by jennasue
Labels: Children, Home, Motherhood, Parenting
Every now and then I enjoy sharing the lessons that I am continuing to learn in motherhood. Being a new mom, everything is...well...new to me. There are so many things that I have learned and continue to learn each and every day. One thing, which may seem like a "duh" statement to some is the importance of making sure to always have the video camera and digital camera next to me at all time...and making sure that their fully charged as well!
When possible, I am always making sure to try and catch everything on film. This is something that I have wanted to do from the beginning, but as Kaelyn learns to do more and more, it seems even more necessary to have it by my side at all times! It seems that one minute Kaelyn will be on the floor playing with her toys....and in the blink of an eye she is off learning to do something new. Recently that "something" was getting up on her hands and knees. Scott and I knew that this time would come sooner than later, as Kaelyn is a very curious little girl...always wanting to discover the environment around her. She has been scooting around and moving every which way except for forwards for a couple of months now. Soon, she will be moving in that direction though....as getting up on her hands and knees is a very good indication that crawling will be next. It was so cute to watch her as she did this for the firs time. It took so much effort for her to get to that point, and once she did her little face shined and she looked so proud of herself. I'm sure it helped that Scott and I were cheering and clapping...saying "YYEEAAHH Kaelyn!!":) I suppose you could see we're very proud parents!! ;)
New Stroller
Posted by jennasue
A while back I commented on stroller rides. It's been something that Kaelyn and I have been doing a lot of recently now that the weather is so much nicer! She sure loves it. I had said how we were going to be looking for a lightweight stroller, something easier to push around than the one we had. Well...my parents are the sweetest, and they knew our need for a stroller like this...so they got us one down in Texas while they were on vacation! They're the best.:) The stroller is exactly what we were looking for, and has already been used more times than I can count. Kaelyn loves it too....so that's great! I foresee us using it many more times over the summer months.
Father's Day
Posted by jennasue
I like to think ahead for certain holidays, especially now that we have a baby and life is busier. Father's Day has been on my mind lately, because this year I will be looking to buy Scott something nice. I am not quite sure what to do for him. I've talked about possibly getting him something for his absolute favorite sport...golf! But then I was thinking that we have all of this work to do on our house and Scott would really like some DeWalt tools. He wants to learn how to do more and more projects around the house and having some nice tools would really make him happy. We'll have to see what I can find before June rolls around. I don't really know the first thing about tools...I may have to ask my Dad what he thinks.
Vacations
Posted by jennasue
Scott and I were recently talking, and we realized that it had been about two years since we've been on a vacation. Now that we have a family, we realize that this is something that would change and that's just fine. We're really looking forward to being able to go on vacations with our kids one day. We even talk about going and looking at North Padre Island rentals sometime just for fun. It would be a fun thing for Scott and I to do together when our kids get a little older. Who knows if we'll ever do it, but it's always fun to dream.
Golfing
Posted by jennasue
When I was younger I wasn't too big into golf. However, as I got older, it was something that my husband and I liked to do together. My entire family is getting involved in this sport...so that makes it even more fun!! Even though I like to golf, I have never gotten into making sure that I have all of the "golfer's clothes". My husband on the other hand has the gloves, the nice golf shoes, the shirts, etc. In fact, I think he'd like some new golf clothes for Father's Day. I'm thinking I may have to check out the market and see what there all is to choose from. I've never gone out shopping for that sort of thing before, so hopefully if this is what I do for him this year...I will be able to find something that he enjoys.
Allegro Medical
Posted by jennasue
After having Kaelyn, I am ready to start exercising again. I know I will be doing some walking outdoors and such, but I would still enjoy someway to exercise at home as well. In looking around, I came across Allegro Medical. They have been around for 12 years and serve over one million customers when it comes life enhancing products in the US. This not only includes the home fitness and exercise equipment I was looking for, but also nutritional dietary supplements, and maternity/baby supplies! These are all things that I would find useful! How about you?? I was excited to come across a site that offers over 55000 products. You should really check it out and see what you think. No matter what you're looking for, Allegro Medical will have it!
Investing Money
Posted by jennasue
Scott and I were just talking recently about the options out there for us to invest some money. We have your typical savings account and other small ways to invest our money...but we're looking to do something that will have greater benefits and a bigger return on what we put in. Something offering a higher interest rate would be great! I think we'll start looking around for something that suits us in the near future. It would be a great thing to get started now that we're just beginning our family.
Working From Home
Posted by jennasue
As I've posted many times, I am always on the lookout for new ways to make some money. I just think it's great that I'm able to stay home with my little girl...and make some money on the side without having to leave my home. I have found some very profitable opportunities....but continually seek out more. My sister-in-law is in college, and she too enjoys looking for ways to make money online when she's not in school and not working. She has actually started her own website where people can purchase an unlocked phone and other phone accessories. So far she says it's very easy and profitable for her. Starting it took some time, and that's the one thing I don't have much of....time! I may have to try it sometime though...it sounds like it would be great extra income.
Get paid to blog
Posted by jennasue
Being a stay at home mom, I always am looking for new ways to make money. They have to be easy ways, and things I enjoy doing. I have been working with the Smorty service for a while now and really like all that they have to offer! If you are like me, and would just like to earn a little extra cash each month...Smorty can help. They are a service that helps bring bloggers and advertisers together. As a blogger, I simply review sites or products and give my honest opinion, while supplying a link to the advertisers site. It's actually very easy and a lot of fun. Not only that, but I can do it on my own time...something important for any mom...and it helps me earn a little extra income. If you're interested in learning more about how to get paid to blog, blog advertising with Smorty might just be what you've been looking for. Check out their site today to learn more about how to advertise on blogs.
Safe BPA Free Baby Products
Posted by jennasue
As with many other moms out there, I am always trying to make sure that the products I use with Kaelyn are safe. This started before she was even born. While I was pregnant I was always careful with the things I ate or surrounded myself with. As a baby it was the same way. I wanted to be careful what I used on her skin, or the things I ate...as I was, and still am breastfeeding. Now, she's almost 6 months old...which means solid foods are coming right around the corner! With that in mind, I have been searching high and low for quality products that are BPA Free, as well as homemade baby food recipes and tips....the things that I feel are great ways to give her a healthy start when it comes to eating solid foods. Finding the actual products was my first priority. So far, I have had a lot of luck finding great products that are reasonably priced and are safe for her to use. The Nuby brand has a lot of safe options for parents who are looking like I was. This is the brand that I probably purchased the most from. Labels: Children, Health, Internet, Motherhood
Weight Loss Products
Posted by jennasue
Everywhere I turn, whether it be on signs, on the television, or something else...I see ads all over for different weight loss products. Some of them I see over and over, and others I hear about once and that's it. Recently I've been hearing a lot about Generic Acomplia. Anyone ever heard of it. It's a popular weight loss medicine out there right now that has an active ingredient called Rimonabant. I always enjoy learning more about these weight loss products, as being a stay at home mom...it's not always easy to get out of the house and exercise. As I researched this product, I went to their site and found it to be quite an interesting product. If you'd like to learn more about this product and how it can help you...check out their site for yourself. I found it to be very informative and wanted to pass it along. Labels: Health, Motherhood
Stroller Rides
Posted by jennasue
As the weather gets nicer, I continue to think about how much fun we will have with Kaelyn this summer. Even though Spring has been here for a while, the weather didn't start to get nice until just a couple of days ago. We're seeing temps in the 60's now...which is very pleasant! Once it warms up a bit more, we'll be able to take Kaelyn outdoors so she can enjoy her surroundings. I think one of the things I am most excited about for this summer, is being able to take her on a stroller ride. It will be so much fun....hopefully the time comes soon when we can go on walks in the afternoon and enjoy the outdoors! I suppose before I'm able to do this, I'll have to be sure and get her a nice stroller that's lightweight and easy to push. Labels: Children, Motherhood
Web Directories
Posted by jennasue
Most people who blog know how important it is to have your blogs listed with some sort of a directory. This is a great thing to do if you're looking to get your information out there so that others will be open to visiting your site. I know I've done this in the past, and am constantly looking for directories that I can add my blog to. In fact, recently I was browsing the net and came across a site that allows you to do just that! They are a business web free directory that is organized into categories. Basically, this site allows you to submit your blog to their directory under the different categories available. The great thing is that you don't have to wait weeks to be added. In fact, if you're blog meets the requirements set out by this site, you can actually be listed within 24 hours! I thought that was amazing. I don't think I've ever heard of great service before now!! Wouldn't you like to get your blog on a business web directory like this? If so, you should head over to their site and learn how you can do just that!! They're only a click away. So what are you waiting for. Check out their site and their requirements and see if this is something you'd like to do as well! Labels: Internet, Making Money
So Many Changes!
Posted by jennasue
Ever since Kaelyn was born, everyone has said how fast she would grow and change!! I always listened to what people had to say...but you don't truly understand it until you are living it. Now I know EXACTLY what everyone was talking about! In the past 5 months...Kaelyn has changed so much. She went from being a very sleepy newborn, to a baby who can roll all over, sit up, and one that coos all the time. She's so interactive, and learning to do new things each and every day! It's so fun watching her change and grow! What a blessing children are! Labels: Children
Web Design...why it's important!
Posted by jennasue
When I began blogging I didn't take it too seriously. I had blogs that were focused on many different subjects. Now however, I've learned that if you want readers to keep coming back to your blog, it must be inviting...both in appearance and content. It's good to keep focused on things that are relevant to your blog topics. In researching how to do this even more with my own blog, I came across stylishdesign.com. This is a great design blog all about web designing! They have other great stuff related to web design as well that was very informative and useful! If you'd like to check it out, head over to their site today. You'll find a lot of helpful information there.
Decorating My Office
Posted by jennasue
Scott and I recently finished some home improvements in our office. We wanted to make it a comfortable place where I could do my work, and where Scott could hang out with me while I'm doing it. I'm really pleased with the way it turned out. I have lots of fun decorating ideas for the walls, but have yet to actually put everything up. I got the clock up though, so that's a start anyways...right?!? I'm really excited, because I recently got some of those "wall words" that tattoo to the wall!! I'll have to take a picture once we get them all up...I think it will look really nice. Pictures to come... Labels: Home
An Everchanging World
Posted by jennasue
For some reason I got to thinking the other day about the first time I got on the internet. It's weird to think that the internet was something that came about in my lifetime. It's such a huge part of almost every person's life nowadays, and it's weird to think that not all that long ago we didn't even hardly use computers. I was in high school when my parents got their first computer. This is when I set up my very first e-mail address as well. I don't even know how we went to school all those years without having a computer or the internet. Things were so simple then. Now, as much as I try to keep current on the newest technological trends these days, it is very difficult. I hear terms like used cisco, Juniper and others and really am clueless as to what it all means. It's really weird to think about all of this and the huge changes and advancements that have been made over the years, and it's fun to think about what kinds of advancements will be made in my daughter's lifetime. Things are everchanging....it will be fun to see what kinds of things people out there come up with next.
A Healthy Start
Posted by jennasue
Now that Kaelyn is over 5 months old...the topic of solid foods has been on my mind. As I'm sure many mother's can attest, it is a huge milestone when a child beings to eat solid foods. I honestly cannot believe that she is almost to that point already...where has the time gone?? Since I am home with her everyday, I have found time here and there to do some research on the possibility of making her food instead of buying the commercial brands in the store. Not only will it save us money, which is always great, but I feel that it is also more healthy for her as well. Mom mom bought me a great book on this topic, and I am enjoying every thing that it has to say. Labels: Children, Health, Motherhood
Along with the topic of solid foods, also comes the question, what kinds of cups, bowls, utensils, etc should I buy? Some people may not think twice about this, but I have a hard time not researching this topic as well....as there are many toxic chemicals in most of the plastics we use today. I don't want my daughter being exposed to those kinds of things. The great thing is...that I found there are many alternative choices to the plastics containing BPA. There are so many different types of sippy cups, bowls, etc that are not only safe, but also just as affordable as any other dishware you'd buy in the store. I have not had the chance to order any of the things that I've been looking at yet, but I definitely plan on it. It's so great that there are other options out there...don't you think?!
One great site that I have gotten a wealth of information from on this topic is the Nature Mom's Blog. Wow...does she have a lot of helpful information...especially for first time mom's like myself who are looking for healthy alternatives to the food and products we give and use with our children. I have her linked to my blog and bookmarked on my computer, so I can be sure to always have a quick way of finding this wonderfully written and informative blog.
Spring Cleaning
Posted by jennasue
Most everyone gets in that cleaning mode at the beginning of Spring, right?! It's called Spring Cleaning, and I plan on doing a lot of that in the near future. Particularly in our closets. I was putting away laundry the other day and realized that we have way too many clothes! We buy new clothes, but don't get rid of our old clothes. This causes very full closets as you might imagine. We recently got something in our mailbox discussing a charity that is asking for clothing donations...what perfect timing!! I'm going to start going through our clothing and get rid of shirts, pants...maybe even some maternity clothes that I hardly ever wore while pregnant with Kaelyn. We'll see what I all come up with...but I'm pretty sure I can get those closets in better shape by the time I'm done. Labels: Home
Thankful For Our Home
Posted by jennasue
With all the work that Scott and I have been doing on our home, we find ourselves talking about home improvements a lot these days. We even talk about it as we drive by other homes that have qualities we like. The other day while we were driving we drove by a beautiful home near us that has giant fiberglass columns in front of their house....I think that's what they were made of anyways. It looked so pretty and fancy...but as we got to talking I decided that our house is just perfect the way it is. It doesn't have fancy pillars...but it's perfect for us. I love everything we've been doing as far as the home improvements are concerned, and I'm excited for the projects that we will do in the near future! There are just so many wonderful things one can do to improve the appearance of their home both inside and out...I guess pillars is one way to do that. Labels: Home
