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  • What I Learned From VEDA/Vlogust

    Last month, I decided to try my hands at doing VEDA (Vlog Everyday in August)/Vlogust.  As much as it would give me great joy to say that I did indeed vlog everyday last month, alas that is not the case.  However, my first attempt at VEDA/Vlogust was not in vain.  Here’s what I learned to help me improve as a vlogger and to be successful at VEDA/Vlogust next year.

    Build A Video Stockpile:

    Three days into VEDA/Vlogust, I noticed that it was taking forever for my videos to upload to YouTube.  That was mostly due to the fact that everybody and their mama and their grandmama does VEDA/Vlogust.  So, essentially there’s more than double the amount of videos being uploaded to YouTube than normal and that causes the uploader to slow down. 
    By Day 4, I was getting an error message saying my files were corrupted.  Eventually, I got my Day 4 video to upload.  Day 8, I hit a wall when after two days of trying to upload my Day 8 video it wouldn’t upload.  First, I kept getting the same error message about my files being corrupted.  Then, the video kept getting stuck in processing.  Later I heard from several more seasoned vloggers in my YouTube Mommy Meetup Facebook group that it’s best to a pre-film videos several days and even weeks in advance to schedule to post to YouTube.
    This way, you will have all the kinks worked out and back up videos already uploaded to YouTube that are ready to go in case you go through what I went through.  So, I’m already working on a list of general vlog prompts that I want to talk about next year and I’ll definitely get started filming in June and July 2015 and schedule them out for August.  Of course, I will still do a few same day vlogs here and there so that all my vlogs won’t be pre-filmed.

    Have A Reliable Computer:

    My poor little Dell Inspirion Mini is on it’s last leg.  Seriously, I have the charger taped in because the battery no longer charges or holds a charge.  Also, if you move the charger the wrong way the whole thing shuts down in the middle of whatever it is you’re doing.  This was so frustrating because I was in the process of uploading videos to YouTube that I couldn’t upload to my Windows Movie Maker and my computer cut off.
    The bad news doesn’t end there.  I had already erased them from my memory card!  Needless to say I quit VEDA/Vlogust all together on Day 12 after that happened.  What I should have done was used the Mr’s laptop or went to the library and used one of their desktops.  Don’t ask me why I didn’t do that.  I live and I learn.  But definitely make sure your computer is somewhat reliable or at the very least make sure you don’t have little kids crawling about who will accidentally yank out your charger with their feet.
    Also, I’ve been researching video editing apps for my phone because I’ve seen some pretty awesome vlogs shot using iPhones and Galaxys!

    Collaborate:

    Collaborations are a great way to bond with other vloggers.  Also, it’s a great way to grow your subscribers because your collaboration video will not only be posted on your channel, but your co-collaborator’s channel as well.  So, you’re getting double the exposure.  I do wish that I had reached out to some vloggers to maybe do a live Hangout or to a specific topic video.
    We would have filmed and edited clips and then we would have put the clips together to make one video and uploaded it to our channels.  I did get to do a live a Hangout for the YouTube Mommy Meetup Anniversary Celebration.   That was fun and it was nice getting my feet wet with that.  Since my computer was acting nuts, I hungout via my phone which was not difficult at all.  
    You just download the Google Hangout app and go.  I am currently in the process of making a list of vloggers that I would like to collab with in the future.  And no, all of them are not moms.

    Variety Is Key:

    So, I don’t do daily vlogs because I’m not ready to put my kids on YouTube.  The YouTube crowd can be pretty rough and brutal.  I get very defensive when people talk about my kids.  I don’t have time to be going She-Hulk crazy on some cyber bully because they came up out their keyboard wrong about my kids.  Talk about me all you want because I can handle that.
    However, I do realize that I need to add a little variety to my videos.  I tried to do that by switching up where I vlog from.  For my shopping haul and beauty videos, I usually film in the bathroom because it makes sense.  For other videos, I’m filming in front of the pantry in my kitchen because I love the lighting in there.  Also, it has glossy white paint on the walls which helps the light to bounce better.  
    I would film in the bedroom, but there isn’t any ceiling light and our lamps aren’t bright enough.  Plus, the wall paint has a matte finish and doesn’t reflect the light as well.  I have the same problem for the dining room.  I have been looking at lighting kits though and trying to film during the day (I currently film only at night) to give me more flexibility with my filming locations.  
    Also, I’ll be trying to film when I’m out and about.  Tons of vloggers film when their shopping trips or even film from their cars or outside.  I’m toying with the idea of doing random street interviews.  Those might be rare at the moment since I’ll have to do those on a day the Mr is off.

    Promote, Promote & Promote Again:

    I suck at self-promotion.  I can promote the heck out of others, but I tend to feel selfish when I promote myself or my work on social media.  Coming off as self-obsessed is a big fear for me because it can turn people off to you.  However, if I don’t promote more, I’ll never be able to turn people on to me and work.
    My goal for the rest of this year is make sure that I promote all of my work, especially my vlogs on a daily basis.  
    Although, I failed at VEDA/Vlogust this year, I still had fun and enjoyed the overall experience.  I learned a ton, gained some vlogger friends and subscribers and came out of my introvert shell a little bit more.  Be sure to check out my YouTube channel.  I’m still vlogging and today I finally got that dang Day 8 video to upload!  Better late than never, right?
    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyK81xrGt8c]
    What kind vlog videos or topics would you enjoy seeing on my channel in the future?

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  • Thankful Thursday

    On this day 13 years ago, life as we knew it in America changed forever.  Let us not forget all of those who lost their lives on September 11th.  Also, let us not forget those men and women in the military and their families whose lives were also changed forever because of the events of this day 13 years ago.  I’ll always remember the sense of panic and anxiety I felt sitting in my high school classroom as we watched the news coverage in horror and shock.
    All could think about were my family members who worked near and in the World Trade Center as well as the Pentagon.  Our family was lucky that day and no one was physically hurt.  However, for them I’m pretty sure just the thought that they could have been among those who weren’t as fortunate to make it out alive still haunts them.  As one of my cousins told me, you just don’t get over an experience like that once you’ve lived it.
    This week, I’m giving thanks to God for having watched over my loved ones on this day and allowing them to be here with us to share their story.  That was yet another moment that proved just how precious and fleeting life is.  I’m thankful today for all the men and women in our armed forces who wake up daily and go to bat for us as a nation.  I’ve said it once and I’ll it again, your bravery for putting your life on the line for millions of strangers leaves me in awe!
    I also want to give thanks that this week I have had the opportunity to be a friend and pillar of support for one of my loved ones as they go through a really difficult time.  As much as my heart broke and still breaks for what my family member is going through, I’ve been able to find my own personal comfort in knowing that this experience has strengthened our bond.  I thank God for giving me the right words to say because I was truly at a loss for them.
    Things are still going well with Moo and school and I am grateful for that.  We did have a bit of a dilemma with pick-up, but again God came through and it’s been worked out.  I’m grateful for all of the new opportunities that are steadily coming my way and the strength to turn down the ones that aren’t the right fit.  It’s easy to let money influence us to make a not so wise partnership.
    Lastly, I’m thankful for this lovely and much cooler pre-Fall weather that we have been having this week.  While I’ve enjoyed days warm enough to take a dip in the pool, there’s just something about Fall that makes me feel all warm and cozy.  Plus, I’m anxious to light up our fireplace for the first time now that we have one again.  I foresee lots of indoor marshmallow roasting with the kids.
    What are you giving thanks for this week?
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  • Skintimate Happy Legs

    Disclosure: I received a sample from Crowdtap to facilitate this review.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.
    When it comes to legs, smooth is the way to go.  Over the last couple of years I have tried various methods of hair removal and shaving it what works best for me.  So, I was pretty stoked when I heard that I had been handpicked to try out the Skintimate Mandarin Burst Shave Gel.  Who doesn’t love trying out beauty products?

    What I Like

    I love products that smell good and this Mandarin Burst smells AMAZING!  Like seriously, why can’t all hair removal products smell this great.  I’ve tried some that have literally had such a pungent odor that it brought tears to my eyes.  Needless to say I didn’t use them ever again.
    Another thing that I like about this product is that it contains 6 moisturizers including Vitamin E and Olive Butter to help keep your skin hydrated during and after shaving.  Hydration is very important, especially if you want to avoid painful razor burns.
    The lather is so rich.  It goes on clear and as you rub it in it turns white.  A little bit goes a long way, too.  And I definitely love that because that means it will last longer.
    Overall, I have no complaints about the new Skintimate Mandarin Burst Shave Gel.  If you haven’t tried it, go out and pick up a can to try it for yourself!
    What do you look for in a hair removal product?

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  • THE BOXTROLLS Cardboard Challenge

    What combines family, fun, recycled materials and loads of imagination?  THE BOXTROLLS Cardboard Challenge!  This Sunday, Septemeber 14th, THE BOXTROLLS have partnered with the Imagination Foundation to host this event for children of all ages to come out and make any creation of their choosing using cardboard, recycled materials (i.e.- paper, cans, etc) and of course, their imagination.  The event will be held from 1-3 PM at Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find located at 1957 E. 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204.
    There will be fun prizes from THE BOXTROLLS for participants as well as an opportunity to enter to win a “What’s in the Box” Prize Pack that includes an Xbox One!  You can also share your child’s creation via Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #TheBoxtrollsCC for a chance to win the “Imagination Box,” the national prize that includes an Apple iMac, an iPad Air and plenty of other cool prizes.
    The iMac alone is worth entering if you ask me.  I can almost see myself crafting blog posts on that baby now.  The best part is that this event is FREE to the public.  So, if you’re in Charlotte or a surrounding area, come out and have some fun with the kiddies.

    Not in the Charlotte or a surrounding area?  No worries.  Check out the Rafflecopter widget below to enter to win my THE BOXTROLLS Back-to-School Prize Pack.   The prize pack will include a THE BOXTROLLS backpack, puzzle, pencil case, lunch box, pen and button.  So, go enter!
    Don’t forget to check out the movie, THE BOXTROLLS, when it hits theaters on September 26th!
    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2dFVnp5K0o]

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  • Cleopatra’s Choice: Keeping Skin Hydrated And Nourished

    When it comes to beauty and personal care products, I have really started being more careful about what I use on my skin as well as the kids.  There are just too many harsh and artificial chemicals that can end up being more harmful than good over time.  Whenever possible I like to use products that are made from or with natural ingredients to help minimize our exposure to those products.  That’s why I decided to give try out Cleopatra’s Choice 100% Pure African Shea Butter.
    I’m no stranger to shea butter.  My mom would travel to a flea market in a neighboring city to purchase pure shea butter from a woman who made all kinds of products using only natural ingredients.  Eventually, though she moved and it became harder for my mom to find pure shea butter.  
    Well, I decided to take a two challenge shea butter challenge.  So, for the past two weeks I’ve ditched my usual lotions and creams and have been just moisturizing and keeping my skin hydrated with the shea butter from Cleopatra’s Choice.  I have to admit that I’m happy I took this two week challenge because I definitely noticed a difference in my skin.  
    What I Liked
    What I like most is that my skin feels so incredibly soft now.  It was soft before, but this is a better level of softness in my opinion.  I even got compliments from the Mr about how much softer my skin felt. Also, I like that it’s long lasting and therefore, my skin stays hydrated longer.  That is a definitely a plus because as I have mentioned on here before, I have super dry skin!
    It absorbs well.  I’m not a fan of products that just sit on the surface of the skin.  They get all gunky, sticky and … just nope.  Ain’t nobody got time for that.  I didn’t feel like my pores were getting clogged or weighed down.
    And I like that Cleapatra’s Choice has Vitamins A and E, both of which I have heard are not only great for keeping skin nourished, but also for treating skin discolorations.  I know some women of color who swore by shea butter to help battle stretch marks be it from pregnancy or just regular body changes.  This is perfect because I do suffer from adult acne that leaves me with dark spots sometimes.
    I’ve used my shea butter as a lip balm, too.  Hello kissable lips.  I’d also recommend Cleopatra’s Choice for your rough heels as well.  Do your regular at home pedicure and then put on some of this and a pair of socks and you’ll be good to go.  Shea butter also can be used to help with minor burns and eczema. 
    I’m not a fan of the smell of shea butter, but you can always mix a little bit with some essential oils as needed to obtain the fragrance you want.  Overall, I was and still am very satisfied with my Cleopatra’s Choice 100% Pure African Shea Butter and the results I’ve been getting.
    Do you use any all natural products on your skin or hair?  Do you have a DIY beauty product recipe using shea butter?  Share it below because I’m on the hunt for some.
    I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
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  • Thankful Thursday

    It’s a rainy Thankful Thursday here in the Queen City.  It’s been pouring buckets on and off since last night.   Today definitely feels more like fall instead of summer, but I’m not complaining because the cooler temps are certainly welcomed.  I’m beyond ready to fire up the fireplace. 
    See how the leaves are already starting to change color?
    This week I’m most thankful that despite a rough first week of school, this week is been much better and Moo actually told me that she loves school!  She’s made a few friends already and comes home excited to talk about everything she’s learned.  So, far she’s enjoying homework.  Hopefully, that will last until the end of the school year.
    That is the smile of a kid who loves going to school!
    I’m also thankful that this past weekend, we got to hang with my mom, my niece and my baby sister!  The weather was great and the kids had fun seeing each other.  I’m thankful that I did get to squeeze in some vlogging time.  I feel like I’m getting better at it.  It’s not nearly as awkward as it was in the beginning talking to a camera.
    While my family was visiting, Moo caught some cold germs and passed them along to JJ and I.  Thankfully, though she and JJ are already on the road to feeling better.  Me?  Not so much.  Last night was rough and today has been slightly rougher considering I only got maybe 3 hours sleep.  Tomorrow is a new day and I’m hoping that I will feel a million times better.
    I’m very thankful that JJ is becoming quite the talker.  He’s steadily improving with regards to his verbal skills and is now saying a lot more words compared to this time last year.  He will now answer yes or no to questions.  There are no words really to express the joy that we as a family feel for his progress.  His therapist was amazed this week at all the new words he’s picking up.
    He and Thomas the Train are inseparable. 
    I just want to say thank  you to everyone who continues to keep my little guy in prayer for continued growth and progress.  Thank you to everyone who’s always there to offer a kind word and/or share your story with me.  I greatly appreciate it.
    Last but not least thank you to everyone who has helped YUMMommy reach over 700 likes on Facebook!
    What’s on your Thankful Thursday list? 
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  • What It Do September?

    What it do September?  What it do?  I can hardly believe that we’re just a mere 22 days out from the first day of Fall!  Summer it’s been nice chilaxin’ with you, but I’m ready for cooler weather and to be able to light my fireplace.  In a little over 120 days this year will be coming to close.  Where has the time gone?
    Regardless, of how much time we have left in 2014, I am committed to making the most of it by knocking out some more goals.  My goals for the month of September are:
    1 – Be Extra Active At Moo’s School:  After what happened on her first day of school and then the whole #JusticeForAvaLynn bullying incident (Google it), I will be making extra appearances at Moo’s school just to make sure that everything is going as it should.  While Moo’s first week ended on a high note and she’s been talking about school nonstop this entire Labor Day weekend, I still want to see with my own eyes what’s going on in her classroom and how her teacher interacts with students.  Also, I’ll be putting my bid in for a few leadership roles. 
    2 – Be More Active On My Author/Writing Blog:  Did you know I have a second blog?  Well, I do and I have been neglecting it badly.  My goal for this month is to post a few book reviews, author interviews, and teasers for my novel, Forever Branded.  I’m even thinking about hosting a cover reveal this month.  Now, that I have a little bit more down time during the day, I’m going to use that extra time to finish my books as well as really focus and work on building K. Elizabeth the author as a brand.
    3 – Get Back On My Couponing Game:  I fell off my couponing wagon and it shows.  I’ve blown the dust off my couponing notebook (probably need to buy a new one) and I’m ready to start building the stockpile.   Nothing crazy because we do live in an apartment, but just enough that I’m not making multiple trips to the stores every week.  Plus, since we’re back house hunting, every penny we can save will go into increasing our down payment fund or towards our fund for miscellaneous expenses.
    4 – Blog More Here:  I sucked at blogging here on YUMMommy last month.  There’s no other way to put it.  Overall, I haven’t been blogging much this entire year.  That’s crazy because I have notebooks with posts that I wrote out but never got around to typing and actually publishing on here.  I’m determined to finish this year out on a high note though.
    5 – Vlog More:  I didn’t complete VEDA/Vlogust due to issues my computer and having a hard time getting my video files to upload to YouTube, but I’m going to be getting a new laptop as well as a desktop soon.  So, be on the lookout for some new vlogs on my channel.  I’d also like to do some Live Google Hangouts.  Maybe, something kind of hot topics style.  I’m also going to be getting active in the BookTube community for my author/wirting channel which I should have up and running pretty soon.
    6 – Write My PenPal Twice:  In case you missed it from my Thankful Thursday post the week before last, I have a penpal now!  I love letter writing and can’t wait to ship off my first letter.  Then, I’ll write her again the end of the month because I will have received her first letter to me and I’m sure it’ll have some questions in it.  Anyways, I’m looking forward to bonding with her.
    7 – Exercise:  My family came up to visit Saturday and I was so excited when my baby sister noticed that I’d lost weight!  My workouts and watching my eating are paying off.  I’m back to being able to shop for tops in the kids section.  Judge me if you want to, but I could care less.  They make the cutest and most colorful tops for kids for a fraction of the price of the adult version.  Just this past Saturday, I picked up a cute neon pink tank with sequins for $2.50 at Target from the kids’ section.  Similar tank in the adults’ section was on clearance was $2 more.
    8 – Do One DIY/Craft Project:  I already have a craft project in mind and just need to pick up two more supplies and then I’ll be ready to get started on my project!  I’m hoping it will come out great.  Either way, I’ll be posting it here on the blog most likely the end of next week.
    What are you goals for this month?  Hope you had a wonderful Labor Day weekend!
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  • WORLDFOODS: Exploring The World Through Food

    Disclosure: This post is sponsored by the Moms Meet program, May Media Group LLC, who received this product directly from the manufacturer.  As a Moms Meet blogger, I agreed to sample this product and post my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are 100% my own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of this product!
    What’s almost better than exploring the world?  Exploring the world through food, of course!  For the last month and a half, our family has been exploring the world through food thanks to WORLDFOODS.  Being a household where three out four of us battles food allergies, it is quite challenging to explore foreign cuisines.  Or least it was challenging until we were introduced the WORLDFOODS cooking sauces and marinades. 

    What We Got

    • Indian Tandoori Marinade & Stir-fry:  This was everybody’s favorite of the four sauces we received.  It was spicy, but not hot and also had a hint of sweetness.  I definitely consider the Tandoori to be an all-purpose sauce.  We used it to marinate chicken breast for roasting and I even tried some as a dipping sauce for my french fries.
    • Malaysian Rendang Curry Cooking Sauce:  The Rendang reminded me of a cross between an herbal rub and a gravy.  I referred to it as a meat gravy.  It’s very rich in flavor and perfect for smothering meats in.  This sauce smells absolutely divine as it cooks.  The herbs give off a great aroma.  My husband really enjoyed this one.
    • Thai Green Curry Cooking Sauce:  We had never tried green curry before using the Thai Green Curry Cooking Sauce from WORLDFOODS.  In my mind, I was expecting it to be more on the spicy side but was pleasantly surprised by the sweetness.  This sauce pairs well with chicken and rice.
    • Thai Turmeric Lemon Grass Marinade & Stir-fry: While the kids and the Mr weren’t fans of this one, I was.  I tried this sauce as both a marinade and for a stir-fry.  It works well as either and goes great with chicken or turkey.  I loved the burst of lemon grass flavor that you get right before the spiciness hits.
    • Recipe Notebook:  I love that I have a place to keep all the recipes I created in one place.  It’s small enough to put in my wallet for grocery store runs.

    What We Loved 

    First and foremost, we loved that all these products were allergen and gluten free!  No dairy, no nuts, no wheat, etc.  Also, WORLDFOODS products don’t have any added oils, trans fat or preservatives.  No need to worry about artificial ingredients or food flavor enhancers because they use 100% all natural ingredients.
    I loved that all of the sauces cooked well whether I was cooking it on the stove top or using it as a marinate to roast my meats.  The flavors were delicious and not bland at all.  You could really taste the spices and subtle hints of other main ingredients.  They weren’t overpowering.
    I loved that each sauce could be used for multiple purposes.  Having the flexibility to create a variety of dishes is very important for me since I cook on a daily basis.  I was able to switch up dishes, but still have those great flavors that we loved.
    With over 65 sauces, dips and marinades, I’m excited to try the remaining 61!  We’ve experienced flavors from Thailand, Malaysia and India, but are excited to try out some of WORLDFOODS Indonesian, Cambodian and Chinese inspired products.  Thankfully, several of our local stores offer WORLDFOODS products, but even if they didn’t the quality is worth ordering online and paying shipping.  
    You can check here to see if there are any stores in your area that sell WORLDFOODS products.  While you’re online be sure to pick this $1 off coupon so that you can save a little money, too!  You can also ‘Like’ them on Facebook to stay up to date on sales, new offerings and more.
    Do you cook foreign foods or using foreign ingredients in your meals?

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  • Thankful Thursday: Back To School Edition

    Welcome to the back to school edition of Thankful Thursday.  Yesterday was Moo’s first day of kindergarten and school period.  We both a bit of anxiety about this day, but for the most part I think overall I was more excited than anything else before her first day.  Moo was more on the nervous end.  Her biggest concern was that she wasn’t going to be as smart as the other kids, but a reassured her that she was.
    Her school doesn’t started until after 9 o’clock.  I’m thankful for that because that means that we get to sleep in an extra hour and thirty minutes compared to other kids in our district.  One my friends has to be up before 6 AM to get her kid ready and out the door to catch the bus at 6: 30!  I’m also thankful that her school is literally two minutes from our place.  So, we could still make it to school on time if we oversleep a little bit past our alarm, but I’ve set two alarms just in case.

    Moo’s first day of school did NOT go well.  I’ll post more about that this weekend.  I did take to my personal Facebook page to express my frustration over the situation that went down.  I’m glad that I did because it just proved what an awesome group of family and friends that we have.  I’m thankful for all the texts, comments and private messages I got.  Some with encouragement, others sharing their stories of how they had to deal with their children getting bullied as well.

    I’m thankful that I have people I trust to reach out to for advice.  One of my best friends actually sent me the link to a great site called brainPop Jr.  It’s a learning site and they have lessons on bullying.  I was grateful for that because I really want to ease Moo’s mind about going back to school.  She didn’t have school today and is terrified about going back tomorrow.

    Moo has such a loving and compassionate nature and spirit.  My biggest fear is that too many negative experiences at this school is going to fracture that.  I know some parents are all about raising kids who are “hard” and rough around the edges, but I’m not.  Moo can handle a little teasing, because I’ve seen it happen with on playdates.  She knows how to properly standup for herself.
    However, yesterday’s event was past a little teasing.  I’m trusting my gut feeling and have made to decision to be extra active and visible at her school.  I don’t play about my kids and am very disappointed with how the situation was handled.  We’re determined that her first year of school will be a great one, even if that means having to unenroll her and place her somewhere else.  This is still the early stages, so we won’t jump the gun.  The next 30 days though will determine whether or not she will continue at this current school or not.
    Back to the positive, Moo did tell me that while none of the girls in her class would play with her, she was able to make three new friends from another class!  That’s a plus.  She also brought home the first of many artworks that I can’t wait to put up everywhere!  Yes, I’m that Mom.  We’re going scrapbook shopping so that when we switch them out, we can have a place to save her old drawings.
    In non-back to school news, I got a penpal!  Yes, I’m nerdy like that.  I love letter writing and meeting new people.  We’ve already started corresponding via email and we have tons of stuff in common.  There’ll be a full post on that coming next week too.
    What are you giving thanks for this week?  How was your kids’ first day of school? 

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  • Thankful Thursday

    Happy Thursday!  OMG, my computer has been on the fritz today.  I’m trying to hold off until at least Christmas to buy a new one, but I don’t know if I can wait that long.  It runs at snail space, the battery doesn’t hold a charge anymore and then it just restarts itself at the weirdest times.  Pray that we make it until Christmas!
    This week I’m thankful that school is starting soon.  Next week to be exact.  I’m so anxious and excited to chaperon field trips, make holiday treats and all the stuff that moms do when their children are in school.  The Mr is having second thoughts about JJ going to preschool.  He feels like JJ’s not ready for that big of a step yet and worried about what introducing such a big change will do to his progress.  We’ll see how it goes though.
    I’m thankful that yesterday, I got the chance to co-host on my first live Google Hangout with some awesome moms from the YouTube Mommy Meetup group!  Of course, I had a few technical difficulties, but it worked out well.  I’m really enjoying YTMM community and the family-like feel.
    I’m thankful that we’ve starting the house hunting process.  I know you’re like wait, you guys just moved, but buying the right house takes time.  I have a wishlist that has some items that just aren’t negotiable like garage, fenced in backyard, fireplace and an amazing kitchen.  When you’re spending thousands upon thousands of dollars on something, you should make sure that you get what you want.  So, we want to take our time and really look at what’s on the market and maybe even look into building a home.
    Prayers are gratefully appreciated because we’ve been through home-buying before and it was stressful.  We lost my dream house to a higher bidder and I was crushed.  This time around, I will try hard not to get too attached.
    What are you giving thanks for this week?
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