tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27794226359468386192024-02-01T21:42:43.293-08:00Cheaper by the Dozen and Get One FreeSix plus Five equals Eleven plus Two... Thirteen our lucky number! Jim and Ann had Six while going through Medical School and think Greys Anatomy Plus Eleven (Residency and adopting 5 siblings from Foster Care)
Surviving on a Shoestring... Grateful for Today and Our Many Blessings.Annystribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07244800246409157346noreply@blogger.comBlogger682125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2779422635946838619.post-77841674804056378632016-01-02T20:16:00.000-08:002016-01-02T20:16:11.436-08:00Day 2 of Reaching our 2016 Goals.Today was the first day of making meals out of the freezer and the cupboards. We are only buying things we are completely out of.<br />
<br />
Spending: Kwik Trip $1.75 for Mackie's bananas and took back our FREE Redbox movie to avoid paying for it.<br />
<br />
Savings: Doc got ahold of his cell phone provider, cancelled a line we did not use, got more data, signed up for his work sponsored cell phone discount and managed to save $70.00 a month.<br />
<br />
I downloaded some financial household management forms and we paid bills and got all our information to them. We are on our way!<br />
<br />
<br />Annystribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07244800246409157346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2779422635946838619.post-935489908081595722016-01-01T13:48:00.002-08:002016-01-01T15:03:13.331-08:00Back to Frugal <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBb5BJnh6_6vVJ5FYrS_A9BcoPbWrmOwSZlk_LT4dQXTeVwdnbrBQ1aOf-L7ce8jZSqSxLE3iaJfmLPWAvBU4yXpTG7jwuaj6y_pF8o7g6KkZ2ZM-xVAQlXGw3ELBtDdnu3mIPDA5lxA/s1600/IMG_6494_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBb5BJnh6_6vVJ5FYrS_A9BcoPbWrmOwSZlk_LT4dQXTeVwdnbrBQ1aOf-L7ce8jZSqSxLE3iaJfmLPWAvBU4yXpTG7jwuaj6y_pF8o7g6KkZ2ZM-xVAQlXGw3ELBtDdnu3mIPDA5lxA/s320/IMG_6494_2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
My New Years Resolution is to get back to my frugal roots. I am Ann and I like to shop, I have enough. The years without has caused me to spoil my children, grandchildren in ways we couldn't before. I need to get organized after 4 years of Mackie watching every minute. We have two financial goals, to pull together a substantial downpayment on a Lakehome for our use now and to retire in 10 years and to save money all the while paying down our debts.<br />
<br />
Back to blogging and with it, holding myself accountable!<br />
<br />
We are pre qualified for a mortgage on a second home. With Kristy and Chris up at the lake and Nathan and Stacey spending so much time at her parents lake cabin, it made us think that we needed a place away from work for the Doc. A place to spend time with family and extended family. Time is moving forward and spending time with family and peacefulness is what is most important. Besides saving for our retirement home and putting it into savings doesn't bring much to the table. But by buying now, and we can have the tax deductions of the interest, taxes etc. which will save on our huge yearly tax bills. So Uncle Sam helps subsidize our earnings and we can work on paying it off in the meantime.<br />
<br />
With a good chunk of change and finding out that we need twice that, I am in huge savings mode.<br />
I think I can do it. But going cold turkey and not allowing for anything I know is not feasible. So couponing and coupling it with deals and freebies will give me a challenge.<br />
<br />
But it will require willpower, and I have been really good at spending money.<br />
<br />
Day 1: <a href="http://www.redbox.com/">Free BluRay Video Rental at redbox.com</a> by using code: NEWYEAR. Savings $1.50<br />
<br />
Used my Kohls cash $110 plus my Kohls MVC rewards $70 and bought new sheets, new cool comfort pillows. Paid $14.69 savings: $375.00 off retail after Kohls Cash and Kohls MVC Rewards. Ebates: a mere $.30 but every penny adds up. My Christmas shopping at Kohls has paid off and put to good use with a need. The Master Bedroom bottom sheet got a big tear. The old set will hit the trash and the thrift shop. My pillows need replacing. The new in and the old out!<br />
<br />
Paid $6.99 for a <a href="http://www.pixiefaire.com/">downloadable pattern and one FREE pattern at Pixie Faire.com </a> I have fabric on hand and plan to sew this month. Someone's birthday is coming up in February. Pixie Faire offers a FREE pattern download on Fridays. Savings $5.99<br />
<br />
Total spent today: $21.68 Savings $382.49. Rebate from Ebates: $.30<br />
<br />
Looked at the blogs and found a few stock-up deals which we will pick up this weekend.<br />
<br />
So far so good...<br />
<br />
Now to just make savings and using what we have and only getting what we need to make our dream come true.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2779422635946838619%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D93548990808159572%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-nOVRXoDtQIQ%2FVob2wIqReDI%2FAAAAAAAADXw%2F0jUfStWheIg%2Fs320%2FIMG_6494_2.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=qYymx7zUcC0c&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 233px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2779422635946838619%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D93548990808159572%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-nOVRXoDtQIQ%2FVob2wIqReDI%2FAAAAAAAADXw%2F0jUfStWheIg%2Fs320%2FIMG_6494_2.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=qYymx7zUcC0c&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 233px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2779422635946838619%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D93548990808159572%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-nOVRXoDtQIQ%2FVob2wIqReDI%2FAAAAAAAADXw%2F0jUfStWheIg%2Fs320%2FIMG_6494_2.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=qYymx7zUcC0c&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 233px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2779422635946838619%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D93548990808159572%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-nOVRXoDtQIQ%2FVob2wIqReDI%2FAAAAAAAADXw%2F0jUfStWheIg%2Fs320%2FIMG_6494_2.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=qYymx7zUcC0c&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 233px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2779422635946838619" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2779422635946838619" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Annystribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07244800246409157346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2779422635946838619.post-59249123013132700552013-12-22T12:00:00.000-08:002013-12-22T12:00:05.907-08:00The Most Amazing Gluten-free Waffles Ever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Udqm-GgHsw1PGIrNkak79RPRzX8XwxiO3PqA_AiO7p0bPbQAUm7GtmkWTdTOibNB5kStyp3KqqQfKonYFntBoGWKdHNwP2mH24P2Zy9OtdQ7nUVtkZWvSaZE22auL_MiSISyIFBbxg/s1600/waffles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Udqm-GgHsw1PGIrNkak79RPRzX8XwxiO3PqA_AiO7p0bPbQAUm7GtmkWTdTOibNB5kStyp3KqqQfKonYFntBoGWKdHNwP2mH24P2Zy9OtdQ7nUVtkZWvSaZE22auL_MiSISyIFBbxg/s320/waffles.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
My daughter Kristy created the most amazing waffle recipe ever. It has been been served at a breakfast brunches and parties to gluten eaters with rave compliments. I have made this over and over again and it is a staple at our house every weekend. <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With so many friends and acquaintances who eat Gluten-free and new gluten-sensitive converts, I needed to get to it to a place for easy future reference. We like them so well, we double the recipe.</div>
<br />
<br />
Kristina Howe's Gluten-free Waffles<br />
<br />
<li>1/4 cup (1/2) stick Butter, melted </li>
<li>3/4 cup Sour Cream</li>
<li>1/4 cup Vanilla Yogurt</li>
<li>1/2 cup Sugar</li>
<li>5 Eggs</li>
<li>1 cup gluten-free flour mix (We all use Pamela's which contains rising agents)</li>
<li>1 teaspoon Vanilla</li>
<li>Dash of Salt</li>
<br />
Cream the butter, sour cream, yogurt, eggs, vanilla and sugar together. Add the flour and start making waffles! <br /><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
To make them low fat, add no fat sour cream and I have been known to use half butter/half Coconut Oil. To go sugar free add Agave or a sugar substitute.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-_-EdRqKg8RavHx1Dw3T6zgd9apxvgo-MM397LEs7hadBJFlCoFllNJgunE7HqtBdb8v_p836rpfpW4xL18Dkzj36W6t9MI0jJRtuKUK6gVH3mdbemj2lxaI1OBquQ7QqnQhLXcjCg/s1600/waffle+mix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-_-EdRqKg8RavHx1Dw3T6zgd9apxvgo-MM397LEs7hadBJFlCoFllNJgunE7HqtBdb8v_p836rpfpW4xL18Dkzj36W6t9MI0jJRtuKUK6gVH3mdbemj2lxaI1OBquQ7QqnQhLXcjCg/s320/waffle+mix.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Pamela's Pancake and Waffle Mix. I also use the Banana Bread recipe from the package and<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pamelas-Ultimate-Baking-Pancake-4-Pound/dp/B000NMJWZO/ref=sr_1_1?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1387741532&sr=1-1&keywords=pamela%27s+baking+and+pancake+mix"> buy it in bulk from Amazon.com. </a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnUUKHJ6jqV67VA2lflKRby94gOAWkP3lDf5xuXs4awsZOYOlzvNXmH22F5EgUWWGu6lg6_tEFA6J-hC68m4aEzNlab-E-QTx1nESf7fdXNkkLXzMYA_v4kypYoOJFUNzj6f51v6Eyw/s1600/kristy+profile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnUUKHJ6jqV67VA2lflKRby94gOAWkP3lDf5xuXs4awsZOYOlzvNXmH22F5EgUWWGu6lg6_tEFA6J-hC68m4aEzNlab-E-QTx1nESf7fdXNkkLXzMYA_v4kypYoOJFUNzj6f51v6Eyw/s1600/kristy+profile.jpg" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thank you Kristy for creating the most amazing Gluten-free waffles ever. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These are amazing just remember they are very rich and you will struggle to eat an entire waffle.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br /><br />
<br />Annystribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07244800246409157346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2779422635946838619.post-80012817087869521902013-05-18T12:14:00.000-07:002013-05-18T12:14:11.914-07:00Gluten-free Pasta Shapes for Kids--Tinkyada Brown Rice Pasta Little Dreams (5 Star rating in our house)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45LkOwVLyDGYdKX9suETsTF1TyqTcRCR8s51r6ZmHHipV2b-ELghBxWYrtCM4z5ILr1wIyEf1PysWUw7jimkGzz6zHkcCJ7gdW1GvimPsGlTR4E6zKo8n4B8gbL-oniZEQTRLq9TWog/s1600/Tinkayada+pasta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45LkOwVLyDGYdKX9suETsTF1TyqTcRCR8s51r6ZmHHipV2b-ELghBxWYrtCM4z5ILr1wIyEf1PysWUw7jimkGzz6zHkcCJ7gdW1GvimPsGlTR4E6zKo8n4B8gbL-oniZEQTRLq9TWog/s320/Tinkayada+pasta.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="userContent">With a feeding challenge toddler in the house,
we are now into new territory. Gluten-free Shapes for our pasta in
casseroles. Actually I was surprised at how well the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tinkyada-Little-Dreams-14-Ounce-Packages/dp/B000FK63RY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1368903951&sr=8-1&keywords=tinkyada+brown+rice+pasta+shapes">Tinkayada Little Dreams Pasta</a> turned out, even with me leaving it for extra time.<br /> <br /> The shapes of trains, cars, trucks, bears etc. stayed better than any regular pasta I have seen and gluten-free pasta can be a challenge. But Tinkyada is my preference with gluten-free pasta buying. I would highly recommend it f<span class="text_exposed_show">or wee ones who are eating gluten-free.</span></span>Annystribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07244800246409157346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2779422635946838619.post-91742171414273015182013-02-09T12:53:00.000-08:002013-02-09T12:53:23.418-08:00Gluten-free Lunch Ideas: Tuna Melts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSaNnCsjwVHkq-WwdL4KzLvpLnJgyvXjqRWfMATP6YgDRegxFmqjoWStp2p1OhbbWtMqHW3anEd4a48uf9cWxcpolbBeLpZDDAHf8eb3INiz81hX-DqNLUsAlc22OpS0av9RCp0R__uw/s1600/Gluten-free+foods+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSaNnCsjwVHkq-WwdL4KzLvpLnJgyvXjqRWfMATP6YgDRegxFmqjoWStp2p1OhbbWtMqHW3anEd4a48uf9cWxcpolbBeLpZDDAHf8eb3INiz81hX-DqNLUsAlc22OpS0av9RCp0R__uw/s320/Gluten-free+foods+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />A lunch favorite and inexpensive fast meal at our house are Gluten-free Tuna Melts.<br /><br />Easy recipe:<br />
<br />
Can of Tuna<br />
Chopped fresh onion<br />
2 Tablespoons of Dill Relish or Chopped up Dill Pickles<br />
4 or 5 Tablespoons of Gluten-free Salad Dressing<br />
Your favorite shredded Cheese<br /><br />Mix ingredients together. Spread on top of Slices of Udi's Sandwich Bread or your favorite Gluten-free bread. I love using older dried out bread instead of throwing it out.<br /><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD9Erat33dMBN_mOtaL04tCx3F_tlyAktJFeMnfztM61h9uLAzKsLwveToT2UmG3xZz9Vfx0VPVHlCDbCiPni74wgr7qJHjkoSrv2IUKOuvIMpAIUh3M0I5dNK1bTGmvXWUE15_zNA9w/s1600/Gluten-free+foods+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD9Erat33dMBN_mOtaL04tCx3F_tlyAktJFeMnfztM61h9uLAzKsLwveToT2UmG3xZz9Vfx0VPVHlCDbCiPni74wgr7qJHjkoSrv2IUKOuvIMpAIUh3M0I5dNK1bTGmvXWUE15_zNA9w/s320/Gluten-free+foods+003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Put in your Broiler and watch carefully. A toaster oven works well also. Remove once the cheese melts.<br />
<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePdYz6pIpJSOKRIqzE1prHuKF7d3Lrlk9n5bRRZZO6Kx9Ile0smBVSuRzNfLaNeV3_eNq8VT2TiGKKgp54kKVOve0M7jRKgCXrilsKFf3vqisFMFmXXRZAo3KgIixctlD_NrhsD0vxQ/s1600/Gluten-free+foods+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePdYz6pIpJSOKRIqzE1prHuKF7d3Lrlk9n5bRRZZO6Kx9Ile0smBVSuRzNfLaNeV3_eNq8VT2TiGKKgp54kKVOve0M7jRKgCXrilsKFf3vqisFMFmXXRZAo3KgIixctlD_NrhsD0vxQ/s320/Gluten-free+foods+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />These small tuna melts are incredibly filling.Annystribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07244800246409157346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2779422635946838619.post-13936742824859243802012-12-17T12:12:00.001-08:002012-12-17T14:16:16.532-08:00A Christmas I Can Never Forget.<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Titan-Small-Journey-ebook/dp/B006V5A8XC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1339961158&sr=8-1&keywords=tiny+titan+one+small+gift+kindle"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIO6gDSEdCcFoXghKMX4nC5QdFRGsLGn7FA41ioOnldfs8fZ005KBkOVUZDZ1Xca_-B8M6_uYpQ-q4hyWdpUZHBP6soTiWuJsa3C6o21rFyz6s_YgKG2T9fa4IHsCdejSDHgfXEbEM2A/s1600/freekindle2012_TinyTitan%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIO6gDSEdCcFoXghKMX4nC5QdFRGsLGn7FA41ioOnldfs8fZ005KBkOVUZDZ1Xca_-B8M6_uYpQ-q4hyWdpUZHBP6soTiWuJsa3C6o21rFyz6s_YgKG2T9fa4IHsCdejSDHgfXEbEM2A/s400/freekindle2012_TinyTitan%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Twenty three years ago, we had lost hope. With a dying baby, I was facing my other children with empty stockings. Our cupboards were bare. We were becoming a statistic of families in crisis, our daughter denied insurance and we had to fall into poverty to cover her hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills. I prayed for a miracle. This is our miracle story of HOPE and a yet unknown Santa or Santa's who gave us the catalyst to change the course of our lives. We are incredibly blessed by the miracles of that evening. I can never forget.<br />
<br />
Our Tiny Titan never gave up and neither did we.<br />
<br />
Christmas is a time of giving and miracles. Miracles are meant to be shared .In this days of sadness and tragedy in the world and with so many struggling with joblessness, uncertainty of health care in our country, and others facing life changing medical conditions. We all need to believe in good and caring. I knew I needed to share it for FREE to offer HOPE and move hearts. I have arranged with my Publisher, Better Endings, New Beginnings to give it away.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Titan-Small-Journey-ebook/dp/B006V5A8XC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1355766993&sr=1-1&keywords=tiny+titan">Tiny Titan, One Small Gift on Kindle Electronic Download. Beginning tomorrow Tuesday December 18 through Saturday December 22 for FREE.</a><br />
<br />
Chapter 9, "Christmas" has been told through major media over the years, landing in Women's magazines, media many Christmas feature stories and even the other side of the world when Nippon TV recreated the Christmas story for the December 12, 2007 episode of the World's Most Amazing Stories. It is our gift to share the events of that Christmas forward.
<br />
<br />
If you read no other part of the book, take a few minutes and read Chapter nine.I have also posted the Christmas Chapter here on my blog for anyone to read when they have time. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://thirteenandfrugal.blogspot.com/2012/12/miracles-are-meant-to-be-shared-our.html">Chapter 9 Christmas from Tiny Titan, One Small Gift</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.teamrasopathies.org/">To learn more about Noonan Syndrome </a><br />
<br />
Have a very blessed Holiday season from our family to yours. <br />
<br />
Ann Yurcek<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Titan-Choice-Awards-Recipient/dp/0963707272">Tiny Titan, One Small Gift is Part One of the Printed Copy of Tiny Titan, Journey of Hope available at Amazon.com </a><br />
Mom's Choice Award Winner-Best Adult Non-Fiction<br />
5 Star Dove Award<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.annyurcek.com/">Http://www.annyurcek.com</a> Annystribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07244800246409157346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2779422635946838619.post-83332774199631270412012-12-16T03:22:00.000-08:002012-12-16T04:12:21.644-08:00Miracles Are Meant To Be Shared, Our Christmas MiracleThe Free Christmas Chapter From Tiny Titan, One Small Gift<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Titan-Small-Journey-ebook/dp/B006V5A8XC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1339961158&sr=8-1&keywords=tiny+titan+one+small+gift+kindle">Download Tiny Titan, One Small Gift for Kindle here </a>.<br />
Available for FREE at Amazon.com<br />
from Tuesday, December l8 through Saturday, December 22, 2012<br />
Our gift to you this Holiday season.<br />
<br />
<br />
Chapter 9<br />
Christmas<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4zhb5rPHuIB4Dt2MPpBRirKfJHhTq2ymRWXBIKsLBYeQFeEgl3hyphenhyphenXil36pibh80c2aEN6wJRUawmPZ_dTnYmJWde6DJrYUU2y3BNjdLsSu-IHEDk7WwQRkCvC8QqjfiA44x7EtFnYA/s1600/beccasanta.jpg.w240h251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4zhb5rPHuIB4Dt2MPpBRirKfJHhTq2ymRWXBIKsLBYeQFeEgl3hyphenhyphenXil36pibh80c2aEN6wJRUawmPZ_dTnYmJWde6DJrYUU2y3BNjdLsSu-IHEDk7WwQRkCvC8QqjfiA44x7EtFnYA/s1600/beccasanta.jpg.w240h251.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I
sunk into despair. The holiday was fast approaching and Christmas was
the last thing on our minds with Becca critically ill in the PICU and
everyone else sick too. There was no money for gifts, and there was no
time to buy or make anything. I was sick, tired and depressed over the
circumstances we found ourselves in. If the phone rang, I was afraid to
answer it because it might carry the news that Becca was worsening or no
longer here. The phone was a constant reminder of trouble. It rang with
bill collectors waiting for money. It rang when medical personnel had
more dreaded news or another crisis for Becca. My emotions rose and fell
like tidal waves, up, up, up and down, down, down. I tried not to
think; not thinking was how I coped. It was like the stairs I ran at the
hospital, up and down, and then I’d stop and sit, empty and mindless. I
could not think about my children going without gifts at Christmas, but
our lives were impossibly out of control. We had fallen into a dark
hole due to no fault of my innocent children. At any moment they were
going to lose their new baby sister. They were caught in the tidal wave
of catastrophic illness when they needed a Santa most to give them hope.
How would I explain to my children that Santa forgot them?<br />
<br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
I
was used to planning ahead and beginning in July bought two presents
each month to cover birthdays and Christmas. Over the years my frugal
plan had worked flawlessly. I squirreled away the hottest toys for
Christmas gifts with early season purchases. While other families were
school shopping I<span style="font-family: Monaco; mso-hansi-font-family: Monaco;"> </span>was<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>making
wishes come true. It was a challenge to make my kids birthdays and
Christmas memorable. I love the holidays and I began to bargain shop for
Marissa’s September birthday gift. I budgeted a little each month until
Christmas, finding sale and clearance treasures, completing my shopping
race under budget. In November we celebrated Jim, Nathan and Ian’s
birthdays followed in December by Matt’s birthday, and then Kristy’s
birthday in early January. The gifts I bought with Jim’s carpet points
guaranteed the boys November birthday gifts. Matt at age three was easy;
all I needed was something big. Big for my little kids were exciting
and ten dollars went a long way. Other than that I had nothing. We had
already used the house payment money to pay for medicine, throat
cultures and doctors visits for the kids and me while we were sick. </div>
<br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
I
was a rookie in the being broke game. I called Toys for Tots and
discovered I was too late. They quit accepting new registrations before
Thanksgiving. Luckily I remembered buried in the rafters, hidden from my
sneaky children I had one gift I<span style="font-family: Monaco; mso-hansi-font-family: Monaco;"> </span>had
purchased before things fell apart. Before Becca was born I had
purchased the new pirate ship Lego set that had caught Nathan’s eye. It
was an expensive present, and I could put both boys’ names on it. I had
already cut out doll clothes and a dance costume for Marissa, but the
fabric pieces remained on my closet shelf while I was sick. Now that
Marissa was home from kindergarten I would not be able to get the covert
sewing done, besides I was still too dizzy to sew my visions for
Marissa’s holiday present. My eyes were seeing double. We would share
dinner with relatives and I hoped I would have a dish to pass, but my
cupboards were as bare as Old Mother Hubbard’s. My head spun at the
thoughts of a hopeless Christmas and the room took another whirl;
exhausted I took some Benadryl and fell back to sleep. </div>
<br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
While
I slept, Kristy took the picture of Becca from the fireplace and sat
alone in a quiet place to cry. It was something I never knew she did
until years later. People often think children don’t know what’s
happening but they are much more a part of the reality than the adults
realize. Kristy never complained and she protected us by caring for the
little ones and not adding to our burdens. I<span style="font-family: Monaco; mso-hansi-font-family: Monaco;"> </span>worried sometimes about how this would affect her in the future. Today, she tells me it was the substance that made her strong. </div>
<br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
The
little elves in my family executed a Christmas plan. Kristy found the
Christmas tree in the garage, and she and Nathan, my mechanic, assembled
it. Ian and Marissa got busy cutting out paper snowflakes and hung them
with dental floss from the ceiling and windows. My little red and green
sewing pins stuck six stockings to the mantle. When I awoke, they
surprised me with their magical transformation. I had not lifted a
finger. They had carefully hung each of their hand made wooden, beaded
angel and needlework ornaments crafted by Jim’s parents. Hundreds of
hours of love radiated from the tree centered in a carpet of paper
snowflake snippets. </div>
<br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
I
explained to them that Christmas was about family and being together
and sharing memories. What was going to be special about this Christmas
was that the Yurceks were a family. Christmas is about the baby in the
manger who brings hope to a dying world. Our baby was in the hospital
and all we had was hope. After spending seven days in bed, I was
regaining my strength. </div>
<br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
Why
did I feel such shame that Santa might not come this year? I prayed,
“Oh Lord, How can I find gifts for Kristy, Marissa and Matt? It is
already December 23. How can I let my children down?<span style="font-family: Monaco; mso-hansi-font-family: Monaco;"> </span>How can I face Christmas morning empty handed? The kids’ baby sister is dying. They need something good to happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please don’t let their baby sister die at Christmas.”</div>
<br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
My children were ready for Christmas. I was not. I<span style="font-family: Monaco; mso-hansi-font-family: Monaco;"> </span>couldn’t
expect my parents to shower my children with toys; they were struggling
with my dad’s recent unemployment. My parents blessed my children with
attention, but had no financial resources to give.</div>
<br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
Becca
was transferred to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) just as I
had fallen ill. It had been a very long nine days and finally the kids
and I were well. I was healthy enough to see Becca and had been given
clearance to drive. I was no longer dizzy. </div>
<br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
The
PICU had a circular desk, and different beds surrounded it. Off to the
side with glass doors were the isolation rooms. One of them housed my
Becca, who looked so tiny in the crib in such a big room. She was on
oxygen, and they explained to me that she kept forgetting to breathe due
to the RSV and pneumonia. The respiratory therapist gave her a
treatment to help clear her lungs. She had a blood staph infection, her
feedings were on hold, and they were giving her nutrition and fluid by
IV. Her heart was in failure. Merry Christmas was far from my thoughts.
Bah Humbug! This was not merry, not merry at all. I was dreading
Christmas and I was feeling like Ebenezer Scrooge. </div>
<br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
Startled
out of my doldrums, Mary was standing in front of me saying hello. The
nurses had called her to let her know I had arrived. She had something
she needed me to sign. That’s all I had been doing, signing, and
waiting, and hoping, and praying. Bah Humbug! </div>
<br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
She
took me to her office. I had no idea where her office was as she always
brought the paperwork to me. She opened the door and picked up a large
shopping bag. Her smile radiated. “Merry Christmas!” she exclaimed. The
nurses had shopped for families who would be without for the holidays.
They picked out a present for each one of my six kids. They even
purchased the batteries for the remote control car for Nathan. They
thought of everything. The bag contained a roll of wrapping paper, bows
and even the tape. It’s nooks and crannies were filled with little
treats – a box of candy canes and five chocolate Santa Clauses to peek
out of the top of the stockings. Miracles really do happen and my wish
had been granted. My kids would have Christmas. </div>
<br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
Mary
told me that the hospital employees often play Santa for families to
make sure they would not face the holidays empty handed. She knew that
if I were skipping meals to feed the children, there would be nothing
for Christmas. </div>
<br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
I
returned to Becca’s isolation room. She was much too sick to be held. I
savored a moment of calm and thankfulness. Slowly I was learning to
savor tiny moments of peace and tranquility. I stayed by her side
quietly reading before heading home with my miracle sack. I felt so
thankful for the graciousness of these kind people. With my ritual kiss
goodbye and whispering I love you, I prayed to her angels that she would
be here when I returned. </div>
<br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
My
kids are notoriously nosy and I wanted to surprise them on Christmas
morning. I rushed off to pick up Matt and Marissa at Mom’s and stashed
the Christmas gifts before the older ones had a clue. While I had been
sick, Mom had been busy and blessed us with another surprise. She had
sewn Kristy and Marissa new Christmas dresses and my aunt had bought
sweaters for the three boys. All my five kids would have new matching
outfits to wear for Christmas. </div>
<br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
Jim
closed the store early on Christmas Eve and helped me dress the little
kids for the Christmas Eve service. I told Jim my secret miracle and we
smiled eye messages across the heads of our stair step sized children
sitting between us in the church pew. We sang for the birth of baby
Jesus and our hearts cried out for a Christmas miracle for Becca. After
the service the kids played in the manger, Marissa and Matt rode the
lifelike donkey proclaiming they were on their way to Bethlehem while I
stared down at the tiny doll in the manger and said a quiet prayer for
my little baby lying so far away, all alone, in a bed in the PICU. We
needed hope in the midst of such incredible sorrow.</div>
<br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
Mom
invited us for cake and ice cream after the service, but I had other
plans. Families are supposed to be together and I was not going to allow
Becca to be alone on Christmas. We all went to the hospital to visit
Becca, but only Kristy and I<span style="font-family: Monaco; mso-hansi-font-family: Monaco;"> </span>were
able to go to PICU. Jim stayed with the other kids in the lobby while
Kristy and I went to say Merry Christmas to Becca. Each child had made
Becca a card and the nurse taped the cards to the wall above her bed. I
hung Becca’s handmade stocking on the foot of her crib, putting on the
Christmas music Kristy had recorded. I made a special Christmas wish,
asking for a miracle for Becca. I left her again with a kiss on her
feverish cheek and wished her a Merry Christmas and a very blessed
goodnight. The walk from PICU to the lobby seemed endless, my heart
heavy laden with grief, babies should be home with mommies and daddies
on Christmas Eve. </div>
<br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
Fresh
snow had fallen, and instead of hurrying home on the freeway we
meandered past the lighted mansions on Summit Avenue of St. Paul. We
passed the Cathedral and the Governor’s manor. The children marveled at
the beautifully decorated homes. Matt clapped his hands in joy, while
the others argued over which house was the favorite. Ian and Kristy
engaged in a competitive battle. Marissa’s face was lit up from the
wonder of the lights and its beauty. The kids were enjoying the ride so
much that we wound our way home through parks, and lakes, and
residential streets for over an hour. It was peaceful and calming. The
kids quieted and Matt fell asleep. </div>
<br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
Scattered
snowflakes were falling and Jim and I listened to the Christmas music
playing from the radio. The radio DJ announced that Santa was spotted
circling the globe, and Marissa and Ian excitingly questioned how he
managed to get all the work done in one evening? </div>
<br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
This
explanation I left to Jim, it was his turn to try to satisfy his
children’s curiosity. His eyes sparkled as he told them Santa was magic
and can make anything happen if you only believe. It was a heavenly
ride. I reached across the seat setting my hand on Jim’s knee. Jim’s
answer had satisfied the children’s curiosity, and Kristy had caught my
glare, playing along with the magic of the moment.</div>
<br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
It
was nearly midnight when we arrived home and the house was pitch black
to save on electricity. As we pulled in the driveway, the mini van’s
lights shone upon dark shadows lying near the door. Jim hopped out of
the van to see what was going on. Then he summoned us as if it were
nothing. </div>
<br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
As I reached in the back seat to get sleeping Matt, the children shrieked, “Santa came! He came! Santa was already here!” </div>
<br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
What
were they talking about? I grabbed a confused, groggy Matt. There were
nearly a dozen or so thirty-gallon black trash bags left sitting by our
front door. Jim and the big kids carried in the bags.</div>
<br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
The
children tore open the plastic bags to discover dozens of wrapped
presents with their names on them. It was blessed chaos. There were tons
of groceries, toilet paper, and shampoo. Everything we were out of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kristy,
Nathan and Ian were stacking the packages by the tree while Marissa and
Matt played mountain climbers scaling the huge mounds of packages.
Kristy screamed as she caught the tree from falling. Marissa narrowly
escaped a plunge from the top of Gift Mountain. Our children were
bouncing off the walls, but we finally convinced them that it wasn’t
Christmas yet, and Santa required they open presents on Christmas
morning like in The Night Before Christmas. They didn’t argue because we
had just read the story. </div>
<br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
Marissa
wondered why Santa left them outside, instead of bringing them down the
chimney. Ian, who always had an answer for everything, announced, “he
had so much dummy; if he brought the bags down the chimney, he would get
the chimney stopped up.” Kristy added “that the house was locked and he
could not bring them in the door.” Finally they all scampered off to
their rooms and soon were snuggled in beds dreaming of Christmas
miracles. </div>
<br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
Shortly
after midnight the phone rang. It was the resident from PICU calling us
to let us know Becca had turned the corner and they upgraded her status
to stable. She was improving and was breathing easier so they had
removed the ventilator; Becca was now breathing on her own and on
supplemental oxygen! Becca was getting better! My Christmas prayers had
been answered. And someone, some Santa somewhere had fulfilled my
wishes. He or she arrived with bags of toys, and goodies, and groceries.
My cupboards would no longer be bare. Jim and I had no means to provide
for our family, yet someone, somewhere, knew our needs. I thanked the
baby in the manger for this Christmas miracle. </div>
<br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
Jim
and I put away the much-needed groceries. Two turkeys, packages of
hamburger and chicken went into the freezer. We put the canned goods on
the shelves . . .apples and oranges, carrots and potatoes, and onions . .
. bathroom and hygiene products. There were even a couple loaves of
expensive rice bread. Whoever brought this Christmas miracle, had not
forgotten anything. They had even picked up a double pack of diapers for
Matt who was regressing from his potty training in his upside down
life. </div>
<br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
The
real Christmas miracles were hidden in the tiny details. Buried deep in
one of the bags I discovered a brand new pair of much needed white
Reebok tennis shoes for me. They fit perfectly. We filled the stockings
with candy and small gifts from the bags the kids had not seen. With the
gifts from the hospital and the one from us for Nathan and Ian, we had
more presents than we had ever imagined. Our room looked like a
Hollywood movie Christmas morning scene. Where did all this come from? </div>
<br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
Jim
and I crawled into bed, hoping to get a few hours of sleep before the
kids scrambled upon us to open their presents. They were tired from the
late night and for the first time ever on Christmas morning; they slept
until 8:00 A.M.. </div>
<br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
Kristy
in her sweats and the little ones in their blanketed sleepers tore into
the pile of packages. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, I lost
count of the gifts they each received. Nathan screamed pulling out a
pair of roller blades, the current hottest trend retailing at $l50 a
pair. Who had done this? Ian soon discovered he had a pair too! Kristy
found a boom box, a jewelry box, curling iron and music to play.
Packages marked to the Yurcek family contained a VCR to replace the one
that had been stolen when our house had been robbed and ransacked right
before Becca’s birth. There were movies, games, books, colored markers,
and art kits for each child. Even Becca was not forgotten. She got new
clothes, a diaper bag, several new pink animals and more music. Marissa
found a big package with a dollhouse and furniture. She was surrounded
in pink heaven. Matt tunneled and laughed through the wrapping paper and
boxes. We corralled him to open his presents, a big floppy eared dog,
trucks, cars and a train track. The boys tried to set up their new
remote control car racing set in the middle of the wrapping mess.</div>
<br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
Jim
was not to be forgotten and he discovered new socks, sweats, jeans and a
belt. He handed me a tiny box from under the tree that he discovered
while we were cleaning up and making sure all the tiny toy pieces were
not thrown away with the mountain of boxes and wrapping paper. Inside
was a solid sterling silver heart necklace with six tiny stones. The
necklace was a reminder of hope, a mother’s heart with my six precious
children. The six little diamonds sparkled in rainbow colors from our
Christmas tree. It was bittersweet to look at as Becca’s heart was
slowly failing. But I reminded myself that for today Becca was doing
better, and this Christmas we had witnessed a true miracle. Some unknown
Santa with a caring heart had done all this for us. But who, how, when?</div>
<br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
No
longer were our cupboards bare. The kids and I made a fresh fruit salad
with real whipped cream. Kristy peeled the apples and Nathan chopped
them along with slicing frozen strawberries. Marissa cut banana coins
with a bread knife and Ian added one handful of marshmallows to his
mouth before adding the next handful to the magical miracle bowl of
Christmas fruit.</div>
<br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
We
dressed for Christmas dinner at my cousins. The family celebrated the
day together with aunts and uncles, cousins and second cousins. All were
there but one, our Becca. </div>
<br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
No
longer would we be hungry again. We had food for the next month until
our food stamp case opened. The kids had new toys to keep them occupied.
We had warm clothing and mittens. I later discovered when our bills
arrived, that some unknown Santa paid our phone bill, the utility bills,
and our car insurance! We will be forever grateful for the gifts of
that year, and we will never forget we witnessed a true Christmas
miracle. I have from then on remembered to give back to others as you
did for us. Thank you! What you did for us that year was unbelievable!
You gave us the gift of hope and belief in miracles. </div>
<br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
Buried
in one of the bags of the hundreds of dollars in gifts we found a card,
wishing us a “Merry Christmas and to all, and to all a good night. You
are loved! Santa.” </div>
<br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
Those were the same words whispered in tiny Becca’s ear ten days earlier. Was it connected? </div>
<br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
Over
the next few years, the miracles continued helping us when we needed it
most. I tried to find who our anonymous Santa was but we never
discovered the giver of the gifts. Whoever it was did not want to be
found out. Maybe someday that person or persons will read my writing,
and I will finally be able to thank her or him for our Christmas miracle
and generosity. </div>
<br />
Perhaps, we will never know.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXYgWVJwGRfbCBQT33wiuqIVNAzmS4Fzp3ycbY_6i7IXCSIrRXhWGF3FHbLm2mMsQj-8orH-m5rSO7Y767ISE8ei83Q2HgeYdl67eU6KfTFPwHVeTiXT9OUxdHSe4xRlcjcNyor76wg/s1600/Tiny+Titan%252C+One+Small+Gift.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXYgWVJwGRfbCBQT33wiuqIVNAzmS4Fzp3ycbY_6i7IXCSIrRXhWGF3FHbLm2mMsQj-8orH-m5rSO7Y767ISE8ei83Q2HgeYdl67eU6KfTFPwHVeTiXT9OUxdHSe4xRlcjcNyor76wg/s1600/Tiny+Titan%252C+One+Small+Gift.jpg" /></a>
<br />
Tiny Titan, One Small Gift is Part 1 of the hard copy publishing of Tiny Titan, Journey of Hope, a Mom's Choice Award Winner for Best Adult Non-Fiction and carries a 5 Star Dove Award.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Titan-Choice-Awards-Recipient/dp/0963707272/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1355657159&sr=1-1&keywords=tiny+titan+ann+yurcek">Available at Amazon.com</a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Learn More about Noonan Syndrome and other Rasopathy Spectrum Disorders </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teamrasopathies.org/">Visit the Rasopathies Foundation.</a></div>
Annystribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07244800246409157346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2779422635946838619.post-45663676872144483032012-02-11T21:02:00.000-08:002012-02-11T21:02:33.475-08:00FREE Kindle Download: Tiny Titan, One Small Gift<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhF2nanwseu9u2jWrHkaPyamdlPqdvO2126wOjibF5tXgETLuBUmifxEJ_bIadqj8dBpmVx0_xPnbfU0fykjjWQ4x6XGscit4XiRpIs6Ke0qvnimQpxrpfsfyCZNPkOVtOelnoBCKgCw/s1600/41egNHabqyL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-48,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhF2nanwseu9u2jWrHkaPyamdlPqdvO2126wOjibF5tXgETLuBUmifxEJ_bIadqj8dBpmVx0_xPnbfU0fykjjWQ4x6XGscit4XiRpIs6Ke0qvnimQpxrpfsfyCZNPkOVtOelnoBCKgCw/s1600/41egNHabqyL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-48,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Titan-Small-Journey-ebook/dp/B006V5A8XC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1329022148&sr=8-1">Tiny Titan, One Small Gift is FREE at the Amazon Kindle Store</a> from 2/11 to until 11:59 pm on 2/15/12 in honor of Congenital Heart Awareness Week, Noonan Syndrome, Special Children and their families and the small angels we lost way too soon.<br />
<br />
Tiny Titan, One Small Gift is Part I of Tiny Titan, Journey of Hope. A Mom's Choice Award Winner for Best Adult Non-Fiction and a 5 Star Dove Award Winner. A $9.99 value for FREE.<br />
<br />
I hope you enjoy our story and the amazing miracles that changed our family.Annystribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07244800246409157346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2779422635946838619.post-57952637014761941832012-02-09T15:01:00.000-08:002012-02-09T15:35:37.991-08:00Miracles of the Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMD6tqcA0YMPUHONk5Hwnxoy7r5aI2zEx1BsoBrK23rsqyjlbbUIP1GmTAJPoFWEFz7DCp2hehCYM_LV1TGvJ1RvMnIpnM9gEvi-36SM-S1b-fAyPZZPTVvZ_VGTCARdCL8fR2CAwWg/s1600/valentines2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMD6tqcA0YMPUHONk5Hwnxoy7r5aI2zEx1BsoBrK23rsqyjlbbUIP1GmTAJPoFWEFz7DCp2hehCYM_LV1TGvJ1RvMnIpnM9gEvi-36SM-S1b-fAyPZZPTVvZ_VGTCARdCL8fR2CAwWg/s400/valentines2.jpg" width="359" /></a></div><br />
Chapter 12<br />
<br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Miracles of the Heart <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div> Except for visits to the hospital and Dr. Wineinger’s office, we were homebound for our Minnesota winters to protect Becca. I missed attending church and I wanted to have Becca dedicated to the Lord on dedication Sunday. Surprisingly, her doctor cleared her dedication. Becca could be dedicated at the Baptist church I’d attended since childhood. Pastor Rick continued to be a huge support to our family and he was honored to be able to dedicate Becca to God. My church had felt like a homey sanctuary since my parents, my siblings, my aunt, uncle and cousins were all a part of our <br />
congregation. For months my daughter’s name was on the church sponsored prayer chain, and the entire congregation invested time to pray for my tiny daughter. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">During the service Pastor Rick called Jim and me forward with Becca and his treasured words and their meaning were sealed into my heart. They carried me on angels’ wings when I struggled. He told the congregation, “This tiny little one has a purpose. In her short life she has inspired many who have come to love and hear her story. She has a mission. She is here for a reason. Through her challenges she helps us realize that life is short, and we need to make each day matter.” Little Becca looked up at her mommy and daddy and Pastor Rick. She smiled. The tender magical moment moved the flock and even the old men wiped their eyes.<o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">After the service an elderly lady really named Alice came to me and gave me a huge hug. Alice had been sending me cards and notes, of encouragement and support, over the past few months. She was encouraging me while fighting Leukemia and her last days were spent helping others cope through cards and prayers. She told me that we were blessed by our adversity. From this experience we will understand that life is precious. Having this type of life trauma this early in our lives was a gift. We would grow up to understand what life is all about while we were young and we would be better for it. Months later she peacefully lost her battle to cancer. She was not afraid to die; she wrote me that she was moving on to a place of perfection. In time I would understand what she meant. That day set the stage for the future. “We would come to find incredible blessings in the face of adversity, and we would be changed for the better.”<o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">After the service, Pastor Rick presented us with a check. For the first time in the history of the church, they had taken up a collection from Sunday school classes and services to raise the funds to save our home. We were two payments behind; the check was exactly what we owed. It was $l500. Through tears of joy, I hugged Pastor Rick. Once again, God answered my prayer. As always, God knew exactly what we needed.<o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">He provided. I just had to trust and have faith.<o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Word had spread through our congregation that I had to move the girls from their bedroom into the boys’ unfinished room in the basement, and volunteers worked weekends and evenings to finish their new rooms. Jim’s dad had owned a hardware store and he plumbed the new bathroom. My uncle and Dad wired the basement. Jim added scraps of gently used cream carpet that he had salvaged from one of his customers. The freshly taped sheetrock made the rooms look nearly complete. We had applied to the waiver program for the basement bathroom fixtures. With eight people and all the nurses, one bathroom was not enough. Every time we wanted to use it with Becca we had to disinfect it and most often there was a line waiting to shower or use the toilet. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">And Jim was locking the door!<o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">___________<o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Becca was almost six-months-old and a recent stretch in the hospital had confirmed our suspicions that her heart was failing further. The doctors agreed to try to do a cardiac catheterization, when the cardiac surgeon tries to balloon the obstructed pulmonary valve on her heart to see if they could open up the valve relieving the pressure. The procedure was very risky for such a tiny, fragile person, but we had little choice. We chose to risk her life to save her. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">It was almost February, the month of hearts and love. Becca’s heart screamed for help. Red and pink hearts shouted from all directions. Hearts covered the windows of retail stores. Hearts hung from the ceilings of grocery stores. Hearts, hearts, hearts and more hearts surrounded and called at me. Hearts were bittersweet, her failing heart was broken and our hearts were filled with love for our tiny baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My children cut out hearts that now lay all over my kitchen table in paper piles. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">As I was sitting at Becca’s bedside with Mary, I had a brainstorm. I needed a moment to celebrate Becca’s infinitesimal life. She may never see her first birthday, and her sixth month birthday was two days away. We could throw a party for her! Since our camera had been stolen, we had few pictures of our tiny little tike except for the ones taken by the nurses. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Mary suggested I borrow a camcorder from someone, but no one in my family or circle of friends had one. We continued to banter around ideas, and Mary decided we should call Make-A-Wish and tell them about my wish for Becca. Surprisingly when I called, I reached the Executive Director, who listened to my wish for a camera to use for a few hours to remember Becca. She told me that Make-A-Wish grants children their wishes, but Becca was only a baby and she was too little to have a wish of her own. I thanked her and hung up the phone, it had been worth a try. Reaching out to ask was not as hard as I thought it would be. I was saddened; it was unfair that my baby could die before she ever got a wish of her own. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">I shared my party idea with my friend, Val. We could invite family and friends. It could be after dinner, a potluck dessert party and I was psyched. I barricaded myself in my room after the kids were in bed and turned two pieces of fabric into a beautiful party dress for my little Cinderella. Becca had been rehospitalized and was coming home on a two-day pass preceding her risky heart procedure. Those two days gave us time to party and Val spread the word to friends and Becca’s support team while I called family. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">While the nurses cared for Becca, I cleaned the house. Val’s four girls and my kids made posters and decorated the dining room. We hung red and white heart streamers from the ceiling, looping and twisting them in fine party fashion. As word spread offers of paper cups and plates poured in. Red Valentine napkins arrived. Everything was coming together in record time as I put the finishing touches on the secret little dress. While we were busy festively transforming our home, the phone rang. Kristy shouted it was Make-A-Wish and they made an exception for Becca. The simple act of wanting to have a memory as a family to cherish moved them and they made a way for us to borrow a camcorder, and use it for a few precious weeks. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">The camcorder arrived via messenger, and Val happily volunteered to document the event. I presented the new dress to Cheryl to put on Becca for her party. Val and the camera followed the arrival of the guests bearing Valentine’s Day presents. The nursing agency sent a huge bouquet of helium heart balloons. Valentine gift bags, red heart wrapping paper, balloons and more balloons arrived. Flowers, gifts, heart shaped cookies, heart shaped cakes, and heart candies magically appeared and filled the dining room table. Soon the top of Jim’s grandfather’s antique buffet was mounded with scrumptious goodies of all sorts. Our heart-themed home was lovely and ready to welcome guests.<o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">As we were getting ready for the party, we were surprised by a knock on the front door. It was a photographer and camera crew sent by Make-A-Wish to professionally document the party for the creation of a special video of Becca and our family before the guests arrived. The camera crew captured my mom and dad, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncle, and cousins as they shouted ‘Happy Half Birthday Becca!’ <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">The camera crew captured the over a hundred people who stopped in to share Becca’s special half birthday, friends from church, old family friends, and neighbors joined us to celebrate our little girl. When the camera crew and the guests gathered together, the nurse brought Becca out in her new heart dress.<o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dress was my gift to my daughter, a one-of-a-kind creation. The delightful little pinafore dress was white with red hearts, decked with tiers of ruffles capped by dainty white lace. The front neckline was a ruffle of red with white hearts, which matched the dress underneath, peeking out from the dress were darling teeny tiny fancy bloomers to match with a heart appliqué on the backside of her diaper. Her little head was crowned with a matching lace headband made with ribbons and a red heart. I had been sewing for a crafting friend, and she surprised me with a new, unique creation, a hand painted heart dress for me to wear that evening. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Pastor Rick was right, Becca inspired hope in others. Her tiny presence was a vehicle of healing wounded hearts. I was moved when Marissa’s little friend, Amy; held Becca. Amy had heart surgery as a baby. My aunt held Becca; she had given up her daughter Cindy with Down’s syndrome back in the l950’s to foster care before I was born. Cindy ended up in an institution and died at age thirteen from heart problems. It was a family secret until Becca’s birth. She looked at Becca with tears in her eyes; Becca’s presence opened the path for her and me to safely discuss the differences that time had made for children with disabilities in the future. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Kristy took out her cello and offered a recital of her new repertoire of songs for the guests. The kids and their friends ran through the house with smiles and laughter. It was a miracle we could send them all downstairs to play as the basement now had partitions and newly hung sheetrock for two new bedrooms, a bathroom, a laundry room and a large family room. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Kids ran up and down the stairs to get food. Marissa packed her round little cheeks like a squirrel with peanuts and candy and scurried off to her friends. The boys dumped out all their Lego’s. Ian was chased and taunted by the girls who thought he was cute. Val’s daughter was in love with him and caught him to plant a kiss on his cheek. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Val called all the kids upstairs, and everyone gathered to sing Happy Birthday to Becca. My mother held her sweet little granddaughter as Kristy opened the huge pile of presents. Kristy appropriately took her time, reading each card aloud for the watching guests and passed them around for guests to admire. The gifts were caring and thoughtful; picture frames and photo albums, musical animals and furry little stuffed critters, outfits and sleepers. Someone filled a box with diapers, lotions and baby bath products. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">On the spur of the moment people drove for hours. Jim’s mom and dad drove 180 miles to celebrate with us, and Aunt Mitzi joined them. Another aunt surprised us when she arrived in from Wisconsin. She always lived with my grandmother who had passed away the month before and we had been unable to travel out of town for the funeral. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Big sister, Kristy handed me her special present for her little sister. She had used all her savings from neighborhood babysitting to buy Becca a little two-piece pink and mint green bunny outfit. She was so proud of doing it all herself. That evening the house was alive with laughter . . . the laughter all of us needed in that time of stress and uncertainty. We found hope. We were surrounded by love and so blessed by those individuals who reached out to us as a family.<o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">As I was eating my ice cream, I took a little bit on my spoon to give Becca a birthday dessert sample on her lips. Since the first early days when she quit accepting a nipple, she had never had any food item touch her little lips. Tonight she seemed to understand that this was her party, and she was going to try something. She squished up her nose from the cold and then licked her lips not quite knowing what to do with it. With everyone in the room laughing she smiled in the excitement.<o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">As the evening wound down, we had a house full of company, and three-year old Matt had slept through all the noise and commotion. He woke up in time to go back to bed as the last of the guests left. Matt stared with half sleeping eyes at the overflowing table of goodies, and he grabbed a handful of gluten-free heart cookies. Then he snuggled in his father’s arms, quite unsure of what had transpired while he slept. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Cheryl readied Becca for sleep while Val and I cleaned up the party mess. Tomorrow, bright and early, we would depart for the hospital, this time to try and help Becca’s teeny tiny heart.<o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">___________<o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Heart surgery morning came too quickly, and we loaded Becca and her boatload of equipment into the stroller . . . and then into the van, and then out of the van . . . and into the stroller . . .into the lobby and up the elevator . . . back to the intensive care unit. After six months I knew the drill. Labs, labs and more labs . . . wait, wait and more waiting. This time I didn’t run. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">I sat. I waited. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">I prayed for everything to be all right. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">I looked up at the approaching doctor. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Becca was out of surgery. The passing of the balloon through the valve was not successful. The valve was too misshapen to be helped. He had taken biopsies of the thickened wall of the ventricles of her heart to see if it would shed light on what kind of cardiomyopathy Becca had. As he was slowly pulling out the catheter during the procedure Becca gave him quite a scare. Her heart went into ventricular tachycardia and raced out of control. Fortunately with administration of medication he got it to resume a normal rhythm. We could not go through any procedures without Becca scaring her family and physicians with some heart-stopping prank. She kept us all on our toes, and when the moment passed those gargantuan episodes strangely eased the huge fear and uncertainty of the moment.<o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">She remained under close observation in intensive care for the next couple of days. With every surgery Becca seemed to require IV antibiotics and she always spiked a high fever. The blood cultures revealed deadly systemic staph infection, even though they had given her IV antibiotics. The medical staff worked to get her temperature down and her feedings back on track so she could go home to her private pediatric intensive care nursery. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">___________<o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">The home-nurses were set to greet us when we arrived, offering welcome home smiles and support unraveling and navigating Becca and the stroller back to where she belonged. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">The news of Becca’s heart was not good, but for today she thankfully was still alive and home. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">___________<o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">I knew in my heart of hearts we were on borrowed time. She was destined to the fate of many critically ill babies. Becca was as sick as it gets and I didn’t know any other Noonan syndrome babies with as many complications as Becca who were still alive. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Sometimes I<span style="font-family: Monaco; mso-hansi-font-family: Monaco;"> </span>wondered if making her stay was wrong. I wondered about her quality of life. She was in such pain and it was so hard to see her suffer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Were we right to allow it to continue? <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">I<span style="font-family: Monaco; mso-hansi-font-family: Monaco;"> </span>chose to honor my promise to God. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">I would love Becca no matter where it would take us.<o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><o:p> </o:p></div><div class="BasicParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"></div><div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Thank you to Make A Wish for their incredible gift of memories with Becca.</div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Thank you to our everyone for making Becca's birthday a miracle of the heart.</div>Annystribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07244800246409157346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2779422635946838619.post-18949930211002031172011-12-13T11:37:00.000-08:002011-12-13T11:37:41.116-08:00Merry Christmas: FREE E Book.... Newly Released: Tiny Titan, One Small GiftThe Free Christmas Chapter From Tiny Titan, One Small Gift<br />
<a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/113781">Download Tiny Titan, One Small Gift FREE here</a>.<br />
<br />
Chapter 9<br />
Christmas<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXYgWVJwGRfbCBQT33wiuqIVNAzmS4Fzp3ycbY_6i7IXCSIrRXhWGF3FHbLm2mMsQj-8orH-m5rSO7Y767ISE8ei83Q2HgeYdl67eU6KfTFPwHVeTiXT9OUxdHSe4xRlcjcNyor76wg/s1600/Tiny+Titan%252C+One+Small+Gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXYgWVJwGRfbCBQT33wiuqIVNAzmS4Fzp3ycbY_6i7IXCSIrRXhWGF3FHbLm2mMsQj-8orH-m5rSO7Y767ISE8ei83Q2HgeYdl67eU6KfTFPwHVeTiXT9OUxdHSe4xRlcjcNyor76wg/s1600/Tiny+Titan%252C+One+Small+Gift.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
I sunk into despair. The holiday was fast approaching and Christmas was the last thing on our minds with Becca critically ill in the PICU and everyone else sick too. There was no money for gifts, and there was no time to buy or make anything. I was sick, tired and depressed over the circumstances we found ourselves in. If the phone rang, I was afraid to answer it because it might carry the news that Becca was worsening or no longer here. The phone was a constant reminder of trouble. It rang with bill collectors waiting for money. It rang when medical personnel had more dreaded news or another crisis for Becca. My emotions rose and fell like tidal waves, up, up, up and down, down, down. I tried not to think; not thinking was how I coped. It was like the stairs I ran at the hospital, up and down, and then I’d stop and sit, empty and mindless. I could not think about my children going without gifts at Christmas, but our lives were impossibly out of control. We had fallen into a dark hole due to no fault of my innocent children. At any moment they were going to lose their new baby sister. They were caught in the tidal wave of catastrophic illness when they needed a Santa most to give them hope. How would I explain to my children that Santa forgot them?<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">I was used to planning ahead and beginning in July bought two presents each month to cover birthdays and Christmas. Over the years my frugal plan had worked flawlessly. I squirreled away the hottest toys for Christmas gifts with early season purchases. While other families were school shopping I<span style="font-family: Monaco; mso-hansi-font-family: Monaco;"> </span>was<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>making wishes come true. It was a challenge to make my kids birthdays and Christmas memorable. I love the holidays and I began to bargain shop for Marissa’s September birthday gift. I budgeted a little each month until Christmas, finding sale and clearance treasures, completing my shopping race under budget. In November we celebrated Jim, Nathan and Ian’s birthdays followed in December by Matt’s birthday, and then Kristy’s birthday in early January. The gifts I bought with Jim’s carpet points guaranteed the boys November birthday gifts. Matt at age three was easy; all I needed was something big. Big for my little kids were exciting and ten dollars went a long way. Other than that I had nothing. We had already used the house payment money to pay for medicine, throat cultures and doctors visits for the kids and me while we were sick. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">I was a rookie in the being broke game. I called Toys for Tots and discovered I was too late. They quit accepting new registrations before Thanksgiving. Luckily I remembered buried in the rafters, hidden from my sneaky children I had one gift I<span style="font-family: Monaco; mso-hansi-font-family: Monaco;"> </span>had purchased before things fell apart. Before Becca was born I had purchased the new pirate ship Lego set that had caught Nathan’s eye. It was an expensive present, and I could put both boys’ names on it. I had already cut out doll clothes and a dance costume for Marissa, but the fabric pieces remained on my closet shelf while I was sick. Now that Marissa was home from kindergarten I would not be able to get the covert sewing done, besides I was still too dizzy to sew my visions for Marissa’s holiday present. My eyes were seeing double. We would share dinner with relatives and I hoped I would have a dish to pass, but my cupboards were as bare as Old Mother Hubbard’s. My head spun at the thoughts of a hopeless Christmas and the room took another whirl; exhausted I took some Benadryl and fell back to sleep. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">While I slept, Kristy took the picture of Becca from the fireplace and sat alone in a quiet place to cry. It was something I never knew she did until years later. People often think children don’t know what’s happening but they are much more a part of the reality than the adults realize. Kristy never complained and she protected us by caring for the little ones and not adding to our burdens. I<span style="font-family: Monaco; mso-hansi-font-family: Monaco;"> </span>worried sometimes about how this would affect her in the future. Today, she tells me it was the substance that made her strong. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">The little elves in my family executed a Christmas plan. Kristy found the Christmas tree in the garage, and she and Nathan, my mechanic, assembled it. Ian and Marissa got busy cutting out paper snowflakes and hung them with dental floss from the ceiling and windows. My little red and green sewing pins stuck six stockings to the mantle. When I awoke, they surprised me with their magical transformation. I had not lifted a finger. They had carefully hung each of their hand made wooden, beaded angel and needlework ornaments crafted by Jim’s parents. Hundreds of hours of love radiated from the tree centered in a carpet of paper snowflake snippets. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">I explained to them that Christmas was about family and being together and sharing memories. What was going to be special about this Christmas was that the Yurceks were a family. Christmas is about the baby in the manger who brings hope to a dying world. Our baby was in the hospital and all we had was hope. After spending seven days in bed, I was regaining my strength. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Why did I feel such shame that Santa might not come this year? I prayed, “Oh Lord, How can I find gifts for Kristy, Marissa and Matt? It is already December 23. How can I let my children down?<span style="font-family: Monaco; mso-hansi-font-family: Monaco;"> </span>How can I face Christmas morning empty handed? The kids’ baby sister is dying. They need something good to happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please don’t let their baby sister die at Christmas.”<o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">My children were ready for Christmas. I was not. I<span style="font-family: Monaco; mso-hansi-font-family: Monaco;"> </span>couldn’t expect my parents to shower my children with toys; they were struggling with my dad’s recent unemployment. My parents blessed my children with attention, but had no financial resources to give.<o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Becca was transferred to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) just as I had fallen ill. It had been a very long nine days and finally the kids and I were well. I was healthy enough to see Becca and had been given clearance to drive. I was no longer dizzy. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">The PICU had a circular desk, and different beds surrounded it. Off to the side with glass doors were the isolation rooms. One of them housed my Becca, who looked so tiny in the crib in such a big room. She was on oxygen, and they explained to me that she kept forgetting to breathe due to the RSV and pneumonia. The respiratory therapist gave her a treatment to help clear her lungs. She had a blood staph infection, her feedings were on hold, and they were giving her nutrition and fluid by IV. Her heart was in failure. Merry Christmas was far from my thoughts. Bah Humbug! This was not merry, not merry at all. I was dreading Christmas and I was feeling like Ebenezer Scrooge. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Startled out of my doldrums, Mary was standing in front of me saying hello. The nurses had called her to let her know I had arrived. She had something she needed me to sign. That’s all I had been doing, signing, and waiting, and hoping, and praying. Bah Humbug! <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">She took me to her office. I had no idea where her office was as she always brought the paperwork to me. She opened the door and picked up a large shopping bag. Her smile radiated. “Merry Christmas!” she exclaimed. The nurses had shopped for families who would be without for the holidays. They picked out a present for each one of my six kids. They even purchased the batteries for the remote control car for Nathan. They thought of everything. The bag contained a roll of wrapping paper, bows and even the tape. It’s nooks and crannies were filled with little treats – a box of candy canes and five chocolate Santa Clauses to peek out of the top of the stockings. Miracles really do happen and my wish had been granted. My kids would have Christmas. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Mary told me that the hospital employees often play Santa for families to make sure they would not face the holidays empty handed. She knew that if I were skipping meals to feed the children, there would be nothing for Christmas. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">I returned to Becca’s isolation room. She was much too sick to be held. I savored a moment of calm and thankfulness. Slowly I was learning to savor tiny moments of peace and tranquility. I stayed by her side quietly reading before heading home with my miracle sack. I felt so thankful for the graciousness of these kind people. With my ritual kiss goodbye and whispering I love you, I prayed to her angels that she would be here when I returned. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">My kids are notoriously nosy and I wanted to surprise them on Christmas morning. I rushed off to pick up Matt and Marissa at Mom’s and stashed the Christmas gifts before the older ones had a clue. While I had been sick, Mom had been busy and blessed us with another surprise. She had sewn Kristy and Marissa new Christmas dresses and my aunt had bought sweaters for the three boys. All my five kids would have new matching outfits to wear for Christmas. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Jim closed the store early on Christmas Eve and helped me dress the little kids for the Christmas Eve service. I told Jim my secret miracle and we smiled eye messages across the heads of our stair step sized children sitting between us in the church pew. We sang for the birth of baby Jesus and our hearts cried out for a Christmas miracle for Becca. After the service the kids played in the manger, Marissa and Matt rode the lifelike donkey proclaiming they were on their way to Bethlehem while I stared down at the tiny doll in the manger and said a quiet prayer for my little baby lying so far away, all alone, in a bed in the PICU. We needed hope in the midst of such incredible sorrow.<o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Mom invited us for cake and ice cream after the service, but I had other plans. Families are supposed to be together and I was not going to allow Becca to be alone on Christmas. We all went to the hospital to visit Becca, but only Kristy and I<span style="font-family: Monaco; mso-hansi-font-family: Monaco;"> </span>were able to go to PICU. Jim stayed with the other kids in the lobby while Kristy and I went to say Merry Christmas to Becca. Each child had made Becca a card and the nurse taped the cards to the wall above her bed. I hung Becca’s handmade stocking on the foot of her crib, putting on the Christmas music Kristy had recorded. I made a special Christmas wish, asking for a miracle for Becca. I left her again with a kiss on her feverish cheek and wished her a Merry Christmas and a very blessed goodnight. The walk from PICU to the lobby seemed endless, my heart heavy laden with grief, babies should be home with mommies and daddies on Christmas Eve. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Fresh snow had fallen, and instead of hurrying home on the freeway we meandered past the lighted mansions on Summit Avenue of St. Paul. We passed the Cathedral and the Governor’s manor. The children marveled at the beautifully decorated homes. Matt clapped his hands in joy, while the others argued over which house was the favorite. Ian and Kristy engaged in a competitive battle. Marissa’s face was lit up from the wonder of the lights and its beauty. The kids were enjoying the ride so much that we wound our way home through parks, and lakes, and residential streets for over an hour. It was peaceful and calming. The kids quieted and Matt fell asleep. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Scattered snowflakes were falling and Jim and I listened to the Christmas music playing from the radio. The radio DJ announced that Santa was spotted circling the globe, and Marissa and Ian excitingly questioned how he managed to get all the work done in one evening? <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">This explanation I left to Jim, it was his turn to try to satisfy his children’s curiosity. His eyes sparkled as he told them Santa was magic and can make anything happen if you only believe. It was a heavenly ride. I reached across the seat setting my hand on Jim’s knee. Jim’s answer had satisfied the children’s curiosity, and Kristy had caught my glare, playing along with the magic of the moment.<o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">It was nearly midnight when we arrived home and the house was pitch black to save on electricity. As we pulled in the driveway, the mini van’s lights shone upon dark shadows lying near the door. Jim hopped out of the van to see what was going on. Then he summoned us as if it were nothing. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">As I reached in the back seat to get sleeping Matt, the children shrieked, “Santa came! He came! Santa was already here!” <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">What were they talking about? I grabbed a confused, groggy Matt. There were nearly a dozen or so thirty-gallon black trash bags left sitting by our front door. Jim and the big kids carried in the bags.<o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">The children tore open the plastic bags to discover dozens of wrapped presents with their names on them. It was blessed chaos. There were tons of groceries, toilet paper, and shampoo. Everything we were out of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kristy, Nathan and Ian were stacking the packages by the tree while Marissa and Matt played mountain climbers scaling the huge mounds of packages. Kristy screamed as she caught the tree from falling. Marissa narrowly escaped a plunge from the top of Gift Mountain. Our children were bouncing off the walls, but we finally convinced them that it wasn’t Christmas yet, and Santa required they open presents on Christmas morning like in The Night Before Christmas. They didn’t argue because we had just read the story. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Marissa wondered why Santa left them outside, instead of bringing them down the chimney. Ian, who always had an answer for everything, announced, “he had so much dummy; if he brought the bags down the chimney, he would get the chimney stopped up.” Kristy added “that the house was locked and he could not bring them in the door.” Finally they all scampered off to their rooms and soon were snuggled in beds dreaming of Christmas miracles. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Shortly after midnight the phone rang. It was the resident from PICU calling us to let us know Becca had turned the corner and they upgraded her status to stable. She was improving and was breathing easier so they had removed the ventilator; Becca was now breathing on her own and on supplemental oxygen! Becca was getting better! My Christmas prayers had been answered. And someone, some Santa somewhere had fulfilled my wishes. He or she arrived with bags of toys, and goodies, and groceries. My cupboards would no longer be bare. Jim and I had no means to provide for our family, yet someone, somewhere, knew our needs. I thanked the baby in the manger for this Christmas miracle. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Jim and I put away the much-needed groceries. Two turkeys, packages of hamburger and chicken went into the freezer. We put the canned goods on the shelves . . .apples and oranges, carrots and potatoes, and onions . . . bathroom and hygiene products. There were even a couple loaves of expensive rice bread. Whoever brought this Christmas miracle, had not forgotten anything. They had even picked up a double pack of diapers for Matt who was regressing from his potty training in his upside down life. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">The real Christmas miracles were hidden in the tiny details. Buried deep in one of the bags I discovered a brand new pair of much needed white Reebok tennis shoes for me. They fit perfectly. We filled the stockings with candy and small gifts from the bags the kids had not seen. With the gifts from the hospital and the one from us for Nathan and Ian, we had more presents than we had ever imagined. Our room looked like a Hollywood movie Christmas morning scene. Where did all this come from? <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Jim and I crawled into bed, hoping to get a few hours of sleep before the kids scrambled upon us to open their presents. They were tired from the late night and for the first time ever on Christmas morning; they slept until 8:00 A.M.. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Kristy in her sweats and the little ones in their blanketed sleepers tore into the pile of packages. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, I lost count of the gifts they each received. Nathan screamed pulling out a pair of roller blades, the current hottest trend retailing at $l50 a pair. Who had done this? Ian soon discovered he had a pair too! Kristy found a boom box, a jewelry box, curling iron and music to play. Packages marked to the Yurcek family contained a VCR to replace the one that had been stolen when our house had been robbed and ransacked right before Becca’s birth. There were movies, games, books, colored markers, and art kits for each child. Even Becca was not forgotten. She got new clothes, a diaper bag, several new pink animals and more music. Marissa found a big package with a dollhouse and furniture. She was surrounded in pink heaven. Matt tunneled and laughed through the wrapping paper and boxes. We corralled him to open his presents, a big floppy eared dog, trucks, cars and a train track. The boys tried to set up their new remote control car racing set in the middle of the wrapping mess.<o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Jim was not to be forgotten and he discovered new socks, sweats, jeans and a belt. He handed me a tiny box from under the tree that he discovered while we were cleaning up and making sure all the tiny toy pieces were not thrown away with the mountain of boxes and wrapping paper. Inside was a solid sterling silver heart necklace with six tiny stones. The necklace was a reminder of hope, a mother’s heart with my six precious children. The six little diamonds sparkled in rainbow colors from our Christmas tree. It was bittersweet to look at as Becca’s heart was slowly failing. But I reminded myself that for today Becca was doing better, and this Christmas we had witnessed a true miracle. Some unknown Santa with a caring heart had done all this for us. But who, how, when?<o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">___________<o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">No longer were our cupboards bare. The kids and I made a fresh fruit salad with real whipped cream. Kristy peeled the apples and Nathan chopped them along with slicing frozen strawberries. Marissa cut banana coins with a bread knife and Ian added one handful of marshmallows to his mouth before adding the next handful to the magical miracle bowl of Christmas fruit.<o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">We dressed for Christmas dinner at my cousins. The family celebrated the day together with aunts and uncles, cousins and second cousins. All were there but one, our Becca. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">No longer would we be hungry again. We had food for the next month until our food stamp case opened. The kids had new toys to keep them occupied. We had warm clothing and mittens. I later discovered when our bills arrived, that some unknown Santa paid our phone bill, the utility bills, and our car insurance! We will be forever grateful for the gifts of that year, and we will never forget we witnessed a true Christmas miracle. I have from then on remembered to give back to others as you did for us. Thank you! What you did for us that year was unbelievable! You gave us the gift of hope and belief in miracles. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Buried in one of the bags of the hundreds of dollars in gifts we found a card, wishing us a “Merry Christmas and to all, and to all a good night. You are loved! Santa.” <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Those were the same words whispered in tiny Becca’s ear ten days earlier. Was it connected? <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Over the next few years, the miracles continued helping us when we needed it most. I tried to find who our anonymous Santa was but we never discovered the giver of the gifts. Whoever it was did not want to be found out. Maybe someday that person or persons will read my writing, and I will finally be able to thank her or him for our Christmas miracle and generosity. <o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="BasicParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Perhaps, we will never know.<o:p></o:p></div>Annystribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07244800246409157346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2779422635946838619.post-67133778788909141992011-10-30T12:01:00.000-07:002011-10-30T12:01:33.633-07:00Becca's Best Movie Deal: Target Cars 2 DVD $.99 after Rebates without any coupons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAbigb0kN8v5HDRfUaUUfJO2fSoTU_XUQANNnTFPxByT7JROCrQFsokH-GqCiZMUyNWpI18B47a01IKf9uzszY5qnmq4c7BWp3guN8ob2rral45lfRtehRxs39iX6VwZ4qBjmoP7Kxg/s1600/cars+2+5+disc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAbigb0kN8v5HDRfUaUUfJO2fSoTU_XUQANNnTFPxByT7JROCrQFsokH-GqCiZMUyNWpI18B47a01IKf9uzszY5qnmq4c7BWp3guN8ob2rral45lfRtehRxs39iX6VwZ4qBjmoP7Kxg/s1600/cars+2+5+disc.jpg" /></a></div>The cars deals just keep coming. For those who don't care about having the big combo pack, you can pick up the Cars 2 for $15.99 at Target.<br />
<br />
Today's paper has a new rebate:<br />
Rayovac $5.00 off Any Cars 2 movie<br />
Use the Huggies Rebate, Buy $20.00 worth of <a href="https://www.kcc.cr.kimberly-clark.com/downloads/rebate.pdf"><span style="color: #445566;">Huggies Products and Cars 2 and get a $10.00 Rebate</span></a>.<br />
<br />
Making the Cars 2 only $.99 after rebateAnnystribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07244800246409157346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2779422635946838619.post-43542112249198043532011-10-30T06:16:00.000-07:002011-10-30T06:16:55.107-07:00Becca's Best Movie Deal: Cars 2--5 Disc FREE at Best Buy after Coupon and Rebates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbaK6uvD4XqYH-pcbzJWBBp71vOd3qiJ6UZBSxW7GQYWhrQnEG72jMLxK5qZDEvgqXf-MneBhAl5yAtolCkkLVAz4mEnrsITJQ1pu5LxuTHz6FzSGUtRMIrT9-LtvV-pRVtwUvAC2oqw/s1600/cars+2+5+disc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbaK6uvD4XqYH-pcbzJWBBp71vOd3qiJ6UZBSxW7GQYWhrQnEG72jMLxK5qZDEvgqXf-MneBhAl5yAtolCkkLVAz4mEnrsITJQ1pu5LxuTHz6FzSGUtRMIrT9-LtvV-pRVtwUvAC2oqw/s1600/cars+2+5+disc.jpg" /></a></div>November 1 Disney Cars 2 is being released. <a href="http://disney.go.com/cars/"><span style="color: #445566;">Movie Trailer and Games</span></a><br />
<a href="http://thirteenandfrugal.blogspot.com/2009/03/meet-our-movie-critic-and-deal-writer.html"><span style="color: #445566;">Meet Becca our Movie Deal Blogger</span></a><br />
<br />
Use the<a href="http://www.disneymovierewards.go.com/promotions/special-offers/cars2coupon"><span style="color: #445566;"> $5.00 Disney Cars 2 mfg. coupon</span></a><br />
<br />
There are two rebates on Cars 2<br />
Buy $10.00 worth of <a href="http://www.band-aid.com/fun"><span style="color: #445566;">Band-Aid brand adhesive bandages, Neosporin Lip Health, Neosporin, Johnson and Johnson Red Cross brand, or Cortaid and get a $10.00 Rebate</span></a>.<br />
<br />
Buy $20.00 worth of <a href="https://www.kcc.cr.kimberly-clark.com/downloads/rebate.pdf"><span style="color: #445566;">Huggies Products and Cars 2 and get a $10.00 Rebate</span></a>.<br />
<br />
Buy Cars 2--5 Disc Combo Pack for $24.99<br />
Use $5.00 mfg. coupon from Disney Movie Rewards<br />
Pay $19.99<br />
Submit for Huggies Rebate $10.00<br />
Submit for Band-aids Rebate $10.00<br />
Get for FREE and a $0.01 moneymaker<br />
<br />
Check out our<a href="http://thirteenandfrugal.blogspot.com/2011/10/beccas-best-movie-deals-target-free.html"> Target Money Making Deal</a>. May require a little ingenuity, with rolling a gift card and a price match, but for a little effort it can score you a 5 dollar bill after rebates.Annystribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07244800246409157346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2779422635946838619.post-17004273575704053382011-10-29T21:05:00.000-07:002011-10-30T05:54:28.448-07:00Walgreens: Pampers Jumbo Deal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8H6arwnl6GEG560buMXblYWYGbLN-Y-kwkXVkeAH6-kPbt7Fu5O9iDtdUWMq1Y4hTYpWxu94P_IjiGyF-CFtxuluvlHN424ckx3xZ0MYdLXkvik5oMIOEWyM4R57hYK5VkRNqpnFaA/s1600/pampers+jumbo+pack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8H6arwnl6GEG560buMXblYWYGbLN-Y-kwkXVkeAH6-kPbt7Fu5O9iDtdUWMq1Y4hTYpWxu94P_IjiGyF-CFtxuluvlHN424ckx3xZ0MYdLXkvik5oMIOEWyM4R57hYK5VkRNqpnFaA/s1600/pampers+jumbo+pack.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Pampers Jumbo Packs – 2/$20 Get a $3 Register Reward when you buy 2<br />
<br />
Buy 2 at 2/$20<br />
Use $2/2 Pampers Diapers bags, $2/1 Diapers or Pants 10/30/2011 P&G Insert (exp 11/30/2011)<br />
Use $2/1 Pampers Cruisers or Swaddlers 2/1/2011 Walgreens Infant Care Booklet (exp 12/31/2011) (It will take off $4.00)<br />
Pay $14.00 for 2 packs of Pampers Jumbo Packs<br />
Get $3.00 Register Reward<br />
Net Total: $11.00/2 or $5.50 per packAnnystribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07244800246409157346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2779422635946838619.post-15019387780200314222011-10-29T19:09:00.000-07:002011-11-01T14:02:56.185-07:00Becca's Best Movie Deals: Target: Cars 2 for FREE-- $10.00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZsr29kDFQHM8_CAL4DPHEMCTt2iiWtWSQSEzy5BRdzxERmT5y0u1KSGEDnJlmMX74GNhJLUhObNZrDG-5XmFXdbr9-fcJZtFopCWmDj-reZNUgnq8FWpdTCql9h0t2E5E4kH-9hDAw/s1600/cars+2+5+disc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZsr29kDFQHM8_CAL4DPHEMCTt2iiWtWSQSEzy5BRdzxERmT5y0u1KSGEDnJlmMX74GNhJLUhObNZrDG-5XmFXdbr9-fcJZtFopCWmDj-reZNUgnq8FWpdTCql9h0t2E5E4kH-9hDAw/s1600/cars+2+5+disc.jpg" /></a></div>November 1 Disney Cars 2 is being released. <a href="http://disney.go.com/cars/">Movie Trailer and Games</a><br />
<a href="http://thirteenandfrugal.blogspot.com/2009/03/meet-our-movie-critic-and-deal-writer.html">Meet Becca our Movie Deal Blogger</a><br />
<strong>Target has the 5 Disc Blu-Ray Combo Package for $29.99</strong><br />
<br />
<strong><u><a href="http://bestbuy.shoplocal.com/bestbuy/default.aspx?action=entryflash&adref=header">Bring your Best Buy Ad and Price Match at Target for $24.99</a></u></strong><br />
<br />
You could always just head to <a href="http://thirteenandfrugal.blogspot.com/2011/10/beccas-best-movie-deal-cars-2-5-disc.html">Best Buy and use the Disney Coupon and submit for the rebates and get it for free.</a> Or you can head to Target and get it for FREE and have extra money refunded to help cover the costs associated with getting the rebates.<br />
<br />
Use the<a href="http://www.disneymovierewards.go.com/promotions/special-offers/cars2coupon"> $5.00 Disney Cars 2 mfg. coupon</a><br />
<br />
There are two rebates on Cars 2<br />
Buy $10.00 worth of <a href="http://www.band-aid.com/fun">Band-Aid brand adhesive bandages, Neosporin Lip Health, Neosporin, Johnson and Johnson Red Cross brand, or Cortaid and get a $10.00 Rebate</a>.<br />
<br />
Buy $20.00 worth of <a href="https://www.kcc.cr.kimberly-clark.com/downloads/rebate.pdf">Huggies Products and Cars 2 and get a $10.00 Rebate</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFh-DuFs83xPvGXNhRWhUdIOoRLq8upQdwpGCjWmp8xeFbp2V8puMT_uk6WrUp3vjGqKRXPEJOYhQI8mtWANZEfGB8FNZoierAQUDNxD8b_RwjgwwV4IhkZADjXsi0GEOiMBHCVdmF4A/s1600/Target+cars+2+gift+card+ad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFh-DuFs83xPvGXNhRWhUdIOoRLq8upQdwpGCjWmp8xeFbp2V8puMT_uk6WrUp3vjGqKRXPEJOYhQI8mtWANZEfGB8FNZoierAQUDNxD8b_RwjgwwV4IhkZADjXsi0GEOiMBHCVdmF4A/s320/Target+cars+2+gift+card+ad.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>For even better savings, I just found out that Target will have a coupon for a $5.00 Target Gift Card when you buy $25.00 worth of Kimberly Clark Products, like Huggies, Pullups, Cottonelle, Viva etc.<br />
<br />
Also the Target Ad has a Target Gift Card Deal for buy 2 Huggies Boxes $29.99 each and get a $10.00 Gift Card. I am thinking the Coupon and the Automatic Gift Card deals may stack. I will be trying to find 2 of the Target Sunday Paper Coupons and stack the boxes with 2--Target Coupons and get $5.00 Target Gift Cards. Check back Tuesday night to see if I have success. It works and I scored $20.00 in Target Gift Cards for buying Huggies. <br />
<br />
My <strong>Regular Target I know will work scenario deal if you can score the Target Kimberly Clark Coupon. </strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Transaction #1</strong><br />
Buy Two cases of Huggies for $29.99 get $10.00 Gift Card. Use 22 buy $25.00 worth of Kimberly Park Products before coupons, GET $5.00 Gift Card<br />
<br />
<strong>Transaction #2</strong><br />
<br />
Buy Cars 2 $29.99 Price Match Best Buy $24.99<br />
use<a href="http://www.disneymovierewards.go.com/promotions/special-offers/cars2coupon"> $5.00 mfg. coupon</a><br />
use $5.00 or $10.00 Target gift card from buying Kimberly Clark Products<br />
use $10.00 Target Gift Card for buying 2 Huggies<br />
Pay $14.99 for Cars 2--5 Disc Combo Package ($14.24 if using Target Red Card)<br />
Submit for <a href="http://www.band-aid.com/fun">Band-aid Rebate $10.00</a><br />
Submit for<a href="https://www.kcc.cr.kimberly-clark.com/downloads/rebate.pdf"> Huggies Rebate $10.00</a><br />
Total Cost: FREE$$ Before REBATES :)<br />
<br />
<strong>** While I was logged into my Disney Movie Rewards, I used 100 points for a free Box of Pop Secret.</strong><br />
<br />
I also logged in some codes: <br />
SIMBA for 25 points<br />
FPSNN83JX9 for 25 points (New reward members only)<br />
HSIU87FJ457 for 5 points<br />
and for new members only HUNNY and MATER are getting some people points.<br />
<br />
Becca had to help me put together the deal before she left for Michigan to visit her brother on Friday. I was under orders to get it done for Brody our grandson who is Cars 2 obsessed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAidB4BYMcjv178JW7TyWHiWn3NISa7Ox2OGePS5jC_7LnlLp7V91tz8EDlB_JJUsbOKcv92NiNYft8jmX30CYHBXn23txSCj36J8FR5h2BIKBuAHGRdWHaVRnkBldIZLGxfbjayilSg/s1600/Becca+and+Brody.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAidB4BYMcjv178JW7TyWHiWn3NISa7Ox2OGePS5jC_7LnlLp7V91tz8EDlB_JJUsbOKcv92NiNYft8jmX30CYHBXn23txSCj36J8FR5h2BIKBuAHGRdWHaVRnkBldIZLGxfbjayilSg/s320/Becca+and+Brody.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Today I updated it for her and put together the blog post. Life has been busy since summer and our blog has been neglected big time. But for a very good reason, we have a wee little foster guy to care for. It will be a Cars 2 Christmas at our house this year for the two toddler boys.Annystribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07244800246409157346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2779422635946838619.post-45151066595332629762011-06-23T06:04:00.000-07:002011-06-23T06:04:05.187-07:00Time with Family<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Czi2Xfcuzn7RZD6LGJgChr4oc4GDCieVLicgvdJ_Jg8IkgTFLXmdmW7jPBXpxCRvk6Nn69n8hQpGJb8DppW3crUjSXPv-f97r7MwheQR5XL2IA1HdHY3lk7hGlbNR3R_5xjhk6OB-Q/s1600/6-21-2011+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Czi2Xfcuzn7RZD6LGJgChr4oc4GDCieVLicgvdJ_Jg8IkgTFLXmdmW7jPBXpxCRvk6Nn69n8hQpGJb8DppW3crUjSXPv-f97r7MwheQR5XL2IA1HdHY3lk7hGlbNR3R_5xjhk6OB-Q/s320/6-21-2011+005.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>We are just back from Minnesota spending precious time with family. Kristy and Chris and the two little girls will be moving soon to the other side of the world as Chris will be heading up a start up of a new 3M company from Singapore. So this Nana is a little sad, but in the day of global world and technology we will find a way to keep connected. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Z_uCzq3uIonT45cx38-3Z9-HKMhO5_OgdkRU4vdET9EPkDLXLKumaZ3umARap7Z61e2sA80oqLiG-5UzSqP0jWNvUi91b-RRvU7BtBWf8qsoI8eo1YnQd3cTnCjbm4uIAEHSU5ftmQ/s1600/6-21-2011+045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Z_uCzq3uIonT45cx38-3Z9-HKMhO5_OgdkRU4vdET9EPkDLXLKumaZ3umARap7Z61e2sA80oqLiG-5UzSqP0jWNvUi91b-RRvU7BtBWf8qsoI8eo1YnQd3cTnCjbm4uIAEHSU5ftmQ/s320/6-21-2011+045.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>One can't have a trip to the Como zoo without a treat. Mahala certainly was enjoying her sucker and became one sticky mess. But that is what summer and fun is about.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHkjq3kKu2GfuARzNVr2HLtXXwnblpMB7g_sk1yMTS5bjEjwan8yq6kFszooLeRIBw4hDCxiMhdOIl0hf-s083wWGa8I1LjPrU_kFvHUy4Yh5zViVUsimuGingqsS3wI8EX3kndJv_Q/s1600/6-21-2011+053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHkjq3kKu2GfuARzNVr2HLtXXwnblpMB7g_sk1yMTS5bjEjwan8yq6kFszooLeRIBw4hDCxiMhdOIl0hf-s083wWGa8I1LjPrU_kFvHUy4Yh5zViVUsimuGingqsS3wI8EX3kndJv_Q/s320/6-21-2011+053.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Papa and his boy. Brody absolutely loves his Papa and I think the feeling is mutual.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXbrKGNejdZofdkmIEGDGKUNMpgispYUpI1rFgK3JfIaFqi1PeA5IpXflUmpdgXMhG2MXiQeXaFHYmfJnJbALLRuvZ8XN0c5B4sg4OHw4QyvEbEY_cBSaAjI9jT_LQwFe2qb-II9bmA/s1600/6-21-2011+056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXbrKGNejdZofdkmIEGDGKUNMpgispYUpI1rFgK3JfIaFqi1PeA5IpXflUmpdgXMhG2MXiQeXaFHYmfJnJbALLRuvZ8XN0c5B4sg4OHw4QyvEbEY_cBSaAjI9jT_LQwFe2qb-II9bmA/s320/6-21-2011+056.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>Detamara enjoying watching the little nieces and nephew play.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGHwYwabg5ZqrUzKdw8K0YgcgrOM9TClweoRQeVwzVX2eMWLAM3C8vguL2cW8B5_aH4AdmUcRkb8vfvnpuL9MKmmoZ3HNri6HulNkP5hDPkG_AVve07ew2pLMYniSz6TeT8a-xbIjvw/s1600/6-21-2011+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGHwYwabg5ZqrUzKdw8K0YgcgrOM9TClweoRQeVwzVX2eMWLAM3C8vguL2cW8B5_aH4AdmUcRkb8vfvnpuL9MKmmoZ3HNri6HulNkP5hDPkG_AVve07ew2pLMYniSz6TeT8a-xbIjvw/s320/6-21-2011+019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Kristy and Mahala. Our kids do grow up and they become amazing parents. Miss Mahala is soon to be two and one busy little lady.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdzcyP_ea41fo2L5KZDLv0Ut3mgn_68QJXFBXPt-uPZm-9r3Sbi1xJFpQGn5EErmOfaOzU6pwD8YXtZ-R9YZRMDUlV86A8X_pRe9dW_fsPtuVvPBR4m9aTXnh8iRaKicQZXS0xoGGCw/s1600/6-21-2011+062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdzcyP_ea41fo2L5KZDLv0Ut3mgn_68QJXFBXPt-uPZm-9r3Sbi1xJFpQGn5EErmOfaOzU6pwD8YXtZ-R9YZRMDUlV86A8X_pRe9dW_fsPtuVvPBR4m9aTXnh8iRaKicQZXS0xoGGCw/s320/6-21-2011+062.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>Brody is now fourteen months and his parents Nathan and Stacey are having fun playing with this patient and cautious little guy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0z5NJvYQStoajDXLWtxwnjAf2yNze-pmGkS-X-d5pR8RyXIjWhzn5acEp5AuH_p7Lcvu9FV_LHWbE8tkFHGnNlQ1PMdCqIGrcakc6oGSRM1nX1c4gmdjCAMlKjuTv-Knx7YzXI7KNbg/s1600/6-21-2011+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0z5NJvYQStoajDXLWtxwnjAf2yNze-pmGkS-X-d5pR8RyXIjWhzn5acEp5AuH_p7Lcvu9FV_LHWbE8tkFHGnNlQ1PMdCqIGrcakc6oGSRM1nX1c4gmdjCAMlKjuTv-Knx7YzXI7KNbg/s320/6-21-2011+003.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>Doc and Becca enjoying our trip to the zoo. A beautiful day to spend time at the zoo with Kristy and the girls making precious memories.<br />
<br />
I couldn't but not think back to when Jim and I took wee Kristy and Nathan to the Como zoo not too far from our first home. Two blond little tikes riding in the water boats in the amuzement park after our visiting the animals and seeing Sparky the seal. Time flies by in the blink of an eye and now we are blessed to be able to take our grandchildren and relive those precious memories.Annystribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07244800246409157346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2779422635946838619.post-31792574074327903302010-12-10T14:38:00.000-08:002011-02-24T07:34:14.997-08:00Inexpensive Alternatives for AG Bitty Baby Doll Wear<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAgCGr_1I6rG07uV7uFmrZnMNbaxp8Ojs3XEeJLfRAGRZJEA1LIF4sgpViot9dvNhXGTT2OA6Ivo8iJ5hXTtGu0zrUqvhXppc3X_-BWLDGedImtdbvwbQhWEk7aL_2EpnISOPV0Q2Eg/s1600/Christmas+2010+007.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549187460014229026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAgCGr_1I6rG07uV7uFmrZnMNbaxp8Ojs3XEeJLfRAGRZJEA1LIF4sgpViot9dvNhXGTT2OA6Ivo8iJ5hXTtGu0zrUqvhXppc3X_-BWLDGedImtdbvwbQhWEk7aL_2EpnISOPV0Q2Eg/s320/Christmas+2010+007.JPG" style="float: left; height: 214px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Bitty Baby is dressed for Christmas!<br />
<br />
With getting American Girl Bitty Babies for wee ones I thought I would post my favorite frugal alternative to paying $26.00 per outfit.<br />
<br />
I buy Child of Mine by Carters Preemie Baby Sleepers in the Infant Department at Walmart. Often I will find the sleepers and other preemie wear for as little as $1.00 an sleeper or outfit on clearance. This Christmas Reindeer sleeper is only $7.00 full price.<br />
<br />
Little girls will love the cute preemie pink ballet sleepers and appliqued pink pastel monkey sleepers which just came in. Top them off with making dolly headbands with bows for durable doll clothes.<br />
<br />
I used a remnant of red bumpy blanket material and lined it with a red Christmas flannel to make Bitty a matching blanket. As soon as I find my hot glue gun the matching set will be finished with a red satin dot headband.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">To make a Bitty Baby Blanket </span><br />
<br />
Cut two fabrics 20 inches by 24 inches<br />
Pin right sides together<br />
Using 1/4 inch seam allowance<br />
Begin in the center of one side and stitch around the rectangle, leaving a 4 inch opening.<br />
(I put the slippery bumpy blanket material on the bottom to keep things from slipping)<br />
Clip the corners<br />
Slip and use a point turner or a pin to pull out the corners<br />
Tuck in the seam in the opening and pin<br />
Edge stitch the perimeter with a coordinating color<br />
A Bitty Baby Blanket to match her Preemie Sleeper :)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">And Bitty Needs Diapering</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LBhmAk-UeKdQMg8kjnptwk5TOa0JrHivliqAFlCuViVQ3NSVSw9bslJOQbgsQJB31mU_4X8nqqgNrPFaLCjjWaXDMKS1eXK9PkegKt-WS8GDxa35-fHIaKOzZA2Avx7JSxwNCZ2-WQ/s1600/huggies+preemie+diapers.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549207666497867010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LBhmAk-UeKdQMg8kjnptwk5TOa0JrHivliqAFlCuViVQ3NSVSw9bslJOQbgsQJB31mU_4X8nqqgNrPFaLCjjWaXDMKS1eXK9PkegKt-WS8GDxa35-fHIaKOzZA2Avx7JSxwNCZ2-WQ/s320/huggies+preemie+diapers.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 130px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 130px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Buy a package of <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/search/index.jsp?kwCatId=&kw=preemie&origkw=preemie&f=Taxonomy/TRUS/2255957&sr=1">Huggies Preemie Diapers for $8.99</a>. Right now they ship for FREE at Babies R Us. If you can find them in the store, use one of the many Huggies coupons to save $$. I used to ration them to make them last.Annystribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07244800246409157346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2779422635946838619.post-72001002662704434392010-10-31T17:41:00.000-07:002010-10-31T17:57:00.139-07:00Can You Believe I Got All This for 77 Cents Including 5 Udis Gluten-Free Baked Goods!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUQcsi7zGDM2XYxIkZbejZrdZAT0-SDUmNltDS4XT0J-U4dEjdCh_xXexCvKb5oc8XSZ70DdEO9J7r9JrfleV0OWUFKlySM7-bPB93Le_HVveR7oK220GXy67POwwUACnTNCnoy7P0Q/s1600/10-31-10+014.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUQcsi7zGDM2XYxIkZbejZrdZAT0-SDUmNltDS4XT0J-U4dEjdCh_xXexCvKb5oc8XSZ70DdEO9J7r9JrfleV0OWUFKlySM7-bPB93Le_HVveR7oK220GXy67POwwUACnTNCnoy7P0Q/s320/10-31-10+014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534375656126243954" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Total Spent: $.77 Total Saved: $67.72<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I had FUN this week. I began with rolling a Register Reward at Walgreens and ended up with a FREE Colgate Sensitive Toothpaste (not pictured), 2 Boxes of Contac, 2 Packages of Huggies Diapers. I paid for candy bars to roll the rewards and those are not included. <br /><br />Then we were off to Hyvee to spend my $30.00 in Catalina shopping rewards for buying General Mills Cereal last week. I bought 6 boxes of cereal x 5 times thru the register for $2.00 each trip and got a $6.00 Catalina each time.<br /><br />Walgreens: Total: Nothing but including the Royal jello $.60<br />Total Savings $29.80 (Sale Prices)<br /><br />Hyvee: 3 Udis Harvest Grain Bread @ $4.88 ($5.99), 2 Udis Muffins @ $5.99, 3 Birds Eye Vegetables $1.25 ($1.79), 2 Gatorade $.50 ($1.25)<br />Used 5--$6.00 Catalina Shopping Rewards from General Mills Cereal last week's Deals<br />Total Paid: $.17 <br />Total Savings: Including Sale and Catalina Coupons $37.92<br /><br />I would never believed that I could be able to get ridiculous expensive Gluten-Free products for nothing until today :)Annystribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07244800246409157346noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2779422635946838619.post-10539883524936107092010-10-31T07:43:00.000-07:002010-11-01T09:31:22.473-07:00Becca's Best Movie Deal: 11/2 Release: Toy Story 3 Combo Pack $6.99 After Rebates<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfV2w6R0P4JUGjmtk-333qKVPohlTLUpxgCbxbdwP6sqnG8WRKkdSCAlbetYbB3G6ay30Le3omYC_2PWtj-vJ4ET-VZ6KGa0mNdrjcUbYFTHZOmj8H1lcEpuMoBLbxgSX9Bv5jf9L6w/s1600/toy+story+3+combo+pack.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfV2w6R0P4JUGjmtk-333qKVPohlTLUpxgCbxbdwP6sqnG8WRKkdSCAlbetYbB3G6ay30Le3omYC_2PWtj-vJ4ET-VZ6KGa0mNdrjcUbYFTHZOmj8H1lcEpuMoBLbxgSX9Bv5jf9L6w/s320/toy+story+3+combo+pack.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534221940363692866" border="0" /></a><br /><div class="mediaMask"> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJQMH5BlVMDXX6AS-mUWsZFO-UDMmA48PEWG03HZckoeTG2Qs14FTaYLD1tv35m9Z1JMlUoqa3Xb8rfQ8aEk2FtSaZFs7Vvklf7VRg_0avw4-GIHn24XPVUf5TKt3_hwuQ-XBCrKZwg/s1600/Target+logo_.gif"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 94px; height: 86px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJQMH5BlVMDXX6AS-mUWsZFO-UDMmA48PEWG03HZckoeTG2Qs14FTaYLD1tv35m9Z1JMlUoqa3Xb8rfQ8aEk2FtSaZFs7Vvklf7VRg_0avw4-GIHn24XPVUf5TKt3_hwuQ-XBCrKZwg/s200/Target+logo_.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534224305339920850" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Becca's Best Movie Deals found another for you.<a href="http://thirteenandfrugal.blogspot.com/2009/03/meet-our-movie-critic-and-deal-writer.html"> Meet Becca the Movie Deal Writer</a>.<br /><br />Get Toy Story 3 Combo Pack for $6.99 after Rebates.<br /><br />Buy Toy Story 3 Combo Pack $24.99<br /><a href="http://www.disneymovierewards.go.com/promotions/special-offers/ts3lptw-coupon?cmp=dmov_dmr_url_ts3lptw_-coupon_print">Use $8.00 mfg. coupon</a><br />Total $16.99<br />Submit for $5.00 Campbells Rebate<br />Submit for $5.00<a href="http://www.rayovac.com/Promotions/Toy%20Story%203.aspx"> Rayovac Rebate</a><br />Final Price $6.99 after rebates<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJwOMbW7hyphenhyphenIyQBKnh_pv4O9rIT6yKvteQ3QDg-ZU7MXgwxvx_TXBvmod3jE038Eu4_sme8hZKOSMBl7tMRHPz7f7l7W5q4VgKR-b0VBethyphenhyphenwLYf_kbOWk7jV5neUy53xz2YwMpWoii5I/s1600/2010-10-28_082650.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJwOMbW7hyphenhyphenIyQBKnh_pv4O9rIT6yKvteQ3QDg-ZU7MXgwxvx_TXBvmod3jE038Eu4_sme8hZKOSMBl7tMRHPz7f7l7W5q4VgKR-b0VBethyphenhyphenwLYf_kbOWk7jV5neUy53xz2YwMpWoii5I/s320/2010-10-28_082650.png" border="0" height="101" width="320" /></a></div> Purchase 3 Campbells Condensed kids soups or SpaghettiOs pasta (You can save $1/3 with <a class="external" href="http://www.campbellskitchen.com/Coupon.aspx" target="_blank">this printable coupon</a>)<br />Remove one of the 2 purchase tabs from the back of the movie and mail it and the original receipt along with your Campbell’s receipt and UPC and <a class="external" href="http://www.campbellskitchen.com/Resources/pdf/11202CSC_Disney_Kids_Rebate.pdf" target="_blank">this form</a> to receive $5 back.<br /><br />Rayovac Rebate $5.00 is in posted at <a href="http://www.rayovac.com/Promotions/Toy%20Story%203.aspx">Rayovac.com</a>, and there was a $1.00 Rayovac coupon in Sunday's paper.<br /><br />There are 2 Proof of Purchase Tabs and so it should be easy to submit for both rebates. The Rayovac will take a copy of your receipt with the UPC on the batteries and the Proof of Purchase tab off the DVD.<br /><br />Enjoy the movie with your kids!Annystribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07244800246409157346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2779422635946838619.post-86811031749819806012010-10-30T12:04:00.001-07:002010-10-30T12:15:18.686-07:00Our Family Paying it Forward in the Dubuque Paper<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1iLFx2FlY7z9bu-s0QDC8ZYV3RWMB90tpX2IieAONyGdL4EcLIL-ykKmbRE63SlWXnxTHkMYqz9ZAfj85Wrpb-iza4IKe6pbBeVxs_1ixIthr_Tgj07HtOfyumn2uDgH2zwugehgSWw/s1600/AnnYurcekMB.JPG.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 175px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1iLFx2FlY7z9bu-s0QDC8ZYV3RWMB90tpX2IieAONyGdL4EcLIL-ykKmbRE63SlWXnxTHkMYqz9ZAfj85Wrpb-iza4IKe6pbBeVxs_1ixIthr_Tgj07HtOfyumn2uDgH2zwugehgSWw/s320/AnnYurcekMB.JPG.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533917295208964754" border="0" /></a><br />I just thought I would post this story that was in the <a href="http://www.thonline.com/article.cfm?id=300312">Dubuque Telegraph Gerald on Thursday of this week</a>.Annystribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07244800246409157346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2779422635946838619.post-28923841982861169592010-10-30T11:32:00.000-07:002010-10-31T18:08:38.439-07:00Nana Shops: $9.99 Thomas the Early Engineer Sets at Target<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMuPBmeHmZOpt28FixKI7OZsOceQuWs9WztHTQt18Io4rF_gHahSnABZML1LPnKs_ouNGFyNVV2Gx62D-53DpDzSqwgpdRJBUKyowHCSzBZoCBLGemSFUSVz1Ags9-XvZFHrkSaICCw/s1600/Target+logo_.gif"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 94px; height: 86px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMuPBmeHmZOpt28FixKI7OZsOceQuWs9WztHTQt18Io4rF_gHahSnABZML1LPnKs_ouNGFyNVV2Gx62D-53DpDzSqwgpdRJBUKyowHCSzBZoCBLGemSFUSVz1Ags9-XvZFHrkSaICCw/s200/Target+logo_.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533910300890719314" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjczTIeUT6o-2jUxmUmYy-Q5zOjGAF5EK-vmQsmwCDgEP7vV4Jptpw9wvkI4c_qY1dTB7fd5KlhvTGj6sB3i0l9n6rZkgzHH9niZ9kUsX7IiVGUI8G9N2Ih2qhCBQpwWTvpTBKJU61Rg/s1600/thomas+early+engineer.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjczTIeUT6o-2jUxmUmYy-Q5zOjGAF5EK-vmQsmwCDgEP7vV4Jptpw9wvkI4c_qY1dTB7fd5KlhvTGj6sB3i0l9n6rZkgzHH9niZ9kUsX7IiVGUI8G9N2Ih2qhCBQpwWTvpTBKJU61Rg/s320/thomas+early+engineer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533909764905164898" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" ><br /><br /><br /><br />Nana Shops</span><br /><br />This deal is worth getting ready for and watching for the new Target Toy book which is now posted at Black Friday.com. I just got my Jolly Holiday Gift Guide today in the mail and so the Toy book should be heading out soon. There are dozens of Target coupons in the book which can be combined with manufacturers coupons.<br /><br />Thomas Early Engineer Round About Station $24.99<br />Use $10.00 Coupon Found in Parenting the Early Years November Issue pg. 101<br />Use $5.00 Target Coupon from New Toybook for Any Early Engineers Set<br />Pay $9.99<br /><br />I kind of wished I had waited for the Target Coupon but still I did score an incredible buy for the wee ones. I will have to scrounge around for some more magazines and coupons and get some more for Toys for Tots.<br /><br />I ended up with 2 coupons and scored this incredible deal...<br /><br />Thomas Early Engineers Round About Station 2 @ $24.99 = $49.98<br />Used 2 @ $10.00 mfg. coupons - $20.00<br />Total $29.98<br />Used 4--$5.00 Gift Cards from Candles, Tampax, and Dial purchases (first transaction)<br />Paid $9.98/2Annystribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07244800246409157346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2779422635946838619.post-66297714154002039052010-10-30T09:30:00.000-07:002010-10-30T09:58:04.065-07:00Nana Shops: FREE Veggie Tales, The Incredible Singing Christmas Tree Album<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcLGrfI5lVWPOfplSAPtqfKZJSKEqseEPGip8rDJw43TpYdD5kLwraxNMYUmuSmaFSAR6MlOsdIGc7ZozghYGHPJXPmpFVllv1GOyLK0ypPk5gJ4MYuGiRS4nN1UT8IqKQWGp_zOXbxA/s1600/veggie+tales+singing+christmas+tree.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcLGrfI5lVWPOfplSAPtqfKZJSKEqseEPGip8rDJw43TpYdD5kLwraxNMYUmuSmaFSAR6MlOsdIGc7ZozghYGHPJXPmpFVllv1GOyLK0ypPk5gJ4MYuGiRS4nN1UT8IqKQWGp_zOXbxA/s200/veggie+tales+singing+christmas+tree.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533877791876226466" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" >Nana Shops</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Download the entire album Veggie Tales' The Incredible Singing Christmas Tree for FREE from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Incredible-Singing-Christmas-Tree/dp/B001232ODA/ref=sr_1_81?ie=UTF8&s=dmusic&qid=1288455535&sr=1-81">Amazon.com</a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Nana Hint:</span> Buy a Bargain MP3 player on Black Friday (Last I found one at Walmart for $29.99) or an old IPOD and load it with FREE Kid Albums like this one from Amazon for the car while running errands or traveling with the Wee ones.Annystribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07244800246409157346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2779422635946838619.post-14401995530525814852010-10-30T08:50:00.000-07:002010-10-30T09:24:39.135-07:00Nana Shops: Preview Targets Toy Catalog and Leapster Explorer Matchup<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgaPl7dNV5Aum0tskiwtKazbCyG7PElNccVjjvS3rv0BxkrsUCznBcrxyFBMkoJSlwN_ZFJmB0z7VeUEJfHVU1XME6wjtfEMd0MH1Y555quODKcJ7sZjxY1CE6PZ1BRGM4g9A_GYrug/s1600/Target+logo_.gif"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 94px; height: 86px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgaPl7dNV5Aum0tskiwtKazbCyG7PElNccVjjvS3rv0BxkrsUCznBcrxyFBMkoJSlwN_ZFJmB0z7VeUEJfHVU1XME6wjtfEMd0MH1Y555quODKcJ7sZjxY1CE6PZ1BRGM4g9A_GYrug/s200/Target+logo_.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533867287007966226" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXJ0gqGSdbTlskRVqdhkqcb-An8KdqYu4yZH5vfiLaa1bsOtP1yMTLKSo6m-wne-j9Qwohpdny0NRe1WFySO68YBkgQfPTXIwSUlkh9H_6BwfbsC1CNnaj19VfpRvRY4sDpLFvTkRLg/s1600/lp+explorer.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 247px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXJ0gqGSdbTlskRVqdhkqcb-An8KdqYu4yZH5vfiLaa1bsOtP1yMTLKSo6m-wne-j9Qwohpdny0NRe1WFySO68YBkgQfPTXIwSUlkh9H_6BwfbsC1CNnaj19VfpRvRY4sDpLFvTkRLg/s320/lp+explorer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533867202353052370" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Nana Shops</span></span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://blackfriday.gottadeal.com/TargetToyBook">Target's Christmas Toy Catalog</a> is now posted at Black Friday.com.<br /><br />One incredible deal is for the Leapfrog's Leapster Explorer for $59.99.<br /><br />Use a $10.00 coupon from specially marked boxes of Chocolate Cheerios. I found the coupon when I got all my $.50 boxes of cereal at our Hyvee last week.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Deal</span>:</span><br />Buy Leapster Explorer $59.99<br />Use $10.00 off mfg. coupon<br />Pay $49.99 for Leapster Explorer<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">For those who have the Leapster 2 and want to expand your games this Christmas....</span></span><br /><br />There are also Leapster Games for $12.44 (Ni Hao Kai-Lan, Cars, Star Wars). There were $5.00 off coupons in many of the lunch boxes at Target for Back to School that do not expire until 12-31-10.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Deal: </span><br />Buy Leapster Game $12.44<br />Use $5.00 off coupon<br />Pay $7.44<br /><br /><ul><li><a href="http://gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/10/a-new-leapster/">For a review of the </a>Leapster Explorer. </li><li>One of the biggest drawback of the New Leapster Explorer it that it is not compatible with the Leapster 2 games. </li><li>The new system is much more complicated to set up.</li><li>Not easy for the new younger gamer or kids with frustration tolerance issues.<br /></li><li>Our test drive with it was that our 5 year-old Leap frog fan still prefers the Leapster 2.</li></ul>Annystribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07244800246409157346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2779422635946838619.post-39119054217554614172010-10-19T07:13:00.001-07:002010-10-19T07:24:16.980-07:00Nana Shops: American Girl Doll Free Shipping Code<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhD15Bdy22uHCQdYNWl1ohdXQRrsxJuhrF9Hlw4S7JW86_0AczGUtIE9jNKuL1_olnbEI5DtDKRtEkd2q2kP8y-fRaf0AULbLllT67XCGeVghpcbOMpcQrqWQUmZQoG98JLt24jMkng/s1600/bitty+baby.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhD15Bdy22uHCQdYNWl1ohdXQRrsxJuhrF9Hlw4S7JW86_0AczGUtIE9jNKuL1_olnbEI5DtDKRtEkd2q2kP8y-fRaf0AULbLllT67XCGeVghpcbOMpcQrqWQUmZQoG98JLt24jMkng/s320/bitty+baby.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529762298719636626" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">NANA SHOPS</span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Free shipping when you spend $50.00 or more at <a href="http://store.americangirl.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AmericanGirl.com</a><br />Code: PF02831 valid until 11/7/10<br /><br />Thanks you to<a href="http://www.dealseekingmom.com/"> Tara at Deal Seeking Mom</a> for posting this code.<br /><br />It has been now nearly 20 years since the first American Girl Doll came into our home when Marissa used her modeling money to buy Kirsten and since then it has been a holiday tradition for my her and the younger girls to get new dolls, outfits, accessories and Mom sewn and designed fashions for their dolls.<br /><br />Miss Kasja and Miss Mahala will begin the next generation of the Yurcek American Girl Doll tradition with the two dolls that will arrive for Christmas with this code. This Nana will be sewing up some Christmas surprises to go with them for my two little sweethearts.Annystribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07244800246409157346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2779422635946838619.post-80210058256042705122010-10-17T08:30:00.000-07:002010-10-17T09:19:46.099-07:00TAG Readers $10 at Target Shipped FREE<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipjRuwO9-ZqzA_4xH3h4BsKH-5g8Aep4WfWrHN1iMOfX4hurEgWeSRuDy7ZbyeqrEh2obKrD7g42gZUXzwbEjmocuXoNG_yWmBIC8JoDXvXWLoqx-T4atcLHfmkzFXMSXCX0RFAI8AQ/s1600/Target+logo_.gif"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 94px; height: 86px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipjRuwO9-ZqzA_4xH3h4BsKH-5g8Aep4WfWrHN1iMOfX4hurEgWeSRuDy7ZbyeqrEh2obKrD7g42gZUXzwbEjmocuXoNG_yWmBIC8JoDXvXWLoqx-T4atcLHfmkzFXMSXCX0RFAI8AQ/s200/Target+logo_.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529038109356150402" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7p06TyqwXzYRbAU_qR3KZzzs_Ab-Br5Td2hqX0RBD5U49fa6WMNYBgD2w0Pb8uDAokOt66O3eKxVDuiUOnXpB9XDvc2Ry-EBOCziG35AHuOaxrstL6JYIxNrZ2LYJOZ_zvWy1wAamjw/s1600/tag+Reader.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 260px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7p06TyqwXzYRbAU_qR3KZzzs_Ab-Br5Td2hqX0RBD5U49fa6WMNYBgD2w0Pb8uDAokOt66O3eKxVDuiUOnXpB9XDvc2Ry-EBOCziG35AHuOaxrstL6JYIxNrZ2LYJOZ_zvWy1wAamjw/s320/tag+Reader.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529037897632751954" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br /><br />DEAL GONE</span></span></span><br /><br />Tag Readers are<a href="http://www.target.com/LeapFrog-TAG-Bundle-Hardware-Software/dp/B00350K066/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&searchView=grid5&keywords=leapfrog+toy+story&fromGsearch=true&sr=1-7&qid=1287331424&rh&searchRank=target10...4545&id=LeapFrog+TAG+Bundle+Hardware+Software&node=1038576%7C1287991011&searchSize=30&searchPage=1&searchNodeID=1038576%7C1287991011&searchBinNameList=subjectbin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&frombrowse=0See%20More"> $10.00 on price cut at Target.com </a>with FREE Shipping.<br /><br />We have given many TAG Readers at gifts and I watch for books on sale and combine the sale with coupons. I have scored many FREE or inexpensive books by watching clearance racks and using coupons.<br /><br />The TAG Reader can store TAG Jr. books.<br /><br />They also just came out with Early Reader books to help your child progress on their reading skills.Annystribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07244800246409157346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2779422635946838619.post-15785249873793585122010-09-30T07:46:00.000-07:002010-09-30T08:23:48.048-07:00Impromptu Fall Field Trip<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91RE51G8OyyCpgZhJ-o_BVrRWAldE_vvotyYsfdG-II18F7XtPK7j1onbdy7KeS0FUksGq0liQnHeXj5O0NmZQdL8Ayfwlk0zrqFtU2y2N0uPam_btOVP5AsInDmBgUIHUJwStG5I5w/s1600/September+2010+091.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91RE51G8OyyCpgZhJ-o_BVrRWAldE_vvotyYsfdG-II18F7XtPK7j1onbdy7KeS0FUksGq0liQnHeXj5O0NmZQdL8Ayfwlk0zrqFtU2y2N0uPam_btOVP5AsInDmBgUIHUJwStG5I5w/s320/September+2010+091.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522720459212586578" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Not wanting to waste a beautiful fall day, Detamara and I went on an impromptu fall field trip to <a href="http://www.cassville.org/histor.html">Cassville, WI</a>. We found out that Cassville was named after the first governor of the Michigan Territory (1827), Lewis Cass. The first Governor of Wisconsin Nelson Dewey (1848) lived there, and he is buried in Lancaster. On the way home we figured out where in town that was. We had visual/hands on history is how persons with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders learn best.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghst2drpW-PblHAqSxFczd8T0caOh2u0AVuHoqxWVr0qR2LRJPC1qIi_AgOz5HWBbCccYQJxugU-wpZ8hofC1k8dcmuiOKYmwA4ltYOjYXs12oLqK7pxGIr3YEgrCLo9uvtFs8bqXIqw/s1600/September+2010+068.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghst2drpW-PblHAqSxFczd8T0caOh2u0AVuHoqxWVr0qR2LRJPC1qIi_AgOz5HWBbCccYQJxugU-wpZ8hofC1k8dcmuiOKYmwA4ltYOjYXs12oLqK7pxGIr3YEgrCLo9uvtFs8bqXIqw/s320/September+2010+068.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522720139717827602" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://stonefield.wisconsinhistory.org/">Stonefield is a historic town and agriculture Museum</a> we visited.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrsRZyHRIvPUTTYYCmQ41dinL0p2rIQHC4uEmFq3MeQ2yL7E5OGeHgbr8t_HdEYKPSE_lZQLvSlxPJZ_ufxdtS7G1JYKesBfMJRWV7dst5BgwDgLEbW7Ah17q5XFbmQpPVxfEztmaiNg/s1600/September+2010+089.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrsRZyHRIvPUTTYYCmQ41dinL0p2rIQHC4uEmFq3MeQ2yL7E5OGeHgbr8t_HdEYKPSE_lZQLvSlxPJZ_ufxdtS7G1JYKesBfMJRWV7dst5BgwDgLEbW7Ah17q5XFbmQpPVxfEztmaiNg/s320/September+2010+089.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522719809115667266" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Detamara checked out the train and was figuring out what this lever was for.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEc9j5pPEMggso_i479PO9X7M2sa_mKc8x1-R5RvkYEL-xoSOzWesCR-Mm8UZWYoFneY6-jLFjKLsjaofRCHf_uDd2fdYNm34vYfow2aF_6V4HifzY9qIJzElz6Xvu8_KgvCoKMWRtrg/s1600/September+2010+069.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEc9j5pPEMggso_i479PO9X7M2sa_mKc8x1-R5RvkYEL-xoSOzWesCR-Mm8UZWYoFneY6-jLFjKLsjaofRCHf_uDd2fdYNm34vYfow2aF_6V4HifzY9qIJzElz6Xvu8_KgvCoKMWRtrg/s320/September+2010+069.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522719033887191650" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We went to school old fashioned style, while in school modern style.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRiqgKWfh7dQdzKQqD6MOe1RHkuEO5fkIE5ahV0ll2xCRyZB3DTp1T4Wsr-g74ZAiW1ovGY_za3_Qh-WejUv3naa6CEpfJ53w2wc_ii4e3R9kH-EXSHVQtSfXiMFI81h3_z4J5R2XSw/s1600/September+2010+073.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRiqgKWfh7dQdzKQqD6MOe1RHkuEO5fkIE5ahV0ll2xCRyZB3DTp1T4Wsr-g74ZAiW1ovGY_za3_Qh-WejUv3naa6CEpfJ53w2wc_ii4e3R9kH-EXSHVQtSfXiMFI81h3_z4J5R2XSw/s320/September+2010+073.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522719551530780098" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Detamara checking out the school desks. She thought it would be much too noisy with all the different ages of kids all in one room for her to learn. Detamara needs a small quiet one-on-one environment to learn with her FASD.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSBV0k3PP5teafV1j445maiVqmhlsJb93FFuIeNF4XBih4ro0Y5yjxXyNHYEywYyKJZGjfW9itLhxEja97VdoSDPR2TB2cN7RYWFnK1S5jfwxZVt48JZAkH23KGrMZcOBbFHfMYPwU3Q/s1600/September+2010+070.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSBV0k3PP5teafV1j445maiVqmhlsJb93FFuIeNF4XBih4ro0Y5yjxXyNHYEywYyKJZGjfW9itLhxEja97VdoSDPR2TB2cN7RYWFnK1S5jfwxZVt48JZAkH23KGrMZcOBbFHfMYPwU3Q/s320/September+2010+070.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522719322180175986" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />What Mom learned was for Detamara to be successful out in the community, she needs one-on-one support to go to new places. She did not have time to think about going, and we just went. Other times we need to give her prompts and cues to know what to do next. We just went for as long as she could handle, and when we checked in at a few minutes to 3, our passes would be good the next day (but we convinced them to write on them for Friday). We can head back and check out more.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6p9nAwgVXKcQIKXXaE7St3PKtVyuAVb0M2EW7hQ21GKK9xLz4vR5q1kCHdS_REFV6GnTQUDV-T7_H4b9koEZrz4rbQL7NQwAw3wxuUHJPrPek3GyKy4pmvePrKGZ7pponXZSotsjJWw/s1600/September+2010+085.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6p9nAwgVXKcQIKXXaE7St3PKtVyuAVb0M2EW7hQ21GKK9xLz4vR5q1kCHdS_REFV6GnTQUDV-T7_H4b9koEZrz4rbQL7NQwAw3wxuUHJPrPek3GyKy4pmvePrKGZ7pponXZSotsjJWw/s320/September+2010+085.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522720722128180546" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />How does this phone work?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1OhZVYxH6k9BDLX07Ko6-8NssbZoF8JWwgOl36YElui2oohQTNW9ykVzjYGAYVxAsm4yCln0O5zN95EqRZOntLiRPku4pYdilrm50dKKzp91JJpX_09sc-HF0OLYPTRq_wVUITewefw/s1600/September+2010+051.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1OhZVYxH6k9BDLX07Ko6-8NssbZoF8JWwgOl36YElui2oohQTNW9ykVzjYGAYVxAsm4yCln0O5zN95EqRZOntLiRPku4pYdilrm50dKKzp91JJpX_09sc-HF0OLYPTRq_wVUITewefw/s320/September+2010+051.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522718361488796418" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We happened upon catching a tug boat with 13 barges heading upstream. It was a great photography opportunity.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtZ1el8z0xJTPcSKBgkkWURrUXRkeiU3BF421VMdClsNF_oIRVP3fvuTMiB6kpl6jqI8Ng4GuQTDPSvpc0NnV1HyjgF_UrDRKEbDbSpyhvLyk2GhAnqUo8foJ1vdlANxWOYiOzlikig/s1600/September+2010+060.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtZ1el8z0xJTPcSKBgkkWURrUXRkeiU3BF421VMdClsNF_oIRVP3fvuTMiB6kpl6jqI8Ng4GuQTDPSvpc0NnV1HyjgF_UrDRKEbDbSpyhvLyk2GhAnqUo8foJ1vdlANxWOYiOzlikig/s320/September+2010+060.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522718666215362082" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />With all the rain, the Mississippi River is at its banks in Cassville. The boat landing and part of the parking lot were under water.<br /><br />On the way home, we ran into buggies of Amish Children heading home from school, farmers bringing in the harvest and more questions and lessons about the area we live.<br /><br />Total Cost: $14.75 and 19 miles from home.Annystribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07244800246409157346noreply@blogger.com0