Never A Dull Moment In The McLean Household!!!

Keep reading for the BIG NEWS at the bottom!!!

There is never a dull moment in the house! Wow, what a day! I started the morning getting prepared for our friends who were coming over for lunch. We had Jessie (with Justin and Jasmine) and Sara (with Wes, Wil, and Skye) come over. I wanted Jenna to have someone over because the boys always have their friends. Isn't this an adorable picture of the two of them?

Of course, the boys had fun with their friends too!

Next, after they left, we made our "turtle bread" for our dinner. The kids had a lot of fun making it. Ok, I know, I know....my turtle looks a little "sick", but this is coming from the person who can barely draw a stick person, and has a hard time cooking, but I was very proud of the result, and it tasted pretty good. (the kids did most of the shaping anyway!!!) You can stop laughing now, Sara!!!!

By now, I have had a full day, but I was able to get the grass mowed before the rains came down! Now, onto my next adventure, making something new. I get tired of the same old thing every week, so I branched out and made these Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs, and they turned out really good!!!! I was so proud of myself!

Now, drum roll please.....Here is the really BIG NEWS (no Jack, I am not pregnant!!) Joshua FINALLY lost a tooth!! He kept asking me "Is the bleed all gone"!!! I didn't think he would ever lose one. All his other friends have lost some, and I thought he would never catch up! The poor tooth fairy never carries cash, so she had to leave all she had $4!!! Maybe she will be more prepared next time!

Our Weekend

playing games
more games
more games
a nice treat
Jeslyn and Jozie

Saturday was a very busy day. We left to go to Jeslyn and Jozie's birthday party. The kids had a good time playing water games and eating. We left there and then went looking for shoes for Joshua and Jacob. We found a great pair for Jacob on sale. I'll keep looking for Joshua's. We then headed over to the Cooley's to go to the pool. When we got to the pool they had a thunder watch. We ended up driving back to their house. As we did, it started to rain. We talked for a long time while the kids played, and then Scott and Jack went and got us some dinner. After dinner, we were able to go to the pool for a little while and everyone had a GREAT time!!! The kids did not want to leave. They were so tired!! We didn't leave until 8 or after and they all fell asleep on the way home. I didn't even try to make them get their PJ's on, I just let them go right into bed! It was a lot of fun.!!

My Cowgirl (and mommy's bargains)

Last night Jenna wore her cow girl boots to VBS. I thought it would be perfect since they were having a cowboy theme all week! I put her in her boots (which she and daddy loved!!) and this jean dress that I bought at the last consignment sale for $3. It was cute with the pink ruffle at the bottom. Then, yesterday I went shopping with Traci and found these hair bows in the dollar section at Target!!! I know you can see everything, but she looked adorable!!! I got some nice school workbooks at Target in the dollar section for all the kids. I got two for Joshua with addition and subtraction....just perfect for his level. I also got Jacob and Jenna some letter writing books, and I got this teacher record book, just in case I home school in the next year or two. You should visit the dollar section at Target right now. It's the best I have seen it in a long, long time!!!

So, today we are off to a birthday party and then shopping and then heading over to Scott and Traci's to eat pizza and use the pool.

The End To An Unusual Week

I always enjoy the weekends because I get to spend more time with Jack and the kids. Jack and I have had a very nice week. I almost felt like we were dating again. The kids have been at VBS every night (and having a blast!!!) so we have had free evenings together. Monday we went out for his birthday, Tuesday was T-Ball with Jake, Wednesday he got home late, so we went to the track and walked/jogged, last night I went to the library by myself, goodwill, and to Walmart by myself!!! I am not sure what we will do tonight. The important thing is the kids are having a blast....oh, and the best part.......I don't have to cook!!!! The church feeds them every night! I feel like a taxi cab this week because we have been on the run. This morning, Joshua wants to go to VBS in Raleigh withTravis, so I'll have to run him in for that. The church is having hot dogs for the parents and kids. It's been good to see everyone again and I do get a little homesick for my old church and friends, but I know that I am where we are supposed to be.
Anyway, I guess family night is actually VBS for this week. Tomorrow we will be at Scott and Traci's using the pool and eating pizza...but then again, that is a wonderful family night!!!!!!

My Deals

I have to stay away from the Target clearance racks! I just love that store. I got these cute brand new cowboy (cowgirl) boots for $3.74. Maybe she can be a cow girl fro Halloween!! I also got her two shirts for $1.25 for next year and a pair of shorts for next year for .98 cents! I am so happy with them. Sometimes I think it pays just to go there instead of the consignments sales, although I'll still go! I love sniffing out bargains!! We had a fun day. I took the kids to the movies to see Curious George! Jacob didn't move! He sat as still as I have ever seen him. We went to Chick fil A after that with the coupons we got at the movies. The three of us ate for $5.50....what another deal!. I really didn't want to sit through another showing of Curious George, but the kids liked it, and I met up with Michelle and her friend Jana.

Jacob Time

Last night we got to spend time with Jacob. Joshua and Jenna wanted to go to VBS, and Jacob wanted to go to T-ball, so we got to spend some time alone with Jacob which was very nice. We ate dinner and then took him to T-ball and then we took him to Wendy's for a Frosty. I think he enjoyed the time alone with us too!

Busy Monday

We had a very busy start of the week. I had to go to Raleigh yesterday and since I had to go, Joshua wanted to go to VBS at our old church with Travis. So, we got up early and headed over there. It was nice to see our old friends and pastor. I dropped him off, and ran to the fairgrounds to get my leftover stuff. I did very well! I had one toy left, one video and only 18 pieces of clothing left. At least my closets are cleaned out now! I can't wait to get the check to see how well I did. That usually comes in a week. After that, I ran to Old Navy and Target and then met Traci, Travis and Joshua at Chick Fil A for lunch. She had brought Kennedy and Kelcey with her (some children of our other friends), so the kids had a great time playing with all their old friends. It made me miss everyone again. We came home and played and then left for VBS here in Clayton. Jacob and Jenna had a blast. The church feeds the kids dinner every night. Last night it was spaghetti. Jack and I went to Logan's for his birthday. I enjoyed the time with him. So, the kids are very tired. Joshua found out late last night that Travis was coming back to VBS today, but I am not going to try to wake them early after a late night and take that LONG drive. I may take him again tomorrow if things go well tonight.

Happy Birthday, Jack!

He wanted people to think he does the dishes, nice try honey

Today is a very special day, it's my sweetheart's birthday! Happy Birthday to my best friend and love of my life, Jack! I love you! I hope you have a wonderful day!!

We celebrated a little bit last night with a cake with the kids. We decided to do that because the kids are going to a VBS tonight and they won't get home until 9 or after, and that is too late for us to celebrate or for them to have cake and ice cream! Jack and I will probably take advantage of the kids having VBS and run and have dinner together at Andy's or Logan's. The church feeds them dinner every night, so I won't have to worry about that tonight. I am not sure if I will send them every night, so we'll just play it by ear.

Happy Birthday, Jack!!!!!!!!!

Saturday Adventures

We had a good family night. Jacob wanted to watch "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken" and eat ice cream sandwiches. I put them to bed at 9 and then we got up this morning for yard sales. We went to a community yard sale, which is the best! I found a Homeward Bound movie for 25 cents, we got a Little Tikes picnic table for 50 cents (our best deal). We will store it under the house and re sell it at the next sale for $15 or $20. We got a little tikes wagon for $4 that we will store and resell. We got some books for a dime, and I got a Little House on the Prairie video for $1. So, we did pretty well today. Last week I got Jenna some Nike and Reebok shoes for 25 cents each. What can I say....we are a thrifty family!!!

Girls Night

My friends, Sara and Jessie
Looks good
Michelle and me
my cheesecake!
We had a lot of fun last night. We started at the consignment sale. I did very well. I got Joshua some clothes, one puzzle, and a book, so I did very well. Actually, I looked at other things but everything was marked high, or had stains. Compared to other peoples prices, I should do good. My clothes were much, much cheaper. I mark mine higher than a yard sale, but cheap enough to get rid of. I had three bikes and they were gone! I tried to buy a booster, but they were gone already! Things do go quickly. Anyway, we headed over to Crabtree and went to the Cheesecake Factory! Yum Yum! I only get to go there when I am with the girls. I can't get Jack to try it. I guess because he doesn't like cheesecake. Anyway, we split this HUGE appetizer. It had like 8 different items on it. I got to try a lot of new things, and it was good. Of course I got a cheesecake.....chocolate peanut butter cookie dough! Wow,! It was good, but I could only take a few bites. It was very rich!!! I guess when things get tough today, I can shut my door and have my indulgence!!! Thank you Michelle for driving, and for Sara and Jessie for inviting me.
So tonight is family night/taco night. Jacob's turn! I think he wants to watch a movie and eat ice cream sandwiches that Tiffany brought over last night from DQ. I am not sure if he wants to watch Over the Hedge or one that we borrowed from mom. I can hear Joshua in there saying "don't you want to watch this" Don't you want to do this?" So, if Joshua has his way, family night could get changed, but it should be fun, and at least we aren't watching "Cars" again!!! Happy Birthday, Catrina!!! We Love you!!

Girls Night Out

I am so looking forward to tonight. I can hardly stand it! I am having a girls night out with some of my friends at our new church. I guess I am so excited because I haven't had this opportunity since we left our old church over a year ago. I used to go out with a couple of friends there about every other month. We would meet somewhere for dinner and then either shop or go to movie. I have needed this for so long!! I do get out with other mother's during the week a lot, but we always have the kids. This time, NO kids! Just a lot of chit chat etc! I have four passes so we are going over to the Kids Exchange Sale to go shopping. It opened last night to workers, today it opens to consigners, and tomorrow it opens to the public. I went yesterday to drop off one more thing and I couldn't believe how much stuff was there. I am glad I was not one of the first to shop because it is so overwhelming. Anyway, after we shop we will go somewhere a grab a bite to eat. Thank you to Sara, Jessie and Michelle for inviting me to go with you!!
I took this picture of myself last night and I was going to post it, but I didn't want it to be on my computer for the rest of time!!! I have gained my weight back and some of my clothes are getting tight (boy, I really miss my gym membership) and my hair is driving me nuts!! I can't wait to let it grow a little more so I can get it fixed! I love the lady who cuts my hair. She does a great job. She asked if I wanted to try bangs, and I told her I would try them, but I have ended up hating them and I can't do anything with them! Yesterday, I tried to straighten my hair 3 times, and it still would not lay straight. It's driving me nuts! I need to get that fixed to some different style and I need to stop eating every time my kids want a snack, or quit this emotional eating cycle I have! So, sorry guys. No picture! Maybe when I drop 5 pounds and get this mop on my head fixed again!
I'll post pictures of the girls night out tomorrow. I hope to make some money off this sale. I hope all our yard sale shopping will pay off!!!

Movie Day

I had to get a little creative yesterday. The kids wanted to go to a movie. There was nothing good playing at the free movies in Garner, but Smithfield had a good one. I checked on line to get directions and found out they did not take credit cards (I never carry cash). I told the kids I couldn't go. I could tell they wanted to do something, so I went up to the video store and rented the movie (Over the Hedge) that they were going to see. We set up a blanket on the floor and ate popcorn, and they really enjoyed it! It saved me money too! I am sure next week we will have to go to the free movies as Curious George is playing, and you know how Jacob loves that!!! We also baked some cookies. You can tell by the picture I cheated. I am no Martha Stewart, but I did find this big tub of cookies that you can bake a few and put it back in the refrigerator, and that is what we did. I gave the kids 30 minutes of quiet time yesterday. I made them all go to their beds and read books until the microwave timer went off. Well, when the timer went off, it was still quiet. They had all gone to sleep!!!

Fun With Shaving Cream

I let the kids go outside yesterday and play with shaving cream (thanks for the idea Sara...we did this once at preschool too). It was fun to see them getting so messy, and knowing they were outside. They actually got the best of both worlds. After they were done, they got hosed down, so they really enjoyed it! I like it because it was easy clean up!! I got the van picked up and the Kids Exchange stuff delivered. That was a job. That frees up my Tuesday now, and I am glad. We have T-ball tonight, but that is all that is on our plate right now!!!

Another Busy Week

the pyramid
One of the bridges


Fed Ex Forum

Sun Studio


Elivis, Johnny Cash, And????sorry for the glare
Beale Street at Night A band playing during the day

It's great to be back home. Today, I have to take my stuff over to the kids exchange sale. That is always a job. I don't have as much clothes as usual, but we did clean up the toy box. I hope to go sometime this week and find Jenna some winter dresses. I am sure the boys need clothes too, but I haven't gone through their fall and winte clothes to know what they need. Sometime today or tomorrow I have to get the van picked up as we took it in for a recall. Once those two things get off my plate, the week will be much easier. I have included more vacation pictures.