2011: A Year in Review

It's hard to narrow down 365 days into one short blog, but here goes:

January:

• Lou turned 1 on January 28th. We celebrated her first birthday at our house with family, friends, and 77 degree weather!

February:

• Three days after Lou's birthday party, Oklahoma was hit with a blizzard. We got 15 inches of snow!

March:

• Bailey started Mother's Day Out at our church, Heritage UMC. She went on Tuesday's and loved it! This allowed Lou and I to enjoy a little one on one time.
• Greg and I ran in the St. Patrick's Day 5k. It was my third 5k.
• I started couponing to save money on items for our home. As most of you know, this turned out to be something I'm pretty good at!
• We lost my mom's mom at the end of March. We got Parker's name from her and my grandpa (he passed in 2009). Their last name was Park.

April:

• My brother and sister in law opened The Mustache Goods & Wears in Fayetteville, AR. We are proud of them, and the store has done very well it's first year in business. If you're ever in Fayetteville, check it out or shop online at http://www.shopthemustache.com/.

May:

• We finally landscaped our front yard with help from the Francy's, McKinney's, and Burnett's. It's nice to have friends who know what they're doing with plants because we didn't have a clue ... and we still don't!
• Greg turned 31 on May 12th
• We celebrated 9 years of marriage on May 25th!

June:

• Bailey turned 3 on June 2nd
• Bailey started 11 weeks of soccer lessons with Cole Chesser at SoccerCity. She loved it! Unfortunately, this was the hottest summer ever and we burned up (indoor with no AC) during her practices.
• Baby #3 is on its way!!!
• Greg had his wisdom teeth removed. I'll never forget how he acted coming out of anesthesia. Too funny!
• Taught my first couponing class with Dawn Chesser. It was nice to teach others the secrets we had learned in only 3 short months of couponing.
• We went on vacation to Mt. Magazine, AR, with Pops & Weasey. The cabin and view were amazing, but sadly, I was so sick that we had to come back home the next morning leaving Pops & Weasey there to have fun without us. We'll have to try that vacation again someday!

July:

• Greg finished his second degree (in Finance) at OSU. We are very proud of him because it's hard going to school full time, work full time, and having a family. Just call him SuperMan-Dad-Husband!

August:

• Dawn and I taught our second couponing class for ladies at our church. Again, this was another great opportunity to share our money saving secrets.
• I started writing this blog. Thank you to everyone who takes time out of their day to read what's going on in our crazy lives!

September:

• This was our 9th year to participate in the Tulsa Komen Race for the Cure. Our team consisted of 27 family members, friends, and buns in the oven.
• Greg and Jared Hood ran the 5k Warrior Run in Tulsa. I can't wait to participate with them next year!
• Lou had her first dental check up. She is not a fan of the dentist, which was no surprise because she doesn't like the doctor either.
• Baby #3 is a GIRL!

October:

• We went on vacation with the Chesser's and Moore's to Eureka Springs, AR. This was Greg and my first kid free vacation. Of course we missed the girls, but we had a BLAST!
• Greg and I celebrated being together for 16 years ... can you believe it! He asked me out when we were 15 years old.

November:

• I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes. No fun.

December:

• I turned 32 on December 7th. For those keeping track, yes, I'm 5 months and 5 days older than Greg. No, he doesn't let me forget that.
• Greg officially graduated from OSU; however, we did not attend his commencement. Who actually goes to those things ... on the second degree.
• We were blessed to make a difference in the lives of the White family after seeing their story on the Dr. Oz show. We are now blessed to call them friends, and to know first hand that God still performs miracles.
• Our master bathroom was remodeled (more on this later). Woohoo!

We hope that you and your family made some great memories in 2011, and that you are expecting even greater things in 2012!

Ephesians 4:1-3 - "... I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received."

Couponing for Christmas Gifts!

I was inspired by a friends blog (she's actually the friend that got me couponing in the first place) to keep track of our coupon savings while buying Christmas presents. I'm glad I did because I was pleasantly surprised with our savings.

We spent $X amount and saved $X amount. I know, that's not fair, but I can't tell you the exact numbers because that's between us and Santa. I can tell you that we saved 50%! Yup, that's right! Had we paid full retail then we would have paid twice as much for our gifts. Wow! We're pretty impressed with ourselves considering this was our first Christmas to try couponing while buying our gifts.

Here are three examples of items that we saved money on. I can't disclose the exact items because I know that some of the folks who received these gifts will be reading this blog. So, here's as much secret info as I can give you. If you want details, just ask me.

• We purchased 3 items that would have cost a total of $77.97 with shipping. After coupons, we only paid $11.39, which was just the cost of shipping.
• We were able to help our family members save as well. As a family, we purchased 5 items that retailed for $250.00. After coupons, we only paid $94.
• We also bought $75 worth of gift cards for $60.

Not to shabby, but next year our goal will be to save more than 50%!

Hebrews 13:5 - Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Here Comes Santa Claus ... NO!!!

Every year that we've had kids, we have taken them to see Santa. This trip can only go one of two ways, and you never know what you're going to get until that pivotal moment arrives.

Bailey (6 months) with Santa at our church in 2008. So sweet!

Bailey (18 months) with Santa at Bass Pro in 2009. Who is this hairy guy and why did you put me on his lap? And, No, she does not have a mullet ... even though it looks that way!

Bailey (2 1/2 years) and Lou (10 months) with Santa at Bass Pro in 2010. The year of peace!

Bailey (3 1/2 years) and Lou (22 months) with Santa at Bass Pro in 2011. These three pictures (in event order) tell it all!

These are the moments that make parents proud. These are the moments that will come up at rehearsal dinners. These are also the moments that we will cherish for a lifetime because they will be gone in the blink of an eye. To survive with children, you have to find the entertainment in life. And yes, there is a small part of me that loves that my girls are not ok with sitting on a hairy mans lap.

To the Santa at Bass Pro - You are a very patient and kind man. Thank you!

Merry Christmas!

33 Weeks! Already?

I'm 33 weeks today! Pregnancy #3 is flying by. I thought my second one was quick, but this is just crazy. I can't believe that I'll be having a baby in less than 7 weeks. Woohoo!

• With Bailey, we took a picture every week in the same outfit to see how much I grew.
• With Lou, Bailey and I took a picture almost every week in the same outfit to see how much I grew.
• With Parker, both girls (or just me if they were already in bed) and I have taken a picture each week when we remember and in the same outfit whatever I have on!

We haven't taken today's 33 week picture yet so here are some pics at 32/33 weeks of all three pregnancies. If bare belly shots scare you, then just squint. It makes me look thinner anyway!


Bailey (preg #1) at 33 weeks:

Lou (preg #2) at 33 weeks:

Parker (preg #3) at 32 weeks (last week's pic):

Gestational Diabetes Update: So far so good! I'm still peeing on a stick once a day to check my ketones and checking my blood sugar four times a day. Not the most fun process, but it's doable. Next week we will start weekly Biophysical Profile ultrasounds to keep an eye on Parker's growth and the amniotic fluid. We are excited to get to see her once a week!

At this point in a "normal" pregnancy, a woman can expect to gain about a pound a week. At this point in my "abnormal" pregnancy, I've lost a total of 1 lb over the last 4 weeks (instead of a potential gain of 4 lbs). This is not a concern because the baby and I are healthy so I'll just consider that my weight loss program is starting early! At 33 weeks, I've gained a total of 20 lbs. Not to shabby!

FOLLOW UP TO: Please Help Us Help a Tulsa Family in Need

John 15:15-17 - "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other."

A little over a week ago, Greg and I were led to make a difference in the lives of a Tulsa family after hearing their story on the Dr. Oz Show. A few days after making this decision and asking for you help, I heard the song "I Refuse" by Josh Wilson. Here are part of the lyrics that helped me confirm that we were doing the right thing:

"Sometimes I, I just want to close my eyes
And act like everyone's alright
When I know they're not
This world needs God, but it's easier to stand and watch
I could pray a prayer and just move on
Like nothing's wrong

But I refuse

I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer
Oh, I refuse to sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself
I could choose not to move
But I refuse"

You can listen to the song with lyrics at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_m2FkisN98


We know that God heard our prayers, and from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your generous gifts to the White Family. We are overwhelmed and humbled by your willingness to help. Without those that responded with gifts and prayers to our first post, this Miracle would not have been a reality. These two verses were in my head all week as we gathered items to give to this very deserving family.

• John 14:13-15 - "And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."
• Matthew 18:20 - "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

So, just by simply asking, here is what we collected in 9 short days and delivered to the White Family today (Sunday, Dec 11th):

• Letter of Encouragement
• 1,100 Food Items donated by the students at Booker T. Washington High School
• Multiple other Food and Toiletry Item Donations
• 3 Soccer Balls and an Air Pump
• 2 Basketballs
• Coupon Binder with Couponing Tips, Coupons to get started, Toiletry Items purchased while Couponing, and a $10 Gas Card
• 7 Free Meals at Burn Co BBQ
• http://www.tulsaworld.com/scene/article.aspx?subjectid=39&articleid=20110331_455_WK5_CUTLIN391854&allcom=1
• 7 Free Dozen Cupcakes at Beth's Bakery
• http://www.facebook.com/bethsbakerytulsa
• 1 Hour Free Photo Session with a disk of edited pictures by Travis Hall Photography
• http://travishallphoto.com/#/page/c0b8/places/
• Cash: $1,000
• Gift Cards:
• Dick's Sporting Goods: $100
• The Hamlet: $50
• Spa Lux: $100
• Wal-Mart: $970
• Quick Trip: $205
• Visa Card: $100
• Louie's Bar & Grill: $50

Meeting the White family and hearing their entire story was a very rewarding experience. The items we were able to deliver to them was a bonus. This grateful family is just like yours and mine. They work hard, they love their kids, they love God, and they are doing the best that they can to get by. We visited with them for about an hour and we left with a smile in our hearts and new friends for life.

No one knew this at the time, but the song that I mentioned at the top of this post played on the radio as we were there talking to the family. Again, it was God's way of showing me that He was there and that we did the right thing.

Please Help Us Help a Tulsa Family in Need

The Angel Tree is important to our family. Each year we choose one or two angels from our tree at church and we get to go shopping for some very deserving children. It's always a fun shopping trip because you know that each item you purchase will be a blessing to someone you will never meet. This year has presented us with a twist to our usual Angel Tree excitement:

On Tuesday, Nov 29th, Greg and I just happened to be watching the Dr. Oz show. The episode was about Hunger in American, and how there are family's going hungry right in your hometown. The second family interviewed was from Tulsa, OK. We watched as this family shared their story and then explained that the adults skip meals from time to time so that their children will be able to eat and how their dinner may only consists of celery stalks and cheese cubes. This story was coming from your typical American family that is struggling to make ends meet.

Here is what we recall from their Story: Scott and Misty are the parents of 5 children. When Scott retired from the military (Correction: he decided to leave his job as a Police Sergeant in Arizona to focus on his family), they moved to Tulsa to provide a better way of life for their family of 7. Misty was promised a full scholarship to nursing school in Tulsa. She has already gotten her RN license, but she still has 1 1/2 more years of nursing school to complete. Besides going to school, Misty is a stay at home mom because it's to expensive to provide daycare or after school care for her 5 children if she were to work. Scott works one job and his paycheck basically covers the bills not including food, or other necessities. Scott said in the interview that he could take a 2nd or 3rd job, but then he wouldn't be around to raise his children and he feels that it's his responsibility to be there for them to teach them right from wrong. I can respect that. Of course, there is more to the story, but that was enough to pull at our heartstrings. We knew we had to do something.

Before the segment was over, I was on the computer emailing the Dr. Oz show to see if I could get in contact with this family. I know, this was a long shot, but you have to start somewhere. At the same time, Greg was going through the phone book, but the family couldn't be found. During the interview, Greg and I both noticed that Scott was wearing a City of Tulsa name tag (we are detectives in our spare time) so I emailed two different branches of the City of Tulsa. So, there you have it. Our best chances to get a hold of this family were all via emails that could potentially never get checked. Next, we prayed. We knew that we were being called to help this family so we gave it over to God to make it happen. If this was meant to be then He would open the right doors.

On Wednesday, I received a call from Scott's manager at the City of Tulsa. He got my email! For obvious reasons they do not give out employee info, but he offered to give my name and number to Scott. I agreed and he said he figured I would say that so he had actually given Scott my info about 30 minutes prior to our phone conversation. We were excited, but still hesitant because now we had to wait to see if Scott or Misty would even call us.

On Thursday, after arriving home from work, we noticed we had a voice message from Misty. We played phone tag, but were finally able to talk over the phone for 20 minutes this morning. They are an amazing Christian family that will do anything for their children. I cannot say enough good things about this family and I'm honored to be able to help them out. When I asked Misty's permission to put a gift together for her family she started crying. She said they have been blessed beyond belief since the show aired on Tuesday, and that this was all a great lesson to show her kids that God will provide for them.

The million dollar question - What can we do for this family?

• At the least, Greg and I will go to the grocery store and by them a good amount of food so that their cabinets (and bellies) will be full this month. At the most, we will put this message in front of as many people as we know to see who else would be willing to help us help this family. Our goal is to collect as much money, gift cards, gifts, etc and Greg and I will deliver those items to the family on Saturday, Dec 10th, NEXT WEEKEND. I know, this a total honor system, and another long shot, but if you would like to donate money, then please consider mailing me a check and I will put that toward a cash donation or Wal-Mart gift card for the family. Or, you could purchase your own Wal-Mart gift card for me to give to the family. My thoughts are if we mostly stick to one store (Wal-Mart) then they will be able to get more for their money.
• If you or someone you know own a small business, please consider what you might be able to do for this family such as offer them your goods or services at no charge. I will be contacting a few of my business owning friends soon with my ideas so please don't ignore me. :)
• Any amount of assistance you can provide will be such a blessing to this family. If you only have $5 to give, we will gladly take that to add to anything else that comes in.
• If you would like to help out, please email me at morrison25@cox.net so that we can work out the details.

So, we know that all of this may sound crazy and that it's a long shot, but we are going for it ... and asking for your help. We are putting ourselves out there for God to use us to bless this family. While typing this I've decided to change my "long shot" comment to a "miracle." This is a miracle unfolding right before my eyes and for that I'm grateful to be a part of it.

Matthew 25:35 - "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in." (Jesus taught that when we do good deeds for the weak and downtrodden, it's as if we are helping Jesus himself. Here, he makes it clear that he values kindness done to stranger and to those who struggle to make ends meet.)