Confession: I'm not a big coupon clipper. If it's really convenient, I'll clip it & take it with me. Usually Hobby Lobby, JoAnn's, or Michael's are the only stores that get my coupons. (A girl's gotta scrapbook!) Todd used to be really good at clipping coupons, and I was many years ago, but not anymore. That needs to change now that I'm spending sometimes over $400/month on groceries.
Well, ebates is awesome. It's a website that shows you tons of stores and whatever deals they currently have and then offers a % of your purchase back as a rebate. And lots of the stores have double rebates during the holidays! They also have double rebates for lots of stores and lots of free shipping offers.
If you haven't signed up already -- you can use my referral ID by clicking here and we both get a $5 credit! Easy way to save for those of us who aren't good at deal hunting and coupon clipping! With the economy in its current state, everyone can use all the help we can get.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Speaking of Thankful
Yes, Thanksgiving is now over, but it is still important to be thankful every day. One person for whom I am very thankful is Todd. I took this idea from my new blogernet friend, Jen, as she remembered her husband Shawn on what would have/should have been his 32nd birthday.
About Our Husbands . . .

1) Where did you meet? Todd and I met on a blind date after "meeting" on match.com. Our first date/meeting was at the Flying Saucer on Friday, November 11, 2003.
2) How long did you date before you got married? We dated for almost three years before we were *finally* engaged. (We lived in sin for about two years before that.) We were married one day short of 3 years, 4 months of our first date.
3) How long have you been married? We have been married for 1 year, 8 months (since March 10, 2007). What a ride it's been already! We are looking forward to many, many years ahead of us.
4) What is your favorite feature of his? Physical feature? I would have to say his gorgeous, bright, blue eyes. Mmmmmm.
5) What is your favorite quality of his? There are many ~ that's why I married him! Let's see . . . Todd is sentimental, nostalgic, calm, responsible, tender-hearted, kind, courteous, hard working, funny, passionate, industrious . . . I could go on for days.
6) Does he have a nickname for you? Kris (which is reserved for family and a select few friends), Babe, Dear.
7) What is his favorite food? Pad Thai, good cheeseburgers
8) What is his favorite sport? Football. He doesn't really care for any other sports.
9) When and where was your first kiss? Our first kiss was on our first date. We left the Flying Saucer and went to Mercy (a wine bar) nearby. They have such a unique and wonderful atmosphere there. Between the wine and the ambience, we just couldn't help ourselves. :)
10) What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? Spend time together and with our pets. What more could we ask for?
11) Do you have any children? Unfortunately, no. We lost three babies in our first year of marriage, and are hoping to have a successful pregnancy underway before our second anniversary.
12) Does he have a hidden talent? Now, I couldn't tell you THAT, could I?!
13) How old is he? Todd is 39 years old. Yep, I'm a cradle robber. ha!
14) Who said "I love you" first? He did, but only because I waited. It was in October of 2004, almost a year after we met. Todd was taking our baby dog, Steve, to the vet to get neutered. I was crying and upset (worried about my baby), and told Todd that I just couldn't go with them to drop Stevie off at the nut-choppers. Before he left, he came into the room and hugged me goodbye. I was bawling, and he just held me and said, "I love you, Dear." My eyes are tearing up just typing this. Funny story, but it meant the world to me then and still does today.
15) What is his favorite type of music? Todd has the most eclectic music tastes of anyone I've ever met. Let's just say he doesn't like what I like (which is close to everything).
16) What do you admire the most about him? His kind and gentle nature, sense of humor, and sense of responsibility.
17) Do you think he will read this? No, he hates this blog. Todd is very private, and he doesn't like the fact that I'm "publicizing" our world to everyone. I'm still working on converting him. :)
About Our Husbands . . .
1) Where did you meet? Todd and I met on a blind date after "meeting" on match.com. Our first date/meeting was at the Flying Saucer on Friday, November 11, 2003.
2) How long did you date before you got married? We dated for almost three years before we were *finally* engaged. (We lived in sin for about two years before that.) We were married one day short of 3 years, 4 months of our first date.
3) How long have you been married? We have been married for 1 year, 8 months (since March 10, 2007). What a ride it's been already! We are looking forward to many, many years ahead of us.
4) What is your favorite feature of his? Physical feature? I would have to say his gorgeous, bright, blue eyes. Mmmmmm.
5) What is your favorite quality of his? There are many ~ that's why I married him! Let's see . . . Todd is sentimental, nostalgic, calm, responsible, tender-hearted, kind, courteous, hard working, funny, passionate, industrious . . . I could go on for days.
6) Does he have a nickname for you? Kris (which is reserved for family and a select few friends), Babe, Dear.
7) What is his favorite food? Pad Thai, good cheeseburgers
8) What is his favorite sport? Football. He doesn't really care for any other sports.
9) When and where was your first kiss? Our first kiss was on our first date. We left the Flying Saucer and went to Mercy (a wine bar) nearby. They have such a unique and wonderful atmosphere there. Between the wine and the ambience, we just couldn't help ourselves. :)
10) What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? Spend time together and with our pets. What more could we ask for?
11) Do you have any children? Unfortunately, no. We lost three babies in our first year of marriage, and are hoping to have a successful pregnancy underway before our second anniversary.
12) Does he have a hidden talent? Now, I couldn't tell you THAT, could I?!
13) How old is he? Todd is 39 years old. Yep, I'm a cradle robber. ha!
14) Who said "I love you" first? He did, but only because I waited. It was in October of 2004, almost a year after we met. Todd was taking our baby dog, Steve, to the vet to get neutered. I was crying and upset (worried about my baby), and told Todd that I just couldn't go with them to drop Stevie off at the nut-choppers. Before he left, he came into the room and hugged me goodbye. I was bawling, and he just held me and said, "I love you, Dear." My eyes are tearing up just typing this. Funny story, but it meant the world to me then and still does today.
15) What is his favorite type of music? Todd has the most eclectic music tastes of anyone I've ever met. Let's just say he doesn't like what I like (which is close to everything).
16) What do you admire the most about him? His kind and gentle nature, sense of humor, and sense of responsibility.
17) Do you think he will read this? No, he hates this blog. Todd is very private, and he doesn't like the fact that I'm "publicizing" our world to everyone. I'm still working on converting him. :)
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Out of ALL that food . . .
. . . I just remembered we forgot cranberry sauce!!! How could that happen? Are we crazy? Maybe we are - or at least Aeva and I are!
We had turkey, ham, dressing, gravy, green bean casserole, sauteed green beans, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, deviled eggs, fruit salad, blackeyed peas, rolls, pecan pie, pumpkin pie, cake, cheesecake, wine, beer, water, milk, and juice. But no cranberry sauce.
That's it. We must do Thanksgiving again!
Here are a few pics from our day:
That's it. We must do Thanksgiving again!
Here are a few pics from our day:
Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving day . . . and got some cranberry sauce.
Giving Thanks
Happy Thanksgiving to all from Todd & Kristin - and Mindy, Mackey, Pippin & Steve! We hope that you all have a day of fun, food and football. May you have safe travels and special time spent with loved ones and friends.
We are thankful for so many things. We have each other. We are healthy. We have amazing family, friends & pets. We have a wonderful home. We have stable jobs during economic uncertainty. We have two trees out front that are growing and looking beautiful. We live in a country that offers us freedom and opportunity. We have some delicious food to eat tomorrow. And of course, we have the Dallas Cowboys. (I had to throw that in! It IS Thanksgiving you know!)
I know the holidays can be difficult. While Thanksgiving may be a time of joyous cooking, feasting, family, friends, and football, it can also be a day of misery, sadness, and loneliness for others. Please remember and pray for those who are experiencing sadness, loss, loneliness, and despair. These people most likely are not just feeling this today.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says to "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
No matter what your circumstances may be as you read this, I pray that you will find at least one thing that allows you to offer thanks. No matter how big or how small, you will find something for which you can offer your thanks each day. It could be something as big as a huge pay raise or something as small as having a good hair day. When we seek the positive, we will find it. Our darkest days can receive just a tiny glimmer of light if we seek it.
May you and yours have blessings today and in all of the days to come. Happy Thanksgiving.
We are thankful for so many things. We have each other. We are healthy. We have amazing family, friends & pets. We have a wonderful home. We have stable jobs during economic uncertainty. We have two trees out front that are growing and looking beautiful. We live in a country that offers us freedom and opportunity. We have some delicious food to eat tomorrow. And of course, we have the Dallas Cowboys. (I had to throw that in! It IS Thanksgiving you know!)
I know the holidays can be difficult. While Thanksgiving may be a time of joyous cooking, feasting, family, friends, and football, it can also be a day of misery, sadness, and loneliness for others. Please remember and pray for those who are experiencing sadness, loss, loneliness, and despair. These people most likely are not just feeling this today.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says to "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
No matter what your circumstances may be as you read this, I pray that you will find at least one thing that allows you to offer thanks. No matter how big or how small, you will find something for which you can offer your thanks each day. It could be something as big as a huge pay raise or something as small as having a good hair day. When we seek the positive, we will find it. Our darkest days can receive just a tiny glimmer of light if we seek it.
May you and yours have blessings today and in all of the days to come. Happy Thanksgiving.
Labels:
holidays
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Marriage Survey
How long have you been married?
1 Year, 8 months and 3 weeks.
Is this your first marriage?
My first. Todd had a practice marriage before me.
Is it how you imagined it would be?
Yes and no. Our first year was the roughest ever, so I think if we can survive that - we can make it through just about anything.
What would you change?
Nothing we haven't already discussed.
Are you married to your soulmate?
I don't know about soulmates, but I can't imagine not being married to Todd!
What do you argue about the most?
Just communication (or lack thereof) related stuff.
What do you see eye to eye on the most?
I just asked Todd, and he replied, "I don't know. That is a very deep question and I'm not feeling very deep right now." I agree.
Where did you meet your spouse?
Match.com
Where was your first date?
The Flying Saucer
Where were you when you became engaged?
We were at Thai Garden, a restaurant near our home.
Did you live together before marriage?
Yes, for over two years.
What was your wedding song?
Our first dance was to "At Last" by Etta James. It was the only song we'd dance to together besides "Pussy Control" by Prince. Seriously.
Who was in your wedding party?
Gosh . . . my wedding party had been decided YEARS before I met Todd! My BFF & oldest sister were my Matrons of Honor. Four of my sorority sisters (3 were pledge sisters) were my bridesmaids. Todd's brother was his Best Man. His groomsmen included his cousin, a few high school & college friends, and a friend who is kind of a cousin (his cousin's cousin). Two of my nieces were our flower girls, and our cousin's cousins' two oldest boys were our ringbearers. You still with me?
Do you get along with the in-laws?
I'll say yes and no. Anyone who knows me/us knows the full answer. :)
Whats your view on children?
We want them. Now. Todd is a bit scared of multiples, but I'll take whatever we get!
Does your spouse feel the same way?
See above.
Are you a 2 peas in a pod or opposites attract couple?
We are complete total opposites. Completely. I'm loud and social, he's a reserved people-watcher. I'm often careless, he's responsible. I like reality TV, he hates it. I like order, he can handle a mess. I like to lounge, he's industrious. Those are a few examples.
Do you go out without your spouse?
Yes. He's fine with it. He even lets me go to work. :)
How long are you away from your spouse before you start to miss him/her?
About a day.
Have you ever compared your spouse to someone you have dated in the past?
I'm sure I have as many years that I dated before meeting Todd.
Do you trust your Spouse?
Completely and totally. I wouldn't be with him if I didn't. I told him not long after we started dating that if he ever cheated on me that I would be gone, and he'd never see or hear from me again.
Does your Spouse trust you?
Yes.
How well does your spouse know your favorites?
He knows me better than I'd like to admit!
Do you get along with your spouses friends?
Yes.
Does your spouse get along with your friends?
Yes.
Did you go on a honeymoon?
Oh, yes. We went to St. Thomas, USVI and want to go back. Now.
Do you watch the same TV shows?
NOT. AT. ALL. The only shows we'll watch together are The Office, The Wire, America's Funniest Home Videos, and 60 Minutes.
Can you agree on Pizza toppings?
Yes. He likes black olives & I don't, so I just pick off stuff I don't like and throw it on his pizza (or whatever he's eating).
Who takes out the trash?
Him more than me.
Who does laundry??
We do our own laundry. (benefit of getting married at an older age) The maid does sheets & towels.
Who cooks dinner?
Me.
Do you have any traditions?
Not really, but we want to develop some for when we have children. There are a few Christmas traditions and Sunday breakfasts that we have already.
Do you know your spouses passwords/pins?
Some, but I usually forget them.
Does your spouse know your social security number?
Know as in memorized? No. He has it though.
Do you ever nag your spouse?
Me? Nag? What a silly question!
Do you admit wrong doing?
Yes, if I'm in the wrong.
Does your spouse?
Yes, if he's in the wrong.
1 Year, 8 months and 3 weeks.
Is this your first marriage?
My first. Todd had a practice marriage before me.
Is it how you imagined it would be?
Yes and no. Our first year was the roughest ever, so I think if we can survive that - we can make it through just about anything.
What would you change?
Nothing we haven't already discussed.
Are you married to your soulmate?
I don't know about soulmates, but I can't imagine not being married to Todd!
What do you argue about the most?
Just communication (or lack thereof) related stuff.
What do you see eye to eye on the most?
I just asked Todd, and he replied, "I don't know. That is a very deep question and I'm not feeling very deep right now." I agree.
Where did you meet your spouse?
Match.com
Where was your first date?
The Flying Saucer
Where were you when you became engaged?
We were at Thai Garden, a restaurant near our home.
Did you live together before marriage?
Yes, for over two years.
What was your wedding song?
Our first dance was to "At Last" by Etta James. It was the only song we'd dance to together besides "Pussy Control" by Prince. Seriously.
Who was in your wedding party?
Gosh . . . my wedding party had been decided YEARS before I met Todd! My BFF & oldest sister were my Matrons of Honor. Four of my sorority sisters (3 were pledge sisters) were my bridesmaids. Todd's brother was his Best Man. His groomsmen included his cousin, a few high school & college friends, and a friend who is kind of a cousin (his cousin's cousin). Two of my nieces were our flower girls, and our cousin's cousins' two oldest boys were our ringbearers. You still with me?
Do you get along with the in-laws?
I'll say yes and no. Anyone who knows me/us knows the full answer. :)
Whats your view on children?
We want them. Now. Todd is a bit scared of multiples, but I'll take whatever we get!
Does your spouse feel the same way?
See above.
Are you a 2 peas in a pod or opposites attract couple?
We are complete total opposites. Completely. I'm loud and social, he's a reserved people-watcher. I'm often careless, he's responsible. I like reality TV, he hates it. I like order, he can handle a mess. I like to lounge, he's industrious. Those are a few examples.
Do you go out without your spouse?
Yes. He's fine with it. He even lets me go to work. :)
How long are you away from your spouse before you start to miss him/her?
About a day.
Have you ever compared your spouse to someone you have dated in the past?
I'm sure I have as many years that I dated before meeting Todd.
Do you trust your Spouse?
Completely and totally. I wouldn't be with him if I didn't. I told him not long after we started dating that if he ever cheated on me that I would be gone, and he'd never see or hear from me again.
Does your Spouse trust you?
Yes.
How well does your spouse know your favorites?
He knows me better than I'd like to admit!
Do you get along with your spouses friends?
Yes.
Does your spouse get along with your friends?
Yes.
Did you go on a honeymoon?
Oh, yes. We went to St. Thomas, USVI and want to go back. Now.
Do you watch the same TV shows?
NOT. AT. ALL. The only shows we'll watch together are The Office, The Wire, America's Funniest Home Videos, and 60 Minutes.
Can you agree on Pizza toppings?
Yes. He likes black olives & I don't, so I just pick off stuff I don't like and throw it on his pizza (or whatever he's eating).
Who takes out the trash?
Him more than me.
Who does laundry??
We do our own laundry. (benefit of getting married at an older age) The maid does sheets & towels.
Who cooks dinner?
Me.
Do you have any traditions?
Not really, but we want to develop some for when we have children. There are a few Christmas traditions and Sunday breakfasts that we have already.
Do you know your spouses passwords/pins?
Some, but I usually forget them.
Does your spouse know your social security number?
Know as in memorized? No. He has it though.
Do you ever nag your spouse?
Me? Nag? What a silly question!
Do you admit wrong doing?
Yes, if I'm in the wrong.
Does your spouse?
Yes, if he's in the wrong.
Labels:
marriage
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Thanksgiving Humor
This is hilarious and SO TRUE! The Seven Most Annoying People at Thanksgiving Dinner
Most of us can give a specific name to each of the annoying individuals described. Here's hoping that we all have more than 7 people at our turkey dinners this year! :)
Most of us can give a specific name to each of the annoying individuals described. Here's hoping that we all have more than 7 people at our turkey dinners this year! :)
Labels:
funnies
Monday, November 24, 2008
Thanksgiving Dilemma

I don't know if we'll get to eat that much! My mom's double ovens died, and the parts won't be in until January 1st. Crappy timing, huh?
Todd and I are making the turkey here. I'm also making mashed potatoes (crock pot), deviled eggs, green bean casserole (in toaster oven), rolls (warm in toaster oven at the last minute?), pumpkin pies (made ahead of time), and whatever else I can think of making.
Mom is making the dressing & a ham, plus some other stuff, but we're not sure how this will happen without ovens at her house. Maybe I could make the dressing here, but we wouldn't have any way to heat it up other than the microwave. Mom is going to check with a couple of neighbors to see if they'll be in town & might be able to lend an oven. We also have an extra crockpot, stove top, two microwaves, and a toaster oven.
Any other ideas??? And, no, our house is not an option.
EDIT: Disaster avoided! Mom & Rick found an oven for sale for only $30! That's only $70 cheaper than the food warmer I almost bought today. Now we'll have some great food for Thanksgiving AND Christmas! Whew . . .
Labels:
holidays
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