Don't Make the Same Mistake I Did!!

Hide your valuables.
Lock your vehicle.
Take your keys.

I see that sign every time I go to the mall. The phrase is repeated on the news stations for Black Friday. It's pretty much stuck in my head.

BUT, I made a terrible mistake. Just once. And I learned my lesson. Big time. At some point between taking my final 2 weeks ago and this past Sunday, someone got in my truck and took my laptop.

It's sickening that I know a stranger was in my truck.

It's sad that the last time I backed up pictures, documents, etc was about six months ago. So, all my pictures from Natalee's first three months of life are gone. Most of my school work is gone. I had PDF documents of bank statements in a folder (password protected, BUT STILL...)

I'm not angry my laptop was stolen. It's just a thing. I can replace it. It will take a while; money doesn't grow on trees, ya know? I'm more upset at myself. I know better. I was probaby in a hurry and didn't think. I am upset that there are people out there that do things like lie, cheat and steal. I didn't do anything to provoke a stranger. What did I do to deserve this?

I do know that I came out of this situation fairly lucky. Our neighbor's truck had all its windows smashed out and tires slashed.

I'm so ready to move. I keep counting the days till we're out of here. Eight more days!! Can't wait!

So, don't be stupid, like me! Lock your doors!! Don't leave things in your vehicle. I'm about to go out and take all unneccessary stuff out of my truck. Just in case the jerk comes back. I'll be praying for him.

Wedding Photos

Matt and I got married July 10, 2010. Matt prides himself on knowing that we share our wedding date with Carrie Underwood and her husband! This whole wedding was planned and put together in four months! I realized nearly two years after the event that the only pictures online of our day were pictures we were just tagged in on Facebook. So, with no further ado… here are a few photos of our special day!

Completed Crafts

Being Crafty

Recently I have been in a crafting mood. Like, one day after another, I’m completing crafts!

This week, I finished a paper crafted birthday card for my wonderful Mom in Law using this tutorial from Pinterest, as well as a patriotic wreath using this tutorial from Pinterest (with my own adaptations…).

I LOVE PINTEREST!

This is the birthday card I made for my Mom in Law using this tutorial.

This is a handprint tutu Riley and I made.

This is a Patriotic Wreath I made following this tutorial.

Ransom Toys

“Take This to Your Room, Riley!”

Over and over again! All day, every day! Usually the same toys or shoes each time, too.

In fact, here are the toys in question

·         Noah’s ark

·         Ball

·         Basket full of crayons

·         Lisa Frank coloring book

·         Jewelry box

·         Books

·         A bunch of other “Riley Treasures”

So, one day on Pinterest, I found a pin that was a Mommy Ransom Chore Box. I wasn’t out to find anything related to this. In fact, I just did an “Everything” search and this is what I found:

All the toys left out during the day go into the tote and in order for the toy’s owner to get the toy back is to do a “ransom” chore such as cleaning the windows or baseboards or a silly activity like 20 jumping jacks while chanting “I am a clean machine!”

So, my question is… Is 2 ½ years too early to start ransom chores??  I kind of think so. I’m picky about streaks in my glass, she wouldn’t be able to reach very high, and she doesn’t have the attention span to finish a task. As far a silly activities go, I don’t think she is coordinated enough to do jumping jacks…  I suppose if I was really serious about this Ransom Box, I could always come up with my own chores or activities.

Does your toddler have chores to do at home on a regular basis? What does he/she do for you?

Riley already feeds her two guinea pigs, Dizzy and Lizzy. She also takes her dishes to the sink when she is done and will throw away trash when asked.