Thursday, June 26, 2008

Change of plans

Just wanted to update and let you know that we have decided to hold off on the D & C. I had blood drawn today and will have more drawn on Monday to see what my betas are doing. Also follow up with another ultrasound (or 2) to be absolutely sure this is a non-viable pregnancy. Turns out DH has a friend whose wife was diagnosed with a blighted ovum at 7 weeks and 2 weeks later, low and behold, there was a baby! I am not holding out much hope, as odds are that this will result in miscarriage but at least this way we will be more at peace with it. I figure it can't get any worse, so what is the harm in waiting a week or two just to be 100% sure.

Sad news.....

Well, I just had a dr. appt and it looks as if I have a blighted ovum, meaning that a sac formed in my uterus but no baby ever started to grow inside of it, there is just an empty sac :( I have to go in for a D & C in a few hours. I am devastated but am relieved that at least there was no baby ever there. It feels less painful to lose a sac than a baby, in a sense. It is so surreal, my body has been acting way pregnant, I already even have a belly :( Now I just want this over and done with so we can get to trying again, I suppose.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

GREAT Freebie in the mail today!

I received an awesome freebie in the mail today from Vocalpoint. It was a sample size box of new Kashi Vive cereal in Toasted Graham & Vanilla flavor (looks yummy! I love Kashi products!) Also included in the package were one coupon for a FREE box and 5 coupons each for $2 off a box. WOW! Lots of FREE/CHEAP cereal for us!!
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Tuesday, June 24, 2008

A few Freebies!

FREE pack of Stride Gum (Click on "settle" and go through the silly sequence, at the end you can choose your flavor. Takes all of 30 seconds)

FREE sample of American Greetings cards from WalMart. WalMart samples are the best, they arrive very quickly.

FREE Pledge Multi Surface Wipes from Start Sampling. I love the Multi Surface spray but have never tried the wipes. Can't wait to test them out.

FREE subscription to Woman's Day from Rewards Gold. I've gotten other mags through them for free and they are legit.

Monday, June 23, 2008

Vacation Pics!

Sorry for the delay in posting, I've been exhausted since our return!! Here are a few favorite pics from our trip. It was fun but tiring, as Orlando usually is! Good thing there was a pool at the house to relax in!

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Friday, June 6, 2008

Holy Hotness, Batman!

OK, here is this week's weather: 95, 96, 98 (today), 99, 101, 98, 95. WOW. I think it might actually be cooler in Florida!

Frugal Vacation Plans



Our efforts to become more frugal have extended to all aspects of our life, even our summer vacation plans. After weighing a few different options, we have decided to go to Orlando, FL and we are leaving tomorrow morning! Here is how we are keeping it low-budget.

First off, we've learned that it is far more economical to rent a privately owned house rather than a hotel roon when travelling to Orlando. We have done this several times and have always been very happy with our accomodations. Thanks to the slow vacation market this year we were able to rent this 3 Bedroom house with a pool for just $400 for the WEEK! That's 50% off the regular rate, which even at regular price would still be lower than a decent hotel room! Having a house enables us to cook meals instead of eating out, which saves tons of money.

Secondly, we decided NOT to do DisneyWorld this year. I know, I know, going to Orlando without going to Disney?!? CRAZY, you say. Well, we have done Disney many times when the kids were smaller, and prices were cheaper. This year, we have opted to try the Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme parks. Total cost for all 5 of us to get week-long unlimited park passes was just $425. Disney would have been triple that. So, we are trying something new and saving oodles of money in the process.

So, all in all, with the house, park passes, food, and gas, we plan to spend a total of around $1300 for a week long trip to Orlando for 5 people. I am pretty pleased. I'll post about our fun when we return next weekend!!

Thursday, June 5, 2008

And baby makes.........

6!! I am overjoyed to announce that we are expecting a new arrival!! Now, I am not a patient person and I am not known to keep my big mouth shut, so this is a new, new, new pregnancy (crossing fingers). But if all goes well, we will be expanding our family by one in February!
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We told the kids this morning and they are just thrilled (and already arguing over boy or girl LOL) Madison said she hopes it is septuplets so we can be "Chris & Jenn Plus 10". We watch a bit too much Jon & Kate Plus 8, me thinks :)

Sunday, June 1, 2008

Water Water Everywhere!

Since today was around 90, we headed to the waterpark for some good, clean, WET fun!! We have a family gym membership that also includes their outdoor water park area. We practically live there in the summertime LOL.
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