Blog Update - ER visit

I have been absent from my usual blogging post and admittedly from following new newest followers back. (I promise I WILL Follow back all of my new followers!)

Since my aunts cancer diagnoses we've been pretty much under a lot of stress at home. Recently, I sent a card to my aunt with recent pictures of my son in for her to view. I called the house on Monday to see if it had arrived. The phone was busy. I had a sixth sense something was wrong and called back a few minutes later. When I called back my uncle state my aunt had gotten really sick and they just took her to the hospital and they were on their way to be with her.

I called my mother and she had just booked the next flight out of town to be with my family. On the drive home from work I was an emotional wreak to say the least. I picked up my son from my mother's home and wished her a safe trip back home and sent love to my aunt.

Earlier in the day I had headache located in the back of my right eye and thought nothing of it. In the afternoon my boss asked me what happened to my eye. Apparently I had a blown blood vessel in my right eye that look much worse that it actually was. So I spent the rest of the day with a blood shot eye and probably looked like I was in some fight!

Late that night my headache returned even more stronger than the first. I had just put my son to bed and was getting his sippy cups ready for the next day, when I suddenly felt light headed. I sat down in the living room and told my DH that I felt my body get cold and like I was going to faint. Then a few minutes later I woke to my DH's voice asking if I was okay.

Apparently I had passed out cold and started to have small seizures. The DH called my brother over to watch our son while he toke me to the ER. Yet by mistake he called my mothers cell phone and told her he dialed the wrong number. So my mom was tipped off that something was wrong. Which was the last thing I wanted. At the ER they took blood samples, hooked up an IV, EKG, and had a head CAT Scan. All the test came back okay. I just had a high blood pressure, which may have caused the blown eye vessel. They think that my small seizure was just my body reacting to stress.

I spend the rest of the day home to sleep and let my body recover. I later spoke with my mom who had a heads up and she informed me that when I was younger the same thing happened to me. When I faint my body goes into small seizures.Freaky, right? She never thought to tell me because she thought I had grown out of it. LOL!

So I'm doing better and trying not to let the stress get to me. Wish me luck with that!.

Thursday Blog Hop!

PediaSure Coupon

Monkey just LOVEs PediaSure. His doctor recommended he drink it to keep his weight up and help with his nutritional balance. I found a great coupon for $3 off PediaSure products. Click Here fill out the form and your coupon will be emailed to you.

Buy 1, Get 1 Free FB Coupon Logan's Roadhouse

Logan's Roadhouse is offering a Buy 1, Get 1 Free Coupon for the first 100,000 fans to like them on Facebook, by June 30, 2011. The coupon has a value of up to $15. Grab yours quick!

Friday Blog Hop! 6/24/11

It's Blog Hop Time and I'm ready to follow you back!Thanks for stopping by!

Heavy Heart

In my previous blog post (Here) I blogged about my aunt's cancer. She is one of THE Strongest women that I have or will ever know. She is handling her terminal cancer with such grace it amazes me!

When I saw her in December of last year she was happy to see my son and have him open his Christmas gift from her. (A set of Sesame Street books and a robotic stuffed wolf). She complained of back aches and was using a walker to get around the house. Then in February of this year my mom told me that my aunts cancer returned and even though she tried Chemo it was not successful and the cancer had spread. At that time we were urged to pray for her more than ever. We thought we were going to lose her in March so we packed up the SUV and drove the 8hrs back home to see her. She stated she was still there and not going anywhere. At the time she was living back with my grandparents so that my other aunt (her sister and brother) could care for her. The local Hospice was called in and she was making her funeral arrangements with my mother.

Unable to care for herself she relies on my other aunt and uncle to care for her everyday needs: food, bath, meds, etc. She has been placed on an oxygen machine to help her breath and is on very high dosage of pain medicine to help ease the pain discomfort. All the while she has been relaying her final wishes to my mother. During this time my mother went back home to live and help care for my aunt for a month. She continues to return every month for a week to care for final funeral arrangements and my aunts will.

My aunt was a elementary school teacher for over 27 years and recently retired due to her illness. She kept working through her chemo treatments and her diagnoses. Because of this my mother has set up a small scholarship in her name so that she is still able to teach even after her passing. In June her school hosted an event in which the staff and students honored my aunt with a special award and promised to contribute to her scholarship.

We recently got an update on her status and it appears that her body no longer has the strength to fight. She is struggling to breath and my mother feels she may leave us this month. I have come to dread my cell phone calls. Fearing I will get the call from my mother that my beautiful aunt has left us to be with GOD.

I struggle with my prayers right now from asking GOD to take away all her pain and receive her into his kingdom and to praying for a miracle and keep her here. I don't know what my life will be like without her in it. Out of all my aunts she is the one I was closest to. Her death will forever leave a hole in my heart. Please pray for her and my family during this difficult time for us.

Each day is a blessing to have her here with us.

Free downloadable menu plan and grocery list sheets

Design Sponge has a post with free downloadable menu plan and grocery list sheets. I love to have a handy dandy grocery list and meal plan it keeps us on budget and stop the cart filler items. Step away from the chips! Don't even go down the candy lane.

Disney Movie Rewards

Head over to Disney Movie Rewards and enter code:

face200 (25pts)


We love Disney Movie Rewards to score FREE Movies for Monkey or even FREE Disney toys!

Not yet a member of Disney Movie Rewards? Sign up HERE and start earning rewards with every Disney Movie purchase! It's FREE to join.

MY Drug Store Deals

CVS:

Hershey’s Bliss Bag Candy: $5.99
Use $1.00 MC from 5/1 SS
Pay: $4.99
Receive $5.99 ECB’s (Limit 1)
Final Price: FREE + $1.00 MONEYMAKER!

L.A. Looks Hair Gel: $2.99
Use $1.00 MC from 5/15 SS
Pay: $1.99
Receive: $2.00 ECB’s (Limit 1)
Final Price: FREE!

Buy 2 Pantene Pro-V Shampoos, Conditioners, or Stylers: $3.49 ea.
Use $3.00 MC from 6/19 SS
Pay: $3.98
Receive: $2.00 ECB’s (Limit 1)
Final Price: $.99 ea.

ECB deal on Hawaiian Tropics products: buy two get a $10 ECB.
(2) Hawaiian Tropics Lip Balm @ $2.99 = $5.98
-Earn a $10 ECB (limit 1)
Final Price: FREE with $4.02 profit!

Huggies Diapers Jumbo Pack $8.99
-$2/1 Huggies Little Snugglers Diapers 6/12 SS Insert
-$1.50/1 Huggies Diapers 6/12 SS Insert
Earn $1.00 ECB (Limit 5)
Final price: As low as $5.99

ECB DEAL: Spend $25.00 on select baby products, get $10.00 ECB (Limit 1)
Pampers Baby Dry, Swaddlers or Cruisers Diapers big box $20.00
-$1.50/1 Pampers Diapers or Training Pants 6/5 P&G Insert
Final price: $18.50

Huggies Wipes Mega Pack 164-216 ct. $6.00
-$0.50/1 Huggies Baby Wipes 6/12 SS Insert
Final price: $5.50

CVS/pharmacy Supreme Diapers or Training Pants from $8.99, B1G1 50% off = 2/$13.49

{Scenario}
(4) CVS/pharmacy Supreme Diapers or Training Pants = $27.80
-$10.00 ECB (Limit 1)
Final price: 4 for $17.80 or $4.45 each

{Scenario}
(1) Pampers $20.00
(1) Huggies Wipes $6.00
=$26.00
-$0.50/1 Huggies Baby Wipes 6/12 SS Insert
-$1.50/1 Pampers Diapers or Training Pants 6/5 P&G Insert
Earn $10.00 ECB (Limit 1)
Final Price: both for $14.00

Walgreens:
Gillette Fusion ProGlide Razor: $9.89
Use $4.00 MC from 6/5 P&G
Pay: $5.89
Receive $5.00 RR
Final Price: $.89

Gillette, Old Spice or Zest Body Wash 16-18 oz $2.99
-B1G1 Gillette Body Wash 6/5 PG Insert
-$2/1 Gillette Body Wash 5/15 RP Insert
-B1G1 Old Spice Body Wash WYB Old Spice Deodorant 6/5 PG Insert
-$1/1 Zest Body Wash 5/22 SS Insert
-$1/1 Zest or Safeguard Product 5/1 PG Insert
Final price: As low as $0.99/2 or $0.49 each

Target:
Ritz Crackerfuls (including Multigrain) – $2.40 (Price Cut through 7/16)
Use $1.50/1 coupon from the 4/17 SmartSource insert
Stack with $1/1 Target printable
Free after coupons (Thanks, Totally Target!)

KC Masterpiece Barbecue Sauce (18 oz) – $0.99 (Price Cut through 7/9)
Use $1/1 coupon from the 5/15 SmartSource insert
Free after coupon (Thanks, Totally Target!)

Herbal Essences Shampoo or Conditioner (10-12 oz) – $2.50
Buy 2 and use 2 $1/1 coupon from the 6/12 RedPlum insert
Stack with $1/2 Target coupon from the 5/1 P&G Target Insert
$1 each after coupons

Oreo Cookies (original, cakesters, others) – $2.79
Buy 2 and use $1/2 coupon from the 6/19 SmartSource insert
Stack with 2 $1/1 Target printable
$1.29 each after coupons

Benadryl Itch Relief Sticks $2.28 to $2.29
$2/1 Benadryl Topical Product RedPlum
for just $0.28-$0.29 a

Printable Coupons

I located a few new printable coupons and wanted to share:

$2/1 any Neutrogena Suncare or Sunless product. http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

$1/1 Breyers Blast Ice Cream. Use it with the $1.50/2 Target printable to get $1.75 off per tub.

$1/1 Degree Deodorant. Since there is no size restriction you can use this to score a free travel size!

NEW Pampers Gifts to Grow code

Here is a NEW Pampers Gifts to Grow codes:

TWITTERKEYWALET
FXHMWY4WKHU47JD (Expires June 24, 2011) (10pts)

Find more Pampers Gifts to Grow codes see my previous post here or here. You can also add points found on the inside of packages of Pampers diapers and wipes.

If you haven't joined Gifts to Grow yet, you can still join and get 100 Free Points! Sign up for your free Pampers Gifts to Grow account here. The Pampers rewards program is one of the best free programs for gift cards, photo deals and other baby freebies!

Free Sample of Jif To Go Peanut Butter

Target‘s Sample Spot has a new freebie available: Go request your free sample of Jif To Go individual peanut butter servings.

Hurry and sign up while you can because Target monitors the quantity of free samples!

FREE Motts for Tots Sample for VocalPoint Memberss:

If you’re a member of Vocalpoint, hurry on over and click here for a FREE Motts for Tots Treat! Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.

With 40% less sugar than 100% apple juice, Mott's for Tots® is a healthy treat kids will love and moms will love to give. Sign up now to receive information and savings on Mott's for Tots. And don't forget to pass this offer on to other moms with kids.

Book Review: Here, Home, Hope by Kaira Rouda

Book Description: Here, Home, Hope by author Kaira Rouda is the fictional story of one woman's courageous journey through midlife crisis and personal reinvention - all told with a sense of heart and humor.

Kelly Mills Johnson becomes restless in her thirty-ninth year. An appetite for more forces her to take stock of her ordinary middle-American existence and her neighbors’ seemingly perfect lives. Her marriage to a successful attorney has settled into a comfortable routine, and being the mother of two adorable sons has been rewarding but exhausting. Meanwhile, Kelly’s own passions lie wasted. She eyes with envy the lives of her two best friends, Kathryn and Charlotte, both beautiful, successful businesswomen who seem to have it all. Kelly takes charge of her life, devising a midlife makeover plan.

Here, Home, Hope will surely appeal to readers of chick lit and other women’s fiction titles who are ready to transition into something new in their own life. View the Book Trailer on YouTube.

My Take on it: I found the story to be an easy read, perfect for curling up on the couch with a cup of joe. I enjoyed getting to know Kelly and right away everything around her starts to fall apart. I quickly got pulled into the story and found myself wondering if I’d be in her shoes ten years from now. The story’s characters are struggling through life changing events, such as depression, divorces, death and job loss. Which reminded me of what my some of my friends are going through right now with the downward economy. It really put things into perspective.

Buy it:: You can purchase Here, Home, Hope online for a detailed list click here, or at a book retailer near you. It would make a great summer read. Learn more about Kaira here. You can also keep up with Kaira Rouda on facebook and twitter.

Disclaimer: Thanks to One2One Network, I received a copy of this book in exchange for sharing my thoughts on it. All opinions are my own, and not that of the author(s) or publisher.

Advanced Auto Parts discounts

If you have plans to work on the family car before you hit the road for your family vacation, head over to Advanced Auto Parts to save a few bucks. The more you spend the more you save!

Here are a few of the on-line deals:

Save up to $30 Bonus at AdvanceAutoParts.com with code JN20! Offer Ends 6/25/11

Save $20 Off Purchases of $75 or more at AdvanceAutoParts.com with code BIG20!

Save $50 Off purchases of $200 or more at AdvanceAutoParts.com with code BIG50!

We'll be using these savings towards getting the DH's car up and running.

Suave Naturals Body Lotion - $0.94

Need more Body Lotion? Heading out to Target anytime soon? Be sure to grab these coupons.

Here’s the Deal:

Suave Naturals Body Lotion, 18 oz $2.69, Price Cut thru 6/18
* Use $1.00/1 – Suave Naturals Body Lotion – (suave.com)
* Or use $1.00/1 Suave Body Lotion Product, Any 18 oz. or larger from RP 5/22
* And use $0.75/1 – Suave Lotion, 18oz or Larger, Target Coupon
Final Price: $0.94

Get your Target Coupons Here. And remember you can stack up your Target coupon with the MFG coupons for more savings!

Carters & Osh Kosh B’Gosh Summer Clearance sales: Extra 20% Off Coupon Code + Free Shipping

I LOVE Clearance Sales! To save money, I usually buy clothing the next size up for my Monkey. Right now Carters and Osh Kosh B’Gosh are having their summer clearance sales with up to 70% off! Prices start at just $3.99! And if you use coupon code: SOCUTE you'll score an additional 20% off an order of $40 or more! Wait it gets even better us coupon code: SHIPFREE to score Free Shipping!!

Don’t forget to shop through Ebates to get an additional 2.5% cash back on both sites! Plus If you are new to Ebates you’ll score $5 cash free when you sign up!

Pepsi or Diet Pepsi $0.99 at CVS Today only!

Head over to CVS Today and get a 12 pk of Pepsi or Diet Pepsi for only $0.99 at CVS! Scan your Extracare card at the Extracare coupon machine to get your coupon. Limit one 12 pk per coupon. TODAY ONLY!

Dirty Dozen & Clean Fifteen 2011

At home we believe that eating organic is important to our family for many reasons. One of them being our little Monkey. However, buying organic can hurt the pocket book especial when you don't have organic coupons. When we go shopping we purchase organic items based on the “dirty dozen” list whenever possible.

I saw ABC New yesterday stating the Environmental Working Group (EWG) just released the New Dirty Dozen. The EWG is a great source for organic shoppers because it let consumers know about the highest pesticide levels found in fruits and vegetables. What that means is that even washing your fruits and vegetables does not remove the pesticide levels because they have penitrated the food item itself. All the more reason to buy organic.

Dirty Dozen 2011

1. Apples
2. Celery
3. Strawberries
4. Peaches
5. Spinach
6. Nectarines (imported)
7. Grapes (imported)
8. Sweet bell peppers
9. Potatoes
10. Blueberries (domestic)
11. Lettuce
12. Kale/collard greens

Luck for us, the EWG report also published the “clean fifteen” indicating those fruits and vegetables with the lowest levels of pesticides. So that means you can peel or just wash the food item to remove any pesticide levels.

Clean Fifteen 2011
1. Onions
2. Sweet corn
3. Pineapples
4. Avocado
5. Asparagus
6. Sweet peas
7. Mangoes
8. Eggplants
9. Cantaloupe (domestic)
10. Kiwi
11. Cabbage
12. Watermelon
13. Sweet potatoes
14. Grapefruit
15. Mushrooms

Next time your out shopping be sure to take along this list.

New Pampers Gifts to Grow Code - 10 pts

NEW Pampers Gifts to Grow point, enter WELCOMEGTGPTS10 to add 10 points to your account!

Find more Pampers Gifts to Grow codes see my previous post here or here. You can also add points found on the inside of packages of Pampers diapers and wipes.

If you haven't joined Gifts to Grow yet, you can still join and get 100 Free Points! Sign up for your free Pampers Gifts to Grow account here.

My Target and Wal-Mart Deals

TARGET

You can print out all Target Coupons Here. And remember you can stack up your Target coupon with the MFG coupons for more savings!

Up & Up Pantiliners - $.89
* Use $.75/1 Up & Up Target Printable Coupon
* Pay $.14 each after coupon

Up & Up Spray Detangler - $1.34
* Use $.50/1 Up & Up Target Printable Coupon
* Pay $.84 each after coupon

Wish-Bone Salad Dressing - $1.09
* Buy two and use $1.50/2 from 5/22 RP Insert
* Pay $.34 each after coupon

Today, I found a high-value coupon on Target.com for $3/1 any Liz Lange apparel item. Be sure to check out the clearance rack for deals. You may be able to get something free!

WAL-MART
Sunday’s coupon inserts had a $2/1 Dial Body Wash coupon in them. You can use this to get overage at Walmart with the following deal:
Dial Body Wash (travel size) — $0.97
* Use $2/1 any Dial Body Wash or Lotion coupon from the 6/12 RedPlum insert (does not exclude trial size)
* Free plus $1.03 overage

Remember that Walmart’s coupon policy allows you to get the item free plus use the overage towards other groceries. I use this deal to buy meat or dairy items.

A Reluctant Queen by Joan Wolf: Blog Tour, KINDLE Giveaway, & Facebook Party!

About the book: A Reluctant Queen

An inspiring re-imagining of the tale of Esther, a young Jewish woman thrust from a life of obscurity into a life of power, wealth, intrigue . . . and tender love.

See the story of Esther in an entirely new way-with all the political intrigue and tension you remember, but told as a passionate and tender love story between a young man and woman. Misunderstood by many, King Xerxes was a powerful but lonely man. Esther's beauty caught the eye of the young king, but it was her spirit that captured his heart.

Imagine anew the story of Esther, one of our faith's great heroines, destined to play a key role in the history of Christianity. More here.

About Joan:


Joan Wolf was born in New York City but has lived most of her adult life with her husband in Connecticut , where she raised two children and countless numbers of assorted animals. Joan is the author of numerous historical novels including The Road to Avalon which Publishers Weekly lauded as “historical fiction at its finest.”

For more about Joan and her other books, please visit www.joanwolf.com.

Lil Baby Booty Book Review:
I have to say this is a must-read for anyone who loves Bible-based fiction. I could not put this book down. It captivates you with all the heartfelt emotions and is a real page turner. The book is a fictionalized account of the Biblical story of Esther, who was made Queen of Persia in order to save her Jewish people. I love the Biblical story of Esther based on her faith and trust in God. It is a powerful romance novel showing the true meaning of unconditional love. In the author's note, Joan Wolf readily admits that she found it necessary to "re-arrange some of the original material". I found the book to be a quick read which is important to busy moms like myself. As I previously said, a real page turner that pulls you in and makes you want to "read one more chapter before bed". I do recommend that you read the Biblical story first but don’t compare them, remember this is fictional book. Highly recommended!

Buy the book: Click Here.


Q & A with Author Joan Wolf
A Reluctant Queen, Thomas Nelson, June 2011

What draws you to historical/biblical fiction?

I have always adored history, a love I inherited from my father. He used to discuss people from history as if they were people in the current newspapers. I think almost 90% of my books must have an historical setting.

You’ve had a successful career writing for the ABA, why start writing for the CBA now?

A few years ago I had an extraordinary experience where God touched my life. This encounter stirred my interest in writing about other people who had experienced the presence of God in their lives and the CBA seemed to be the best place for me to do that.

What is it about the historical account of Esther that led you to write a romance story about her?

When I was a girl Esther fascinated me. It seemed wonderful that God had chosen a woman to be the person who would save His people. And, since I am a romantic soul, I also thought that there must have been a great love between her and the king for him to have done as she asked.

Why did you move away from the traditional interpretation of King Ahasuerus’ conduct?

I always thought that Ahasuerus must have loved Esther deeply because he listened to her and revoked the edict that Haman had sent out. A king who not only allows his wife to break into his religious feast without punishment, but also comes to have dinner with her the following day, must care for her very much indeed. And such a man must be a much nicer person than the king traditionally portrayed by Xerses/ Ahasuerus.

You love animals. Do you ever incorporate them into your books?

Do I not ever incorporate animals into my books? I am famous for my horses, but dogs play their part as well. Unfortunately, I couldn’t put Esther on a horse, but I did make Ahasuerus a fanatical horseman.

What is your favorite historical era to write about?

I love to go way back in time, to periods where the records are mostly archeological. I actually did three books set in the Upper Paleolithic, the period of the last ice age. My next book is about Rahab, and I’m having such fun reading about pottery and stone remains from the late Bronze Age.

To celebrate Joan Wolf’s debut Christian Fiction title, A Reluctant Queen, Joan and her publisher, Thomas Nelson, have teamed up to give away A Reluctant Queen prize package worth over $150!

One grand prize winner will receive:

* A brand new Latest Generation KINDLE with Wi-Fi and Pearl Screen

* A Reluctant Queen by Joan Wolf (for KINDLE)

To enter, just click one of the icons below. But, hurry, the contest ends on June 20th. Winner will be announced on June 21st during Joan’s A Reluctant Queen Book Club Party on Facebook (details below)! Hope to see you there – bring your friends!

Join the fun on June 21st! 

Joan will be wrapping up the blog tour and Kindle giveaway promotion during her A Reluctant Queen FACEBOOK party on her FB author page. During the party she'll announce the winner of the Kindle, host a book chat discussion, test your trivia skills (Is Esther's story in A Reluctant Queen fact or fiction?), and more. Don't miss this chance to meet the author and make some new friends!

If you're interested in reading more reviews of this book like mine, Click Here to view the blogtour!

I received A Reluctant Queen as a complimentary gift in exchange for review from Litfuse Publicity Group. Thanks to Amy at Litfuse Publicity for the opportunity to review this book! All opinions are mine and mine alone, and no other compensation was received.

Trans AM Love

The Hubby is working right now on my Trans AM WS6!

I know most of my followers are not "gear heads" but if you've ever love something so much it makes your heart skip a beat, then you can relate.

I love fast American muscle cars. There it is, I've said it and I'm proud! So It's not the "Greenest Car" but, I love the feeling of horsepower and the sound of a powerful exhaust! Sorry, "Green" cars right now don't come with that "sound package". Growing up my dad was a mechanic and thus my love of cars began.

When I turned 15 my family gave me a choice of having a Quinceanera or a car. In the Hispanic community a Quinceanera is like a Sweet 16 party or coming of age party. It's a REALLY BIG deal and pretty much like a mini wedding day. Full Princess dress, crown, tiered cake, wedding party, etc. My family was all for it and it was pretty much expected I would have one.

Well, I chose the car! I thought why pay so much money for a one day event and the next day it's over? A car was more economical and would take me to college. (Even then I had a frugal mind!) So rather than get a four door family like car, I got a 89 Chevy Camaro. I loved that car and it sat in my driveway until I was 16 and old enough to drive it. I had that car before I had my drivers license. Then came my 93 Chevy Camaro which was my graduation present and took me to college.

When I graduated College and got my first real job, I brought a Pontiac Firebird. Which I too loved, but deep down I really wanted the WS6 package, meaning more horsepower. So the following year, I brought it!

Once I got pregnant my car was put to the wayside and we purchased a SUV. Again not so Green but it worked for us. So my lovely car sat idle in the drive way for almost two years. Then, the DH car broke down and it was cheaper to fix my car than his.

A set of new tires, oil change, filter replacement, new brake pads, and she's ALIVE once again. Today, the DH is getting her new plates, registered, inspection, and adding her back to the insurance.

Can I just say that I LOVE my DH!! His a handsome gear head who comes cheap on labor!

How to Follow My Blog while GFC isn't Working

Looks like Blogger is having problems with Google Friend Connect, yet again! Grrr!

Even though the 'Follow Me' button is empty, you can still follow me! Here is how:
* Go the very TOP LEFT SIDE of my blog.
* Click 'Follow' on the navigation bar!

(A BIG Thanks to Nikki at Chef-in-Training for the tip!)

And There goes the Beach!

For a few weeks now our family has thought about taking a short family vacation to the beach. It's only a couple hours drive from our home and it would be a perfect getaway. Since my aunts cancer diagnoses, it's been very stressful around the house and every time the phone rings my heart skips a beat.

Just the thought of walking on warm sand and dipping my toes in the cool ocean water made me relax. I spoke the DH and we thought this getaway would be easy on the wallet. Also it would be Monkey's First time at the beach. So we started to plan our days and look for things to do around the town.

Day 1: A day drive to the beach with a trip to the children's museum, lazy afternoon on the beach with a picnic lunch, and then dinner.

Day 2: Visit the local aquarium, have lunch with the fishes, lazy afternoon on the beach, and then dinner.

Day 3: Visit the local Zoo, have lunch with the monkeys, and then drive back home.

Quick, simple, and relaxing right? Sooo not the case.

Well, just the other day the DH car started to act funny. The clutch seemed to have gone out and would not shift. So the DH call the dealership to see if it was still under factory warranty. The results: Its not! Arrr! I have my old Trans Am (yes, I said Trans Am) just sitting in the driveway collecting dust. All it needs is a new battery and tires. Plus it's a cheaper fix, for now at least, until we figure out how much it will cost us to repair DH's Car.

So There goes the Beach idea! Now we have to pull our savings out and get the cars fixed. For now the beach life is on hold. I'm still hopeful that we can visit sometime next month. We really need a vacation to just de-stress, have fun, relax, and leave the world behind, even if it's just for a few days.

Do you have any summer vacation plans?

Friday Blog Hop! 6/10/11

It's Blog Hop Time and I'm ready to follow you back!Thanks for stopping by!