I don't think it's just me, but...

... is there anything as exciting as knowing the UPS/FedEx/Mail Carrier is coming with a package for you?  Oh, the anticipation!  When will they get here?  HURRY!!  I can't leave the house because I don't want to miss you!

ORRRR, is it better when you have absolutely NO idea it's coming, and they just ring your doorbell?  Surprise!  Here's a package for you!  Oh my goodness, what is it?!?

Box 'o' books, yes please!

Either way, I do so enjoy getting things delivered to me!  Even if it is stuff that I ordered and paid for myself, there's still some sort of thrill to it.  Even if I know exactly what it is and when it's coming (woo hoo for tracking numbers!), it still makes me a bit giddy.

Granted, I don't get out much these days.  And walking to the mailbox down the street is usually the only time we even step foot outside during the Summer.  But please tell me I'm not the only one who finds such joy in this!!!

P.S. It's not just packages, I also accept letters, postcards and anonymous cash donations!  =)

"Unstopable" Freshness!

A few weeks ago I received a full-sized bottle of Downy's new product, Unstopable In-wash Scent Booster, and a pair of socks (lol!) from VocalPoint.  I was happy to try it out because we normally use unscented detergent and don't use fabric softener because of my children's sensitive skin, and I miss having a scent on my fresh, clean laundry.  

The product comes in a what they call and a "squeeze and sniff" bottle, which means that you get a nice whiff of the scent when you take off the cap.  You pour your desired amount of the little gel capsule thingees (for lack of a better term!) into your washing machine, add clothes and detergent, wash as normal.  Straight out of the washer, they smell great... but the scent really does last!

Last week I was just out of the shower when I got a whiff of something I couldn't quite put my finger on.  It was clean, fresh, gentle scent.  I sniffed around my vanity to see if it was coming off of any of my skin or hair products, nope.  Then, after literally standing there for about 3 minutes, I realized... it was my towel!  It smelled so good!  Hooray for the Unstopables!

The only thing that bugs me, is that they spelled unstoppable incorrectly, and I don't exactly know why.  Hmm.  Anyway, thanks VocalPoint!

If you'd like to receive free products or coupons, you can join VocalPoint too!  They'll be doing another Dowyn Unstopable campaign soon, maybe you'll snatch a free bottle of this stuff and be as fresh as me!

[I received a free product to try out, but the opinions stated above are my own, honest thoughts.]

Summer Weight Shedding Challenge, Post 1 (of 12)

I am joining up with some other ladies at The Homeschool Lounge in this Summer weight-loss challenge. I have found that when I have a specific challenge or a real goal and someone to be accountable to, I can do much better!  So, here's hoping!

My goal is to lose around 25 pounds.  The challenge lasts 12 weeks, ending on October 7th.  It's Summer and we aren't going to be able to get out and walk, and I don't have the ability to make it to a gym.  Losing 2 pounds a week is going to be extremely difficult.  But, as long as I see SOME progress, honestly, I'll be happy with myself.  My main problems are portion control and binge snacking!  So, I must curb those things to get control of my weight.

I have had a very successful weight-loss experience in the past.  After seeing a horrific picture of myself and realizing how out of control my weight had become, I signed up with Weight Watchers on March 31, 2008.  On April 9, 2009, I met my goal, having lost 75 pounds!  Honestly, it was a lot easier than I ever thought possible.  I walked my neighborhood and I controlled my portion sizes.  That's really all it took.  My motivation was that I had to lose weight so I could get pregnant again - I didn't want to add baby weight onto my current weight.  It worked!  Two months after I hit my goal weight, I got pregnant with Callen!  Now, we're not ready for another child just yet, but it would be nice to be rid of this extra weight and be back down to my goal weight (the same one I had with WW).  That way when we ARE ready for another kiddo, my body will be ready as well!

So, let's see what happens over the next 12 weeks!

7/15 - 24 pounds to go

Homeschool Mother's Journal, July 15th, 2011

The Homeschool Mother's Journal: Summer Edition, a link-up with The Homeschool Chick.

In my life this week...
- Decided to go forth with the business venture I mentioned last week, and signed on as an Usborne Books & More Independent Consultant.Have been spending a lot of time learning about that and setting up my first home show (this Saturday!).  Pretty pumped about the possibilities!

In our homeschool this week...
- Continuing with the First Grade Scholar and A Reason For Handwriting Level A workbooks. Preston is now in the "Daily Lessons" where he gets to write out scriptures.  Been a little bit of a struggle on some days to get him excited about it.

Places we're going and people we are seeing...
This week was busy!
- Last weekend we had lunch at Wild About Harry's with one of Michael's old friends.  Was nice to catch up with her!
- On Wednesday, my mom came and got us, took us to Safari Park so the boys could play.  They had a blast, but I was less than satisfied with the place (that's another story).
- That evening, we met up with an old friend of mine (we like to say we have known each other since before our grandparents were born, ha!), Robert and his family.  I hadn't had the opportunity to meet his wife and kid yet, so it was so nice to do that!!!

We finally all meet!

I'm praying for...
- Friends and family that are struggling financially.  So many of us are just squeaking by... but God's provision is amazing.  May it continue!!!

A couple of photos to share (from the Safari Park)...

Brothers go down the slide!

Brothers crash!

Riding a mechanical zebra, so happy!

Train ride together!