Merry Christmas Memaw!

My Memaw had huge Christmas cactus that put on these beautiful blooms every Christmas. After she passed away in 2002, my Mom took the cactus and made my sister and I some pots of it. I have been waiting patiently for years for my to bloom...and it did! I was so excited when I saw the little flower start blooming, I looked at it everyday and couldn't wait for it to open up! My Mom's cactus has lots and lots of blooms, every Christmas we look at it and say, "Merry Christmas, Memaw!"

13 Weeks!

How far along: 13 weeks, 2 days

Size of baby: a peach

Gender: Will find out January 5th

Maternity clothes: Not yet, but I did buy some tops to wear to work! My t-shirts are getting a little snug!

Weight gain: -4.6. Thanks to the lovely all day sickness I've had!

Sleep: Good, I get up at least twice to visit the bathroom!

Symptoms: Other that the nausea, not really anything else. I have been fortunate, I think!

Cravings: McDonald's French fries and salad.

Best moment of the week: Received a few special gifts from some sweet friends! Also, while we were putting up the Christmas tree, Clint said. "next year, we will have to have a Baby's 1st Christmas ornament!" I was shocked he said that, he isn't usually a detail oriented person!!

199 days to go.....

Yes, I am under the 200 mark!! Woo Hoo! I will "officially" be 12 weeks on Saturday, but my Dr. told me today my sweet little one was measuring right at 12. I just sit and stare at the picture! It is a true miracle!

I am so thankful to God for allowing us this child! I was thinking on the way home....I looked down at the picture in my console, how is it possible to be so in love with this little baby already! I can't imagine how I will feel on his/her birthday!!! I am giddy with anticipation!

My Dr. said we "may" be able to tell if its a boy or a girl by the next appointment! We are planning a small "reveal" with our family! Fingers crossed baby!!

11 Weeks

How far along: 11 weeks

Size of baby: 1.5 inches (the size of a fig)

Gender: Don't know yet!
Maternity clothes? Not yet

Weight gain: None yet

Sleep: Still good. Get up at least once to go to the bathroom!

Symptoms: No appetite...have 24 hr nausea. But its getting better, hopefully!

Cravings: Nothing really...I do enjoy homemade hot cocoa since its started getting colder.

Best moment of the week: A friend offered a bassinett and some other stuff...I still can't believe I'm getting to talk "baby"! I've been cleaning out my sewing room, which will be the nursery....I've started dispersing items throughout my house and to the donate pile! I can't wait to get started on it after Christmas!

10 Weeks

How far along: 10 weeks, 3 days

Size of baby: Kumquat (about 1.25 inches)

Gender: Don't know yet, should find out right after Christmas!

Maternity clothes: Not yet

Weight gain: None

Movement: Not yet

Sleep: Pretty good, go to the bathroom at least once or twice

Symptoms: 24 hr nausea, was actually really sick for about 5 days during week 8.

Cravings: Nothing right now thanks to the nausea!

Best moment of the week: Spending Thanksgiving with my family and talking about how next year, the girls will be holding the baby instead of doing the dishes!!

Does this mean what I think this means.....

First we saw this.....


Then we saw this.....


Finally, we saw this!



We are currently "over the moon."
Clint and I have been trying to have a baby for a long while...we've went through many tests, many treatments, failures, heartache, and finally, finally.....can not believe we are going to be parents!! We are SO, SO, SO thankful that God is allowing us to experience this!

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 NIV

Erin Condren Coupon

You guys know my obsession with Erin Condren! I'm patiently awaiting my new life planner!! If you go to onekingslane.com today, you can get a coupon for a $50.00 purchase for only $25.00! Better hurry, they are going fast! Use the link below!! (and happy shopping!)

https://www.onekingslane.com/invite/amandapierce5

Erin Condren craze!

I so want to join the Erin Condren craze! I have drooled over this planner for weeks now....but just can't seem to turn lose of $50.00!


SOOO....i'm linking up to a blog I just recently discovered....The Link Home.....she's doing a give-away for a gift certificate to Erin Condren! Keep your fingers crossed I win and go check out her blog, it's awesome!!

Going through the "Big D".....

Got your attention, huh!

Today was my day off and Clint had to burn some vacation time, so I scheduled a Dr. appointment in Dallas. It wasn't until 2:00 so I spent some time watering my poor, thirsty flower beds this morning! After we left, Clint got a call from the office so he had to go by and see about some problems they were having...got that taken care of, then we were off! My Dr. office is right across from Academy and we had 45 minutes to kill, so we went in there. We came out with a new glove for McK, 2 Nike t-shirts from the $4.88 rack and a fancy, new pair of tennis shoes for me! I love Academy!
After my appointment, which went perfect, we stopped at Olive Garden! Yummy! It must have been my lucky day because Clint NEVER suggests italian food. It was so good!

We swung by the high school baseball game on the way home. It was a good one!

Whew! That was a busy day off! Back to work tomorrow and McK has a game!! Woo hoo! Go Scorpions!

Good Times....

The last week of July we spent at Hugo Lake. Clint, the kids and I stayed all week long and on Friday, the Underwoods joined us! We stayed on the lake ALL day long, it was FANTASTIC! We had a great time! Saturday we got up and ate then waited on the Russells to get there. We grabbed a bite of lunch, then, to the water we went!!! Billy and Becky brought their boat so we had plenty of room for everyone! We tubed, swam, skiied (or tried to! Haha Bryon!) swam some more! The kids had a contest who could make the biggest splash jumping off the boat. I can't remember when I have had a better time. We were exhausted when we got back to the camper. I mentioned to Clint, we could go on home if he wanted...I'd pack the camper while he loaded the boat and he AGREED! We drove home after dark and slept until 9 a.m. on Sunday. We were beyond exhausted but happy! The Underwoods and Russells have been our friends forever basically! Misty and I have been best friends since we were 4, our husbands, of course, had no choice but to be best friends! We all have known each other our whole lives! Our kiddos are inseperable most times! Thats what happens when you are surrounded by friends and people you love! We love you guys and can't wait until next year!!!


My sweetie and me!! Oh, how I love him!!

The Underwoods

Best Friends FOREVER!

Hang on tight, Blondie!

Hunter loves the tube!

McKenna and Wyatt



The Russell's, Billy, Becky, Levi and Carly






Happy Summer 2011
The Pierce's, Underwood's and Russell's

The "easiest" cookie recipe...EVER

I've had this "go-to" recipe for a while. I don't remember where I found it, but it has gotten me out of a pinch several times! And, did I mention, they are delicious?

Easy Peanut Butter Cookies

1 Cup Peanut Butter, creamy or crunchy
1 Cup Sugar
1 egg

Mix together. Drop onto cookie sheet and flatten with sugared glass. Bake on 350 for 12 minutes. Makes about a dozen.

Yes, that is it! And they are sooo soft. Enjoy!

Let's play ball!

I love baseball and I love that I have a son that loves it too!! We are undeafted thus far this season! Whoo hoo! We were in a tournament this weekend and won! I was so proud of McKenna and how he played! He pitched and hit great!! We celebrated the win at De Happy Cajun on Lake Texoma. We all had different entrees and shared. The "gata" was good! I had a steak and it was fabulous!







On another note...I have been a cleaning fool the last week. We had someone come out and steam clean our carpets and it is fabulous! My best friend and I had a garage sale recently so I had cleaned out lots of stuff. Therefore, I had lots of space. I love not having clutter everywhere. Now, if only I can remember that when I go shopping!

Family Post

I realize this picture is from Christmas...but I wanted to remember this day. My dad's side of the family decided this year we would start a new tradition...an annual get-together at Christmas. We have a rather large family and it is SO hard for everyone to get together. Our family has had a tough last few years and it has made us very aware how precious family time is. We had a wonderful day and can't wait until next year!

The recent Snow-cation!

We have had a very unusual weather pattern as of late! We received measureable snow amounts 2 weeks in a row! My clinic closed for a total of 3 days, that has NOT happened in the 10 years I have worked there....so what's a girl to do while cooped up in the house? Bake, of course! and, play!
I channeled my inner Pioneer Woman and made a wonderful cake. I found it on a blog that I follow, Salt Creek Ranch. It was so easy and um,um good!
Yes, those are farm fresh eggs, courtesy of Doc Pope!





We also got in a little play time! My boys rigged up a set of skis behind the 4 wheeler...yeah, we're redneck! haha





I took my camera out for a little while, I was honestly afraid it was going to freeze! The temps got as low as 6 degrees. I did manage a few.






We are ready to get back in a routine....we're that kind of people!

ICE day!

We had an ICE day here in Southeast Oklahoma! I woke up this morning about 4 a.m. to sleet hitting my window - HARD! McK was out of school, Clint was off work and after several phone calls and prayers, so was I! So, I headed to the couch with a blanket, my dog and watched TV with the boys almost all day. It is SOO cold, coldest in 15 years according to the weather man. We kept the fire going all day and just relaxed and ate!

I totaled up my January receipts and saved a grand total of $100.37! I had just saved the "savings" part of the receipt, but in Feburary I am going to save the whole thing so I can see what I spent too!

Well, I am going to tune in to the news now, to see what is closed tomorrow! Fingers crossed!!

Just a bunch of Randon stuff....

This is a busy week for us...recovering from the flu, trying to stay warm, last basketball tournament of the year, lots of Polka Dot factory orders to be done, getting tax stuff finished....the list could go on and on!
Saturday, my stepdaughter, Hunter brought a friend over. I had a million things to do, so I bribed them with flower headbands if they would help me dust! I gave them each a rag and they got my whole living room done! I went in behind them and vaccummed...done with that! We went to the county basketball tournament to watch the girls championship...we lost by 2 points! Ugh! I would rather get beat by 20 points than 2!
Sunday, we went to church, then came home and snuggled by the fire! I piddled in my craft room, trying to organize a little. I am working on a mass-declutter in there...pictures to come later! I sat down with the paper and looked at the ads for this week. I made my list for Walgreens and got my coupons ready...I've been on quite the coupon kick as of late.
Monday, I shopped on my lunch hour..got a great deal, I think! I spent 33.08 and saved almost 60.00! I was so tickled! Here is a pic of my purchases...


I bought...2 cases of water, 1 lb of super bubble, 2 Kraft dressings, 3 boxes sugar free jello, 1 Almay eye make-up, 3 Suave lotions, 2 bars of Dove soap, Lrg Listerine, 2 boxes of taco shells, 2 boxes of Mac and Cheese, 2 cans of Tomato soup, Miracle whip, 2 Pantene shampoos and 2 boxes of cereal. Pretty good, huh?
Monday night, I went over to Shannon's house and we made up goody bags for our Jr. High basketball players. They are in their last tournament this week. Both our boys are on the team. We fixed them up with lots of goodies! Cross your fingers, we bring home another win! We have only lost 1 game this year...they are a good team..only 5 losses in 4 YEARS!
Today I got off work a little early, we had some machine maintenance to be done. I was a totally lazy rear, I came home and got my pjs on and went to bed. I have had a horrible sinus headache for 2 days and I felt yucky! I woke up after 2 hours! Ugh! I am thankful for a husband that cooks, he had made supper! Thanks Clint!
Well, I think that catches me up for a while!

Sicky, icky day

The flu has officially hit the Pierce house! My sweet boy came down with it on Monday...I assumed that's what it was but the Dr. officially confirmed it yesterday. I feel so bad for him! In the 6 years he has lived with his Dad and I, this is the FIRST time he has been to the doctor! Isn't that crazy! Well, I stayed home with him today and got to baby him a bit! Even at 14, he loves a little baby-ing!! We've taken our meds, drank our fluids, and rested, just like the doctor ordered. Clint picked his homework up from school today and that's what we are working on now. Luckily, he has been fever-free for about 14 hours, so I think we will be good to go on Friday for school.

I have used the day to make up some Valentine's hair bows! They turned out SOOO cute. I made a few for the salon that carries my bows, a few for my Etsy shop and a few just to have for my favorite customers! I organized my ribbons last night, it would be easy to say I could make bows for weeks and not run out of ribbon!! I function so much better with an organized stash! My goal tonight is to get some on my Etsy site, and my FB Page. V-day will be here before we know it!!!

On other news...I am getting quite efficient using coupons here lately! My work hours are being decreased for a while so I thought I could do a little to save on our grocery bill each month! It is a challenge to scope out the best deals, but I've had fun doing it! I will post one of my successful shopping trips soon!

Here's to keeping your family healthy!!!

Redland Rendevous

My niece, Sydney had a volleyball tournament this weekend in Oklahoma City. My sister invited Mom and I to come spend the weekend with her and the girls. SOOO, Friday after work, off we went! We arrived in Bricktown that evening about the same time the Wichita girls did!

We turned in early since Sydney and Tina had to be over at the Cox Convention center at 8:00 a.m. Mom, Nicole and I stayed back at the hotel until 9. She had 4 games of 2 sets each on Saturday.




They finished up about 3:00 p.m. Nicole and I had already schemed a plan to go across to the Ford Center and try to get some tickets to the Thunder game, but they were sold out! :(
We headed back to the room to freshen up for dinner. We went into Bricktown and ate at The Spaghetti Warehouse...yummy! It was so good. After dinner, Mom went to the room and Tina, the girls and I went over to Pinketzel Cupcakes!







It was such a neat place! Of course, there was a sea of teenage girls due to the tournament! We sat in the cafe and ate our cupcake and had some hot cocoa. It was SO cold and the cocoa hit the spot!


Sunday, CCVA played at 8:00 a.m. They qualified for the Gold bracket, which were the best teams in the tourney! Unfortunately, they lost their first 2 games and ended up in 4th place. But, they were proud anyway! It was the 1st tourney of the season!

Mom and I headed home Sunday afternoon. We got home and had 5 inches of snow on the ground!! The best part, I got a snow day on Monday!! Woo Hoo!!

It was a super great weekend, spent with my favorite girls!!!!


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Fresh Beginnings...

I love a new start, a clean slate, a fresh beginning! The beginning of 2011 sparks a fire in me to clean and simplify, to start new things, tidy up if you will. Not only my home but my heart too. I don't like to express "resolutions" for the new year, I prefer "hopes." SO, my hopes for the New year are.....read my Bible through, simplify my home, clear clutter in my home and mostly my mind, save money, live simply, send birthday cards to my family and friends (on time!), be a better friend, but mostly I want to draw near to God and let him guide me.
I want to be a better blogger, I have many family members that I don't get to see very often and recently they have told me...."you haven't updated your blog, what have you been up to?" SO, I can't disappoint them!
My job recently announced a cutback on hours. Starting Feb 1 we will be working 4 days a week. It's a scary thought, even though it isn't as big of a cutback as some people have faced recently, but it's enough to shake me into reality and begin trying to think of ways to save my family money. SO, as the year begins, so does the budget! Wish me luck!
Happy New Year!