Mr. Thrifty (LOL . . . )

OK - Here is a clear blog violation that I just have to share (oops - the violation is based on my first post (please read the "ground rules" if you have not - http://wishiwasntasingledad.blogspot.com/2010/04/so-who-am-i-and-why-am-i-doing-blog.html) in that this "post" has not set for two days before being shared. But - as the kids are still in bed (yes, it's 12:00 on New Years Day and they are SLEEPING (everyone except Knoah who has already beaten me at Wii Resort Bowling four times!) - guess that is what happens when you don't get in bed until after 3:00 am! ! (oh, well, we had fun and I will share the pictures once I write a post - although they are already up on Facebook).

So - what I am I sharing? How about this; what does 42.00 get you at Value World when you have a 50% off coupon?



How about:

1 Pr American Eagle Jeans (Jacob)
1 Pr Urban Outfitters Jeans (Jacob)
1 Nike Michigan Pullover (Jacob)
1 Detroit Tigers Hoodie (Jacob)
1 CCCP Zip Up Jacket (Jacob)
2 Pr Justice Jeans (Hannah)
1 Pr Levi's Jeans (Hannah)
1 Pr Doc Martin Zip Up Boots (Hannah)
1 Pr Kid Tech Shoes (Hannah)
1 Pr US Polo Association Jeans (Knoah)
1 Pr Nike Tennis Shoes (Knoah)
1 Pr Lands End Boots (Knoah)
2 Button Up Children's Place Long Sleeve Polo Shirts
2 Pull over Children's Place Sweaters (one v neck, one zip up) (Knoah)
1 Ralph Lauren long sleeve polo (Knoah)
1 Carter's Children Wear Pull over striped sweater (Knoah)
1 Pull over zipper sweater (Knoah)
1 Old Navy sweater vest (Knoah)

and . . . .

6 Beanie Babies (Hannah)
1 board game; History of the United States (Jacob)
2 "Shake and Rumble" cars from Fisher Price (Knoah)
1 Little Tykes "rock n ride" pony (Knoah)
Video Toy Story 2

WOW . . . . what an awesome shopping experience! ! !

Merry Christmas 2010

Here it is. It has now "officially" been one year and there have been so many changes in my life and the lives of my Children. I have written, re-written and then deleted this post three or four times and after all of that I have come to this: I am at Peace and Happy with who, what and where I am and where I am going. Life is not what I expected but it has become more than enough and I am hopeful, happy and excited.

I miss my Children every second that we are apart and I can't think of what it would be like if I was only able to see them every other weekend as some divorced fathers do, truth - I would stress, cry and be a total emotional wreck!

So - Merry Christmas to the greatest Children walking this earth - Jacob Matthew Reagan, Hannah Noel and Knoah Franklin - I adore, admire, cherish and love the three of them more than they will every fully understand until the day that they become a parent. (and if your a parent, you get that).

Here is the 2010 Christmas in words and pictures:



2010 Christmas Banner.



Santa's footprints (something we started years ago . . and did you know that North Pole Snow is edible . . taste just like powdered sugar!).



The 2010 Christmas Booty at Dad's House.



Knoah opening his gifts.



Jacob and Hannah opening gifts.



Mr. Happy . . . Knoah Franklin.



Knoah helping me open my present from the kids.



Jacob "schooling" Knoah and Hannah on Mario Kart!



Playing "don't break the ice".



Knoah the "victor".

Merry Christmas to all and may 2011 be the year that I have been praying for - it's starting off wonderfully already and I pray that it continues. God Bless everyone.

Lazy . . . . weekend for "Wii", they and me . . .

After last weekend's "birthday" extravaganza in addition to the last several "weekend" birthdays and Thanksgiving, I think the kids and I were both just kinda "tired". So after discussing what to do for the weekend (17 - 19 December) we settled on simply spending time together playing games (Wii and or one of the ten or twenty board games we have amassed). Considering Christmas was so close and I still had not finished shopping this was fine with me.

We spent Friday as a family playing "Wii" bowling . . . which of course as a rule, I am required to lose; mostly because I sux! Saturday was spend playing with Thomas, The Artin Race Track (which I received as a Christmas present about ten years ago), playing Connect Fours, Blues Clues, and Harry Potter Chess! We did decide to dress during part of the weekend and made it out to Tecumseh to pick up some "snacks" from the local Bush's Grocery Store and of course - Knoah was his normal "clown" self once we returned and he felt the need to run around in Hannah's winter boots . . which of course Hannah tried to act "upset" about until I pointed out that she was the one that helped him "put the boots on".



Hannah "helping" Knoah put on her boots.



Knoah "Hamming" it up in Hannah's Boots.

We enjoyed a "quiet" Saturday night followed by a quick and early Sunday morning as the kids had a birthday party to attend for one of there cousin's. Dropping them off and saying good-bye I don't think will ever be easy and driving away will always be heartbreaking but at least I know that I will see them again soon and this time it will be to celebrate Christmas! Until then I can keep some wonderful "peaceful" images in mind.



Knoah "sleeping" on the way to the birthday party.



Jacob playing with the "Lego" Iphone application.



Knoah, Hannah and Hannah's new "friend" Allie . . . sleeping on the way to the party (although, I am not sure "Allie" was really asleep!).