Since September...

September. That was the last time I've blogged. Not that anyone would notice, there are currently no followers of this blog.
Since September, Mason has started pre-school. It doesn't seem possible that he will be 4 on the 28th of this month. He loves school. He has learned so much and we are so proud of him. He will be starting soccer in March and we're talking about karate too.
Since September, Anna has completely potty trained and no longer uses a sippy cup. She's my "little baby big girl". Everyone we see tells us how well she talks for her age. I'm so proud of both of my babies....who aren't babies anymore. :0(
Since September, Shane and I have worked hard on paying down our debt and improving our credit. We made lots of stupid mistakes when we were first married as far as our credit and money goes. As of Feb. 1, we are only approximately $5,500 in debt. This will all be paid off by this time next year. Our plan is to buy a piece of land and move the trailor and build on. Yes, it's a trailor, but it's OUR home and we are happy in it. As the saying goes "Love grows well in small houses." We have learned (the hard way) not to live above our means. We are getting ready, within the next couple of weeks (weather depending), to completely remodel the bathroom and Anna's room. Next year we're going to completely remodel the kitchen and Mason's room.
Since September, I've learned a lot about me. Friendships can't and shouldn't be forced. I spent too long trying to force myself and my children to hold on to some relationships. This isn't a good situation for anyone involved. I've realized (actually everyday) how fortunate I am to live the life that I do. I am able to stay home and raise my babies and take care of my home every single day. I can clean and have a big dinner cooked every single day. This is the life that I love, that I was meant to lead. Just call me Suzy Homemaker, I don't mind. I take it as a compliment. I have a husband who is head over heels in love with me despite my faults. When I start complaining about my weight, he tells me that if it bothers me that much I'm the only one who can fix it, but reminds me that he loves me anyway and that he still thinks I'm beautiful. He works 40+ hours every week, and all he asks for is his $25 a week "allowance", a clean house, clean clothes and that I take care of the bills and the kids. There is no doubt in my mind that he loves me. And I love him. I could not ask for a better husband. I have a nice home. We have either already remodeled or are in the process of remodeling all of the rooms. It's our home. It's our safe place from the craziness of the world. We are happy here.
Since September, our family has welcomed a new little bundle of joy. My niece, Bella Kate. I must say, my parents have the three most beautiful grandchildren in the world.
So, since September, life has continued to be good for the Sampson clan.

Toddlers and Drive-in movies

Not such a good idea. Especially if the movie isn't a "kiddie" movie. Last night we decided to take the kids. Mason is currently obsessed with GI Joe. That and "Land of the Lost" was playing. We stopped and got a pizza and some pop (huge mistake) and candy (second huge mistake). We were there about an hour before the movies started because Shane was rushing everyone. We ate before the show started and the kids drank and drank and drank Pepsi. Not a great idea to get them sugared up and then expect them to sit still to watch a movie. They eventually both went to sleep and Shane and I said a prayer of thanks when they did. It will be a while before we go back with the kids.
By the way....."Land of the Lost"-one of the stupidest movies ever made.

I'm new at this. Please bare with me.

Well, I guess the point of this blog would be to: 1. brag about my beautiful, intelligent children (and gripe about them when they are getting on my nerves) 2. tell about the daily happenings of me, Mandi, stay at home mommy and housewife 3. ocassionally vent about my current annoyances.

A little about me and my life......Shane and I have been married for almost 10 years (Dec. 17). He is my best friend and even though there are times (lots of times) I could strangle him, I don't know what I would do without him. We have two beautiful, intelligent, perfect little angels. Mason is 3 1/2 and Anna is 2. I'm a stay at home mommy. I worked from the time I was 17 up until I was 6 months pregnant with Anna. We then decided that me being home with the kids was the best option for our little family. I have one sister, Aimee, who is expecting a baby girl in November. We live next door to my parents, still in the town I was raised in. I love.....cooking, all things vintage, good music, coupons, yardsales, "my" shows, the joy that comes from watching my children grow..........

I dislike......fake people, people who think they are better, putting away laundry, know it alls........

That's a little about me. Can't wait to start sharing my stories with you.