A few things that I've noticed...

1. I really enjoy my time with Anna now that I'm back to work. She is SO cute. Now when I read a book five times in a row it's so much more refreshing than 30 times in a row. I'm feeling tired after work, but I know that will get better. Work and family balance is key for me.

2. I mentioned how we are working on super-praise and happy faces for Anna's good choices. It's still in full swing, and it's forcing me to be a whoo-hoo girl. I will be a whoo-hoo girl if it helps my girl.

3. We went to the Woodland Art Fair yesterday. It was hot; I was sweating. All the art I like is ridiculously expensive. $1300 for some art to hang somewhere in my house? I just can't do that. I don't have it in me. I had $30 in my wallet. I think all I could afford was a funnel cake.

4. The attention span of 6 year olds after the summer is very low. I am struggling to keep the kids focused. I know this gets better, but it's so easy to forget.

Today I am thankful for:

• a grocery store outing by myself = very uneventful and low stress
• Bryan and I teamed together to clean up Anna's playroom. It's so much better when we work together.
• Hearing Anna say, "two dogs!" when she sees two dogs. Seriously cute.

Baby Steps

I went shopping tonight after dinner - yeah for me! I wanted to go tonight because I'm not sure what the weather will bring this weekend, and I wanted to get a few things. I've already proclaimed my love of by-myself-shopping, so needless to say, I was so very happy.

Anna's shoes keep falling off when she walks, so I think they are too small on her. I got her two pairs to try from Kohl's. I also had to pick up a bday present for Tyler, one of my eating club's sons. While I was there, I happened upon the sale rack and a red Columbia jacket screamed out to me, "you've been searching for me for many years, and here I am - on SALE. You know you want to buy me and take me home to show B. He will be thrilled you spent money you didn't intend on spending." And guess what, he was so excited I bought myself a coat...sike. But really, I've had that lame purple one for as long as B and I have been together. It's still nice, so I'm sure someone in need will appreciate it; I'm tired of purple, it's so not me. Happy bonus when I left Kohl's = $20 Kohl's cash!

Then I went to Target for my exercise videos: 30 day Shred and two yoga videos. I'm so very proud of myself. I also got a yoga mat, which I've been wanting for a long time; I thoroughly enjoy yoga. I got a couple other things I needed - and all with gift cards. I promise I will begin my exercise routine this weekend. :)

spend or save?

I like to go shopping by myself and spend money. I went to Target to get a photo album (in lieu of a scrapbook and things), socks for Anna, and diapers - also for Anna. I was by myself, therefore, I spent money on other fun stuff:

• purple hoodie for Anna
• cup and plate - Valentine's theme - for Anna
• pink flower sandals - for Anna
• are you seeing a theme here?
• 2 dollar bin books - for Anna
• Sesame Street stickers - for Anna
• Valentines for the kids
• neon glow bracelets for the kids - dollar bin
• and the necessary - photo albums, diapers, and socks

I also wanted to look at and possibly purchase some unnecessary shoes for myself, but, please - I do have self control.

I don't need to go shopping by myself and spend money. So I go with B and Anna. They take the fun and stress release out of shopping, therefore I don't want to browse or try things on ... money saver.