Wordless Wednesday

From inside the little blue bungalow,
Katie Jean

Reason #543:

Why I'm still recovering from last week's prepration for Keegan's birthday celebration?
Answer: Kids in the kitchen. Very Fun, but = A Big Mess

From inside the little blue bungalow,
Katie Jean

The Making and Eating of a Snail...

...brought to you by Katie Jean and Mr. Keegan.

Did you know snails actually have four antennas? Thanks to Drew our cake was correctly created (smile, wink), however, I think the blue frosting really "killed" the idea of making the snail "true to life". Whether two or four antennas, the family devoured Keegan's second birthday cake in true Britten style.

From inside the little blue bungalow,
Katie Jean

Side note: This cake was created from a regular mixing bowl that was oven safe and two cup cakes. I rarely purchase pre-made shape forms as they are quite costly at $10-20 a pan. Next time you're making a cake, look for inspiration in your own cupboard. All sorts of various shaped pans and bowls (all oven safe of course) can make your next cake creation a smashing success.

Happy Birthday Mr. Keegan

Two years ago my baby boy, Keegan Patrick, entered the world at exactly 4:23 PM. Most moms remember the birth of their babies with great detail, but I'm not sure one came with more anticipation. After waiting days upon days on bed rest (Fine...two months for those of you who are curious) with preclampsia, the doctors give me the okay to deliver.

It was a day of mixed emotions...finally I was going to meet Keegan and get off this lousy bed rest (Praise God!), but would he be healthy? Questions filled my mind, but I forged ahead into surgery trusting God would care for his every need.

After wondering if I'd ever meet Mr. Keegan, he was finally here. The nurses finished with toweling off Keegan and laid him in my husband's arms. Suddenly, an alarm went off. Nurses and staff personel came from every direction and quickly wisked him away. It was something like in a movie, but this wasn't a movie...this was my son. What in the world was going on?

After only a few short breaths Keegan's breathing had began to fail, his little lungs were too fragile to handle the new world. After that, I honestly don't remember much after that moment as the room began to feel like it was closing on me...my heart literally felt heavy.

The next morning I literally drug myself down to the intensive care floor as I was in immense pain from my C-section, but nothing was going to stop me from seeing my son! The first time I saw my little boy he was a tangle of wires and tubes. Even though I had put my life on hold for two months on bed rest, his lungs were still not developed. I was devastated. (So devastated I even asked my Mom to request no visitors and phone calls...when does Katie Jean not want to talk?)

Honestly, I was a roller coaster of emotions. Instead of holding my son, I was dealing with nurses, social workers and long-term care advisers on behalf of Keegan. It was tough emotionally, but through prayer and an unbelievable sense of peace from God our family endured dealing with a sick baby. (And to families that are going through the same thing we did...my prayers go out to you tonight...)

Keegan left intensive care a week later and came home to the Little Blue Bungalow. It was a joyous occasion for our family and a day I will also remember. Throughout the years, Keegan has continued to have weaker lungs and tends to catch stronger colds, but overall he is an amazing, healthy little boy. Our little boy...Mr. Keegan

Ironically, for only being two years old Keegan has really shaped me as a person. As many know, I'm a "do-er", a "go-getter". To put my life on hold for two months was quite a feat and really taught me unbelievable patience and trust in the Lord. I'm so thankful he is here today. Keegan has the upmost joy in life and he literally "wears" the happiness on his face. There is something amazing about Keegan's smile that always captures me. (I know I'm the mom and I'm biasis, of course, but maybe you notice it too?)

Happy Birthday my little boy.

From inside the little blue bungalow,
Katie Jean

Thrifty Tip Thursday: Cleaning Supplies

It is with great pleasure that I introduce Tracy, an old high school friend and fellow blogger, who will be also joining our Thrifty Tip Thursday posts. I'm so excited to be partnering with Tracy in expanding our ideas of saving money practically.

Tracy and I are now teaming on Thursday to bring you two...yes, I said TWO Thrifty Tips on Thursday. So, after reading my tip don't forget to read Tracy's tip. Our hope is that you'll join our crusade in people saving money and living thrifty lives.

In the last few days, I've been quite busy cleaning and prepping the house for Keegan's birthday party celebration on Friday night. (Goodness...is that already tomorrow?) So in the spirit of cleaning I thought I share a few tips on how to saving money in the cleaning area of our homes.

One of the biggest dollar savers in our house is using old clothing and random socks (yes...our dryer eats socks too!) for rags at the Little Blue Bungalow. Anytime I find a shirt ripped, stained and unrepairable as well as those crazy, random socks...I stash it away in my red box labeled "Rags". (Please note, other items still usable but not wanted are donated to our local Goodwill.)

Stashing these "treasures" away for later saves our budget on cleaning rags and paper towels. So when I'm ready to clean...I simply grab a "new" rag from the box and start cleaning away to my tunes...no money needed. (Side note: I often do clean the rags for re-use, but sometimes toss the rag(s) when it is completely soiled and don't want to have it go through my regular laundry.)

Another cost saving tip we utilize here at the Little Blue Bungalow is mixing our own sanitizer for cleaning around the house. Years ago I picked up a spray bottle from the Dollar Tree store for you guessed it... a dollar. I keep a bottle of bleach under my sink (locked away from the kiddos!) that I've had for five years which I purchased for $1.89 and I'm still using it today. I mix 2 tablespoons to 1 gallon of water and pour it into the labeled bottle (Very important to clearly label your bottle!). Honestly, folks you don't need any fancy gadget or chemicals...just some good old fashion "elbow grease" will get the job done.

I also use baking soda (purchased on sale for $1) and white vinegar (purchased my local Grocery Outlet store for $.89) when my drains run a bit slower than normal. I simply shake some baking soda in the sink drain area and pour the vinegar on the baking soda. What happens next is pure magic...trust me...try it. (Fiona always loves watching this chemical reaction!)

Stinky garbage disposal? Try throwing a couple of ice cubes (no...I'm not going to break down the cost of an ice cube. People!) and some pieces of lemon($.33 to $1 depending on the time of year and geographic location) into the garbage disposal to grind up that "lovely" smell.

I'm sure there are plenty more cleaning thrifty tips out there so please feel free to share your tips by commenting on my blog. I always love hearing how to save a few more pennies for my piggy bank...well maybe the kid's piggy banks.

From inside the little blue bungalow,
Katie Jean

Wordless Wednesday

From inside the little blue bungalow,
Katie Jean

Christmas Decorating: Britten Style

From inside the little blue bungalow,
Katie Jean