Pennington Christmas Letter 08

Merry Christmas everyone. Owen Crawford here to tell y’all about this past year at the Pennington house. Let’s see, where do I start? Every year begins with January, and it was cold, but not too much snow for us to play in. Blake and I are both hoping to build a snowman this winter, and maybe go ice skating on our new pond. Oh wait, I’m getting ahead of myself.

On Easter, Mom, Blake and I went to Nana & Papa’s in Augusta, GA, and stayed a really long time. Mommy spent a lot of time with her Dad, but Blake and I couldn’t go because he was sick. Then one day (April 15) Mommy was really sad and she told us that Granddad went to Heaven. Daddy showed up the next day, which was cool because we hadn’t seen him in ages. We spent a few more days in Georgia visiting with more family (like Grandma), and even saw our cousin Josh get married. Mommy and Daddy went to say “goodbye” to Grandad before we headed back home to Maryland five weeks after we left.

Mommy was still very sad for a while. Daddy and her friends planned a surprise 30th birthday party to cheer her up, but the biggest surprise came around May 5th when Mommy found out she was going to have another baby. Guess what? Blake and I are going to have a little sister. Right now she is in Mommy’s belly, but we’re thinking she’ll come out and play soon. Daddy keeps telling us that we used to be in Mommy’s belly, but that can’t be. You can’t eat animal crackers or grapes in there, and I don’t think I’d ever live anywhere without snacks. We all know that Blake wouldn’t. Mommy says we’re eating her out of house and home, which brings me to my next point.

We moved. We sold our old house and moved to “Owen’s new house” in Catonsville. It’s a pretty cool house with lots of space for us to play. Right now, Blake and I have our own rooms, but Blake’s moving in with me to make room for Madison. Mommy and Daddy sleep upstairs, and Mat sleeps downstairs. No, Mat is not my imaginary friend. He is Clare’s (Mommy’s friend) fiancé and is renting a room from us until they get married. Mat lets us play games on his computer and makes us homemade Mac & Cheese, so he’s pretty cool. Oh, did I mention that we have a fish pond in the fenced-in back yard?

In other news, Mommy started Grace Adventures Day Camp at our church, and the first summer was awesome. I know, because we were there. Next year, I get to actually be a camper. Cool, huh? Daddy’s still testing alcohol and getting paid to do it. He also kayaks, but doesn’t combine the two. He took me canoeing once, but since I freaked out in the water, Mommy and Daddy thought it would be fun if I learned how to swim. I’ve been taking lessons for months now, and am quite good if I say so myself. I also started going to school a couple days a week, and I get to swim everyday. Blake’s taking swim lessons too, but he’s not as good as me.

I’m sure I left out a whole bunch of stuff, but you can keep up with us by following Mommy’s blog at http://www.hillsofchaos.blogspot.com/. All of us here at the Pennington house, including Reese the dog, hope y’all have a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year.
THE END

So Much to Update, So Little...Energy

I know. I know. I've been a slacker the last week or so and I'm sure you're all sitting on the edge of your seats just a wondering about what has been going on in this Pennington household. Believe me when I say that I had all good intentions of updating my blog every day, but simply lack the motivation to do so. I actually have several post ideas floating around in my head. In fact they take up quite a bit of thinking space and I really do need to get them out. Eventually I will, but for now I feel the need to vent.

Christmas came and went. I'm guessing Santa forgot to bring me what I asked for...a brand new baby girl. I know what you're thinking, "Hills, you're only 37 weeks." I get it, but for those of you who don't live in my body, you have no idea how painfully uncomfortable I've been for the last few weeks. It's been down right miserable, and it takes everything in me to not resort to downright complaining (and most of the time I fail). At my last appointment, not much had changed. I'm still at 2 cm and 75% effaced and my cervix is very anterior (whatever that means). She's still at 0 station, which is good that she hasn't changed her mind and retreated. That was on Friday. Since that appointment I've had braxton hicks contractions on and off. Here's the deal though...they start everyday around dinner time and get stronger and stronger until they just stop sometime in middle of the night. Each night, they seem more like the onset of real labor leaving me confused and eventually discouraged (not to mention exhausted).

Today I'm taking the boys to the mall. I can walk around a bit, do a little after Christmas shopping, and they have a fabulous play area where the boys can expend some energy. Plus it passes the time, and maybe just maybe when the contractions start tonight, they will end with a slimy baby in my arms.

On a different note, Christmas was good. We started out the day here at home opening presents and enjoying each other's company. It was a particularly painful day for me, but I endure it and Neil was able to endure me. Owen is finally starting to catch on to the idea of Santa Claus, though he still won't go near him. It was fun to watch him open presents and actually get excited about what he got. Blake still doesn't get it, but has a great time tearing the paper off the presents.

As Owen emptied his stocking, he found a Pez dispenser and inherently knew it was candy. Of course Neil, being the good dad that he is, put it together for him and showed him how to use it. Literally within seconds, Owen was shoving pieces of candy into his mouth. He shoveled through both packs of candy and was trying to open Blake's dispenser before we knew it. My child, the candy freak.

Blake was enthralled by his tool box which was surprising to me. It's hard to shop for a 18 month old who has an older brother. They basically play with the same stuff, but we wanted him to have something to open for himself (whether it becomes a community toy or not). Since Santa brought the tool box, it was laying out for him when he walked in the room (Santa doesn't wrap presents...what's the point?). He went straight for it and played with it for several minutes before he even noticed the other toys lying around. Even this morning he was seen tramping around the house tool box in hand.

All right folks time to head out to the mall in hopes to encourage a certain little girl to grace us with her presence. I promised more blog postings in the days to come, complete with the year's best Christmas presents, a train garden or two, the Pennington Christmas letter, pictures, and more. Until then, happy laboring (at least for me).

How Hilarious is This? Merry Christmas!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

What's Worse? You Decide!

So we all know the pressure I feel to get this baby out of my belly. We all know because I make it very clear, and now I think I've made it so clear to Madison that she feels even more pressure to get out...making it more uncomfortable for me, and so the cycle continues. Anyways that's not why I'm writing today, nope, not at all. I'm writing because I not only have to deal with the constant pain and pressure, I now get the pleasure of not one, but two, sick children. And of course it's not a simple virus that we find a new home in a couple days, it's a strange stomach virus that seems to be quite punctual, at least with Owen.

So here's the deal. For the last three nights around 2 am, Owen awakes and within moments is spewing the contents of his belly all over the place. Sound fun to you? Me either. The stench alone is enough to send me over the edge. In fact one whiff and I spent most of last night trying to prevent myself from the same fate getting virtually no rest. Doctor seems to think it's a virus so we'll ride it out for a few more days and hope it resolves itself. But I have to say I've never seen a more punctual virus.

Blake, on the other hand, has a classic case of diarrhea and not the fun kind (not like there is a fun kind, but if there were, this would not be it). He seems to be doing much better today, so I'm hoping the worst is over.

I'm pretty sure Madison is doing good, though I'm at that stage where I constantly feel like I have to go pee, but then I go and it's nothing but a slight trickle. Honestly it's what I felt the day I went into labor with Owen. Of course it could just be a trick. I'll probably still be pregnant on January 15 (her actual due date). You'll all just have to wait and see, just like me.

I would covet your prayers. It's not fun having sick kids or being uncomfortably pregnant, and it's certainly not fun when you combine those two together. So please pray for us, and for Neil too. I'm sure he does not think it's much fun to clean up the chunky mess Owen leaves behind in the wee hours of the morning.

On a lighter note, a tradition my friend Jen started with Owen continues tomorrow morning. Prenatal pedicures! Jen, of course, can't go with me since she lives in TX now, so Katy (also 36 weeks pregnant) and Clare (newly engaged) will be joining me. And the men folk are taking the kids to the Science Center. Yay for girl time. We all need that sometimes, unless you're a guy.

The Pain is Not in Vain

I realize that being around me at this stage of my pregnancy may not be as invigorating as it would normally be. After all, I do tend to groan, whimper, and wince a lot due to the intense pains running through my pelvis and abdomen. But luckily for my sanity, and the sanity of those around me (especially those who live with me), it's not all in vain.

Today, Blake and I ventured back to the Doc for my weekly check-up. Last week, as I said in my last post, I was 1 cm dilated and not effaced at all. Also, Madison was sitting at -1 station (just above my pelvis). I half expected to walk into today with no change at all, cause that would be my luck (not that I believe in luck). But thankfully that was not the case. As I sit here typing, Madison is at 0 Station (head between the pelvic bones, which can't be comfortable for her). I'm 2 cm dilated and 75% effaced. What does that mean? It could mean she comes very soon, like today, or it could mean that she comes via Cesarean one week past her due date. No one knows. Well, that's not true exactly. God knows, but he's not letting me in on his little secret. I'm still hoping for her arrival before the end of the year. And if I continue to progress that could very well be the case.

We will just have to wait and see. In the meantime, I am going to try and enjoy the Holiday season that is quickly passing me by. I miss my family and it feels so weird not planning a trip south for the week after Christmas. I am glad to have my aunt & cousin close by. We'll spend Christmas Day with them in northern VA (barring any, non-Jesus Christmas babies). But in talking with my sister today, I realized just how much I miss all the hustle and bustle, and down right chaos of being with family at Christmas.

I have been enjoying the various events here and there that remind me of season. Yesterday Owen had his very first school Christmas party. He had so much fun and was so wore out from all the hoop-la that he took a 3 hour nap. I tell ya though, I can't figure out what his deal is with Santa Claus. He talks about his non-stop and how he wants a new train, but as soon as he sees him, he curls up inside his shell like a tortoise and won't come out. And it's not like this is new. The first year I took him to see Santa in the mall, he flipped out. Granted he was only 4 months at the time, but if you at all knew Owen at this stage, then you would know that he never discriminated when it came to hanging out with different people, except Santa of course. Every year I try and get him into that big, red lap, and I've never been successful. Honestly, I feel like I'm torturing the poor child. So, when Santa arrived at his school party, Owen runs to me and permanently attaches himself to my leg. Of course when he sees that Santa is giving out candy canes (by the way, how come Santa at the mall gives out nothing now and still expects you to dish out dough for the stupid picture?), he decides he wants one. I, being the torturous mom that I am, told him he had to at least ask politely for the candy cane. Eventually, Owen smiled at Santa and nodded toward the basket of red and white striped candies. Baby steps, people, baby steps! My friend Amy took a picture of all this. I'll post it once she sends it to me. Fun times!

Hopefully Madison will arrive safe and sound here in Penningtonville soon. When she does, be sure you'll hear all about it. Until then, be on the look out, either in your mailbox or here of the blog, for the much anticipated annual Pennington Christmas Letter. It should be arriving by week's end.

C-ville in My Rear View Mirror

I'm hoping that today's news is a sign of what is to come, an obedient and pleasing child. I've been telling Madison for weeks that she needs to go ahead and turn around. Though she might be a little slow to obey, she has, for now, complied with my request. As of this morning, Madison is head down and raring to go. In fact, I'm actually 1 cm. dilated, which really can mean nothing. I was 3 cm. dilated with Blake for 2 weeks before he decided to grace us with his presence.

I'm still hoping for an end of the year baby, but since I'm hoping for selfish reasons (tax deductions), I'm really sure I can ask you guys to pray for that. Comfort wise, yeah, not so much comfort here. I noticed a change in her position a couple days ago, and with it came increased pressure (and the necessity to pee more often) and increased pain (which could be what is leading to the dilation). With Blake I just wanted him to come when my mom was visiting so we walked a million miles and did everything we could think of to get him out, but he took his precious time. With Madison, I just want to stand up and not cringe or yelp. For that reason, I'd really like her to just come whenever she's ready and not a second longer. Of course, house wise I'm not ready. There are presents to wrap, beds to buy (for the boys), rooms to clean (which I hope I can get a cleaning lady to do), and a ton of other things I can't pin down at the moment. So you guys can pray I get that nesting sensation a little early this time. It's not fun to look around and watch your "to-do" list grow and know you don't have the energy to do anything about it.

That's the update of the day. Kudos to Madison for turning on her own, and giving us the best chance at avoiding a C-section. As much as I was liking the idea of knowing exactly when she was coming, the recovery time with two kids was overwhelming me. So thank you God for her turn.

First Things First...

For once I actually have several things to write about, but I thought it best to go in order. Let's start with my first ever trip to the ER with one of my children. First of all, we should really all take a moment and be thankful that we've made it 3 1/2 years before something like this happened. Lord knows with my boys, we could easily be part of some sort of Frequently Injured Club.

So on to the story at hand. Monday night seemed like it would be a normal evening at the Pennington house. I made spaghetti. Clare and Reese came over to visit. We ate spaghetti. We took some fun Christmassy pics for our Christmas Letter. I cleaned up the kitchen, then got Blake ready for bed. We would have been fine had I not had to go in search for his blanket, but Blake needs his blanket to sleep so in search we went. We found the blanket downstairs, and attempted to reenter Blake's room so he could go night night. Only Owen had been playing with his train set in Blake's room and there were tracks scattered across the floor. I did see them. I'm not blind, but being that my peripheral vision is thrown off my the expanse of my belly, my judgement of space was a bit compromised. My heel hit a track and down we went. Luckily my feet went first landing me on my butt. However, Blake had the disadvantage of my momentum to bring him crashing head first into the hardwood floor below.

Now, my boys bump their heads quite often. In fact, both have taken full-out tumbles down the stairs, but never has one of them shown signs of a true head injury. But Blake had an odd response to the fall, at least for him. It took a moment for him to cry, and then his wailing subsided rather quickly and we were having a very difficult time keeping him awake. Naturally, this behavior concerned me as it did his doctor when he told me to get my butt to the ER (not in those words).

Luckily all was fine. Blake suffered a mild concussion, but is doing quite marvelously today. During his hospital stay, which surprisingly only lasted a couple hours (despite the horror stories) he had to get a CT scan (and was quite the trooper). Once that came back clear, we were free to go.

All that adventure in one night, while I'm 8 1/2 months pregnant, and Blake was still suffering from an ear infection, was enough to send us both into a deep sleep. Kudos to St. Agnes hospital for not making that night miserable. And of course we're all thankful that he's his normal self today. It certainly could have gone in another direction. Kids really are quite resilient, yet at the same time so fragile.

By the way, out of the 50 or so pictures that Clare took, we were able to pin down a couple good ones. Some of you will be receiving said pics along with our Christmas letter within the week. And some of you will be fortunate enough to read it here. It simply depends on if I have or can find your mailing address by Friday. I seem to have lost my list.

Eat Your Veggies, Jonah!

My boys love Veggie Tales, end of story. Walmart has "Jonah: A Veggietales Movie" for $4.96 with free site to store shipping. Yes, you'll have to venture into your local Wally World to pick it up, but for a great gift or stocking stuffer, it might just be worth it.

Not to mention this is the 2-Disc Collector's Edition. Now I can't say for sure what exactly that means or why it makes it so special, but for $5 who cares. Maybe it will be worth money someday as a collector's piece (you know, when we're flying around in air cars and watching TV holographically), but for now, I suggest just enjoying the movie with your family.

I have to disclose that I am passing on this deal as well. Again, for the third time today, I have been forced to restrain myself. Not that I couldn't spare the $5, but more because Christmas shouldn't be about showering my kids with gifts. I have to stop somewhere. So feel free to buy the boys one while you're at it, Mom, Cathy or Becca.

"TAG"...You're IT!

Ha, I bet you thought I was going to actually write something meaningful and deep...NOPE! I know several of you out there are all over this new TAG system from Leap Frog. Well you can get the books for $9.99 each or less at the Leap Frog site.

If you spend $50, use code HT8EC for an extra 15% off. Shipping is FREE with $50 order.

Don't need 5 books, go in with a friend or two, save some dough, and make your chillin's happy.

By the way, I did jump on this TAG bandwagon, thanks to reccomendations from both Amy and Michelle. I bought the system, a book, and a few accessories on Amazon last week for like $45. I can't remember if I posted it here or not, but it was a smokin' deal. I'm not sure yet if I'll give this to Owen for Christmas. He might just have to wait until his birthday. We'll see. I really think I overdid Christmas this year. There were just so many great things at such fab prices. I couldn't pass it up. That's the problem with being such a good shopper; sometimes you don't knwo when to stop. Oh well, at least it will be fun watching them open their presents.

Deal or Two of the Day

Deal #1:

So I just stocked the stockings for super cheap. Miles Kimball, a normally cheesy overpriced trinket store, has a shlew of fun stocking stuffers for the little ones. In the Kimball Klearance section, you'll find stuffed teddies for .79 and Hatchin Grow Dino or Turtles for .99, Bubble Horns for $1.00, A fun Christmas toy train (perfect for a mini tree) for 2.99, A My First Christmas Library for $3.49 (12 board books), Coloring Mats for .99, and more. Search the Christmas Section for even more deals on decor, embellishments, and ornaments (great for present toppers).

They were having a problem earlier with their credit card processing, so I had to call in my order, but it was quick and painless. Go through ebates.com for a 3% discount. Oh and enter source code 10618000004 for $1 shipping. If you have to do your order over the phone, they'll take the shipping code as well.

Deal #2:

I didn't take advantage of this one, but only because I am so done with Christmas Shopping. In fact, I may have gone a little overboard with all the fab deals out there. If you like Build-A-Bear, you're going to love this one:

Build-A-Bear has the cutest Christmas Moose & Moosette on sale for $12 each. Plus you get a free storybook when you buy one of each. Plus, you get free shipping when you spend $25...PLUS you can use additional coupon codes.

Use code: 093259 for $10 off $50 (the Storybook counts towards the $50, so you can get an extra Moose or an accessory to your order).

Use code: 093217 for $5 off $20

Use code: Moose for Free Shipping on $25 (again the storybook counts towards the FS total, so you can get one of each moose animal and the storybook for $19 shipped using the $5 code and the FS code.

Now I said I didn't need this deal, but they are so cute. If anyone is still looking for a little something for me, I would not turn these adorable Moose down. Just a mild suggestion.

Happy Shopping Folks!

A Muppet Christmas for $1

Amazon has The Muppets: A Green and Red Christmas album for $1. Now they're MP3s, but isn't that what everyone uses these days. Just download to your Ipod or computer and enjoy the sounds of the season...muppet style.

If I could figure how to play music on my blog, I'd hook you up with a preview...hhhmmm, maybe I'll check that out. If you came looking for an update on lil' Madison, just look a little south of here.

Happy Deal Shopping and Merry Christmas.

Heading Towards C-ville, or so it seems

Went to see Doc today. It seems that Madison prefers the head-up position, which I really can't blame her. I wouldn't want to stick my head way down there either. Who would?

As a result of my fun visit, I am not really any closer to having definitive answers. Dr. Feldman is going to attempt to schedule an aversion (manually turning lil' Madison) at 37 weeks (on or about Dec 22). However there may be a slight conflict with that plan, seeing as the hospital (or it might be the insurance company) may nick say the procedure due to my previous Cesarean. Good news is that all this wonderful pain I'm feeling is not causing me to dilate. Bad news, it looks like I may very well be heading for another C-section.

The game of "Wait and See" begins now. There are several possible scenarios that could happen, only one of which will, and only one person knows which one will win in the end (that would be God).

Scenario #1: I got into labor naturally between now and Dec 22 and end up with an emergency C-section. Yay...not so much.

Scenario #2: We attempt the Aversion, and during the fun-loving procedure, I go into labor = most likely a C-section, but could be natural depending on where they were in the procedure. Yay...not so much or so much?

Scenario #3: We do the aversion and it's successful = natural labor in her timing. Yay...so much!

Scenario #4: We do the aversion and it's not so successful = scheduled C-section (or maybe they just go ahead and take her...who knows?) Yay...not so much

Scenario #5: Someone is the higher-ups tells wonderful Dr. F that we can not in fact attempt the aversion. In which case, I blow a gasket and then schedule the C-section somewhere around 38-39 weeks. However, if I go into labor before said date, we go back to Scenario #1. Yay...not so much.

Scenario #6: She, being the good little daughter she is, turns on her own, and we have yet another happy, natural birth. Yay...let's go with this one. So peeps, I say VOTE for #6 in your nightly prayers.

I'm sure there a myriad of other possibilities, but those seem the most obvious or likely to me. As much as I don't want to end up with a C-section (been there, done that), my biggest concern is her safety (and maybe my recovery). I know that God is in control of this situation as much as he is in control of when my Kohl's package arrives. I'm just not so great with waiting. It's not fun...plus I'm in a great deal of pain which doesn't help matters much. So I'll play the game of "Wait and See." In the end, I will see Madison. She'll be here, crying, sleeping, eating, and she'll be fabulous. I mean, why wouldn't she be, she is my daughter.

In other news:

Blake had his 18 month check-up, and am happy to report that he has reached the 25% for weight and 32% for height. Yay, go Blake. We also found out he has an ear infection...in both ears. See what a great mom I am. Go ahead and grant me that "Mom for the Year" award. Sweet!

I got my hair cut...a little different, and in such a way that I can actually bring out my natural waviness. I have to say it looks cute. I'll take a picture (hopefully some day) and post it for you all to see. Towards the end of pregnancy, I think a lot of women go to the salon because it's something they can control. Can't change my body, but I can change my hair. Really, makes a difference.

Random Comment that will most likely not enrich anyone's life

Confession of the day: I watch a few chicky flicky, teeny bopper, guilty pleasure TV shows (like One Tree Hill, Gossip Girl (thanks to my lil' sis) and Privileged).

Anyways I just have to say that I was watching the previews for next week's Gossip Girl and the character Chuck Bass, played by Ed Westwick, looks super hot. Completely pointless, I know, but the thing is that this same character normally has this slicked back Norman Bates look that makes me want to cringe...just not sexy.

But the sad part about it all, the reason for the disheveled cutey patooty look, his dad's death. See how I am not at all enriching anyone's life by posting this blog. But it was on my mind, and I felt that in order to free myself from it, I needed to get it out.

There, I feel all better. Of course now my secret is out of the bag, I will probably berated by everyone I know...oh well. Who's brave enough to mess with a hormonal pregnant woman on her last nerve (and brain cell)?

Digital Picture Frame under $30.

I totally sent this link to my mom as a "strong hint." I've been wanting a digital photo frame for a while, but they're so expensive. Target has one with a 5.6" screen on sale for $27. If you buy two (or spend $50 total on other random crap) you get FREE SHIPPING.

You could pre-load the frame with pics of your kids/friends/family, and it would make a fabulous gift. This frame gets very decent reviews considering it's under $30.

Anyways that's my two cents of the day since I'm experiencing a mild case of writer's block. Oh, my overpriced oatmeal raisin cookies are done. Time for some warm gooey goodness and a glass of milk.

Now this is NO NONSENSE

I don't know about you, but I think everyone should have fresh undergarments for Christmas, especially stinky boys (and I have plenty of those). No Nonsense literally has 50% off EVERYTHING on their website, from socks to panties, pajamas to those little nylon thingys that barely cover your toes. Shipping is FREE with $35 order. Otherwise it's $5 flat.

I guess Cyber Monday is expanding into Tuesday. It might be a sucky year for the economy, but it's a great year for finding deals.

Reuseable Swim Diapers on the Cheap

Baby Center has a twin pack of reuseable swim diapers in two colors & all sizes available for $5.50 a pack plus FREE SHIPPING. I bought one set in the Bubble color for Madison and one in the Seablock for Blake. As much as we go swimming at the Y, I know these will come in handy.

Also if you go through ebates (link in my favorite links section), you get an extra 4% cash back. But if you got through Ebates, make sure you put me as your referal, hills4neil@msn.com. You get a $10 gift card for signing up and making a purchase and I get a fun little incentive as well.

Happy Shopping!

Free Breakfast or Lunch Sandwich at Einstein Brothers

Okay, so go here and sign up for their eclub. You will automatically be sent a coupon for a free sandwich. Now, anyone interested in joining me for breakfast on Friday morning at 9:45 in Ellicott City? Could be a fun way to catch up, enjoy each other's company, and do it for free. Or maybe we could do Saturday morning without kids all together. Oh, that sounds better. Anyone free Saturday morning?

Crocs Gone, Burts Bees IN...Score!

Burt's Bees has a Holiday Grab Bag with several extras and $2.95 shipping for $25. If you like Burt's Bees, you should jump on this while it's still available. When it's sold out, it's sold out.

Could be a gift or something fun for yourself, or break it up into several gifts (stocking stuffers).

If you order two, you get FREE SHIPPING, plus enter code HIVETHANKS for a set of lip glosses free.

This posting deals thing is kind of fun. Maybe I'll continue...atleast through this very special Cyber Monday.

SPECIAL DEAL: I just found a label maker at Staples for $9.99 (with no mail in rebates), plus FREE SHIPPING. Hope my Hubby is reading this...hint, hint!

Toddler Crocs for $4.50 shipped! & Old Navy Deals.

I don't normally do this, but since so many of my mom friends read this blog, I thought I'd post this deal.

Go to http://www.live.com/ and click on cashback at the top right corner. Search for Finish Line where you'll get an extra 10-12% back on your order. You will need to create an account, but it's so easy and so worth it.

Then once you're at Finish Line, search for Croc Endeavor. They only have Chocolate color available, but several sizes. They are $4.98 each. Shipping is FREE today. Enter promo code COMEBACK for extra 15% off.

While I'm at it: Today only...get 20% off your Old Navy Order plus Free Shipping with no minimum purchase required. I got some solid crew neck shirts for the boys for $3.18 each shipped.