Resolutions.

So, I know just off the title alone, that the post is probably expected to be something I won't live up to.  I have made lists of resolutions year after year & given them up within the first week of the year.  This year is different, I have several reasons for wanting to stick to these.  I'll list them with the resolution.  And of course, I plan to blog on it ALL year.  

1) I plan to blog WAY more.  

Maybe daily.  I love interacting with mommies and getting and giving advice.  SO nice to see how we do things alike, and how we do them differently as well.  Also, I HOPE to eventually turn my blogging into writing & hopefully into an income.  My hopes are high but I have faith in myself.

2) I plan to stick to a strict budget.  

My hubby & I are trying to sell our current home & build our dream home.  I hope to be able to make these numbers work and make my Pinterest board for my home a reality!

3) I plan to coupon WAY MORE.  

As in, I hope to blog shortly with a grocery trip that I've saved 75% or more on.  Eventually I would love to ONLY be buying meat and things coupons aren't available on for my household.  Wiping that bill out of our budget or slashing it will make a tremendous difference for this household of 4.

4) I AM getting in shape.

Like right now.  I had surgery, as you know, December 2nd.  I go back to the doctor about my hernia January 7th.  I'm hoping that IF I need surgery, I can bounce back quickly.  I'm ready to be lifting weights and squatting with weight again.  

5) I plan to run my first 5K.

Today, I decided I felt well enough to add the C25K app on my iPhone again.  I started it and my legs feel just a tad like Jell-O.  Taking time off from running was silly, but necessary with all of my health issues.  As soon as I have a release from my doctors, I plan to train & make this a reality before the year is through.

6) I will attend my first (and hopefully not last) home school convention.

It's in March & it's right here at home.  I'm SO excited.  We have made HUGE progress since August and I'm hoping to continue homeschooling my babies until they reach college.  This year we picked from a few simple curriculums, but i'm hoping to find one I'd like to commit to =) Any suggestions ARE welcome ladies ;)

7) I Plan to be more organized.

Seriously, this is starting with my kids' room.  My cabinet for the kids' school is a mess however.  January 1st is a great time to start.

8) I want to stop hoarding stuff I don't use or won't need.

Craigslist, eBay, FB, yard sales.  It's going down.

These are just a few.  I have a few I'd like to keep to myself and work on without a soul knowing.  I'm just hoping I will stick to a few of these and be able to have something to show for it when December 31st 2014 rolls around ;)

Organ Removal with two small children...

So, yesterday I had both of my tubes removed, ovarian cysts removed, an ablation ( I knew about all of this) & they also found a hernia (totally unexpected).  I had been in a TON of pain and I had major swelling.  Going into this surgery thinking I would be absolutely miserable, not able to do anything, and have two children who would be furious with mama for not being able to hold them.

TOTAL OPPOSITE!!

Kyleigh is only 2 and from simply seeing the bloody "boo-boo stickers" knows that mommy can't pick her up.  Instead, she holds my hand and patiently walks beside me.  When I want to snuggle with her, I cram a pillow between us and she lays on my chest.  Totally cooperative for a 2 year old if I may say so!

Kade (4) is completely grossed out seeing my stomach all bloated, gross steri-strips, and VERY protective.  He has scolded his sister for even being rough around me.  He constantly tells me that he loves me and asks if I'm okay.  

This experience will hopefully eliminate all of this ridiculous pain I've had.  And it's totally rocked my socks off as far as showing me how mature these kiddos are!

Just wanted to share & brag a tad ;)

Our Black Friday Trip ;)

SO, Today My Baby Girl turned 2.  I will post her baby story later tonight/early tomorrow.  She decided she wanted to go "Black Friday" shopping tonight with me at Goody's.  I got $248 worth of stuff for $78!! I had 4 coupons for 25% off a single item & a $10 scratch off given to the first 50 people in line.  I took advantage of sales big time, bought mine & Kade's sweaters & my boots for our family pictures Saturday, and just some play clothes for the kiddos.  Not too shabby ;)

I am thankful to be busy

I am thankful to be busy.  

I, like many others, took on the 30 days of thanks on FB.  I got to day 18.  I plan to catch up, seriously.  But these past few days, I have especially been thankful to be busy.  I have spent my weekend shopping for my daughter's 2nd birthday & Christmas.  I have spent LOTS of time with my family.  And I've spent my Sunday with my church family & babies.  I have more than 30 reasons to be thankful.  If I listed each person in my life I am thankful for individually, I'd be here literally all day.  Also for the opportunities.  But most of all, to be saved & know that no matter how bad I may mess up, Jesus loves me enough to die for me.  

So that's pretty much been my frame of mind this weekend.  I know i'm behind.  And i'm about to catch up.  But i simply have TOO many things to be thankful for =)

OT Today =)

Super excited mommy moment.  Today at OT my baby tried A TON of new things.

Mini Corn Dogs
Apples Sliced with Caramel
Green Beans
Cooked Carrots
Seasoned Potatoes

NONE of these things he's tried since he was eating them pureed as a baby.  He hasn't had any use for them at all.  Any attempts to talk him into eating them before today ended with a furious child and an exhausted mommy.  But today he just let go of his control & enjoyed himself!!

I just had to brag ;) Any mommy with a picky eater in OT knows what this kind of day feels like!!

And Another Update On Homeschool...and some new foods in the mix as well...

We are making more progress by the day.  The number of words Kade can read grows each day, as well as his ability to relate & apply them.  He is able to read (most of our books) for me when it's story time.  Another new development, handwriting.  It's gotten so much more legible.  He is so proud of himself for being able to write things out himself when commanded.  We have also been working on a lot of Social Studies & Science activities that are age appropriate as well.  

My proud moment of the week...Kade is eating Chicken Nuggets!! It started out Monday at Bilo when I suggested some Perdue Monsters University chicken nuggets.  He's on a Monsters Inc./Monsters University kick.  He said he promised he would try them if I bought them.  Going to OT has helped TREMENDOUSLY with adding healthier options to his diet.  But chicken suggestions used to bring on this reply: "I'm not going to eat a chicken, Mommy!"  Relating the food to the critter.  Lovely.  Not anymore, Thank Goodness!!  As soon as we got in from the store, I cooked a cookie sheet full of them.  He ate 2 his first attempt!!  And just today he actually asked for chicken nuggets & fries for lunch as soon as we finished school.  Being able to add onto his already expanding diet is a blessing.  His OT will be proud, she's SUCH an amazing woman & LOVES my child.  I love that she doesn't just see him as another picky eater, but she truly cares for him & doesn't push him to objecting point.  

Anywho, just wanted to update.  Thank you for reading! Have a great night ;)

Your Child Will Follow Your Example, Not Your Advice

I saw a quote on Facebook a LONG time ago that read "Your child will follow your example, not your advice".  Of course that is true, but i've never really felt like it was with my children being so small.

Yesterday I've found this to be entirely too true.  Yesterday was a Monday.  On Monday we have story time at the library, our weekly grocery trip, Homeschool & outdoors time.  Busy day, two restless little bodies.  Our morning storytime at the library, the kids were squirmy as usual.  The grocery store adventure made me cringe.  My daughter absolutely insisted on walking alongside me, rather than riding in the racecar buggy with her brother.  I was SO close to being done with my trip and of course the waterworks began and the screaming started.  I got frazzled and let her walk for a few before realizing that checking out with her on foot would be impossible to do with a smile.  I finally scooped her up, put her back in the buggy and before we reached the checkout she was all smiles again.  

My point is, I know being frustrated isn't a positive example to set for my children.  I'm only human, but I want to be more patient.  It's just gotten so much more difficult with my current health issues & upcoming surgery.  I'm sore if i'm breathing.  By the end of the day, I feel nauseated because I hurt so bad.  But I'm a mommy full-time nonetheless & it is my favorite and most rewarding job.  After all of the running for the day was winding down I caught my daughter playing "Mommy".  Her conversations with her baby went a little like this: "Baby, you leave your diaper on!", "Baby, you okay?", "Baby, you need a blanket?", "Baby, you cryin' all day.", "Baby, you want mommy?", and so forth.  And she changed her baby's diaper & clothes.  I see now that my directions such as "Don't bite", "Don't pinch", and so forth aren't as good as the examples I set.  She sees how I tend to her, what it takes to take care of a baby even though hers isn't real.  I see from this simple playtime that she sees and understands more than i thought a nearly 2 year old could.  

I want my examples from here on out to reflect a more patient mommy.  One who will chill out saying "Hurry" as much.  One who appreciates the fact that during homeschool she colors more table than paper because she's learning.  And one who never ceases to find an opportunity to say "I Love You" and let my children both know how proud of them I am.  Appreciate this time mamas, because little sure doesn't keep!!

Couponing on a Manic Monday

BEST Trip so far with coupons.  I had $5.50 in ECB.  And a recent addiction to Snickers Peanut Butter.  So I got 3 of the 4-go packs (Regular $1.87 each) for $0.11 today!!  My personal best since I really started couponing back in May. 

Then I managed to get a very decent haul from Bilo as well.

I Got::

4- 6 Packs of Ensure (Reg. Price: $35.96 for all 4 packs; Sale Price: $29.96; Price After Coupons: $23.96)

3 Packs of Little Debbie Santa Brownies (Reg. Price: $5.37 for all 3 boxes; Sale Price: $5.00)

10 Cans Paws Puppy Food (Sale Price for all cans: $7.00)

1 44 Count Pack Pampers Easy Ups & 1 Box Size 5 Luvs Diapers
       -Reg. Price Per Box: $16.97 
       -Sale Price Per Box: $14.97
       -Coupons: $2.00 Bilo Catalina off Easy Ups
                          $2.00 Bilo Catalina off Luvs
                          $10.00 Publix Coupon off 2 packs of Luvs or Pampers
       -Price After Coupons For Both Boxes: $15.94

3 Packs Pillsbury Crescents 

1 Jar Mama Mary's Pizza Sauce

1 Pack Southern Home Italian Shredded Cheese

Regular Price Before Coupons & Savings: $96.03
My Savings: $31.69
Total After Tax: $66.68

I was very pleased with my trips today.  I hope to eventually be a "crazy coupon lady".  I am NOWHERE near where I want to be still.  Most of my couponing has been put on hold since we moved 3 months ago.  Hoping soon to be able to get free groceries for us and my parents as well.  I'll keep you updated!

       

Our Week

It seems like as the days go by, I see more & more progress with Kade's homeschooling.  Not just being "that mom" who swears she can do this.  It is TOUGH.  At times I've wondered if I was capable of teaching him some of the things efficiently enough for them to sink in.  My baby boy is now reading 96 words.  Words like: yellow, must, why, who, little, funny, pretty, etc.  I have taught him using flash cards, made him spell the words as he goes, mixed up the cards in the deck so it isn't just a sequence memorization & made him read in beginner level books.  My baby can read!  Such an exciting time.  His handwriting is also improving by the day.  He LOVES doing the worksheets & games I pick and print for him.  I plan to write an entire post on all the reasons why I'm thankful to be homeschooling.  Because I'd be here all night if I started now! I'm just feeling very blessed to be this sweet baby's mama and teacher.  

This week at OT my baby & his sissy made bird feeders out of pine cones, suet, peanut butter & bird seeds.  We dug for the pine cones ourselves & only picked out good, firm ones.  They mainly did this because it's a new texture & it was fun.  Super fun activity and he loved to see them hung in the trees at home.  So excited to see the birds eating off of them & make more as we need them.

And a little update on my picky eater....he is now eating beef.  Tacos & hamburgers so far.  Salsa & cheese are a new thing as well.  SO PROUD!! He's come so far in just a few months.  But his OT ROCKS!!

As for me, I am having surgery in just a few weeks.  I've been having some pain, hormonal issues & come to find out I have a fallopian tube swollen up like a football, more ovarian cysts ( SHOCKER...NOT), they plan to check my appendix & do an ablation as well.  It's been a super eventful month with doctor visits galore.  But I am OVER the pain.  Who has time to be in so much pain when they have beautiful babies to raise?? Not this lady.  I'll keep you updated.

And I'm also planning Kyleigh's birthday party as well.  It will be just days before my surgery.  Which also happens to be the day of Christmas pictures with THE best photographers around =) Yes, I'm cramming all things possible in before I go "under the knife".

I just wanted to give some updates on our week ;) Hope you guys enjoy your weekend!!

A Lesson About Life & Death

So, at some point in time we know we will have to explain death to our children.  

This past week, I had to have that talk with my sweet Kade, who is 4.  

We let some of our rabbits out of hutches that were very worn down and had decided it was best for them to be free.  Well needless to say rabbits and goats don't share food very well.  We let the rabbits out last Saturday.  Wednesday morning when we got home from drums, I noticed two of the rabbits were laying in the same spot they'd been when we left.  I drove across the yard and jumped the fence.  I found one of the rabbits barely breathing, with some gashes on her neck (apparently from goat horns).  And the second rabbit was breathing fine and I didn't notice blood, so I let him be.  The rabbit that was bleeding passed away of course.  When my daddy got home, we found out that the second had his back legs crushed.  He could only drag himself around and had lost his normal aggression.  I called a vet, wondering if he would make it.  His outcome is good, we have splinted him (despite his efforts to chew them off).  He should make a full recovery.

As for the dead female, Ophelia, she had to have a proper burial.  I explained to Kade that she got hurt by the goats and had died.  I asked him what he thought happened when we died.  He was VERY quick to tell me, "Mommy, we go to Heaven to be with Jesus."  His certainty at such a young age makes my heart swell with joy!! My sweet baby knows that Jesus saves.  During homeschool, we read a lesson out of his bible storybook daily.  He is in church Sunday morning & Sunday evening.  He is blessed with awesome leaders at church who have made it SO clear to him that he is positive of Jesus' love for us.  He was still very confused about the fact that we couldn't go back to the hole the next day and get her out.  But then he insisted we would see her again.  

This lesson was MUCH easier than I thought it would be.  I know when it comes to a loved one dying, it won't be as easy to recover from.  But his faith will carry him through the darkest of things in life.  

Just wanted to share =) SUCH a proud mommy moment!!

Halloween 2013

We had MANY Halloween Festivities this year. Including a stomach bug that hit the night of Kade's First drum recital shortly after getting home.  But overall we had an awesome time. I'm a tad behind on posting.  And a tad behind on laundry as well but the stomach bug drug out for a week between the kids & us.  Anywho, here are pictures & the video of Boo In The Park =) 

HANDS DOWN THE BEST OT EVER. She has got my baby eating such a variety!

Bonus Disney Movie Rewards Points

Right now you have the opportunity to get an additional 25 bonus points.  These codes are simply entered into the magic code box. I received an email with the riddles and jumbled letters.  Go & enter these points now for a holiday bonus ;)

JAFAR
URSULA
APPLE
GHOST
MUFASA

Our Week Thus Far

The video pretty much speaks for itself.  We added sissy in the mix this past week and she's learning lots.  This was just a video of her goofing off.  Kade is now up to reading 85 words.  He can read level one early reader books with very little assistance whatsoever.  Not too shabby for a four year old if I may say so.  He's coming along very well with his handwriting.  I've been putting a lot of consideration into the homeschool associations in my area, with one I'm certain I'll go with.  And looking into co-ops as well so we can have field trips with other homeschoolers.  It has been SO rewarding to watch him learn.  I see all of his strengths and weaknesses myself and I'm able to correct them before they're ever a problem. 

This past week, we've also went on a playdate with some other homeschoolers for story time at the library.  Needless to say, my kids have to work on etiquette as far as the whole being quiet so others can read and study.  Anyhow, we read Halloween stories & made a spider hat.  And had fun meeting some new friends.

This is Kade's spider hat.  He's still quite hooked on it.

We've also gotten HOOKED on new ways to make pizza at home.  Our hands down favorite thus far is crescent rolls.  I used the Pillsbury Grands flaky layers crescent rolls, some EVOO, sauce, Italian 6 cheese shredded cheese & of course pepperoni.  Quick & easy and pleases even my picky eater. 

We also made homemade bubbles.  This "recipe" was supposed to make the monster, unbreakable bubbles.  NOT so.  These bubbles didn't get big at all.  I think partly because it was too diluted to make a big bubble.  But the kids loved them, that is, until Miss Priss got them in her eyes.  Then she was over it.

This evening I'll be picking up some cane poles for some new activities & projects.  Of course they'll be featured on the blog as soon as I have them done and tested out by my crew. 

Thank you again for reading!! Hope you all have a blessed day =)

Our Week In Pictures (with some captions thrown in ;) )

So we got this on Monday for free =)  A local church CDC wasn't using it, it wouldn't stay together well with so many kids on it.  However, it is perfect for my two =)

The pup learned how to fetch.

When Sissy fights a nap, this is how she does her coloring sheet/snack time while we do school.

Kade is reading more as the day passes. TONS for a four year old if I may say so!

This gray tree frog showed up on the barn & made friends with us.  First with me, until I could convince Kade that he wasn't gross.  Yes, I pick up slimy things for my boy.

Fred the frog became a BFF in minutes.

Biscuit Pizza.  MY picky eater LOVED it.

And here's proof.

SO, after many failed attempts to taking my child to have his teeth cleaned...SUCCESS!!  AND, not a single cavity!!

'

Wasn't even bothered with the dentist using the "scraper" to count his teeth.

He did receive a bribe toy.  Which was also partially given because of all of the new foods he tried this week.

The pup learned she's not a fan of goats.  And vice versa.

Burning leaves & the sunlight through the wood ceiling made for this beautiful picture.

I've gotten a tad behind on my blog.  But my child is learning so much, reading TONS of new words, and wanting more books to be read to him.  We are absolutely LOVING homeschool.  I feel so blessed to be able to see my baby learn and LOVE getting an education.  Thanks for reading ;)

An Update on Homeschooling =)

So after a month of homeschooling, we are LOVING it!! 

I've been pretty busy since we started last month so I haven't had a lot of time to update my blog.  But Kade is now reading 58 sight words out of his deck which we just whipped out roughly three weeks ago.  This past week he read his first book to me, then to his speech therapist =) Proud mommy moment!!  And not only reading, but also spelling these words. And he's also spelling words on signs and restaurants.  I love to read & write, so the fact that I've got my child excited about this and his education in general shows me that the sky is the limit!

This time last year, we were waiting to get a spot at therapy to get his speech to take off.  This year I have got him reading one month into homeschool, SUPER encouraging.  I was having doubts about whether he would succeed with me as his teacher.  This was simply due to the fact that I lacked support from so many friends and family.  We have time for school, therapy, drums & LIFE!! 

Thank you so much to my readers and to all my visitors from Bloggy Moms.  Show some love by following, commenting, etc & i'll return the favor.  

Judgemental Much??

Today I had an offensive article in my newsfeed as I scrolled through my Facebook today.  It read "8 Ridiculous Reasons Parents Homeschool Their Kids."  I am currently homeschooling my 4 year old and starting to transition my daughter into the mix as well.  I found this list rather judgemental.  

Apparently this woman has narrowed down the reasons why us homeschool moms do so.  I will admit, a few of them are correct, while others are ludicrous. 

I am very concerned that our country no longer wants God in our schools.  My son, who has struggled with speech problems, can tell you all about Jesus & Saul's encounter on Damascus.  He can also memorize his bible verses, and some of his favorite songs are the ones we sing at church.  My children will be raised in a Christian environment.  According to this lady, I'm a "nut" for this. She stated, "There are going to be a lot of places in life where your child shouldn't pray. Time and place, folks, time and place." Seriously? I refuse to send my child to a place where they aren't free to pray.  Jesus is the only hope we have.  He died for our sins, yet i'm wrong to say I don't agree with banning him from our schools.  No way.  This bothers me.  This woman must obviously need to strengthen her relationship with Jesus or seek salvation.  I would never send my children off to school and tell them, "Be sure you don't pray, you may offend someone."

I am just very offended that homeschooling parents are now just considered crazy & "ridiculous". My 4 year old is now reading 46 sight words, learning to sit still for lengthened periods of time, tracing VERY well, and writing and drawing better by the day.  I just ask that all of you homeschool moms, keep your heads up and ignore those who put us down.  We all have the right to decide what we want for our children, down to their education.  I will be praying for all of us, even if some think that we "shouldn't". Have a blessed day, ladies =)

A Bit Slack

So I've been a bit behind on writing just about life in general.  

Well this past month my husband & I decided we were tired of our living situation.  We own a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom house that has been sufficient until recently.  A 21 month old & a 4 year old cannot share play areas in perfect harmony.  No duh, huh?  The fighting had gotten to the point that the kids spent more time in time out than they did actually playing at home.  My parents have land galore & all of the kids' yard toys anyhow.  Not to mention our land is directly in front of theirs.  So we decided to move on in with them.  We have been with them for about 4 weeks now.  The fighting has slowed down drastically.  

And I've always heard that moving back in with your parents once you've been on your own is the WORST idea.  Things haven't been picture perfect.  But it's over simple things like, "Why is the dishwasher running again?"  Seriously.  So happy with our current living arrangements.  We've also decreased some debt by turning off utilities.  Our dream home will be a reality as soon as our current home is sold or rented.

Another thing that has kept me from blogging as frequently as i'd like.  Sickness.  My children have had this horrible crud and have been so sweet as to share it with me.  Fevers.  Chest pain.  Horrible cough.  Sweet, huh?  Seriously i've been taking temps, wiping noses, cleaning vomit, administering meds, and sleeping in between.  For a month.  So glad it's nearly moved out of our home.  

We've also added a new family member.  She's furry, has four paws & bites ankles.  My kids are over the moon.  One trip to pick up a booster from my cousin & It was a done deal.  She is a lab/cocker spaniel mix and goes by the name Duff.  My son saw a dog named Duff on "Too Cute Puppies" and has been saving the name for weeks.  Anyhow, here's a picture of our new baby. 

And lastly, homeschool has been going AMAZING.  Kade is now reading 26 sight words.  I bought this deck of cards for $5 when I decided to homeschool.  It's a deck by Mead, includes 55 cards.  Kade is excelling in every activity & subject we have done so far.  He begs to do school, even when he's sick.  Just a quick update on school.  Thank you for reading!!

The Sunshine Award

The other day I was presented with The Sunshine Award!  This is an award given to a blogger from another blogger to show recognition for their work.  Melissa from Forever Fitting In (http://foreverfittingin.com/) presented me with this award.  I've never had the chance to meet her but WOW she has such an awesome story & is such an inspiration =) Being able to make such an impact & seek justice for herself and others is so awesome. So thankful for having been able to connect in the blogging world with her!

After receiving the nomination, the blogger must

Acknowledge the nominating blogger.

Share 11 random facts about yourself.

Answer 11 questions the nominating blogger has created for you.

List 11 bloggers.  They should be bloggers you believe deserve some recognition and a little blogging love!

Post 11 questions for the bloggers you nominate answer & let all the bloggers know they've been nominated.  You cannot nominate the blogger that nominated you. 

11 Random Facts About Me

1.  I was told at 21 years old, I had a slim-to-none chance of ever being a mother. I had MANY cysts on my ovaries as well as a small uterus.  A year after being told this heartbreaking news, I found out I was pregnant with my son =)

2.  My husband had a crush on me his senior year and never spoke a word of it.  He asked me on our first date 5 years after he graduated and we've been together ever since that day. 

3.  Playdoh & the smell of salt in the air at the beach are tied for my favorite smell.

4.  My children are my world.  They may drive me to the verge of insanity on a daily basis, but my life would be horrible and empty without them.

5.  I rededicated my life to Jesus last year and there hasn't been a day I haven't felt him with me.  

6.  Pixar, Disney & Marvel movies are my favorite.  True Story.  Having children has turned me into a bit of a softie.  

7.  I talk to my cat & treat her like I would a child.  I'm probably classified as a crazy cat lady.

8.  I've saved more than $1,000 this year couponing.  I havent' got to the "Extreme Couponing" ladies' level, but I plan to. 

9.  I've always wanted a Clydesdale.  I'm hoping I can eventually make that a reality, even if i'm slightly allergic to horses.

10.  My first job was at an outdoor produce stand at the Jockey Lot.  I wasn't the least bit sad when I got my first job as a Massage Therapist.  

11.  I used to be obsessive-compulsive about Ty Beanie Babies when I was in middle school.  It got to the point, I went and camped out with my parents & best friend at 2/3 AM in any & every weather to wait for sales that started at 8 am. 

11 Questions: (Nominees: Please answer these same questions)

1. What’s your favorite meal of the day? Supper. More extra hands to help with cranky, sleepy children ;)
2. What’s your favorite fruit? Watermelon
3. When you were five what did you want to be when you grew up?  A Vet, such an animal lover & still am to this day.  I have a dream of opening a rescue once my children are a little bit more grown up & independent.
4. What quality do you find most attractive in others? Ambition.
5. What’s your favorite sport? To watch?  Running for myself, Football to watch. 
6. Gold or Silver?  White gold.
7. What’s your favorite candy? Nerd)s.
8. What’s your favorite online shopping website? Amazon
9. What’s your pet peeve? It's a three-way tie between Arrogance, Laziness & Cheating.
10. Winter, spring, summer or fall?  Summer, Hands Down. 
11. How many pairs of shoes do you have? 10, mostly running shoes.

11 Bloggers::  Please Check These Ladies Out =)

I think, therefore I blog.      http://brooketimms0327.blogspot.com/

Baby Button Brown    http://babybuttonbrown.blogspot.com/

Our Brown-Eyed Girl    http://ylindo01.blogspot.com/

A Diamond in the Stuff      http://adiamondinthestuff.com/

Growing Up Madison    http://www.growingupmadison.com/

Candace Creates     http://candacecreates.com/

Tidbits of Experience     http://www.tidbitsofexperience.com/

Mom Behind A Blog      http://www.mombehindablog.com/

Simply Anchored       http://www.simplyanchoredblog.com/

Chicken Scratch.      http://www.chknscratch.blogspot.com/

In This Crazy Life      http://inthiscrazylife-bethany.blogspot.com/

We Homeschool.

Monday, I began an adventure with my sweet boy.  After much thought, comments supporting & disagreeing with my decision, and researching.  And we loved it.  My baby is tracing his name, numbers & letters very well.  He loves being able to cut things.  He loves being at home and being comfortable while doing school.  It's such a great feeling to be able to teach my baby new things, at home, and free of stress. And of course, we have bible time.  

We're just getting started, but we love it already.  I look forward to being able to share his progress as we go! 

My Son is a drummer...

This time last year, Kade couldn't speak in full sentences.  Thanks to dozens of horribly severe ear infections, he was unable to hear.  He understood his name, knew who his family was & knew what he wanted.  However, his lack of hearing lead to a lack of communication.  This time last summer, he had his first speech eval.  With speech therapy weekly beginning in October.  AMAZING things have happened.  My baby can talk...ALOT.  He's able to speak clearly, sing, pray & communicate in general.  

Last December, Kade sat at his cousin's drum set at Christmas.  It was over.  He insisted he wanted to play.  

Months went by, still he continued to say he wanted to play the drums.  I messaged my cousin's drum teacher.  He starts kids as young as 4.  He ended up getting an opening in April to get us started.  We got our practice pad and got to practicing immediately.

May rolls around. Once he began playing on the drum set, it was love.  He loved it that much more.  That afternoon, I met a lady on Craigslist who had a cheap set, and bought him a set for his birthday.

This past week, we've reached another milestone.  He's learning to cross his right hand over his left to play both the high hat & snare at the same time.  He also learned that he likes AC/DC because it's on Iron Man ;)  I have faith that between his love for learning & his love for the drums, I will be raising a full-fledged rocker!

We LOVE Free!!

Okay, If you haven't joined Kellogg's Family Rewards, do it NOW!!  

As a mommy of 2 (with a husband who craves sweets as much as the kids do), we have to keep sweet, sugary cereal in the house.  Pops, Froot Loops, Apple Jacks, etc.  Well about a month and a half ago I saw on certain boxes of the above listed cereals a promotion for Monsters University.  You enter your Kellogg's Family Rewards codes in and after 4 codes (4 boxes) get a free Mike pillowcase.  You could also enter codes for downloads & movie tickets.  

Today, my son's pillowcase came in and was FAR beyond what I expected.  I figured it would be a regular fabric pillowcase.  Nope.

SUPER soft, SUPER comfy & Plush.  AMAZING deal and I was buying these cereals weekly regardless of any promotions that came with the boxes.  

Again, if you haven't joined, this is just one of the few perks! We get all sorts of freebies from our rewards programs.  And chances are, if you're a mommy, you'll want to snatch up every freebie you can!  

Back To Couponing!!

Okay so i'm a tad behind.  Crazy busy with moving, church, etc and i've procrastinated a tad on blogging.  So now that I've been able to print & clip coupons again rather than clipping alone, I've started saving a ton as well.  Not to mention, Publix sent out their booklets for the month of August!  So here's what I snagged this past week at Bi-Lo.

2 Boxes of Size 4 Luvs
 Reg. Price per box: $16.97; Sale Price per box: $14.97
1 Publix Coupon: $10 off 2 boxes of Luvs or Pampers
Final Price for both boxes: $19.94

2 Boxes of Poptarts 
Reg. Price for per box: $2.48; Sale Price per box: $1.66
2 Target Coupons for $.50 off each box
Final Price for both boxes: $2.32

1 Bottle of Vegetable Oil
Reg. Price: $4.49; Sale Price: $2.50
No Coupons =( Final Price: $2.50

2 Boxes Kellogg's Fruit Gummies
Reg. Price per box: $2.99; Sale Price: $1.99
1 Target Coupon for $.50 off one box
Final Price for both boxes: $3.48

1 Jumbo Pack Dora Pampers Easyups (Since my 20 month old insists on potty training 
already)
Full Price: $10.88
1 MFR Coupon for $1.50 off one pack
Final Price: $9.38

& I donated $1.00 to Operation Care

The fact that I got a buggy of groceries that SHOULD have costed $61.25 for $32.62 with tax makes me a FIRM believer that couponing is an art, not a waste of time.  Which i'm told quite often when i'm walking through a store with my huge binder.  But I know the truth ;)

Thanks again for reading!

I HAVE INK CARTRIDGES!!!

So I FINALLY got ink cartridges!! However, thanks to Bi-Lo's AMAZING deals on meat this week, I didn't get the super low totals I had hoped for but I have enough meat for two weeks.

I broke my buggy down into two transactions again since I had the high-dollar coupons my aunt had given me for $10 off a $50 purchase.  I still left the store with over $70 in savings and NO items that weren't necessary.

Anyways, here goes::

Transaction #1::

1 Pack Chips Ahoy

12 pack Coca-Cola

40 Count trashbags

2-1 lb packs of ground turkey

2 packs of boneless skinless chicken breast (BOGO)

2 lbs ground chuck

1.5 lbs sirloin tip steak

2 packs Carolina Pride cubed ham (BOGO)

1 lb collards

2.5 lbs bananas

1 lb russet potatoes

1 lb sweet potatoes

Subtotal before savings:: $75.37

My Savings:: $29.85

Subtotal before savings:: $45.52

Tax:: $0.41

Final Total:: $45.93

Transaction #2::

1 Gallon Hawaiian Punch

Trix Cereal

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal

6 Hershey's With Almond Bars (BOGO)

Pack Hot Dog Buns

2 Canisters of Kool-Aid drink mix

Pack of Arnold sandwich thins bread

1 Bellywasher (Kade's prize for being quiet in the store)
Angel Soft 24 pack toilet paper
Mr Clean Antibac Cleaner
3 packs Ensure

Subtotal before savings:: $83.62
My Savings:: $37.39
Subtotal after savings:: $46.23
Tax:: $0.75
Final Total:: $46.98

Again, NOT where I want to be.  Things have gotten tight.  Wanting to sell your home, save for your next, and prepare to build your DREAM home are stressful.  And costly.  I would like to knock my grocery & takeout budget down to around $200-$250 a month.  So this is a little glimpse at my attempts to do so.  And hopefully go far with my couponing to save my family a ton.  I have faith that I can do it.  I just have to find the patience to do this.  Thanks for reading again.  Until next time....

Will Work For Ink Cartridges!

And another trip without ink cartridges to print my own coupons.  This is slightly sickening.  I'm not much a fan of spending $80 a week in groceries.  Picking my own coupons according to sales and what we actually need had my bill around $40-$50.  I'd eventually like to get my monthly grocery/take-out bill down to $100-$150 a month TOPS!  The fact that one lady on Extreme Couponing spent a whopping $6 for a month's worth of groceries to feed her family of 6 baffles me.  I'm not on that level, but I want to be.   

Anyhow, I did my grocery trip this past week with the coupons that I had clipped, received from Bi-Lo, and still had left in my binder after printing.  I broke my buggy down into two transactions of $50 or more to save an extra $10.  Also this week (at Bi-Lo), if you spent $25 or more in P & G products, you got an extra $0.25 in FuelPerks.  I filled my 19.2 gallon tank in my SUV up for $39.01 after this trip!

Transaction #1::
Mueller's Lasagna & Jumbo Shell Pasta 
2-6 packs Hershey's w/ Almonds candy bars 
HMB Buns
5 Packets of Kool-Aid 
Mr. Clean
2 Bottles of Liquid Tide (P & G Products)
2-3 Pack Packages of Pampers Wipes ( P & G Products)
4 Count Ivory Soap Bars (P & G Product)
Pillsbury Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Kraft Cheddar Shredded Cheese
Digiorno Pizza
3.88 Lb Pack of Ground Chuck
Head of Lettuce
Vidalia Onion

Subtotal Before Savings:: $88.17
My Savings (Including Coupons):: $33.29
Subtotal After Savings:: $54.88
Tax:: $1.81
Final Total:: $56.69


Transaction #2::

2 cans Manwich
1 jar Ragu spaghetti sauce
1 can Dinty Moore Beef Stew
1 box Apple Jacks
1 box Corn Pops
3 cans Bush's Baked Beans (Ibotta**: $0.50 back)
1 canister of Kool-Aid
1 can Chicken Broth
Mentos Gum (Kids can't resist it at checkout)
Mane & Tail Shampoo
Playtex Sport 18 ct Tampons (FREE**In Mail Coupon)
Kraft Italian Shredded Cheese
Bird's Eye Asian Veggies Steamfresh

Subtotal Before Savings:: $49.19
My Savings:: $19.72
Subtotal After Savings:: $29.47
Tax:: $0.67
Final Total:: $30.14


**Ibotta Coupon App available on Apple devices.  Certain offers & bonuses are available at certain times.  To redeem the offer, you simply scan barcodes & take a picture of your receipt & this money goes can be transferred to your PayPal account (and is NOT taxed!).  HIGHLY recommended for anyone who is looking to save the most money possible.

Ink Cartridges are being bought TODAY, Thank Goodness! Again, not my best trip, and hopefully soon i'll have a good enough trip to include a breakdown of how cheap I got things, or more free things!

Thanks again for reading!