Wonderful Wednesday

How could it not be with that face!

More on Couponing

I had some emails and comments about couponing so I will do some answering. Not too long after I had Moses, I began reading a blog written by News and Observer reporter, Sue Stock. She writes about good deals in the area with an emphasis on couponing. I began collecting my coupons and started deal searching in January. This past spring I started a "coupon club" with three other friends. We swap coupons to maximize our savings and stock piles. We also took a class with Su Soutter (The Intentional Home blog).

I mostly stick with Harris Teeter when it comes to groceries. They ALWAYS double coupons under $.99 and you can use twenty coupons a day. What I learned from the blogs and the class was invaluable. I usually only buy on sale and WITH a coupon. I do break this rule when I really need something (ex. I used a coupon w/o a sale for wipes when I ran out last week). But usually I have an awesome stock pile and I tend not to run out of staple products. (ex. I had gone about three months without buying wipes because I had 8 boxes stock piled from past couponing trips)

These ladies helped me organize my coupons into a system that works for me. I have definitely tweaked couponing over the past few months. I prioritize what I need before I go, especially when they are having triples. It takes some time and dedication and some trial and error shopping trips, but you can get the hang of it.

If you are thinking about getting into it, I would start clipping coupons and not using them. Create a nice stock pile. I really recommend taking Su's coupon class if you can. She teaches tons of things and even goes into drug store programs like CVS extra care bucks. Also, get a diversified group together and start your own club. Our joke in our coupon club is we need someone with a cat because we always discard cat products! I always benefit (for now!) from diaper, wipes, and toothpaste coupons. It is also awesome to have people supporting you in what you are doing. Believe me, your husband and family members will laugh at you when you start but the first time you come home and save significantly more than you spend...the laughing stops!

TRIPLES!!!

Yes, I am one of the crazy coupon ladies. I started earlier this year and now I am addicted. I have saved a TON of money. I no longer pay for pasta, rice, mustard, salad dressing, marinades and lots of other things. The most I pay for diaper wipes? Just a dollar. It takes a lot of work and practice, but I definitely feel it is worth it. I mean if someone told you that if you spent about three hours a week (usually done while watching tv) that you could get things for free or at a reduced rate, would you do it? Of course! Anyways, I went this morning and got the above (not pictured, a 1/2 gallon of milk). Cost? I spent $28 and saved $50. So, I paid $28 for nearly $80 of groceries.

If you look on the list of the blogs I read you will find the Intentional Home written by Su "the coupon lady." She is the one who has helped me SO much with all this. Her class was super helpful! Happy Triples fellow couponers!

Can I just say....

So far I am loving my MAC....Ahem, I mean OUR MAC. I am still figuring out a lot of things, but what I love is the ability to edit photos and videos. It's just great!

Anyways, we did enjoy our weekend with our soon to be toddler. We got to spend some time with our friends Shannon and Elizabeth. On Saturday evening, we traveled to Kinston to celebrate both of my cousins' graduations. Russell just finished up at MOC and Samantha graduated from high school and is leaving very soon to attend LR in Hickory. I am so proud of them both. We had a pig picking. Moses showed off his walking skills and said duck. He's good with the d-words (dada, dog, etc).

Afternoon Dance Party

Nothing much out of the ordinary this week. We've been trucking along with our usual schedule with some lunch dates thrown in for fun. We have started a new routine when Brett gets home. Moses loves to dance so we will usually put on some music and let him go to town. It is so funny to watch him stop and bounce to the music. He has also started to "sing" along. He usually hums his own little tune, but we have had one or two instances where he'll repeat a "oohh" or something else EXACTLY how the song was sung. It is hysterical!

Hopefully this weekend I can upload all the videos I've been talking about because...we are getting a MAC Powerbook!!! We are taking advantage of tax free weekend and Brett's Cisco discount (a total of about 14%!) to make this big purchase. I am really excited/nervous about it. I know I will be able to do so much more with pictures and videos but they work so differently than a PC. Wish me luck!

Growing up

It feels like overnight that Moses has just....well, grown into a big boy. He is just so aware of things. When we are running errands and arrive back home, he hears the doors of the car unlock and starts kicking and laughing because he knows we are home. He does the same thing after I turn out the lights when I finish changing his diaper because he knows it's time to play. When he hears the door open he starts squealing and making his way to the door to greet(usually daddy) with all his enthusiasm.

Moses is also starting to learn new things. He has always been fascinated with my belly button. Whenever he see it he will take his index finger and point at it. I look at him and say "belly button, mommy's belly button." Last week I looked at him and said, "Where's mommy's belly button?" He immediately took his finger and pointed right at it! I was so proud and so was he! That evening Brett taught Moses how to put his toys in a basket. Of course he immediately wants to dump them out on the floor, but hey, it's progress!

I think the big kicker for me is all the walking and the laughing. He is getting better by the second. If he trips and falls, he just gets back up and keeps on going. Moses is definitely a resilient kid. He doesn't get upset if he falls. What a big boy! He is also starting to laugh socially. If someone says something and we laugh he'll join in. Which makes us laugh more...which makes him laugh more! We are having a ball!

T-minus two weeks until he is ONE!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Wednesday was Brett's 30th Birthday. Moses and I are so glad that he decided to take the day off and spend his special day with us! I got up and made the birthday boy bacon and eggs. While Brett played with Moses, I made him some birthday cupcakes! Since Brett had planned to play the new Lonnie Poole golf course, we decided to go to the State Club for lunch. We love eating there! They were so nice and made Brett a little cake.

That night Brett and I decided to go to Kanki for dinner. So Amy came to play with Moses. I have to stop and tell you that Brett's cousin Amy is SO good with kids. I feel so good when I leave him with her. We really enjoyed our dinner and it was great to have an adult night! Happy Birthday Brett. You are an amazing father and husband. Moses and I are so glad that you stick around! We love you!