Coupons are awesome

Ok, sad confession. I love coupons.

No, I haven't always been this way. In fact, BC (before children) we not only didn't have a food budget, we really didn't even look at the price of items. I would have failed miserably at The Price is Right, because I just bought what we needed without giving any thought to cost. We spend a ridiculous amount on food for just the two of us. I will say that there were some perks to that. Lots of lovely imported cheeses, organic anything and everything, etc.

But, alas, the children entered our lives and so did a food budget. I am not complaining. It has actually made me realize how much money we wasted before. And the discovery of certain things like the fact that store bought granola is a complete racket. How easy is it to buy the oats and other ingredients and make it yourself? Tastes better, makes a lot more, and you save money!

But back to the topic at hand. Coupons. And what makes coupons fun? Super Double coupon week at Harris Teeter! They will double any coupon up to $1.98. Which means my $1.50 off coupon is

now worth $3 off! I truly enjoy watching my total decrease as they scan each coupon in . It even could be argued that my 3 foot long receipt is a badge of couponing honor. The best part is looking at the bottom of the receipt to see what has been saved. Today: saved $25 with VIC specials, and another $25 with coupons. Approximately 33% savings on total bill. Yes. I rock. Ok, maybe not, but I don't care, it makes me happy.

pictures!

Today we took the kids to Portrait Innovations to get some photos made. And I want to give them some kudos. Not only did they put up with my kids, they are also clearly very well trained for what they do. They know how to relate to kids, and it seems clear to be that their training must include some child development as well. They know what to expect of each age group. I really like that.

And we got great pics! Who would have thought that as my baby was definitely experiencing stranger anxiety and only wanted to be held. She did not want to sit alone for photographs. And then my 3 year wanted to play with every prop they had in there. (We ended up with a picture of him with a hat on, which was not exactly part of the plan, but he looked cute none the less). Herding cats....

But anywho, we ended up with some really nice shots which made all the chaos worth it in the end.

2010: year of no fear

That is my goal. I am going to go full force with trying to achieve my goals without any fear. Expect success. Envision success. Believe.

What would you do if you could not fail?

I remember seeing this on a paperweight or something like that.

Next task: vision board.

Seriously? How has so much time passed?

So this May will be my college 15th reunion. Next year, my high school 20 year reunion. I can't fathom how that is possible. I really can't fathom how old that makes me! Where has the time gone?

On one hand, it all seems like yesterday. Looking back at photos, it doesn't seem like it was all that long ago that I hung out with those folks, and did those things.

But, on the other hand, lets be real about what was happening 15-20 years ago. No one had a cell phone. Most students didn't have a computer. When I entered college, everyone brought a typewriter with word processor built in. No one had heard of the internet. We wrote letters. With paper and ink, not email. So, yea, it was a while ago.

Would I ever have guessed back then that I would be doing what I am doing today? No way. Not that I have done anything particularly out there or strange, but my best predictions would not have even been close. Funny how that is. Funny how if I had my best guess about 20 years from now, I'll probably be pretty off. Even funnier is that through all of everything, through all of what happens in life, I find that we are generally the same people we were 20 years ago. And we'll probably be pretty much the same in another 20.

Why I love breastfeeding

It is the perfect food for my baby

It never runs out

It is always the perfect temperature

It soothes an upset baby

It gives me an opportunity to just sit and enjoy my baby

It puts my baby to sleep in the most calm way

My baby never has to wait to eat

When she wakes up at night, she can quickly go back to sleep with nursing

It provides me with that lovely calming oxytocin

It transfers my antibodies to my baby

Its how we reconnect after I get home from work

There are just so many reasons.....

Take a look at: http://www.promom.org/101/

Things I love about babies

-- sweet pudgy round bellies

-- the way they sometimes sleep with on their tummies with their bums up in the air

-- how their hair is all fuzzy and stands up on top of their heads when just dried after a bath

-- how they can laugh just because you change the tone in your voice

-- how you can entertain them by just providing them some tupperware

-- how they get that look on their face that says "what? who me?"

-- baby toes

-- that you can just stare at them sleep

-- every outfit just looks adorable

-- the smell of their head

-- how the remote control is infinitely more interesting than any toy

-- that just when you think you've "got them down" they go and change on you again

Molly is sleeping peacefully next to me as I type this, and every so often takes a deep breath and makes her little baby sounds. Don't you wonder what babies must dream about?

Ok, so let's give this another try.

Yes, I know. My last post was a very long time ago. I am sorry! I know if I say I've been pretty busy would be a bit lame. But, I did have another child since my last post! And she is now 8 months old! Molly was born on June 1, 2009 and she has been a joy.

Needless to say, she has added to my perspective as a parent, and given me new insights I could not have had any other way.

I decided to come back and blog mainly to just have a outlet to talk about parenting issues, share interesting tidbits about the kids and what they are up to, and whatever else may rise to the surface. Stay tuned....