I went to bed last night feeling like superwoman. Or maybe supermom, or superwife. Not really sure which, but maybe all three rolled into one.
Anyway, yesterday was an awesome day. I woke up feeling much more rested. Probably because Beth actually slept for most of the night. She's been waking up 4-5 times a night and at about 2am, she decides that she wants to play for an hour. I love her, but man have I been exhausted! It was so nice of her to only wake up twice for 20 minutes each. With that extra sleep, I had no problem getting up at 6 and getting the day started properly.
The boys must have enjoyed a good night's sleep too, because they didn't wake up. I ended up having to wake them up. I couldn't tell you the last time that happened. We had a good morning, and I got Nick to school on time. Then dropped Zack and Beth off at Monica's and I went to the dentist.
Now, normally, I really stress out about the dentist. But after such a good experience the last time, and the added courage from my boys, I was ready. Everything went well, and there were no problems. I then went to pick up the kids, and they were happy. I still can't believe how well Beth did without me. It gives me confidence that maybe I can occasionally get a break. (She has turned into quite the Mommy's girl, and is very attached the last couple months.)
I left Monica's with two happy kids. We came home, and the kids played while I made my grocery list. The plan was to go shopping before picking up Nick from school. But, the kids were having too much fun. So, we picked up Nick, came home, had lunch, then went shopping.
Yes, I went shopping with all three kids. And I couponed. And, we survived. Actually the boys did great. Probably one of the best shopping trips they've had with only me. And to top it off, I saved 77% yesterday. I ended up getting $67 worth of groceries for $15. Plus, Catalina coupons for 2 free gallons of milk for a later trip. Can you say excited?! Yep, I was, and still am!!
After shopping, we quickly came home. I put the frozens and fridge stuff away, then headed back to the dentist. The boys had their teeth cleaned yesterday too. They did great. The dentist said to keep doing whatever we are doing, cause it's working great. Both the boys were very excited. I am so glad they like going to the dentist!
The rest of the afternoon, was pretty routine. I did three loads of laundry, emptied/refilled the dishwasher, swept and mopped the kitchen and bathroom floors. I made the boys homemade corn dog bites for dinner, then we headed to the church. Relief Society was celebrating their birthday, so I had dinner there, and then we had cake. Yum! It was great getting to visit with all the ladies, and a great break for me after such a busy day. The kids had a great time playing with the other kids. By the time we got home, it was time for bed. It sure didn't take them long to go to sleep last night! They were as exhausted as me!
What a great day!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Making decisions
Within the last week, things are falling in place. Seems that the very hard choices from a week and a half ago, are all to easy of decisions this week. Funny how things work out with prayer and guidance from Heavenly Father.
All in one day, the classes that I need were spelled out for me. The one that I wasn't sure about, the teacher is making special arrangements for me to take it with her in the fall. (She only teaches it in the Spring, normally.) Turns out that I will only need two classes instead of three, thanks to my computer background. If I'd known it was going to go this smoothly, it sure would have saved a lot of stress the two weeks before! LOL!
So, all the worries about how to handle a daycare in my home and how I was going to handle getting the boys back and forth to school, all just seem to melt away. And, and added bonus - No additional kids terrorizing my house. The three I have do a fine job of that already. Wasn't really looking forward to the possibility of outside kids making messes in my home. So, we will just wait to open an actual center, and keep our sanity! It is such a great feeling to have the support of a loving husband and loving Heavenly Father.
I am more excited than words can express. Thank you all for your input and comments. They were extremely encouraging! I love getting feedback from different points of view. It makes me think of things that I might not of otherwise considered.
I know this next year is going to be a busy one. There are going to be lots of changes in this Hansen household. But, I am very excited about them, and welcome them all.
All in one day, the classes that I need were spelled out for me. The one that I wasn't sure about, the teacher is making special arrangements for me to take it with her in the fall. (She only teaches it in the Spring, normally.) Turns out that I will only need two classes instead of three, thanks to my computer background. If I'd known it was going to go this smoothly, it sure would have saved a lot of stress the two weeks before! LOL!
So, all the worries about how to handle a daycare in my home and how I was going to handle getting the boys back and forth to school, all just seem to melt away. And, and added bonus - No additional kids terrorizing my house. The three I have do a fine job of that already. Wasn't really looking forward to the possibility of outside kids making messes in my home. So, we will just wait to open an actual center, and keep our sanity! It is such a great feeling to have the support of a loving husband and loving Heavenly Father.
I am more excited than words can express. Thank you all for your input and comments. They were extremely encouraging! I love getting feedback from different points of view. It makes me think of things that I might not of otherwise considered.
I know this next year is going to be a busy one. There are going to be lots of changes in this Hansen household. But, I am very excited about them, and welcome them all.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Should I return to school?
This topic has been weighing on my mind for almost a year. Adam and I have had countless conversations about it, and I'm still not sure which way to go. But, I have decided to do something toward this new goal.
The background behind this question-
About a year ago, Adam and I decided that we don't have a very good plan b in place. (Financially or educationally) After all, the oil field isn't the safest job out there, and it's not the most reliable either. Even though his company has pretty good safety ratings, accidents still can happen and we need to do better about planning for unforeseen events.
My degree is in Computer Networking and Information Technology. Lets face it, there's not many options in Clinton, Oklahoma to put that over paid piece of paper to good use. On top of that, that said paper is almost 10 years old, and the technology since then is so much advanced that I would have to get trained to get up to speed for any company anyway. Oh, and did I mention that I HATE what my degree is in? Anyone that knows me, knows that I love to be around people, not cold empty computers.
So, with all that said, if something were to happen and I need to provide for my family, I would have no education to back me up for a job in a little bitty town in Oklahoma. I'd be back to cleaning houses, babysitting, or working for minimum wage at a dead end job with my kids in daycare. Now, there is nothing wrong with those things. I know lots of women that do it. But, it's not what I want for me and our family.
The possible plan b-
As said above, anyone that knows me, knows that I love to be around people. My heart is in teaching and kids. I couldn't tell you the number of times in my life that I've been told that I need to be a teacher. There is certainly a reason that I teach in RS. I LOVE IT!
A couple of months ago, Adam and I started talking about a daycare. It would be something that I could do and take the kids with me. And, it's something that would do really well here. So, I've had this thought in the back of my mind for a while now. Adam and I have talked about it several times, but, I haven't really done anything about it.
Then, about a month ago, I had a dream. I know it sounds crazy! It was one of the most detailed, vivid dreams I've ever had in my life. To this day, I remember every detail. I never remember my dreams. I woke up that morning and was blown away! It lined out everything: the building, who was supposed to help me, how the rooms were set up, the toys and centers, the meal plan, the daily schedule, everything spelled out on how to set up a child care center. The next night, I had the dream again, only the second one was even more detailed than the first. WOW!
So, the next day, I set to work.
Options on getting there-
That next week, I set to work and did a lot of investigating. I researched everything I could find on Oklahoma Childcare Centers. Everything seemed pretty good, until I called about the education requirements. Bummer. I either have to be CDA certified or have some college credits in Early Childhood Development. Plus, 2 courses of labs or 3 years experience at a daycare/preschool.
Option 1:
I can start an in-home daycare for the next three year and take an on-line CDA class for a relatively small financial investment. Pros for this is it's a lot cheaper and I could take the class at my own pace, while making a little money that would more than cover the financial investment. Cons - having to do it from home. I would be surrounded by the daycare 24/7. Another con would be the three years to get the experience requirement.
Option 2:
I can take three classes at SWOSU to get the college credit requirements. I would take one over the summer and the other two this fall. The pros to this are a much shorter time before opening up a center. Obvious con would be the bigger financial sacrifice. And, the having to make arrangements for someone to watch the kids while taking the classes.
So, there it is. Feel free to give your thoughts and/or advice. I'll post the plan of attack as soon as we figure that out!
The background behind this question-
About a year ago, Adam and I decided that we don't have a very good plan b in place. (Financially or educationally) After all, the oil field isn't the safest job out there, and it's not the most reliable either. Even though his company has pretty good safety ratings, accidents still can happen and we need to do better about planning for unforeseen events.
My degree is in Computer Networking and Information Technology. Lets face it, there's not many options in Clinton, Oklahoma to put that over paid piece of paper to good use. On top of that, that said paper is almost 10 years old, and the technology since then is so much advanced that I would have to get trained to get up to speed for any company anyway. Oh, and did I mention that I HATE what my degree is in? Anyone that knows me, knows that I love to be around people, not cold empty computers.
So, with all that said, if something were to happen and I need to provide for my family, I would have no education to back me up for a job in a little bitty town in Oklahoma. I'd be back to cleaning houses, babysitting, or working for minimum wage at a dead end job with my kids in daycare. Now, there is nothing wrong with those things. I know lots of women that do it. But, it's not what I want for me and our family.
The possible plan b-
As said above, anyone that knows me, knows that I love to be around people. My heart is in teaching and kids. I couldn't tell you the number of times in my life that I've been told that I need to be a teacher. There is certainly a reason that I teach in RS. I LOVE IT!
A couple of months ago, Adam and I started talking about a daycare. It would be something that I could do and take the kids with me. And, it's something that would do really well here. So, I've had this thought in the back of my mind for a while now. Adam and I have talked about it several times, but, I haven't really done anything about it.
Then, about a month ago, I had a dream. I know it sounds crazy! It was one of the most detailed, vivid dreams I've ever had in my life. To this day, I remember every detail. I never remember my dreams. I woke up that morning and was blown away! It lined out everything: the building, who was supposed to help me, how the rooms were set up, the toys and centers, the meal plan, the daily schedule, everything spelled out on how to set up a child care center. The next night, I had the dream again, only the second one was even more detailed than the first. WOW!
So, the next day, I set to work.
Options on getting there-
That next week, I set to work and did a lot of investigating. I researched everything I could find on Oklahoma Childcare Centers. Everything seemed pretty good, until I called about the education requirements. Bummer. I either have to be CDA certified or have some college credits in Early Childhood Development. Plus, 2 courses of labs or 3 years experience at a daycare/preschool.
Option 1:
I can start an in-home daycare for the next three year and take an on-line CDA class for a relatively small financial investment. Pros for this is it's a lot cheaper and I could take the class at my own pace, while making a little money that would more than cover the financial investment. Cons - having to do it from home. I would be surrounded by the daycare 24/7. Another con would be the three years to get the experience requirement.
Option 2:
I can take three classes at SWOSU to get the college credit requirements. I would take one over the summer and the other two this fall. The pros to this are a much shorter time before opening up a center. Obvious con would be the bigger financial sacrifice. And, the having to make arrangements for someone to watch the kids while taking the classes.
So, there it is. Feel free to give your thoughts and/or advice. I'll post the plan of attack as soon as we figure that out!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Life Lessons
I have relearned 2 life lessons in the last 24 hours.
First: I am so extremely gullible. Now, this can be a good thing. But, in regards to the last 24 hours, it is very bad. I have this thing about letting people in. I have been burned so many times, you'd thing I'd have learned by now. Obviously not. Will I ever learn? I really hope so!
Second: Some people live for making other people miserable. Yes, this too I have learned in the past, but somehow it has been buried and somewhat forgotten. I truly will never understand mean people. I just don't get it. I know there are a lot of mean people out there that do a lot of mean things. I mean, I do have some grasp of reality. But, in my head, I just don't understand it.
Yes, these two things go hand in hand. Which leads me to... How do these trouble makers keep finding me. Every time things start getting better for me or our family, something or someone comes along and messes it all up again. Now, I understand that we are here to be tried and tested. Some days, though, I just feel like my life is just a big failure, and that there is no way to past the test. Thankfully, I have three wonderful miracles that keep me sane and grounded.
First: I am so extremely gullible. Now, this can be a good thing. But, in regards to the last 24 hours, it is very bad. I have this thing about letting people in. I have been burned so many times, you'd thing I'd have learned by now. Obviously not. Will I ever learn? I really hope so!
Second: Some people live for making other people miserable. Yes, this too I have learned in the past, but somehow it has been buried and somewhat forgotten. I truly will never understand mean people. I just don't get it. I know there are a lot of mean people out there that do a lot of mean things. I mean, I do have some grasp of reality. But, in my head, I just don't understand it.
Yes, these two things go hand in hand. Which leads me to... How do these trouble makers keep finding me. Every time things start getting better for me or our family, something or someone comes along and messes it all up again. Now, I understand that we are here to be tried and tested. Some days, though, I just feel like my life is just a big failure, and that there is no way to past the test. Thankfully, I have three wonderful miracles that keep me sane and grounded.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Round 2
I'm feeling like a bad mom today. Big bummer!
I've known that Nick hasn't been quite up to par, but honestly, I thought he was just wanting some extra attention since Zack has been getting it due to Zack being very sick. **Note to self: Paying attention to ALL children is VERY important!!**
Anyway, I came to the conclusion that it's not just attention seeking on Sunday night. First off, Nick didn't want to eat... big shocker. He's not been eating well for a long while now. He got so upset that he ended up loosing part of his dinner to the trash can. So, and here's the bad mom part, I was frustrated and cleaned him up and let him just go to bed. Well, about 1:30 that night, I woke up to the sound of him going potty. Went to check on him and he was running a 102 fever. Great. The next morning he was still feverish, so he had to miss his Valentines party at school, and we headed to the doctors office. Poor thing. Turns out he has a red and slightly swollen right ear and throat, due to all the sinus drainage that he's been having. So she prescribes him a med for his ear, a med for his throat, and a med for the puking. Worst mom ever!!!
He is feeling some better today. Since nothing he has is contagious, and he's not running a fever last night or this morning, I sent him back to school. With the meds last night, he ate all of his dinner and it stayed down. He ate pretty well this morning and seems to be doing ok. He was very excited to return to school, and VERY bummed he had to miss his party. He tried and tried to convince me yesterday that he's ok to go to school. At least I didn't give in...
On the up side, she checked Zack's ears and they are clear. Just a little red still from how bad they are, but she said he should be good. And she looked at Beth and said to just keep doing what we're doing. Both Zack and Beth seem to be back to normal except for just a very little stuffies. Both are eating well, and full of energy.
In other news, PawPaw did great with surgery on Friday, and him and Nana are back home. The doctor expects no issues and is thinking his 2 six inch incisions should heal fine. I talked to him again last night, and he is in good spirits, and says he feels fine just a little sore. Not the cramping pain like he's been having. So all that sound good. I will be headed down on Friday and check him out for myself! :)
I've known that Nick hasn't been quite up to par, but honestly, I thought he was just wanting some extra attention since Zack has been getting it due to Zack being very sick. **Note to self: Paying attention to ALL children is VERY important!!**
Anyway, I came to the conclusion that it's not just attention seeking on Sunday night. First off, Nick didn't want to eat... big shocker. He's not been eating well for a long while now. He got so upset that he ended up loosing part of his dinner to the trash can. So, and here's the bad mom part, I was frustrated and cleaned him up and let him just go to bed. Well, about 1:30 that night, I woke up to the sound of him going potty. Went to check on him and he was running a 102 fever. Great. The next morning he was still feverish, so he had to miss his Valentines party at school, and we headed to the doctors office. Poor thing. Turns out he has a red and slightly swollen right ear and throat, due to all the sinus drainage that he's been having. So she prescribes him a med for his ear, a med for his throat, and a med for the puking. Worst mom ever!!!
He is feeling some better today. Since nothing he has is contagious, and he's not running a fever last night or this morning, I sent him back to school. With the meds last night, he ate all of his dinner and it stayed down. He ate pretty well this morning and seems to be doing ok. He was very excited to return to school, and VERY bummed he had to miss his party. He tried and tried to convince me yesterday that he's ok to go to school. At least I didn't give in...
On the up side, she checked Zack's ears and they are clear. Just a little red still from how bad they are, but she said he should be good. And she looked at Beth and said to just keep doing what we're doing. Both Zack and Beth seem to be back to normal except for just a very little stuffies. Both are eating well, and full of energy.
In other news, PawPaw did great with surgery on Friday, and him and Nana are back home. The doctor expects no issues and is thinking his 2 six inch incisions should heal fine. I talked to him again last night, and he is in good spirits, and says he feels fine just a little sore. Not the cramping pain like he's been having. So all that sound good. I will be headed down on Friday and check him out for myself! :)
Friday, February 11, 2011
Goings on...
Well, I think we are finally on the mend. Zack has been keeping his meds down since Sunday. He seems to be, finally, getting better. His cough is almost gone, and his appetite has returned.
I am still struggling with Nick at every meal to eat. I've concluded that he's not sick, he's just a pain. I just don't know what to do with that kid!
Beth is back to her Little Miss Piggy eating habits. She's still got a cough, but it's making progress. Well, as long as I remember to turn the humidifier on.
I am feeling better as well. Not sure what I did to my back last weekend, but sooo glad it's feeling better. My neck is still a little sore, but I will take that over the huge back pain. Unfortunately, our chiropractor was sick this week, so we missed our appointment. Big bummer!
Today was shopping day. Not many things on sale that we would use this week.... Except PASTA!!! Yay! I ended up getting 8 boxes of Ronzoni pasta for .25 each. (All 8 cost me the price of 1 regular price!)
In other news, PawPaw is having surgery on his leg again today. He's blocked at the knee and ankle. He's having it done in Ardmore, so hopefully they will take better care of him there. I feel like I'm having de ja vu. I'm just hoping and praying that the outcome will be better. I'll keep ya posted on his progress as I get news.
I am still struggling with Nick at every meal to eat. I've concluded that he's not sick, he's just a pain. I just don't know what to do with that kid!
Beth is back to her Little Miss Piggy eating habits. She's still got a cough, but it's making progress. Well, as long as I remember to turn the humidifier on.
I am feeling better as well. Not sure what I did to my back last weekend, but sooo glad it's feeling better. My neck is still a little sore, but I will take that over the huge back pain. Unfortunately, our chiropractor was sick this week, so we missed our appointment. Big bummer!
Today was shopping day. Not many things on sale that we would use this week.... Except PASTA!!! Yay! I ended up getting 8 boxes of Ronzoni pasta for .25 each. (All 8 cost me the price of 1 regular price!)
In other news, PawPaw is having surgery on his leg again today. He's blocked at the knee and ankle. He's having it done in Ardmore, so hopefully they will take better care of him there. I feel like I'm having de ja vu. I'm just hoping and praying that the outcome will be better. I'll keep ya posted on his progress as I get news.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Sickness Continues
Part of our house is finally doing better. Nick seems back to normal. He went to school on Friday, and seems to be his normal wild self. I've decided this not eating thing is a stage he's at. And, even though it's very annoying, at least he is eating more than when he was sick. I asked him last night if he knew what happens to kids that don't eat. Upon is "no" answer, I told him that kids that don't eat have to go to the doctor and get shots in their bum. At least he ate the rest of his dinner...
Beth is somewhat better as well. Her stuffies are almost gone, and she's not running a fever anymore. I did spot two more white spots last night in her mouth. So, I think her not nursing much is due to teething. I am really hoping she gets back to nursing normally, though, because 10 months is to early for her to quit. She also has new bruises on her forehead, that I have no idea where they came from. So mysterious. She doesn't have sensitive skin like the boys, but looks like she will bruise easily like me. Poor kid.
As for Zack, he is some better. He is eating better, but not back to normal yet. He is hearing better though, and his ears have almost quit draining. He doesn't like his prescription meds, though, and we are having a rough time keeping them down. I'm going to try some new ideas today, and if that doesn't work, I'm calling the drs office tomorrow, and getting a new prescription. He's not running a fever anymore, either, so at least he's making improvements.
As for me, I am running on very little sleep and am very tired. Adam left Friday night and has no idea of when he will be back. Thanks to the weather, they are very behind, and are staying in hotels close to the job to try and make up time. UGH! To top it off, at some point in all my cleaning and disinfecting from all the sickness yesterday, I hurt my back. I woke up this morning, and can hardly bend at all. And when I do, it shoots pain up and down my back. Not good. So glad we are going to the chiropractor tomorrow. Also glad today is Sunday, so we will be staying home and resting. Just have to figure out something easy to make for dinner now...
Beth is somewhat better as well. Her stuffies are almost gone, and she's not running a fever anymore. I did spot two more white spots last night in her mouth. So, I think her not nursing much is due to teething. I am really hoping she gets back to nursing normally, though, because 10 months is to early for her to quit. She also has new bruises on her forehead, that I have no idea where they came from. So mysterious. She doesn't have sensitive skin like the boys, but looks like she will bruise easily like me. Poor kid.
As for Zack, he is some better. He is eating better, but not back to normal yet. He is hearing better though, and his ears have almost quit draining. He doesn't like his prescription meds, though, and we are having a rough time keeping them down. I'm going to try some new ideas today, and if that doesn't work, I'm calling the drs office tomorrow, and getting a new prescription. He's not running a fever anymore, either, so at least he's making improvements.
As for me, I am running on very little sleep and am very tired. Adam left Friday night and has no idea of when he will be back. Thanks to the weather, they are very behind, and are staying in hotels close to the job to try and make up time. UGH! To top it off, at some point in all my cleaning and disinfecting from all the sickness yesterday, I hurt my back. I woke up this morning, and can hardly bend at all. And when I do, it shoots pain up and down my back. Not good. So glad we are going to the chiropractor tomorrow. Also glad today is Sunday, so we will be staying home and resting. Just have to figure out something easy to make for dinner now...
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Sickness
Zack has been sick for a week. He started with an upset tummy and puking last Monday. Then the fever started on Wednesday. So, needless to say, it was a pretty miserable week for the little guy. His skin is so horribly dry, I feel so bad for him. I've been keeping him lubed and medicated, and finally, I think, yesterday is back to his normal self. Then today, he asked for seconds at lunch, so I know he is!
So, I was thinking yesterday that we were finally on the mend. Then last night, Nick woke up sick and puking. Ugh!! Finally got him back in bed, and he wakes up Zack who complains that his ear hurts. Really? (Zack hasn't complained anymore today about his ear, I just think he was sleeping on it and didn't like being woke up.) When the boys got up this morning, we realized that Nick is now running a fever. Man is that kid whinny when he's sick!
So, now I'm just crossing my fingers that they don't spread it to anyone else. The rest of us don't want it!! And, all of this would have been much easier if Zack would have just shared with his brother when he was first sick. Then they could have been sick together, and we'd all be well now. Rotten kids never share when we want them to...
So, I was thinking yesterday that we were finally on the mend. Then last night, Nick woke up sick and puking. Ugh!! Finally got him back in bed, and he wakes up Zack who complains that his ear hurts. Really? (Zack hasn't complained anymore today about his ear, I just think he was sleeping on it and didn't like being woke up.) When the boys got up this morning, we realized that Nick is now running a fever. Man is that kid whinny when he's sick!
So, now I'm just crossing my fingers that they don't spread it to anyone else. The rest of us don't want it!! And, all of this would have been much easier if Zack would have just shared with his brother when he was first sick. Then they could have been sick together, and we'd all be well now. Rotten kids never share when we want them to...
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Best Shopping yet!
Well, this week's shopping has turned out better than I thought.
Yesterday, I attempted K-Mart, again. Well, to make a long story short, I won't be shopping or attempting again. Ugh!! I guess they get to make up the rules as they go. Even though I had a copy of the coupon policy, they still wouldn't double my diaper coupons. So, I went to customer service and showed the Assistant Manager, and she said that it wasn't a double coupon day. But, she doesn't know when those days are, but they aren't having any of those days right now. After me pressing the issue, she finally gave me my money back for the coupons being doubled. (It didn't help my mood that Beth was screaming and Zack was ready to go either!)
But, today made up for all of yesterday's frustration. And affirmed my decision of ordering clipped coupons this week. I ended up with 30 cans of tomatoes for .02 each, 10 boxes of Minute Rice for .25 each, and 15 bags of frozen veggies for .33 each. Yay!!! I did get some other stuff, but those were my best deals. Oh, I did get a pound package of chicken fried steak for .07. I also ended up with 2 gallons of milk, some bananas and cheese, and a couple other odds and ends.
Are you ready for the grand total? Retail price was $149.86. I spent $31.72 out of pocket. A total of 79% savings! I am so very excited!!
Best week yet!!
Yesterday, I attempted K-Mart, again. Well, to make a long story short, I won't be shopping or attempting again. Ugh!! I guess they get to make up the rules as they go. Even though I had a copy of the coupon policy, they still wouldn't double my diaper coupons. So, I went to customer service and showed the Assistant Manager, and she said that it wasn't a double coupon day. But, she doesn't know when those days are, but they aren't having any of those days right now. After me pressing the issue, she finally gave me my money back for the coupons being doubled. (It didn't help my mood that Beth was screaming and Zack was ready to go either!)
But, today made up for all of yesterday's frustration. And affirmed my decision of ordering clipped coupons this week. I ended up with 30 cans of tomatoes for .02 each, 10 boxes of Minute Rice for .25 each, and 15 bags of frozen veggies for .33 each. Yay!!! I did get some other stuff, but those were my best deals. Oh, I did get a pound package of chicken fried steak for .07. I also ended up with 2 gallons of milk, some bananas and cheese, and a couple other odds and ends.
Are you ready for the grand total? Retail price was $149.86. I spent $31.72 out of pocket. A total of 79% savings! I am so very excited!!
Best week yet!!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
New Couponing Territory
As many of you know, I started couponing about 5 months ago. We've now cut our grocery/shopping budget to a third of what it was. All this time, I've been sticking to this good advice that I was given when I first started of never paying for coupons. Well, today, I bought coupons from a clipping service for the first time.
I know, I know... what was I thinking?! Well, my thoughts were this: Pay $4 for coupons that I will use this week, and that includes shipping charges, and get over $100 of groceries for the week. So, I'm going to try this out. If it all works out, I will be getting 30 cans of tomatoes for .02 each, 15 frozen veggies for .33 each, and 20 Minute Rice for .25 each.
I'll post either Friday night or Saturday with the results. We shall see if this is worth it...
Also found some interesting information about K-Mart. Did anyone know that they double ALL coupons up to $2, on a purchase of $25 or more?! They have diapers and cereal on sale this week, so I'm going to be trying this out either Friday or Saturday as well. So excited! I'll keep ya posted!
To be continued...
I know, I know... what was I thinking?! Well, my thoughts were this: Pay $4 for coupons that I will use this week, and that includes shipping charges, and get over $100 of groceries for the week. So, I'm going to try this out. If it all works out, I will be getting 30 cans of tomatoes for .02 each, 15 frozen veggies for .33 each, and 20 Minute Rice for .25 each.
I'll post either Friday night or Saturday with the results. We shall see if this is worth it...
Also found some interesting information about K-Mart. Did anyone know that they double ALL coupons up to $2, on a purchase of $25 or more?! They have diapers and cereal on sale this week, so I'm going to be trying this out either Friday or Saturday as well. So excited! I'll keep ya posted!
To be continued...
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Better Outlook
It's amazing what a good night's sleep can do.
Feeling much better today. Still don't have an answer. However, I woke up this morning with a much better outlook on life. And, no matter what is in store for me, I think I am ready for whatever way the wind blows.
Also, I'm sorry for causing so much concern from yesterday's post. All it was, was me having a bad day and getting out some much frustration. I want everyone to know how sorry I am, and how much better I am today!
I love you all!!
Feeling much better today. Still don't have an answer. However, I woke up this morning with a much better outlook on life. And, no matter what is in store for me, I think I am ready for whatever way the wind blows.
Also, I'm sorry for causing so much concern from yesterday's post. All it was, was me having a bad day and getting out some much frustration. I want everyone to know how sorry I am, and how much better I am today!
I love you all!!
Monday, January 24, 2011
In a funk
I'm having a rough day, so I decided to vent my feelings on here. Maybe not the best outlet, but here we go anyway.
So, I am at a crossroads in my life. And, for the first time, ever, I don't really know what to do. There are two paths to choose from, and I am so conflicted inside, I could just scream.
One the one hand, I could go down one way, and maybe survive. But the thought of that path makes me scared. It's scary trying something new.
On the other hand, I could go the other way, and the thought of that makes me sick to my stomach. Absolutely ill.
So, how do you choose? I really don't have an answer yet. And, for now, writing it out on here is my only outlet. But, I know through prayer and turning my problem over to Heavenly Father, I will come to the right answer for me. As scary as it might be.
So, I am at a crossroads in my life. And, for the first time, ever, I don't really know what to do. There are two paths to choose from, and I am so conflicted inside, I could just scream.
One the one hand, I could go down one way, and maybe survive. But the thought of that path makes me scared. It's scary trying something new.
On the other hand, I could go the other way, and the thought of that makes me sick to my stomach. Absolutely ill.
So, how do you choose? I really don't have an answer yet. And, for now, writing it out on here is my only outlet. But, I know through prayer and turning my problem over to Heavenly Father, I will come to the right answer for me. As scary as it might be.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
2011 Goals
I've been reflecting on the last year, and looking toward this year, and have decided to actually put my thoughts and plans for the new year out there. Then, maybe, I can be more accountable for the things I want to get done.
First off, I am really hoping to blog and get my thoughts written out more often. I'd love to do this multiple times a week, but for now I am shooting for once a week. Along with this goal, I am also hoping to get caught up to date with my scrap booking, at least digitally. As of right now, I have finished putting together the boy's baby books and 2009 family scrapbook. So, I still need to do Beth's baby book and 2010 family. If I can get this accomplished, I am hoping to get a handle on all the paper pictures and stuff that need to go in physical scrapbooks. This is a much bigger task, and right now seems unrealistic. So, we shall see.
Another craft project that I really want to accomplish this year is the jean quilt. Adam has had this small piece of one since before we were married. I've been promising him ever since that I would finish it. We have plenty of old jeans to do it, just need to find the motivation to get it done.
Another thing I want to do this year is go through all the cooking magazines I have and pick a new recipe to try each week. If it is a keeper, I will write it in my cookbook, if not, it goes in the trash. I am hoping this will declutter the cookbook shelf on our china hutch, as well as put some new ideas in for dinner etc.
My last two goals for this year go hand in hand. I am hoping to pay off the last of our "small" debt. This is a biggie for me, and it will include our student loans, hospital bills, and a couple other little items from the old business and such. I'm not going to post what the total is, but it's a good chunk. Along with this big weighing task, I am hoping to save up to do two good vacations this year. One to Branson and the other to Idaho. With our truck being paid off, finally, and Adam's job bonuses the last two months, we are making progress toward both of these financial goals. (That, and me cutting our budget to the near minimum!)
Well, I think that is it! I will post my progress as we continue working on this list of activities/goals. Do any of you have big plans for the new year?
First off, I am really hoping to blog and get my thoughts written out more often. I'd love to do this multiple times a week, but for now I am shooting for once a week. Along with this goal, I am also hoping to get caught up to date with my scrap booking, at least digitally. As of right now, I have finished putting together the boy's baby books and 2009 family scrapbook. So, I still need to do Beth's baby book and 2010 family. If I can get this accomplished, I am hoping to get a handle on all the paper pictures and stuff that need to go in physical scrapbooks. This is a much bigger task, and right now seems unrealistic. So, we shall see.
Another craft project that I really want to accomplish this year is the jean quilt. Adam has had this small piece of one since before we were married. I've been promising him ever since that I would finish it. We have plenty of old jeans to do it, just need to find the motivation to get it done.
Another thing I want to do this year is go through all the cooking magazines I have and pick a new recipe to try each week. If it is a keeper, I will write it in my cookbook, if not, it goes in the trash. I am hoping this will declutter the cookbook shelf on our china hutch, as well as put some new ideas in for dinner etc.
My last two goals for this year go hand in hand. I am hoping to pay off the last of our "small" debt. This is a biggie for me, and it will include our student loans, hospital bills, and a couple other little items from the old business and such. I'm not going to post what the total is, but it's a good chunk. Along with this big weighing task, I am hoping to save up to do two good vacations this year. One to Branson and the other to Idaho. With our truck being paid off, finally, and Adam's job bonuses the last two months, we are making progress toward both of these financial goals. (That, and me cutting our budget to the near minimum!)
Well, I think that is it! I will post my progress as we continue working on this list of activities/goals. Do any of you have big plans for the new year?
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
2010 Christmas letter
We hope this year’s letter is finding you and your family well.
Our house has been slower in some areas and busier in others this year. It seems, every time I think things are going to calm down and even out, something new happens. I guess that’s just life.
Adam is still working for Schlumberger in Elk City, so we’ve had no moves this year. Yea! He goes on spurts where he is home almost every night, then goes several weeks where we don’t hardly see him. However, I am still so thankful that we get to see him as much as we do. It is sooo much better than him driving truck.
I (Amber) still love being at home with the kids. They fill my days, and I am never bored. We seem to always have something or another going on, and I love every minute of it… well, most of the time, anyway. One of the highlights for me this past year was being sealed in the Oklahoma City Temple in January. It was a wonderful event for our family, and I am very grateful for all the prayers from our friends and family to help this happen.
Nick turned 5 this year. He started Pre-K in August, and absolutely loves it. His teacher, at parent teacher conference, says that he is at the head of his class, and in October already knew the rest of the year’s curriculum. She has been working with him on his letters to get ready to read for next year. I just hope he has a good teacher next year, and isn’t bored. He was very confused at the beginning of school, wondering why he couldn’t have homework. So, I fixed him, and we do “homework” several times a week now. I must admit, I have a mini-me. I just hope he continues to like school and continues to do well. Time will tell…
Zack is 3, and getting to be quite the big boy. He wears size 5 clothes, and is nearly as tall as Nick. He loves that brother goes to school, and loves the
one-on-one time that him and I get nearly every day. He is his little sister’s biggest protector, and is in her hip pocket at her every waking moment. He is the most loving little boy I’ve ever known, but it can flip on the drop of a dime. We are still working on getting him to verbally express his emotions, because he holds a lot in. Hmmm… sounds like someone else I know.
Beth joined our family in April. She made it just a few minutes before midnight on the 12th. She was four weeks early and weighed 5 pounds 12 oz. She is growing fast, though, and will be 9 months old this month. Seems like they grow faster and faster. She is, by far, the busiest child of the three, and is army crawling wherever she wants to go. It won’t be long and she will be crawling on all fours. She loves to growl, eat, and play with her brothers.
We were very fortunate to be able to travel this year. We made trips to Fort Worth, Colorado, Utah, and Idaho, all to visit with family that we’ve missed terribly. It was wonderful getting to see everyone, and we look forward to being able to travel again soon.
Two other exciting events for my extended family were my grandparent’s 50th wedding anniversary this year and my little cousin, Brandon, getting married. On the flip side of that, my great Granny passed away this summer, and she will be greatly missed. And we also lost our first furry baby, Shadow, to the heat this summer. Snoopy, along with the rest of us, really misses him.
I think that is all the highlights of our 2010. We hope that each and every one of you are doing well, enjoyed your holidays, and have a wonderful 2011.
Love,
Adam, Amber, Nick, Zack, and Beth
Our house has been slower in some areas and busier in others this year. It seems, every time I think things are going to calm down and even out, something new happens. I guess that’s just life.
Adam is still working for Schlumberger in Elk City, so we’ve had no moves this year. Yea! He goes on spurts where he is home almost every night, then goes several weeks where we don’t hardly see him. However, I am still so thankful that we get to see him as much as we do. It is sooo much better than him driving truck.
I (Amber) still love being at home with the kids. They fill my days, and I am never bored. We seem to always have something or another going on, and I love every minute of it… well, most of the time, anyway. One of the highlights for me this past year was being sealed in the Oklahoma City Temple in January. It was a wonderful event for our family, and I am very grateful for all the prayers from our friends and family to help this happen.
Nick turned 5 this year. He started Pre-K in August, and absolutely loves it. His teacher, at parent teacher conference, says that he is at the head of his class, and in October already knew the rest of the year’s curriculum. She has been working with him on his letters to get ready to read for next year. I just hope he has a good teacher next year, and isn’t bored. He was very confused at the beginning of school, wondering why he couldn’t have homework. So, I fixed him, and we do “homework” several times a week now. I must admit, I have a mini-me. I just hope he continues to like school and continues to do well. Time will tell…
Zack is 3, and getting to be quite the big boy. He wears size 5 clothes, and is nearly as tall as Nick. He loves that brother goes to school, and loves the
one-on-one time that him and I get nearly every day. He is his little sister’s biggest protector, and is in her hip pocket at her every waking moment. He is the most loving little boy I’ve ever known, but it can flip on the drop of a dime. We are still working on getting him to verbally express his emotions, because he holds a lot in. Hmmm… sounds like someone else I know.
Beth joined our family in April. She made it just a few minutes before midnight on the 12th. She was four weeks early and weighed 5 pounds 12 oz. She is growing fast, though, and will be 9 months old this month. Seems like they grow faster and faster. She is, by far, the busiest child of the three, and is army crawling wherever she wants to go. It won’t be long and she will be crawling on all fours. She loves to growl, eat, and play with her brothers.
We were very fortunate to be able to travel this year. We made trips to Fort Worth, Colorado, Utah, and Idaho, all to visit with family that we’ve missed terribly. It was wonderful getting to see everyone, and we look forward to being able to travel again soon.
Two other exciting events for my extended family were my grandparent’s 50th wedding anniversary this year and my little cousin, Brandon, getting married. On the flip side of that, my great Granny passed away this summer, and she will be greatly missed. And we also lost our first furry baby, Shadow, to the heat this summer. Snoopy, along with the rest of us, really misses him.
I think that is all the highlights of our 2010. We hope that each and every one of you are doing well, enjoyed your holidays, and have a wonderful 2011.
Love,
Adam, Amber, Nick, Zack, and Beth
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