Couponing

So we are starting to coupon again, we were slacking for a while at the end of last year. I have re-established our binder and have been keeping up with our newspapers coupons, which the last coupon of months, sometimes they just sat on the counter until they were expired. So we are getting a start on that. I am looking for websites to help with couponing and sales. What is your favorite website(s) for couponing??

My Mouth Just Farted!!

From our 3 year old. Whenever Ava burps now she says ‘Excuse me, my mouth just farted!” with a big grin on her face.

This girl is saying some pretty funny things. I am trying to write them down so she has them when she is older. Her way of thinking is cracking me up.

The Get out of Debt Project

So we are starting 2013 with a Get Out of Debt Plan. We hope to be debt free in a few years, its all in time. We did not get into debt over night and there’s no way we are going to get out of it over night.

But we are making a lot of changes and doing different things different ways to try to help us. As we set up these projects and different ways, I will be sharing what we are doing and how it’s working and if it works for us.

Our first plan is to use cash when possible and stop relying on our debit cards. They are too easy. So I am working on money envelopes to help us with the items we can pay cash for and start there. I still plan on paying bills online however eating out, misc buys, groceries, and other items will now be cash only items. If we are out and decide we want to eat out, if I don’t have the envelope on me for this, we are not going to do it.

Our second plan is to use our extra income, our 2nd jobs to go towards debt instead of our 'extras' like we have been. We have been using money from our account and our 2nd jobs for our 'wants', that’s time to stop. We have to start using this extra income as a way to help our debt ratio. So now when 31 commissions come in we will be putting it towards a credit card or unexpected bill that comes in.

Getting into this mind set will be huge for me. I was never really raised on a budget because my family like many lived week to week and paid what they could but always made sure we had food and shelter. There was no extra money to do much or buy much. When we did have a little extra, we spent it on what we wanted. I want to put that little extra towards something to get it gone and done, out of our debt spreadsheet.

I have the snowball spreadsheet on the computer, just need to plug everything in. I have different worksheets to keep us on track and of course I want to make up those money envelopes to help us.

We have no kids on formula and only one in diapers so our baby cost has gone way down than it was a year ago. We are getting closer to getting a few things paid off and we can see the light but its going to take a lot of hard work on our part.

We cannot wait to get to the point where we can begin working on our 'wants'. We have so many projects we would love to do but are waiting until the debt is gone before focusing on the other stuff. Hoping this new venture gets off the ground running and continues to make good habits for me, Kenny and the girls.  

Heartbroken again…

Ugh…
Yesterday I gave up all my baby clothes to another little itty bitty baby that was born this past October. Baby Jolynn is at Ava and Hailey’s daycare and her mother had asked if I had any clothes for handmedowns. WELL YEEEESSS!!!

I have been fortunate enough to be given awesome high qualify handmedowns and also the things that I had bought for the girls. I have been talking about going through the girls clothes for months now, one because I didn’t have the time and two, because I knew I would be emotional with it. Its just another baby thing out of our house.  Another reminder of no more newborns.

It took a lot on Saturday to throw everything into the bags and look through to see what I wanted to keep for them. I kept their Easter dresses Aunt Gail have bought them and Christmas dresses plus a few special outfits like their coming home from the hospital and certain favorite cute ones I put them in.

Tuesday morning, Kenny loaded all 5 bags into my trunk and I dropped them off with the girls at Vickies house. I have 3 empty totes now, ready for size 4, 5, and 6 handmedowns or bargains that I catch at the end of seasons.

But its done. Hailey is in 18 months for winter, will probably be in 2T by summer and as she grows out of things, I will be passing them on to who needs them in our circle of friends with little ones or to baby Jolynn.

I know next time it will be a little easier. Adjusting to having 2 toddlers and no more little baby will be fixed soon enough when there are a lot of little babies around to hug and snuggle. There are like 4 people due in the spring. I will get all my little baby snuggles then.

We have so much coming up that I know one day I will be thankful to be out of the baby stage and not worrying about nap times or diapers. One day….

Until then, my heart will tug just a little as I watch my two little girls grow so fast.

Its the Middle of the 1st Month of 2013

Can you believe it’s already the middle of the month? Seriously where does the time go?? I feel like my girls are growing too fast and right in front of my eyes. They are learning so much so quickly. Our family has been down for the count since Christmas, the flu bug, coughs, runny noses, and attitudes have plagued our home.

I wish I could slow down time and just watch them in one space doing one action, but they move so fast. One minute we are watching cartoons, then its reading books, then off to play a game, then we have to let the puppy back in. Next thing you know its bed time and we are waking up doing it all over again.

I had wanted to post to this blog every day this year. Something personal along with the giveaways. This the 15^th is my first post from my hands. I hope to get better; I worked out a little ‘schedule’ last night and think I am going to try to keep that. There are a few things I would like to achieve. I think I can do it. I don’t like saying ‘I can’t’ I don’t even let my kids say that phrase. They can ask for help or find another way of doing it but I can’t isn’t something that I want to hear.

So the 2^nd part of this 1^st month of 2013 I am going to start a new routine, along with the wonderful giveaways that I get to help promote, I will be blogging about my family, goals, Thirty One, and different projects in the house. We have so many we would like to accomplish this year to get the house in tip top shape in case we would decide we would like to sell. We have been waffling back and forth on this decision. We like the house but it isn’t the house we had planned on being in forever. We have land; we would love to build but to do that we must pay of debt. Debt free….another long project in the making but I think we finally have a system that will change all of that. I am slowly decorating the house to the way I want it, with the use of Thirty One Commission---I love my extra job!!

Thirty One is doing awesome, you may be tired of hearing about it, but what other company gives you $700 of free items for just going and having a good time with friends and family. I am so thankful I became this business and cannot wait to share more with you as the time comes. I am working on a few giveaways and a few items to be raffled off. I would love to build my business throughout the country!! Know anyone that wants to join? I am continuing my Enrollment Kit Rebate, qualify in your first 45 days ($1000 in sales) and I will refund your $99 for joining. I try to take care of my customers the way I would want to be treated and try to bend over backwards to make them happy.

The girls are doing awesome at 3 years and 15 months I couldn’t ask for better kids. They are my world. My husband well the longer we are together, the better we become. Our relationship just becomes stronger as time goes on. Our family time is getting easier since we have no bottles and one out of diapers. It’s easier to go do things on a fly, easier to go to places without a big bag full of stuff, and nap times are pretty consistent.

So here’s to another year. Another year of sharing our little lives with others. Another year of taking care of family. Another year of fun filled packed drama with screams, crying, and laughter. If my house is quiet, it means someone is usually up to something.

It’s the 15^th, have you started your New Year’s Resolutions?? Have you already quit? Have you put them on the back burner until you are ready for them?

2012, a great busy year...more to come in 2013

This year has been nuts and busy. Its like it flew by with little time to focus on a lot of worry. This year was certainly a lot calmer than 2011. I say this because there was no big job drama, no baby on the way, no anxiety attacks, and no babysitter drama.

The girls have been with Vicki since January 3rd, they are loving life. They are busy everyday with the other couple of kids that are there. We have celebrated birthdays, holidays, been there for the passing of Grandma, and connected with family again. They are learning to socialize, share, pretend play, and take care of others.

Kennys schedule was nice and easy until this fall when he ventured into adjuct teaching for our community college. Life got busy and we went a lot of weeks with a little bit of time together. That job is now done and he has been home a lot more. The girls are enjoying the time and playing with him. He still has other jobs on the books but nothing as time consuming as the teaching.

In February I began a career with Thirty One Gifts, this company has been amazing to work for. They really take care of their independent consultants and directors. In September I promoted to Senior Consultant. Having a little team is amazing. I love being a sponsor to these ladies. I am currently running a promotion, that if you join my team and qualify with $1000 in sales in your first 45 days I will rebate your enrollment fee.

In July, the girls went to the beach for the first time. The beach wasnt exactly their favorite part, the sand and waves was too much for their little bodies. But they loved the water in the pool, we have waterbugs thats for sure. Ava was out in it everyday, they loved being spoiled all week by us and their Aunt and Uncles. It was nice having extra help, having Erika there really helped, being able to spend time with another mom and go to the bathroom while the kids are entertained and not on my lap was awesome. We dont see the beach in our near future, not until they are old enough to enjoy it, but we will absolutely be going somewhere that we can be in the water.

In August Ava became Potty TRAINED!!!!!  She did it all on her own time and no fighting about it. She was in pull ups over night for about 3 weeks then declared she was a big girl and didnt need them either. I am so proud of her. She still after 4 months gets excited that she goes to the potty and we still praise her every time.

Also in August, we got another WALKER!!! She tried and tried forever. We really thought while we were on vacation she would be walking at 8 months but she waited until she was 9 months. So both girls became walkers at 9 months and during the summer. Hailey was so proud of herself and has been on the go since. Now she is our climber, runner, and all over the place. She loves to dance, loves music, and almost always has a smile on her face.

At 14 months she is doing so much. She is saying 'momma', 'dadda', 'A' for Ava, "ice", 'ash', "please', 'out', 'up' not much but its coming. There are a lot of times she gibbers and it sounds like something. We have thought we have heard 'kathie', 'be right back', 'more', 'sorry', 'ouch'. She understands alot so I am not worried about development. If I tell her directions, she does exactly what shes told, most of the time. As much as a toddler really listens.

Ava turned 3 in September. Wow do we really have a 3 year old? I know I will probably be saying this every year but it amazes me how far more developed she is this year than last. And God Bless her 3s are a lot worse than 2s. Her attitude, understanding, stubborness, and all around character are much different than last year. She has a lot of good moments, she is starting to learn how to play games, we are reading books every day, she is learning her numbers, colors, and shapes.

This year we welcomed another sister in law, Jamie, married Kennys brother. Along with her we received 2 nephews. Adyn and Brantlee. It is so much fun having boys to buy for and in the family. Adyn and Ava get along and fight as much as brother and sister. Their ages dont help matters either. A stubborn 3 and 5 year old. Love that our family is growing and since Jamie has moved here we have been able to get to know each other a little better and spend some time together.

We also found out my other sister in law is expecting this spring in 2013. So there will be 6 little ones around this time next year for the holidays.

My mother got married (4th and final time, fingers crossed). The man she married, I cannot refer to as a Step-Father, he's the girls "Pap". I dont like the term 'Step' with him. He's more than that. He isnt my father but hes so much more a part of the family. He helps my mother with the girls when they are there, he calls to check on them, he misses them, he is their grandparent. He is more of a grandparent marrying into the family than I think some biological grandparents are. He is involved in everything they do. If they are sick, he and Mom want to check on them, bring them what they need if I cant get out, and helps out anytime he can.

Emily, my niece began Kindergarten. When she got old enough to be allowed to go to school is beyond me. I still see her as teh little itty girl that Jess brought home from the hospital. She is learnign so much, she is writing everything she can, she is learning songs, and shows us something new everytime we see her.

We have had some lows this past summer into the fall. The lows are really not important compared to all the highs. The love of our family and the support of all our family members and friends around us make the lows obsolete. They dont make us who we are and they do not affect our daily lives.

Waiting on 2013 and all the fun that it is to bring. As I said last year, resolutions really arent my thing, but I do have a few wishes for us and the girls.

I wish for more time with their grandparents. Ava is understanding more and being taught things by their grandparents are important. Spending time with people other than Mom and Dad is important. Ava has always loved spending time with her grandparents and Hailey is beginning to enjoy it also.

I wish for more date nights with my husband. Now that the girls are older and more independent, staying with family or friends for an evening will be easier so Kenny and I can make sure to focus on us a little.

I wish for healthy and happy kids. I dont like them being stressed for reasons that are unnecessary. I dont like them being sick. I  know I cant prevent these things but I can help by just being here for them.

I wish for more time with their friends. Now that I am not a zombie because of no sleep with a little one. My toddler (god, she is a toddler, no longer a baby) is finally sleeping better. I cant wait until its warm out and the girls and their friends can play outside and mingle.

I wish for more successful nights with Aunts and Grandparents and maybe beginning some sleep overs for Ava. My sisters and I spent the night with my nanny, Aunt Jenny, and Mamaw, we learned to go by others rules, sleep in others beds, and enjoy time away from our parents. Ava has been spending the night with my mom since she was 4 months old. Hailey is a horrible sleepover guest, waiting mommy so I hope she gets better. My nieces are old enough to stay here and let their parents enjoy a free night. A house full of kids is nice and love hearing the chatter, laughter, and arguing.

I wish for success at my job. I was recently passed up for a grade raise, the hiring system is just confusing, no answers for why, and just weird. However I cannot let that get me down. I have to keep doing what I do best and keep my head up. I have always worked hard and I am not going to stop now.

I wish for more family time and activities. I hope we go on more mini vacations, more activities for the girls to be busy on the weekends, and do more with our sisters/brothers and their families.

2013 is sure to keep us on our toes.

Our new pup "Kathie"

So we finally got our puppy. We have been searching for months for a dog that would be a good fit for the family. The girls ages, we wanted a puppy but with Kenny's schedule I really wanted a little puppy that was already house broken.

So we hit up petfinder.com and looked at what was available.

We came acrossed Kathie and filled out an application. She was a part of "IOTAM Animal Rescue" out of Martinsburg, WV. Kathie was actually with a 'foster' family while recovering from her past situation.

She is really the sweetest pup ever, letting Hailey climb all over her, Ava has be laying on her like a pillow, and she takes the noise, screaming, crying with stride. When she's outside and hears one of the girls upset, she is at the door barking to come in and make it all better. She has been here for almost a month and its like shes been here forever.




Hailey feeding her crushed ice, they share everything and anything Hailey is eating.


She lets the girls do just about anything to her. If she doesnt like it, she isnt mean about, she just moves out of the way or rolls over to get the off of her.


She is getting so much love from all of us but especially from the girls. They let her out every morning, give her treats, make sure she knows she's loved, and before we leave the house she gets hugs and kisses and told that they love her. At night, they let her out, give her a bone, then tell her good night before she goes to her bed. Ava has taken over a lot of the duties, making her she has food, water, and shes let out. Its been a good thing at her age, to show her some responsibility.



She is a spoiled pup already. She loves the girls plush princess couch. She uses it as a bed in the living room, napping and laying with the girls. Little does she know after Christmas that the girls will have new plush chairs from Santa and the couch will be all hers.