Introducing Griffin...

He's here!

Griffin Isaiah Valiant





Friday April 24th, 2009 7:55 am

6 pounds, 12 ounce, 19 1/2 inches

Please pray ...Griffin has unfortunately experienced some challenges much like what Jacob was born with (Called HMD) and will be in the NICU for an undefined amount of time (likely at least 4 days:-(...and I am having uncontrollable itching and feelings of fidgityness (new word;-).

I will update more soon but this needed to be quick;-)

I am trying to remain upbeat in spite of these set backs but honestly am dissappointed and seeking "why".

Here's my gorgeous boy (at least the newest one:-)

My wish for you...

A note from mommy to her soon to be born baby boy Griffin Isaiah Valiant.

Precious Griffin,

It's just hours before your arrival into the world...what a big place for you to get to explore as you grow. Right now I'm not thinking so much about your future-as in what you'll be when you grow up or who you'll marry. I'm much more focused on God's plan for you for today.

I can't wait to meet you.

I can't wait to see your precious baby face and precious baby hands and precious baby feet.

I can't wait to smell your precious baby skin.

I can't wait to see your daddy and brothers meet you.

I can't wait for others to meet you as well.

I can't imagine loving you more than I have along while you were growing inside me.

Griffin, I pray the Lord has BIG plans for you...I KNOW He loves you more than I can even fathom. I know He loves me more than anyone else on this earth does as well.

Nothing we can do can drive Him away and put a wedge in our relationship with Him. I pray it is this way between you and I as well.

The Lord has planned for you to be in our lives. You have a wonderful Daddy, Tim-who will play with you, read to you, and sing to you. He will even get you all riled up before bedtime and get you in to trouble;-) You also have 3 amazing brothers:
TJ is 9 1/2 and in the 3rd grade. He's so bright and caring. He's a reader. He loves to play leggos and explore outdoors. Jacob is 5 1/2 and will start Kindergarten in the fall. He's quite the spitfire. He looks up to TJ and wants to be bigger. Jacob has a big heart (and temper). He's a great helper to us too. Owen is 2 1/2. He's a handful...a sweet miracle little boy who rarely stops talking. He is SOOO observant. He's a little smartie pants and always on the go...but we don't quite think he understands who you are yet or how you will change (enhance) our family.

Well sweet baby, the cameras are waiting to shoot tons of photos. Our cell phones are charged to call everyone with an update on your arrival. In just 3 short hours, you should be in your daddy's arms...a safe bet is that neither of us will be able to see your precious face clearly through our streams of tears.

Griffin, you have been worth the wait. I'm sooooo excited to meet you.

Love and tight cuddles to you very soon,

Your mommy, Renay

PS While I was writing this to you, a song was playing called "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts...the lyrics follow...but I must say, my biggest wish for your life is that you Love the Lord early and choose paths in life that show others why He is the way.

I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow,
and each road leads you where you want to go,
and if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.
and if one door opens to another door closed,
I hope you keep on walkin' 'til you find the window,
if it's cold outside,
show the world the warmth of your smile,
but more than anything, more than anything,

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
and while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

I hope you never look back, but ya never forget,
all the ones who love you, in the place you left,
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,
and you help somebody every chance you get,
Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,
and always give more then you take.

But more than anything, Yeah, and more than anything,

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
and while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
and while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.
this is my wish
I hope you know somebody loves you
may all your dreams stay big
(Repeat)
(Chorus)

7 pounds

Above is a photo of Owen at 3 months of age- I posted he was 7 plus pounds here:

3 months old

Today the U/S technician said she is "guessing" Griffin will weigh 7 pounds. She has been spot on with her own kiddos within days of their births. I think he will be bigger...but don't care since his health is (of course) my primary goal.

I just went through bunches of pics of Owen at 7 pounds...wow...3 months old.

What an amazing kid he is.

All is on *plan* for Griffin's arrival Friday morning. Since Facebook is usually blocked by the hospital-you'll have to come "here" for first reports and photos. I doubt they'll allow my laptop in recovery, so it may be a few hours before there are posts (if you think I'm serious about recovery and the laptop thing, you may not know me as well as you think-my priority aside from having lots of photos snapped will be finally loving all over this baby. He's definitely been worth the wait-contrary to my "often" whiny posts;-).

Seriously.

I'm excited, nervous, scared, elated, etc. all bound in one "ready to go" momma.

Four boys...what a job promotion.

Say it isn't so...

What's Lafayette coming to? Read more here.

Sunday will be a bittersweet one:-( Sorry mom...will you ever visit me again?

Griffin's birthday weather forecast

From weather.com :

Friday
Apr 24


Partly Cloudy

81°-Hi
58°-Lo

Go figure. Our first 80 degree day (it's been rainy for 2 and is supposed to be tomorrow too) and I'll be having surgery.

Oh well. He's worth the wait and far supersedes a sunny spring day;-)

Tomorrow is my LAST MD appt, monitoring session and ultrasound-yippee!

Then, I get to start all over for Griffin's well-baby check-ups. And Owen has a 2 1/2 year check up coming. I have quite the list for the MD as Owen's small size and lack of catch up are always in the back of my mind-I'm not worried about him, I just want to make sure we are diligently caring for him and don't miss something since he's like the smartest and cutest 2 year old-a little bias maybe.

Just so ya know:

Bottles sterilized: check
Formula (at least some) on hand: check
Baby Clothes washed and ready: check
Baby blankets washed and ready: check
Cradle that Griffin probably won't sleep in: check
Diapers (probably worthless newborn sized;-): check
5000 diaper wipes: check, check

Am I forgetting anything? I think we are ready:-)

36 weeks and 36 dollars

I can't believe I didn't post my 36 week milestone on Thursday...it wasn't much to share. Then I had my non-stress test Friday which went South quickly and required yet another extensive (aka expensive) test via ultrasound. So, a Biophysical profile was done just to make sure Griffin is behaving. He passed the BPP but failed his NST, so the gist here is I'm still preggo, Griffey is hangin' out-oh, bottoms up now apparently. I was shocked to be told his big ole noggin is down again. I don't really have any clue what any of this means-likely due to already taking my ambien tonight and feeling quite loopy;-)

I am excited about the end in site...5 days to go. What a blessing and SCARY realization. I'm going to be a mommy again!

So, about the $36 ---I thought it fitting to share my $36 purchase from Kmart...if you hadn't heard, my Lafayette KMart is doubling coupons up to $2 (so if you have some high value q's...you can get some very good deals. Here's my finds pic:



I spent less than $1 per item (averaged out). As you can see from the photo, I have continued the baby wipe stock up. I also found the best deal on our type of laundry detergent. A huge percentage of my finds were entirely free. The checker even noticed that I only had one item that wasn't free (a cadbury egg after Easter deal I couldn't pass up ;-)

What you can't see but I highly recommend you go in for is a great card deal-they sell American Greetings and have in store Q's available-the coupon says $2 off 3 cards, but it will be doubled to $4 so it will be $4 off 3 cards-fun;-)

They weren't out of a ton of stuff yet and it was pretty slow when I was there. It was my first time using super doubles-but it was fun (and tiring).

I may go back for the card deal and a few others but otherwise, I think we are stocked up and ready for Griff's arrival. I nervous, scared, giddy, and all around feeling inadequate to be his mommy.

I hope you will be able to enjoy some delicious deals from double coupons from KMart this week;-)

Last minute disclaimer-remember, I am highly ambienized so i fear this is a lame post. no making fun or I'll cry even more;-(

Best money saving tip EVER...

Another one just for the ladies though...(not like any guys read my blog-except maybe my BIL Jason;-).

Ok, go to your favorite super center-you know, the kind that sell both groceries and clothes. What you do is go in, go to the "undergarments" section and grab some sports bras or even a bathing suit will do. Now go into the dressing room and try it/them on. Look in the ginormous 4 X 8 mirror under the ever so flattering fluorescent lighting. Alright-that should do it...now go shop for food...

If you are like me, you are guaranteed to buy less food (especially less treat type or snacky food;-).

In case you are wondering and since I am on a TMI kick, I went to Walmart (for a quick return) and while I was there, I decided to grab a new sports bra-but, I tried it on. So I didn't buy it. It was sad. Do you think the baby could weigh in around 70 pounds? I hope so but I'm seriously doubting it.

Weight watchers in 3 weeks anyone?

For ladies only...

I mean it fellas-this is your last chance to avoid reading about girl things...

MEGA find ALERT!!!!

Okay ladies, I know my blog isn't intended for things like coupons, deals, and samples, but some are too incredibly good not to share-so here goes...

I signed up about 2 weeks ago for a sample from BeingGirl.com

I don't remember how I heard about the sample so I can't even give a blogger credit, but here is what it said it includes:

Sign up now to get a free beinggirl Sample Kit. Just fill out the quick survey below to begin! Included in the kit are:2 Regular Tampax Pearl Tampons, 1 Lite Tampax Pearl Tampon, 1 Always Infinity Feminine Pad, 2 Always Pantiliners, and 1 Always Feminine Wipe.

Well, well, well...today my sample arrived-actually 2 complete samples and here is what was inside:



Now if you know me, you know the last thing I would talk about-and certainly not blog about is ones need for feminine hygiene products...however, and it's a biggie- can you see on the lower left hand of the picture-YES ladies, it's 2-count em' 2 coupons for "free happiness"-the new ALways Infinity 18 count package of pads. This is a huge value and frankly since I'm not a fan of pads (TMI, I am soooo aware) but must have them since I'm about to have a baby-well-you know;-)

So, head over to beinggirl.com for your mega sample of pads, liners and tampons plus coupons (even some coupons for tampons) and rejoice in being a girl!

BTW, when I signed up for this sample, I answered all the survey q's and such in less than 5 minutes and it ended with telling me I wasn't eligible for this sample-yet I received 2 so who knows:-)

It's the final countdown...

are you singing along with me?

10 days (or less)...

that's 1 MD appt and 1 more ultrasound and 2 more monitoring sessions!

wa-who!

Todays appt took an impressive record breaker of only 1 hour 20 minutes including MD exam, ultrasound and monitoring. Griffin is SOOOOO active:-)

I measured 38 weeks (mind you I'm 35 weeks 3 days) and my fluid levels remained steadily high.

So, this is kinda a boring update but Kara requested it.

I must share some awesome deals at Walgreens this week...

If you are not familiar with register rewards (RR), you must educate yourself on these precious babies.

The deals include:

Skintimate shave gel-free with RR
Colgate Max Fresh toothbrush-free with RR 9you can easily find a printable coupon online as well)
Scuunci (sp?) hair tie thingies-free with RR
Chapstick-free with RR
Also, if you are familiar with he easy saver rebate program, they have a rebate for a free ink refill plus many other great deals through 4-25 I think.


Also on tax day (April 15th) here are some deals for ya:
Cinnabon
TGIFridays

I have found many other great deals through my side bar blog links this week-have fun!

Missed 35 week update and Easter pics

I don't really know how I missed it...but I did miss it.

I guess at this point not much seems any different-well-formed baby getting bigger: check.

Well formed momma belly getter bigger: check.

Erratic emotions and hormones: check.

Baby in unknown but likely non-head down position: check.

Daily (sometimes twice daily) need for pepcid: check, check.

Just for more fun, my BIL Jason thinks he has the guess for Griffin game in the bag...so he took home his prize already-he was awarded with 2-yes 2 bottles of skintimate shave gel. If he doesn't turn out to be the winner, no worries, I still have tricks up my sleeves. You'll see his mug below and why shave gel was the perfect prize for him.

I delivered Jacob at 34 weeks and 5 days gestation. He weighed in at 5 pounds 13 ounces...so little Griffin here might not be so little. I am 35 weeks and 3 days today-the word is babies can gain 1/2 to one pound a week in the final few weeks. So, if I hold off until my c-section date and hit the 37 week mark, I'd guess Griffin will be at least 7 pounds and it won't surprise me if he's much more of a heffer;-)

I'm definitely in the fun stage of wondering if he'll have hair, if he'll look like his brothers, etc. But, I'm also in the not so fun continued state of concern...it's just a "I know too much about labor, delivery, and childbirth" deal but it can be a real downer.

Today I have my long appointments (super triple ugh)-with monitoring, an ultrasound, and seeing my MD. Too bad frequent flyer miles or something can't be rewarded for the number of hours spent in his office. I will update if there is anything worthy afterwards. I also have montoring on Friday. I will then see him for a long appt one last time next Tuesday and then it's D'day on the 24th...the end is so in sight-11 days!!!

Onto Easter:

It was a nice weekend. We had great weather and I had a house filled with family. I was spoiled with gifts for Griffin and little surprises and such all through the weekend. Owen's response to Easter was probably my highlight though-he loved hunting eggs and trying new flavors and textures...he was all about the peeps. "These are good, mom, mmmmmmm." he said with such clarity and sincerity. "Fank-you".

Here are random pics from the 2 days:















Hope you had a nice Easter as well.

PS my spelling/grammar checker was down so this is the best proofing I could do at 8am;-)

Update on Surgery Date

My c-section is actually scheduled for Friday April 24th at 7am...the countdown is on. This means I only have to survive through 2 more MD appts, 2 Ultrasounds to check the fluid level and 4 Non-stress tests to make sure Griffin's heart rate is in check...and I got a really awesome coupon for popcorn and soda at my local theater-things might just be looking up;-)

Update from the edge...

...the edge of sanity, that is.

Yesterday was fine. Most of today was fine as well...then I went back to the at this point dreaded medical office where I receive prenatal care. So, the highlights were that Griffin's heart rate is still dropping (called a decel) from time to time but I am being told "it's nothing to worry about" *read here do you even know me to ask me not to worry*. My fluid dropped from 25 to 17, but I'm not supposed to find concern there either. Oh and the big iciing on the cake news: Griffin is breech again. Now wonder contractions 3 minutes apart aren't doing squat...no pressure on your cervix makes it harder to dilate.

I was scheduled for a c-section on April 28th at 9am.

I am to go into this fine medical establishment *read hell on earth* twice a week until I deliver...oh joy. If anyone has some extra padding (for my walls) or straight jackets lying around, I could use them ASAP.

I am sliding down a slippery slope of being blessed to be still pregnant to fearing that one of these times the decels that are "ok" will be past "ok"...I'm quite distraught over it.

I know this is a downer post...but in my defense, I left out a lot of worse downer junk and just thought I should update everyone on the current plan (which is likely a waste of thinking through).

If I don't post again this week, I hope everyone has a very blessed Easter.

Home now...

I was released this am. I am going to nap now as last night wasn't "stellar" for sleep;-)

Hospital update

I believe I mentioned in the last post that all plans are made to be changed...

I was right.

I believe I'll be back to blogging from home tomorrow. Griffin's heart rate has been stellar for the past 36 plus hours so, knock on laminate flooring (closest thing to wood to me) I'll be released in the morning.

At first, I was very distraught over the thought of going home since there's no wonderful momitor to "show" that Griffin is ok, but afer a gloomy, poor me day, God has given me peace and reasoning.

I don't have much to say other than wanting to update everyone with this latest news. If you are praying, please pray that when Griffin comes, he is healthy and that while I spend my days waiting for his arrival at home that I would enjoy my final days or weeks of carrying him (vs being the stressed lunatic I was this am:-).

Peace.

April Fool? Or maybe not so much...34 weeks update.

Where to begin?

I am 34 weeks! Yay! The Ultrasound Wednesday morning showed Griffin to be 4 pounds 14 ounces. My fluid was high, but still normal and all seems to be fine with my gestational diabetes and blood pressure.

I woke up Wednesday morning (6am) contracting a way. I knew I was going to the MD's midmorning so I waited till my 9:30 appt. He confirmed that I was contracting but he decided at 34 weeks, with no obvious progression and me not needing pain medication, I would need to just tough it out-so we spent the day trying to keep me distracted.

Over the course of the day, the contractions were harder to be distracted from and eventually at 1am I could take no more (pain, no sleep=bad combo) so I went up to the hospital to be monitored and seeking something to help me relax a bit.

Griffin looked beautiful on the monitor, but I was indeed having 2-3 minute apart contractions-so I got some *good* meds and dozed a very little bit. The medicine wore off all too quickly and it was going again on 6am-no sleep in 24 hours plus lots of pain and concern=not a good combo.

So, my MD decided to give me a stronger shot that should induce sleep-hopefully 4 plus hours worth. I did get that delicious sleep I needed so badly and then thought I'd be released. But, as all plans are made to be changed, this plan of mine was not my MD's plan and he decided I should stay for another night of observation (boy, did I not see that coming). So, I surprisingly stayed through Thursday and thought that today, Friday, would be my day to finally head home...nope, not that plan either. Apparently, in the middle of the night while I was sleeping soundly (but on the monitor for Griffin), Griffin decided to get some attention for us. I had nurses in and out trying to change my positioning (to improve his heart rate) and I ended up with an IV...and being the L&D RN I am, I trended back thru the tracing to see lots of yucky decels in Grffin's heart rate and thus, I have felt very emotional over *ALL* of this. I've fought back tears since the wee hours of the morning. I have had specialized ultrasounds to confirm that Griffin is ok for the moment, but my MD is not comfortable sending me home...so the current plan is hospitalization until delivery and I could need a c-section at any moment...vaginal delivery is probably out of the equation now;-(

Anyway, the boys have come up to visit. I'm well stocked with some current Redbox titles. I'm sad and lonely yet comforted by close medical care. I've had lots of time to rest and think. I can't believe Griffin will be here so soon (I think:-).

So, that's my post about feeling like an "April fool" but apparently I wasn't and God has been the great physician protecting Griffin and I all along.

I can check comments and email from my hospital room but don't have my phone charger. Please pray for Tim as he's unexpectedly now Mr. Mom and Dad, etc for who knows how long.

Here's my happy picture (s) right now:

A special gift and clumsy me (again)...

Look what I was blessed with today:




Isn't it precious? My wonderful friend and coworker Jessi made this for Griffin. It's so adorable and SOFT and it's HUGE! I held back tears as she gave it to me. It is the perfect gift (and she already gave me a bundle of cute clothes, sleepers, etc for him). Thank you dear friend-I can't express how much this gift means to me-now stay by your cell phone so I can reach you when the Griffster decides he needs his blankie;-) (I have asked her to be on call for me to be my nurse when labor strikes).

I made a yummy dinner tonight...it was marinated broiled steak (remember the free steak purchase?). I've never marinated and broiled steak, so this was a first. I was so glad it turned out. We were sitting down as a family and everyone was talking about their day, etc when out of no where steak sauce is flying in all directions. Why and how was this happening you may wonder? Well, I apparently am all thumbs lately (remember the Taco Bell pink shirt destruction post?)...my hand slipped off my fork as I was loading it for a nice big bite and my hand landed in the teaspoon of steak sauce on my plate-splattering it from here to there-seriously, no appliance was spared-no surface immune to my splattering-including my shirt and neck. TJ was concerned and asked what happened...Tim started laughing hysterically. Ha, ha. So funny.

Then, after dinner, my marathon working session with making my unit's schedule continued until I went to check TJ's work for a project...the poor kid worked all evening on it and the stinkin' computer locked up and it was all GONE! So sad. I'm glad today wasn't a crying day;-)

Let's go, let's go, let's go!!!

***Updated***

This is what TJ chanted when we were in Mexico this past summer at an excursion off our Cruise ship. It was not a happy chant-but an irritated one as he mocked his father.

I am having a bad day (again)...but not as bad as this precious couple:



My baby sis Amanda and her beloved husband Jason (we call the BIL) were to leave on a flight for Mexico this morning.


I'd guess Amanda is not taking to heart my frugality related blog posts as she had to have her some McDonald's this morning before their arrival at the airport. Here is a snippet from the email I got from them:
Title: the $1500 egg mcmuffin

Amanda forces Jason to drive through Mc Donalds the morning of our sunny vacation, which in turn makes us arrive at the airport at our check-in post at 6:32... exactly two minutes late for our check in. Our gate is 100 yards away... but we can't get on;-(
More to come.



She may never live this down...I betcha Jason was justa runnin' and saying' "Let's go, let's go, let's go!

Necessito McDonalds? Me amo Egg McMuffin;-)

I'm lovin' it!

***Update***

While I'm not sure of the exact details, I believe maybe a rickety boat ride and fun ferry ride later, there are indeed now enjoying their Cozumel resort;-)

Here's the latest email: Title-let it be known

We finally made it (only 10-12 hours later than we expected)! After two plane rides, one stinky, scary bus ride, a tulmultous ferry journey and a exhausting cab ride later-We're here. Needless to say, the now infamous egg mc muffin cost more than we ever dreamed it would (This is a story Jason enjoys to tell way too much to go into all the details here--but I made us late for our check in by two minutes because we stopped at Mc Donalds before we went to the airport).

So far, we've slept late, ate breakfast overlooking the blue carribean sea, watched people while lounging by the pool and had an early before lunch snack. Heck--we might even take a NAP next. Enjoy your day:)

33 weeks and more deals...

I am warped...

I have hidden links for coupons in here-but hurry, some expire 3-28-09:-)

I may be more excited about my deals I found today than being 33 whoppin' weeks along. What a journey it has been. I'm physically pretty good-current complaints would be some severe cramping in my legs, feet and hips. Kinda like charlie horses.

So emotionally-not so stable;-) I went to Taco Bell last night for drive-thru...it was a disaster. The line of cars was to the road, so I *ran* in. The line had 2 people in front of me but 3 waiting for food. 15 minutes later, I was walking out with my order. To which I ravishingly opened as I was driving away to feel a strange "wetness" on my favorite-just-about-the-only-thing-that-still-"fit" pink shirt...yay-grease. So much that Owen asked me when I got home-"mommy messy?"...yep-she is.
Here was the pink shirt-and this was like 3-4 weeks ago:


Anyway, back track to ordering. I ordered (no I am not exaggerating) 2 meximelts-easy beef (which means LESS meat), and a cinnamon twist-plus ONE fountain drink. The order taking gal says "for here or to go?"- if you can even believe this-she said, "of course, I'd be surprised if you could eat all that by yourself". Ugh! the nerve!!! Is she serious? It was like ordering 2 tacos and chips-that's not gluttony! Agree with me here-it's not, right? Well, imagine my surprise (not really) that the stupid meximelts were made with EXTRA freakin' beef (yuck) and the whole shirt thing was just gravy-man! Can you believe she said that?

And back to the pregnancy update, if I twittered or the like, I could probably pretty much tweet a false alarm or two each day. Last night, I soooo almost went into the hospital since I was sure the contractions wouldn't stop and yesterday, all I did was rest-*read*, sat my lazy hiney all the couch pretty much all day, using poor sick Jakey as the excuse*.

But, today I'm still pregnant and the contractions have been at bay so it was off to search for more great deals. I promise I am *not* bragging-I am instead totally stoked at how good of deals can be found when a little good ole fashioned patience and research are utilized---God is so good;-)

Here we go: Target-

$14.57 was the total of my receipt!!!
How? Of course you knew I'd explain...
Of interest would be-free steak (2)-it was not only on sale, but I had a coupon.
Free artisan bread (2)-again, coupon for $1 off...it was 99 cent bread!
The bill should've been about $60...literally only one item was bought that I did not have a coupon for and that was the little travel pack of band aids-these little gems by nexcare are the bomb...I couldn't not get them for 99 cents. They stick like mad and to date are the only product I can find that Owen will leave on-he is quite the picker when he has a boo-boo. These have a cute cars theme and I'll keep them in my purse.

Up next Walmart:

I needed a white colored TV cable, and I had a return so I decided to see how I could do (weired sounding sentence, eh?) My cable was $6.88. Jake has been with cough and fever for 2 days so I decided to spoil him with his *choice* of Popsicles-I couldn't coerce him into a sale item so he picked super heros ones for $3.48...if you're following along, that's over $10. Guess how much I paid for all the items in the photo? $11.01!!! Wa-who. The cereal was free, so was the mascara from the beloved ALL You mag and I even couldn't resist grabbing a 2nd copy (it was $2.24 minus 50 cent coupon) and I'll get another free mascara out of it, plus a few other can't pass up deals.
Here's what Jake thinks of his coupon cuttin' ma-ma:

He did his own hair today:-)

I will really try to stop the madness of the coupon posts. *I'll try*.

Happy Birthday Baby Sis!

Just because you were born in the 80's doesn't mean you should still be driving in a car that you only fit in, in the 80's;-)

Happy Birthday AMANDA! Enjoy Mej-he-co! Ole!

Completely aware...

I am.

I realize many of you think I've lost it...or never had it:-) Don't care...trying to survive my third trimester so here is how my day went.

My mom called this am some time after 9am...I was sleeping-Owen was playing happily in his bed (thank the GOOD Lord he loves morning time in his bed;-)

I finally got my toosh up and movin' and Owen and I headed off to get Jacob from preschool. Lunch was a FREE Roastburger with purchase of a fabulous fountain diet pepsi! As I was sitting there, I found that familiar feeling of the flood gate trying to open, but I fought it off *hard* and we quickly headed out of the store to our next destination.

Then we were off to Walgreens to pick up a prescription...I found some great deals there-lots of good clearnace items to give the boys some fun goodies in their Easter Buckets. As if I didn't learn anything from playing 64 crayon pick up last week, I got them this awesome set of 64 colored pencils with a built in sharpener on clearance. All this along with 3 packs free gum, buy 2 get 1 bubbles, free tomato soup, and 22 cent skittles and starbursts for their baskets. Walgreens (Creasy) has lots of great clearance items of randomness right now.

Then we headed off to Meijer, to see about a sale...we finished up at Meijer pretty quickly where I must say, stocking up on Ketchup, Pop tarts, peanut butter and waffles was a REALLY good deal. I also threw in some wipes and buddies soaps and made out for about $5...Tim wonders if I'm having some weird craving with the amount of PB, ketchup, waffles, and poptarts I bought.

Then, back at the ranch, I tidyed up, let the boys play outside (LOVING the fence) and I began work on a killer chili for dinner but was surprised by a spontaneous call from Kara at 5pm asking if I'd be able to escape with her for a bit and did I have any dinner coupons???...the answer was yes and yes and we totally went to TGIFridays and spent under $5 for full bellies and bladders. Here's how:



Hope the picture works-it was a sweet deal, that when you eat in the bar area and order ANY beverage, you can get a 1 cent appetizer each. Kara even sprang for me. SO , it was a fun time to chat and eat with such a good coupon;-) If the picture doesn't work and you really want to partake, I can fwd you the email that I got it from. I love deals.

Then it was back home to work (still making the schedule for CAH) and such...all in all, it was another good day:-)

FYI, the boys enjoyed their hot dinner and watching Bolt while I was gone-thank you redbox for FREE Movie Mondays!