Little Hauss is a smarty pants - sometimes I love it and sometimes notsomuch! He remembers everything and won't let you forget it.
Yesterday, I got off work early, so I headed home first before picking him up at preschool. Hubby was up, so we hung out a few then both went to get him. From the time LH got in the car, he grilled Hubby on the caramel dip. The dip we signed up to bring for the class party that is today. Hubby said he didn't get it. "Well, you were supposed to go to the gym, then to the store to get the caramel dip, then go home to sleep Daddy" says LH with a tilt of the head and some tude in his voice. Really? He's just too stinkin' smart for his own good sometimes. What happened next? You guessed it....off to the store!
I just need to start telling him what's on my to-do list instead of writing it all down. At least I'd save a lot of paper!
10.29.2009
10.28.2009
I WON!!!!
First of all, I never win anything.....
BUT, I won this great coupon book with over $30 in savings from Coupon Clippin Mommy! This will just add to my current obsession of finding steals and deals!
It is from P&G so it will help save on lots of health and beauty items that I despise paying retail for!
BUT, I won this great coupon book with over $30 in savings from Coupon Clippin Mommy! This will just add to my current obsession of finding steals and deals!
It is from P&G so it will help save on lots of health and beauty items that I despise paying retail for!
Bloggers For Boxes: Operation Christmas Child
How in the world have I never heard much about Operation Christmas Child, or have I and haven't paid attention until now, I'll never know. So, A Southern Accent posted about this wonderful event and I wanted to share! Operation Christmas Child is an event done near the holidays that helps send less fortunate children presents in a shoebox! She came up with the idea of using the blog as a way to promote more awareness and get fellow bloggers involved!
I'm asking your help to take part in this event. Go to Operation Christmas Child for more information on how to pack a shoebox, locations to drop off and about the great kids you can help! Collection will take place the week of Nov. 16-23!
It just so happens that LH's preschool is a drop off location in our community, so I feel there is no excuse for us not to participate!
I know things are tight for everyone, but just remember that there are kids in need that we can help brighten their day with just a few items from the dollar store!
Handsome at its Best!
I have had this jacket for months - waiting for LH to finally wear it! He did and loved it and looked so handsome! So grown up! *sigh*
Sharp!
Escorting Mommy to her seat at the wedding!
Ready for the 3D IMAX movie - and snacking on some popcorn too!
Always has to touch it! Can't just enjoy looking at it! It's a boy thing!
Brrrrr! But you couldn't tell he was cold! Loving every minute of it!10.27.2009
Dixieland Delight
We were in Tennessee this past weekend for a short visit with the family and to go to my cousin's wedding. Friday was great as we got to visit with an old friend and her sweet baby boy in Knoxville for lunch as we headed on to Chattanooga or Chagganooga as LH says. I got some cute pics of the boys bonding and will post soon I promise!
The weekend was fast but we did manage to relax and visit with both grandmothers. We got to see an IMAX show Under the Sea at the Aquarium and LH loved it (all except that part of one of the fish snacking on a Dory-like fish) 
- kind of scarred him for life. It was 3-D and he had his hand stretched out the entire time trying to touch everything on the screen! It was adorable. We all really enjoyed it! And it was FREE - my aunt can get tickets for most anything downtown, so we were in luck!
The wedding was great! LH looked so grown up and handsome! He had on a madras sports coat that was just too cute for words (and yes I have pics of that too)! He did really well and danced the whole time!
We got back fairly early on Sunday (around 12:30) so we still had the whole afternoon to enjoy. We let LH ride his bike and play outside until he was too exhausted to move. He and daddy took a LONG nap and I enjoyed a few Lifetime/Hallmark movies.
All in all, it was a great weekend! Love my family!
10.26.2009
Falling Back
And loving every minute of it.
This is my favorite time of year and it will be a little cooler soon, which I love even more! NOW, this is not to be confused with loving Winter, but just cooler temperatures! I do not love or even like snow! Never have. I opted out of snowball fights, most snowmen building and yes, even sleighriding! It's just not my thing....
I do however, love walks through paths of changing leaves, a hike through the mountains, drives on the parkway, and having homemade soups and grilled cheese sandwiches with a fire cuddled up under a blanket!
With Fall Back right ahead of us (this Sunday by the way), I've finally gotten back into my routine and normal -ish lifestyle of menu planning, coupon shopping and feeling on top of things! I have planned out a menu for the next 2 weeks and have a shopping list ready to go with coupons and sales in mind! I set out LH's outfits for this entire week and mine too! This is something that has taken a back burner, but has me running frantic every morning! Laundry is done (thanks Hubby), and the kitchen counter has stayed clutter free for about 4 weeks now!!!! The budget is holding up pretty strong and I'm finding great deals for Christmas presents and such (so its keeping me in check to our budget and even a little leftover if I'm lucky)!
This is my favorite time of year and it will be a little cooler soon, which I love even more! NOW, this is not to be confused with loving Winter, but just cooler temperatures! I do not love or even like snow! Never have. I opted out of snowball fights, most snowmen building and yes, even sleighriding! It's just not my thing....
I do however, love walks through paths of changing leaves, a hike through the mountains, drives on the parkway, and having homemade soups and grilled cheese sandwiches with a fire cuddled up under a blanket!
With Fall Back right ahead of us (this Sunday by the way), I've finally gotten back into my routine and normal -ish lifestyle of menu planning, coupon shopping and feeling on top of things! I have planned out a menu for the next 2 weeks and have a shopping list ready to go with coupons and sales in mind! I set out LH's outfits for this entire week and mine too! This is something that has taken a back burner, but has me running frantic every morning! Laundry is done (thanks Hubby), and the kitchen counter has stayed clutter free for about 4 weeks now!!!! The budget is holding up pretty strong and I'm finding great deals for Christmas presents and such (so its keeping me in check to our budget and even a little leftover if I'm lucky)!
10.22.2009
Makin' a list and checkin' it twice....
For most of you, the Holiday season comes with a lot of anxiety. For me, it's fun, exciting and mostly enjoyable. Usually the shopping alone will do you in, even for the most laid back person.
Not to scare you, but there are 63 days until Christmas. But in all actuality, there are 9 shopping weekends. This is not to scare you, but to just make you aware that the time is looming over us. I know that you are feeling the pressure. How could you not with retailers already decorating and stocking the shelves with tinsle and greenery. I want you to take a deep breath and approach this calmly.
I'm not sure how most of you plan for gifts? I am a budgeter, through and through for all things, including gifts. ALL gifts. We have a set amount in mind for every occassion. We had to! When we first got married, I was barely working part time and we had to get creative. We weren't the only ones getting married, having babies, celebrating graduations, birthdays, etc. We had to come up with a strategy. At first it was hard. We thought we should give a "matching" gift of one received. You know that kind. Same in value or importance. We realized very quickly that we couldn't keep up with that and would have to come up with another plan. We would have thrown ourselves in major debt trying to keep up with the Jones'. We came up with our own plan, budget and system for gift giving. It helps that I am kind of crafty and can make a very personal gift with spending very little money. Remember, it really is the thought that counts.
Even though I rarely leave the gift buying up to the Hubby (with the exception of a few gift cards), he is well aware of our limits/budget for each occassion. Gradually, over the years, the budget has increased and we feel more comfortable in our spending, but it was quite comical in the early years trying to get the most bang for our buck.
With all this said, I think the first step should be making a list - would you expect any less from me? A very detailed list. List everyone you can possibly think of that you would like to give something to or do something for. Don't forget your mail carier, sanitation workers (trash), newspaper person, hairdressers, teachers, busdrivers, etc. These will add to your budget quickly and cause some discomfort if not prepared. Another idea that we have adopted is only buying for the kids with our friends and drawing names with my husband's family ("kids" only with a set limit). We decided that this was easier and saves money. So, now, you need to set a limit for each person on your list. Ours is pretty basic. Once you have a limit in mind, you can start filling in ideas for each person.
Remember that once you have an idea in mind for a gift and price range, you're shopping will be easier. This also helps with just regular everyday shopping. I see things all the time that are on sale, have a coupon, or websites that offer free shipping, etc for items on my list that I utilize throughout the year so I save more money. Also, realize that if you planned on spending $50 on someone but find the item(s) you were looking for at a cheaper price, don't feel obligated to get more stuff just to spend the entire amount you budgeted. This is why it is called a limit. You try not to go over it, but if you come in under, great! You aren't getting any less than you had wanted to, so be excited with your savings!
I take advantage of deals throughout the year with places I use the most like Snapfish, Amazon, Shutterfly, and Vista Print. Most of the photo storage/sharing websites offer great deals on free shipping, free prints, stationary, and discounted photo books, etc. that you can take advantage of and make wonderful gifts for parents and grandparents. Also consider magazine subscriptions, books and games when they are on sale or offered with a buy one/get one deal. I love those because I can get one for me (or if I'm in the giving mood, I give away the other).
I'm also a fond believer in simple! Whether this be a handmade craft, store bought item with an extra personal touch or embellishment, a group of framed photos (these are very great gifts for the family), or food items. I don't bake but still love to make foodie items just as a simple and small token! Remember last year?
Check out Money Saving Mom to get great websites that offer coupon codes, free shipping and more.
Don't be scared! Get out there and start planning! Good luck!
Not to scare you, but there are 63 days until Christmas. But in all actuality, there are 9 shopping weekends. This is not to scare you, but to just make you aware that the time is looming over us. I know that you are feeling the pressure. How could you not with retailers already decorating and stocking the shelves with tinsle and greenery. I want you to take a deep breath and approach this calmly.
I'm not sure how most of you plan for gifts? I am a budgeter, through and through for all things, including gifts. ALL gifts. We have a set amount in mind for every occassion. We had to! When we first got married, I was barely working part time and we had to get creative. We weren't the only ones getting married, having babies, celebrating graduations, birthdays, etc. We had to come up with a strategy. At first it was hard. We thought we should give a "matching" gift of one received. You know that kind. Same in value or importance. We realized very quickly that we couldn't keep up with that and would have to come up with another plan. We would have thrown ourselves in major debt trying to keep up with the Jones'. We came up with our own plan, budget and system for gift giving. It helps that I am kind of crafty and can make a very personal gift with spending very little money. Remember, it really is the thought that counts.
Even though I rarely leave the gift buying up to the Hubby (with the exception of a few gift cards), he is well aware of our limits/budget for each occassion. Gradually, over the years, the budget has increased and we feel more comfortable in our spending, but it was quite comical in the early years trying to get the most bang for our buck.
With all this said, I think the first step should be making a list - would you expect any less from me? A very detailed list. List everyone you can possibly think of that you would like to give something to or do something for. Don't forget your mail carier, sanitation workers (trash), newspaper person, hairdressers, teachers, busdrivers, etc. These will add to your budget quickly and cause some discomfort if not prepared. Another idea that we have adopted is only buying for the kids with our friends and drawing names with my husband's family ("kids" only with a set limit). We decided that this was easier and saves money. So, now, you need to set a limit for each person on your list. Ours is pretty basic. Once you have a limit in mind, you can start filling in ideas for each person.
Remember that once you have an idea in mind for a gift and price range, you're shopping will be easier. This also helps with just regular everyday shopping. I see things all the time that are on sale, have a coupon, or websites that offer free shipping, etc for items on my list that I utilize throughout the year so I save more money. Also, realize that if you planned on spending $50 on someone but find the item(s) you were looking for at a cheaper price, don't feel obligated to get more stuff just to spend the entire amount you budgeted. This is why it is called a limit. You try not to go over it, but if you come in under, great! You aren't getting any less than you had wanted to, so be excited with your savings!
I take advantage of deals throughout the year with places I use the most like Snapfish, Amazon, Shutterfly, and Vista Print. Most of the photo storage/sharing websites offer great deals on free shipping, free prints, stationary, and discounted photo books, etc. that you can take advantage of and make wonderful gifts for parents and grandparents. Also consider magazine subscriptions, books and games when they are on sale or offered with a buy one/get one deal. I love those because I can get one for me (or if I'm in the giving mood, I give away the other).
I'm also a fond believer in simple! Whether this be a handmade craft, store bought item with an extra personal touch or embellishment, a group of framed photos (these are very great gifts for the family), or food items. I don't bake but still love to make foodie items just as a simple and small token! Remember last year?
Check out Money Saving Mom to get great websites that offer coupon codes, free shipping and more.
Don't be scared! Get out there and start planning! Good luck!
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