Couponing again

Well folks, I took a couponing break for a few months. It wasn't "working" well. Translation: I wasn't doing a great job at keeping up with it. I was paying for a site that was more confusing than helpful. I was buying lots of things we didn't need and my husband wasn't excited about that. But "I was getting them really cheap." Great. So what? I wasn't able to use it the way it is supposed to be used. So then I went back to cutting out only the coupons that I knew I was going to be using that week for the things we were actually going to be using that week. Well then I cringe when I use them, because I know I can be doing better, saving more, spending less, stocking up... Well today (actually starting yesterday) I dove back into the couponing world. Thanks to a friend (LOVE YOU, L), I've rejoined the savers community. She spends little to nothing at the store, leaves with a truck load and sometimes they pay her. So. I'm going to glean from her what I can, and share with you what I glean...

1. if you live in the South, GO to this website. It's called Southern Savers. OMG. It is FULL. For example, if you watned to see what the sales and deals were at Publix, you can click on the Publix drop down button, click on weekly ads, then when that pops up, click on the current week and it SHOWS YOU what is on sale, what are the BOGO deals, where to find the coupons to help you purchase these, which items you can get for free with coupons and so on. WOW!

2. START buying two double papers every week. L says this is most important. Set aside 5 bucks each week to accomplish this. Stuff the coupon inserts in folders and date the folders, stick the folders in a tub (my feet are currently on my tub) and keep them. You never know when a coupon is going to be good for what's on sale. And Southern Savers will tell you.

So, after following steps one and two this week...
I went to Publix tonight and saved nearly 20 bucks with my coupons and BOGO deals. I was pretty excited and L says it really wasn't a great deal week. So I can't wait to see how it works out down the road.

Right now I'm working on my Kroger list. They show you what is on the 10 for 10 Mega sale list and if there are coupons for them and where to find those coupons. AMAZING. Right now I'm looking at getting mustard for 19 cents, rotel for free, Raisin Bran for free, franks hot sauce for 19 cents, rice cakes for free and tortillas as my big item at 49 cents. WHAT?!?!?! Serious! I can't wait to go to Kroger tomorrow!

wanted for hugs

Hey world, I don't have anything great to blog about yet today, just wanted to share one of my most favorite Matthew pictures. It's from this summer. Isn't that hugable?

What's up.

I feel like I've been letting down my blog world lately, sorry folks.
I have been go go go over here.

I've been 100% back in the saddle weight watchers wise since Monday the 4th. Only to have lost a whopping .2 so far. Nice huh?

Jamie and I have been digging deeper into our church this month, some big things are coming, I just know God is moving.

We've allllll been sick. The puking variety. Lovely huh?

Matthew is going back to school, not just two days a week now but three. He's so smart and loving school. I have joined the world of carpooling and love it.

Mark is a walking machine and he's getting faster each day. He's got some fun words now too. We learned "DUCK!" today at the park. I love watching him learn.

I love watching both my little men learning. They grow so fast. If you have babies, treasure them. You can't get tomorrow back. I sat on the bathroom floor tonight, watching my little ones in the tub and just looking at their nakey bottoms (shhh, I wont go to jail for saying that right?) and just thought how cute they were. And how some day soon Matthew wont need help in the bath anymore and I wont be wanting to look at Mark's nakey bottom. I'll have big boys who have facial hair and don't need me anymore. ... Until then though... :)

My sister is engaged, have I mentioned that on here yet?? And I'm neck deep in shower planning! And I love it!

I've got both feet in my Moms Club business, as the secretary. I can't believe my year long commitment is half over, as we started our year in June. So... that's a lot huh?

I can't believe the month is nearing a close, it feels like it was just NYE, but alas the clock keeps turning if we want it to or not. If we're ready for tomorrow or not.

I've been reading a lot in Ephesians lately. Last year a friend and I started to do an Ephesians study but got derailed... I find myself reading this one passage over and over and over... it's about love and patience...(something every mother needs to have help and find a balance with, huh?) Ephesians 4:2. What translation are you reading right now? Here's several so you can see how powerful this verse is.

² with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, (NKJV)

²with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, (NASB)

² Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. (NLT)

²with all humility and gentleness, with patience,bearing with one another in love, (ESV)

^1-3In light of all this, here's what I want you to do. While I'm locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don't want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don't want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences. (the Message)

Chrsitmas/New Year recap

I know it's a little overdue, but enjoy the picture collage from Christmas and New Years.
Here are some favorites.

Making cookies Christmas Eve

Reading the Christmas Story, Christmas Morning

Out on the town in Charleston, SC to see the lights!