Easter Egg Hunt

The other day I got a coloring page in the mail.  It had an Easter theme with 12 hidden Easter eggs.  I was cooking dinner and gave the page to Caleb. 

I told him, without thinking, to find the Easter eggs and color them.  I walked over to the stove and a few moments later, I heard a "Ah...".  I walked over to Caleb, and he was showing me one of the hidden Easter eggs.  Seriously, I was so proud!

I took a picture of his work just to share with everyone.  I know it's hard to see, but he really did find some of the Easter eggs and colored them.

(All of this was obviously before he got his hair cut)  He's such a sweet little boy.

A Real Cup

Monday, March 28th was the day that Kaysen drank out of a real cup! (and he did really great too!)  Where did the time go?  This little boy is growing up way too fast.  I just want my baby to stay a baby just a little longer.

Pantry Challenge Week #4

As a couponer, I get many things for free or well under retail prices. My pantry is stocked and my weekly grocery budget is low.

Is there a way to make my budget even lower? Yes! Stop grocery shopping all together and see how long I can make good, basic meals using just the food in my pantry.

Obviously, I will have to still buy the basics, but the goal is to make my list as minimal as possible.

Week #4

Welcome to the last week of my pantry challenge. These past four weeks have been a great learning experience for me. I have always been a meal planner, so that came easy. I always choose to base our family meals from food in my pantry, so that was easy too. I have always watched my budget, shopped from a list, and scrutinized over prices.

Slowly, it has become harder and harder for me to resist a great stock up price. That has been my real challenge this month. It wasn't difficult to see if I can really live off of the food in our pantry, but to have GREAT sale prices staring me right in the face and not being able to take advantage of the offer. The fact that I knew that I could get frozen veggies for less than .50, and not buying a single one because I already have a freezer full. Passing up deals on cereal, pasta, crackers, and pop.

Then, I opened up my cabinet this morning and discovered that I only had 3 bottles of juice. To an average shopper, 3 bottles of juice is great. But for an extreme couponer and stockpiler, it was the fear that I may run out before I could find that ultimate low price again.

The challenge here is finding balance! A balance between what is considered excessive, and what is considered smart stockpiling. It's knowing that a sale will come back around, another coupon will be out within a few week's time, and you will be able to find a great deal. It's knowing that you do not have to take advantage of every offer out there, just because the price seems too good to be true. Finding a balance in couponing is crucial. Especially when you get so many things for cheap or free.

It's still the beginning of the week, but I feel like I don't need the week to end to see my accomplishments. The amount of money I have spent on groceries this past month for my family of 4 is amazing. The funny part is that I still have a decent amount of food left in my freezer and pantry to continue on for another few weeks if I wanted to. It's no where near hoarder status, and I know for a fact that I was never there to begin with. It's pretty astonishing what a little bit of planning, hard work, and simple changes can do to your grocery budget.

Here's a round up of my most recent shopping trips this week.

Total Spent: 19.68

Items Bought:


Whole Milk
Eggs
8 lbs Oranges
2 lbs Bananas
3 lbs Apples
4 yogurt
2 lunch meat
(5) 100% whole wheat bread

Hair Cuts

Caleb needed a hair cut really bad.  The other day we decided to take him.  It took a very long time in the waiting area, and while we were there, Kaysen was sitting on my lap.  I ran my fingers through his wispy hair that was ALL OVER and looked like a mess.  

I leaned over to Steve and told him that Kaysen was going to get a hair cut too.  That's how I decided to allow my baby (well, not much of a baby anymore) get his first real hair cut at 17 months.

Caleb's New Hair Cut

Here's Caleb.  I'm not sure if I like the way they cut his hair.  It's sort of choppy and the front is all over the place.  But he looks much better than he did.  I just wish we had a better stylest for him. 

Kaysen's New Hair Cut

Kaysen was tired and hungry when we got home, so it was hard to get a good picture of him.  But here he is!  He looks just like a little gentleman.

 

Kaysen got a little reward certificate for being such a big boy!  He sat on the chair, chewed on his lolipop, and let the stylest do whatever she needed to do.  He didn't like the clippers around the ears, but I think he did a great job.

Afterwards, Daddy took Caleb over to Walgreens so he could pick out a reward.  He picked out a red truck for him and a blue SUV for Kaysen since they both were such big boys!  When they got into the car, Caleb handed Kaysen the truck and they were both so happy.

Pantry Challenge Week #3 REVIEW

As a couponer, I get many things for free or well under retail prices. My pantry is stocked and my weekly grocery budget is low.

Is there a way to make my budget even lower? Yes! Stop grocery shopping all together and see how long I can make good, basic meals using just the food in my pantry.

Obviously, I will have to still buy the basics, but the goal is to make my list as minimal as possible.

Week #3 Review

I'm wrapping up week #3 today. My grocery list was small and I spent hardly anything at all. Although, I didn't use up as many ingredients from my pantry as I wanted to. We were eating a lot of leftovers towards the beginning of the week, and then I was in the mood for smaller, easier meals. My husband worked long, late hours this week. It's always harder to plan a good solid dinner when he's not home.

Overall, the week went pretty well. Next week is the last week of my challenge. I hope to wrap it up strong, use some more of the stuff that is hanging out in my pantry, and continue to keep my grocery budget low.

Total spent on groceries this week: 14.50
Total spent on groceries week #2: 48.21
Total spent on groceries week #1: 14.92

Samples of meals from this week's menu:

Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Stuffed Cabbage
Home made Mac N Cheese
Home made Pizza
Crock pot Spicy Chicken w/ mashed potatoes and brussel sprouts

No more booster

Caleb has transitioned over to a regular seat during meals.  He was always fussing in his booster.  We just took it away and he's a much happier kid now.

Here's some pictures of the boys just hanging out. 

Getting Back into the Swing of Things

I actually feel like my financial life is coming together.  After such a long time of financial strain and 6 months of extreme penny pinching, it is finally making a difference.

We paid off our car last week!  I wrote a big FAT check of over $4000 and sent it away.  I am so happy and excited that one more burden is off our backs.  It opens up a whole new light in our budget. 

Monday morning I woke up to a new week.  The clouds were dark and the air was cold.  But there was a new feeling in the air.  The feeling of hope just knowing that we had made such a huge financial step.  My boys were crazy (like always) but it didn't bother me as much as it had just a day or two before.

We sat down today and did our usual routine.  The boys played and ate breakfast.  I slept in (because Kaysen was sleeping beside me) and he was so warm I didn't want to get up.  As the morning came to a close, I grabbed some markers for the boys to play with and they drew some pictures.

Then, Caleb spent the rest of the morning sorting out the colors, calling them by name (well, some of them anyway) and quietly drawing on the paper I had set up for him in front of the door.

It was quiet, peaceful...a certain relaxation to the air.  And although I'm not sure the boys recognized a difference (because yes, there are plenty of times that they play quietly) I noticed a difference.  I think it was the sound of peace.  The pure fact that things financially are starting to fit together.  My head was calm and steady.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that it is absolutely amazing how much something so small can change your outlook on life.  Spring is around the corner, we are so ready to sell our house, and I have one less HUGE monthly payment that I never have to make again.  It just makes me feel so good knowing that we are headed in the right direction.

We have not reached our goal yet.  My goal is to be 100% debt free by this time next year.  I know we can do it.  We are so close.  This is such a huge step...certainly not the first, and definitely not the last.  We are making progress, and I'm so proud!

Pantry Challenge Week #2 Review

As a couponer, I get many things for free or well under retail prices. My pantry is stocked and my weekly grocery budget is low.

Is there a way to make my budget even lower? Yes! Stop grocery shopping all together and see how long I can make good, basic meals using just the food in my pantry.

Obviously, I will have to still buy the basics, but the goal is to make my list as minimal as possible.

Week #2 Review

I cheated this week and bought some things for St. Patrick's Day to make corned beef, cabbage & red potatoes. I also picked up some meat because it was at a really good price. Because of this, my grocery bill was much higher than week #1. Still, not too bad when you figure it averages out to only slightly over $31 a week for groceries the past 2 weeks.

I kept to my promise of only buying fresh ingredients or things we really needed. Slowly, I'm starting to mark ingredients off my list. I really think I can go lower than this though, and I really can't believe I paid so much at check out this week. Hopefully I can do better next week.


Total Spent on Groceries this week: $48.21
Total Spent on Groceries Week #1: $14.92

Samples of meals from this week's menu:

Zesty Italian Roasted Potatoes (side dish)
Cheesy Pizza Rice Skillet
Tangy Ranch Chicken Legs w/ Garden Veggies
Baked Pork Chops w/ Mashed Potatoes and Brussel Sprouts
Chicken & Rice Burritos
Corned Beef and Cabbage w/ Red Potatoes
Creamy Sausage & Broccoli Potato Soup

Spring is Coming

It's hard enough that I have to wait for spring to get here, and even harder for a little boy who doesn't even understand the concept of seasons yet.

Daddy brought out some spring toys for the boys to play with.  Unfortunately, there was still snow on the ground and it's cold.  Poor Caleb wanted to go out so bad.  He gathered up all his toys and asked to go dig in the dirt.  Then he asked if he could play in the water (sprinkler). 

Don't worry, Caleb.  Spring will be here soon.

Step #1:  Grab the shovel, a little scoop, and the baseball mitt. 

Step #2:  Drop the baseball mitt, grab the frisbee, lay the scoop on top and stare at the shovel, figuring out if there is a better way to carry everything.

Step #3:  Finally, just grab everything the best you can and head to the door.

Creative little boys

My boys continue to amaze me every day with how much they learn and grow.  Kaysen is attracted to letters of every kind, and he can even recite some of the alphabet.  Caleb loves numbers and chants along when he hears counting.  They love cars and blocks and anything that goes Vroom!

Here's a few pictures of my little ones doing what they do best...just playing.

Pantry Challenge Week #2

As a couponer, I get many things for free or well under retail prices. My pantry is stocked and my weekly grocery budget is low.

Is there a way to make my budget even lower? Yes! Stop grocery shopping all together and see how long I can make good, basic meals using just the food in my pantry.

Obviously, I will have to still buy the basics, but the goal is to make my list as minimal as possible

Week #2

I'm right in the middle of week #2, and so far so good. I am using up items that are in my pantry and not buying a lot of extra things that we don't need. Today I made another shopping trip and did fairly well. I spent significantly more than I did last week, but I also picked up some meat that was at a great price so I wouldn't be living off of ground beef for the next 3 weeks.

Plus, it's that time of year where the corned beef and cabbage is on sale, and my husband wanted me to pick some up. Overall, I think I did really well. A high weekly total, but good sale prices on my produce and meat.



Today I spent: $48.21

Items bought:


4 lbs Corned Beef Brisket
5 1/2 lbs Seasoned Chicken leg quarters
6 1/2 lbs Split Chicken Breast
2 1/2 lbs Cabbage
3 lbs Apples
3 lbs Oranges
3 1/2 lbs Bananas
Lemon
3 1/2 lbs Red Potatoes
10 lbs Potatoes
3 Skim Milk
1 Whole Milk
Eggs
(4) 100% Whole wheat Bread
3 Yogurt
2 Shredded cheese
2 Boxes Graham Crackers
Microwave Popcorn 6 pk
Bread Crumbs

9 Toes High

As you may know, we are updating some things around our home.  Caleb loves to help his daddy out with anything he can.  The other day the boys were measuring and Steve was calling out the measurments.  "4 feet, 6 feet".

Caleb grabbed the measuring tape and told daddy he was "9 toes high".  Very cute!!

Pantry Challenge Week #1 REVIEW

Considering this should be the easiest week out of the month, I think I did pretty good. I used up quite a few ingredients that were in my stockpile, and my grocery budget was fairly low. I managed to feed my family well balanced meals, and although I did use up a box of potatoes that's been sitting in my pantry, the meals were fairly fresh and healthy.


Total Spent on Groceries this week: 14.92

(I bought another gallon of milk since the last time I reported my total)


Samples of meals from this week's menu:

Toastadas w/ Ground Beef and Mixed Veggies
Crock pot Chicken BBQ legs w/ Mashed Potatoes & Green Beans
Cheddar Bacon Potato casserole w/ Sausage and Brussel Sprouts
Homemade Pizza w/ hamburger, and broccoli (yes, my family likes this)
Spaghetti and Meatballs

Now I just need to get through the weekend and then it's onto week #2.

Home Sweet Home

We are selling our house.

Five little words, but such a hard thing to really wrap my mind around.  Don't get me wrong, I am so happy that we are taking this step.  We knew when we moved into this house that it would be a temporary home.  We are approaching the 5 year mark for living here and it is time to move on.

Steve and I have discussed this into the ground over the past 6 months.  We have talked about it almost every single day.  We live it, breathe it, and are excited for it.  We know that we want more for us and our situation.  Living here in this house (which is breaking us financially) is not for us anymore.


To me, a house is just a dwelling.  Yes, it has been our home for 5 years.  But when it all comes down to it...it's just a house.  Like Dave Ramsey would say, "There's one on every corner".  My home is with my family.  No matter where this next year may take us.  As long as we are together as a family, my boys are safe and warm, and I'm with my wonderful husband, "a house" doesn't matter.


So, what is the next step?  My goal is to have the house up and ready to be on the market by April 1st.  Unfortunately, Steve only has 5 more days off work before the beginning of April, and I need his help around here to get the house ready.  It's been a stressful month, and it's going to continue that way until we get everything ready.

Where do we go from here?  Another temporary home until we can get back on our feet, improve our finances, become 100% debt free, and save for a nice down payment for a new home.  My long term goal is to be sitting here at this time next year with absolutely no debt, no credit cards, no car payment, no mortgage, so we can turn around and start fresh. 

Is it doable?  Oh yes!  I have high hopes and dreams and I know that every day we are moving in the right direction.  We just need to keep pushing forward.  One of these days, we will have our own home again.

Pantry Challenge Week #1

As a couponer, I get many things for free or well under retail prices. My pantry is stocked and my weekly grocery budget is low.

Is there a way to make my budget even lower? Yes! Stop grocery shopping all together and see how long I can make good, basic meals using just the food in my pantry.

Obviously, I will have to still buy the basics, but the goal is to make my list as minimal as possible.



Week #1

I just started the challenge a few days ago, but yet, here I am reporting to you already with a shopping trip.  Today, I decided to use of the rest of the money in my grocery envelope to stock myself up on some fresh fruits and more milk for my youngest. 

My husband gets paid on Friday.  As some of you know, we are doing the cash envelope system.  When he gets paid, the envelopes get filled up again.  My goal as I went out on my shopping trip tonight was to spend up the money and buy what we needed, so when he gets paid and the envelope gets filled, I don't have to touch that money for another week.  That's the goal anyway.  I'm sure I'll have to buy some milk before a week and a half goes by...and I'm sure my husband will be asking me for more yogurt.  But as for tonight's trip, I think I did pretty good.  Especially since I have not been grocery shopping for about a week (other than to pick up milk).

Total spent tonight: $13.23

Items bought:

2lbs Bananas
1 lb Strawberries
Eggs
Whole Milk
(3) 100% whole wheat bread
2 yogurts
2 lunch meats
2 boxes Mini Wheat cereal

Pantry Challenge

A group of girls on the internet was interested in doing a pantry challenge.  As a couponer, I get many things for free or well under retail prices.  My pantry is stocked and my weekly grocery budget is low.
Is there a way to make my budget even lower?  Yes!  Stop grocery shopping all together and see how long I can make good, basic meals using just the food in my pantry. 

That's the challenge.  How far can we make this food stretch?  How much do I really have buried in my cabinets and freezer?  I spent a good 20 minutes one morning digging everything out of my kitchen and writing it all down.  Every box or container that I wanted to use was written on my list.  I'm not going to bore you with the details, but let's just say that I have been very blessed with a huge stockpile of groceries. 

The goal is to see if I can do minimal grocery shopping throughout the next 4 weeks.  Obviously, I will have to still buy the basics: milk, eggs, bread, and fresh fruits and veggies.  But as for adding items to my stockpile, no.  Meats, well, hopefully I have enough in my freezer to last the month.  If not, I won't hesitate to buy more at a decent price.  Great meat prices are hard to come by.

Today starts week #1 and I will update on this blog as the weeks pass.  I will also keep track of my shopping lists and how much I paid for groceries every week.

At the end of the month, hopefully my pantry will be cleared out and ready to fill up again with great couponing deals.  All the items that we've forgotten about will be used up and nothing will expire because we are using it now.  I'm going to have to get creative with recipes, but I'm ready for the challenge.

Toddler Beds Part II

I discovered why Kaysen was so excited for a toddler bed.  He wants to be just like his big brother.  Caleb sits down on the floor and reads every night before he goes to sleep.  Kaysen apparently has felt like he's missing out.  It is so cute to see the two of them sitting on the floor reading books with their blankets before they crawl into bed and go to sleep.

However, sometimes they don't make it into bed on their own.

And just because this is too cute, here's a close up of my babies.

Good night boys!

Transitioning to a Toddler Bed

Kaysen is ready for a toddler bed.  Truthfully, he's been ready for about a month or so.  We've been waiting on our tax return to arrive so we can buy him one. 

For now, we decided to go ahead and convert his crib into a toddler bed until we can buy him an actual bed.  Today was the day!  Here's some pictures of the boys working on the bed with daddy.

So after all this, where did Kaysen end up sleeping?  Well, take a look:

He did so well, my big boy!  I can't wait until we get him an actual toddler bed.

Caleb's new Passion

My baby LOVES Wheel of Fortune!

He is just now getting into letters and numbers.  He likes to repeat and chant a string of letters or maybe a few numbers.  (the other day he counted up to 3, skipped 4, and went up to 6) 

Of course, Wheel of Fortune is PERFECT for him!  What better way to learn all your letters by repeating them as they come up and counting them as they flash on the screen.  Who would have guessed?  Even better, he claps for all the contestants too.  Very cute!!