Perspective

Many things have shaped my view of motherhood over the last few years, one certainly being the story of Katherine Arnold Wolf. I remember getting an email to pray for a young, beautiful mom facing impossible circumstances after a stroke came out of nowhere. I've continued to keep up with her blog ever since. Her son was 6 months old at the time of her stroke two years ago, and her journey really hit home for me as a mother, convicting me of all of the things I take for granted, let myself be easily annoyed about, complain incessantly about, etc. She would love to be doing all of the little things that I think are wearing me out.

I pray more than I want to admit for my perspective to be grateful to have laundry and dishes to do, books to reread, meals to make, diapers to change, etc. I don't want to forget that all of that could change in an instant just as it did for her. Motherhood doesn't always feel like I thought it would, and I have to remind myself often to check my perspective. Katherine's perspective in her overwhelming circumstances has really pushed me to see beyond my little world and what I think is "tough" to see the big picture.

All of that to say, she's launched a video on Oprah.com for a show -- please vote for her as many times as you can! What an amazing opportunity for people nationwide to see hope that only He can provide!

^"Be joyful always; pray continually;
give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thess 5:16-18

A Surprise and Puffies

Jay has his first tooth peeking through! K didn't get her first till 11 months so we were not really on the lookout -- thanks Ginger for finding it! :) Typical of his demeanor, he hasn't done one thing to let us know a tooth is on the way. When K found out about his tooth, the questions began, "Is he a big boy now?" "Can he drink big girl milk now?" When she saw I bought a container of Puffs, she begged, "Can I give him some 'puffies' now?" We conceded, and she had the greatest time giving him his first bites of Puffs!

He wasn't so sure at first...
Then he decided they weren't so bad!

Then we had to do lots of explaining as to why he can't have 6 pieces of Puffs in his mouth at once!
She's already asking again this morning if it's time for him to have "puffies"!

Summer Days

Our summer days are consisting of all sorts of things: games/puzzles, swimming, tennis/gym, summer cooking, etc. We are enjoying less of a schedule than we had in the school year.

Mornings start with the current favorite breakfast -- funny face waffles:
Alex started this silliness one weekend morning so of course now I have to keep it going. It's the cutest though. Kirkley covers her eyes and says in her most excited voice, "I will close my eyes, and you will say purprise!" as I bring her plate to the table. Daddy's funny face is all fancy with a kiwi nose, blackberry eyes, etc. I just try to get the job done! :)

We are loving this game:Grammy found it somewhere and it has all the important components I look for in a game: not too many pieces, quick set up/take down, quick play, etc. :) Kirkley loves it, and we can play several games pretty quickly.

And I can't forget this guy. He's loving hanging out with us on the floor and K is learning if there is something she wants to keep to herself, she better make sure it isn't in his path! No scooting yet, if he gets tired of what he's doing, he just rolls on to the next thing!
I'm having to block the furniture with pillows as he doesn't understand he's reached a dead end. He's only rolled himself under the coffee table once. I debated prying him out or dashing for my camera. Lucky for him I decided to rescue!

He also loves when his sister does anything with him and finds her totally hilarious....
Our days are ending with meals that pretty much always consist of all the summer corn we've been picking up! Usually I'm just microwaving it and fixing it country fair style (spray butter, cajun seasoning, and parm), but I'm trying to branch out with recipes. We loved this one last night that had chili and lime to go with Mexican lasagna for supper swap -- very easy! I came across this one today and need to try it -- interesting ingredients. And speaking of supper swap, if you don't do this already, I so recommend finding a neighbor to set this up with. Sarah Beth and I take turns each week cooking and it ROCKS when a full out meal appears at your door. Seems like it's always on a day that we really need it!

I totally wish all moments of the day were funny face waffle surprises and lots of smiles, and not intermingled with moments that make me read The Strong-Willed Child in two days, but I love capturing some of our favorite times! In fairness to K, I'll also need to remember to tell her when she's a mommy that it is hectic being a mommy, and you will have to drop everything to deal with a diaper that requires a load of laundry (sometimes twice a day and sometimes it's on your clothes too!) or a cross word/action that requires discipline. But the funny face waffle surprises and rolly polly-ness totally make up for it! :)

Father's Day Weekend

We had a great Father's Day weekend capped off with a quick trip to the aquarium. Aquariums are one of Alex's favorite things so it was fitting that our annual summer trip landed on Father's Day. Jay was a trooper and snuck naps here and there. Kirkley's favorite part was the Deepo movie!
It was a quick trip that wore us all out! Guess the guys didn't find the U.S. Open too exciting....

Happy Father's Day!

embrace the camera

This week's embrace the camera pic is a true no makeup, first thing in the morning, totally stinky kind of pic after I jogged. YES you read that right, a month ago I decided to start running. A drastic take off the baby weight and then some kind of move. If you've known me at any point in my life, you're as shocked as I am! I have never been one to exercise, but I decided I can't push athletics onto my children and without participating too. I saw Emma did a race and decided I had no excuse! :)
I started couch to 5K and have been hitting the treadmill 3-4 times a week. I am super happy with my 11:05 minute mile though I know in the world of running that is not super fast! I like this plan from Jillian Michaels and have been aiming to do Tues/Thurs mornings then just one weekend day for 30 minutes or 3 miles if I have time. I especially love that I've picked something you're not supposed to do every day! I have also invested in the gear so there is no turning back -- power sox are my fave -- thin and cool! Any running must haves??

Alex and I are considering a 5K in July but, wow, July 10 sounds hot. I really just want to attempt it though! We may attempt the route this weekend to see if we can keep me from passing out from the heat! :) Major difference from treadmill running.

And, yes, Jay wears those jammies nearly every night -- $3 from WM and they ZIP -- I have the hardest time finding zip sleepers! No time for 92 snaps.

One of K's most recent funny things was something she said to Alex the other day. He was holding Jay, she asked to be held, and he said he couldn't hold both of them. She responded, "Mommy does!" :) I cracked up -- I can't hold both of them for long but I do end up with an armful of 50+ lbs of children at some point in the day. I know you mommas can sympathize!

Now go grab your camera and take a random pic with the kids!

So you know you're a Publix regular when:

A) two different cashiers recognize your daughter's curly hair on two different occasions


B) the same guy has taken your groceries and kids to your car not two but three times


C) your daughter's picture at Publix makes the chamber of commerce newsletter


D) all of the above


We are loving the new Publix in town. I do realize it could be a dinner party game to see how many times Holly says, "I got this on sale" or "I used a coupon," but I have had random phone calls, questions, and sweet folks stop me at church/bday parties to say they are trying coupons so I thought I'd post a few Publixing tips.

First off, look at the recent ad on Southern Savers and click the box for anything you are remotely interested in. Then when you get to the bottom hit print, and it will come up in a new screen with all of the coupon info with each item. See if you have any, can print any, or can get any at Publix. I try to get totally organized marking down how many of each item I have coupons for, paper clipping everything together, etc. If you've gotten your baby club coupons in the mail, get those ready -- they expire soon and there are several totally free coupons.

Highlights for this week for my fam: corn for .20 an ear (just FYI 8 ears were $4.50 at Sam's -- 8 will be $1.60 at Publix), cake mix .87, organic baby food for .49 (with earth's best coupons, this makes it less than the cheapest non-organic at Wal-Mart), blueberries $1.50 apGreen Giant box veggies $1 (print the coupon and they are less), Horizon Organic Milk (coupon in Publix flier), and the $2 Schick shave gel (just pay tax after -$1 from paper and -$1 from Publix flier).

The corn is amazing -- you do have to shuck it but we are loving it -- would love to hear your favorite summer corn recipe. Our fave is country fair style -- spray butter (smart balance on sale this week:), cajun seasoning, and parm cheese!

You can print online coupons twice -- check with friends and trade. I traded out some great coupons this week with sweet friends!

Here are two sites that also have Publix coupons -- let me know if you find more! Sign up here for produce coupons (here is a $1.50 off berry coupon -- blueberries are $1.50 this week). Then here is a site that has Kraft/Publix coupons -- remember to use any Kraft manufacturer coupons with these.

If it's a Wednesday, make sure you have the penny item coupon cut from the paper -- today it was a box of Publix Nilla Wafers for $0.01. You have to spend $10 before coupons to be eligible.

When you get to Publix, grab two of whatever fliers are there -- typically full of their coupons that you can combine with newspaper/internet coupons on the same item. Load the kids up and go straight to the bakery and grab a cookie for them. Today they were also giving out a healthy breakfast so K rode and ate apples and bananas. Tuesday morning they're giving out mother's morning out gifts (last week I heard this was a bowl full of Publix brand deo, lotion, etc.).

Pay close attention you're grabbing the right item -- check ounces/size with your print out and coupons. It totally stinks to get to the front with the wrong item.

Publix takes coupons from other stores -- like I have a $5 off of $w30 from Winn Dixie that they will honor. They for sure take Winn Dixie, Kroger, and Piggly Wiggly.

When you hit the register, take a min to double check that everything corresponds. The cashiers prefer for you to give them the coupon with the item it goes with which makes the process faster but you do lose the dramatic ending -- first total $42, now it's $20! But you see the savings on the bottom.

Biggest thing is don't be afraid to ask! I love my CVS pharmacist and K is thrilled that Katie makes her antibiotics taste like bubble gum, so I told them I had the Publix baby club coupon for a free antibiotic. They gave me a $10 CVS card to honor it (cost of my antibiotic). And somewhere I got a 4 card set of certificates for the Publix pharmacy, and Sarah just pointed out that I can use one each month when I refill my prescription -- I'm sorry, $100!?!?!? Thanks Sarah!

Also if you're not sure if something is a good deal, I'll call places like Sam's or WD really quick to see the price per pound of their meat or whatever. I still hit WM for a few little random things, but for the most part, we are stocked and just need the perishables! We even made Cheerio cookies today with the zillion boxes of Cheerios we have!

And just ask! I'm still randomly calling my friend Allison in Atlanta that got me started on all of this. Just try a few items, and you'll be shocked! Cutting your budget not only makes you feel great because you got a deal, but it's also a huge part of being a steward with your money and I feel like I am honoring Alex by being wise with expenditures. Happy Publixing! See here for previous post on this.

Summer Saturday

Swim Lessons

Kirkley wrapped up a week of private swim lessons today. I was totally apprehensive as she declared on day 1, "I am not going under!" Oh how I wish I'd done private last summer when she was two and much more fearless!

There were a few moments that looked like this...

But mostly she kicked with every ounce of her being so she didn't go under!
I'm hoping she'll get over this asap with lots of trips to the neighborhood pool this summer!

Jay was a sport and hung out with me or napped at Grammy's -- thanks Grammy!

Pool Party

We had a family party at the neighborhood pool to celebrate Jay's half-birthday! Yes, my December baby will really have half-birthday celebrations!

It was his first time to get in the pool and, as with all things, he just hung out and was along for the ride...
Kirkley and Alex informed me that this is a girl float because it's purple...guess he needs another half birthday present -- his very own masculine baby float! :)

Big sister loves a birthday party and was pumped when I told her we needed to make treats. She is getting so much more fun to cook with which is a treat for me! If you don't frost with a bag and a 1M tip, you should. I was done in less than a minute, and K had a blast shaking sprinkles! And the 1M tip makes you look all fancy and professional -- don't tell everyone it takes 30 seconds to do the whole tray!

Big sister was also quick to let us know that she'd be needing to assist with present unwrapping also...
Happy very first half-birthday to our sweet boy!

6 Months

It's hard to remember life before Jay was in our family and even harder to remember when he wasn't an arm-numbing 20+ lbs! :) We had sweet time this afternoon for a few pics that capture some little details about what he's up to these days.

Sitting up so well. Notice the little swoops of hair off of his head -- sister's curls were starting to show up in these coming months. He's gotten a ton more hair and we're seeing some swoops and waves here and there...
He's starting to enter into that curious stage where everything is interesting and new and then goes in his mouth...
So happy -- he really is content 99% of the day...I have hilarious pics of him in his diaper that will be GREAT yearbook pics one day. I can't bring myself to post them -- sweet chunky thing. We're celebrating his half birthday tonight with a pool party for the fam!

embrace the camera

I hope you're like me and have a few totally random blogs on your reader. I have a few and last week, one led me to another random blog and this post about embracing the camera. I LOVE what she said and can't say it better. I took a look at my blog and noticed NO pictures of me with the kids recently. She's right -- my kids will want to see pics of us together. Hopefully they also appreciate the 9,125,873 pictures of themselves too! :) So here we are at 6:15 in the morning soaking up some one on one time before kicking into gear. Some of my favorite time with Jay is in this early morning hour while his sister is reading books in her room until 7am. Rare, sweet, quiet one on one time....

From his head to his toes...

I could eat him up! Helping me fold laundry or jumping in his jumperoo (thanks Thompsons), he is cute as a button! Look at these thighs..... You know how you see parents that are so googley eyed over their kids thinking their child is so great and perfect that it gets on your nerves...that is me. I try to tone it down and I wasn't like that with K, but I have to admit I am with this little man!!!

Tennis Fun

With preschool out this summer, we've had a great time so far doing all sorts of things. We've had lots of random fun at the library, park, pool, Books-A-Million, Chick-Fil-A, Chappy's, couponing at every grocery store in town, and fun little lessons.

We're big believers in exposing to lots of different activities, and we feel so blessed to live in a university town where Kirkley can take gym or tennis at the same facilities that the college teams are at. We thought after a few experiences she'd start to have a preference, but when we've tried to get her to pick her favorite, she says, "All of them!" While preschool is out, we're hitting up a fun activity or two a week! I have a new respect for elementary school moms that shuttle to all of the lessons -- I hope we're narrowed down by then! :)

So here we are at tennis...

For sure seeing some improvement at paying attention to the teacher instead of looking all around...

And utilizing all of the hand/eye coordination practice we can get! I love Lilly Kate looking at her like, "Can't she catch!?" :)

She missed that ball and chased it over to brother who hung out with Bradley while the big sisters were playing.

puke-ons

cSo I haven't posted about coupons in a while, not because I've stopped, but I've been waiting for the big Publix to open here! Totally worth it! So if you're interested, here is a random rundown of what I totally think is saving us LOTS of grocery money! I promise it's worth it -- Kirkley and I have now made a craft time out of it, and she loves cutting "puke-ons" from all of my scraps!

Subscribe to Southern Savers and Deal Seeking Mom in your reader. There are lots of things that pop up that are limited supplies -- like I've gotten four random samples in the mail this week but when I sent the link to friends, they were gone.

Stock up on things you use when there is a sale AND you have a coupon. For instance, frozen veggies went on sale for $1 a bag, I had two $0.50 coupons, which made my two bags FREE (each doubled to -$1) -- or today at Publix I got them for $0.19 a bag. I always check the $1 or less deals to see if there is anything we'd use. There are probably 15-20 products that we won't have to buy again for months because I stocked up like this.

If you have a Publix, learn it first. Out of town friends assure me it's the best for stocking up. Southern Savers: Publix does a good run down on all of their policies. We went today and I got what I estimate at $25 of groceries at WM for $9.13 at Publix:
Everything was under $1 -- cheese was the penny item (cut that from paper day of), yogurt was a quarter per 4-pack, and all of it was stuff we use. Subscribe to Baby Club and both of the magazines -- lots of coupons come in these. If it is a Publix STORE coupon, you can combine it with a MANUFACTURER coupon and use 2 coupons on one item. You also don't have to buy 2 items to get buy one get one free -- each is half off if that makes sense. You can also use 2 coupons when they are buy one get one free.

If you don't see a coupon anywhere (online or in papers), go to the product's website. I've searched a few of our regular items and found $1 off coupons on their site.

Do the rebates/mail-ins posted on Southern Savers -- I've gotten several coupon books in the mail for $100 and $25 in coupons for random things, along with several rebate checks. I don't buy anything random for these, just stuff off of my normal list then you just send in your receipt with their form.

Grab 2 copies of All You magazine each month -- lots of coupons here.

Grab 2 copies of the Sunday paper or grab extra inserts from family. There are tons of coupons this week -- bigger cities get ALL of these, but our paper typically has most.

Make a binder -- I cut from 8-9 inserts and put them in my binder and Kirkley was still cutting hers. Love this as a new craft time. Click HERE for dividers. The sites say cut ALL, but I can't handle that and cut what I may use. Also when you start printing, don't go crazy -- I printed a zillion at first that I never used.

See if any of your product regulars have rewards programs. Like I CANNOT believe I didn't register my Pamper's points until now. You can get ALL sorts of things with their program. I ordered coupons for 3 free boxes of Cheerios -- we are stocked!

Basically each week, I check the list on Southern Savers, click all of my stuff, print my list from that site, then print or find all of the coordinating coupons and clip them all to my list. Yes, the kids come too -- it's an outing! I have been at 2-3 different stores each week, but I'm hoping now it's only 1-2. And, yes, I cook from the sale too or from what we've stocked.

This can TOTALLY be intimidating, but I promise I think we're saving $50 a week. Even if you just do a few items and save $20 a week, that is $1,000+ a year you're saving! All of the coupon sites have tons of tips that are much better explained than this and there are workshops you can attend, but these are the big things that have helped me. It quickly turned into a game for me to see how much I can get for next to nothing -- watch out -- totally addictive! :)