I have this precious 3 year old son...and he loves me. I mean, he really loves me! He doesn't just love me because I am his mother, or because I help provide and take care of him...he genuinely loves me. I know you are a bit puzzled, and thinking of your own childen, and how you know you are loved by them. But trust me when I tell you...my son is different.
Will is somehow capable of loving deep and whole heartedly. He loves like that of a mature adult, and not like a child his age...with very little love experiences. Will is special. And he makes those that he loves feel so very special. He kisses on the lips, and when he hugs, he's not usually the first to let go. He tells me at least 10 times per day that he loves me. And it's random. Not because I just bought him a gift, or played with him. We can just be sitting and having supper....and I hear, "I love you mommy."
Now I have to stop here to say this...his love may be great, but it's also selective. He doesn't show his love to just anyone. In fact, unless you are close to him, you would never know this about him. Just yesterday while on a field trip at his pre-school, I had to get on to him for saying, "I don't love her (referring to his classmate) he then went on to tell Mrs. Debbie, I don't love anybody."
The last paragraph may seem contradictive, but it's true. He loves only certain people, but he loves them with a greatness beyond your imagination. As I type this, I realize that when he gives, he gives 100%. He doesn't trust just anyone with his love.
Will loves you one on one. If he's with me, he wants to hold my hand (while he is in his carseat and I'm driving...not easy!) or he wants to sit in my lap. He will even say, "Mommy, you're sooo bootiful." If he is with papa for example, he wants papa one on one. No distractions. And he tells him many times..."I love you papa." And he NEVER lets you walk away without "a hug and a kiss." I could go on and on with examples! I could blog daily about something he has said, or about something he has done. He really is special. He is so special to me. And I know he must be special to God.
I realize that you may be able to relate. You might have a child much like Will in your home. These loving little souls are so innocent, and so special. How are they capable of this great love? Did God select them especially for this task? To love? And Will is only three. Imagine his heart if the Lord continues to work on him and through him. Just imagaine. I just need to continue working on the "selective" area in his love compartment! Maybe one day, I will better understand why he is so selective.
Since he was born, the song by Monica titled For you I will has been my song to him. Listen to the words as it plays, if you have time. I can't imagine a better song to dedicate to my first son.
I hope you too have a song for yours.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
So Grateful, So Thankful
I have so much in my life to be grateful for. My eyes begin to water just typing that. I have a wonderful husband, 2 beautiful, healthy sons, a roof over my head, vehicles that get me where I need to go...my bills are paid, we have food in the pantry...gosh, I could just go on and on. I am so very thankful for this life, my life. And yet, I feel so unworthy. God continues to bless us (don't get me wrong, he tests us too) yet I feel as though I do nothing for him. I believe in him, I believe he died for me, and I believe in all he represents...but what have I REALLY done for him?
Do you remember my post titled A bad 9 weeks? It's the post where I talked about our claim with State Farm, and how we were denied coverage. If you remember, I stated that both our bathroom floors were "saturated" and also "rotten" underneath due to a leaky air handler. Well, about a week after my blog was posted, I received a call from a dear friend of mine asking me to call her cousin. This seemed strange to me, because although I knew her cousin I didn't understand why she needed me to call her. Well to make a very long story short, the cousin (I'm not going to use names just in case they wouldn't feel comfortable with that) is married to a wonderful man who is also a contractor. He offered to do the work "pro bono" and hoped he would have other resources help and donate supplies. Well, those "resources" didn't follow through like they had claimed they would...yet he is a man that stands by his word and said he would do the work anyway. I even gave him ample opportunities to walk away (talking with his wife via facebook) but she insisted that once her husband said he would do something, he followed through. And I am so grateful that he is the type of man that he is. He has been such a blessing to our family.
He began working on our floors the weekend of August 15th. He isn't finished yet because he does the work on weekends and when he gets chances during the week. He is going above and beyond to make the work right, and has even said he would contact State Farm and try to convince them that the work should have been covered based on what he has seen. He is a God send! He is caring, and genuine, and puts others needs before his own. We are so thankful for him and his family!
But why us God? What have we done for you that you would bless us like this?
Back in June, Progress Energy called and asked me if I wanted to add a coverage to our bill that would repair or replace our hot water heater if needed. Although I always turn down services like this, I opted to get it since I knew the heater was over 30 years old. Our heater started "not heating well" about 2 weeks ago...and I didn't think to call PE until Joey mentioned that I should. I'm so glad we did!
Well...a man from Ocala just installed (he just left) a brand new Rheem hot water heater for FREE through my coverage with Progress Energy.
But why us God? What have we done for you that you would bless us like this?
Back in March I had Angela down at FB Pre-school place Will's name on the list to start pre-k in August. Not long after, I changed my mind and had her remove him. Then a month before school started I called to put his name back on the list because I really felt like he needed the interaction with the other children...but there wasn't an opening. Last Thursday LeAnn called to say they finally had an opening and although I hesitated...I accepted, and decided to place my lil man in pre-k. After filling out the paperwork, I ran into Jeanne M. I expressed my doubts with her about placing him and we chatted for just a few minutes. Later she called to tell me that she felt like God was telling her that I would know the right answer and have peace about my decision. Then she prayed for me. Jeanne, you have a way with words. God has blessed you and you always bless me when I hear you pray. I do have great peace about Will being at First Baptist pre-k, and he seems so happy there :)
But why us God? What have we done for you that you would bless us like this?
I don't know why God blesses us even when I know we are so unworthy. Imagine what he would do for us if we did better by him. I know we live a good solid life, and we talk to Will about God & Jesus. We go to church, and we do good deeds from time to time. But the depth to our relationship with HIM is seriously lacking on our part. Then there is tithe...I always forget tithe. I don't mean to...but I have never established a set pattern. I always remember to pay once the money is gone. I do pay, don't get me wrong...but I forget a lot! And feel so bad about it.
So why us God? What have we done for you that you would continue to bless us?
We are so Grateful.
We are so Thankful.
We are so Blessed.
I am so Unworthy.
I pray that I can be an even better person. I will make it a point to write myself notes so that I won't forget to pay tithe.
I want to feel worthy of all my blessings.
Isn't it so great, that although we fail him...He never fails us.
Do you remember my post titled A bad 9 weeks? It's the post where I talked about our claim with State Farm, and how we were denied coverage. If you remember, I stated that both our bathroom floors were "saturated" and also "rotten" underneath due to a leaky air handler. Well, about a week after my blog was posted, I received a call from a dear friend of mine asking me to call her cousin. This seemed strange to me, because although I knew her cousin I didn't understand why she needed me to call her. Well to make a very long story short, the cousin (I'm not going to use names just in case they wouldn't feel comfortable with that) is married to a wonderful man who is also a contractor. He offered to do the work "pro bono" and hoped he would have other resources help and donate supplies. Well, those "resources" didn't follow through like they had claimed they would...yet he is a man that stands by his word and said he would do the work anyway. I even gave him ample opportunities to walk away (talking with his wife via facebook) but she insisted that once her husband said he would do something, he followed through. And I am so grateful that he is the type of man that he is. He has been such a blessing to our family.
He began working on our floors the weekend of August 15th. He isn't finished yet because he does the work on weekends and when he gets chances during the week. He is going above and beyond to make the work right, and has even said he would contact State Farm and try to convince them that the work should have been covered based on what he has seen. He is a God send! He is caring, and genuine, and puts others needs before his own. We are so thankful for him and his family!
But why us God? What have we done for you that you would bless us like this?
Back in June, Progress Energy called and asked me if I wanted to add a coverage to our bill that would repair or replace our hot water heater if needed. Although I always turn down services like this, I opted to get it since I knew the heater was over 30 years old. Our heater started "not heating well" about 2 weeks ago...and I didn't think to call PE until Joey mentioned that I should. I'm so glad we did!
Well...a man from Ocala just installed (he just left) a brand new Rheem hot water heater for FREE through my coverage with Progress Energy.
But why us God? What have we done for you that you would bless us like this?
Back in March I had Angela down at FB Pre-school place Will's name on the list to start pre-k in August. Not long after, I changed my mind and had her remove him. Then a month before school started I called to put his name back on the list because I really felt like he needed the interaction with the other children...but there wasn't an opening. Last Thursday LeAnn called to say they finally had an opening and although I hesitated...I accepted, and decided to place my lil man in pre-k. After filling out the paperwork, I ran into Jeanne M. I expressed my doubts with her about placing him and we chatted for just a few minutes. Later she called to tell me that she felt like God was telling her that I would know the right answer and have peace about my decision. Then she prayed for me. Jeanne, you have a way with words. God has blessed you and you always bless me when I hear you pray. I do have great peace about Will being at First Baptist pre-k, and he seems so happy there :)
But why us God? What have we done for you that you would bless us like this?
I don't know why God blesses us even when I know we are so unworthy. Imagine what he would do for us if we did better by him. I know we live a good solid life, and we talk to Will about God & Jesus. We go to church, and we do good deeds from time to time. But the depth to our relationship with HIM is seriously lacking on our part. Then there is tithe...I always forget tithe. I don't mean to...but I have never established a set pattern. I always remember to pay once the money is gone. I do pay, don't get me wrong...but I forget a lot! And feel so bad about it.
So why us God? What have we done for you that you would continue to bless us?
We are so Grateful.
We are so Thankful.
We are so Blessed.
I am so Unworthy.
I pray that I can be an even better person. I will make it a point to write myself notes so that I won't forget to pay tithe.
I want to feel worthy of all my blessings.
Isn't it so great, that although we fail him...He never fails us.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
The story of Wes' arrival
Well it's been nine days now since my lil man entered into this world, and I have to say that he is such a good baby! I began his schedule the minute he was born, and doing that has made my life as a new mom of two so easy. He only wakes me once in the night, unless you count the feeding between 5am & 6am. During the day he eats every 3 hours (my choice) and at night he stretches himself to every 4 hours...almost to the minute! I highly recommend the book "Secrets of the Baby Whisperer" to every new mom! I also have to add, that the schedule has allowed me to nap everyday myself because at one point in the day both boys are sleeping! Okay, enough about all that...now let me tell you about the exciting day of delivery!
I was due Sunday July 5th, but if I had not delivered I had a scheduled appt. Monday the 6th @ 2:15pm. Well I was at the appt. on Monday! No firecracker baby over the weekend! At the appt., Dr. Helms said I was 4cm but could be stretched to 5cm, and that I was 75% effaced. He also said this, "For you to not be in labor, your baby is very low." He said the baby was about in the "plus 1" position, and that "plus 3" means the baby is out! Basically Wes was very near to being delivered. Helms said he would induce me whenever I wanted but that he wouldn't allow me to go past that upcoming Friday. So I told him that we would induce Wednesday the 8th if nothing happened before then. I liked the date of the 8th (remember how I'm funny about numbers) because his bday would be 07-08-09.
On Tuesday the 7th, I was up around 8:30am. I went ahead and showered, shaved, got all good and polished just in case (I actually did this same thing every morning for like 2 weeks not knowing when I'd go into labor). Around 10am I started feeling very sharp pains but I thought it was because of the exam the day before. Once I had 3 within about 30 minutes...I decided I should take them serious. So I called Sharis and asked if I could bring Will over for the day. I told her that I thought I was having contractions and wanted to take it easy. I had two more on the way to her house and one while at her house! Thank God she was home and took Will! I left her house around 11am. When I left her house, I remembered that I had received an email from Merle Norman Cosmetics advertising $10 off the Vera Bradley lunch tote. And since I would be driving past Merle Norman on the way to the hospital, I went to Joey's parents and printed the coupon. Then I went to Merle Norman...hey $10 off is a good deal!! Well, the bag was sold out so I didn't get it...but the lady behind the counter said, "so when are you due", I replied "well my contractions are about 15minutes apart so it will be today." I think I scared her!
So I got to the hospital around noon (11:52am to be exact) and checked myself in. Joey was there right away with me. Dr. Helms got there within 20-25 minutes. He checked me and I was 6cm. Then he broke my water (ouch!). He decided to not give me pitocin and thought I'd deliver later that day without the drug. Well once he left, it was about 30-45 minutes before they began the epidural. But by that point the contractions were so close and so hard that the epidural didn't seem to help ease the pain. I kept asking when I'd feel the epidural and by the looks on their faces, they knew I should already be feeling the relief...but I wasn't! They then decided to also give me a "local"...whatever the hec that is! So the contractions kept coming and were closer, then I started to get sick and began dry heaving...it was bad! It's like I wanted to cry but I couldn't get any tears out! It was the weirdest thing! Then I said to the nurse..."Monica, why is the pain staying now and not going away" so she checked me and it was time to push! Man it went so fast...it was only 2:30pm! And I swear it took Dr. Helms what seemed liked forever to get there! When he got there he asked me to give him one practice push. After I did he said, "okay this is gonna be a quick delivery." I think I pushed on 4 contractions and Wes was here!!!! Oh man the joys of giving birth! I love delivery day! Even though I felt everything leading up to pushing, I would do it over 10 times! Thank God I was numb and didn't feel him enter into this world, but I sure felt everything else! But truthfully, I'm so glad I was able to experience it that way. I told the nurse I needed a discount on the epidural since it half worked! She told me that the epidural didn't work because it couldn't catch up to my contractions. I guess I should have bypassed Merle Norman.
So that's my story :) My lil man was born @ 2:41pm weighing 7 pounds 8 ounces, and was 21 inches long. He was so small compared to Will! I really thought Wes would be close to 9 pounds...boy was I wrong. It's probably good that he was small since I felt all the contractions. I bet the pain would have been greater!
I hope you enjoy the pics! I feel so very blessed!
I was due Sunday July 5th, but if I had not delivered I had a scheduled appt. Monday the 6th @ 2:15pm. Well I was at the appt. on Monday! No firecracker baby over the weekend! At the appt., Dr. Helms said I was 4cm but could be stretched to 5cm, and that I was 75% effaced. He also said this, "For you to not be in labor, your baby is very low." He said the baby was about in the "plus 1" position, and that "plus 3" means the baby is out! Basically Wes was very near to being delivered. Helms said he would induce me whenever I wanted but that he wouldn't allow me to go past that upcoming Friday. So I told him that we would induce Wednesday the 8th if nothing happened before then. I liked the date of the 8th (remember how I'm funny about numbers) because his bday would be 07-08-09.
On Tuesday the 7th, I was up around 8:30am. I went ahead and showered, shaved, got all good and polished just in case (I actually did this same thing every morning for like 2 weeks not knowing when I'd go into labor). Around 10am I started feeling very sharp pains but I thought it was because of the exam the day before. Once I had 3 within about 30 minutes...I decided I should take them serious. So I called Sharis and asked if I could bring Will over for the day. I told her that I thought I was having contractions and wanted to take it easy. I had two more on the way to her house and one while at her house! Thank God she was home and took Will! I left her house around 11am. When I left her house, I remembered that I had received an email from Merle Norman Cosmetics advertising $10 off the Vera Bradley lunch tote. And since I would be driving past Merle Norman on the way to the hospital, I went to Joey's parents and printed the coupon. Then I went to Merle Norman...hey $10 off is a good deal!! Well, the bag was sold out so I didn't get it...but the lady behind the counter said, "so when are you due", I replied "well my contractions are about 15minutes apart so it will be today." I think I scared her!
So I got to the hospital around noon (11:52am to be exact) and checked myself in. Joey was there right away with me. Dr. Helms got there within 20-25 minutes. He checked me and I was 6cm. Then he broke my water (ouch!). He decided to not give me pitocin and thought I'd deliver later that day without the drug. Well once he left, it was about 30-45 minutes before they began the epidural. But by that point the contractions were so close and so hard that the epidural didn't seem to help ease the pain. I kept asking when I'd feel the epidural and by the looks on their faces, they knew I should already be feeling the relief...but I wasn't! They then decided to also give me a "local"...whatever the hec that is! So the contractions kept coming and were closer, then I started to get sick and began dry heaving...it was bad! It's like I wanted to cry but I couldn't get any tears out! It was the weirdest thing! Then I said to the nurse..."Monica, why is the pain staying now and not going away" so she checked me and it was time to push! Man it went so fast...it was only 2:30pm! And I swear it took Dr. Helms what seemed liked forever to get there! When he got there he asked me to give him one practice push. After I did he said, "okay this is gonna be a quick delivery." I think I pushed on 4 contractions and Wes was here!!!! Oh man the joys of giving birth! I love delivery day! Even though I felt everything leading up to pushing, I would do it over 10 times! Thank God I was numb and didn't feel him enter into this world, but I sure felt everything else! But truthfully, I'm so glad I was able to experience it that way. I told the nurse I needed a discount on the epidural since it half worked! She told me that the epidural didn't work because it couldn't catch up to my contractions. I guess I should have bypassed Merle Norman.
So that's my story :) My lil man was born @ 2:41pm weighing 7 pounds 8 ounces, and was 21 inches long. He was so small compared to Will! I really thought Wes would be close to 9 pounds...boy was I wrong. It's probably good that he was small since I felt all the contractions. I bet the pain would have been greater!
I hope you enjoy the pics! I feel so very blessed!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Beach Vacation
I have been anticipating the dates June 13 through June 20, because we have had our beach trip planned for about 5 months. I absolutely love the beach, and have really grown to love Treasure Island. I don't like the east coast beaches because they really don't compare to those on the west coast. Also, it's less "commercialized" and much more family friendly. And just prettier beaches all together! I was a little scared about going because just before we left, I was 2cm and 50% effaced. But I needed the R&R and decided to go anyway...I figured it was well worth the risk! Joey was only able to stay the first weekend, so his mom came and stayed with me the rest of the week. She was great, and a lot of help! She helped me keep Will busy, and made sure I didn't overdo myself. We slept in everyday till 9am...sunbathed till 1 or 2pm, napped for a few hours, then sunbathed some more. What a great schedule we had! My sister and her family were also there, so that was even better! I am proud to say that I am SO TAN! I can't even wear make-up because I have nothing that matches my color! I have not been this tan since high school and I'm so lovin it! It was a great week, and the weather was perfect!
The only thing that would have made it a better week is if Joey could have stayed with us :( We missed him dearly, and we were both happy to come home to him.
Here are a few pictures:
My belly shot...don't laugh!
Will became quite the swimmer, and even did great without floaties!
Isn't he beautiful! Look how blond his hair got!
Will and Anna Grace
The best kiss ever
**I highly recommend using the website VRBO.com (vacation rentals by owner) when you plan your next vacation destination. We saved a few hundred dollars by renting directly from the condo owner. It's really a great site. And if you happen to take a vacation in Treasure Island, be sure to stay here: http://www.vrbo.com/109078
***As of today, I am still 2cm. but now I'm 70% effaced***
Friday, May 22, 2009
A bad nine weeks
I have not updated my post in over a month. To be honest, I have had so much going on that I haven't felt like writing. Everything with my little baby is going well. He is growing, I am growing, and I'm so happy to soon be having another little man in my life. I have only six weeks left, unless he decides to come early.
Now on with the bad news...some of you know that I submitted a claim with State Farm under my homeowners policy. Well, the nine week long ordeal (yes nine weeks long) has finally come to an end, and my claim was denied. My adjuster led me on and gave me false hope for nine weeks. Yet State Farm acts like this was a cut and dry case of non-coverage. Trust me, I have fought this, and I'm still fighting. I contacted an attorney and he too thinks there is nothing I can do. I'm trying to fight this on "bad faith" but the attorney has not responded to that yet. I have had many crying spells, and sleepless nights over this. But I posted something on my facebook and I have to genuinely believe it..."Just when you think things can't get any worse, you realize just how good you've got it." I can't stress over this anymore! I have a growing baby that needs me to be stress free! But trust me, it's so hard. Then add pregnancy hormones and emotions and you have a pregnant basket case woman. I hate to admit it, but it's true. I am overwhelmed by the news.
I had Restoration Specialist out of Leesburg come out and give me a quote. I think the damage is somewhere between 15k and 20k. Do I have that kind of money sitting in the bank? NO! I can afford the supplies ( I think), but I can't afford to pay someone to do it. And my precious husband...he can do a lot of things...but this is not one of them. And would you believe that all this was caused by a leaking AC! Now we have to re-do both of our bathrooms. We had to have "temporary shoring" placed under them to prevent them from collapsing. Yes my friend, it's that bad. But we had no warning signs, at least not visible. Trust me, Joey and I would never have sat back and allowed this to happen. This wasn't a case of neglect I assure you! And the scary part...what kind of air are we breathing? What about this little infant? What about when he is born and sleeping in his crib? I'm so sorry...I didn't intend on getting this emotional just writing this...
So that's it. Just when you think things can't possibly get any worse...you HAVE to sit back and realize just how good you've got it. Everything else in our life is a constant reminder of how blessed we are. But this mess is definitely fighting it's way to the tops of our minds, and making us feel...well a little helpless, and hopeless. In this struggling economy, and with me taking next year off...I just can't make an irrational decision to take on a loan to get this done. I just can't do it. So I'm hoping we can just figure this out, somehow, someway. And hopefully, very soon.
I'll keep you posted. Just keep us in your prayers.
Now on with the bad news...some of you know that I submitted a claim with State Farm under my homeowners policy. Well, the nine week long ordeal (yes nine weeks long) has finally come to an end, and my claim was denied. My adjuster led me on and gave me false hope for nine weeks. Yet State Farm acts like this was a cut and dry case of non-coverage. Trust me, I have fought this, and I'm still fighting. I contacted an attorney and he too thinks there is nothing I can do. I'm trying to fight this on "bad faith" but the attorney has not responded to that yet. I have had many crying spells, and sleepless nights over this. But I posted something on my facebook and I have to genuinely believe it..."Just when you think things can't get any worse, you realize just how good you've got it." I can't stress over this anymore! I have a growing baby that needs me to be stress free! But trust me, it's so hard. Then add pregnancy hormones and emotions and you have a pregnant basket case woman. I hate to admit it, but it's true. I am overwhelmed by the news.
I had Restoration Specialist out of Leesburg come out and give me a quote. I think the damage is somewhere between 15k and 20k. Do I have that kind of money sitting in the bank? NO! I can afford the supplies ( I think), but I can't afford to pay someone to do it. And my precious husband...he can do a lot of things...but this is not one of them. And would you believe that all this was caused by a leaking AC! Now we have to re-do both of our bathrooms. We had to have "temporary shoring" placed under them to prevent them from collapsing. Yes my friend, it's that bad. But we had no warning signs, at least not visible. Trust me, Joey and I would never have sat back and allowed this to happen. This wasn't a case of neglect I assure you! And the scary part...what kind of air are we breathing? What about this little infant? What about when he is born and sleeping in his crib? I'm so sorry...I didn't intend on getting this emotional just writing this...
So that's it. Just when you think things can't possibly get any worse...you HAVE to sit back and realize just how good you've got it. Everything else in our life is a constant reminder of how blessed we are. But this mess is definitely fighting it's way to the tops of our minds, and making us feel...well a little helpless, and hopeless. In this struggling economy, and with me taking next year off...I just can't make an irrational decision to take on a loan to get this done. I just can't do it. So I'm hoping we can just figure this out, somehow, someway. And hopefully, very soon.
I'll keep you posted. Just keep us in your prayers.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Monthly check-up
I went to the doctor today for my monthly check-up and saw Dr. Wood. She is so great, but so quick! I was in and out of there in like 10 minutes. All is well with Mr. Wes, but for the second time I am measuring ahead of my date. Last month I measured 6 weeks ahead and had to go to Lake Medical Imaging for an accurate length and weight measurement (Wes measured just fine, right on target). This week I am measuring 3 weeks ahead. I go back in 2 weeks, so if I measure big again I will be sent back to Lake Medical Imaging (just to be sure). I am not bragging...but I've only gained 9 pounds this entire pregnancy! Woohoo! That means less to lose later! Actually I only gained 9.5 pounds with Will and he weighed 8lbs 10 oz so I have gained more with this pregnancy at this point. I don't have that philosophy most pregnant women have: (a) I'm eating for 2 (b) This is my free pass to eat what I want. I absolutely do not agree with either! Losing weight is so hard, and I don't want to have to lose a bunch once Wes arrives. Hopefully I stay on this path...but I will say, those brownies at Chick-fil-a are sooooooooo yummy! And worth every calorie!
Before I close, please be praying for us! We submitted a claim with State Farm 5 weeks ago and to this day we don't know if the claim will be covered. Our air conditioner had a bad leak that we knew nothing about until the damage was done. State Farm is sending an Engineer out on Tuesday to determine if the leak was a constant leak over time (not covered) or if this was something that happened quickly (covered). Please pray that God will be with the Engineer has he looks inside our home, and as he looks under the home (pray God shows us favor). I pray for coverage! This will cost us money that we don't have if it's not covered...as much as $10,000. And with a new baby, this is added stress that we don't need. Thank you!!!
Before I close, please be praying for us! We submitted a claim with State Farm 5 weeks ago and to this day we don't know if the claim will be covered. Our air conditioner had a bad leak that we knew nothing about until the damage was done. State Farm is sending an Engineer out on Tuesday to determine if the leak was a constant leak over time (not covered) or if this was something that happened quickly (covered). Please pray that God will be with the Engineer has he looks inside our home, and as he looks under the home (pray God shows us favor). I pray for coverage! This will cost us money that we don't have if it's not covered...as much as $10,000. And with a new baby, this is added stress that we don't need. Thank you!!!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Savings & Stockpiling
Recently, I have learned to love coupons. I blame this on my dear friend Amy. Actually, she has opened my eyes to some great ideas, and now I am motivated to save!
I am taking the 09/10 school year off to be with my two boys and through Amy, I have learned how to stockpile. Basically, I have learned to buy items that I don't need. But I buy them when they are on sale, then use a coupon to save additional money. Now, this concept may be old news for many, but for me it's new. Let me give you some examples of some of my most recent purchases:
1. Walgreens: I purchased 8 large tubes of toothpaste, and payed only $6 (75 cents per tube)
2. Walmart: I purchased 8 Secret brand deodorants and paid only $4 (50 cents each)
3. Walmart: I purchased 4 bottles of Kraft dressing (different flavors) and paid only 32 cents for all. That's only 8 cents per bottle.
There are more, and I could on and on. It's actually very exciting and addicting. So for the one year I am off, I won't have to buy toothpaste or deodorant. Actually, I have also stockpiled on body wash, dish soap, toothbrushes, and many food items. But I am no where near my goal. I hope to stockpile on detergent, bleach, fabric softener, shampoo & conditioner, medicine, toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags, etc. You can stockpile just about everything really. But the key is to pay the very least amount you possibly can.
Amy uses a website called "The Grocery Game" but I have found a free site called "Coupon Mom". Both sites are wonderful resources! They list the following stores in which you can use coupons and save money: Wal-Mart, Publix, CVS, Walgreens, Winn-Dixie, & Target. You can use coupons most anywhere...but the site sticks to those particular stores. When you are on the site, you can click on the link for Wal-mart(or any other listed store). Once you do that, it tells you the items that are on sale in that store that correlate with coupons that come out in your Sunday paper (past or present paper). The site will direct you to which paper had the coupon (example 4/5 SS...meaning the April 5th Sunday paper in the Smart Source flyer). There are 3 flyer's you need to look for, they are: Smart Source, Red Plum and P&G. Amy taught me how to set up a filing system which keeps up with the flyer's and their dates. It's super easy, and you only cut the coupons once you need them.
Recently, Joey and I went to publix. I purchased approx 10 items and paid just over $9. I left with 2 packages of english muffins, 2 jars of spaghetti sauce, 2 jars of mayo, 2 bottles of Kraft dressing, and 2 packages of halls cough drops. Most of the items were buy one get one free, and I also used coupons. You can double up your coupons at Publix (use 2 coupons even though one item is free).
The goal is to make a list of items that you always purchase, and learn to shop for them...and learn to stockpile them. Amy use to allot herself $200 per week for groceries. Now that she is using this system, she actually spends less than $100 per week. Sometimes as little as $60. In this economy, she is saving her family a lot of money. And if you think about it, if there is an economic crisis...she is stocked!
If you need help/guidance on how to get this system started, I would absolutely love to help. I am still learning, and I ask Amy questions all the time! But eventually, you will grasp the concept and believe in it!
I am taking the 09/10 school year off to be with my two boys and through Amy, I have learned how to stockpile. Basically, I have learned to buy items that I don't need. But I buy them when they are on sale, then use a coupon to save additional money. Now, this concept may be old news for many, but for me it's new. Let me give you some examples of some of my most recent purchases:
1. Walgreens: I purchased 8 large tubes of toothpaste, and payed only $6 (75 cents per tube)
2. Walmart: I purchased 8 Secret brand deodorants and paid only $4 (50 cents each)
3. Walmart: I purchased 4 bottles of Kraft dressing (different flavors) and paid only 32 cents for all. That's only 8 cents per bottle.
There are more, and I could on and on. It's actually very exciting and addicting. So for the one year I am off, I won't have to buy toothpaste or deodorant. Actually, I have also stockpiled on body wash, dish soap, toothbrushes, and many food items. But I am no where near my goal. I hope to stockpile on detergent, bleach, fabric softener, shampoo & conditioner, medicine, toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags, etc. You can stockpile just about everything really. But the key is to pay the very least amount you possibly can.
Amy uses a website called "The Grocery Game" but I have found a free site called "Coupon Mom". Both sites are wonderful resources! They list the following stores in which you can use coupons and save money: Wal-Mart, Publix, CVS, Walgreens, Winn-Dixie, & Target. You can use coupons most anywhere...but the site sticks to those particular stores. When you are on the site, you can click on the link for Wal-mart(or any other listed store). Once you do that, it tells you the items that are on sale in that store that correlate with coupons that come out in your Sunday paper (past or present paper). The site will direct you to which paper had the coupon (example 4/5 SS...meaning the April 5th Sunday paper in the Smart Source flyer). There are 3 flyer's you need to look for, they are: Smart Source, Red Plum and P&G. Amy taught me how to set up a filing system which keeps up with the flyer's and their dates. It's super easy, and you only cut the coupons once you need them.
Recently, Joey and I went to publix. I purchased approx 10 items and paid just over $9. I left with 2 packages of english muffins, 2 jars of spaghetti sauce, 2 jars of mayo, 2 bottles of Kraft dressing, and 2 packages of halls cough drops. Most of the items were buy one get one free, and I also used coupons. You can double up your coupons at Publix (use 2 coupons even though one item is free).
The goal is to make a list of items that you always purchase, and learn to shop for them...and learn to stockpile them. Amy use to allot herself $200 per week for groceries. Now that she is using this system, she actually spends less than $100 per week. Sometimes as little as $60. In this economy, she is saving her family a lot of money. And if you think about it, if there is an economic crisis...she is stocked!
If you need help/guidance on how to get this system started, I would absolutely love to help. I am still learning, and I ask Amy questions all the time! But eventually, you will grasp the concept and believe in it!
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