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!!!
Friday, April 17, 2009
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!
Monday, March 23, 2009
I have a secret to tell....
I wasn't sure if I would blog about this. To be honest, it's something I have thought about off and on for a few years. This will come as shocking to many...especially to you Cyndi. Trust me when I say, I have shared this with very few people (Joey, my mom, my classroom aide). I have not kept this secret for any reason. I just choose to not talk about it.
Ok here goes...I have been thinking seriously about becoming a surrogate mother. Why?! Well...I really don't know why to be honest. Maybe God plants these thoughts into our hearts. All I can tell you is this...I'm seriously thinking about this. So much so that I have become a member of a surrogate mother website. I have even received a reply from someone in central Florida who is looking for a surrogate.
So what does this mean? Well, basically my body would be a place for someone else's baby to grow. This would not be my baby. I would provide the womb, the nurturing, and the "intended parents" with a baby they couldn't have conceived on their own. Some surrogates allow for the intended parents to use their (mine) egg, but the sperm would come from the "intended father". So technically, this baby would genetically be half mine. I couldn't do that. But I would allow a fertilized egg (not my egg) to be transplanted in me in hopes that the result would be....well a baby.
I have thought about this over and over. I have not prayed deeply about it though...not yet anyway. There is a chance that women from the surrogate mother website are reading this, so I have to make sure I'm completely honest about my thoughts. I actually just learned last night about how many surrogates allow the intended parents to use their egg. So I was a bit discouraged about that. I would love to help someone, but I can't give them a baby that is partially mine. So that's why I would do this if the egg was donated. I wouldn't want the baby genetically tied to me in any way. Does this make sense?
On the website, I have explained that I am currently pregnant, and how I wouldn't be ready until January 2010. So I truly have given this alot of thought. But I have not researched it extensively. I posted my info page before learning about the whole "my egg but your sperm" part of it all. And I have to say again...I couldn't do that, I just couldn't do it.
Lastly, for those of you that know me, you know that my intentions would not be based on a "financial gain". But knowing that someone cannot have a child breaks my heart after loving Will the way I do. What if I couldn't have conceived Will? What if a surrogate had carried him for me? What if a surrogate had carried your child for you? Would you not be greatful?
Ok here goes...I have been thinking seriously about becoming a surrogate mother. Why?! Well...I really don't know why to be honest. Maybe God plants these thoughts into our hearts. All I can tell you is this...I'm seriously thinking about this. So much so that I have become a member of a surrogate mother website. I have even received a reply from someone in central Florida who is looking for a surrogate.
So what does this mean? Well, basically my body would be a place for someone else's baby to grow. This would not be my baby. I would provide the womb, the nurturing, and the "intended parents" with a baby they couldn't have conceived on their own. Some surrogates allow for the intended parents to use their (mine) egg, but the sperm would come from the "intended father". So technically, this baby would genetically be half mine. I couldn't do that. But I would allow a fertilized egg (not my egg) to be transplanted in me in hopes that the result would be....well a baby.
I have thought about this over and over. I have not prayed deeply about it though...not yet anyway. There is a chance that women from the surrogate mother website are reading this, so I have to make sure I'm completely honest about my thoughts. I actually just learned last night about how many surrogates allow the intended parents to use their egg. So I was a bit discouraged about that. I would love to help someone, but I can't give them a baby that is partially mine. So that's why I would do this if the egg was donated. I wouldn't want the baby genetically tied to me in any way. Does this make sense?
On the website, I have explained that I am currently pregnant, and how I wouldn't be ready until January 2010. So I truly have given this alot of thought. But I have not researched it extensively. I posted my info page before learning about the whole "my egg but your sperm" part of it all. And I have to say again...I couldn't do that, I just couldn't do it.
Lastly, for those of you that know me, you know that my intentions would not be based on a "financial gain". But knowing that someone cannot have a child breaks my heart after loving Will the way I do. What if I couldn't have conceived Will? What if a surrogate had carried him for me? What if a surrogate had carried your child for you? Would you not be greatful?
Monday, March 16, 2009
My baby is 3!
Last Monday, March 9th, my baby boy turned 3. I took Monday off to be with him, and we had such a wonderful day together. We slept in till 9am, then went to the Lady Lake Park, then to Chick-Fil-A, and later that evening we went to "Jump in Joey's" in Clermont. If you have never been there, I highly recommend it. It's basically an indoor bounce house. It's incredibly clean with a laid back atmosphere, and the staff was super friendly. Parents can sit back in the nice wicker furniture while their children play their hearts out. I'm sure it's packed on the weekends, so I recommend a week night. My little man was pooped when we got home!
This past Saturday (March 14) we actually celebrated Will's party at Lake Okahumpka Park. He had so much fun! We rented a bounce house for the kids, which was great! I tend to like the idea of a laid back party. Some mothers go all out and plan activities and games. Not me! I let the kids play while the adults enjoyed each others company. I just want the kids to be "free" and run and play as they wished. I may do games as Will gets older...
If you are reading this and you have a child Will's age, please do not get offended if I didn't invite you to his party. We basically had family, and a few friends. Will has 3 boys that he is very close to, so we invited those 3 along with their families. Other than that, it was all family. We really tried to stay around 30 people since we were feeding them. It's so easy to spend hundreds of dollars on a party! I'm sure you are all shaking your heads in agreement right now!
Before I show you party pictures, I have to take the time to tell you about Will's birthday cake! I was telling my friend (the one who made the cake) that I wanted a big #3 cake, and I wanted it red and black (Bulldog colors of course). While talking to her, Will says "Mommy I want a spongebob cake". I looked at my friend and said..."Okay so I was saying, I want a big #3 cake...." Later in the day, Will said (at least 3 times) that he wanted a spongebob cake. First of all, Will doesn't watch spongebob, has no clothing or toys with spongebob...yet he was insistent on a spongebob cake! So yes...he had a spongebob cake...but NO spongebob decorations I assure you! If you ever need a cake made, please let me know! My friend Robin doesn't even do this for a living! Her cake was a work of art, and tasted like heaven! Her prices are unbeatable, and I assure you, you will not be disappointed!
This past Saturday (March 14) we actually celebrated Will's party at Lake Okahumpka Park. He had so much fun! We rented a bounce house for the kids, which was great! I tend to like the idea of a laid back party. Some mothers go all out and plan activities and games. Not me! I let the kids play while the adults enjoyed each others company. I just want the kids to be "free" and run and play as they wished. I may do games as Will gets older...
If you are reading this and you have a child Will's age, please do not get offended if I didn't invite you to his party. We basically had family, and a few friends. Will has 3 boys that he is very close to, so we invited those 3 along with their families. Other than that, it was all family. We really tried to stay around 30 people since we were feeding them. It's so easy to spend hundreds of dollars on a party! I'm sure you are all shaking your heads in agreement right now!
Before I show you party pictures, I have to take the time to tell you about Will's birthday cake! I was telling my friend (the one who made the cake) that I wanted a big #3 cake, and I wanted it red and black (Bulldog colors of course). While talking to her, Will says "Mommy I want a spongebob cake". I looked at my friend and said..."Okay so I was saying, I want a big #3 cake...." Later in the day, Will said (at least 3 times) that he wanted a spongebob cake. First of all, Will doesn't watch spongebob, has no clothing or toys with spongebob...yet he was insistent on a spongebob cake! So yes...he had a spongebob cake...but NO spongebob decorations I assure you! If you ever need a cake made, please let me know! My friend Robin doesn't even do this for a living! Her cake was a work of art, and tasted like heaven! Her prices are unbeatable, and I assure you, you will not be disappointed!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
99% Sure!
Well, the anticipation has finally come to an end! Joey and I can now call our little man by name. Westin Samual decided to finally show off his stuff yesterday for Dr. Moffett and for his eager parents. We are thrilled to know that we will have 2 boys to raise that hopefully will be the best of friends. They will be 3 years and 4 months apart in age, which is a nice age difference. Now I can pray for "him" and pray blessings on his precious little life. So many people (work friends and family) seem so disappointed that we aren't having a girl. But from the beginning, it never mattered to me. Would I have loved a girl? Yes, of course. But I will equally love and adore this little boy. God has chosen to bless me with boys, and I accept that blessing with my whole heart. We will call him "Wes"...our precious boys...Will and Wes!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
This is becoming funny....
On Monday, Joey and I went to my monthly check-up and I saw Dr. Moffett. I made it known that we didn't know the sex of the baby, and how the tech said girl. Moffett assured me, we would find out that day.
At first the baby had it's knees together, and feet tucked under it's bottom. Basically my child was in the worst possible position when trying to determine the sex. The baby opened it's legs and Moffett said, "I think that's a boy". What?! A boy?! I don't say that because I am disappointed...I am just confused. It's either a boy, or it's a girl...how hard can that be, right?!
Well, Moffett tried to get the baby to move. At one time, when the legs were open, the babys fingers were right in the spot we needed to look. Moffett said, "Well that's a sure sign that's it's a boy". Actually, Moffett only had 2 quick looks at my little one's private (that's sounds funny). And both times he felt pretty sure he saw boy parts. But he did say for us not to paint the room blue just yet.
So yes...the mystery continues. But to be honest, I do think Moffett will be right. I really do think I saw boy parts too, but the baby kept moving right when we thought we had a good view. My baby just wants to surprise us I guess :)
The good news is, Moffett is letting me come back next Wednesday for a quick ultrasound so I don't have to wait a whole month. Maybe then, I will be able to tell you for sure if we are expecting a boy...or girl.
At first the baby had it's knees together, and feet tucked under it's bottom. Basically my child was in the worst possible position when trying to determine the sex. The baby opened it's legs and Moffett said, "I think that's a boy". What?! A boy?! I don't say that because I am disappointed...I am just confused. It's either a boy, or it's a girl...how hard can that be, right?!
Well, Moffett tried to get the baby to move. At one time, when the legs were open, the babys fingers were right in the spot we needed to look. Moffett said, "Well that's a sure sign that's it's a boy". Actually, Moffett only had 2 quick looks at my little one's private (that's sounds funny). And both times he felt pretty sure he saw boy parts. But he did say for us not to paint the room blue just yet.
So yes...the mystery continues. But to be honest, I do think Moffett will be right. I really do think I saw boy parts too, but the baby kept moving right when we thought we had a good view. My baby just wants to surprise us I guess :)
The good news is, Moffett is letting me come back next Wednesday for a quick ultrasound so I don't have to wait a whole month. Maybe then, I will be able to tell you for sure if we are expecting a boy...or girl.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
We are having a.........
BABY!!!! Woohoo! That much we do know! But what we don't know is the sex of the baby. Is this child being stubborn in the womb? What does that mean for our future??? Yikes!
Actually, the ultrasound at Lake Medical Imaging went great. Everything about our baby looked just the way it should at this point...praise God! I have never cared if this baby was a boy or girl...I have just prayed healthy, and thriving. And "she" is. Did I just say "she"...well technically I don't truly know the sex of the baby...but the tech said she was going with a girl as her choice. The unbilical cord was lying perfectly between the baby's legs, making it hard to determine the sex. A few times the cord moved away slightly, but the tech still found it hard to get a real good view. She thought she saw girl parts, but was only 70% certain. As the tech walked me out of the room, she apologized and said "I feel defeated with this one".
So Joey and I don't want to think girl until we are certain. My next appt. with Dr. Moffitt is Monday February 16, which is less than 2 weeks away. I am hoping I will get a more definite answer on that visit...fingers crossed.
Well, I am feeling great now and have started "nesting" around the house. My house looks like the inside was hit by a hurricane...I am hoping to get things in order soon. We are changing Will's room and so far it looks real cool. Once it's done, I will take pics to share with you.
Well, I guess you will hear from me soon...maybe I will have better luck.
Actually, the ultrasound at Lake Medical Imaging went great. Everything about our baby looked just the way it should at this point...praise God! I have never cared if this baby was a boy or girl...I have just prayed healthy, and thriving. And "she" is. Did I just say "she"...well technically I don't truly know the sex of the baby...but the tech said she was going with a girl as her choice. The unbilical cord was lying perfectly between the baby's legs, making it hard to determine the sex. A few times the cord moved away slightly, but the tech still found it hard to get a real good view. She thought she saw girl parts, but was only 70% certain. As the tech walked me out of the room, she apologized and said "I feel defeated with this one".
So Joey and I don't want to think girl until we are certain. My next appt. with Dr. Moffitt is Monday February 16, which is less than 2 weeks away. I am hoping I will get a more definite answer on that visit...fingers crossed.
Well, I am feeling great now and have started "nesting" around the house. My house looks like the inside was hit by a hurricane...I am hoping to get things in order soon. We are changing Will's room and so far it looks real cool. Once it's done, I will take pics to share with you.
Well, I guess you will hear from me soon...maybe I will have better luck.
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