Pregnancy Update

So, I am still pregnant!! My due date is actually tomorrow 8/29/08. I have made some progression though. My contractions are very irregular and not what you would consider normal real labor contractions. They are uncomfortable but not painful.

I had a Dr's appointment Tuesday and everything looks good. I did have to schedule a repeat c-section but I knew that was coming. I scheduled it for Wednesday, 9/3. I prayed and prayed about that situation and when I left I just felt a peace about it. I know that God is in control. And after I made the c/s decision, I knew that if I was going to go into labor on my own it was because God wanted me to. I've known that all along but after Tuesday's appointment God just gave me clear assurance and peace that it was all in His hands. It's one thing to know that.. and it's another to feel it. And I'm so thankful for His answering my prayers!

So, the crazy thing was that Wednesday morning I woke up with some obvious progression! I was quite surprised because it's something that I've never experienced. With Luke my water broke 3 days before his due date with no warning. I never felt the first contraction until I got to the hospital and was hooked up on induction meds. So, this is all very new to me even though I've given birth before. And now it's just a waiting game! I'm thankful that my body seems to be working on it's own to do what it's suppose to do. That has been one of my prayers...

And I am still fully aware that I could continue to progress, get to the hospital and still end up with a c-section. I'm just thankful that it looks like I'm going to be able to try for my VBAC. I've been praying Scripture for several days now. Here are a few that I've been praying:

Phil. 4:6-7 ~ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Psalm 56:3 ~ Whenever I am afraid; I will trust in You.

Psalm 34:4 ~ I sought the Lord and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears.

Isaiah 12:2a ~ Behold God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid.

Phil 4:13 ~ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

1 Peter 5:6-7 ~ Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.

And these will be going with me to the hospital! Whatever day I end up going! :)

Cookie Memories... and something exciting (no I'm not in labor!!)

I made these today. And they were soo good. I had 5 of them.. no more for me today though. I am maxed out for today on chocolate and sugar! I seriously have been having chocolate cravings... and evidently oatmeal too! I made some chocolate oatmeal cookies last week as well! My mom mentioned these this weekend though and I've been thinking about them ever since. We use to make them a lot growing up and I can't tell you the last time I've had one! These turned out perfect too.. not too gooey or runny... and they set up perfectly. I took a recommendation to boil the mixture for two minutes instead of one. Someone commented that this would help them set up better. Who knows if it works all the time but it did today! I love making things that remind me of the past. And I might as well enjoy it now because I know in a few weeks I'm going to be attempting to avoid sweets so that I can get this weight off. Nothing helps the impatient pregnant lady more than a batch of cookies (or brownies, or a bowl of ice cream)... :)

One more exciting thing to share is that I won my first bloggy give-a-way! I have entered many before but never won! Today I got an email from Stacy, who also participates in Menu Plan Monday, letting me know I won! She had a giveaway last week for a cookbook and a 10$ Starbucks gift card.. and lucky me won it! I am so excited! I love cookbooks of any kind and the Hubs will be THRILLED for the gift card!

Yay me!

BTW, I have a Dr's apt in the morning at 8:15am. If anyone happens to read this before then please say a prayer for me! I'm really anxious about everything because I know I will probably have to make a decision about a repeat csection. And although I'm still very much aware that God is in control, I also know that my Dr has some limitations. I can't just pop in at any time to have a baby by C/S if it does come down to that! Thanks so much!

Menu Plan Monday ~ 8/25/08

Remember when I had just found out I was pregnant and going through morning sickness? My menus were few and far between.. well, I can tell you that this is probably going to be one of the last menus for a few weeks. I'm definitely not giving it up! I have to stay on budget and I will keep cooking. I just know it's going to take us a few weeks to adjust after Eli gets here.. and he WILL be here in less than 2 weeks! :) We've already been grocery shopping for the week. In an effort to save money we are going to condense our trips. Instead of going to the bank on Thursday or Friday and then grocery shopping on Monday evenings we'll be grocery shopping and going to the bank on Friday mornings. Considering we have to drive 20 miles one way to the grocery store and/or bank, this will help us save on gas. Plus, I'm sure I'm going to need the Hubs to help me out in the coming weeks on grocery days... so it will all work out since his off day is Friday. So, here is our EASY menu:

Pork Chops, Pinto Beans, and Vidalia Corn Muffins (left over from last week)

Honey Garlic Chicken Legs, Green Beans, Wild Rice (Ok, so the recipe is called 'Candied' but I don't like to think I'm eating candied chicken! I've made something similar to this before so I may tweak it a bit but the last time I did drumsticks in the oven they turned out pretty good.)

Grilled Cheese, Tomato Soup

Bacon, Scrambled Eggs, Toast and Fruit

Pizza (FROZEN)!!!!!! :-)


I'm so ready for Eli to get here! I'm hoping I can just throw this menu out the window!

Visit orgjunkie.com for more menu ideas!

Recipe- Easy Pasta Sauce with Sausage & Recipe Link (Cookie)

Well, I made the pasta sauce that I mentioned in MPM, Tuesday afternoon. It turned out really good! I made double the recipe so that I could freeze half of the sauce. That will make an easy dinner for us after Eli gets here. I originally intended to make it ahead Tuesday to freeze and eat Wed night for supper because I had plans for Tuesday night. My feet and back had other plans, though. My mom and dad did end up coming over because we've been having car issues (praying that we'll be able to buy a new vehicle sometime around the first of the year!!) for the past month and the Hubs needed some help working on it! Anyway, they stayed for dinner, since I just happened to have a huge pot of pasta sauce on the stove! Everyone really seemed to like it... well, everyone but Luke. He didn't even attempt to taste it!! He did, however, eat tons of grape tomatoes, that I had for the salad. That was a first, so there was progress!

So, here is the recipe, doubled:

Easy Pasta Sauce w/ Sausage
(I would guess it serves 10-12, it can easily be halved though!)

1.5 lbs ground sausage (I used mild Italian and it wasn't quite 1.5 lbs)
2 cans (15 oz) tomato sauce
2 cans (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 1/2 c mushrooms, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
2 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
2 bay leafs
2 T sugar
Salt and pepper (although I don't think I had to add any salt)

Brown sausage until no longer pink. Drain, set aside. In a little olive oil, saute onions and mushrooms until onions are soft, add garlic the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. In a large pot mix tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, sausage, onion/mushroom mixture, sugar and spices. Bring pot to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Let simmer, covered, for 45 min to an hour. Serve over your favorite pasta.

*If you've never added sugar to a pasta sauce, try it. It doesn't make the sauce sweet at all (remember this is a doubled recipe) but it cuts the acidity of the tomatoes (doesn't that sound like I know what I'm talking about! Haha!).

And I just wanted to share that I love using pre-minced garlic. I use garlic quite a bit but not really enough to buy fresh bulbs. I've read that pre-minced garlic isn't as pungent (that is a word I learned from Giada De Laurentiis on the Food Network, she says it A LOT!) but that's OK with me. I'm not sure I want really PUNGENT garlic.

I also mentioned making cookies last week. Well, I really wanted something chocolate so I made these, last Thursday: Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

I followed the recipe almost exactly, except I did use half whole wheat flour, real butter, and only 3/4 c sugar total. They turned out really good and satisfied my chocolate craving!

Time to go get some things done. I've got pregnancy on my brain too so I'm sure I'll be back to give an update and share some feelings... I'll be 39 weeks tomorrow!

Afternoon with Luke.. my baby...

(Previously written over the weekend)

Around 6pm, Luke and I decided to get out of the house. I told him we needed to find his shoes in order to go outside. So, on the hunt we both go. I find his little brown crocs in the hallway and bring them to him to put on. He says, "Tank you, Mommy, for shoes." Oh, how my heart melts...

The moment those shoes are on (the right feet) we're out the door. There was a little breeze and it was just so nice out. So, I sat with my feet up for a while and Luke rode & pushed his car around the driveway (which, by the way, is his most favorite thing in the world!). We drew with some sidewalk chalk. I attempted to draw Mickey Mouse and a 'clue' from Blue's Clues. He makes me feel like they are masterpieces because he actually calls them what they are and will even say, "Good job, Mommy"... although they look far from what I attempted! After looking through my new Taste of Home magazine for some recipe ideas, I decided I needed to walk. So, off I go walking around the driveway.. with the hopes that maybe this walking will help, whenever Eli decides to make his grand entrance into this world.

Luke continues to play. He's finally starting to use his slide that we got him for his birthday in June. "I can slide Mommy. Watch Me."

After finding a few rocks and throwing them at Lily (the dog.. don't worry though, he doesn't have good aim.. yet), it's time to play with bubbles... while I continue to walk. He's really good at blowing bubbles. It didn't take him long to realize that it works a lot better when you don't actually taste the bubbles every time you blow! He has a minor fall and I ask if he's OK. At first he answers, "I hurt" but as I go over to check his barely rubbed knees, he says, "I okay" and goes on about his way.

All throughout his playing we have mini-conversations... I enjoy them so much. Most begin with "What's this?" or "Watch, Mommy". I wish I could record every one. They are such precious moments.

This was our conversation right as we're about to go in...

"Hey, Mommy"

"Hey, Baby"

"I not a baby"

"Oh, you're not? What are you?"

"I a big boy."

Sigh.. yes you are.

Menu Plan Monday ~ 8/18/08

My menu this week:

Easy Mexican Casserole* (recipe below), Salad

Chicken Salad Sandwiches (rolled over from last week), Potato Salad

Spinach and Mushroom Fritatta*; Potatoes, Onions & Garlic (in a little Olive Oil)

Pork Chops, Pinto Beans and Vidalia Corn Muffins (Paula Deen)

Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken*, Broccoli Salad

So, this weeks menu looks yummy to me! I'm trying a few new* things. I found some prepared pesto on sale a few weeks ago and have been trying to figure out what I can do with it. So, I did some searching and found a recipe that looks easy and good too. And while I've made a frititta for dinner before, the Hubs said that it tasted too 'breakfasty' (and I agreed) and although we do like breakfast for dinner this one was just a little much. I think part of it was the ingredients. I am not a fan of rosemary and I reluctantly used it anyways, which I shouldn't have. I'm hoping that this one is a little more 'dinnerish'. Eggs are inexpensive and good protein, so that's why I'm using them! :)

As far as last weeks menu, the Crock pot Short Ribs were okay. I won't be making this recipe again though. I must admit that I'm really only a fan of sweet potatoes if they are baked, covered with sugar/syrup/nuts. The flavor of the sweet potato with the other was just not a good combo to me. I think the recipe would have been much better if I had used regular potatoes. The meat was really tender though and I'd like to use the short ribs again, just in a different way. The Hubs said he liked it but I'm wondering if he was just trying to not hurt my feelings... since I have been a little on the emotional side these days!

I'm making the pasta with Italian sausage tonight so I haven't made my 'made up sauce' yet but I'll give the verdict sometime later this week!

Breakfast and lunch are the usual... I've stocked up on cereal because of my BOGO + coupons. We received 2 watermelons this week too! Luke and I have already started on one of them. Luckily, the Hubs isn't a big fan of watermelon so we get it all to ourselves! Whatever fruits are on sale is what I'll get and broccoli is on sale, hence the broccoli salad.

The recipe below I got off a recipe thread from babycenter.com. I thought it looked good!

Easy Mexican Casserole

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef

2 cups salsa
1 (16 ounce) can chili beans, drained
3 cups crushed tortilla chips
2 cups sour cream
1 (2 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
½ cup chopped green onion
½ cup chopped fresh tomato
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until no longer pink. Stir in salsa, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed. Stir in beans and heat through.
Spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with cooking spray. Spread crushed tortilla chips in dish, and then spoon beef mixture over chips. Spread sour cream over beef, and sprinkle olives, green onion, and tomato over the sour cream. Top with Cheddar cheese.
Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

For more menu ideas check out orgjunkie.com!

Finshed!

Well, it only took me 6 months to finish the book of Isaiah! I finished reading chapter 66 today. I took it slow.. really slow! I really wanted to read it and understand it. I didn't have any study helps besides the notes in my study Bible, so many days I'd read a section and then re-read it. I guess averaging 11 chapters in one month isn't that bad. And I must admit there were days when I was so tired that reading just didn't happen. During reading Isaiah, I also read The Holiness of God by RC Sproul and What's the Difference- Manhood and Womanhood Defined According to the Bible by John Piper (both were great, although the Piper book was super short and kind of an excerpt from one of his larger books that I hope to read in the future).

So, where am I going next? I'm so glad you asked. I will be reading the book of Revelation. My friend, Misty, has invited me to be a part of a Bible Study group with a few other ladies. We will be going through the book of Revelation and using John MacArthur's study guide (are you loving all of these links??). During the month of July the girls' class that I teach had four lessons on the book of Revelation and I loved studying it! (I blogged a 2 part post that you can read here: Part 1 & Part 2) So, needless to say I am excited about starting this new book of the Bible! I'm not sure how active I will be able to be in the actual Bible study meetings considering I'm due in 2 weeks but I'm going to do my best to keep up with them on my own even if I can't make it! About 2 weeks ago, I also began reading a book by Donna Morely called A Woman of Significance. I'm only on chapter 3, but so far it's really good.

I'd like to end with two of my favorite verses from chapter 66 of Isaiah.

"Thus says the LORD: “ Heaven is My throne, And earth is My footstool. Where is the house that you will build Me? And where is the place of My rest? For all those things My hand has made, And all those things exist,” Says the LORD.“ But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word." Is. 66:1-2

What a beautiful reminder that God doesn't need a temple of stone. His desire is to dwell in the heart of man, someone with a poor (humble) and contrite spirit (broken with godly sorrow over their sin)... someone who trembles at His Word.

May I desire His Word above all other resources and wisdom. May my thoughts and ideas be determined and weighed by the Scriptures. May His Word correct and lead me in sanctification. This is my prayer.

Progress...

Unfortunately, I'm not talking about the pregnancy.. Unless you count that every moment I am one second closer to Eli being here (I'm trying to be positive!!). I am talking about my plans to organize. Well, my sister did a wonderful job on cleaning up the junk/scrap/computer room. I'm really going to try hard to keep it clean. Seriously.

I did go through all of my shoes and it was a bit depressing. I got rid of a lot! Would you like to see why I am so sad?

Look at these cute shoes! But I had to face reality. I haven't worn them in over 2 years. For some odd reason I was holding on to them like my feet were going to shrink or something.

They are just shoes though.. right?

We didn't get Eli's room painted because we are having paint issues. Evidently the painter who painted our house (a year ago) went back over 3 spots in the room that would be Eli's to touch up. Well, those 3 spots are a different color green than the rest of the wall. That room has been an unused room for a while so it never really bothered me.. until I needed to put a baby in it! I purposefully picked out cute baby bedding to match the wall color. Well, that's great... except that I had forgotten about the 3 different color spots! And I have no idea what color the wall color is... We attempted to have it matched last night.. and it just isn't the same. Why did I not save the paint swatches!??!! So, it looks as if we're going to have to paint the entire room, and then do our little polka dot design. Hopefully, we'll get it done this weekend.

My sister did clean the house for me though, after all the organizing/sorting/throwing away.. and I love her for that. Well, I love her just because, but she really helped me out a lot! Thanks, Aunt B! (BTW, I don't think she reads my blog! So, if you know her.. tell her she should!)

I also had a Dr's appointment today. The update is: I am good, the baby is good. That's all. God is in control, that I am certain of. :)

Menu Plan Monday ~ August 11th (and a little rambling.. as always)

Well, we ended up eating out a few times this week so there will be some repeats! But I don't mind.. it just means I can save $$ on our grocery bill!

Menu for the week:

Baked Flounder (w/ a little lemon, salt and pepper), Green Beans, Wild Rice (repeat)

Crock Pot Short Ribs, Biscuits (I had to come back and edit this to add that this is a new recipe that I got from Gourmet Momma. I'll let you know how it turns out.. I've visited the site many times and the photos always look so good! And I love that she gives the nutritional info as well!)

Blueberry Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs (repeat)

Chicken Salad Sandwiches, Sliced Cucumber & Baby Carrots with Dressing

Pasta Sauce with Italian Sausage (using a few recipes to make my own) over some kind of noodles (whatever I have in the pantry), Salad


Since I've been having to repeat a lot of my meals, I'm only going to plan for 5 meals this week; instead of 6!

There's not many great sales going on this week but that seems to be the way it goes sometimes. (Except that Publix milk is on sale for $3.79)

(Breakfasts, Lunches & Snacks as usual!)

Oh and I'm going to be making some yummy cookies this week.. just because I can! :)

In other news....

I'm attempting to do some organizing today! (HAHAH!) My sister is coming over tonight to help with that too!

I'm organizing my shoes in my closet (and getting rid of many that I will never be able to wear.. Before Luke I was a size 7.5-8... and now I'm a 8.5... I must accept the fact that my feet will never be the same!!)

We're also going to be working on our computer/scrap/junk room. It's always a disaster. We have attempted to work on it in the past many, many times.... and it will occasionally look decent.. but most of the time, it's a huge mess.

And hopefully we'll get to do some painting in Eli's room. And by 'we' I mean.. my sister. ;) I think 'we're' going to attempt some polka dots on the wall. I'll post some pictures if it turns out cute!

Now, I must go and re-write my grocery list... Luke just ripped it up in a few dozen pieces!!!

Check out Orgjunkie for menu and recipe ideas!

So.. 37 weeks... and I'm feeling...

Anxious! I seem to have a case of the butterflies! Every time I think about this little guy I get a case of the flutters in my tummy (and that's weird to me since I have ZERO room in there). I honestly feel really good. This pregnancy, especially the end, has really been so different than the first. Um, the biggest difference being that I have a toddler who keeps me busy. Seriously though, I think that has a great deal to do with how I feel. I have had no choice but to stay busy and it's helped me out a lot. Don't get me wrong... I took an hour nap this afternoon because I needed it, but over all I feel pretty good. There are moments when I feel a little nauseous because of the ZERO room I have in my stomach and of course there are times when I am so HOT it's not even funny... but I'm not complaining. :)

I've got our bags completely packed and ready to head out the door. The house is... well, it's decent. There are things that need to be done but I'm ok if they don't get done. I'm 37 weeks pregnant.. I have a toddler.. and I can't do everything. And I am ok with that. That is a great lesson that I am learning more and more everyday. My house is not a home because the toilets are always scrubbed and the clothes are always neatly put away (not that those aren't important things...). Oh, but as I often say, that is another post.. one that I will probably never get around to! :) On a similar note though my sister is suppose to be coming over soon to help me do some organizing, etc. And that I am very thankful for. She is one of those weirdos that actually enjoys that kind of stuff (totally joking for those of you who are like her!!!!).

Eli is still moving around in there all the time. He is quite the active little fellow! I'm having some Braxton Hicks contractions but nothing painful or even uncomfortable. I feel like a camel because I'm drinking so much water. I know it's good for me and it's what I'm suppose to be doing but it's amazing how much I can drink in one day (and throughout the night). I didn't walk much last week because of the evangelist we had at church but I've picked that back up this week. Most of what I've read say that walking doesn't actually help progress labor much but it does help the baby get in a better position for labor.

At my Dr's apt this past Tuesday, I didn't get much exciting news from my OB except that it's still early and I have plenty of time for things to start happening. If I start to think about it too much I get really nervous and even discouraged. With Luke I really wasn't that nervous at all. I mean, I was going into everything blindly. But with a C/S behind me now, I just have a little more on my mind! God is in control though and I know that. His peace has been my calm and comfort during those moments where I want to start worrying.

Ultimately, I just can't wait for it to all be over and have my sweet little boy home with me. I can't wait for my Luke to meet his baby brother and I can't wait to be a family of four.

And again, I covet your prayers for the delivery of our little one.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Phil. 4:6-7

Thoughts from last week...

So, have I gathered my thoughts?? Not really! I honestly haven't had much time to gather my thoughts! But c'mon!!!! I am due in less than 4 weeks... can you blame me?? Seriously though, I would like to talk about this past week.

I mentioned earlier that I was so encouraged last week and I was. I cannot tell you how refreshing it is to meet people who are likeminded in their beliefs and are (to put it plainly) firmly planted in true biblical doctrine. It just blesses me so much! My heart and soul crave to be around people like that. (and btw, God has greatly blessed the Hubs and I with a new circle of friends who believe the same and desire to spur one another on in His Word)

The evangelist we had at church last week was Don Currin. We were blessed to also have his wife there with him. I was able to have many conversations with her after the services. She gave me great godly council, especially in the areas of mothering and being a wife/homemaker. The affirmation and encouragement that she gave me is something that I am so thankful for. Not that I ever had any doubt that what I do is God's will and I definitely do not need anyone else to give me any direction, except for God, but I know that God sends people into our lives to affirm His perfect will. The Hubs and I may not always rear our children the way that the rest of the world chooses. Even in the church I have had comments made to me about education being a 'good field for young women' to go into, after being told that I did not work outside of the home. (As if devoting all my time to educating and raising the children God has given me is not worthy enough.) So, even in the church (and when I say church I mean as in members of a particular congregation, not the church which is the Bride of Christ... I think we often confuse the two but they are VERY different things!! But that is another post!) remarks are made about a woman's desire to stay home. So, needless to say the godly council and encouragement that I got this past week was so very refreshing.

And whether or not I was working or non-working has nothing to do with the biblical foundation that her advice was given on. Her advice was applicable to any wife/mother who has a desire to follow God. During one of our conversations we talked about the lack of older/wiser women mentoring younger women. Like I said earlier, I enjoyed so much the time that I had to talk with her and wish that I had that godly council all the time. It is definitely scarce in our churches today. Older women are not living out the commands in Titus 2. And I have to ask the question, why? Is it because they are not grounded in God's Word enough to disciple and mentor younger women? I think that has a great deal to do with it. Is it because many women don't see being the heart of the home the most important thing? Is being a godly wife and mother not the greatest task given by God to a woman? I can look to the world to teach me how to be successful outside of the home.. how to make lots of money, dress fashionably, etc. But what about diciplining my children, being submissive to my husband's leadership, being a woman of prayer, making my home a place of peace and comfort for my family all according to God's Word? I guess, after being able to talk to Mrs. Currin this week, my eyes were opened to the lack of mentoring between older & younger women in the church. I was given one bit of advice from her concerning this subject though. She said, there are always women younger than you. I have the ability to 'mentor', in some way, the women in our church who are younger than me. I can do my part. And my prayer is that I can honor God and be an encouragement to someone by doing that.

More thoughts later...

Menu Plan Monday~ August 4

Mexican Tortilla Pie, Rice

Blueberry Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs

Spinach Noodle Casserole (making one to freeze), Salad

Baked Fish (picked up flounder filets on sale) w/ a little lemon juice, salt and pepper; Sauteed Squash, Green Beans (I just changed this because the Hubs walked in with 4 Target bags full of fresh green beans this morning!)

Homemade Pizza (rolled over from last week), salad

Extra Meal- something simple like a frozen skillet meal

Breakfast: Pancakes (making double so I can freeze some), Cereal, Eggs, Fruit

Lunches: Leftovers, Egg Salad/Turkey Sandwiches, Chicken Nuggets, Carrot Sticks, Fruit, Yogurt

Snacks: String Cheese, Fruit, Popcorn, Pirate's Booty (funny name, I know, but it's good and a healthier alternative to my cheeto craving!), Raisins

Fruit on sale this week: grapes, strawberries, peaches and melons... and I'll pick up the normal bananas for my little monkey. Boston Butt's are also on sale and I might pick one up if I have room in my budget to cook and freeze for when Eli gets here!

Notable sales for those of you who have Targets/Publix near by:
Target: Pampers Jumbo Pack on sale for $10.79, plus $1.50 off P&G coupon (Sunday's paper)- Yes, I am buying diapers, even after that HUGE shower but you must remember that I do have a 2 year old who is still in diapers. Anyone want to donate to Luke's diaper fund?? We won't be potty training until the spring.... :)
I also think that Target has Hershey Bliss Chocolate on sale and there is a $1.00 off printable coupon as well... I mean chocolate is a necessity, right??
Publix: Betty Crocker Brownie Mix BOGO, plus $0.40 off printable coupon
Juicy Juice 2 for $4, plus $1.00 off coupon on Juicy Juice Website.
Cheerio's BOGO plus $1.00 off printable coupon

I'm also having issues with my coupons printing! As I speak I'm attempting to print off specific coupons. And guess what?? It's printing the coupons I DON'T won't. Ahhhhhhh! Anyone need a coupon for OptiFree ReplinISH contact solution?? Grr.


I normally don't add my coupon deals but I did want to kind of show a little at how I save on groceries. I'm definitely not as good with that kind of stuff as some out there but I do what I can. And like I've said before I only use coupons on things I need (besides the chocolate.. but like I said, chocolate is a need.. to me anyway) and on things that are already on sale.

A great resource for money saving is afullcup.com. You can go there and click on the forum section and find your local grocery store and match up sales and coupons. It took me a little while to navigate it and while I don't use it all the time, it is useful to catch something that I might have overlooked as I'm going through the sale papers and coupons.

Well, maybe some of this has been helpful to someone! I feel like part of my 'job' is to make sure that my 'trading is profitable' (Proverbs 31:18).