looking forward to the weekend!

I am so looking forward to a nice laid back weekend!!! My mom is coming to visit in the morning. I LOVE having every Friday off work! I do not think I could go back to regular work days. 4-10's is the way to go! Mom and I are going to spend the day together and get a massage at 3. Todd will meet us for dinner after the massage and then we will likely just hang out at the house. She will leave on Saturday and then Todd and I will head out that afternoon to take his mom out to eat for her birthday. We will go to church on Sunday and then I plan on watching Lifetime on the couch! :)
We had a great time at Ski Beech last weekend. It snowed the whole time we were there so Todd loved the "real" snow when he was boarding. The girls went to the spa on Saturday and I got an organic facial....it was awesome! The trip offered little relaxing time but it was fun. 4 couples is a bit much for planning, etc. but I thought it went well. Todd got me a professional flat iron and some beautiful flowers! We had a great Valentine's weekend! It was so nice to be off on Monday too!
I realized some people may wonder why I am couponing these days. Yes, we both have good jobs, drive nice vehicles, travel, etc. BUT we knew we needed to be saving more for the future. Todd is putting in the max in his 401k and an IRA so that is some stability for retirement. I also wanted to prove to Todd that I can save with money so that maybe I can stay at home for awhile when we start a family. I knew groceries were the way for me to really save and since I have free time at work....I began the couponing process. It has turned into a bit of a game for me to see how much I can save and I am amazed at times!

Off to Ski Beech

I am going to meet my hubby late this morning at his work to head to Ski Beech for the weekend! We are renting an awesome cabin with 3 other couples. The guys will ski/snow board tomorrow and the ladies are having a spa day! I think Todd and I will be there earlier than anyone else so we may try to get some night snow boarding in tonight. I can not wait till we actually have our own vacation home up there!!! The land we bought just stares at us every time we go, as if it also wonders when we will build!
I am so blessed to have a sweet hubby that plans trips like this so we can relax away from the demands of work and keeping house! Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

more coupon deals

Just have to share today's Bi-Lo trip! I got 32.81 worth of groceries for 8.42!!! I was adding to our stock pile today and knew they had some good deals to match with my coupons.
This is what I bought:
4 cans Dole Pineapple (.15 a can)
Betty Crocker Frosting (.50)
Wesson Cooking Oil ($1)
2 packs spaghetti noodles (.39 each)
2 cans Progresso clam chowder (.72 a piece)
Kikkoman soy sauce (1.50 )
Kikkoman teriyaki(sp?) sauce (free)
Instant vanilla pudding (free)
4 bags whiskin likings cat treats (.03 a piece!)
large bag cat's pride cat litter (1.19)
New york garlic Toast ($1)

I know that I am a dork but I am so pleased with myself!

heavy heart

Lots of bad news today and I have a heavy heart. I feel so bad for Haley and Cameron as they struggle with making the best decisions for Dax. They stayed here this past weekend on their way to the Shriner's in Greenville. Dax is such a great baby and motherhood appears to really suite Haley. They are leaning towards amputation of his foot and I think with weighing the options that it is likely the best choice. I hope they will have some peace about the decision though.
Also, Leah was in a wreck last night. She is ok but very bruised up and the vehicle is totalled. Brooke and I were just down there to visit on her birthday. She really has had a rough time withe her health and she appeared to be doing so much better! I really hope this will not be a set back for her and she can recover quickly!
So, lots of prayers have went up! I know we all have so much to be grateful for....when hard times come along and make you realize it even more!

coupons

Quick update on this week's grocery shopping. I love that Bi-Lo doubles coupons! It has turned into a challange for me to see how much I can save!This was a "filler" week and I only needed some everyday items (milk, bread, etc) along with snagging some great deals!
I spent 19.87 on Monday and got 51.60 worth of groceries....a whole buggy full....including an 8 pack of Scott paper towels which are usually almost $9!
I spent .55 yesterday and got a 2 liter ginger ale, box of Lipton family size tea bags, and French's mustard....crazy!!!!
So, total is 20.42 for 55.65 worth of groceries. It makes me happy to save so much :)

everyday stuff

So, I have not done very well with the blogging!
Today is almost 3 weeks since I posted on here. Maybe I can still do this though!
Todd and I went to Calvary Chapel today and I saw a lot of potential for it to possibly be our church home. It is very hard for me to get Todd's take on things though because I know it is so different then what he grew up with. It is a huge church so that was a little overwhelming for me. We plan to visit more and see how things go....
Aunt Nandy had surgery yesterday on her back. I have been so very worried about her health lately and I know she is so tired of being sick. I really hope things will turn around for her 2010!
We celebrated Monica's birthday last weekend and the boys came and stayed on Friday night with is. They were very good and did not argue! They cracked me up the whole time and it was a special treat to have them here. We went to Shogun's the next night and celebrated with Monica's friends and the rest of the family.
I went and stayed with Haley the next night in Tuscaloosa (yes....I had a 5 day weekend due to my regular Friday off, Monday holiday, and Tuesday furlough) and spent time with her family and Dax. He is such a good baby!!! She seems to be loving every minute of motherhood and I envy her easy going attitude!
So, that catches up with the last few weeks. This weekend was pretty laid back and I did some organizing and house projects. I have couponed today and finally got a plastic organizer for the coupons instead of my ragged envelopes. I have been doing pretty well with it and Bi-Lo seems to be the best palce sicne they double coupns less than .60.
I am dreading a busy week at work as it is the end of the month but I am sure it will pass quickly!

2010

So....it is my goal to really try this blog thing. I am sure many people will not care of the ins and outs of our life but I think it would be a great way to document memories. I also think it will be a good way to keep in touch with others too.
It is so hard to believe that it is year 2010! I have many goals for this year and truly hope to work on myself and being a more positive person. I am such a planner/organizer that I feel I sometimes get way too wrapped up in things and do not even enjoy the moment. I also want to be more creative and "artsy.' Todd and I also need to find a church home that we are both comfortable and happy attending.
Well, this will be my first post. Hope to really make a go of this! :)