My Guy

This morning, Central Florida woke up to one of the coldest days it has experienced in years. In the nearly three years we have been here, it was the coldest day I recall. I woke up to a warm house, warm bed, and snuggled with my husband. I thought "I am so glad Zachary is working indoors today and doesn't have to be out in these winds and cold temps."

As Savannah and I got ready to leave for the day, Zach calls and says his company moved him from the shop (indoors) to Harris (outdoors, up high in a building they are constructing). He was not dressed for it, so he asked if I would bring him "a button up work shirt". Anyone who knows him knows he is not a complainer and does not really ask me for a thing. It was in the 30s and all he had on was a t-shirt, long sleeve shirt, and a THIN jacket. So, I begin to worry. I have NO idea why, because I know he can handle anything. I just hated thinking of him being in this. So, on my way to work, after dropping off Savannah, I stopped and bought him a jacket for work, a hat to cover his ears, EmergenC, and water. I was worried.

His response was so sweet, I sat and asked myself why I don't do those things more often. Go out of my way for him. Take him into consideration enough to disrupt my routine. He is the love of my life, the man I truly believe God intended on me marrying. He was designed for me, and me for him. He was humbled by my gift, and he came home (he got home before us) and did my usual afternoon chores for me.

I realized, after today, what makes marriage work. That sacrifice for one another. Holding one another higher than you hold yourself. Serving one another. Putting Gods design for your marriage before your own thoughts on what it should be. Marriage is hard. Especially when you get married at 20, move 600 miles, have a baby in a whole new state away from family, loose your best friend to cancer, and watch your husband battle an addiction that you thought would win. We have been through it. We have withstood it. Now, I stand on the other side of all of those scary things and think, "He has always been worth it."

(Go ahead and pick on me for being mushy. I love my guy. And I am THANKFUL for him)

Inspiration!

Our small group bible study recently went through a study on the whole book of Philippians preached by Matt Chandler. I am not big on watching sermons or even listening to them. I like to be there. I like to feel the movement of the Lord. But, that was before I sat and listened to Matt Chandler. I have read through Philippians several times in studies, but never did I read it with the same intensity as when studying alongside Chandlers preaching.  The study was titled 'To Live is Christ, and to Die is Gain", for anyone who would be interested. Amazing stuff. I haven't been so convicted in, well I'm not sure when.

Anyhow, one of the things that he preached on was what "inspired" you. He described inspiration as "those moments where our souls are stimulated to a high level of feeling, thinking, and doing." He went on to encourage people to sit and think of what inspires us (mainly what inspires our affection for Christ), and to dwell on those things. To stay in those things. For at least a month, I have been trying to catch those moments where I feel encouraged, content, and plain motivated. This is my "Matt Chandler List".

1. When I read a bible verse and have to sit and think on it for a few minutes to really gather what God is saying to me.
2. Hot coffee before Savannah wakes up. Those moments of quiet with my thoughts make my day more manageable.
3. Finishing a good book and having my desire to read sparked again.
4. Completing my "chores" for the day, and looking around a clean house with hot coffee in my hand.
5. When I see something "click" in Savannahs head. The moments when I can see that she learned something. (This week it was how to count all 20 of her fingers and toes.)
6. I love hearing how my husbands testimony has helped encourage people in their walk. It reminds me that we are a team. A unit. I was there with him through the "hardest" parts of his story. I praise God for allowing me to be there.
7. A good conversation with some of my closest friends who get me. Preferably over coffee (seeing a trend here?)
8. When Zach gets incredibly excited about something he has seen, or heard, or done and wants to share it with me.
9. I want to burst with pride and happiness when Savannah uses her manners. It is a huge deal to us to raise well mannered, thankful, humble babies.
10. Feeling our babies (Savannah and Riley individually) kick around inside me. No matter what chaos I am in at that moment, it stops me. Humbles me.

So, those are my top ten. There are more I know. But, these are day to day things that I have noticed, when they occur, I am hard pressed not to smile. Hard pressed not to be encouraged. :)

Heavy hitter

I have had Shane on my mind heavy the past few days, which sometimes happens. Certain things will trigger me to thinking about him deeply. He is on my heart daily. Every day I remember him in something I see or hear. But, there are times, that I literally cannot get him off my mind. I think it was because his passing can be considered so tragic. He wasn't an old man who had grandkids he watched grow. He wasn't even halfway through his life yet. He hadn't done all the things he wanted. He suffered needlessly.  So it is hard.

Back when he first passed, I was not in a good place with it. I was angry. I was hurt. And, mostly, I was lost. I had accepted Christ, and in that previous year, my walk had gotten so strong. Then, Shane left. I felt like the rug slipped right out from under me. I would scream and cry and rage. Zach would watch and not say anything. He knew I didn't need anything. I needed to be angry for a bit. He later admitted that it worried him. He thought I was angry with God.

A year, 6 months, 21 days, and 18 hours later.... I can say it wasn't the Lord I was mad with. Here is where this gets to be a heavy hitter, and if you are not a Christian, please bear with me and ask me questions if I make NO sense.

I was ANGRY with the world. I was MAD at sin. I was LIVID with how far we had fallen from God's original purpose. He never intended this. He never wanted this. Cancer, sickness, struggle, aches, hurts, loss.... None of it comes from Him. In His perfect world, He created us for something more. I was reminded of this in reading through Lazarus being raised by Jesus. Jesus knew Lazarus was dead. He also knew He would raise him. And, yet, He saw Lazarus family mourning him, He wept. It is literally the shortest verse in the bible. Jesus wept (John 11:35).  Why would He weep if He knew his passing was temporary?

Because this was not His way. It was uncalled for. It was unnecessary. It wasn't of Him.

So, when unbelievers choose to mock my faith in Christ and say things like "If God was real, why didn't He save your brother? Why did he suffer?" I am reminded of the worlds sin. And, my sin. I did not cause cancer, obviously. I understand that clearly. I also understand the sacrifice Jesus himself made because of sin.

My brother was a Christian and I rejoice daily in that. I KNOW where he is. I KNOW we will meet again. O, glorious day.

Miley: The Strong Willed Child

I am not a follower of current trends and I rarely watch television anymore. Not because I do not enjoy mindless entertainment from time to time, but because my days are filled with board books, baby dolls, cars, and coloring. But, I did hear about Miley Cyrus and her performance on the VMAs with Robin Thicke.

I will start by saying I regret Youtubing it. I was sucked in and I was sad. While watching Miley lick herself and others, dance "provocatively", and rub all over a married man; my heart literally hurt for her. I know she is an "adult" by all definitions of the word, and makes her own choices. But, I saw something in her that truly worried me.

You see, as a child, and watching her grow through the television and media, Miley was obviously a strong willed child. She was obviously passionate. She was clearly an individual. As a momma of a strong willed child, of someone who is already passionate about her "causes" (even if that cause is more Goldfish), I was concerned. What happened to the sweet child who sang beautifully and loved her daddy? As parents, where do we go "wrong" in raising our strong willed children? That was my question. Because I never want to make that mistake. Sure, our lives are VERY different than the Cyrus family, but, I NEVER want to witness my child behaving that way, anywhere. It would shatter my heart into a million pieces to know my child thought that little of the herself and her body.

The other thing that struck me were all the social media comments. They were all negative, and they all held some sort of validity. It was inappropriate. It was hard to watch. It was uncalled for. It was ridiculous. But, as viewers, shouldn't we take some accountability? Shouldn't we have said "We are not watching this filth." and turned it off. The VMAs had 10 million and almost half were between the ages of 12-34 years old. What does that tell you? Our babies are watching this. Our impressionable teenagers are watching this. They are seeing her being cheered on. They are watching her flaunt what little her momma would probably like her to keep covered. They saw her be disrespectful to her own body and to another woman's husband.

As parents, we are responsible for protecting our children from this. We are the ones who sit our kids down and say "That isn't someone I want you having as a role model". Encourage your kids to pray for Miley. Pray she finds whatever it is she is searching for. Give your children positive role models. It doesn't have to be a media figure necessarily, but make it someone relatable to them. Build your child's confidence at home, in things that have nothing to do with their appearance. Say to your daughter, "You are so funny! I love your jokes." Tell your son "You are so very smart. I love the way you built that building out of blocks."

I know I sound preachy. But, at the end of the day, I felt sorry for Miley. More sorry than disgusted.

Family Away

Tonight, a friend of Zachary and myself celebrated his birthday at Chuck E. Cheese. I know what you're thinking, a grown man at Chuck E. Cheese? He had never been and his sweet wife (my best friend), wanted to surprise him. 

I was SO very excited for this night, because Zach and I are both ski ball nerds. It is what we do. We went to Chuck E. Cheese on our honeymoon. We were heading to the beach for the day and both decided we wanted pizza and a game. It was SO fun. So, when we were invited, we both got giddy! We were going to hire a sitter, have a date night, and some fellowship. Then, life changed. I literally mean things changed in our lives that meant Zachary taking a second job on some evenings. He couldn't attend tonight.

At first, I was bummed about him missing it. Then I thought to myself, "No sense in dwelling on what cannot be changed." Savannah and I would go as a date and spend some time as her and I. Zach literally called me crazy for taking our 2 year old to a busy arcade, after bedtime, alone without his help.  I said a prayer, dressed our girl up, and got excited. 

At first, I thought it was going to be a bust. But, as time passed, she started enjoying herself. Seeing things through her beautiful eyes really changes my sight at times. The things she finds joy in, are so simple. It makes you smile. We enjoyed it. She obeyed. She ate well. She played and had no melt downs. She said grace over her supper. 

And then the most amazing thing happened! My friends parents decided to bless this momma and take my girl and play while I finished eating! I can count on one hand in two years the times I've been able to finish a meal when Savannah has been around. As I sat and watched Savannah enjoy other people being with her, and those people enjoying her, I teared up. It is probably hormones. But, I realized in that moment, we have created a family away from our family. I have people who love my family like I do and WANT to bless us with those small gifts. HOW amazing? 

They probably have no idea what this meant to me. Instead of leaving with a throbbing back and head, a short fuse, and a fussy baby because she can sense momma is fussy: I left with a smile and a happy heart. My girl rode home in happy silence, her bright pink bracelet and rubber dinosaur clutched in her chubby fist, prizes she won from playing. As I rocked my sweet Rooster to sleep, in her sleepy elephant jammies, I was content and so was she. All because we had sweet people love on us with their time and energy. I am grateful tonight! 

A Method to the Madness!

I have always been "alright" at cooking a meal and an "okay" planner. But, with a toddler, a job, church, and my basic day to day: I have found it difficult to make new recipes and to actually cook some days. I got incredibly bored with our same rotation of meals, and it got to the point where we were eating SO MANY calories at each meal. Zachary is thin. Period. Savannah is thin. Period. Momma is not. So, we had to compromise. This past week, I made a plan to make a new recipe for 5 days straight. And, I did it! Triumph! They are as follows:

Saturday: Slow Cooker Chicken Phillie's!: 

 These were a very hearty meal, but worth the calories in terms of what went into your body. Veggies, protein, dairy, and grains. I will say, next time we will use whole grain wheat hoagies. Still, super good. The Dales is a MUST for this to be tasty. 

Sunday: Outback Crock pot Potato Soup

The calories in this are around 170 per 8 oz serving. I didn't add anything on top of mine (IE: sour cream, chives, bacon). It was very good, very easy, and made lots of leftovers. I made this Sunday because we are literally gone the entire day at church. An easy crock pot meal is the way to go. 

 Monday: Weight Watchers Honey Mustard Chicken:

This was my favorite recipe of the week. I loved the Corn Flake coating, and loved that it was low calorie. Zach did not even know it was "healthy" because it taste that good! I also, instead of the mashed potato's he usually request, tossed some cut up potato's in olive oil and garlic seasoning. That helped with calories. Add a nice salad, and you have a filling meal with little added to your waist!

Tuesday: Baked Spaghetti

I KNOW this wasn't low calorie, but I consoled myself in the fact that I had a huge salad with it. Savannah ate 3 bowls, and asked for more at lunch today. Success! 

Wednesday was banana bread. I have never been good at baking. It isn't my thing. But, I love baked breads and goodies. So, I branched out. Zachary's Mema gifted me a cookbook that all the sweet ladies in her church made. In it are some of the most amazing sounding recipes. Today was the banana bread. I added walnuts to one load and chocolate chips to the other, for my man child. Let me know if you would like that recipe! It was super easy and turned out moist as all get out! 

I have 6 new recipes for this next week, and just went shopping for everything today. It has been incredibly nice to have everything I need for a meal, to try a new meal each night, and to have leftovers. A friend and I were talking today, and we both said how great of a feeling it is to keep a clean house and to bake and cook. Truly, I love it. Feminist everywhere are gasping and blaming me for todays stereotypes, I am sure. But, that is my heart. I NEVER knew I would be a momma to my girl, a wife to Zach, and ENJOY doing these things. But, I find peace and joy in making them both a meal and seeing both their eyes light up when they taste it. I enjoy knowing EXACTLY what is being put into my girls body, and how good it is for her. 

All of that being said: I am still learning to DO these things. I enjoy them, and I enjoy the outcome, I do not enjoy the time and energy. It is hard. Please do not think that my house is clean and both Savannah and Zach get fed like this every night, because it isn't, and they don't. I am trying to take the small steps into being the momma I know God has called me to be, and that is not perfection. It isn't a perfect quiet time every morning in a clean house, a shower and makeup daily, a homemade breakfast every morning, lunch, and supper. It is doing everything I can to serve my babies, both big and little. And, by doing that, I am serving Him. (Proverbs 31:15-20)  He sees it as perfection, because He designed me and loves every fault. 

Christmas in July, Sleepovers, and toddlers.

This week has been a huge week for our family. The biggest thing we accomplished was, Savannah spent her very first night away from Momma. Because Daddy travels for work at times, she is "used" to him being gone sometimes. For me, we have NEVER spent a night apart.

I want to say that I have absolutely nothing against time away from my baby at times. I see the value in it. I understand it is healthy for Zach and I to be a couple, not just mommy and daddy. As parents, it is hard (at times) to find your identity as a spouse when your main priority is caring for a little one. As Christian parents, we both KNOW that our spouse is to come before the children. Not that you neglect your child, of course, but that your marriage comes before anything. All of that being said, a 2 year old does not understand marriage. Or time away. Or the value of her mommy and daddy loving each other. So, inevitably, I find myself feeling like I do not have enough energy for them both. Which is unfair.

So, when we were invited to a "Christmas in July" party for last night, I was excited! I love fellowship with our church family, and I love Christmas. The only "obstacle" was childcare for our girl. The party began at her bedtime, so we knew it wouldn't be a good plan to take her. Plus, we needed time as US. We just did. A friend offered to keep her overnight for us, and I literally felt as if someone had punched me in the gut at the mere thought of someone else getting my girl out of her bed in the morning. I KNOW how ridiculous this is. I KNOW that she would be fine. But, it was how I felt.

Let me say, the friend who kept Savannah is more than capable. She has three beautiful, well mannered, well loved girls. I knew that Rooster would enjoy her time. I knew that her friends and she would have the best sleep over there ever was. I knew that my friend loves my girl like she is her own. She genuinely wanted to keep her for us. Which helped my feelings of being of away.

So, we went. We had a blast. Zach and laughed so hard and really enjoyed our friends. We picked on one another (that is our way) , we had yummy stuff to eat, and we both got time to talk with other people. It was awesome.

I got a text at 8 PM saying baby was sound asleep. And, then a text this morning of her playing dress up. We did it. We spent the night away. I was okay. Savannah was more than okay. And, when I picked her up this morning, I could not get enough of my girl. I smooched her to death and asked her a thousand questions about her night. Most of which she just answered by saying her friends names, which told me she had fun!

As the next couple of weeks unfold, we could use some heavy prayers for wisdom on our choices. <3

Mommas Piece

Ever seen the movie "O Brother Where Art Thou?"? Sometimes, when I am frustrated with Zach or Savannah, I feel like George Clooneys wife (in the movie), Penny. I want to turn to them and say "I have spoken my piece and counted to three". Done. End of conversation. Say no more.

Daddies play the major role in family life, whether they see this or not. In traditional marriages (what used to be tradition), the man was the primary bread winner. The man is called to be the spiritual leader. Little eyes watch daddy, because he is daddy. What role does momma play?

In our house, on any given day, I wear a thousand hats. That's my role. To be whatever I am needed to be. Because of that, I get overwhelmed easily (it truly is my biggest downfall: my patience and perseverance). Sometimes, by the time Zach arrives home, I am a mess. A literal mess in that I haven't made time to shower, because during nap time, eating was more important. I am an emotional mess because Savannah as plucked every heart string (both positive and negative) that I have had that day. And, I am a mental mess. Tired.

A good portion of the time, I feel like I am not living up to my role. I feel like I stink at patience. I have asked the same thing of Zach 44949494 times, and he has forgotten two more times than that. I have told Savannah to stop climbing on the table more times than I care to count, and I find her on there more than she is anywhere else.

Today, however, an odd thing occurred. I woke up not feeling well and added to the already stressful month with my knee, I decided today, I would not wear a thousand hats. I would wear one, and that would be a plain old girl. I would care for myself, so that I could feel refreshed enough to tackle a week. So, I said to Zach how I was feeling and what I needed. He turns to me and says "Why don't you go and nap? I will take charge."

Now, let me say, I have an amazing man. I do. But, he is a man. He sometimes needs things plainly stated in black and white and for me to clearly say things for him to truly get it. Today, I did not need to say that. I simply said I was wearing out. I told Savannah to have a good lunch with daddy and be obedient, and I went to sleep.

Momma had spoken her piece and counted to three.

And guess what? I woke up and cleaned for 2 hours. JUST what the doctor ordered.

Being momma to a "spirited" girl.

It has been far too long since I made the time to sit down and write. I enjoy doing it because having this place where I can look back on the previous year is pretty cool. I don't know about other parents, but I tend to get too caught up in the "now" I forget the awesome things God has brought us through.

Life with Savannah as always been amazing. Nothing short of that. There are times, however, I am SO exasperated with her that I just want to hide in the closet with my hot coffee (keyword being hot, because that is RARE). Like the time she brought me a dead snake and hissed at me with it. Or the time she found foot powder and ran down our main hall throwing it everywhere. And, how about the time she felt like my iPhone would feel better after a dip in the toilet. Also, lets not forget all the "I tol you no"s I hear daily, and the threats she gives to bite her friends, or telling me something is "uggy" and taking it off because she doesn't to wear it.

In those panicked moments, God has this amazing way of helping me remember something downright cute she has done recently to help make me smile. All the "wuv you momma"s make up for the "I tol you no"s. All the awesome dance moves make up for her rowdy running and jumping. All the times she looks to me for guidance and encouragement makes up for all the times she disobeys that guidance.

I am constantly feeling as if I am being judged by others because my girl isn't easy going. Almost as if it is a direct reflection my parenting. I have been asked "Where were you when she was unlocking the door and walking out it?" Well, I was in the laundry room, 10 foot from her "Where were you when she found the snake?" I was right there pulling weeds. I have learned she cannot be let out of my sight for long because she has this awesome brain and imagination driving her. She isn't "bad", she isn't "out of control", and she isn't a "handful", She is made in the Lords image, and He designed her just the way she is. He knows the plans He has for her, plans to prosper. I am her momma, and I am not slack in disciplining and guiding her. I am teaching her there is a time and place for running and jumping, and there is a time to listen and obey.

Mommas Day!

Check out the beautiful cards we bought for Mothers Day!

Mothers Day Card!

Catching up

I went couponing yesterday, and did an okay trip. A lot of what I got was for the holiday, my daddy will be here and he likes certain things (UNHEALTHY things, daddy). A small portion will be donated along with a couple of things I picked up today. If you have any extra, I strongly urge you to donate to a local shelter or church. There are so many people out there who are doing without as I type this, and while I am not naive enough to think my coupons can save the world, I do think a small bit goes a long way to someone who has nothing. I will step off my soapbox and get to the goodies! 

2 Gerber Puffs on sale for $1.75 each. $3.50 total

1 Gerber Veggie Crunches on sale for $1.75. 

2 boxes of Quaker granola bars. BOGO for $3.09

2 Luigis Italian Ice BOGO for $3.39. I had a $1 off two, from the Redplum from $6.24. So, $2.39 for both. 

2 cans of Rotel BOGO for $1.49. 

6 jars of Beechnut baby food. This is a GREAT deal. Go print this coupon two times, get 6 jars of food. They are .55 each, BOGO. So, you pay for 3, which is $1.65. The coupon is for $1 off 3. So you use two of those, making it $2 off, when you were only paying for $1.65 anyway because of the sale. Publix is PAYING YOU .35 to it! (I hope that makes sense!)

2 Kraft dressings BOGO for $3.31. There is $1 off 2 Target coupon (my Publix considers Target a competitor so this coupon can be used as a store coupon and can be combined with manufacturer coupons), and $1 off on that is printable from the Kraft dressing Facebook page. Use $1/2 and 2 of the $1, and you pay .31 for TWO. 

1 container of grape tomatoes $2.50

2 green peppers at $2.11

1 Cucumber .65

3 Martha White muffin mixes at .99 each. Publix had a buy 2, get one free coupon, so I paid $2 for 3. 

2 Dole fruit smoothie shakers $1.99 each. I had a Publix coupon for $1.99 off 2 (BOGO basically), and I had a manufacturer from the SmartSource from last week for $1 off 2. So, $1.99x2= $4.00-$3.00 in coupons= $1.00 for TWO. 

2 Starburst at $2.99 each. I had $1.00 off 2 Publix and $1.oo off 2 manufacturer. So, I paid $4.00 for both. 

2 Lays chips BOGO for $4.29. 

Motts apple juice $4.49. 

2 Ballpark hotdogs BOGO for $4.99. I had a .75 off 2. So, $4.25 for both. Not bad for Ballpark. 

2 Muller pastas BOGO for $1.59. 

2 Cheezits BOGO for $4.19

2 Deans Dip for $2.09 each. So, $4.18 for both. I had $1.00 off 2 Publix coupon, and 2 $1.00 off 1 manufacturers. So, $1.18 for two. 

1 Oscar Meyer bologna $1. Printed a Target coupon for $1, got it completely FREE. Went back today and bought 2 more packs to donate. (We don't really eat much bologna.)

1 Kraft single pack of cheese for $2. Printed a $1.00 off from the Kraft Facebook page. 

2 64 oz. Gatorades BOGO for $2.79. 

Spent $51.03 and saved $51 even. Not bad! 

I went back today just for some meats for the week, and grabbed a couple more deals to donate. I will be donating this week a Dial hand soap, an 8 pack of Nestle Drumstick ice cream, a package of Starbursts, 1 muffin pack, 2 bolognas, and two things of dressing. 

I know this is kind of hard to follow, and it seems so time consuming. It really is not. It is an amazing hobby of mine now, and we are saving so much and beginning to donate more and more. Please please please! If you have questions or want help laying out a grocery trip, I would love to help. Saving money is a wonderful thing. I love being able to show Zach what I saved us at the grocery, because it is essentially revenue coming into our home. I love being able to give back a TINY bit, because I know if we were struggling terribly, I would be SO grateful for any help we could receive. Also, it is what we are called to do. :)

It takes a village to raise a child

I have heard that saying my entire life, and it has never hit home until I had a child myself. Savannah is more than blessed by people who love her. Before she was even born, people would talk to her in my belly and tell how excited they were to meet her. She had a closet fit for a princess MONTHS before she was due. At Christmas time, we wound up leaving things in Georgia that we could do without so that we could bring home all of her things. People Zach and I have never met personally, but know people in our family has sent gifts for her. We are truly blessed.
She got a new big girl car seat (thank you Noni and Grandaddy), a new big girl high chair and big girl shoes (Thank you Poppy and GG), new clothes in the mail (Thank you Gammy), and formula to last a couple weeks (Thank you Poppa). We never had to ask anyone for any of this, we had budgeted it into our budget this week, and when our families heard we would be doing it, they made sure she had it. We are truly blessed.
Not only do both of our families support us as a family with materialistic things, but also in encouragement and guidance. Zacharys grandparents, who are mine as well :), came down this weekend, and we had a blast. They stayed at our house until late in the evenings talking with us. They joined us for church this morning, and Mema was so thrilled to hear our pastors message.  They are really an amazing example of how we want our marriage to function and how we want to raise our children. We are truly blessed.

It has been awhile since I have made time to sit down and chat. I am still couponing like crazy. I saved us over $900 in the month of May. My momma asked, "What on EARTH are you going to do with all that stuff?!" Well, i donated a good portion. A smaller protion is stored here at the house for us to use. And we will use it. I do not buy things that will go to waste or things that won't be used.
Hope everyone has a good week! Here is a little taste of our weekend. :)

Friday check-in!

It has been awhile since I posted, things have been crazy busy this week with VBS, Savannah and just every day life. We really enjoyed serving this week at church, but Savannah is TIRED. Okay, so is momma. We normally aren't up moving until around 8 everyday, and VBS required us to be at the church by 8:15. So, that's me getting up, showering, getting ready, packing snacks for both of us, her diaper bag, changing,dressing, and feeding her, and leaving by 8:00. We did it, though! I was shocked we both did so well. Savannah had so much fun with the boys, she was te only girl amongst 6 boys. It was heaven for her, because they all loved wrestling her and were so sweet. She ate like a big girl all week, whatever they had, she had. I am a proud momma (yet again). Today is couponing day, and I decided to not make a trip to Publix this week. They didn't have much we needed, and Aldi had what we needed for much cheaper. I only spent $49 on a full weeks worth of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I decided that my big trip of couponing this week would be to CVS, and I am so excited about all I was able to get for so very little! I'm on my phone, so I can't upload the picture of products directly to the blog, but visit my Facebook page to view each product. I am going to do a product/coupon/price breakdown. There is a sale at CVS until Sunday: Spend $30 in participating products and get Charmin toilet paper for FREE ($7.29 value!) Charmin Promo: 2 Pantene products $3.45 each. I had a coupon for $3 off 2 from the Smart Source on 5/20 PLUS a CVS coupon that printed for $1.50 ANY shampoo/conditioner. Cost $6.90-$4.50=$2.40 for both! 1 Bounty Basic 8pk for $5.99. I used $1 off from a Smart Source (can't remember exactly which one!) 2 Pampers Cruisers $19 for 2. I used $1.00 from the P&G insert from last week. I also had a $10 off ANY from Pampers they sent me for an issue we had, you won't have this, it is still an incredibly good promotion! This ends the Charmin promo. 2 Skinny Waters $1.67 each. CVS printed coupon of BOGO. 2 Covergirl Lash Blast Mascaras $8.49 each. BOGO 50% off until Sunday. I then used a $1.00 off from P&G last week, then a BOGO, also from P&G and lastly, a $4 off $12 printed from CVS SO, $17.00 in product ($8.49 each)- $4.75 (BOGO 50% off)- $1.00 off- $4.75 off (BOGO from P&G)- $4.00 off= $2.48 for TWO! The CVS coupon printer is printing a coupon TODAY ONLY $1.99 for a 12 pk of Coke product, when you buy $10.00 in any purchase in store. So, a 12 pk for $1.99, this is an INSANELY good price! 1 Cascade Complete 16pk $4.99 this week. I had $1.00 off from P&G. Then, I had $4.00 in extra care rewards from CVS! All in all, we got stocked back up on toile paper and paper towels, I got makeup, plus everyday things we use. :) Our family is going through a TON of changes, and we could use some positive thoughts and prayers. Everything is wonderful, so no need to worry. Positive changes and happy events!

Weekly update

Today is Friday, which means grocery shopping day. We needed some basic things this week and some extras for new recipes, and I knew they would add up. I decided to go to Winn- Dixie, I know I know... I JUST complained about their prices last week. They had some good deals this week, but I still spent more than I saved. That is a first in a while for me. I won't complain though, because I did buy a ton of meat, and there are no coupons for that! I also got things for a nice breakfast this weekend.

My haul:
2 boxes of Tostinoes.
A total of 4 pounds of ground beef.
3 pounds of chicken.
Winn-Dixie parmesan cheese.
2 pkgs of Sargento shredded cheese.
Winn-Dixie hot sauce
2 packets of Hidden Valley Ranch mix ( one is for this Pinterest recipe for a Buffalo Dip Ring)
1 Pillsbury Crescent roll.
1 Martha White cornmeal mix
1 Bal Park Beef Franks
1 Ballpark hotdog buns
1 Sunbeam bread
2 bottles of Kens salad dressing
1 Country Crock butter
1 Winn-Dixie eggs
1 gallon of Sunny-D
1 pkg of Tennessee Pride link sausage
1 can of tomato soup
1 can of enchilada sauce

  I spent $51, and saved $22. Not my best, BUT, I got a lot of essentials. Meat is always a big cost for us. 

Tonight is couples bible study, and I am excited! I am making that buffalo ring as our dish to carry. It is kind of cool because, the bible study is hosted by a pastor from a different church than ours, but this week, our church pastor preached the same book of the bible as what the bible study was on. Kind of cool to watch it all tie together. 

I didn't have to work at all this week, but next week is vacation bible school everyday and I work Wednesday and Friday night AFTER I work those mornings. This will be interesting with Savannah. Haha! This is our last full weekend together before Zachary starts working every other Saturday again. I am thankful for over time, but we both miss him SO much when he only has one day off. 

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! 

Eulogy for my best friend

Most everyone knows my brother passed away in March from the cancer Melanoma. He was hands down my best friend, love of my life (aside from Zachary), and one of the best men I have ever known. Somedays, I grieve him so badly. Others, I can smile and think about how much he gave and taught me in the 22 years I knew him. Today is a mix of both grief and happiness. I want to share our story.

Shane was 8 years older than me, a fact that was very evident when we were younger, but didn't matter as we got older. He was my protector from the very beginning, and the biggest pain in my butt. My daddy told him his job was to be a good big brother and make sure no one ever hurt me. Shane did this in two ways: when I was little, he fought for me. When I got older, he taught me to fight for myself.
When I was about 3-4, these kids knocked me down when I got off the bus. I told Shane about it, and the next day as they were riding by our house on their bikes, he ran outside with his baseball bat. He chased them all the way home, until they went inside.
He used to wrestle me to the ground, starting at around 6 years old, and MAKE me fight my way back up. My very first day of high school, a senior boy touched my butt, and I turned around and bloodied his nose. I got in HUGE trouble at school, but Shane was so proud of my right hook. He wasn't so proud when I used it on him when I was 16.
I was always so proud to be his sister, and he was so proud to be my big brother. We were always there for each other, even when he made me fighting mad. Watching him battle his addiction in his early twenties, and celebrating his recovery after a year clean, was when we got to be our closest. He over came SO much in his short 30 years, even a divorce that some would have never came back from. He had the best smile of any one I have known, and all he had to do was flash it to get his way. He had the biggest heart and NEVER spoke unkindly about anyone. He was a friend anyone would have been blessed to have.
At my high school graduation, even from the football field, I could hear my brother cheering the loudest of anyone. He came to my college my first semester and had lunch on campus and gushed at how proud he was of me. He walked me down the aisle and gave me away to my husband. He attended my baby shower when Zachary was working in FL, and I was still in GA. He sat next to me and helped me open my gifts and shared all the excitement in the world with me becoming a mother. He helped me pack and move TWICE in 2 months, in the middle of summer, while he was battling cancer. He bought and made sure the brakes were changed on my car before I got on the road to FL. I could depend on him for anything

Where I struggle now is, Savannah. He met her at Christmas, and those pictures are ones I will cherish forever. He was such a proud uncle, and Savannah is so blessed to have him as her angel. My anger comes because he deserved to help Zach and I raise her. That was our plan. He was going to be in every aspect of her life. He told me I couldn't keep him away. When Shane was in the hospital right at then end, he couldn't walk, lift his head, or even open his eyes some days. I took her to see him, and he couldn't hold her, but he laid her on his belly and talked to her. He loved all over her and told her how amazing she was and all the things they would do together. He deserved to do all that and more.

Shane was an amazing person. My children will all know him from pictures and stories. His memory will never fade, and I will be eternally grateful to have called him brother.

Encouragement

As a new mom and really, a new wife, I am constantly feeling like I am failing or not "measuring up". Zachary doesn't make me feel this way, it is just a natural thing for me to strive to be better. My momma and Mawmaw tell me DAILY I need to slow down and stop doing so much. The odd thing is, I ENJOY cooking like I do. It gives me a great sense of accomplishment filling both us up on a good homemade meal. I ENJOY having a clean house, I can focus better and relax more. I ENJOY Sundays, even though it is BUSY in the morning. Savannah was up at 6:45, by 9, she had eaten a bottle and breakfast, been dressed and changed, I had coffee and breakfast with Zach, and lunch was already in the crockpot (Baby back ribs!). Busy to say the least!
Zachary decided to stay home and rest this morning, so it was just little bit and I heading to church. She LOVES being in the nursery with her "friends" now. I drop her off with a confidence these days, knowing she is well cared for and has a blast. Sitting in church by myself doesn't bother me, it is my quiet time with God. The closest I feel during the week to him (even though I do my devotional every day) is sitting in the sanctuary. After church, I went to get Savannah and that is where my encouragement came. Ms. Jerry, the lady who mainly cares for Savannah in the nursery, handed her to me saying, " She is SUCH a joy! I can always tell the babies who are loved and well cared for from the babies who need more attention. Savannah is so happy!" Hearing this really blessed my heart. Knowing that my baby can be without Zachary and I, and still light up the room makes me proud and so happy.

In all, the feelings of being unsure of her raisin' and my wifely duties, are normally washed away when I see my family happy and laughing. We are not rich, nor are we "well off", but, we ARE happy.

Family day

Today was amazing! I usually run around doing a few shopping trips alone on the weekends, but Zachary and little bit decided to join me. Going out in public with the two of them is more tiring than just taking Savannah alone... LOL. I am a proud wife though to see how much Zachary helps with Savannah. It is not just when we are out and about, like some fathers do. It is at home, all the time. Every Saturday, I get to sleep in and he gets up and does everything with her until her first nap. :D Happy momma!
We went to Aldi today because I needed THREE things, we left with over 12 items.... Again, going out with BOTH my babies is harder than one. Zachary always finds things he "needs" or that is a "good buy"... As if he would know.  Regardless, we did get things we needed, and things that are already being used.

After such a great time with the two of them, we got ready to head over and enjoy an AWESOME time with our favorite family. I made the Pinterest inspired recipe, Cheesy chicken ranch lasagna! NUMMMY. I truly enjoy time with Shana and Colt, and the big boys are falling into their own routines together. Shana is becoming one of the biggest people I depend on as a friend, and I am so thankful for her! Savannah has a weird obsession with Colton, and he is learning to love her as well!

"We'll be friends forever, won't we Pooh?" asked Piglet.

"Even longer." answered Pooh. 

It's Fridayyyy!

Friday is always the day I do my main shopping for the coming up week. I set a goal at the beginning of the week, look through the ads, and clip my coupons accordingly. My goal was $75 at Publix this week, which is high for us. I knew Publix was having GOOD sales due to Memorial Day. Perfect time to stock up on things we use everyday.
I mainly shop at Publix for everything, throwing in Aldi, Winn Dixie, Walmart, CVS, and Target, if they have good deals. Here lately, I am becoming not a fan of Winn Dixie, and the only reason I buy anything from there is because a $5 off $55 prints at the end, and I can use that at Publix. I am going to go in a little more detail this week about HOW I saved with WHICH coupons.

Here is the haul for this week

Breakdown:

4 Pepsi 12pks. Normally $4.99 a piece, on sale B2G2. So, $9.98 for the 4.

2 Tyson Anytizers,BOGO for $8.49. There were $1 off on the Tyson website, I used 2. So, $6.49 for2

2 packages of Velvetta, BOGO. $4.39 for 2. 

2 packages of baby back ribs. $ 4.89 each. Publix Baby Club sent out a coupon booklet that had $1 off fresh meat. 

2 Sabre hummus, BOGO. $3.99 a piece, there is $1 off in Publix Spring Gathering Coupon Booklet. I used two, so $1.99 for 2. 

1 Kraft Mozzarella cheese, on sale $2.50. this Kraft is the Philadelphia cream cheese one, and is normally $4.00 by itself. 

2 Motts apple juices. BOGO. $3.99 for both, PLUS, I had a coupon from Publix Baby coupon book for a free 8 pk of Motts ($3.99) when you buy 2 Motts juices. 

1 Publix brand lasagna noodle. $1.89.

2 bags of Lays chips, BOGO. $4.29. This is a great sale on chips, BOGO is hard to find on Lays. 

2 Mt. Olive Dill Snacksters, BOGO. $3.21 for 2.

2 Domino 5 llb. bags of sugar. $2.99 each (normally $4.50). Plus, there was a $1 off 2 Dominos sugar in the Publix Spring Gathering Booklet. So, $5.00 for 2. 

4 ears of fresh corn. .25 each, $1.00 for 4. 

1 Crescent , $2.19

2 cream cheeses , $1.89 each. 

2 Hefty aluminum containers, BOGO. $3.59 for one, plus a $1.00 coupon in the Spring Gatherings Booklet form Publix. So, $2.59 for 2. That is a steal! I use these to bake in and take along, or just for an easy cleanup at supper. 

1 Hidden Valley Ranch dressing packet, on sale $1.67.

1 package of Sargento string cheese. $2.50. 

I then used a $5 off $55 coupon from WinnDixie. 

I spent $60.09 and saved $67.56! 

Score! This was a good trip because I saved more than I spent, and I was $15 under budget (which will be added to Vannahs piggy bank!). I am going to Aldi tomorrow to finish buying our meats, because they have chicken and ground beef for dirt cheap this week! 

The key to how I save and get so much, I shop sales. I may not need the item that week, but I stock up while it is cheap, so I do not spend full price when I actually need it. I never buy things we will not use, unless I can get it for free or less than $1.00, and then I donate it to church or the womens shelter. I do not buy a billion of one thing, I buy enough to last us a week or two. 

I hope this kind of helped see where and how I save! Feel free to message or comment if you have any questions!

Melting heart

I write about Savannah A LOT. Any new mom knows it is near impossible not to. Everyday with her is a joy, even on days like today where she refuses to naps and is into EVERYTHING. The UPS man knocked today during one of her crying jags, she was in her bed screaming obscenities at me in her baby language. It is the usual UPS man that comes, and I always answer the door with Savannah in my arms, because as I have stated over and over, if I am not with her, my house will be burned to the ground. 

Anyhow, I answer the door and he asks how little bit is, all the while she is screaming in the back ground. I say "Oh, she's peachy. Napping." He just looks at me and glances into the house and says "That is what you call sleeping??" I felt like punching him. Obviously, she isn't napping. I was trying to make light of the madness that is our house with Savannah around. 

"You can share lunch wif me, momma."

Beauty

I love every minute of this madness. I am the proudest mother you can find, and her energy keeps me going. She was up from 9-1 last night, SCREAMING. When she woke up this morning, she was calling her daddy on the monitor and when I went to get her, she had her head cocked to the side with her huge goober grin on her face. Heart melting. I shared my lunch with her today, and she was so excited and proud of herself that she could eat like momma. She would watch my mouth, and chew in the same rhythm I was, with her 2 and a half teeth. Heart melting. 

Palm Bay, FL

Everyone who knows me knows, Georgia is home. Always has been, and I am praying it will eventually not be, if this is where we decide to stay. All my friends back home tell me quite often how jealous they are I get to live by the beach. Huh. Well, I am going to layout what I love and hate about this place.

I HATE:

1) The drivers here. GA has some pretty bad drivers. But, Floridas population is probably over 65% elderly people. Yeah. PLUS, people from ALL over come here to vacation. So, you have all the bad drivers in once place. Sweet. 

2) Insurance premuims. Our insurance went up $150 a MONTH when we came here. This due to both the above things: old people and bad drivers. 

3) Drifters. You go in to 7-11 to buy a soda, and it takes you 15 minutes because the guy in front of you just wants to chat with the clerk. I am all for idle conversation, I can talk the ear off anyone. But, when I am in a hurry and am carrying a child whose main goal in life is to destroy whatever comes in her sight, please allow me to pay and strap her back in her seat (where things are safe). As you are leaving, that same guy is asking for a ride or a couple dollars. 

4) The beach state of mind. NO one is in a hurry to go anywhere. It is just a kind of "we will figure it out, we will get there sometime, we will think about that later" type of mindset. 

5) Half dressed people. We saw a girl in a sports bra, BIKINI bottoms, and running shoes jogging down the road the other day. THE ROAD. Not their pier, not the beach, THE ROAD.I am not sure I would jog in bikini bottoms in my own home, with the shades pulled, and my family asleep.  A man came to check our water meter and had on swim shorts and a tank top. He worked for the water company. Seriously?

6) The bugs. There is the little bug (looks like a lighting bug, just no light) called a love bug. The university right down the road had a professor who created this bug to try and kill of mosquitos. Well, guess what? Love bugs don't kill anything. They come in SWARMS and land alll over you, your car, your child (who then proceeds to eat them). Pest. 

7) The food. No Folks, no Taco Mac, no Krystals, no Martins, no decent mexican restaurants, and no Stevi B's. They have plenty of mexican places, but I like Monterey's at home. The places down here just don't measure up.

8) Last, but not least, my family isn't here. I cannot describe the ache I feel for my family. I want to go to my Mommas and nap on the front porch like I did back in the day. I want to go to my Aunt Wandas and have a cook out with the whole family. I want my MawMaw to go to church with me. I want my family. 

The things I LOVE:

1) My little family is here. I can dedicate all of my time and efforts into making the two of them happy, with no distractions.  Zachary and Savannah are truly all I need, but, it doesn't stop me from missing everyone else. 

2) I love being so close to the beach. We literally have to drive for 7 minutes and we are there. 3 minutes to the river. 

3) I love the people I have met. I am making some of the best friends here, and Savannah has tons of babies to play with. 

4) I love the people at my Publix. This sounds silly, but they are a blessing. I go in every week and the same guy rings us up, the same one bags my groceries, and the manager always comes over and talks to Savannah. They all call her by name and she is in heaven from all the attention. 

5) I am loving the church we are attending. 

6) I mostly love the weather here. It is too hot for me most of the time, but I love rain every afternoon. It is refreshing and Savannah and I usually nap during the shower. 

7) I love that we have a Target, Walmart, Publix, post office, library, hospital, Savannahs doctor, my doctor, and Zacharys shop (even though he never works there) all within 10 miles of us. Back home, that was near impossible to find. 

I am slowly learning to love this place. There's no comparison between here and GA. They are two VERY different places, but, my home is where Zachary is.