Last Day of May

I can't believe tomorrow is June 1st.  This year is going by so fast.  I know most of you are starting your summer but I have a few more school days to go so it won't be summer for me until June 7th at 3:10!  We have 5 more school days left. 

It was nice to have a long weekend with my boys.  Sunday after Landon's nap we headed to Viola for a fish fry with some family.  I always love going to my MIL's.  I definitely don't go enough.  There land is so pretty and it is very peaceful out there.  We always find something fun to do when we are there.  Logan brought Landon a John Deere tricycle to ride since Logan is too big for it.  Logan has a new John Deere bicycle so that kept them busy.  The guys rode up to check out the ponds while the girls got to visit.  We also took some furniture from our house to Sharmin (so glad because we need room for Landon's bed when we find it) and she gave us a 4-wheeler.  Nice trade right?  Lance and Uncle Greg are going to fix it up so daddy can take Landon for rides.  He loved sitting on the 4-wheeler and that is all he has talked about for 2 days now. 

Monday the boys slept in and I got up early for some reason.  I made cinnamon rolls for breakfast and they were ready right when the boys woke up.  We then got around and headed to MH to find Landon a bed.  We did find some but we are still thinking.  I'm not sure we even know what we want yet.  Landon was excited about this purchase.

 He has a new pool for this summer!  And even I'm ready to get in it.  Lance got it ready while he was napping so as soon as he woke up we went straight outside. 

 The water was cold and I don't blame him for not sitting down. 

 Love those cold faces!

We also bought a flag for our house.  We had a flag holder between our garage doors so we thought it was time to use it. 

 Here is the porch with my ferns which I love having up.  Not sure I enjoy watering them but I'm trying to do better with that. 

Today I went back to the surgeon and he said everything looks and sound good.  I worked 1/2 a day today and it wasn't too bad.  Yes I am tired but it might have been b/c I was so busy doing catch up stuff.  I have tons of stuff to do before the last day but I know I'll get it done.  I've gotten it all done for the past five years now so I'm sure I'm ok.  After school Landon and I stopped at the grocery store to get a few things.  Landon saw something he had to have.

It is a gummy snake.  Yes...gross I know but sometimes I buy ridiculous things so why can't I do the same for him.  He took a couple bites and then said it was yucky.  I took this picture so I could show Lance.  He can't stand snakes :)

Tonight has been so nice.  A sweet lady from work made me chicken noodle soup since it was my first day back after surgery and she thought I'd be tired tonight.  I have to say she was right and it was so yummy!   Lance had to go to church for music stuff so Landon and I spent some time reading and playing in his room.  He loves to be read to or to be told stories.  Here he is listening to the story of his grandma reading to him (it's those books people record themselves reading). 

I want to write some things Landon has been saying or doing lately.  He loves music!  He always finds songs on my phone that he wants to listen to over and over.  He loves the Big Green Tractor song and he will call it Green Bean Tractor.  The song Farmers Daughter is the Hay song for him b/c in the video he saw the hay.  He will take my phone and find the camera and try to take your picture.  He'll say "say cheese" and after you do he'll say "thank you".  He tells Lance and I that we are his best friends which melts our hearts.  He loves singing Wait Upon the Lord.  When we are laying down he makes me tell him stories.  He usually wants them to be about the big bad wolf, Landon and his friend Luke.  When he tells stories it's always "Once upon a time there was a big bad wolf...".  And another thing he always does when we are laying down is hold my hand and it has to be a certain type of hold.  Just now I was asking him what it is when we clasp our hands and I clasped my together showing him what I was talking about...he said that is pray.  Love him so much:) 

He can count to 10 in Spanish.  He can count to 12 perfectly and then he says 14, 16.  He knows all his colors and shapes.  He loves Sunny D but we are trying to get him to drink more milk.  The kid can jump higher and farther than any other child I've ever seen (just ask my MIL).  He usually wakes up around 7:00 and the child usually goes to bed at 9:00.  He needs to go to bed earlier but we'll work on that later.  He likes watching movies or shows.  We watch a lot of Good Luck Charlie in this house. 

I'm still alive...

And I'm doing so much better!  I am so glad I can say-I was getting a little down and starting to think I'd never feel good.  I am still a bit sore but it is nothing like it was last week.  I can pick up Landon but I have to carry him a little differently since the incisions are still sore.  I am getting bored being in the house but I know come next week I will be wishing I could be at home.  I go back to see the surgeon Tuesday morning and then it is back to work after that.  We have 6 more school days. :(  I hope they go fast which I'm sure they will.  The kids will be ready for summer so I am planning some fun activities for us and I will also be packing up my room.  Hopefully we'll make it! 

This weekend we don't have too much planned.  Today I did my shopping and yes I did good on the couponing!  Here is what I got at Fred's and it cost me $42.38.  I've learned it is really easy to get deodorant for free :) 

The hubs is golfing today with my dad and a couple of his friends so Landon and I are hopefully going to take a very long nap.  When he wakes up we'll probably go to MH to visit grandma and maybe do a little bed shopping.  Lance and I are going to buy Landon a bed for his bedroom so we can start him in his own room/bed.  It is time Lance and I get our bed back!  We will also be buying a TV for either the living room or for our bedroom so we can give Landon the TV that is in our bedroom now.  I am in a cleaning/organizing/re-arranging mood but it is kind of hard to do that when I'm not completely healed.  We'll see what happens!  We have a couple cookouts tomorrow after church and I think that is all on the agenda.  Hopefully I can get Landon a little pool for the backyard and we can take advantage of that on our long weekend. 

Here are some pictures taken with my phone.  Landon has always loved his balloons and we would always play a game like volleyball but lately he wants to play "balloon bat".  It is hilarious!  He usually has to have shoes on and he has to wear his baseball hat that he got from Logan.  Then we have to throw the balloon to him and he smacks it.  Now let me just tell you - the kid can hit it really hard.  Lance and I get cracked up! 

Landon stayed home with me last Wednesday and we spent a lot of time on the front porch.  He usually runs around and I swing on the porch swing (loved that about the house when we looked at it).  I always buy ferns for our porch because I like them and I think our house is perfect for ferns.  Of course we always have bird nests in the ferns and on this day when I took them down to water them we found some baby birds.  He loved watching them (and no he did not bother them) and even threw a fit when I hung it back up.  I took pictures of them so he could at least see them on my phone.

We also have to blow bubbles!  I found some at the dollar store that had a spill proof top which is such a wonderful invention!  We have definitely wasted a lot of bubble juice before I found that. 

 He blows bubbles and then he makes me blow bubbles.  He's good at taking turns!

Did anyone watch Pregnant in Heels? 

The season finale was last week but I loved theshow.  Rosie Pope is such a delight to watch and I wish I lived closer so I could go check her store out.  She shared her pregnancy journey this season which ended on a happy note with her welcoming baby Wells :)  I definitely can't wait for more seasons of this show.

Recovering

I am starting to feel a lot better but still not ready to go...just yet!  I am still a bit sore (belly and shoulders) but moving more and sleeping in my bed again :)  I think Landon only kicked me twice in the night!  I've been resting today - watching the weather channel, catching up on my DVR'd shows and looking at all of my coupon deals for the week.  I got sad today because as I was sitting on the couch my baby Landon was in the hallway at his school.  I felt horrible that I wasn't with him. :(  I called my sister and she said they were fine just out in the hallway since the sirens went off.  It was during nap time which meant they had to wake all the kids up.  My mom picked him up after school today so they should be home soon.  Hopefully he'll be in a good mood even though his little schedule was messed up today. 

My heart goes out to those in Joplin, MO.  It is so sad to see a town destroyed like that and it only takes a few minutes.  I do have some family who lives there and my mom said they were all fine.  I pray for those who lost their lives, for those who lost loved ones and for those still missing.  Hopefully these storms will not act up anymore.

I've been meaning to post about my latest couponing trips but the other night I couldn't get the pictures to work.  It is crazy to think that I never really thought about deals or coupons and how much money I've just given away.  One can definitely save some serious money if they just take the time to find a deal and that is what I'm doing now.  I usually buy 4 papers on Saturday and then my mom or MIL give me 2 papers so I get a total of 6 coupon inserts. :)  I then sort them into my coupon binder!  It definitely makes shopping and deal hunting a lot easier.  My sister and Amy are my big coupon gals!  We call each other all the time to share deals or get deals.  It's so much fun!  I met Amy at Fred's in Yellville a couple weekends ago and we got some good deals.  They double coupons up to 70 cents only on Saturdays. 

Everything I got there was either 1.00 or 1.50!  I did spend maybe 4.00 on the detergent but I got that fabulous all purpose cleaner for free...yes free!  Do I use it?  Haven't ever but I will now :)  I think my total was maybe $25.00 for everything!

Next stop was Dollar General. 

They had Worcestershire sauce for 1.00 and I had a coupon for 75 cents off so I got them for 25 cents, the Welch's juice was 2.00 and I had a coupon for 1.00 off so they were 1.00, mustard was just 70 cents after my coupon so I think my total there was just at $25.00 again!  I teased Lance that we were going to have a mustard and Worcestershire sandwich for supper and for every meal after that.  He thinks I'm silly sometimes.

I usually try to go to Walgreens throughout the week but that store is a little frustrating just because they don't always have what you are looking for.  I always buy something so I guess I shouldn't be complaining.

So here are some of my finds at Walgreens - Sure deodorant for 50 cents and those Gillette Fusion Razors turned out to be 89 cents after register rewards and coupons. 

I got all of this at Walgreens for 12.00 and just to let you know - that hibaclens was was 9.99!  I did good but I used a lot of my register rewards on this transaction. 

This is honestly a lot of fun and kind of a hobby of mine right now.  I love doing it with my sis and Amy. 

Well I am going to sit for a little and also try to wrestle my little man.  He has been very whiny and definitely showing signs of an interrupted nap.  AWESOME!!!  Hopefully he'll want to go to bed here in just a little bit b/c I will join him.  I am staying home again tomorrow just because I don't think I am up for it yet.  Remember I teach 19 kindergarten kids so it isn't a restful job!  Only 10 more school days left so that is a plus. 

Ouch...

Well I finally got rid of my gallbladder that wasn't functioning right and the one that has been causing me lots of problems the past few years.  We took Landon to school a bit early (thanks to my sister for allowing us to do that) and got to the hospital at 7:30.  Of course they didn't call me back until 8:30 but that's ok.  They got me in my gown and then started my IV which wasn't bad at all.  Lance got to come back and hang out with me until they took me back.  They ended up having to do an emergency surgery so I had to wait a little longer.  I think it was around 10 or 10:30 when they took me back.  I honestly don't remember anything.  I woke up in recovery and it was 11:30 and the nurse said I had been back there for about 40 minutes.  My throat was killing me and I could barely talk.  I did get ice chips which helped my throat.  At 12:00 they took me to extended recovery and I had to stay there for 2 hours :(  They asked me if I wanted to get up but I was so tired I kept putting it off.  I needed to eat so I had some crackers.  My mouth was so dry it was almost impossible to swallow those things...lots of fun.  Finally at 1:30 they had me stand up, they took out my IV, I got dressed and then we headed home.  The ride home was really painful.  I got to the bed and only got up to go the restroom.  I think anesthesia makes me nauseous b/c I almost threw up when I stood up.  My pain meds helped a little but I can't sleep when I take them.  I honestly don't think I slept at all Thursday night.  It was really hard to get comfortable.  Friday Lance helped me get to the recliner and I stayed there all day and night.  Lance went to work but came home at lunch to feed me.  He had to go get Landon so he didn't get home till about 7:30.  Judy had kept him Thursday night which was a lot of help.  I was so glad to see him but I was really nervous about how he'd do with me.  He honestly has been wonderful.  We told him mommy got boo boos just like him (since he had surgery on his belly) and that seemed to help.  I hate not being able to pick him up but I just can't do it yet.  I am still really sore and my shoulders are still hurting (guess from the gas).  I took a shower today hoping that would make me feel better but it just made me weak so I had to hurry and get out.  I'm a baby!  I really wasn't thinking this would be bad but it kind of is.  I had Lance take a picture of my belly.  I think it is a little swollen but I guess that is expected.

My mom is coming over and bringing me a sonic drink..she knows what makes me feel better :)  Lance is doing an awesome job!  He is helping me so much and taking care of Landon. 

I am still couponing so this morning the boys headed to town to get my newspapers!  I hope to get cutting soon but not sure I feel up to it just yet.  Hope this post makes sense...my mom and dad made fun of me for some texts I sent them after surgery :) 

What Is Going On With Us...

What a long week it has been.  I haven't been feeling well at all but I am happy to say that we finally have an answer to my problem. :)  I have a gallbladder that isn't functioning correctly!  I had a HIDA scan (gallbladder scan) on Monday morning.  The test was pretty long- got there at 8:30 and left at 11:00.  They start an IV and put something in you that shows up in your liver (that takes an hour) then it should go to your gallbladder (which mine didn't so they had me get up and move around which got it to go to my GB).  Once it is in your GB they put a medicine in your IV that makes your GB react as if you had ate a greasy meal & let me tell you - I thought I was going to throw up all of everyone around me.  The yucky feeling goes away within 3 minutes but it sure was a rough 3 minutes.  So then you lay there another 30 minutes and wait for the GB to squeeze that stuff out and then you are finished.  The whole time through the test I would say "I don't think it is squeezing much out is it?"  Of course they wouldn't tell me so I had to wait for the results the next day.  The nurse said my scan was abnormal.  Anything under 35% is abnormal & mine is functioning at 24%...so now I meet with the surgeon Monday afternoon and I am so ready.  If he says he can take it out that night I will say great!  It honestly is that miserable. 

With my GB problems I was actually stuck at home last weekend so my I missed all the Mother's Day activities.  Lance and Landon went to church and then went with his family to Gaston's.  So sad and tired of this GB :(  I did get a picture of my sweet boy!  I am truly blessed to have Landon in my life - he's the reason I get to celebrate Mother's Day! 

 After the boys got back and after our nap we did go outside to play.  It was really hot so Landon and I played in the sprinklers.  Yes I even ran through a couple of times (maybe even more than Landon) because it was hot and the water felt great.  I told Lance I am getting a pool big enough for me to swim in this year :)

 Even Abby enjoyed the water!

So besides dealing with a sore belly I've also finished tutoring at school and we ended another year of Puggles.  We had the awards this past Wednesday night and it was a great night!  Gwen was there but wasn't able to get on stage with me since she is still recovering from her c-section (don't worry Gwen-next year I'll let you can go on stage...ha).  It was a lot of work calling the names of 2 year olds, getting them on stage for their certificates and gift bags and then getting them off the stage.  I got them all down but one girl about fell...I was definitely sweating by the time I called the last name :)  It was neat getting to call Landon's name and I guess he pretty much hopped onto the stage.  They were all so excited!  I'm going to miss them but it will be Puggle time before we know it.  Lance filmed that night but I can't get the video to post.  I'll have to ask Lance to help me.

 I've also been working on my couponing skills.  I am loving everything about couponing and get so excited for Saturdays (since coupons come out).  I have been finding some great deals and have even started to make a little stock pile upstairs.  I'll show you how it has grown over the last 2 weeks :)

This was from my first trip.

 My 2nd week - first trip

 2nd week - 2nd trip

 2nd week - 3rd trip and the last trip for the week :)

Not bad right?!?  I have gotten toilet paper 12 rolls for 4.00 and I'm most proud of pamper diapers I got for 3.50!!!  Tonight we had to go to Lowes and I got Lance to get me some wall shelves to help organize my little stock pile.  I'm a dork but I like it!  I'll post pictures after we get the shelves up. 

Well my child is not going to go to bed unless I go lay down with him so I guess I'll end this post.  Plus we have to get up early and go get our newspapers! 

It's Going Down!

My grocery bill that is!  Today I did my first couponing trip and I think it was pretty successful.  This weekend I have been cutting coupons and organizing them in my coupon binder.  Yes, I bought a binder and the baseball card protector sheets to hold all my coupons...call me a dork but it was so helpful.  I have been looking at thekrazycouponlady.com and they are a big help.  That is where I got my binder idea and a lot of helpful tips on how to be an extreme couponer :) 

After a lot of planning and getting organized I headed out this afternoon to Walgreens.  I had a coupon for every single item I bought except 1 (Landon called me when I was out and asked if I'd get him M & M's...couldn't say no to the kid) plus Walgreens had some coupons for some of the items I was purchasing. 

Here is what I got and I'll tell you how I got it to whatever price.

1.  Bounty paper towel rolls $1.59 - Walgreens coupon got them to $1.29 and my coupon was $0.25 = $1.04 each

2.  Pantene shampoo & conditioner 2/$7.00 - got register reward of $1 plus my coupon was $3.00 = $3.00 for both

3.  Glad trash bags were on sale for $5.99 and I had coupon for $0.75 = $5.24

4.  Bic razors 4 pack was $5.99 - $2.00 register reward and I had $3.00 coupon = $0.99

5.  Reese's Pieces candy was 2/$6 - $1.00 register reward and I had $2.00 coupon = $3.00 for both

6.  Dawn soap was on sale for $0.99 and I had coupon for $0.50 = $0.49 each

7.  Colgate Toothpaste was $2.79 B1G1 and I had a coupon for $0.75 = $1.29 for both

8.  Colgate Toothbrush was $3.29 & B1G1 and I had coupon for $0.75 = $1.79 for both

9.  Cover Girl eyeshadow was $4.99 and B1G1 50% off  plus coupon of $2.50 = $5.00

10.  Lady Speed Stick deodorant was $2.67 B1G1 plus coupon for $0.50 = $1.67

11.  Always Pads $6.49 - $0.50 coupon = $5.99

12.  Irish Spring Body wash $4.49 B1G1 and I had coupon for $0.50 = $3.49

13.  Toilet Bowl Cleaners $0.99 - Walgreens coupon of $0.39 = $0.60 but really not sure

14.  Energizer Batteries 4 pk. were $2.99 and I had $1.00 coupon = $1.99 each

15.  M & M's = $3.29

So overall I paid $59.10 and I saved a total of $48.98 + I have $4.00 off of my next purchase. 

I then went to Wal-Mart to get some stuff I just needed and wasn't planning on saving too much there. 

So here is a picture of my coupon items. 

1.  Multigrain cheerios were $2.94 and I had a coupon of $0.75 = $2.19

2.  Scott Toilet paper 4 pk. was $2.68 and had coupon of $1.50 = $1.18

3.  Noxzema 4 pk Razors were $2.67 and I had coupon of $2.00 = $0.67 each :) 

I am very happy with my first couponing trip and I hope it gets easier!  I told the ladies at Walgreens checking me out that I was going to be an extreme couponer!  They were very helpful since it was my first time and so was the customers standing behind me!

I also have to thank Landon because on Saturday he napped for 3 hours which allowed me to get a lot of planning done....except when he slept on me for half of his nap time...but I hardly ever get to hold him when he is sleeping so I was just fine with a break!