Snow Angel

Matthew had his first adventure in the snow yesterday. I bundled him up, and with Jeff's help, brought him outside. He loved trompsing through the snow in his boots. Jeff and I can't wait to bring him skiing next year!

36 Weeks

I thought my 'nest' of pasta was an appropriate picture for the week. Our freezer is stuffed to the brim with meals, and yet I can't stop cooking! Yesterday, I made homemade pasta for the pantry and ravioli for the freezer.

I have been preparing for the new baby for quite some time, and I think our house is finally as organized as it is going to be. All of the newborn clothes are washed and the nursery is stocked with newborn essentials, as well as diapers/other goodies for Matthew. I have a few other projects that I will be starting, but nothing that has to be done.

I am getting so excited! I can't wait for the baby to be here and for Matthew to meet his little brother. Just a few more weeks!!!

Almost 16 Months

Matthew is almost 16 months! Every day, he surprises me with his ability to learn new things and by how much he is growing. He loves to run, talk, listen to music, dance, play with his toys, and of course snuggle with mommy.

There is one thing, Matt is not - shy. When out on errands or playing at his favorite 'tot-spot', Jungle Java, he will smile and chat up anyone who looks his way...spreading happiness wherever he goes.

Some of my favorite things about Matthew are...

- Hearing him giggle in the back seat of the car
- Seeing him dance whenever music comes on
- His tiny voice saying 'Why?' 'What?' 'Where are you?' 'Hi Dad!'
- The way he wakes up in the morning...full of smiles and hugs
- Touching my nose and saying 'No' (Translation 'nose')
- His chubby cheeks that are so kissable!
- The way he flips through his books and 'reads' to himself
- Bath Time...Matthew LOVES his baths and insists on ALL of his toys joining him

There are so many more things that I could write. Matthew is such a sweet boy. I am so lucky to be his mom!

The Guest 'Suite' is DONE!

I thought my readers needed a refresher of what Jeff was working with...NOTHING. I accidentally deleted the 'Before' before picture. Picture 1970's flowery wallpaper, a built in wooden ash tray, and NO lighting. Oh, and no insulation.

And....with the wave of Jeff's magic wand...
(The doors still need to be put on the closet and built in cabinet)

Matt LOVED running around like a mad man in such a big space.

And, I know the lighting is not good and I am planning on adding a few more accessories, plus a down comforter, but I was too excited to wait to post pictures!!!

Coupon Crazy

Special thanks to my SIL Angie for turning me on to http://moneysavingmom.com/.

I am always on the lookout for a deal while shopping at the grocery store and at Target. However, I have never clipped coupons before! Whoa, have my eyes have been opened.

I have gone a little coupon crazy over the weekend and am so excited about my potential finds this week. Who knew there were so many amazing deals out there?! And, some you can actually MAKE money on.

WHAT?! You all might be reading. Yes, it's true...there are a myriad of freebies out there and items you can make a buck or two on...just for spending a little time to hunt for them.

Here is a recap of my savings this weekend (I was just warming up):

20 boxes of diapers from Target *Saved $60 + free shipping
2 boxes of Special K * Purchased for $0.72 each (Regular $3.29 per box)
1 box of Post Raisin Bran * Purchased for $0.50 (Regular price $3.49 per box)

And, Meijer had their awesome 10 for $10 sale this weekend, with the 11th item free, so we stocked up on items like freezer bags that we go through so fast!

Time spent: 1 hour on http://moneysavingmom.com/ and http://meijer.com/.
Grand total savings: $75

Deals for today:

Desitin - Free at Target
Aveeno Baby Wash - Free at Target
2 bottles of contact solution - Free at Rite Aid with cash back
2 bottles of Dove Men's Body Wash - Free at Rite Aid with cash back

Grand total savings: $34 + $4 cash back
Time spent: 20 minutes on MSM blog and flipping through Target coupon mailer

How did I do it...using a combination of coupons I found online/received in the mail + utilizing Rite Aid's cash back program.

I did have concerns that I would be tempted to buy things that we don't normally purchase like soda and junk food, because it is on sale. Or, that we would have to switch brands each week to get the sale. However, I was pleased to find GREAT deals on things that we use every week and also, the brands that we normally use.

So, let the saving continue!