Dody’s days

I think that I can officially be called crazy coupon lady.  I get such a high off getting a good deal anymore.  I think it is because there is always something to buy.  Whether it is for a gift, something for the house or clothes for the kids I am thrilled when I can get a great deal.  I go to great lengths to get on as many mailing lists and clip coupons every week.  My favorite is when I hit a sale and then also have a coupon.  I did this not too long ago at the Gap.  I was in desperate need of new jeans.  The jeans were normally $60 each.  They were on sale for $39.99.  I then had a coupon for 20% off if you spent $75.  I bought two pairs and walked out only paying $63.98.  What a bargain.  I hate spending money, especially on over priced things like jeans.  I only have a few choices when it comes to buying pants since I have to buy longs or talls…and I don’t want to wear frumpy old people clothes yet.  Other deals that I love are when I get $5 off a box of diapers using a store coupon, and then I can use a manufacturer coupon too.  Pretty soon I won’t be buying diapers, but until then, I like to save $6 a month.  If anyone hasn’t looked lately regular pampers are $32 a box…..ouch!  I also love getting deals for the kids like recently at Old Navy; I had purchased something, went home and did their online survey.  Next time I visited I got 10% off plus I hit a 40% off sale, so I got most of the kid’s summer clothes for 1/2 off.  I even got a label maker the other day with some Christmas money.  I had wanted one to have around the house for various anal projects I have to help me stay organized.  It was on the clearance table at Staples.  It did not have a price on it….so I had it priced and it was marked down to $15.50 from $169.00.  Wow!  It is pretty fancy, and I am sure I will never use all of the functions, but hey I have an awesome label maker now.

Off of the coupon kick, the kids are fighting a little fever/cold virus going around.  I have to say we have had a pretty good year thus far though.  Grace has her 4th Birthday party this weekend, so I am thankful that they decided to get it this last weekend and not next.  In the mean time I have been canceling a lot of things this week to get the kids on the mend.  It is hard to believe our little girl will be 4.  We are so blessed by her, and are amazed everyday of what she is getting more and more capable of.  Happy Birthday little Princess!

Well it has been a month since I blogged.  Not because there is nothing going on, but nothing too exciting anyway.  It has actually come as a welcomed relief.  It has been nice to have a little more down time.  David has been slammed with school and work but is keeping his head above water.  Grace is doing an awesome job in school and starting to write more and more letters.  She is always trying to spell everything now.  It is fun to watch her blossom and show early signs of reading.  She also has been cutting paper.  We go through paper, and more paper.  She likes to cut out different shapes and color them.  Evan is really doing well with his speech.  I have seen so much improvement in the last 4 weeks.  I am really happy to see it.  We still have a long way to go, but I will take progress over no progress any day.  I am pleased to say that I have done pretty well with keeping up on my workouts.  I have worked out 5 times a week most weeks, since the beginning of January.  I have been eating healthier, and I am starting to feel stronger.  My back has been feeling a little better too, probably because I am getting core strength again, and we have a new bed.  It seems like 2007/2008 has been the year of replacing things: a bed, dishwasher, couch, outdoor furniture…not all by choice, but because things were getting worn out.  We have been almost married for 12 years, so I think you just end up buying things when you reach the 10 year mark or so.  Most appliances, and couches, and beds only last 8-12 years on average now, so I guess it was time.  It seems like it will never end with the amount of work we still need to do to our home.  But we are trying to be patient and wait it out.  We really think this house will be a very desirable house once we can do some improvements, and the market improves again.