Little Moments

Frugal Living

2009-05-02T23:50:00.008-05:00

It has been several months since I've blogged. My time has been spent couponing. I am so addicted to finding bargains and great deals. Deals as in FREE. It all started after a trip to Walmart and $80 later for my purchase of a few tolieteries. I thought this is crazy to spend so much money a month on every day items. That is when I joined the world of couponing. Here is the low down. My favorite place to shop is CVS. If you don't have have a CVS card, get one and register it online for free. Weekly, CVS will email you a coupon to use. Here is a great explaination on shopping and using your extra care bucks (ECB) at CVS. The object is to purchase products that generate ECB and then use those ECB to generate more ECB. Have I lost you yet? It sounds confusing at first, but it actually very simple once you do it. Thanks to the internet it is simple to find these great deals. Deal Seeking Mom, Bargain Briana, Centsible Sawyer, and I heart CVS are great places to find the CVS deals of the week and other frugal tips.

Where do I find coupons? The Sunday paper of course, and a magazine called ALL YOU. It's only sold at Walmart. It's $2.24 and has lots of great coupons. There are subscriptions like here. Read this article to better understand coupons. The key to great savings and getting free items is using the coupons when the item is on clearance or to make a ECB deals even cheaper. For example, I purchased Adidas Action 3 deodorant on clearance for $1.24, I used $1.00 coupon making the price .24c, then after the purchase I received $2.00 ECB making this deal better than free.

There are so many ways to organize coupons. I use the binder method. I have a three ring binder (1 1/2in). I use dividers to separate each category and baseball card pocket pages to store the coupons. I did not start off with this method, I started with the envelope method until my coupon collection became so large that I could not find what I needed.

These are the categories I use:
baby items
candles/air fresheners
cleaning supplies
deodorant
detergent (laundry, dishwasher)
eye care
facial care/razors
feminine
hair care
make-up
misc (batteries, toys, etc.)
meds
oral care
paper/plastic (toliet paper, paper towels, trash bags, zip locks..)
soaps/lotions (hand soap, body wash)

Then groceries:
baking
beverages
bread
cakes/cookies
canned food
chips/crackers
cereal
dairy/butter
frozen food
meat
pasta/rice
sauces/seaonings/condiments
snacks
yogurt/fruit

How to use the coupons at CVS:

Read here to better understand the CVS game to saving lots of green.

It is important to hand the cashier the coupons in this order:

Make sure the cashier scans your ExtraCare Card. Then it’s important that you present your coupons in exactly this order to maximize your savings – CVS dollar off transaction coupons (if you have one; example: $5 off purchase of $15), CVS store coupons/manufacturer coupons, and finally your ECBs. If you present your dollar off coupons after your manufacturer and store coupons, your total transaction amount may not be high enough to allow the system to accept the coupon.

Here is the items I got from CVS today:

Spend $15 and Get $5 ECB when you buy John Frieda, Jergens, Curel, or Biore.

John Frieda Shampoo, Conditioner or Stylers, $5
I purchased one shampoo and one conditioner

Used two $2/1 John Frieda coupon (SS 4/5)

Curel Ultra Healing Lotion $7

Used $1/1 Curel Lotion

Colgate MaxWhite or MaxFresh $2.99 Get $2 ECB (limit 2)
-$1/1 (4/19 or 4/26 SS)
-$1/1 (All You May '09)

I recieved $5 ECB for John Frieda/Curel and $4 ECB for Colgate

Used $11 ECB, paid OOP $6.05, and received $9 ECB

This is not the greatest example, but these are items we needed.

Officially a Ballinger

2008-12-19T09:31:00.003-06:00

This is a very exciting day! Hopefully by the end of the day Bryce will have his OFFICIAL last name as BALLINGER! We have always used Ballinger as his last name so he actually does not know any different. As some of you may not know I was previously married and was blessed with a beautiful baby boy. Shortly after Bryce's birth I divorced. At the time I thought my world was ending. Little did I know what God had in store for me. I met Seth when Bryce was 21 months old. WOW! Seth swept me and Bryce off our feet. Seth and I married a year later. Bryce has always known Seth as "Daddy" in his little memory. He has no recollection or involvement with his biological father. Today is the official day of Bryce as a Ballinger, but he actually has always been a Ballinger since Seth and I were married. I'm excited with happy nervous butterflies dancing in my stomach. Today at 1:30 PM we have our hearing with a judge to finalize the adoption. I thank God everyday for blessing Bryce and I with a wonderful husband and loving father.

At 1:40PM it was a official. The judge terminated the biological father's rights and granted Seth the adoption of Bryce. Relief and excitement swept over me and I got a little teary eyed in court as Seth spoke and answered questions from the judge. It is a relief that that chapter is closed and we can carry on as one big happy Ballinger family!

Kiss and Tell

2008-12-13T11:50:00.003-06:00

I love when Corsen is in his lovey dovey mood. It is not that often because he is so busy playing and into EVERYTHING. I love his sweet mouth wide open kisses! He even says UMMMMMA when giving out kisses. It melts my heart! My favorite pic is with Bryce in the background puckered up too! LOL!

4 wheeling

2008-12-13T11:35:00.006-06:00

We went to the Ranch in Roaring Springs last weekend. The kids had a blast. Bryce learned to ride the 4 wheeler all by his self. He was so proud. He rode it around and around the house. When he got behind the house where we could not see him he would gas it. We could hear the engine rev up. We asked him if he went faster when he was behind the house he admitted he did just a little bit. He is definitely all boy! Corsen stood and waved at Bryce as he drove by.

Christmas Time

2008-12-10T20:10:00.007-06:00

Christmas time is here! Our tree is up and the fireplace and living room decorated with white lights. The boys rooms are decorated too. Corsen's room has Christmas balls hanging from the ceiling above his crib. He loves his shimmering silver tree and Santa Claus' all around his room. Bryce has Christmas balls hanging above his bed. His favorite is the giant snowman snow globe. We really went all out decorating this year, thanks to Sue's help.

Every night there is a Christmas show on TV. I love watching these with Bryce. I remember watching these as a kid. From Rudolph to Frosty to Charlie Brown Christmas the memories of the excitement of Christmas return like it did when I was little. Bryce looks forward every day to a new Christmas program. I love the excitement in his eyes and his curiosity of Santa. However, it is important to me that he knows the true reason for the season. He loves the story of the birth of baby Jesus. He asks me daily, "When is it going to be Christmas and Jesus' birthday?".

I look forward to the morning we open gifts from Santa. Bryce goes crazy riping paper! Corsen will be doing the same. He has quite the little attitude! When Bryce gets in trouble and he sent to his room Corsen is right on his heels pointing his little finger at Bryce blabbing and saying
"NO NO!". He thinks he runs the house these days.

On the Road to Recovery

2008-11-07T11:12:00.004-06:00

I have been off work this whole week. Last Friday I left work early not feeling well. I went to the doctor and was told I had a virus. On Tuesday I felt worse. I was short of breath with the littlest activity and had difficulty breathing. I went back to the doctor and got a chest xray. And lo and behold there was the problem I had a huge right sided pneumonia! I was given a Rocephin shot and new round a antibiotics. I am starting to feel better. Everyday I am gaining more energy. I look forward to going back to work on Monday. I really missed work and the kids. You know you are in the right job when you actually miss it!

Trick or Treat

2008-11-07T10:50:00.004-06:00

Trick or Treat! The boys had a blast this Halloween. The Hill family came over and we trick or treated in our neighborhood. Bryce was a Pirate and Corsen a Bumble Bee. Corsen loved wearing his costume. When we got home he did not want to take it off.

2008-11-07T10:36:00.004-06:00

Fall is here! Seth and I took the boys to the Maize. They enjoyed seeing the animals and walking around the pond. Our adventure was cut short because I was stung on the neck by some unknown flying insect. I was disappointed that we didn't get to go on the hayride.

Bryce's 5th Birthday

2008-11-03T10:51:00.010-06:00

October 14th was Bryce's birthday. I can't believe he is five! I pick him up from day care early that day. We went to the bakery to pick out his cake. On the way in the car I was telling him how big he was getting and I said, "You are getting so old it kinda makes me sad that you are growing up so fast". He replied, "I'm getting old! Who's Grandpa am I going to be!"

We celebrated Bryce's birthday at Ready Set Go with friends and family.

Dear Bryce,

I can't believe you are FIVE! WOW! How time flies. You will start kindergarten next year. I really look forward to being at the same school with you. You make me proud every single day. I love your tender heart and caring soul. It is evident everyday! You are such a great big brother- you are so protective of your "little baby", Corsen. I love watching you play with him. You are always trying to teach him something new and when you do you are so proud. I love your giggles and seeing your eyes light up over the simple things in life. It really keeps me grounded and thankful for the small stuff. You are definitely a Mama's boy. I love our "dates" and snuggle time. I love when you tell me that when you get big like Daddy that you want to dance with me in a castle. It melts my heart. I love you more than words can describe. You will always be my first baby boy!

I love you,
Momma

Thanks Babe!

2008-10-07T19:39:00.016-05:00

I came home from work today to a huge surprise from Seth. I unloaded the car and kids, and walked into the living room. I could not believe my eyes. Not a single toy could be found abandon on the floor by our little ones from the night before. Not a dirty dish could be found in the kitchen sink. And there Seth was slaving over the hot kitchen stove making spaghetti. Wow! What more could a mom and wife ask for. On the drive home I was debating what to cook for dinner and dreading the never ending task of picking up toys and washing dishes. Thanks Babe! Now that I know you have it in you I expect this every night! :)

Corsen really liked the spaghetti. Here is 2 clips of him enjoying his meal. I gave him a fork for the first time. He was intrigued by it at first then found a better (more fun) way of feeding his self as you will see. Oh! and he points to his eye and says "eyes" for the first time along with getting a little spaghetti in his eye!

After the spaghetti mess it was time to clean the little guy. For the first time he uses "BIG" boy shampoo. Frankly I'm tired of spending $5 for baby shampoo/soap. Time for the Corsen to use Bryce's fun banana scent shampoo/soap. And may I add for the price of $1.50/bottle. As you can see he is quite excited to use the BIG boy shampoo.

Pumpkins, Pumpkins

2008-10-06T20:15:00.004-05:00

The pumpkin patch is our favorite thing to do in the fall. I love dressing the boys in orange (yes I am one of those moms) and taking pics in the sea of pumpkins. Bryce scurries around looking for the "perfect pumpkin". Corsen freely roams through the pumpkins with a smile from ear to ear.

South Plains Fair

2008-10-06T20:05:00.003-05:00

The South plains Fair was a couple of weeks ago. Sue and I took the boys to ride the rides. Bryce was a little dare devil he wanted to ride all the scary rides. He wanted to ride the BIG ferris wheel, but the line was a mile long. Corsen just enjoyed being in the stroller watching everyone. He rode the small ferris wheel with Bryce. He did okay until the wheel came around and he spotted Sue and I. He wanted out! Bryce being the protective sweet brother calmed him down.

Grandma Ballinger

2008-10-06T19:56:00.003-05:00

Okay, Okay! I know I am way behind on posting. This is the happening within the last few months. Grandma Ballinger came to visit. She came over for dinner with Sue (Seth's mom). She lives in Dalhart. This was her first time to come to our house. We loved having her. She is sooo sweet. The boys had a blast showing show off for her. She uses a rolling walker and they took turns pushing each other around on it.

Spiderman lives at our house...

2008-08-30T10:23:00.004-05:00

I woke up this morning after sleeping in a little late. As I stepped into the living room, Bryce had his look that he was "up to no good". I casually asked, "What have you been doing?". He replied hastily, "nothing" with a crooked smile on his face. When I see that smile I know he is up to something he shouldn't be doing. Everything in the house looked normal, and everything was in its place as I looked around to investigate. I asked Bryce again and promised I would not be upset if he would show me. He cheerfully boasted that he could climb a wall like Spiderman. This is what he demonstrated....

Corsen's Surgery

2008-08-27T12:26:00.009-05:00

We arrived at the surgery center.

In the waiting room watching the fish

Right before Corsen goes to the OR

Corsen had his surgery today to put tube in his ears. He has battled multiple ear infections and practically had antibiotics everyday for several months. I am hopeful that the tubes will eliminate most of the ear infections. He did great with the procedure today. It took about 10 minutes for the actual procedure. After he went to the recovery room we were allowed to see him. He was not the same kid, he literally screamed and cried for 30 minutes as we patiently waited for the effect of the anesthesia to wear off. After we left the surgery center he was his happy little self. When we arrived home he ate breakfast and went to sleep.

Open House

2008-08-21T20:22:00.002-05:00

Today was open house at Rush. I met many of my chronic medical kiddos and parents. I feel so much at peace now that I met (almost) everyone. I feel so blessed to be at this job. Everyone is super nice. My principal, the staff, and the teachers are wonderful. God has truly blessed me! School starts Monday. I'm getting a little nervous, but mostly excited! I look forward to a GREAT year!

Bryce's Bedtime Prayers

2008-08-10T22:23:00.003-05:00

Every night at bedtime I look forward to hearing Bryce's sweet, innocent prayers. It consists of three little prayers. The first and second ones are songs he learned at Covenant daycare. The third is my favorite because he speaks from his little heart. It is always different every night. It just makes me proud to know that he is thankful for the many things in his little life. The video will only have sound because Bryce will only say his prayers when the lights are out.

Corsen is Walking

2008-08-07T19:12:00.003-05:00

Corsen has decided he is done crawling. A couple of days ago he started walking. It is SO cute to see him waddling around the house. As you will see he is still a little unsteady. He gets faster everyday. It is so fun to watch him learn and do new things.

Bryce would often ask, "When is Corsen going to get big and walk." Now he asks, "When is Corsen going to get big and talk."

Exciting News!!

2008-07-31T15:37:00.005-05:00

Today I was offered a school nurse position with Lubbock ISD at Rush Elementary. I am so excited! When I received the phone call this morning and accepted the position, I hung up and could not contain myself. I was so overjoyed I was literally jumping up and down. Bryce joined in and gave me a BIG hug and said in his sweet little voice, "Good Job, Mom. I'm proud of you." We are now in the process of finding a new daycare for the boys. They attend daycare at Covenant, which is for employees only. My last day at Covenant is August 13, however, I will remain oncall so that I can work during summers and school holidays. School starts August 25.

Happy Anniversary

2008-07-31T13:57:00.004-05:00

On July 29, 2006 Seth & I married on the beach at Riviera Maya in Mexico. Many changes have taken place within those two years. I'm so proud of our little family. Life just gets better every year! Seth is an amazing husband and Dad. I have been so blessed to have in my life. Much thanks to Angela and Luke who set us up on our blind date.

Fun at the Lake

2008-07-21T18:40:00.007-05:00

We went to Lake Allen Henry on Sunday with Chad, Amanda, and Taylor. We had a great time swimming and our attempts at water sports. Seth is the "pro" among all of us so he was the coach during our many attempts. I tried to ski and almost made it up. WHAT a challenge it is!! I am now determined to ski this summer. Today I am Sunburned and SORE!

Seth

Bryce & Taylor

Amanda, Bryce, & Me

My attempt at water skiing

2008-07-13T17:26:00.000-05:00

OK...I'm finally starting a blog after a little nudging from my friend Amanda. It is a great way to document my family and sweet boys growing up. WOW, how time flies. It is important to me to capture the "little moments" that mean the MOST. It seemed just yesterday we introduced Corsen to the world. We recently celebrated his FIRST birthday.

2008-07-13T15:47:00.000-05:00