Who doesn't love to save money?

I am a coupon mom. There, I said it. My new system of buying groceries and personal care items has taken a total 180. My new favorite places to shop are Publix, Bi-lo, CVS, & Walgreens. BUT...Walmart is so much cheaper! NOT TRUE ANYMORE!!! I used to say that all the time-that the only place I could afford to shop was at Walmart. I hereby retract that statement. I do not plan to grocery shop at Walmart ever again. And I can't say that I am sad about it.

Ya'll! I'm serious. I've been collecting coupons for some time now, but I didn't have a good system to use them. I use a website called http://www.southernsavers.com/. It is a free site that matches the weekly coupons to the great deals at the grocery stores. This is specific to the south east region, but I am sure there are other sites that will reach your region. I have already seen a great benefit. The name of the game is stock piling and knowing each stores policies and reward programs. You may say, "yes, but I wouldn't have bought that if it wasn't on sale. I don't really need that." That may be true, but the concept involves much thinking ahead. Will I use this product in the next 6-8 weeks before it goes on sale again? If so, you buy it. If not, skip it. Just because I have a coupon for benefiber and it's buy-one-get-one doesn't mean I need to buy it. I would never use that product. You get the idea. I got hooked when I needed to buy non-dairy coffee creamer. I had a publix coupon and a manufacturer coupon and it was BOGO. I walked out of the store with 2 pints for about .25$. I was hooked! Here are some other recent examples: last week at Publix, spent $79 and saved $56. This will only get better and better as I save my coupons up. Just today I earned $6 to use at CVS. They have a rewards system where I can make an initial purchase (today's was about $40). I earned $6 that I can use toward products that earn me money and the cycle continues. I will be able to do this at Walgreens as well. After an initial purchase, I am earning money to put toward future purchases that are on sale, with coupons, and earning extra $ to spend at their store. In essence, I will be paying VERY little or nothing for my items there in just a few short weeks. I know I sound like an infomercial, but it's been great for us. That's why I wanted to share. It is a little time consuming, but once you get the hang of it, it's a no-brainer. Go on, give it a try!!! Oh yeah, many stores give rain checks if they're out of an item that's on sale.

Wilcat T-ball

One of the many fun things to do in the "spring" is t-ball. I say "spring" because the season begins in February and there have been a few games where we've frozen our toes and fingers and have had to bundle up the little ones-even the players -to get through the game. There are all boys and one girl on Rowan's team. Needless to say, the dugout is CRAZY! We finally had to put a mom on post in there to keep it from getting too out of control. :) They call it t-ball, but allow 3 coach's pitches before the "t" is brought out. It took some getting used to, but now Rowan is having a great time swinging and hitting the ball. This league is particularly wonderful because at his age they don't keep score, everyone gets to hit the ball, and there is fairness all around. They are learning to basics while having a great time. The siblings have a good time cheering the team on, as well.

Shep's Dedication

Back in March we dedicated Shep at church. It is a sweet service they do one time a year for all the babies that were born. It's loud, a bit chaotic, and full of laughs. What a great time for our family to stand together and commit to bringing Shep up in the ways of God. However, for some reason I do not have any of the pictures that were taken. Well, I can't find them right now anyway...