It FINALLY Feels Like Summer!!!

Today is June 23rd and it finally feels like summer. Spring took a long time to get here and then lasted even longer. It's so nice to feel the warmth of summer. Although I am totally fine with the 80 degree range and would be completely happy if it stayed that way.

This past week Brooklyn celebrated her 2nd Birthday!! Sadly, I missed her day while I was at drill camp :( Then only thing that even makes me feel a little less guilty is the fact that she is only 2 and will never remember. Right??? I can't believe how big she is getting and how her little personality is growing!! I just Love her so much!



Andrew will celebrate his 4th Birthday this Saturday!! He gets to do it by playing in his first t-ball game!! I can't believe he's old enough to play t-ball. He's such a smart guy and continuously makes me happy. He's a joy to be around!!



My children are the apple of my eye! I love them more everyday and am grateful to be their Mom! There isn't anything I would rather do or be.

Summer Begins!!!

So most people would kick off there summer by going to the pool, a water park, or a vacation. Nope, not me. I started my first day of summer at the high school for drill team practice. Afterwards, I decided to start the Insanity work out. Insane huh? Today it was only the fit test. Let's just say I didn't feel very fit once I was done. It was kind of a slap in the face to how I viewed my fitness level. However I have never done exercises like this. I'll keep you posted. Here's hoping to making it to day 2.



Today has also been kind of nice. In order to hold our spot at our day care that we LOVE!! We decided to keep the kids in part time so we can have our place when school starts again. This lovely free kid time allowed me to get insane, fold laundry, and shower. I do have to admit, it feels really weird not having the kids running around. It's a little to quiet without their giggles, little voices, and constant toy fighting. But at the same time, every Monday and Friday will be my little stay at home vacation. Or cleaning time which ever what ever.

Well that's all for now! Peace out and enjoy your first week of SUMMER!!

Graduation Day!!!

My nephew Jake made it!! He succeeded at passing high school and finally graduating. For a while it was a little touch and go but he did it with much prodding from me, a principal, his counselor, and all family members. I am so proud of him and his accomplishment and glad to see him finally do it! Way to go Jake!

Three years ago they started making the faculty wear robes. So here we are in our graduation attire together!

Me, Jake and Barry!

Proud Mama Cathy, Jake, and Me!

Isn't she cute?

This is my darling little Brooklyn. She is getting so big and is so stinking cute!!!

Thanks and The End!!

Extreme Couponing

This past summer, I decided I wanted to try and save a little money, but who doesn't right?? Well I was so intrigued with people who were able to save by using coupons I went to the Savvy Shopper classes taught by Amy from the Daily Herald. Everything she said totally made sense and sounded simple for the most part. So I increased my number of Sunday papers from 1 to 5. Bought me a cute Mickey Mouse binder, the baseball card holder pages and I was set.

At first I was pretty good. Usually saved about 50-60% in savings with each purchase. Not too bad for my first shot at it. Well then as I continued, I kept finding that many of the items on sale were ALWAYS gone! Shelves empty, nothing in site. It was discouraging but I pushed through it and kept trying. Mind you this was also in the summer when I had a lot more free time then I did once school started.

I kept trying and shelves were continually empty. I don't have the luxury to shop anytime I feel like it I go when I can find the time between being a mom, a teacher, a dance company director, and a coach. You know how it goes right??

Now this crazy show on TLC "Extreme Couponing" comes on. Although very intriguing, mostly annoying. I cannot believe the number of items these people buy! It's insane and completely ridiculous! Do you really need 50 bottle of Maalox?? Maybe it's time to adjust your diet instead. Just saying. At least now I know why all the shelves are always empty with all those great deals.

Needless to say I now only get one Sunday newspaper and have given up for a time. Until I can find a better way to do it. I retire from the coupon cutting business. If anyone has any great tips, please fill me in!!

Thanks for letting me rant! whew I feel better...