Blizzard?!?! I think not.  Yes, we did receive a significant amount of snow in a short period of time, but it was no blizzard.  And again, I was reintroduced to dumbass Indiana drivers, going WAY too fast in their Dodge Neons, trying to beat the odds of experiencing "poor driving conditions."

Little Gertie Beth was able to celebrate the snow with Daddy, gearing up with her L.L. Bean bunting, snow boots, hat, and mittens.  They took a nice sled ride, played with the doggies, and took some tumbles.  All in all, a good day.

 

Ho Ho came to our house on Christmas Eve, delivering some special treasures to Gertie---a paper lantern, new socks, M&M's, pajamas, a nativity set, and a new broom and dust pan.  Grammy Joan and Papa Jim hooked her up real nice with a kitchen, and tons of utensils/food.  Good stuff for Chef Gertie. 

We will be heading North to the Mitten for some Mofo Ohana time tomorrow morning.  It will be nice to spend some time with my family, though we will surely be missing Grandma Monforton this year.  While things are changing and evolving as I get older, it won't ever be the same with a staple in your life is no longer physically present.  I do know that she is continuing to watch over us, enjoying nice weather and a good Manhattan in heaven.

And I am really back....

AND I'm back....

After several months (too long, I know), I am back at the blogging.  In short, we have been living at Dave's parents' house for the last three months as we have tried (3 times) to purchase a house.  The first, was secretly a dump.  The second, we lost out to another bid (which was my FAVORITE).  And finally, the third, we are having inspected today.  This one (the third) has a HUGE back yard and TONS of cosmetic potential.  It needs to have the wallpaper stripped, fresh paint, new counters, and some new carpet.  We plan on painting the cabinets in the kitchen, replacing the lighting, and eventually redo-ing the tile.  It will be a work in progress, but thankfully, the outside isn't that bad (compared to our last house).  Take a look:

http://www.trulia.com/property/3086020185-9326-Woodchime-Ct-Fort-Wayne-IN-46804

If you have ideas or suggestions, they are greatly appreciated.


 Dave's job is going well.  He is very busy and doesn't so much enjoy his commute to work.  I did a longer commute before G was born, and it wasn't that bad.  I didn't, however, enjoy it when the weather was bad.  The Woodchime house is about 40 minutes from work, as opposed to Dave's parents' house, which is about 60 minutes away.  Living with Dave's parents has been great.  I am incredibly thankful that we've been able to stay here---Greta has been completely spoiled.  She loves two extra adults to entertain her when I'm trying to clean up or do something else around the house.  She has tripled her toy inventory, thanks to the fall garage sale season.  Here's what we are talking about: 

 

 

 

The playhouse and structure were purchased for $20.

The smaller playhouse, powerwheel (behind the playhouse), and play food was purchased for $45.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The powerwheel, tent, and yellow tub (filled with toys) that accompanies other tubs and an organizer were purchased for $25.  The tent comes with companion smaller tents, and two tunnels.  Greta's mullet, however, is priceless.

Her new car?  Yep, it's a Volvo 300, it runs on unicorn dust (which is free), and is powered by flatulence and swift foot movement.  Cost?  $5.  

Her new chopper?  Yep, a vintage Fisher Price Little People starter bike

It should also be noted that these photographs DO NOT include the countless assortment of clothes she's acquired.  Fortunately, Fort Awesome is garage sale heaven.  I am now way too cheap to pay for new clothes, toys, or other children's treasures.

I'm trying to get all my girlfriends to hop on the bandwagon.  Trust me, it's cool.

As I mentioned earlier, Greta has been very happy living with Grammy and PaPa.  She gets tons of snuggles, hugs, kisses, and other forms of loving to make her day go smoother.  Grammy is great in the morning, allowing me to sleep an extra 20 minutes while she changes Greta, and makes her bottle (BaBa). 

Greta has also restarted her physical therapy and occupational therapy after her MRI results (which was read in early August).  As Dave and I predicted, the MRI detected extensive brain damage from hypoxia (lack of oxygen) and trauma (from the vacuum).  We were glad we had answers to some of her "quirks," but I would be lying if I wasn't about the future for her schooling.  She looks and acts like a normal 16 month old, but there are some developmental delays that are still present.  Hopefully with therapy, she'll be where she needs to be by age 3. She started wearing high tops that help keep her ankle and leg from pushing inward.  They help a great deal.  The therapy is also helping her to build strength on the right side of her body, while also working on her balance and coordination.  Puzzles and fine motor toys at home have helped her hands get stronger.  Touching her ducktail has helped me relax and ease indigestion. 

Two months ago, I was able to go on an incredible girls trip with my Bloomington Mommies--Irene, Kristel, and Mackinzie. 

We had a wonderful time in Florida and I can't wait to go back!  It was fabulous--filled with tons of laughing, relaxation, great conversation, and amazing friendship.  I am truly blessed to have such amazing women in my life.  They are like my sisters from another mother.  I miss them dearly and it makes me teary eyed to think about their pups growing up.  Kristel welcomed a new boy, Marlo, two weeks ago.  Irene is expecting in the spring.  I hope it is a girl so I can find girl clothing treasures at garage sales.  Again, I am SO blessed. 

And finally, Jennie had her baby.  Beau Decker Willis was born on August 16th---the night before I left for Florida.  He is fat and porky and delicious.  I love him and I miss his baby bird spikes and noises.

Beau at 7 weeks.  I think he looks like his Pepe.  His hands are blurry because he was busy doing infant sign language because he is just that awesome.

I am sorry to say my excuse for not blogging is NOT Olympic fever, which I wish it was.  I've been busy doing the "transitional tango" between Fort Wayne, Warsaw, and Bloomington.  Oh, did I mention that I also have poison ivy and some crazy weird rash on my leg?!? Yep, I'm convinced I'm allergic to Warsaw---ever since we've been in this house, I've had bug bites, allergies, a bad case of the Mondays that lasts all week long, poison ivy, a horrible taste in my mouth from well water, and an inability to make friends.  All in all, not so fun.  Thankfully, Dave's parental units are only 45 minutes away to help me---I was able to venture down to Bloomington this past week for 2 days to do some cleaning on Curry Court and catch up with my Mommy friends---I was even lucky enough to do some newborn snuggle times with Eleanor, the daughter of my friend, Sara.  She smells like unicorn breath and fairy dust.

Dave and I have been in a countering war with a potential home buyer----I am so ready to get moved into a house and begin to settle in----we found one we really like.  Hopefully, if this counter is accepted, we can get the ball rolling.

BREAKING NEWS:
We have an accepted offer!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WARNING:  BAD BLOGGER ALERT.

Yes, I'm guilty once again.  With the "transitional" lifestyle I'm currently living, blogging has sadly fallen to #76 on my priority list.  Not much has happened---I'm living in Warsaw, Indiana during the week (which sucks--sorry Clevenger family), and taking mini trips to Fort Wayne with Greta to visit Dave's parental units during the day.  I've been down to Btown two times to do some home repair/cleaning/visiting with friends.  I'm not so fond of not having a real home base.  We've seen some houses we like in both Warsaw and Fort Wayne, but nothing too exciting.  The thought of moving makes me feel diarrhea pains in my lower abdominal region.  Greta has settled in nicely to her new duplex digs:  Carpeting, lots of closets, lots of glass doors and windows.  That only means one thing:  Lots of hiding places.  She is totally into the "Where's Greta?" game---she can seriously do this for an hour (that, while holding a sock/spoon/book/comb/cell phone; she is quite the multi-tasker). 

Beans and Biscuit are NOT as amped about our relocation efforts.  We don't have a fence, so Biscuit's spirit has been dampered by a run that is 20 feet long.  No squirrel duty for her.  Beans is a bit more happy, only because we have carpeting here, and that means lots of time rolling on the floor, rubbing her face in the carpet.  That is fine with me---more thirs for the next people that live here.  Meow.

Dave is enjoying his new job (a.k.a., school).  He is very busy and is working long hours.  He enjoys the competitive atmosphere, much like the soccer field or basketball court.  I am optimistic that he will excel at Zimmer.  We are missing our Btown and Cook friends.  There have been TWO babies borged (born) this week to friends, Camdyn and Eleanor.  I was able to meet Camdyn when hers first hatched.  She had birdy spikes and made puppy noises.  All things necessary to be a cute baby.  I will hopefully meet Eleanor next week when I go back for one day.  Both mommas are doing great.  I'm so happy for them!

Just some thoughts for the week:

Shooters in movie theatres are not okay.  Let the people watch their flick in peace.  Go blow up an abandon car in the middle of nowhere to appease your psychoness.

Well water is gross.  There is no way around it. 

Walmart folks are gross in every town.  It makes no difference.  Lots of muffin tops, trashy moms, and coke filled sippy cups at 11 pm.

Hills reruns make every morning better.

Finding the entire season of My So Called Life at a garage sale is basically like winning the lottery. 

Once Upon a Child stores are rip offs.  I want to start my own.

My job search begins next week.

Robert Kinkade wallpaper is super classy.  Thank God it matches the fake oak trim, or we'd be trashy.

I want a minivan.  I love my Suby, but a minivan would be better.

A good friend will listen to you talk about the same damn thing for several weeks and not tell you to fuck off.

A better friend will send her mom your way to help you find a new house in a new city, AND introduce you to the nice Amish bakery downtown.

The bestest friends let you stay at their house, shower there, eat your food, and make messes on the counter and still give you high fives when you leave.

And finally, American Greed Scams is the bestest shower ever. 

Yep, this was my night last night.  Interestingly enough, it had a good plot and it wasn't all underpants and shaved chests.  Needless to say, I dreamed about Mr. Chan Man last night.  He was doing dance moves on my deck.  Nothing steamy.  HOWEVER, I don't recommend seeing this movie in the evening.  There were way too many 60 year old divorcee' teachers with bad perms that were laughing way too hard at not so funny parts.  Oh, and they all had on tight fitting capri pants and super lame sandals on.  Yuck. 

And I'm a bad blogger, once again.  The past two weeks have been absolutely crazy---we are transitioning from one house to a condo/Dave's parents' house while Dave changes jobs.  And somewhere in there, Greta had a birthday, the heat index hit some ridiculous high, AND we had a garage sale.  No dose of Xanax can help----Greta is currently in Fort Wayne with Dave's parents as I try to get the house in order---packing up toys, reorganizing the rooms to look like I'm an orderly person, cleaning baseboards, etc.  Two girlfriends, Mande and Lisa, came over yesterday to help me stage the rooms---now all I need to do is clean the kitchen, get our bedroom in order, and work on the basement.  It is overwhelming, BUT NOT TOO OVERWHELMING for me to see Magic Mike tonight with Mackinzie.  SUPER excited.  Channing Tatum.  Yep. 

We also have a very special birthday coming up on Wednesday----Ms. Biscuit will be turning 4!!!

(This is from when we brought her home from the hospital, aka, animal rescue.  She wasn't very snuggly then.  Thankfully, with some dog whispering, treats, and soft blankets, she's more snuggly now.)


I'm still hot with Olympic fever from all of the trials---I can't wait to find out if Dara Torres can qualify for her 6th Olympics.  That would make her turbo awesome.

It should also be noted that this weather is making me feel extra fat.  Needless to say, I have already eaten a pan of brownies in the last three days and will be indulging in some Whoppers and Cheetos mix at the movies tonight.

That is all.

New FUH-lash:
We are moving to Fort Awesome, aka, Fort Wayne.  Take has accepted a new job at Zimmer (orthopaedic company that makes artificial hip and knee joints).  I've always wished that Dave would take on a serious business job someplace, I just didn't expect it to happen so soon.  He interview the week of Memorial Day and was offered the job a week later.  He starts THIS Monday.  Yikes.  Welcome to single mommy life (with two dogs).  SO, in the mean time, I'm suppose to get the house ready to show, aka, declutter and clean the BA-Jesus out of the house.  Problem?  A certain 1 year old that enjoys opening and closing doors, and getting into mischief.  This is when my Real Housewives of Orange County voice in my head says, "Carrie, just call the Nanny."  Yea, right.  Thankfully, Dave's parental units get an A+ in the awesome department, offering their help/guidance/support during this process. 

I am in the midst of getting ready for my first garage sale, aka, selling my crap to the nice folks of Bloomington.  My goal is to make $300, so I can buy my plane ticket to Florida to have a girls weekend with my "Mommies."  We have a major hookup:  My friend, Irene, has a beach house on the Gulf.  SCA-Ore.  Yep, margaritas, no babies, and lots of gossip magazines.  SO EXCITED. 

And finally, the only think I want to do when it is this hot out is do nothing.  Sadly, I have more shit to do than a one-legged woman in an ass kicking contest. 

Greta is 1 year old today.  She no longer wears diapers that size of beverage napkins.  No more naps in her "bucket."  Tear.  My little Button is growing up.....

My advice for the day:  When going to Walmart, go early in the day.  There are lots of older folks there that want to talk to your baby, say "excuse me" politely when they are moving their shopping carts, AND the aisles are stocked, cleaned, and organized.  Not a bad way to start a Tuesday.

Furthermore, I have my trusty stead, Hey 19, ( my Subaru Forester) back from the collision shop.  Sadly, the shop did a wonky job and she needs to go back for a better bumper and further inspection.  She's driveable, but she isn't as pretty as she used to be.  Someday I'll be driving one of these Bad Larrys:







I'll be ready to kick some ass, and take some names.  The Forester offers a different kind of ride----Dave calls it a "utilitarian" kind a car.  I'm happy with that.   Oh, did I mention that I want my Suburban parked in the driveway of my dream house?:

 

Some wishful thinking for today........

Back to reality:

To elaborate a bit more on yesterday's post would be a waste of my time.  The long and short of it:  Unless you lose a limb, die, or are on a ventilator, sueing a doctor in Indiana is impossible.  I've decided that I should be a doctor, because I am clearly fit to make medical decisions, based on the AMAZEBALLS care I received when GFP was borged into the world.  I would also like to add, once a baby comes out, that does not mean the "care" stops.  Asking a patient, "How are we doing?" is not grounds for care. 

I would also like to add that $10K out of pocket with no warning is no way to start a summer.

Further, the embarrassment of peeing yourself in public is worth something.  I'd say at least $5K.  Damage to my bladder, pelvic floor, and loss of my emotional stability:  at least $100K.  Reeking havoc on my daughter's cranium BEFORE she even breathes her first breaths of life:  at least $1 million. 

I rest MY case.  Now, if only the hospital records could only REMEMBER to write such things down.  Oh rats!  I must have lost my pen (and my mind).  Whoopsie daisies.  Maybe next time will be better.

I want to move to California where you can sue the pants off any doctor and take them for all their worth (and their house in the Hamptons).

Did I mention I'm in a bad mood.  No coupon fairy could help me now---only the whispy touches of Greta's baby bird hairs, some pizza, and possibly some doritos.  Oh, Beans' ear just rubbed up against my leg, so that is helping a little too.

Dear Kroger Coupon Gods:

Just when I thought my day couldn't get any worse, no thanks to Enterprise Rent a Car, I was reminded of God's grace.....
Walking through the baby aisle of the Maplecrest Kroger on the Northwest side of Fort Wayne, I noticed tiny pieces of paper sticking out of random shelves.  I slowly realized they were coupons, strategically placed by the item (to use the coupon with).  After collecting more than 12, I realized THEY WERE GOOD COUPONS.  Not just the .$25 off an item, but $1.00 off an item that is usually marked $1.29, etc.  Yep, I hit a gold mine.  Diapers, wipes, a sippy cup, Organic fruit puree squeezers, Johnson and Johnson face wipes----yep, that and a bottle of margarita mix and some cookies---my total:  $19.23.  So thank you, Coupon Gods.  I understand your Grace is offered to those in times of need and depair.  I thank you for recognizing my distress on this SHIT of a day we call Tuesday.  I thank you for easing my anxiety about calling Enterprise for the seventh time, only to be regarded as an ornery customer, who is ignorant to Enterprise polices.  Praise Be to the Coupon Gods.  I will continue to worship you, calling upon your magical powers and continuing to defend your strength even to those non-believers.

(I also know Coupon Gods exist because I watched the season premier of Extreme Couponing last night.)

Sincerely,
The Monforton Norton

It should also be noted, I will be taking down Enterprise Rent A Car from this moment on.  I do not care how long it takes, I will reach their CEO, demand an apology, and hopefully get free rental car service for the rest of my life (and not just get the shitty Chevy Aveo each time).

This just in from the west-sy-eeed:  I found my dream house.  It is on the far west side of Bloomington, just on the border of Ellettsville.  I happened to come across this house while I was on one of my "Greta is sleeping, and I'm not about to wake her up" drive.  Nestled in a new addition, this house boasts over 5000 square feet of awesomeness, 4 bedrooms, huge walk out basement, and....drum roll.....1.5 acres.  Oh yea.  NO hillbillies in these here parts.  It had great wall colors, carpet colors, granite countertops, beautiful maple cabinetry, built-ins, and LOTS of windows.  The house faces west, so it has great light all day long.  OH, and it has a mudroom.  Oh yea.  And lots of  closet space.  Now, I just need to find 485 g's to pay for it.    Like, I said, this house is amazing. 

Tristan and Isolde:  Worst movie ever (next to King Ralph).

Asiatic lilies:  Gorgeous when they bloom, which is never long enough.

Showering:  Refreshing, but annoying.  I hate my hair.  Where is my glam team when I need one?

Sports bras:  Amazing.  Normal bras are so last year.

Minivans:  AMAZE.  I want one now.  Thanks to 90-year-old Mr. Jacobsen and his lack of driving skills.  I'm cruising in my Minivan whip for the whole week while #19 gets fixed.  Holler.

Cashiers at Kroger:  BITCHES.  Apparently they hate their guests using coupons, because I guess they think that price reduction comes out of THEIR pocket.  Fat asses, bad hair.

Ice cream sandwiches:  A staple of the summer.

97 degree heat:  NOT OK.  Especially in May.

A  napping GFP:  Nice.  It gives her baby spikes a chance to regain their strength and volume to take on the rest of the day's activities.

Bad blogger here. This about sums up my week: A old man, specifically, 90 years old, hit the car. No one was hurt, thank God. It was super annoying. Couponing is going well, but I am experiencing some cashier-backlash. Haters. We had a 90 degree day here yesterday. Two words: fat, thighs. Not good. However, Greta is sleeping better and our lawn looks great. Happy Monday.

After a weekend in Chicago, helping Jennie with her garden beds and eating Polish food, I'm finally home.  A few observations:

Gas is WAY too expensive in Illinois.
Coupons are NOT doubled in Illinois.
Polish food is accessible in every town in Illinois.
Bed, Bath, and Beyond in Illinois sells items found in drugstores (shampoo, vitamins, etc.).
Hinsdale, Illinois is gorgeous.
Indianapolis or Bloomington needs an IKEA.
I-65, north of Indianpolis, is a dumb-ass-driver-extravaganza.
I don't miss teaching.
I'm over taupe walls.  Next stop:  Grays and blues.
While I love my Subaru, the Acadia had way more room.
Mother's Day is like a second birthday.
Catching up with SJC Alums is super awesome, especially when it involves juicy gossip.
People are SO RUDE when they DON'T rsvp to parties they are invited to.
Beans is not a good traveler.
$10,000 dollars is NOT worth someone's life.
I need to win the lottery so I can go on a two week vacation.
Being away from GFP is not fun.

AND once again, another State in our Demaocratic Union has missed the mark.  POOR North Carolina-----yet another dumbass state, with their dumbass government, forgetting, ONCE AGAIN, that NOT everyone believes in Jesus Christ, OR the preachings (and I mean preachings, NOT teachings) of the Biblie.  I SWEAR TO GOD, IF JESUS, THE HOLY SPIRIT, AND ST. PETER HIMSELF WERE WALKING AROUND THE PLANET NOW, THEY WOULD GIVE TWO SHITS ABOUT PEOPLE'S SEXUALITY.  NO ONE CARES.  If you want to hump turtles, go right ahead.  Want to dress like a robot?  Go right ahead.  Want to marry someone of the same sex.....BRAKE TIME.  Yep, of all things to put on the ballot, this is what got the most attention.  FORGET about the HUGE DEBT crisis our country is facing, FORGET about the HUGE amount of student loans that (in my opinion) is the brick backpack that my generation carries----give me a damn break.  This is truly embarrassing.  I kinda get why those Al-Quaida weirdos hate us.  I bet they are a gang of cross-dressing, unicorn lovers that really are pissed at our marriage laws.  Yep, that has got to be it.  I feel for all the young people in this country that are terrified enough to come out, and NOW, they won't ever be able to marry the love of their life because some Bible thumper is too embarrassed to divulge their "pound me in the ass every Friday night" secret, dressed in their favorite mail carrier outfit.  Sad.  Very sad.

On a brighter note, my garden beds are ready for the yearly launching of the "Norton Ohana Garden."  We've been successful in the past with basil, tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers.  This year, I think I'm sticking to basil and tomatoes----Dave won't eat cucumbers and I couldn't give them away last year.  What a waste.  SO, I'm going to teach myself how to can, in the hopes of saving some cash on spaghetti sauce this fall and winter.

I'm not embarrassed to say I've been to the recycling dumpster three times this week to find coupons.  Yes, I'm obsessed.  If only someone could physically show me how to put a "haul" together.  Kady Becker, help.

Greta is 11 months old.  Where has this year gone?  Oh that is right--waiting for my pelvic floor to heal.

To all of the "souped up" '92 Grand Am drivers in Bloomington:

I'm not honking at you because I think you're hot, or I like your fake spinner rims, it is because you have one flat tire and two more that look incredibly low.  Do us all a favor, and pump some air into them, so you don't have a blowout, causing a major carwreck on 37 or the Bypass.  Please and thank you, douchebag.

Carrie the Monforton Norton

My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding:  Discuss.

I'm not quite sure how I can wrap my head around a bunch of 15 year old gals, who are dressed to work the street corner of 30th and Post (Indy style), looking for a mate, while simultaneously taking care of 7 brothers and sisters with mom and dad (no where to be found).  Hmmmmm.

I tried to use some coupons today at Target and I received a "eat shit" look from the cashier, named Kristina.  Not okay. 

It is suppose to be 86 degrees and humid tomorrow.
Not okay.

It isn't even Thursday.....

It's official:  I'm addicted to 1) couponie sng and 2) garage sales.  I'd like to thank a shit economy, Cook Medical for not fiscally appreciating my husband, my resourceful mother-in-law, and Mrs. Goble for showing me the light.  While this journey has taken me a meager 32 years, I'm now on board and ready to take prisoners.  I headed to Ft. Wayne on Wednesday evening, Greta in tow, hoping to cash in on some addition garage sales on Thursday and Friday.  Grammy Jan was going to venture out with us, meeting the three of us (Grammy Joan, Greta and myself) on Thursday afternoon.  Well, before JGM was able to pull into Jim and Joan's driveway, Joan and I had already spent over $100 bucks, purchasing a pop up kids tent, 2 garbage bags full of like-new baby clothes for my sister and girlfriends, and 10 1990's hit CD's (Mariah Carey, Matchbox 20, Pearl Jam, Phil Collins, Sade.  Yep, the good ones.).  By 4 o'clock, we had spent the cash in our pockets and were ready to see Grammy Jan.  (Oh, there was also a visit to the Becker household, ala' Jack and Josie.  Jack and Josie were sleeping, so we had to settle for a fabulous visit with Ms. Shirlee Clevenger and Kady Becker, crafter to the stars.  Oh, Tucker Becker was showcasing his nice "resting the SUV" skills.  Sidenote:  Ms. Shirlee looks FANTASTIC after a bought of breast cancer last year.  She is tanned and ready to hit the streets of Warsaw after a much needed winter in Florida.  I hope that she remembers me when she feels lonely in Florida----I'm a great Scrabble player, gardener, and casserole maker.)

We headed out for round #2 on Friday, only to find MORE baby clothes, a brand new Boppy pillow, a $12 brand new Cosco umbrella stroller, some shoes for Greta, and some more treasures.  All in all, it was a great trip and I CANNOT WAIT for more this summer.  My next geographical target will be the northside of Indy, focusing on Zionsville and Carmel.  The golden ghetto should treat me right.  Whoop whoop.

I have decided that I will no longer buy Greta NEW clothes.  Well, underpants and shoes will always be new----these things should never be used......I don't need to elaborate on the underpants front.  ALSO, I hit up Wally World for some couponing therapy last night---I met a fellow couponer in the cleaning aisle, and I could not have been happier.  She gave me some tricks and tools to take with me.  One of which was shopping at CVS.  While it is intimidating at first, CVS has great deals.  I walked out of Walmart with $143 worth of merchandise that I payed $83 for.  I bought two things of formula for $13 (the big containers), as well as a bunch of cleaning supplies for about $1 a piece.  I will continue to focus on household items---these are purchases that I can gather for my friends, as we are all trying to save a few bucks.  I will also try to cash in on diapers, wipes, baby food, and some food items.  Because of my food allergies (a whole 'nother blog), I basically eat meat, yogurt, eggs, fruits, and veggies.  It is hard to coupon for these items (except for the yogurt). 

So far, in one week, I have purchased $300 worth of items and spent $140.  I have been able to give my friend bleach, laundry detergent, baby wipes, and formula.  WHOO HOO.  Let me know if you are interested in cashing in on my frugalness.

Happy Sunday.

Oh, I will NOT be discussing the current status of the Detroit Tigers.  It is too fresh.

AND, we have purchased a new/used Subaru Forester.  She is a 2006 with 63K miles.  I plan on driving her until the wheels fall off.  She has all the bells and whistles, including seat heaters and a huge sunroof.  The Acadia had to go because she was a gas whore.  My new Forester's name is.............................

#19

When referring to my car as she drives past you, it is fair to say, "Hey! 19!"  This is acceptable because Steely Dan is also one of my favorite bands.  There you go.

 

She is named for the great Steve Yzerman, current GM of some crap Florida hockey team not worthy of mentioning. I understand my car is a female, but then again, I have two girl dogs named Beans and Biscuit.

And I'm back.  I've devoted this week to my newest obsession:  COUPONING.  While I will often watch those Extreme Couponing shows on TLC, I'm usually baffled how these folks stretch their dollar so far.  After doing some reading, consulting friends (thanks Kady!), I am beginning to get the hang of it.  I will say it is very time consuming.  BUT, it is really fun saving so much money (with a ton of loot to look at).

I'm working some my next score this weekend---My goal in all of this is to spend as little as possible on household things:  detergent, cleaning supplies, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, etc.  I know our grocery bill won't be nothing because of the meat, fruits, and veggies we eat.  But I know saving in the household department will free up some money at the end of the month.

Speaking of freeing up money, Dave and I traded in our Acadia for a more affordable, and gas saving Subaru Outback.  It is smaller, but still roomy.  Greta and I would drive around town in the big Acadia, and I would find myself spending $80 bucks at the pump for no reason.  On trips, it was nice.  But we are better at packing now, so I know we really don't the space anymore.  I look forward to finding her a name....she is Red Wing red and has tan leather interior.  I think I might just call her #19 for now.....thoughts?  Suggestions?

Oh, back to the couponing.....my first coupon trip concluded with $220 worth of goods for $150.  Not bad.  My goal next time is to save 75%.  I'll keep everyone posted.  Whoo hoo!

And to conclude, I'm back to my pre-pre prego weight.  God, I love ADD medication.  Happy Wednesday!

I'm sorry for the delayed blog.  I've been too busy trying to be an Extreme Couponer---I saved $70 yesterday.  (From the original $220 bill.)  I'm not there just yet, but I'm a bit closer.

Happy Friday!

This week has turned out to be pretty good.......

Dave and I have decided to try and trade in our Acadia for a smaller, gas friendly family car.  Wish us luck as we venture to Indy to find another whip.  We had to get the lights fixed because of a recall notice, and before the mechanics returned the car, they decided to give Meteora (my name for the Acadia) a bath.  She is very sparkly now!

And, my friend Elisabeth and her four legged son, Henry, decided to come over and go for a walkies with my gang.....a very nice Friday afternoon indeed!

Greta is finally napping (after several hours of bouncing, walking, talking, and screaming).

Dave is away on business all day and the last thing I really want to do is clean up.....I am sure there is some trash television marathon on right now......

OH, and I have now have 2 new housecleaning clients!  Whoo hoo! 

I am having a hard time being a Red Wings fan today. While I'm not ready to abandon them completely, they are hurting my feelings. They are 1-3, going into game 5 in Nashville. One more loss, and they are out of the playoffs. Not so nice. It is time to bring back a few oldies.....Steve Yzerman, Bob Probert (RIP), Joe Kocur....