Little Things

Today has been all about the baby - what fun! We headed to Lowe's this afternoon to buy all the wood we need for David to make the baby's cradle. He decided on solid oak and it's such beautiful wood I can't wait to see the finished product. We bought the plans years ago, but the time has finally come for him to build it. We are excited to have the baby in a bassinet handmade with love by their Daddy. Now, to find the time to build it...

The nursery is certainly coming together. Over 3 years ago we bought a solid wood, unfinished dresser that has been sitting in a box in the nursery ever since. It was such a good deal and we loved the lines of it that we went ahead and bought it right before we started trying to have a baby. (I even remember running around the store with a diaper changing pad to make sure the height was right - lol!) When we found out we were pregnant, we busted open the box to refresh our memories on what it looked like and to make sure the crib we selected would match.

Well, our freshly finished & painted dresser was delivered today and it looks so good! I knew yesterday that it would be ready so I went ahead and washed burp cloths, gowns, blankets, onesies, sleepers...all of cute little things we got at our family shower that have been in gift bags for a month - I didn't want to wash them until I had a cat hair free place for them to go. :) We are so thrilled with how the dresser turned out and after we put on the new knobs, I immediately started loading it. It was so much fun!! I still have so much space in it too which is good because there are still lots of clothes from Aunt Carol & Aunt Lacey to put away once we find out of this little one is a he or she. We even went through and picked the blankets and outfits that we want to take to the hospital with us so I could leave those out to be packed away into the suitcase.

As I was loading all the sweet things our little one will soon be using into the dresser, I looked at David and said "can you believe we've had this dresser for 3 years and soon our little one will be here?" It was such a sweet moment for us. We are really treasuring everything that's involved in getting ready for this child and we are so blessed!

Oh, and pictures to come soon, Promise. :)

How to shop at Kroger for less than Walmart

Ok all, here's the skinny on how I save on our household/grocery bills. First, coupons take a bit of time but if you think of your savings as income, you are getting paid. :) Organizing your shopping list and making the trip also takes some time. That said if you are willing to invest some time, you can reap the rewards.

• First things first - try to get ahead. With the exception of fruits, veggies, milk and bread you should be able to buy ahead of time and freeze or stock your shelves so you are only buying when there is a good deal and your coupons are working for you...don't pay $4 for a box of cereal when you could get it for $1.50. (More on this later)


• Utilize all the available coupon sources. Your Sunday paper has 2 - 4 circulars with coupons. Comb through them and clip ANY that you might use. Even if you don't need paper towels right now, if you find a pack of Bounty on clearance and your coupon takes them down to $.25 cents a roll, it will be worth buying and stocking up.


• Try to find a friend that you can swap circulars with. Chances are you buy different things and you'll be able to get a few bonus coupons for free from your coupon buddy.


• Hook up your Kroger shoppers plus card to Shortcuts.com and Cellfire.com. Make sure you sign up to receive email alerts when new coupons are posted and that you go to the site and add any and all coupons to your card. It won't hurt you if you don't use them.


• Make sure that your Kroger card has your current address and phone number attached to it and if you use an alternate ID at check out (like your phone number if you forget your card), make sure that your alternate ID is hooked up to your card and not someone else’s. Kroger tracks your purchases and sends you out coupons based on what you buy regularly, you want to take advantage of these coupons, they are great!


• Keep in mind that you can use Kroger coupons AND manufactures coupons and that all coupons under $.50 double at Kroger EVERY DAY!


• Become a Mypoints.com user and print coupons from their website. Then you are redeeming coupons for points that you can use to earn gift cards, etc. If you are new to Mypoints and you decide to create an account, use my email address (davidandred@gmail.com) so I'll get the referral credit please. :) Mypoints also gives you points for shopping through their website at online retailers. And they will send you emails to visit websites at 5 points a pop and offers to complete surveys for a variety of point values, usually starting at 10 points. These take a few minutes each day, but the rewards add up. Just this week I redeemed my points for a $25 gift card to Kohl’s and I can usually do this 3 - 4 times a year.


• You can get the same coupons you'll find on Mypoints from Coupons.com just without the added bonus of accumulating points.


• Visit the websites of manufacturers you use often and see if they have a mailing list (postal or email) that you can sign up for and get coupons. I belong to Gerber, Procter & Gamble, SC Johnson, and probably a few others I can't think of right now. I get email alerts when they have new products and coupon offers and get free samples and coupons in the mail.


• Check out Couponmom.com. She has alot of great coupon resources on her site as well, plus David is her graphic designer so we like to send her business (her site is free to use!)


• Work your circulars. Sometimes Kroger doesn’t have the best deal. In our area Publix occasionally has BOGO offers that will beat the Kroger price. Keep in mind you can use 2 coupons for BOGO offers, and you can use BOGO coupons on BOGO items to get them for free! Unless I really need the item I’ll usually wait it out and buy at Kroger for my gas benefit ($.10 off per gallon for every $100 spent), but if I need it I’ll shop somewhere else. I certainly don’t have loyalties to any one place.


• At Publix and Target, you can use manufacturers coupons AND Target/Publix coupons at their respective stores. For example, if you have a Target coupon for $1.50 off 3 boxes of cereal and you have manufactures coupons for $.50 off each box of cereal, you can use 3 manufactures coupons and your Target/Publix coupon for a savings of $4.50. If you shop when the cereal is on sale you can save even more. I try not to pay more than $2 for a box of cereal ever.

When I found out I was pregnant, my goal was to build up a 6 month supply of staples (deodorant, shampoo, household cleaners, dish soap, laundry detergent, etc.) before the baby came. I keep track of this "inventory" in my budget and update the quantities when I use something so I always know where I am. At month end I check to see where I'm running low and start hunting for bargains again. I never want to pay full price for something and this is how I track it. It does take a little organizational savvy, but it works for me and it has saved us lots of money.

Since I was buying ahead I never bought unless I was saving 50% or more off of Wal-Mart prices, not Kroger prices. For example - I use All Small & Mighty detergent. It's around $5 regular price at Wal-Mart and Target. Wednesday I bought 3, 32oz bottles for $2.50 each. On household items scoring a 50% discount is fantastic!

One final thought. If you have a choice in your wholesale club and BJs is an option - go for BJs. The membership fee is less than Sams and Costco and they honor both their coupons as well as manufactures coupons. I was a long time Sams member, almost 10 years, and we switched because the value at BJs was unbeatable with the coupons. Last month I got a 16 pack of puffs tissues for $7. When do you ever find Puffs for less than $.50 a box? :) Do keep in mind though that just because you are buying in bulk doesn’t mean you’re saving money. I can often times get paper towels or toilet paper cheaper at Kroger with their sales and my coupons than I can get a BJs. Also sometimes Target or Wal-Mart will have the better deal. I shop around before I buy and comparative shop before I buy whenever possible.

I you have other thoughts or ways you save money, please post a comment and share. :)

I found a before picture!

I thought I had taken pictures of the bathroom when we had painted it back when we first moved in, but I couldn't find it when I was looking earlier. Then tonight when I was looking for before pictures of the basement, I found this one - woohoo!

So before...And after...

Daddy's little helper

We finally finished the master bath renovation about 2 weeks ago and we are so thrilled to have our fully functioning space with 2 sinks!! While David was installing the sink, he had a cute little helper anxious to be a part of the action, as well as one observer. Somehow I didn't get a picture of Marty sitting at the door watching, but here you can see Scotty "helping" daddy out.

Somehow I didn't get a before picture of the bathroom either - doh! (I have got to remember to start doing that!) So you know what we changed, it had the full size mirror that stretched across the entire wall and 2 can lights above the mirror. There was only one sink and a completely useless vanity space (ya'll know I don't do my hair or makeup) that was open underneath. The only thing we still want to do is have a built in piece go between the 2 vanities with drawers and shelves for our storage. In the interim we're using these plastic drawers which function just fine until we can save up the money for that. We're definitely going to hire a contractor for that portion of the renovation since it's so custom and we want it to match.

Here's the finished (for now) product

More renovation pictures to come soon! We have been busy, busy in the Bilbo house getting everything done and ready for baby!!

Baby Bump - 26 weeks

I cannot believe that we are only 99 days away from the little one's due date. It's crazy to me how quickly this time has flown by! David's folks are here this weekend painting for us and one of their projects is the nursery. I can't believe that by Wednesday I'll be able to start loading things into the room and really preparing for baby. We do need to get the dresser painted and no one is jumping up at the opportunity to do that, so we'll have to see how that happens. Until that's done I'll still have alot of boxes and gift bags in the room because I don't want to wash anything until I can put it away.

Anyway, I'll be sure to post pictures of all the finished projects when they are done, but for now here is my latest belly shot. I feel like I get bigger and bigger every day...

Second Chances

**WARNING** Soapbox to come, and I ain't sugar coating it. Major opinions coming at ya!

I am thrilled that Michael Vick was signed to the Eagles today. Beyond thrilled, really. I know what he did was wrong, but in my opinion as long as abortion is legal...wait that's a whole other soapbox. Life vs Animal rights is a soapbox that is best saved for another much less sleep deprived day.

Back to Vick. I know several people in my life who deserve major second chances from past errors and there are judgemental folks out there preventing that from happening. I know they feel like it is the most frustrating thing in the world to know that you did something wrong and want to move on with your life, but you cannot be forgiven and it certainly can't be forgotten.

Do I value animal rights, yes...to a point (again an argument for another day) but should a person who's paid a price (whether you agree with that price or not) be deprived of a second chance? What if you were Michael Vick and you got yourself into that mess. Would you not want forgiveness and freedom to move forward with your life? How am I as a Christian supposed to stand by with steadfast hatred towards this man for his error. Am I not called to forgive? And should I begrudge him the opportunity to do his profession, which just happens to be a professional athlete, because I am holding on to my anger for his actions?

Our justice system is f&%^ed up. I completely believe that. You can be in the wrong place at the wrong time and boom, your life is over. You can get screwed over because some dick prosecutor hasn't gotten laid in a while and you just happen to be on the case he is trying after a particularly bad night. You can be "the person" a judge decides to make an example out of. You could be a newly 18 year old and have sex with your almost 17 year old girlfriend and bam - sexual offender. I'm not saying any of those things are fair, but they are real. They happen, it sucks. How this world is so unforgiving is beyond me. I'm not saying that people shouldn't be punished, but I also believe in second chances. Thankfully, I also believe that God is far more perfect than our justice system and true justice will come to each of us.

Michael Vick playing football has nothing to do with dog fighting. It's not like he was a sexual predator of teen girls and after he served his time he was allowed to work in a high school...that's irresponsible. Giving him a second chance to make a living and do what he loves is just right.

I'm sure everyone who has negative things to say about Vick are practically perfect in every way and have never needed a second chance to voice such strong opposing opinions. For those of us who aren't perfect and have needed second chances, big and small, we understand how important and appreciated they are.

Go ahead - try to sway me otherwise.

7 Timeless Years

Today David & I are celebrating our 7th anniversary. In some ways I can't believe it's been 7 years already and in other ways, I can't remember what my life was like before David was in it. I am so grateful to have a husband who loves me so completely and with whom I can share my life. God is good and I am reminded of His grace and His perfect plan for our lives every time I look at my beloved.

This anniversary has a certain special feel to it because of the baby. We have absolutely relished in the years we have had "just us" and are so excited to go from a couple to a family.

To celebrate, I am meeting David at his office and making us a picnic lunch. It's going to be blazing hot, but we'll make it work even if we end up in the mall food court - lol! Tonight we're going to go out to dinner, and we're thinking about being adventurous and trying something new...we'll see where we end up. It's going to be a great day! ;)

Here's a few pictures from our big day...

Ewan reading the scripture during the Ceremony - we loved the architecture of the church Right after we excited the sanctuary - one of my favorite moments of the dayOn the front porch of the Women's Club On the Stairs at the Women's ClubLeaving on the Harley!

Our 1st Baby Shower & Family Reunion

On July 28th I drove up to West Virginia for a week with my side of the family. We got a great deal on a ticket to fly David up on Thursday night after work, so I drove solo. I got into Elkins just before dinner and enjoyed a relaxing evening with my dad & step mom. Wednesday my Uncle Tim (Dad's best friend) came into town and we went to see The Ugly Truth and out to dinner at the Mexican restaurant. After dinner I headed to Fairmont to spend the rest of the week with my mom's side of the family.

Thursday I had my semi-annual haircut with my friend Debbie and then I shopped and Mom & I started baking for the family reunion while my step dad took off for Pittsburgh to pick up David from the airport.

Friday my brother Mark and sister in law Kayla came into town and we met Dad, Linda & Tim for lunch at THE hot dog place...yum. After lunch we headed over to my Aunts to help get ready for the shower. She, my cousin Jenn & my mom were putting the shower together and we were on hand to help set up the venue, decorate and help with the food. At least as much as they would let us help. :)

**Note: For all you southerners reading this blog - don't be alarmed! In the north, the family puts on the shower and it's expected that some member of your family, aunt, mother, cousin, etc. is involved in the planning. I know it's the polar opposite of how ya'll do things down here, but I think it's special. :)

Around 5pm, we changed and headed back over to the church to put out all the food. Everyone started arriving around 6 and we had a delicious dinner before David & I got to dive into the gifts. To say our little one is spoiled already is an understatement. We especially loved all the handmade goodies that the grandmothers made. My mom made the baby beautiful bassinet bedding as well as a quilt (pictures to come later), my step mom crocheted blankets for the baby and my grandmother made a beautiful quilt as well - how special! It was so nice to have our families gather and celebrate this baby. It was such a wonderful evening and we had a great time. We are so grateful for all the work that Jenn, Aunt Reta & Mom put into the shower. :) Here are a few pictures from the festivities.

Dad's side of the family including my great grandmother Haddix (far side of the table, 2nd from left)My mom, grandmother and several of their girlfriendsMy cousin Liz, suckered into tracking the gifts by her near perfect penmanshipDavid modeling a handmade hooded towel from Aunt KaylaHaving fun opening gifts

On Saturday we got up bright and early to finish getting the food ready for our annual family reunion at Rock Lake. We've been getting together at my Aunt & Uncle's cabin on the lake since I was in high school. It's always nice to get to catch up with my extended family and it's even more fun now that the next generation is making an appearance. My cousin Jenn had Maggie a year ago and my 2nd cousin Dan had his baby Ashlyn 2 years ago. Jenn & I are both expecting, so next year there will be 4 little ones running around and it's just so much fun. There's so much to do at the lake, volleyball, boccie ball, swimming, boating, fishing, etc. so it's hard to capture everything (especially when you're one of the cooks) but here's a few pictures from the day.

JP being his usual silly self on the volleyball courtMaggie thrilled with her birthday bear from Aunt LindaAunt Reta made this cake for the baby - I loved it!David & I at the end of the day - why don't I think to get a picture before we get all hot and sweaty?

At the end of the day, David & I were exhausted but we stayed up and got everything packed and ready to go home. We headed out bright and early Sunday morning and after 11 hours finally made it safely home. It was a wonderful weekend with family. It's crazy to think the next time we are all together our baby will be here...

Dad's Back Yard

Dad & Linda live in Elkins, WV. Their home is at the end of a street next to a creek and backs up to a farm. During the summer the farmer has cattle and I couldn't resist taking some pictures of them. It is so relaxing to sit in their living room and look out the slider at the beautiful scenery. The cattle roaming and the mountains in the background are just so peaceful. Here are a few of my favorite shots.

Some of the herdThis little guy was so friendly, he came right up to the fence line to get a closer look at me and posed for this photo. LOLWading through the creek

Baby Update

On July 27th we headed back to the Doctor for our last ultrasound. I didn't drink anything but water to try to keep the little one calmer than our last few visits so the Dr. could see all 4 chambers of the heart. He was able to and was pleased that the baby's growth was right on track. Everything looks great - woohoo!It was so much fun to see our precious bean again.

Baby Bilbo "Cheesing it" for the camera...he/she was all smiles at this appointment!Tiny little foot

I also got some great audio of the heartbeat. I'll post it once I get it off my phone. :) I'm kinda sad that we won't get to see him/her again until November, but we only have another 16 weeks and they will fly by. We can't wait to meet our baby and have him/her in our arms!!

Alabama Trip

On July 21, I headed up to Mentone, Alabama with David's family for a little vacation. David had alot of commitments with the youth at church so he planned to drive up Friday morning to join us.

I was super excited to get to love on my new nephew Grady. He is such a cuddle bug! I love being with all my nieces and nephews and meeting them for the first time is always so special. Grady was already 9 weeks and such a big boy, but that didn't keep us from lots of snuggle time together. I'm sure someone has pictures of me and Grady, but since I was holding him, I didn't get any with mine. I did get one of David & I with him before we left.

David getting in some snuggles with GradyDavid & I with Grady

Wednesday we headed to Little River Canyon State Park. It was pretty and reminiscent of alot of North GA that we have seen. They have a driving tour with pit stops at beautiful overlooks. My favorite was the last one where we saw a beautiful hawk take flight from right beneath us. Beautiful!

The Waterfall at Little River CanyonMomma & GradyDeb & Erin, Chris & Anne, Carol & Mae at the waterfall's edgeChris, Bennett & Wilson taking in the viewThe Hawk taking flight

Thursday we headed to Desoto State Park. There was a "waterfall" there as well, but it wasn't anything impressive. The kids were more interested in the turtle swimming in the water, the minnows and rocks than the waterfall. Afterwards we let the kids run around on the park's playground where the kids enjoyed swinging before we headed home for lunch & naps. Bennett was running a fever for the 3rd day in a row, so he stayed with Carol to relax.

Anne - look at that face!Mae swingingWilsonSweet Grady - look at those big eyes!!

Thursday night David's Uncle Tommy & Aunt Jerre joined us and we had a fabulous dinner together. Friday morning Bennett was still running a fever, so Carol & Mom took him to the Doctor. We were getting ready to leave when David arrived and the rest of us took off together to do some hiking at Desoto State Park. All the pics are on Carol's camera, but I was so proud of all the kids. Chris & David helped them scale some rocks that even not pregnant I wouldn't have attempted. It did Aunt Deborah's heart good to see these little climbers in action. :) Even Erin scaled one of the rocks and enjoyed it.

Saturday we didn't do much but relaxed and stay around the house. Everyone but mom & I took their turns in the canoes with the kids. David & Carol took the boys out early in the afternoon then Dad & Deb took the older girls out in the afternoon.

Deb & Erin canoeing on the river behind the cabin. Thanks to Dora the Explorer - Erin was very excited to "Row, Row, Row!"Erin with her Birthday BearAnne "reading" - so cute!

Sunday morning we went to brunch at the Wildflower Cafe before heading home. It was a great trip and as always good to see family.