recaps, updates, and such

But first things first... Look at this little climber! And check out her curls!

A dear friend from college has always said that when she gets married, when she and her groom walk out of the church, it will be to the tune of the hymn, "Oh Lord, I Thought the Day Would Never Come."

For the past couple of months, I've been singing that same tune regarding the absence of teeth in my little bit--mostly because that absence was coupled with an extended period of dental agony for her. I am so happy to report that her 2 bottom teeth have come through, and she's working on the top 2. Bless her. She is hitting many milestones all at once. She has teeth, climbs the stairs, picks up new "words" every day, and has even taken her first few independent steps--although I think we are still a ways off from "walking."

The Westhaven consignment sale turned out to be quite a successful event for Linds and me. I racked up on Holiday wear. Here is a picture of Addison's loot:A novice to baby brand names, I turned to Amy and Sarah for help, and boy did they help me. The pieces above are from the Kissy Kissy, Strausburg, Baily Boys, and Kelly Kids lines. Lindsay and I did a conservative guesstimate on what these outfits would have retailed for, and our total came up to around $320. I paid less than $80. Some of these outfits have never been worn, and the two jumpers are even reversible. On the other side of the candy corn is a turkey for Thanksgiving. On the other side of the Santa jumper are flowers. Addy-girl is going to be some kind of cute. :)

I also wanted to update on my couponing habits I've been picking up. In the three weeks that I've been trying out this new hobby, I have saved $74.23 on groceries alone--not counting diapers, formula, and other various items. I decided to start off simple--using the Sunday paper coupons, shopping the sales, and using my Kroger plus card. I didn't want to get in over my head and quit. I am so excited about my success, and this is the first month in a long time, that we are going to come in under our grocery budget. My next goal is to learn the CVS system and look for opportunities to double my savings with special events.

The 2009-2010 school year has begun, and it is already wild and exciting. In addition to my AP and Pre AP class preps, I have another (adorable) student teacher who I am supervising, am mentoring a new teacher, and am sponsoring the Senior class. Addison is thriving in the Eagle's Nest, and they ride her by my room 2-3 times a day. My kids love the distracting raucous she always causes and look for ways to keep me off track. :) It's been nice to have some structure back to our days, but I look forward to that 2:30 bell of freedom each afternoon.

We are beginning a longer stint of P having to be away, so think of us if you get the chance!

But first things first... Look at this little climber! And check out her curls!

A dear friend from college has always said that when she gets married, when she and her groom walk out of the church, it will be to the tune of the hymn, "Oh Lord, I Thought the Day Would Never Come."

For the past couple of months, I've been singing that same tune regarding the absence of teeth in my little bit--mostly because that absence was coupled with an extended period of dental agony for her. I am so happy to report that her 2 bottom teeth have come through, and she's working on the top 2. Bless her. She is hitting many milestones all at once. She has teeth, climbs the stairs, picks up new "words" every day, and has even taken her first few independent steps--although I think we are still a ways off from "walking."

The Westhaven consignment sale turned out to be quite a successful event for Linds and me. I racked up on Holiday wear. Here is a picture of Addison's loot:A novice to baby brand names, I turned to Amy and Sarah for help, and boy did they help me. The pieces above are from the Kissy Kissy, Strausburg, Baily Boys, and Kelly Kids lines. Lindsay and I did a conservative guesstimate on what these outfits would have retailed for, and our total came up to around $320. I paid less than $80. Some of these outfits have never been worn, and the two jumpers are even reversible. On the other side of the candy corn is a turkey for Thanksgiving. On the other side of the Santa jumper are flowers. Addy-girl is going to be some kind of cute. :)

I also wanted to update on my couponing habits I've been picking up. In the three weeks that I've been trying out this new hobby, I have saved $74.23 on groceries alone--not counting diapers, formula, and other various items. I decided to start off simple--using the Sunday paper coupons, shopping the sales, and using my Kroger plus card. I didn't want to get in over my head and quit. I am so excited about my success, and this is the first month in a long time, that we are going to come in under our grocery budget. My next goal is to learn the CVS system and look for opportunities to double my savings with special events.

The 2009-2010 school year has begun, and it is already wild and exciting. In addition to my AP and Pre AP class preps, I have another (adorable) student teacher who I am supervising, am mentoring a new teacher, and am sponsoring the Senior class. Addison is thriving in the Eagle's Nest, and they ride her by my room 2-3 times a day. My kids love the distracting raucous she always causes and look for ways to keep me off track. :) It's been nice to have some structure back to our days, but I look forward to that 2:30 bell of freedom each afternoon.

We are beginning a longer stint of P having to be away, so think of us if you get the chance!

From Trash to Treasure--Need Help!!!

Happy Weekend, bloggin' buddies. I need some help. Seriously. Even if you do not normally feel comfortable commenting, this bargain hunting momma needs some tips... I'm begging for it!

Look at this loot that I racked up for Addypillar today at the Encore consignment sale in Franklin:

Sadly, I left off her emergency vehicle bus from the picture... she was riding on it!

Mom and I headed out this morning for the "first time mom's" admission to this great consignment sale. I've never seen so many women on a mission--it was take or be taken, and I had to get more aggressive than I am comfortable with. I feel like I came away with some good buys and useful items, many of which I plan to move from the guest bedroom to our attic closet to store until her birthday.

I realized, however, that I am a true consignment novice. I didn't have much of a plan. I didn't know where to start, what to look for, how to compare. Thank goodness I had Mom to help! Today's sale marks the beginning of consignment season for me, and before I hit my next one next Friday, I need some tips from you savvy shoppers out there. What do you look for at a sale like this? How far ahead do you buy? How do you decide what quality, price, amount is acceptable.

I really felt overwhelmed in the clothing department. I only came away with some things to take to the Eagle's Nest at school with me this fall for "accident back ups." The one on Friday in Westhaven, I have heard, is geared toward fancier clothes of the smocked variety, and that even overwhelms me. What should I look for? Comment away...

After we left Encore, Mom and I headed to The Hill Center and into the open arms of my beloved Anthropologie to help Lindsay find some 10-year-reunion attire. Eye-popping, mouth-watering me immediately began pulling items from the rack, begrudgingly handing them over to my cute sis since dear Anthro didn't make it into my summer budget. Oh, how I miss you, sweet friend... Seriously. I walked past this piece of eye candy and thought of "O the Places I Could Go" in a dress like this:A date, a show, a party... you know the normal events that fill my social calendar! Ha! But, alas, Patrick and I are home doing some much-delayed baby-proofing thanks to some recent wake-up calls. It's been a good day, and I think we are going to end it by cozying up to a movie.

Can't wait to hear your great advice, friends!

Happy Weekend, bloggin' buddies. I need some help. Seriously. Even if you do not normally feel comfortable commenting, this bargain hunting momma needs some tips... I'm begging for it!

Look at this loot that I racked up for Addypillar today at the Encore consignment sale in Franklin:

Sadly, I left off her emergency vehicle bus from the picture... she was riding on it!

Mom and I headed out this morning for the "first time mom's" admission to this great consignment sale. I've never seen so many women on a mission--it was take or be taken, and I had to get more aggressive than I am comfortable with. I feel like I came away with some good buys and useful items, many of which I plan to move from the guest bedroom to our attic closet to store until her birthday.

I realized, however, that I am a true consignment novice. I didn't have much of a plan. I didn't know where to start, what to look for, how to compare. Thank goodness I had Mom to help! Today's sale marks the beginning of consignment season for me, and before I hit my next one next Friday, I need some tips from you savvy shoppers out there. What do you look for at a sale like this? How far ahead do you buy? How do you decide what quality, price, amount is acceptable.

I really felt overwhelmed in the clothing department. I only came away with some things to take to the Eagle's Nest at school with me this fall for "accident back ups." The one on Friday in Westhaven, I have heard, is geared toward fancier clothes of the smocked variety, and that even overwhelms me. What should I look for? Comment away...

After we left Encore, Mom and I headed to The Hill Center and into the open arms of my beloved Anthropologie to help Lindsay find some 10-year-reunion attire. Eye-popping, mouth-watering me immediately began pulling items from the rack, begrudgingly handing them over to my cute sis since dear Anthro didn't make it into my summer budget. Oh, how I miss you, sweet friend... Seriously. I walked past this piece of eye candy and thought of "O the Places I Could Go" in a dress like this:A date, a show, a party... you know the normal events that fill my social calendar! Ha! But, alas, Patrick and I are home doing some much-delayed baby-proofing thanks to some recent wake-up calls. It's been a good day, and I think we are going to end it by cozying up to a movie.

Can't wait to hear your great advice, friends!