Light as a Feather

Well, not really, but yes...I lost 3 whole pounds this week! I guess that's a good start...its better than where I was last week. Thank goodness Laura and Jessica both came to the meeting with me tonight. I had to take Kelsey since Jon had to work and she did a pretty OK job.
This week I'm stickin' to my guns (or goals in this instance). I do NOT plan on using the extra points this week. I'm just curious how much I can loose without going overboard. We'll see!!!

So I just have to brag about my newest creation...the coupon binder. I didn't really come up with it myself, but it has made grocery shopping and bargain shopping so much easier. It makes coupon hunting quick instead of searching for coupons at inconvinient times. Last thing I have to do is put in dividers. Crazy huh?!??! I love organization...now moving on to other areas of my life ;) (PS...we were watching TV...so I'm just flipping through the binder real quick.)

The Suspense...

Tomorrow I have my first weigh in. I did extremely well until yesterday when we went to my brother and sister-in-laws to see their new house. There were hamburgers, macaroni, fruit salad, baked beans, cookies, and eclair cake. So out of the choices, I ate 1 burger, a spoonful of baked beans, and tons of fruit salad because I knew I wouldn't be eating dessert (even though I still ate a cookie). Yikes! I mean where is the self control!??! Now I'm worried that I've tipped the scale and won't have lost any weight. I ended up using a few of my extra weekly points, so I should be fine, but still....I would be so disappointed in myself if the weight doesn't go down. Guess all I can do now...is wait.

Tomorrow is also Flat Stanley's last day with us (sad). He will be returning to my niece, Hannah, so she can do her project on May 7th (which means I need to get his blog done asap)!!! He followed us everywhere...that's for sure!

Kelsey has recently learned how to crawl (Apr. 21st)....Yiiiiipppppiiiieeee!!!! She is everywhere and into everything. We bought her a walking cart today to help her practice walking. I have a feeling it won't take long before she's running around here. Mrs. Judy (Kelsey's Daycare provider), told me that since Kelsey has learned how to crawl, when she sets her down with the other infant, Austin, she will make a B-line right to him and pull his hair!!! Already into trouble...she must get that from her father ;) Here's a video of her crawling:

Kelsey has also started a quite unusual habit....fake coughing. I know...weird...but its probably one of the most cutest things I have ever seen her do. She and I will have competitions to see who can fake cough the longest...watch and see!

Other than that...I am so ready for school to end. I'm ready for the long summer break, hanging out at the pool, sleeping in, staying up late, practicing cake decorating, visiting some of my friends I never get to see, and spending time with my family. Only 33 more school days....Yay! The EOG's are coming up soon (May 12-14) and I'm praying every night that my class will shock me. We have worked so hard...I can only hope for the best!

Weight Watchers...cause it feels so empty without me!

And so begins the quest for a new healthy life style change. I've always wanted to join WW, but now instead of wanting, I HAVE. I'm so lucky to have supportive friends around me. Here are my designated support group (even though they don't realize it yet!!!):

1. Laura (the instigator), who works with Jon, will be my weekly attending WW buddy
2. Jessica (the advisor/mentor), who has been my friend since college, will also be attending with me. She has done this before so I'm sure she will be receiving tons of phone calls with annoying questions.
3. Shelley (the idol), who I've known since high school and have become close friends with, a mommy of 2, has been monitoring her progress on her blog... and has proven that "it can be done." I look forward to seeing her weekly losses!!!
4. Jon (the supporter/moneylender), my husband, who has to help me through yet another personal achievement. Hey, what can I say, he is letting me pay to do this!

A total of 4 people who will help me change to become a more healthy and active, hot mama! Too bad bathing suit season isn't in 6 months...we'll see how close I can get. My first goal weight loss is 8 lbs. Yay!!! Mark my words people....this will be a changing day in my life ~Dr. Phil!

Easter Weekend!!!

This weekend we went to visit my family in Rockingham, NC. Jon and I were excited to have Kelsey attempt her "first" Easter Egg hunt! We went to church Sunday morning and got to listen to Grandma's Easter Cantata and they did a wonderful job! Upon arriving home, Jarrod began barbecuing the chicken (it was sooooo tasty), Heather started on the potato salad, Tenille warmed up the BBQ beans, and Jimmy cooked up the macaroni. Wow, I'm getting hungry just thinking about it again ;) We all sat out on the back porch and wolfed down a big ol' platter of food.
Once everyone was able to actually move without moaning, we started the egg hunt. I couldn't wait to watch Kelsey look aimlessly at random eggs and wonder what she was supposed to do with them. Sure enough, once all the eggs were hidden, Jimmy gave the "Ready, Set, GO!!" and we were off!!!
Yes...I know...she can't even walk yet, but hey...it was worth a try. She rounded up a total of 4 eggs in about 10 minutes. Wooo-hooo! With that kind of ratio...we're looking at 48 eggs when she's 12 years old!!!

Here are a few snapshots of the little ones:

Aubry

KelseyAlex and Kelsey (had to do some major sweet talking for this pic)

Emily and Zoe

And the "used-to-be" little ones (me with my cousins who are like brother and sisters to me)!!! And yes...Angie is still the Champion Egg hunter! It's all in the Nike's! ;)

Spring Cleaning

Inspired by my friend Shelley, I decided to get some cleaning done that was looooooong over due. Between waking up early, going to work, coming home late, and hanging out with Kelsey, I haven't made time to clean like I used to. It has been bothering me more than anyone will ever know. I hate clutter...HATE IT! So I got busy in a few rooms that in most cases we never get to when we clean on the weekends...the bedrooms. Here are some before and after pictures....I know...how did I ever let it get "that" bad!?!?

Bedroom #1

My Night Stand Area....yikes!
My Side of the Closet...ahhhh!

Bedroom #2

My Bathroom Cabinet...can we say pigsty?!?!

(I know...not much better, but at least its organized!!!)

Tomorrow's goal: Clean downstairs thoroughly!

Adventures with Flat Stanley

Check out my new blog here that I'm doing for my neice Hannah! She's in 2nd grade and has a reading project that I'm helping her with! This will be quite fun!

Geez...there's that lady with the coupons!!!

Ok...so I think I'm getting a little better at this. I have learned that the people who work at Target aren't the nicest of people, so I have to go when I have enough patience to tolerate their negative attitudes. On a better note...this is what I bought today!!!

Final total for everything: $9.43

Original Price: $81.90

CVS:

6 Excedrin $3.50 each

2 Glade Spray $1.89 each

Subtotal: $24.78

Total out of pocket: $1.88

Target:

Transaction #1

8 J&J Buddies Soap Bars $0.97 each

2 Fruit Snacks $1.00 each

Subtotal: $9.76

Total out of pocket: $0.08

Transaction #2

2 Cheetos $1.29 each

1 Dole Salad $2.49

3 Fruit Snacks $0.89 each

3 Artisan Bread $0.99 each

2 Betty Crocker Brownie mix $2.84 each

4 J&J Buddies Soap Bars $0.97 each

Subtotal: $20.27

Total out of pocket: $5.87 (forgot to give 2 coupons, but still a good deal)

Walgreens:

Shick Quatro Razor $11.49

Loreal Excellence Hair Color (on sale $1.99)

Bic Disposable Razors $5.99

Subtotal: $19.47

Total out of pocket: $0.07

Walmart:

3 Oil of Olay Bars $2.54 each

Subtotal: $7.62

Total out of pocket: $1.53

Total out of pocket: $7.76 and $10 for next purchase!

Walgreens:
3 Schick Quatro Razors $11.49 each

Subtotal: $34.47
Total paid out of pocket: $0.72

CVS:
Cover Girl Eye Liner $2.99
CG Mascara $8.49
CG Bronzer $4.79
CG Cover $5.99

Subtotal: $22.26
Total paid out of pocket: $7.04 (and I got $10 ECB's to spend next time ;)

All because two people fell in love...

Why do they have to grow up so quickly??? I ponder this question regularly. The first 3 months, I begged for time to pass as fast as it could, and now I just want to take in every moment with Kelsey. She has become a sponge that soaks in everything around her. She is very curious and thoughtful. She thinks constantly and analyzes every detail. I know she has so much to tell me, but all she can muster up is a few squeals, screams and yells. As long as I respond with a similar sound, she seems to think I understand.


Tonight, I went to Shaba Shabu with a few of my old friends in celebration of Sarah and Chris's birthday this week. Stacy and I laughed a little too much (but we usually do) and everyone who came seemed to have a fun time.

While I was there, Jon stayed home with Kelsey since he wasn't feeling well. He sent me this picture and my heart just melted!!!

What a perfect kid! I just wished my hubby and baby were there to join in the fun with me.

Attention Baby Targeteers!!!

I went to Target today, to see what I could get because I found a few coupons I had that I wanted to use. I bought 2 Johnson and Johnson Buddies Soap (each $.99), used a $.75 coupon here and a manufacturer coupon here. I only paid $.27 after tax!!! Looks like I'll be stocking up on baby soap this week!
Here are some other coupon sites to get the soap for free here.

Also stock up on Excedrin Express Gel Pills (40 ct.) this week at Walgreens. There is a $2.00 coupon here and they are only $1.99 (I think unlimited)! I've already bought 2!

Lovin'my Sundays!

Apparently I am not the only one couponing in Knightdale...it took me almost 20 minutes to find a newspaper stand that had a Sunday paper in it. But yes...I finally found one and was so excited because I knew there would be many coupon inserts in it. I made my shopping plan last night and this is what I got from CVS this morning:

Excedrin ES $5.49 (on sale for $1.99 used $2 coupon) Free
Colgate Max Fresh $3.29 (on sale for $2.99 used $.75 coupon and got $2 ECB's)
2 Bamboo Easter Baskets $3.98 (got $3.98 ECB's)
1 Skintimate Shave Gel $3.49 (got $3.49 ECB's)
Formula $16.98 (on clearance $1.50 and $2.72)

Subtotal: $33.23
Coupons and sales: $18.86
ECB's Used: $9.99
Total OOP: $4.38
New ECB total: $9.47

Basically, I just paid for the Formula that was on clearance!!! What a great deal! Also CVS's Easter grass in on sale, Buy 2 for .79 each and get $1.58 in ECB's. That makes it Free...but our CVS didn't have them :.( I still haven't made it to Walgreens, but I'll let you know what I get once I do....good luck!

Heeeeeeyyyyy...mamacita!

Kelsey has mastered the "high five" that Jon has persistently taught her. Now whenever she hears any sort of clapping, she smiles and puts one hand in the air! She is such a sweet baby....how did I ever get this lucky!??!
I'm so happy its Friday! Today was our experimental round of Fiesta Friday at school. It is only for the 4th graders. Since there are 4 teachers, each of us are in charge of a room (activity): craft, movie, games, and best of all....detention! We give students checks every time they are not following the rules. Those turn into laps at recess and the top 6 students who have the most checks have automatic detention. There were some major reality checks going on today! My class has been great since I started this whole check system! I hate to say it, but I had one student who had 7 laps on Wednesday, 6 laps on Thursday, and 12 laps today. I know....sounds terrible, but I'm hoping he will begin to realize that he CAN make better choices (that's the whole point of this anyway). Everyone else has been super! Can't wait for next week (2 school days and then Spring Break)! Love it!

Goal tomorrow: Get Kelsey's Easter Picture!!! Professional or not...have to get it! Any ideas?!?!?

Don't you know what April Fool's means???

As I was driving to work today, I thought, "Great...April 1st...what kind of pranks are my kids going to pull on me today?" I love April Fool's day, but only when I'm the prankster. So first thing this morning, one of my student's asked, "Mrs. Buchanan, am I stupid?"
I replied, "Nooooo! Who told you that?"
Then he said, "April Fool's!"
I was quite confused for a second, then I realized that he thought today was "opposite day." So I explained that April Fool's is a day where you try and trick people. It has nothing to do with opposites.

Later during the day, another student blurted out, "Mrs. Buchanan, I hate your haircut. It's ugly!"
Taken aback, I said, "Boy...I'm going to write you up. You don't talk to adults like that." Then of course he said that frustrating statement, "April Fool's!"
By this time I was not happy. I told that class that this is not a time where you make fun of people. That they were just being mean.

Immediately a light bulb clicked in my head...I am going to have to teach this class what April Fool's is all about (besides all the other objectives I'm supposed to be teaching).
So we went to lunch, recess, and then our special. While the kids were gone I came up with my plan. Once I picked up the class and brought them all back to the classroom and told them all to take a sheet of paper out. I informed them that I forgot to write an assignment on their homework sheet and asked them to copy down the remaining assignments. This is what I wrote on the overhead:

Math Textbook

pg. 361-370 (1-45)

pg. 371-380 (1-25)

At this point, a few students started to complain...will we have to do all these problems tonight, what did we do, I'm not going to do this, can we use a homework pass? I did my best to hold back smiling.

"Well since there is so much complaining, I guess you want more to do."

Then I add the following:

pg. 385-390 (1-50)

pg. 390-401 (1-32)

Everyone one is quiet at this point. Some are angry as fire, others look as though they are about to cry.

"Please hold your paper in the air. I'm going to come around to make sure you wrote all the problems down. Just a warning, all the problems you choose not to do, those will turn into laps during recess tomorrow! Alright...is everyone done?!?!? Because........ I just wanted you to add this to your assignment..........................APRIL FOOL'S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

At first their faces were confused, then relieved, then excited!!! They couldn't believe their teacher had really "tricked" them. After that (a few minutes of laughing then calming down) I explained that that is what April Fool's is all about. These are the days where I love my job!!!