This Wonderful Way: June 2011

Coupon Clique

With a family of FIVE now, it's really important that we stay on a budget and shop smart. So, in regards to this, I have become an ~~insane~~ ~~crazy~~ awesome coupon ~~lady~~ girl!

Just today, I went into Publix, and before coupons my total was $129.97, after coupons...du, dun, duuuun....$37.95!!! I saved $92.02! AND, I actually got things we'll use/eat!

My adrenaline was pumping when I went in the store...that's how I know I'm crazy about coupons! Especially when I save that amount of money!

Because I am so excited about it, I started my own Facebook page for it. Search for coupon clique on Facebook and you should find it first thing if I'm your friend on Facebook!

Have a great Thursday!

Beach or Bust!

In a few weeks, we'll be headed to the beach...Fernandina Beach, Fla. to be exact. I can't wait. This will be Easton's fifth time, Reagan's second time, and Brooklyn's first time going to the beach.

We've had so much fun over the years, but having our children there with us makes it that more exciting and fun. Seeing it through their eyes gives new meaning to the experience!

The first time Easton went to the beach, he was 5 months old. And that year we went to Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.

For Reagan's first time at the beach, just last year, she was 9 months old. We went to Tybee Island, Georgia.

I can't wait to go this year and see Brooklyn's reaction to the beach, and take lots of pictures of her and Easton and Reagan!

Have a great Tuesday!

Who I Am...

I am...a wife, mother, daughter, sister, granddaughter, and friend.

I want...a bigger house where all our kids can have their own rooms and with a BIG playroom where I can just shut the door to all the mess!

I have...a very blessed life.

I wish...that I could be a talented, professional photographer.

I hate...that I only get to see my kids for three hours a day during the work week.

I fear...the future. I can be a very pessimistic person.

I hear...my children telling me they love me and my heart melts.

I search...for the things that truly make me happy in life…beyond my hubby and children; I am still searching for most of them.

I wonder...what kind of people our children will grow up to be. Here’s hoping we can raise them to be good people!

I regret...that I don’t get to spend a lot of time with my grandmother. She’s slowly losing her memory, and might one day forget who I am.

I love...that my husband is my best friend.

I ache...when I workout too hard!

I always...kiss my husband and kids and tell them I love them before I walk out the door. You are never guaranteed another day or minute in this life.

I usually...worry about everything!

I am not...a happy camper when I am hungry or sleep deprived.

I dance...with my kids to songs on cartoons.

I sing...to my kids, in the shower, in my van, walking up the stairs at work, everywhere I can!

I never...tell a secret. If you tell me it’s a secret, I keep it.

I sometimes…wish life was easier, but wouldn’t change it for anything.

I cry...at everything.

I am not always...the best at keeping in touch with friends….sorry!

I lose...my keys ALL the time.

I am confused...at the way humankind treats each other.

I need...more time to spend alone with my hubby.

I should...not worry, not fear the future, chase my dreams, and spend more time with my hubby!

Our Baby Brooklyn

Our sweet baby Brooklyn will be 6 months on Monday, June 20. I can't believe I have already had the privilege of being her mom for half of a year already.

Some things that I always want to remember about her at this age:

She has already said her first word: Da-Da!
She can roll over from back to front and front to back, and she can sit by herself with support from her arms.
She loves to eat sweet potatoes and fruits, but pretty much shivers and gags at everything else.
She has the sweetest disposition and seems to be very laid back.
She loves to watch everything her brother and sister are doing. She laughs every time her sister laughs and loves when her big brother holds her.
I love how she gets so excited when she sees me for the first time after I've been gone for a while.
She loves to chew on her toes and fingers and drools all over you!

Brooklyn has just been a pure joy and blessing to our family. We adore her and love her dearly!

Growing Up

It's amazing how much your children change in personality and looks in just a few short months time. It makes me sad that before too long, they're not going to be babies anymore, but grown kids.

Can you believe this was Easton at just a little under two years old?

And this was him just a few weeks ago.

Here's Reagan at 9 months old.

And here she is at 18 months.

And little bumble B at 3 months old.

Now 6 months old!

Our kids are growing into special little people and we cherish the time we spend with them. One day, they're going to be all grown up, but they will always be our sweet babies!

Summer Daze

This summer we have a lot of plans...plans, that is, for playing, laughing, loving, swimming, celebrating, jumping, exercising, vacationing, cooking, sleeping and more of what I just said.

We've already gotten off to a great start. We kicked off the summer, or soon to be summer, with a Memorial Day cookout with JT's family.

We enjoyed some watermelon,

played with trains,

and loved on our baby dolls.

I can't wait to see what else this summer will bring!

Happy Hump Day!

Mommy and Daddy Time!

Johnathan and I recently just got back from a whirlwind trip to Panama City Beach, Fla., with a couple of our friends. We had so much fun "adult" time, and it was great to get away from the stresses of home and just long enough for me not to miss the kids TOO much!

The first day, we rode scooters. J let me drive. I was freaked out at first, but soon got the hang of it!