Super Savy Saver...ready or not

This weekend I will be putting my coupon clipping to the test to save money at the grocery store. With a little guidance from the Discovery channel, Kelly's blog, and my neighbor, I hope to be bragging about getting tons of groceries for minimal $$$ tomorrow. I can see why some women make this their full time job...

Mason laughing

I absolutely love to hear these giggles...is there anything better in life (besides Brandon's from the belly laugh!)???

Family

Enjoying a homemade birthday muffin. Doesn't he look cute in his robe?
Not quite as fun as the real horse ride last weekend.
Nama and Mason
Uncle Johnny and cousin Daniel

Nama, Mason, Grandpa (Bill), Grandpa, and Uncle Lou

Brandon's 2nd Birthday

Our theme was Handy Manny this year as this is one of our favorite cartoons.





Happy 2nd birthday Brandon!!! We celebrated at Monkey Business this year with the family, since last year at the park it was a little too cold. Brandon had a blast playing with his cousins, eating pizza and cake, and opening gifts. Thanks to all who came, for the gifts, and a special thanks to my mom for hanging out with Mason the entire time.
We spent the afternoon hanging out with Gram, Grandpa Ray, and Grandpa. Brandon was so tired from the day that he fell asleep on the couch at 6:30pm!

Lovin' the dogs

Brandon is now getting more interactive with the dogs...they really love the attention.

January birthday's

Happy birthday to everyone celebrating a January b-day (Aunt Cheri-15th, Nama-10th, both Melanie & Brandon-22nd).

Tractors, horses, and all things dirt

We celebrated the New Year and January birthday's at Uncle Robert and Aunt Cheri's house. Brandon surprised me by riding the horse without fear and of course going for a tractor ride.

More pics from the farm

Mason & Monkey

Almost forgot to snap a 3 month with monkey pic!

Caught "dancing"

Mason is 3 months

Who's that baby???
My failed attempt at trying to catch Mason smiling.
Look at my cubby cheeks...
Happy 3 months Mason!!! I can't believe how fast you are growing and how much personality you have. You couldn't be happier, always sporting a smile and ready to laugh for Mommy. Although you don't seem to have much interest in rolling over, you certainly seem to want to sit up (or at least work on your abs by doing crunches).

Costco, friend or foe???

I usually don't believe in "resolutions" at the new year because lets face it...no one really sticks to them. But this year I really want to be budget minded, especially when it comes to grocery shopping, so that is my resolution.

Having said all that, let me mention that we went to Costco today and managed to spend ~$350.00!!! It's only the 9th day of the year and already I have blown my budget on grocery spending for this month. So now I have decided that Costco purchases should be their own category in Microsoft Money (yes, we track all income/expenses via this program so at the end of the year we can be shell-shocked with how we spend our money-plus I have to be able to track "hunting" purchases...).
Kevin says that Costco "enables" me to be a food hoarder. I don't see it as hoarding, just getting good deals and being prepared...thanks to my Gram for this quirky little habit.

To work I go...

As I expected, Brandon was crying as I left for work but both kids had a great day with Ms. Catherine (and her new helper Ms. Brandy). The best part of my day, seeing the smile on Brandon and Mason's faces when I picked them up from daycare.
My first two days back to work were filled stories of the kids, showing off pictures, catching up with everyone, and trying to be productive seeing patients.
Here's hoping we will quickly find our new routine with my return to work.

Chasing the dogs

We have a new exercise routine to help keep Jake and Lilly in shape, not to mention how it tires Brandon out as well. Brandon was laughing so hard that he was drooling...

Return to work...

I have started preparing (mostly mentally) for my return to work, which I am looking forward to it with mixed feelings. I am excited to put my clinical skills back into practice, to engage in adult conversation, to leave the house...but then I think about the fun the boys and I have and I can't help but feel like my place is at home with my kids. Mason has entered that "fun" phase where his personality is starting to show, he is taking more predictable naps, and his smile makes my heart melt. Brandon is as "independent & strong-headed" as ever. Let's be honest, we have entered the terrible two's, which just may kill us, it's very trying on the patience. Though, it is too cute to see him follow Kevin around the house, our little helper (when he wants to be).