A little catch up...

Wow...my blog has been seriously neglected. I think way back when I promised myself that I would blog just as much once I had my 2nd child just like I had when I just had one. No one informed me that it is hard to do! haha I am blaming those people...certainly not myself! ;)

A little catch up:

Eli turned 3 (my goodness!!) in September and is definitely all boy! He loves all kinds of racecars - pretty much can tell you the difference in any of them whether it be a Porsche, Ferrari, Prototype or Nascar car. He watches Indy and Nascar on TV...it is always on DVR and is his number one request when asked what he wants to watch. He has been obsessed with Kyle Busch and Tony Stewart for a while but also loves Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, Carl Edwards, Matt Kenseth, David Ragan to name a few. He calls them by there entire names and is constantly "racing" somewhere. He has about 200 matchbox cars and carries them everywhere and sleeps with them every night. No more paci...no more blankie...just race cars!

He started preschool a couple months ago and loves it! He goes twice a week and is learning so much. He is still a HUGE talker...ha, wonder where he gets that from? He is sweet and loving always wanting to kiss and love on you. He is very strong willed and wants his way but we are worrking with him on this. He has the sweetest curls and the longest lashes...both literally melt my heart. He is my buddy and I am smitten still with my boy!

My sweet precious girl, Molly, turned 1 in June and is such a joy! She is our dare devil...not afraid of anything! She is walking around almost running and loves to laugh and squeal...mostly squeal! :) She loves to climb anything and can climb up the slide and up ladder to the playhouse. You have to really watch her! She isn't saying that much that you can understand but she "talks" all day. She can say: Mama, Dada, Eli, Hey baby and uh oh. She waves bye, claps her hands, pints to everything and loves to play peek a boo. Her most favorite thing to do is to look at herself in a mirror (we might be in trouble!) and play. She can be a bit of a diva and throw some temper tantrums but we just laugh. She is usually in a great mood and is so happy...makes me smile every time I look at her! <3

We moved to Loganville in August and are loving our new house. Lee is much closer to work which makes a difference in how much we see him. We are also super closet to Lee's dad/stepmom and my parents which have been a big help. We are still looking for a church home and hope to have a place soon.

Well, I have TONS to catch you up on but that's all for today. It feels good to be back. Missed this!

D

Wonderful Day

What a day!! Today I turned 34...not a big birthday...but an absolute wonderful one! It started off with Lee helping me get the kids up and going so that I could take a shower and get dressed by MYSELF!! You other moms know what a blessing that is! :) Then Amy J and Mary brought me breakfast and visited for a couple hours. I have been friends with Amy since the 8th grade and Mary since the 10th grade...nothing like old friends!

I then headed to the movies to see Eat, Pray, Love with Melinda. YES, you read that right...movies...in the middle of the day!! What a treat! Thanks to Mary who took both of my sweet kids to her house for the afternoon. Melinda and I started this tradition last year. We never get out to see movies so we give that to each other on our birthdays. Movie, popcorn, candy...it is SO nice!

I raced to Mary's to pick up the kids...then ran back home to get them packed for a night at Capt and Gigi's. Lee met us at home and we headed to Monroe...mom and dad kept the kids while we had dinner out. Steak and shrimp for me at Longhorns...YUM! Then my dad made his infamous blackberry cobbler with vanilla ice cream.

There were no big gifts (unless you count my used Treadmill that I NEEDED) and no big parties...just a wonderful sweet day with my best friends and family. It was just what I needed! Here are a couple pictures of my family...I want to remember being 34 and being a mama to these sweet babies. They are my life and I am so grateful that I was chosen to be their mom. I am extremely blessed and so thankful for my 34 years! Hears to the next 34!!

Hi There...

Yeah I know...been gone WAY too long!! So much has happened in our little life. First Eli broke my laptop and we have been without a computer until this past weekend. Yes, I have been living off my Blackberry...aka Crackberry. Plus I found out I was pregnant with our 2nd baby in October. We were surprised but so excited! So the last 10 months have been a bit crazy in these here parts! :)

I am going to try and catch up my blog over the next couple weeks. So if you already know all that has happened and don't want to read about it...you might want to check back in! I have missed you guys!!

So excited to be back! Here are pics of our two lil ones...Eli (22 months)and Molly (6 weeks).

Eli's Party Pictures

It was a GRAND day...had the best time planning every detail! Lil' man was oblivious to it all but had a great time playing with his favorite people. Fun was had by all!

Happy Birthday Lil' Man

I cannot believe how fast this year has flown by...definitely been the best year of my life! This sweet angel face says it all....Happy Birthday Sweet Boy! Your momma loves you with all her heart!! xoxo

Things I love...

about my son...there are so many!

• his infectious laugh!


• his ability to make everything wrong in my life melt away with one look...and those eyelashes.


• his love for his daddy.


• the way he picks up his food and puts it is in mouth...super cute! {can't describe it}


• how sucks on his paci when he is really tired.


• how he immediately lights up when he sees Capt or Gigi.


• his super cute grunting noises he makes...he will wait to see if you will do it with him and then it never stops...or either he will start laughing!


• how happy is his 99.9% of the time...I am so blessed!


• his snaggle tooth grin.


• his toes...oh his toes!


• his one auburn curl that sometimes looks like a rat tail. Oh my! ;)


• how he lifts one leg up when he is standing up reaching for the TV or his books.


• his love of food.


• how happy and content he is in the morning.


• seeing him sleeping on his side or tummy...breathing sweetly. Makes me want to crawl in the crib with him!

....and most of all...his sweet kisses...and my new favorite that he started doing yesterday...a hug!

Eli's Likes and Dislikes

This post may be boring to most...but I really just want to document it for me and for him. This week is all about him! :)

Likes:

• Taking a bath or a shower - especially if you pour water over his head or he will go under and blow bubbles


• Being outside watching things


• Finding airplanes or helicopters in the sky


• His paci and blanket at nap or bed time


• Elmo


• When Daddy comes home from work - he is becoming such a Daddy's boy


• Mommy's laptop or Blackberry


• Any kind of food but I would say Goldfish, tomatoes, yogurt and cheese are his favorites right now


• His sippy cups filled with water {no juice}


• Drinking ice water out of our glasses


• His new fave: taking a drink of water and gurgling or just opening his mouth and letting it all fall out. Results in a VERY wet baby!

Dislikes:

• Being told no - playing w/ laptop, pulling books down off shelf, playing in dog's water bowl, etc
  
• Getting his pajamas on at night after his bath


• When the food on this tray is gone - he pitches a fit - you have to be fast.
  
• Driving in the car for long periods of time.


• Wiping his face after he eats - absolutely hates it!

Party Week

This is it...the big week! Eli will be one on Sunday and we are having his first birthday party that afternoon. Since I am slightly obsessed with parties...and even more INVITATIONS!! I searched and searched for the perfect invite for lil' man's party...here it is! {theme of party is bright multi colors with balloons, polka dots and stripes}

Almost One...

Where has the past year gone? My lil' man is almost one...only 10 days left. I am going to try and fill the next week up with posts all about him and how incredibly awesome he is! (only a mother's love right?) :)

We are heading off to the race this weekend...with lil' man in tow! Wow, we may be crazy but we will see. We are going down tomorrow in the big ole motor home. Lee's little brother is coming up from Southern to hang out with us all weekend. My good friend, Susan, who I used to teach with is coming...my oh my it is going to be fun! I am sure I will have plenty of pictures to share. Hope you all have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!!

xoxo D

Prayer Needed

Please be praying for this sweet family....dear friend to me who is going through a devastating custody battle with her ex husband. They need constant prayer during the next couple days and weeks...will you join me in praying?

Coming Back

I am gathering all the happenings from the past 3 months...kinda overwhelming....but I am back! :) Here is a little snapshot of lil' man...much more to come!

Publix Deals

I am not going to blog each week about what deals I have found at Publix or Kroger but I thought I would give you updates on how I am doing...plus, it will hold be accountable to keep doing it no matter how much extra time it takes. (not that much really!)

I am in love with Publix's BOGO (buy one get one free). I stock up on items each week and when I have a coupon on top of that...OMG! :) This is what I found today:

$.01 Item was Publix Bleach - you just can't beat it!

BOGO: Cheerios (all the kinds - I got plain ones for me and Frosted ones for Lee)

Kellogg cereals (got Raisin Bran and Corn Flakes - plus I had a $1.00 coupon)

Kashi Chewy Granola Bars

Ruffle Potato Chips

Hunts Can Tomatoes

Muellers Pasta

Chocolate Chip Cookies

BBQ Sauce/Marinade

Arnolds Bread

Sargento Cheese

I got some great produce (bananas, blueberries, asparagus, green leaf lettuce) and some other things that we needed. The great thing about Publix (besides the great customer service and clean store) is that you don't have to buy 2 items to get the BOGO deals. Or you can and just stock up like I normally do. That way, I don't have to buy things every week. I am still loving it and will not go to the store without a coupon now. It is just WAY too easy and darn it...I lvoe saving my family some money! :)

Catch Up and 7 Months

I know...I know...where in the world have I been? (if you have actually missed me!) haha Things have been kinda crazy around here the past couple months and I haven't really wanted to blog. I remember sitting down with 4 of my college friends this summer and asking them if they read my blog. Susan said yeah we all read about your perfect life.....HUH?? First of all, my life is no where near perfect. Wonderful...yes....perfect...no! My close friend Mary talked about this last week on her blog as well. I usually tend to put the "highlights" of our life...maybe there just hasn't been that many lately. I work on the computer all day so when I get some down time the last thing I want to do is type. BUT I am going to try harder not just for you but for me...I want to record our life...that is why I started this.

So here is my not so perfect life...we are broke...living pay check to pay check...spending only what we have....not putting anything on credit cards but paying a credit card bill...pay cut after pay cut...it just doesn't pay the bills anymore. I really don't know how much further we can go in this economy. I just try to do my part and pray....a lot!! I am still working 4 part time jobs plus taking care of Eli. It is hard. HARD! I am trying to keep my head above water most of the time. My dogs drive my crazy most days (but I love them!) sitting on Eli's quilt on the floor...barking at the UPS guy...running around the neighborhood...shaking their collars. Some days it is just too much! But then I watch a Marley and Me and can't imagine my life without them.

But then...I have this life...I am crazy in love with my husband...have a roof over my head...food on the table...car to drive around...the sweetest baby on the planet...A JOB!...great church...family and friends whom I adore and couldn't live without. So no matter how overwhelming life seems right now my life is good! :)

In other news...my little man is 7 months old today! He is my sunshine...I mean really my sunshine. I know I say this all the time but I never knew I could love someone so much. He is really one of the happiest babies I have been around and I am so thankful. Here is what's going on with him:

• Saying "mama" and "baabaa" (we are working on "dada")


• Still nursing like a champ (no formula, no bottles)
  
• Eating baby food - his favorites are applesauce, peaches, pears, peas and rice cereal


• Sleeping about 11 - 12 hours a night (PRAISE THE LORD!!) - goes to bed around 7:30pm
  
• Sleeps on his stomach or his side and always has something in his hands - blanket, stuffed animal or the rails on the crib


• Loves to jump, take a bath, take a shower, water in his face, any kind of live animal, squealing (this is new and kind of annoying!), limes, swinging on the porch swing, being outside, when Daddy comes home from work, his silver rattle, banging his hands on his high chair, playing with his toys on the floor, watching Bob the Builder


• Can sit by himself for about 2 - 3 minutes before he falls over - won't be long now!


• Still pooting and still stinking! :)
  
• No teeth yet...still waiting.


• Wakes up in the morning happy as can be - plays, talks, looks around - you won't even know he is awake he is so quiet.


• Loves his paci and I am okay with that! I do not want him to suck his thumb or fingers and so far so good.
  
• Last month he weighed about 15 pounds - think he is probably around 17 pounds now.

Here are some recent pics:







We had a wonderful Easter...will post about that tomorrow. Hopefully, I am back full time...miss you guys!

wee bit o'irish!

Copeland Savings: Part Three

Okay...last one for the day! (or rather night since it is almost midnight and I am still up!)

We have been beyond blessed with clothes for Eli and are so thankful. Lee's cousin (Hollie and Mark) had a little boy (Eli too!) a year before and gave us 3 or 4 giant gift bags full of clothes, socks, shoes, etc. Then my friend Angie sent me a box of clothes (15 lbs) from Statesboro from her little boy Griff who was born the year before as well. This (plus my shower gifts) have kept Eli clothed completely for 6 months. We really have not had to buy anything...except for the outfits I had bought him while I was pregnant...which still wasn't a lot.

I was starting to run out of my hand me downs and worried about what I would do for his spring and summer clothes. My cousin Kristin told me about this Consignment Sale in Gwinnett that was supposed to be incredible. Long story short, I ended up going by myself and RACKING UP on some deals. I was very selective....name brand items...no stains....most were new items or rarely worn items. Look at what I got for $65!!

My aunt Danielle is also letting me borrow Sim's clothes from last year...so literally this boy is set for Spring and Summer. HALLELUJAH!!! God surely answers prayers doesn't he? :)

Copeland Savings: Part Two

Here is my weekly menu for this week:

Breakfast: Waffles w/ Peanut Butter (YUM!), Cereal, Yogurt (w/ Grape Nuts), English Muffins (w/ cheese or honey), Bacon

Lunch: Tomato Soup, Turkey Sandwiches, BLT Sandwiches, Chips

Dinner:

Sunday: Elk Burgers, Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Green Beans (already had this from last week)

Monday: Leftovers from Sunday (great thing about only having 2 people to feed)

Tuesday: Chicken and Vegetable (broccoli, red pepper, carrot, water chestnuts) Stir Fry w/ Rice (had other veggies left over from last week)

Wednesday: Leftovers from Tuesday

Thursday: Spaghetti and Homemade Meatballs (already have meat) w/ Salad (Friends over so no leftovers)

Friday: Mini Pizzas (w/ English Muffins) and Salad (already have pizza toppings)

I also went to Kroger today (it really wasn't that bad going to two grocery stores b/c I knew exactly what I needed and was quick). Here is what I got:

BOGO: Bacon (put one in the freezer)

Sale Items: (using Kroger card) Yogurt (5), Perdue Chicken (GREAT SALE! $2.50), Deli Turkey Meat (.5lb), Wheat Bread, Diced Tomatoes, Cheese Slices

Coupon Items: Baby Food, Butter, Cottonelle TP (one of my best deals - was on sale for $6.99 but I had $2.00 in coupons - 12 pk), DH Cake Mix (FREE!)

Other: Milk, Ginger Ale, Broccoli, Romaine Lettuce

All this for $37.24!! I saved $18.80!!


The savings will get better and better each week as I learn the process and get more coupons in my stash. Remember, check out Leigh Ann's blog and she will teach the you the process. Let me know if you have any questions!! I hope everyone starts saving! :)

Copeland Savings: Part One

I am a girl on a mission!! Watch out...here I come! haha

Our finances have taken a beating this year with me getting laid off and losing our great insurance coverage (WHEN I WAS ON MATERNITY LEAVE!!), the pay cuts from Lee's company and the addition of little man. Lee is working extra side jobs and I have taken on a couple extra side jobs...but I still thought we could do more to help with our budget. I have read some blogs and done some (mini) research on cutting coupons...but was terrified! I was scared of not doing it right and then getting to the register and having the cashier glare at me for wasting her time. One of my friends from high school, Leigh Ann, is a pro at this and started a blog giving all of us "first timers" tips and advice. You should check out her blog Half Baked - it really tells you what to do step by step.

I followed her directions and got my Sunday paper early on Saturday afternoon. I thought it would take me forever but it wasn't that bad. I don't have a 3 ring binder yet and clear sleeves to put all my coupons in so I just took 2 ziplock bags and labeled them "FOOD" and "HOUSEHOLD" - coupons are fine in there for the time being. I knew it would be best for me to start small and focus on 2 stores - Kroger (where I normally shop) and Publix. I planned my menu for the week based on what I already have here and what was on sale at the two stores. I tried to find things that were on sale and then had a coupon for - double savings! I was so excited and boy did I do GREAT on my first trip!

Here is what I got at Publix:

They have select items each week for BOGO (Buy One Get One Free) and alot of those items this week were things that we eat. **NOTE: I refuse to buy things we don't normally eat or like just b/c they are on sale or I have a coupon for. I feel like I will get discouraged and not get the satisfaction I need to continue this process each week.**

BOGO Items: Cheese Its, Honey Nut Cheerios, Lays Chips, Barilla Spaghetti, Bertolli Pasta Sauce, Kraft Dressings/Marinades, Thomas English Muffins

SALE Items: Eggo Waffles, Tomato Soup (4 pack), Viva Papertowels (8 rolls)

COUPON Items: Energeizer Batteries (for Eli's swing!), Gum (FREE!!), Baby Food (8 packs of 2), Ziplock bags

Publix $.01 item of the week: Tortilla Chips

All this for $47.01!!!! I saved $36.21!!!

Also - the great thing is that most of these items will last us a couple weeks so divide that value over two or three weeks and it is even better. Take a look!

Check back for my post on Kroger and my consignment sale finds!

Where Have I Been?

I know...I know...I have been a really bad blogger lately. Things have been tough around here the past month or so. I am basically working 3 part time jobs and raising Eli full time...plus all the normal stuff like cleaning, laundry, grocery runs, cooking, etc. It has gotten harder to work now that Eli is awake more and wanting to play. He still takes 2 really good naps (2 hours each sometimes 3 - 4 hours on a GREAT day!) but I have WAY too much to do in those couple hours. I have felt overwhelmed. Between training classes, data entry, quotes, client visits, conference calls, wedding planning, taking care of Eli...little else gets done. (maybe that's why I am behind on my laundry?? haha)

We have found a church that we love...Eastridge Community Church. It is about 10 minutes from our house and just what we were looking for. We have been going to the 9am service because that is Eli's nap time and he just sleeps in my arms during the service. We are going to start going to the Wednesday night service this week now that Lee's indoor soccer season is over. Another thing I am excited about is my new Ladies Bible Study group. We meet on Tuesday nights (my GIRL NIGHT!!) and are finishing up the Priscilla Shirer study "He Speaks to Me". We are starting Beth's Moore "Esther" next and I can't wait!

Our 1st Sunday at Church as a family (thanks Jill for taking pictures!!)

Things are still the same with Lee's job....he is the last superintendent left and has been really busy with handling it all. It is slow for them but it is steady and that is all you can hope for in this market. His boss speaks very highly of him and his work...that is the reason he is the last one there. I am so proud of him and how he handles the stress and responsibility. I married a great man. Period. :)

Eli has also been sick for a couple weeks....that is another post. An entire post. Ha!

That is where I have been the past couple weeks. I am going to update a couple more times tonight if I get the chance. I have exciting coupon/savings stories and Eli turned 6 months old on Friday. Check back!

Supper Club

So Rebekah came up with a great idea to have a Supper Club and our first one was on Valentine's Night. (sorry for the late post) You would never have known that Beka didn't like (I mean, LOVE) Valentine's Day. We all walked in the Vepraskas home and about fell over....it looked like Martha Stewart had literally come in and set up to photograph a Valentine's Dinner Party. I mean she had rented tables, chairs, tableclothes, satin napkins (YES!!)...had cut out hearts and made gorgeous place cards and drink tags...candles and flowers everywhere. It was GORGEOUS! We all sat at one long table and used real china...what grownups we are! It was a night of laughter, friendship and love. The best part was listening to the guys tell how we all met and how they proposed...sweet treat for the night of love! Can't wait till next time...but who's calling Martha to decorate?? :)

5 Months

Time sure does fly when you are having fun! My sweet little man is 5 months old today and is constantly changing. He is such a joy!! Lee and I really are having the best time with him and are in awe that God blessed us with such a healthly, energetic, wonderful baby boy. I could go on and on about how amazing he is...but I will spare you! haha Here is what's been going on with Eli the past month:

• Found his feet and is constantly grabbing them and holding on (am sure it won't be long before they are in his mouth)
  
• Loves to play with toys now - his blue monkey rattle, teething rings, colorful hungry caterpillar, glow worm are his current favorites


• He LOVES to jump!! Now he can fit into the jumperoo that you hang from the doorway - it is by far the cutest thing you have ever seen!


• He can stand up in his exersaucer and spin around to play with all the toys. His favorite are the ones that spin around and make noise. Thanks J/J for getting him this - it really helps me get things done around the house! :)
  
• He started really loving on blankets when he would see them so we gave him one to hold onto. He loves it! (Thanks Gretchen!) His other current nap time fave is his blabla doll from The Roscoe's. I need to name him! (any suggestions? He is a green monkey)


• We have tried rice cereal - he pushes it out of his mouth with his tongue and makes the cutest face. He really doesn't like it yet but I keep trying it every couple days.


• He HATES a bottle - little booger is so spoiled because I can nurse him (since I am at home during the day) but he has to learn how to love it again. We didn't have a problem with it when he was younger - would suck it down - but not now. He won't have anything to do with it and will actually throw a temper tantrum. We just don't back down and he will finally drink some of it when he gets hungry enough. (Don't worry - he isn't starving!!)


• Still loves to take a bath - he kicks, splashes the water and goes under the water. I was scared of the water when I was little and I don't want that for him. We put him under for the first time when he was 3 weeks old. Now once of his favorite things is to be in the shower with Daddy and go under the spray/water. He is going to start swimming lessons this summer. :)


• He hates to be on his tummy and rolling over. Will only do it every now and then. Would much rather be sitting up or standing with help. We laugh b/c his abs must be so worn out - if he is laying down he constantly does sit ups just trying to sit up by himself. Won't be long now!


• He is sleeping thru the night now from about 9pm until 8am. He started doing this on his own once he doubled his birthweight.


• He weighs about 13.5 lbs and is 25 inches long. Little booger but just as healthy as can be!

Hope everyone has a Happy Valentine's Weekend!! I am going to take some 5 month pictures of Eli this weekend...will post them soon! xoxo