New Year New Post

Long time no see. Isn't it funny that when I make a post about posting more, I drop the ball and vanish into thin air. Well I'm back and really this year I'm going to make a go of this blog and post often, so be on the look out for savings posts, mommy posts, everyday life posts, and so on. Oh yes and happy New Year!!

The topic for today's post relates to New Years resolutions. It's interesting because what I have been thinking about  recently was discussed at today's worship service - boy am I so glad that I made it to church today! I figured the best way to start off the new year would be at church, since January the 1st is on a Sunday. Ok, let me stop ranting and get to the topic, which is putting yourself first! What? Be selfish..... well not really.

Basically, I believe as mothers we put EVERYONE before ourselves, especially if we have little babies at home because we want to cater to their needs first. I know personally as a stay at home mom there are many times when I don't eat breakfast or lunch because I've been running behind my six month old son all day(unfortunately he can be a cat napper on many occasions - so don't think I haven't tried to take care of my needs during his naps), then I've got a fifth grader to cater to when she gets home from school (basketball practice, choir, birthday parties, and so on, the list goes on. Not to mention the constant care of a home, pets (although those that know me know I don't put much care into my pet lol - I've kids that can do that), and other wifely duties. All that every day is exhausting, and as mothers we need to take time out to say it's time for me. Now to all the so so moms out there - that does not mean dump your kids off every chance you get j/k actually I'm not, but for us hard working moms it means setting time out once a week or 10 minutes a day to focus on something you enjoy - a good book, a good album on your iPod, blogging, or just quiet time in the Word. Anything that helps you to recharge and be a better you, better mom, and better wife.

Consequently that is one of my new years resolutions, to be sure each month I've done something for myself where someone is catering to me for a change, like getting my nails or my hair done - for most new moms this doesn't happen often. Then weekly, I hope to exercise consistently, and daily I hope to work on either my blog, scrap book, and/or read for at least 10 - 15 minutes! What will you do to recharge as a mom?  

I'm Here!

I just can't tell you how much I have enjoyed being at home with my children these last few months. It is almost as if being laid off was the best thing that's happened to me. Yea, we have to budget now, but these moments with my son and daughter are priceless.

Today, I was coaching my daughter's basketball team, mind you I really do not know what I'm doing. However, watching my daughter come alive during the game - stealing the ball, shooting lay ups, blocking shots, and playing awesome defense (while I'm her coach ;-)). Priceless. Then to even see her face as she came off the court, and I gave her a high five as well as her team mates. Priceless! I even think the other girls are enjoying me being their coach, as I hear them say Mrs. Angela did you see that we're winning. Yup, we won our first game today. I know I am making an impact in those girls lives as well, as I try my best to be encouraging even when they're not playing their best. I know if I was working full - time I would have never been able to commit to such a task.

Then there is the time with my son. He will be 4 and 1/2 months this week and for all you moms out there with babies/infants you know how fast they grow. It seems like yesterday we were feeding him every two hours and had just brought him home from the hospital. Now, he is alert has his own personality, and he's trying his hardest to sit up on his own and crawl - well really scoot. For some strange reason, I think my son thinks he's 10 months old because he refuses to believe he can't get around on his own or hold his own back up to sit up. It is just too cute, but the cutest of all is that I get to catch all these moments. Once again priceless. I get to see and make him laugh and smile everyday. I'm the face he sees in the morning, afternoon, and at night, just priceless

As I continue to search for work, work life balance is very important to me, and I'm hoping God will bless me with a job where I have the flexibility to continue to be present with my children since I know I must return to work. However, I want to always be able to say, I'M HERE whenever and wherever my children need me. I think my new dream (which I'm a long way from) will be to stay home with my children (unless I find a job where I can work from home - but I think in some way I'll always work. I just want work that won't interfere with raising my family as a long term goal). I just really want to be there for them as this experience has opened new doors for me.

I've even started thinking about what we are really working for???Now, I know I must return to work to continue our lifestyle, where being in a home with both parents working affords you more. But what are we REALLY working for. I mean for some yes, you both work to keep the lights on and a roof over your family's head, but for others that this situation may not apply to what are you working for? Yes, we've become accustomed to a lifestyle, but can't we adjust if we really want to. It always bothers me to hear people say, I wish I could be a stay at home mom - when I'm thinking if you downsize from that Lincoln you probably could be. Does the American dream really mean less time with your family so you can have a bigger house, nicer car, and stylish clothes. I mean aren't those things just material, but a family - that's your permanent stamp in this world that you can't go back and have a do-over for. As a result, isn't that more important? What do you think? Feel free to share your comments below.

My two new favorite stores!!

Walgreens and CVS. Yes, drug stores. The ones that I used to always think they were super expensive. Why would I ever want to shop there on a consistent basis unless I needed medicine.

Well thanks to the Krazy Koupon Lady and Southern Savers. I have deciphered the system and I'm pretty proud of myself. See there are some perks to being home all day. Walgreen and CVS love to give you their money. It's almost like Monopoly money because you get to use it right back at their store. So each week I'm excited to get the Sunday paper to see their circulars and compare them to the coupons that I have. In many cases I end up spending only $1 - $4.00 on items that offer Walgreens registry rewards and CVS extra care bucks. I then take my savings and usually purchase baby items or other things we need. It is a fabulous system. I just hate that I hadn't discovered it sooner. I was spending a fortune in that store when I just bought things without seeking items that paid me back. Now I only purchase things that I need that are on sale and/or give me money back. I usually save anywhere for 40% - 60% on purchases. I'm hoping as I learn more about the system that percentage will grow.

To learn more about maximizing the system at Walgreens and CVS watch these videos:
Shopping at Walgreens with the Krazy Coupon Lady
Shopping at CVS with the Krazy Coupon Lady

Also, check out the Krazy Coupon Lady.com and Southern Savers.com for more information on what's on sale. Today I saved $50.00 with their help! How much have you or will you save?

Career What?

What is a mother to do?? I feel as though I have to choose between a career and being a mother. How many of you moms feel that way? 

I am in the process of looking for another job (as I was laid off from my previous one before baby) and torn with the thought of leaving my baby in daycare and having less time with my whole family. I'd love to have some adult contact, but fearful as to how our lives will change when I do return to work especially a full - time job with a full time workload (on top of the full time work load I have at home). My poor baby isn't sleep through the night so....... really that is whole other story.

At any rate, I wonder if I'll be able to handle a full time workload as I feel like a walking zombie Monday - Sunday. I don't even remember the last time I had a full night's sleep, and I don't even think I could sleep completely through the night as I am always listening for baby to wake up. On top of that, I just feel different. I almost wonder if I'm even capable of completing work that I've got many degrees and certifications in that say I can - if that makes any sense.  

Not to mention the separation anxiety I'll experience and the baby will experience as I leave him at daycare. My son won't even drink his milk when I leave him at the church day care for a few hours, so really fearful how his schedule will change as well if and when I go back to work full time.

At this point, all I can do is leave my career in God's hands. I'm continuing my search, but I'm praying and believing I'll find the job that will be best for me and my family. I also know that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me so we'll see. How has it been for you other moms when you returned to work? Feel free to share your experiences as a comment below.

Exercise Ball and Baby

         Today the baby was very sleepy, over tired to be exact and any mom knows that's a bad mix. I was walking my little one to put him to sleep, which he normally likes but that wasn't working. Then I saw the exercise ball. The ball that I purchased for labor and delivery to "rock" my baby out. Well tonight I decided I'd "rock" my baby to sleep with the same ball. Guess what..... it worked! I bounced and rocked and within minutes my little one was off to dream land. I was so happy as I really needed to be able to put him to sleep without fuss because I'm tired myself. Who knew caring for a baby all day and night was so much work. So if you are ever at your wits end trying to get your baby to sleep (the lay him down when he's drowsy routine doesn't work for us at all lol), try your exercise ball. Not only will you get a mini workout, but your baby will get a soothing aid to help them fall asleep.