Are we there yet…

The older, wiser, and wider I get, the more I realize that while time is money, time spent searching for coupons and good deals puts even more money in my pocket. Becoming a coupon-carrying, thrifty mom is much more rewarding and exciting then I ever thought it could be!

$18.88 in groceries (saved $26 in coupons)

Goodwill score for MR: 2 Lily Pulitzer dresses and 2 Orient Expressed dresses for $10

Goodwill score for baby Hutson: 1 Lacoste shirt, a pair of seersucker Polo shorts, and 1 pair of The Children’s Place shorts for $4

Another round of winter weather earlier this week meant more snow pictures, a few too many cups of hot chocolate, and lots and lots of snuggle time with sweet MR. We’ve had a busy, productive week and are glad that it’s finally Friday! We’re also happy that “baby bruder” finally has a name. We’ve decided to name him Hutson Garrett.  Hutson was my dad’s grandfathers name. Naming our little man makes me even more excited; I can hardly wait to meet him!

In typcial southern fashion, the snow was gone by the next morning and warmer temps returned! February has been the busiest month on record for Petey Pie’s. My little mail carrier and I are making at least 3-4 trip a week to the post office to ship out orders. 

Almost half way there. I’m big; I know it. But, I’m growing a precious baby boy who puts in frequent requests for Mexican, Lucky Charms, and Chic-fil-A.

G and I couldn’t be any more thrilled!!! At 19 weeks, we’ve still got a ways to go, but the thought of bringing home our little man is beyond exciting! We learned the news on Saturday, after my dad treated us to a 3D sonogram. Eleven family members (most of whom were betting on a girl) filled the room and waited anxiously for the results. G and I were not surprised at all by the outcome. Nor was MR. She had already begun talking about her baby “bruder”. 

As if the baby excitement was not enough, we also celebrated Nene’s third birthday this weekend. Chuck E Cheese and pink Hello Kitty cupcakes were at the top of her wish list. Happy birthday sweet Nener, we love you!

Garrett’s return from New York was short lived. After being home for three days, he was off again. This time he was headed to Idaho to a remote wind farm where cell phones and communication were hard to come by.

The day before he left, we headed out with a realtor to look at houses. Because of G’s job, we have never lived anywhere long enough to even consider purchasing a home. We had several houses lined up, but there was one in particular that I was very excited about him seeing. I feel in love with the house a week earlier and hoped that Garrett would like it as much as I did. It had everything we wanted: a kitchen open to the living area, a  playroom on the main floor, a large master, two rooms for the kids, and a guest room for the grandparents. It even boasted a perfect downstairs office for Petey Pie’s.

It didn’t take much to convince G that this was the house for us. By late that afternoon, we were already in the process of making an offer. The next day, G boarded a plane to Idaho. Throughout his 6 day visit and limited cell phone service, we managed to firm up an offer. Papers were signed last Saturday and our closing date is set for the end of March. Although we have a lot to do in a short amount of time, we couldn’t be any more excited!!! 

With the new house on my mind, I almost let Petey Pie’s first birthday pass by. A year ago today, I decided to put my sewing machine to use and start making handmade appliques for children’s clothing. A year later, the shop has sold more than 350 pieces!!! The business has been such a blessing to our family as it has allowed me to set my own schedule and work from home, while also caring for sweet MR. 

God is good and we continue to thank Him for His many, many blessing!

Under Contract!!!

G and I think the house needs black shutters (hopefully they will look better than the ones I made in Microsoft Word!). The builder has agreed to add them per our contract. Black rocking chairs on the porch and potted plants are also in the works.

I love the openness and use of space in the new house.  After spending a year and a half in a home that was built in the 20’s, the fact that it is brand new construction is also very exciting!!!

I’ll be trading in a cramped laundry/tool/fabric room for my own Petey Pie’s space! The small office has lots of storage and counter space for my sewing machine and fabrics. Its right off of the kitchen so I will be able to work while the kids play in the playroom.

Happy first birthday, Petey Pie’s! Please visit my etsy shop to see more of my collection. The shop offers classic, everyday clothing for your little one!

Like most Georgians, we were glued to the tv as we waited for Fridays’ winter storm to roll through…

We did a snow dance and wore our favorite snowman shirt in hopes that the winter weather would not pass us by.

By 3 that afternoon, we were celebrating the snows arrival!

It came down fast and hard and by the time it was said and done, we had a good 4 inches on the ground.

We made a princess snow-queen,

modeled a few of our favorite winter accessories,

and thanked God for blessing the South with such a beautiful gift!  

We did a lot to keep busy…

We spent way too much time on facebook. 

Too much time friendly stalking blogs.

And more time than Id like to admit digging through the pantry in search of sweets.

All of this because we missed G, who spent several days in New York for work. Thankfully, despite another major snowstorm in the North East and hundreds of canceled flights, he made it home safely on Wednesday night.

This “wel-shome” sign, along with two very excited girls, were waiting for him.

It really is. We are just an average, middle class family and for the most part, we are happy. Very happy. We live in a modest home, drive average cars, and try our best to cut corners. We haven’t always lived this way, but learning to do so has brought us a tremendous amount of satisfaction.

Last weekend was perfect example of the simple life…

While G cleaned bathrooms, I got a chance to make Sweet MR a new dress. A day earlier, I had scored a Vive La Fete blouse with a precious peter pan collar at our local Goodwill for $1.50.

An hour of my time and two clean bathrooms later, I was basking in the simple life as MR pranced around the house in her new outfit. The total cost for the blouse and dress– a whopping $5.50.

Later that afternoon, the simple life continued with a short drive to Cumming, Ga to visit family and celebrate a late Christmas. After visiting, we filled our plates with pot roast, mashed potatoes, mac-n-cheese, peas, rolls, and strawberry shortcake. Presents followed. And then, lots of lots of laughter.

On Sunday, we enjoyed another simple pleasure with the arrival of Gran C and Big Daddy. MR colored a Valentines day card, while I baked the last batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies. An after lunch visit from Julie, Bill, Nene, and Boss made the day even more special.

These simple blessings are what we live and pray for. After all, being a parent, having a healthy little girl, and getting to enjoy time spent with loved ones is far better than a big house, fancy cars, and all of the riches in the world.

Thank you God for showing us the joys of the simple life.

I’ve already gained 12 pounds and I’m only in my 14th week of pregnancy. I’m swearing off the scale instead of my sweet tooth.

Speaking of sweets, I eat a lot of cereal. Not as much as I use to, but still more than most. The majority of my diet consists of cereal and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

I hate to exercise. I would much rather burn calories by doing house or yard work. Or by laying on the couch watching the Housewives.

I get mean when I’m stressed or overwhelmed. G can vouch for this.

I have a horrible sense of direction. My GPS, Greta Garmin, is the only reason I leave my house.

I spend way too much time on facebook. And way too much time worrying.

I am married to my best friend. Seriously. Garrett is not only a great husband and daddy, but he is also a great friend. He is level-headed and does not anger easily. He also gives great advice.

I’m not a fan of judgemental moms. I could care less if your kid sleeps in the bed with you, drinks from a bottle past 12 months, sucks on a passy past 2, or is not potty trained by 3.

I’m also not a fan of pushy moms–the ones who always give unsolicited advice. The ones that tell you are doing something wrong. Or the ones that go on and on about the benefits of breast feeding or organic foods.

I’m horrible at returning calls. I don’t like talking on the phone and I have one-track mind. If I have a lot going on, I’m probably not going to take the time to pick up the phone. This angers a lot of people. And makes me feel horrible. I’m working on being a better phone friend, daughter, and sister.

I am always up for a trip to the beach, even if it requires me to get in a bathing suit while pregnant. Hint, hint, Garrett.

I love surprises–big or small. I wish I could keep a secret long enough to pull off a surprise for G and MR every now and then.

I still think of myself as young. I often wonder when I will feel like an adult.

I think this little girl hung the moon. I love her more than I ever thought possible. She makes me a better person and brings so much happiness to my life. She laughs a lot. And makes me laugh too!