The Adventures of Super Mommy

LIZINKA.COM

2011-10-25T13:16:00.001-04:00

I just purchased Lizinka.com on Wordpress. Will be moving everything over there. So excited!

Not Me Monday: All part of a well-balanced diet

2011-10-24T12:57:00.003-04:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week

I would never eat French silk pie for lunch. While the children napped. Never. Not going to happen.

I'd have a delicious and filling chef salad made with spinach and iceberg lettuce. A little ham, a little turkey. A nasty, un-deviled hard-boiled egg. Baked turkey bacon. Shredded, low-fat, gitty...yet waxy cheese.

Yeah, that's what I'll have, instead of a chocolatey pie...

Relearning Discipline: When What Worked Doesn't

2011-10-23T22:25:00.005-04:00

It's been almost four weeks since Lily's surgery. She's been sleeping so much better the last 2 weeks. Her behavior has greatly improved.

The last couple of days, she's been acting up or acting out. I'm not sure which, or why.

Lily is learning new ways to deal with upset. This is something I didn't foresee. I assumed that once she was sleeping better, the behavior would resolve itself. For the most part, it has.

I've been using our usual method for discipline. When she starts screaming and crying, I'd send her to her room. The hope was that she'd calm down and fall asleep, catching up on the sleep that she missed.

Well, severe sleep deprivation isn't the issue anymore.

For me, that means I have to change, too. She's old enough, I think, to start losing privileges. She got TV time revoked. She had a time out on the stairs. She's not been allowed a bed time snack.

We're learning.

What are some creative solutions you have tried when the old ones no longer work?

Lily's Surgery ... A Gamble That's Paying Off

2011-10-09T14:14:00.003-04:00

I can't believe that so much time has gone by since Lily's surgery. She's doesn't seem to be having any pain or problems.

I'm not going to lie, the first couple of days after the surgery when she was in pain and crabby, I wondered if it was really the right decision. She just moped on the sofa and whined. She didn't even want a sippy cup of chocolate milk!

After a week of resting, Lily returned to school. This was a trial since we weren't sure if she'd do well through a whole school day. She did fine. Got her school pictures taken, too!

She sleeps so much better. No more snoring. No more waking up in the middle of the night screaming because she's having trouble breathing. No more bedtime tantrums.

Her tantrums overall are happening less often. She's more loving and more affectionate. She's not as easily irritated. She's not chronically tired!

She's been so sweet. I always give her 4 kisses before a nap or at bed time. She gave me 28 kisses before she went to bed. She's been so much kinder to Navy. She shares snacks, she's helped him get toys, she's patted his back when he's upset. I love this behavioral change!

The change that I wasn't expecting was her voice. I didn't realize it before, but Lily's voice was kind of hoarse all the time. Now, she has this little girl voice. I'm sure I'm the only one that notices, but it still gets me.

I really see this being a positive thing for Lily.

She's catching up on lost sleep. Right now, she'll sleep 12-14 hours a day. Usually about 10 hours at night, then a 2-3 hour nap. When I'm home in the mornings, she'll sleep in until 8 or so.

I'm just so happy, and relieved, that this has turned out to be the right decision for her. It's hard, as a parent, putting your child through surgery, especially when there's no guarantee that it's the "right" thing. For her, the gamble is paying off!

Baking Up Some Love

2011-10-09T13:51:00.002-04:00

Over the last couple of weeks walking through Fort Wayne, I've struggled with finding my place, a way that I can help and feel like I have something to offer.

*enter Betty Crocker mode*

One thing I can do, and do well, is cook. Baking cookies, cupcakes, pies. Making stir-fries, casseroles. It's something I'm good at.

I made two different cookies: classic chocolate chip and peanut & hazelnut butter cookies. Half of the chocolate chip ones got burned because I preheated the over for shiny pans, and I have dark pans.

When we were talking with Dan, a guy I've never met before, about the situation that led him to being homeless and on the streets, he started eating the cookies. Nothing goes better with Nescafe than homemade cookies. Mid-sentence, he stopped and told me that the cookies were good!

*puffs chest with pride*

I came home with no cookies. I think I've finally found my special way to contribute!

Lily's Surgery ... Post-Op Update

2011-09-28T17:37:00.004-04:00

Lily's surgery went well. She was really good when they were registering her and doing vitals. They took her to "blow up the balloon," which is how they give the anesthesia. No fussing, no fit.

I went back to the waiting room for about 45 minutes, which is all the longer the surgery took. Watched "SpongeBob SquarePants" while this other set of parents was talking about reading a study that kids who watch the show perform worse in school and that there's no way Squidward could water his kelp garden underwater.

When I went to the recovery room, Lily was starting to wake up and fuss. She was confused and scared. She'd gone to sleep in one room and was waking up in another. She told us her throat hurt.

Her nurse got her some Sprite, with the promise that if she drank her pop, she'd get to go home. Lily rested a bit and watched a movie.

They gave her some anti-nausea and pain medication. She kept saying that she was going to throw up. We got to bring home a pink kidney dish!

Off to Target for her prescription, a special My Little Pony toy, and some snacks for my little sickie.

We've been home watching movies and lounging around.

Surgery Tomorrow!

2011-09-27T21:24:00.002-04:00

With Lily's surgery tomorrow, we've spent the last couple of days talking to her about what's going to happen so she won't be too scared.

We watched Curious George Goes to the Hospital to help introduce the concept to her because just explaining it wasn't doing the trick.

I let her know that her special lovey can be with her all the time. Mommy will be there when she goes to sleep and when she wakes up. After she wakes up, they'll give her a special snack.

She told me that she didn't want to get a shot and that she was a little nervous and scared. (How does a 4-year-old even know the word "nervous?")

We ate a special dinner from Subway and picnicked in the living room watching TV. She went to bed without any whining or crying.

I hope this brings some relief, not just for Lily, but for all of us!

What a crazy, busy day!

2011-09-26T20:45:00.002-04:00

Lily had her pre-surgery lab work today. I thought she'd be brave, but it scared her. They have someone assist with holding her arm. She didn't even flinch and just watched the vile fill up. Her bravery was rewarded with a sticker.

Lily's appointment was first.

Her sleeping is worse, and she's waking up in the middle of the night, every night. We've had 3 really bad days, but if you look at how she's slept and napped, it makes sense. With Lily's surgery coming up, we just tweaked one thing in her current treatment plan. No major changes until after surgery and a repeat sleep study. Just her 2 refills were over $1000 at the pharmacy. Thankful for good insurance. I only had $25 out-of-pocket.

Navy's appointment was next.

He's 17 pounds, 9 ounces. I didn't get his length. The doctor looked at his rash, coupled with Dave's occasional skin issues. We came home with 5 prescriptions. One cream from his face, one cream for his body, an antibiotic to prevent infection, an anti-histamine to help with itching at night, and another anti-histamine to help with itching during the day.

Lily's surgery is coming up later this week, and both kids go back in a month to follow-up. Navy's 9-month is also coming up!

Lily's Surgery

2011-09-22T21:20:00.002-04:00

I know that I've mentioned it in passing, but really haven't given the details on Lily's sleep study from July or her upcoming surgery.

The results of her sleep study was that she failed. She has several stoppages, some of which lasted up to 13 seconds. She only spends about 90 minutes in REM sleep.

The diagnosis was obstructive sleep apnea.

Basically, her glands (tonsils, adenoids) swell when she sleeps, which restricts the air flow as she breathes. It's one of the reasons she snores.

In turn, this can cause behavior problems, such as the inability to focus and follow directions. Just because she's chronically tired.

It's been such a long process because we've been fighting with the insurance company the whole way. They'd rather treat her for autism or ADHD, rather than find out what the real problem is. So, we've have to prove (with her 2 sleep studies) that she has a problem sleeping.

ANYWAY...

The appointment with the ENT was short and sweet. He had reviewed the July results and did a quick exam. Her tonsils were enlarged when we went in, but there was no sign of infection. He said that it'd be best, especially while she's so young, to take them out.

The objective over the next couple of days is to make sure that Lily knows what's happening so she won't be scared, and that I'll be there when she goes to sleep and when she wakes up. Her lovey will be with her the whole time and that this will make her feel better.

It's not about me.

2011-09-20T20:48:00.006-04:00

I wouldn't have even thought about "The Fox & the Hound," but we were talking about it in our pre-walk huddle. Just talking about how difficult it'd be for us to survive less than ideal nights on the streets.

In the movie, Widow Tweed eventually has to take Tod out to the woods and release him into the wild. Tod knows nothing about living in the forest, but other animals show Tod how life is in the woods.

From my two nights visiting with the homeless in Fort Wayne, they seem to have the same kind of unspoken system.

We also got onto the conversation of what they do the other 6 days that SOS isn't out walking the streets. There are several other groups that do similar things on other nights.

Our night started at Freimann Square. Papa Smurf was there. He's got an apartment now, but he still comes out to the Square. Very sweet man. Though I didn't know him when he was on the streets, I'm glad he still comes out to visit his friends and for us 'newbies' to get to meet him.

Mitch and Missy. I wish I knew more of their story. All I was able to gather is that Mitch lost his job. Now, they're out on the streets. They have family keeping some of their belongings. Missy needs some jeans with the cooler weather coming, so I've started asking around. I think that we've got 2 pairs lined up for her! Yay!

Over at the space ship, we saw Bernard. He was sleeping, so we didn't disturb him. The guys left some snacks for him.

It was quite a trek, but we met up with Brad and Michael. They were sitting on a log chatting by the light of a candle when we joined them. They got loaded up with snacks.

"A senior citizen shaving in the senior citizens' center. If that's the most dastardly thing I've done in my life, I'm just gonna have to live with that."
-Michael

Michael was talking about the plight of the homeless and how they are being pretty much persecuted at the moment. He said that it just takes one or two people being stupid and acting up, and that ruins things for the lot. Places that are almost paramount to survival in the cold winter months are becoming off limits because of a few bad apples.

Our time at the Salvation Army was short, but nice. There weren't too many guys out, and one of the other groups had already arrived and got most of the needs taken care of.

We didn't see Drew, and that made me kind of sad. I've been thinking about him the last two weeks. Wanting to know if he's feeling better. I was told that this is pretty normal for him.

"It has been customary to take people’s pain and lessen our own participation in it by turning it into an issue, not a collection of human beings."
-Anna Quindlan

I think I'm so guilty of wanting to just fix this, fix them. Kind of like I would sleep better at night if they weren't out there, be in Drew or the homeless. Then, I realize that it's not about me. These people have graciously welcomed me into their lives. Their space, their 'homes'. It's my perception that makes me uncomfortable.

I'm slowly learning.

Lasagna

2011-09-12T21:12:00.003-04:00

Navy fed himself lasagna for the first time. 2011.

Lily feeding herself lasagna for the first time. 2007.

We don't have homeless people in Fort Wayne.

2011-09-11T14:34:00.004-04:00

The picture is from Dallas, Texas. August 2011.

A couple of months ago, I gave a friend some soap. He offered to let me walk with him and the Saints On the Streets crew. I thought that it would be a wonderful experience, but that's as far as it went.

Besides, this is Fort Wayne. A nice, quiet, sedate city in the midwest. We don't have homeless people. Heck, we're the "City of Churches," and churches take care of those less fortunate. So, we don't have homeless in Fort Wayne. Period.

The subject had kinda been pushed by the wayside. Honestly, minus a couple of comments here and there, I'd pretty much completely forgot about it.

Then, I went on vacation...

Dallas is huge. The metroplex just blew my mind, still does. It all started as a joke. We were "Hooker Hunting" on Harry Hines Blvd at 11 in the morning. Which, by the way, was a bust.

A repeat a few days later around 9 at night also revealed zero working girls. So, we decided to go "Homeless Hunting." Hell, it's Dallas. There have got to be homeless people there.

Drove by American Airlines stadium. Fail.
Drove by the Grassy Knoll. Fail.
Drove by the Greyhound station. Fail.

Then, we were just driving up some street that I forget the name of and people were sitting on benches. Those can't be homeless people. Where's all their stuff? Yes, I realize that homeless people don't have a ton of stuff, but where are the shopping carts? The bags?

When I took the above picture from the safety and security of my friend's car, something clicked. I don't know what or why, it just did. I still can't think of this lady, whose name and story I don't know, without tearing up a little.

After we got home, I hit up my friend for answers and to see if the offer still stood. After all, there has got to be a concrete reason why and how. This kind of thing doesn't just happen in America, and most definitely not in our fair city.

Why? I just don't get it. Alcoholism. Drug addiction. Mental illness. Even with all of the years that I've listened to Dr. Drew, I will never understand addiction. Continued use in spite of consequences. How can you lose everything? How does it get to that point?

My night out with the homeless started around 7:45 when I dropped my children off with my Dad. It'd been a hellish day for me. Dad said that I needed to do this. So, I did.

I was so nervous. People don't realize how painfully shy I am. Add to that the fact that I was going to see real homeless people!

Drew. He was our first stop. Under a bridge. The guys were talking to him. I just observed. What do you said, do? The flashlights lit up Drew's face. I started to tear up. Then, I started looking at the view of the river. It was quite lovely. I can't think of that interaction with Drew, without tearing up. The intimacy of it all. Drew said he's been feeling tired, so the guys prayed for strength and better health for him. I didn't hear it all, nor did I really listen. I'd seen and heard enough for a while.

Nick and Bernard. I didn't really hear much of what Bernard was saying, but Nick is a real character. He was talking about his kids and things he's been doing to keep himself busy. I kept thinking that his guy cannot be homeless. He doesn't look it. I guess, I'm still a little naive and looking for his "badge of homelessness." I kept smiling. Both guys were so good-natured.

We stopped at another bridge. There were 2 guys sleeping until there, so our group left some snacks and drinks for them.

Then, it was off to the Salvation Army. That was an experience. It kinda turned into a mini block party, which was kind of fun. The guys there needed toiletries and socks. It was very overwhelming, but I really think it all goes back to my naivete. I just don't get it.

The walk back to the car was full of chatting and jay-walking. A lesson of the evening, no one has been hit when jay-walking with SOS. Close calls, but it's never actually happened.

Debrief was hard and full of more questions than answers. I want to know why. How. "Because it is," and "I don't know," are the answers I got and was not happy with. I'm still trying to wrap my head around it. At the same time, I'm thinking about and gearing up for another walk around Fort Wayne to spend the evening with the homeless.

Seven Months Old

2011-09-05T19:45:00.005-04:00

Happy 7-month birthday, Navy!!

Navy has six teeth: four on top, two on bottom. He's mastered scooting and is beginning to crawl, only to resort back to scooting because it's so much faster. He's pulling himself up to stand and starting to climb.

I was really looking forward to getting his 7M pictures taken. Dave had given me a picture of him at 7-months-old that I wanted to recreate with Navy. He didn't cooperate as much as I had hoped, but I think that we got a couple of really cute pictures.

Navy also absolutely adores his big sister, Lily. She's really good with him, but sometimes, she really wishes he'd respect her space. I'm sure this is just the beginning of that...

Coupon Binder

2011-06-26T16:45:00.000-04:00

Coupon binders are all the rage right now. Coupon Mom is where I heard about them a while ago, but it wasn't until recently that I really started needing one of my own.

I raided my office supplies, so the only expense that I really had to start up were the baseball card sleeves. I used some 3-ring binder address book organizers that I bought several years ago. They helped to get me started until I had time to order what I needed. I also used a snap-closure binder that I had on hand. Again, one less thing to buy at the moment.

First, I found a binder that fit my needs.

Finding a binder to fit your needs, you want it to be big enough for all of your stuff, but not too big. Also, it really helps if it has a closure (zipper is best, but mine snaps), just to keep all of your stuff in it. I like Five Star 2-Inch Multi-Access Zipper Binder, Black (72121), but I have Day-Timer Pink Ribbon Microfiber Snap-Tab Organizer Starter Set, Notebook Size (D88125) (minus the pretty pink awareness ribbon). Makes me wish that I would have kept my Five Star from high school!

Second, to get organized.

I like things in alphabetical order, so I got Avery Ready Index Table of Contents Dividers, 26-Tab, 1 Set (11125) for just that reason. All of my coupons for products that start with A (Aquafresh, Alpo, etc.) are all in the same place and I can easily find them.

If you'd prefer to organize by category, Avery Extrawide Ready Index Dividers, 10 Tab, Laser/Ink Jet, 9.5 x 11 Inches, Assorted, 10 per Set (11165) would probably work great. They also have other sets (5, 8, 12, 15, 31) available.

Third, coupon pockets.

Pretty much everyone I've talked to uses baseball card sleeves. I have Ultra Pro 9-Pocket Trading Card Pages - Platinum Series (100 Pages), with plenty left over for, ya know, baseball cards (or spares if a page tears or something).

I also use Avery Economy Clear Sheet Protectors, Acid Free, Box of 100 (75091) for oddly-sized coupons, weekly ads for the stores I'll be hitting up, and for various stores' coupon policies (just in case...though I've never run into a problem).

$20 Off Lansinoh Affinity Pump

2011-06-23T22:09:00.002-04:00

Lansinoh Affinity Double Electric Breast Pump is $20 off at Target and on Target.com!

What can I say? I'm very passionate about breastfeeding. It's nice to see that a good pump is on sale and hopefully more affordable to Moms who wanna continue to feed their babies breastmilk, even when they don't nurse them.

$5 OFF any can of Enfagrow powder

2011-06-05T18:18:00.003-04:00

$5 off Enfagrow - Enfamil website

$5 off Enfagrow - Coupons.com website

My daughter has a poor appetite every once in a while, so this (and Ovaltine), are items that are nice to have on hand.

Huggies Diaper Deal -- Cute Packaging is EVIL!

2011-06-01T00:03:00.004-04:00

I was reading the Target weekly ad (page 12) and saw that they are doing the Huggies diaper deal again. You buy 2 "big packs" of diapers, get a $5 gift card.

Try not to get sucked into the Huggies Jeans coupon/deal. Regular packages of Huggies wipes are $2.39 and the Jeans pack with the same count size is $3.99. This seems like a "good" deal because you can get 2 Jeans wipes and 2 Jeans boxed diapers, plus a $5 gift card, but here's the break down.

Huggies $3/1 printable coupon.
$.50/1 Huggies 64ct+ wipes (SS 5/15/11)

$2/Huggies Jeans wipes+Jeans diapers Target web coupon.

Jeans	Snug & Dry*
$39.98 -- 2 boxes of diapers $7.98 -- 2 packs of wipes $47.96 -- TOTAL -$6 -- using 2 $3/1 -$1 -- using 2 $.50/1 -$4 -- using 2 $2/wipes+diapers $39.96	$39.98 -- 2 boxes of diapers $4.78 -- 2 packs of wipes $42.76 -- TOTAL -$6 -- using 2 $3/1 -$1 -- using 2 $.50/1 $37.76

*I believe the Snug & Dry and Little Movers are $1 cheaper at the Target I shop at, but for the sake of arguing (and the price they have listed on Totally Target, I used $19.99. The price was not listed on the website, so prices must vary across the country.

Free Kool-Aid

2011-05-31T21:38:00.002-04:00

Kroger currently has packets of Kool-Aid for $.10 each. Enter the sweepstakes and print a coupon for $.50/5.

Kool-Aid's website, or you can also "like" Kool-Aid's Facebook page and enter from there.

Target: John Freida hair color & Pantene

2011-05-30T21:45:00.001-04:00

This was my first attempt at trying to score wicked awesome deals at Target. I love how they allow you to 'stack' coupons to make items super cheap.

Some Target stores seem to be having problems with the Banana Boat/Hawaiian Tropics deal. I purchased one Banana Boat baby sunscreen ($7.44) and the Banana Boat Aloe After Sun lotion ($4.99). I should have gotten a $5 GC back when I checked out, but I did not. I didn't realize it until after I'd left. Needless to say, I will be returning to Target to either get the GC or return the items.

Target's coupons specify: "Limit one coupon or offer per transaction."

John Freida Precision Foam hair color
Price: $11.99
Coupons: $5/1 Target web coupon and $5/1 from the 5/1/11 SS.
Final Cost: $1.99 + tax

Pantene - Buy 2 shampoo or conditioner, Get 1 styling product
Price: $3.79 for conditioners, $3.94 for styling
Coupons: $3/2 Pantene product from 5/1/2011 P&G and $1/1 Pantene/Herbal Essence from Target
Final Cost: $3.58 + tax

Pantene - Buy 2 shampoo or conditioner, Get 1 styling product
Price: $3.79 for conditioners, $3.94 for styling
Coupons: $3/2 Pantene product from 5/1/2011 P&G
Final Cost: $4.58 + tax

Did this, just to show that I can.

2011-05-30T20:01:00.002-04:00

Told my Dad about the pickle deal, so he wanted some for his house for Lily. I wanted to score him some French's Spicy Brown mustard because they have the peelie, but the Kroger I went to was all sold out. He gave me a dollar. Not gonna lie, I only did this to say that I did get 94% off of a transaction. Normally, I wouldn't shop like this.

French's usually has $.30 off the mustard in the paper. I just happened to have a $.50 off manu that Kroger sent me (thanks to using my Plus card and their system monitoring what I buy).

Total OOP: $.57

Manu Coupons: $1.50
Bonus: $3
Plus: $4.70
Special: $2.40
Total Savings: $9.20 → 94%

Mount Olive Pickle Spears (x2)
Regular Price: $3.39
Plus Price: $1.69
Coupon: $.50 off (x2) **blinkie**
Bonus: $1 off (x2)
Final Cost: $.19 each
Total Savings: $6.40 → 94%

French's Yellow Mustard
Regular Price: $2.99
Plus Price: $1.69
Coupon: $.50 off
Bonus: $1 off
Final Cost: $.19
Total Savings: $2.80 → 94%

Sweet Meat!

2011-05-30T19:48:00.001-04:00

Today's trip was just to get pickles. Just pickles. Yeah, how'd that work for me?!

About the ground turkey: We only have chicken in our house. I thought that we'd pick up a pack of ground beef. Ouch! It's expensive. Guess I'll have to wait a week or two until it's on sale. There were 2-1 lb packages of ground turkey patties that were "Manager's Special," meaning that they had to be sold because their sale by date was approaching. They're normally $2.99, but marked down to $1.79. This savings is not reflected on the receipt because it uses a different UPC barcode. I happened to look at the price on the shelf and calculated it when I got home.

Total OOP: $5.96

Manu Coupons: $1
Bonus: $2
Plus: $4.89
Special: $2.40
Total Savings: $10.29 → 74%

Mount Olive Pickle Spears (x2) Regular Price: $3.39 Plus Price: $1.69 Coupon: $.50 off (x2) blinkie Bonus: $1 off (x2) Final Cost: $.19 each Total Savings: $6.40 → 94%	Kroger Ground Turkey Patties (x2) Regular Price: $2.99 Special: $1.79 Final Cost: $1.79 each Total Savings: $2.40 → 40%
Driscoll's Raspberries Regular Price: 3.49 Plus Price: $2 Final Cost: $2 Total Savings: $1.49 → 43%

Another Kroger Adventure

2011-05-29T20:20:00.003-04:00

Since I had to head to Walgreens to get my ink catridge refilled (which they couldn't do ... ::sadface::), figured I'd stop by Kroger and get a couple of things that I forgot/missed/purchased yesterday.

A note about the Dawn Hand Renewal that I got yesterday and the one I got today: Yesterday, I bought the 19oz bottle for $2.99. Today, I got the 9.5oz bottle for $1.49.

The Kool-Aid coupon was B2G1 (up to $.25 off). Due to a cashier error, she just put in the 25 cents and not the 10 cents. I didn't realize it until I got home and started detailing my receipt.

Total OOP: $17.20

Manu Coupons: $7.15
Bonus: $11.80
Plus: $10.84
Total Savings: $29.79 → 64%

Items purchased without coupons or sales
Pink Reusable Bag: $1.50
Bananas: $1.53 (2.93 lbs @ .54/lb)

Worst Savings Kroger Cream Cheese Regular Price: $1.32 Plus Price: $1.25 Final Cost: $1.25 Total Savings: $.07 → 5%	Best Savings Dawn Hand Renewal (x2) Price: $1.49 Coupon: $.50 off (x2) Bonus: $1 off (x2) Final: -$.01 each Total Savings: FREE + $.01 → 101%
Turkey Hill Peach Tea Regular Price: $1.99 Plus Price: $1.25 Coupon: $1 off / 2 Final Cost: $.75 each Total Savings: $2.28 → 62%	Chi Chi's Torilla Shells Regular Price: $2.09 Plus Price: $1.89 Coupon: $.50 off Bonus: $1 off Final Cost $.39 Total Savings: $1.70 → 81%
Chi Chi's Salsa Regular Price: $2.99 Plus Price: $2.59 Coupon: $.50 off Bonus: $1 off Final Cost: $1.09 Total Savings: $1.90 → 64%	Kroger Jalapenos Regular Price: $1.58 Plus Price: $1.38 Final Cost: $1.38 Total Savings: $.20 → 13%
Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce Regular Price: $2.69 Plus Price: $1 Final Cost: $1 Total Savings: $1.69 → 63%	Kroger Sour Cream Regular Price: $1.36 Plus Price: $1.25 Final Cost: $1.25 Total Savings: $.11 → 8%
Pampers Wipes Regular Price: $2.49 Coupon: $.50 off Bonus: $1 off Final Cost: $.99 Total Savings: $1.50 → 60%	French's Spice Brown Mustard (x2) Regular Price: $2.99 Plus Price: $1.69 Coupon: $.50 off (x2) peelie Bonus: $1 (x2) Final Cost: $.19 each Total Savings: $5.60 → 94%
Frank's Red Hot Sauce Regular Price: $4.19 Plus Price: $2.99 Coupon: $.50 off Bonus: $1 off Final Cost: $1.49 Total Savings: $2.70 → 64%	Fresh Green Beans Regular Price: $.39 Plus Price: $.23 (.26 lb @ $.88/lb) Final Price: $.23 Total Savings: $.16 → 41%
Mount Olive Pickle Spears (x2) Regular Price: $3.39 Plus Price: $1.69 Coupon: $.50 off (x2) blinkie Bonus: $1 off (x2) Final Cost: $.19 each Total Savings: $6.40 → 94%	Kool-Aid Packet (x3) Regular Price: $.22 Plus Price: $.10 each Coupon: B2G1 Final Cost: $.05/3 Total Savings: $.61 → 92%
Archway Oatmeal Cookies (x2) Regular Price: $2.99 Plus Price: $2.49 Coupon: $.45 off (x2) Bonus: $.90 (x2) Final Cost: $1.14 each Total Savings: $3.70 → 62%

I've been Krogering

2011-05-29T13:29:00.007-04:00

Kroger in my area triples manufacturer's coupons up to $.50, hence the bonus. On my receipt, it's shows as "SCANNED COUPONS," followed by "MULTIPLED COUPON."

Our local stores also have the policy that you can only use 2 of the same manufacturer's coupons will be tripled. Example: I got 2 packages of Chi Chi's Tortillas. The store tripled the coupons I used for each. If I would have purchased a third package, it would have only been at face value, not tripled.

With prior spending, as well as today's trip, I also qualified for $.10 off per gallon at the Kroger gas station. So, I saved an additional $2.40 there when I filled up. My van was on Empty and I have a huge tank, so it makes it worth it.

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Total OOP: $47.80

Manu Coupons: $11.75
Bonus: $18.50
Plus: $28.16
Total Savings: $58.41 → 55%

Items purchased without coupons or sales
Bakery Cupcake: $2.49
Kroger Value Tea Bags: $1.79
Slushie: $.99

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Here's the breakdown of the items that I got with coupons and my Kroger Plus card.

Memorial Day Soda Sale: $3 off / 4 = 4 for $10
Dr. Pepper 12-Pack (x2) Regular Price: $4.99 Sale Price: $3.25 Final Cost: 2.50 each Total Savings: $4.98 → 50%	Mountain Dew 12-Pack (x2) Regular Price: $5.19 Sale Price: $3.25 Final Cost: 2.50 each Total Savings: $5.38 → 52%
Worst Savings Driscoll's Strawberries Regular Price: $2.29 Plus Price: $2 Final Cost: $2 Total Savings: $.29 → 12%	Best Savings Mount Olive Pickle Spears (x2) Regular Price: $3.39 Plus Price: $1.69 Coupon: $.50 off (x2) blinkie Bonus: $1 off (x2) Final Cost: $.19 each Savings: $6.40 → 94%
Turkey Hill Raspberry Tea (x2) Regular Price: $1.99 Plus Price: $1.25 Coupon: $1 off / 2 Final Cost: $.75 each Total Savings: $2.28 → 62%	Turkey Hill Sweet Tea (x2) Regular Price: $1.99 Plus Price: $1.25 Coupon: $1 off / 2 Final Cost: $.75 each Total Savings: $2.28 → 62%
Chi Chi's Torilla Shells (x2) Regular Price: $2.09 Plus Price: $1.89 Coupon: $.50 off (x2) Bonus: $1 off (x2) Final Cost $.39 each Total Savings: $3.40 → 81%	Chi Chi's Salsa (x2) Regular Price: $2.99 Plus Price: $2.59 Coupon: $.50 off (x2) Bonus: $1 off (x2) Final Cost: $1.09 each Total Savings: $3.80 → 64%
Mezzetta Mild Banana Pepper Rings Regular Price: $2.79 Plus Price: $2.49 Coupon: $.50 off Bonus: $1 off Final Cost: $.99 Total Savings: $1.80 → 65%	Driscoll's Raspberries Regular Price: 3.49 Plus Price: $2 Final Cost: $2 Total Savings: $1.49 → 43%
French's Worcestershire Sauce Regular Price: $1.99 Plus Price: $1.89 Coupon: $.50 off Bonus: $1 off Final Cost: $.39 Total Savings: $1.60 → 80%	French's Spice Brown Mustard (x2) Regular Price: $2.99 Plus Price: $1.69 Coupon: $.50 off (x2) peelie Bonus: $1 (x2) Final Cost: $.19 each Total Savings: $5.60 → 94%
French's Yellow Mustard (x2) Regular Price: $1.99 Plus Price: $1.69 Coupon: $.30 off (x2) Bonus: $.60 off (x2) Final Cost: $.79 each Total Savings: $1.20 → 60%	Frank's Red Hot Sauce (x2) Regular Price: $4.19 Plus Price: $2.99 Coupon: $.50 off (x2) Bonus: $1 off (x2) Final Cost: $1.49 each Total Savings: $5.40 → 64%
Hunt's Ketchup Regular Price: $1.78 Plus Price: $1.43 Coupon: $.35 Bonus: $.70 Final Cost: $.38 Total Savings: $1.40 → 79%	Kroger Salad Dressing Regular Price: $1.59 Plus Price: $1.25 Coupon: FREE (store) Final Cost: $0 Total Savings: $1.59 → 100%
Wacky Mac Pasta Regular Price: $1.59 Coupon: $.40 off Bonus: $.80 Final Cost: $.39 Total Savings: $1.20 → 75%	Armour Lunch Makers Turkey Wrap Regular Price: $1.69 Plus Price: $1.25 Final Cost: $1.25 Total Savings: $.44 → 26%
Chex Snack Mix Regular Price: $2.99 Coupon: $.50 off Bonus: $1 off Final Cost: $1.49 Total Savings: $1.50 → 50%	Pampers Wipes (x2) Regular Price: $2.49 Coupon: $.50 off (x2) Bonus: $1 off (x2) Final Cost: $.99 each Total Savings: $3 → 60%
Huggies Wipes (x2) Regular Price: $2.54 Plus Price: $2.50 Coupon: $.50 off (x2) Bonus: $1 off Total Savings: $3 → 60%	Dawn Hand Renewal Dish Soap Regular Price: $2.99 Coupon: $.50 off Bonus: $1 off Final Cost: $1.49 Total Savings: $1.50 → 50%
Glade Carpet & Room Regular Price: $2.39 Coupon: $.50 off Bonus: $1 off Final Cost: $.89 Total Savings: $1.50 → 63%

Little Boy Blue

2011-05-03T22:01:00.000-04:00

**I wrote this a couple of weeks ago and really haven't had time to get online and publish it.**

The other day when I was picking Lily and Navy up from Dad's, I noticed that Navy's feet were bluish-purple and cold to the touch. His fingernail beds were dark red, almost purple. This was not the first cyanotic episode.

Cyanosis is when the skin is a blue or purplish color because of low oxygen levels in the tissue under the skin's surface.

The first time I noticed it, his lips and the area around his mouth were blue. His hands were also blue and cold. I check to see if he was breathing before I panicked. His was breathing fine. I picked him up to wake him up. His color returned to normal.

I called the doctor about it. The nurse said that if he had anymore blue symptoms to take him to the emergency room.

So, I took him in. He was breathing fine and alert, so I drove him.

After a basic exam, they put him on an ECG machine and a toe O2 monitor. They ordered labs and a check x-ray.

While nursing, Navy had several episodes of tachycardia and a couple of V-tach.

Tachycardia is when the heart beats too fast. Ventricular tachycardia, V-tach, is when the generates from on of the ventricles in the heart. It is very dangerous.

However, because of his age, the echogenic intracardiac focus (that white spot on the sonogram) on my 20 week and 28 week ultrasounds, and family history, it was deemed best that he be admitted for cardiac monitoring.

I didn't know it, but the hospital I took him to doesn't have a PICU. All of that is under construction and won't be open until March 2012.

The ER doc said that we were waiting on critical care transportation. Navy would be taken by ambulance to another hospital that had a PICU. However, because he is so young, they wanted a team that was trained for neonatal.

The team arrived and put new leads on Navy. Then, once in his carseat, his seat was strapped to the gurney.

I arrived and my guy had a fresh diaper, hospital jammies, and a pretty blue blanker from Project Linus.

Long night. Navy woke up at his usual times to nurse. A nurse came in every 3 hours to do a routine exam. His monitor alarms went off periodically.

The doctor made his rounds about 8a. Navy had no cyanotic spells that were observed and his heart and oxygen readings were good.

Diagnosis: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.
Treatment: Thicken liquid to honey consistency.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, GERD, is when stomach acid comes back up into the esophagus. It can be a common problem for babies, but they usually outgrow it by the time they're a year old.

When we got home and nap time came around, I started researching. They didn't do any sort of testing to reach this diagnosis. A simple throat swab would have shown acid in the throat.

Navy had his 2-month check-up, so there wasn't a need to schedule a follow-up appointment. He's growing and gaining well. HP didn't see why thickened liquids was prescribed when Navy is breastfed. Nursing is better for me and more comforting for him. So, Zantac was prescribed to see if that has any effect on his cyanotic episodes.

Hurry up and wait.

Cherish These Moments

2011-03-10T22:38:00.004-05:00

I know that this may sound a tad morbid, but I've accepted that my Dad will not be around forever. We just celebrated his 75th birthday this past November. I was an early birthday gift just before he turned 48.

My Dad hasn't always been perfect, but he's always been my Dad. He has a young child in his 50's. A teenage girl in his 60's. A daughter, who became a mother in his 70's.

Since my son was born, we've been "going for coffee" the last couple of weeks. We sit at the restaurant for at least an hour, sometimes two. We chat about the kids or whatever. I ask him how to fix something or if he's got a cordless drill I can borrow. He shows off his newest grandson, then brags up his granddaughter, who is at preschool.

However, it dawned on me the other day, watching my Dad hold my son, that these moments are coming to a close. I have to head back to work here soon. Even though my Dad and I aren't the hugging type, and I can't remember the last time he's actually told me that he loves me, I know he does.

I'm saddened to see these special mornings end, but gratful for the time.