The One With The Big Shabang

So, we had a little party for Paige on Saturday. I can't believe she is one year old. I know everyone says it, but where did the time go?! Just over night she went from being a baby to wanting to crawl around and explore the whole house.

I decided on a "you are my sunshine" (under-toned) theme. The pictures don't show it the greatest (I had a lot of other things to pay attention to, so I didn't get as many or the greatest quality of pictures that I would have liked, but I'm not too upset about it).



I made a banner (and had originally planned to make more smaller banners to decorate with, but I didn't end up with enough time) that said "You Are My Sunshine". Sorry again... bad pic.


My sister in laws helped me decorate the strawberry flavor cake. I was slightly nervous about the flavor, but it tasted ok. The big cake sure turned out cute, huh?


I did most of Paige's cake (my first cake decorating experience), and was slightly rushed, so it doesn't look as cute (go ahead and laugh...) but I didn't stress.


And well, I have kind of been obsessed with photo booths and 'staches since I started thinking about this party, so I had to incorporate it. We set up a make-shift photo booth, and my sweet niece was the photographer for us. She did a great job, and I think we had a lot of fun.






When it came time to sing and let her eat cake, well... the picture below says it all.


I guess she didn't like the strawberry flavor. Silly girl.


Don't be fooled. Most of the mess of the cake was from us trying to get her to eat it.

It was a fun little (well, as little as our families are) get together. I always enjoy an excuse to see family. Thanks so much to everyone for the happy birthday texts, and for my family for coming.

The One With One Down...

Paige is officially done with her first eye procedure! Yay! For those of you who wanted an update, this is for you.


She was such a trooper throughout the whole thing, and did so well with not eating and not taking a nap when she wanted. She was in heaven with all of the fun toys to play with.


It was a quick, 20 minute procedure called, 'exam under anesthesia & probe with possible balloon'. They un-clogged her tear ducts with the balloons, and did some brief testing on her actual eye balls. Her eye muscles are tight, and will need some surgery to loosen them up (so she can look up and down on her own, without making her whole head move up and down). Although, the doctor is now saying that there is a possibility that this could correct her low eyelids, and she might not need that surgery, but we will have to wait to find out for sure.

She was very very grumpy while coming out of the anesthesia, and has been sleeping almost constantly since we got home. My SIL was working that day and she was able to go into the beginning of surgery with her. and check up on us a few times, and all that jazz. It helped me that she was there, and knew who I should recommend.

Paige is such a sweetheart, and we are so happy that there is a way & people who can help her. Thanks for all of your texts, messages and calls of support! We have great family and friends.

The One Where I Am A Coupon Believer

I'll say it once, and I'll say it again...

I love getting good deals!

Have you seen the show on TLC called Extreme Couponing? Well, I liked that show. And yes, I kind of related to them. I mean, I am NOT half as extreme as they are, but I agree with them in the sense that it is addicting, and gives you a rush.

For example:

Today, I went to Rite Aid. I bought 2 packs of diapers (on sale for $8.99 each), and 2 boxes of Excedrine ($5.29 each). The shelf cost was $28.56. I know it is dumb, but my heart was pounding as it the cashier was ringing me up, and that may or may not have been the first time that has happened to me...

I had several coupons (yes, I strategically planned this shopping trip), and the sub total came to $0.98... No joke. I paid more for tax than the actual 4 items. Don't believe me... click on the picture below to see the proof in a larger image.


Now, I am not saying I always get this great of deals. No ma'am. And when people hear that I coupon, they give me a look and ask, "do you really think it saves you money?" Yes! I usually save between 40-60% each grocery trip. It takes some planning, which isn't always easy with a baby, but nothing is completely 'free', right? It's totally worth it.

I am rambling, but I just wanted to let anyone out there who reads this, that they can do it too! I'm in no way "one of the best" at couponing, but we have seen a big difference in our home. Even Rick has come around to the idea of me couponing. He used to make fun of me for it, but just last night we were talking about how good it's been for us. :)