She is the COUPON QUEEN!

Ok, maybe not Queen just yet, but surely a jester of some sort. This is like baby stepping into the world of couponing- I am getting my feet wet. My friend Amber has a couponing blog giving awesome deals and updates. So after reading said updates I went to Walgreens, met the nicest woman who wasn't even on the clock yet and she helped me venture around the store and learn a few tricks.

I partook in the showergel offer. I bought the first one originally 3.99-I used a printable $1 off coupon, got it for 2.99 and then received register rewards and got the next one for .34! Not bad for me anyhow- this is a rolling kind of deal- you could buy shower gel all week for .34-the tax. That's it!

I also got 80 Pampers Swaddlers diapers for $8.

So I didn't make out like a bandit- but I did ok- I'm sort of getting this- once I combine printables and the sunday paper coupons, ect ect. I will feel like I have more of a handle on this.

Also, a hard thing for me to get used to is that I'm used to buying the specific brand of whatever I want whenever I need/want it. I need to train my brain to stock up on sales, and use what is available. I also need to master buying food and then EATING/COOKING at home. I need to re-train my brain in this area as well.

But for now I will celebrate my small victory- baby steps...

Montessori Monday-School Update!

Well, these montessori mondays are not just about educating the world about montessori but to also report on the status of my impending Montessori School- I have officially enrolled my first student- a full-time student and I have two more in serious consideration (I don't consider them 'enrolled' until the materials desposit is paid-shows commitment) yeah!

I am hoping to have a classroom of six students per day- depending upon full-time/part time status. Six is a good dynamic between the children and I can give VERY indiviudalized attention (I am used to working in a 1/10 teacher student ratio). I am also having an Open House this summer (in our new house as soon as that gets sqaured away) and educate parents about Montessori, plans for the school, a meet and greet, a questions and answers forum, orientation, a classroom tour, sign up students ect.

I am very excited about starting this school. It is a LOT of work. Montessori materials are insanely expensive. We are moving. I am aware that there is quite a bit to do and yet when I think about it I am enthused about it, and a peaceful, calm feeling comes over me. This is what I am meant to do at this time. The Montessori method has drastically influenced my life for the better, and now I can provide a Montessori expereince for others. It's amazing.

Wish me luck- and if you or anyone you know is interested in attending a freindly Open House meet and greet in the summer, let me know and I'll send an invite!

Got ZZZZzzzz's?

Sleep- it's highly over rated right? Unless you don't get ANY sleep- and I mean next to nothing for days on end- I feel like I'm in high school again- only I have 1/2 the energy I used to have- it's my fault- not Hailyn's. My insomnia kicked up about seven notches- and I am sabatoging myself here. Anyhow, here's hoping that this will be me soon...

He who tames the teething monster...

The teething monster (Hailyn) has struck again... and after yet another rough night (there have been four rough nights in a row, with smatterings of rough nights here and there the past few weeks), I finally struggled to get out of bed at 4am... I groaned and put my head under a pillow- waiting for my usually self-soothing baby to soothe herslef to sleep. Well,my guy here got up with her and gently put her back to bed- after working a long day and everything. He just sees something that needs to be done and happily does it without being asked and without needing recognition- he is truly a partner. He truly loves being a dad, and he's a great dad, and hubby, and best friend-



Hailyn and I are super lucky to have this wonderful man in our lives! I love him!
(this pic was from his journeyman graduation dinner a few years ago... ahhh time flies! I need more current pics of us!)
*FYI Hailyn is always super sweet for her daddy- she is truly a daddy's girl- she will be cranky for me or someone else the second she is with her daddy, she's calm!
*DISCLAIMER: Hailyn has slept through the night for a long time now- so it's REALLY hard to go from a beautiful night of sleep to chaos!It hasn't always been this hairy and this too shall pass!

Determination...

So, as many of you know if something doesn't come easily to me I usually become frustrated and move on- it's not a quality I am proud of, but I usually master things fairly easily.

I HAD to take Spanish IV, didn't like it but I HAD to do it- so I know I can do anything!

Therefore- I am on a quest.

I have seen several blogs with people buying $100 worth of groceries for $8 or 300 diapers for $20. I am envious. I want this. I am going to a class tomorrow to try and master this skill.

I use coupons when I have them and enjoy the occasional $3 off here and there- but I desperately want to stock up for pratically nothing.

I am aware this is going to take determination and patience. I am trying to learn from those smarter than me (Amber) and I plan on figuring this business out. So if anyone would like to share any secrets with me- puuhlease pass them on!

(My goals for the next three months: master couponing, lose 5 more lbs, finish writing and work out more- I'll keep you posted- and therefore I'll hold myself accoutnable) wish me luck!

Random Cuteness..

Ok, I know, I have an obsession with my daughter- but can you blame me?

I tried to 'spike'her hair-yeah that worked well (Hailyn and Ryan have a 'hair growing contest since they have the same 'hair style'- so far it's neck and neck)

Chubby legs!


Hailyn stole my seat on the couch- she was just chillin'

Montessori Monday

So it is a dunting task to educate the world about Montessori! I went to training for two years and had a one year internship to learn all the intricacies to this very expansive philosophy and cirriculum.

I have also noticed my posts on Montessori Monday are extremely long. So I'm going to TRY and condense so it's an easier read on everyone.

I remember walking into a Montessori classroomand seeing a tower of beautiful pink blocks stacked nicely on top of each other and thought 'what the heck do these kids do all day?'

The 'Pink Tower' is found in the sensorial section (where all five senses are isolated and expereinced) of the classroom and it's purpose to to establish the base of ten (used in the mathematics system) as well as to differentiate size. There are ten pink blocks, painted a beautiful pink for visual interest. It is preparation for math and teaches the child spatial quantities.

It is so much more than 'blocks'. (but kids still want to 'play' with them-learning is fun! Isn't that inspirational?)