Mama!!

Preston finally said mama!! It was the cutest thing too . . . I was loading the van to go to school on Tuesday and had put Preston on the floor. As I turned to go out the door with some of our school stuff he raises his arms (his new signal for PICK ME UP) and whines "mama mama". Since then he's said, whined, and even screamed it a lot more but the funny thing is that I don't even mind the whining when it's for his mama! :)

A Cheerful Giver

"Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

2 Corinthians 9:7

Over the past 3 1/2 years this verse has really taken on new meaning as I've watched Savannah grow from a super needy infant into a little girl who loves to give to others. Our little Savannah is most definitely a cheerful giver. In fact, she has of date given away ALL of her Valentine candy (and I assure you it's not because she doesn't like sweets). Although I thought it a little odd to hand out your candy to friends at dance, church, and even someone else's birthday party, who am I to stop her?! Anyway, just seeing her in action warms my heart. Hardly a day goes by when she doesn't see something that she wants to give away or make something to give to someone. I assure you she didn't get this quality from me . . . yet it is a subtle piece of my mom always present. During times when I miss mom so much it's neat to be able to see part of her in our sweet Savannah.

Happy Valentine's Day!

The 3 loves of my life!

Yesterday we had a great low key family day! We all made it to church and afterwards had fun watching the kids open their gifts. Dave got me a beautiful tulip arrangement and we all enjoyed eating dinner out at the Olive Garden (a very kid friendly place for V-Day). The wait was minimal and those that were waiting were quite interesting to watch . . . which kept Preston entertained. :) After the kids were in bed, Dave and I enjoyed our tradition of having a slice of Adam's Peanut Butter Cup cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory, which was truly worth every calorie! It was a special day to celebrate the ones we love. I truly am blessed with an amazing husband and 2 wonderful, healthy, happy children!

Valentine's Party

Story time with Sara's mom, Miss Chelle

Craft time. Savannah made me an adorable heart necklace!

Today I helped with Savannah's WEE school party. It was quite an adventure trying to get everything ready, but we did it and only forgot one thing, her vacuum for show and tell! I was in charge of treat bags and managed to get them together along with teacher gifts, little sweets for Savannah's favorite friends that we made on Wednesday, her valentine cards for everyone in the class, a meal for a family in our Sunday school class, and even had Preston dressed and fed before the big party! Whew! Speaking of Preston, he LOVED being at the party and sat quietly in his stroller the entire time. This kid just soaks up attention and he loves a good party! So now we're watching the snow pour down and waiting for daddy to get home for the weekend! :)

First Word

For a few days now Preston has been quite verbal. It all started on Saturday when we were in Greenville and he really started talking to Papa. I honestly couldn't believe how he just all of a sudden started "talking". Mainly he's been saying "baa, baa, BAA, BAA" (it gets louder and louder as he goes on and on) but tonight he finally busted out with "Dada"!! I'm not sure who was more excited, me ~ knowing he just said his first word, or Dave ~ knowing his first word was Dada!

Winter Birthday Celebration

Today we travelled to Greenville to celebrate Dave's sister and dad's birthdays. We had planned to go last weekend, but of course the weather postponed our trip. Anyway, we had a fun trip and a delicious lunch! Here is a picture I shot of Preston checking out his cousin, Ashley.

Preston also decided to really start "talking" today. It was the wildest thing because all of a sudden he had a ton to say!

An Addiction

I've always wondered why people who are addicted to harmful things cannot just give them up, but I'm beginning to realize how addictions can truly consume who you are and what you do daily! I know I have talked a lot about saving money on this blog, but truly, I am addicted to saving money by clipping coupons. I know it sounds crazy, but I've really been trying to only get the necessities from the grocery store each week (since we could totally live out of our freezers and pantries for a month) but I cannot just buy milk and produce. I am addicted to getting the best deals and stocking up when there is a good sale. For example, this week I went to BiLo yesterday and got more than we needed for the week. I was determined not to go to Harris Teeter, but after going through my coupons and the sale paper I just couldn't resist . . . I'm addicted! I did end up getting 5 things of goldfish, 4 large containers of apple juice, butter, a gallon of milk, a quart of chocolate milk, 2 tacos, 2 boxes of poptarts, juice boxes (no coupon and not on sale, but Savannah's teachers told me she NEEDS a box instead of bottle), and a large frozen pizza for a whopping $5.41! I wonder if there is a support group for this . . .

I'm Pumped!!

I am so excited about my trip to BiLo today! When we arrived at the store I thought things were a little out of the ordinary because there were lots of men in suits with BiLo name tags, but it wasn't until I went in that I figured out what was happening. As of today the Matthews BiLo is finally participating in Fuel Perks. I really hadn't paid too much attention to the program before now because I knew our stores weren't participating, but it is such a great rewards program. Basically your purchases at BiLo accumulate and for each $50 you spend you get 5 cents off every gallon of gas you buy (up to 20 gal) at BP!!!! The best part is that the rewards accumulate BEFORE coupons! So, today my total was $139 and even though I only paid $41 I accumulated enough points to get 10 cents off every gallon of gas at BP. Plus, I only need to spend another $11 to get an additional 5 cents off per gallon. I've seen lots of advertisements where they'll offer bonus fuel perks too so I'm totally ready to put this program to work! Now I just have to reregister my UPromise accont for my new BiLo card!!! I'm literally pumped about Fuel Perks!