Coupons, Savings and yes, even Stress

Coupon Cutting Queen!

Okay, so today I ventured to CVS to try out their savings that I have been reading about online so much. The deal with CVS is you have to sign up for a card to get their savings. You buy certain things and you get money back in the way of "Extra Care Bucks". It takes some out of pocket money to get the deals, but in the end you are saving. For example, I bought some tooth paste for 1.99, CVS gave me 1.00 in Extra Bucks so I bought the toothpaste for 99 cents. Now, only after I go back and use that Extra buck... so for now, yes I am out of pocket some money. It will only work if I go back BY A CERTAIN DATE and use the Extra bucks I earned. Oh, trust me, I will.

I may be new to this coupon/saving thing, but I do have my stuff organized and I already have my extra bucks filed in the coupon case, under the new label CVS!

Today I earned $11 in Extra Care Bucks. Since this is a learning curve, I actually messed up. I could have earned $10 more, but I didn't pay close enough attention. If I spent $20 on health care I would have gotten $10 credit. I spent$15.78, I needed to spend $4.22 and I would have gotten it. Unfortunately I didn't see this until after I had left the store. Hence, the learning curve.

I also used MFC and saved $8. I am pretty proud of myself just for that.

CVS also had a buy one get one free on eye make up. I NEEDED eye liner and bought that. I got mascara for free. That was a savings of $5.99! Since I needed it, it was worth it.

What I bought today.

My savings total $25 for my trip to CVS for today. I'll admit, I spent a lot this trip, $120 to be exact. But, I do NOT have to go to Wal-Mart now. I bought all those items and even bought multiples, (see pic, I bought 2 deodorants and 3 body washes, we aren't that stinky, it will last) so I won't need those items for a few months. Again, its paying now to save in the long run. It doesn't seem like a lot, but knowing that I have diapers for almost 2 months, Swiffer wipes for 2+ months, body wash for 2 months, deodorant for 2 months, band-aids for a very long time, paper towels for months, dish washing liquid for months, Tylenol, toothpaste, etc... see my point?

The other thing I plan to do is a Swiffer rebate. I really hate rebates because you have to jump through hoops to get the money. They are offering a debit card deal for spending money on their product. I plan on getting a $10 debit card from them, after jumping through those hoops, which will bring my savings up to $35. Since I really use Swiffer products, I think it is worth it.

So, is your head spinning like mine is? I will admit, it can be a little stressful and I am trying really hard to buy things I would normally buy and not just because I have a coupon. I admit, I did buy a few things I would not have normally bought. For example, I bought 2 bags of cookies. They were 2/$4. I had coupons though; 50 cents off one. I bought 2, which means, I spent $3 on cookies. I don't think that's bad knowing that my family will eat them. but, could I have done without? yes.

One thing I like about the CVS receipt is it lists the extra care bucks offers and tells you how much you spent and how much more you should have spent to qualify for the extra bucks. That is how I learned about the $10 I missed out on by $4.22. But, I am happy to say that I only missed out that ONE. The others, I would have had to spend a lot more on. I had 7 chances to get extra bucks. I received 3 ($11 total) I missed out on 1 (afore mentioned) and 3, I wasn't even close, which is good. I didn't buy what I didn't need!

I have a long way to go. I am learning. Honestly, I am trying to see if it is worth it. This will be continued...

So, if you are interested, learn about all this CVS stuff here.

The Grocery Game and Money Saving Mom are my two favorite places. If you try out The Grocery Game, please list my e-mail, I can save that way too. hodgesgal@gmail.com

We also did our HEB shopping today. After I checked The Grocery Game, I knew where the saving were and headed off with them, my list and my coupons. Last time I saved approx. $14 using coupons. This time I saved $22 using MCF from the trusty newspaper! Then I save $8.67 using those yellow HEB coupons. I saved over $30 tonight!

So, my savings today: $55!!! WHOOP!!! Once I jump through those rebate hoops, it'll be $65! I feel productive!

Are you a coupon clipper? Do you shop at certain stores because of their deals?
Let me know if you already do this, or if you try it and let me know how you make it work!!! I am all about learning!!!

Surgery and Hospital Stay

Wednesday morning was Hollister's surgery. We were at the surgery center at 6:30 am. Man, it was early!

Playing in the waiting room.

He had some pre-op stuff done.

They have a cool wall that is a chalkboard. It is huge. He enjoyed playing on that. It was quite messy though.

He did not like the hospital gown though and cried so much they let him keep his own pajamas on. Notice one picture WITH the hospital gown, one withOUT.
Once he was asleep, they made the switch. When they took him back, he went berserk! It was so sad and tough on us.

We went to a waiting area and did just that, waited. Thank goodness Starbucks was right across the street. My sweet hubby made a run over there for some yummy coffee.

The doctor came and saw us about 45 minutes later, said all went well. There was quite an infection in his left ear. I was not surprised. We had to wait until recovery was over and then they brought him to us. He was the most precious boy ever.

He just slept in his Daddy's arms for an hour. When he started to wake up, it was kind of tough, but for the most part, he was good.

Blood Pressure and heart rate monitor.

After being in that room for 2 hours, we were transported to Dell Children's Hospital. It is connected via underground tunnels. It was kind of cool.

Once we were settled in our room, we pretty much could do whatever we wanted. Hollister could go anywhere we went, etc. I was hoping he would nap, but of course no such luck.

Hollister and Goofy checking out the bed, but not sleeping!

Trevor went to get us lunch and Hollister thought it was for him. Like I said, we needed him to nap, so we could eat and sleep.

He said he was hungry so we ordered pancakes and mac and cheese from the cafeteria. He could eat, as long as it was soft. He completely amazed us with how much he ate. We kept being told, "Don't worry if he doesn't eat, just keep him hydrated, even if he doesn't eat for a week." A week? Not my kid! He was eating a few hours after his surgery. he knows he needs to keep up his strength.

Pancakes, mac and cheese, jello and Powerade!

The hospital had great resources for us. They had wagons to pull him around. They had a great playroom with tons of stuff. They had a library with free books and videos to check out while you were there. They have a beautiful healing garden with amazing colors and waterfalls. They have a colorful "butterfly" wall, that you can touch. It would change colors and butterflies would appear. They have an interactive toy with balls, that is crazy amazing. The balls go through all these mazes, make noises, etc... it is really cool. We really weren't that bored.

Anyone shocked that he found the tools? Or the loudest toy in the playroom? Didn't think so.

It took Hollister a really long time to take a nap. He feel asleep while eating his second serving of pancakes and mac and cheese. It was late, which meant he'd be up late, just like home!

Finally!

He had an IV most of the day for help with fluids. At first he hated it. He tried ripping it out, but after a while he was used to it and even careful about getting it tangled when riding in the wagon or playing.

The diagnosis is good. He'll be hopped up on meds for a few days and restricted to a soft diet for 2 weeks. He also is not supposed to run... HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA or be "too" active for 2 weeks.
He has to be out of day care for a week, which he will enjoy. We are splitting that time up, plus we have the weekend, so that is helpful.

One of the cool features this hospital has. Definitely "Austin". This was right before we left, he had to take his picture by both guitars!

We'll do some follow up check ups and if we keep our fingers crossed, our ear infections will be a thing of the past, as well as his snoring and drainage problems

.

Thanks for the fun get well balloons from our family in New Mexico. He LOVES them!

Trevor and I commented while at the hospital how fortunate we feel to have 3 healthy kids. I am thankful for a great hospital and all the resources available to us when we need them. But, spending just one night there, reminded us to be thankful everyday for what we have!

Quick Action

Today Hollister had his ENT appt. I fully expected to be told he needed tubes and for it to be completed soon. What I didn't anticipate was to be told that he also needed his tonsils and adenoids taken out. And even more than that, I never anticipated the surgery to take place in less than 2 days.

I am not panicking. It was just a lot to take in, on my own. Trevor is in NM until tomorrow evening, so I had convey all this to him by phone. That was no fun.

Since Hollister's tonsils need to come out too, he has to have his surgery at Dell Children's Hospital in Austin. He will also have to be admitted and spend the night. Our Dr. only goes there 2 days a month, that is why it is being done so quickly.

I am hopeful for a great outcome. I know this is really going to help Hollister's ear infections, along with his breathing and snoring issues!

Bitter sweet Day

Today is CJ's 12th birthday. Like all his birthdays, he is excited and giddy. He acts like a 5 year old on these days. Its actually quite funny.

Last night he said all he wanted was the remote control for the TV in his room which he had lost due to some poor choices a while back, and some time on my computer. I just love that these little things make him happy.

First thing this morning, he asked for toast and eggs. Again, crazy simple thing.

His favorite place to eat is Applebee's. Trevor hates that place. But we went for lunch, which thrilled CJ. A trip to Barnes and Noble and the kid was about to pee his pants. When I let him get 2 books, I think I might of seen some tears well up in his eyes. You'd think we never buy this kid anything!

We had a yummy iced cream dessert tonight and we did actually buy him a present that he wasn't expecting.

I love that he doesn't want "traditional"cakes anymore. Cookies and Cream Ice Cream cake!!! Oh, mercy, it was yummy!

It was a good day!

So, why so bittersweet? because as most of you know, CJ has decided that he wants to live with his Dad. Now that he is 12, he knows that he can make that decision. This was not a surprise, it was not sprung on me. I have known for a long time. It doesn't actually happen until August 1st either. CJ will finish the school year and summer here. It is becoming official though. I received some paper work last week from attorneys and well, I haven't even opened them. Guess I'm in a little denial.

I know its coming, I know why and this may seem weird, but I understand. Being married to Trevor and Kendrick NOT living here, I get it, I understand why CJ wants to move. I hate it, but I understand it.

So for now, this day marks a milestone, but I know there are many to come so I won't dwell. I'll love on my boy and be thankful for a great 12 years with him.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY BOY!

I'm all ears!

This is what a strong ear looks like. Okay, not really, but its cute.

This is what a not so strong ear looks like. I know, it looks strong, but trust me. If you could see inside, you would gross out! But that ear sure is on a cute head!
Ears have always been an issue in my family. I had tubes as a child and serious issues about the size of my ears and that they stick out. I'm over that now.

When CJ was 18 months, he had tubes after many ear infections. It completely solved his infection issues. I also think at the time, it helped his hearing. Now he is 12 and the only problem with his ears is selective listening and that he forgets to clean them. Boys are gross!

Now, there is Hollister. Today we returned to the Dr. to check on his eyes actually. They had "gunk" in them accompanied by a fever, etc... Well, one VERY QUICK look into that nasty left ear and the Dr. says, "Oh, his eardrum has burst"

OMG! I knew his ear was not healing correctly!! Talk about a frustrated mom. So, we start another antibiotic AND FINALLY get a referral to the ENT. This is after his 5th infection since August 2008. What takes so long? There is a problem with my baby's ear, it is obvious. I am concerned about his hearing, why have we waited so long?

Well, thank goodness the ENT can see us quickly. Hopefully we can have some answers by next week.

Take me out to the ballgame

Opening day for baseball season...FINALLY!!!!

We are a baseball family. We were not able to go to opening day in Houston this year. So instead, I brought the ballpark to Elgin!

We dressed in Astros and Express attire, gloves in hand, (you know, to catch foul balls), hot dogs, french fries and cracker jacks. Today we had great seats too, no one in front to block our view.

Hollister is very much "part of the game".
The Astros didn't win, but it was still a fun evening of baseball.