I was reading some blogs the other day and I realized a hadn't updated since Phoenix's 2nd birthday in JULY! We've been busy and any free time I have is spent on this:
That would be my Coupon Stockpile of Health and Beauty items. I also have a stockpile of certain Food items and a Household Stockpile (toilet paper, cleaning supplies, etc.). I'm not "Extreme" but I do spend 3-5 hours a week (in the evenings) working on my coupons. Because of Phoenix's therapy schedule I am able to go to a few different stores a week to get some great deals. We're really seeing a difference in our grocery budget and it's really nice to have that extra money. I still have to go to the grocery store every week to get our produce, milk, meat, etc. 
That would be my Coupon Stockpile of Health and Beauty items. I also have a stockpile of certain Food items and a Household Stockpile (toilet paper, cleaning supplies, etc.). I'm not "Extreme" but I do spend 3-5 hours a week (in the evenings) working on my coupons. Because of Phoenix's therapy schedule I am able to go to a few different stores a week to get some great deals. We're really seeing a difference in our grocery budget and it's really nice to have that extra money. I still have to go to the grocery store every week to get our produce, milk, meat, etc. I thought since it has been so long since I blogged I would give a rundown of our weeks. I also like to do that so we can look back someday and see how it was when Mommy "stayed at home."
On Monday morning we typically get up and take a walk/jog. I got this Double Jogging Stroller for $40 at Duck Duck Goose (a huge consignment event that takes place twice a year)! We love it! I've lost about 50 pounds since January and I wanted to start jogging, but it was just too cumbersome with our regular double stroller. I was SO EXCITED when I found this at such a great price! I still have 10 pounds I want to lose before 2012, so we better put lots of miles on this thing before then!
After our walk we play outside until lunchtime. Then we come in, eat lunch and get ready to take this little guy to therapy!
I can't believe he is getting so BIG! He is SO sweet and lovable, but also a little WILD GUY! On Mondays he does 1 hour of Physical Therapy with Mrs. Katie and 45 minutes of Speech with Ms. Nicole. He is doing so great! He barely qualified for PT, but we opted to keep him in with the hope that he would completely test out when he's 3. His Speech is really coming along, he is where he should be as far as Receptive Language (understanding us, being able to complete tasks, etc.) but is still significantly delayed in his Expressive Language. While he is in therapy, Violet and I enjoy some one-on-one time. We go couponing, go walking, go to the park and play, or work on her HIPPY "homework." Once a month, we have MOPS Steering Team Meeting and Bible Study on Monday mornings. 
I am so happy we found "Little Rock School of Dance" this year! It is run by 2 red-headed sisters ( I like to think Amanda and I are just like them...beautiful, slim, red-headed sister dancers!) The girls both take a class at 4pm which makes it really convenient! Violet's class lasts for 1 hour and consists of Tap, Ballet and Gymnastics. Veronika's class lasts for 1 1/2 hours and consists of Tap, Jazz and Ballet. Phoenix and I get to spend an hour together, then we go pick up Violet. The studio has a great area for kids with coloring sheets, crayons and a great DVD selection! We hang out there for the next 1/2 hour until Veronika is finished. After that we head home for dinner, homework, bath and bed.
I can't believe he is getting so BIG! He is SO sweet and lovable, but also a little WILD GUY! On Mondays he does 1 hour of Physical Therapy with Mrs. Katie and 45 minutes of Speech with Ms. Nicole. He is doing so great! He barely qualified for PT, but we opted to keep him in with the hope that he would completely test out when he's 3. His Speech is really coming along, he is where he should be as far as Receptive Language (understanding us, being able to complete tasks, etc.) but is still significantly delayed in his Expressive Language. While he is in therapy, Violet and I enjoy some one-on-one time. We go couponing, go walking, go to the park and play, or work on her HIPPY "homework." Once a month, we have MOPS Steering Team Meeting and Bible Study on Monday mornings.On Tuesdays we get to STAY AT HOME! It is SO nice and makes me long for the days when I would get cabin fever from staying at home!
Our Wednesdays are normally like Mondays. On the 2nd Wednesday of every month we have our MOPS Meetings. Phoenix goes for 1 hour of Developmental Therapy with Mrs. Amy and another 45 minutes of Speech with Ms. Nicole. Wednesdays are great because after therapy we get to go pick Veronika up from school! We get home around 4 so the kids get to play for an hour, then it's time for showers, dinner and getting ready for AWANA! Phoenix is a "Puggle" this year and Dodi, Steve and I teach his class. Violet is a "Cubbie" and Veronika is in "TNT". After AWANA it is time to come home and get everyone ready for bed!
On Thursdays we get to hang around home all morning! We love going for a long walk and playing outside. At 1 o'clock, Mrs. Mary from HIPPY comes. HIPPY stands for "Home Instructions for Parents of Pre-School Youth." It is a State-Funded program that supplies us for Pre-School Educational Activities. Violet loves doing her "homework" through the week and loves to sit at the table with Mrs. Mary and I as we go over the week's activities. After Mrs. Mary leaves we get ready to go pick up Veronika and head to dance!
I am so happy we found "Little Rock School of Dance" this year! It is run by 2 red-headed sisters ( I like to think Amanda and I are just like them...beautiful, slim, red-headed sister dancers!) The girls both take a class at 4pm which makes it really convenient! Violet's class lasts for 1 hour and consists of Tap, Ballet and Gymnastics. Veronika's class lasts for 1 1/2 hours and consists of Tap, Jazz and Ballet. Phoenix and I get to spend an hour together, then we go pick up Violet. The studio has a great area for kids with coloring sheets, crayons and a great DVD selection! We hang out there for the next 1/2 hour until Veronika is finished. After that we head home for dinner, homework, bath and bed.Fridays don't have any regularly scheduled activities, I try to make that a day to stay at home and relax! It also usually involves some housework and laundry to get the house ready for the weekend!
