Edward is now five months!

These pics were taken by my wonderful and very talented cousin Becca (Crim) Stephenson. She graduated from photography school this last May. Thanks so much for all your hard work!

My first trip to Walgreens

After reading about many of you girls amazing adventures at Walgreens, I decided to give it a try. Before attempting to shop, I talked multiple times with Jenica. Thanks to her great advice and knowledge, my first trip went pretty well.
My main goal, shop, save, spend no more then one hour and buy things that I really would use. Edward and I entered with our coupons, folder, and calculator. We also went in with some trepidation and worry. Its always a little hard going into a new store not knowing where everything is situated.
I first found the little booklet with coupons and rebates. I scrolled through it and found what I needed. We then slowly and cautiously went through each isle in search of all the items we had planned to buy. After finding each item, we headed to the check-out. Edward apparently was so bored he fell asleep, thank goodness. I purposely waited for a few customers to check-out. Once I thought it was safe and quiet, I went to the only cashier. The total was $60 something. I handed over the coupons hoping that I had followed their directions and that none were too outdated. Of course, by now there were multiple shoppers waiting behind me, ahhh the stress. Anyways, after just a couple questions and confirmations of products, the cashier gave me my grand total of $27.45. Wow!!! I grabbed my bags and hurried out of the store thinking that just maybe the owner would come and tell me that something wasn't right with the total or something.
Once I safely got into the car, I looked over my receipt and realized that i'd saved $41.15. I also had $5.00 to spend for my next purchase. Now I realize, some of you shop and leave the store with money in your pockets. Maybe one day that will be me. For now, I was pleased to know that I had accomplished my goals and actually saved a LOT more then I had anticipated. I now look forward to my next trip to Walgreens.
One of the deals I found was the Air Wick Freshmatic Kit. The mini was $9.99. Walgreens had a $4 coupon and I had a $3 Manu. coupon. Which means it was only $3 bucks.
Please keep the suggestions and ideas coming. I can definitely use the help.

Busy Weekend

Before Edward and the house, weekends were something to look forward to. Don't get me wrong, they are still wonderful . We just can't sleep in on Saturdays and there is always a BIG project looming.
Nevertheless, Friday night was a lot of fun. We went to an Iowa Cubs game in Des Moines. My Dad had a bunch of tickets thanks to Farm Bureau. Thus, some of our friends and family got to enjoy a beautiful night of baseball. Edward and his little friend Myra really enjoyed their first game... except when the crowds would roar. They would both jump, look really frightened, and cry loudly. It was rather cute and funny at the same time. Poor things.
Saturday started out early as normal due to little Edward and his restless night and morning. I wonder if the loud noises from the game and fireworks gave him bad dreams. Anyways, we then began the long and tedious project of laying our wood flooring. Many thanks for all the hard work Brian, Josh, my brother Daniel, and Dad. We couldn't have done it without you all. Despite all the great help, we still have a long way to go. We hope to finish it all next weekend, or the next. The flooring and paint have already made a huge difference. Here are just a few pictures from the weekend.

I have a bad attitude

Since moving to Iowa, we are learning about many new and different laws that we didn't deal with in AR. Last night I was driving with my sis Abby and we were pulled over by a cop. I was driving the limit, had my seat belt on, and was driving in the lines. We came to find out that my front windows were too darkly tinted. Apparently they registered at 20% VLT. As many of you in Iowa know, you can only have 70% or more. This amount is pretty much direct sunlight. The cop went on to inform me that many cops have been shot at b/c they couldn't see through the front window. Why don't they enforce removal of all tinted windows. It doesn't make sense to only remove the tint from the front windows. Oh well, I must now abide by Iowa's laws. I now have approx. 48 hours to remove the tint from my two front windows, or else. Apparently I can either use lighter fluid or soap and water to remove them. Hum, big decision. Well, I'm sorry if this sounds a little bitter... I guess I am ever so slightly. Thankfully I didn't pay for the tint in the first place. Also, I am thankful that I wasn't issued a $80 citation.


Iowa Window Tint Law

Iowa Tint Law Enacted: 1983
HOW DARK CAN WINDOW TINT BE IN IOWA?

Darkness of tint is measured by Visible Light Transmission percentage (VLT%). In Iowa, this percentage refers to percentage of visible light allowed in through the combination of film and the window.

Windshield Non-reflective tint is allowed along the top of the windshield above the manufacturer's AS-1 line.
Front Side Windows Must allow more than 70% of light in.
Back Side Windows Any darkness can be used.
Rear Window Any darkness can be used.