Harris Teeter Rounds 2 & 3 Combined!

(2) Bottles of Aunt Jemima Syrup
(4) Boxes of Special K Cereal Bars
(2) Bags of Puperoni Dog Treats
(7) Boxs of 25ct Electrasol Powerball Dishwasher Tabs
(1) Airwick Hidden Pleasures Oil Warmer
(2) Airwick Oils Refills
(1) Bottle of Snuggle Fabric Softner
(4) Boxes of 8 Packs of Lance Sandwhich Crackers
(3) Bottles of Acts Renewal Mouthwash
(2) Tubes of Aquafresh Extreme Whitening Toothpaste
(4) Bags of Frozen Yoplait Smoothie Pieces
(4) Bags of Kraft 2% Mexican Cheese
(2) Tubes of Neosporin Plus Pain Relief
(1) Bottle of Pepcid Complete
(2) Bottles of Woolite Oxy Pet Fresh Cleaner
(2) Boxes of Hefty Tall Kitchen Trash Bags
(1) Box of Betty Crocker Three Cheese Potatos
(4) Boxes of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese
(4) Boxes of Quaker Granola Bars
(1) Pack of Cottonelle Double Rolls (12 Rolls)
(3) Things of Smuckers Jelly
(3) Jars of JIF Peanut Butter
(3) Bottles of McCormick Spices/Seasoning (Cinnamon and Chili Powder)
(1) Box of Uncle Ben's White Rice
(3) Cans of Beefaroni
(3) Totinos Pizzas
(6) Boxes of Barilla Whole Wheat Pasta
(4) Boxes of Post Ceral (Cocoa Pebbles and Fruity Pebbles)
(1) Loaf of White Wheat Bread
(3) Boxes of Gortons Grilled Tilapia
(1) Box of 30ct Gortons Fish Sticks
(2) Packs of 4 YoCrunch Cheesecake Yogurt
(6) Yoplait Light and Creamy Yogurts
(2) Packs of Heritage Farm All Beef LiL Frankies
(1) Tub of Carl Budding Honey Ham

92 Items Total

Grand Total: $394.23
Total Coupons and VIC Savings: $241.18
Total Spent: $153.05

Combined with the first 2 visits which were combined, I have spent $205.36 and saved $440.96.

Round One of Coupons at 6:00am <3 Spent $52.31 and Saved $199.78!

I am really starting to enjoy this couponing thing. It takes a lot of time and I have a lot to learn but so far, my time and efforts have really paid off!! Being 31 weeks pregnant and living on one income (not so great at that), we must do everything in our power to save money. Me saving $199.78 is equivalent to me MAKING $199.78! Hopefully I will do well over the next few days as well ... I have a lot of trips to make since you can only use 20 coupons per VIC card per day and 3 of the same coupon. Several I have 4 or 5 of because I really like the item. Poor Brian went with me this morning at 6:00am so we could use more coupons and save me a trip later ... and insure that we get most of what the really good deals were. Going back today at 2:30 with my Krystal <3<3

(4) Lysol Disinfecting Wipes
(6) Boxes of Band-Aid Bandages
(2) Boxes of Johnson's Gauze Pads
(5) Air Wick Hidden Pleasures Oil Warmers
(10) Air Wick Oil Refills
(5) Boxes of Gortons Popcorn Shrimp
(4) Bags of Ore Ida French Fries
(3) Packages of Uncle Ben's Ready Rice
(5) Box of Uncle Ben's White Rice
(1) Bottle of Bayer Aspirin
(4) 20oz Bottles of Heinz Ketchup
(2) Blistex Medicated Lip Balm
(7) 16oz Bottles of Coffemate Creamer
(1) 20lb Box of Fresh Step Cat Litter
(3) Bottles of Spot Shot Pet Instant Stain Remover

62 Items
Grand Total: $252.09
Coupons and VIC Savings: $199.78
Total Spent: $52.31 :-D

The Three of Us Made it Through December 30th!

Today was a very big day in my life! I don't mention it for attention or fame, it is the day that made me who I am today. Because of December 30th, 1998, I am a survivor. I am strong and I believe I can make it through whatever life throws my way ... I have proven that. I beat all odds on that day. Because of that event, I am not a person who backs down to people, I am yet a person who strives to prove people wrong and so far, I have done just that.

Doctors statements:

You will never graduate highschool, much less college. I graduated highschool EARLY with a 3.7GPA and took "College Prep" courses when I was supposed to be placed in "basic" courses and now I am 4 classes away from a college degree and currently have a 3.8GPA

You will never walk again. I beat that one a LONG time ago!

You will never be able to have a decent job. I've had a job of some sort since I was 12 years old and for the past 6 years, they have been "real" jobs (as the doctors would say) ... teacher, office manager, HR manager, etc..

You will not be able to conceive or carry a baby. Today marks 30 weeks of pregnancy with Miss Piper Rae

People with these types of head injuries usually only live 3 years. 11 years and counting

It is because of the doctors telling me I could not do things, that I strive to be the best I can be. It is very tough to hear such discouraging remarks when you are that age but now I can successfully say that I have proved them wrong on EVERYTHING they have EVER said to me and I am very proud of myself for that!

Today I conquered a fear of mine and left the house on this day ... I made it home (in the rain) all in one piece and can now say I DID IT! This is a big step for me, usually I sit in a room and cry by myself all day thinking about the "what if's". What if that had not happened? Where would I be? What does it feel like to be "normal" and not have all of these precautions in your life? What does it feel like to not be in any kind of pain??? I have not had a completely pain free day in 11 years! Brian was a great help this year ... he supported anything I wanted to do and helped me achieve my goal of "getting out the house". I love him so very much!

I am HAPPY to say that I only have 10 weeks of pregnancy remaining!! I cannot wait to have my medicine back ... this has been just awful!!Piper is a healthy baby and VERY active in my belly. We are all suprised that we are 30 weeks along already and everything is going okay comparatively. Piper will be a very loved little girl on both sides of the family .... she has 3 nurseries already :-D She can choose where she wants to live haha. She is perfect! Brian could not be more happy, nor could the grandparents. She is definitly an unplanned blessing!

11 Years Ago I was Dieing, Today I am 30 Weeks Pregnant!

11 years ago, December 30th, 1998, I was fighting to stay alive. Today I am exactly 30 weeks pregnant. To me, this is a miracle and the number "30" is quite coincidental if you ask me! That day was THE worst day of my entire life and it ruined everything. From then on I have been in pain everday and it only worsens, I've had to be on a ton of medicine, go to a ton of doctors, try so much harder in school to get B's and C's, AND it caused a family member whom I love dearly to resent me for something that is not my fault and is a complete misconception on his part. I would give up everything I am and everything I have to delete that day from my life.

My First Big Couponing Day :-)

What I bought:

[1] Iams Hairball Control - Price $10.39
[2] Scrubbing Bubbles - Price $6.98
[3] Quaker Rice Cakes - Price $7.47
[2] Zesta Saltine Crackers - Price $6.38
[1] Tide Due Stain Lifter - Price $6.99
[1] Dawn Liquid Dish Detergent - Price $2.99
[2] Fresh Step Cat Litter - Price $24.30
[4] Glade Candles - Price $15.16
[2] Carnation Evaporated Milk - Price $2.50
[6] Campbells Cream if Mushroom - Price $8.34
[6] Swanson Chicken Broth - Price $6.90
[1] Smuckers Strawberry Preserves - Price $2.79
[1] Crisco Canola Oil - Price $4.49
[1] Crisco Vegetable Oil - Price $4.49
[1] Hungryjake Pancake Mix - Price $2.29
[1] Pillsbury Frosting - Price $1.99
[2] Pillsbury Brownie Mix - Price $3.78
[2] Airwick Spray - Price $1.96
[3] Keebler Ready Made Crust - Price $5.97
[3] Secret Deodorant - Price $14.97
[1] Mitchum Deodorant - Price $3.99
[1] Energizer AA Batteries - Price $4.39
[1] Mayfield Icecream - Price $5.65
[1] Tyson Chicken Nuggets - Price $6.99
[3] Totinos Pizza - Price $5.00
[2] Pillsbury Crescent Rolls - Price $4.30
[2] Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls - Price $3.50
[1] Spreadable Butter - Price $2.25
[2] Sunny Delights - Price $3.90

Total Spent: $96.27
Total Coupons Tendered: $90.31
Total VIC Savings this Order: $59.10
Total Saved: $149.41

Yesterday I went for a few things and cannot find my receipt but I spent $26 and saved $39. I bought 5 pounds of hamburger meat, 1 secret deodorant, 1 gillete shave gel, 1 cream of tarter, 2 mccormick gravy mixes, 1 bag of cascade complete, ... along with some other things.

Hopefully, although this took forever to do, I can keep up with it and save us money every week!

5 MONTHS!!!!

YaY! We have made it [successfully] to FIVE MONTHS! I went for my 20 week check up today and weighed in at 127 pounds which means I have gained only 8-9 pounds. He expects me to gain 1 pound per week from here on out which would put me at 28-29 pounds by the end. Today, Piper's heartbeat was 145 beats per minute ♥ I also received the results from labs and measurements that were taken on October 9th, 2009 [at 18 weeks and 2 days].

♥ Amniotic Fluid - within normal limits
♥ Femur Length - 18w3d
♥ Abdominal Circumference - 18w3d
♥ Head Circumference - 17w5d
♥ BPD - 18w2d
♥ Fetal Weight - 233 grams [8 ounces]
♥ Intracranial Anatomy - Normal
♥ Spine - Normal
♥ Fetal Face - Normal
♥ Ventricular Outflow Tracts - Normal
♥ Four Cham Bered Heart - Normal
♥ Three VC - Normal
♥ Stomach - Normal
♥ Bladder - Normal
♥ Kidneys - Normal
♥ Extremities - Normal
♥ Sex - Female
♥ Cervix Length - 3.3cm
♥ Appropriate Growth - NORMAL
♥ Down Syndrome - Negative
♥ Cystic Fibrosis - Negative

Today my stomach measured 20cm from the top of my uterus to my pubic bone which is right on target because it is 1cm per week of pregnancy ... which also means that by 40 weeks, that number will have doubled :-( I don't see how in the world that is possible!

This morning was marvelous!

Soooo, this morning while getting ready for school, I sat down to email my momma. I was wearing regular jeans with a belt. While typing to her, I felt something in my lower abdomen ... it felt as if a hampster had thrown it's body against the front of my stomach. Where as past feelings were written off as pregnancy gas, there was no mistaking what I felt this morning! It was quite amazing actually; it certainly brightened my day from yesterday (a little) :-)and made gaining weight worth while for once hehe.

On another note; according to my health instructor and classmates, I am either super in love or flat out crazy?! While in health class discussing 'healthy relationships', we were asked "if you had a bad day and/or are upset, who do you confide in? Your best friend or your lover?". Of course the instructor called on me (without my volunteering) and I replied "well, Brian IS my best friend AND my lover so I am unable to answer that". This apparently disturbed a few people (well, the whole class) because afterwards, an argument arose. Apparently 95% of people would rather confide in a best friend versus a family member or lover. I personally do NOT confide solely in anyone other than my mother and Brian and I certainly would not talk with anyone about anything in which I had not already spoken to Brain about. Their theory in this was that you can trust your "BFF" more than your "lover". If this were true, why be with your lover? Are you not supposed to choose a mate for whom can also serve as your best friend?

According to the TEXT book:

Friendship is: Enjoyment, Acceptance, Mutual Trust, Respect, Mutual Assistance, Confiding, Understanding, and Spontaneity.

Lover is: Fassination, Exclusiveness, Sexual Desire, Giving the Utmost, and Being a Campion or Advocate.

Do these definitions not seem off to you?!

Another thing that was stated was, and I quote, "men are UNABLE to give advice and/or sooth a woman." This was something I felt the need to debate because while some men are completely ignorant, not all men are! When I am overly stressed or upset, I specifically call Brian because he knows what to say to calm me down. He may not always know the "fix" to things but he knows how to calm me and rationalize with me.

I find this class to be focused on the relationships we had in highschool and not in the real world! On Tuesday we are discussing Pregnancy, Contraceptives, and Abortion ... I cannot wait to see what some idiotic person says to make me angry in this one!!!