The Year in Review

I thought it only fitting to do kind of a year in review... actually I knid of feel obligated as there are recaps of the year for everything from the economy to celebrity breakups-- I'm pretty sure mine isn't as exciting but here goes:

What I have learned--
--That you can believe about 50% of the stuff you read in the media ( sorry Stace!)-- the rest is much hype.
--That even after school is done, you continue to learn.
--That a job can pay the bills but a career is more rewarding.
--That the stock market is an unpredicable beast however I kind of have a sixth sense when it comes to investing in stocks and have made great decisions when it comes to buying or getting out. I wish I could bottle it and sell it.
--That kids grow not only in height but also in your heart.
--That a conversation with your child is memorable -- and a mother never forgets.
--That friends with new beginnings are way to exciting for words.
--That growing older makes you realize that skin does not stay the same and your body wants do it's own thing.
--That having a year without giving birth to a child gives you the ability to step back and assess in order to get ready for the next one in a couple more years.
--That a new house is exciting but also exhausting.
--That entertaining has become a way fo life in our house-- not a month went by without at least 2-3 get togethers with friends and family-- and we loved every minute of it.
--That watching your husband work more hours in 2 weeks than most of us work in a month makes you realize how hard of a worker he really is and how laziness is an opposite trait of his.
--That Facebook is an addiction but also a way to keep in touch with those far away.

Finally, that next year will bring many new experiences, new growth, new ideals but what has already occurred is what created who I am today.

Cheap Chick!!

Well I never thought I would do it but I have secumbed to using coupons. Honestly maybe it is out of boredom or it's just a challenge ( I needed something to do! ) but I have become the ultimate saver! Seriously on average I save $20-$50 a WEEK just by using coupons, watching sales, and buying at the right time. I picked up a lot of ideas from "The Grocery Game" and of course the girl who started it all about 20 years ago my friend Sarah. I now am at a point where grocery shopping is a game and I stock up on items that I know now to be at the lowest price they will be. Take for instance a recent deal I got. Toothpaste-- seems easy enough right? Well most people get it when the tube is almost out. I planned ahead! Colgate was on sale at Target for $3.20 ( down from $3.49). then I had a $1 off coupon for Target and a $1 off manufactuer's coupon so... do the math and voila toothpaste for $1.20! That's $2.29 in savings! It adds up quickly believe me. Every single week I scan the sales and the coupons for items. Then I make my lists for various places and off we go to save money! It's not that we are desparate to save money it is more like I know better. Having worked for retailers for over 10 years and knowing what "markups" and "discounts" really do to a business-- I feel that we are doing them a favor by taking advantage of the sale prices. Stores put items on sale to drive people into the store. If those items don't sell then there is no concrete proof that promotions even work-- thus it is back to the drwaing board for the Marketing team. I'm trying to help the economy is all.... oh and challenge myself to save money... now where did that 30 cents off of 10 cans of Green Giant vegtables go?

Pictures!

Where has all the blogging gone....

Ok, ok I'm back! After a couple of "what the heck is wrong with you" emails, I decided that the blogging needed to continue. As an update let's see what's been going on around the Larson household:

House: Since March we have been headstrong into making our house a home.... nothing has chnaged. We recently added a backsplash to our kitchen which Mike did on his own and I do have to say it looks great. We also painted the dining/living room this great color I found called "rust". It's kind of a fall color but I think it looks fabulous. We also finally purchased a water softener... sooooo needed. So what's next? ahh yes the man cave. We are plainning to begin construction our basement which I have begun referring to it as the man cave. Why? Mainly because of such elements as a pool table, dart obard, bar, projection TV and comfy seating. So what do I get? peace and quiet upstairs so I can watch "the Real Housewives of Atlanta"

Family: So my family's bodies are falling apart. My brother recently had knee surgery and just had to go back under the knife because of an infection. Marge well she's just old but she has a cornea transplant in her left eye. I keep asking her if they screwed up and gave her a hazel eye instead of her brown one. You never know-- it could happen. Both are recovering, but let's hope that's the last of the surgeries for a while.

The boys: Mike has been working a bunch but has also had enough time off to do house projects. Let's just hope he takes some of that time off and goes x-mas shopping for me in the next couple of months. Momma needs some bling. Matthew is a true 2 1/2 year old--- abosultely figuring out the world and is turning more into his Mom each day. Seriously what kid would freak out because his hands are dirty.... ummm mine? Then there is Nathan. If he doesn't make it in the NFL, then the world will be missing a great player. He is a brute at the ripe age of 15 months. He tackles EVERTHING! He has recently moved up into the toddler room at daycare and has his eye on this little chica named Jade. I thinks it's her curly hair that makes him melt.

Me: Not much to report over here. I'm learning to fill my days that have been voided because of the lack of Law School with the kids, Mike, sleep, Facebook ( can we say obsesssion?), organizing, cooking, cleaning, shopping, decorating, work, watching TV oh and reading. And you were worried I'd be bored... Am I ready for more school?-- heck no! Another kid? Not for at least a year. Another career? Hah. I'm happy to be normal and not have to have my world scheduled down the the minute.

Final thoughts: The one thing that my mind has been reeling from lately is the economy. Maybe because I know too much and how each fluctuation in the market, each company that lays off workers, each financial institution that screams for help affects me and those around me. Do I know how to fix it? I do have some ideas. Am I worried? Knowing what I know, seeing what I'm seeing-- yes. Does it stop me from investing? No--- that is not the answer. Sometimes knowledge is power but in this case I sometimes wish I was little more naive to the business world. My advice-- spend wisely.

A woman after my own heart

I love women who are the epitome of multitaskers . I was deeply enthralled last night by Sarah Palin's story through her VP acceptance speech. Not just because I share some of those conservative views but because I share much of her life. I had to laugh thinking about how she went to work 4 weeks after having her last baby... hmmm I was back at school within 1 week and back at work within 8 weeks-- I love her. Although I too am not completely sold that she can do the job-- I'm pretty sure she would give it one heck of a try--- let's see a man try to live her life!

Brothers

When I first found out I was pregnant with Nathan, I kind of panicked seeing as how Matthew was only 7 months old at the time. Now I'm starting the see the fruits of my labor in terms of dealing with 2 babies so close together in age. The boys are starting to play together and whatever Matthew does is the coolest thing to Nathan. I predict they will fight like brothers do but be best friends in the end... what do you think?

Happy Birthday Nathan!

Well my baby turned 1 on July 18th. In true fashion, we surrounded him with family as he got to experience his first taste of "Happy Birthday dear Nathan". I don't think he really understood what was going on-- other than he got to eat cake. Since Matthew had a football theme for his b-day, Nathan-- my boy of summer and the one born the week of the All Star Game-- had a baseball themed party. I think secretly our theme was a ploy to get him thinking about the concept of playing for the Cubs one day. Yes I said the Cubs-- my Grandmother who was a die hard Cubs fan would come back from the grave if one of her great grandchildren played for them some day. Oh and the weekly viewings of Cubs games at Grandma Kupiecki's house doesn't hurt the cause either. It may happen some day you never know. For now he is still my baby-- who has grown up way too fast in front of my eyes.