My new favorite hobby...

...couponing.

Its true. I too have joined the ranks of the crazy couponers. Those who get a little thrill of having 30 blocks/bags of cheese in the fridge. (because they were $.17 each) those who open the cupboard just to admire the shelves stocked with free to nearly free canned food. Those who check the receipt as soon as they leave the register to bask in the glory of saving more than they spent. The list of joys goes on and on.

As a side note, I have to say that I call this my hobby because it does take time. Though, all the real research work is done for me because I have the great website bargainstobounty.com which is based in Detroit and applies to most of Michigan.

Its kind of rediculous, but right now my shopping list for tomorrow looks like this:

2 Pillsbury crescent rolls

2 Pillsbury Grands biscuits

2 Pillsbury Cinnamon rolls

4 Nivea Chapsticks

1 French's mustard

4 Ziplock Bags 50 ct.

1 Franks Red Hot Sauce

If all goes as planned, I will walk out of the store having spent $4. 09 and holding $5.00 in coupon credit to be used on my next trip to Meijer. And I will say to myself... "Wait, did I just get paid to go shopping?" Yep.

Aaron's First Day of Preschool

Aaron is now going to preschool at St. Martha School on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. We are familiar with the school and teacher because Alex went there 2 years ago and had a great experience.

Sweet Aaron, the first thing he said to me this morning was "Mom, I don't want to get dropped." Alex then translated and said "He doesn't want to get dropped off at school." We talked about it a bit then he happily ran to get his shoes on and he was thrilled to get his hair combed. He put on his backpack and was ready for his picture on the front step.

As Chris was taking the picture, Aaron looked excited and happy. Then Chris told Aaron "Say 'I'm going to school today!'" and Aaron repeated the words. Then Chris took this next picture. As Aaron said those words he choked up and almost cried. It was almost like he was thinking to himself "what I am I getting in to?"
Aaron is such a good kid. Even though he was nervous, Chris took him to his class and he went happily. I am so excited to pick him up and ask him how everything went.

Alex's First Day of First Grade

Alex woke up this morning ready to go to school. He took a shower. Put on his clothes we laid out last night. Ate breakfast. Brushed his teeth. Got his backpack. And then best of all...got on his bike. Chris and Alex rode their bikes the 1.5 miles to school and then Chris rode on to work. (Alex's school is right on the way)

Its amazing, every year we take these "first day of school" pictures, the kids all of the sudden look older. Its got to be the new clothes and the combed hair.

Could he get any cuter?

Aaron loves baby Jacob more than anything. I am not exaggerating. He is so much more affectionate since Jacob was born and being around the baby makes him so happy.

Alex was playing a game with Chris last night where Alex would think of an object and give Chris one hint as to what it was. Chris would then guess what the object was. Alex's hint one time was "this is my favorite thing" after lots of guesses Chris said "Jacob?" and with a big smile Alex said "yes".