here's the latest

There's a lot to talk about, so I'm confident I'll forget to touch on something from the past week, but if I don't mention it, you'll never know the difference. :)

I've missed blogging. I've missed connecting with anyone and everyone. And I thank you all for not giving me a hard time for being a major slacker. To say that I've been worn out is a major understatement. I have been getting a good amount of sleep, but I'm waking up often and I have this never-ending "to do" list going through my head. I don't know how or why a family of three has this much going on (i.e. appointments, play-dates, errands, laundry, etc) but spending a few days on the couch with my back issues has put me WAY behind. My bedroom looks like a tornado touched down and letting someone else into my kitchen for a few days means it's still not back to normal. I've found at least four empty boxes in the pantry. I'm not kidding. Men are hilarious. And throw into the mix a visit from an old friend and I got nothing done this weekend.

Okay, enough ranting and enough excuses.

My visit with Shaun was great time. I recently watched an episode of "How I Met Your Mother" in which Marshall references how people revert back to the way the were when they are around people from their past. I definitely do this and I realized it this weekend. I have my old phrases and my new ones. Shaun brings out my old stories, they are like war stories, and this weekend we filled my husband in on the girl I once was. He was thoroughly entertained and I think has a new understanding about that part of my life (what I refer to as the short-lived college years). We spent the day just hanging out and I was introducing him to the joys of parenthood. Lucy is an easy baby to "learn" with because she goes with the flow. This weekend was the second time a guy friend of mine told me that I make mothering look easy and that my child makes them less afraid of having one of their own some day. Again, men are hilarious.

In addition to my slacking at home and with blogging, I've read much less. I'm still ahead of schedule, but not by much and I really need to get back into my groove. About the only thing that I did not fall behind with and in fact got caught up with, were my coupons. Today I hit Publix spending only $40 and saving $80. Getting these great deals is an excellent mood-booster. And Lucy was an angel the whole time. I pray that she will always be better than I expect her to be... even as a teenager. :)

I am a big fan of children's consignment. I feel like it's a complete waste of money to buy things for $20-60 each and have a child either a) wear it one-two times or b) ruin it the first time they wear it. We're talking about babies and toddlers here, they constantly make messes that you can't prepare for. So, I buy about 95% of Lucy's things (particularly clothing, strollers, etc) through consignment sales. I went to a sale Monday and bought everything she will need (including a beautiful, brand new winter coat for only $15). And though I doubt she'll need anything else, I'm going to be participating in another sale at the end of the month. I can't seem to resist just looking around for things that I know she'll look adorable in. I love that I can keep things I want to for another child and also sell back many things that she wore once or twice, which allows me never to feel guilty. I think that more people should buy and sell things used. It's those little adjustments that save our planet and your checkbook. :) I have some BIG news, but I'll have to save that for another time. This lazy mommy is worn out from playing catch-up!

<>< Cassie