Leaving on a jet plane...

So tomorrow we are leaving to visit my family in AZ. I am attempting to be prepared while not over packing. I'm a terrible over packer. I was able to fit all our clothes, shoes, diapers, and other good stuff in our 2 checked bags. Now it is time for the carryons. This has become an increasingly interesting task each time we fly due to security regulations. I have learned to keep all liquids in one bag on top in a ziplock bag. I usually am able to take a few juice boxes or a sealed milk cup, but it depends on who is doing security. Sometimes they see a family with two toddlers and are happy to help, sometimes not so much. Typically, Columbus is very friendly and helpful. I am hoping that since our plane takes off at 12:30 the kids will nap for us. I brought lots of goodies in case, but if they don't nap it will be a very interesting evening.

The plane ride has become some what routine. Honestly this time we will take much less than usual. I have no one that needs a bottle, I should only need a handful of diapers. I will only take one extra pair of clothes since we are not typically exploding anymore. (I'll still take a back up because we all know if you don't plan for it, it will happen. ) I am packing us each a lunch because who wants to pay for airport food. It is overpriced and not very good. I will take empty sippy cups and water bottles to fill on the other side of security. I have printed out our A boarding pass in case they don't let us pre board this time. So I feel like I have prepared for what I can.

What I can't prepare for is the time change or how it will affect my kids. They are 3 hours behind us there. This could possilbly pose a problem when my kids wake up at 4 am ready to go. Or when they are ready for bed at 6 pm and we just left for a fun night out. This is the type of thing I have to just pray works out. I have no control over it.

We are planning on going to the Pheonix zoo, Rawhide ( a cowboy town, Isaac is so excited.), ride my moms horses, see extended family, and go out to dinner at a resteraunt my dad works at. I think it will be a good time. My parents have a pool, and we hope to take the boys swimming. They have a pool alarm on their door, but I am a little nervous of having open water that close.

I should probably get back to work. I need to finish packing and get the house cleaned while the boys nap. Yay, for traveling with kids.

I love CVS

So, I haven't been to CVS in awhile because they have not had very good deals, but today I was happy. They have baby sale this week so I ran and got in on some cheap pull ups. I spent around $25 and got 3 jumbo packs of pull ups, a huge pack of wipes, 2 intuition razors with refills, and shaving cream. Plus, I have $3.49 in Extra Care bucks to use next time. I don't usually drop that much at once, but since it has been so long since I was there last I didn't have any ECBs going in. Oh well, I still feel like I got a good deal.

Asher LOVES pull ups. So when he isn't asleep I let him wear them. He is so much closer to potty training than Isaac. I am so desperate to potty train Isaac so he can go to Tuesday school and Awanas come fall. I'm trying to remeber he will do it when he is ready, but I'd like him to hurry up. :)

I'm surrounded!

So we found out that we are having our third boy. While I hate to admit I was disappointed; I really had my hopes up for some estrogen. Even the dog and cat are male! So for the first few days I was sad. I will admit I cried, but I'm pregnant and hormonal and it happens. :) I am obviously happy that our coming son is healthy and growing fine. I love both my boys to pieces and I wouldn't change either of them in any way (well, maybe potty train Isaac!). None the less. I am realizing the advantage to another boy is that I am going to save a bundle on clothes. I did go ahead and splurge on new bedding for this one. My favorite thing to prepare for baby is the nursery. Some how I feel jipped if I don't get to do something fun and new for each special baby. Dan is actually painting the room as I type. We went with a fun circle pattern with green yellow and brown. I think I will do stuffed monkeys this round. I have a few and will keep an eye out for fun decor at garage sales.

It is strange to not need to buy much this time around. Saving the money will be great don't get me wrong, but I just feel so stagnant in preparing. I am trying to put my energy (or lack there of) into other things. Like preparing our house to put on the market (so much to do!). Due to the economy and my ever continuing quest to be more thrifty, I am working on cutting our budget before little man arrives. I am trying to save for a few large goals (1. Save for new house 2. pay off van 3. trip to Disney this fall.) So I'm working on the best ways to cut out more of our household expenses. I have cut our entertainment budget quite a bit. We mostly do freebies at the parks and library with the kids. I am usually able to keep our grocery budget to about $50 a week give or take depending on the week's menu. This summer is nice because I had bought most of Isaac's summer clothes last year on clearance or was given hand me downs. Dan needed one pair of shorts and a pair of flip flops which I bought on sale. Asher can wear all Isaac's clothes from last year. I will possibly need a few new shirts since mine all shrunk. :( But I will keep an eye out at garage sales. So my next venture will be learning how to be more home economic. I'm hoping to try growing some of my own veggies this year. I'm trying to be more electricity savvy. I'm hanging clothes out to dry instead of running the dryer. So yeah, I'm working on it before we have another little one to buy diapers for.

Ah, the joys of being a stay at home mom. I make my income in savings so I have to work at it. Ok I think I'm done rambling for tonight. Now off to do some more laundry before bed.