I scored some great deals today at Homeland and Target!
Homeland Deals:
Lance Homepack Crackers $2.09 thru 6/5
Use $1/1 printable
Final Cost: $0.09
Yoplait Greek Yogurt $1.19
Use $0.30/1 SS 3/28
Final Cost: $0.59
Received Catalina for $1.00 off (1) 4-Pack Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt
Garnier Fructis Shampoo, Conditioner or Styling Aids 2/$5
Use $1/1 shampoo/conditioner RP 4/11 or printable
Final Cost: 1 for $0.50
Oral-B Advantage Toothbrush $2.79
Use $2/1 PG 4/4 exp 4/30
Final Cost: $0.79
Thanks Simply Saving Savvy!
Target Deal:
Degree Girl Just Dance or Tropical Power Deodorant – $1.97
Buy 2 and use $3/2 printable
$0.47 each after coupon
Thanks Money Saving Mom!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Joy
I thought I would share the journey our family had beginning in 2005 and into 2006. I wrote this 7 months after the surgery.
Our family has had quite a year. Our daughter, Libby was born in October of last year. Needless to say our house was filled with joy. She seemed to be a very healthy and happy baby.
In December we took her for her two-month check up with her pediatrician. It was during that visit that her doctor noticed a ridge along the back of her head. She pointed it out to me and asked if I had noticed it before. I had thought to myself and asked other family members if Libby’s head seemed to be an odd shape, but the response was always the same, “Oh she’s just a normal baby, they all have funny shaped heads.” The doctor said that it appeared to her that Libby’s soft spot had begun to fuse too soon and that she was going to recommend for us to have a CT scan at Children’s Hospital. I just nodded my head and sat in silence as Jason helped the nurse give Libby her shots and get her ready to go home. It was devastating to hear that something could be wrong with our little baby. I rode home in the back seat with Libby and just let the tears start flowing. I could barely speak or even breathe. As the days went by I began to come to terms with what we might be facing…surgery…, although I tried to convince myself of other possible alternatives.
In January we took Libby in for her CT scan. It was very difficult to watch her head, arms, and legs being strapped down to the machine. Luckily we were able to give her a bottle to help calm her and get the scan done without any problems.
We were finally able to get in to see the Neurologist in February. Throughout this time Jason and I had prayed about and discussed possible suggestions the neurologist would make, and that if surgery were the answer, God would give us peace and knowledge that this was His will for our little girl. When Dr. Mapstone walked into the examining room, he was very straightforward. “Your daughter has what is called Craniosynostosis.” My first though was could you repeat that? He then began to explain that the saggital plates had fused together much too soon and was causing her brain to be pushed forward. He pointed out that her forehead was protruding outward and that her head was growing long and narrow. He explained that this would only worsen over time. Dr. Mapstone did say that there was absolutely nothing wrong with her brain and its development, but that if we were to wait to have surgery when Libby was a little older it would be a much more involved process or if we were to forego surgery altogether, there could be a chance that as she developed her brain would not have the room it needed to grow properly. Of course hearing all of this was very frightening, but I know God was with us in that room, because His peace surrounded us. The doctor told us to take a day or so to make our decision and give his nurse a call. On the car ride home, Jason and I discussed everything and we knew without a doubt that surgery was the answer.
Libby’s surgery was scheduled for Friday, April 7, 2006, which meant we had to wait another month. The wait was not without its trials. There were times that Satan tried to whisper doubts in our ears, but through continued prayer and family support (although it wasn’t until later we learned just how worried all of Libby’s grandparents were), we knew we were doing God’s will for our daughter.
Friends and family from all over came down the night before the surgery and we had a time of prayer for Libby and everyone involved. What an awesome experience to feel His presence during such a time of uncertainty. We knew that God was with this little girl, no matter what the outcome might be.
As we rode to the hospital the next morning, Libby did considerably well without having been able to eat or drink anything. We got her checked in and learned that we were going to have to do additional blood work ordered by the doctor. This was unsettling because we had already had Libby’s blood done three weeks prior so that my sister and I could be her directed blood donors. The nurse went ahead and drew the blood, but I considered it a blessing in disguise because it made Libby so upset that when we took her out to the waiting room, she fell asleep in her Ma-Maw’s arms. It was very comforting to me to be able to hand her over to the nurse fast asleep.
After Libby had gone back for surgery I felt such a weight lifted from my shoulders. God was giving me the peace that surpasses all understanding, just like He had done in Dr. Mapstone’s office a month before.
About 45 minutes into the surgery, I received a phone call from the operating room. As I walked to the phone, my stomach filled with knots…wasn’t this supposed to be a 3-5 hour surgery…what could be wrong? The nurse on the other end told me that Libby was doing great and that the Drs. would be stitching her head soon. I couldn’t believe it! Almost done so quickly! Twenty minutes later Dr. Mapstone came out and told us that Libby had come through surgery beautifully and that she was headed to the recovery room and we could see her in about an hour.
I was very nervous walking down the hall to the recovery room. I just knew that my baby’s head would be completely wrapped in gauze and very swollen. To our amazement, Libby had a small strip of gauze that covered only the stitches. Her head was only slightly swollen and you could already tell that her brain had moved back into a more normal position. She looked like a sleeping angel.
We stayed by Libby’s side during the rest of the day in the PICU. She would occasionally wake up and cry due to pain, but the nurses were good to be right there to comfort her with whatever medication she needed. Once she was a little more alert, she began taking a bottle. She ate and ate and ate, but that was a good sign, especially when she kept it down without any problems. Most of the time she rested and we played soft music in the background to help her relax. My sister and I took turns staying in her room that night. I kept waiting for her head and eyes to swell severely like we had been told, but it never got that bad. Libby’s eyes never swelled completely shut.
To our amazement, she sat up the next morning and wanted to play! The nurses brought her some toys and she played and babbled all morning. I think she was the highlight of the PICU because so many of the other patients were so sick. Even Dr. Mapstone was surprised with her progress. He told us that she might even get to go home Sunday if she continued in this way.
Later that day Libby was moved down to a semi-private room. Unfortunately our neighbors were not quite as considerate as we were, but we managed. I was not as thrilled with the new nurses and decided I had better go home to get some sleep. Jason and his Mom stayed with Libby that night.
The next day we were told that if we were comfortable with it, we could take Libby home. It seemed so unreal to me. She had just had major surgery two days before. Once again proof that God had His hand in everything.
The days past and Libby bounced back like nothing had ever happened. I think we were more careful than she was! It was amazing to see how God can heal such as small child.
During this period of time it wasn’t always easy, we did have seeds of doubt planted. Our faith was definitely tested, but because we prayed and trusted God for his wisdom, He was faithful to reassure us that He was in control. James 1:2-6 and 12 says 2.Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3. because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 12. Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James found joy in the results of the trials, not in the trials themselves. Even difficult times can produce good qualities.
Our family has had quite a year. Our daughter, Libby was born in October of last year. Needless to say our house was filled with joy. She seemed to be a very healthy and happy baby.
In December we took her for her two-month check up with her pediatrician. It was during that visit that her doctor noticed a ridge along the back of her head. She pointed it out to me and asked if I had noticed it before. I had thought to myself and asked other family members if Libby’s head seemed to be an odd shape, but the response was always the same, “Oh she’s just a normal baby, they all have funny shaped heads.” The doctor said that it appeared to her that Libby’s soft spot had begun to fuse too soon and that she was going to recommend for us to have a CT scan at Children’s Hospital. I just nodded my head and sat in silence as Jason helped the nurse give Libby her shots and get her ready to go home. It was devastating to hear that something could be wrong with our little baby. I rode home in the back seat with Libby and just let the tears start flowing. I could barely speak or even breathe. As the days went by I began to come to terms with what we might be facing…surgery…, although I tried to convince myself of other possible alternatives.
In January we took Libby in for her CT scan. It was very difficult to watch her head, arms, and legs being strapped down to the machine. Luckily we were able to give her a bottle to help calm her and get the scan done without any problems.
We were finally able to get in to see the Neurologist in February. Throughout this time Jason and I had prayed about and discussed possible suggestions the neurologist would make, and that if surgery were the answer, God would give us peace and knowledge that this was His will for our little girl. When Dr. Mapstone walked into the examining room, he was very straightforward. “Your daughter has what is called Craniosynostosis.” My first though was could you repeat that? He then began to explain that the saggital plates had fused together much too soon and was causing her brain to be pushed forward. He pointed out that her forehead was protruding outward and that her head was growing long and narrow. He explained that this would only worsen over time. Dr. Mapstone did say that there was absolutely nothing wrong with her brain and its development, but that if we were to wait to have surgery when Libby was a little older it would be a much more involved process or if we were to forego surgery altogether, there could be a chance that as she developed her brain would not have the room it needed to grow properly. Of course hearing all of this was very frightening, but I know God was with us in that room, because His peace surrounded us. The doctor told us to take a day or so to make our decision and give his nurse a call. On the car ride home, Jason and I discussed everything and we knew without a doubt that surgery was the answer.
Libby’s surgery was scheduled for Friday, April 7, 2006, which meant we had to wait another month. The wait was not without its trials. There were times that Satan tried to whisper doubts in our ears, but through continued prayer and family support (although it wasn’t until later we learned just how worried all of Libby’s grandparents were), we knew we were doing God’s will for our daughter.
Friends and family from all over came down the night before the surgery and we had a time of prayer for Libby and everyone involved. What an awesome experience to feel His presence during such a time of uncertainty. We knew that God was with this little girl, no matter what the outcome might be.
As we rode to the hospital the next morning, Libby did considerably well without having been able to eat or drink anything. We got her checked in and learned that we were going to have to do additional blood work ordered by the doctor. This was unsettling because we had already had Libby’s blood done three weeks prior so that my sister and I could be her directed blood donors. The nurse went ahead and drew the blood, but I considered it a blessing in disguise because it made Libby so upset that when we took her out to the waiting room, she fell asleep in her Ma-Maw’s arms. It was very comforting to me to be able to hand her over to the nurse fast asleep.
After Libby had gone back for surgery I felt such a weight lifted from my shoulders. God was giving me the peace that surpasses all understanding, just like He had done in Dr. Mapstone’s office a month before.
About 45 minutes into the surgery, I received a phone call from the operating room. As I walked to the phone, my stomach filled with knots…wasn’t this supposed to be a 3-5 hour surgery…what could be wrong? The nurse on the other end told me that Libby was doing great and that the Drs. would be stitching her head soon. I couldn’t believe it! Almost done so quickly! Twenty minutes later Dr. Mapstone came out and told us that Libby had come through surgery beautifully and that she was headed to the recovery room and we could see her in about an hour.
I was very nervous walking down the hall to the recovery room. I just knew that my baby’s head would be completely wrapped in gauze and very swollen. To our amazement, Libby had a small strip of gauze that covered only the stitches. Her head was only slightly swollen and you could already tell that her brain had moved back into a more normal position. She looked like a sleeping angel.
We stayed by Libby’s side during the rest of the day in the PICU. She would occasionally wake up and cry due to pain, but the nurses were good to be right there to comfort her with whatever medication she needed. Once she was a little more alert, she began taking a bottle. She ate and ate and ate, but that was a good sign, especially when she kept it down without any problems. Most of the time she rested and we played soft music in the background to help her relax. My sister and I took turns staying in her room that night. I kept waiting for her head and eyes to swell severely like we had been told, but it never got that bad. Libby’s eyes never swelled completely shut.
To our amazement, she sat up the next morning and wanted to play! The nurses brought her some toys and she played and babbled all morning. I think she was the highlight of the PICU because so many of the other patients were so sick. Even Dr. Mapstone was surprised with her progress. He told us that she might even get to go home Sunday if she continued in this way.
Later that day Libby was moved down to a semi-private room. Unfortunately our neighbors were not quite as considerate as we were, but we managed. I was not as thrilled with the new nurses and decided I had better go home to get some sleep. Jason and his Mom stayed with Libby that night.
The next day we were told that if we were comfortable with it, we could take Libby home. It seemed so unreal to me. She had just had major surgery two days before. Once again proof that God had His hand in everything.
The days past and Libby bounced back like nothing had ever happened. I think we were more careful than she was! It was amazing to see how God can heal such as small child.
During this period of time it wasn’t always easy, we did have seeds of doubt planted. Our faith was definitely tested, but because we prayed and trusted God for his wisdom, He was faithful to reassure us that He was in control. James 1:2-6 and 12 says 2.Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3. because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 12. Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James found joy in the results of the trials, not in the trials themselves. Even difficult times can produce good qualities.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Honey Baked Ham Coupon
I recently came across this great deal from Honey Baked Ham. $10 off an 8 lb or larger Ham good until 12/31/09. Click here to sign up for your coupon.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
4th Birthday Party
Today is Libby's birthday party. She will turn 4 tomorrow. It is amazing how fast it has gone. Her party is going to be at the Science Museum Oklahoma. I will blog and post pictures later.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Debt Free
Jason and I have been debt free, excluding our house, for over a year now. It was and still is amazing how God orchestrated the events in our becoming debt free. We were able to purchase a late model van earlier this year with cash. Even with this success, I still feel that God is calling us to an even higher standard...to become 100% debt free. I watched these videos today and they have really spoken to me. Click here and here.
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