Got extras?

SO, some of you know about my coupon-clipping skills. They are pretty fantastic, I might say. It is a great way for our family to save money. Problem is, last week they disappeared. It was tragic. Horrifying. I have yet to recover. Now, I am stuck starting from scratch. If anyone gets the Sunday paper, and doesn't use the coupons, or has leftovers, please feel free to send them my way. I will come get them, or send you an envelope. And I may be your best friend. Oh, and if anyone has Pampers coupons they aren't using, you may be my bestest friend ever.

An explanation

So, many of you know that booger has numerous food allergies. I feel like it is easiest to give a bit of background info before I go into my story, then my explanation and apology to my friends...

Food allergies are very dangerous for children. At such a young age, he is unable to communicate to us if his tongue is feeling funny, if his tummy hurts, or any other symptoms of an allergic reaction are to occur. Thus, it is easiest for us to make everything for him from scratch, having total control of the ingredients. Many times, things contain milk, soy, eggs, etc. without saying those exact words. This leaves us in the position of constantly second guessing ourselves. It is very easy to cross-contaminate food as well, just by mixing a "safe" food with a spoon used on an "unsafe" food, not washing things thoroughly enough, etc. This is a common way for an attack to occur. Again, this just makes it easier for us to cook everything he eats, and not to go to restaurants with him. The nut allergy is a completely different topic. It is so scary and horrible, we can not even eat my favorite food (peanut butter) for lunch without worrying that when I see him at night, I will get him sick.

This has posed quite a challenge on our family over the past year, trying to find out what he can/can't eat, likes, etc. Finally, we are starting to get into the groove of things. Then, Easter strikes. Christmas was a fairly easy holiday to maneuver around, mostly because we went to people's homes. We could bring his food with us. Easter, however, is the holiday when everyone in our family goes out to eat at a buffet. This is probably the least safe environment for our son. The risk of cross-contamination is about 90%, if not higher. In addition, this particular restaurant serves nuts in several dishes. This is just a nightmare for us as parents. Thinking we would try to offset the inconvenience of not going there, we try to offer to cook for our entire family. This was immediately shot down by the woman who gave birth to me. We explained the situation, to no avail. We were ordered to still attend the brunch and egg hunt afterward. EGG HUNT?!?! You mean the thing he is allergic to? So we ask about plastic vs. hard-boiled eggs, and are basically told to be there no matter what. Not to mention it is in the middle of his nap time, which we try hard not to mess up. Otherwise, we have a grumpy booger. Not fun. So, we went. We were social and pleasant, but we left early. He needed his nap, and we needed to take care of him. And he had fun.

Now, for the apology. I am genuinely sorry that we do not go out with you guys as often as we used to. Hopefully, this brings light to why we don't go out as much as we used to. It's just easier for us to provide our own environment. Our friends have an open invitation to our home at any time, and ask the hairy one, we are pretty ok cooks. I am also sorry if we ask you what you have eaten that day before you play with my kid, if you had peanut butter right before you saw him, you can't play. Sorry, those are the rules. If you have any more questions, just ask me. P.S. This is not meant to make anyone feel bad, just to let you know what's going on in our lives right now.

Already?!?

So, booger and I were headed to the Gap outlet today to pick up daddy some polos (great deals, btw,) and we were listening to David Crowder. This is not uncommon in the car, we listen to every type of music, sing along, and dance like sillies. Suddenly, he started waving his arms around, singing, and just got this happy look on his face. It's like he knew the song was a way to talk to God. Yeah, yeah. I know you probably think it's silly, but I really enjoyed that moment with him.

On another note, my real hubby, Brett Favre retired. This is long overdue in some opinions, and devastating in mine. I genuinely think he is one of the most talented quarterbacks of all time. He has overcome a lot as a person, as we all have, and has always had grace and class. I will certainly miss watching the Packers play. He's not to bad on the eyes, either. (P.s. no matter what the loser says, her hubby looks NOTHING like Brett.)

Also, welcome Elijah! I can't wait to meet you tonight and play with your brother! More to come

My kid...too cute.

I can not believe he is fifteen months. Way too cute. This is his Easter outfit, and probably Elijah's next year. So get ready Dudley's. This is too funny. If you want to see more, check out the link. The password is his first name. More to come later, been a busy week with my real husband retiring this week.

My friend, I have missed you...

I LOVE MY TV!!! Lost was so good! Oh, I have been blogging like crazy the past few days. Don't ignore the other posts, some of them may be OK.
So, for one hour, I have been watching TV for the first time in a week. Again, Lost was incredible!! Everyone can talk about it now. It kinda bums me out, though. I can't believe I am so dependent on "the boob tube" for entertainment. The sad thing is, this is the time hubby and I talk the most, spend the most time together. This is quality time for us. Something we both enjoy. Some people read together, or work out together, we watch TV. Maybe this is why I am so chubby. :) At least we do it together.

Getting Greener

Well, this year we have decided to recycle as much as we possibly can, while reducing our usage and using better cleaners. As a result, we are going to have to go to the city building this week and purchase two more recycling bins. Typically, within a couple of days, we are full. We can usually recycle two or three bins per week of items we consume. This may be paper, containers, etc. The point is, a year ago, we were probably not even recycling one quarter of what we could be, but now we are needing to get more bins because we are so contentious of it. I am really hoping as time passes, we can get better about our consumption.
Yesterday, I also found out about the potential of making my own laundry soap. Exciting!
Also, those of you who know about my neuroses knows about my habitual couponing. This week is going to be a GREAT stock up week. HOORAY!! I get so excited about free food/grocery items. It really helps our budget, and becomes a game. At least it's one I can play alone, since I am banned from playing board games with hubby for life.