Whittaker Woman

Back On

I feel like I just had a big deep breath! We were able to hang out with some of our best friends at a very cool place called Round Cove. It was FANTASTIC! Lets just say, that with a view like this...

seating like this,

activities like this...

this...

and this...

How could I not feel refreshed! I am ready for this week! H

What were we thinking...

OUT

The Whittaker's are OUT! Meaning we are heading out of town for some unplugged time and look forward to it. I will see you all on Monday. Have a great weekend! And don't be afraid to have a little fun ;). H

One more and then we are really OLD!

This was last year today... Our anniversary. 

There is nothing like having friends who "hit" milestones before you. I have a friend Tammy who paves the way for me on things. Every thing in her life is about 5 years ahead of me. Her eldest is 5 years older than mine, she paved the way by turning the big 30, 5 years before me, and her marriage is about 5 years older than mine. This actually has made our friendship so rich because I am able to learn so much from her as she walks through things before me. It also allows me to tease her because she has a teenager! She is 35! And has been married for YEARS! Then it happens, I find myself at the exact place I had just teased her about! And this is what is happening now. I remember thinking they have been married  FOREVER! And now today we have hit the mark that I remember feeling that with Matt and Tam. 9 Years! 

Carlos and I were talking about it last night. He said it felt like 9 years I thought it felt more like 7years. :) I guess I may have been a little more work than him. HA. 

Marriage is nothing like I thought it would be. It is so much harder yet so much more rewarding. It takes so much work, that  I did not realize that at the beginning. We were so naive. Maybe I should say I was. Naive or not I have chosen this man who has lead me in a marriage that has helped me become me. He has walked with me when I did not want to walk anymore. He has jumped into life with me. Our marriage, our life is so much more than I ever thought it could be. We have taken major risks together and it has proved so rewarding. I love him with all I got. Carlos has enriched my soul. His love, humor, honesty, his mercy, his freedom to LIVE LIFE has given me more than I could ask for in a marriage. I love you baby! Here's to 9 more! H

Coupons

Coupons, coupons, coupons! 

Does it take time... YES! 

Do I buy stuff that I would not normally buy... YES

Is it worth it... YES! 

So let me give you the scoop on coupons. I began cutting coupons about 5 years ago through a website called The Grocery Game. This website taught me many things about couponing. One of the major lessons I learned was there is always a rock bottom sale price to each and every product AND this is when you want to use a coupon in order to get your best deals. Couponing is a "job", it is work, but with some organization and some help from others it is well worth the time you spend. 

You need to understand the cycle of sales at your grocery store. Many products will hit their lowest-price every 8 weeks or so. What you want to do, is buy enough of a certain product when it is at it's lowest price to last you till it is on sale again. I try to do this with things like cereal, cleaning products, and toiletries. 

How do you get started?  You will need help! Find a website that will give you the deals. There are many sites out there that can help and walk you through it. Some charge a small fee others are free.  I have been using Southern Savers. I like her style it is clean and crisp. I get overwhelmed when websites are cluttered. I think that is why I like hers the best. And best part is it is FREE! I have heard of others such as Money Saving Mom. There also is Coupon Mom. Many other sites exist these are just ones I have heard of. I would love for you to comment on others if you know of them. 

Once you find a site you like that works with the stores in your city you are ready to begin. 

Where do you get the coupons? I get the coupons from all over. I do buy the Sunday paper. Southern Savers will tell us when there is a online coupon that I can just print. I also sign up for other coupon books that come in the mail, such as Kraft. 

Stores-  I think one of the first steps would be to research your local stores and their coupon policies. When I lived in Cali, Vons and Ralphs at the time would double any coupon up to $2.50. Which is amazing! Gosh the two stores I shop at now will only double a coupon if it is under 50 cents! There are so many things I can talk about in regards to store coupon policies! Some stores will let you use competitor coupons. Some stores will let you put coupons on their "club cards", some stores have triple coupon days. There are just so many details I could talk about, but I would check with your stores. And these websites should also help. 

Does it really take 2 hours? Sometimes! From the time that I cut the coupons, organized them, file them, then researched, make my list, and finally pulled the coupons for that shopping trip many times it is an hour or longer. I often do things in chunks to break up the time. But again it is worth it! 

Products- I am not a brand person. There is nothing that I wont try. But here is the deal, if someone was outside the grocery store  handing out a product for free would you take it? I would! That is how I look at it. I got some free sour cream dip the other day. I would NEVER buy it because I would rather make it but because it was free it was perfect for my dinner party the next night. You do have to be creative but again, with the money you are saving you will be able to buy the certain things that YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT! 

Let me say that I have had a huge gap in my couponing! When I moved here The Grocery Game did not work as well. So I basically stopped. It was not until my friend April showed me Southern Savers that I got back into the grocery game. I can't tell you the validation I feel when I pay a so little for so much! 

So I guess that is the intro to coupons. Please let me know of other sites you may use. I welcome other questions too! H

Family Night... Sneak Peak

Our holiday plans changed and we were left with a open day which turned into Sohaila planning a family night. Here is a sneak peak... HMM what could it be. I will post the night later this week. Just thought I'd tease you all. 

My Man Decorates

Carlos Is currently doing a Listening Party for the new United Hillsong CD. I logged on to my computer to see this...

Looks good right? Well, the problem is that all these things are from other area's of my house.  He "redecorated" a corner in our casa for this shindig and I must say... I like it. Looks good babe! H

Southern Savers Comes Through Again!

This weeks savings... Total amount of groceries= $119.52 

Paid $40.25 for my $120 in groceries. 

Saved $79.27

It was worth my 2 hours of coupon cutting! 

Family Night... Welcome 2 Summer

Today is the last day of school and we are EXCITED! 

So we decided to have a welcome 2 summer party! 

We began by picking up Sohaila at the bus stop.  She was armed and ready within seconds.

We then had a water balloon toss. 

Which turned... 

Bad at times,

she quickly rebounded! 

We had snacks. Pudding snacks, lemonade and watermelon. 

And finally some bubbles! 

The Whittaker's are now ready for summer! H

Girls Date

I had a moment to snag some girl time with the littles. We went to the mall where we have maximized our time. We first hit Macy's and tried on dresses to rate their twirl factor. We then hit the MAC counter where were we got blush and lipgloss. We went to William Sonoma who just so happened to have samples out. The next stop was bath and body for some smell good lotion samples. And finally computer time at Mac! Who say's you can't have a girls day and spend nothing! H

Bed Time

Some things are just precious! 

She went up and got her jammies on along with some extras. H

More Indian Food

 

I had some great cooking lessons from Mrs Nadu this past weekend! She is the mama of one of Carlos' best friends. We made these great things called vada. So good! 

One of the best things I learned from her was done in these ice cube trays. She makes a ginger paste, ginger paste, almond paste she blends the things up and adds a little bit of water and freezes it. I was thinking it would be great to do this with chipotle too! So fun learning! It is so enjoy trying different cultures food and spices. My go to is Mexican food. It is just simple and I always have all the ingredients. What about you. What is your go to food? H

What is Chiquaqua?

So I was chatting with my friend in China the other day. We were catching up when she asked me to help with some mexican recipes. Here is our chat...

You have to admit that is funny. Here I thought it was some kind of cactus then I google it and it is a dog. H

Georgia On My Mind...

Neighborhood Graduate Congratulations are new to me. I don't know if this is strictly done her in GA, but I have never seen this done before. Each neighborhood community has a sign out with the names of the local graduates on it. I think it is kinda fun. Kinda creepy, kinda fun! :) H

Husband vs Wife

The Whittaker's worked hard and did some deep cleaning this weekend. While in our room, I needed to use Carlos' big muscles and asked him to take something down for me. He then looked to his left where he saw a box of "memory clothes". It was tucked away, actually taped shut because it was so full. He was so excited to open it and look inside. We laughed as he pulled each peace out made comments about that time in our lives. When he was done he put it away...

Umm, "Can you fix that" I asked. He could not believe I was going to make him fix it. 

I did. H

Free Hair Treatment!

Look at this great deal! Kerastase is offering a free treatment and blow dry service! FREE! Did I mention that! I booked mine how about you? Check the link for salons near you! This was to good not to share! 

Not ONE Old Fry!

Well friends I did it. I conquered the beast! 

There was a lot of things I figured were in there and some that I had no clue! 

So here is the list...

2 scooters 2 helmets, 1 tricycle

magazine

portable dvd player and 4 dvd’s

wrapping paper and wrapping ribbon

kids flipflops

wood bookend

Christmas cd

Loaf of squished bread

Umbrella

Bag of dirty clothes from vacation

2 Hair flower clip

baby doll

backpack with random kid crap…  

kids book

2kids coloring menu

coloring book w/ countless markers/crayons

2 kids journals plus my life journal 

jewelry box

sm bible

pencil box with jewelry not pencils

p90x dvd’s

1 can coke zero

toy car

mosquito bite medicine

3 nalgene bottles

1 princess purse

2 wire hangers

pooh lunch box and Hello kitty lunch box

American girl doll

sohaila’s piggy

Minnie princess ears

kids bible

McDonalds pet shop toy

Gym card

Crown

Seam ripper

Tylenol bottle

3 xmas gifts for girls that need to be returned!

Bobble head Jesus

jacket

All of sohaila’s medical record

So and Seanna’s immunization cards

A purse

Breaking free bible study

Bag of teddy grahams

Thumb drive

A cloth napkin

Kids hat

Kids princess pillow

Stuffed puppy dog

Headband

Brain quest games

Kids comb

Kids keys

Kids microphone

Bubble bath

Here were the winners... 

*stolen glitter, yep you read that right! I was at Walmart and stole this glitter, well did not mean to steal it but found it in my purse once I got home. So I put it back in my car so I can take it back and well there it still sits under all the junk! 

*golf ball? Here is the problem, it may not sound random but we don't play golf. How did we get a golf ball when we don't play golf? 

*Sealed card from grandma… probably with cash in it! This speaks for itself! $25!!!

Oh yeah, did I mention this boulder my child took from Disneyland? Carlos was in charge when she put this in the stroller. She told him that her class has a rock collection... How could he say no?

Then I found my Mother's Day Card from Seanna that I never got! Until today! 

Then there was Losiah's rock from Missouri! 

I had to get a laundry basket for the amount of dirty clothes that were in the car! 

Carlos said... "You really are not going to take a picture of that are you?" 

As much as I wanted to live in denial I will lay it all before you. LOOK at how many dishes were in my car. I could have supplied a newlywed couple with a full kitchens worth of things! Geesh! 

Matt: You almost won... There were 9 bowls! Ouch! 

So there we go... Lots and lots of stuff! And not ONE old fry! I can't say it's because we don't eat in the car because well my full kitchen proves otherwise. 

You guys cracked me up with your guesses, The old fry and sippy cup threw everyone off! So many guessed it and I am so sorry to say I failed you! NO fries and we are done with sippy cups in this house! You know back in the day there was one with soiled milk in the car! :) There were some great guesses, it really tells me a lot about you guys! So the winner is... 

1. headband 
2. mail, rather junk mail
3. book
4. school work, papers
5. plastic cup
6. water bottle
7. happy meal toys
8. jackets
9. bible
10. toy cars

Posted by: Michelle | May 14, 2009 at 08:46 AM

My Man Is Funny!

I Can't Do It All

Mama is tired. I had great plans to clean the car out BUT that is why it is in the shape it is. Out of site out of mind! BUT I will get the winner up tomorrow! Hope everyone has a great Friday! H

Winners

Here are the winners for the book give away! 

96 is Lana and number 62 is Steph! 

Congrats! If you guys could send me your addresses I wlll send them off! Hope you guys enjoy! H

Old French Fries

There she is! She looks put together, doesn't she?  Friends let me tell you a little secret... she is a disaster! I have NEVER seen my car so messy. And that says a lot! Now I can't claim I have never seen Carlos' car so messy because he has brought my awareness to new levels! However because we share a car I clean it out before it gets bad. Yet with all our our travel and chaos, the car has slipped into an unrecognizable state on the inside. So I thought I would humiliate myself and play a little game. Sound fun? Nothing like embarrassment! 

Here we go... I want to see who can guess what is in my car. Try to guess 10 items in my car that don't belong there. Whoever gets the most right wins a $10 itunes card! I will do some cleaning today!

Southern Savers Comes Through Again!

I bought $119.43 worth of groceries and only spent $41.34... Saving $78.09!!! 

It took some work but was worth it! H

Free Books!

Ok friends! Here you go I have two free books for you! All you have to do is leave a comment. 

Dear Mom: Everything Your Teenage Daughter Wants You to Know But Will Never Tell You (Paperback)

by Melody Carlson (Author)

Enduring Justice 

by Amy N. Wallace (Author)

Two books, two winners, one book each! Go...

Field Day Live!

Pete over at Without Wax made a video of our field day. He did a little trash talking over there! 

Wilson/Whittaker Field Day from Pete Wilson on Vimeo.

I guess I can't deny it! H

Growing Up With Sisters

The effect of sisters was apparent when we had field day. The Wilson boy's were off throwing the ball, getting muddy and peeing on the grass when my little man was smelling the flowers.  

Ok he really was not smelling the flowers, he was trying to blow them. Poor guy he thought these were dandelions! H

Wilson Style

Boys. Not only did we learn new games for field day we were getting lessons on all things boy! H

Mama

I LOVE holidays. Today is supposedly my day! My day to take a break. To allow everyone else do things but me. Yet all I can think about are some of the mothers who have carved a permeant impression on my soul! Would you like to meet a couple? Now I must admit I have had countless women in my life who have shaped me, loved me, and guided me. I have had older wiser and wonderful peers impact me. But these are just a few who have been on my heart today.

Let me start with.... 

This Auntie, is raising this little boy and three other children. They are not hers. Do to the fact that her brother could no longer care for his kids, she stepped up. She sells charcoal and prays to make one dollar a day. ONE DOLLAR A DAY! She is the first women I met in Uganda and she will forever be etched in my heart! I admire her. She is a mother, regardless if they are by birth or not! 

Oh yes, Angie is on my heart today. Carlos is the one who makes Mother's Day happen. All I could think about today was the pain Angie must feel today. I struggle being a single mom when Carlos  is gone fora  few days. There is no way I could understand the pain she feels being both mom and dad. I love you Ang! 

The next mom who made an impact in my life, I don't even have a picture of! But she has impacted me in more ways than I can express! You see we were at Recreate. A conference we attend each year. One night we were set to have worship and dinner at a this families house. We DID have worship and dinner at their house, but what happened in between the plan and it happening, rocked my core. You see the mom of this home was pregnant and that morning she miscarried. What killed me and taught me about the servant-hood was the fact that she still hosted us. That morning she lost her child and in the evening she had 100 people in her home. It was amazing to  Worship with her and receive Gods love from her. 

And finally my mama! There is just something so special about your mom's love. 

I hope you all had a wonderful mother's day. Regardless if you have birthed children or not you have the ability to impact people. The Auntie I met, my friend Angie, and the mother who miscarried have been on my heart today. I wondered what their day was like today. I wonder if they were honored?  H

Family Night... Field Day With The Wilson Family

The point of family nights is just being intentional for a short period of time as a family. The truth is life gets in the way sometimes. We are up in Nashville for Carlos and his work. The kids and I got to tag along which is much better than staying at home alone! 

Sohaila missed field day at school and was sad about it so I decided to create our own field day. We got to stay at our friends the Wilson's one night and they jumped on board with us! 

This is Brandi and her boys! Yet another friend who I have met because of this here blog! 

We had a football toss. Guess who won... Jett! Boy can throw a ball! 

I don't know what this was called, but it was funny to watch the kids get dizzy! 

Pete was showing the kids how to do the long jump! Not bad for being jet lagged from his trip with Compassion to India! 

Then we did the three legged race. Which is the ONLY time we will be tying our girls to the Wilson boys! 

This was my favorite field day event. 

The big kids won! 

The three year olds actually made it to the finish line. Which was a huge accomplishment since Losiah can rarely walk 10 steps with out falling! 

Then the egg toss!

And finally a good old fashion race, where I had to run my fastest so that Jett and Sohaila did not beat me! It was such a great day! H

He's Three!

I get it. I am short and can never reach anything! I am always the one who will give up the emergency row on the plane because my feet are two short to touch the ground. AND when you don't have a seat in-front of you it just means restless legs! My little man is creative. I caught him using this spoon that extends to turn the lights on and off. Super smart! He's three! 

That Was Therapeutic

Sometimes everyone needs a good cleanse! 

That would be Seanna and Carlos at the bus stop! 

Seanna did not last long. 

No one had a shower this morning... now they have. 

And my mans words were "That was therapeutic!" Sometimes we all need to sing in the rain! 

Korean Love

I remember when I saw this video.  It was so weird to see someone else in my shoes! Hey I know that lady, she has placed that same baby carrier on me. This time she was placing it on my friend Jen's back. Mine was a bright grass green, Jen's was a much more tolerable khaki, but the moment was the same. Life changing at that. 

I must say what I love the most about my blog is taking these friendships live! Jen and her brood came to stay at our house last night. She has 4 kids plus our three and then the Darley 3 maxed out our house with 10 monkey's under 10! But the best of all was the love in the making! 

Oh I can not get enough of her.

I just love this here blog! There are many times I want to call it quits with this blog. You know how it goes... there is one reader who is a hater in the bunch of hundreds and it makes me want to give up. BUT when I realized the reality of all those I have met on here who I now dearly love them I am so encouraged! H

Invisible Oprah

Everyone has their opinions on Oprah. She is one powerful lady! God revealed to us our desire to adopt through her show. People always ask me, how did you decide to adopt and I say... Oprah.  So many people get caught up on her religious beliefs, but my heart says... who cares when she does things like this! Check this out! It just excites me! 

The Other Woman

Meet Joanna. She was "the other woman" in my life. HeHe. When I was in high school my boyfriend dumped me for her. It was ugly and completely High School, however we are now friends. The good old internet has brought two very unlikely people together. She drove out for a quick visit with me while I was in Colorado. So... Fresno peeps... funny to see us together huh! :) 

Just Like The Guzman Family

Well, they loved it. My food that is! 

What I loved is that I am so use to cooking for 'ahem'... gringos, and it was not spicy enough for my Indian friends! They kept adding jalepenos! I loved it. The best part of the night was that I felt at home. You see when we are with Carlos' mom's side of the family they all speak spanish, so this gringa sits waiting to catch a word here and there. Half a sentence is in English the other Spanish. So when they were switching from English to Malayalam I felt just like home. I even answered a few questions when the spoke to me because I am so used to the guessing game! 

Don't we make a good oreo cookie. I guess I did not get the memo on our attire! :) H

Now I am off to hike a mountain. Hurray for Colorado! H

When In Co Cook!

 

Meet Krissy! She is why I am in CO! Today I got to cook for the Indians!

 

I put them to work!

 

Salsa, albondigas, and pasole! Lets see if they like it! Carlos asked if I could have the Indians teach me some Indian food so I could cook for the Mexican! H

Was I Ever Like This?

I found this picture in Sohaila's backpack... Apparently her mind was on more than school work!