Our Experiment Update #2

So yes, I really stink at updating my blog. I do think about it often. . . does that count?

The experiement is over. I actually couldn't tell you what transaction tipped the scales. What's funny is that someone asked my husband how the experiment was going, he said "great! she won!" What does that mean. Apparently in his mind I 'won' if I didn't spend the whole $45 in one week! :) I'm pretty lucky if that's all he expects!!!!

So, I've been trying to figure out what lesson I need to learn from this. What do I need to do differently? I can remember one trip I made to Winco with my grocery money, I was a lot more specific on what I bought knowing I only had about $30 to spend. Normally I would buy extra stuff, all stuff we would use, but still extra.

The conclusion. I'm going to use cash on all my grocery and couponing purchases for the next few months. To get a visual. Now, I don't want you all to think that Jamie has a spending problem. I have to tell you, couponing is great for that. I make multiple purchases in a week, and the whole game is to see how much you get for next to nothing. I just feel handling cash will help me be even more careful with my money.

Our Experiment Update #1

Well, we started out the weekend needing a red pepper for fajita's, and famous Amos cookies for homemade ice cream.

Starting Balance = $45

Trip to Winco = $2.86
Balance = $42.14

Today I had to send Tyler to Safeway for 2 cans of Cream of Chicken. (can't believe I'm out!!!)

Safeway = $2.18
Balance = $39.96

And of course, I can't give up couponing, so I made my weekly trip to Walgreens.

Transaction 1: x4 Men's Sure deoderant, x2 Men's Pert Plus, x3 toothbrushes

Total = $1.23
Balance = $38.73

Transaction 2: x2 Men's Pert Plus, x3 Reach floss, x2 Neosporin Lip, 1 gallon of milk, x3 baby food

Total = $1.77
Balance = $36.96

Our Experiment

So, today we were looking at our credit card statement and bank account statement. . . between Christmas, traveling, after Christmas clearance sales and Tyler's extensive dental work, I made a decision. I currently have $45 in cash. My experiement is to see how far I can make that money stretch. I thought of giving myself a time restraint, such as one month, but I thought it would more fun to see how far I can make it go. This $45 is for all grocery items, walgreens trips, anything extra. This does not include gas for the car or any regular bills.

So. . . wish me luck, and I'll keep you updated!
(oh, and don't worry about us, we are fine. . . I just wanted to do something to make myself more accountable!!) :)

Christmas Morning with Stockings

Our girls have not hit the stage yet where they are so excited for Christmas that they wake up at 4 in the morning. Luckily, we got to sleep in until 7:30. Santa did leave each of the girls a little present in their bedroom. And here they are with their stockings.

Trimming the Tree

The day after Thanksgiving is the day McKenna and I go in search of our Christmas tree. It seems we're always in luck because we've been able to find a tree right in our garage every time!

I'm not sure what it is, but McKenna seems to find it exciting and mysterious when we pull the tree out of the box.

Here are the girls getting out all the ornaments, many of them from great grandma Woller. She has gotten the kids a few personalized Lenox ornaments.

I think their favorite ornaments are Sesame Street.

After letting the girls decorate the tree for a while, here is what they came up with. Gotta love the cluster.

(please ignore the red ribbon. . . . it took me a while to figure out how to put it on the tree correctly!)

Unfortunately we never got a picture of the final product. Oh-well.

Christmas is coming. . . .

Here are some cute pics of the kids one sunday before church.

my big boy

Gotta love the fact that McKenna and Ethan have the same size head!!!!