A Money Savvy Momma?

Logan, Evan and I went to the mall today.  I had one store I needed to go to and Evan had some energy that needed to get out, so I let him play in the play area after I shopped.  He had a blast pretending he was Spiderman (and a monkey) and running around the play area!

Me, I just sat and watched very pleased with myself for finding some good deals.  See, it took me 6 years of being a Mom to realize the benefits of shopping off season.  I had $40 of "crazy cash" that I needed to use before it expires (this is basically $20 off a $40 purchase at a kid clothing store, Crazy8).  Anyway, I bought a bag full of summer clothes for Colin, which were on sale, and spent only $30! 

It felt good to save some money.  Unfortunately, using coupons is one area where I fail miserably as a stay at home Mom.  I have good intentions, I always clip out coupons or save ones from the grocery store.  Dennis does too, we pile them up and clip them to the refrigerator.  However, 99% of the time that is where our coupon mission ends.  Oh, unless you count 3 months later when I go through all the coupons and toss them in the trash because they have expired.  This has been going on for years.  Why we continue to save coupons we know will end up in the trash is beyond me.  I guess we are both hoping that one day we will wake up and get smart. 

Don't get me wrong, I am still a frugal shopper.  I rarely shop for myself or go shopping just for enjoyment.  I actually panic at the thought of spending a lot of money.  I think Dennis and I both live below our means and we put a lot of money in savings for kids college, retirement or heaven forbid a job lay off.  We will spend money if it is something we really want and we don't really deprive ourselves, but we are both very smart when it comes to saving money.

But, I still dream of that day when I will wake up and decide to actually start using all these coupons that we have saved!

Oh, I almost forgot....We got some news today.  Looks like we will actually have another new neice or nephew this summer.  My sister, Carol, is expecting her 4th baby the end of August!!!  That makes #11 and #12 grandchildren for my parents due this summer!  Wow, it is going to be a busy summer!