DEALS!

I have been attempting to enter the coupon crazy world...but so far just perusing the blogs on frugallivingnw and groupon and such.

BUT lately..I feel especially thrifty on some purchases.

1.Natalie is in desperate need of bedding...so far she has only had a sheet on the bed, nothing girly and pretty. Well, after finding her feet sticking out of the crib (one too many times), I decided she is ready for a bumper and full on bedding. I looked on costco.com, target and just couldn't justify spending all that money.
Craigslist saved the day...25 dollars and a beautiful set of pottery barn daisy bedding. Awesome huh?


And it washed up so nicely and her crib is sooooooooo cute now.

2. Barnes and Noble online had a bargain book sale that I found out about from frugallivingnw.com I checked out the kids books and got 20 books for 25 dollars and free shipping. I got a lot of books for natalie (so she can have some special books in her own room) and at 1 dollar a piece it's awesome. I also got some easter and halloween books that I will save for the holiday. So basically, books are done for the year. all for 25 dollars.

Now, if i could feel confident about couponing. I did get a fred meyer rewards card, so that my ecoupons can go onto it. I am getting there for sure.

We opened up presents in the morning with Isaac and Natalie and then up to Isaac's room to put together his Thomas Train set. We had cinnamon rolls and coffee up in his room. It was quite fun. We used our camcorder when we opened the presents, it was sooooo cute. I hope to figure out how to download the video next week....

 So sad....Isaac got a time out on Christmas. But with firm expectations on behavior it pays off the rest of the day!

We went to my mom and dad's and had a great time all day! I forgot my camera. But trust me it was so wonderful to spend the whole day together. We draw names via elfster.com. I had my mom this year and got her a "fabulous wok cookbook" which was on her wishlist. And I made her a calendar of grandkid pics. It was super cute. Isaac and Natalie got some gifts too!

Christmas Eve

Isaac and I squeezing in some sugar cookie making on christmas eve...i look awful but hey...this ain't about me no more:)

Trying to get a pic without his finger in his nose

We danced around the living room with the kids to Christmas music, took naps, then headed to Christmas Eve service which was packed. Isaac was with us and I kinda liked it, but I wasn't prepared for him to be in the service. I also would have liked more Christmas songs and candles....so next year we are planning to go to a candlelight service at another church down the street. 

Then off to Chad's sisters' house to celebrate. We had delicious food and a white elephant gift exchange. Isaac and Natalie got some gifts too!

Aunt Shelly's son Michael

unveiling of the car...

Headed home....read Christmas story and off to bed.

Lussier Christmas Party dec 19

My mom has 2 brothers and 2 sisters and all those have 3 or 4 kids and most of those are married and some of those now have children...so it makes for a big party. The adults do a gift exchange...this year they did gift certificate to a non chain restaurant. It was really fun. 

This is only half the room:)

Isaac checking out 2nd cousin Lilly's present

Isaac flying around his tiny toy buzz lightyear from Aunt Roni and Uncle Jack.

Gio entertaining Isaac...he is such an AWESOME cousin.

Isaac tired out....SUCCESS:)

 

Date night dec 18th

Outside Brad and Katie's about to get in the cab to head to Belly's in NE pdx

Katie and I at dinner

Josh and Joanna

These pictures are mixed up...but after dinner we headed over to Vie de Boheme Wine Bar and had the best time. The atmosphere was fantastic and the owner brought a table out for us and just treated us like royalty because our group knew the owner from his previous place called Burdigala which closed down in Sellwood. Well, it was fabulous, a really interesting french? parisian? singer and the place was packed. Us girls even danced. 2 bottles of wine and a bottle of champagne. And appetizers brought to us by the owner:) It was fabulous...oh yeah I already said that~ 

p.s. Thanks Chad for taking all these pictures...I had a wonderful date night with my favorite date...YOU!