Duffy Family News: Surviving Two Under Two

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Surviving Two Under Two

So a while back I posted that our blog would be getting a new name. Well, it was supposed to. Something a little more exciting than Duffy Family News. I had the best intentions, but coming up with something new and witty got lost between loads of laundry, midnight feedings and numerous viewings of Thomas the Train. But I digress, I seriously think a great name for this blog would be Dazed and Confused. That is how I feel lately! Wouldn't trade it for the world of course, but I AM totally dazed and completely confused. Where the heck are the resources for parenting two under two. I was just getting the hang of James and now I am flustered at how I can manage this!!! I will because I am the Mom after all, but between us, I am pretty dang clueless. Anyone out there have any good books or websites for parenting two sweet boys 20 months apart? Advice needed! Also, in the midst of my mommy fatigue, I could use some reassurance that there are actual human beings out there who are following this blog. If you ever stop by to read what is going on with us, let me know by becoming a follower of our blog. I am also going to post some more links on here to blogs I enjoy. I am hooked on a few of them....

PS- to "follow" us, click "Follow" on the right and follow the steps! Pretty please!

5 comments:

Cowtown Camera Girl said...: My hat is off to you girl. I don't know how you do it. If you are dazed and confused I would be totally dazed and confused. ha! You are doing a good job! And I love following you on your blog. :0); September 16, 2009 at 11:36 AM
Lana said...: I promise, I read your blog! I don't know if anyone reads mine though... :) Hang in there, I am sure you're going to do GREAT!!!; September 16, 2009 at 12:05 PM
Ali said...: I'm trying to add myself, but, it's adding my endo blog not my other blog for some reason. I'll try another day! :); September 16, 2009 at 1:01 PM
Lauren, Daniel, James and baby Brendan. said...: Thanks girls! I am glad that I have some readers. I love blogging because it is a way for family and friends who don't live nearby to keep up with us and I have also found it is a great way to express my worries or concerns and get feedback and support. I have found some awesome blogs and I follow each of you! I will have to see if you have that option on your blogs and see if I can add myself. :-); September 17, 2009 at 1:08 AM
Lana said...: The update looks *great*!; September 17, 2009 at 8:58 AM

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Summer Vacation Fund

We have saved $1700 so far! Goal is $1700.

$0 to go!

This summer we are taking two different trips and we will be paying all expenses in cash and keeping to a reasonable budget. In the spirit of my favorite blog (Couponing to Disney) we will keep track of our cash saved for these trips here. We will be saving this money through spending less using coupons, selling items we don't need anymore, using rebates, earning rewards, chipping in "found" money and cutting back from other areas of our household spending like money used to eat out. This will be our trial run for saving cash for our trip to Disney World in 2012!

Trip 1 - Moody Gardens, etc. in Galveston, Tx

(4 days, June 2011)

Trip 2 - Birmingham and Gulf Shores, Al

(8 days, August 2011)

* Rewards = through our bank checking account and Swagbucks

** "Found" money is extra money we weren't counting on

We were planning on a third trip to Sea World in July but have decided to save that for another year to further cut back on expenses and continue to grow our savings.

We were actually able to swing the Sea World trip after all without spending a lot of money thanks to our friends the Merrills and a free fun pass I got before school let out. It was lots of fun! I see us going back there a couple of times a year. :-)

We are managing to do B'Ham and Gulf Shores for less money toward lodging due to wonderful friends who offered to put us up for the nights we are in B'Ham. Thanks Guthrie Family!

Check out our deposits below.

Vacation Fund Deposits

$100 - Some totally random overpayment refund checks from Insurance company, doctor's office and cash we didn't end up spending (we had LOTS of overpayment refund checks this year!)

$40.00 - Overpayment Refund Checks from Pedi's Office - May

$96.00 - Garage Sale - April

$40.00 - Selling Boys' Clothes to a Friend - April

$33.96 - Loose Change Round Up - April

$477 - Escrow Overage Payment from Mortgage Lender - March

$340.26 - Consignment Sale Check from JBF - March

$76.50 - Selling old books to Half Price Books - March

$150 - Selling an item (DVD Player) - March

$350 - Savings Account (from cutting back on discretionary household spending) - Feb.

About Me

I am a momma of two beautiful boys who are both miracle babies that the doctors said I would never have. But here they are, living and breathing and smiling and making my life amazing each day. I grew them both, because of the Lord's mercy, right in my belly and gave life to each one despite what we had been told for years by specialists. I am the wife of one hard-working and devoted man who still brings me flowers and slow dances with me in the kitchen. Truth is folks, I lucked out. I am blessed beyond measure.

I am overwhelmed with it all sometimes. I feel so full of love and pure wonder sometimes I could burst. I am daughter to two wonderful parents. I am friend to many funny, giving, compassionate and interesting people. I am a 20-something that sometimes forgets my age. I am a church member. I am a teacher of children. I am a cook who still enjoys it. I am a photographer who is still learning about f-stop. I am a perfectionist. I love the comfort of obsessing over small decisions, I admit. I like to read. I love a good game of Trivial Pursuit. I am addicted to Starbucks and keep a running total of how much more could be in my savings account if I could only kick the habit. I try hard for perfect and am too hard on myself, but every day I am learning how to give up on perfect just a little and just enjoy every moment in the moment. You know, that heart-stopping minute when you realize, this is it! This is your life and it is running past you so fast that you have to take a deep breath and reach out and grab it and stop it and memorize this, this right here, so you never forget?

My life goal is twofold. It is make the best life for my children and to someday hand over to the world good people: people who give, people who laugh, people who work hard, people who love harder, people who forgive, people who know Christ. These people are my children and they will be my greatest legacy. Thank you for stopping by to follow our journey. It is an awesome ride!

With Love and Joy,

Lauren

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Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Surviving Two Under Two

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