The Harkers

I promise I’m not going to turn my blog into one of those coupons-only sites, but sometimes a girl’s got to share her shopping successes! Here’s today’s Target lowdown:

4 – Johnson’s Buddies soaps – regularly .97, used 4 $1 coupons, making them all free

2 – Oral B Stages toothbrushes – regularly 2.29 each, used 2 $1 Target coupons, 2 $1 manufacturer’s coupons, making them .29 each

4 – Tampax 36 CT multipack – regularly $6.99 each, used 4 $2 manufacturer’s coupons, got two $5 Target giftcards, making them $2.49 each

3 – Listerine – regularly 4.49 each, used 2 $1 manufacturer’s coupons, got a $5 Target giftcard, making them $2.16 each

2 – Tidy Cats kitty litter – regularly $11.99 each, used 2 $1 manufacturer’s coupons, got a $5 Target giftcard, making them $8.49 each

3 – Duracell Batteries – regularly $9.99 each, on clearance for $6.99 each, used two Target $1 peelie coupons, 3 $1 manufacturer’s coupons, making them $5.32 each

Phew! That was a lot of math! I ended up doing four separate transactions so that I could roll over the gift cards and use them all up, so that was a bit of a hassle, but I’d say it was worth the effort! All told, I spent $54.80 and saved about $55.00.

And yes, incidentally, life has been dull when a trip to Target is noteworthy. Other things I’ve been working on include getting my bathroom ready to paint, working on bedroom decor since our room will be the last unpainted one in the house, sewing a cute baby blanket for my sister’s new baby, and just generally laying low. I think I need a rock show or something. Remember back when we were fun?

Less than two months into 2010, and we’ve already seen some major changes!

• Jim is loving his new job – lots of variety, a thriving company, and a grown-up paycheck.
• Our new sectional arrived last Thursday (love it!) and then that night we got another surprise…
• I got a call from the Stake President’s office asking if we could come in that evening. Gulp. With no small amount of trepidation, we met with President Buys and Jim was asked to be the new Elder’s Quorum President. Is it weird that my initial reaction was to start laughing? I have full confidence in Jim and his abilities, but it was unexpected nonetheless.
• Jim got me an iPod Touch for Valentine’s Day. Best. Present. Ever.
• My little sis Amanda had a new baby, her first. His name is Joshua and he is adorable. Now I just need her to send me LOTS MORE PHOTOS! {hint, hint!}
• Not quite so major – new blog template! I’m all about keeping things simple, plus this one doesn’t do wacky things with my photos like the old one. What do you think?

I’m working on a new layout, so bear with me while our blog goes through some changes in the next day or so.

I should probably preface this post with an acknowledgement that I am the WORST BLOGGER OF ALL TIME. I have been terrible about writing over the last several months and I’m hoping to turn a new leaf this year. I think I’ve just been feeling blah and didn’t have anything positive to say. Nothing new in reproductive news, so we’ll skip that. The only major news – and it is major news – is that Jim just got a new job! He starts this Thursday. He’ll be doing basically the same type of work – marketing design – for a company in Sandy. It is a great opportunity for him so we are excited.

To celebrate, we decided to finish furnishing our basement. In our quest to find the perfect sectional, we visited TEN different furniture stores. TEN. My problem with all kinds of shopping is that I generally know exactly what I want and usually can’t find the perfect item in my price range. So imagine my surprise when I found EXACTLY what I was looking for at just what I was willing to pay! And at Macy’s! I don’t think I even knew they sold furniture, but check out the beauty we just ordered (top). It’s microfiber, so it’s durable and pet (and child) friendly, and it’s modular, so each piece is separate and can be rearranged into different configurations.

The second photo is a darling sofa we considered, but it’s a bit more formal than we were looking for. But it gives you a good idea of the cuteness that they have available.

CJane is giving away a family pass to Thanksgiving Point! I think it’s clear from the endless number of photos I’ve taken there of Elijah that I am a HUGE FAN. If I’m not the lucky winner, though, it would be a consolation to know that one of my friends won. Enter here!

This time of year, especially, I miss the Gardens! Photo by Liesl.