Name: LeeAnn
Age:      34
Home:  Kentucky
Occupation: I've been a stay-at-home mom for three years now.  Before coming home, I worked as a legal secretary for 13 years. 

Family:
My dear husband Thomas, 36
My amazing son Matthew, 9
My dearest daughter Roxanne, 4

Hobbies:
I love to cross-stitch.  It keeps me sane.  I'm also an avid reader--I love the Diana Gabalden series, Left Behind, Harry Potter, and the Patricia Cornwell Scarpetta series.  I am also an X-files junkie.  We have all the episodes on DVD and I'll watch one or two before going to sleep at night.  I paint witty signs and make Christmas ornaments to show in small local art fairs. 

What Funny Things Do Your Kids Do/Say:
My daughter is very outgoing and can't stand to stay home.  Every morning, the first things she says when she wakes up is "Where do we need to go today"?  My son on the other hand is a homebody and always asks "Can we stay home today"? 

The Most Rewarding Thing About Parenting:
I love the spontaneous hugs--especially the rare ones2 I get from my "I'm too big for mommy love" son.  I also love watching my children being themselves.  It makes me realize that they are not just an extension of myself, but their own people. 

The Most Challenging Thing About Parenting:
The isolation and loneliness.  All of my friends work, and I really miss the adult companionship I had while I was working.  I love my children more than life, but I miss my girlfriend time.

Favorites:
Right now Roxanne is into everything Cinderella.  She also loves to play with my clothes for some reason.  Matthew loves the Goosebumps series of books.  I had to take his flashlight away from him because he would stay up way past his bedtime reading his books under the covers. 

Money Saving Tips:
I shop at Aldi's.  I can get a whole grocery cart full of good stuff for only $40.00.  It really helps when money is tight with one income.  I also scout yard sales for clothes for the entire family.  I especially shop in June for school uniforms for my son.  In three years, I have not bought a single new outfit at the store.  My son has Tommy Hilfiger uniforms I found at a yard sale for $.50 each.

Best Bargain Ever:
My best bargain ever was an antique cabinet/hutch.  It was one of those with the pull-our metal flour sifter.  The lady selling it only had the top part of the hutch which she sold to me for $5.00.  My husband and I hung it on the wall and it is beautiful!

In the Kitchen:
I usually make dinner in the morning.  That way, when my son comes home from school, and my husband comes home from work, all I have to do is warm it up.  It makes those hectic weeknights much easier.  I'm able to concentrate more on helping with homework, bath time, bedtime, etc.

Organization:
It took 15 years of marriage, but my house is finally organized.  If you don't use it, get rid of it.  If it's September, and the kids haven't played with a toy since last Christmas, donate it to a local daycare.  I go through my clothes every fall and spring.  If I didn't wear a particular article of clothing that season, I either sell it in a yard sale or donate it to the DAV or Salvation Army.