Name: Marci
Age:      40
Home:  Memphis, TN
Occupation:  Former advertising account executive; currently at home and doing freelance writing

Family:
John, 35
Margret, 3
Audrey, 1

Hobbies:
Most of my spare time is spent on freelance projects and on developing two online businesses. Also like to scrapbook, but I'm not into the "competition" of it. I just slap my stuff together pretty fast. The pages still look good, but I don't agonize over it.

What Funny Things Do Your Kids Do/Say:
My one-year-old likes to sit in the floor and put on necklaces and act very girly, but she can also throw a ball like a third-grader. My three-year-old likes to help me cook. One morning at breakfast I asked her if she wanted to help me bake some banana bread. She said, "No, I eating now. You'll have to do it." My husband was helping her with the potty one day and as he stood there, she looked at him and said, "Daddy, I need some privacy."

The Most Rewarding Thing About Parenting:
When my three-year-old says "Mommy, I love you so very much." And when the baby comes over and gives me a big, wet, open mouthed kiss. They also play well together, which is a total joy. I had my kids later in life, so I think I really enjoy them more than if I had had them at a younger age.

The Most Challenging Thing About Parenting:
It's a tie between having enough patience and remembering to take care of myself. Oh, and next runner-up is being constantly interrupted and unable to concentrate on anything (including filling out this survey).

Favorites:
Elmo videos, the Noggin channel (specifically for toddlers and preschooler, no commercials), Madeline and Curious George books, Baby Einstein videos, Brio train track, our dress-up trunk, Fisher Price dollhouse and farm. My husband and I could not live without Tivo. Watching movies together is our way to unwind.

Money Saving Tips:
I've bought a lot of toys at garage sales that have had real staying power: a $2 Barbie phone, a $10 play kitchen, $25 for a doll house, Cozy Coupe and a rocking horse. I also shop and sell kids' clothes at several local consignment sales. I make lists for shopping and work very hard not to pick up extras, even though I always want to. I've also shopped going-out-of-business sales at Kmart and Zany Brainy to stock up on children's gifts. I cook from scratch 5 or 6 nights a week, using savingdinner.com. It's a paid subscription, and well worth the modest price. Lots of fresh, nutritious food and it saves us from eating out a lot. We also belong to Sam's Club, but I keep a price book so I can tell if their prices are really bargains or not.

Best Bargain Ever:
I bought a food processor on eBay for $1. I don't use it a lot but there are times when it is really handy. Whenever I want something new I always check eBay first.

In the Kitchen:
Saving Dinner has great recipes. I sound like a broken record (and no, I don't make any money from it), but the recipes are great -- my whole family loves them. Planning out a week's menus is essential to my weekly grocery shopping, otherwise I overbuy. I like to buy in bulk: ground beef, boneless chicken and shredded cheese go on sale frequent and all freeze well. Sometimes I make a big batch of chocolate chip cookies and freeze them uncooked, in balls. If I want to have fresh cookies, I just pop a few into the oven for a few minutes. Also, if you clean as you go when you cook, there's not such a big mess to clean up at the end of a meal.

Organization:
If you need help organizing, go to www.flylady.net. It's free and it's a great resource to develop routines that help you get your house and life together. I also recommend getting rid of the clutter in your house. Keep everything you love, and toss the rest. Also, create a "launching pad" in your home near the door you use most often. We bought a narrow four-shelf bookcase from Target and each of us has a "cubby" for phones, backpacks, my purse, my husband's wallet and phone, the girls' shoes, etc. We even installed coat racks on either side. Everything we need is there when we head out the door.