Name: Ann
Age:      42
Home:  WV
Occupation: Case manager at a hospital

Family:
Randy - husband (42)
Laura (8)
Lisa (6)

Hobbies:
I find it hard to have spare time since I am constantly trying to stay organized. I do find enjoyment in reading, corresponding with out of state friends and family by email and reading frugal living and organizational newsletters and websites on the internet. I make myself take time to exercise at Curves at least 2-3 times a week by going at lunchtime while at work.

What Funny Things Do Your Kids Do/Say:
My oldest daughter tries out new words before she knows the meanings and we often get a big laugh out of that.

The Most Rewarding Thing About Parenting:
We waited a long time to have our children due to pregnancy problems with three earlier pregnancies and we really enjoy each stage of their lives as it comes. It is so great when they say "I love you mom" and now they write me notes to tell me they love me.

The Most Challenging Thing About Parenting:
Discipline has been challenging at times. I have been reading a great book by Ray Guarendi called Discipline That Lasts a Lifetime. It helps parents keep a sense of humor while dealing with children who are not always angels.
Our other challenge is getting everyone out the door on time in the morning.

Favorites:
My daughters love Disney channel, their stuffed kittens and dogs. I can't live without my cell phone and my Subaru Outback for winter driving.  My husband loves to hunt so he's fine as long as he has a Cabela's catalog!

Money Saving Tips:
I do the usual things - scan the ads for specials, clip coupons, etc. I find that our local Kroger has great deals on a lot of items and I have a Super Walmart nearby for everything else. Our small rural grocery (5 minutes away) even has great specials. We freeze a lot of deer meat so I rarely buy meat unless it's chicken.
I order a lot of catalog items on the internet since we live in a rural area.

Best Bargain Ever:
I bought a silk dress for 95% off at a store in Florida. I always wait for the clothes to go on clearance at Walmart and I can often get kid's clothes and jeans for $1.00 or $2.00 (for jeans). I also shop the JCPenney online outlet, especially on Wednesdays when they have one day specials. I often order from Penney's when they have free shipping because I live about an hour from the nearest store.

In the Kitchen:
My children like to be independent, so I pour milk and other beverages into sports bottles so they can get their own drinks without assistance. I also make batches of pancakes, etc and freeze for other rushed mornings. I put cereal into individual bowls with lids ahead of time so we only need to pour the milk if we're in a rush.

Organization:
I am constantly on a quest to be more organized at home. I keep a to do list and organize it by the day of the week so I don't forget anything. I keep a list of our bills by the date they are due so I don't miss any deadlines that would incur a finance charge.

I keep a folder for each girl for any school papers that need to be kept like calendars, permission slips, etc so they don't get lost on the counter. We have a row of hooks by our back door for backpacks and coats and a galvanized tub for shoes and sandals.