Penny pinching

We were nickle and dime-ing our way through life the past few months, all in hopes to stock pile our savings account.  Just as our savings account grew, so did our random fluke expenses.

The random money suckers lately have been

• Our fried motherboard - and no, this is not in reference to me, however P may disagree somedays, it is our computer.  Apparently having a surge protector isn't enough around these parts.  Each power surge brought on by this erratic KY weather has slowly, but surely killed our computer.  At first I was more worried about my treasured pictures being gone forever - my babies pictures from the year 2011 just...gone.  But thanks to the geeks, whom we paid way too much, my pictures are safe and secure on an external hard drive now.  I know, many probably think that we could have just gone without a computer for a while, but having a professor as a husband, a functional computer at home is a must.  Actually I take that back, some professors might not need a computer at home for work related needs, but my Mr., well he is rather prolific in his research.
• The boys and their ears, double ear infections for both of them right now.  And these darn ears can't ever start to hurt on a Mon-Fri sort of schedule.  Of course the pain and fever always begins when the pediatrician isn't open or is booked, which means a long, long wait at urgent care...and more greens leaving our wallet.  But mama has to keep her babies healthy and painfree, so urgent care and penny pinching it is!
• My random foot issue.  A swollen foot requiring three trips to see a doctor, which I felt absolutely ridiculous about - but being a RN (running around on my feet 3 days a week for 12 hours straight) and a mama of 3 busy littles I need my foot to not hurt like mad and fit inside a shoe.  My final trip about my foot was a 2am ER visit (swelling, redness, pain, and red streaks on my foot = get to see a Dr. immediately).  Funny how seeing 3 doctors I got 3 different diagnosis, and each time the current Dr. said well we now what isn't wrong with it.  A pain pill and antibiotics seemed to be the cure.  I don't even want to see the medical bills, I am hoping that my health insurance is kind, and gentle, and understanding that we are this.close to being ready to buy a house...

 Because we are Loprinzis though, we continue pushing through.  Only now instead of nickle and dime-ing our way through life, we have resorted to penny pinching.  Given the recent tornado devastation around our area, I'd say penny pinching is a good place to be.  With our best efforts I think we might just have ourselves a savings account strong enough to put a down payment on a home, our first home...March 30th is the big day we have set out to house hunt with our realtor.

***

and my kids, oh how I love them.  A few phone pictures, since our computer is on the fritz.

 Paul's office door, now complete with kid hand prints and Kiplin slobber.

 Just exploring the locker room at Paul's work...

 Smoothie date.