House Progress & Camping Trip

We've purchased the appliances for our new house! The best part is that we did it during a tax-free weekend and saved 300$ in taxes. Also we saved a bunch more because we ended up going to smaller local store. It's a mom and pop shop that's been there for ages and, while it was overwhelming with tv's, microwaves and dozens of other small appliances stacked to the ceiling, the youngish man that helped us really knew his stuff and was able to provide us with lots of useful information. We were able to get all of our appliances (fridge, range, microwave, dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer) and a grill for under 5K. Not to mention we were able to upgrade our range and fridge and still stay under budget of 5K. Overall we saved 800$ on the list prices of our appliances and that's not counting the rebates that we have to send in after we receive them. That was the last of the big item shopping, thank God.

Shopping for large items like that is stressful. All of my friends were like, "oh, that will be so fun!" and we were like, "you have no idea." It was a lot fun looking at stuff but looking, knowing that you have to buy something that will last 15-20 years (you hope) is a major decision. I think if we had to shop for a replacement it wouldn't have been so bad because you get to focus on one thing and research that one thing. Having to buy all your appliances at once is overwhelming. You have to research everything, decide if you're going to sick with one brand or choose the best of each. It's a lot to handle. Thankfully we had a few Consumer Reports magazines that dealt with appliances and gave ratings for efficacy, energy savings, ease of use and brand reliability. If you are building a house and have to buy appliances, decide on flooring or anything like that I would highly recommend getting a subscription to Consumer Reports. It is so incredibly handy and informative.

On to other things....We are packing and getting prepared to go camping! Wuss camping in my opinon but camping nonetheless. The tents are on platforms, they come and make your bed and serve you three meals a day. We are going with my in-laws and we'll be around thirteen people or so. I'm looking forward to it but packing is a pain. our son will need 14 days of clothes though we'll only be gone for half the time since he's bound to get messy. Layers are going to be necessary since we'll be in northern Vermont and that inevitably means bulky. Also we'll be miles from the nearest clothing or baby-supply store so forgetting anything would be a pain. The best thing I can do for myself and what I think any parent can do is make a list then bounce it off another parent. Two brains are better than one! Well back to packing! Have a good week everyone!

Beautiful Weather

I just returned home from visiting my mother with our sixteen month old son. We were there for just under a week and except for the last two days we had rain. I managed to get burnt in the process of cleaning my tent but the tent is clean and mildew free and that's what matters! I just had to post because I'm so excited about today's weather! It's seventy three degrees today and beautiful! I'm taking JM out to the little park across the street later and for the first time in a while I've had the windows open and no need for the air conditioner. I'm even wearing pants! WOO!