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Over the past 6 months, the projects, challenges and growth that I have experienced with Mommy Snacks has been amazing! There have been days that I was working off of little sleep and tons of adrenaline. I love what I do. I never would have thought ANY of this would happen when I started back in January, 2008. I joke that I only intended this blog to be read by my mom and my friends..and that would have been me forcing it on them :)

I’m blessed, fortunate and humbled by Mommy Snacks’ place on the web. I am still amazed that this site has allowed me to tap into my creative side and start consulting and then also co-founding two amazing sites: Savvy Blogging ^[2] and My Coupon Database ^[3]. These are projects that were (and still are) needed in the blogging community. I’m thrilled to be a part of each of them with some amazing partners whom I trust and respect. Oh, and seriously going to the Dominican Republic ^[4] – seriously – highlight of my blogging career fo realz!

But, it’s not always a bed of roses. Sometimes I overwork myself. Being that I have a high level of responsibility and all. Do you know that I actually felt guilty at Christmas because I couldn’t share every good deal. I literally lost sleep over it. It’s crazy, I know!

That was kind of an issue when I worked part-time from home in my last position (working in a Corporate environment). Balance is not my forte. Couple that with “life happening” and, well, it was sometimes more than I could take. I take a personal responsibility in helping you save – in feeding (and teaching) you, if you will. I know you can read anywhere on the web, but the fact that you stop here when you do warms my heart! {insert a sappy “awwwwww”}

Not to bore you with all of the growing, and life-learning “pains,” I am ecstatic to make this announcement! I am pleased to welcome Kathy to the Mommy Snacks team. You actually know her a little bit. She previously guest posted (here ^[5] AND here ^[6]) sharing about her family’s personal finance journey.

It was actually somewhat because of those posts (or my tardiness and disorganization in posting them, that is ) that she is working with me today. Finally, for ONCE those two bad behaviors come to do some good for me (and a little divine intervention – thanks JC!)! Since you’ll see her around here a lot, I thought it would be good for you to get to know her a bit more as well…So, here’s Kathy!!!

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I am super excited to be partnering up with Andrea, and joining the Mommy Snacks team and community! I am looking forward to getting to know each of you as readers, and would love to start by sharing about our family.

I am married to an amazing man, BJ , and mom to two precious boys: Trey, age 3, and Josiah, 16 months. We have enjoyed being in full-time ministry for the last 8 years with a college Christian ministry. Currently, we are in the midst of a job transition into the private sector as we trust in the Lord’s leading.

Our family began our frugal and couponing journey almost two years ago and have been going strong ever since! As I began to discover the money-saving possibilities of using coupons I began to share them with just about anyone who would listen (you know how that is). Last fall, I began Simple Savings Mom as an outlet to share about our couponing adventures and to be a resource for others.

I LOVE sharing about great deals and also sharing in the excitement of others as they save money for their families! I consider it a privilege to be joining the Mommy Snacks team and am committed to helping your family save on your needs and having lots of fun along the way!

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In the past few weeks working with Kathy I can tell you, she truly does care about helping you save. That was, and is, HUGE to me! YOU deserve that wherever you choose to read!

With Kathy’s addition, I can focus on personal balance, quality content and posts and good ole’ creativity! I have so many ideas for how to improve Mommy Snacks, but when I’m in the details everyday it’s hard to think of the possibilities on HOW Mommy Snacks can be better (and if you have ideas, feel free to share ‘em). I’m excited to say one of the first changes you will see in the next month is a site redesign. It will be something different than what you will be used to seeing, but I think it’ll be awesome so I’m pumped about it!

I also have more “meaty” stuff on savings and earning (I’m totally not intentionally using food references..but it is Mommy Snacks so I suppose I’m allowed :-). I have so many posts in draft on things that have helped us save (and earn). But, those have been placed on the backburner because, honestly, my family keeps me busy. That balance have been way off lately (as in a lot). With Kathy’s help, I can continue to give you what you expect, and I can focus on content and ways that will add more value for YOU!

You will see both of us posting here frequently, but PLEASE KNOW that I will absolutely still be a large presence on this site. After all, it is Mommy Snacks ;) Having a great partner in Kathy is just one way I plan to continue to help you save on what you need so you can spend more on what you want! We’ll be giving you more ways to save now!

Also, my email is always accepting mail! If you ever have any suggestions or questions, let me know! Actually, being more responsive to YOU, my fab readers, is a HUGE priority for me to get back to. But, that post will come tomorrow :)

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The pic above is our boys and my hubs doing some sight seeing on our recent family trip to Colorado! It was so beautiful!