Hi - I am not sure the exact way that I found HCW

...but I remember sitting down and searching the internet for stay at home jobs and ways to save money.

I am a stay at home mother of 5 small children (10, 8, 6, 3, 1). Anyway, so this was back in April 2008 when prices were really starting to concern me. I found HCW and just started with the free samples. Then for about 2 months I would stay up once the kids were in bed - sometimes until 3 am to learn how to coupon.

Now - I feel like this is my stay at home job with all the savings I get. I estimate that I will have over $15,000.00 in savings for the year.

Not all of the products I am using but my husband and I try to donate at least $200.00 a month to charity

and couponing has really helped in that area. Thanks so much for everyone that posts and for those that have created HCW.

I have past on my understanding of coupons to many others and directed them here in hopes that they too can help get by.
I had a ton of fun coming up with my wishlist. As you can imagine with a larger family the wishlists are big but I still had fun doing it. I came up with things that my children have asked for that I know I won't be getting them. It would really make their Christmas super exciting though. Thanks for this cool contest.
P.S. If you can't tell....I love the icons....sorry!
Top of the List Ideas:
Pointer Brand Pre-Washed Youth Overalls I gotta tell you a little funny thing about this. My son is 8 and is reading the Little House on the Prairie series. He now wants to be like Pa Ingalls! So this is why he asked for these. Every day he wants to be chopping wood, wishes he could hunt for food, and now wants overalls! He is one funny little man.
PlayStation 2 Dualshock 2 Controller Emerald
We were given a PS2 and the controller doesn't work. I don't really allow video games in our house so it doesn't bother me at all not to have it. The kids have the game but can't play it....I feel a little bad but then I think about all the times they would be fighting over it. They would be surprised to get this though.
Behringer Vintager Electric Guitar Kit in Electric Guitars at JR.com
This is something my 10 year old has been asking for for awhile now. Not in the budget but I can wish for it here!
Daisy Model 9938 Red Ryder Youth BB Gun Kit
Now you might start to think that all my kids want to be like Little House on the Prarie folk! But my daughter wants it really bad. Not quite sure why but we are outdoor kind of people and I am thinking she sees her dad hunting etc. I am not really sure why....isn't it fun to wish!
Alright...then the coupon lady inside me says.....If none of this works or if you need a "filler" then by all means....would love to have any of these (10 would work out nicely to $250)
JCPenney : $25 JCPenney Gift Card