So, I have decided to take on a couponing challenge. I'm not sure what the challenge officially was, but I've taken on some form of it! I had an amazing day today with some crazy deals! So here's the breakdown:
First stop...CVS...I picked up 2 boxes of Cheerios and 2 things of Dawn dish soap. At the checkout I also had a few coupons. I ended up pay $1.65 in cash for the items! "Wow" you say? Well, the register also shot out $6 in store coupons - like cash - and you can use them on anything! I got paid $4 to get 2 boxes of Cheerios and 2 things od Dawn! What?!
Stop number 2...Walgreens...3 large bottles of Lubriburm, 1 small tube of Aveeno lotion, 2 bottles of Aveeno shampoo, 2 bottles of Aveeno conditioner, 2 bottles of Lysol toilet cleaner, 2 cans Oust sanitizing spray, 2 cans Spot Shot (pet stain remover) and 1 tube Colgate toothpaste Max Whitening. I paid $35 dollars and I have a $10 mail in rebate which brings my total to $25 spent. I saved well over $60!!! Crazy!
Stop 3...Staples...2 boxes envelops, 2 packages mechanical pencils, 2 packages gel pens, 2 dry-erase boards and a stapler "starter kit" for a grand total of $9. Actually I got it for a little less because the coupons wouldn't ring up correctly. What a great deal! I saved $40!
Last stop...Kroger...I am on a mission to cut our grocery bill in half because there is no reason it can't be done. I may be over challenging myself but why not try, right? I normally spend anywhere between $140 and $175 per week for groceries for our family of 5 (and they don't even eat that much)! So, at the store today I spent a wopping $64.14!!!!! YEAH! Ok, I must confess. I did not buy any meats (did that last week), but I did get produce. I bought everything we needed for the week...including 3 half gallons of organic milk and 2 half gallons of almond milk!
So my total savings for the day, as I look at all of the receipts, is more the $150! And I spent around $90!!!
I can't wait for next week!
I'm over the edge with extra money in my pocket!!!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Friday, January 1, 2010
I'M BAAAACK!
I know.
You can't believe your eyes!
Actually, no one is reading this I'm sure since it has been soooo long.
You know it's bad when your husband tells you he is no longer following your blog.
So...I'm back. I have missed you.
Enough of that! Let's get to business. I have lots to say!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Today is the first of January 2010. That is kind of weird to type. Anyway, here we are. And what does one usually do for the new year but make resolutions they more than likely won't stick to? You say not make them at all and I would agree. However, the past few years I have not made resolutions knowing I would only disappoint myself half way through the year and why do that to myself? I HAD NO GOALS! That is not cool. So, I made some resolutions around the beginning of July. That seems to work out really well. By December 31 I was rockin'! I wanted to plan crafts for the kids to do. We did that especially leading up to Christmas. I wanted to cook and bake more. Did that too. (We did eat out more than Hottie would have liked. I'm still working on that.) I wanted to be proactive in my relationships with my mother- and father-in-law. They came and spent a week with us over the Christmas holidays. We had a great time. Learned more about each other and everyone is on the same page. The crazy page! So I think I'll forge on and make another list of bi-annual resolutions. That way I am not obligated to them for the whole year. You know. Give myself so breathing room. Then I'll go at it again. On to my 2010 Resolutions Act 1:
1. To be better about blogging. With family all over the world, I should be more attentive to this task. Please feel free to hold me accountable if you see me slacking.
2. To be better organized. I know. You ask how can one be better organized than myself, but it is true. I need to work on that. I am creating a binder so I will feel organized and together. It might just be drawings and old grocery lists by the end of the year, but, hey, at least they will be organized. Right?
3. To have better time management. This has always been my problem if I don't get out of bed and get showered, dressed (to the shoes) and moving. I do best if I have a plan. I'm planning to stick to the plan if I can get the plan planned. You with me?
4. To be intentional about food. I get tired of eating and cooking, etc. With children and a husband who need to eat, I can't just forget about it. So, I'm working on my diet (as in food intake/likes/dislikes - not as in loosing weight) so i will be passionate about food again.
5. To complete 365 scrapbook pages this year. Don't freak out on me. I have figured out a system that allows me to achieve this goal and you can watch as the year goes by. I will post my pages as I get them completed and uploaded. You can count with me and when I get to 365 we can celebrate together. Well, you'll have to reward yourself cause I just can't throw a big party for everyone. As the end gets closer we will discuss my reward and make a decision. It will be fun!
I know those all sound so "typical" of a New Year's Resolution, but trust me, in my binder I am working on all the specifics.
I'd love to share some new things I am working on when the time comes. Stay tuned to hear about some cool stuff!
Well, I seem to have started out the new year over the edge! So until next time, have a good night.
You can't believe your eyes!
Actually, no one is reading this I'm sure since it has been soooo long.
You know it's bad when your husband tells you he is no longer following your blog.
So...I'm back. I have missed you.
Enough of that! Let's get to business. I have lots to say!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Today is the first of January 2010. That is kind of weird to type. Anyway, here we are. And what does one usually do for the new year but make resolutions they more than likely won't stick to? You say not make them at all and I would agree. However, the past few years I have not made resolutions knowing I would only disappoint myself half way through the year and why do that to myself? I HAD NO GOALS! That is not cool. So, I made some resolutions around the beginning of July. That seems to work out really well. By December 31 I was rockin'! I wanted to plan crafts for the kids to do. We did that especially leading up to Christmas. I wanted to cook and bake more. Did that too. (We did eat out more than Hottie would have liked. I'm still working on that.) I wanted to be proactive in my relationships with my mother- and father-in-law. They came and spent a week with us over the Christmas holidays. We had a great time. Learned more about each other and everyone is on the same page. The crazy page! So I think I'll forge on and make another list of bi-annual resolutions. That way I am not obligated to them for the whole year. You know. Give myself so breathing room. Then I'll go at it again. On to my 2010 Resolutions Act 1:
1. To be better about blogging. With family all over the world, I should be more attentive to this task. Please feel free to hold me accountable if you see me slacking.
2. To be better organized. I know. You ask how can one be better organized than myself, but it is true. I need to work on that. I am creating a binder so I will feel organized and together. It might just be drawings and old grocery lists by the end of the year, but, hey, at least they will be organized. Right?
3. To have better time management. This has always been my problem if I don't get out of bed and get showered, dressed (to the shoes) and moving. I do best if I have a plan. I'm planning to stick to the plan if I can get the plan planned. You with me?
4. To be intentional about food. I get tired of eating and cooking, etc. With children and a husband who need to eat, I can't just forget about it. So, I'm working on my diet (as in food intake/likes/dislikes - not as in loosing weight) so i will be passionate about food again.
5. To complete 365 scrapbook pages this year. Don't freak out on me. I have figured out a system that allows me to achieve this goal and you can watch as the year goes by. I will post my pages as I get them completed and uploaded. You can count with me and when I get to 365 we can celebrate together. Well, you'll have to reward yourself cause I just can't throw a big party for everyone. As the end gets closer we will discuss my reward and make a decision. It will be fun!
I know those all sound so "typical" of a New Year's Resolution, but trust me, in my binder I am working on all the specifics.
I'd love to share some new things I am working on when the time comes. Stay tuned to hear about some cool stuff!
Well, I seem to have started out the new year over the edge! So until next time, have a good night.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Back from CAMP!
Gigi is standing on the craft table trying to look down here jammies for a red crayon. Goldilocks is crying for me to help him find the hot wheels car that is yellow, has 2 seats ("one right here and the other one right here"), and "the stuff right here that makes it go fast". Punka was trying to help him until he loudly told her it was his room. And they are all whining. I want to go back to camp!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Pre-school Redo
Friday night we went to the church for Goldilocks's Pre-k Graduation. He was so excited! And that is an understatement! He wouldn't tell me the song they we singing or any of the details. Just that when he was done he would be going to Kindergarten. The problem with that is his birthday misses the cut-off by a month and a half. How did we get in this predicament you ask? Well...before school started we received a phone call from the school. Ms. Dani wanted to know if we would move Goldilocks up to the Pre-k class because they had a wait list for the class he was to attend. I asked about how the following year would work out and the reponse was he would easily be able to do Pre-k again only in the other class. Okay. Sounds fine. (Don't get me wrong. We talked about his abilities, ready for the class, etc.) Little did we know that Goldilocks would be VERY ready for what Pre-K had for him. Mrs. V and Mrs. E told me the last half of the year he was ready for Kindergarten. You see...He was getting moved to RED (on the stoplight system) every few days or so because he was completing his work quickly and then trying to entertain himself until the next task. Now, I'm not naive. I know this wasn't the reason for the red light discipline every time. He is a boy! Regardless. He woke up on Saturday morning and asked, "Does Kindergarten starts today?" And that is pretty much all he talked about yesterday. What do you say to that?
Pre-school Redo? I don't think so. What now?I'm over the edge in quandary. Maybe we'll come up with something soon.....
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Easter Bunny in the Park
My dear friend and neighbor Krista invited us to the park a week or two (I can't remember) before Easter to take photos of the kids with her props and of course the Easter Bunny. Gigi wanted nothing to do with the thing. Goldilocks and Punka on the other hand were very taken with him. So taken in fact that they wanted to bring him home with us. Why do I do this to myself? This is why: They had a great time and I got some great shots! So enjoy!
My Yummy Gigi!
Sweet Goldilocks.
My grown up Punka.
In the park
(Gigi is really crying!)
(Gigi is really crying!)
Gigi's 1st Birthday
I know what you're thinking...It's about time! Well, life is crazy over the edge and I will make no other excuse. On with the birthday.
We had a Eric Carle Theme since we ask for books for the kids' 1st birthday. The invitations had giraffes on them and the cake was a caterpillar made out of cupcakes. We also had pots with dirt and little seeds for each attendee to plant and take home with them. Since Hottie was out of town for the past 2 dedications at church, we asked our senior pastor to come so we could have her dedicated. That was interesting. Gigi had a balloon and was banging it on my head. Then we took that away and she bent over and started pulling Goldilock's hair. Perfect. Well, we made it through and Pastor C prayed over us. Thank you, Lord! We ate and had a great time with close friends and family. When it came time for the cake, Gigi didn't know what to do. She tried taking it all in in a calm and relaxed fashion, but at some point she couldn't handle it anymore. She cried and cried and cried. All while taking bites of her cupcake between bites. After she was done, and I mean really done, she fell asleep for several hours. Here is a picture my great friend Marie took (I cannot locate the pictures taken on my camera) right before Gigi fell asleep. Thanks, Girl!
Happy 1st Birthday, Gigi!
I love you super duper lots!
Mommy.
We had a Eric Carle Theme since we ask for books for the kids' 1st birthday. The invitations had giraffes on them and the cake was a caterpillar made out of cupcakes. We also had pots with dirt and little seeds for each attendee to plant and take home with them. Since Hottie was out of town for the past 2 dedications at church, we asked our senior pastor to come so we could have her dedicated. That was interesting. Gigi had a balloon and was banging it on my head. Then we took that away and she bent over and started pulling Goldilock's hair. Perfect. Well, we made it through and Pastor C prayed over us. Thank you, Lord! We ate and had a great time with close friends and family. When it came time for the cake, Gigi didn't know what to do. She tried taking it all in in a calm and relaxed fashion, but at some point she couldn't handle it anymore. She cried and cried and cried. All while taking bites of her cupcake between bites. After she was done, and I mean really done, she fell asleep for several hours. Here is a picture my great friend Marie took (I cannot locate the pictures taken on my camera) right before Gigi fell asleep. Thanks, Girl!
Happy 1st Birthday, Gigi!
I love you super duper lots!
Mommy.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Where's my picture thingy?
I can't find the thingy (forgot the name for it) that reads the camera card with the pictures on it. How frustrating!
Gigi has "slight pneumonia" in her left lung and a double ear infection. She wants me to hold her while she is sleeping. I love to my core so I held her yesterday and last night as she slept. Tonight, however, she was clearly feeling better and was not interested in going to bed at all. All the energy she didn't have the past few days showed up at 7:30 pm TONIGHT! She just fell asleep in her bed by herself not without tears. Hers or mine. We are all so tired. Hottie has finals this week and has been up late studying every night. Two more to go and a break for a week. Then on to more classes! GOOD STUFF! God is moving and has a great plan!
Today, I was honored to join my most greatest son, Goldilocks, for Muffins with Mom at his school. He was so excited and we had "super fun"! He has grown up so much in the past few months. He's thinning out and getting that school boy personality. Not many more pre-school days left. 6 to be exact. He's counting, not me. So sad. He's happy. He gets to walk across the big stage. Recently we have been having this amazing conversation almost everyday. It is always the same and it cracks me up! It goes a little something like this:
G: Mommy, when is it going to be tomorrow?
C: Tomorrow.
G: Will it be called tomorrow?
C: Nope. It will be called today.
G: But today is called today.
C: I know. And when it is tomorrow, today will be called yesterday. Neat, huh?
G: Long pause. He's confused. But I want it to be called tomorrow.
C: Well...we can call it tomorrow but we might get really confused.
G: Tomorrow is never going to come and that makes me really sad.
C: I know buddy. That's why we should live for today. OK?
G: Ok drawn out in a southern sort of way. Can I have some chocomilk (one word)? I want it warm. Not hot and not cold. And not wet (the outside of the cup).
C: No problem.
I wonder when he is going to catch on. Punka thinks it is hilarious! Speaking of her. What a time we are having with that girl. She is going through some crazy stuff at school. Some sort of fear, anxiety thing. We are at the point of "encouraging her with rewards". One professionals way of saying BRIBE without saying it. She has 5 more weeks and then we will figure out what to do next. She does think Mr. Marcus is really cool though. So sad he is leaving us. We'll get by ok though Marcus...not to worry. I'm sure her daddy is glad you won't be teaching her any more of your award winning dance moves. Marcus was Punka's first dance partner (outside of Hottie). It took him quite a while to work his way into her small circle, but he did finally win her over. Punka comes home on Wednesday and Saturday nights showing us the lastest dance moves (think sprinkler, running man, etc.) Mr. Marcus taught her. Great! Who let's these people in the children's ministry?! It's ok. He has been a great part of helping us get Punka out of this shell she crawled into last year. Thanks Marcus. You will be missed. No really. You will be missed. Mix and Kicks. Or was it Kicks and Mix?
Well, It has been a really long few weeks. I'm tired. I'm going to bed on this side of the edge.
Gigi has "slight pneumonia" in her left lung and a double ear infection. She wants me to hold her while she is sleeping. I love to my core so I held her yesterday and last night as she slept. Tonight, however, she was clearly feeling better and was not interested in going to bed at all. All the energy she didn't have the past few days showed up at 7:30 pm TONIGHT! She just fell asleep in her bed by herself not without tears. Hers or mine. We are all so tired. Hottie has finals this week and has been up late studying every night. Two more to go and a break for a week. Then on to more classes! GOOD STUFF! God is moving and has a great plan!
Today, I was honored to join my most greatest son, Goldilocks, for Muffins with Mom at his school. He was so excited and we had "super fun"! He has grown up so much in the past few months. He's thinning out and getting that school boy personality. Not many more pre-school days left. 6 to be exact. He's counting, not me. So sad. He's happy. He gets to walk across the big stage. Recently we have been having this amazing conversation almost everyday. It is always the same and it cracks me up! It goes a little something like this:
G: Mommy, when is it going to be tomorrow?
C: Tomorrow.
G: Will it be called tomorrow?
C: Nope. It will be called today.
G: But today is called today.
C: I know. And when it is tomorrow, today will be called yesterday. Neat, huh?
G: Long pause. He's confused. But I want it to be called tomorrow.
C: Well...we can call it tomorrow but we might get really confused.
G: Tomorrow is never going to come and that makes me really sad.
C: I know buddy. That's why we should live for today. OK?
G: Ok drawn out in a southern sort of way. Can I have some chocomilk (one word)? I want it warm. Not hot and not cold. And not wet (the outside of the cup).
C: No problem.
I wonder when he is going to catch on. Punka thinks it is hilarious! Speaking of her. What a time we are having with that girl. She is going through some crazy stuff at school. Some sort of fear, anxiety thing. We are at the point of "encouraging her with rewards". One professionals way of saying BRIBE without saying it. She has 5 more weeks and then we will figure out what to do next. She does think Mr. Marcus is really cool though. So sad he is leaving us. We'll get by ok though Marcus...not to worry. I'm sure her daddy is glad you won't be teaching her any more of your award winning dance moves. Marcus was Punka's first dance partner (outside of Hottie). It took him quite a while to work his way into her small circle, but he did finally win her over. Punka comes home on Wednesday and Saturday nights showing us the lastest dance moves (think sprinkler, running man, etc.) Mr. Marcus taught her. Great! Who let's these people in the children's ministry?! It's ok. He has been a great part of helping us get Punka out of this shell she crawled into last year. Thanks Marcus. You will be missed. No really. You will be missed. Mix and Kicks. Or was it Kicks and Mix?
Well, It has been a really long few weeks. I'm tired. I'm going to bed on this side of the edge.
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