My slice of life

Super Bowl Dip

2009-02-01T12:59:00.002-06:00

We are staying home and enjoying the Super Bowl as a family tonight. I made this version of the Eight Layer Dip in the shape of a football. I would make a few changes next time, but the boys are in awe of it, and really that is all that matters. I clipped a photo of this from the coupon flier last Sunday. It was in the chinet ad. They have wanted to know all week when I was going to make it.

We will be eating grilled hamburers/hotdogs, this dip, plus a BLT dip tonight. Just enough for our family to be content.

Ice

2009-01-27T08:42:00.002-06:00

This is a close up of a dead tree by my back door. The ice is beautiful. I am praying that we don't loose power this year. We were without last year. I don't think I will ever look at winter storms the same way after that experience.

Yesterday, last night, and today we are getting ice. These are the trees that can be seen in my backyard. The look beautiful with the layer of ice on them.

There isn't much on the ground, just a thin layer. This is the view from my backdoor. I wouldn't walk out any further than the step. Call me chicken or cold. Now if we could only get some snow!

Couponing Update

2009-01-22T15:01:00.002-06:00

I plan on going to Homeland and Target tomorrow if they have some good deals. Today I went to Walgreens. I think I did okay, but I made a mistake. I did three transactions. I should have done 4.

Transactions #1
4 bags of Kotex pads @$3 each =$12
I used 4 $1 off coupons=$4
I got $1 in Register Rewards (If I had broken this into two transactions I would have gotten two $1 Register Rewards)
1 Revlon eyeshadow $4.99
Subtotal was $18.44 including tax
I used a gift card that had $13.28 on it from December.
My out of pocket was $1.16 and I will get $5.50 back in Rebates and got $1 RR.

Transaction #2
1 bag of Doritos =$2.50
1 bag of Tostitos=$2.50
5 twelve packs of Pepsi @$3 each =$15
subtotal was $21.70 after tax.
I used a giftcard that had $5.50 from December.
I used the $1 RR I earned in Transaction #1
My out of pocket was $15.20, and I got a $10 RR

Transaction #3
1 Revlon eyeshadow =4.99
8 jars of Ragu at $1.99 each=15.92
subtotal was $22.69
I used the $10 RR I earned in Transaction #2
My out of pocket was $12.69 and I earned $10 in RR and will get $5.50 in Rebates

In all I spent $29.50. I still have $10 in RR to use on my next visit will get $11 back in Rebates.

Credit due

2009-01-19T16:07:00.003-06:00

I got the idea for the side bar from Phoebe to track my coupon and rebate usage for 2009. She has an awesome site for controlling your finances. Please read carefully what she is doing. It is very impressive what she and her family are doing during these tight economic times. Budgets are so important in financial planning and stability for your family.

I got the menu planning idea from Phoebe and Sarah. The banners and original idea are from Laura.

2009-01-19T15:49:00.002-06:00

Here is my menu plan for the week. I learned years ago, if there is no plan, I have chaos and spend way too much money. Both are very bad!!!!

Monday: Roast with potatoes, carrots, and salad.

Tuesday: Roast beef sandwiches. I use hoagie buns, shred the leftover roast and top with colby jack cheese slices, and then toast until the cheese melts. I heat the shredded roast beef and aus jus before on the stove top before placing in the buns. A family favorite. I will also serve with french fries.

Wednesday: Baked chicken fingers, rice, and a steamed veggie.

Thursday: Fajitas and mexican rice.

Friday: Sunday chicken with mashed potatoes, a steamed veggie, and salad. This is chicken with dried beef, sour cream, and cream of mushroom soup cooked all day in the crockpot.

Saturday: Brisket with french fries and a salad.

Sunday: FEND Day (Short for fend for yourself). If we have plenty of leftovers, we will heat up what each person wants to eat. First to ask, gets what they want. Don't be picky or you will end up with peanut butter and jelly!!

Couponing

2009-01-19T15:36:00.003-06:00

I have decided to just post the amount I am saving in rebates and coupons on the right side of my blog. I am not including store savings, just the face amount of the coupons. I haven't done anything really great yet. My big ones from the weekend were the $3 off of Good Life cat food. It was $4 at Walmart, and I bought 4 bags. Also I used the $2.50 off Electrosol powerballs at Walmart. They were $3.50, so I bought 6 boxes. To me, both of these were stockpile prices.

Accomplishments

2009-01-18T17:01:00.004-06:00

Yesterday I wrote about my resolutions. They are nothing new. Just listing that to do list that is always in my head. It is more about finishing what I have started. This weekend I dove head first into a box that contained all the certificates that my children have earned. They have a lot to be proud of.

About seven years ago I had started a post bound album for my oldest child. It didn't even have the plastic protectors on the pages. As I was attempting to add all his certificates I realized that adding pages was a real pain. Thus began a whole new project. Now each page is now in a plastic protector. I didn't decorate or embellish in this album Quick, simple. Hopefully my children can look back at their lives and see how truly amazing they each are.

Below are a couple of samples, that don't reveal any personal info about my kids (no names or schools). The first is swimming ribbons earned by Brown Eyes. The second is "Pat on the Backs" Brown Eyes earned in kindergarten. Can you tell I am a pack rat about what they earn?

After trying to add pages to the post bound albums, they are now in the trash. I ripped the pages out and dropped them into plastic page protectors. I already had these albums for the boys for a future scrapbook. They each have a 3 ring binder and are much easier to add pages into. They are made by American Crafts. I am now caught up with new pages added for future awards. Or at least caught up until Wednesday....

New Year, New You

2009-01-16T14:36:00.002-06:00

It it late, but here are my resolutions:

To balance everything in my life:
1. Work, which includes:
a. 2--W-2 jobs
b. Working for myself
c. Couponing, saving money

2. Family, which includes
a. Wonderful husband who works hard
b. Two boys in competitive sports
c. Another child with his special needs

3. Hobbies
a. Scrapbooking
b. Papercrafting
c. Sewing
d. Organizing-we moved in July, and I still need to fine tune
things.

4. Weight Loss/Fitness

5. Spiritual- To draw closer to Christ, and share it with my children and husband.

I am participatingin the New Year, New You at http://www.pennypinchingdiva.com. She is also hosting a new social network at http://pennypinchingdivas.ning.com/. She is giving away fabulous items. Currently the give away is a designer baby belt. It is a really fun site to spend time at.

Watch and pray

2009-01-16T14:32:00.002-06:00

I have not posted in a while. My mother was ill and and in the hospital for a week. She reacted very badly to the medicine that she had been given. I firmly believe the only reason she is still with us is because of prayer. It reminded me of Jesus, Peter, Paul, and James in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus asked them to "watch and pray." They could not stay awake to pray. I felt like all I could do to help my mother was to pray and watch. Now, I get to give thanks for my answered prayers!

Happy New Year

2009-01-02T13:35:00.002-06:00

I hope everyone had a good New Year. I am into full cleaning mode now. Seems like the new year always inspires me. I have a couple of closets that I would like to work in, but I need to put up the Christmas dishes and undecorate the trees first.

I cleaned out my expired coupons last night. I also clipped and filed the ones I have been collecting and not using. I started matching some up for Homeland and Walgreen's, but quit when the boys came back in the house. I was looking through them while they were playing outside in the front yard.

Hopefully, I can use some this weekend at Homeland and Walgreen's. I will go back to work on Monday, so I want to have everything in order by then.

Resolutions anyone?

2008-12-29T15:16:00.003-06:00

As the year is winding down, I begin to think about resolutions. Does anyone else?

For Christmas the boys got a Wii Fit. Guess what it told me? That I was fat! It even set me up on a weight loss plan!!!! Now is that pushy or what. I think it should be banned. Of course Hubby and the boys got to see the whole thing! Now, they are encouraging me to follow through. So maybe I will.

My other thought is that I should get back into couponing and trying to save more money. I haven't done so hot the last couple of months. Between work and the holidays I haven't done so well. My work schedule will be hectic in January, but I won't have the holidays.

What are you guys doing for the new year?

More Christmas

2008-12-29T15:08:00.002-06:00

After the Rockettes, we went to a late Christmas Eve mass. This is Hubby and the boys dressed up after mass. Brown Eyes, the youngest, still had lots of energy. Green Eyes, the oldest, could barely hold his eyes open.

Christmas morning the boys were waiting on the stairs to go see what Santa had left. They were very patient.

The boys with Nana on Christmas morning.

We went to visit Hubby's family over Christmas. This is Blue Eyes with two of his adorable cousins.

Christmas Eve

2008-12-29T15:01:00.003-06:00

A generous person gave Hubby 4 tickets to the Rockettes. We saw it in the late afternoon on Christmas Eve. Hubby was working, so I took the boys. Photography was allowed as long as you were not a professional or had a professional camera. So, I took lots of pictures that turned out wonderful.

This was a toy soldier scene. The canon shot them, and the soldiers began to fall.

The dancing Santas were a hit with my boys. Lots and lots of Santas.

The seats we were given were fabulous. We were in a box with four seats. The boys thought it was wonderful. They will probably never get to see seats like this again. Thank you, thank you, thank you to the wonderful donor.

Christmas gifts

2008-12-15T13:40:00.004-06:00

It sleeted here last night, so school has been canceled today. That means I am at home, no work today for me.

I took advantage of the day off to finish Christmas gifts for my co-workers. These are to hang on their wall at work. They are on 20" X30" foam board. I covered it with contact paper, so that they can use scotch tape to put their photos on at work.

I tried to use modge podge on the first one I made, but the foam board curled up as it dried. So, my friend, Paula, suggested that I try contact paper, and it worked. Thank you, Paula. Now I have a scrap one. I am glad I had a scrap one, because each one turned out better than the one before.

My birthday

2008-12-15T13:24:00.006-06:00

Last Friday was my birthday. The boys each made pictures for me.

This was my fabulous gift. I have had the Canon EOS for years. It is a 35mm film camera. I got the Tamron 70-300 foot lens. It is amazing. I used it to take pictures at Blue Eyes Christmas program. They turned out great.

Christmas video

2008-12-10T21:28:00.004-06:00

I got this idea from my blogging buddy, Trina. If you would like to create your own, click here. Just something fun for the holidays

Twitter

2008-12-09T15:17:00.003-06:00

I have been trying Twitter. I think I need more friends to make if fun.
If you Twitter, click http://twitter.com/michaelanns to follow me.
If you don't Twitter and would like to click http://www.twitter.com.
Just click to follow me, and then I will follow you back.

Scrapbook storage

2008-12-08T14:26:00.003-06:00

I bought this today at Hobby Lobby for about $30. I think I am going to like it . I scrapbook/craft at the table in the formal dining. I don't have storage in their for my fun things. I can roll this from the closet to the table when I am crafting or scrapbooking. I like all the compartments to sort the papers. What do you use?

Crazy Cat

2008-12-05T17:18:00.002-06:00

This is our darling cat, Valentine. She is named Valentine, because that is the day she was rescued from an abusive home. She is a real sweetheart. She does hid from people she doesn't know. Other than that there are no other signs of her former life.

I got tired of stepping on the little pieces of litter every time I do laundry. I purchased the new Breeze litter box system last night. It uses pellets that are bigger, so I am hoping they won't get thrown like the gravely stuff.

I took away her old litter box and gave her the new one. So far she is yet to use the new one. All day she sat by it and cried to me. She looked pitiful. About 6 hours into not using it, I got her a few "nuggets" from the old box, and put them into the new one. I was hoping she would smell it and know it was okay to use.

A couple of hour later, I was more concerned, she had gone at least 8 hours without visiting a litter box. I decided to bring in the old box. The manufactures instructions said to place the two side by side. I should discontinue maintenance on the old box. It would get really bad, and she would decide to use the new one. Then I should get rid of the old one.

When I brought in the old on, she used it. Then she got out and began to purr while loving on it with her chin. Crazy cat. She must really like that old stinky box.

Reality check

2008-12-04T14:52:00.004-06:00

It is Christmastime. Our homes are beautifully decorating and warm and inviting to anyone who walks through our doors. Screach on those brakes. That is a myth in my world. I always am beating myslef up for the condition of my home and lack of cleaning abilities.

I thought maybe someone else was like me. So I am posting pictures of my piles, so you would know that you are not alone!!!

The above picture is where I am making gifts and wrapping packages. It usually is where homework gets done, but that has been moved to the kitchen table. This is what someone sees when they walk into my home. Lovely. Want to come in? No run as fast as you can.

These are the barstools. The breakfast bar cannot be used, because once again I have piles. These piles are school papers and mail.

See someone else has as much junk and piles as you do. Actually I probably have much more. And the beauty of this situation is I don't know when I will be to clean it. I am working much more right now. Then there is the little issue of Christmas. I still have much more shopping to do. I am hosting at least one gathering before Christmas, with the possibility of an additional on Saturday (yikes, in 2 days). Somehow it will all come together, I just can't foresee how. I also have a cold, so maybe when I feel better, things will look better, and I'll get some work done!

Christmas card photo

2008-12-04T14:42:00.003-06:00

I love what Trina did with her Christmas card. We went with a silly version. The verse I used on the card was "Wishing you a Silent Night and peaceful Christmas." Aren't we silly?

I used pickic to edit the photo. Picnik is a free site that Trina had told me about. I was contemplating purchasing photoshop, and she recommended picnik.

Some decorating

2008-12-01T19:54:00.006-06:00

This is the shelf above the breakfast nook window. One of my favorite Christmas decorations is the pictures of the boys from past Christmases. Each year we have chosen one picture to enlarge to a 5 X7 or 8 X 10 and frame. Most of them are pictures that we have taken ourselves. Some were taken professionally, such as these.

This is the boys' tree at the top of the stairs. It has all the decorations that they have made on it. This is the tree that took flight down the stairs yesterday.

I tried to take a picture of the stairs. The garland is tied on with ribbon. Decorations hang from the landing. The stockings are tied on with more ribbon. The cat is going nuts trying to get the ornaments that are dangling. There is also a tree at the top of the stairs.

This is the main Christmas tree. It is downstairs. Santa will visit this tree, and it is where the gifts will be.

Today's mishaps

2008-12-01T00:17:00.002-06:00

We did some decorating for Christmas today. My goal was to get the tree up. This is our first Christmas in this house, so I wasn't sure where everything would/could be placed. We put a tree downstairs, but we put it two places before we liked it. Hubby decided we could put another tree in the landing upstairs for the boys. We had an old tree in the attic. To make it fit in the corner nicely, we decided to leave off the bottom back branches. That way it didn't stick out so far. Looked good. Then we had the boys decorating while I was downstairs with my sister. We heard a crash, and then "Dad come quick!". The tree was on its way down the stairs.

We had made the tree top heavy by taking the bottom branches off. We packed a small suitcase full of books and placed on the stand in the back where the branches were. Now it is standing fine. They got it decorated without any further mishaps.

Then I decided to post to my blog. I went to put my SD card into the computer to download some pictures. I put the card into the wrong slot. I put it into a bigger slot. Poor hubby had to take the whole processor apart to get it out. But he did. He's just awesome to have around!

Indoor soccer

2008-12-01T00:13:00.003-06:00

Brown Eyes is playing indoor soccer. It is a lot of fun to watch, because it is so fast paced. Play doesn't really stop. They play off the walls. Basically the only time it stops is if the ball hits a net overhead. They aren't allowed to hit the nets.

Boys

2008-12-01T00:10:00.002-06:00

I got a few pictures of the boys at my parents. I picked up a new Kodak camera on Friday. It is 10 megapixels with 12 optical zoom. I have been trying it out to see if I want to keep it. I did return the small Polaroid to Wagreens today. They didn't ask any questions. I just told them the pictures were too grainy. It was also 10 megapixels, but only 3 optical zoom.

Thanksgiving

2008-12-01T00:06:00.004-06:00

We celebrated Thanksgiving at my parents on Friday. We waited so that my sister could join us. She is a chef and had a big day at work on Thanksgiving. We had lots to eat. I did sneak out Friday morning to do a little shopping. I didn't leave until about 7:30, so I missed somethings.

Camera question

2008-11-30T01:05:00.001-06:00

I am trying to decide what to do about a camera. My Kodak digital with a great zoom is not working so well. I also have a 35 mm Canon EOS with a broken lens. Any suggestions? I am considering replacing the lens on the 35 mm or purchasing a digital SLR.

The prep can begin

2008-11-25T17:27:00.002-06:00

This was such a fun project. I love taking classes from big picture scrapbooking. It is a gratitude box. It has four drawers that pull out. One holds recipes. The other is a booklet of what each person is thankful for. Another has quotes. I plan to use the back of the quotes and the other cards to record who was with us and where we celebrate each Thanksgiving. I also will attach a picture from each year. I think I will come to cherish these memories as we add to them each year.

The kids are out of school for the week, and I am through working at work for the week. Tomorrow is haircuts and shopping for food. The cooking will begin on Thursday.

Thanksgiving feasts

2008-11-24T20:36:00.003-06:00

Blue Eyes and Brown Eyes had their Thanksgiving Feasts at school today. Brown Eyes class made their own foods that the pilgrims would have eaten. They had vegetable soup, journey cakes, and homemade butter. I worked in his classroom Friday and today.

Blue Eyes feast was much simpler. I spent about a total of an hour and 15 minutes in his class from set up to cleanup. Whoo Hooo!!! It is over!!! Now for the family feast later this week!!

A couple of weeks ago I bought a new digital camera that would fit in my jeans pocket or purse. These pictures are from that camera. I think I will return it. I am not pleased with the quality of the pictures that it takes. It is a Polaroid, and is 10 megapixels.

What I am Thankful for Today

2008-11-23T15:47:00.002-06:00

I am thankful that I have finished delivering and have turned in the money for the Cub Scout Popcorn this year. I have on trail's end mix left to deliver, but that is it. All three boy sell the popcorn, and they sell well. We have lots of friends, neighbors, and co-workers to thank for purchasing from them. Thank you, everyone, for your support. I like the confidence that it gives the boys, and the social etiquette of selling that they learn. At the end it comes down to dad and mom to drive them to delivery it, and add up all the money collected. We have started determining how much they sell by how many carloads it takes to pick it up from where it is delivered.
I am glad the work is done, and that I now have the garage and dining room free of popcorn!!!!

Just Living our Lives

2008-11-22T23:14:00.002-06:00

Nothing great and exciting has happened lately. Green Eyes is still playing indoor and outdoor soccer. Brown Eyes is playing indoor soccer, but his practices are outdoors. We don't have really cold winters, but their practices go until 8. It seems extremely cold to me at night. They will continue to practice/play outdoors all winter. So, I tried some local stores today for some warmer clothing. I was told they don't carry anything local, but I could check online. Of course they didn't have it online either. So, I went straight to the Under Armour website and ordered some of their cold gear turtlenecks and pants to layer under their windsuits. I hope it works. Anyone else had to layer their kids for outdoor practices in the winter? They practice for 2 hours and yes, I do have hats and gloves.

Other than that we are getting ready for Thanksgiving. We will actually celebrate a day late. My sister will be coming in this year. I think it has been a couple of years since she has been home.

I have just picked up a few Christmas items. I am still trying to figure out how to decorate the outide of the house. I have told hubby lets just hang greenery and be done, but he wants lights. So we'll see what goes up.

The Value of Knowledge

2008-11-08T08:37:00.002-06:00

Green Eyes is a 5th grader. Yesterday at school he watched the Boy version of Human Growth and Development, "the movie". I still can remember watching my version 30 years ago. My other two children are pretty unware of this topic.

At dinner the kids were talking about their days. Green Eyes announces "I learned sperm fertilizes eggs and makes babies." I dropped my fork and spewed my soup.

The results are in.

2008-11-05T08:08:00.003-06:00

"Let every person be subordinate to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been established by God. Therefore, whoever resists authority opposes what God has appointed, and those who oppose is will bring judgment upon themselves."
Romans 13:1-2

I was this quote at One Frugal Chick's blogsite. It reminded me of my early morning conversations with the boys. The just "knew" McCain would win. I let them watch the morning news to see that Obama did really win. Then I had to reassure them that it would be okay. Obama won for a reason, and he was our President. I saw McCain's concession statements and read that to them. It was nice to see a candidate lose and not call say "Unfair, they cheated, recount". It is about accepting what has happened and moving on.

Election Day

2008-11-04T20:36:00.002-06:00

Today, Hubby and I both voted. The kids made sure we remembered. They had a mock election at school last week. John McCain was the winner. I just wish he is tonight. They were so into watching the results tonight that they didn't want to go to bed.

Some favorite quotes:

Who got Canada's votes? -Blue Eyes
Can we go out to eat tomorrow if John McCain wins?--Blue Eyes
Someone in my class said if Obama wins, their family is moving to Brazil? Should we move, too?-Green Eyes
Someone in my class said their family fasted, so McCain would win. Why didn't we fast?-Green Eyes

Just thought they were cute, and yes Green Eyes knows what fasting is, and has fasted before.

Happy Belated Halloween

2008-11-01T23:21:00.002-05:00

This was Blue Eyes costume.

Brown Eyes dressed as Darth Vadar for Halloween.

This was Green Eyes original disguse.

When Blue Eyes returned from Trick or Treating, Green Eyes changed his disguise to this, which he liked much better.

Tulsa Run

2008-11-01T23:07:00.002-05:00

These are photos of Green Eyes running the Tulsa Run. He ran the 15K in 1:30:09. That is the equivalent of 9.4 miles. I am very proud of him.

It has been a busy few weeks. My life has had many ups and downs. This is one of the ups that I am very proud of. Green Eyes is preparing for his next run which is 6 miles.

The soccer season is winding down for Blue Eyes. Green Eyes and Brown Eyes are finishing the fall season, but beginning the indoor season.

I am really exploring the world of homeopathic meds. I have chosen not to have my family take the traditional flu shots, but to take some drops from my natropath to supplement our bodies monthly angainst the flu. Time will tell which method works best. This may not be the cheapest method, but I prefer to do what is the healthiest for us as a family. By the way, the drops were !$15 for the entire bottle.

More Walgreen's Crazyness

2008-10-08T15:22:00.002-05:00

I am in love with my Walgreen's beauty advisor. I was getting ready to check out with my face red and inflamed. It was burning and irritated. I suspect that I have rosecea, but have never seen a doctor before. She asked me some questions and told me what worked for a good friend of hers. I left with a whole new skin care regime. This shopping trip includes my new skincare items.

Here goes in 9 transactions

3 Glade Wisp Candles at $5.99 each--used three $5 off coupons and earned three $4 Register Rewards
2 Glade Scented Oil Candle holders at $3.99 each--used two $2 off coupons and will receive $$4 in October rebates
3 pocket size packages of M & M's (used as fillers) for 69 cents each
4 packages of Oxy Skincare Acne Product (for my son ) at $4.99 and Buy one, get one free --used four $1 off coupons
1 Eucerin Red Relief facial cleanser for $8.99 --the beauty consultant gave me $1 off coupon
6 Glade apple Scented Oil refills at $3.79--used three buy one , get one free coupons and will receive $6 in October Rebates
1 Eucerin Redness Relief Lotion at $14.99 --used one $1 off coupon from the Beauty Advisor
2 packages of Almay foundation and conceler for $13.99 each (on sale as B1G1 free)--used 2$1 off coupons from the beauty advisor
4 Packages of Hershey's kisses for $2.50 each--will receive $5 in October rebates
4 Packages of Fun Size Snickers bars for $2.50 each--will receive $4 in October rebates and used two $1 off on 2 coupons
2 bars of Cetaphil sensative skin soap bars free from the beauty advisor.

Total without coupons and sales would have been $174.34. I saved $45.53 in sales. I used $59.87 in coupons and Register Rewards. I spent $13.18 in cash for new skincare. I put $$55.76 on the gift card with last month's rebates on it. So in all my out of pocket would have been $68.94. I received $9 in Register Rewards and will receive $20.90 in rebates for October. So in all, I spent $39.04 for everything above. Actual cash was the $13.18. lNot great, but hopefully I will get some relief from my redness.

Walgreen's deals for me

2008-10-07T21:07:00.002-05:00

This is my Walgreen's shopping so far this week. This was done in 6 transactions, to maximize the Register Rewards.

1 Oxy Clean acne pads $4.99--used a $1 off coupon
1 Oxy Clean acne lotion BOGO (so free with above purchase)--used $1 off coupon
3 Glade candles $1.99 each--used three $1 off coupons and will get $3 back in rebates
3 Glade Wisp Candles at $5.99 each--used three $5 off coupons, get three $3 Register Rewards
3 Glade Scented Oil candle refills at $1.99 each--used 1 Buy 2, get 1 free coupons and will get $3 back in rebates
2 Glade scented oil candles with holders at $3.99 each--used two $2 off each coupons and will get $4 back in rebates
4 packages of fun size candy bars (Hershey's)for $2.50 each, will get $5 back in rebates
2 packages of fun size Snickers bars for $2.50 each-used one coupon for $1 off 2 packages
2 packages of fun size 3 Muskateers for $2.50 each-used one coupons for $1 off 2 packages and will get $4 back in rebates on the Snickers and 3 Muskateers.
2 Gladeplug in refills for $1.99 each--will get $2 back in rebates
2 packages of Walgreens pocket sizes tissues for 29 cents each (used for fillers)

Total before sales and coupon and previously earned register rewards was $108.63.
I saved $34.45 in sales, and I used $28.09 in coupons. I used $21.50 in previously earned register rewards. My out of pocket was $23.69, which I used my Walgreen's gift card loaded with my September rebates to pay for it. I didn't have to use any of my money!!!

I also received $9 in Register Rewards to use on my next trip. I will have $23.10 added to my Walgreen's gift card for October rebates. So for the $23.69 I used on the gift card, I will have $23.10 put back on and got $9 on top of it. I love it when Walgreen's pays me to shop!

Cappuccino, Anyone?

2008-10-07T19:44:00.004-05:00

This has to be one of my most impulsive purchases! My coffee maker stopped working about a week ago. Monday I decided I had to have a new coffee maker. I love my morning coffee!!! Well, I took my boys with me shopping after work on Monday. We went to Target just for a coffee maker. Well, Blue Eyes and Brown Eyes love their morning coffee, too. Green Eyes spotted a small espresso/cappuccino maker. It was tempting. But I worried how long would it take to make four cups of cappuccino every morning. So, for $20 more than the small cappuccino maker, I got got the big one with the regular coffee maker, too.

Hubby asked Green Eyes how he liked his cappuccino this morning. Green Eyes told him "It was like a little slice of heaven in my mouth! It was so good."

That made me think this would be a fun thing to blog about. It makes me a great mom for already having my children love coffee!!!! Not. They always have wanted a taste of what I am drinking. Thank goodness coffee is the strongest thing they have asked for!

Brown Eyes is Seven

2008-09-29T22:05:00.004-05:00

Brown Eyes had his 7th birthday today. We had a late dinner celebration. Brown Eyes had a soccer practice, followed by a scrimmage for Green Eyes. We had homemade macaroni and cheese with couple of vegetables. It was followed by brownies and ice cream. The brownies were one of the frozen Duncan Hines that I bought at Homeland on Saturday. Brown Eyes had requested breakfast and the evening meal today.

Photoshop Anyone?

2008-09-28T18:36:00.003-05:00

I am considering trying Photoshop. Does anyone use this or something similar? Please let me know your opinions. Thanks.

What a Wonderful Weekend

2008-09-28T17:29:00.002-05:00

For most of my family, this is where and how we spent our weekend. Brown Eyes came home with a stomach bug on Thursday. My turn came during Green Eyes soccer game on Saturday. I hate getting sick in public places, worst is when everyone knows me!

Before getting sick yesterday, I did some Homeland shopping. Unfortunately, I can't remember what coupons matched up with what. Shopping was during the early stages of feeling bad.

I did this in two transaction, but will list as one.

6 rolls of Grands biscuits, on sale for $1 each

--used two 50 cents off of three, which doubled to $1 off of three

1 Package of Cottonelle toilet paper for $5.33

--used a coupon for 50 cents off, which doubled to $1 off

2 bottles of Dawn Plus Hand Renewal for $1.89

--used two $1 off coupons, which each double to $1.89 (they only double to cost)

2 six packs of Iams canned dog food for $6.54 each

--used two coupons for $1 off each, which doubled to $2 off each

2 loaves of Homeland bread for $1.39 each

--used two coupons for $2 off store brand of bread when you buy a Rice Crispy treat

6 boxes of Betty Crocker Chicken Helper for 1.50

--used 2 coupons for 75 cents off three boxes, which doubled to $1.50 for each coupon

6 cans of Chef Boyardee mini raviolis for $1.00 each

--used two coupons for 35 cents off of three cans, which doubled to 70 cents for each coupon

2 Boxes Green Giant Healthy Weight boxes of vegetables for $1.87 each

--used two 25 cents off each box coupon, which doubled to 50 cents off each

1 jar of Peter Pan peanut butter for 1.99

--used a coupon for $1 off, which doubled to $1.99

2 packages of the bigger Juicy Juice boxes for lunch boxes for $2.49

--used two coupons for $1 off, which doubled to $2 off each

2 Glade Carpet and Room Cleaners for $2.29 each

-used 2 $1 off coupons, which doubled to $2 off each

2 packages of Farmland turkey deli meat for $2.99,

--used two coupons for $1 off each, which doulbed to $2 off each

2 cans of French's Fried Onions for $2.09

--used two coupons for &5 cents off each, which doubled to $1.50 off each

4 boxes of Nutri Grain bars for $2.50 each

--used two coupons for $1 off of two boxes, which doubled to $2 off for each coupon

2 cans of Homel chicken breast for $1 each

--used two coupons for 35 cents off, which doubled to 70 cents off each can

2 packages of Betty Crocker Garlic Instant potatoes for $1.00 each

--used two coupons for 40 cent off, which doubled to 80 cents off

2 bottles of original Dawn soap for $1.00 each

--used two coupons for 50 cents off each, which doubled to $1 off each

4 cans of Hunts tomatoes for 99 cents each

--used two coupons for 40 cents off two cans, which doubled to 80 cents off two cans

4 boxes of Kellogg's yogos for $2.50 each

--used two coupons for $1 off two, which doubled to $2 off for each coupon (I know this isn't a terrific deal, but I need to send snacks to school)

4 boxes of Kellogg's Rice Krispy treats for $2.39 each

--used two coupons for $1 off of two multipacks, which double to $2 off for each coupon (Again, not a great deal, but I need to send snacks)

4 boxes of Poptarts for $1.99

--used two coupons for xx off of two boxes, which doubled, but I can't remember the value

3 boxes of Philsbury cake mixes for $1 each

2 bags of Green Giant vegetables for $2.69 each

--used two coupons for $1 off, which doubled to $2 off each bag

4 single servings of Spam for $1 each

--used two coupons for 40 cents off of 2, which doubled to 80 cents off of two (My children will donate these to a food pantry at church)

2 packages of Farmland Smoked Sausage for $3.69

--used two coupons for $1 off each, which doubled to $2 off each

1 box of Tennesee Pride sausage biscuits for $2.50

--used one 55 cents off coupon, which double to $1.10 off

1 one box Tennesse Pride fully cooked sausage links for $2.50

--used one coupon for $1 off, which doubled to $2 off

2 packages of frozen Duncan Hines Brownies for $3.39

--used two coupons for $1 off each, which doubled to $2 off each

2 boxes of Tyson appetizers for $3.85 each

--used coupons, which doubled (can't remember the amounts)

1 box Wanchai Ferry Dinner Kit for $4.69

--used one coupon for $1 off, which doubled to $2 off

2 boxes of black pepper for $2 each

I saved $40.77 in store sales. My coupon savings were $79.78. Homeland was offering a no tax day yesterday, so I paid no taxes, which saved me another $15.40.

In all I spent $101.26. It is alot of money, but I felt like I had bought a ton of groceries. I would have spent much more at Walmart. Adding the numbers together, I paid $101.26 for $237.21 worth of groceries!!

Brown Eye's Soccer Game

2008-09-21T21:20:00.004-05:00

These are the pictures I took at Brown Eyes soccer game tonight. They beat the Tulsa Nationals 9-0. I think I got better pictures than at Green Eye's game yesterday because it was later in the day. The camera still hit processing............................. several times on me tonight. I really need to learn how to use it. It is funny to look at the pictures, because it looks like Brown Eyes is just standing holding the ball. In reality he kicked it. You can tell by the first two pictures just how fast he was moving.

Another Walgreen's trip

2008-09-21T12:47:00.002-05:00

I went to Walgreen's this afternoon. Here is what I purchased in two transactions:

4 Glade plugin warmers at $1.99 each

--used two Buy One, Get One Free coupons

--used two $1 off one coupons

--will submit for a $1 rebate on each

4 Reach ultra toothbrushes at $2.50 each

--received $ 5 Register Rewards

4 Bags of Brach's candy corn at $1.00 each

-no discounts, just needed to fill the pumpkin jar

2 Crest ProHealth mouthwashes at $4.49 each

--used two 75 cents off one coupons

--received two Register Rewards for $4.50 each

I also used a $10 Register Reward that I got a couple of weeks ago on the cleaning products

My total before coupons was: $30.94

After the coupons I spent $17.06, and earned $4 plus the 10% in rebates and $14 in Register Rewards.

Busy Saturday

2008-09-20T21:42:00.004-05:00

Green Eyes had a soccer game today. He is in the white stopping a potential goal by the other team. His team played a good, but hot and hard game.

Tonight we went to watch a TU (University of Tulsa) football game. That was where I went to college my first two years. I think the boys enjoyed watching it. Both of these games made me think about creating a piece of heaven. I realized that by keeping my comments to myself, it made the rest of my family much calmer. I need to remember that lot of eyes are watching my actions. Just because other fans are vocal, I don't have to be to be a good fan! Plus, it probably helps keep my blood pressure way down!

New look for my site

2008-09-20T21:29:00.002-05:00

Huge hugs and thanks to Trina at Fabulously Fugalicious for redoing my blog site. She is fantastic!!!!!!

Just a quick note about the inspiration for the subtitle "creating a little slice of heaven around me." We had a visiting priest from Haiti on Sunday. He talked about how bad the conditions are where he is. He really encouraged us to try to create a little piece of heaven around us, so that others can see Jesus through our actions. It has really made me think about how I am treating others. How I respond to my family, to co-workers, to friends, and to strangers. It is making me think about how I react when I am stressed, rushed, or just going about my day.

I am normally a driver that calls people jerks when they pass me or cut me off in traffic. Our priest challenged us several months ago to not make these assumptions about others. They could be in a hurry. My oldest son usually rides in the front seat with me. On one occasion on the highway, someone pulled in front of me. I had to swerve lanes to miss hitting him. I commented aloud "What a jerk! He needs to learn to drive!" Green Eyes said "Mom, he must be in a well deserved hurry". Those were the exact words the priest had said months earlier. Those words repeated by my son, really hit my heart.

The title is a reminder that I need to work hard to create a little piece of heaven for the around and watching me. I am not perfect, but I need to try to be kinder to all! I have lots of little and big eyes that watch me everyday. I asked my Sunday School kids last week what they had learned from one person and who that person was. Blue eyes told me he had learned to be kind from his mother. Thus, I need to work harder to meet this challenge.

Again, thanks, Trina, for the fabulous new look!!

Just our normal routines

2008-09-17T21:39:00.003-05:00

I have not done any shopping since my last post. I have not done any great couponing. Since I have gone back to work, it doesn't seem like I have the time anymore.

I have found that my daily routines that I had while being a SAHM, are helping me make this transition easier. I have to have my meal planning done early and shop on the weekends. Last night I began marinating dinner for tonight. I put it in the crockpot before the kiddos went to school and I went to work. It was ready after the boys' piano and soccer practice. I also ran the vaccum and have done three loads of laundry. I have also sat down to work on the work that I brought home.

I am only doing the routines to keep things picked up and cleaned. I am not doing any organizing or decluttering. I really need to do some after moving. But I am listening to Flylady and only trying one step at a time. I am maintaining and keeping things running as smoothly as possible. I will work on the decluttering and organizing as I get adjusted to our new schedules.

Oh, What Fun I Had!

2008-09-14T20:20:00.002-05:00

No pictures today. I need to charge my camera battery, and I haven't done it yet. Last week, I did multiple trips to Walgreen's to load up on the cleaning products deals. Today I had $35 in Register Rewards to spend!! Here is how I did.

2-12 packs of Sprite $3 each
2-12 packs of Coke $3 each
6 Powerade at $1.19 sale price
-used coupon out of weekly sales flyer to make them 79 cents each
4 Softsoap hand soaps at $2.99
- used Super Coupon out of weekly sales ad for $2 off each
-used four 35 cents off each coupons
4 tubes Colgate Max Fresh toothpaste at $2.99
-used Super Coupon from weekly sales flyer for $2 off each
-used one $1 off each coupon
-used three 75 cents off each coupon
4 Glade scented oil candle refills at $1.99 each
-used two Buy one, get one free coupons
-will get $1 plus 10% back on each in a Walgreen's rebate
My total before the coupons was $57.10
I also used $25.15 in Register Reward from the Cleaning supply deals last week.
It left a balance of $2.98, which I used my Walgreen's giftcard from last month's rebates to pay.

It felt fabulous to walk out with all this and not pay one penny!!!!
According to the receipt I also saved $17.70 in sales prices.
I should also get $4.40 added to my giftcard at the end of the month.
Loved this deal!!!!!

Ready for Spring Cleaning

2008-09-07T13:13:00.003-05:00

I had two transactions at Walgreens after church today. I was planning on getting a $10 Register Reward on each transaction, but the machines were not working. The manager instead put it on a gift card for me to use later. Here is what I purchased and what coupons I used:

3 bottles of Shout for $2.49 each

--used three 75 cents off coupons

3 bottles of Windex at $2.49 each

--used three 75 cents off coupons

3 Scrubbing Bubbes wipes at $2.49 each

--used three$1 off coupons

3 Scrubbing Bubbles cleaners at $2.49 each

--used three 75 cents off coupons

2 Scrubbing Bubbles shower foams at $3.79 each

--used two $1.00 off coupons

3 Glade fabric and air freshners at $2.99 each

--used three $1.50 off each manufacturer coupons

--used three $1 off Walgreen's Easy Saver coupons

3 Oust air freshners at $2.99 each

--used three $1 off Walgreen's Easy Saver coupons

--used one buy one, get one free coupon

--used on $2 off of 2 coupons

3 packages of purse size kleenexes, used as a filler for the coupon count at 29 cents each

Total Before coupons and sales : $80.16

After coupons and sales (out of my pocket): $33.11

The gift card I got in place of the Register Rewards: $21.70

So I got 20 bottles of stuff and 3 packages of kleenexes for $11.41!

Walgreen's

2008-09-06T18:32:00.003-05:00

I have had a busy week. I ended up working Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. I took a new job on Thursday. I am excited about the work that is in ahead of me. It will be quite an undertaking to get things up and running.

I went with Green Eyes to Bartlesville last night. He was to have a soccer game there today, but it was canceled. The best part was that we stayed with my parents and got to visit with them for about 16 hours!!!

I went to Walgreen's tonight and this is what I purchased:
2 bottles of Pantene beautiful lengths shampoo
2 botttles of Pantene beautiful lenghts conditioner
3 bottles of Pantene Expressions conditioner
1 bottle of Pantene Expressions shampoo
2 bottles of Pantene mousse
1 bottle of Pantene gel
1 bottle of Pantene hairspray
2 bottles of Pantene smoother
2 Revlon nail polishes
2 gallons of milk
1 dozen eggs

I spent $3.61 and will get another $21.54 in rebates. I am glad all the time on couponing pays for itself!!!

Quite Monday

2008-09-02T22:50:00.003-05:00

Not much going on today. I am very tired tonight. I think it will be an early evening. I did get to catch up on my Big Brother shows tonight. We were without an upstairs air condition since Thursday. They came to work on it today. We needed a new compressor. It is all great now. They boys are back to sleeping upstairs. I got behind on my shows while they were sleeping in the family room at night. One big vice of mine is that TV show. I am sadly addicted.

For the last 4 years or so, I have kept a home warranty on our home. I got one when we purchased this home, too. It paid for itself today. It may seem pricey, but ours has always paid for itself. Plus, I swear it is a marriage saver. If hubby can't fix it, and it is worth the deductible to me; it gets fixed for $55.

I did no couponing today. A friend told me she was mad at me today. I had failed to tell her how addicting couponing is. For me it is much worse than scrapbooking.

Target Stockpiling

2008-09-01T13:16:00.002-05:00

I went to Target today. I purchased :
12 boxes of poptarts (12 count) for $2.25 each
used 12 Target printables for 50 cents off each box
used 1 Manufacturer poptart coupon for $1 off two boxes ( I had already used my other manu. coupons)
received 3 $5 gift cards (Purchase 4, get a $5 Target gift card)

8 boxes of Rice Krispy treats (8 count boxes) for $2.25 each
used 4 Manufacturer rice krispy treat coupons for $1 off 2 boxes
received 2 $5 gift cards (Purchase 4, get a $5 Target gift card)

1 package of Juicy Juice apple juice boxes(kids take in lunch boxes) for $1.75
used 1 Manufacturer printable coupon for $1 off 1

1 package Buitoni fettucini for $1.84
used 1 Target printable for $1 off any Buitoni pasta
used 1 Manufacturer printable for $1 off any Buitoni product

My Total was $36.00 and I received $25 in Target gift cards.
Not bad for $11.00

Walgreen's

2008-08-22T13:41:00.003-05:00

I got an email from Walgreen's today, for a $5 off coupon on a $20 purchase. The $20 had to be after coupons. I decide this would be a good time to get the rebate stuff I haven't picked up yet.

I spent a ridiculous amount of time organizing my coupon binder, but I have gotten so many compliments on it. I think it is much easier to use than the shoebox that I had been using. I have gotten compliments at Homeland and at Walgreen's.

I purchased this at Walgreen's:

2 Pert Plus at $3.79 each

-used two $2 coupons

1 Bioinfusion shampoo at $5.99

1 Bioinfusion conditioner at $5.99

4 Glade jar candles at $2.99

--used four $1 off coupons

1 Walgreens four pack of lightbulbs at $1.99

1 Glade trio candle warmer at $5.99

--used $2 coupon

1 Jane Mineral powder foundation at $4.99

3 Kelloggs Smart Start Cereals at 3 for $10

-used $5 off $20 purchase

-used $3 Register Rewards that I had previously earned.

My total was $39.71

I got back a $5 Register Reward on the Kellogg's cereal.

I also will get $$28.75 back in rebates, with the 10% bonus my rebates on this transaction will be $31.63.

Target Shopping Trip

2008-08-21T18:19:00.003-05:00

After all the Homeland shopping today, I decided to see what Target had to offer. I got 6 packages of Pepperidge Farms goldfish crakers. They were $1.33 each. I used six Target printables for 50 cents off each one, making them 83 cents a bag. I used the $2 off Sutton and Dodge Angus beef coupon to purchase 7 packages of meat. I got 2 packages of stew meat and 5 packages of steaks.
My total before the coupons was $48.96.
After coupons it was $27.15!

New Coupon Binder System

2008-08-21T13:33:00.004-05:00

This is my new binder system. I found the binder at Walmart for about $11.00. It does zip closed.
The front cover has a pocket I haven't decided how to use yet.
I have three zippered pouches in the 3 rings. I use one per store that I get Register Rewards from. I have one for Walgreen's, Reasor's, Homeland, and I need one for Target. They work great to put the coupons in that I plan to use at that store too. The Target one I will put their internet coupons for their store that pouch.
In the far pocket that is hard to see, I have this week's sales flyers, and the Walgreen's Easy Savers in. I also keep scissors, paper clip, my Walgreen's rebate card, and my envelopes in the littel zippered pouch. I didn't have the envelopes in when I took the picture.

I sort the coupons into categories. I used labeled index dividers to seperate the categories. The coupons I keep in baseball card holders. In the back I have sheet protectors.

The coupon categories I use are:

Beverages

Breakfast foods

Canned goods

Condiments

Frozen

Meats & Dairy

Refrigerated

Snacks/Desserts

Other Foods

Feminine

Hair Care

Health

Oral Care

Shaving/Depderant

Skincare/Make up

TP/Kleenex

Cleaning/Household

Pets

I have seperated the sheet protectors with the labeled index pages, too. The categories in the sheet protectors are:

Clothing

Restaurants

Stores

Rebates

I have 2-3 stores per sheet protector under the store category. Examples would be Lowes, Home Depot, Hallmark, Bed Bath & Beyond, Old Navy, Gap, Children's Place

I hope this helps.

Rockin' Homeland Deals

2008-08-21T12:35:00.003-05:00

I went to Homeland this morning. I haven't been in along time. It was one of my best couponing trips ever. I am sure this will not be great for everybody, but it was for. Somethings I just needed, like the sugar.

I purchased:

2 boxes of Puffs Plus kleexes at $1.00 each

--used two 25 cents off coupons

2 bags of Chex mix at $1.48 each

--used two 50 cents off coupons

4 boxes of Eggos at $1.09 each

--used two $1 off of two boxes coupons

2 boxes for Farmrick cheese sticks at $3.56 each

--used two $1 off coupons

1 roll of Farmland sausage at $1.79

--used a $1 off coupon

1 Farmland smoke sausage at $2.99

--used a $1 off coupon

2 cans of Old El Paso refried beans at $1.55 each

2 boxes of Old El Paso hard tacos at $2.39 each

2 pouches of Old El Paso taco seasonings at $1.19 each

--used two $1 off any 2 Old El Paso products

--used two Old El Paso products, get a free taco seasoning

4 packs of Del Monte fruit chillers At $2.00 each

used two $1 off on 2 coupons

6 Hamburger Helpers singles at $1 each

--used two $1 off of 3 coupons

2 jars of Peter Pan peanut butter at $1.99 each

--used two $1 off coupons

2 Fast Fixin's Popcorn chicken at $2.50 each

--used two $1 off coupons

3 packages of Kraft cheese singels at $2.99

-used three Buy any 3 Kraft products, get free Kraft cheese singles

3 Crystal light canisters at $2.99 each

-used three Buy any three Kraft products, get free crystal light

3 Oscar Mayer Bun length Beef hot dogs at $3.99 each

--used three Buy any three Kraft products, get free Oscar Mayer hot dogs

3 Family Size boxes of Wheat Thins at $4.49 each

--used three Buy any 3 Kraft products, get free Wheat Thins

3 bottles Kraft Salad dressing at $3.39 each

--used three Buy any three Kraft products, get free Kraft Salad dressing

2 Hiland Dips at $1.00 each

--used two 25 cents off coupons

45 packages of Kool-aid at 10 cents each

--these were the Kraft products that I purchased to get the free stuff above

2 Scrubbing Bubbles starter kits at $5.65 each

--I have two mail in rebates to make them free

1 bag C&H sugar at $2.39 each

--used on 35 cents off coupon

2 packages of Farmland bacon at $3.99 each

--used two $2 off coupons

1 Dawn dishsoap at $1 each

--used one 50 cent off coupon

1 Glade plug ins kit at $4.45 each

--used one $4 off coupon

I think this is it!! Whew a lot of typing.

My totals before coupons were $110.96 and $43.91 for a total of $154.87

My totals after coupons were $34.50 and $22.11 for a total of $56.61

I saved myself $98.26 after coupons.

I also will have $10 in rebates to mail in and I got a coupon at the register for $3 off my next purchase at Homeland.

If I subtract the rebates, I will have spent $46.61!

Notes: Homeland will double coupons up to $1.00. Also, they will only double one like coupon per transaction. I have been limited to two transactions per day. That is why this is broken into two transactions.

Getting a routine

2008-08-19T22:40:00.003-05:00

It has been a while since I have posted anything. Thursday last week, I left for a girls' weekend. We stayed at a bed and breakfast. It was a wonderful break. I also got to enjoy my biggest hobby, scrapbooking.

School is back in session along with all the extracurrilar activities. I am just trying to get settled into a routine with the boys. Hopefully, we will find the perfect one soon.

I am re-doing the way I am organizing my coupons. I have not planned any deals yet. I did just some grocery shopping today, and used $35 in coupons at Walmart. The only great deal I found was the glade plug ins. They were at the regular price of $3.94, and I had a $4 off coupon on one. I used 4 coupons and got them for just the tax. Not too shabby in my opinion.

2008-08-14T13:55:00.002-05:00

The boys were ready to walk to school. They didn't want their friends to see me taking their pictures. Noah is in fifth grade, Ben in third, and Caleb in first. The school was all decorated to welcome the kids back. There were balloons outside the front doors and tied on their chairs.
Caleb was upset we were not riding bikes to school. See his scowl. He let me walk him to class, but didn't want me to come into his classroom.

For the first time since first grade Noah wanted me to walk him to his class. However, I couldn't go in the classroom. I had to nod goodbye to him from the pod.
Ben wanted me to walk him to class, but disappeared, waving goodbye, the minute we walked in the front doors of the school.

Weekly deals

2008-08-07T12:54:00.002-05:00

This week Walgreen's did not have enough of the items I needed. I price comp'ed everything at Walmart. Kellogg's has a $10 mail in rebate for 10 qualifying items purchased on one receipt. I have 2 addresses I can have this mailed to. So, I needed 20 items on 2 receipts(10 items per receipt). The prices were so good I ended up buying 28 boxes of cereal (split between 2 receipts). Walgreen's had the cereals 4 boxes for $10, then you receive a $5 Register Reward to use on your next purchase. Walmart price comps this as 4 boxes for $5. So, you tell them that they were on sale at Walgreens's for $1.25 a box.

In all I purchased:
10 boxes Frosted Flakes(hubby's favorite cereal) (10 * $1.25)=$12.50
10 boxes Raisin Bran(Blue Eyes likes) (10 * $1.25)=$12.50
8 boxes Smart Start(Green Eyes likesss0 ( 8 *$1.25)= $ 10.00
=$35 for 28 boxes of cereal
-$14 coupons (14 coupons for $1 off 2 boxes of cereal)
=$21
-$20 rebates (2 $10 Mail in rebates)
=$ 1 for 28 boxes of cereal after rebates and coupons.
I already have the rebates copied and ready to go in tomorrow's mail!!!

Walgreen's had dawn on sale for 99 cents. I had 5 coupons for 50 cents off each bottle. So I purchased 5 bottles for 49 cents each.

Walgreen's had the Glade Air and Fabric odor eliminator on sale for $1.49. I had one coupon for $1.50 off of one bottle. So I got this one bottle for free! I like this one for the price.

Checking off the old list

2008-08-06T18:41:00.002-05:00

We had a day full of appointments, including haircuts for the boys. Blue eyes and brown eyes wanted their hair to be short. Green Eyes didn't want his cut. He wanted it long. So, the stylist and I convinced him to thin it out and it wouldn't be so hot.
The boys are gearing up for a night of movies and a campout in the family room. This was on their list of things to do this summer. I have convinced them to let me do something off my list before school starts, and then they can do something off of their list. At least the lists are getting shorter. They still want to have a water balloon fight and a day of bowling!

Ramblings

2008-08-05T17:38:00.002-05:00

It is the last full week before school starts. We have all the school supplies purchased and ready to go to school. Clothing has all been purchased--at least for now. Last minutes doctor and hair appointments have been scheduled, and we are getting those done. Now I need to plan some last minute family fun for the boys. I'm not too sure what to do. It is so hot outside I am miserable. Two of the boys have started the two hour soccer practices. I think that is ample time for me to be outside. Today it was 107 when I drove by the bank. I watch them practice, just sitting in a chair, dripping wet with sweat, and I can't imagine how miserable they are running for two hours! When I went to my CPR and First Aid training on Saturday, they discussed the effects of the heat. That was very timely.

What a weekend

2008-08-04T00:04:00.003-05:00

Friday was spent with everyone going to the eyedoctor and shopping. Saturday I spent taking CPR and First Aid courses. Hubby and I worked on putting a new desk for me together. I started it while he was at work. I was proud of myself until Hubby tried to put the drawers in. I had put the rails for the drawers in upside down. It meant the desk had to be disassembled. Like my mother said "For better or for worse". Hopefully this is the worst! So that was Saturday.

Today I spent working around the house. All the new clothes from Friday meant it was time to see how many of last years clothes still fit the boys. I didn't realize how much they had grown until they were trying on last winter's clothes. The pants and sleeves were way too short. I think I will try to sell what I don't pass down to the younger boys at the Fall Just Between Friends Sale. It is in about three weeks, so I will have to work to get everything laundered, pressed, and tagged.

On an ironic note, one of the animals had been doing it's job behind the TV all week. I kept getting onto the dog. Well, Friday night I discovered it had been the cat. I scolded her and took her to her litter box. The dog was following, wagging his tail as if to let me know he was glad the cat had been caught. I went to put the cat in her litterbox so she could be reminded where to do her job. The door wouldn't open! I had put the box back together wrong when I changed it last. Boy, did I feel guilty. My poor animals.

Happy Birthday Hubby

2008-08-01T23:33:00.004-05:00

Hubby's birthday was today. His sister and her family were in town. We went out to dinner then came home for brownies and ice cream.

Today I did some massive shopping. We have a tax free weekend, and I found lots of sales. I shopped Penneys, Dillards, Gap, and American Eagle. I purchased 16 pairs of jeans, lots of shirts and shorts, jackets, backpacks, and soccer slides.

Green Eyes goodies. Brown Eyes goodies.
Blue Eyes goodies.

Walgreen's shopping trip

2008-07-30T11:13:00.002-05:00

I went to Walgreen's today. The were out of the Olay Ribbons, so I will have to wait until their next shipment comes in. Heres is what I bought:

1-8 pack of Sparkle paper towels $7.29 (used coupon from ad for $1.80 and got a $5 Register Reward)

4 bottles of Infusium priced at 2 for $12 (used 4 coupons for $3/1=$12, and got a $7 Register Reward)

2 packages of Tuf Trashbags on sale buy one, get one free for $4.99. I will get a $5 rebate on the purchase of two.

2 packages of Hershey kisses at $2 each (used a $1 off of two coupon from their ESR booklet)

2 packages of Hershey Bliss for $7 (used two prinable coupons from http://www.hersheys.com/bliss/coupon_123.aspx) I will get a rebate of $5 on the purchase of $10 of Hershey's candy.

My grand total was $32.63

Less Register Rewards 12.00

Less Rebates 10.00

After RRs and Rebates =$10.63

Not too shabby

New home pros and woes

2008-07-29T15:51:00.002-05:00

Hubby and I went on a shopping spree this weekend. We purchased a new table and chairs for the kitchen. Our previous set we had for fourteen years, so hopefully this one will las that long, too. We also picked up some bar stools. They are already a hit with the boys.

We also got desks and chairs for each of the boys in their bedrooms. At our former house they did not have rooms for desks, so it had been something they've wanted for a long time.

We also got ourselves a desk. It unfortunately is on backorder, so hopefully it will arrive soon.

I spent two hours during the heat today trying to weed the beds. I have decided to throw in the towel, and just spray everything with round up and plant flowers in the fall and spring. It is too hot now for anything to take hold and thrive. So, I am giving up for now.

A Coffee Party

2008-07-25T15:57:00.002-05:00

Green Eyes is spending the weekend with his grandparents. It has been very quiet with hout him home today. Green Eyes does not like coffee. Blue Eyes and Brown Eyes love, love, love coffee. They wanted coffee and popcorn for a snack. So, we had had a fancy, smancy coffee party. We had it in the formal dining using the china. They decided we need to do this everyday!! (Oh, my)

Brown Eyes decided he wanted to take a picture of Blue Eyes and Mom. Then Blue Eyes wanted to take a picture of Mom and Brown Eyes. They told me to put them on my blog. They decided they were famous, because they were on a blog. How funny they are!

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

D Day

2008-07-23T17:59:00.003-05:00

This is our new home. We are thrilled with the space and nearly everything about it. Today was the day for which we have been waiting. We closed on our former home today. It went smoothly as far as we know.

It has been a quiet day. The boys swam most of the afternoon. I think they wore themselves out. They are laying on the couches watching tv. The most puzzling part is that they are not starving. They usually eat me out of house and home after swimming.

I don't know how to respond to comments yet. Someone asked yesterday where Fadler's was. It is in Tulsa. It is across Sheridan from Sam's at their 41st and Sheridan location. It is on a side street. You can see their sign from Sheridan. It is on the east side of Sheridan at one of the traffic lights, south of 41st Street. Hope this helps.

More Vacation Pictures

2008-07-22T19:09:00.008-05:00

Blue Eyes and Brown Eyes play with the snake.

Brown Eyes looks in disbelief at the snake he is playing with.

Green Eyes playing with a snake we find in our campsite. Anyone for camping? We stayed in a tent for 8 days and 7 nights in Colorado. It was beautiful.

Just thought you guys might get a kick out of the snakey pictures. Today we were at home. We did some shopping. I got hamburger meat from Fadler's meat market for 99 cents. Since it was a good price I stocked up. Thank you to onefrugalchic for the tip.

I went to Sam's and found an adorable calendar. Mine is a school year one, so I was time for a new one. This one is is a binder. I am going to put it in a cookbook holder to leave on the bar. It has a calendar, notes for the lunchboxes, notes for the teachers, and envelopes to put money in to send to school. It also has folders for the activities. It was $10.52

Saturday, July 19th

2008-07-19T20:00:00.002-05:00

Today, I cleaned the old house to get it ready for the closing on it Wednesday. It was sad. We lived there for 12 years. The boys played on the playset for the last time today. It is funny how attached I was to the house. God really blessed us with it. It was a good first home. We even stayed ten years after our first child was born. The house just seemed to grow with us.

We hope God blesses us in our new home, like he did in our first home. Seems like lots of people are moving right now. I know I have tons left to do in the new house. I think I will be able to breathe a sigh of release when we close on the old house. It will be 43 days from listing to closing. We had a contract 6 days after listing it on the market. God really blessed us with that.

Reasor's shopping trip

2008-07-18T13:04:00.004-05:00

I shopped at Reasor's, a local grocery store this morning. I spent $31.53. I saved $16.35. It wasn't a huge success, because not everything was on sale. Somethings we just needed, like peaches and blueberries. I will list the great deals from the day, though.

24 count boxes of crayons: 20 cents each

I purchased 10 boxes for school in the fall and for January when the teachers want more

1 pack of Bic pens: 50 cents

5 bottles of Elmer's glue: 20 cents each

4 boxes of General Mills cereals at $1.77 each

I used two coupons for $1 off of two boxes

2 packages of Farmland Bacon: $4.09 each

I used two coupons for $2 off of one package

If they would have had it in stock, the Farmland Ham steaks were on sale for $2.99, and I had a coupon for $2 off of one.

On a side note, Green Eyes tried out for the local competitive soccer team and made it, so he is very excited. We will see how time involved it is this fall. His first tournament has already been scheduled.

Hope everyone has a great weekend.