You Paid How Much For That?

When I began couponing in earnest around January/February of this year, I never imagined that getting things for free at the grocery store would be a common occurrence. But it's true; I get things for free all the time. Sometimes there will be a coupon in the paper that clearly states "Free" on it, and sometimes it is the combination and a good sale and a good coupon that results in a free item.

Here are some things that I have gotten for free at either Publix, Kroger, or Super Target in the last several months - (this doesn't include the TONS of things I have gotten for free at Walgreens, Rite Aid, and CVS)
Broccoli
Grapes
Bread (I'm up to about 18 loaves right now, and my freezer won't hold much more)
Advil (over 20 bottles)
Pillsbury crescent rolls, cinnamon rolls, and pizza dough
Sour cream
toothbrushes
Powerade (lots)
Joint Juice (lots)
Juice boxes
Tomato sauce
pickles
American cheese
hotdogs
crackers
salad dressing
cat food
cat treats
shampoo
conditioner
deli sliced cheese
toilet paper (92 rolls)
microwave popcorn
South Beach drink mix
spinach stuffed Foccacia bread
yogurt (lots, several different brands)
2L drinks
Sobe Life Water
mechanical pencils
cookie mix
Uncle Ben's rice
Country Bob's sauce
Franks hot sauce
Betty Crocker warm delights
Sundown kids chew able vitamins
Honey Bunches of Oats
dental floss
pasta
soap
toothpaste
hand soap
dishwasher rinse aid
lip gloss
fountain Coke from the deli
chocolate milk
mustard
almonds
Chex mix
Cheerios
mascara
taco seasoning
paper towels
peanut butter
BBQ sauce

So to all the skeptics who think that the $.50 coupons from the paper really save you enough money to bother with, how much do you pay for all these items that I get for free? Coupons really do save money!

Lazy Saturday

After a busy few days, we are enjoying a lazy Saturday with the kiddos. Caleb and I ran some errands this morning, but other than that, we have been home playing outside and now playing in the swimming pool. Actually, Caleb has been begging for the swimming pool all afternoon, but now that it is actually filled up, he is walking around the porch with a bucket on his head instead of actually playing in the pool.

In other Caleb news, he has been chattering constantly the past few days (Sorry, Mom and Dad. I'm sure this is my payback for the years you had/have to listen to me chatter constantly). He is also started asking, "What's that?" all the time. As adorable as he is, I must confess that this is not one of my favorite stages of his so far, as I prefer to do the constant chattering not listen to the constant chattering. It is wonderful, though, to finally see his vocabulary take off after waiting so long for him to begin talking.

Busy, Busy, Busy Again

Yesterday was my first day of school. I am teaching English and History to four 5th and 6th graders one day a week. My first day went well. I seem to have a very sweet group of kids who are eager to learn. Our regular babysitter will be my friend Annette, but she is at the beach this week visiting the hurricane. So instead, another friend from church kept the kids in the morning, and Aunt Molly kept the in the afternoon. All in all, we had a good first day.

This morning, I ran to Kroger to get some groceries because my mom and Molly were coming over to prep some meals for the freezer. While I was there, I also got twenty-three four packs of Cottonelle toilet paper for free using coupons. I got a few comments and odd looks, but I guess that's to be expected when you have 92 rolls of toilet paper in your cart.

My mom and Molly got here around 11, and we made Tropical Chicken Ribbons, Cheesy Chicken Bundles, and Chicken Breast with Pesto Butter. It's great to have some meals ready in the freezer for when I don't feel like cooking. We also had a yummy lunch of four cheese ravioli in tomato basil sauce, mushroom ravioli in mushroom cream sauce, Romano and herb toast, and salad.

Tonight we are going to my parents' house and having Chinese for dinner. I am glad to a) not have to cook b) not have to pay for dinner, c) eat Chinese from my favorite Chinese restaurant that is too far away to deliver to our house, and d) hang out with my family.

School, please?

I haven't updated about Caleb's preschool at home lately. He LOVES school and asks for it on weekends and on days where we didn't have time to get to it. One night last week, we had school in our pajamas because he kept asking for it.

Here he is with his latest learning poster. Our theme this week is rainbows.

And here he is helping Mommy bake bread.

14 months old

Another Great Mail Day and Rainy Day Fun

It was another great mail day today, which is good since I had to go out in the rain again to get the mail. I got an $83 check from selling some of the kids' clothes at a consignment sale, 2 coupon books from Walgreens, 1 set of Baby Club coupons from Publix, a coupon for a free yogurt, and no bills.

We stayed home today due to the monsoons and tornado warning, so the kids and I had some fun building a fort in the living room. We also made and ate orange popsicles. Yumm!

In the Mail Today

I got a free Swiffer Sweeper starter kit and a $10 Exxon gas card from a Publix promotion. It made the trip to the mailbox in the rain worth it. There were also a few bills, but we won't talk about those.

So Ha Bye Bye

Or so Caleb has been telling me all day long. Our Korean foreign exchange student, So Ha, has decided not to go to Dave's school this year, so she will no longer be living with us. She came and packed up her stuff last night. Hopefully, we will be able to have another student to host soon.

Saved 94% at Publix today

I think Publix might be my new favorite store. Sorry, CVS (although I went there today, too). Before I began using coupons, I actually tried to avoid Publix as their every day prices seemed higher to me than Kroger, which is just across the road. But, I have since learned that they have some great deals if you combine manufacturer's coupons, sales, and Publix coupons.

Here's what I got today for $1.68 -
1 gallon Publix OJ with Calcium - on sale for $2.49
2 8 0z cartons Daisy light sour cream - $.01 overage on each
1 jar Vlasic dill relish - $.16 overage
1 4 pack Publix Greenwise toilet paper - $.01 item for today
1 pkg Purina cat treats - free
3 loaves Sara Lee whole wheat bread - free
3 boxes Jolly Time popcorn (These were supposed to be $1.25 each. I had 2 $1/1 coupons and 1 $1.50 coupons, which would make it a total of $.25 for all three boxes. BUT, one rang up wrong, so I got it for free since Publix has a scan right guarantee. And I still got to use all three coupons. )

At CVS, I spent $1.47, and I got 2 packs pads, one box of tampons, one pack of pantiliners, and 2 boxes Engery drink mix. It is apparently feminine product week at CVS. I also left with more extra bucks than I started with, so it was a good day.

Menu Plan Monday

Here's what we are eating this week.
Tonight - Chicken soft tacos, corn
Tuesday - Pork chops, rice, carrots
Wednesday - Marinated steak, baked potatoes, green beans
Thursday - Chicken diablo (we still haven't eaten this), egg noodles, broccoli
Friday - Dinner at Mom and Dad's
Saturday - Hamburgers and Hotdogs, macaroni and cheese, applesauce
Sunday - Lunch at Molly's

We Used To Have a Dining Room Table

Now, we have Coupon Central. Seriously, it does not always look like this, as we do eat dinner in there often, but I have SO many coupons to deal with today that I needed the space.

Swimming, School, Sweets and Savings

Dave is gone on his school retreat for a few days, and the kids and I have been busy while he was gone.

1) Swimming - After lunch this morning, we headed to Aunt Molly's house. After the kids napped, we went for a swim. Caleb was more interested in going back to Aunt Molly's house to watch and Elmo movie, so we didn't stay long.

2) School - I had my parent meeting at school tonight. I have 4 students, 3 girls and 1 boy. It should be interesting. Uncle Nick watched the kids, and everyone seems to have survived.

3) Sweets - Molly and I went to Rita's for yummy Italian ices after our meeting. We even had a coupon!

4) Savings - Then we went to Publix to get some deals. It's very sad that we go grocery shopping for fun. I saved 72%. My total was $10.81, and my savings was $26.48. I got 2 12 packs Coke, 2 loaves free bread, 2 rolls paper towels, 3 pkgs Solo Heavy Duty paper plates, 1 free Cascade rinse aid, 2 Ken's marinades, and 1 French's mustard.

Alexa Talking on the Phone

88% savings at Publix

Woo hoo! I love it when I save so much. I spent $5.53 today and saved $39.97. Here's what I got:

3 loaves Sara Lee Honey Wheat bread (free)
5 boxes South Beach drink mix (free)
1 pkg Kraft American cheese (free)
1 pkg sliced Gouda cheese (no sale, no coupon, GASP!)
2 jars pickles
2 boxes Edwards pie slices

What We Do For Fun

Unless you've ever stayed home all day with a three year old and a one year old, you just don't know what fun is. Here are some of the things we've done for fun in the last few days.

-Walked around wearing one boot and one black heeled sandal, while carrying one white heeled sandal and a teacher's tote bag (Caleb)

-Helped Mommy clean the bathroom including the toilet (both of them; they seriously thought this was fun)

-Thought it was so much fun to help Mommy clean earlier, so grabbed a wet place mat (among other things) out of the dryer and used it to clean the bathroom (Alexa)

-Brushed teeth at least 6 times a day (Alexa)

-Took off shorts and diaper and laid there half naked talking instead of napping (Caleb)

-Poured a bucket of sand over head (Alexa)

- Showered with Mommy and sat at her feet trying to catch drips from the faucet in a cup (both)

-Rubbed peanut butter in hair necessitating another bath despite showering with Mommy that morning (Alexa)

-Watched the same movie 1807 times while singing along loudly. Then got in the car and listened to the CD that goes with aforementioned movie also while singing loudly (Caleb, who has Aunt Molly to thank for the movie and CD)

-Commented about Mommy's red toenails 172 times and wanted own toes painted (Caleb)

-Put on shoes that either don't match outfit or don't match each other (Alexa)

-Gave lots of sweet hugs and kisses (both)

Menu Plan Monday

Tonight - Bacon cheeseburger roll up (bumped from last week), oven roasted potatoes, salad
Tuesday - Chicken diablo, egg noddles, carrots and green beans
Wednesday - D & S gone, Broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast for me, chicken nuggets for the kids, pasta with butter and Parmesan, fruit
Thursday - D & S gone, sandwiches
Friday - Homemade pizza, salad
Saturday - Spicy baked chicken, sweet potatoes, broccoli
Sunday - lunch at Molly's

Baseball pictures

We had really great seats last night. We were in the 2nd row back behind the away team dugout. Unfortunately, this meant that we were right in the line of fire for foul balls, so I actually had to pay some attention to the game to avoid being hit with a ball. One lady several rows behind us actually did get hit right in the face. Ouch! We were so close in that according to a few people, we even made it on TV. The kids survived with out us, although Alexa had a hard time going to sleep and woke up several times. When she woke up twice after we got home and were getting ready for bed, we determined that she had caught the cold that Caleb had earlier in the week. It was a long night for a little girl who had a stuffy nose and couldn't breathe well and for us, too. Anyway, here are some pictures from last night.

Take Me Out To the Ballgame

My parents are going to the baseball game tonight, and my grandma was supposed to go with them. However, she was unable to go at the last minute. So my mom offered the extra two tickets up on Facebook to any of her friends, but no one wanted them. Then she e-mailed Dave to see if he knew any coworkers who wanted to go. You might be able to guess where this is going.

Dave did actually call one coworker, who did not answer. So he decided that we should go. He called around and found one of my former students who is now his current student to babysit. This will be all of the third time that we have hired a babysitter since Alexa was born, and the first two were when I had meetings at work last month. Typically my parents babysit, but they can't tonight for obvious reasons. Or sometimes my best friend Molly will babysit, but she is out of town this week. The kids have never actually had a babysitter put them to bed. I'm sure they will all survive it, though.

I don't actually like baseball games, or any sport for that matter. I go to these kinda things for two reasons. 1) A date with my husband without the kids. 2) Cotton candy or some other equally sugary and unhealthy concoction. Anyways, all that to say that we are going to the baseball game with my parents tonight. The end.

The Cost of Homemade Meals

I was reading Good Housekeeping magazine this afternoon while the kids played outside. The September article focused on money saving ideas. There was one quote that intrigued me. "A home-cooked supper costs the typical American family of four about $5 per person. That's $20 every night, $140 every week - and those figures are on the rise." Well, since I don't even spend $140 a week at the grocery store, and that's for everything, all 3 meals, snacks, health and beauty, household supplies, and chocolate, of course, I knew this amount was high.

But, it did make me wonder how much I do spend on a home-cooked dinner. I am feeding 5 people, but we'll combine the kids since they don't eat a whole serving, and say that I am making 4 servings. For my calculations, I am not going to include things like spices, oil, and butter just to make it a bit easier. So, here are 3 meals from this week.

Wednesday and Thursday night -
I made Stromboli and salad on Wednesday (not on my original menu plan, but I had to make something different since my parents came over), and we ate leftovers on Thursday night. On Wednesday, I served corn, and on Thursday, I served grapes. I served 5 servings on Wednesday night (because of my parents) and 3 on Thursday (Dave was gone both nights). There are still leftovers of the Stromboli, which I will eat for lunch this weekend.

Stromboli - made 10 servings
3/4 lb ground beef - $1 (bought in 5lb package on Manager's special)
1 jar tomato sauce - $.50 (on sale with coupon)
1 c cottage cheese - $.90
1 c mozzarella - $.84 (on sale)
1/c mayo - $.40 (on sale with coupon)
4 c bread flour - $.64
2 tsp yeast - $.10 (bought at BJ's in a 2 pack)

Total - $4.38
Total per serving - $.44

Salad - made 8 servings
1/2 head red leaf lettuce - $.90
a few carrots - $.15 (on sale)
dressing - $.35 (on sale with coupon)
croutons - $.28 (on sale with coupon)

Total - $1.68
Total per serving - $.21

Corn
1/2 bag frozen - $.27 (on sale with coupon)

Total per serving - $.05

Grapes - $.25 (on sale for $.99/lb)

Total per serving - $.09

Wednesday night cost per person - $.70
Thursday night cost per person - $.90

Tonight -
We are having pork tenderloin, rice pilaf, breadsticks, and green beans.

Pork tenderloin

Total - $1.75 (on sale with coupon)
Total per serving - $.44

Rice pilaf

Total - $.40 (on sale with coupon)
Total per serving - $.10

Breadsticks -
Leftovers from another night. The package cost $.30 on sale with coupon, and we had half leftover.

Total - $.15
Total per serving - $.04

Green beans

Total - $.90
Total per serving - $.23

Friday total cost per person - $.81

If my calculations are correct, it is possible to feed your family a home-cooked meal that is yummy and reasonably healthy for WAY less than $5 per serving. Granted, we do occasionally splurge on steak or ribs, but even then I purchase them on sale. Maybe I need to write Good Housekeeping's next article on saving on grocery bills. Oh and while I'm at it, I plan to write one for them on saving money on clothing for the family, too. Don't even get me started on that article.

We Miss You, Daddy

Dave left yesterday morning at 5:30 a.m. for a wilderness first aid training that he needed to go to for school. He is one of the sponsors for the Rangers outdoors program at his school, so he had to have this training. He gets home around 9:00 tonight. He then leaves for school in the morning before the kids get up. So, although he was only gone for one night, the kids saw him before bed on Tuesday and won't see him again until Friday after school.

So, in honor of Dave, here are the top ten reasons why we miss Daddy when is away in no particular order.

1) Mommy needs someone to listen to her incessant chatter and maybe even respond occasionally.

2) Alexa really prefers it when Daddy rather than Mommy gets up with her twice in the middle of the night. Really, she does.

3) Caleb needs someone to play trains with him. Mommy can only make very boring tracks.

4) Caleb and Alexa need someone to take them outside and play. Despite being born and raised in the south, Mommy is prone to melting in the August heat.

5) Mommy loves it when Daddy cleans up the kitchen after she has cooked dinner. Especially on bath night, so that she doesn't have to cook, clean, and bathe all right in a row.

6) Caleb needs Daddy to play on the computer with him.

7) Mommy does not like having to drag two kids out twice a day to take So Ha to and from school.

8) Mommy needs someone to get her a drink and snack at the end of a hard day when the kids are in bed.

9) Everyone likes having Daddy read to us and pray and sing with us before bed.

10) Mommy likes having someone who can actually speak English well.

We love you, Daddy.

Caleb Fix It Light

I came downstairs this morning, and So Ha was in the kitchen in the dark. She said that the light wouldn't come on. We've been having a problem with the kitchen light for awhile. You had to switch it back on with the same switch (there are 2) that you switched it off with or it wouldn't work. So I told her just to try the other light switch. Nope, that didn't work. So I climbed on a chair and changed the light bulb. Nope, that didn't work. So what do I do when all else fails and especially when Dave is out of town? Call my dad of course. Fortunately, he hadn't left for work yet. I promised to cook dinner for my parents if my dad would fix my light switch. So he stopped and got 2 new switches on his way over here after work. Since there was obviously no light in the kitchen and no outside windows, Caleb stood on a chair and held a flashlight while Gramps worked. He had a very serious look on his face like he was doing important business. So of course I grabbed my camera. To which my dad replied, I think we are going to be on the computer tonight, Caleb. Anyway, my dad got both switches replaced and the light working before dinner. And Caleb proceeded to tell us for the rest of the night, "Caleb fix it light."

Chocolate, Anyone?

The kids and I headed out this morning to the library and Walgreens since we had to abort our errands yesterday. Well, I'm glad to report that we were successful today.

I got 4 bags of Hershey's Bliss dark chocolate, and 8 packages of Bic pens. My total was $1.48, and I will be getting back $5.50 in rebates. Caleb and I happily ate one piece of dark chocolate each on the way to the library, and I may have had another one after lunch accidentally.

First Day of School

I think the kids missed Daddy today on his first day of school. They both climbed in his lap as soon as he sat down. And he's leaving in the morning to go to a wilderness first aid conference, so they won't see him again until Friday after school. Poor kiddos!

Caleb Reciting His Catechism

We have been working on the Children's Catechism with Caleb at bed time. For right now, I just have him fill in the blanks on some of the longer answers, but eventually, I'd like him to be able to say the whole answer. Here he is reciting the first six.

Reward

Whoever wants to come over and find my camera cord will be rewarded with 2 blog posts, including one video and one picture.

Never mind, Dave wins. Off to upload.

It Finally Happened

I had to take a screaming child home and completely abort my errands for the day. My kids are usually pretty good in public as they love people watching and that keeps them quiet and happy. Apparently, though, Caleb got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. We had to return some books at the library, and I was going to get the kids a new movie and some more books while we were there. Caleb could not decide on a movie and kept whining at every choice. Then he wanted the one that Alexa was holding. I finally told him that if he didn't stop crying, we would leave the library without a movie. And then I did, dragged him out whining and crying all the way with no movie and no books. (I did snag a magazine before all this started, so at least I have some new reading material.) We were going to stop at Walgreens while we were out, but it quickly became apparent that that was not going to work either. Instead we headed home. He's still up in his room until he is finished crying and whining; we'll see how long that lasts.

Fun at the Mall

Caleb looking over the railing.
So Ha watching the stroller.
Alexa running around getting her wiggles out.

Paid Only Tax at CVS

My total at CVS was $.60, which was just my tax as my subtotal was $0. I spent $21.98 in ECB and got back $28 in ECB. My very nice cashier even let me use a CRT that was expired.

Here's what I got -
1 CVS brand ibuprofen
1 Alavert
2 cans of Lamisil (which went straight in the donation box)
4 bottles CVS sunscreen
10 (Yes, you read that right) bags of Dove chocolate (some went straight into my tummy and some I am sharing with Molly)

Menu Plan Monday

Monday - D and S gone, kids and I will probably have sandwiches and fruit
Tuesday - Asparagus, Chicken and Penne Pasta, Caesar salad, garlic bread
Wednesday - D gone, Broccoli and cheese stuffed chicken breasts, noodles, carrots
Thursday - D gone, 4 cheese ravioli, salad, bread sticks
Friday - Bacon cheeseburger roll up, oven roasted potatoes, applesauce
Saturday - Pork tenderloin, wild rice, spinach
Sunday - Don't know yet, might be going to someone's house after church

Peaceful Sleep

Everyone in my house slept and stayed in bed all night long, and the kids even slept long enough this morning to let me get a shower before they woke up. Aaaaah! On the agenda for today: meeting Aunt Molly for lunch at the mall to use some coupons we have before she goes out of town tomorrow and taking So Ha to the uniform store.

So Here's So Ha

I headed to the airport this morning to pick up our new foreign exchange student, So Ha, who is from South Korea. I realized when I got there that I didn't know what she looked like, and I had forgotten to bring any paper to write her name on a sign. So I ran into the restroom and got a paper towel to use, instead. While waiting, I chatted with a young Korean girl, since I was pretty sure she was waiting for the same flight as I was, the only Korean Air flight arriving today. Sure enough, she was waiting for her boyfriend who was visiting family in Korea. He finally made it up the escalators, and they left. Then I talked to another family waiting for their Korean student, who will be attending another school in the area. She arrived, and they headed off as well. And still I waited with my paper towel sign.

A few minutes later, I heard someone say my name and turned to see the coordinator for the Korean agency. The first student we hosted was through the same agency, so I have met her before. It turns out, she was picking up a few students on the same flight whose host parents could not make it to the airport. In fact, I was the only host parent at the airport. Anyway a few minutes later, a group of 3 young girls FINALLY came up the escalator, including So Ha. We all headed to pick up their luggage while they babbled away in Korean all the while. I felt like the foreigner. We gathered up So Ha's luggage, said good bye to everyone else, and started for home.

So Ha will be a 10th grader at Dave's school this year. She seems very nice, and has a delightful British accent from studying in England prior to this. Caleb is so excited to have a student again and kept saying, "Where So Ha go? and So Ha in room?" I even got to talk to her father on the phone tonight, and he expressed his gratitude for taking good care of his daughter. Now begins the flurry of getting books and school supplies and uniforms squared a way before school starts on Tuesday. And I get the joy of shuttling her to and from school on Wednesday and Thursday while Dave is out of town.

So, Welcome, So Ha! We hope you enjoy your time spend with our family.

Beautiful Day

I took the kiddos outside to play after lunch. Yesterday at that time, we were at the pool, and it was in the low 90's. Today, it was right around 80. I didn't even sweat while outside, which is a miracle in the South in August. The kids had a great time and now are taking (hopefully) long naps. Actually, I would be happy if Caleb even napped at all since he has only taken 2 in the last 3 weeks. We shall see.

Menu Plan Friday...

..has officially been moved to Menu Plan Monday.

Here's what we are eating until then.

Tonight - Monterey chicken, oven roasted potatoes, broccoli, breadsticks
Saturday - Nasi Goreng, green beans, rolls
Sunday - Lunch at Molly's house

Busy, busy, busy

The kids and I were out and about all day yesterday, thus the lack of blogging.

As soon as Alexa got up from her morning nap, we headed to Aunt Molly's house. Her car was in the shop, so she was stuck home for the day. We got the kiddos changed and headed to the pool. Caleb was being really brave and even got down off the steps once he figured out that he could touch the bottom. We enjoyed a picnic lunch at the pool, and Caleb played with the water fountain until Mommy stopped him because it was leaking everywhere.

Then we headed back to Aunt Molly's house and hung out while Alexa napped and Caleb had quiet time, after which he got out every pot and bowl in Molly's kitchen to play with. She's such a patient Aunt with all the messes my children make all over her house.

Anyway, once Alexa got up, off to Target we went. I got 15 bottles of Joint Juice, 2 air fresheners and a book for Caleb for around $2. I dropped Molly off at the Honda dealership and then the kiddos and I went home.

After unpacking all the random paraphernalia required for taking 2 kids to the pool, we went out for pizza for dinner one last time just the four of us before our exchange student comes on Saturday.

Finally, after the kids were bathed, snacked, and in bed, I ran to Kroger and Publix to sneak in my grocery shopping without the kids. I saved right around 50% at both stores, which is really good considering I got a full week of groceries (as opposed to just hitting the deals), including milk, meat, fresh fruits and veggies, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream (a definite necessity).

On the agenda for today once Alexa wakes up is another consignment sale and the library. We'll probably play outside, too, since it is supposed to be cooler today.

Operation Room Sharing: Night Two

So last night was the 2nd night the kids have shared a room. Both went to bed pretty easily again. And no one got up last night! Well, except for me because I had to pee. Anyway, that makes 3 nights so far (not consecutively, though) that Alexa has slept through the night. Alexa woke up around 7:20 this morning, and I was able to pop her out of her crib again without waking up Caleb who slept until almost 9:00 again.

For nap times, I've been putting them in separate rooms. Caleb has only napped 2 times in the last 2 weeks, but we have learned through trial and error that he (and Mommy) really need a quiet time in the afternoon or he falls completely apart. So, while Alexa is napping in her crib, I have been putting Caleb on my bed with a pile of books to read and some music to listen, too. This unfortunately means, that I can't nap. And I LOVE naps. But maybe I'll just let him watch a movie on Saturday or Sunday afternoon for quiet time while Dave is home so that I can nap in my bed.

At My Mom's Request

My mom posted on her blog yesterday about some of her quilting projects. She is good at and enjoys sewing and quilting, but unfortunately I did not inherit any such talent or enjoyment. Anyways, 2 of her quilting projects reside at my house, so she asked if I would post pictures of them.

Here is the quilt she made for Caleb.

And the one she made for Alexa.

Walgreens Savings

At Walgreens today, we got 2 boxes of Poptarts and 3 boxes of Rice Krispie treats. Healthy, I know. We also got a Glade candle and 2 bottles Glade Fabric and Air Freshener (similar to Febreeze). My total was $2.65, and I got back a $5 Register Rewards and will get $1.10 in rebates. Also, a 20% off coupon for Payless Shoe Source printed out, and we definitely will be able to use that with 2 kids growing like weeds.

Elmo and Friends

I just had to get a picture this morning of the kids in their Elmo outfits watching Sesame Street. Thanks, Miss Carol Ann, for Alexa's Elmo jumper, which incidentally Caleb wanted to wear and was very distressed when I wouldn't let him. Anyway, this lasted all of 3.5 seconds before Alexa got bored and climbed down

Back to School Fun

The school Dave teaches at hosted a Back to School Picnic tonight. Dave had to go, and the kids and I went because there was food. And I'll gladly take any excuse not to make dinner AND not to pay for dinner. I didn't take my camera because I didn't figure there would be any picture taking opportunities. However, I wished I had it with me. They had inflatable play things set up for the kids. Caleb had a grand time playing in the train and on the slide. And if it wasn't for the almost 100 degree temperatures, we might have let him play longer. As it was, his face matched the red striped t-shirt he was wearing. Well, except for the striped part. Dave even took Alexa up on the slide on time, and she thought she was hot stuff. Two other highlights of the evening were seeing some of my former students who are now in high school (hard to believe) and getting new Covenant College t-shirts from the booth they had set up. One of the admissions reps even gave Dave his card and said to e-mail him with the kids' sizes and he would send them t-shirts. Fun, fun.

Alexa Growling at Her Food

Food Stockpile

My food stockpile is not nearly as extensive or organized as my health and beauty aids stockpile, but I am accumulating a nice supply of cheap/free food. So, here it is -

The view of the pantry straight on
Left side
Right side
Cokes, Powerades, and juice boxes on top of the fridge in the garage
Bread, waffles, french toast sticks, and pizza rolls in the fridge frezzer in the garage
Old microwave shelf - brownie mixes and granola bars
Behind the brownies, snacks, cookie and muffin mixes and boxed potatoes
Bottom shelf - more cokes, juice, water, pedialyte
Blue shelf
Top shelf - cereal, foil pans, fruit cups
Second shelf - condiments and marinades
3rd shelf - baking supplies and more cereal
4th shelf - pasta sauce, Mexican meal kits, pop tarts
Bottom shelf - pasta and rice
Upright freezer

Operation Room Sharing: Night One

Looking in from the door
We have always intended for Caleb and Alexa to share a room for the first few years so that we can continue to use the other bedroom to host a foreign exchange student. We are finally at the point where they go to bed around the same time, and Alexa is finally sleeping better. So last night, Dave disassembled the crib and reassembled it in Caleb's room. They went to sleep with no problem. Dave had to go in once because Caleb's CD had turned off, and Alexa was already sleep. Both kids woke up once during the night (this is fairly normal for our house) at different times, and they did not seem to bother the other one when they woke up. Alexa got up for the morning around 8:00. As you can see, the crib is right by the door, so I just opened the door and popped her out. Caleb continued to sleep until 9:00. I'm sure there will be some rough nights when I wish they didn't share a room, but the first night was a success, I would say.

Back By Popular Demand

Another video of the kids! Dave's family lives in Canada, so we don't get to see them that often. They love it when I post movies of the kids, so here you go.

Caleb during school time.

Steals and Deals

Publix
I spent $11.86 and saved $33.72, which was a savings of 74%. PLUS, I will be getting back a $10 check and $10 gift card to JCPenney, which means I actually came out $8.14 ahead.

I got:
6 boxes Eggo waffles
4 boxes of Poptarts (Don't worry, I don't feed these to my kids. They're for Dave)
1 package Oscar Mayer bun length beef hot dogs
1 box Kraft mac and cheese
1 6 pack Jello dark chocolate pudding
1 box Post Live Active cereal
1 Publix reusable shopping bag (the penny item for today)
2 boxes Earth's Best Sesame Street snacks
1 Cover girl lip gloss
.82 lb grapes

Rite Aid
I spent $22.18 and will get back a $23.47 rebate check, which makes this a tiny money maker.

I got:
1 2 pack 60 watt light bulbs
1 2 pack Renu contact solution
1 Gilette Fusion razor
1 Revlon nail polish
1 Gilette shampoo



CVS
I spent $.78 on 3 tubes of toothpaste, three toothbrushes, and 2 Infants' Advil. I also came out with $2.58 more in ECB than I went in with.

For Your Viewing Pleasure

Caleb trying on the new hat and overalls I bought him at a consignment sale.
School time.

At a wedding we went to today.
With Uncle Phillip (sorry I cut if his head; he's too tall!)