Pool Sharks

Beach Bums

Today we went to Indian Rocks beach. It was Alexa's first trip to the beach. She had fun in the sand and even warmed up to the water after awhile.

Disney Fun

We had a great day at Disney yesterday! It rained a bit while we were eating lunch, and then it rained again while we were going to the car. But other than that, we had great weather! The kids had lots of fun. Of course, the attraction that Caleb wanted to do again was the Swiss Family Robinson tree house, which has like a million stairs. They also had fun riding several rides and watching a few shows. Here are some pictures. They're not in order, though, because blogger is having issues tonight.

Playing in the Winnie the Pooh play area

Watching the performance in front of the castle

On the Ferry

In Minnie's house. We had to buy Alexa this paci because we accidentally left hers in the car.

Riding the train

Taking a break and having a treat

Leaving in a Mini Van

My blog will probably be sparse(r) this week because we are leaving tomorrow to drive to Tampa to visit my brother, Phillip. This will be the longest car trip we have done with the kids so far, so it should be interesting. Not to mention that my pregnant bladder will need to stop often.

When we get back, hopefully I will have some fun pictures of Disney, the beach, the pool, and the Tampa Zoo. It should be a fun trip!

Menu Plan Monday

Tonight - Grilled chicken, oven potatoes, mandarin orange salad, rolls, key lime pie

Tuesday - Chicken Marsala, pasta, rolls, salad

Wednesday - Sunday - VACATION!!!!

Just Chillin'

Baby Naming - The Caleb Version

I have been talking to the kids some about how Mommy is going to have a baby. Caleb always tells me that he wants a boy baby, and Alexa wants a girl. He also says that Mommy wants a girl and Daddy a boy. I think you can guess how he makes these determinations. Well, a few days ago, I asked him what we should name the baby. He went through a few names, mostly from movies that he has seen, before settling on Uniqua from the Backyardigans (pictured above). Now, everytime I ask him about the baby name, he says Uniqua. I'm not sure that he knows that Uniqua is the name of a girl, so today I asked him what we should name the baby if it is a boy. He told me that he wanted to name the baby Uniqua (I guess this is his boy name choice), and Alexa wanted to name the baby Tasha (another one of the Backyardigans). So, should we go with his name choices or pick our own? What do you think?

Kroger and Publix Deals

I headed out after the kids were in bed to do my shopping. My first stop was Kroger, where I got two jumbo packs of Huggies for $9.50, which is less than the regular price of one pack. I also got strawberries for $1.65. I would have picked up milk, too, if I knew Publix had raised their price back to $2.79 from the $2.00 that it was last week.

Then I went to Publix. I spent $45.43 and saved $117.59, which is 72%. The reason why I did my shopping tonight was so that I could use a $5/$25 Walgreens coupon that was good through today only.

Here's what I got with prices listed after coupons and sales.

1 6 big roll package Sparkle paper towels - $4.49
1 160 ct package Dixie napkins - $.06
4 boxes Eggo waffles - $.64 each
1 Digiorno for one flatbread - $1.00
2 packages Dixie paper plates - $.50 each
2 bags Lays potato chips - $2.00 each
1 container blackberries - $1.50 (I used tearpad coupons that I found tonight on this and on the potatoes, which we for $1.00 of produce WYB Lays chips)
3 containers Heluva Good Dip - FREE
4 ears corn - $1.00
1 yellow onion - $.40
3 12 packs Coke - $2.50 each
1 12 pack Barqs root beer - $2.50
2 boxes Triscuits - $.63 each
1 jar Ragu -$.50
1 6 pack Dannon Danimals - $.70
4 boxes Glad straws - $.19 each (we now have enough straws for a LONG time)
6 bottles Kraft salad dressing - FREE
2 bottles A-1 sauce - $.10 each
1 5 lb bag white potatoes - $1.99
6 bottle Kraft BBQ sauce - $.58 overage total
1 carton Daisy sour cream - $.01 overage
2 packages Kraft American cheese - $.30 each
1 Boston Butt Roast - $5.42 (to go with all the BBQ sauce)
8 containers Yakisoba noodles - $.19 each (for Phillip)
4 packages Oscar Mayer beef bun length hot dogs - $1.00 each

Not Turning Four

We have been trying, very unsuccessfully so far, to potty train Caleb. He turns four in July, so I have been telling him that four year olds have to go to the potty. They are not allowed to wear diapers. He responded that he is not going to be four; he is three. So I told him that when he turns four, he gets to have a party, cake, and presents, but he has to go potty. Last night out of the blue, he told me, "No presents. I not turn four. I not go potty." So apparently I am going to have a non-potty trained three-year-old forever. It sure feels that way sometimes!

Quick Publix Trip

The kids and I made our usual Monday Publix run today to get some deals, the penny item, and a few things we needed for meals this week. Unfortunately, they would not let me use my $5/$25 Rite Aid coupon, and said they no longer consider Rite Aid a competitor. I was able to use Target coupons, and the cashier said that Walgreens coupons are still fine, too. So, I spent $18.15 (would have been $13.15 with my RA coupon) and saved $36.76 or 67%. Not my best trip ever but still pretty good.

Here's what I got -

1 bottle Publix glass cleaner - $.01
2 bags Kraft shredded cheese - $1.00 each
1 package Tyson grilled chicken strips - $3.44
5 bottles Lawry's marinade - $.40 each
1 carton strawberries - $2.50
1 box Wheat Thins - FREE
1 bottle Publix hand sanitizer - FREE
1 2 pack Energizer 9V batteries - $1.69
1 box Ritz crackers - $.25 overage
1 bag salad - $2.59
1 carton sour cream - $.01 overage
1 bag frozen peachers - $2.99
2 boxes Glad straws - $.19 each

Menu Plan Monday

Okay, here goes my menu plan. We'll see how well I manage to stick with it this week.

Tonight - Monterey Jack chicken, Spanish rice, corn

Tuesday - Balsamic Honey glazed pork medallions, rolls, carrots

Wednesday - Chicken Marsala, angel hair pasta, salad

Thursday - Eggs, bacon, toast, fruit smoothies

Friday - Hamburgers, hotdogs, macaroni and cheese, applesauce

Saturday - $5 pizza

Sunday - Lunch at Molly's - to be determined

Weekend Update and Light at the End of the Tunnel

Sorry to neglect my blog so much lately. I have been nauseous and exhausted! But the good news is that I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel or at the end of the first trimester really. I'm starting to feel much better, and I even have plans to actually cook dinner this week. Check back tomorrow for a menu plan.

So, Dave went backpacking this weekend, so I was home with the kids Friday and Saturday until late afternoon. Friday we ran some errands and then went to Chickfila for lunch later on. When we got home, Caleb told me he needed his green hat (you've probably seen it in pictures before; it's really half of a shape sorter ball that he wears on his hat). So, I went to the van to get it, but it wasn't there. Meanwhile, Caleb is sitting on the rocking ottoman, rocking back and forth saying, "I'm sad; it's gone." So, I called Chickfila, and fortunately (or unfortunately perhaps) they were able to find it and put it aside for me until I went back to get it.

Later Friday afternoon Molly came over to watch the kids while I went to a doctor's appointment. It was very glad not to take two wigglers with me to the doctor! I got a clean bill of health so far, and we were able to hear a good, strong baby's heartbeat. I told Caleb that I got to hear the baby's heart and asked him what sound a heart makes, to which he replied, "Boing, boing.' It was too cute to correct.

After dinner the kids watched a movie, and then I watched Bride Wars after they went to bed. It was fun to watch a Chick Flick, since Dave won't usually watch them with me.

Saturday morning we went to Blockbuster to get a movie, which would not play because it was so scratched, and the to the grocery store to get newspapers, which hadn't arrived yet. It was a very dissapointing trip. So after naps, we went back to return the movie. We found another copy of the same movie, which they gave us with no problem. We watched it once, and now it won't play either. So annoying. But we did get newspapers, and they had 4 coupon inserts this weekend!

Dave got home around 5:00 yesterday and got unpacked. After the kids were in bed, we watched The Bucket List because he was too tired to do move from backpacking.

Today we had church as usual and enjoyed getting to hang out with Molly and Nick in between services since we missed last Sunday due to Mother's Day. Now it's on to the last week of school before summer vacation!!!!!

72% Savings at Publix

My little helper wanted to be in the Publix picture today. I spent $29.35 at Publix this morning, and I saved $81.85. Rite Aid sent me a $5/$25 coupon in my e-mail this morning, which I used at Publix. Here's what I got with prices listed after coupons and sales.

2 boxes Eggo waffles - $.64 each
2 boxes Kraft Bagel-fuls - $1.00 for one and $1.25 for the other (I had 2 different coupons)
1 box Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwiches - $2.99
2 containers Lysol wipes -$1.50 each
2 bottles Lysol Neutra Air spray - $.30 each
2 Tombstone pizzas - $2.40 each
2 bottles Mott's apple juice - $1.48 each
1 container Lawry's seasoned salt - $.85
1 carton strawberries - $2.50
3 bananas - $.72
2 4-packs Yo Plus yogurt - $.25 each
1 container Daisy sour cream - $.01 overage
2 bags Kraft Natural shredded cheddar - $1.00 each
4 McCormick Grill Mates seasonings - free
2 bottles Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce - $.65 each
1 bottle Lawry's marinade - $.40
1 Johnsons buddy bar - free
1 box Ritz crackers - $.25 overage
1 box Tyson chicken patties - $3.34
2 boxes Kelloggs mini wheats cereal - $.47 each
1 gallon Publix milk - $1.00
1 Bic lighter - $.75
1 dozen eggs - $.99

Little Ham

I was trying to video tape Alexa talking this morning, but it was extremely difficult to do since she was chasing me around trying to see herself on the camera screen. She is such a little goof!

Menu Plan Monday

Every day - Something that doesn't smell, takes almost no preparation, and remotely resembles healthy food

I am not feeling well today thus the interesting menu plan. We did make it to Publix this morning where I saved about 70%. I didn't take a picture, though, because I don't want anyone to know exactly how many Sara Lee pies I bought for $.69. Oh and the cheesecake bites for $.99.

Home Alone and a Caleb Funny

Dave took the kids this morning to buy Mother's Day cards while I make the macaroni and cheese that I am bringing to a cookout later today. So, I am all alone in the house. I do get out of the house alone frequently, but being alone in the house is a very rare thing. Anyway, while the kids were getting their shoes on, Caleb told me they were going to go get me a new van. I was trying to figure out why he thought that. Then I realized that Dave had told him that they were going to get Mommy a card, but Caleb heard get Mommy a car. Too funny. I explained to him that he was actually getting me a card, like the one he helped me pick out for Grammy earlier in the week. A few minutes later, he came running in the kitchen to announce that they were getting me flowers, too. So much for surprises.

Girls' Night Out

Last night, Molly, Laura, and I (minus a few friends who were unable to come) headed to The Melting Pot for a fun girls' night. We had the traditional Swiss fondue followed by dark chocolate fondue. Then we wandered around Target for a bit, and I got Caleb a new tie to go with the belt and shoes I had bought him at the mall earlier in the day.

Build a Bear

Thanks to a coupon that Grammy found in a magazine (and one that Aunt Molly was able to find in the same magazine), Molly and I took the kids to Build a Bear while we were at the mall this morning. It was lots of fun, and they were the perfect age for it. Old enough to enjoy it, but young enough to be happy with the (cheap) bears and shirts that Mommy and Aunt Molly pointed out to them. Here are some pictures.

Crazy Kid

I'm not sure who took this picture. I just found it on the camera and thought I'd share.

Gift Cards Galore

About 2 months ago, I signed up with several sites where you can earn points to redeem for gift cards, cash, or other prizes. I have continued using 4 main sites, and I have redeemed points for prizes at all but one site.

Swagbucks - The main and easiest way to earn points on Swagbucks is to use it as your search engine instead of Google. You earn points randomly based on your searches. They also occasionally release Swag Codes on their blog that give you instant points. You can also earn points by shopping online through their site. So far, I have earned $15 in Amazon gift cards here!

SayNation! - SayNation is a site where you take surveys on everything from movies to food to vaccines to cars. I just got my first $20 Amazon gift card today!

MyPoints - The main way I have earned points on MyPoints is by clicking on links in the bonus e-mails they send. I have also earned points by printing and redeeming grocery coupons through their site and by answering short surveys. You can also shop online here to earn points as well. I cashed in some points for a $10 Target gift card earlier today.

InboxDollars - InboxDollars also sends e-mails that require you to click on the link to get points. You can also take surveys, play games, or shop through their site. The plus side of InboxDollars is that they reward you in cash. The down side is that they don't pay you until you have reached $30, and so far I only have $12 something.

Just thought I'd share these links in case anyone else is interested. And just for you Canadian people, Swagbucks also offers gift cards to Amazon.ca.

Daddy's Little Helper

Dave had a Calculus study party last night for his students who are taking the AP Calculus exam on Wednesday. Alexa had to get in on the action and help teach those kids some math. This morning, one of the problems was still on the white board. Caleb walked in and looked at it then said, "Oh, friends do all that school work."

Animal Noises by Alexa

Thanks Again CVS

This time for the 4 12 packs of Coke products and 4 Vitamin Waters that I got for under a $1 today.

Menu Plan Monday

Tonight - Pizza (for a study party for Dave's calculus class)

Tuesday - Hamburger helper, corn, applesauce (Dave gone)

Wednesday - Steaks, potatoes, salad

Thursday - Chicken Alfredo pasta, cheesy garlic bread

Friday - Grilled chicken sandwiches, fries, fruit

Saturday - Church picnic (bringing mac and cheese, relish, and drinks)

Sunday - Lemon garlic chicken, rice, green beans, rolls

8 Weeks - Only 32 More to Go

Week 8

How Big is the Baby at Eight Weeks Pregnant?
Think bean! By pregnancy week 8 your baby is anywhere from 14 to 20mm long, or about the size of a Lima bean! Many women in fact continue to refer to their baby as their little 'bean' as they follow their pregnancy week by week. Though it is hard to believe your little bean will one day grow into a full size baby!

Your Baby's Growth and Development
Your baby is doing a lot of growing during pregnancy 8 weeks. Up until this point in time your baby had a small tail... that starts to disappear this week, and your little one will soon have eyelids to cover their blossoming eyes. While the arms and legs are also lengthening, the fingers and toes are likely to still be webbed. Your baby's brain is also maturing during pregnancy week 8, as nerve cells begin to connect with one another, forming the groundwork for communication later in life.

Did you know the tip of your baby's nose is even formed by pregnancy 8 weeks? The lungs are also working hard at maturing by pregnancy week 8, though they won't be fully mature until near term. However, tubes leading from your baby's throat to the lungs begin to form branches.

By week eight your baby should also have distinct elbows, which allow the arms to curve around the chest. Your baby's organs continue to develop with lightning quick speed. Before you have time to even blink an eye your little one will resemble a miniature human being, complete with ten fingers, ten toes, skin and all the body parts we all have!

For Your Viewing Pleasure

Playing with the new stickers Grammy bought them


Dave reading the five little monkeys book for the millionth time while wearing the silly hat Caleb put on his head. What a good Daddy!