Sneaky School

If you asked the kids whether or not we did school today, they would probably tell you no. And they would be right. Since Mommy is sick (again, for the 3rd time this school year, but that is another blog for another day), we did not "do school," as in sit down at the table with books and workbooks. But little do my kiddos know that there is much more to learning than sitting at a table.

Here are some of the things we did do today -

-went to story time at the library
-helped Mommy find the apples, bananas, and other items at the grocery store
-talked about what words start with what letters while eating lunch
-climbed in bed with Mommy after nap time to read library books that we got this morning
- explored the backyard. It is a beautiful seventy degrees today, and for a 2 year old and a 4 year old, time spent in free, outdoor play is just as important as time spent at a table "doing school."

84% Savings at Publix

Yet another Publix trip. I spent $8.94 and saved $48.03. And I even got enough meat for a few meals. We have TONS of veggies, pasta, and rice, but we are starting to run low on meat.

Here's what I got -

1 whole chicken - $2.99
1 pack Pork sirloin cutlets - $2.55
1 box Post Honey Bunches of Oats cereal - FREE
1 box Publix cheesy shells - $.01
4 boxes Smart Balance butter - $.25 each
2 packages Osacar Mayer beef hot dogs - $1.50 each
3 bags Birds Eye lightly sauced vegetables - $.25
7 bags Birds Eye vegetables/rice - $.11 overage each

Fun at the Fair

We managed to sneak in a trip to the state fair on Saturday morning before the torrential rain fall started again. Admission and rides were free from 10:00 to 11:00, so the kids had fun riding as many rides as they could while they were free. Dave even went on one ride, too. And I tested every bench to make sure they worked. Then we got a snack, went to the petting zoo, and headed home before the rain.

Both kids chose their own outfits, and neither of them matched at all. Caleb is SO proud of himself when he gets himself dressed, so I couldn't bear to change him. And Alexa was pretty insistent on what she wanted to wear. Anyway, just a disclaimer before you look at the pictures.

Menu Plan Monday

Tonight - Pork and cashew stir fry, rice, green beans

Tuesday - Roast sticky chicken, cheesy rotini with broccoli

Wednesday - Chicken squares, salad, grapes

Thursday - Bacon cheeseburger roll ups, roasted potatoes, apples/applesauce

Friday - Chicken noodle soup, grilled cheese sandwiches

Saturday - Chicken in gravy, rice

Sunday - Lunch at church, bringing vegetable beef soup

82% Savings at Publix

I went ahead and did my Publix shopping trip today, although I might go again on Monday. I spent $11.82 and saved $52.67. When I got home and looked at my stuff, I couldn't even imagine paying over $60 for just these few groceries. I have been couponing way too long and am way too cheap for that.

Here's what I got -
3 bags Bird's Eye Steamfresh lightly sauced vegetables - $.24 each
3 bags Bird's Eye Steamfresh vegetables - $.11 overage each
2 boxes Eggo Waffles - $.50 each
1.28 lb grapes - $.42
6 boxes Smart Balance butter blends - $.25 each
2 4 packs Yoplait yogurt - $.25 each
1 bag Fast Fixin chicken nuggets - $2.99
1 container Sabra Hummus - $1.00
1 package Publix bacon - $2.50
1 Sara Lee pound cake - $.89
1 Publix reusable shopping bag - FREE

Monkeying Around

Caleb's big boy room is almost complete. He chose a monkey theme, which has required a bit of creativity, since monkey decor is not as readily available as one might think.

First, here is a collage frame that I did with pictures from the book Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed.
Here's a monkey wall hanging that I found at Babies R Us. I'm contemplating getting him some friends, as well as a sign that says, "No more monkeys jumping on the bed."
Here's the throw pillow that my mom made. My brother, Phillip, made the stuffed monkey at Build-a-Bear awhile ago. Little did he know it would come in handy.
And finally the monkey curtains.

Brown-eyed Girl

Caleb took this picture of Alexa yesterday. She's looking at him like he is crazy, but he did a good job of capturing those big brown eyes, which both of my children got from Dave.

64% Savings at Publix

No picture today because the kids were playing Playdough on the table where I normally put the groceries (see previous post). The kids and I ran to Publix today in the brief time period this morning in between rain showers. We managed to shop and get home without getting wet. I spent $29.39 and saved $54.84. While my savings today were not fantabulous, what is fantabulous is that with the exception of picking up some fresh produce and maybe some lunch meat on Saturday when I get my newspapers, I am DONE with my grocery shopping for the week. And I even managed to purchase several things to send to my brother, so keep an eye out for a box sometime soon, Phillip (like after the rain subsides so that I don't need a boat to go ship it).

Here's what I got -
1 bag Lifesavers - $.05 overage
2 Healthy Choice frozen meals - FREE
4 packages Uncle Ben's ready rice - $.33 each
1 loaf French bread - $.49
Broccoli crowns - $.77
2 boxes Betty Crocker fruit snacks - $.30 each
2 boxes instant grits - $.88 each
Bananas - $.71
Pears - $.64
1 gallon Publix milk - $2.25
2 packages boneless skinless chicken breasts - $2.77 and $3.30
5 cans Del Monte vegetables - $.45 each
1 can Pillsbury cinnamon rolls - $.67
1 2L Coke - $1.33
2 bottles Ken's ranch dressing - $1.10 each (not a great price, but somehow I managed to run out of ranch dressing)
1 bag Publix coffee - $.01
1 package Hormel pepperoni - $1.59
2 bottles Clorox bleach - $.67 each
2 bottles Glass Plus cleaner - $.25 each
2 boxes Quaker granola bars - $1.00 each
1 bottle International Delight French vanilla creamer - $1.50

Rainy Day Fun

Actually monsoon day fun would be a better title. Much of the metro area where we live is experiencing major flooding right now. We have had rain every day since last Monday, and there is still more to come. Anyway, a friend at church last night gave us some stuff that her grandchildren had outgrown. One thing was a bucket full of Playdough supplies. It kept the kids busy for an hour, and they probably would have played longer if I didn't have to clean off the table for lunch. I plan to pull it out again tomorrow. She also gave us some 100 piece puzzles that Dave can do with the kids tomorrow since he is off of school. Excuse the random grits box in the picture; I was still putting away groceries.
And here's my rainy day fun - cinnamon rolls, decaf coffee and my laptop.

Menu Plan Monday

Tonight - Freezer chicken, rice, green beans, rolls

Tuesday - Soup, grilled cheese sandwiches, fruit

Wednesday - Pasta carbonara, broccoli, garlic bread

Thursday - Pork roast, potatoes, salad

Friday - Spaghetti, salad (Dave gone)

Saturday - Hotdogs, hamburgers, oven fries, carrots and dip (bumped from last week)

Sunday - To Be Decided

Busy Weekend

We have had a busy weekend around here. We started last night by making homemade pizza for dinner. My helpers each have their own rolling pins thanks to Grammy.
After we had pizza, we watched The Sword in the Stone and had ice cream and brownies. Then Alexa proceeded to run in circles around the living room because of her sugar high.

Once the kids were in bed, I headed to Molly's house. I highlighted her hair while somewhat watching a movie but mostly just chatting. It turned out pretty good for a first try, but I forgot to take an after picture.
This morning we got up at the crack of dawn (although not as early as Dave and Alexa got up at home) and set up for our yard sale. It was a dreary, rainy day here, but we still made over $90. Unfortunately for me, most of that was Molly's. We plan to set up shop again either next weekend or the next, so we just left everything in her garage for later. Dave and the kids set up a tent inside to play in while we were gone as well as watching some more movies.

Tonight we went to dinner at Chili's (I had a gift card from My Coke Rewards) and then we went to Old Navy to get the kids' costumes since they are on sale this week. Alexa picked a butterfly, and Caleb picked a monkey, the same thing he has been for the previous two years.


Tomorrow is church, of course. I actually get to go to adult Sunday School with Dave tomorrow for the first time in about two years. I have been teaching the 2's and 3's Sunday School with Molly, but someone else is taking over for us. After church, we're having a nice fall meal of pot roast, potatoes, carrots, and apple crisp with ice cream (and maybe rolls if I can find some in the freezer).

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

28 Weeks and a New Hairdo

So, Molly came over to watch the kiddos yesterday while I went to the doctor (more on that in a bit), and afterward, we highlighted my hair. Here it is while processing. Cute, huh?
And here it is all fixed along with a 28 week belly shot. At the doctor yesterday, I was measuring 30 weeks, which is not surprising since I tend to have big babies. My weight gain is fine, though. Other than my iron being a tad bit on the low side, I'm healthy, the baby is healthy, and everything is looking good.

Week 28

How Big is the Baby at 28 Weeks Pregnant?
By 28 weeks pregnant your baby is 14.8 inches or more! She weighs in at about 2.2 pounds during pregnancy at 28 weeks!

Your Baby's Growth and Development
Up until now if you were to look at your baby's brain during your pregnancy week by week it would appear smooth. By about 28 weeks pregnant however this changes, as the brain starts to mature and form grooves that we commonly associate with a human brain. Your baby may also be growing longer hair on her head by pregnancy at 28 weeks, though many babies will come out bald at birth. Others will be born with lovely locks of hair that will fall out and even change color some time after delivery.

Your baby should also be sprouting eyelashes by pregnancy 28 weeks, which will blink repeatedly if you were to shine a bright light on your belly.

Your Growth and Development
By pregnancy 28 weeks your uterus measures at least 3 inches above your bellybutton, or is approximately 28 cm tall. You should be steadily gaining weight from pregnancy week 28 and beyond.

Changes in You
After tracking your pregnancy week by week for so long, you are probably anxious to begin the third trimester, which is just a week away. Women who have tested Rh-negative will receive an injection of a substance called RhoGAM during week 28 of their pregnancy. This substance will protect you from becoming sensitized should your baby's blood mix with yours during pregnancy. This one injection will actually provide protection through the end of your pregnancy up until delivery.

Though your baby only has 2 to 3 percent body fat by twenty eight weeks pregnant and weighs only slightly more than 2 pounds, by now you may have gained as much as 24 pounds. Remember that all this weight helps cushion and nourish your newborn baby until the time of delivery.

It might help to massage your legs often from 28 pregnancy weeks on out during your pregnancy. Many women experience leg cramps, itching and swelling at this point in their pregnancy. After this week your health care provider will likely change your appointment schedule from once per month to once every two weeks. This will typically continue through week 36, when you will start having weekly appointments until the time of delivery.

Baking Project and Another Publix Trip

Rainy, wet days often find me in the kitchen baking. This morning the kids helped me make whole wheat cheddar cheese crackers. I must admit that they don't look very appetizing, but they turned out quite yummy as you can tell from the empty spot on the pan.
We also went to story time at the library today. There was only one other kid there besides my two, but they still had a good time. After the library we ran to Publix to get a few things before the sales ad changes tomorrow.

Here's what you can buy for just over $1.00 without coupons.

And here's what you can buy for just over $1.00 WITH coupons.I spent $1.19 and saved $20.16, which is 94%! And I even managed to avoid getting a sub sandwich for lunch and ruining all my savings.

Here's what I got -
1 box Jones breakfast sausages - $.50
4 Healthy Choice frozen meals - FREE
3 tubs Philadelphia cream cheese - FREE
1 box Kashi cereal - FREE
2 donuts - $.40 (I had a coupon for $1.00 off a bakery item, so this is what I got.)

78% Savings at Publix

First off, I saved money today by stopping at Aldi and buying milk, eggs, grapes, bread, and bananas there. I estimate that I saved $3.34 over Publix prices. Not a lot, but every little bit helps.

Then at Publix I spent $23.93 today and saved $81.57, and I got A LOT of stuff. How nice of Publix to put bagels and cream cheese on sale the same week.

Here's what I got -
6 4-packs Yoplait Fiber One yogurt - FREE (had a raincheck for these)
6 bags Lenders bagels - $.15 each
4 boxes Green Giant vegetables - $.50 each
1 carton raspberries - $2.50
2 bags Combos - $.89
4 tubs Philadelphia cream cheese - FREE
4 cans Skintimate shaving cream - $.67 each
2 cans Campbell's soup - $.60 each
2 cans Edge shaving cream - $.92 each
1 Revlon nail clippers - $.61 overage
1 box Publix vanilla wafers - $.01
3 Glade candles - FREE
1 package Turkey Italian sausage - $1.99
2 bottles All Small and Mighty laundry detergent - $1.50 each
4 jars Newman's own pasta sauce - $.35 each
1 container Publix parmesan cheese - $2.25

Menu Plan Monday

Monday - Barber chicken breasts, pasta, green beans

Tuesday - Garlicky pork fried rice, carrots

Wednesday - Eggs, bacon, pancakes, fruit

Thursday - Steak, grilled chicken, baked potatoes, salad

Friday - Hotdogs, turkey burgers, over fries, fruit

Saturday - Out to eat with gift card from My Coke Rewards

Sunday - To Be Decided

Party Animals Continued

Yesterday, we had two more birthday parties to attend. First Dave and Caleb went to a 5th birthday party for one of Caleb's friends from church. Caleb had lots of fun riding a horse, playing in the bouncy house, and playing with the play kitchen. Then all 4 of us went to my granddaddy's 90th birthday party at my parents' house.

Finished Rearranging

Well, for now at least. As our family grows and changes, it seems like we are always rearranging things so that our house suits our needs. But at least we are finished with all of my current rearranging plans.

Here's the playroom/schoolroom. At this point, with a 2 year old and a 4 year old, playing is learning. And I didn't want to take all the toys out of here because the only other place to put them is upstairs in their rooms. They are not quite old enough to play upstairs unattended for more than a few minutes, so I kept some toys in here.

Our ABC poster, calendar, and easel.
My desk, the kids table, and the play kitchen.
An empty shelf waiting to be filled with curriculum. And I can easily empty another shelf as well by taking some toys upstairs.
The TV back in the living room. This is where it was when we first got this TV. And now it is back. Comcast should be here sometime in the next 3 hours to get the cable hooked up. Notice the huge pile of library books on the fireplace. Last time I checked, we had about 50 items currently checked out from the library.
My dining room, which is no longer coupon central or the school room. I do anticipate using the table for school once the kiddos outgrow their little table, but at least I have some room for book and supply storage in the school room.
I also hung up one Monkey wall hanging in Caleb's room, and I "made" him another one today. I ordered a copy of Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed from Paperback Swap (so free for me). I then cut out the pictures (don't worry, we already have a copy of this book to read to the kids) and put them in a collage frame that was in the upstairs hallway. The newest picture in that frame was Caleb as a baby, so it was about time to do something with in anyway. I'll post some more pictures of his room once I get it finished.

Party Animals

Somehow we managed to get invited to three birthday parties this week. The first one was on Monday at Chuck E. Cheese. The kids had never been there before, and they had a great time.

76% Savings at Publix

Since Dave was home today, Alexa and I went to CVS and Publix early this morning while Caleb was still sleeping. I spent $13.99 and saved $43.81.

Here's what I got -
4 boxes Super Pretzels - $.50 each
1 box Cheerios - FREE
2 tubs Heluva Good dip - FREE
2 boxes Barber chicken breasts - $1.50 each
1 bag Publix tortilla chips - $.01
2 packages Kraft American cheese - $.80 each
1.38 lb grapes - $1.78
1 carton Publix ice cream - $1.50
1 carton Publix fruit salad - $1.47
2 containers Lysol wipes - $1.00 each
1 bag peanut M&Ms - FREE
1 bag Alexia waffle chips - FREE

Menu Plan Monday

Tonight - Free Chickfila sandwiches, french fries, fruit salad

Tuesday - Three cheese chicken pasta, garlic bread, salad

Wednesday - (Dave gone) Fish sticks, mac and cheese, peas

Thursday - (Dave gone) Four cheese ravioli, carrot sticks

Friday- Easy ranch chicken, pasta romanoff, broccoli

Saturday - Homemade pizza, salad

Sunday - Sub sandwiches, chips, fruit

Caleb's Profound Thought of the Day

"Squirrels don't talk; friends talk."

Duet

I hope you enjoy this duet of Caleb and Dave performing "Holy, Holy, Holy." Sorry it's so dark; it would cost me $29.99 to download the program to edit it.