Weekend Fun

It has been a busy but fun weekend around here. Yesterday morning, I dropped the kiddos off at Grammy's house and went to my 34 week doctor's appointment. I am measuring exactly on target, my weight gain is right on track, and Jordanna's heart beat sounded perfect. I go back in two weeks, and then after that, I have to go every week. It's hard to believe that the end is almost in sight!

After the doctor, I went home, where Molly picked me up for a fun girls' weekend. We went to Chattanooga, where the first thing we did was sell some books back at a used bookstore for some cash, which we proceeded to spend the rest of the weekend by shopping until we dropped. We spent the night at Covenant College, which is where we both attended college and met our husbands and each other. We ate our meals in the Great Hall, for free I might add, where the food was a bit better than when we were there. Last night we went to the mall, and today we shopped at two outlet malls.

While I was gone, Dave and the kiddos watched Ice Age 3, played lots of games, colored, played with play dough and lots more. It sounds like they had so much fun that I'm not sure if they even missed me.

I got home, unloaded, and took a much needed nap. Then we got the kids dressed in their costumes and went to a Reformation party at my parents' church. The kids played games, jumped in a bouncy thing, and got candy, of course. After a hot dog dinner, we headed home for baths and bedtime.

Here are my cuties. Caleb dressed as a monkey and Alexa as a butterfly.

Thanks, Grammy

Knowing how much Alexa loves pink and dresses, Grammy sent her this pink Land's End nightgown last week. She loves it.
And just for good measure, here is Caleb. Grammy may or may not have purchased these jammies, too. We both found these on clearance at Target at the end of last winter, and I can't remember which design(s) I purchased and which one(s) she did.
And thanks again to Grammy because Molly and I are currently on our way to Chattanooga for a girls' weekend, and Grammy is watching the kiddos until Dave gets home from work.

Baking Project

I got several of these cookie mixes for $.15 at Publix last week.
So, today the kids and I made numbers cookies. These are a great way to sneak in "school," numbers, counting, and colors, while having fun.

Ouchie - Updated

In a little bit (like once Alexa actually wakes up), the kids and I are going to the doctor to get H1N1 (swine) Flu shots. I have never done seasonal flu shots for myself or the kids, but I decided to get this shot for all of us for a few reasons.

-The swine flu is going around our area, and several students at Dave's school have/had it.
-I do NOT want to get the flu while pregnant; I am uncomfortable enough as it is.
-We will have a newborn in out house in 6 short weeks. I have never had a winter baby (read - flu season) before, so this will be new territory for me.
- Both kids have already caught several minor illnesses this fall; their immune systems seem to be down for some reason.

Anyway, here's hoping both kiddos (and Mommy) cooperate while getting shots, and that we've gotten them soon enough to keep from getting sick.

UPDATE: Well, that was (almost) completely painless. The doctor had a separate door open for flu vaccines. We did not even have to go into the regular waiting room. There was no one ahead of us. I just filled out the paperwork, and we were ready to go. Both kids were able to get the flu mist, so they didn't even have to get a shot. The mist is not approved during pregnancy, though, so I was the only lucky one who got to have a shot. Alexa was thrilled with my Bugs Bunny band aid. Both kids got a prize, and we were on our way about 10 minutes after we got there.

92% Savings at Kroger

Last night I told Dave that for fun today, I was going to Kroger with one of these
to see if I could buy 20 items.

Well, I managed to get these 20 items
and $1.52 in change.

Here's a list of what I got -
6 cans Carnation evaporated milk
4 packages Bumble Bee tuna
3 packages Dannon yogurt
4 boxes Cheezits
2 bags Chex Mix
1 2L Coke

And just for good measure, a picture of Caleb. He wanted me to take one as soon as he saw the camera.

Menu Plan Monday

Tonight - Barber chicken breasts, pasta, cooked carrots

Tuesday - Eggs, bacon, pancakes, orange smoothies

Wednesday - Nachos, corn, pineapple

Thursday - Bangkok chicken satay, rice, broccoli

Friday - (Emily gone) Grilled cheese, chicken noodle soup

Saturday - Out to eat

Sunday - Lunch at church

33 Weeks

Only 7 (or hopefully less) more weeks to go!

Week 33

How Big is the Baby at 33 Weeks Pregnant?
By pregnancy week 33 your baby weighs 4.2 pounds and may be 17.2 inches long!

Your Baby's Growth and Development
Your baby is busy concentrating on weight gain during pregnancy week 33 and during the remainder of your pregnancy week by week. Your amniotic fluid may be at the highest level it will reach during your pregnancy at 33 weeks. Your baby's brain has been busy growing rapidly during pregnancy at 33 weeks, increasing the size of your baby's head by as much as 3/8 of an inch. Your baby's skin will start changing from red to pink as fat begins to accumulate beneath its surface.

Your Growth and Development
By 33 weeks pregnant your uterus is a little over 5 inches above your navel. You may have gained up to 28 pounds by 33 weeks pregnant, though some women will have gained more. During this point in pregnancy many women find that they gain weight faster than at any other time. This is partly due to the rapid growth your baby is experiencing. Most babies will put on 5-9 ounces every week from this point out!

Some Pictures From Today

I meant to take more pictures and blog about our day today, but I kept losing my camera. And our day was actually pretty boring, so these are all the pictures I have.

Caleb didn't want to have his picture made this morning. But they are SO cute snuggling on the couch in the morning while I make breakfast.
The kiddos had fun at the park today, and I have some muddy clothes in the wash to prove it.



And Alexa apparently had a good time hanging out on my bed while I made lunch.

Saved $87.89 at Publix

It was another week of good sales at Publix. I spent $27.70 and saved 76%. Here's what I got -

1 bag Lenders bagels - $.90
1 box fruit snacks - $.50
2 bags Gold Medal flour - $1.39
2 Sundown vitamins - $1.58 for both
6 Krusteaz cookie mixes - $.15 each
1 bag Publix gummy bears - $.01
3 packages Healthy Ones lunch meat - $.95 each (for homemade Hot Pockets)
3 bags Bird's Eye frozen vegetables - $.11 overage each
1 2L Coke - $.150
4 boxes Krusteaz pancake mix - $.10 each (I got a rain check for some more of these.)
2 tubes Maybelline mascara - $.41 each
4 tubes Arm and Hammer toothpaste - FREE
1.51 lb grapes - $2.25
1.19 lb pears - $.82
1 box Publix onion soup mix - $1.15
4 packages Hilshire Farm sausages - $.49 each
3 packages Yakisoba noodles - $.21 overage each
1 package ground beef - $1.89
1 chuck pot roast - $6.15

Menu Plan Monday

I'm doubling a few more things for the post baby freezer stash this week - Nasi Goreng and homemade Hot Pockets.

Tonight - Smoked sausage, homemade macaroni and cheese, broccoli

Tuesday - Pot roast, potatoes, salad

Wednesday - Homemade pizza, carrots and celery

Thursday - Nasi goreng, green beans, rolls

Friday - Homemade hot pockets, chips, fruit

Saturday - Something

Sunday - Roast, potatoes, some vegetable, raspberry pie and icecream

Fun Friday

Today Molly came over, and we prepared several meals for the freezer. We made:

Chicken noodle soup
Chicken and wild rice soup
Parmesan garlic tenderloins
Sour cream chicken enchiladas
Orange teriyaki chicken

I'm planning to save most of these meals for after the baby is born, but I might use a few before then. We shall see.

While we were cooking, the kids stayed busy playing on the computer, coloring, reading books, finger painting, watching TV (Caleb), and hanging out in the kitchen with us jabbering constantly (Alexa).
After we finished, we went to Chickfila for lunch. Then I had a doctor's appointment while Molly watched the kids. My appointment went well; baby and I are both healthy.

Tonight was the Homecoming football game at Dave's school. First we enjoyed a picnic in the parking lot. Then Dave sang the National Anthem along with three other faculty members. We stayed and watched the first half of the game as well as the Homecoming court. The seniors who were on the Homecoming court got to ride around the field in Corvettes. Alexa liked all the "princesses in cars". It was a bit chilly together, but it was perfect football weather since it actually felt like fall.

And now, it is time for bed. Good night!

Snuggly Sleepyheads

Busy Day!

I teach English to middle school and high school students each Tuesday, so Tuesdays are always busy. Today was even busier than usual. I really do enjoy teaching, though. This year I am teaching just English, not history also like I have been doing for the last few years, and I'm finding that I really enjoy focusing on one subject. English, especially grammar, is my favorite subject to teach.

After school I usually come home and crash. However, it was pouring down rain yesterday and is supposed to pour down rain tomorrow. So I decided that we should take advantage of the sunshine. First, we went to get the van washed. Dave took it camping this weekend, and it was covered in mud. The kids were fascinated by the car wash. Then we went to play at the park for a bit.

Tonight I went to drop off clothes at one last consignment sale for the season. The church that is holding the sale is very close to our house, and I was able to drop off the stuff and get home very quickly. Now the kids are in bed, and I am crashed on the couch where I plan to stay until bedtime.

Menu Plan Monday

With 8 weeks left until the baby comes, I decided it is time to start stocking the freezer. So anything that is starred, I will be doubling for the freezer. Also, Molly is coming over on Friday to make several freezer meals. I'll share details on those on Friday. Anyway, here is what we are eating this week.

Tonight - Chicken Parmesan, noodles, homemade focaccia bread*, green beans

Tuesday - Beef Lo Mein, leftover focaccia bread, corn

Wednesday - Waffles*, eggs, bacon

Thursday - Spicy baked chicken, rolls*, broccoli (I'm planning to boil and chop some extra chicken while dinner is cooking. Then I will freeze it in one cup portions for casseroles, pasta, etc.)

Friday - Out to eat before Dave's school's Homecoming game

Saturday - Pork BBQ*, macaroni and cheese, salad

Sunday - To Be Decided, maybe soup in the crockpot

Yes, We Are Still Alive

I didn't plan to take a break from blogging this week; it just happened. After being sick last week and then caring for sick kiddos last weekend, I had a lot of catching up to do.

Here's what I have been up to this week -
-LOTS of grading for my home school English classes
-Lesson planning for my English classes
-Lesson planning for Caleb's preschool
-Teaching home schoolers and preschoolers
-Napping :)
-Cleaning and laundry
-Organizing my coupons
-Switching out the kids summer and winter clothes
-Prepping for another consignment sale
-Eating lunch with Dave at school
-Meeting Molly at the mall
-Baking
-Having my parents over for dinner
-Holding down the fort while Dave is gone for the weekend
-Suffering from heartburn and achy hips (only 9 more weeks!)
-And most importantly, loving on my kiddos

Menu Plan Monday

You might notice a few meals bumped from last week. A sick Mommy followed by sick kiddos meant that not a whole lot got done around here last week.

Tonight - Chicken in gravy, rice, rolls, cinnamon apples

Tuesday - Eggs, bacon, biscuits, smoothies

Wednesday - Bacon cheeseburger roll up, oven fries, grapes

Thursday - Pork roast, rice, broccoli

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

Saturday - Hamburgers, hotdogs, leftover mac and cheese, carrots

80% Savings at Publix

We managed a trip to Publix this morning without getting too wet. It seems to have rained on Mondays an awful lot lately. Anyway, I spent $20.30 and saved $80.54. I've been averaging right around $60 for groceries each week, and I'm thrilled to have shaved our grocery budget down that low. I probably spent $100 - $125 a week before I started this crazy couponing. And we have WAY more food around the house now than we ever did before.

Here's what I got -
4 Publix reusable bags - FREE
1 head Romaine lettuce - $.89
1 lb grapes - $1.50
1 loaf Publix white bread - $.01
4 Bumble Bee tuna pouches - $.01 overage each
1 bag Chex Mix - $.33 overage
2 lbs bananas - $.44
2 boxes Cheezits - $.90 each
2 bags Kraft shredded cheese - $1.67 each
3 boxes Hamburger Helper - $.55 each
2 packages Nestle cookies - $.45 each
1 package Sorrento cheese sticks - $1.00
1 12 pack Mug root beer - $3.50
3 packages ground beef (all around 3/4 - 4/5 lb) - $.55, $.73, and $.77
3 packages Smithfield bacon - $1.00 overage each
2 bottles Juicy Juice - $1.33 each
2 boxes Green Giant frozen vegetables - FREE (enough with the free vegetables already)
2 bottles Sundown vitamins - $.78 for both
7 cans Pillsbury crescent rolls - FREE

Sick Kiddos

This is what it has looked like around my house today.
Both kids are running a fever. Alexa's has been higher than Caleb's (103.6 at the highest), and she seems to be feeling worse than him. At least she perks up a bit when she has some Advil.

Fortunately, I had a whole pantry and freezer full of food and was able to make a quick Crockpot soup this morning. Along with a box of corn muffins, it will be the perfect sick day dinner.

Look Familiar?

Here's what my Alexa picked out to wear today -

And here I am wearing the same outfit a few years (or perhaps decades) ago -
My mom made both the overalls and the matching stuffed lion.