Lovin' the coupons

I am really lovin' this coupon stuff. I made a trip to Albertson's on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. If you plan your trip, use coupon, and heed the advice of people like Coupon Clippin' Cutie, A Thrifty Mom, and Pinching Your Pennies, your can really get a lot of stuff for your pantry/food storage.

I'm still pretty much a beginner, but my trip on Tuesday had me giggling by the end. It's so fun watching the total drop, and drop, and drop, with all the coupons and discounts.

Here's what I got....

TUESDAY

5 LBS braeburn apples
mascarra (clearanced)
foundation makeup (clearanced)
4 boxes of Bagelfuls
2 lbs chunk cheese
4 boxes Krusteaz muffin mix
4 bags Sara Lee bread
12 pack of Cherry Diet Dr Pepper
4 bottles Kraft bbq sauce
1 bag fritos
6 Kraft easy mac & cheese
2 boxes ritz crackers
2 glade air freshener kits

payed $40.60
saved $77.12

WEDNESDAY

3 boxes Cinnamon Toast Crunch
2 boxes Albertson's brand Cereal
1 box Frosted Mini Wheats
3 boxes Frosted Flakes
6 pack of Yoplait Yogurt
2 packs of Kraft American Cheese
2 bags Albertsons shredded cheese
12 oz Albertsons chunck cheese
2 Green Giant steamers -corn
4 lbs Chicken

payed-$27.50
saved-$55.03

The saved price includes coupons, store sales, and manufacturer promotions for buying a specific number of specified items. For example, on Tuesday, there was a kraft promotion going on. Buy $10 worth of participating products, get $3 off. I bought 4 boxes of bagelfuls for $2.50 each to equal $10. Minus $3 makes it 4 boxes for $7. Minus four $1 off manufacture coupons (mq)making it 4 boxes for $3 dollars. And when you are trying to build food storage, I think it's better to have food your family will actually eat. I have a LONG way to go to get to the 90% savings that I've seen others do. But it's fun, and our food storage is growing!!!

An award for me....

Yeah, don't get too excited. I'm giving the award to myself, and don't even have a button to display. I'm giving myself the "worlds worst blogger" award. Nothing to be proud of. Just hoping it will give me a kick in the pants to get with the program and start blogging again. Who knew life with 5 kids would be this busy?

Anyway. I'll just catch up on a few things a day. That's my plan. Don't expect too much. Remember, I am the "worlds worst blogger"!

First, the event of Jaxson falling out of the pickup. I would have blogged about this when it happened 3 or 4 weeks ago, but Madi felt horrible, and I didn't want to make it worse. Cory and I were going out to dinner with his sister and her husband to a new place...The Hardhat Cafe. I wish I could tell you if it was any good or not, because we didn't actually get to eat dinner. As we were walking in, Madi called to tell us Jaxson fell out of the back of Cory's truck, and hit his head. Calm nurse and frantic mommy had a fight. Frantic mommy won, and we went home to this...



Which eventually turned to this...



Poor kid. After interviewing several eyewitnesses (under the age of 10) this is what I think happened. Madi thought it would be a good idea for the truck to double as a play pen. Jaxson was in the truck holding onto the tailgate. Cousin Bailey wanted to get in the back of the truck. Bailey climbed up on the bumper of the truck, using the tailgate latch to help pull her up. She inadvertently opened the tailgate. Jaxson kept holding on, until he couldn't, and landed on his face. He had some pretty nasty road rash, but is completely healed. He even has a sweet tough-man scar that I'm sure will result is a frustrating cowlic (really don't know how to spell that) when he's older. I think I did more comforting to Madi, though. Poor thing. She felt so bad, and cried off and on all evening. But, she learned the lesson the hard way. Trucks should never double as a playpen.

Next up, I have to share my attempt at imitating Bakerella. You've heard of her and her famous cake pops, right? She also makes cupcake pops. They are so stinking cute, and so yummy. Bakerella is much, much, much better at this that I am. And of the few I attempted to make last night, only 6 actually stayed on the sticks. Apparently, I don't follow directions well. Anyway, here is Bakerella's cupcake pop...



and here's mine...



What do you think? They are pretty tasty. I'm gonna take these to a couple of friends who have b-days today. Hope they like 'em.

So there is a brief glimpse of a few things that have happened in the past few weeks. Hope you have a fabulous day!!

GIVEAWAY ALERT!!!!

Okay. So, I've been busy. I have lots to blog about. Like the story of Jaxson falling out the back of Cory's truck. (yes-you heard me right. no-the truck was not moving, or even being used. well, it was being used by Madi as a playpen. full story and pictures to come) Lots of pictures to share. (like Easter and birthdays for the last 2 months)

But.....there is something much more important to discuss right now. A giveaway!!!! You remember the meme that was going around a few months ago? Make something to give to the first 5 people who comment on your blog? Then they have to post the same challenge on their blog? Well, I was lucky enough to be one of the 1st five on Amber's blog. Amber is fabulous, and oh-so-crafty! And she always has the cutest blog headers. Well, a few days ago, I recieved this from the fabulously talented Amber M......





How lucky and I?!?! When I pulled these babies out of the package, I was so excited! Something I can use all year long! And now, it's your turn to be lucky. Amber made and extra set of these beauties, and is currently having a giveaway on her blog. Giveaway ends on Thurday. Go here. Enter. And tell her I sent ya! Good luck!!

i'm still alive

hi. how've you been? i have been procrastinating. everything. from starting an excercise program to updating my blog. i blame the weather. it's snowing again. it's april 2nd, and we are having a blizzard. well, maybe not a blizzard, but definitely a snow storm. 6 months of winter is more than i can deal with. so i don't. i get depressed, and don't deal. as a result, i have missed posting about birthdays, and spring break fun, and my couponing adventures, and other stuff i've already forgotten. so, here is the condensed version of the last month.

*cold weather, warm weather, snow, rain, and mud. (no grass yet)

*grounded 3 kids for going to their friends house without letting me know. these kids are 10,8,and 4. the friends house was not next door. not even on our street. try 3 or 4 streets over. i thought they had been kidnapped. scared me to death.

*started to dabble in the world of couponing. it's a fun little rush to get deals for pennies on the dollar. it's a lot of work, though. but yesterday, i got 5 boxes of post cereal for $3 and some change. woohoo!

*madi turned 13. i have a teenager. she's a good teenager, but when the mood strikes she can through a fit to rival even the most seasoned teen. so proud. she had fabulous grades this past quarter. and she has decided to run track. not sure where she got that from. not me, that's for sure. i don't know what i'd do without her. she's a fabulous big sister. she really helps out alot with the baby. love you madi!!!

*speaking of the baby, he's 1 today. that year went fast! he is so loved and spoiled by his siblings. he is walking a little. he is such a happy baby. i'm glad he's here. happy birthday baby boy!!

*1/2 price book fair at the elementary school. i love books. that was a fun time!

*read the new fablehaven. i was almost dissapointed. don't get me wrong. i loved the book, but there were a few things that really caught me off gaurd. and the ending? keeps you hanging. i really can't wait for the next book to come out. hurry up mr mull!!!

*we had a 3 day spring break. 4 if you count last friday, which was technically parent teacher conference. six if you count the weekend. we went to utah to visit my sister and brother-in-law, and nephew. my kids love it there. my nephew, buddy boy, is a crack up. 3 year olds rock. we were going to come home sunday, but the weather was less than desirable, so we stayed another day. stayed up late every night talking and laughing, and playing games. went shopping. watched the yw general broadcast. ate good food. thanks wendy and dj. we had a blast!

*looking forward to the weekend. general conference is one my favorite times of the year. girls night saturday night. encouraging talks that always lift my spirits. time with family. it's the best.

well, i should really get to the housework. still have to go to the store for a few birthday things. hope the weather on your end is better than it is here. and i will leave you with a link to an interesting website.
www.the39dollarexperiment.com
enjoy!

For Just One Week...

So. It's that time again. Time to look back at the last week and kick myself for not doing what I said I was going to do. Dangit. I did drink the water. But for my room? All I got done was the closet. But, I'm not giving up...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Okay. I'm back. So, I started this post on Sunday. Then our computer got hit by the koobface virus. That sucks. So, I have a few goals in mind. Just a little too stressed to blog them right now. We've been trying for 2 days now to get rid of the virus, and it won't go away. Apperantly, it will reinstall itself whenever you reboot your computer. Wendy, tell DJ we'll be calling for help!!!

Lots of stuff...

Lots to share today.

First, look at this....



Yeah...I totally won this GORGEOUS print by Photo By Emilie. How lucky am I!! I'm trying to talk her into coming up to Southern Idaho to take pictures of the Idaho Falls Temple. And while she's here, why not run over to Twin? So come on girls. Go to here site, check out her fabulous work, and bombard her e-mail with requests of Idaho Temple prints!!! And good luck resisting buying what she already has. My Husband REALLY wants "Utah's Dixie". Thanks, Emilie!! And the website I won it from?



I only found their site a few weeks ago and already I won something. So fun! Go check them out!

So, how is the goal achieving going? Well, I think I've hit a least 6 glasses of water a day. At least my bladder thinks I have. And the bedroom? Haven't even started on it yet. Guess I'd better get busy!!

This week has been full of fun. Monday we ran down to Cory's parent's house after school. Cory's Grandpa has been visiting for a couple of weeks, and we wanted to take the kids down to see Grandpa Great. (that's what he calls himself.) Cute little man, he is. We had a big family home evening that my sil did on obedience. The kids loved it, and had a fabulous time visiting with their cousins, and seeing Grandpa Great. Tuesday was New Beginnings. We did the Jenny Phillips program she has on her website. If you haven't heard the music, you should go and listen to it on her sight. LOVE her music! Last night was Blue and Gold Banquet. Always happy for an excuse to get out of cooking dinner. It was fun, and Alex got his Weblos badge. Of coarse, the camera was sitting here on the computer desk. So no pictures. But, Cory's parents brought Grandpa Great up here to see everyone before he heads back to Utah. So we did get a 4 generation picture.




My photography skills leave a lot to be desired.

Tonight is Family Fun Night at the school. I should be baking something for the PTO bake sale. First I have to go pick up my kids. Before I do, here is a fun little meme I found on my friend Ashlee's blog, So Random. What did I learn from this game? Apperantly, Bonnie is a popular name for pets, and orangatans, and ducks. So, without further adieu (did I spell that right?), I present to you, The Google Game.

Here's how you do it: Go to Google. Type in your name + the words in the rest of each category. For example, if your name was Sally, you would type in "Sally looks like" and then see what Google could find for you. Of course, sharing is caring, so I want to see your answers as well! Have fun!

Bonnie looks like:
-a chubbier Ricky Lake. ( :( )
-a deer in headlights. (yeah, sometimes I do)
-exactly like my neighbor's dog as a puppy. (I think that was uncalled for!)

Bonnie likes:
-to sleep on the arm of the sofa. (?)
-to run. (not so much)
-the snow. (again, not so much.)

Bonnie says:
-I love you. (I do say that a lot.)
-UDMA is faster! (well, duh!)
-Bring it! ( I have said that before, as well.)

Bonnie wants:
-to play with bubby. (who's bubby?)
-be a mum. (check.)
-to fly away. (there are days....)

Bonnie hates:
-everything about Sherri. (I'm sorry, Sherri. I don't even know you.)
-rats. (I do.)
-baths. (I don't)

Bonnie can:
-touch her throat. (good for me!)
-'t find her way home. (I do get lost sometimes.)
-smell lemons. (that's what that smell is!)

Bonnie goes:
-up in flames. (ouch.)
-blogistic. (my new favorite word)
-to daytime TV. (I'm gonna be a star!)

Bonnie is:
-counting down the days until the end of the UW business plan competition. (aren't we all?)
-amazing (aawwww.)
-an adult domestic short hair witha colorful calico coat. (THAT was supposed to be a secret!)

Bonnie loves:
-Clyde. (no, it's Cory)
-snow. (again, I don't)
-Rickie. (no. say it with me...Co-ry.)

Bonnie, the:
-matchmaker.(it's a new job)
-whistling orangatan. (guess I should shave.)
-poodle. (sigh.)

Want somthin"?

I've seen this fun little thing on a few different blogs, and finally decided to join in. Because, who doesn't want to get something fun in the mail? The first 5 people to respond will get a little something made by moi. So, here goes....


1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!
2. What I create will be just for you.
3. It'll be done this year (might take a while).
4. You have no clue what it's going to be. It may be a story. It may be poetry or an article. I may draw or paint something. I may bake you something and mail it to you. Who knows? Not you, that's for sure!
5. I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.

The catch? YOU must repost this on YOUR blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same. The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me! I know that you all want to join so hurry fast, remember it is only the first 5 people to respond and then put it on your blog. If you don't put it on your blog then you don't count!! :)

So, post this on your blog, then comment and let me know you did it! Woohoo!

Giddy....

I am Giddy. Cory and I went to the Temple last night. Afterwards, I went to Roberts to get some beads to make a little sumthin'. More on that later. I went to check out the scrapbook clearance area, and found this:




...for 90% OFF!!!!!! That's right. I got an alphabet die set for my Quickutz that usually costs $150 for only FIFTEEN DOLLARS!!!!! I almost got as good a deal as Amber did on her Hoosier! This kind of bargain finding never, ever happens to me. I was seriously giggling through the whole store. My husband thought I was nuts. If you have a Roberts, you should go see if they have 90% off, too. They had a bunch of stuff. So fun!


And now, back to "For Just One Week" goal setting. I don't even remember my goals from 2 weeks ago, but I don't want to go back and look, because I know I failed. And I skipped last week, just because. But now I'm back and ready to start over. I've decided to change things and do them my own way. I'm going to set weekly goals, and some of them may end up being extended to hopefully turn them into habits. We'll see. And my goals may seem pathetic or silly to some, but at least I'm trying to better myself, right?
So, 2 goals this week. Number 1... I am a sad, sad housekeeper. And it seems my bedroom is always neglected. It's always last on the list of things to do, and since I can never get everything done, my bedroom suffers. So, this week, I am going to get my room clean. "A whole week to clean your room?" you might ask. Yeah, it's that bad. If I give myself a whole week to get it clean, maybe I won't get overwhelmed. Number 2... I need to start taking better care of myself. Again, so much I need to change, that I get overwhelmed. I'm going to start with something easy. Drinking water. And to make things interesting, no pop at all next week. I am going to drink at least the reccomended amount of 6 glasses of water daily. Hopefully I can make it 8. I am prepared to pee. Wish me luck. Oh, and for more info on "For Just One Week", go visit the Ice Cream Lady, here.

I'm goin' to jail....

So, as I was driving the kids home from school today, I passed a bus...lights flashing...stop sign out. (Just to clarify, I was driving towards the bus.) Wasn't even paying attention. Didn't even realize it until I heard the very loud bus horn, and looked at the driver's very angry face. Then, I felt very,very bad. Heart pounding. Face hot. I guess that's what happens when you pay attention to your children instead of the road. So, I thought I'd better post one last time before they haul me off to jail, just in case they got my license plate.

Last week was a big blur, all leading up to Gabby's baptism. Gabby was baptised on Valentines Day. A fun day for her. She will never forget the date she was baptised! Our Stake does things weird, and all the Stake baptisms are done on the second Saturday of the month. Anyway...here are some pics of Gabby. Not so fond of the one of me, and not so anxious to post it for the world to see. But, I thought maybe, it would be a motivating force to start exercising. It will probably end up motivating me to go eat a donut and mope.














It was a great day. Gabby had lots of support. Aunts and Uncles, cousins, Grandparents, and friends. We had about 40-ish people at our house afterwards for a luncheon. After the lunch, everyone left, except my parents, and my sister and her family. We had a very romantic dinner of tacos, and a fun dessert of ice cream sundaes. It was so fun to have them stay and visit and play. Thanks to everyone who came to help make Gabby's day special! We are grateful for great friends and family!

I WANT IT!!!!!

I found a link to a fantabulous giveaway on one of the blogs I read. It's a purse. I'm a purse-a-holic. Love purses. Seriously need a 12 step program for this. Not just purses, but diaper bags, church bags...anything that you can fill full of stuff and sling over your shoulder. So, I was way happy to find out that a blog called Simply B Simply Me was giving away a one-of-a-kind-original-homemade beauty of a purse. And I am shamelessly scrappin' (both words used by B herself...should be good for another couple of entries, right?) for as many entries as possible, so I'm sharing with you. Click on the F*U*N*K GIVEAWAY button on the right. Enter. Tell her I sent you. But don't go getting any big ideas and start shamelessly scrappin' for entries on your own blog. This purse is MINE!!! Thank you.