The Real Army Wife

IT'S A NEW DAY!

2010-02-05T22:43:00.000-08:00

Hi all, I want to sincerely appolagize to all of you. Life has been SO incredibly crazy these last few months, and I have completely neglected my blogger responsabilities!

My husband came home from deployment, got stationed in Virginia at Ft. Eustiss...he came home for Christmas, we had all three kids, we moved to Virginia...we moved back to Illinois. To make a long story short, we are filing for a divorce...

I hate it, it is NOT what I wanted despite what some people may wish to believe. I devoted my life to a man I married five years ago...unfortunately, the man I married is NOT the man I find myself married to today. Do I blame him? Do I blame the Army? Do I blame the deployments to Iraq? Do I blame myself? A little of each actually.

Rowan and I are finally getting life back to normal, whatever that may be. So, I am hoping that my frugalness and coupon clipping will help me with this adjustment. I have been a WAHM for five years... I am NOT looking forward to leaving my two year old in the care of strangers, but I am left with no choice but to do so. Unfortunately, Rowan is the one dealing with the most changes and most hurt. It isn't fair to him, but life must go on, and I must find means to support us. SOOOO, please stay tuned...I will be leaving this blog behind to begin a new one, devoted to my life as a single parent...and the frugal life that is a MUST now! I will post my new blog as SOON as I get it up and running.

THANKS ETERNALLY to all those who have been faithful readers of this blog, and may:
jamiesarmywife2005.blogspot.com RIP and be a great lead into our new upcoming blog!

GOD BLESS!!!!!

Walgreen's 12/14 trip

2009-12-13T20:11:00.000-08:00

I think I could do better, but I have been out of practice for a little while. Here's to starting fresh! LOL

TRANS 1:
1 Huggies Jumbo pull-ups $8.99
*use $1/1 coupon from coloring book (see older post below)
*use $3/1 MFC
= $4.99 OOP
*earn $2 RR

3 Hunts Tomato Sauce
*use in ad coupon 3/$1
*use $1/3 MFC
= FREE
_______________________
trans 1 $4.99 OOP, $2 RR

TRANS 2:
1 Huggies Jumbo pullups $8.99
(repeat coupons above)
= $4.99 OOP
* $earn $2 RR

4 Campbell's gravy
*use 2/$1 in ad q = 4/$2
*use $1/4 MFC q = 4/$1
_______________________
trans 2 $5.99 OOP, $2 RR

TRANS 3:
1 Huggies Jumbo pullups $8.99
(repeat coupons trans 1)
= $4.99 OOP
*earn $2 RR

3 Progresso soups, sale .99 ea.
*use $1.10/3 MFC = 3/$1.86
_______________________
trans 3 $6.85 OOP
*earn $2 RR

TRANS 4:
1 Huggies Jumbo pullups $8.99
(repeat coupons trans 1)
= $4.99 OOP
*earn $2 RR

3 Hunts Tomato sauce
*use 3/$1 in ad q
*use $1/3 MFC
= 3 FREE
_____________________
= $4.99 OOP
*earn $2 RR

TRANS 5:
4 Campbells Turkey gravy 2/$1 sale
*use $1/4 MFC = 4/$1.00

1 Gillette Fusion Power $8.99
*earn $4 MFC
= $4.99 OOP, earn $4 RR
______________________
Trans 5 = $5.99
use $2 RR from trans 1
use $2 RR from trans 2
= $1.99 OOP
*earn $4 RR

TRANS 6:
1 doz. eggs, .99
1 doz eggs, .99
1 gal milk 1.49
1 gal milk 1.49
____________________
Trans 6 = 4.96
use $2 RR from trans 3
use $2 RR from trans 4
= 96 cents total!!!

SUMMARY:
for the grand total that is,

4 Jumbo Huggies Pullups
6 Hunts Tomato Sauce
8 Cans of Campbell Turkey Gravy
3 Cans of Progresso Soups
1 Gilette Fusion Power razor
2 Gallons of milk
2 dozen eggs

TOTAL OOP: $25.77
TOTAL RR's LEFT: $4
Next, I will submit the Huggies into Caregivers MarketPlace to earn back another .75/pack, for a total of $3 back in cash.

Doom & Gloom???

2009-12-06T17:45:00.000-08:00

At the ripe ol' age of 30, my rose-colored sunglasses, that I have so naively looked at the world through, have finally come off. This year has truely been one of the most difficult years of my life. I have come to the tough realization that people are not always what they seem to be...and moreso, that it isn't a minority of people, but rather most of them...

I have always been one of those girls that believed in the power of good doing. I believed that people were who they said they were, and would fulfill the promises they made... I believed that good people would win everytime, and that a smile could change someone's day for the better. I believed that lemonade on a sunny day was as good as it got, and hot cocoa was the perfect end to a wonderful day. I was the person who stopped to let a wild animal cross the street, fed stray animals, volunteered at homeless shelters, Red Cross, nursing homes...just for FUN! Every year since I can remember, I took two names of the Angel Tree at Christmas time. I enjoyed giving the new mom or elderly person the parking spot closer to the door. I smiled and waved at strangers on any given day...that's just me! That's who I have always been... I am not saying I have no faults, or that I am perfect by any means...I just optimistically believed that all really would come up roses!

So it bewilders me to find myself in the place I am in today, where the harsh realization has hit me like a mack truck on a freeway... People are NOT who they say they are... And honestly, nobody has my best interest at heart. People don't care what I am going through, or that my heart has been shattered into a million pieces. Nobody is here helping me pick up the broken pieces; it's just me... All those years I spent trying to put a smile on someone else's face, with the hopes that someday the favor would be returned...nothin'! NOTHING!!!

Worse yet, the one who did the damage has absolutely no idea how badly it really hurts. He doesn't care...he has no remorse...he's only looking out for himself, selfishly, just like every time in the past. My feelings don't matter, and they never have. I have to question the heart's capacity, because mine has obvioulsy failed me. How can someone be responsible for so much damage, and go on continuing to do more, never looking back, never really making things right. How is this human? How is this possible? I wish my own heart was capable of being just a little like that...

How can my heart love one person SO much, yet I can barely stand the sound of his name right now. The mere thought of what he's capable of, what he's done, saddens me to my core. I want to hate him... I want to hurt him in the same ways he has hurt me... I want him to FEEL, to really, truely FEEL the damage he has done. He says he gets it, he says he understands... if he really does, why does it continue to happen? The way he talks, the things he says....it will never be forgotten.....NEVER!!!

My heart proceeds, but it does so with MUCH CAUTION. Things will never be the same. My heart will never fully belong to him ever again. One day, somewhere down the road, be it a week or 30 years, he'll look back on this time and have many regrets, but for now he just isn't capable of thinking in those terms.

In the meantime, I look at my two year old son, who still sees the world through those same rose-colored glasses that I only recently lost, and I hope, for his sake, that those glasses remain right where they are for many, MANY years to come... and I hope that he never loses sight of doing good...and I pray that his heart will never feel the pain that mine has...because NOBODY deserves it... May his heart swell with laughter and love for the rest of his days, but for now, while his heart is still safe in the hands of his loving, nurturing, mother, I can rest at night knowing it is still safe for one more day...

Busy bee!

2009-10-26T20:38:00.001-07:00

Lately, I have been so darn busy, that I have once again neglected my precious blog baby! I thought it was worth mentioning, that I believe I have a new hobby (thanks to my dear friend, Erin!). I have been working out in the garage a lot lately, coming up with creative ways to decorate for Halloween and fall, and trying to do so without breaking the bank! I will put up some pics tomorrow; hopefully, the rain will lay off a bit so that I can finish up outside and get some good pics.
Anyway, so I have been looking around at all of our furniture lately, and wondering how in the world it all got so shabby looking. We need a good facelift around here, but who can afford to go out and buy all new furniture? Surely, not us! I have some beautiful pieces that I adore, and I don't want to let them go! So, while talking about this tonight with Erin, she told me about a couple of blogs that might be of assistance to me! I am so excited now, and I just want to go out to the garage and get started on my first project: dressers for Kyle's room!

Kindness

2009-10-08T13:34:00.000-07:00

Today, I started to ponder the idea of kindness. What is "KINDNESS", after all? Does anyone remember what "being kind" entails? So often, I see the same misfortune; we are all so consumed in our own daily routines, our own lives, that we forget to stop and recognize the missed opportunities occurring all around us daily, maybe even more than once daily.
The hustle and bustle overcomes us; we rush from one appointment to another, from one ball game to the next, from one store to the next...we rush to work, running every yellow light along the way, for fear that we may be "late" to punch the time clock. We rush to lunch on our breaks, we rush back and hurriedly devour our processed, quick-cooked meals. At the end of the work day, if we are lucky enough to head straight home, we fly home, as if our vehicles may somehow magically sprout wings and take flight. Everything is so rushed...seldom do we let ourselves relax, take a day off for no good apparent reason, eat cookies for dinner.

Unfortunately, isn't this the way we were all raised? Still time is wasted time, after all right? Who says? Who says we can't let ourselves enjoy the time we have here on Earth. Are our children going to really remember being rushed and carpooled from game, to practice, to rehearsal, wishing in 30 years to go and do it all again? Are they going to remember if our house was spic and span, spotless at any given time, just IN CASE company dropped by?

I am going to venture to say probably not; I don't think all those things matter that much. What I want my child to remember are the times we let the rest of the world go for a day, two, three, a week, whatever, and stayed home enjoying one another's company. I bet he will remember the day Mom took the whole day to spend with JUST him, no cell phone, no computer, no work...just Rowan and Mom. I don't want to focus all my energy on the outside things that don't matter; I want to focus on the ones who DO matter. Sit and think for a minute; what things do you remember most as a child? What were your happiest memories with your parents?

I want Rowan to remember baking cookies with Mom; playing games, doing puzzles, playing tag. I want him to look back and remember the kisses and hugs that seemed to last an eternity; I want to instill in him the importance of the ones we love and care about, and the importance of taking "time" for them. The world will go on if we do not make it to a game, or to an appointment. The world will not cease to go on if we miss a day of work; we are only a minute existence in this big, busy, crazy world, but to our children, we ARE THE WORLD! Let's start acting like it!!!

Let's get back to the idea of kindness; other than our families, who do we look out for? Who do we go out of our way for? When is the last time you stopped what you were doing to help someone else out, a stranger even? I wish that everyone would start noticing those around us, for no matter how bad we think we may have it, there is always someone less fortunate than us.
I challenge YOU to go out and do something kind for someone; make bread and take it to your neighbor; bake a meal and take it to someone who is not able to make it for themselves; send flowers to a random neighbor, take a large donation of items you do not use to your local church, school, or GoodWill.

For the next week, I am going to make a valiant effort to do something kind each day...not for myself, not for my family, but for someone I don't know as well. Won't you do the same? Leave a comment and tell us what you have done to put a smile on someones face today!!!

*pay the ticket for the person behind you at the drive-thru
*pay someones toll
*bake cookies for your neighbor
*send a card, just to say hi
*put together a package to send to a soldier
*take flowers to your child's teacher, secretary, bus driver
*take pumpkins to a single mother, who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford to carve pumpkins with her small children
*take some hygiene items, candy, etc to a nursing home, give them to a stranger
*go to your widowed elderly neighbor, single mom/dad neighbor, military spouse neighbor whose husband is deployed, and offer to help them with whatever they need: yard work, take out their trash, run an errand.

It's a great feeling to be able to help someone!!! Have fun! Let us know what you did, and how it made you feel! THANKS!!!

DAY ONE: We took flowers, a card and a picture of Rowan to our widowed neighbor...just because!

On vacation!

2009-09-25T19:31:00.000-07:00

It was time for Jamie to leave and go to his new assignment at Ft. Eustis in Virginia. The two weeks sure went by quickly, and I just wasn't ready to say good-bye yet! So, on a whim, Rowan and I decided we would join him! Now, anyone who knows me even a LITTLE bit, can tell you that I am no longer a last-minute, fly by the seat of my pants kinda gal! THIS WAS HUGE! I told Jamie that I was considering joining him, and of course he was thrilled!
Jamie was packing, it was noonish, and he wanted to leave before dinner time! WHOA!!! I had a lot to do in very LITTLE time! I managed to get the house picked up, get packed, get Rowan and myself showered and ready, and we headed out the door for a long road trip!
It took us a little over ten hours to get from home to West Virginia, and we are not even half way to our final destination yet! We are enjoying a weekend with the family before we head to Ft. Eustis!
When we get there, we will first be house hunting, but what I am most excited about is taking Rowan to the beach! :)
I'll keep yas posted on our adventure!

I'm BAAAAAAAAAACK!

2009-09-21T21:15:00.000-07:00

Hi all! So, I have been super busy with my hubby being home, and haven't made much time to keep up my blog. SORRY!!!

Today was a pretty good day for coupons for me. I will give a brief overview of what I got at Walgreen's:

RR= REGISTER REWARD
OOP= OUT OF POCKET
MFC= MANUFACTURER COUPONS

2 Tylenol Cold and Sinus 24 ct. 5.99 each (BUY TWO, GET $5 RR)
I used two $2/1 Tylenol coupons
I used two $1/1 Wags coupons (Healthy Living Booklet at the pharmacy)
_______________________________
2.99 ea. OOP
2/$5.98
$5.00 RR
(.49 EA. AFTER RR AND Q)

Thermacare Single Pack $2.49 ($2.49 RR)
I used $1./1 MFC
_______________________________
1.49 OOP
2.49 RR
(+ $1.00 AFTER RR AND Q)

Airwick Starter Kit (LARGE) $6.99
used $6/1 MFC
_______________________________
.99 OOP

I also found some fun items back in the clearance section! I don't know about your store, but my Walgreen's is usually pretty slim in the clearance aisle! Not to mention, the prices just aren't what I consider "clearance". Well, today I was pleasantly surprised to find some fun Spring trays, books, shredder scissors and PINK Sharpies for just 25 cents! :-) These made GREAT filler items.

After all was said and done, this is what I ended up with:
8 Thermacare patches
2 Airwick starter kits
1 pink Sharpie
2 trays
2 Tylenol C&S
1 Shredder Scissor

for an out of pocket cost of only $6.05! *My scissors wrung up wrong, at $3.69*
I earned back $25 in RR to use for next week. Very exciting!

Walgreen's September coupon book!

2009-09-06T23:10:00.001-07:00

I am loving the new Walgreen's coupons books. Walgreens PROMISED when they got rid of the Easy Savers program, that they would make up for it with more coupons and more register rewards! I am liking the coupons!

This month, we have some new items up for grab. The coupon book can be found at the store entrance by the weekly ads, so be sure to pick one up!

Go HERE to see the list of all the coupons offered!

Extra Walgreen's Coupons!

2009-09-06T22:46:00.000-07:00

WALGREEN'S CHILDREN'S ACTIVITY BOOK JUST 99 Cents!

The activity book can usually be found in the children's toy aisle, with the other coloring books, near the pharmacy, or in the center aisle that holds all the seasonal items. If you cannot find one, ask someone that works there to help you. It will be well worth it!

Inside, you will find some magnificent coupons that can save you $19.00 or MORE!!!

Here's a tip: MOST Walgreen's employees will let you keep your coupon after you use it. Simply do NOT detach the coupon, just show them the coupon inside the activity book...close it after they scan it, and save it to use time and time again! These coupons do not expire until March 30th, 2010!!!

Inside, you will find these savings:

Band Aids $2.00 OFF
Benadryl $1.00 OFF
Braun ThermoScan $5 OFF
Crayola Color Explosion or Wonder Color $1.00 OFF
Gerber Tooth and Gum Cleaner $1.00 OFF
Huggies (Diapers or Training Pants) $1.00 OFF
Lil' Critters Gummy Vitamins $2.00 OFF
Listerine $1.00 OFF
Neosporin $2.00 OFF
Tylenol $ 1.00 OFF
Zooth or Oral B Toothbrushes $1.00 OFF
Walgreens Allergy Relief $.50 OFF
Walgreens Ibuprofen $.50 OFF

CVS this week!

2009-09-06T22:13:00.000-07:00

There are many great offers at CVS this week, but I will focus on my favorite, the HUGGIES DIAPERS/PULL-UPS!!!

Huggies are on sale for $8.97 per pack. Purchase THREE packs of Huggies, 3/$26.91

Go HERE or HERE to print your $3 off Huggies coupon! Print 3 $3/1 Coupons, bringing your total down to 3/$17.91

Go HERE to receive a coupon for $5 off of your $25 purchase. Answer a few questions, and it's all yours for the spending! Now, you are down to just $12.91 for THREE JUMBO PACKS OF HUGGIES!!!

Ask your pharmacist for the coupon book, and you may be able to save another $4 by using the $4 off $20 purchase coupon. If you can nab this coupon booklet, you will bring your total down to just $8.91!!!

Don't forget to send in your original receipts to the Caregiver's Marketplace to receive 75 cents back on EVERY package of Huggies you purchase! It DOES add up, believe me! If you haven't already printed your rebate form, go HERE to get yours now!

What are you waiting for, go get some Huggies!!!

What to do for BREAKFAST?

2009-09-06T08:29:00.000-07:00

How about IHOP for Monday breakfast! The kids are out of school, and you may want a nice little treat for them. Well, you will be thrilled to hear this exciting news!!! Through September 13th, IHOP is offering FREE BREAKFAST FOR ALL KIDS!!!

With all the money parents have put out for back-to-school, THANK YOU IHOP for giving us a break!

If you want to learn more about where to take the kiddos, see the KIDS EAT FREE article!

Chik-Fil-A FREE SANDWICH!

2009-09-06T08:21:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow only, you can use THIS coupon to receive a FREE sandwich at Chik-Fil-A!!! We no longer have a Chik-Fil-A near us, but if we did, I would be taking advantage of this great offer!!!

Eat CHEAP

2009-09-06T08:19:00.000-07:00

For merely $2.00, you can purchase $25.00 gift certificates for fantastic restaurants in your area, HERE! Normally, these same GC's go for $10-$15, so don't miss out on this great deal!!!

9-6-9

2009-09-06T07:45:00.000-07:00

I am a little bummed that this week's paper has NOT A SINGLE insert to offer. NO COUPONS? Geesh!

But I did find this great deal to share with you!!! Smokey Bones is offering a Buy One Get One Free entree deal, with THIS coupon, good until tomorrow, 9-7 ONLY!

The B1G1 coupon CAN be combined with THIS coupon, good through 9-9, for $10 off your purchase of $20 or more. That could make for one heck of a dining out deal!

Enjoy your long weekend, and I hope many of you take advantage of this great offer from SMOKEY BONES!

Walgreens and CVS 8-31-09

2009-08-31T19:41:00.000-07:00

I didn't do so bad today!!! I think I COULD HAVE done better, but again, I was shopping with my two year old.................LOL

CVS
_______
4 M&M .89/ea. I used coupons for FREE Hershey's received in the mail = 0
2% Deans milk = 1.99
Glade Fragrance Difuser, sale 6.99, used $4/1 MFC = 2.99, received 6.99 in ECBs
Reeses PBC = .89
Carmel = .33
Spongebob cookie = 1.50
Aquafresh Iso Active toothpaste 4.99, used $1 MFC = 3.99, received $3.00 in ECBs

I used 3.00, 3.79, ECB's
I used $4/$20 from pharmacy booklet

TOTAL OOP = $1.63!!!
ECBs EARNED = $9.99

WALGREENS
______________
3 jumbo packs of huggies 11.00
I used in ad coupon for $8.99 each
I used 3 $3/1 printable MFCs
I used $1/1 wags coupon from coloring book
I used 15% off coupon good for today only = $4.49 per pack.
I will submit to Caregivers for a total of $3.75/pack

1 pack of Huggies pull ups
I used in ad coupon for 8.99
I used $3/1 MFC
I used $1/1 wags coupon from coloring book
I used 15% off coupon
(SEE ABOVE) total 3.75

Carefree pads 1.99
I used $1/1 coupon = .99, received $2 RR

Secret Deodorant 2.99
I used in ad coupon for $1.99
I used coupon for 15% off
I used $1 MFC = .84
Used B1G1 Free coupon = 2/.84

Laundry detergent
used 15% off coupon = 2.12

I used $3.00 off RR
Total OOP = $16.77 with tax

WAG Q savings = 14.55
WAG advertised savings = 2.47
NFC Q savings = 20.80
TOTAL SAVINGS = 37.82
I earned $2 in RR

My WAGS trip was pretty much a nightmare, as my son was wearing down and screaming throughout the store. I could have saved more using more RR, but...I was ready to GO!!!

16.77 OOP- $3.00 in Caregivers rebates - $2 earned isn't so bad, right???

CASH FOR CLUNKERS AT BABIES R US/TOYS R US?

2009-08-27T19:27:00.000-07:00

So, check THIS out (thanks to babycheapskate)!!! TRU and BRU is offering trade in on your useds, unwanted baby items!!! Take in the items you no longer use or need, and get 20% off your purchase for a new item!
This deal starts August 28th and will continue through September 20th. For all the details, see the post HERE!

New Walgreen's coupon!

2009-08-27T19:20:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought I could be formally disappointed with Walgreen's for their lack of deals this week, they put out a new coupon for $5 off of a $25 purchase! To print your coupon, click HERE.

Looking for a great buy on baby wipes and diapers? Here is a good scenerio!

Purchase 4 Jumbo packs of Walgreen's brand supreme diapers, on sale for $5.99 = $23.96

Purchase 2 packs of Hugies wipes for .79 each after coupon = $1.58

Huggies wipes are $2.79. Use the coupon for $2/package. You can find this coupon at the front of the store in the back to school book!

Your total for FOUR packs of diapers and TWO packs of wipes will be $25.54
Use the above coupon for $5/$25 = $20.54

Financial thoughts.

2009-08-27T14:30:00.000-07:00

I have not stopped thinking about finances since my post last night; when I totalled up OUR household debt, I am pretty sure my heart fell to the floor. It can be very overwhelming!!!

Our generation grew up believing that debt was simply a way of life. It was expected, and accepted, to take out loans to finance our own education. If you were like me, it started out small. I took out small loans to help pay for SOME of my college courses. I continued to work full-time to pay for the other part. Eventually, I got overwhelmed...I was working two jobs, one as a retail manager, and one as a waitress, and going to school full time (15 - 18 credit hours/semester). I was also living on my own and had bills to pay!!! Of course, I couldn't just live in any ol' apartment! Oh no...I had to have the best! I rented a duplex for $750.00/month! I thought I was making good choices, but I was only starting my dependency on financing my future.

Eventually, I quit working to go back to school full-time and focus on my education. I was 23 at the time, and moved back on campus...a bit of a blow to my ego, if I do say so myself!!! Before moving, I had a large garage sale (my very first!) to make enough money to get me through the semester, hoped for the year! I also had to give up my precious puppy, as it was forbidden to have pets on campus. It was, at the time, the most difficult thing I had ever done.

After just a couple of months of living on campus with three roommates, I realized that the money I had hoped would finance me through the year was dwindling, and I knew I had to get a job. Fortunately, I found a great opportunity at a Youth Center; I could work when I wanted and got paid fairly well.

Eventually, I was working with three kids instead of just one. But that didn't last forever...eventually the program closed, and again, I was at square one. No savings. No income...but bills to pay! So, I started taking out more money for my student loans, a little bit to live on in addition to what I needed to pay for classes. If I couldn't afford what I needed, like groceries, I put it on a charge card!!! I had several credit cards: Kay's, Express, Limited, Victoria's Secret, Structure/Bath and Body Works, Sears, Sam's, and Capitol One! Anything I needed was available with the swipe of my plastic magic!!!

I finally graduated...but with a hefty amount of debt to account for!!! I had a whopping $48,000 in school loans and somewhere around $8,000 in credit card debt.

Eventually, my car decided to take a crap, and I didn't have a vehicle to get me back and forth to school and work...with no cash and no credit left to do what I needed to do to FIX the problem, which was the starter, I decided it would be better to simply buy a new one. I got financed for the loan, added my personal loan to it, and drove off the car lot with a new car, and another $28,000.00 in debt. I didn't have to make my first payment for 90 days, so I thought this was for sure the way to go!!!

Eventually, it all caught up with me, and I was left with financial debt up to my EARS!!! I can safely say that there is no worse feeling than learning that your financially SCREWED!!! I felt like a caged animal, ready to break out, but unable to do so.

My husband and I have since made some accomplishments with our finances, and we realize the consequences of financing our future. It isn't worth it!!! We want to get OUT OF DEBT completely; while we have made progress, we have a ways to go still.

Admitting that you have debt, and don't want to go down that road anymore, IS HUGE!!! It is difficult to talk about; it isn't a proud moment when you realize what your financial choices have amounted to. Keeping up with the Jones's is a tough job, and we all want to have the BEST! Is it really worth the stress? No. I am tired of living outside of our means, and refuse to raise my children believing that is the norm.

I want to make our financial struggles, ups and downs, public. By doing so, I hope to hold myself more accountable. Each day we make financial decisions, and I want to make better ones! Join me on my journey to FINANCIAL FREEDOM!!!!!!!

DEBT CONTROL

2009-08-26T21:38:00.000-07:00

I am looking forward to retaking Dave Ramsey's Financial Freedom classes starting next week!!! I signed up in January for my very first time in his class. My best friend, Autumn, and I enjoyed every class and learned SO MUCH! Since beginning the class this year, my family and I have made more conscious efforts to manage our finances and become financially FREE! To do so, we have had to cut back a lot on our spending, and in doing so have been blessed to do more for others.

We look forward to learning more our second time around, and hope to implement more of his strategies in everyday life.

Unfortunately, we were not always wise to the limitations debt can put on us, and it was entirely our fault for getting ourselves into debt...one day, hopefully soon, we will realize our dream of living completely DEBT FREE!!!

Debts consist of:
Mortgage/refinance loans
Car/vehicle loans
School/college loans
Personal loans
Credit cards
Business loans
Credit debts
any other money owed

Before we start the class, I am going to add up our total debt and compare it to where we were at the beginning of 2009. I WILL BE POSTING HERE WHAT OUR CURRENT HOUSEHOLD DEBT IS!!! If you would, I would absolutely LOVE to know where you are at with financial debt. You can post anonymously if you prefer. I would like to get an average debt per household for FIFTY readers!!!

THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING!!!

Our Household Debt Total: $107,825.47
Whew! Putting it out there for the whole world to see is a little stressful!!! We have been working hard on reducing our debt, and it has been quite a challenge. While Dave Ramsey says that you do not have to include your mortgage in your total debt, I have chosen to include it. Regardless, it is money that we owe, and money that we are paying interest on.
We are proud to say we are out of credit card debt!!! :-) We are still paying on one of my school loans and my car loan.
Our next step is to pay off my car, then the school loan, and THEN the mortgage! Hopefully we can refrain from adding to our total debt anymore!

WALGREENS 8-24-09

2009-08-24T18:41:00.000-07:00

I didn't do so bad at Walgreens! If only I could quit the Pepsi...

Remmell Mascara 40 % off, $3.59

I used $2. MFC

Remmell nail care 40% off, $2.39

I used $1 MFC

Remmell nail color 40% off, $2.09

I used $1 MFC

2 Smart Rinse Listerine, 2/$8.00

$3.00 RR earned

I used TWO $1/1 MFCs

I used TWO $1/1 WAGS Q from colorbook insert

Tylenol B1G1 Free, 2/$4.99

I used TWO $2/1 MFCs

Tylenol B1G1 FREE, 2/$4.99

I used TWO $2/1 MFCs

Advil Liquigel $4.49 /Thermacare $5.99(purchase one of each, receive $4 RR)

I used $1/1 Advil MFC

I used $3/2 MFC

4 Glade Fabric/Air Odor Eliminator on sale 2/$5.00

I used TWO B1G1 coupons, = 4/$5.00

Pepsi, 4/$12.00 (NOT PICTURED)

I used Wags Q, Buy 4 get one FREE = 5/$12

TOTAL BEFORE COUPONS = $33.53

I also used register rewards towards my total:Register rewards count as MFCs

- $2.00

- $5.00

- $4.00

- $3.00

TOTAL OUT OF POCKET = $19.53

Register Rewards earned on this transaction = $7.00

Wag coupon savings = $2.00

Wag advertisement savings = $33.17

MFC coupon savings = $39.00

GRAND TOTAL SAVINGS OF $74.17

CVS shopping trip 8-24-09

2009-08-24T18:02:00.000-07:00

I did well today at CVS!

4 Pepsi 12 packs (not pictured), sale 4/$12.00

$3.00 ECBs earned

2 Glade Sense and Spray starter kits, sale 2/$10.00

$3.00 ECB's earned

I used 2 $4.00/1 MFCs from yesterday's insert

Carefree Ultra Protection, $3.79

$3.79 ECBs earned

I used 1 $1/1 MFC

Huggies wipes, $3.49

I used $2 off coupon from CVS printout

I also used .75 MFC

Kotex B1G1 Free, 2/$1.49

I used two $1/1 MFCs

TOTAL BEFORE Q's = $30.77

TOTAL AFTER COUPONS = $17.02

I also used a CVS coupon for $5 off of a $25 purchase = $12.54

And I used $4 in ECBs I earned last week = $8.02 Out Of Pocket

Total savings of = $22.75

And I earned $9.79 in ECBs for my next shopping trip!!!

Break time!

2009-08-22T14:08:00.001-07:00

Hi fellow bloggers, couponers and loyal readers. I wanted to take a quick minute to post an update, in case anyone is wondering where I have been all week! While there are some great deals out this week, I have decided to give myself a MUCH needed break from the bargain shopping.
Earlier in the week, I hit my nearest Kmart for the double coupon deals, and became quite frustrated when the trip did not go as planned. Moms, you know how difficult it can be to do couponing with a toddler in tow...'nuf said? I decided to take my two year old son with me this time, as I had other plans for our trip too. Rowan did not do so well...he was crabby, didn't get his full nap, and was hungry. On my end, I forgot my coupon list and shopping list at home, which is 40 minutes from Kmart! Not worth going back for... I spent a good two hours in Kmart trying to match up my coupons with sales. I won't try that again! Also, I noticed that Kmart has a little trick up their sleeve...when double coupons roll around, they seem to mysteriously mark items up...and THIS made me furious!!! So, I picked up a few items, but nothing near what I had hoped.
Since that trip, I have decided I would take a break from the deal shopping for the rest of the week! My stock pile closet is nicely stocked, and I am hoping that we can get through the rest of the month on what we already have, thus saving on shopping time and saving money in the process!

Earn money at Walgreens!

2009-08-19T19:27:00.001-07:00

This week, Walgreen's really let me down. I didn't see much to brag about in the weekly ad. BUT, they did surprise me when I read this, as I have not seen this done before.

If you spend $25.00 at Walgreen's, you will receive $5 in register rewards to use on your next purchase! From what I understand, there are no catches. Buy what you need and earn some money back!

Diaper scenario:
Pampers are buy 2/$20.00
Use 2 of your $1.50/1 coupons = 2/$17.00
You will get $2 back in Register rewards for buying $20 worth of Pampers
Also get the bonus $5.00 back!

For transaction two:
you could repeat the scenario above, buy 2/$20
use two more $1.50 off coupons = 2/$17
use the $7 in RR you earned above and get two more for $10.00

Your total OOP = $37.00 for 4 Jumbo packs of Pampers.

When you use the $2.00 RR from scenario one, you will forfeit your $2.00 RR for the second purchase, but still get the $5.00 one!

SUNDAY COUPON PREVIEW

2009-08-15T14:54:00.000-07:00

Hi readers! It's that time of week once again; Saturday, we all start wondering what deals we will catch in the upcoming week! Tomorrow's coupons seem to be pretty decent yet again, and I am pleased to see some Huggies coupons in there! :-) To see the full Sunday coupon preview, see HERE.

Some of my favorites are:
.50 off Huggies wipes
1.50 off Huggies diapers
3.00 off Huggies Pure and Natural diapers
2.00 off Pull Ups flushable wipes (2)
2.00 off Pull Ups

I also see plenty of grocery coupons to use, many hygeine items too! Not a bad week for couponers!

Walgreen's NEOSPORIN DEAL!

2009-08-13T19:44:00.000-07:00

Hey Moms! You know as well as I do that Neosporin is a MUST HAVE in our medicine cabinets! I have a 2 year old little boy...'nuf said?

Walgreen's is running a deal on Neosporin this week: $3.99/1; if you buy TWO, you get $4 in RR.
If you have purchased the Walgreen's coloring book, there is a $2/1 coupon in there. If you haven't gotten yours, GET IT! Here is the deal-0!

Purchase TWO Neosporin at 3.99 each = 2/$7.98
Use $2/1 coupon (automatically takes off of both) = 2/$3.98
Use TWO Neosporin MFCs for $1/1 HERE = 2/$1.98 OOP
Get back $4 in RR!

Earlier in the week, I did this deal; I bought two of the Neosporin bonus packs, which consisted of: Neosporin tube, 3 bandaids and a keyring travel kit. Pretty neat!

REBATE FORMS

2009-08-09T20:51:00.001-07:00

Thank you Melissa M. for sending me the links for these great rebate offers!

FUEL FOR SCHOOL: KELLOGGS and DELL: $80 in savings when you buy 10 Kellogg's or Keebler products. Get $10 rebate check from Kellogg's, $70 coupon code from Dell. Offer expires 9/30/09

KRAFT FOODS: Tombstone: Tombstone Helps Pay Your Bills!

Do you know of other great rebates being offered? If so, we'd love to hear about them!

Weekly deals

2009-08-09T18:03:00.000-07:00

Click HERE for CVS deals this week, thanks to Imommy. Don't forget about that $5 off your $25 purchase coupon! Scroll down on my blog to print yours. My favorite CVS deal this week is the HUGGIES!!! I love Huggies!

2/$18.00 Jumbo diapers or pull ups
Print TWO $1.50 off coupons, HERE = 2/$15.00
Get $4 back in Extra Care Bucks = 2/$11.00
Send in for the Caregivers Marketplace rebate .75/pack = 2/$8.00

Last week, CVS was printing off coupons for $5 off a $15.00 purchase, or $3 off a $15 purchase! I will be using mine to make this a SUPER SWEET HUGGIES DEAL!!!

____________________
Click HERE for the Walgreen's deals this week. Quite a few great ones to be had! Thank you Imommies.com!!!

FREE sample product review: The Face Shop

2009-08-08T20:30:00.001-07:00

During a trip to my local Walgreen's, I received a free sample of a product for The Face Shop: Serum Infused Natural Cloth Mask Sheet - Collagen Mask Sheet. The label reads:

"Super high concentrations of Collagen that is responsible for keeping the skin firm and smooth". Hey ladies, I just hit THIRTY, I am all about firming my face...and other body parts too! Sign me up!

So, this evening, I tried it out. It came in a thick pouch that was easily opened. The mask was a soft cottony sheet, soaked it liquid. I am glad I put it on over the bathroom sink, because I could see it causing quite a mess.

It felt GREAT on my face! I really liked the way the moisture felt, and it was cool to the skin. After 20 minutes, I removed the sheet, and my face felt delightfully moisturized. I really liked it!

My only complaint about the product is that it didn't last very long. Once I removed the mask, it was a matter of approximately an hour, and my skin felt the same as before.

Perhaps it would work better if I used it more often...I did some searching, and the prices on these products are relatively reasonable. Walgreens price is 2/$5.

http://www.thefaceshopusa.com/

SUNDAY COUPON PREVIEW AND MORE!!!

2009-08-08T18:46:00.000-07:00

It looks like another great week in coupon world! Last week was the best I've seen for coupons since I started this adventure, and I am happy to see they won't be letting us down this week either. To see tomorrow's preview, click HERE!

I am looking forward to another great week of deals. With the awesome CVS coupon, I am hoping to be pleasantly surprised with a Huggies deal. I'll keep you informed!

In addition to the Sunday coupons:

Home Made Simple is offering $35 in coupons; go HERE to get yours!

Coupons.com has great coupons this month, HERE!

Redplum is also offering some exclusive coupons, HERE!

Get your Pillsbury coupons HERE!

Happy couponing, Happy shopping!!!

CVS new printable coupon!!!

2009-08-08T12:05:00.000-07:00

CVS must have taken note with Walgreen's putting out the $5/$25 purchase coupon, because for the first time in AGES, CVS is offering the very same coupon! YAY!!!

Anyone can get this coupon, all you have to do is go HERE to watch this short video and answer a few simple questions. At the end, a window will appear for you to print your coupon! I suggest doing so as quickly as possible, because this offer won't last long! My coupon expires on 8/22, so I am hoping for some great sales this coming week!

Target freebies!

2009-08-08T11:42:00.000-07:00

If you do head to your nearest Target for the dollar school items, I suggest first taking a look at this deal scenerio from WICKED Cool Deals! I'd certainly say it is indeed WICKED COOL!

I was just saying to my coupon friends that I need to find a good buy on razors, and then wham! Here it is!!! Again, Target is a bit of a drive, so I don't think I will get there in time to take advantage of this offer...but I hope YOU CAN!

Target dollar deals

2009-08-08T11:38:00.000-07:00

Over at Free2bfrugal, I found this list of dollar school items from Target!!! Unfortunately, the closest Target is about 40 minutes from me, otherwise I would be heading over there now!

With Rowan now being 2 1/2, I am considering starting a little pre-school at home. Every child needs that structure, and Rowan enjoys learning!!! These items are more for the teachers than for the students, so home-schoolers take notice!

Lesson plan books
Grade books
Name plates for desks
Star Student stickers
Student reward bookmarks
Mini pocket charts
Teaching clock
Class schedule poster
Educational puzzles for the classroom

Build A Bear

2009-08-07T20:38:00.000-07:00

Hey Mom, get the kiddos in on your frugal couponing! Save $5 off of a $25 purchase at Build A Bear through August 31st! Get your coupon HERE! Now that is something the kids will get excited about!

COUPONS, COUPONS AND MORE COUPONS!!!

2009-08-07T20:31:00.001-07:00

Planning a trip to CVS? Go HERE to get your CVS printable coupons!

Get 10% off your entire purchase at Rite-Aid with this coupon, HERE!

JC Penney's is having their 70% sale in store and online. If you plan to shop online, use coupon code: GET4BTS and save $10.00 off your $10.00 or more purchase.

Kohl's is offering an additional 15% or 20% off your entire purchase with this coupon, HERE, good through 8/9/09.

Bath and Body Works buy

2009-08-07T20:08:00.000-07:00

Let's face it, once we become mothers, it is seldom that we let ourselves splurge on something for ourselves! In January, during Bath and Body Works' semi-annual sale, I came across an aromatherapy item for merely $1.30! I thought, why not, I will give this a shot! At that price, who could resist a little pampering, right? So, I bought the body wash, bubble bath, lotion, pillow spray, foot soak...you get the point!

When I got the product home and tried it out, I fell in love...it is light and fresh, and awakens my senses first thing in the morning! I particularly liked the body wash; when I used it to shave my legs, my legs tingled! It was delightful...

Much to my dismay, I found that the original price was $13.50, and there is just no way I would spend that on myself! I have been savoring the last little bit of my body wash...wishing and hoping that I could find something that I liked as well at a fraction of the price...

WHAM! Out came the coupon for a FREE aromatherapy product with a $15.00 purchase...could it be? I could get TWO for the price of ONE? And if so, could I justify spending that on body wash? Just out of curiosity I stopped in B&BW this evening, and was pleasantly surprised! For on the shelf, right before my eyes, I saw the most beautiful sight....

AROMATHERAPY PRODUCTS 2 FOR $20.00

Now, that alone is nothing to jump up and down about...BUT...with that purchase, I could use my coupon for a FREE AROMATHERAPY ITEM OF MY CHOICE!!! Oh yes, this was looking up for me! So, for $20.00, I got THREE, count them THREE, tranquil mint body washes! YIPPEE!!! So, I spent $6.66 per item...still a little pricey, but well worth the money! I am thrilled!!!

FREE after rebate product review: Teatree Mint Shampoo and Conditioner.

2009-08-07T13:10:00.000-07:00

ORGANIX beauty pure and simple

Hydrating teatree mint shampoo and conditioner

One of the greatest perks to rebates and coupons is that I get to try new product all the time, and most of them I get for free or close to free. What woman out there doesn't enjoy trying new beauty products, especially for FREE?

Last night, I decided to purchase the Organix Teatree mint shampoo and conditioner for $6.99 each, with a $6.99 rebate on each. After the rebate, I would only be paying sales tax and postage for the mail in rebate. Being as I have been on a new kick for menthol, mint, peppermint products with tingle factor, I thought I couldn't go wrong giving it a whirl!

Now, rarely do I find products that I don't like, but this is an exception. I really do not care for this product, and even with it being FREE after rebate, I would not purchase again.

PROS:

free after rebate

compact bottle sizes

thick lather on shampoo

CONS:

the smell is entirely too potent for my taste

it does not have the tingle factor, as most mint products do

the conditioner does not leave my hair as soft and manageable as I would like

it is pricey without the rebate

I would not recommend this product.

I will not purchase this product in the future.

Have you tried any of the Organix products? This is the first I have tried; while I do not like this specific product, I cannot speak for the other Organix products. Please let me know if you have tried any and if you liked or disliked it. Thanks!

I did not want to be biased in my review, so I did not read other reviews until after I wrote my review. See other reviews on this product HERE.

SUBSCRIBE TO MY BLOG CHALLENGE:

2009-08-07T12:40:00.001-07:00

Hi readers! I have been seriously questioning how to go about this blog/facebook/couponing issue. I put up frequent updates on Facebook because I love to share a good deal, especially with my friends!
Recently, a reader suggested that I set up a facebook account just for couponing and savings purposes. Honestly, I love the idea, but do I have the time to do both the blog AND facebook account? That is a lot of posting, and a lot of duplicate information.
I often hear people say that they use and view my blog to help get ideas on couponing and saving, so I hate to stop posting on my blog! The solution I came up with is this:

***if you do read my blog to get ideas, or just to see the sales, whatever, please leave me a comment or msg. telling me so. It'd be great to hear from my readers. Also, why not subscribe to my blog, that way you get instant updates on what is going on in the deal world? I would love to see more guest ideas and scenerios! Who doesn't like to know when their hard work is paying off (no pun intended!!!)?

Tell me YOUR ideas on how to improve this blog, or if you would like to see the deals on facebook. What do YOU think?

Pictures for the CVS and WALGREENs post below!

2009-08-07T12:17:00.000-07:00

Huggies wipes for only FOUR CENTS!!!

Wags diapers on sale for $5.99/pack

The above calculators are FAB! I actually got 6 of them. Only four pictured above.

Benadryl

Softsoap

Vitamin sh.

Vitamin Con.

Crest

Dawn

Teatree sh.

Teatree co.

NOT PICTURED:

2 Tylenol PM that I got for less than 50 cents each

7 12 packs of Pepsi!

TOTAL OOP = $73.29

TOTAL RR, ECB, REBATES = $55.48

Difference of only: $17.81 spent! YAY

Guest allert!

2009-08-07T11:48:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Sara for passing along this great information!

"I was reading your blog and thought I would pass along another helpful website - http://www.facebook.com/l/;hotcouponworld.com. There is a great message board that details all of the good deals at CVS (have come by many free school supplies that way) and they usually preview the ad before it comes out on Sunday."

I always love to receive tips on more ways to rack up the savings! If you have any to share, please leave a comment! THANKS!

BATH AND BODY WORKS COUPON

2009-08-07T10:35:00.000-07:00

I found this pretty little surprise in my inbox this morning, and am happy to share with you! Receive 20% off your purchase when you spend $25 or more at Bath and Body Works. Offer expires August 9th. Click HERE to print this coupon! Happy shopping ladies!

DIAPERS PRICE CHART

2009-08-07T00:07:00.000-07:00

I just love babycheapskate.com! If you have never checked out this site, please make your way over there. One of my favorite things about this site is the diaper chart! I printed one out and carry it with me everywhere! Talk about a wake up call!!! When I first saw this chart, I was paying...tucking tale between my legs...full price for Huggies Supreme diapers. I didn't use coupons, and I bought the "value boxes" at Walmart more often than not! If you want to see how to know if you are paying too much for diapers, click HERE to see the diaper chart! I LOVE IT!

FREEBIE FASHION BUG COUPONS GIVEAWAY

2009-08-06T23:47:00.001-07:00

I am looking for someone who can use some Fashion Bug coupons. I have five coupons, good online or in store, for $10.00 off of a $25.00 or more purchase. One expires on 8/19 and the others expire on 8/20. If you want them, let me know, and I will get them in the mail to you! I just hate to throw them away!!!

Thanks!

***I am pleased to announce that all five coupons have found good homes! Thank you for taking such good care of these valuable coupons.

Help me get coupons out there USED! If you have coupons you will not use, please send them on to someone else! Only 3% of coupons get used...sad!

Also, if you are throwing away expired coupons, SHAME ON YOU! :-) Military bases overseas allow expired coupons to be used for SIX months after expiration date! FORWARD THEM ON PLEASE!!!

WALGREENS $5/$25 purchase coupon

2009-08-06T23:14:00.000-07:00

Walgreen's has a new $5/$25 purchase coupon available and good through Saturday! Go HERE to print yours! Remember, the coupons states SPECIFICALLY that your total must equal $25.00 or more after all coupons. There are so many great register reward deals, this is super easy to do! See my previous posts for ideas.

Also, I was at several different Walgreen's stores today, and you may find an in-store version of this coupon available at the check out. Just incase, I'd go ahead and print one!

If you want to make the most of your savings, check out the following links for great ideas on how to maximize using register rewards and coupons (from Moneysavingmom).

Shopping list 1

Shopping list 2

Shopping list 3

CVS and WALGREENS shopping trips

2009-08-06T22:34:00.001-07:00

These are from the last two days. I spent a little more than I normally would have, but I couldn't help myself! These calculators are amazing, and I will give them as gifts throughout the year. Also, toothbrushes make GREAT stocking stuffers and gift bag fillers!

CVS:
Softsoap 4.99/4.00 ECBs
4 12 packs of Pepsi 12.00/4 ECBs
__________________________
total = 16.99
used $5/$15 coupon
total OOP = 11.99
ECBs = $8.00

WALGREENS

Transaction 1:
2 Children's Benadryl 4.99 each./used 2 $1/1 coupons from coloring book insert = 2/$7.98
RR = $5.00
Vitamin Conditioner = 3.99
RR=$4.00
Wags Diapers = 5.99

4/$10.00 Crest and Oral B deal
2 Oral B advantage toothbrushes $2.50 each/used two .50/1 MFCs = $2.00 each = 2/$4.00
2 Crest with Scope toothpaste $2.50 each/ used two .50/1 MFCs = $2.00 each = 2/$4.00
4/$8.00
RR= $5.00
Tylenol PM B1G1 Free 2/4.99/used two $2/1 MFCs = 2/.99
______________________________________________________________
Total = 26.95
Used $5/$25 coupon = 21.95 OOP
RR = $14.00

Transaction 2:
2 Children's Benadryl 4.99 each/ used two $1/1 coupons from color book insert = 2/7.98
RR = $5.00
Vitamin Shampoo 3.99
RR = $4.00
Pepsi 3/11.00
RR = 2.00
Colgate Spongebob toothbrush $5.00
RR = $5.00
___________________________________________________________________
Total 27.97
used $5/$25 coupon = 22.97 OOP
RR = $16.00

Transaction 3:
Dawn dish soap .99/used .25/1 MFC = .74
3 Calculator/Clock = .87 each. = 3/$2.61
Gum Tooth/Tongue 2 Pk toothbrush = 3.49
RR = 3.50
4 packs Huggies wipes 64 ct at $2.79 ea./used 4 $2/1 Wags coupons/used 4 .75/1 MFC
= .04 each = 4/.16
_________________________________________________________________
Total 7.00 OOP
RR = $3.50

Transaction 4:
Huggies Wipes 64 ct 2.79/used $2/1 Wags coupon/used .75/1 MFC = .04
Dr Fresh automatic toothbrush = .84
Organic Conditioner Mint =6.99
Rebate = $6.99
_________________________________________________________________
Total = 7.87
Used $4.00 RR from prior transaction = 3.87 OOP
Rebates = 6.99

Transaction 5:
Huggies wipes 64 ct. 2.79/used $2/1 Wags coupon/used .75/1 MFC = .04
Dr Fresh automatic toothbrush = .84
Organic Shampoo Mint = 6.99
Rebate = 6.99
_________________________________________________________________
Total = 7.87
Used $5.00 RR = 2.87 OOP
Rebates = $6.99

Transaction 6:
Oral B Battery Toothbrush 1.89
Oral B Battery Toothbrush 1.89
Dr Fresh automatic toothbrush .25
3 Calculator/Clock .87 each = 3/$2.61
__________________________________________________________________
Total = 6.64
used $5.00 RR
Total OOP = $1.64

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

CVS TOTAL OOP = $11.99
CVS ECBs EARNED = $8.00

WALGREEN'S TOTAL OOP = $61.30
WALGREEN'S RRs EARNED = $33.50
WALGREEN'S REBATES EARNED = $13.98

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

WHEELING AND DEALING!

2009-08-06T21:51:00.001-07:00

Today was a good day of couponing and saving! My friend, Melissa, and I decided to hit Walgreen's today...with three kids nonetheless! Couponing with kids is quite the challenge, but we managed to rake up quite a few deals! Melissa was finding all kinds of "last chance" items that were marked down to ridiculously low prices! I'll admit, I am not one to go into Walgreen's and take my time looking at clearance items. I usually walk in there with my list, get what I need, and leave. I'm glad Melissa taught me this great lesson!
She found some amazing deals on toothbrushes and oral hygeine items! They had Oral B Cross Action Power toothbrushes for $1.89!!! WHOOPY! Also, we found Dr. Fresh Turbo Power toothbrushes, WITH a Duracell AA Battery included for merely 25 cents! WHAT!!! Unfortunately, there were few of them left, but we bought the remainders! Also, my favorite steal, was an awesome calculator for just 89 cents! This is no ordinary calculator, it is high tech baby!!! It is a travel size, with a case, it has a calendar, alarm clock...I'm not even sure what else it does, but I was happy to find a pretty little gadget to throw in my coupon binder! Oh yes!
We also found a great deal on Huggies wipes. Only FOUR CENTS for 64 ct. I was loving it!!!

So, when we left, I decided to hit a couple more stores to see if they had any of the deals. I had luck at one here in town, but the one right down the street was not participating in the calculator or toothbrush bargains. Their loss!!! I was ready to buy.

All in all, I had some great savings today...and I got to spend time with two great friends, Melissa and Autumn! Who could ask for more than that?

Basics...

2009-08-05T23:03:00.000-07:00

Okay folks, I am in a mood. I am not sure how long this will last, but I had to write about it, so bare with me!

While Jamie was home, we were on a mission to get a second vehicle. While he was in Iraq, there was simply no need for two vehicles. I knew it was coming, but I wasn't prepared for the out of pocket expense of buying a second vehicle. Jamie has worked hard, and I knew he "deserved" to have what he wanted. Luckily, my husband is not a man of monetary definition...he is happy with whatever we can afford...which didn't happen to be much.

We agreed that whatever we bought would be paid for with cash from our savings. Jamie was bringing home a bit more money for his tour in Iraq, and we were able to put a little bit back each month. I am a saver...I would much prefer to hold on to our hard earned money, but Jamie is just the opposite. Getting to the same page was a task, to say the least. Finally, I went to the bank and made a hefty withdrawal for Jamie's purchase. I handed him the cash and told him to get whatever he wanted, as long as it could be paid for with the money inside the envelope. He looked...and he shopped...and he test drove...and finally, he found what he wanted. It is a pick up truck, extended cab, 3 door, with a back seat. Now I won't lie and say that it is the most beautiful piece of machinery I have ever seen, but it fits the bill and will be great for a second vehicle!

Jamie asked me to go with him to purchase the truck...and I was sick to my stomach to say the least! Nevertheless, I went along. We were able to get a great price on the truck (about half of what they were asking to begin with) because we were able to pay with cash. It felt good!!! It was great to walk in there, no hassles, and be able to pay for the truck...no payments...no interest...and we are able to put liability insurance on it instead of full-coverage! The best part, there was no buyers remorse!

Jamie agreed that we would work extra hard at putting the money back in the savings each month. So, what is my point you ask??? My point is this. After taking the Dave Ramsey class, I learned a lot of important information on living within our means. It felt SOOO GOOD to be able to do that, that I am now contemplating how we can implement this more in our daily lives.

My generation was raised to believe that living on credit was not only acceptable, but also inevitable! For many years, I lived just that way...I charged everything, paying up to 19% interest on every purchase! Shoes? Charge it! Outfits, charge that too! Even groceries went on our Sam's club card! We had credit debt out our ears: Express, Limited, Victoria's Secret, Sam's, Sears, Kay's, Walmart, Capital One...credit, after line of credit!

I am pleased to announce that we are now CREDIT CARD DEBT FREE, and we only have ONE credit card to our names now. It has a zero balance, and I intend to keep it that way!

So, we have goals. Unfortunately, with leading separate lives and two households, it has been a challenge to manage to stay on budget each month!

I want to learn to live more frugally! I would love to learn some basics...gardening? Why pay someone else to grow our food? Why pay grocery prices? Unfortunately, I have NO green thumb, but I could try! I'd also like to learn to make some of our own household supplies: laundry detergent? Cleaning supplies? I hate the chemicals!!! A downfall of mine? I tend to make quick meals, or eat out... I think of what I spend, and it makes me ill. What if I could learn to cook more from scratch? How much could we save?

How do you keep expenses down?

CVS $5 off $15 coupon!

2009-08-05T11:43:00.000-07:00

I love checking my mail...well, except on days that bills get delivered! Today, Rowan and I were sitting on the front porch enjoying our lunch, when our nice mail lady brought me a CVS flier. On it, a coupon for $5.00 off of a $15.00 purchase! YAY ME!!!
This coupon came at the perfect time, as I am making my shopping lists today! My CVS list now looks as follows:

4 Pepsi 12 packs 4/$12.00 ($4 ECBs)
Softsoap Nutri Serums $4.99 ($4.00 ECBs)
Use ECB coupon for FREE toothbrush

Total = 16.99
use $5/$15 coupon
OOP = $11.99 + tax
ECBs earned for next week = $8.00

Sure, I know there are other great deals that I could do to earn more ECB's, but I am out of Pepsi, and...well, we just can't have that!!! :-)

WALGREENS COUPON!!!

2009-08-05T08:19:00.001-07:00

Click HERE to get your Walgreen's coupon for $5.00 off your purchase of $25.00 or more! Coupon is good today, August 5th, and tomorrow, August 6th. Hurry!!!

I happen to LOVE these special little coupons! I particularly LOVE them when I can use them for diaper savings. Walgreen's has their brand diapers for $5.99 this week, and Pampers Jumbos for $8.99.

If you have manufacturer coupons, you can get quite a deal! Remember though, your total must be $25.00 AFTER coupons!!!

DEAL SCENERIO #1:

Transaction ONE:
Buy GUM TOOTHBRUSH 2 pack Tooth N Tongue Plus for $3.49 + tax
Receive $3.49 in Register Rewards

Transaction TWO:
Buy FIVE packs of Walgreen's brand Jumbo diapers at $5.99 each = 5/$29.95
Use $3.49 Register Rewards towards your total = $26.46
Use $5/$25 coupon = $21.46

At 32 diapers/pack, that is only .13 per diaper!!! Definently note worthy! If you have never tried Walgreen's brand diapers, this is a good time to give it a go! Personally, I really like them and have had great luck with them! You can repeat this scenerio if you wish!

SCENERIO #2:

Transaction ONE:
Buy Vitamin Shampoo or Conditioner at $3.99 + tax
Receive $3.99 in Register Rewards

Transaction TWO:
Buy 3 packs of Pamper's Jumbos at $8.99 each = 3/$26.97
Buy one pack of Gum Toothbrush 2 pack Tooth N tongue Plus for 3.49
Total = 30.46
Use 3.99 in RR from trans 1
Use $5/$25 coupon
TOTAL OOP = $21.47
Receive $3.49 in Register Rewards to put towards your next purchase

If you have Pamper's Manufacturer Coupons to use: EVEN BETTER!!! If you got Sunday's paper this last week, you are in luck!

$8.99 - $1.50 MFC = $7.49 each Jumbo pack x 4 = 29.96
Use $5/$25 Walgreen's coupon = 24.96
Total cost per diaper = 19.5 cents (based on size 3 Jumbos)

___________________________________________________________________

Click HERE to get $2.00 off Johnson and Johnson product at Walgreen's

So, there you have it! You CAN print more than one of the coupons, so if you have more to purchase, split the transactions up to maximize your savings! Happy shopping, please let me know if you use these scenerios! THANKS

FREE MATRIX HAIR CARE SAMPLES

2009-08-05T08:07:00.000-07:00

Thanks Moneysavingmom for this great offer!

CLICK HERE for your FREEBIE!

ARTSCOW DEAL

2009-08-05T07:40:00.000-07:00

Whether it's an everyday work tie or one for special outings such as your kid's graduation or friend's wedding, you should dress to impress on every occasion. With these silky neckties you can give your dress shirt its perfect partner.

For only $9.99, we are offering you 2 neckties with free shipping included.

For more details:http://www.artscow.com/Create/ShowProduct.aspx?ProductId=391

Coupon code: 999NECKTIE

Expires on: 08/31/2009

No Quantity Limited, and make sure have neckties are in even number to enjoy the offer.Please note the neckties CAN be of different design.

Dairy Queen BUZZ

2009-08-05T07:29:00.000-07:00

NEW COUPON HERE

Click on the link above to receive YOUR coupon for $1.oo off a Blizzard treat when you purchase your choice of a Kid's Meal! Now that is something to smile about!!! :-)

Dairy Queen coupon

2009-08-04T20:53:00.003-07:00

Join blizzardfanclub.com and get a coupon for a free blizzard! Mmmm!!!

2009-08-04T20:37:00.001-07:00

Thank YOU Wicked Cool Deals for this tid bit of info! I didn't know about this one, but will be looking for it when I hit Walgreen's this week!

"If you are heading over to Walgreens, be on the lookout for a new Back-2-School Coupon Book with over $50 in coupon savings! This coupon booklet can most likely be found in the store by the ad circulars. All of these are manufacturer's coupons expiring 8/29/09. I do question some of these items tagged as "back to school." Smoking Cessation Gum? Dog treats? Excedrin (must be for the moms)? Too funny."

Also, worthy of mention, I found a new Walgreen's coloring book in the book section. Inside, much to my surprise, NEW WALGREEN'S COUPONS! My favorite, of course is for the $1.00 off HUGGIES coupon. Walgreen's coupons can be used multiple times, so this is a good one!

WOW BATH AND BODY WORKS WOW~!

2009-08-04T20:30:00.000-07:00

Okay, I am in LOVE with this deal!!! I absolutely LOVE Bath and Body Works aromatherapy products, namely the tranquil mint! It is delightful, and I can't get enough of it!!! If I could do backflips, I would totally be doing them over THIS COUPON!

Spend $15 at your Bath and Body Works store, and receive a FREE AROMATHERAPY ITEM OF YOUR CHOICE!!! This is a freebie of up to $13. Click HERE for your coupon!

If you try one of these aromatherapy products, please let me know which one and if you liked it! THANKS

Free sandwich at Arby's tomorrow

2009-08-04T20:25:00.001-07:00

Don't forget that Wednesday is FREEBIE at Arby's day! Tomorrow, purchase a softdrink of your choice and receive a FREE REGULAR ROAST BEEF SANDWICH!!! No coupon is required. Happy eating!

JC Penney $10 off $50 coupon

2009-08-04T20:21:00.000-07:00

Who couldn't use a little break these days? JC Penney's is having a giant sale, 70% off many items in the store! Now is a great time to buy basics for next summer! Hey, let's face it, some things just never go out of style! The above title will link you to a coupon good for $10 off of a $50 purchase! Combine that with your savings, and you may walk out with a lot more than you expect! HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

Bare Escentuals

2009-08-04T17:42:00.000-07:00

Get your FREE sample of Bare Escentuals products, and you pay only shipping! Mine was $1.07!!! Hurry up, they are out of some of the shades already! CLICK HERE

Glade Giveaway

2009-08-04T17:16:00.000-07:00

GLADE FALL INTO FRAGRANCE GIFT PACK GIVEAWAY! Click HERE to get yours now!

Who doesn't love Glade? And for free???

WALMART FREE STUFF!

2009-08-04T17:12:00.000-07:00

CLICK HERE to get your Walmart Free Samples now!

StayFree, Nicorette, Scope, GoodNites, Viva paper towels, Playtex Sport included!

OFFICE MAX: Sharpie markers for just a penny!

2009-08-04T16:35:00.001-07:00

OFFICE MAX has a coupon out, click here to print, for ONE CENT SHARPIE MARKERS! Now, any mom out there knows...we can NEVER have enough Sharpies on hand! :-) I am pretty excited about this coupon!

Expires 8/8/09, Limit 3 per customer. Enjoy!!!

FREEBIES FROM MCDONALDS!!!

2009-08-04T16:27:00.000-07:00

A new coupon is out for McDonald's, and I think it is a pretty good one! CLICK HERE to print your coupon, and receive FREE medium fries and FREE medium beverage with your purchase of a NEW Angus Third Pounder! ENJOY!!!

August 4th, 2009

2009-08-04T12:51:00.000-07:00

Today is a day that I have dreaded for a long time. While it is always wonderful to welcome Jamie home, seeing him leave is never fun. Each time, good-byes get harder and harder, and each time, my heart aches a little more than the last. I know that it is coming, but I try my hardest to block it out and go on "as normal" when he is home. Each day, I get that nagging feeling, a tugging in my heart, reminding me that one more day has gone by, and his departure date is nearing.

I got very used to having my husband home everyday. It was wonderful to have so much time together, and we cherish our time together as a family. Rowan, now two, loves his Daddy SO much! My heart filled with joy seeing my two favorite boys together again, as it should be. When Jamie was working around the house, Rowan was right at his feet, curious as to what this "man business" was all about. He really loved taking showers with Daddy; the laughter and giggles coming from a steamy bathroom melted my heart; I closed my eyes and soaked up the moments, trying hard to embed them in my memory as to never forget. Rowan would come running out of the bathroom, soaking wet, hair disastrous, with the biggest grin on his face, then point to the bathroom and say "MEEEE, Daddy, wawa!". Precious...

Another favorite was watching Jamie and Rowan doing yard work. Ahhh, relief...I didn't have to get out in the yard to do it, which in itself was much appreciated...but then to see Rowan so infatuated with Dad was the best part! Everywhere Jamie went, Rowan was right behind. He didn't leave Jamie's side for 20 days, and the minute Jamie got out of his line of vision, Rowan would get upset. Jamie also showed Rowan how to work on cars!!! Rowan had never seen anything like this, as I am not skilled in these areas AT ALL! Rowan enjoyed it all, but mostly enjoyed playing with Dad's tools! He handed Jamie tools one by one, hoping that he was in some way being of help! :-)

We had a lot of fun while Jamie was home; we enjoyed time with his family from out of state, and his family here. A highlight was the Petersburg fair, where we got to watch our first demolition derby! Rowan and Kyle were infatuated by the muddy cars, loud engines and crashing noises. Rowan enjoyed his very first cheese on a stick, a proud moment for Mommy, funnel cake and lemonade shake-up! His motion sickness is subsiding, as he much enjoyed the rides all night, among his favorites were the mini Ferris Wheel and train.

Rowan also thoroughly enjoyed his time with cousin Tyas, who is amazingly talented with small children. Too bad he doesn't live closer, because he will be a prime babysitter in a couple of years! Kyle and Karena got to come visit for a couple of weeks as well, so we were busy and on our toes.

Unfortunately, our family time was interrupted a bit when I came down with a bug. I really wasn't feeling well, and took myself to the hospital the Monday after Jamie came home. I had to stay for quite a while because my temperature just would not go down despite all the doctor's efforts. I was tested for just about everything, strep, mono, flu, six tubes of blood, you name it! Finally, x-rays showed that I had pneumonia...not what I had wanted to hear! I had never before had pneumonia, so I really didn't know what to expect. The doc said it would take about 6 weeks for it to run its course and for me to feel back to normal...what??? SIX WEEKS??? I didn't have that kind of time, not with Jamie being home! My temperature spiked up to 104.6, and I knew I was in for the long haul...ugh. At around 3:30 AM, the doctor finally let me go home, and I all but ran out the doors. The next morning, my throat was hurting so badly that I could not even swallow a drop of water, let alone the horse sized pills the doctor had given me. Jamie and the kids left to go truck shopping, but by late afternoon I called him home. Again, my temp was back up, and my throat was swollen shut...hospital bound once more! My body ached, and I was so weak that walking was a challenge. Thankfully, they recognized that I was in pretty bad shape and rushed me into a room right away; there was a three hour wait in the waiting room!!! I lucked out. Turns out, I was dehydrated. Apparently, my high temperature combined with my lack of fluids got the best of me. I received saline water and meds via IV. Jamie took the kids to my aunt's house so they wouldn't have to wait at the hospital; we didn't know how long I would be there, possibly overnight? The doctor said I also had strep throat and told me to push the fluids best I could. Sigh, another day at the hospital. After a few hours, I got a steroid shot via the IV, and it helped give me enough energy to get out of the bed and I was able to talk. I took two different antibiotics and codeine for a week, spent two entire days in bed while Jamie held down the fort and took care of the kids. What a relief that Jamie was home, and I was able to nurse myself back to health! After roughly 8 days, I was feeling well enough to carry out daily activities. I learned the hard way not to push myself too hard; I just wanted so badly to get better and be well again! My family needed me, and I needed the time with them, so I overdid it just a tad!

So, while 20 days sounds well enough, let me tell you this...twenty days is just enough to get used to having Jamie home again, just enough to get some work done around the house, just enough time to visit with friends and family, just enough time for a two year old to get used to Daddy being home. All in all, it is NOT enough...it is just a tease. I miss having my family together.

Last night was pretty awful. All day, all I could think about was Jamie leaving again. How would I explain this to Rowan? Is he old enough to understand what is going on? Will he understand that Daddy has to go back to work? No...the answer is no. Rowan doesn't understand in the slightest. It's hard enough for me to grasp, but expecting Rowan to remotely "get it" is just wishful thinking. I don't know that children of military ever really "get it". Kyle is nine, and Jamie has been in the Army since Kyle was merely five years old; he still doesn't know why, or what is going on. He asks me, "can't Dad just not go?" If only it were that easy.

Unfortunately, this story is as old as time. We are not the first military family to go through all of this, and we will far from be the last. In the meantime, I have two devastated little boys missing their Daddy; and once again, Mom is here to try and make sense of something that cannot be explained and will never clearly make any sense at all, to any of us... God Bless our military men and women, and may He extend those blessings to their children left back home.

Many GREAT printable coupons this week!!!

2009-08-02T21:32:00.000-07:00

Click the links below to print your coupons. Amazing grocery bargains, and DIAPER savings!!!

www.coupons.com

www.smartsource.com

www.redplum.com

www.coolsavings.com

www.freeflys.com

www.afullcup.com (Target printables)

www.walgreens.com

August 1st, lots of great offers!

2009-08-02T11:35:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the best deals I have found so far. The beginning of the month always has great offers! With my husband being home, I have fallen behind on my couponing for a couple of weeks. I am hoping to get back into the swing of savings once he leaves. For now, I am trying to enjoy all the time I have with him while he is home...
With back-to-school still in full swing, I am hoping to find some great buys this week. We are in search of new tennis shoes for the whole family! Anyone have any great finds? I haven't gotten today's paper yet, but this is what I compiled so far. If you have any others, please let me know!!!

Redplum printable coupons: many great grocery coupons that we can ALL use!

Old Navy Coupon Hunt: Hunt for your coupons now!

New printable coupons at coupons.com: they are reset, so go print!

Walgreen's weekly deals: free shampoo, free toothbrush, school supplies under 50 cents!

CVS weekly deals: lots of freebies this week! Money maker on softsoap with coupon and ECB's!

Bushnell Weather Forecaster FREE AFTER REBATE!: Walmart. GREAT idea for Christmas!

Free groceries: this is a great offer from Kraft! Stock up on back-to-school lunch items.

CVS scenerio for this week

2009-07-22T22:08:00.000-07:00

I haven't quite mastered the CVS bargains yet, but this is what I will attempt tomorrow.

Lysol Disinfectant Spray 3.99 each
Use 1.00 MFC = 2.99

Lyson Dis. Spray 3.99
Use 1.00 MFC = 2.99

Huggies Jumbo 8.99
Use 1.50 MFC = 7.49

4 Xtra Laundry detergents 1.99 each = 4/7.96

TOTAL = $21.43
Use $4/20 puchase coupon
Use $3 ECB's from last week
TOTAL OOP = 14.43

.75 for Huggies rebate = $13.68

Hmmm....

My Walgreen's back to school shopping trip planned for tomorrow.

2009-07-22T21:08:00.001-07:00

I am late at getting my couponing on this week, as I have been quite sick for the last 4 days. However, I am hoping to pull this off tomorrow.

Transaction ONE
2 BIC Brite Line Hilighter 5 pk. .49 each. 2/.98
I will use the $1 off 2 coupon here
Both will be free, plus 2 cents overage

1 Pilot G2 Gel pens 2 pk, 1.00
earn $1.00 in RR
_______________________
OOP .98
RR earned $1.00

Transaction TWO
I will repeat transaction ONE
_______________________
OOP .98
RR earned $1.00

Transaction THREE
Pilot G2 Gel Pens 2 PK = 1.00
____________________
OOP 1.00
RR earned 1.00

Transactions FOUR through SIX
I will repeat transaction THREE

For all six transactions
OOP = $5.96
RR earned = $6.00

Now for the grand finale! LOL

Transaction SEVEN
5 Papermate mechanical Pencil packs .19 each, 5/.95
4 papermate pen packs .19 each, 4/.76
3 papermate prism pen packs .19 each, 3/.57
5 Transparent Scotch tape .39 each, 5/1.95
5 paperclips .19 each, 5/.95
10 white posterboard .09 each, 10/.90
__________________________
Total = $6.08
I will use the 6 $1.00 Register rewards from the previous transactions
Total OOP will be .08 + tax!

That's a steal!!! I figure I can never have enough school supplies, so I will stock up now. As for the scotch tape, I have kids....CHRISTMAS! Yep, I am thinking ahead!

ARBY's FREE WEDNESDAYS!

2009-07-21T22:06:00.000-07:00

From now until August 26th, stop by your local Arby's for freebie Wednesdays! Tomorrow, by any drink, get a regular roast beef sandwich free!

BATH AND BODY WORKS: FREEBIE!!!

2009-07-18T10:45:00.001-07:00

Click here to print your coupon for a FREE Lipbalm from Bath and Body Works! With any purchase, no set amount, use this coupon and get your FREEBIE! Happy shopping ladies!

WELCOME HOME JAMIE!!!

2009-07-16T14:13:00.000-07:00

So, my hubby is FINALLY home! We welcomed him home at the Capital Airport this morning at about 9:00. Thank you to Cori, Tyas, Josiah, Lee, Jamie K., Miles, and Graham for helping make his coming home so meaningful. The sign was awesome, and the patriotic outfits and flags were the perfect touch!!! It really meant a lot to us to have you all there.
I know there were others who would have loved to have been there with us, but couldn't because of prior obligations. We wish everyone could have joined us, maybe next time...if we have more NOTICE!!! LOL
Jamie and I are hoping to have a cookout here at our house to enjoy the company of family and friends. I will keep you all posted on any plans. As of now, we are just enjoying family time. Jamie and Rowan are on the road to get Kyle and Karena right now!!! Can't wait to have the whole fam together.
Tomorrow we are looking forward to spending time with the Lipscombs!!! :-D Can't wait for the fair!!!!!!!!

ANOTHER WALGREENS DEAL:

2009-07-15T22:56:00.000-07:00

I'm still awake, and I am still compiling my best deals for things I NEED! LOL

Buy 2 Coppertone Nutrashield, 10.99 each = 2/22.98
Use 2 $5/1 MFC, print here
Total OOP = 12.98
Receive $10.00 back in RR!

Buy one Coffee Mate Creamer, sale 1.99
Use one $1/1 MFC, print here
Total OOP = .99

Buy 2 ALL Detergent at 2/$10.00
Use $2/1 MFC
Use $1./1 MFC from 6/28 insert
Total OOP 2/$7.00
Receive $3.00 back in RR

Buy 3 Listerine 500Mg at 3/$9.00
Use 3 $1/1 printables from coupons.com
Total OOP = 3/$6.00
Receive $3 back in RR

TOTAL ON TRANSACTION = 26.97
USE 1 $5 OFF $25 PURCHASE COUPON = 21.97
REGISTER REWARDS EARNED = 16.00

WALGREENS CEREAL DEAL

2009-07-15T22:12:00.000-07:00

Coupons.com has the following General Mills cereal coupons

Banana nut Cheerios .55/1
Multigrain Cheerios .75/1
Cheerios .55/1

Walgreen's has GM cereal on sale for $1.99, which when doubled with the coupons will make them:

Banana nut cheerios 1.99 - .55 = $1.44
Multigrain cheerios 1.99 - .75 = $1.24
Cheerios 1.99 - .55 = 1.44
TOTAL 4.12

I also have a coupon from a previous Wags RR for $1.50 off 3 GM cereals
4.12 - 1.50 = 3 for $2.62, or just 87 cents each!

WALGREEN'S SCHOOL SUPPLIES

2009-07-15T21:51:00.000-07:00

PICK AND CHOOSE WHAT YOU NEED OF THE FOLLOWING. IF YOUR TOTAL IS MORE THAN $25, USE THE $5 OFF PRINTABLE COUPON AND SAVE MORE!!!

Elmers Glue 2 ct for .59
Fiskars blunt or pointed scissors for .79
Mini Highlighter .19
Sharpie Permenant marker, in ad coupon 2/$1.00
Crayola markers .99
Penway Yellow pencils .79
Penway Pink Eraser (2-Ct.) .29
Sharpener (Pencil/Crayon or Dome) .29
10 Ct. Papermate mechanical pencils .39
Penway Mechanical Pencils (8-Ct. or 5Ct. With Grip) .59
Pilot Easy touch Pens .99
3″ X 5″ Index Cards(100-Ct. White or 70-Ct. Colored) .39
Penway Two-Pocket Folder with Prongs, in ad coupon 8/$1
Sheet Protectors (10-Ct.) .39
Tab Dividers (5-Pack) .39
Penway Composition Notebook(80-Sheets) .79
Penway One-Subject Notebook(60-70 Sheets), in ad coupon 3/$1.00
Corner Office Writing Tablet (100-Sheets), in ad coupon .59
or Mead Envelopes (40-100 Ct.), in ad coupon .59
Corner Office Legal Pad (50-Sheets), in ad coupon 3/1.00
Penway Filler Paper(120-130 Sheets), in ad coupon 2/1.00

WALGREEN'S DIAPER DEAL HURRY UP!!!

2009-07-15T20:13:00.000-07:00

WALGREEN'S:

My scenerio, as I am always searching to save on diapers!!!

Buy 3 Jumbo packs of Huggies at $10.00 each = $30.00

Use THREE $2 off Huggies MFC's PRINT YOURS HERE = -$6.00

Use one $5 off $25.00 purchase coupon PRINT YOURS HERE = - $5.00

Total = 3 Jumbo packs for out of pocket $19.00 plus tax

REGISTER rewards earned = $5.00

Click HERE to print your Huggies rebate form to get $.75 back on each Jumbo pack = -$2.25

TOTAL SAVINGS OF = $18.25
TOTAL AFTER SAVINGS = $11.75 FOR THREE JUMBO PACKS OF HUGGIES!!!!

$5 off coupon is only valid THURSDAY and FRIDAY, so hurry to your nearest Walgreen's!

HAPPY SAVINGS!!!!!

WALGREEN's SCENERIO FOR MONEY MAKER!!!

2009-07-15T20:06:00.000-07:00

Click here to see some ideas on how to use the below $5/$25 purchase for Walgreen's. There are two different ones, one includes DIAPERS!!! YES!!! Let me know if it works for you, and also let me know if you have any other ideas on how to get the most out of this deal!

$5 off $25 purchase at Walgreens

2009-07-15T20:04:00.000-07:00

Click on the TITLE above to print your $5 off coupon. This is only good for Thursday and Friday, so hurry up!!!!!!! Great way to add extra savings to your diaper deals!

Back to School already???

2009-07-15T09:19:00.001-07:00

CLICK ON POST TITLE TO GET YOUR $5 OFF COUPON FOR STAPLES!

If you are like me, you might be wondering where the summer went already?!?! It seems like schools were JUST letting out for summer break, and now back-to-school signs are popping up in retail stores EVERYWHERE! Commercials are targeting BTS shoppers...how WILL we survive the madness that IS? Well, I personally love this time of year because there are SALES GALORE!!!

While it might be tempting to stock up on school supplies at ONE place, I urge you to think outside the box. Get the ads and start there. Who has what on sale? Usually one store will have ONE or maybe two great deals to draw shoppers in...once we are in the door, we realize, hmmm...so and so had this much cheaper...but how often do we get lazy and just start throwing it all in the cart? It's tempting, one stop shopping, right? Especially when we have KIDS with us!!!

I am doing the opposite this year. I will be going to each store to buy the deals. For example, this week Walgreen's has 10 ct. mechanical pencils for 39 cents! Walmart has great prices on Crayola: 30 cent crayons, 70 cent markers, oh and 15 cent spiral notebooks. I am buying a little at a time depending on what the best deals are. I will have the same amount of supplies, but will have spent less money in the end. What about YOU???

Is Political Diversty Shunned in Education?

2009-07-14T23:03:00.000-07:00

I have long been an advocate of diversity, and anyone who knows me knows my personal beliefs on such issues. Recently, I have seen a back-slide in political diversity, however. I have also questioned, during my own education, the lack of Conservative views on campus. Even in public primary schools, and I attended a more rural school, I felt that liberalism was emphasised much more so than conservatism. Now, I do not disagree with teaching BOTH, but I did have a problem with it being so one-sided, particularly in history classes.

As I went into my higher education, I found it only got worse. During many writing classes, we were given the freedom of choosing our own topics. In many cases, my conservative views were shunned. I was, and still am, a lover of writing, and I certainly enjoyed expressing myself in creative writing classes. However, with my views and personal beliefs differing so much from my professors, I often got marked down based on my "narrow thinking" and "topic choice"; I found this appalling.

In one class that I took, African American literature, we were blatantly told by our African American teacher to expect reverse racism in his class, as a lesson to all of the "Caucasian" students. At the end of the semester, I received a B+ in his class...as, "only persons of diversity received anything higher". Needless to say, we fought and won that battle! I, an English major, clearly did "better" per say than those who were not, and I knew that only from speaking to them and experiencing first hand their work.

So, I found this article of particular interest, and hope you do too. I by no means want to turn my blog into a political debate, so please read it at surface level only. Thank you!

2009-07-14T22:48:00.000-07:00

The Sack Lunches

I put my carry-on in the luggagecompartment and sat down in myassigned seat. It was going to be along flight. 'I'm glad I have agood book to read. Perhaps I will geta short nap,' I thought.
Just before take-off, a line ofsoldiers came down the aisle andfilled all the vacant seats, totallysurrounding me. I decided tostart a conversation.'Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated nearest to me.
'Petawawa. We'll be there for twoweeks for special training, and thenwe're being deployed to Afghanistan.
After flying for about an hour, anannouncement was made that sacklunches were available for fivedollars. It would be several hoursbefore we reached the east, and Iquickly decided a lunch would helppass the time...
As I reached for my wallet, I overheard a soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch. 'No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to base.'
His friend agreed.
I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked to the back of the plane andhanded the flight attendant afifty dollar bill.'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.' She grabbed my arms and squeezedtightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. 'My son was a soldier in Iraq ; it's almost like you are doing it for him.'
Picking up ten sacks, she headed upthe aisle to where the soldierswere seated. She stopped at my seatand asked, 'Which do you likebest - beef or chicken?'
'Chicken,' I replied, wondering whyshe asked. She turned and went tothe front of plane, returning aminute later with a dinner plate fromfirst class. 'This is your thanks..'
After we finished eating, I wentagain to the back of the plane,heading for the rest room.A man stopped me. 'I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this.' He handed me twenty-five dollars.
Soon after I returned to my seat, Isaw the Flight Captain coming downthe aisle, looking at the aisle numbersas he walked, I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand, and said, I want to shake your hand.'
Quickly unfastening my seatbelt Istood and took the Captain's hand.With a booming voice he said, 'I wasa soldier and I was a military pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot.' I was embarrassedwhen applause was heard from all of the passengers.
Later I walked to the front of theplane so I could stretch my legs.A man who was seated about six rowsin front of me reached out hishand, wanting to shake mine. He leftanother twenty-five dollars in my palm.
When we landed I gathered mybelongings and started to deplane.Waiting just inside the airplane doorwas a man who stopped me, putsomething in my shirt pocket, turned,and walked away without saying aword. Another twenty-five dollars!
Upon entering the terminal, I saw thesoldiers gathering for their trip to the base. I walked over to them and handed themseventy-five dollars.'It will take you some time to reach the base. It will be about time for a sandwich.God Bless You.'
Ten young men left that flightfeeling the love and respect of theirfellow travelers. As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return.These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could only give them a couple of meals.It seemed so little...

A veteran is someone who, at onepoint in his life, wrote a blank checkmade payable to 'The United States ofAmerica ' for an amount of 'up to and including my life.'
That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.'

HUBBY COMING HOME!!!

2009-07-14T22:12:00.001-07:00

My husband is finally coming home, and I could not be more excited! He has been in Iraq for 18 months, and we are missing him like CRAZY!!! He hasn't been home in nearly a year, too long, too LONG!!! Rowan knows "daddy" via the phone, pictures and webcam; I can't WAIT to see Rowan and Daddy interact. It will be so nice! Rowan is pointing to airplanes and saying, "DADDY, Home!!! MUAH", blows kisses. He loves his daddy so much!
There is always an adjustment period when Jamie first gets back, then once we get back into a routine, it is time for him to leave again. He will be home for 20 days! Can't WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!

WALGREENS

2009-07-14T21:32:00.001-07:00

This week I had $6 in RR from last week.

I bought 3 500 ML Listerines, on sale 3/$9
I used 3 $1 off Listerine coupons, MFC
I got $3 RR back
4 Mechanical pencils (10 pk), .39 each = 1.563
page divider packs .39 each = 1.17
1 pack of page protectors = .39
TOTAL = $9.12 (after $3 MFCs)
Used $6 in RR from last week = 3.12 OOP
RR earned 3.00

Local

2009-07-12T17:01:00.001-07:00

THREE local soldiers were killed in Afghanastan this week. My thoughts and prayers go out to their families, friends and loved ones. Please continue to pray for our men and women overseas folks...just because it is "old news", doesn't make it less important! Don't forget, they continue to fight for our freedom and rights, even though we don't hear about it on the news everyday anymore. It is no less important...they work just as hard as when deployed right after 9-11. Obama may like us to believe that they will be home soon, and that no NEW troops are being deployed. IT IS BULLSHIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

God Bless America!!!

SUNDAY PAPER COUPONS!!!

2009-07-11T21:44:00.001-07:00

Click the link above to see tomorrow's coupons preview!

Family

2009-07-11T12:43:00.000-07:00

I have not been bargain shopping in a few days because I have been enjoying some time with the family! My sister, Kendra, came in from Kentucky, and I couldn't be happier to spend time with her and my fam. It has been a much needed break from reality, really.

Thursday afternoon, Jamie, Kendra, Miles, Graham, Rowan and I went to the water park here in Jville. What FUN!!!!

Thursday evening, we all met up at Chesapeake, my FAVE place to eat in town. My dad, mom, Jamie, Kendra, Melissa and I enjoyed a delicious meal, THANK YOU JEFF!!! We had great conversation, and it was delightful to spend time with everyone again. It was also nice to have a KID FREE, adults only family gathering!!! Thank you Di for watching Rowan all night for me!!!

After dinner, Jamie, Kendra and I hit the mall for a nice, relaxing, MUCH NEEDED pedi treatment for all of us. We pretty much took the place by storm with our bigger than life attitudes and loud voices! HEEHEEHE It was so enjoyable, I couldn't have asked for a better treat.
As we were leaving the mall, I challenged Jamie to "go wild" and purchase a pair of designer sunglasses. Oh yeah! We ended up trying on about every pair of sunglasses they had, and we haggled with the sales guy to give us a break on the prices. Kendra found two pairs, as did I, and Jamie also bought one. We walked out of the mall, past closing time, in our awesome new shades!

We met up with our baby sis, Melissa, and her friend Michael and hit up Baskin Robbins for some blasts! WOOHOO!!! WILD NIGHT IN THE CITY!!! We sat outside until nearly 1:00 AM, just talking and having a great time!!! Jamie went home, and the rest of us came back to my house for a sleepover.

Yesterday, we had a pool day, and that was awesome! Tonight, we are looking forward to bday party for baby Graham. What a fun weekend!

My sister in law and nephews are also in town from WV! How lucky am I to have all this family time!! Cori and the boys will be here for a little longer, so we will be hooking up for fun in the sun soon.

Kohl's sale!

2009-07-08T17:07:00.000-07:00

KOHL'S SALE!!! Save 60-80%, that's a great savings! With back to school approaching, cringe, you may want to hop on in to your nearest Kohl's store and pick up a few new summer items for those first few weeks/months of hot weather!!!
You may be lucky enough to have a 10, 20, or 30% off coupon, which you can also use on the sale items.

Example:

Buy $100.00 worth of cleanced Summer items.
80% off will take that $100.oo down to only $20.00 (before tax)
Use your coupon, lets say for 20% off of the 20.00, and only spend $16.00 plus tax!!!

This is also a great time to buy for next year. Happy shopping!!!

Kellog's cereal rebate

2009-07-08T17:02:00.000-07:00

Hey moms and dads,

If your chilren are like mine, you can never have enough cereal in your house!!! When I have Kyle and Karena here, we easily go through a box every 2 days. They are piggies!!! Please click on the link to see how to get a really great deal on your Kellog's, then send in the rebate form. Details here. Happy savings!!!

2009-07-07T22:22:00.000-07:00

My Kmart shopping trip, it's a work in progress. I had never done the double couponing, and NEVER shop at Kmart! Here is a rundown...

3 Huggies little swimmers - 3.99 each = 11.97

2 Huggies diapers - 5.99 and 4.99 = 10.98

2 Huggies Pull ups -5.99 each = 11.98

3 Huggies overnites - 5.99 each = 17.97

4 Huggies Wipes - .99 each = 3.96

I got an additional $28.oo off because my total on the Huggies BEFORE coupons was $100.00 (split into TWO transactions of over $50.00 each)

TOTAL 56.84 - 28 = 28.86

7.50 in rebates (.75 each pack) = 21.36

PAMPERS:

3 packs Pampers diapers = 5.99 each, 17.97

1 pampers pull up = 5.99

Pantene shampoo = FREE

Pantene Conditioner = FREE

Pantene hair gel = FREE

Visine A = FREE

Aveeno lotion = FREE

Secret Deodorant = FREE

Dove Deodorant = .99

Dove Deodorant = FREE

Edge shaving cream = .49

TOTAL FOR 4 TRANSACTIONS = 55.78 (before the Huggies Rebates and before taxes)

Whew!!!

2009-07-06T19:48:00.000-07:00

I have spent the greater part of the day COUPONING!!! Kmart is having double coupon week, and they have some great deals. Tomorrow, we will be truckin' it to Springfield to snatch up some freebies and deals on diapers! YUP!

5th of July?

2009-07-05T22:58:00.001-07:00

Tonight we finally got to enjoy the fireworks!!! Rowan and I went back to Franklin, and YEP the fireworks were amazing!!! :-) Rowan loved the "boom booms"; he kept pointing to them and saying, "WOW!!!". So sweet. He was not afraid of them at all, which surprised me. He is still talking about the fireworks. It's cute to watch him. I'll try to get a video. All the way home, he kept turning around and blowing kisses, "bye bye boom booms, thank you, MUAHHHH!!!" Precious, right?

pretty blog

2009-07-05T10:00:00.000-07:00

Well, perhaps a new layout will intice me to be more proactive on this blog! Teeheehee

We are hoping everyone had a wonderful and happy Independance Day!!! The celebrations were abruptly haulted here lastnight due to the rain. DARN RAIN!!! Rowan did get to play with his bestie, Kayli, and we did sparklers and went to a cookout at Kayli's Aunt Brandi's house. It was fun to get out and be amongst other adults for a change!!!
Hopefully the fireworks will be going tonight. Rowan wants boom booms!!!

BBW

2009-07-02T09:06:00.000-07:00

I had another great shopping trip at Bath and Body. Melissa and I stocked up on the 90% off items, combined our purchases, and used a $10 off $30 purchase coupon! With tax, we spent about $12 each and walked out with massive amounts of GOODIES!!! They make great gifts!!!

BATH AND BODY WORKS

2009-06-29T21:44:00.001-07:00

I fell in love with the Eucalyptus, mint, spearmint products from BBW last year. I got lucky today!~!! I went in for the semi-annual sale and the old label products were 90% off!!! It just so happened, my Eucalyptus prodcuts were on that table! YESSSSSSSSSS

I walked out with a HUGE, HEAVY bag full of goodies! I had coupons, and only ended up spending $20. Pretty awesome!

CVS SHOPPING TRIP

2009-06-29T21:41:00.000-07:00

Lady Speed Stick/Mens Pro Extra deodorant, sale 2/$5.00.

Used 2 B1G1 free coupons. = 4/$5

ECB's earned $3.00

Aquafresh toothpaste sale, .99. Used $1/1 coupon = FREE

Aquafresh travel toothpaste, used coupon for one free = FREE

Vaseline travel lotion .99, used $1/1 coupon = FREE

Used $2 ECB's from last week

Total OOP $3.00

ECB's earned for next trip = $3.00

***Somehow, and I don't know how, I also received an extra $2 ECB coupon! Not sure how that happened?

Walgreen's shopping trip

2009-06-29T21:34:00.000-07:00

TRANSACTION ONE:

Dawn dish detergent 1.99, used in ad coupon for .99 = .99

Pringles, sale .99 each. bought 2, used coupon for $1/2 = 2/.98

Dry idea deodorant, sale 2.99. Used $2/1 coupon = .99

Earned $2 RR back

used 1 $3 RR from last weeks purchases

Total out of pocket, with tax, after coupons and after RR = $1.26

Register Rewards Earned = $2.00

TRANSACTION TWO:

Oust Air Sanitizer, 2.99. Used 1 $2/1 coupon = .99

Got2B mousse 8.5 oz andGot 2B hairspray 9 oz, buy one at $5.99 get one free = 2/$5.99.

Used 2 $2/1 coupons = 2/1.98

Dry idea deodorant, sale 2.99. Used $2/1 coupon = .99

Earned $2 RR back

used 1 $3 RR from last weeks purchases

Total out of pocket, with tax, after coupons and after RR = $2.82

Register Rewards Earned = $2.00

TRANSACTION THREE:

Buy 4 Pepsi 12 packs, get one free with in ad coupon = 5/$12.00

Dry idea deodorant, sale 2.99. Used $2/1 coupon = .99

Earned $2 RR back

Used FOUR $3 RR from last weeks purchases

Total out of pocket, with tax, after coupons and after RR = $2.25

Register Rewards Earned = $2.00

TOTAL FOR 3 TRANSACTION = $6.33TOTAL

RR EARNED BACK = $6

*I had to do three different transaction in order to use all of the RR from last week. Also, you can only RR on one item per transaction.

*Picture shows my purchase without the 5 Pepsi 12 packs and with out one of the Oust Air Sanitizers.

I MISS YOU!

2009-06-23T22:21:00.000-07:00

So, it has been nearly ten LONG months since I last saw my husband, who was sent on his second tour to Iraq last year. Let me tell you, ten months is a long damn time. Prior to his last visit, we had gone almost seven months without seeing one another.

I am getting pretty sick and tired of being a single mom to our two year old. Since Rowan was born, Jamie has only seen him a hand full of times. It angers me, yet I know that it is a choice that WE made and this is just one of the many sacrifices that go with. Still...I miss him and want him home terribly.

I know that Jamie will be home shortly, and this always leads to some anxiety. I want him here more than anything, but I know that with his return comes many adjustments. Again, I have gotten used to being the only parent to our son and to my stepson when he is here. I do it all around here; I pay the bills, clean the house, do the laundry, wash the dishes, put the dishes away. I do our budget and make sure we are putting enough back for savings and upcoming expenses. I also do the yard work; I mow, I trim, I weed...I take out the trash and clean out the garage. I maintain the vehicle and make sure it is serviced. I raise Rowan by myself; he knows nobody but me as his caregiver. I make his meals, make sure he is fed, I give him his baths and make sure he takes his vitamins and medicine. I have broke him of the binky and bottle. I have watched every single milestone from day one: first smile, first giggle, first word, first time he sat, crawled, walked. The first time he went up steps, and down... First at the pool, swimming lessons, first time in a big boy car seat. I've taught him how to peddle his tricycle and pull the dog in the wagon. I have been with him for every single doctor's appointment and held him down while they gave him his shots. I've witnessed a concussion and his first stitches... It's been just me. I know that when Jamie gets home, it will free up some of my responsibilities with Rowan. In one way, I can't WAIT!!! In another...am I ready for this? Is Rowan? Is Jamie???
How do I let go and hand over the reigns when this is all I have known for so long? It's huge...

COUPONING PICTURES

2009-06-23T21:46:00.001-07:00

For the previous post, here is a nice little picture. Cute, isn't it? LOL

couponing

2009-06-23T20:05:00.000-07:00

With all that has been going on recently (the house, family issues, lawyers...you name it), I have been slacking on the couponing. For the last two weeks, I have gotten back in the game, and it FEELS SOOOO GOOD!!!
So, here was my bargain shopping for the week, which I completed in one day...thank you very much!

Walgreens:

TRANS. 1

Aquafresh whitening toothpaste on sale for $3.00 each.
I used one $1 off mfc
Total = $2.00 OOP
RR earned = $3.00
Dial body wash travel size .99 each
I used one $1 off mfc
TOTAL FREE
Dial body wash travel size .99
I used a second $1 off coupon
TOTAL FREE
-------------------------------
total OOP = $2.00
RR Earned = $3.00

TRANS 2:

Aquafresh toothpaste $3.00
I used a second $1.00 off mfc
------------------------
TOTAL OOP $2.00
RR earned $3.00

TRANS 3:
Kotex pads $2.99
Used $1.00 off mfc
Kotex pads $2.99
Used $1.00 off mfc
Kotex tampons $2.99
Used $1.00 off mfc
________________
total = $5.97
used $3.00 RR from trans 1
Total oop = 2.97
RR earned = $3.00

Yay, I still have $6 left to spend! :-D

_________________________________________
CVS TRIP

CVS has Huggies Jumbo packs on sale this week for $8.99
CVS has Huggies Pull-Ups for $8.99

I bought 4 packs of Huggies Jumbos size 4
Total 35.96
I used 4/$3 off MFCs (can use on the old packaging)
______
total = 23.96 for 4 Jumbo packs

I bought 2 size 2-3T pull-ups at 8.99 each
Total = 17.98
I used 2/$3.00 MFCs
______
total = 11.98

I will submit 6 packs of Huggies to Caregivers Marketplace to earn .75 back per pack = $4.50 rebate

TOTAL 31.44 for 4 packs of Huggies diapers and two packs of pull-ups! Not too shabby.

Also, Pepsi is on sale 5/$13, yep, I bought five! :-)

words

2009-05-10T15:30:00.000-07:00

ere - here
dere - there

I have been working with Rowan on songs, and he is loving it!!! He has learned the Itsy Bitsy Spider, 5 little monkeys, 3 Little Alligators and monkey dance. Youtube has great kiddy movies with dance and song. I like the "simple" songs. The guy is hilarious, and Rowan LOVES him!!!

word list

2009-05-08T19:15:00.000-07:00

I forgot some:

one
two
tee-three
danka - thank you
elcum- you're welcome
me

I guess now that I am writing them down, he does say more than I thought. He is starting to put more phrases together now too.

danka mommy
me mommy
danka nana
bye bye mommy

Robug update

2009-05-07T18:58:00.000-07:00

So, I have been horrible about keeping this updated. Jamie is out on a "mission", so I figure I better get busy on this. SORRY!!!

Rowan turned two in March, and boy has he become a BIG BOY since this. He is really starting to talk now, which is very exciting! I was beginning to get really worried about his language skills, as he seemed to be a little behind others his age. All of the sudden, he is picking up words like crazy! I still don't think he is up to par with some kids his age, but he's making progress.

his words:
mamaw
papaw
mommy
dada
nana
bubby-Kyle
bobo-our dog Beau
yumyum-anything to eat
wawa-water
uice-juice
oesh-shoes
ish-fish
byebye
hi
uw ew -love you
eese-cheese
ducka ducka-bird or duck
no
now
ove-move
ducka-sucker
A-EY-not sure what this is, but he uses it in reference to a few things: computer, phone, pen, paper
ouwy
yay
uhoh

I can't think of more right now. He is SUPER active, and never stops for a second! He is always on the go. He really enjoy playing outside, but hates getting dirty. I think this is because of my influence, lol. He likes to play in water. I got him a water/sand table for outside, and he really enjoys that.
I am still wondering if Rowan ets motion sickness. He HATES rides, hates to be twirled, he doesn't like to be moved abruptly or picked up over my head, etc. He doesn't enjoy piggy back rides, or things of that nature, that most kids his age LOVE! He is doing better in the car now, only b/c he has a DVD player and can watch Spongebob. After about 90 minutes in the car, he is done and wants out. It seems to help him when I roll down his window a bit and let him get some fresh air.
His attitude has gotten a little out of control, and I am trying to correct this bad behavior. He stomps and hits when he is mad. He also sticks his tongue out at me when he doesn't like something I say or do.
Sometimes though, he is just the sweetest most helpful toddler in the world. What gives? He loves to help me, but only on HIS terms. He likes to help me dust and clean windows.
Rowan's new love is WATER!!! He cannot seem to get enough to drink! It's hilarious, and now he has learned how to manipulate the water and ice dispensers in the freezer door. I really have to keep an eye on this!
On the flip side, he is quite the little eater now! He loves his fruit!!! It doesn't matter what I offer him fruit wise, he will eat it all and ask for more: strawberries, kiwi, bananas, pineapple, watermelon, cantaloupe, grapes, pears, peaches, apples, you name it! He also REALLY likes corn and green beans. He loves hotdogs and balogna, cheese, all the normal kid foods. He also likes to eat fish with me!
He's becoming quite the little boy...

not so happy...

2009-03-27T20:59:00.001-07:00

Two nights ago, I think...the same day we had to go to the doctor for Rowan being sick, we ended up in the ER. Rowan was not feeling well, and I let him stay up since he could not sleep. I gave him some Tylenol and Benadryl, and I took my meds too. Around 11 PM, Rowan got bit by our dog, Beau!!!
We went to the ER because the bite was getting really red and swelling quickly; I couldn't get the darn thing to quit bleeding. Three hours later, we left with stitches in his chin. It was a very rough night. He had to get an antibiotic shot and numbing shot. Animal control came in to take a report; who knew dog bites were such a big deal??? Geesh!
Anyway, he is still feeling really yucky! This cough is really terrible. He is now taking an antibiotic for the bite, so hopefully it will kick whatever else he may have...Poor boy is drugged up from all the meds! Claritin and Antibiotic in the AM, Motrin and Tylenol (rotated every 4 hours), and Benadryl at night. I'll tell you though, it sure isn't slowing him down ONE bit!

Today is Rowan's 2nd birthday!!! We did a little celebrating, but not too much. He got balloons delivered to the house, and that made his day!!! :-)