Spotlight

I found this website this morning (thanks to a friend on facebook) and haven't been able to stop reading. She has amazing ideas and points. I love her focus on scriptures...she is a seminary teacher-and I wish I could take classes from her! She's fantastic!

I can't wait to start my own scripture journal based on this idea.
I have already copied these to keep for all those times I need a new fun idea for our family.
I hope to be more diligent in my Basic Gospel study with the help of this and this.

I seriously can't stop reading; AND her ideas for General Conference! Fantastic! I hope to be able to do one or two with my kids in preparation for this weekend. Looks exciting, if you ask me!

Head on over and check it out.

lost, a little?

So much has been going on lately that I feel like I'm losing and sometimes even, that I've lost control of anything that I could control. Where does time go? Why does it seem that the older I get (which I'm starting to realize isn't really that old). It seems that the house is never clean, the kids have been constantly sick, the kids constantly need to be somewhere, the laundry is piled high-but it seems I just folded that mountain yesterday, nothing ever gets done. But somehow it does and somehow we survive. I've been realizing this past week that I have been giving myself a pity party...for what? I do not know, but it's there. I need to get out of this funk!
After our lesson on service today in Relief Society, I realized that my life really isn't as bad as I think it is. There are others that have it worse and I need to stop wallowing in my own bad days and just do something about it!
My children are growing up right before my eyes and there are some days that I totally miss those little opportunities to cuddle, kiss, and hug their cute little faces more than I do. Many days I wish I could freeze time and get all those mommy chores out of the way and take a few hours and just play and enjoy the simple excitement of my kiddos. I just can't get over how fast time flies.
Tonight I was able to visit with some friends and celebrate the 30th birthday of one of them. We had a fabulous time sitting around talking and increasing our friendship. There are many things I learned tonight that I just never knew. It's great to take a few minutes out my busy days and weeks and catch up with friends.
So, as lost as I may be and seem. Things are actually going quite well. We are in the last 2 months of school and events will be coming out of ears as it all starts to wind down, but the time we will have to spend with each other will be priceless. I want to savor those little moments of excitement, love, and awe that keep the children happy and learning. With the sun shining more each day, it will be easier to get out of this funk and just enjoy.

-22

sheesh it's been a while. sorry.

quick recap...

Thanksgiving was fantastic. Jake and I hosted it for my side of the family. We discovered that our oven doesn't quite heat to the temperature it indicates, but we've figured out how to accomodate since. we had a blast sledding that weekend, since it had been such a fun big storm.

Bryant turned 8 the first part of December-I can't believe that I have one that old! He was baptized on New Year's Day! It was so fun to have family here to feel the spirit that was radiating from our home! I now need to be an even better example-it's proving to be a challenge, but we help each other remember.

Christmas was a blur. I came down with the stomach flu just after dinner and it. was. bad. I barely got the gifts wrapped before I had to lie down. I got up just as the kids were ready. totally forgot the camera! (I'm still beating myself up about that one-it's the least I could have done...) The kids were so thrilled with the simple Christmas gifts and love. They enjoyed picking out something for their sibling (we rotate names). Then Jake and the kids headed to Rexburg for a few hours to enjoy family and dinner while I stayed home and slept. Jake had to work the late shift that day, so it was a bit of a challenge, but we managed to get the wrapping paper picked up and gifts to their rooms. I think they had dinner. And then we all went to bed early. I sure hope to make it up the them next year. It's so not fun to have a sick mommy for the holidays.

Once January hit, Jake learned that work was closing one of the clinics and so he would be working odd hours at the only clinic open. They started having double coverage for doctors and nurses, but it just meant there would be no more days off. He literally had one complete day off in the month of January. It was starting to take a toll. He has school Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3p-10p and then he was working 3p-11pm on all the other days. Bryant didn't see him some days. But as the month drew to a close they realized it would be easier for the nurses to work 3-12hr. shifts a week as usual. So now he either works 8am-8p or 10a-10p and only 3 days a week and is able to go to school still and have a couple days home to do what needs to be done around the house. I'm already liking this schedule and it's only the 2nd day into the month!

Yesterday started the cold, COLD of the season. It was -15 without windchill and then -23 (at least) with it. There was still school. We drove the kids to the bus stop, but my sisters car wouldn't start so we had to take her to work. They predicted we would have even colder temperatures today without wind chill. Sure enough, it was -22 this morning. Still school. It. is. cold. I'm sure the teachers are going crazy not having a small break to collect themselves as the kids have recess inside. I hear tomorrow will also be cold. I will laugh if they decide to cancel school.

February promises to be busy and FUN! Emily turns one next week. The kids have their 100 days of school parties. Valentine's day. Kayelynn turns six. and a whole slew of nights filled with fun. and the month is over. wow! let the fun begin!

Thanksgiving #3

I am so incredibly thankful for modern transportation and that fact that I have the knowledge to be a part of it. I had so many errands and running around today I can't imagine if I didn't own or know how to operate a vehicle. At the end of the day, I am so glad that I have the access and knowledge to be a part of such an incredible "invention" - if you will.

Thanksgiving #2

I am thankful for running water and the instant heat that comes with it.
For those times the two year old seems to think it's funny to piddle in her pants...for the times the baby throws up all her dinner 10 minutes later cause she stuffed herself...for all those times and more I am so grateful that I do not have to wait a week to warm up a basin for all to enjoy the same basin...oh how thankful!

What is this??

(said with the accent and curiosity of the chef on Little Mermaid)

Family Pictures 2010

These turned out sooooo stinkin' cute! I am having a hard time deciding which ones to actually print; here's a preview:




















MY FAVORITE!!



MY {next} FAVORITE!

Thanksgiving #1

I posted this on Facebook and decided that it would be just as memorable to do this on the blog...
Day 1:
I am thankful for a home to call my own. It has been almost a year (the Saturday after Thanksgiving is the anniversary) that we've been here. It's surreal. We've NEVER stayed in a place this long and it's sitting pretty with me. I can't wait to have double digit years in one place!! I think we're going to have a party every year for being here-we deserve it, I think...especially the kids-they have learned so much about change and adaptation...

New season...

School has started and a routine has begun. I love routine, I love schedules, and plans and lists and the feeling of back to school; sorta like the feeling of the new year, where we set goals for our education, reflect on life and how to improve the "year". I love fall; the changing colors, the smells of crisp air, apples baking, pumpkins, etc. I love getting organized and feeling in control. I just love this time of year!!

Bryant started 2nd grade and has a lot of friends from last year in his class and he is just loving it! He brings home a book a night, his teacher stated that would be his routine homework each night and anything else he might not finish during class. He has met some new kids in the neighborhood that he is enjoying playing with. They are into legos just as much as he is. I do need to get him in a sport (we missed football, it was totally my fault), so we'll see if wrestling is the thing again this year.

Kayelynn started kindergarten and has done rather well so far. She is our shy little one so she wanted to be walked to the door of her classroom the first day. She asked if I could ride the bus with her after school because she thought there would be no one she knows (there are two girls in the neighborhood in her class, silly girl). She is making friends relatively fast for a shy one, I'm impressed. It's so nerve wracking to see them struggle socially, but she is doing much better than anticipated.

Sarah started preschool (a different one than last year) and LOVES it! There are many friends from church in her class and she is just miss chatterbox and social butterfly that there is really no fear in her socially. The only disadvantage is that its only 3 days a week, she would do so well at a daily preschool (there just isn't anything like that here.)

Lydia is POTTY TRAINED!!! My life has changed so much, one child in diapers?!!! It's awesome! She is so proud of herself and I am just in awe that my mother in law could get her trained so well and so fast just before school started. She likes the idea of being home with just Emily and mom, but constantly asks where the bigger kids are when school is in session.

Emily has two teeth, is crawling around. She is trying to stand solo and "walk". You know, I"m actually okay with the thought of her walking at an early age (whether or not she does will prove itself soon enough)...she will be able to follow me and be by me still, but I assume she will realize that it will be more fun to play with the bigger kids instead of crying on my pant leg during those times that I need both hands. She is slowly getting happier for longer periods of time, we still stuggle with getting the house cleaned more than once a week and the laundry folded after its been washed, but I can make dinner now and have something better than a 2 minute sanwich created in such a rush that the peanut butter is spillin out. She still struggles with daytime naps, but I'm almost convinced that it could just be a personality thing...again, this early walking idea has it's perks.

Jake started another semester for prerequisites and describes it as "stressful". He works full time, school part time, daddy/husband full time, and tries his hardest to keep up on the honey-do list to make my days that much better. He is in a time of major sacrifice and we are grateful for his willingness.

I have volunteered to help on the PTO for the year (I know, I can't even keep a clean house, why would I do this...I. have. no. idea.) I am helping with the games for our fall carnival (we don't have a Halloween one) so if you know of any great games send the ideas my way! I have started baking again and am loving every minute, I could seriously spend all day in the kitchen creating new treats and dinners and such...or down in my craft room scrapbooking, card making, organizing, and learning how to sew.

Life is good. There is a roof over our head. We are all learning and growing. We have many friends. We have dreams that are coming to pass and we have a family unit that is growing closer and closer each day. What a great thing to know that our family is going to be together forever!!

Twenty-Nine

I have finally reached that repeated magic number in life (last Sunday, the 25th). The one number that keeps you "young" in the eyes of others. And what do I have to show for my years?

1. I have a solid marriage to a man I adore and consider my very best friend
2. I have FIVE adorable children
3. I have a home to call my very own, not without any challenges mind you

Here are some fun facts about moi, that you may or may not already know

1. I have a college degree in health and physical education
2. I enjoy reading so much so, it takes me to a whole new world, until that book is finished...yes, that means that I ignore all household chores and to-do's and accomplish the most minimal tasks to keep the house functioning just so I can finish the story :D
3. I LOVE to paper-craft; scrapbooks, card making, etc.
4. I collect recipes-lots and lots of recipes!
5. I have taught myself how to play the piano; I have minimal formal training, but somehow I still held the calling of ward pianist in college one summer...I had never let anyone know, so...my dream is to own a baby grand.
6. Baking is a passion and therefore weight is an issue...LOL!
7. Cooking is a necessary desire for me, but I'm learning more and more to enjoy it and create some yummy things!
8. I love my new hobby of couponing!
9. I have organizational OCD...everything must have a place and be there!
10. I took calligraphy classes one summer in my teen years and have loved practicing since then, I would love to take classes again.

Life is great. It's amazing how much I have learned and grown this past year and in my lifetime. I know that this will be a great year!
I would love to hear your memories of how we met and/or a favorite memory you have, no matter how embarassing it could be. Thank you all for your friendships!

Birthday girl

Miss Lydia turned TWO today!!
She spent the day shopping with her grandma, and would you believe it the little diva decided that she would look at clothing, shoes, and jewlery...she was so NOT interested in the toys!
She got a new pair of flip-flops (you just have to hear how she says that, too cute). A dress, two outfits, bracelets, and a tinkerbell camera-all from grandma and grandpa! We weren't as much on the spoiling side of things; sidewalk chalk and another outfit.
She is just growing right up! In fact, she went potty THREE times today, in the toilet!! She is so incredibly ready to potty train it's ridiculous. I am so not ready, but when they are I have to be-there will be no more year long trainings here! I just might loan her out to grandma for a week though-seems a little easier :D She was thrilled to accomplish such a task on this grand day! The grin on her face said it all, she was happier than any two-year old could possibly be. I hope I can get the pictures I took downloaded to share, it's just pure happiness on her face.

Happy Birthday Miss L! 2 going on 16 and loving every minute.

Sharing

I have a hard time updating this blog when I lack the ability to share all the fun we have with pictures. There have been many moments lately that I've documented on my camera, but can't retrieve them and it saddens me. I don't have the gift of tongues associated to writing or painting a picture with words. I am long winded and lack the vocabulary to entice readers, for that I have really struggled with keeping this updated. But I have to make the decision, keep the blog going in whatever fashion I can or erase it. I am choosing to keep it, but there won't be many "fun" or rather picture posts for quite some time.

But that's not the point of this post, please read to the end, there is an awesome giveaway link. As you know (from yesterdays post) I have started a new hobby of couponing and I can't stop! It's such a great "skill". At first I was afraid to admit it, thinking that it would come across that because we are poor I have to start clipping coupons, which is true, but I didn't want pity. However, after about a month of clipping I realized that it's FUN and exhilarating, I just want to SHOUT FROM THE ROOFTOPS!!! In fact, I read a statisitic of sorts that those that coupon don't "need" to-mostly those that make in the upper middle class and those that "need" to-mostly those in the lower middle class to poor don't, in some sort of percentages. So I felt that because I truly need it, that I would DO it and I am so extremely grateful I stuck to it!! I won't lie, it was really overwhelming in the beginning and it takes a good effort the first month or two to get into the niche and know the stores.

Yesterday I went to do my coupon shopping and bought $126.01 worth of products at Albertson's. But I only paid 21.51 OOP (out of pocket) PLUS I received $10 in catalinas (those are coupons that print out at the register, which I consider "cash") to use at a different time, so essentially I only paid $11.51 for $126.01 worth of products (in 7 different transactions)! Isn't that exciting?!?!!! Tell me that doesn't intrigue you...what a great way to stock my storage room! For example, 8 boxes og Kellogg's cereal or pop tarts (mix and match) end up being $.63 a box with coupons and doublers I had!!! And, for the non coupon transaction, I bought 3 trial size herbal essence conditioner (they were out of shampoo) for $3.87 and got a $5 catalina...moneymaker!!!

I subscribe to the Post Register and get 5 sunday papers and one daily paper. I also print coupons from legitimate sites such as coupons.com and redplum.com. I follow a few coupon specific sites (no money required) that do a LOT of the homework for me, so I don't have to wonder when, where, and how to use my coupons. There are a lot of coupons that don't get used, but I'm okay with that because the ones that I did use more than paid for the months worth of paper!! I follow: athriftymom.com; thekrazycouponlady.com; and fabulesslyfrugal.com these are all based out of Boise, but they have connections to this side of the state in one way or another and most of the coupons they get, we get.

In fact right now, fabulesslyfrugal.com is having a SUPER giveaway for FORTY POUNDS of fresh chicken!! Go to their site and read all the details and then enter yourself to win (make sure you put my name and number -881.2444-as your referral)!! What would you do with all that chicken?? I have to share this, it's just too fantatic not to!!!

We LIVE!!

I didn't think anyone really read this anymore, but I've been asked a few times to update. once agin, no pictures, but since my sister is in China I will just update with what I sent her.

Bryant is really slimming down-he's proud of himself. He's having a great time making friends in the neighborhood, but he still struggles with being the in charge dude of ALL situations. He's quite smart and is just loving learning how to help out more at the house and in the kitchen especially. He's a great helper with Lydia and Emily-he loves to feel like he has a little bit of control with them-it's funny.

Kayelynn looks like she's about 6, her hair is getting long (past her shoulders) and blonde and she is just getting more and more cute and serious, she's currently going through a shy phase again. She can get Emily to laugh so quickly and she loves it. She is an awesome helper, always jumping on everything I say before anyone even processes what was just said.

Sarah is getting tall, about 3 inches shorter than Kayelynn and looks like she's about 5 although I get asked all the time if they are twins. Her hair is growing , it's past her shoulders too, but her hair is very dark, with some natural sun streaked highlights. She talks all the time and is just super funny and cute and lives on her own planet most of the time, but is very aware of what's going on and being said around her-she will randomly answer something that was said even if it wasn't directed at her-it's so funny. She's still the peacemaker of the family and it's great, she gets along with everyone!

Lydia will be two on Friday!! She is a P.I.L.L. but incredibly funny! Her hair is long (mid back) and super blonde from the sun bleaching it. She is a chatterbox as well and has an incredible vocabulary for her age! She blows the socks off people with what she can say and comprehend. She is also our little dennis the menace (the girl version)-she can charm her way out of every predicament she gets into and that's A LOT- needless to say she's mastered the charming to a T! In fact, she will automatically charm a stranger before any interaction with just her little smile and wrinkled nose-it's so cute!

Emily is 5 months old and looks about 8-she's so long! she's still got the little baby look and is quite small looking compared to how the others "chunked" out about this age...it's interesting how different they all can be and yet so alike. she LOVES her mom...she's finally starting to let me put her down for more than 5 minutes-as long as someone is in the room with her, except Lydia. She is incredible afraid of that sister. Lydia loves her too much and tries too hard to "help". In one word, Emily is adorable. She has two dimples that just light up her face when she smiles. She has the chubby cheeks all the kids have had but you can still see those dimples through it all. She is trying to sit independently, she is trying to cut teeth (they are taking FOREVER), she doesn't like tummy time unless there is something in front of her to keep her interested-therefore, she is almost crawling, she can do the little army crawl. She's especially mobile on her back-it's crazy she lifts her back and pushes with her feet and voila! she's there.

I don't get anything done in the day because Emily isn't a good sleeper during the day and I have to hold her most of the time. We've pulled out the little chair that hangs on the counter top and she's okay there with a graham cracker. I've almost gotten to where I can get the dishes unloaded and loaded in the dishwasher in 5 minutes...that's her limit and after two little wedges of graham cracker that's all she is interested in. She's really good at going to bed at 10pm and then I take time to get things done I want, like paper crafts and end up staying up way too late, but it feels so good to accomplish something I have created. I'm in a card club, so I force myself to get some extra crafting done once I get my cards made (I have to make 9), afterall, Jake bought me a Cricut Expression for Mother's Day and I need to use it. Occasionally I have to call a friend over to help me for the day so I can sweep, mop, fold laundry, etc. But we're getting a little better everyday. By the time she's walking she'll want to play with the kids more and it will be better. I have started a new hobby of couponing and I LOVE it-we save so much money and I have gotten more in our year-storage than I ever have or thought possible in the last 5 months!! It's a thrill I enjoy...shopping. saving. food storage. all in one!

Jake took the summer off from school and we've had someone come do the electrical downstairs. Jake finished the shelves in the storage room this weekend and it's looks GREAT! I am so excited. We can't finish anymore of the basement this year (unless we miraculously stumble across a money tree), but we will slowly keep things progressing-luckily Jake can do pretty much all of it by himself!

We've enjoyed a few family trips this summer and plan to have family on town a few times as well as one more trip before school starts! It's been a great summer so far. Our garden is growing, albeit slowly and it hasn't been too hot yet. It's great!

Thirty...something

Happy Birthday JAKE!!!

All he wanted for his birthday was a day to do all he needed by himself!! He got a new windshield on the van, got the snow tires off (even though he used them today-ha!), and spent the rest of the day out at the shop doing all he wanted!
He enjoyed a lunch out with his great-grandmother and came home grinning from ear to ear with that look of accomplishment we all get when we've been able to cross more than one thing off that never-ending to-do list!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the best husband and father! We love you JAKE aka Shrek!!

Bug Play

children can say and do very funny things...
they can also embarass their parents without even knowing it.

1pm-arrive at school for 1st grade play, which only lasts 1/2 hour
find no seating available for 3 princesses and a mommy holding a baby princess
princess #3 immediately starts shouting that she can see her brother on stage, who happens to be a potato bug, on the front row!
first song-he pelts it out like nothing else
second song-his lips barely move
3rd song he sings and somehow notices his fly is down...he tries to sing and zip at the same time...luckily at this age, all the parents are still really into their own children and don't notice this terribly funny, yet embarassing act.
meanwhile, princess #3-appropriately nicknamed dennis the menace, starts to take all wipes out of the diaperbag and scatter them all over the gym floor and then screams at the top of her lungs when momma tells her she should be done.
during the final song this same princess, starts to dance to the music, makes up her own words and dances with hip shakes and the whole body just a waving to the music, luckily she's not on stage...
after the final song there are dramatic bows made by the one and only potato bug in the play-hilarious!

I wish I could have shared these moments with someone other than my camera...oh wait! at the time I was wishing that Jake could have gotten off work for an hour to come help me, but looking back, it was quite the event that needed more cameras involved-these kids crack. me. up.

By the way, thank you to everyone that shared feedback and comments to my mommy question. I have been able to make better use of my time-she is going longer between feedings (sorta), I can sorta cook dinner nightly, and even get the kids bathed without screaming (from E-thought I'd better clarify that), there just might be a new normal emerging-it has been three months since she entered this world, you know..

mommy question.

I'm going to get straight to the point.

I have never been a good nursing mother. There, I said it...not sure if it feels good to admit that or not...

At first (with Bryant) it killed me that I couldn't nurse him, I would even steal away to the mother's lounge and pretend...I hated feeling like everyone was looking down on me for "choosing" to bottle feed my child and therefore, ruin his growth and development. Every child since has lasted longer than him, but still not as long as I've ever wanted to nurse.

With Emily I feel like I want to enjoy this as long as possible. With her, it was the longest first 6-weeks (in a different way than it was with Bryant) because she ate all.the.time! (and still does) and it hurt like nothing else, she just didn't know how to latch properly. We finally made it past that, but ever since she's started sleeping 8-hour nights, which has about a month, I have noticed that she has been eating a LOT more often during the day. I am totally okay with that since I have an eat-on-demand philosophy, but after eating every 2 hours, by 4pm she is HUNGRY!! and I just can't seem to get my milk to stay up with the demand...even though I thought it was a supply and demand sort of issue.

So here's the question, does anyone have any tried and true methods for increasing milk supply and keeping a full child? She's almost 3 months old and she still eats as often as a newborn and for just as long. sheesh. Again, I'm not so good at this, so I don't really know or remember what's normal.

Any suggestions, theories, etc are welcome.

life goes on...

I started this post two days ago and got as far as the title.
Things are so fast paced these days and I rarely have two hands to use, I haven't even had time to email my sister back-she's in China for another 3.5 months, or fold the clothes that have sat on the couch for 3 days now, ew! At this very moment Jake is holding Emily trying to keep her asleep and I am erasing every couple letters because the girls are running around me and bumping my arms/fingers as I type. But at least I am getting something written, right? As for pictures, I need to buy an external hard drive to put all my pictures on as I've loaded the hard drive of both computers-yep! I take a lot of pictures, I just wish I was good with the obsession and I will soon be sharing those photos with you...
I had a fantastic time in Boise with my in-laws. I got great items for the kids and am now in the process of going through all the things we already owned and cutting back by two-thirds! We have so much crap and for some reason now that I have my own place I don't feel the need to hold onto everything like I have in the past. I know I will venture to Boise again for the quarter sale and can just get more items than I need and won't even look at the items I have so I'm just going to share with those that need them...YARD SALE!! (now if the weather would be good on a weekend, all would be well...)
Jake has two more weeks of school and then he is taking the summer off to vacation the brain, finish the basement and just be with the family on his days off! We are so excited! We have a few trips planned, but will otherwise enjoy our time home keep our yard, garden, and home as clean and beautiful as we can. I am so excited to get our garden planted and see the fruits of our labors in our very own yard!
The kids have had lots of fun meeting and making new friends. We've never had such an opportunity or maybe it's that Jake and I haven't ever really let them for fear that we would be moving and have to say goodbye...now that we are long term residents we are enjoying time with neighbors and ward members and getting closer to the families around us...we can't wait to host a BBQ or two or more! We LOVE hosting parties and making delicious food...all those recipes I have marked for entertainment can now be made and enjoyed, oh I'm in heaven just thinking about it!! Whenever the sun is shining and warm we take a gander around the neighborhood and enjoy watching our children interact with all those around us, it's very exciting to see our social butterflies blossom even more!
I have made quite a few friends myself. We've been getting together every week for a craft day while the children play. We even get together once a month without kiddos and enjoy each others company. I've made ribbon boards for all the girls (well, only two are completed, but I have the supplies for the other two...just waiting for two hands longer than a half hour...although I do anticipate learning how to make ribbon bows as well. It's great fun, I've never done anything like this before.
and now my 5 minutes is up...I have a screaming child (Lydia) because I won't open the makeup for her to use...oh the joys of motherhood...

Free time

In about 12hours I will be headed to Boise, just Emily and me, for a weekend of shopping fun! I am going with 2 of my sisters-in-law and my mother-in-law. This is something we've never done together before, but we are all excited to go to Other Mother's for their bi-annual GINORMOUS quarter sale! I am hoping to find enough items to replace the ones that are being recycled through the girls and have new "scenery"-if you know what I mean. I hope to find items to get us through the summer and early fall as the next huge sale isn't until october...we'll have to wait and see. By us, I really mean us. The store has added a junior/adult section so there are item for moi even! Which is exclusive to tomorrow, last time I found some great items in amazing condition (but I was too pregnant to appreciate them)-I hope to find some steals for myself even! This is an event I look forward to, but have never shared with so many people at once...this will be an adventure! It feels somewhat odd for me to just leave the kids with Jake and go, but I am so grateful that he is willing to let me go while he plays with the kids for three days. And while I'm there I will be doing some serious coupon shopping as well-I am starting to get the hang of this new found skill and can't wait to continue to grow our food/essential storage in a much more budget friendly way! I'm even contemplating starting a blog to share my finds...I know there are a lot out there that coupon and have the hang of it even more so than I do, but I feel the need to share the local deals and haven't really found anyone doing that...we'll see, but for now I will just share my findings here.
Sharing the Coupon Gossip here:
KMart is doubling coupons up to $2. You have to have their "shop your way" card to participate and you can only double 5 coupons per day, but if you can make it almost everyday of the week (that's left) you can still score some pretty awesome deals. I was able to find some great deals last night and only paid $7 ($1.50 was tax) on over $35 worth of items...dish soap, tampax, fabric softener, razors, and deodorant, which I think is pretty good for a newbie. Anyway, I hope to score some more amazing deals while in Boise this weekend...maybe I can get my in-laws to help me out and I can share some of the goods :)

Walgreens has a monthly coupon book found in the store. This month there is a coupon (located toward the back of the book) for $1 off Flexion pens/highlighters. They are regularly priced $1.19 a double pack of pens or triple pack of highlighters. With the coupon get them $.19 a pack! You can buy as many as you want with the same coupon as well. I went and got myself two packs of pens and one pack of highlighters and discovered a $4.50 rebate on the back (limit one rebate per household), when you buy three-HUGE money maker! It takes about 6-8 weeks to receive the rebate, so we'll see if it really goes through, but it's another great deal and awesome stock up since the coupon lasts through the 24th. I think I will be going again to get more.
Let me know what fun sales/coupon finds you've experienced and I'll try to keep up with mine a well...Emily is getting a little better at not needing to be held so much, so I'm slowly getting more done each day-but I'll try to post more coupon gossip regularly (I use the term loosely though).

Have a great weekend everyone, I know I will!!

Kids say the darndest things...

We were at a stop light waiting to go straight. The turn light changed to green and Jake started to go. I asked him what land he was on after he came out of his daze and we hear Bryant in the background...

"Land HO!"

We laughed so hard we cried...

Survival revisted...

In my last post I stated I had survived my first day alone with 5 children...then why haven't I posted in a good three weeks? There's lots of reasons actually, but to put it in a nutshell-I've survived barely hanging by the skin of my teeth (why do we have that phrase anyway??)

I'm not going to lie, five is by far the hardest number I have dealt with, but I"m realizing it's mostly because #4 really likes my attention is not very happy that she doesn't get as much. She has adjusted rather well and the other girls have really stepped up to keep her company, but there are those moments when she just wants me and I just can't hold her as long as she would like. It's very heart breaking. We do sneak in snuggle times more and more which is great for both of us.

In the meantime, I woke up this morning and realized it's been one month since Emily was born! Holy cow, it has gone fast. Mostly in part to all the events that have taken place in such a short time. Kayelynn turned FIVE on the 24th of February!! Bryant has started wrestling and we just had Emily's blessing on Sunday.

HAPPY #5 KAYELYNN!!!

castle cake, daddy created!

blowing out the magic number...make a wish...

the grin on her face here, is how it was all day long!!!

Happy Birthday sweetheart!


WRESTLE-mania

the one in the black and red shorts

getting tips from a dad/coach

EMILY blessing

she was not so happy to pose, she just wanted to eat :)

peaceful

our new family of 7!

she's posing with her new cousin, Sophia (on the right) and her new 2nd cousin, Kaitlyn (on left)

I have to say, I am so glad that we have such a loving and caring ward, they brought in many meals and it has saved me more than I care to count! I am so glad that people understand that my house is not going to be clean when they come to visit, especially the unfinished basement that has toys scattered from wall to wall in both directions! I am so glad that Emily is a good baby-even if she doesn't sleep in her bed during the day-that's what Moby wraps were invented for, mom's to use both extremities while still holding their baby!!

Survival

I officially survived my first day alone with 5 children, granted one is in school all day, but still the routine of life had to keep going and although I am beyond tired I still had to get up and keep with life. There were many tender mercy moments throughout the day that just kept me going and I'm truly grateful!
There were minor interruptions in the routine that threw us off, but we all survived and still wanted to be around each other by bed time, no one prayed for mommy to not be grumpy-I must have done a pretty good job. Lydia is still learning that I will be holding Emily a lot more than she wants and that I can't always have her just climb on my lap. She refused to take a nap today and by bedtime she was so tired and still wouldn't fall asleep. I was nursing Emily and asked Lydia to come sit by me so I could snuggle her while I took care of Emily, she immediately climbed next to me and feel fast asleep. Oh how I miss being able to hold her whenever she asks. We will get there I know. One day down...bring on another!