Having fun

I was spoiled Monday. I turned the "big" 3-0 and Jake was so good the whole day just pampering me-it was kind of weird to have all the time to myself because that's how he'd planned it...anyway. At the end of the day he surprised me with a new laptop! brand new! yipppeee! Now I can download all the pictures on my camera memory card...all the way from 2009, yikes! there were 1600 photos to download (the other computers we own are waaay to old to hold any sort of memory...)

So the very first thing I did was download my pictures and empty my card! It felt soooo good! Jake was pretty happy with his purchase :)

So I've been taking some pictures...go figure...and I just have to share.

he's getting so stinkin big, I can't get over it!

they had so much fun getting ALL their hair bows/flowers and putting them in each others hair-they thought it was stinking hilarious-they were giggling soo much in this photo, I was lucky it came out nonblurry (is that a word?)

this is how full they got their hair...so funny

and little miss kept trying to put these on by herself. she finally let me help her and then she wanted to see...what better way than to take a photo and show her :D

We are having fun enjoying these days of summer before we have to really start concentrating on a school schedule again...they are loving the freedom of the summer (see previous post).

I love the creativity of my children!

boring

summer is here.
no agenda, no major worries, just time together.

does that mean we're boring?
depending on the day, you might get a yes from the kids.
but thusfar, I think we have done alright in keeping the boring out of summer.

as cold as June was, it wasn't as bad as last summer and Bryant and Sarah were able to enjoy a month of tball/baseball. Every Tuesday and Wednesday morning we attended two games and had fun with that schedule.

Now that July is here, there isn't a schedule and I'm okay with it.
The kids and I enjoyed attending the 4th of July parade in Rexburg-Jake was working, but my sister was able to join us for that. The kids absolutely loved it! I enjoyed it because my sister was able to be more active with them than I would have...I think they got more candy from this parade than they did from Halloween (although this candy was much cheaper).
As soon as Jake got home, we drove a few miles down the road and watched the Melaleuca fireworks. Which, I must say, were pretty darn amazing! (it's the first time in the 12 years I've lived here that I've ever seen them...)

Jake has been tuning up a go-cart for a friend and so we've been having fun driving it around the neighborhood and making sure it's up to par to return {wink, wink} Bryant and Kayelynn were able to learn how to drive it and thought they were just awesome-possum! Emily could have ridden in it all day long, she would squeal anytime Jake would rev the engine and just go! Lydia and Sarah were always content with the rides they got-my kids love to go fast. We all said goodbye to that fun tonight...I think Emily will be the only one to wonder where in the world she went.

We have been able to spend quite a bit of family time this month, thusfar and bedtime has even gotten pushed back quite a bit, but it's been great to be able to spend all this time being together and carefree in our own space and making it just that, ours. We planted a garden and it's been fun to see the kids calculate all the new growth and expectant times when things should be ready to harvest-they can't wait! (I just hope we can actually harvest and preserve it all before the baby, otherwise, we may have some new teaching in the kitchen...)

Now that it's the middle of the month we get to celebrate Lydia's THIRD birthday on Saturday. And boy is this a big number...she has been counting down since the day she turned TWO. It's hilarious. This girl is certainly two going on five or maybe it's twelve...wow! She is a precious little girl!

After that we've got a family reunion and then I get to celebrate the big 3-0 (not so sure how I feel about that, especially being seven and a half months pregnant...) And then it will be August and the schedules will return. We are already getting ourselves prepared for going back to school. The sales have hit on supplies and we've been stocking up and having fun putting everything in backpacks and making lists of what we need for clothing. For some reason, I just love the back to school season. I think it's cause of the newness and wonder that is generated...it makes me giddy.

In the meantime, I've got to make sure we keep things from getting boring, I think we might actually succeed in a fabulously un-boring summer...it's amazing what a little bit of grass and sprinklers can do to make a day that much better!

Update on the pregnancy.
I am measuring 6 weeks ahead of schedule (and feeling every bit of it). I was tested for gestational diabetes-failed the first test, passed the 3-hour fast, so the doctor informed me to keep the carbs to a minimum anyway and we will "shoot for a 10 pounder instead of an 11 pounder". Believe me, I felt so much better after she said those words {insert sarcasm here}.
However, I am glad that the pain has diminished to practically nothing compared to the first half of the pregnancy. Now I just deal with a very round and heavy belly and contractions that make me stop in my tracks. I fear now that this baby might have it's own agenda and make his arrival sooner than expected...I've got some clothes washed...the rest is a list sitting on my nightstand...I'm grateful for the friends and family that have prayed for us throughout this pregnancy and for those that have stepped in to help, offer kinds words of concern and overall just the love we have felt through this. I pray that we will be able to give back all that we've been given when the time is right.

Now I can laugh...

If you want to be remembered in church, I have the solution.
1-Sit in the front of the chapel, behind the bishops family-it makes it that much better.
2-Have a whiney child throw up all over you, the bench, the floor AND the bishops sons head/neck after the musical number.
3-Have that same child be the one that introduced your family when you first moved into the ward by starting her testimony "ladies and gentlemen..."

Oh boy.

I had no idea she threw up on me until my sister told me to look-yeah, I was a little out of it apparantly. I passed off Emily (Jake was working) grabbed the blanket that was already half covered and set it against her mouth as we practically ran out the front of the chapel. We made it to the nearest garbage can and then finally onto the bathroom. All the while I was worried sick as to how I could go back in and clean up the incredible mess that was left in the hot, muggy chapel-I could only envision many, many people racing to the parking lot to do their own version of throwing up just from the smell...
I took her outside and had her stand there while I went in to get my bag (luckily sacrament meeting had just let out). Surprisingly it was all cleaned up and the smell wasn't too horrible. Come to find out we were sitting by quite a few nurses who could keep calm, cool and collected enough to think. The bishop's wife offered to get her steam cleaner and get it all cleaned during Sunday School, so I brought Emily and Sarah home. Put Emily to bed. Bathed Sarah, put her to bed with a bowl next to her and hoped it was just lunch that bothered her...I laughed, I cried, I have felt humiliated, and incredibly sorry for Sarah-she is absolutely devastated that this happened-she does NOT like getting/being sick, but she handles it well and I'm proud of her.

Looooong day...she ended up being so sick she was throwing up every 30-45 min the rest of the day/night. Finally today she is acting normal. She still won't eat, but is drinking lots and looking and acting more like herself. She has her last day of preschool tomorrow and I hope she is able to make it...

Looking back, it's all pretty funny, cause it can be. But I still have a somewhat humiliated feeling, not sure how I'm going to show up next week and be okay...but it is okay and I just have to remember that.

Coupons...

I just LOVE couponing. I know that there may be a stigma out there on the idea of couponing, but I really don't care. It's a thrill to know that you buying what you need and even what you want with out breaking your bank-even diapers!!
At first, Jake was a little, maybe even a lot hesitant, and didn't see the potential awesome-ness until our stockpile (aka. food storage) was being built faster than the shelves in our storage room. He got those up very, very quickly and soon realized that I was spending way less on way more than usual. He started bragging at work and now there are ladies that will ask him when I can teach them how to save as much. And still serve their families delicious meals.
So, after contemplating the idea. I don't consider myself an extreme couponer and therefore, I wouldn't deem myself as an "expert", but I still know the basics and know how to rock some pretty awesome deals! I decided that I would hold my first ever "coupon basics" class and share the beginnings of what I know to be tried and true for anyone! I'm kinda excited, but incredibly nervous-I can make a fool of myself easily and sometimes I don't even know it until it's too late-haha!
If any of you are interested, it will be next Wednesday, May 11th at 7pm at my house (I hope we all fit). Let me know if you want to come. It will be super laid back and full of information! I just can't help but share the LOVE of couponing with everyone I know-I tend to sound like a dork a lot of times, but I don't care! It's just so awesome!!

Results...

First things, first. The mass that was found 4 weeks ago has gone down considerably. So the question now is, what in the world is this pain from? While doing the ultrasound today we discovered the baby is very low, at least the head and sitting right where the pain is. In my mind, that's what it is and as the baby grows the pain should reside a little. There was mention of a possible hernia, but that could be a timing thing as well. So really I get to just handle it and we'll be a-ok.
The due date is officially September 16th.
We are having a...

BOY!!!!

I am so giddy. It's been years since I've done baby boys, but I can't wait. It will be so fun. I LOVE that we started with a boy and we will be ending with a boy. So, so, FUN!!!

We had the most in depth ultrasound we've ever had. It was really fun to see all the different parts they record. The brain, heart chambers, etc. I am thinking we are in for a big boy-his feet are already quite big, but to be expected with daddy's size 18!

We have much peace of mind and are truly excited to finish this journey knowing we are being watched over. It will be a fun adventure!

the big day...

...sorta

First thing tomorrow morning we will be headed to the doctor to...
-discover the gender of #6 (Surprise!!! Some of you may not even know this information...it's not been something we have been announcing this time around...long story, for another day, maybe)
-hopefully get an answer for whatever else is crowding its way inside my body...it's so not fun to be pregnant and feel like a beached whale at 5 months (especially when there is still a hot summer to endure)...if this seems like a strange comment, this too is a long story to be saved for another day.

5-second recap:
pregnant
mass growing inside uterus
causing constant pain and occasional contractions
doctors are clueless, at this point
hoping for answers now that a little time has passed

Considering the options of how this could go, there may or may not be an update on anything immediately. I may have to just soak in the information I am handed and I may just have to soak in the fact that they cannot and will not be able to figure anything out until after the baby is born...although I think I'd rather have a little time to familiarize myself to whatever it is I need to...keep watch, there will be an update, sometime.

At this point, all I ask is for prayers-LOTS of prayers.
And (okay, one more thing) to keep all cynicism confidential...no cheeky remarks, I don't think Jake nor I could handle it at this point. And please don't feel like you need to call to ask for details. It will be on here when we are ready to tell the long story, it's too much to tell individually...we have managed to get it down to a 5 second recap and that would be all you got if you called.

Thank you for understanding, and for the prayers. We are grateful for the family and friends we have.

Fun In the...

8'o clock this morning...kids come asking if they can play outside.
Of course!!

Twenty minutes later, I look out.
This is what I see...



complete with leash for the puppy...

And my converted Russian-I got a good laugh...

The other good laugh?
There was fun in the snow...Who knew??

(yes, it would have been a better idea to look outside before they went, boots were in storage. And most of them didn't find snow pants-what an awesome mom I am! But they had fun!!!)

locked

The tooth fairy didn't make it :(
Mom forgot to unlock the window. Even after I wrote it down.
And now Bryant is trying to convince Kayelynn that the tooth fairy isn't real. That it's me...darn kid. I've never seen the tooth fairy, so I'm pretty sure it isn't me! He won't believe me.

Ideal?

Since the first of the year Kayelynn has had a loose tooth. The darn thing would wiggle and wiggle and then a few hours it would just be stiff. I just figured it was the way her teeth would fall out...with a mind of their own.
Saturday between Conference sessions. Wasn't this last weekend just amazing? It always is, but I am always in awe afterward. I LOVE to hear the music, the speakers, feel the Spirit and watch the kids as they listen to the stories and understand more and more each time what is being taught. LOVE IT!
I digressed. I apologize.
Saturday afternoon Kayelynn came to me with trepidation. I had to prod out of her what could be wrong. She opened her mouth and showed me that her new tooth was already in. Behind her baby tooth. She was distraught. The tooth was supposed to be loose. It wasn't. The tooth was supposed to come out on it's own BEFORE the new tooth. It didn't.
I called the dentist first thing Monday and set an appointment for first thing Tuesday to get it checked out. We discussed the very likely possibility that the dentist would take out the tooth and how it would happen. She's had enough cavities :( to know that she doesn't like the feeling of her mouth when the numbing medicine begins to wear off-for her it takes twice the time to get feeling back in her mouth. I digress again.
The dentist did in deed decide to take it out. And predicts that we will be back for the next tooth in about three weeks...it's already trying to make it's appearance.
That reminds me...I better go unlock the window for the tooth fairy!

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!!!