Kiddy Updates

Once again, I have been absent in the blogging world for the past week.  I promise to get back into more of a routine after the first of the year and share more money saving tips with you.  Until then, I have a few random pictures of the kids to share with you.  I am loving my new camera, by the way.  It takes great pictures and has little to no delay between picture taking.  I am almost happy that my old one decided to quit on me!

My little Brynley is 11 months old today!  I have said this a million times, but I really don't know where the past 11 months has gone.  She is such a tender hearted little girl.  She is always smiling and laughing at her brother.  She is starting to pull up and walk around things.  I know that it will be a whole new world for us when she starts getting into things...especially for Landry!

Landry is talking my ear off and is so inquisitive about everything.  He is constantly asking me "what you doing mommy?" and "who was that?" as soon as I get off the phone.  It is so much fun to see him learn something new every day.  The second picture of him is his "mean guy" face.  I don't know where he comes up with these things!  He loves to read and play drums and ball. 

This will probably be my last post before Christmas, so I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.  I hope you all are able to enjoy time spent with family and take the time to reflect on the amazing miracle of our Savior's birth!  Merry Christmas!!!

Gingerbread House & Striking Similarities

I decided that Landry was old enough this year to make a gingerbread house.  I have been looking for different ways to create fun traditions for each holiday and this is one that I had never experienced myself...I know I'm deprived :).  I quickly learned that it's not as easy as it looks, but Landry and I conquered it and he proudly placed each piece of candy with a little direction.  As I sat Brynley down by it to take a picture, she quickly scooped up a tree and popped it in her mouth.  She wasn't going to miss out on the fun either!

Last night, Brandon and I were looking through old pictures on our computer and we realized how much Landry and Brynley looked alike at 9 months.  The second picture is of Landry, but looks a lot like Brynley without a bow.

 

Looking through all the pictures made me realize how fast the kids have already grown up on me.  I am trying to remember to take time and cherish each and every moment.  Landry has been telling me randomly throughout the day "I wove you mommy."  It makes everything I do as a mother seem so worthwhile! 

I should be receiving my new camera today, so be looking forward to more pictures of the kids as I try to make up for lost time.  I decided to go with a Fuji Finepix camera after researching and finding a great deal on Amazon.  I hope I am pleased.  Have a terrific Tuesday!

Camera Questions

In my previous post I promised to post pictures of the kids from our stay at Big Cedar, however, my camera has decided to quit working properly on me.  Imagine my frustration as I have missed out on several great photo opportunities.  And what better timing than Christmas to have a faulty camera.  I sure don't want to miss capturing all the Christmas excitement. 

I currently have a Sony camera that I purchased 3 years ago.  I have definitely gotten a lot of use out of it but have never been 100% satisfied with the results.  I didn't take into consideration the delayed flash and how quickly a photo opportunity passes with children.  It takes forever for the camera to focus and actually take the picture.  I have just begun researching cameras and wondered if any of you out there have any suggestions for a small digital camera that is good quality and great for quick picture taking.  I would love to hear your suggestions!

The kids and I have had so much fun at Big Cedar and I hope to come back sometime when Brandon isn't busy with meetings and can enjoy it with us.  Landry and Brynley have both enjoyed the big indoor pool.  Landry has become quite the little fish and has about worn out the big slide.  I have a feeling he will catch onto swimming pretty fast because he is not afraid of anything and he has more than conquered swimming with just the floaties.  In honor of my silly camera, here is a picture of a boy standing in the big fish's mouth...you can just imagine what Landry would look like standing there!!!  And just imagine the priceless pictures I missed out on as Landry was sharing his snack with Brynley by the "big time" waterfalls (as Landry called them)...I'm not bitter or anything! 

 Needless to say, a new camera purchase is in my near future and I would love to hear your suggestions!  I hope everyone is having a blessed week.

Where have I been???

Wow...it's crazy how time flies in the blogging world.  It has almost been 2 weeks since my last post.  The kids and I currently enjoying Big Cedar while Brandon is busy with meetings here.  It is such a beautiful resort with great views and beautiful Christmas decorations.  I will try to take a lot of pictures to share with you when we return.  In the meantime, I will recount a few fun things that we have done over the past few weeks.

Many of you have asked me about my Black Friday experience.  Brandon and I ventured out to Tanger Outlet at 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving night.  Most of the stores opened at 10 and we wanted a chance at a couple of the free $10 gift cards to the first 250 guests at the guest service office.  We were already armed with $100 in gift cards that we received for $50 by "liking" Tanger Outlets on  Facebook.  Much to our surprise, there wasn't even a line for the gift cards and we both easily received one...kind of easy...the lady carded me because you had to be 18 or older to receive a gift card...that made me feel great!  We also had 2 vouchers for free $10 gift cards through 417 magazine that we were able to redeem.  So we started out with $140 in gift cards for $50 plus all the great sales...not too bad huh?  We were able to find some great deals at Gymboree for the kids and a little bit for ourselves as well.  We hit up several "door buster" sales at various stores around Springfield and were home and in bed by 7 a.m. on Friday. 

The most notable purchase we made on Black Friday was Landry's drum set.  Yes, that means he is potty trained!!!  Let me just say that I couldn't have imagined the process going any smoother.  We were accident free after just 3 days and he seems like such a big boy now.  I don't have my camera cord with me right now, but I will be sure to post pictures of my professional drummer soon.  We gave Landry the drums on a Sunday afternoon at 4 and we had to make him come downstairs at 9 to go to bed.  It amazes me how much rhythm he has and how intense his little face is when he is playing.  I know Brynley's ears are happy that we have an upstairs room to shut our little noisemaker up in!

Brandon was on vacation last week and we enjoyed a "stay-cation."  It is sometimes nice just to sleep in (as long as Landry will allow) and enjoy time spent as a family.  We were able to go to Silver Dollar City on Thursday afternoon and we couldn't have asked for better weather or a less crowded day.  We were able to enjoy a few shows and see all the beautiful lights.  Landry was able to experience his first go-kart ride at Incredible Pizza and Brynley loved the train ride. (Once again, pictures to come).

I will try to not drop off the face of the earth again anytime soon.  Happy Monday everyone!

Triple Triumphs and Thanksgiving Traditions

I think this will be my last post about triple coupons for awhile.  Pamida wrapped up the Triple Coupon Event on Monday, and I was able to score some more great deals.  I failed to get a picture of all my stuff this time because I had already put half of it away before I thought to take a picture.  So just imagine another counter full of amazing deals...3 Arm and Hammer detergent, 4 3-packs Scotch Brite sponges, 12 Campbells Cream of Chicken/Mushroom soup, 1 Fisher peanuts, 2 Halls cough drops, 1 Ludens cough drops, 2 Pantene conditioners, 2 Smucker's grape jelly, 1 Theraflu cold medicine, 1 Sucret's throat lozenges, 4 Oreos, 2 3-packs Trident Layers gum...all for $10.27.  I know this doesn't seem as tangible since I don't have pictures...just know that 2 bottles of the Arm and Hammer detergent would have cost me this much!  These purchases were all from Monday.  I got another cart load of stuff on Sunday, but failed to keep the receipt or take a picture...I think all this triple coupon craziness is going to my head!
     ___________________________________________________________________________

Does anyone have any great Thanksgiving traditions?  As the kids get older, I hope to adopt some great traditions to mark each holiday by.  I remember watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade as a child and getting together with family.  The thing I remember most about Thanksgiving and the one that I have carried on throughout the years is studying the ads and making a list for the Black Friday craziness!!! 

My family used to spend the night in a hotel Thanksgiving night so we could be that much closer to all the deals.  Now Brandon and I just spend all night shopping...no need for a hotel.  Last year we started the Midnight Madness outlet mall shopping and I am hooked.  I think I am just addicted to the thrill of shopping all night!  We were able to get some great deals last year on the kid's clothes and some for ourselves as well.  I am usually able to finish up my Christmas shopping on Black Friday and don't have to brave the shopping the closer it gets to Christmas...I think the crowds get far worse and way too grouchy!  For the most part, Black Friday shoppers are in the friendly shopping mood.  I have no electronics on my list this year, so I don't plan on fighting for anything.  Good luck to those of you joining in on the Black Friday fun!

I am thankful that God has blessed me with so many things including an amazing/healthy family, great friends, and an awesome church just to name a few.  Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!

OCC, Dr. Ogden & Surprises

This post is going to be full of random happenings around our house the past week.  With all the couponing and great deals I have been finding, I have failed to update you on the most important things in my life...my family!

Our church is taking part in the Operation Christmas Child this year and we decided to do a shoe box for a 2-4 year old girl and boy.  Landry thought it was the greatest thing ever picking out all of these toys and candy at Target...which I of course happened to be there on a day they had their "Dollar Spot" items 50% off so I loaded up the shoe boxes with great buys!  We brought everything home and I explained to Landry that we were giving these toys and candy to a little boy and girl who didn't have toys.  His 2-year-old dramatic response was, "Oh no."  I can't wait until the kids get older and they really understand the meaning behind these gifts.  We plan on making this a family tradition.

       _____________________________________________________________________________

Being the energetic boy that he is, Landry has had his share of bumps and bruises.  He received his first black eye just last week and it is still lingering.  He fell off the back of the couch shortly after we had gotten on to him for "riding" it like a horse.  I think he learnt his lesson with the fall!  Since then, he has been overly dramatic if he hurts himself and immediately requests and ice pack.  Earlier this week he came to me telling me he needed an ice pack.  I gave him one and found this...

He informed me that Elmo had fell and "bopped" his head.  Elmo was the one who needed the ice pack!  Do you think I have a future Dr. on my hands?
    ______________________________________________________________________________

I try not to use this blog to brag on my family, but Brandon did something last week that was definitely worth bragging about.  He came home Saturday from a church retreat with a dozen roses for me and a single rose for Brynley (her first ever).  This is just one of the many things I love about my husband.  We have never been much into getting each other gifts for birthday's or holidays, but he will randomly surprise me with something like this.  To me, it means so much more! 

 
Brandon, I know you will read this later and wonder why in the world I am sharing this here.  I just want everyone to know how God has blessed me with an amazing husband!!! 
      ___________________________________________________________________________

I hope everyone is having a great week.  I am already gearing up for Christmas, as you can probably tell by my new blog layout.  I put all of my Christmas decorations and trees up this week, my cards are ready to be mailed and I plan on wrapping a few gifts this afternoon.  I love Christmas!!! 

Pamida Pulls Through

Well, it proved to be another eventful coupon weekend for me.  I can't believe there have been two coupon events in a week without having to leave town!  I left Pamida with a cart load of great deals after the Triple Coupon event.

Once again, let me break it down for you since it's hard to see what all I was able to get.  The total price before my coupons was $217.27 (keep in mind this is Pamida prices, not Walmart...but either way I was able to come out way on top).

6 Idahoan potatoes
4 Kellog's Nutri-Grain bars
2 Smucker's jelly
2 Pamper's Kandoo wipes
4 Ziploc bags
2 Blistex chap stick
1 Carmex
5 Reynold's aluminum foil
4 Nestle chocolate chips
2 Glade air freshener
1 Garnier face wash
3 travel-sized Johnson's baby shampoo
2 Arm & Hammer baking soda
2 Miracle Whip
1 Planter's cashews
2 Betty Crocker frosting
2 Betty Crocker cake mix
2 Green Works dish washing soap
1 Dawn dish washing soap
2 travel-sized Degree deodorant
1 Puffs tissue
2 Cheerios
2 Reach toothbrushes
1 Oral-B toothbrush
1 CoverGirl blush
1 CoverGirl lip gloss
1 CoverGirl pencil sharpener
2 Garnier conditioner
1 Garnier shampoo
2 Febreeze air fresheners
1 Chloraseptic throat lozenges
1 Glade candle holder
1 Garnier hair putty
1 Garnier hair spray
1 Garnier spray gel
1 Suave deodorant
1 Crest toothpaste
1 travel-sized Olay body wash
1 travel-sized Tide

That is 73 items total for...$23.20!!!  I saved $194.07!!!  Break it down by cost per item, and it averages out to be $.32/item.  Either way you look at it, I got some amazing deals. 

For those of you interested, I am going to be putting together information to possibly teach some coupon classes at my church sometime in the near future.  When I compile all this information together, I will be posting information on here for all of you.  I started out with some suggested blogs from a friend and look where it has taken me!  The sky is the limit...or maybe when your cabinets are stocked full!!!  I hope everyone has a great week ahead of them.  God bless!

Brought to You by the Letter P

I decided to sum up my week with this title because it has been highlighted by three things that all start with P.  And, I am in the letter themed mood after taking the kids to see Sesame Street Live this week...which they both loved.

PAMIDA...I am gearing up for yet another great coupon event.  This coming Sunday and Monday our local Pamida is having TRIPLE coupon days, up to and including $1.00 coupons!  Not double, but TRIPLE.  For those of you who don't know, Pamida is a very small town version of Walmart.  And by very small, I mean about 1/16 the size and double the prices.  However, when you take into consideration TRIPLE coupons there are still some great deals.  I set out on Wednesday to "scout" it out and start organizing my coupons.  This leads me to my second "P"...

PUKE...It was one of those proud moments as a mom in which I was almost congratulating myself as I was strolling through Pamida.  I had brought a snack and paper and pen for Landry to keep him entertained in the cart and Brynley pretty much entertains herself.  Everything was going smoothly until...clean up in aisle 3!  Landry threw up anything and everything he might have ate over the past week all over himself, the cart and the floor.  I stood there in shock until a lady came by and asked if I needed help.  I sent her for some paper towels and proceeded to clean up the disaster.  So much for "scouting."  I headed home with a sick child in tow.  Needless to say, I cleaned up several messes and did several loads of laundry over the course of 24 hours.  I'm just hoping it's all over and that the rest of us don't get it.

POTTY...Last week I talked about potty training Landry and asked for any reader tips.  Low and behold, Landry woke up last Friday morning and said "no more diaper."  So, I broke out the big boy underwear and set the "pee pee timer" every 30 minutes.  We made it through the day with only one accident and a very proud mommy!  He has done great ever since and is even starting to tell me when he needs to go.  He's only worn a diaper during nap time and bed time.  I have even ventured out of the house several times.  I think I have to thank Toys R Us for sending out their toy book a couple of weeks ago, because Landry found a drum set in there that he wanted.  We told him that if he started going potty on the big boy potty we would get him the drums.  I think it all clicked in his mind...trade the diaper for drums...deal!  I'm thinking a trip to Toys R Us is in store for us this month.

Well to wrap up my story of "P's," I am a very PROUD mommy.  Landry amazes me every day with the things he learns and says.  Brynley is starting to get up on all fours and rock back and forth....I know it is only a matter of time until she will be all over the place.  I am thankful for healthy kids and a loving husband. 

In honor of Veteran's Day, thank you so much to all the troops out there who fight to ensure our freedom.  God bless!

Summer Fresh Savings

Summer Fresh is having Double Dollar Days this Sunday through Tuesday...meaning they double coupons up to and including a $1.  When I found this out last Wednesday, I immediately began going through my coupons and planning out my trip.  I headed to Summer Fresh early Sunday morning before church armed with my large stack of coupons.  I split my purchases up into two transaction because I had 2 $5 off $50 Summer Fresh purchase coupons.  Here are a few pictures of all my loot.

Since it's kind of hard to see what all I purchased in these pictures, I will break it down for you by the items and the price I paid per item before coupons

1 pkg. mini Oreos ($1.99)
1 pkg. mini Nutter Butters ($1.99)
4 pkg. Cheese Nips ($1.99)
2 pkg. Mentos gum ($1.19)
1 gallon skim milk ($2.89)
1 gallon 2% milk ($3.65)
1 Lysol toilet bowl cleaner ($2.29)
1 Lysol antibacterial wipes ($2.29)
1 Lysol kitchen cleaner ($2.29)
2 Renuzit air fresheners ($1.29)
5 rolls Bounty paper towels ($1.09)
2 Snuggle fabric softeners ($4.31)
1 Jimmy Dean sausage links ($2.49)
1 Jimmy Dean sausage patties ($2.49)
1 pkg. thin bagels ($1.00)
2 bars Olay soap ($2.89)
1 Secret deodorant ($1.55)
2 Fresh Gourmet salad toppers ($2.29)
4 Eggo waffles ($1.50)
1 box Honey Nut Cheerios ($2.50)
8 pkg. Libby's fruit cups ($2.00)
4 boxes Kellog's fruit snacks ($2.00)
1 box Nestle cocoa ($1.00)
1 pkg. Kraft marshmallows ($1.09)
4 snack size chips ahoy ($.49)
4 cans Red Gold rotel ($1.19)
6 cans Red Gold diced tomatoes ($1.00)
1 pkg Dole romaine lettuce ($1.99)
1 Colgate toothbrush ($2.57)
1 Colgate toothpaste ($1.50)
3 Crest toothpaste ($1.50)
2 Reach dental floss ($1.39)

Total before coupons....$135.87.  And after coupons.........


$21.56!!! 

That's right I saved $114.31 and got all of these groceries for $21.56!!!  I love coupon shopping.

Early Christmas Present

I am so excited about the great deal I just received, so bear with me if I sound overly enthusiastic about it.  I know that I have promised to share with you guys some money saving tips.  Well, here is a great one just in time for Christmas!

I recently blogged about Shutterfly Christmas Cards and all the new designs they have to offer this Christmas.  Truth be known, I do love Shutterfly.  However, I was doing somewhat of an advertisement through them because of a blog post I stumbled across on Stretching a Buck.  For my fellow bloggers out there, just follow the Stretching a Buck link to an amazing Christmas card deal through Shutterfly.  As part of a promotion they are doing for bloggers, you will receive 50 free photo cards just for following the instructions on the link above.  I know it sounds too good to be true, but believe me it works!  You do need to allow a week or so to be approved, write a post about Shutterfly and receive your free code.  Just make sure to follow the instructions on the link and through the emails you will receive from Shutterfly.  It is so easy.  I chose the following Christmas card priced at $2.39 each in the 5x7 flat stationery option.

Times $2.39 by 50 and my total came to $119.50 plus tax and shipping.  After entering my code for 50 free cards...I paid only $8.61 for tax and shipping!!!  I would advise you to jump on this deal now if you are interested so that you can be sure to receive your cards in a timely manner.  I mentioned earlier how I love Shutterfly...after this deal I really love Shutterfly!

Halloween Bargains

I know it may seem weird to follow my last post (Christmas) with a Halloween post, but I had promised some pictures of the kiddos in their costumes.  I was able to find Landry's horse costume on a garage sale in the spring for $3 and the cowboy hat for $2.  You can't beat a $5 costume that was so cute and he wears the hat all the time.  I purchased Brynley's leopard costume after Halloween last year at Gymboree for $7.  Once again, it pays to buy clothes ahead for kids.  My kids have pretty much stayed true to size, so this has made it very easy for me.  Now is the time to be looking for Halloween costumes for next year.  I have already bought Brynley's costume for next year...I found it on a garage sale for $2 and just could not pass it up.  Costumes are usually only worn once and not for a very long period of time.  If you can find them on a garage sale you can't go wrong!

You can't see it, but she has a tail!

This is the only picture I got of his tail.

Two posts in one night...I am getting way ahead of myself.  I think I will go bask in the election victories!

Christmas Cheer

The hunt for the perfect Christmas card has already begun at our house.  Each year I try to find the perfect picture and card design to use for our Christmas cards.  This year, I am loving some of Shutterfly's new designs.  I used Shutterfly last year to print pictures to include in some Christmas cards I had purchased previously.  I have always been satisfied with the quality of their pictures and the speed in which you receive your order.  One thing I love about Shutterfly is the variety of cards and photo cards available to choose from.   They have everything from classic to contemporary cards.

I love the classic colors.

What a fun idea!

Another thing I love about Shutterfly is their variety of religious Christmas cards.  I like my cards to read Merry Christmas instead of Happy Holidays!  Here are a few of my favorite religious designs.

Be sure to check out Shutterfly's website to see what's on sale or cash in some of your Pamper's Rewards to get your cards free!  Just looking at all the Christmas card options has put me in the Christmas mood!  I can't wait to get my cards ordered and to see what cards you all choose to send out this year.  I'm already excited to go to the mailbox!

Fall Flavors

There are so many things that I absolutely love about fall.  I love the colors of the changing leaves, the cool evenings, football games, and the smell of the air.  For some reason, one of the first things that comes to mind about fall are all the smells. 

Cooking always seems more appealing because of the wonderful smells that fill up the house.  I thought I would share a few recipes with you and the scents that go along with them.

First of all, I have been making my own bread for about a year now.  I registered for a bread machine when we got married and it had been sitting in my cabinet taking up space.  One day I decided to take it out and put it to use.  I'm not going to lie...the frugal side of me came out here as well because my grandpa had it figured that it cost around $.35 to make your own bread as opposed to buying it in the store.  The end result was something that I had been missing out on.  Homemade bread is the best!  If you have a bread machine, I think this is the easiest way to make the dough...yeast and kneading the dough myself scares me (Stephanie I still need lessons!).  The following recipe makes a 1 1/2 pound loaf of bread. 

French Bread
8-9 ounces of water
1 1/2 t. salt
2 T vegetable oil
3 cups bread flour (I buy mine at Sam's in bulk)
2 t. sugar
2 t. active dry yeast (I also buy this at Sam's)

All you do is add the ingredients in this order into your bread machine.  I choose the dough option on my machine.  It takes 1 hour and 20 minutes to knead and let your dough raise.  I then place it in the oven at 350 for 30 minutes.  I choose to bake mine in the oven for two reasons.  Number one...I don't like my crust crispy.  Number two...the smell is absolutely heavenly! 

Since Halloween is approaching us, I have been in the mood to make sugar cookies.  The kids and I made cookies last week and I'm thinking that another batch will have to be made this weekend.  They just don't seem to last around here.  I have a very simple sugar cookie recipe that doesn't stick to the cookie cutters and rolling pin despite all the flour like a lot of recipes I've tried.

Sugar Cookies
1 1/2 t vanilla
2 sticks margarine
3 c. four
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 t. baking powder
2 eggs
1/2 t. salt

Cream butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla.  Add flour, baking powder, and salt.  Mix well.  Roll out dough on floured surface and cut out cookies.  Bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes.

Frosting
1/4 c. shortening
1 lb. powdered sugar
3 T. milk
1/4 c. margarine

Mix all together and add food coloring. 

I think the thing that makes these such a treat around here is that for some reason I only make them around Holidays...that's probably a good thing for the waistline! 

Another one of my fall favorite scents is Bath and Body Work's anti-bacterial hand soap in the Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin.  I stumbled upon this scent last year in our church's restrooms and was too late to get it in the store since it is a fall seasonal scent.  I have waited all year for it to come out again.  It makes me want to wash my hands all the time because it smells that good!  One of my friends purchased this scent in the candle and she said it is amazing as well...I might just have to purchase one myself.

Stay tuned for pictures of my little cowboy and leopard...aka Landry and Brynley in their Halloween costumes.  I dressed them up this morning for a Halloween party and they looked so adorable, but I hate to ruin the surprise for the rest of you who may see them.  It would be like opening your presents before Christmas!

Potty Time

Does anyone else out there ever have a time when you feel like you have nothing blog worthy to share?  I have been in this boat the past couple of days.  Last week seemed to pass by in a blur, but I have had a little bit of time on my hands as of late to update my blog...and this is it...I can't come up with anything!  I do have some pictures and recipes I will share with you later this week when I get back around the house for awhile.  Until then...I will leave you with a mommy question.

Does anyone have any potty training tips for me?  I will take any suggestions or willing bodies to come and do this job for me.  It is the one thing that has always haunted me as a mom and now I feel like it is inevitable that I conquer it.  Landry is just a little over two years old and he is really beginning to like the idea of going on the potty.  I tried  to conquer this milestone a month before he turned two with the "Potty Training in a Day"...this turned into a three day nightmare in which I realized that he just wasn't ready.  Everyone always says "you'll know when he is ready"...for some reason I'm certain that it's not going to be something that happens overnight and I know that I am ready!  I am psyching myself up to start with potty training again next week.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  I found this picture of the potty seat that we have...just imagine Landry's face in place of this random child's as I gear up for next week!  Prayers would be appreciated.