Spring Dreams and Perfect Punch

I don't know about you guys, but I am so ready for "Spring-like" temperatures.  This constant change in weather makes me long for it even more.  I am ready to spend our days outside.  Landry loves to ride his tricycle and we are trying to conquer his bike with training wheels.  He loves to play on his sand table.  Brynley is still trying to conquer the whole walking thing, but I know she will have so much to explore this Spring when she can walk around to see it all.  She loves to go up and down our little slide.  We all enjoy having lunch out on the picnic table.  Can you tell that this dreary weather has got me dreaming for the days to come?

I recently had a wedding shower for a good friend of mine.  I love planning things like this.  We had cheesecake with all the toppings and fruit trays.  The thing I wanted to share with you is an amazing punch recipe that I got from a lady at our church.  It is absolutely the best punch ever if you like Frappuccinos from Starbucks and it is super easy!!!

Mocha Punch

6 cups water

1/2 cup instant chocolate drink mix (Ovaltine)

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup instant coffee granules

1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream

1/2 gallon chocolate ice cream

1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped

Chocolate curls, optional

In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil. Remove from the heat. Add drink mix, sugar and coffee; stir until dissolved. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.

About 30 minutes before serving, pour mixture into a large punch bowl. Add ice cream by scoopfuls; stir until partially melted.

Garnish with dollops of whipped cream and chocolate curls if desired. Yield: 20-25 servings (about 5 quarts).

I hope you all try it and enjoy!  Well I better get off of here.  We are headed to the gymnastics place again today.  Landry is so excited.

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.

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!
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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!!!

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!

Out with the Old in with the New & Pumpkin Head Fun

Well this weekend marked my first ever garage sale at my own house.  Up to this point I would have to say it has been a success.  I think I like having garage sales just as much as I like going to them.  I have always been intrigued by consumer choices and I find it entertaining to see what everyone just can't live without.  Yesterday I sold my vacuum and low and behold...

The UPS man delivered my new Shark Navigator vacuum yesterday afternoon.  After good reviews from my best friend Angie, I decided to try it out for myself.  I ordered mine on Amazon for $139 (after using a few $5 Swagbucks gift cards) and got free 2-day shipping.  I absolutely love Internet shopping for everything except clothes...for some reason I still like to see before I buy.  I haven't had a chance to use it yet, but I am excited to try it out.
                                                                                                                                                

Landry has been so proud of his two pumpkins that he painted at a friend's birthday party.  He has carried these around outside and hauled them in his tractor and wagon countless times.

I decided that he might have fun decorating a big pumpkin at the house.  Aldi had their large pumpkins on sale for $1.99, so he picked one out and we brought it home to decorate.  He kept telling me that he wanted it to have a face, but I knew that he wasn't old enough to enjoy carving one.  We searched around the house and found the perfect inexpensive pumpkin project for him...I introduce you to "Mr. Potato Pumpkin" as Landry calls him.

I may not be the most creative person in the world, but I thought this was a pretty clever idea.  I've seen the face kits that you can buy to stick in pumpkins and that gave me idea to use the Mr. Potato Head pieces.  I used a skewer to poke the holes and Landry stuck the pieces in.  He was determined to get the hat on there, so we used toothpicks to keep it in place.  It was so much fun to watch his excitement.  Next year I am thinking we will have to incorporate our Mrs. Potato Head and buy an extra pumpkin for Brynley.

Ironing Out Those Wrinkles

As a full-time stay at home mom and wife, there aren't many complaints that I have about the job.  I love being able to see my kids grow up and reach certain milestones in their little lives.  I love the feeling of accomplishment when you finally manage to get the whole house clean while tending to two children.  I love being able to have supper ready when Brandon gets home from a long day of work.  However, there is one chore that haunts me every single week...

Ironing...it is by far my least favorite chore!  I'm not sure what it is about ironing that makes me cringe, but it's one of those things I always have to talk myself into doing.  It seems like the onset of fall/winter makes me dread it even more because that brings on the long sleeve button up shirts!  I know that I bring on a lot of the ironing myself because I don't like to dry any shirts for us or the kids...I feel like they keep their color a lot better...but this also brings on the wrinkles.  And, I swear they make men's/boy's clothes with material that wrinkles the worst.  My good friend Angie kept a well-stocked supply of Downy Wrinkle Releaser around when we were in college because she hated ironing too.

I have found that this works on my clothes, but it takes a steam roller to get the wrinkles out of the boy's clothes.  So, thanks to Angie I have a few less clothes to iron.  I know many of you are probably thinking I should just take the clothes to the dry cleaner.  Being the frugal person that I am, I would rather complain my way through the ironing process than fork out the money to get them dry cleaned.  Now before you go judging my complaint about ironing...tell me that the sound of a creaky ironing board doesn't give you nightmares too!  In all my years of ironing, I have never opened up an ironing board at my house, another person's house or at a hotel that doesn't have that ear splitting screech when you open it?  Why is this?

In the amount of time I took complaining about ironing on here, I could have had this week's ironing done!  I just thought I would share with you my least favorite chore...what are some of yours? 

I will try to post some updates and pictures of the kids later this week.  Have a great Tuesday everyone.

Texas Wishes

We just spent a week in Ft. Worth, Texas for Brandon's work conferences and I was reminded of a few things that I love down there...and a few things I could do without!  I thought I would share them with you and see if any of you have the same wishes for these stores to be near you.

First and foremost, one of my favorite places is Sam Moon.  For those of you who have never been there, it is a purse and jewelery lover's paradise.  I could spend hours in there looking, but this year I was toting Landry and Brynley so I had to make a quick run through.  Everything is so organized and it is a great place to do Christmas shopping.  One of the greatest things about it is that there is a great price range and almost everything is very reasonably priced.  This year I found some really cute bows for Brynley and I was able to get a few Christmas presents.

Another one of my favorite places to go is Ross.  It is kind of like a TJ Maxx or Marshals, but I have always had a lot more luck there.  It is not always one of the most organized places, but if you are willing to dig a little you can usually come out with some good deals on designer brands.

The next couple of places I love are all over the place, but for some reason we don't have one near us.  Super Target...need I say more?  Not only is it a coupon lover's dream, but I realized just how much more of a selection they have of everything.  I love Target!   

And last but not least, a Sonic on the mall food court.  Of all the fast food places that come and go on our mall's food courts, why not Sonic?  I always seem to get thirsty when I go shopping and if only I could get a Vanilla Dr. Pepper without having to leave the mall. 

I will continue to wish for these things and will be grateful for no traffic jams and no Texas heat!  Does anyone else share my likes?

Happenings at our House

First of all, I cannot believe that it is already August.  However, with this miserable heat wave I am ready for it to be December!  The kids and I have been staying inside for the most part since Brynley is still not quite old enough to enjoy the water for long.  I did take the kids to the park last week.  Landry loves going down the slides and climbing everything.  Brynley had her first "diaper swing" experience.  She is such a little peanut!

Brandon and I managed to have a date day for the first time since Brynley was born.  It was so nice to have a whole afternoon and evening of quiet and adult conversation.  We spent our time shopping at the outlet malls and riding the roller coasters at Silver Dollar City.  I forgot how much I enjoy shopping when it is just Brandon and I.  He is a really great shopper!  I did learn a few things after going to Silver Dollar City...you do get WET on Fire in the Hole (I swear they have added more water to that ride)...Thunderation is not as much fun as I remember it being when I was younger (it about beats you to death)...but overall it is still a great place!

In other news...I have officially became a MOM!  The newest addition to our family is...

                                

We finally decided that the two door vehicle was not family friendly and the most economical decision was to get a mini van.  For some reason, this move did not phase me one bit.  As we pulled it into the garage last night and pushed the button to open the back sliding doors, I just smiled at Brandon.  No more squeezing to get the carseat out while trying not to bang the door against the other car!  I have a feeling that this is just one of the few things of many that I will love about it.  I'm sure as the kids get older I will want to move on to a suv, but for now I am ok with being a mini van mom!

Pampers Snob

I have a confession to make...I am a Pampers snob.  One might think that since I am always looking for ways to save money, I would buy the cheapest diapers.  However, my philosophy is to not buy cheap, but to buy quality at a reasonable price.  After experimenting with many different diapers for Landry, I found Pampers to be the most reliable at keeping the mess in.  I have found that it is very important for a diaper to be reliable 99% of the time, especially when you are on the go a lot.  I've had a few too many "Huggies blowouts" at some not so convenient times.  (If Huggies work for you, please don't take offense to this.)  Thus, my kids only leave the house in Pampers.  I have found the Pampers Baby Dry to be very effective...and they are the cheapest Pampers!

It wasn't until about a year ago that I realized I was throwing away some money saving codes.  Many of you may know this already, but all Pampers products have "Gifts to Grow" codes on them.  They are printed on stickers found within your diapers or wipes packages. 

You can create an account on Pampers and enter the Gifts to Grow codes.  Your points will accumulate and you can redeem them for a variety of gift cards and items.  I just recently redeemed some of my points to receive a 20 page 8x8 photo book on Shutterfly for free ($29.99 value)!  Not too bad, considering it takes a matter of seconds to enter these codes in.

I will leave you with a couple of pictures of Landry and Brynley watching their TMX Elmo.  It has provided hours of entertainment for both of them.  Happy Friday everyone!

Here Goes Nothing

After much encouragement from my friend Angie and several others, I have officially entered the world of blogging.  I have been an avid blog reader for about a year and a half now.  My blog addiction started out with Money Saving Mom and has just grown from there.  I have found it to be a really fun hobby and a way to save money for my family.  Now before you go stereotyping me as a "penny pincher," let me tell you about my outlook on bargain shopping and couponing.  If I can save money in the little areas, then I can spend it on the things that I really love in life (ex. traveling).  It makes staying at home with my kids even that much more financially doable.  I will try to share with you some of my money saving methods along the way.

Speaking of my love for traveling, here is a picture of Landry and Brynley on our recent trip to Riviera Maya, Mexico. 

A great place to start with coupons is to just look online at A Full Cup and Coupons.  Even if you don't want to commit to being an avid couponer, you can easily make your grocery list and then search for coupons on these two sites.  I would highly recommend Money Saving Mom as a place to start just to get an idea of how I started and to learn about the coupon lingo.

Here is a random beauty tip for you.  At my last eye doctor appointment, my doctor recommended using Johnson's Baby Shampoo to remove eye makeup.  This may not be new to all of you, but it was new for me.  Since I seem to have an over abundant supply of this from baby showers, I decided to give it a try.  I was pleasantly surprised how well it removes eye makeup and lives up to it's "No More Tears" tag line.

Welcome to my journey of random blogging!