Walgreens this week!

It was a good week for Register Rewards at Walgreens this week! With the ones I had saved up from last week, plus all those I received this week...I had quite the savings! I did two transactions this week so I could use most of my Register Rewards. First transaction included...

Dove Shampoo...regular $4.49...on sale for $4.00...get a $4.00 RR...AND use a $2.00 coupon...FREE PLUS $2.00!!!

Tums...on sale for $3.99...use a $1.00 coupon...get a $1.00 RR...pay only $1.99.

Coffee Mate...on sale for $1.50...use a 75 cent coupon...pay just 75 cents.

Vitamin Water...on sale for $1.39...used my FREE facebook coupon and got it for FREE.

Walgreens One Daily Vitamins...on sale for $3.00...get s $3.00 RR...FREE.

Halls cough drops...use a W coupon and get them for 99 cents...use a $1.00 man. coupon...FREE!

Reese's Dark candy bar...on sale for 39 cents...used a 55 cent coupon...FREE.

After all was said and done...
My tally was...
Spent: $10.40
Saved: $15.08


Second transaction...


Dove Conditioner...regular $4.49...on sale for $4.00...get $4.00 RR...FREE. (There must have been some kind of glitch this week because I was able to use my previous $4.00 RR AND ALSO GET MY SECOND REGISTER REWARD! THIS RARELY HAPPENS!)

Walgreens paper plates...on sale for 89 cents...grabbed three this week.

I also picked up some goodies for the boys Easter baskets since I had lots of Register Rewards to use.

My tally was:
Spent: 56 cents
Saved: $15.32
NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKIN' ABOUT!

This is what I deal with...

Each day, as I try to browse through my facebook...
Here he is...

As I try to catch up with friends...

Here he comes...

As I sift through e-mails...

He climbs...

Ok...now THIS is getting ridiculous Mr. Oreo!

I know you love me...and I love you...

But please buddy...

This is really pushing it.

Laugh Lines Are NOT Funny...

Found this picture...and thought it says it all...at least for me.

Dying...no biggie...I know where I'm going.

But while I'm here on earth...let's just say, I'm not too thrilled about aging.

Call it vanity...call it what you will.

But I hate it.

They say "age brings wisdom"...
I'd rather be the silly dumbe blonde I am now.

They say they're called "laugh lines"...
I don't need reminders of the happy times in my life.

I will totally fight it to the end.
If it means using wrinkle creams, coloring my hair, and killing myself on the treadmill...
I will do my best to defy becoming frumpy.

I don't have much to work with...
But I'm certainly not going to let what's left go to pot.

Seeing pictures from my high school and college days...
Brings back fond memories...
But it also brings a little sadness for me.
I see the high school and college kids now...
And I realize just how old I am.
This June will be TWENTY years...TWENTY years ago that I graduated!
And when I see those old photos...
I see how young we were.
And I see where I am now.

I am in a good place in life...a great place.
I have a nice home, a great husband, two awesome sons, a precious kitty...
And I love all that...
But sometimes...
I just need to be "ME" again.
Sometimes I feel I am wife and mom 24/7 (which comes with the job), but I sometimes miss "MELODY".
I think this is why I love reconnecting on facebook with old friends.
Because I can just be "MELODY".
I'm not wife.
I'm not mom.
I'm not caretaker.
I'm just "MELODY".

I don't think this is a bad thing.
I think most people can identify with this.
And if you say you don't...I have to question your honesty, LOL!
I think EVERYONE needs to just be THEMSELF occasionally.

Being mom, dad, caregiver, homemaker, sister, brother, etc...is great!
But sometimes...you just need to be YOU.
You need to just hang with friends.

Lately, I have been throwing myself into books and movies.
Most of you know...I've become another Twilight addict, LOL!
But I think it's good for EVERYONE to have outside interests.
Stay current.
Be it through books, music, movies, etc.


I just don't want to become that old, frumpy mom.
I want to have fun.
But I promise...
Not too much...

I won't embarrass you Ev and Nate!

It's Easter/Spring at my house!

Well, it is officially spring at our house. The snowmen have been buried...far, far, far away. Out came the spring and Easter decorations. We have things everywhere! There are bunnies peeking around our picture frames...

There are chickies sitting on the shelves...

And we are counting the days down, till the Easter bunny visits our house!

We are ready! Welcome Spring!

Even our front door greets visitors with springtime and Easter! There are wreaths, window clings, and more!

We decorated our Easter egg tree, got out our bunny dishes, and set out springtime candles and warmers!

All the Easter baskets are ready and waiting to be filled!

We have flowers and butterflies...

There are tulips and more baskets...

Bunnies, chicks, and baskets adorn the desk too!

And I was just reminded by a friend...my Easter flag!...I forgot to hang out my Easter flag! We'll tackle that tomorrow...and take pictures of the bunnies on our pine tree too!

Welcome Spring! We've missed you!

All dressed up with nowhere to go...

I'm sorry...

I mean seriously...

I just can't help it!!!

Oreo is my boy.

He's my baby.

My third son.

LOL!

I've always said that this "tuxedo kitty" needs a bow tie.

So...

I dug out an old tiger print bow tie that I had from an old Halloween costume...

And I put it on him.

Yes...I think I humiliated him. LOL!

Cats are not fond of being "made up".

You can "dress up" and "decorate" dogs...put 'em in dresses, t-shirts, and more.

But a cat...not so much! LOL!

But alas...he put up with me and my "get up" for just a couple pictures.

Thanks Oreo...momma loves ya!

Oh be careful little mouth what you say...

"Oh be careful little mouth what you say...oh be careful little mouth what you say...for the Father up above is looking down in love...oh be careful little mouth what you say."

Isn't that how the old children's song goes?

Seriously...I think it's time some of us start adhering to that old childhood song. The Bible says:
James 1:26 (New International Version)

If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.

I have grown sad...discouraged.
I know we are all just human.
But shouldn't those believers in positions of leadership, mentoring, teaching be held accountable somewhat for what they say?

The more I have been in contact with people lately...many from my past...I have become upset at the lack of spiritual maturity they show sometimes.

Much of it happens right on Facebook.
I know that's a place of social networking...a place where you can be yourself with your friends.
But I wonder sometimes if people forget just "who" they are friends with at times.
When they are "letting it all hang out"...they may forget the position they're in when they make certain remarks, comments, etc.

I'm not saying those in positions of leadership are any "better" than anyone else...not saying they don't make mistakes...I'm saying we ALL need to be conscientious...as christians...we need to ALWAYS watch what we say...around everyone.

As a believer...people...believers and non-believers alike...are always watching...waiting...for us to "mess up".

Yes...we will make mistakes...that's why there's forgiveness. But...we need to try our best...to always honor God...in word and action...so that we are always pleasing Him.

Lord, help me to be that example...the one You want me to be...to others.

Savings At Walgreens...

I wasn't expecting too much this week at Walgreens because I had a good week last week...it seems it's always an "off one week/on one week" most of the time. But I was pleasantly surprised that they had yet another good week! Yay!
Here were my treasures this week...

Shick Quatro Razors...regular $8.79...on sale for $6.99...used a W coupon for $2.00 off...and a man. coupon for $4.00 off...paid 99 cents! Woohoo!

Snickers candy bars...regular 89 cents...on sale for 49 cents...used a 50 cents off two coupon...24 cents each!

Planters Trail Mix...regular $2.39...on sale for $1.50...used a W coupon for $1.00 off two...and a man. coupon on each for $1.50...I actually MADE $1.00 on this one!

Oscar Mayer Bacon...on sale for two for $6.00...got a $1.00 RR...and used a $1.50 man. coupon on each...like paying $1.00 each with the RR!!!

Colgate Max Fresh...regular $2.99...$2.00 RR...and a $1.00 man. coupon...made a penny!

I also picked up a few others things because I had $13.00 in Register Rewards from two weeks ago.

My tally was:

Spent: $15.14

Saved: $42.49

Saving The World

Me: "Natee, I love you."
Nate: "Thanks, I know...but I'm saving the world right now mom."

"Mom, I LOVE it! We HAVE to go!"

So when there's anything FREE on my couponing and money-saving blogs...I generally take advantage of it if it even remotely interests me.
Well a couple weeks ago, they had a Walt Disney World vacation planning packet and dvd you could send away for.
Today it arrived in the mail...and instantly Nate was intrigued.
"Can we watch it now?"
"Please mom, please!"
"Can I watch it while I eat my pizza?"
"Please mom!"
When Nate gets his eyes set on something...you're gonna hear about it until...well, until he's happy.
So we spread out a giant beach towel and let him and Evan eat in the living room and watch the dvd.
Oh boy.
We're in trouble now.
Nate is hooked.
"Dad, how much does it cost to go to Disney?"
"Is it more than our Mackinac trips?"
"They have wicked roller coasters there!"
"That looks SO fun!"
"Mom I LOVE it! We HAVE to go!"
"At least once mom...we HAVE to!"
LOL...silly boy.
We have always talked about going to Disney World. But both of us have agreed that we want to go when the boys are not only old enough to enjoy everything, but also old enough to REMEMBER how special it is. When you spend that kind of money on a vacation, you don't want it to be something they forget.
So...
We keep talking.
And...hopefully...
Sooner than later...
It will at least be in the planning stages.
We'll see!

The Unveiling!...New Glasses...FINALLY!

Well, here they are. I got my new specs! It's been many a moons since I've had fun new frames. Like...we're probably talking...since Nate was TWO or YOUNGER! Now, before you jump on me...I do have my eyes examined regularly. But I tend to wear my contacts as much as possible and never did order new glasses all these years because my prescription never changed. But Sears Optical had a great "Two-fer" deal as I call it, going on...so I got some! This first pair is more a deep brown (actually called "olive") and has the cutest little silver "loop" and rhinestone on the ears! Very diva-ish! LOL! I love it!

I really like them. They're very comfy and sturdy. I haven't had plastic frames in ages. So tired of the wire rims. I felt like a little old granny in my old wire rims. I am loving these.

I am not having a very good hair or make-up day...it's a work day so forgive the lame-o hair and make-up. And I have green on (YUCK!) because it's St. Patty's Day. Green looks awful on me. But you get the picture.

This is the second pair. They are a bit larger and the ear pieces are wider. They are like a swirl of pink/brown. Very interesting pattern. They are a softer color.

Personally I think they look horrid with this puke green I'm wearing today...but yesterday I wore them with a long sleeve brown tee and they complimented that really nice. Sorry...I know I sound vain...but...well, I am. LOL! I'm totally loving having some fun frames to wear during the week. I rarely wear my contacts during the week because I am a night owl and stay up so late that my eyes are tired and dry in the morning, thus they don't cooperate w/ my eyes. So it's nice to have something fun and comfy to put on. Like I said, excuse the bad hair, pale make-up, and nasty green shirt...I'm sure they'll look better when "I" actually look better, LOL! But I just wanted to share for now. LOL!

Take time...

Haven't taken any pictures or bragged on my babies in a while. And although there is nothing new going on...I just wanted to say how proud and thankful I am for my three babies (Oreo included, LOL). We got some new laundry baskets and Oreo thinks they're great for hanging out in! LOL!

We've had a rather quiet week so far...and I'm hoping to continue that right into the weekend...as last weekend was packed with events. I'm looking forward to sleeping in, doing some cleaning, and hopefully reorganizing this weekend.

Hoping all you bloggies out there are having a wonderful week so far. Take time to hug your kiddos (and hubby)...and give some love to your furry friends! Thanks for stopping by and visiting!

Super Savings at Meijer!

I had a pretty good trip to Meijer this week. Anytime I come close to saving as much as I spent on groceries I count that a good week. I always do well at places like Walgreens, Target, WalMart, etc. on non-food items...but actual FOOD itself...sheesh! It's through the roof expensive! This was a pretty good week though. Some of the bargains included...

Kix Cereal...$2.18...used a $1.00 man. coupon...paid $1.18...grabbed two of those.

Herbal Essence Hairspray...$3.06...used a $1.00 off man. coupon making it $2.06...paired it with a Buy 1 Get 1 Free man. coupon...so I paid $1.03 per can.

Grands Biscuits...was $1.99...on sale for $1.00...used a 50 cent man. coupon...paid 50 cents...got four of those.

Green Giant Boxed Veg...was $1.56...on sale for $1.00...used a 50 cents off two coupon...paid 75 cents....got four boxes.

Land O Lakes...reg. $2.19...on sale for $1.00...used a 40 cent coupon...paid 60 cents...grabbed two.

Star Kist Tuna Pouch...reg. $1.99...on sale for $1.69...used a $1.00 off two man. coupon...paired with a $1.00 off two MM coupon...paid 69 cents each.

Lay's Natural Chips...regular $3.99...on sale for $1.99...used a $1.00 coupon...paid 99 cents.

Old Orchard Juice...reg. $2.29...on sale for $1.67...used a 50 cent man. coupon...paired with a 50 cent MM coupon...paid 67 cents.

Suave Shampoo/Condition (LARGE 32 oz)...regular $3.29...price drop $2.99...used a Meijer store coupon for $1.00 off...paired with a man. $1.00 off two coupon...paid just $1.49 each...score FOUR!

Hormel Chili...reg. $1.58...on sale for $1.25...used a 55 cents off two coupon...paid 98 cents.

Manwich...on sale for $1.00...used a $1.00 off four...paid 75 cents each.

Those were the best of the best.

My tally was:

Spent: $64.25

Saved. $55.95

Not bad!

One week on...one week off...(Walgreens Bargains!)

One thing I'm starting to learn with Walgreens...is they seem to follow a certain trend...of...
One week on...
One week off...
Their bargains, that is.
It seems that one week, I check the sale/coupon match-up and there is NOTHING!
The next week, it is BARGAIN HEAVEN.
Here were some of my bargains this week...

Halls Cough Drops...reg. $1.99...on sale for $1.29 w/ a W coupon...used a man. coupon for 50 cents off...paid 79 cents. Scored three.

Visine For Contacts...reg. $4.79...on sale for $3.99 w/ a W coupon...used a man. coupon for $3.00 off...paid 99 cents.

Fructis hairspray...reg. $3.99...on sale for $2.49...used a $1.00 man. coupon...paid $1.49. Grabbed three.

Clear Care Contact Solution Double Pack...reg. $16.49...on sale for $5.00 off making it $11.49...plus used a $3.00 Register Reward from 2 weeks ago...making it $8.49...and this was a DOUBLE PACK! That's like paying $4.25 a piece! You can't get generic for that price! Woohoo!

M & Ms...on sale for two for $5.00...used a W coupon making them two for $4.00

Children's Wal-Zyr...$9.99...used a 2 week old $5.00 Register Reward and paid $4.99 for that!

Electrasol...on sale for $3.49...got a $1.00 RR...used a 50 cent man. coupon...like paying $1.99.

Children's Zyrtec...bought two on sale for $9.99 a piece...and got a $5.00 Register Reward making them like $7.50 a piece. (We plan to use this RR for the New Moon dvd this week...woohoo!)

Colgate Toothpaste...on sale for $3.99...got a $3.99 RR...and used a $1.00 coupon...so I got paid $1.00 on that one! Yay!

My final tallies for this week were:

$119.90 worth of merchandise

$57.93 spent

$61.97 saved

Always loved saving more than I spend!!!

My Cup(boards) Runneth Over...

Ok, ok, ok...I know. I've said it before...I'll say it again. I have GOT to get organized. Since I started "super couponing" and stockpiling...my cupboards, cabinets, laundry room, etc. are all overflowing. And I am so unorganized.

HELP!!! I never noticed before, but it looks like my shelving is "bowing" in the middle, LOL...all that detergent and fabric softener! Do you have tips? Do you have organization ideas? HELP ME!

I saw some neat ideas on another couponing mom's blog. She used laundry baskets to store things in. She just tossed them in and had a label on the front of each. She had baskets of toothbrushes, bandaids, etc. It was really neat!

I may do that...laundry baskets that is. I've also considered Rubbermaid totes. I've GOT to do something. I'm so limited on space. But couponing and stockpiling are the WAY to go! I mean, who cares if you have 35 bottles of body wash! Who cares if you have 40 disposable razors? When you pay under a dollar for everything...you learn to stockpile! You learn to REFUSE to pay full price!

So please dear friends...leave me your ideas.

Send your suggestions.

Write down your tips.

Because...

My Cup(boards) Runneth Over!!!

Mornings are tough...I'm not me in the morning...

Mornings are really tough for me.

I'm not a morning person.

I don't like getting up in the morning.

I don't like talking to people in the morning.

I don't like being all happy and chipper in the morning.

I HATE MORNINGS.

I am a night owl.
You'll find me wired and at my best between the hours of 10:00pm and 2:00am.
This is my personal "best time".
I am happy and productive between these hours.
If I could go back to working second shift, I'd do it in a heartbeat.
But with children now, I would never see them.
I now work first shift for the loves of my life...my children.
But I hate that I'm just dragging.
I hate that I have to literally FIGHT not to be grumpy.
I have to greet clients in the morning and be all happy and chipper...and I feel like such a fake because in my mind, I'm so sleepy and tired and out of it...I just feel like saying, "GO AWAY, I'M TIRED, I DON'T WANT TO SEE ANYONE RIGHT NOW!"

People say, "Go to bed earlier."
I say, "It won't help."
I am a night owl.
I thrive at night.
I get so much done after my boys are in bed.
Dishes, laundry, etc.
And I'm so happy!

I wish I could be happier in the morning.
It's crazy...
Today I woke up, thinking about a situation that is coming up...one that I'm not too happy about...and I was ornery and grumpy.
Now...two hours later...I am looking at it totally different.
I'm more alert, I'm more awake...and I'm thinking, "It's ok, I can handle this situation...I don't really like it...but we'll make the best of it."
It's like, when I wake up early in the morning, a totally different person has hold of me.
I hate it.
Everything looks better later in the day.
Not even that MUCH later in the day.
Just give me a couple hours...say...9:00am or 10:00am...and my whole outlook changes!
I'm more positive.
I'm more happy.
I'm more chipper.
I'm thinking "I can handle anything that God gives me."

I wish I could change the "morning me".
I hate it.
But I have ALWAYS been this way.
I remember waking up for school back when I lived at home and my mom saying I was so grumpy.
I remember telling her, "Just don't talk to me right away. Give me time to wake up and I'll be fine. Let me just work through it."
And I did.
I just have a hard time being around people early in the morning.
It's not a situation where going to bed earlier would help...there is just something about getting up early (and by that I mean anything before 9:00am)...that my mind and body reject.
I am crabby and unproductive.
I can't move fast.
I can't get motivated.
I do a pretty good job of putting on a happy face for people, for the most part.
There are days when my hubby says, "You weren't very friendly to ______" or "The way you worded that wasn't very positive" or "Your body language said otherwise".
I try.
I really do.
So...if I have ever been unfriendly, offended anyone, or you mistook me for rude in the morning...I do appologize.
Just know, that it's not you...it's me.
And you'll probably see a completely friendly, smiling person a few hours later (one that's REAL and not forced).
All I can do right now is...To ask God to help me through my mornings...
Drink lots of coffee...
And pray I make to 9:00am or 10:00am when Ms. Happy kicks in.
Here's to a productive day!

Here we go again! We can do it!

I knew it all along.
But somehow kept ignoring it.
Thinking I could hide it?
Thinking it was't real?
Thinking it would go away?
But alas...
I have come to terms with it.
I am gaining some weight.
I have always had this little "pooch", as I call it, in my gut.
But all of my clothing hides it pretty well.
Even my rib cage feels like it's expanded!
Ladies, you know that feeling when your bra is killing you. LOL!
I'm SQUISHY!
I have always had a pretty good metabolism.
But ever since I hit thirty (many years ago)...it has gradually been slowing down.
And it's harder and harder to stay trim.
I just don't stay trim without HARD work anymore.
According to my doctor, I'm not overweight...and I know many of my friends get irritated when I say I need to shed a few pounds...because I'm not overweight.
BUT...
I am gaining rapidly...
And that's how it starts...I will be overweight if I don't catch it now.
I would love to lose 10-15 pounds.
But I'm really not going to focus on the pouds (ok, yes I am...you can't keep me away from a scale).
But what I really want to focus on more than anything...
Is how I look.
My goal is to tone up.
Have a flat tummy.
Be in shape.
I just want to look "BETTER".
And I want to be healthier.
More lean protein, more veggies, etc.
I'm not saying no to junk food.
But I'm letting myself have "portion controlled" amounts when they fit into my daily caloric intake.
So if I want a few of my favorite chips, I count them out and put them in a bowl.
If I want a cookie, I look at how many a serving is and how many calories are in them.
That is where I want to be.
I want to quit sitting down with a "bag" or a "box".
I want to get full on healthy meals.
I just keep thinking of all my spring/summer clothes...and remind myself, that if I don't fit into them...I'm not allowing myself to buy new ones!
This is it!
So far so good...
Day 1...I stuck to my portion control/calorie counting...incorporated lean protein and veggies...I exercised on the treadmill...did crunches.
Day 2...Same thing...also added the stationary bike to what I did yesterday as well!
I REALLY WANT THIS.
I don't want to get old and frumpy! LOL!
And if I fall off the wagon, just smack me and tell me to get back on!

God Bless You

I shared this on my facebook earlier, but wanted to share it here as well for my non-facebook friends...

Tonight, after a very yummy...but very greasey...breakfast for dinner...
I laid down on my bed and said, "Oh my, my tummy doesn't feel good after all that grease."
Nate promptly came over to me and threw his arms around me and said, "God bless you momma."
I said, "Thank you Natee...I could use a blessing...my tummy feels icky."
Sure enough, he came back about ten minutes later to check on me.
"How you feelin' momma?"
As a matter of fact, I WAS feeling much better already!
I thanked him for his hug and told him, "God must have blessed me!"

The Working Mom...

The Working Mom...
What a heated topic.
One that...if we were all smart...we'd not tackle from one side or the other...but trying to possibly understand and respect each others' point of view.
First, I need to define the term "working mom" just for this post's sake.
When I say "working mom" in this post, I am referring to the mother that has an additional "paying responsibility" outside of her mothering and homemaking responsibilities.
The "stay at home mom" or "sahm" as many refer to them as, may take offense at times when people ask them if they work, if they have a job, etc.
It is understandable, because being a mother and homemaker is A LOT of work.
However, I think we all KNOW, that when someone poses this question...they are not asking it to get a rise out of us. They simply want to know if you also have a career outside the home, in addition to your mothering and homemaking responsibilities.
No one would argue that mothering and homemaking is a huge task. Taking care of a child, cleaning the home, running errands, cooking, etc. are a lot of work.
No one would ever challenge how much work that is...especially many of the dads who are now staying home and either helping out, or becoming "stay at home dads" during these crazy economic times. I think both parents have a pretty good idea how much work it is now!
But my only defense, as the "working mom", is just posing a question to those who have never worked outside the home or may have never worked outside the home since becoming a mother.
My defense is...
Imagine all you do being a mother and homemaker.
Chasing after your toddler, changing countless diapers, calming your fussy baby, feeding your children, giving baths, doing laundry, washing dishes, picking up toys, mopping, dusting, vacuuming, making beds, changing sheets, cooking dinner, running errands, scheduling appointments, volunteering at school, the ENDLESS things you do...
Imagine all those things...
Now...
Imagine having to do all those things...
But imagine coming home at 5:30 in the evening.
You've dealt with irritating colleagues, a fussy boss, deadlines, paperwork, manual labor, a strained back, traffic, a headache, the ENDLESS things that come with a position outside the home (or inside if you work from home).
You get home...
Your "work day" is over.
And NOW...
You get to try to fit in all the things I just named above...
Cleaning, cooking, bathing, children, family time, homework, etc.
After 40+ hours of work...you "get to" squeeze all that in on top of your "work week".
So...
I don't argue with the stay at home mom who says it's a full time job.
It most definitely is.
All I ask...is that you consider the moms who come home and have to fit in everything named above after 5:30...exhausted, cranky, yet wanting to spend time with her family...yet feeling guilty about how messy her home is getting.
And before we attack the working mothers...
Let us remember...
In the economy we're living in, the vast majority of working mothers now, are working NOT because they WANT to...they're doing it because they HAVE to.
Maybe dad lost his job.
Maybe dad's job just doesn't bring in enough financially and mom is helping out.
I don't begrudge these women at all.
They are doing what they have to do!
I ADMIRE working mothers!
They are helping their family financially in these dire times!
I AM A WORKING MOTHER!
I have to say, my husband and I have always been blessed...we have always either worked opposite shifts, so we were able to avoid daycare (except during our one hour overlap in which we had wonderful caregivers). And now, we work from home and are here for our children again.
But I guess the "moral" of this post...is that we all need to respect each other.
Working mothers are not bad mothers.
Stay at home mothers are not better mothers.
We all do what we have to do, to make the best possible decisions for our family.
So let's all respect each other.
Not judge each other.
Love each other.
Help each other.
Imagine...if all the working mothers and all the stay at home mothers actually supported each other...oh what a happy world it would be!

Music To My Ears...

There are some things in life that are just music to my ears...especially since becoming a wife...and a mom.

There is nothing more precious than...
Nate's singing. He is my little songbird and I love hearing him sing...in the shower, in the car, while playing, all day long!
Evan teaching Nate something new. I love hearing them getting along...not arguing...playing nice together...teaching and learning together.
The sound of our car...when Jamie is gone somewhere at night...and I hear the garage door open...and I know he is home safe and sound...even if he was just getting a pizza for us.
Oreo purring...and nuzzling me on my lap...when he's in a lovable, snuggly mood...his purring just melts away all my stress.
My babies' giggles...when they get to laughing about something silly...they start to giggling...and Nate tells Evan that he's "Laughin' like a little guh-rl"...LOL!
The sound of the door closing at 5:30pm Monday-Friday...we all know what that means! WOOHOO!
The sound of the dishwasher and washing machine running at the same time...that can only mean, I'm caught up on dishes AND laundry! YES!
The boys coming in the door off the bus saying, "NO HOMEWORK!" I swear, I love it more than they do!
BOOM!...Yes...it's rolling in...a beautiful, relaxing thunderstorm!
Those are just a few of my favorite things...
What do you love listening to?

Angels???...quite possibly!

Some may say it's silly.
Some may not believe.
Some may say it was a fluke.
Some may say the car just did something out of the ordinary or needs to be looked at.
But...
We had the strangest thing happen to us on the way to church today.
We got in the car, and Jamie started to back out of the driveway. As we pulled onto our street from our driveway, we got no further than our mailbox and Jamie tried to pull forward.
The car stopped...still running...the steering wheel locked up...we couldn't move...when Jamie went to give it the gas, it went nowhere. He said it felt as if the wheels were "stuck" or "locked" to the pavement. We couldn't go anywhere. He said it was the strangest feeling.
To put any doubters at bay...we checked the instrument panel to see if anything lit up. For an instant it read "power steering"...it flashed and then went away.
We turned off the ignition right there on the side of the street and put the car in park and we dug out the owner's manual. It said that there was only a "problem" if a message "continued" to be lit up. It said if the message just flashed on and then went away, everything was fine. It said that when starting the car, if it was something that needed to be checked the message would come on and STAY ON.
When we started the car again, there was no message...the steering unlocked, and we drove forward as if nothing had happened.
Jamie checked for leaks, checked inside the hood...nothing looked wrong.
This whole incident took place in a matter of five minutes I'd say.
I don't know.
We came out of church a couple hours later...everything was fine.
We drove the car a couple places this afternoon...everything was fine.
Call it what you will.
But I told Jamie, "You never know...maybe we had angels watching out for us. Maybe that five minutes our car locked up and wouldn't budge and caused us to stay parked at home...maybe we just missed an accident, an emergency, something that would have caused us harm."
I don't know.
But it was the craziest thing.
To have your car nearly glued...locked...to the pavement...to have your steering wheel lock up...your car WON'T BUDGE for five minutes while it's still running...and then...boom...nothing is wrong?
Stranger things have happened.
I don't discount anything!
I totally believe we have guardian angels watching over us that God places at the right place at the right time.
So...
In any case...
Thank you Lord for always looking out for us...no matter what the case!

What I look forward to about the weekend...

What I look forward to about the weekend...

1. Watching tv, hanging out together, eating pizza/snacks on Friday nights.

2. Sleeping in on Saturday morning.

3. Staying in my jammies till I feel like showering/getting ready on Saturday morning.

4. Big hot breakfasts while reading the paper on Saturday morning.

5. Renting movies for the boys...I love seeing them happy.

6. Going out for dinners sometimes.

8. Hanging out w/ my hubby after the boys are in bed...lounging in bed watching tv.

9. Sunday morning church...love the worship at our church.

10. Big Sunday dinners.

11. Sunday papers...I always steal "Your Life" (love reading the advice columns, weddings, engagements, anniversaries), "The Parade", sale ads, and coupons.

12. Sunday afternoon naps.

13. Walgreens runs...I love my Register Rewards!...gotta get there early so everything's not picked over! LOL!

14. Sunday nights...I am trying to get better about these...I always fall into a mood because I know my weekend is ending...but with God's help...I am striving to look forward to another week full of surprises, LOL!

Here's a new one...

If you live in the southwest Michigan area...
Here's a new money-saving blog that a good friend of mine just referred me to.
I am new to it and still checking it out...but it seems to have alot of local activities, events, sales, coupons, etc. for this area.
Check it out!

http://grandrapidstightwad.blogspot.com/

Coupons, coupons, EVERYWHERE coupons!

If you haven't been doing "the coupon thing" long...
Just a reminder...
Weekly inserts in the newspaper aren't the only place to get your coupons.
And most of us know about all of the online sites to get printables.
But...
If you have a facebook account, there are MANY fan pages of different products out there that are always putting out coupons for their products. These aren't always just "money off", sometimes they are also for FREE sample size or full size portions of the product to drum up interest. Be on the look out for those!
Also, I get loads of free magazine subscriptions from all the money saving blogs I follow...and lately I have been finding TONS of coupons in my magazines! Entire coupon "booklets"! Like today I was just reading my Shape magazine and found an entire booklet that contained coupons for window cleaner, olive oil, feminine hygiene products, tuna, rice, and canned fruit! LOL!
Also, any time you get the chance to sign up with various companies online (food, cleaning products, personal products, etc.)...DO IT! Not only will you get newsletters, recipes, and such...but many times they will e-mail you printable coupons or send you packs of coupons via "snail mail".
There are SO many ways to get extra coupons out there!
If you have any ideas, feel free to post!
Happy couponing!

In ALL things...Rejoice!

Life has been full of ups and downs lately.
And try as he may, I do believe the enemy tries to get us stressed, upset, angered, bitter, sick...hopeless.
But for me...
It is (somehow) making me stronger.
I have felt I have been connecting more and coming closer to God.
It is bringing me back.
Who else can we run to?
Who else always has His arms open wide, ready for us?
God...and God alone.
It is my prayer now...that I will not let these day to day struggles bring me down.
They may upset me at times...I am only human.
But I will not let them consume me.
No matter what...

Psalm 118:24
This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Good shopping this week!

I ended up going BACK to Walgreens this week...LOL! There were some things I picked up on from other blogs later that were pretty good deals.

Dentine Gum...regular $1.29...used a Walgreens coupon making it 69 cents...used a $1.00 off two coupon...paid 19 cents a pack!

Nestle/Butterfinger Eggs...regular $3.59 a bag...on sale for two for $5.00...used a Walgreens coupon for $1.00 off two...used a man. coupon for $1.00 off two...paid $1.50 a bag. Picked up four bags at this price!

My tally there was:
Spent: $6.38
Saved: $10.16

Meijer had some pretty good deals going on as well. A few of my favorites were:

Quaker Instant Oatmeal...regular $3.28...on sale for $1.88...used a $1.00 off coupon...paid 88 cents.

Classico Pasta Sauce...on sale for $2.00 each...used a MM coupon for $1.00 off two...and a man. coupon for $1.00 off two...paid $1.00 each.

Reese's Pieces...regular $2.95...on sale for $2.50...used a $1.00 man. coupon...paid $1.50.

My tally was:

Spent: $35.77

Saved: $29.23

I hadn't gone to WalMart in quite a while, so I decided to check out some of their prices along with a few coupons I had. Some of the deals included:

Gillette Men's Body Wash...$3.33...used a Save $4.00 on two coupon...paid $1.33 each.

Uncrustables...$2.50...used a $1.00 coupon...paid $1.50.

White Cloud Bath Tissue...$2.50...used a $1.00 coupon...paid $1.50.

Johnson's Cotton Swabs...$1.38...used a $1.00 coupon...paid 38 cents.

Rimmell Mascara DOUBLE PACK...$4.32 (for a DOUBLE PACK...TWO TUBES)...used a $3.00 off coupon...paid $1.32...that's like 66 cents a tube!

Martha White Muffins...78 cents...used a Save 55 cents on two coupon...paid just over 50 cents a pack.

Then finally...I used my facebook coupon for Buy 1 gallon of milk and a package of Nabisco cookies...get one pack of Nabisco cookies FREE.

My tally:

Spent: $18.49

Saved: $14.37