Cheap Cheap Cheap

Coupons! I have had a blast playing with the coupons! THANKS mom for saving them for me! I have them organized in a system that I think will work for me (thanks to Heather's system, mine is similar!)



Here are the deals I got today.... I can't wait until I have a few more weeks of coupons saved up, and a few duplicates so that I can get more than 2 boxes at these great prices.... Drum roll please....



Ritz Munchables .83 per box, complete care tooth paste .25 per 6 oz tube, Herbal essences shampoo 1.50, cheerios 1.15 per box, FREE yogurt... and my fave 3 boxes of ziploc bags in which I will MAKE .50 owning... :)

I was sad that my store did not have the chips I should have for a dollar a bag, or the automatic shower cleaner I was hoping to get for .99, or the right kind of pasta for .33 a box, but do not worry, I will try again at the store across town tomorrow!

If you are interested in this kind of savings, please see www.symphonyofsavings.com, a website my friend has started.

***Update****

Well the 2nd Publix trip was Wonderful! It was a much better experience, and next time I will start at that Publix. They had many of the "blinkies" and even had some coupons taped to the items they went with! I enjoyed the strawberries, pound cake, and cool whip deal was my fave, $1.14 for 2 packs of strawberries, 2 cool whips, and 1 pound cake. I even had enough coupons to do that deal TWICE :) Fun! The picture shows what I took home for $12 and I saved $32!



I was able to get several things for FREE, and that was too much fun! Walgreens, CVS, and Mail-in-Rebates = FREE!

Field Trip!

The weather was beautiful this week... mid to lower 70's. I joined Kendra on a field trip on Monday. I was told we were going to be learning about worms. Kendra was so excited to see me "hold a worm", but when we arrived at Langford Park, due to some mistake, we learned about fish. It was nice. The kids got to "cast" a fishing pole (minus the hook) at several targets in the park after playing a Jeopardy game answering fishy questions. We had a nice day together.



On Saturday our family took a field trip of our own, and had family dinner night at Magic Kingdom. What fun!



We went on Carousel of Progress, had dinner, went on Buzz Lightyear Star Command, walked over to Toon Town and saw the Princesses, then went to see Lowell at work in the Mickey Tent.



Aunt Amanda and Kaitlyn ended the night at Its' A Small World, while the Deese's and Grandma and Grandpa continued on with a Coke break, and then Hall of Presidents. We then joined the wall of humanity that stood to watch the fireworks. We said goodbye to Grandma and Grandpa and went for one last ride, Space Mountain. Then for the trek to the car.... It was a nice night had by all.

Happy

My mom has been working on a surprise gift for my Grandma's 80th Birthday.... while doing so, we have been gathering old photos. How fun to look back at pics of my grandparents when they were young. I remember hearing many stories about my Grandpa playing basketball.



These pictures just make me smile.... I am so thankful that my kids know my Grandma, and wish they could have known my Grandpa.



I look at this picture, and see the face of my Mom in my Grandma. How beautiful :)

One Busy Week!

Kevin was the Soccer Star this week, as Kendra and Jerome's soccer practice was rained out. Kevin can't wait for Lowell's day off for a soccer photo shoot!

Kevin did a nice job at school taking the FCAT this week. Fingers crossed for a 5 in reading and math this year...



I was thrilled to let Lowell take Kendra to the salon to get her hair done. He was finally able to experience the 5 hour wait for her hair to be done. I giggled to hear that Kendra requested beads be put on her braids... that's my girl! As soon as they got home (just hours before Kevin's first soccer practice) Lowell set up the photo equipment, and Kendra had her smile on!



Jerome was cute as a button (not that 12 year olds like to hear their moms' say that) but he was so sad when a staff member from his school moved back to CA to be near her family. He burst into tears while telling me. My sensitive young man... He is over the moon about soccer practice starting this week... hope he still likes it after a week of practice. Kevin seemed concerned that it might require some work, and practice. :)

Weekend Fun!

Sadly another weekend has come and gone. However, we had some fun to share with you. Saturday Night was spent at Aunt Amanda's new house. Kaitlyn learned to roller skate with the kids in the court, and then showed them how to play on her new swingset.

Kevin had a full hour of Emily fun as he played with her in the basement. They went "shopping" as Emily pushed the shopping cart. Emily loves her cousin Kevin as she was heard laughing and laughing with Kevin!


Then the shows began as the girls had rehearsed all evening a ballet routine. The wood floors and a pair of tights will cause even the most reserved to spin, spin, spin!


On another note, Lowell and I have now been happily married for over 10 years as we celebrated our 10 year anniversary last December. We loved getting away and spending time alone on a 4 day, 3 night Disney Cruise. A big thanks to my mom for keeping all 3 kids for us!

Saturday Night Live

Each Saturday night we have family dinner. My parents, sister and family, and myself and family all get together for dinner. We started eating out at restaurants for family dinner night, but have grown into a family of 11, so we now cook in. Each week we take turns hosting the dinners. You never know what might happen at family dinner.

A photo shoot for ballerina's...



a display of brotherly love...



a wii showdown...



or Grandpa in Lizzie McGuire pajamas!



But one thing is for sure, we enjoy each others company and have tons of fun!