Mouse About the House! EEEK!

For the past couple of weeks, I have been pre-occupied with my new savings blog. I already have 111 posts, just shy of the 112 posts I have on this blog (before this entry). Anyhow, summer has been fun at my house-- doing crafts every day, talking about our upcoming trip to Maine and finding new ways to have fun while saving.

Anyhow, tonight I had my in-laws over for dinner, as I do many Tuesday and Thursday nights. Somehow, my mother-in-law began asking me about my coupon'ing and wondered about how I got the FREE Kashi cereal laying on the counter. I told her that I was waiting for a sale, then went in and used a Kashi coupon to get it for FREE. Then I wanted to tell her and my niece about the 20 Sobe LifeWaters that I essentially got for FREE too. I walked them down to the laundry room (a kind of narrow room and pantry area as well). I pointed to my stash of these waters that I have grown to love so much.

As I was displaying my FREE stuff, I saw a BIG BLACK BLOB jumping around near my feet, adjacent to our cat litter box. All three of us started screaming and went running out of the laundry room in a hurry. I nearly trampled them in the process to escape. I HATE mice, and cannot handle the thought of them in my house. It gave me quite a fright. I even locked my cat in that room for over an hour, and she just sat there. What a worthless feline! Anyhow, the outcome of this saga remains to be seen....

Oh Man, What a 4th!

Fireworks in our back yard

Our family had the best day together, despite my lack of sleep and a few mishaps. But boy did we have fun celebrating our country. We began by taking an impromptu trip to the local Veteran's Museum in our town. We were treated like celebrities, as we were the youngest people there and the only ones with small children. Many of the older folk were snapping pictures at my kids like they were a rarity. It was cute. We had done our best to don them in the patriotic red, white and blue.

Kaelah pulled her shirt down, Bekah wiggled and Haleah tried to pull her skirt up. Ugh!

Everything in this museum was, of course, old, breakable and precious. And my kids are young, precious and like to break things. I could have spent hours looking at the artifacts and hearing the stories that these veterans had to tell, if I had the ability to focus on something other than my kids. But I did take a couple of shots of some interesting miniature reenactments of a Korean War scene. David spoke with a veteran of that battle, and he remembers it as being one of the coldest winters he has ever known. The army camo also didn't blend well in the snow, so the soldiers were an easy target for the enemy. They had to try and use the mountain hillsides as cover. It amazes me every time when I meet a man, in the flesh, who physically fought in frozen terrain, took bullets to his body and lived to tell about it---all for the freedom of ordinary people like me. How can I ever imagine to repay that?

Miniature Korean War reenactment.

Two housewives of the 50's scene at the museum. I thought it was funny.

Next, we discovered an old train platform outside the museum. I took some pictures, because of it's aura. I could imagine a really magical wedding reception taking place there or something. It could totally be transformed (as it was in my mind). It was so nostalgic.


By mid-morning, we were headed out to hit the Dollar Tree for some last minute goodies for my last-minute family gathering at my house. Then we went to the Fireworks Barn near our house and bought a bunch of fun Black Cat poppers, sparklers, snaps, rockets, smoke bombs and mini fireworks. They had a Buy One/Get One FREE special, and we took advantage. They even gave us some free American flags for the kids. I asked if I could buy them, because I was looking all over town for them, but couldn't seem to get my hands on any. But the manager of the Fireworks Barn just gave them to me. I was happy.

When the BBQ began at my house, we had a grand time with family and my niece's friend, Angel. We set up outdoor fun with the trampoline and kiddie pool and played volleyball and had races. David challenged his nieces to a race and his pride wouldn't let them lose, no matter how much it physically hurt him. It was quite humorous. Then we set the kids up with long sparklers and showed the little ones how to hold them away from their bodies. They did pretty well, and so I began to take pics of my niece Cora, and Angel doing acrobats.

Running races in our yard. Who will win?

Silly teenagers!

It was then that Kaelah accidentally touched the hot tip of the sparkler once it went out. I raced over and yanked her to the pool. She had a pretty bad burn on her hand and we had to treat it. I was soooooo angry at myself for assuming that she would be okay if I turned my back. I should know better with a 2 year old, especially her, and that was my fault. Kaelah also scraped the tops of her toes after falling on the pavement, so she was kind of a mess. But she really "took" to Angel, and told me that Angel was her friend and said, "I want to go see Angel. Angel likes me too." It was sweet.

Loud fireworks! Kaelah with her new friend, Angel.

Next, after ice cream sundaes, we settled in the backyard again to watch David set the fireworks. Haleah was scared out of her mind and went screaming into the house. She doesn't like loud noises and became totally irrational. But I let her "do her thing." I thought watching David run from the lighted fireworks was one of the funniest parts of the night. It was just so humorous to watch. He kept telling me that his Will was up to date and that I would be taken care of. The rest of the children were thoroughly entertained as well. It was a hoot, even though half of our fireworks were duds. No wonder they were Buy 1/Get 1 FREE!

Run for your life, David!

We had some duds!

Finally, as dusk came over, our neighbors, Bo and Mary (who had invited us to the Veteran's Museum this morning), came to sit with us. My mother-in-law played her guitar and sang some old songs for us as we listened to the neighborhood bustle around us. And Haleah made her way back outside and, with Gracyn, my niece, she discovered lightening bugs for the first time. It is the little things that make these days worth it to me. I am so thankful for America and for my family, and my heart is full thinking about all the joy they bring me.

Bekah was so happy playing in the yard.

Watching the fireworks from the safety of our trampoline.

Summer Kick Off

I watched my nieces today and kicked off the summer season in style by hitting some more free deals. I raced out to Sonic for a free CroisSonic and a coffee for David, then swung by Chick-fil-A for 3 free chicken biscuits for the kids. I made it home in time to put Bekah down for nap and greet my nieces.

We began with some outdoor fun and made homemade bird feeders out of pine cones. It was fun! We also played some volleyball together and swam in the kiddie pool.


For lunch I made a cool Ritz cracker recipe where I swirled PB and marshmallow fluff together and smeared some on a Ritz cracker. Then I topped it with a slice of banana and strawberry and sprinkled it with cinnamon. It was delicious! I served it with Mac n' Cheese (as I do have kids after all), and Go-Gurt squeezable yogurts.

During nap, my niece, Gracyn and I made some hummingbird "serum" together and hung it in our garden. She also helped me water my plants. After nap, we ventured out to Wendy's for some free Frosty's, with my coupons. It was a perfect afternoon treat.

Back at home, we hung out and played some more. Then I made a spaghetti dinner for the crowd. My mother-in-law came back from her visit to Colorado, so it was nice to see her home. The kids were covered with sauce after the meal, so I popped them into the bath. They were all very fussy tonight, probably from so much sun and fun! But they all went down to bed safe and sound. Ahhhhhhhh....

What to Think?

I have no idea what to think. Kaelah peed all over our entryway rug and floor this evening, but then proceeded to head to the potty to do her first doo doo in the potty. I was so upset then so proud of her! That child never ceases to amaze me. I never know what she is thinking, but she's always up to something.

Tonight, as we were cleaning up our toys outside, Haleah and Kaelah and I got on the trampoline and lay down together. We were staring at the clouds and Haleah said, "Is that a cumulous cloud, Mommy?" What a smart one. Then she snuggled closer to me and said, "I love you, Mommy." I thought that was so sweet. Haleah rarely spontaneously shows her affection in an overt way, so that was so special to me to hear that.

I am excited that I got Haleah signed up for preschool in the fall. I know it is going to be a great benefit to her. And she said, "I won't be naughty for my teacher, Mommy. I will be a good girl." I told her that I knew she would be a good girl and that she would meet lots of friends too. Haleah inquired about boys and seemed happy to hear that they would be in her class too.

This weekend was full and fun. We did a lot of family gardening together in our front yard and still have a bit of a way to go. But it is so rewarding to see "the fruits" of our labor and to have a yard that looks/seems well-groomed (or at least properly maintained).

Off to do a bunch of paperwork before bed! Life is good.

Memorial Day-- Ray of Light

It was an unexpected encounter that moved me deeply, beyond words. I was racing out of my house early this morning to catch a few deals, on a mission... I made it into Walmart to grab my sale items and make my way to the check out line. The cashier was having trouble ringing through my items and called for a manager. As I was waiting, I glanced behind me. A man was carefully placing his items on the belt, waiting for his turn. I noticed that he was stacking cat food cans and kitty litter---lots of it. I looked at him and then it dawned on me---he was wearing his black and yellow U.S. Veteran's hat and matching jacket. I didn't look at it closely, but I recognized right away, that he had served our country. And when my brain caught up with my sight, I realized it was Memorial Day and that I had to say something to this man.

I said matter of factly, "Sir, I just want to thank you for serving our country. It means so much. Thank you." And I shook his hand and made it a point to look him straight in the eyes. He looked at me and smiled and almost started to cry. He said I had made his day... I found that comment to be interesting. Didn't any one else ever thank him? It seemed like such a simple comment to make...

I was then interrupted, my attention being drawn back to the transaction at hand. I answered a couple of questions for the cashier who was now fiddling (actually, fighting) with her cash register. I glanced at the former serviceman again. He said to me, "You know, there is a story that goes along with all of this cat food..." And I began to listen...

He said, "I served in WWII with my brother right after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. My brother was killed and my plane was shot down and I became a prisoner of war. I was caged, without food, for days on end. But there was this cat that would come by my cage and mew at me. Every day I waited for that comfort and connection that that cat would bring. And then one day, after I was almost dead from starvation, that cat came back to me and dropped a dead rat outside my cage for me. I reached between the bars of the cage and grabbed that rat and ate it. That cat saved my life."

He continued, "I have no family now. But I have my cat."

Okay, now I had tears streaming down my face in the middle of Walmart, but I didn't care. I hugged that man and now honestly told him, "Because of your sacrifice, I am able to live and raise my children today. God bless you!" What he said to me truly put into perspective what men like him did for ALLof us, for men and women of the past, present and future, for children of the 1960's, the 1970's and for children that are not even yet born.

I looked into his eyes as he said, "That brings back so many memories." And I knew it was painful for him. In his eyes I could see back through to 60+ years ago. I said, "Sir, what is your name?" He said, "Miller. Ray Miller." By this time we had a small crowd of people listening in and watching us cry. I said, "Mr. Miller, I will pray for you, and thank you again." And this time I really, REALLY meant it. Mr. Miller truly opened my eyes to the sacrifice that was made. I didn't make his day--he impacted mine.

My cashier was speechless, but I was moved beyond words. I finished my transaction and proceeded to the parking lot, a mess. If I had had my wares about me I would have, SHOULD have paid for his cat supplies. But that thought didn't cross my mind until a couple of hours later, and I was so irritated with myself. But in that one special interaction with that 80-something year old man is something I will never forget. It will be a treasure in my heart forever, and I will remember Ray Miller-- soldier, hero, veteran, citizen and neighbor in my prayers tonight.

Publix Savings 5/25/2009

Giddy does not describe it... Luck was on my side as I ventured to Publix today, after an unsuccessful run to CVS for a $10 Extra Care Bucks (ECBs) snag. I spent $13.79 and saved $61.29 from coupons, peelies and in store savings. Here is the picture and the breakdown:


1 box Rice Krispies (.99 w/ coupon)

1 box Rice Krispies (1.99, no coupon, but was on sale)

1 box Froot Loops (.99 w/ coupon)

4 Coles frozen garlic breads (.39 each after four 50 cent coupons doubled)

1 Kraft BBQ sauce (FREE w/ coupon doubled).

2 Pedigree Dentastick (FREE after 1 coupon for each item. Note: I don't have a dog, but these were FREE with the coupon, plus an overage, which means the coupon was worth more than the product was at sale price---leaving me with extra money credited towards my overall grocery balance. AND, I can just give these doggie treats away to friends with pooches).

1 Heluva Dip (FREE w/ coupon, doubled). Note: We say "Helooova" in my house, so my kids won't learn a bad word (ha).

1 FREE milk (w/ coupon for buying the above 3 cereals mentioned)

1 milk ($1.39, as an in-store Buy1/Get1 special was taking place in the moment I was in there. I was in the right place at the right time, and I heard the deal didn't last!)

3 Tidy Cat Litters ($4 total after I saw peelie coupons on the cartons. I was not going to get any more kitty litter during this BOGO week, as I had already purchased 1 with my printable coupon. But then I walked by and saw that there were $2 off peelies on the product, I was so happy! Usually stealers take them all and leave none for the actual purchaser of the product, which is thievery. Anyhow, I should have bought more! There is nothing worse than having to pay over $7 a carton, or more, for stinking cat litter. I love this deal)!

3 Pillsbury Ready to Bake Cookie packs ($5.95 for 3 after 2 coupons. In retrospect, I shouldn't have purchased this, as it wasn't a great deal, even though it was on sale. But I LOVE cookies. So I figure it was like $2 a box for 75 cookies total. I'll just eat them if I get depressed).

1 Edy's ice cream (.50 after coupon---can't beat that! And it was French Vanilla. It goes so perfectly with the the delicious blackberry cobbler I made tonight)!

Final Note: I have a lot of items stocked up now, and probably won't have to to much more shopping this week except for some produce, bread and maybe some meat. I'm lovin it!

Memorial Day Showdown

These were the budget-friendly favors I created for the reception.

Memorial Day weekend has been a whirlwind so far. My house is a disaster, as I've been prepping for all sorts of "going ons." Saturday, I traveled to the city to decorate for my cousin Jennifer's house reception after she got married in a lovely park ceremony on Friday. Her new Mother-in-Law, Jeannie, was hosting. I was happy to be involved in this celebration and made some special favors for the guests ahead of time. I used Jennifer's favorite colors together (pink and brown) and decorated clear cups filled with Hypoteses plants. I love to decorate on a budget. I also found some limited edition Oreos that were pink (strawberry) and brown (cookie) for favors for the kids that attended. During the party I helped to cut the cake and pick up and keep things stocked and running smoothly. It was easy to do when I didn't have three children hanging off of me. David made it to the reception with the kiddies very late, as it was wrapping up. Jeannie said to me, "Aren't you tired after all the work you've done?" I said, "Are you kidding me? I'm more tired when I'm at home with my kids. This was fun!" (wink, wink---I love my kids---but I also love to have a chance to have a semblance of a creative outlet as well).

Close-up of favors and Jennifer & Johnny bridal napkins.

The decorative table in the entryway. I made a monogrammed book for guest to sign.

The gorgeous cake!

Irene (my Mother-in-Law), Jeannie (the Hostess), and Annie (Mother of the Bride).

Anyhow, Jennifer and Johnny were the happy couple. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and had a nice time. When my family left the party, we headed over to McDonalds (for the kids' benefit), as they hadn't eaten dinner yet. They played on the slides and had a blast! We drove the beautiful back country roads home (a way I had never been). People think I'm crazy, but I just can't get over how quaint and beautiful Alabama can be sometimes. It was such a nice drive---a perfect ending to a great day!The happy couple sipping a drink that Jennifer's daughters and my niece make for them!

A close up of the creative drink the kids made.

The kiddos---Lilly, Gracyn and Megan

Today, Sunday, held adventures as well. It was downpouring this morning, so I opted shorts and casual clothing for me and the kids for church. I popped into church and prepped the coffee table for our guests and sat down as service commenced. It has become nearly impossible for me to worship, as my child are simply squirmers at heart (Bekah especially)!!! I was also keeping tabs for the two boys sitting in front of me, as a favor. So I had my hands full :) I think I was keeping pew members either amused or pertubed... Between that and multiple potty breaks (Kaelah is potty training and I was being daring to let her wear underwear to church), I was pooped!

After church we had an all-church luncheon celebrating our high school graduates, which was nice. I made a dessert and had made the teens some little cards (with Starbucks inserts that I wanted to keep--ha). When we finally got the kids home and to naps, I headed out for some CVS and Publix deals. At CVS, after my Extra Care Bucks, I will have theoretically only spent $1.21 for feminine pads, bandages, nailpolish and toothpaste, as I earned $8 in ECB's. I'm still trying to get the hang of that... I get irritated when they are out of stock of certain things though. This is a pet peeve of mine. I mean, how may times do you think I'm going to get out alone and be able to get back there? Not very often!

My Publix trip was moderately successful. I retrieved my Mystery Penny Item (pasta sauce), and stocked up on some dairy and breakfast items. I did not have many coupons for the things I wanted to buy during the Buy 1 Get 1 deal frame. So I spend about $16 and saved $25. And they were out of the cereal that I needed to buy with my coupon in order to get my free milk.... rrrrrrrrrrr! I will have to go back again tomorrow for that. rrrrrrrrrrr!

Tonight, I attended a double baby shower for Delana and Leigh from our church at my friend Holly's house. Her new house was just built and it is beautiful (though she discovered she has a crazy neighbor who enjoys swearing at her at the top of his lungs from his front porch step). ha. Anyhow, Bekah managed to get her hands in a potty over there and Haleah and Kaelah "tore up" one of the kid's bedrooms, and I was working to fix it before I left. Bekah also managed to flip a play table. She is a wild one! She also wouldn't eat, except for the ice cream I offered her. I think her poor teeth are coming in. I did not get to watch the ladies open their gifts, as I was chasing children, but I am glad I got to attend, and Holly was gracious to have us!

Before we went in to Holly's house I had told Kaelah (because she's new to potty training) that she needed to tell me if she had to go potty and that I would take her. She told me that she would "not pee in Miss Holly's house." And she didn't. She went potty in the bathroom at Holly's twice, and I was proud. But as soon as we got home, Kaelah promptly sat on her Tinkerbelle couch and peed all over it. I AM SO SICK OF CLEANING UP PEE. Let me repeat that: I AM SO SICK OF CLEANING UP PEE!

So that's our Memorial Day weekend, SO FAR, in a very big nutshell. Tomorrow should be more low key. I am thankful and will reflect on the sacrifice that our service men and woman have given to us. They are true heroes.