Adventures in Couponing

I've been browsing on couponing blogs lately. Some people seem horribly fanatical, and all of you who know me, know that's not me. BUT, I can definitely appreciate a good deal and I decided it was time to get my feet wet in the world of couponing.

My MIL gave me her Sunday papers (Thank you Rose!) and I went to work. Today was my test run. I decided to head to CVS and Albertson's since they are in the same shopping center. I left at 9:30am, giving me enough time to get the shopping done before Kaleb's nap time. Unfortunately, I didn't consider Kaleb's extra early waking time this morning, and shortly after we got to the first store he started getting cranky. We also ended up with a few runs to the bathroom for Larissa. Maybe I should have ended my trip then and there, but I had set out to do something, and I wasn't leaving without getting it done--and I did, eventually.

With all of it behind me now, I consider my first adventure in couponing a success. I bought items we normally use or would use if it weren't so expensive. The retail value of the items was $112.78. I paid $75.89 out of pocket--NOT a big savings, right? But with the mail in rebate and store "cash" coupons, my total came out to $36.90 or a two-thirds savings. If not for the distraction of a cranky boy, I might have remembered the other $10 in coupons in my wallet and I would have ended up with a 75% savings.

I'll definitely try this again. And, I've been assured, that as my stock pile of coupons accumulates, I'll save even more.

Arghh! A pirates life for Larissa!

Larissa had a great birthday last month. It was all about Spiderman, Batman, and Pirates...mostly pirates. Months ago she asked for spiderman cake and batman plates, and she never changed her mind. For her birthday, Grandma Rose and Aunt Tori took Larissa to D-land for the morning. Her favorite ride was the Pirates of the Carribean. Later in the day, there was a family BBQ celebrating her birthday and Kaitlyn's baptism. Larissa received presents galore, spiderman toys, batman toys, pirate's booty, and more. Her favorite presents, though, were the treasure chest and "pirate boots" from Grandma Sharla. Grandma tried to actually find boots, but didn't have any luck -- it being summer. So she bought black Shaq tennis shoes and called them boots. Larissa's fine with that. She wears her "pirate boots" every day. Here's one of the few pics I took that day. Guess I was busy with the food...



Here are the birthday interview questions I asked Larissa--
Who is your hero? Spiderman
What instrument do you want to learn to play? Guitar
What do you want to be when you grow up? Fire Fighter
If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be? The movies
What's your favorite--
Food? Spaghetti (I think it's cantaloupe)
Color? Green
Thing to do? Build Treasure Chests (just did that Sat)
TV show? Phineas and ferb
Temple? Redlands
Animal? Crocodile
Anything else you want to say about yourself?
"Brenna doesn't like me." I tried to assure her Brenna does like her, but Brenna was standing next to me and said, "No I don't" Hopefully it doesn't last.

Ahhh...Larissa's signature hair style. She won't let me put anything in her hair and 5 minutes after I comb it, it's a tangled mess. Good thing she has that cute face to make up for the bad hair days.

A couple weeks ago, she decided to roast her hot dog in front of the fire. What a crack up!

Happy Birthday!

Eight is Great!

Kaitlyn turned eight in June. She had a family party at John's Incredible Pizza, went to Disneyland, and was baptized.
Grandma Rose and Aunt Tori took her to Disneyland. Kaitlyn's favorite part her trip to D-land was meeting Tinker Bell and Sierra Mist.

A week after her birthday, Kaitlyn was baptized. I was asked if I was emotional about my little girl being baptized. No, or at least, not at first. The emotion hit me as we walked to the font. She is a sweet girl and will be a wonderful example to her sisters. Kaitlyn makes sure we never forget to pray at night, and has a simple sweet faith in Jesus Christ.

I like to ask my kids some questions each year. Here's what I asked Kaitlyn this year:
What instrument do you want to learn to play? Flute
What do you want to be when you grow up? An Artist
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? India
What is your favorite-
Food? Strawberries
Color? All the rainbow colors
Subject in school? Art
Temple? Salt Lake
Animal? Husky
Movie? Princess Protection Program

Mojo Monday...FINALLY decided to join in the fun

I've been following Mojo Monday for quite awhile. It's fun to see the different cards that come from one sketch. Finally, I decided to play along. Here's how it turned out...


Indecision is definitely one of my weaknesses. I started out with a paper I wanted to use, then saw another one I thought would make a cute card. As I was looking for a stamp to use for the card, I came across this cute tree and some red crystals...that changed things completely. Eventually, this is the card that evolved.

Dad's 70!

Dad may be older, but he's still on the move--a little stiffer and slower, but still going. For his birthday, we had all the available local family over for a party on Friday night. The grandkids played charades with dad by acting out memorable moments from his life and having him guess what they were. Then he would tell us the story behind the charade. There was the time, as a child, when a piece of candy(a rare treat) was thrown out the bus window instead of the wrapper. And the time, as a teenager, when the cops "invited" him down to the station to discuss a couple kids throwing snowballs in the buildings and at people, all around town. He was guilty, but the cops couldn't prove it.


On Saturday, the adults went to the Candlelight Pavilion for the matinee showing of Huckleberry Finn. Aunt Pam and Uncle Greg were in town to celebrate with us. And while we were at it, we celebrated Pam's birthday too.



I guess two days of celebrating wasn't enough, because now they are off on a week long cruise to Canada. Happy Birthday Dad!

Brenna Thinks...

Yesterday, I was driving down Citrus Ave (between Dearborn & Judson)in Redlands. It was blissfully quiet for a change -- I guess the kids were enchanted by the scenery, or maybe worn out from Kalebs screams at the doctors office. Suddenly Brenna says, "Mom I wish we lived here." When I asked why, she responded, "Because the houses are so colorful. There's blue....and yellow...and green. I like the blue one." She continues to stare out the window then suddenly, "ohhh! A green garage door! Mom we can't paint our garage door green. We definitely have to move here!" Some people love the color coordination that comes from living in an association. Brenna obviouly isn't one of them. She likes to live in color.

Happy Birthday Kaleb!

Well, my baby is one, and I'm kind of sad. I love the baby phase. Knowing it's the last baby phase I'll experience with my own kids makes it sadder yet. It's fun, though, to see his personality emerge. And I'll be glad not to carry the lug, once he starts walking.


I would say that "busy" and "curious" are the best two words to describe my little boy. He likes to unload the dishwasher (onto the floor), empty drawers to see whats in them, and push buttons to see what they'll do. But here are a few other things that makes Kaleb, Kaleb:


He loves his bed! I was once asked how I taught my children to sleep anywhere. I figured it happened because I just do what needs to be done, and when nap time comes, I put them down wherever we are. Well, that doesn't fly with Kaleb. He will sleep in your arms (maybe), in the car seat, or in his crib.


He loves music. While pregnant, I would feel thumping during upbeat music. As an infant, he would kick his legs in unison to music. Now, he does squats. I wonder how that will translate into dance moves as he gets older?


He loves dirt. We just put in a huge amount of concrete in the backyard, and what does he do? Head straight for the dirt--as fast as he can. When I'm sweeping, he chases me, trying to play in the dust pile that is forming. Needless to say, I try to sweep when he's not in the room.


For the most part Kaleb's an easy going kid, but he doesn't like to be roughed up. Last week, Brenna was hugging him with great enthusiasm. He complained and pushed at her, but she wouldn't let go. So, he leaned forward casually and bit her on the shoulder...hard. I found myself holding Kaleb in one arm and Brenna in the other. As Brenna cried I explained he didn't mean to hurt her, and didn't know it was wrong. But when I looked at Kaleb, I saw knowledge in those little eyes. He knew what he had done and he was happy about it.