Overworked, Underpaid, BUT Wouldn't Change A Thing

Christmas

2009-12-25T11:06:00.011-05:00

We went to Midnight Mass last night. I was able to get all 8 kids ready myself, and we met Joe there (he was lucky enough to make the last flight home!). So, we were home by 2 am, and we put the kids down to bed. The first time they went to bed, they were warned that no presents would be open unless rooms were cleaned. I noticed when I woke them up for Mass that no one took that warning seriously. I stuck by my guns, and they had to wait until rooms were cleaned this morning. It also gave me some extra time to sleep! We took turns opening gifts one at a time (youngest to oldest), and that went really well. Everyone was excited to see what their siblings received. We did the stockings at the end 2 at a time. I think this is definitely the way to go for us next year too!

The big hits were M's guns, P's art supplies, T's Baby and stroller, and stocking stuffers (G liked his batteries and R liked his Leapster game). The girls really liked their generic American girl dolls that I bought at Target. It is a new line called Our generation. Since we could not afford a 100 dollar American girl dolls for the girls, this worked out well. B was actually happiest with gummy bears that he received in his stocking (and he likes T's baby and stroller)!

Christmas Eve with Mama and Papa

2009-12-25T10:53:00.011-05:00

Opening presents with Mama and Papa

Papa and B

P, Mama, and G

M
and Papa

I am going on a picnic.....

2009-12-22T00:14:00.004-05:00

The kids were playing a game in the car the other day, and I remembered a game from my past. Do you remember the old "I am going on a picnic, and I am going to bring.....(fill in the blank with an "A" word)". Then the next person says, "I am going on a picnic, and I am going to bring an (what the first person said with A) and a word that starts with "B". You continue the game to go down the alphabet, needing to remember all the items that the people before you brought too.

The kids were naming Saints from A to Z, so I was thinking, "Wouldn't it be neat to have a game like the picnic game, yet instead of picnic, it be a Saint game?" So, how about "I am going to Heaven, and I am going to meet....(fill in the blank with a Saint's name.)....? Just go down the alphabet with Saints' names. My kids are having problems with the Q.....? Can you think of any?

St. Quintian
St. Quadratus
St. Quarta

Looks like I have some Saints to research for our next game!

School play- "Small One"

2009-12-20T22:39:00.006-05:00

The kids had their school play tonight, and everyone had a part. All the kids did a very nice job, and the best part was that they had such a nice time!

Cheap Christmas exchange gift for kids

2009-12-16T21:46:00.004-05:00

K-mart has their Mr. Potato Suitcase on sale for 10.00. Go here to print a coupon for $5.00 off. Pay 5 dollars for a suitcase full of fun! It is 36.99 on Amazon.com! Remember that if Walmart or Target carries it, you can get them to price match, if you have K-mart's ad!

T learns to ride a bike!

2009-12-16T20:22:00.003-05:00

T has taken over the bikes while the big kids are at school, and she can ride a bike on her own! YEA! We are so proud of her!

Church Picnic

2009-12-16T20:10:00.011-05:00

Sister helping with the little ones' games

The adults compete in games too.
Our Church had a picnic on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and it was a huge success! The Sisters and Helen Ann put in a lot of work to make the day run so smoothly. There was a chili cook-off (we didn't place, so we were so disappointed!), a cookie contest, games, and a soda concoction contest. I was pretty excited to get a copy of the winning cookie recipe, and I look forward to making them for Christmas!

Playing games with the Sisters at the picnic.

P turns 7 years old!

2009-12-16T20:04:00.004-05:00

P turned 7 years old on the 3rd of December. We made an ice cream cake. The only request was that it was pink and purple....easy! She had Mama and Papa, a cousin, and two friends over to have cake with the rest of the family. I think she enjoyed her day.

She received a night gown, some games, make-up, a stamp set, and some dresses. Thanks for making her day special.

G-force movie possibly under 5.00!

2009-12-12T17:25:00.004-05:00

I read that Target will have their G-force Blue-Ray DVD for 22.99. on Tuesday. There is a coupon on the Disney site for 10.00 off. There is also a coupon on Target's site for 5.00 off a blue-ray (even though it has a picture of Transformers, it is for any Blue-ray). Walmart has their's on sale for 19.9x. Take their ad to Target and price match it. Use your manufactor's coupon and Target coupon. It makes it about $4.9x! Great present for a Christmas exchange (if the movie is clean....I will have to preview it for the kids, of course!).

Remember: If you hit the back button after the first print, it will let you print 1 more!

Free music

2009-12-09T12:14:00.002-05:00

Don't forget that Amazon.com is giving away free Christmas downloads every day. Go here: amazon to help you get into the Christmas spirit!

Next year ideas for All Saint's Day

2009-12-09T11:52:00.006-05:00

I am hoping to start on All Saint's Day costumes around the summer this year. Seeing that I am not creative, these will probably be our ideas for next year:

Moses

Sampson

St. Sebastian

St. Christopher

St. Cecilia

A little late....but

2009-12-09T11:38:00.010-05:00

I am a little late posting our All Saint's Day, but I thought I would get them on here anyway. I forgot my camera that day, but The Sisters were nice enough to e-mail me some pictures.

I think we need to start getting ready for next year. Everyone is so creative at our school, and I lack the creativity that so many have.

This year, R was St. John of the Golden Gates (top left in the bubbles).

Little M was St. Dismas....(the one in the little white loin cloth).

T was St. Dymphna (orange scarf around her head).

M was Blessed Imelda (didn't see her in any of the pics).

G was St. John the Baptist (head on the platter).

P was St. Bridget.

Game night

2009-12-06T23:36:00.005-05:00

It is pretty difficult to play board games at our house. We either lose the pieces, have our 1 1/2 year old (B) running off with pieces or sitting on the board, or having me leave to nurse the baby. BUT, we have been dedicated to finding some games that work for us.

So far, we have tested Checkers, Kerplunk, Tip It, and Pictureka card games. All games were bought from Walmart on the Black Friday sale. All games cost less than $10, with the Kerplunk and Tip It coming in a bundle for $9.oo. Keep in mind, my kids' ages are from 4 months to 9 years, so finding a game for all of us to enjoy is difficult.

Checkers was a good one on one game that we can play with the older kids. My husband and I played (he beat me and, of course, had to gloat), followed by G and my husband. I like the special time that you can have with each child, but it is very time consuming when you have multiple children that you are trying to have participate....NEXT!

Kerplunk is for up to 4 players. It takes a few minutes to set up (what game doesn't?), but it was well worth it! Even my 3 year old can play it. We had fun taking turns pulling out the sticks, and the kids were so excited when the marbles dropped. It was a fun game that all of us enjoyed! It's a KEEPER!

Tip It seemed like it took awhile to set up, and it was very unsteady. My 3 year old was a little young for it, and he kept grabbing the game to keep it steady. We made the mistake of playing the game when Little B was awake, and it was too time consuming to keep him from knocking over the unsteady game. I think that my 4 year old on up would play the game, but P (7 years old) said that she did not like it at all. This will be put aside for the older kids on a rainy day.

When the littlest ones went to bed early one night, I let the 4 oldest stay awake to play the Pictureka card game. It was great because we all could play, but we did have to throw away 2 of the cards (one being a pile of b.m. and the other of someone using the facilities). My 5 year old could not get over laughing with those cards, so they were better in the trash (rather than hear bathroom talk all night). We only played one of the many types of games you can play with the single deck, and all the kids enjoyed it (ages 5-9). It was more like an I spy/Memory game. When my 5 year old saw B go down for a nap, he asked for this game above the others.

I will try to edit my post tomorrow, with a brief description of each game. For now, I will have to say that Pictureka cards and Kerplunk are our family favorite, and the other two will be stand-bys for the older kids.

We need to find a place to keep the games and a place where the kids can play without B getting into the game, and we will be all set for game night.

New pictures....finally!

2009-11-24T13:54:00.014-05:00

Finally, some new photos of the crew. It seemed impossible to get everyone looking at the camera, smiling, and not blinking. I think we will try on another day when we aren't rushed going somewhere!

G and R....brothers...can't live with them, can't live without them!

Isn't B cute sitting out
on our bench?

J looks handsome in orange! Who knew we would have so many boys!

Papa brought his dog for a visit with
the little ones.

Walmart Friday Deals: 5am to 11am

2009-11-24T10:35:00.002-05:00

I was looking at Friday's deals at Walmart, and I think there are some worth making a trip on Friday morning. Unfortunately, I guess I am going to have to take back a few of the things I already have wrapped because they are now a lot better deal! Of course, it wouldn't necessarily be for Christmas. With 8 kids, we have 2 birthdays around the corner.

Phillips 4GB MP3 player $29.00

Battleship and Connect 4 Bundle: $9.00

Kerplunk/Tip it Bundle: $9.00

Elefun: $9.00

Guesswho Extra: $15.00

Airhogs Micro Zero gravity car: $15.00

20" girl's/boy's bike: $29.00

Kid's pajamas: $3.00

Select Wii games: $10

Select DVD's: $2-5.00

Christmas shopping almost finished!

2009-11-23T16:32:00.005-05:00

I took the 4 Little ones to the store today to try to finish up the majority of Christmas shopping. B was certainly a little pistol trying to climb out of the cart. The kids handed him a small ball while we were in the toy aisle, so he thought it was fun to throw it and have mommy "go fetch". Baby J was content until we arrived at the checkout lane. By the way, I can't stand that they put a bunch of candy at the checkout lane. I understand that it is for people to impulse buy, but can't they have at least one lane that doesn't have candy?

So, here is what I bought so far. This is going to be great for me to check here to see what I bought because they are already wrapped!

G: I bought him a Wii game, but I have to take it back because I didn't notice that it had "mild language" on it until I got home. I didn't realize that kids' games have mild language in them. : ( States and capital game to share with M, Roller Blades
M: Kid's bow and arrow, states and capital game to share with G, Strawberry shortcake game
P: Connect Four to share with R,
R: Roller Blades, Connect 4 to share with P
T: Baby doll with stroller, Leap frog Scribble and Write, Don't Break the ice game to share with Little M
Little M: Cap gun and holster, cowboy hat, Don't Break the ice game to share with T, Knights tube to put in stocking
B: Leap frog Alphabet pal, Glow in the dark stuffed animal (like glow worm), and ball

I have also bought some stocking items: punch balloons, cheap movies from Salvation Army, cheap books from the Salvation Army, push cars, etc. Time to clear out my prize box and start again!

I need to buy some pipe cleaners and art supplies from the $1 store. The kids have asked for art supplies for Christmas.

Other things still on the list to buy: G- Wii game, R: Remote control Air Hogs Nano car, M: a small mp3 player when they go on sale for $10.00, P: a Miraculous Medal necklace and rubber stamps

I think that is it. I bought everything on sale or second-hand, which I don't think they mind!

Christmas catalog

2009-11-19T10:53:00.007-05:00

I remember looking at the Sears toy catalog growing up, and I had so much fun circling everything that looked interesting. No, I didn't get everything I circled; actually, most years I did not get anything I circled!.....good thing though, or I would have ended up more spoiled than I am, although, I am still waiting for my pottery wheel and art spinner (ha ha).

Well, we received The Back to the Basics toy catalog in the mail, and I thought it would be fun for our kids to do the same. R circled almost every toy in the catalog. T told everyone she was getting everything she circled. M and P circled the toys I thought they would. G didn't circle anything (he is set on getting the Wii games, which by the way are on sale at Target plus they have a Target printable coupon available. This would make the possibilities of the games to be about $4 something!).

From what I could interpret, the girls want art supplies, a sewing machine, and an archery set. R wants everything, but mostly musical instruments, building sets, and cars. I saw some very neat items that I would get for them if they were cheaper (krazy kar, blocks, karaoke machine, pogo stick, whirly wheels).

We will see though. I think the art supplies are a definitely a possibility, especially for good stocking stuffers. I had bought some used Salomon Roller Blades for two of the kids, since they are always using mine. I thought they would want roller blades for Christmas, but I guess they are just as happy to use mine....only, I am not. This will be a project in itself to find some reasonable priced toys, toys that they would enjoy, toys that help their imagination, and toys that would be fun.

Oh, something funny I forgot to mention is that R asked for a menorah and dreidel set.....mind you, we are Catholic. I don't even think he knows what the toys are, but if it is a toy, he has to have it!

Christmas List

2009-11-16T16:54:00.004-05:00

Right now, I am typing the kids' Christmas List. No, they are not getting everything on their list, but I am happy to hear what they would like:
(R): pack of punch balloons, gun, Leapster charger, set of cars
(G): Wii Lego Batman Game, Didj game, bionicle movie
(Big M): Pony that you press a button and it moves, Perfume studio, Music box, Art supplies
(P): Art supplies, dress, stuffed dog
(Little M): gun, push car, batman costume
(T): sled (even though we live in a state that never snows!), pack of 5 punch balloons, snow globe, candy cane, new shoes, new dress, doll, doll stroller, doll swingset
(B): push cars, ball
(J): pacifiers
(Mommy): netbook : )

Free products

2009-11-16T15:29:00.003-05:00

I read about how you should write to company's and compliment or comment on their products, and they will send you a free coupon. I wrote to a few company's so far, and I received a free drano coupon (worth 6 something). Not too bad for taking a few minutes of my time to write.

Oh, there is a site called house party that you can sign up, the company sends you enough of the product for you to have a party, and you report back. A couple of weeks ago they were giving away a $200 (not sure on the price, but it was expensive ) Rowenta steamer. I was chosen to have a party, but you have to be one of the first 700 to reply back. I check my e-mail all the time, but forgot to check this day, so I missed it. I was so bummed! I am still feeling disappointed that I missed that one because we could have really used the steamer. I have a lot of school uniforms to do every day, and I stink at ironing! The upcoming parties are Digiorno Pizza, Zatarain's Mardi Gras, Jello Mouse Tempations, and ABC's All Family Mondays.

Another site is vocal point. I have received coupons for free kashi cereal and also a 29 day supply of olay x. I didn't have to do a thing, but sign up and place a comment on how I liked the product!

Walmart.com has a sample page that you can get coupons and a free sample. Right now, I think they have a sample of overnight diapers from Pampers.

I might actually shop at CVS this week....

2009-11-15T21:03:00.002-05:00

As I have mentioned, I don't like CVS that well since they begin putting a limit of one on all their deals, but I did see one deal worth my time, if I get a chance to stop this week. I love Oil of Olay, and my skin has never looked better since I began using it.

CoverGirl Simply Ageless Foundation $13 and buy CoverGirl Simply Ageless Blush $10
Ecbs: Get $10 wyb both/ Use B1G1 from 11/1 P&G and $1 from the 10/11 P&G = PAY $12 with your coupons, get 10 back= 2.00 for both

My possibilites at Walgreens for 11-16 to 11-21

2009-11-15T20:38:00.004-05:00

I really enjoy shopping at our Walgreens. Everyone is nice and they are happy for you to get a good deal. It isn't like some of the other stores that think if they accept a coupon it will be coming out of their paycheck. I think that some cashiers do not realize that the manufacturer actually pays the store back with money. It also gets more customers into their store buying even more items; hence, letting them have a job. Anyway, Sandy and Linda are absolutely some of the best store employees out there. If they know there is a coupon, they will see if they have any extra. They also point out if there are any sales that you might be interested in picking up on that day. I am very blessed to have such wonderful associates at my store.

This week, I can't really think of too much that I need. I am going to get the following:

Ricola Mixed Berry Cough Drops 19ct -- $1
RR: $1/ coupon of 50c from Walgreen's Healthy Savings Booklet = profit of 50 cents
Aussie Hair Care products -- $2.99
RR: $2/ coupon of $1 from 10/11 P&G insert = Free
Air Wick I Motion -- $4
Printable Coupon for $3: HERE
Lubriderm Fragrance Free Body Lotion 6oz -- $3.79
RR: Buy 3 and get $8 RR
Coupon: $2 from 10/11 RP and $1 from Walgreen's Diabetes and You magazine found by the Pharmacy
Theraflu -- $5
RR: Buy 2 and get $3 RR
Coupon: $2 from 10/18 SS and $2 from Walgreen's Healthy Savings Booklet
Robitussin To Go, 2 ct -- $2.49
RR: $2.50
Almay Pure Blends Foundation -- $9.99
RR: $10
Vicks Dayquil or Nyquil -- $4.50 ea
RR: $3 wyb 2/ Coupon: $1.50 from 11/1 P&G

Questions from a nine year old....

2009-11-15T20:02:00.006-05:00

Giving a shot to my son is a daily routine. Once a week, he gets 2 shots. He probably has the most easy going personality out of all my kids. He does not complain when he gets his shots or all the other routines he has undergone for the last nine years. I can't imagine my 5 year old son (R) going through what G... goes through. The last time we took R in for his school shots, he ran to the corner and two nurses and me held him still for the shot. I can't imagine chasing R around the house every night for a shot. So, I am definitely blessed that G has the personality he does.

So, I gave him his double dose of shots tonight, and he started asking questions. He wondered how we are going to know when his kidney doesn't work at all anymore. We find out his kidney function by his blood draws, again, something he has never given us a problem (even as a baby, he wouldn't really cry too much). He was wondering when an older person is getting ready to die, why we can't just give them a new kidney for things to work again. I explained that everyone is given a certain battery. When we use our batteries, they start to run out of energy. Our bodies use up our batteries, and eventually, when it is your time, your battery will run out. G asked why we can't just recharge our batteries. I told him that at this point in time, we just can't. He thought some more and asked me what they are going to do with his kidney when it finally runs out. He wanted to know if they just dispose of it, just like we do with batteries. I explained that even though he gets a new kidney, that his old one will still be there. He wanted to donate his kidney to an older person that may need it, but I had to explain that his kidney wouldn't work in an older person either; just like a battery, even if you put it in a different appliance, it will still only have so much life to it. The appliances may use a little more or a little less, but the battery is still only capable of producing whatever energy it has left in it. He said that he would like a rechargeable battery than....well, maybe one day. I told my 9 year old that 9 years ago, I was giving him a shot with the same type medicine 3 times a week. Today, I only have to give him the shot once a week, and it has the same effect. Who knows what will happen in another 10 years? Maybe they will be able to give his old kidney new life. The possibility is always there.

As quick as he brought up those questions, he changed the subject just as fast. "Do you think we will ever go to another universe?" he asked. "Do you think there is another planet like earth?" "Do you think there are people on other planets smarter than us?" Of course, I realize that anything is possible, and I hope I explained to him what the difference between what is not likely, without destroying the fact that Anything is possible with GOD. 10 years ago, doctors told me that their was basically no possibility for my son's survival after birth. They were wrong. Anything is possible....and everything is possible with GOD.

Lowe's Build and Grow Clinics

2009-11-13T19:36:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow (Saturday, November 14th, 10 am to 11 am) is Lowe's Build and Grow Clinics. It is a small workshop that the little ones get to build a project. They really enjoy it. When it is too crowded, they let us take the kits home to work on later. Every month, Lowe's has these clinics, and we try to take advantage of them when we can. I really appreciate Lowe's creating an enjoyable experience for families!

The clinics currently listed are the following:
Garage: November 14th
Snowman: November 21st
Gingerbread House: December 5th

E-mail companies to get some neat items....

2009-11-13T19:06:00.006-05:00

Couponing to Disney has a great list of companies to e-mail in order to get some free coupons and free samples. I wrote to a few companies yesterday while I was experiencing insomnia, and they have already e-mailed me telling me that they are sending some things in the mail. Drano is sending me a free bottle and Colgate is sending me a kid's packet. I just commented that I liked their products, and they appreciate your comments by sending you a little gift!

Thai dinner night....

2009-11-13T15:28:00.007-05:00

So, tonight is no-meat-Friday for us. I read a long time ago about cooking rice with coconut milk, and I wanted to research the health benefits of the rice and coconut milk.

First of all, I found out that coconut milk is very good for you, as well as the coconut oil and the meat of the coconut. It contains lauric acid (which is also found in breast milk at 5.8% of total fat). Many athletes use coconut milk because it raises the metabolism, is rich in electrolytes, and help with weight loss. From what I have read, it helps with sore throats and getting over the flu. Some studies say that it even reduces the risk of cancer, diabetes, acne, osteoporosis, and digestive issues.

As far as the rice, it should have been obvious to me, but white rice is not good for you, and can even have negative effects such as increasing risks for some diseases. Why is it that any food that is white is bad for you? On the other hand, it talks about the benefits of brown rice because it increases insoluble fiber. This is good to prevent constipation, lower cancer risk, and can aid in weight loss. One article suggested drinking 16 oz. of water when eating brown rice because if you eat the rice and do not have enough water, it will act like a sponge and make you more constipated.

So, now the trick is to increase brown rice and coconut milk and coconut oil into our family's diet. I am sure the younger ones will take to it easier than the older ones; the older kids are so picky. I think I will begin by just adding brown rice to our white rice a little at a time. I am also going to start buying coconut oil and put it in our smoothies and using it as a replacement to our olive oil.

Tonight we are having rice flavored with garlic salt and red pepper flakes. We add cooked mushrooms, sugar snap peas, and scrambled eggs to our rice. As a treat, we are also having crab rangoon. I was hoping to find chop sticks, since the kids used our last ones as swords.....but, I didn't see them at the store when we went yesterday. I am going to be on the look out for some nice ones, especially since I plan on having a Thai night every couple of weeks.

Another deal at Target

2009-11-12T21:48:00.003-05:00

This is the week for Target deals. I read this on another site, but unfortunately can't remember which one. It was actually posted on a few. So, I apologize for not naming which site.

Toys R Us came out with a toy ad this week in the newspaper. It is for Friday and Saturday sales only. On the sale, The leapfrog alphabet pal is on sale for about 10.49. Target will price match, plus they have a coupon on their website for $10 off. 49 cents for a Leap Frog toy! This would make a very cheap toy for Christmas. Remember to bring your ad with you!

Finally finished with my rebates!

2009-11-12T21:40:00.003-05:00

Wow... I sent in for 4 rebates today. One was for the Ronzoni Pasta/UP $4 rebate, and the other for the glade/scrubbing bubbles rebates for 5.00 a piece. So, I am looking forward to getting $19 back in rebates. It isn't a lot, but you wouldn't pass $19 on the ground without picking it up.......would you?

Reading to the kids again...

2009-11-12T20:55:00.007-05:00

Well, yesterday, we started reading books to the kids again. We took a break for awhile because things were so busy around here, but I missed all the kids climbing onto my bed to hear a story. Back when it was only 4 kids picking out a book, I would let everyone choose one or two. Now, our lives have gotten so busy that we have had to cut the number down a bit. Our new plan is that whoever has the best manners and the most well behaved at dinner gets to choose the book after prayers. If someone is not behaving themselves during prayers, they miss the book.

Maddie choose the book tonight, and her love of Barney has not subsided even at 8 years of age. She chose Barney's Happy Valentine's Day. Gabriel is definitely starting to grow up; the book didn't appeal to him, so he just went to bed without it. Reading to the kids again tonight reminded me of all the times that we would read to them when they were little. It is so remarkable how fast time goes by when your kids are growing up....when I am pregnant, it seems like the time goes by so slow, but after the pregnancy, I wonder where the time has gone.

The most remembered things in life that you can do with your kids are the cheapest. The most fun that I can remember wasn't going to the zoo or some outrageously expensive amusement park. What I remember the most was reading to the kids in my bed at night and everyone fighting over the best spot. Not meaning that we don't enjoy the zoo (we love it!), but I am glad that if something happened to me, they will remember that I took the time to read to them, to hug them, and to love them.

P.S. Unbelievable that this picture was about 6 years ago!

Gotta love Target...

2009-11-11T22:20:00.006-05:00

So, I figured I didn't do the Up deal correctly at Target yesterday. I forgot to bring in the Best Buy ad to price match my DVD's, so I paid a lot more than I should have. So, when I went to the Target closer to our house, I was able to bring in my receipt with the ad today and get a refund for the difference! Not only that, but I found out that our Target had the UP DVD for 7 dollars cheaper than the other Target, so they gave me that difference too!

Oh, and I did the Mr. Potato Head deal. Their Christmas Potato Head is 5.99 and coupons.com has a 5.00 off coupon. If you hit your browser's back button, it will print twice. Make sure you print the spuds bud one because the other 5.00 one won't work for this. I found the potato head by the Christmas items, not by the toys. So, for 1.98 plus tax, I have 2 really cute toys to give for Christmas!

Grocery Shopping this week....

2009-11-10T21:09:00.005-05:00

Not too many good deals out there that are appealing to me. Florida doesn't double coupons, or I actually would be stocking up on more items. I think I will just stick to items in my refrigerator and freezer for a lot of the meals this week. I need to figure out the menu for the week, but so far these items stick out in my mind:

Publix: Remember to use 2 coupons for each buy one get one deal that you are doing. For example, if you have 2 items on a bogo deal, than you need 2 coupons....even though you are getting one free. That is Publix's policy.
BOGO

Del Monte Fruit Chillers- $1/1 coupon=38 cents
Yoplait Y-Plus Yogurt- $1 off coupon from the 10/4 Smart Source/General Mills Insert= 25 cents
Chinet Napkins- $1/1 coupon = Free

Save A Lot: This store has printable coupons on their website.

Bananas- 3 pounds for $1
Red Delicious Apples- $2 for a 5 pound bag
Yellow onions- 99c for a 3 lb bag
Mini Carrots- 88c for a 1 lb bag

Winn Dixie: I can't recall at the moment, but I will place any that I can remember.

Disney Up Movie....and taking Joseph to the doctor

2009-11-10T12:25:00.009-05:00

I took Little Joseph to the doctors today to make sure he was not sick; turns out he just had congestion. Per doctor's advice, use a saline nasal spray (or make it yourself) but do not suction with a bulb syringe very often; it only makes the congestion worse! Stick with the vaporizer and saline, but that's it. He's good to go.

I like the doctor's office fine, and the doctor seems nice. I was a little confused that she didn't wash her hands. I assumed she washed them before she came into the room, but I actually want to see her wash her hands myself. It would make me feel a lot better about things.

So, Target is by the office. I ran into get UP. I had 3 coupons for the movie: A $10 off from Disney's website, A Monster's Inc. coupon for $8 off , A Target coupon for 10 off. In order to use the coupons, you have to buy a Blue Ray version of Monster's Inc. AND Up. I get to the register, and 2 of my coupons will not scan. She manually keys in one of them, but tells me that she can't do it for the $8 one. I can't figure out why because I printed it from coupons.com, but she refused to take it. Well, I notice that there is another $10 off coupon on one of the Dvd's (I can't remember if it was Monster's Inc. or Up). I asked her to scan that one to see if it would go through, and it did! I think the movies were $25 plus for the Blue Ray Version of each video. Well, I ended up geting both videos for $22.98---I think(26.99+26.99= 53.98- 10 dollars Disney=43.98-10 Target=33.98-10.00 from box=22.98 for both videos). Target's dvd also had a bonus "Wilderness Journal" attached. I thought I could get them cheaper, so I must have messed up somewhere. I still have to send in for the 4.00 Ronzoni/Up rebate, bringing it down to 18.98 for two blue ray dvd's and a wilderness journal. Does anyone else know of any other rebates? If I would have brought the Best Buy ad with me, I could have pricematched. I read that someone used the 3 coupons I used, did a Best Buy price match, and ended up paying only about 9 dollars! Plus, they can do those rebates. I saw a frozen meal purchase rebate and a popcorn seasoning rebate when you buy both, but that's it.

Halloween costumes and accessories 90% off at Walmart

2009-11-09T17:30:00.001-05:00

I forgot to mention that Walmart has Halloween costumes and accessories 90% off. As always, it varies by location. I have also heard that Target's Halloween items are 90 % off. Our kids love to play dress-up, so I picked some up for a cheap St. Nicholas' Day gift. I only found boys' costumes, but the prices were hard to beat for a fun present for them. I bought a gorilla ($2), werewolf ($2), and a space alien ($1.40). I can't wait to see the boys in them on December 6th!

Possible Walgreens Deals for me for the week of November 9th-14th

2009-11-09T10:16:00.000-05:00

For the most part, I thought CVS had better deals than Walgreens. I would spend most of my extra shopping time at CVS, but then they created limits of one per household. That was pretty much a deal breaker because it wasn't worth my time. I still like to shop CVS' clearance deals, when I find the time, but for the most part, I have been limiting my shopping to Publix and Walgreens. CVS is suppose to have Huggies diapers on sale, so you could print out a Huggies coupon for 2.00 off and hope to find some of their Huggies Mega Pack diapers on clearance. When and if I am not contagious and find the time, I might just have to go looking for these. Other than that, same old---same old routine for me (Publix and Walgreens....although I might have to run down to Toys R Us for that toy deal this week).

So, Walgreens deals start on Sunday, so I usually miss most of them because their shelves are cleared. I can't even think of scenerios like so many others because I only go there and get confused when I can't find 2 or 3 things on my list. So, I just play it by ear with my list. I have a great Walgreens near me, and some of the friendliest cashiers. There is one in particular that is super sweet that works in cosmetics....(thanks, Sandi, for being super nice!) I try to check out there. Sometimes, I break my deals up so that I can do more than one deal at a time. I don't get that much time to go out, so I basically have one shot at deals. I know some people are able to shop at several Walgreens on their way home from such and such, but I am not one of those lucky individuals. With a limited time frame, and the closest Walgreens being 20 minutes away, I think once is enough for me.

Here is my list for this week:

Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt, Cornstarch (2 for $1 with ad coupon. Limit 4)
Kleenex ($1.09 with ad coupon. Limit 3. There are also 2 other coupons out there: $1.00 off Kleenex found in a Walgreens Healthy Savings Booklet or a 50c off manufactor coupon)
Libby's Pumpkin (99c with ad coupon. Limit 3)
Encore Spices (2 for $1 with ad coupon. Limit 6)
Royal Instant Pudding (4 for $1 with ad coupon. Limit 4)
Deerfield Farms Butter ($1.99. with ad coupon. Limit 4)
Hallmark White Tissue Paper (39c. with ad coupon. Limit 3)
Christmas gift sacks (8 for $1 with ad coupon Limit 16)
Christmas Bows (99c for 2 bags with ad coupon. Limit 4.)
Bayer Contour or Breeze 2 (Buy one at 14.99. Use coupon for 14.99 off. It is free, and you get 5.00 Register Rewards to use on your next purchase. Meters can be donated to local shelters or other people that may need them.)
Ester-C (Not sure of the price, but it is BOGO, and there were 5.00 off coupons in last Sunday's paper. So use 2 coupons (one for each item), and it is a very cheap deal.)
Christmas Cards (Buy one get 2 free. Prices are 3.99 or 5.99, and you must get items of the same price.)
Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice ($1.99. Limit 2. Use $1 off Walgreens coupon from coupon book, and it makes them 99c)
Lubriderm Lotion (Buy 3 at $3.79 each. Use 3 of the $2.00 manufactor coupons. Use the $1 off Walgreens coupon found in the Walgreens book with a turkey on the front, and you pay 3 something and get an $8 register reward)
Zephyrhills Spring Water 24 pack ($3.49 with ad coupon. Limit 2)

There are tons of other deals, but these are the ones that appeal to me this week. I know there are a lot of websites that help cut your cost even more, so be sure to do a quick check on your search engine before you do your shopping, and make sure you remember to use the $5.00 off $25 coupon found in Sunday's Ad. Your total has to be above $25, after all the coupons.

Family Game night: 7 games for $4.00

2009-11-09T08:09:00.003-05:00

Are you lucky enough to have a Toys R Us near you? Our closest one is about 35 minutes away from us, and if I start to feel better by the end of the week, I just might have to take advantage of this deal. You can get 7 games, and end up only paying $4.00 (after all the coupons, sales, and rebates). Remember that this is only this week.

So here is the list of games:
Candy Land- 3.99
Cooties- 3.99
Chutes and Ladders-3.99
Don't break the Ice-3.99
Hi-Ho Cherry-O-3.99
Memory-3.99

So, 3.99 x 7= 27.93 plus tax......all games have $2.o0 mail in rebates, so 27.93-14.00= 13.93......10 dollar gift card to Toys R Us for spending over $25 dollars this week......so, here you have it, you basically have 7 games and some great gifts for a very low price. Make sure you print the rebate form. Just do a search for hasbro rebate form, and a bunch of sites will come up for you to download the form. I am still learning this blog thing, so I will figure out how to put in more links soon.

If you don't like the above games, spend a little more and get games like Battleship (3.00 rebate), Jenga (3.00 rebate), Life (3.00 rebate), and many others to max out your Christmas Savings! Remember to only get the standard, regular version of the games, not special editions (they cost more). A good idea is to print out the rebate form ahead of time to take with you so that you know you are getting the right games.

Here is a list of more expensive games:
7.99 games with a 3.00 rebate

Boggle Jr.
Clue
Deal
Monopoly Jr.
Rubiks
Scrabble Jr.
Yahtzee

9.99 games with a 3.00 rebate

Boggle
Connect 4
Mouse Trap
Perfection
Scrabble

Disney's UP....once in awhile, Disney can make a family movie

2009-11-08T20:54:00.001-05:00

There are not too many videos that I can recommend for the entire family, especially modern movies. Out of about 100 movies, Disney finally has created one that is clean, lacking innuendos, and does not show inappropriate cleavage. UP is a movie that I would fully recommend. The kids and I agree that this is a movie worth buying.

It comes out on Tuesday, and several stores are offering rebates. The rebate I think I may do is with Creamette. If you buy the movie, as well as one Creamette, Ronzoni Smart Taste, Ronzoni, San Giorgio, American Beauty, Prince or Skinner, you can get a $4.00 rebate by mail.

I think we will have to do a pasta and an UP movie night this Friday!

A job without sick days....

2009-11-08T16:50:00.001-05:00

I think I could have the flu....from what I hear, any flu you have now is the swine flu. I don't care whether it is the swine flu, bird flu, or giraffe flu; it doesn't change how sick you feel. I am not sure what it is. It might not be the flu. I was thinking of something interesting though: when you are a mom, you don't get sick days. You are still a mom from the time you wake up, past the time you go to bed. It never changes, and you can't call in or just not show up at work.

I was at my o.b.'s office about a year ago, and I was offering empathy for the nurse practitioner because she wasn't feeling well. She responded by telling me that she is not allowed to call in sick. "Yeah, I know how that feels," is how I responded, and she seemed more irritated than amused.

A mom does not get sick days in their contract. She does not get personal days or mental health days. If she did, I think I would have to take advantage of some of those. A mom is a mom 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, all year long. She doesn't get a vacation, sick days, or time off.

There is a great thing about being a mom though: no matter what happens, a mom will always be a mom. I can be a mom in my pajamas, just as well as I can be a mom in my skirt. There is not a dress code that I have to follow. Nor, is there a rule book to go by... And despite of what I look like or how I feel, I can never be fired! I will always be a mom, and I hope to always be grateful for that.