Here is what I'm thinking about doing for Sonday Sunday's in May: I think when I walk over to that bookstore today I will see if I can't find a great Devotional Book for me too and then I will use Sonday Sunday to reflect on what I've learned that week. What do you think? Not to take away from the Bible, by any means, just to do something different for a little while.
But for this first Sonday Sunday in May you are in for a real treat!!!! My friend Heather has agreed to let me post her article that she wrote for one of our local magazines. Can I just tell you that I have not been able to get her message out of my mind since reading it. What an awesome perspective and a great reminder of how even the tiniest of actions can have an eternal impact. Can't wait for you to read it.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Scrapbook Saturdays
I'm thinking I will have more blog FREE Saturday's in May. We'll see..................
Familytime Friday's
Learning Time- Well I am 99.99% sure Colby will be going to Kindergarten next year, soooo I'm thinking Learning Time over the next couple of months will be devoted to Kindergarten Readiness Activities for him. For Cohen, we are going to continue working on basic words, shapes, and colors.
Devotional Time- There is a bookstore nearby our hotel so I think I'll walk over and see if I can't find a new devotional time book for the boys. I'll let you know if I find anything that looks good.
Craft Time- I want to try to find a few more crafts that are age appropriate for Cohen this month.
Devotional Time- There is a bookstore nearby our hotel so I think I'll walk over and see if I can't find a new devotional time book for the boys. I'll let you know if I find anything that looks good.
Craft Time- I want to try to find a few more crafts that are age appropriate for Cohen this month.
Deal Alert
It's a New Month so that means there are new coupons at coupons.com found on my left sidebar. At the sidebar you'll find:
Several $1 off 1 of various Kelloggs Cereals
$1.50 off 2 Kashi Cereals and Bars
$1 off 1 V8
$3 off Huggies Pure and Natural
and as ALWAYS lots of Lice Coupons!!!! (what's that about?)
Several $1 off 1 of various Kelloggs Cereals
$1.50 off 2 Kashi Cereals and Bars
$1 off 1 V8
$3 off Huggies Pure and Natural
and as ALWAYS lots of Lice Coupons!!!! (what's that about?)
Deal Alert
Go here to print a $2 off 2 any Purrell Hand Sanatizer.
Target has trial size Purrell priced at $0.99.
Final Price: FREE for 2
I thought this was a timely deal alert in light of the current Swine Flu scare!
Target has trial size Purrell priced at $0.99.
Final Price: FREE for 2
I thought this was a timely deal alert in light of the current Swine Flu scare!
Thrifty Thursday
Deals, Deals, and more Deals that is what is in store for you in May. I hope to also add to our DRS couponing 101 series. We'll see.....................
To give you a taste of Thrifty Thursday in May I have scheduled a deal alert every 15 minutes during this hour on Super Saturday.
To give you a taste of Thrifty Thursday in May I have scheduled a deal alert every 15 minutes during this hour on Super Saturday.
Wildcard Wednesdays
I don't even know what is in store for Wildcard Wednesdays in May...... that's what makes it sooooo wild!
Tidy Tuesday- May Schedule
Here is the May Master Cleaning Schedule
Effective Dates (Tuesday - Monday); Zone; Supplies
May 5-11; Bathroom and Living Room; Windex, All-Purpose or Bathroom cleaner, Toilet Cleaner and Brush, Tilex or other soap scum and mold killer, Mr. Clean Dry Eraser, Swiffer Wet or mop, Dusting Spray, vacuum, paper towels
May 12-18, Office and Playroom, Windex, Dusting Spray, Electrical Appliance Cleaner, All-Purpose Cleaner or other Sanitizer, Swiffer Wet and Dry or mop and broom, vacuum, paper towels
May 19- 25; Outside, Garage, Laundry Room; All-Purpose cleaner, broom, mop, leaf blower (optional), windex, coins for the car wash, vacuum, trash bags, containers to sort: donate, garage sale, keep, etc., paper towels
May 26 - June 1; Kitchen and Dining Room; Windex, All-Purpose cleaner, Oven Cleaner (I have an older oven with no automatic oven cleaner), Turtle Wax (to shine sink), broom, mop or Wet Swiffer, vacuum, paper towels. Dusting Spray or Furniture Polish (ex. Pledge)
Effective Dates (Tuesday - Monday); Zone; Supplies
May 5-11; Bathroom and Living Room; Windex, All-Purpose or Bathroom cleaner, Toilet Cleaner and Brush, Tilex or other soap scum and mold killer, Mr. Clean Dry Eraser, Swiffer Wet or mop, Dusting Spray, vacuum, paper towels
May 12-18, Office and Playroom, Windex, Dusting Spray, Electrical Appliance Cleaner, All-Purpose Cleaner or other Sanitizer, Swiffer Wet and Dry or mop and broom, vacuum, paper towels
May 19- 25; Outside, Garage, Laundry Room; All-Purpose cleaner, broom, mop, leaf blower (optional), windex, coins for the car wash, vacuum, trash bags, containers to sort: donate, garage sale, keep, etc., paper towels
May 26 - June 1; Kitchen and Dining Room; Windex, All-Purpose cleaner, Oven Cleaner (I have an older oven with no automatic oven cleaner), Turtle Wax (to shine sink), broom, mop or Wet Swiffer, vacuum, paper towels. Dusting Spray or Furniture Polish (ex. Pledge)
May's Month of Meals
Looks like a Yummy Month, if you ask me.
Week 1
Chicken Pot Pie
Jennifer's Macaroni and Cheese with side salad
Frogmore Stew
Tacos with Refried Beans and Salsa
Crockpot Chicken and Rice with Green Beans
Week 2
Chicken Berry Salad
Spinach Lasagna
Crunchy Lemon-Dill Salmon with Rice and Green Beans
Kate's French Dip Sandwiches with Side Salad
Beef Kabobs with Rice and Side Salad with Grilled Asparagus
Week 3
Meatloaf with Mixed Vegetables and Mashed Potatoes
Crockpot Mexican Chicken with rice and peppers and onions
Heather's Marinara with Spaghetti and side salad
Fish in Foil with Grilled Asparagus and Corn on the Cob
Hot Wings with side salad and Baked French Fries
Week 4
Pasta Fagioli and side salad
Whole Wheat Pancakes
California Roll Salad
Lean Hamburgers and Relish with Oven baked French Fries
Chicken Enchiladas with black beans and a side salad
Week 1
Chicken Pot Pie
Jennifer's Macaroni and Cheese with side salad
Frogmore Stew
Tacos with Refried Beans and Salsa
Crockpot Chicken and Rice with Green Beans
Week 2
Chicken Berry Salad
Spinach Lasagna
Crunchy Lemon-Dill Salmon with Rice and Green Beans
Kate's French Dip Sandwiches with Side Salad
Beef Kabobs with Rice and Side Salad with Grilled Asparagus
Week 3
Meatloaf with Mixed Vegetables and Mashed Potatoes
Crockpot Mexican Chicken with rice and peppers and onions
Heather's Marinara with Spaghetti and side salad
Fish in Foil with Grilled Asparagus and Corn on the Cob
Hot Wings with side salad and Baked French Fries
Week 4
Pasta Fagioli and side salad
Whole Wheat Pancakes
California Roll Salad
Lean Hamburgers and Relish with Oven baked French Fries
Chicken Enchiladas with black beans and a side salad
Mealtime Monday
Mealtime Mondays in May will host a lot of new recipes plus some old favorites that have been requested to return to the menu. Each weeks' menu will continue to provide at least 1 crockpot dish, one vegy dish, and one fish dish. I hope to get better at remembering to post a "meals in review" post at the end of each week to give an honest critique of all the recipes. I would LOVE to get your feedback and/or suggestions for any recipe you might have tried.
Your Month of Meals Menu is scheduled to post very soon!
Your Month of Meals Menu is scheduled to post very soon!
Super Saturday
May is here! Can you believe it is already month 5 of 2009- my kids lives are going by soooo fast. Today's Super Saturday is coming to you LIVE from Las Vegas!!!! (ok, it's not really live I scheduled half of it before I left for the trip, but anyways....) The odds of this being a post packed day are good. I bet you'll be glad you stopped by. So let's roll the dice and get this party started!!!!
Sorry for the lame attempt to use Vegas lingo. If I wanted to give you a real taste of what Vegas sounds like to me it would be Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Here's a Mr. Linky to record your thoughts and your own plan for May. Just remember what happens on Mr. Linky STAYS on Mr. Linky! I'll stop.
Sorry for the lame attempt to use Vegas lingo. If I wanted to give you a real taste of what Vegas sounds like to me it would be Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Here's a Mr. Linky to record your thoughts and your own plan for May. Just remember what happens on Mr. Linky STAYS on Mr. Linky! I'll stop.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Any recommendations?
There is a bookstore located across from our hotel and I'm thinking about walking over there tomorrow and looking for a new devotional book for both me and the boys. I would love some recommendations! Is there any book you would suggest or even a favorite author? Thanks!
PS I can't remember my Mr. Linky password for this computer so if you aren't able to post a comment could you just email me your suggestion.
PS I can't remember my Mr. Linky password for this computer so if you aren't able to post a comment could you just email me your suggestion.
Crockpot Pasta Fagioli
I know it's not really soup season BUT the crockpot lady said this one tasted like Olive Garden's soup so I just couldn't wait until soup season rolled back around to try it.
Go here for recipe
Crockpot Pasta Fagioli
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1/10th or recipe
Meal Plan: ~250 Calories, 2 meats, 1.5 starches, 2 vegetables
I am going to serve this with a side salad
Go here for recipe
Crockpot Pasta Fagioli
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1/10th or recipe
Meal Plan: ~250 Calories, 2 meats, 1.5 starches, 2 vegetables
I am going to serve this with a side salad
Technical Frustrations
Can I just say I want to pull my hair out right now!!!! I am sooo frustrated:
#1 Poor Jodie she has done absolutely everything she knows how to do to get that video up and running but it just won't work. If you go to the party blog you will see that there are 2 videos that are uploaded but when you go to try to play them it won't run!!!! (Jodie you have my blessing to stop trying and get back to your own life- thanks again for all your hard work and effort)
#2 Last night I logged onto the party blog to see how many votes I had and was so sad to see I had a big fat ZERO. Then I learned that the link I gave you to vote did not actually go to the voting page, so I felt better. BUT I still haven't figured out where to send ya'll to vote! Arghhh
#3 I wanted to upload some pictures of my vacation to share with you today, and even had a clever little post to share BUT I can't figure out how to upload pictures on DH laptop. Double Arghhhh
Thanks for letting me share all of this with you.
#1 Poor Jodie she has done absolutely everything she knows how to do to get that video up and running but it just won't work. If you go to the party blog you will see that there are 2 videos that are uploaded but when you go to try to play them it won't run!!!! (Jodie you have my blessing to stop trying and get back to your own life- thanks again for all your hard work and effort)
#2 Last night I logged onto the party blog to see how many votes I had and was so sad to see I had a big fat ZERO. Then I learned that the link I gave you to vote did not actually go to the voting page, so I felt better. BUT I still haven't figured out where to send ya'll to vote! Arghhh
#3 I wanted to upload some pictures of my vacation to share with you today, and even had a clever little post to share BUT I can't figure out how to upload pictures on DH laptop. Double Arghhhh
Thanks for letting me share all of this with you.
Familytime Friday minus the Family
Hi DRSers today is Familytime Friday but I am no where near my family- sniff sniff. So instead of blogging about family time I am going to use today to catch you up on some stuff. DH is at his conference today so it is just you, me and the pool today. I should have lots of time to sit at the computer. But first, I think I'll go knock out some pool time. I'll be back soon.......
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Annual Budget Countdown
This week was the First Stockpile Creations Challenge and my original goal was to spend no more then $35 this week. Well........ I busted! I went over, but can I just say I got some really good deals and I haven't done the math yet but I think I am officially back on budget after this week. We'll see.............
Kroger trip 1
Spent: $35.51 on 34 items
Saved: $26.82
Kroger trip 2
Spent: $3.36 on 8 items!!
Saved: $14.47
Walgreens
Spent: $5.92 (on gift card so won't deduct from annual budget
Saved: $10.79
Dollar General
Spent: $0.75
I used my $2.50 off 1 Electrasol coupon from 4/19 inserts because they had a 12 pack for $3.00
Target:
Spent: $2.02 oop (I used a $5 gift card to pay for some of my purchase)
Saved: Hard to say because I also bought a swimsuit on sale so that was part of my savings. Note: The swimsuit is NOT part of my total spent. I also got back a $5 gift card for buying 5 special K products.
Total for week 17
Total Spent: $41.64
Total Saved: at least $41.29
Total Spent in 2009: $1619.23
Total Saved: at least $1358.02
Total Left for year: $3380.77
To be on budget for the year I needed to have spent no more then $1634.62 for the year. Well take a looky! Woopie!! Woo Hoo! Yippy Skippy! Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes!!!!!! I AM BACK ON BUDGET FOR THE YEAR!!!!! Actually, I'm UNDER budget for the year!!!!!........................ ok I am calming back down. Pride comes before the fall....................
Kroger trip 1
Spent: $35.51 on 34 items
Saved: $26.82
Kroger trip 2
Spent: $3.36 on 8 items!!
Saved: $14.47
Walgreens
Spent: $5.92 (on gift card so won't deduct from annual budget
Saved: $10.79
Dollar General
Spent: $0.75
I used my $2.50 off 1 Electrasol coupon from 4/19 inserts because they had a 12 pack for $3.00
Target:
Spent: $2.02 oop (I used a $5 gift card to pay for some of my purchase)
Saved: Hard to say because I also bought a swimsuit on sale so that was part of my savings. Note: The swimsuit is NOT part of my total spent. I also got back a $5 gift card for buying 5 special K products.
Total for week 17
Total Spent: $41.64
Total Saved: at least $41.29
Total Spent in 2009: $1619.23
Total Saved: at least $1358.02
Total Left for year: $3380.77
To be on budget for the year I needed to have spent no more then $1634.62 for the year. Well take a looky! Woopie!! Woo Hoo! Yippy Skippy! Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes!!!!!! I AM BACK ON BUDGET FOR THE YEAR!!!!! Actually, I'm UNDER budget for the year!!!!!........................ ok I am calming back down. Pride comes before the fall....................
Deal Alert- Kroger
Warning: I did these match-ups without my coupon box (yes, that's right I did not bring my coupon boxes with me on vacation. I just felt that if my kids didn't get to go with me, neither should my coupon boxes. I do miss them though............... my kids, not the coupon boxes!) Anyways.... I did not get to verify the coupon amounts found in our region's inserts.
This week Kroger is having their BIG Case Sale again. This is exciting for those NONcouponers who still want in on a good deal. But for the couponer......well, we know that you can only use ONE coupon per case, and therefore might actually get a better deal when the item is sold separately. Regardless, here are just a few of the case deals I might consider:
Kroger Peanut Butter case of 12 on sale for $12
Final Price: $1 per jar
Bounty Basic Paper Towels case of 8 on sale for $5
Use $1 off 1 from 3/29 SS
Final Price: $0.50 per roll
Dole Fruit Cups case of 16 on sale for $7
There is a coupon in the 4/26 SS- unsure of amount
Final Price: less then $0.43 a cup
Eggo Waffles on sale for $2
Use coupon in 4/5 inserts- unsure of amount
Unsure of Final Price
General Mills Cereals on sale for $2
lots of coupons available from lots of inserts
Sorry not more help on this one
Avocados on sale for $0.99 each
Fresh Green Beans, and Zucchini on sale $0.99/lb
There is also a couple of deals only available Thursday through Saturday:
Florida Sweet Corn on sale 5 ears for $1
(I suggest grilling, yum yum)
Kroger OJ on sale for $0.99 (limit 3)
Oscar Mayer Wieners on sale $0.99 (limit 3) (I totally had to sing the song to know how to spell Oscar Mayer)
If wieners and hot dogs are the same thing then you could use $1 off 2 from 4/19 SS
Final Price: $0.50 each
This week Kroger is having their BIG Case Sale again. This is exciting for those NONcouponers who still want in on a good deal. But for the couponer......well, we know that you can only use ONE coupon per case, and therefore might actually get a better deal when the item is sold separately. Regardless, here are just a few of the case deals I might consider:
Kroger Peanut Butter case of 12 on sale for $12
Final Price: $1 per jar
Bounty Basic Paper Towels case of 8 on sale for $5
Use $1 off 1 from 3/29 SS
Final Price: $0.50 per roll
Dole Fruit Cups case of 16 on sale for $7
There is a coupon in the 4/26 SS- unsure of amount
Final Price: less then $0.43 a cup
Eggo Waffles on sale for $2
Use coupon in 4/5 inserts- unsure of amount
Unsure of Final Price
General Mills Cereals on sale for $2
lots of coupons available from lots of inserts
Sorry not more help on this one
Avocados on sale for $0.99 each
Fresh Green Beans, and Zucchini on sale $0.99/lb
There is also a couple of deals only available Thursday through Saturday:
Florida Sweet Corn on sale 5 ears for $1
(I suggest grilling, yum yum)
Kroger OJ on sale for $0.99 (limit 3)
Oscar Mayer Wieners on sale $0.99 (limit 3) (I totally had to sing the song to know how to spell Oscar Mayer)
If wieners and hot dogs are the same thing then you could use $1 off 2 from 4/19 SS
Final Price: $0.50 each
Let the Voting BEGIN!!!
Ok all you DRSers I NEED YOU. Well actually I NEED your VOTE!!!!!! The Ford American Idol Sweepstakes starts today. Soooo here is how you can help me win that new 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid AND a trip to the American Idol Finale!!!!!!!- just go here and push that little "VOTE HERE" button. For every vote my houseparty gets I get entered into the drawing for the grand prize. And guess what?!?!?! You could win too!!!!!!! Yes that's right each voter gets submitted into their own sweepstakes for a chance at some cash prizes!!!!! WOW is that fun of what!!!!
Note: If you get to the party blog and have any trouble voting please let me know!!!!!
Please TELL YOUR FRIENDS!!!!
PS While there you will notice that the video I told you about is still not uploaded. Poor Jodie says every time she tries to work on it it crashes her computer. I have that effect on things. Cross your fingers it will be up and running soon. And a BIG thanks to Jodie for trying and an even BIGGER apology for being so much trouble!
Deal Alert- Target
There are a bunch of new Target Printables available so go here to print as many as your heart desires.
Here are my top 5 picks for Target Deals this week:
Kashi Waffles on sale for$1.85
Use this $1.50 off 1
Final Price: $0.35- now that's a deal!
Update: I went to Target looking for the waffles and I couldn't find them.
Kraft Salad Dressings on sale $1.59
Buy 2 and use 2 $1.50 off 1 from 3/29 SS AND $1 off 2 target printable (print from link above)
Final Price: FREE plus possible overages
Note: These were priced more on the shelf but did ring up for $1.59
Buy 5 Special K Products and Get a $5 Target Gift Card
Special K Bars, cookies and crackers on sale for $2.39 each
Use $1 off 1 from 4/5 RP and/or go here to print a $1 off 1 coupon for Special K Crackers
Final Price: $1.95 for 5 boxes after 5 coupons and gift card
Target Baby Bodywash on sale for $1.25
Use $0.75 off 1 Target Printable
Final Price: $0.50
Ritz Cheese or Peanut Butter Crackers on sale for $2
Use $1 off 1 Target Printable AND $1 off 2 from here
Final Price: $1 for 2 after coupons
Quaker Granola Bites (snack size found at register) for $1
Use $1 off 1 Quaker Snack Target Printable
Final Price: FREE
Visit here to see a complete list of Target matchups.
Here are my top 5 picks for Target Deals this week:
Kashi Waffles on sale for$1.85
Use this $1.50 off 1
Final Price: $0.35- now that's a deal!
Update: I went to Target looking for the waffles and I couldn't find them.
Kraft Salad Dressings on sale $1.59
Buy 2 and use 2 $1.50 off 1 from 3/29 SS AND $1 off 2 target printable (print from link above)
Final Price: FREE plus possible overages
Note: These were priced more on the shelf but did ring up for $1.59
Buy 5 Special K Products and Get a $5 Target Gift Card
Special K Bars, cookies and crackers on sale for $2.39 each
Use $1 off 1 from 4/5 RP and/or go here to print a $1 off 1 coupon for Special K Crackers
Final Price: $1.95 for 5 boxes after 5 coupons and gift card
Target Baby Bodywash on sale for $1.25
Use $0.75 off 1 Target Printable
Final Price: $0.50
Ritz Cheese or Peanut Butter Crackers on sale for $2
Use $1 off 1 Target Printable AND $1 off 2 from here
Final Price: $1 for 2 after coupons
Quaker Granola Bites (snack size found at register) for $1
Use $1 off 1 Quaker Snack Target Printable
Final Price: FREE
Visit here to see a complete list of Target matchups.
Deal Alert- Walgreens
Well the Easy Saver Rebate program is officially over. I am sooo upset- I thought I had one more week so I missed out on the FREE vitamins last week. Oh well......... Word on the net is that they are going to really amp up the RR program- only time will tell.
So here are my top 5 picks for Walgreen's deals this week:
Campbells soups are on sale for $0.59 with Walgreens Flyer coupon
Use this $1 for 2
Final Price: $0.09 each after coupons
Cutter Advance Insect Repellent (1 oz) for $2
Use this $2 off 1
Final Price: FREE
REGISTER REWARD
Ecotrin 45ct Tablets for $2, Get $2 RR when you buy 1
Use this $2.25 off 1
Final Price: FREE plus $2 in overage from RR
Rembrandt Toothpaste or Mouthwash for $5.99, Get a $5.99 RR when you buy 1
Final Price: FREE after RR
Nivea Body Wash for $4.99, Get a $4.99 RR when you buy 1
Final Price: FREE after RR
note: supposedly there is a $1 off 1 in the 4/19 RP but I sure couldn't find it!)
See thriftymama's post for more Walgreens match-ups
Thrifty Thursday
Today is going to be a modified version of Thrifty Thursday since I am on vacation. I hope you don't mind but I am just going to give you my favorite top 5 deals for each store this week. I will be sure to also provide a link for you to see a complete list of match-ups so you should be just fine. Happy Savings!
Happy Birthday!
Today is my birthday and this is probably horrible to ask- but Money Saving Mom did it on her birthday and she is super humble, so I thought it would be ok if I did it too. Plus I already told you that my love language is "Words of Affirmation" sooooooooooo I was hoping, maybe, you could leave me a comment for my birthday telling me what you like or have found helpful about this blog. I tell you it would just make my day. Thanks
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Wildcard Wednesday
Please pray for safe travels today! Also I am an anxious wreck about leaving the boys.... Philippians 4:6-7, Philippians 4: 6-7, Philippians 4:6-7.... thanks!
PS I just looked up Philippians 4: 6-7 in the closest bible I could find- it happened to be the Message. I kinda really like it's wording:
Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
I love the idea of shaping my worries into prayers. Anyways.....
PS I just looked up Philippians 4: 6-7 in the closest bible I could find- it happened to be the Message. I kinda really like it's wording:
Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
I love the idea of shaping my worries into prayers. Anyways.....
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Call for recipes!
This weekend is Super Saturday- should be interesting since I will be out of town.. but anyways.... I would love to include some of your favorite recipes in May's Month of Meals so if you have a recipe you would like to share please email me. Thanks!
Clutter Catcher
Went to my first garage sale of the season last weekend. Guess what I found? Hint: look at the title of this post. That's right!!!! A CLUTTER CATCHER!!! My table is so excited!! I got the pretty, over-sized basket for $1. The goal is that I will place all table clutter in the basket and not all over the table. Then, in a perfect world, I would empty the basket every night before I went to bed. Doesn't that sound nice.
Zone 2- Bedrooms and Closets
Zone 2- Bedrooms and Closets
Day 1-Tuesday
Day 1-Tuesday
- Dust Master Bedroom Furniture
- Dust Master BR Fan
- Clean Master BR Windows and Blinds
- Dust Kids Bedroom Furniture
- Dust Kids BR Fans
- Clean Kids BR Windows and Blinds
- Organize all Master BR drawers
- Organize Master BR closet
- Organize all kids BR drawers
- Organize Kids BR closets
- Mop/Vacuum All Bedroom Floors including under bed
- Clean Bedroom Baseboards
- Flip Mattress (Odd months only)
- Organize Hall Closets
Tidy Tuesday
Your on your own again this week for Tidy Tuesday. I am going to be gone most of this week so zone 2 is going to totally get neglected this month. I guess the boys dress shirts will have to comingle with their t-shirts for 5 more weeks before they can be properly segregated back to their proper place in the closet. I'm cool with that.... you know me, laid back, go with the flow Niki- That's what they call me.......... yep.... ok, nope!
Anyways.... I sure hope you are doing a better job staying on top of the housework then me. And I sure wish you would tell me about it to help get me motivated to get back in the zone next week. Here's a Mr. Linky. Anybody?
Anyways.... I sure hope you are doing a better job staying on top of the housework then me. And I sure wish you would tell me about it to help get me motivated to get back in the zone next week. Here's a Mr. Linky. Anybody?
Monday, April 27, 2009
English Muffin Thingys
As promised, here was the oh so simple yet oh so yummy breakfast I made from my stockpile this morning.
Package of Thomas Lite English Muffins (bought B1G1 Free a couple of weeks back)
1 tube of Reduced Fat Sausage
about 3/4 cup (I'm guessing) Left Over Rotel Cheese Dip from Colby's party
I browned sausage and then stirred about 3/4 cup of the cheese dip into the skillet with the drained sausage. Next, I sliced open the English Muffins and laid them out on a cookie sheet. I then topped each English Muffin Half with the sausage/cheese mixture and baked until muffin was toasted at about 350ish.
Colby said it was the best breakfast ever! Cohen spit it out and had a frozen waffle.
My friend Amy, who inspired this recipe, said that you could easily freeze these to pull out for a quick breakfast on another day. She suggests freezing "unbaked" muffins on a cookie sheet until frozen and then transferring frozen muffins into a freezer safe storage container. Oh I just love that idea!!
PS Can I please be excused from providing the nutrition information for this recipe?..... Thanks!
What a day!
Today I was so busy living life I didn't have time to blog about it. The day started out with me trying a new recipe from my stockpile. I am not typically the Mom that will get up and fix a hardy breakfast for her family, although I realize if I want to one day achieve full Donna status I will have to become this type of Mom, but anyways...... Yesterday at church my friend Amy made the most delicious english muffin thingys and I was anxious to try out a few modifications with lighter ingredients I already had in my stockpile. The result- very tasty!! (I'll share the recipe soon, I promise).
After that I tried to find a last minute babysitter to watch the boys while I ran to the chamber for an American Idol Watch Party Task force meeting so I could get permission to have my party outside (tailgate) the Big Watch Party. Unfortunately I didn't find a sitter for today so I am hoping to make next weeks meeting.
Next on the agenda- video a clip for my Ford American Idol blog party. This took up most of the day. My friend Jodie very sweetly offered to help me put a video on the blog (since this is way beyond my technological know how) Aaaaand she even volunteered to let me use her video camera to do the filming. My other friend Angie then graciously agreed to do the filming. I'm not going to tell you All about the video because I want you to check it out, but let me just let you in on some "behind the scene" action that took place while filming.
After that I tried to find a last minute babysitter to watch the boys while I ran to the chamber for an American Idol Watch Party Task force meeting so I could get permission to have my party outside (tailgate) the Big Watch Party. Unfortunately I didn't find a sitter for today so I am hoping to make next weeks meeting.
Next on the agenda- video a clip for my Ford American Idol blog party. This took up most of the day. My friend Jodie very sweetly offered to help me put a video on the blog (since this is way beyond my technological know how) Aaaaand she even volunteered to let me use her video camera to do the filming. My other friend Angie then graciously agreed to do the filming. I'm not going to tell you All about the video because I want you to check it out, but let me just let you in on some "behind the scene" action that took place while filming.
- First- can I just say that I don't think I sound like that in real life. I feel the video shot my voice up at least an octave higher (I'm not really sure what an octave is exactly, but if "octave" means a lot higher then octave is the word I was looking for)
- Most of the filming took place while driving a Ford Fusion Hybrid (what a car! by the way!!) But before I actually drove the car I had to, of course, get permission from the manager, explain my house party, then transfer my carseats out of "my car" into the luxury car, load the boys up, and get instructions on how to operate the car. Let me just say I was sweating by the time we were ready to drive off the lot. That is when the very sweet manager asked for my driving license..... and I then realized I had left it at home! SooOooo I had to get back in "my car" and rush home to get my license before I was allowed off the lot. Poor Angie, who refused to drive "my car," had to sit in the fusion with the boys buckled in their carseats until I got back. I just wonder how many time she had to sing "Itsy Bitsy Spider" to keep Cohen from going berzerk sitting in that unmoving car while I was gone.
- I would also like to say that it was a VERY humid day and my hair does not usually look that frizzy.
- Another thing you will not see in the video was Colby crying as we drove back to the dealership. You see he found an actual electrical outlet in this car, and I made the mistake of telling him that he could probably hook up his Wii in this kind of car. SooooOooo the boy was heart broken that we had to give the car back and get back into "my car." and back to reality.
- Oh, and during filming I totally was driving in the wrong lane at one point. That is when you hear me say "oh shoot."
- Fun Times! Fun Times!
I came home from filming to find an ant hill INSIDE my house! How insulting!!! Did those ants not know my house was clean!!! I mean sure I had dropped some of the English Muffin thingy on the ground but I would have thought word would have traveled around the ant kingdom that this was not a house worth waiting for food to drop because a Donna wanna be lives here. I mean gosh- don't the ants read my blog. I have a whole day devoted to tidyness for goodness sake!!! (of course for those that do read this blog you know that no ant would really go hungry at this house- EVER! But please don't tell the ants!) Anyways I researched home remedies for killing ants (yep I said killing- I want em gone!!!!) and found out that white vinegar should do the trick. We'll see....
We had frozen Salmon Patties from the freezer for supper along with spinach from the garden! I'll have to introduce you to DH garden sometime soon.
Ta Ta for now!
PS I will be sure to let you know when Jodie gets the video on the party blog so you can check it out!
Mealtime Monday- accountability
Sorry, I forgot to put a Mr. Linky up to make it easier for you to post a comment about your Stockpile Creations Challenge. Here he is....
Mealtime Monday
Welcome to the very first DRS Stockpile Creations Challenge!!! Every 5th week of the month I am going to challenge myself and anyone who wants to join me to create our week's menu from ingredients found in the pantry/refrigerator/freezer. Basically it is a chance to get creative with ingredients, give the budget a big break for the week, and perhaps clear out some products that have gone uneaten.
I will say, I feel somewhat like I am cheating on this first stockpile challenge because DH and I are going out of town for most of the week so I will only be preparing meals for two nights. Aaaand I happen to have two meals frozen from past weeks that never got eaten so I won't be testing my culinary creativity during this first challenge. But I would LOVE to hear about your meals if you choose to participate in this challenge.
Oh... and my goal for the Stockpile Challenge was to spend no more then $35 at the grocery store on sale items and necessities- and guess what? My total was $35.51 (close enough- don't you think?) I will say I saw a few items I wanted to go back and get with more coupons... so we will see if my total stands by the end of the week!)
I will say, I feel somewhat like I am cheating on this first stockpile challenge because DH and I are going out of town for most of the week so I will only be preparing meals for two nights. Aaaand I happen to have two meals frozen from past weeks that never got eaten so I won't be testing my culinary creativity during this first challenge. But I would LOVE to hear about your meals if you choose to participate in this challenge.
Oh... and my goal for the Stockpile Challenge was to spend no more then $35 at the grocery store on sale items and necessities- and guess what? My total was $35.51 (close enough- don't you think?) I will say I saw a few items I wanted to go back and get with more coupons... so we will see if my total stands by the end of the week!)
Sunday, April 26, 2009
My Baby
Can I just take a second to tell you about one of the greatest gifts God has ever given me- my Colby. (Cohen of course is the second greatest gift God has ever given me- only second in chronology not in greatness. But anyways more on Cohen on his birthday). I have no doubt Colby was made just for his Mama. Not only is he my mini-me he also speaks the same language. If you have ever read Gary Chapman's "Five Love Languages" you will know what I am writing about when I tell you that my love language is "words of affirmation." I need encouragement, I need praise, I need... well affirmation. My DH on the other hand.....well... words of affirmation is a foreign language to him (God love him.... and I love him too, but anyways). Try as he may, DH just can not seem to learn the language. But guess what? God gave me a little boy who speaks the very same language. Not only does he thrive on praise he also knows just what to say to encourage others. I will NEVER forget the time when Colby was 3 years old and while he took his nap I cleaned the house and just cried because I felt so unappreciated, I just wanted someone to say "thank you," or "good job" or something (you've had those days as a Mommy/wife.. right? anyways). Well can I just tell you that as my three year old woke from his nap and sluggishly walked out of his room the first thing that baby told me was "Mommy the house looks great!!!" Ya'll, tears are rolling as I write!!! What kid notices the house?!?!?! God used this baby to meet my greatest need!! And he has done it over and over again from Mommy you look pretty to Mommy this was the best supper ever!
He is also very dramatic like his Mommy. I just crack up when I hear him tell a story because he talks with exclamation points. And he uses phrases like "Well..." and "Guess What?" and "let me tell you what." He also enjoys being the center of attention. For those of you who attended the Awanas Graduation Ceremony last year you know what I'm talking about! I wonder where he gets that from? Hmmmmm?
My 5 year old has the sweetest heart- he wouldn't hurt someone's feelings for anything in the world. If you ask him "What do you like best- This or That?" He will ALWAYS tell you "both or if he does have a preference he will always find something he likes about both. For example I asked Colby who made the better breakfast Mommy or Daddy and he said "both, Mommy you make the better gravy and Daddy makes the better biscuits."
Colby is a great big brother. When Cohen was in my belly I told Colby that he was so lucky to be getting a baby brother because that meant that he would have a live in best friend. So even on days when Cohen is getting on his last nerve if I ask Colby "Who is your best friend?" He will ALWAYS without a second thought say "Cohen." He has been so patient to share his toys and attention with his baby brother.... most of the time.
He is very giving? Do you remember this story. I love that story! And just the other day he said he wanted to give me all his money so I could buy a new car. (I didn't take it, by the way)He is also always willing to share his food. This is NOT a trait he got from his Mommy but one that I admire greatly.
He is appreciative. This is a trait I am sure I did not have as a 5 year old but one he already possess. For example while I was explaining the Imagination Movers "Idea Emergency" to the kids at the party on Friday night and all the kids were jumping up and down with excitement Colby just shouted out Thanks for the Party Mommy and ran over and gave me a hug! We hadn't even gone inside to get the party started and Colby was already thanking me. Is that a special kid or what!!!
He is also very dramatic like his Mommy. I just crack up when I hear him tell a story because he talks with exclamation points. And he uses phrases like "Well..." and "Guess What?" and "let me tell you what." He also enjoys being the center of attention. For those of you who attended the Awanas Graduation Ceremony last year you know what I'm talking about! I wonder where he gets that from? Hmmmmm?
My 5 year old has the sweetest heart- he wouldn't hurt someone's feelings for anything in the world. If you ask him "What do you like best- This or That?" He will ALWAYS tell you "both or if he does have a preference he will always find something he likes about both. For example I asked Colby who made the better breakfast Mommy or Daddy and he said "both, Mommy you make the better gravy and Daddy makes the better biscuits."
Colby is a great big brother. When Cohen was in my belly I told Colby that he was so lucky to be getting a baby brother because that meant that he would have a live in best friend. So even on days when Cohen is getting on his last nerve if I ask Colby "Who is your best friend?" He will ALWAYS without a second thought say "Cohen." He has been so patient to share his toys and attention with his baby brother.... most of the time.
He is very giving? Do you remember this story. I love that story! And just the other day he said he wanted to give me all his money so I could buy a new car. (I didn't take it, by the way)He is also always willing to share his food. This is NOT a trait he got from his Mommy but one that I admire greatly.
He is appreciative. This is a trait I am sure I did not have as a 5 year old but one he already possess. For example while I was explaining the Imagination Movers "Idea Emergency" to the kids at the party on Friday night and all the kids were jumping up and down with excitement Colby just shouted out Thanks for the Party Mommy and ran over and gave me a hug! We hadn't even gone inside to get the party started and Colby was already thanking me. Is that a special kid or what!!!
He loves Jesus! He is a great reminder of what child like faith looks like. When he is hurt he will ask me to pray to Jesus to make it feel better. And when we were driving home from Sean and Emily's house the day of the fire it was Colby the then 4 year old that said "let's pray for James Patrick's house" it took the kid to remind us adults to turn it over to Jesus.
Thank you for letting me take the time to write about just a FEW of the things that I love most about my favorite 5 year old in the whole world. Thank you Jesus for entrusting me with such a special little boy.
Happy Birthday Colby!
Deal Alert
In my weight management program I have a lesson on "Restaurant Eating." One of the tips in this lesson is to "avoid restaurants that don't offer healthy choices." The example I ALWAYS give is Kentucky Fried Chicken. Well..... I am going to have to look for another example, because KFC now offers Grilled Chicken. All I can say is- bout time.
If you want to give the grilled chicken a try, Monday would be the day to do it. Monday, April 27th KFC will be giving away FREE grilled Chicken. Let me know if it's any good!
Sonday Sunday
Well, I have tried to sit down and write this post 3 times and I keep tearing up. You see this weekend my baby boy turned 5. FIVE YEARS OLD! Oh... my eyes are burning again. I remember the day Colby was born like it was yesterday. The doctor held him up and I remember thinking he was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen..... ok I am going to stop right there.... Colby is in the room and I don't want him to think somethings wrong with Mommy. I tell you what... after the boys go to bed tonight, I'll try to pen down all my thoughts. But until then, the verse I would like to reflect on is:
Children are a gift from the Lord. They are a reward from him. Psalms 127: 3
Children are a gift from the Lord. They are a reward from him. Psalms 127: 3
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