Rite Aid Deals 9/24/10

Missing from the photo is another can of soup... Max got to it before I photographed. 

Transaction 1:
2 boxes Nature Valley Granola Bars, normally $3.99, sale 2/$5.00
2 cans Campbell's Chunky Soups, normally $3.29, sale 2/$3.00
2 cans Campbell's Select Soups, normally $3.29, sale 2/$3.00
1 Quaker Oats, normally $3.29, sale 1.99
John Frieda Straightening Cream, normally $6.49, part of 2/7.99 deal
John Frieda Smoothing Lotion, normally $6.99, part of 2/$7.99 deal
2 Oreo Cakesters, normally $1.19, BOGO free
Crest Pro Toothpaste (with free White Strips and $10 worth of coupons), normally $4.79, sale $2.99

Coupons Used:
2 $1.00 Campbell's Select Coupons
$2.00 John Freida coupon
$3.00 John Frieda coupon
$1.00 Rite-Aid Video Values Oreo coupon
$1.00 Quaker Oats Coupon
.50 Rite Aid Nature Valley coupon
$1.00 off 2 Nature Valley coupon
$1.00 off 2 Chunky Coupon
$1.00 coupon Crest
$7.00 in UP Rewards from last week

Total for Transaction 1:$7.67
Received $8.00 in UP Rewards and $1 Single Check Rebate


Transaction 2:
2 Hand Sanitizer, normally $2.99, on sale 2/$3.00
2 Kellogg's Raisin Bran, normally $4.79, on sale 2/$5.00
Glade Sense and Spray Deodorizer, normally $9.99, on sale $6.99
Tresseme Hairspray w/ bonus dry shampoo, normally $4.99, on sale $3.99
2 cans Campbell's Select, normally $3.29, sale 2/$3.00
Halls Honey Lemon Drops, normally $1.99, sale $.99

Coupons:
$1.00/2 Kellogg's coupon
2 $1.00 off Campbell's Select's soups
$3.00 off Glade coupon
$1.00 Rite Aid Video Values Glade coupon
$8.00 UP Rewards coupon from Transaction #1

Total for Transaction #2: $7.97
Received $4.00 in UP Rewards

Today's total within discounts and coupons would've have been $80.61. After discounts my total was $15.70. Not quite as good as some weeks, but there were a couple of extra, no coupon purchases in there.

The Glory of God

Sunrise- September 23rd 2010-- The First Day of Autumn

 ¹ The heavens declare the glory of God;
         And the firmament shows His handiwork.
 ² Day unto day utters speech,
         And night unto night reveals knowledge.
 ³ There is no speech nor language
         Where their voice is not heard.
 ⁴ Their line has gone out through all the earth,
         And their words to the end of the world.
        
         In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun,
 ⁵ Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
         And rejoices like a strong man to run its race.
 ⁶ Its rising is from one end of heaven,
         And its circuit to the other end;
         And there is nothing hidden from its heat.

 

Psalm 19:2-5

National Indian Day

This year we've been studying a lot about Early Americans, particularly Native Americans. So, when a friend mentioned that the nearby Indian Reservation had festivities for National Indian Day, we decided to join her family and attend. All in all it was a good time, to be honest the little kids were cute, but it was the jr. high kids that really showed skill. At the end of the presentation some of the tribe elders danced... now that was awesome! Also a young man.. I think 1st grade ... danced on his own as a tribute to one of the council elders.

Our friend, who is Native American, answered a number of our questions. It was neat to see such an emphasis on heritage though and to see the traditions passed on from the older generation to the younger. I thought you'd include some pics from today and a video of the elders dancing.

Shining

Going on 16 years as best friends and 12 years as Sisters-In-Laws. Love you...

When the sun shines, we'll shine together
Told you I'll be here forever
Said I'll always be a friend
Took an oath, I'ma stick it out till the end

Now that it's raining more than ever
Know that we'll still have each other
You can stand under my umbrella
You can stand under my umbrella

 These fancy things, will never come in between
You're part of my entity, here for infinity
When the war has took it's part
When the world has dealt it's cards
If the hand is hard, together we'll mend your heart
Because

When the sun shines, we'll shine together
Told you I'll be here forever
Said I'll always be a friend
Took an oath, I'ma stick it out till the end

Now that it's raining more than ever
Know that we'll still have each other
You can stand under my umbrella
You can stand under my umbrella

You can run into my arms
It's okay don't be alarmed
Come here to me
There's no distance in between our love

So go on and let the rain pour
I'll be all you need and more
Because

When the sun shines, we'll shine together
Told you I'll be here forever
Said I'll always be a friend
Took an oath, I'ma stick it out till the end

Now that it's raining more than ever
Know that we'll still have each other
You can stand under my umbrella
You can stand under my umbrella

Milestones: The Work of His Hands

This week marks ten years that Dane and I have been yielded to God's will for our lives and truly having Him as Lord. Our "conversion" began following the tragic death of Dane's niece. To watch the incredible, gut wrenching suffering that his sister went through is something we will never forget. It left us knowing that there had to be more than just this life. For me it was the feeling that her death couldn't be in vain, and for Dane it triggered the intense love for his children and the desire to never be separated from them. Having grown up in church and chosen to follow flesh and live in disobedience, there had been times where I would choose Christ, then walk away. I think of the parable of the sower, and can see the different soil conditions within my own heart through my late teens/early twenties. My biggest fear ten years ago was that I would walk away again and I didn't want to do that.

There have been many... MANY struggles over the past ten years. But God has proved faithful through them all. That doesn't mean we've been rescued, or removed from the trials, but He has held us through each one. Dane and I were talking a few weeks ago what it would be like if we hadn't given our lives to Christ. It was on the eve of our anniversary and my thought was that we probably would be divorced; Dane, once again going back to the thoughts of our children, wondered how their lives would be different. Oh, what a thought... what a horrible thing to imagine. I am so overwhelmed by the thought that our children our God's first. That He will look after them, that if we forsake them, He will take them up. Oh, the comfort of knowing that despite how I may blow it, they know who God is, and turn to Him for their example.

This whole post has been brought on by my reading this morning. Each day I read a Psalm (or two or three), and the Proverb that lines up with the date. For example, today is the 20th, so I read Proverbs 20. Proverbs 20:7 made me smile again today, and I realized it's because my thought immediately goes to my husband:

The righteous man walks in his integrity, His children are blessed after him.

The footnote in my bible reads:

The children of the righteous are blessed. These children see in righteous and blameless parents the model of integrity in their home.  They are encouraged by this godly example of parents who live out their faith, ad they are challenged to become wise themselves. 

I was both challenged and encouraged by the statement. I am so far off  from being viewed as righteous and blameless in my children's eyes. They see me everyday. They see my failures, they see my shortcomings... they see my sin. Hopefully though, they see Christ in me. I want to be that example, I want them to look back and to know that their mother loved the Lord with all her heart. I am reminded that we need to show that to our kids. They need to see us praying, they need to see us in the Word... they need to see us serving daily.

A few days ago Max was sitting looking at Dane's bible and he said something that made me chuckle. He said, "it's like Dad lives off of the Bible. He's always reading it." It's the absolute truth... anytime Dane sits down or has a empty moment, he has his Bible open. I have always been so challenged by the absolute craving for God's word that my husband has. It has always shocked me in a sense too, as Dane isn't someone who is always cracking open a book. I think about the change that has demonstrated to me in the past 10 years, the knowledge, the faith, the ability to lead. I think about the challenge to me it has shown. Quite frankly, up until the past year, my heart has never craved God's word. I read it, I turned to it for truth, wisdom and encouragement, but I didn't crave it. I didn't thirst for it. I always wanted the intensity that Dane had. I am amazed at the work that God has done in my husband's life.

Dane always used to comment that his testimony was nothing incredible, in fact he'd always say he didn't have a good one like me....errrr, thanks... but I think Dane's testimony has been in his life. Ten years ago, he hated crowds, he was so nervous to speak to new people. When trials hit, he panicked. I have watched my husband become completely comfortable in a group of hundreds, I watch him strike up conversations all the time with people he doesn't know. I have watched him handle with incredible strength and composure the death of both of his parents. I have watched him proclaim boldly that Jesus IS the only way. No, this isn't the man I married... he is however exactly the man God had for me and my children. I am so in awe of him, and more importantly of the God who has transformed his life, my life, OUR life.

I entitled this blog OVERWHELMED, and it is so fitting for my life. I am overwhelmed by God's incredible grace, this is not the life I was headed for years ago. This is the work of His hands. He has built the house, He has labored, He has overwhelmed me with His love, grace, and mercy. If you happen to be reading this, and don't know Him, let me know, I'd love to share with you and pray with you. He is too big to miss.

Rite Aid Deals 9/17/10

Woot, woot hit the jackpot today. I actually found my self downright giddy this morning as I got dressed and ready to head to town. How funny!? Not to mention the excitement and sense of accomplishment and success as the cashier read me the totals! This week was different, I bought a number of things that were our normal products, but then I got a few things that I never normally would have. Two of those things were Veet Hair Remover, and Clearisil Acne products. However, the reason I did it was a)they will get used, and b) my total purchase price for them was $2 AND I receive an awesome freebie that will be used for stocking stuffers for a certain person in my home. So, for $2, worth it. So here's the rundown, and before I get to it just let me say I'm not sure I will do the breakdown from now on. I'm not sure how many are reading it and actually putting it to use. So if you, let me know in the comments section and I will continue.

Here we go:

Transaction 1:
2 Suave Bodywashes, normally $2.89 each, on sale BOGO 1/2 off.
2 Suave Deodorants, normally 2.49 each, on sale BOGO 1/2 off
3 packs Trident Gum, normally $1.29 each, on sale 3/$3.00
Infusium Shampoo, nomally $7.99, on sale $3.99
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara, normally 5.19, on sale $3.11
Garnier Fructis Shine Serum, normally $6.49, on sale $2.99
2 Nivea lip creams, normally $3.29 each, on sale BOGO 1/2 off
2 Nivea Creme Tins, normally $1.19 each, on sale BOGO 1/2 off

Coupons Used:
Rite Aid $5/$25 Coupon
Maybelline Video Values Coupon $2.00
Nivea Coupon $2.00
2 Suave Deodorant Coupons, .50 each
2 Suave Bodywash Coupons, .50each
Trident Coupon $1/3
Infusium Coupon $1.00
Maybelline Coupon $1.00
Nivea Lip Balm Coupon $2.00
Garnier Coupon $1.00
UP coupons totalling $7.00


Total for Transaction 1: $6.69 (including tax)
Received $10 in UP coupons back

Transaction 2:
2 bottles Gain Fabric Softener, normally $2.99 each, on sale 2/$5.00
Herbal Essences Shampoo, normally $4.59, on sale $2.99
2 Veet Gel Cream Hair Remover, normally $6.69, BOGO 1/2 off
Clearasil Daily Wash, normally 5.79, 1/2 off $2.89
Clearasil Vanish Cream,  $6.29

Coupons Used:
Rite Aid Video Values $4/$20 coupon
2 Veet coupons at $3.00 each
2 Clearasil coupons at $2.00 each
2 Gain coupons at $1.00 each
1 Herbal Essences coupon, $1.00
UP Rewards from Trans. 1 totalling $10.00


Total for Transaction 2: $1.16
Received $7.00 in UP Rewards
Glam Camp bag of Products Samples Free

So today's total for just shy of $84 worth of products was $7.85... not too bad!

If you are interested, there is a great post on Rite-Aid's various programs over at Hip2Save... this is where I get my weekly deal run downs by the way. Colin does an incredible job!

W5: Favorites-- New and Old

I thought I would share with you a great resource we've been using this year in addition to our regularly scheduled Bible reading. My kids both love Down Gilead Lane and Adventures ind Oyssey. We recently received Keys from Kids from CBH Ministiries, the ministry that produced DGL. Each day offers a different bible reading and devotional that goes along with it. This week we have discussed abortion, peer pressure, redemption, grace, and forgiveness. A great addition to our day, and they're free. You could listen online, or do what we did and order the bi-monthly book through this link. 

As far as this week went, nothing too exciting, it seemed like a lot of time was spent on the couch reading this week. Next week we have a crazy, busy week coming with family visiting, and TWO field trips. One will be to a Native American Festival, and the other to The Common Ground Fair! The CGF is a highlight of our autumn and by far my favorite annual event our family does. So lots of fun next week, and lots of pics to come. Hope you enjoy your weekend, we'll be attending a wedding of a young couple in our church who have committed to purity, and are proof that God's will (and timing) truly is best!

Rite Aid Shopping 101

So, last week I shared my Rite Aid deals, this week Hip2Save featured Rite Aid on her "Follow Me Monday" video series. Check in out.

Thankfulness

There is always more than one way to look at things.

Choice #1: The same scene every morning. A lego structure in the MIDDLE of the living room for me to step over.

Choice #2: A fleeting moment called childhood. Creativity, innocence,. The blessing of being called mom. A home to get messed up.

Sometimes it's all a matter of how you look at things. Today, I will look for the blessings.

W4: Welcome Fall!

This week was a short week with Labor Day on Monday, and a field trip on Friday. Monday was spent organizing the house, and working on some long overdue projects. The weather took an autumnal turn this week and it was great to be able to crack the windows and get things aired out. As far as school went this week we finished up a few of our books and started new ones. Pedro's Journal was one of the one's we finished. It was a quick read and insight into how things would've been if you were with Columbus when he sailed to the Americas. Max really has a hard time remembered facts and dates sometimes, and I love that with Sonlight we spend so much time on a subject through so many different forms of information. For example, we have been reading about Columbus in Story of the U.S.A. and doing the questions with that, and if that was all we were doing Max would be lost, but throwing in Pedro's Journal builds on the facts and makes it memorable and plants the story in his head. We also finished up Walk the Worlds Rim this week (as I mentioned in an earlier post) and that led to lots of discussion about slavery, which once again tied into Columbus.

    This year in science we are studying magnets and electricity and this week we finally got our science supply kit so that we could start doing some experiments. Once again, this is where Sonlight soars! Giving Max hands visual opportunities to learn.  I had to smile as Kahli even joined us for a few experiments.

  
   Lastly, the highlight of the week for me was our field trip on Friday. We traveled about 1 1/2 hours away to an apple orchard and then came back home and made apple cider with a borrowed apple press! So much fun, and such a great way to welcome in fall.

Croc Santa Cruz Clogs for Men--- $11.99 Shipped

Just scored Dane some sweet Santa Cruz Croc Clogs for $11.99 shipped.

Head to Crocs.com and grab the Santa Cruz Clogs for $14.99.

At checkout at code HEALTHMAG (must be in caps) to reduce the total to $12.74 OR you can sign up for the Crocs newsletter and you'll immediately receive a code for 20% off which will knock your total down to 11.99

Lastly enter code fallship to have free shipping added. Easy, peasy, sweet shoes for a sweet price!

PLUS if you sign up for Ebates you'll receive a free gift card (I snagged a $10 Home Depot one for a stocking stuffer) or $5 cash. You'll receive a 4% rebate on your purchase. Ebates is completely legit and a great way to earn money back if you do a lot of online shopping.

Rite Aid Deals 9/9/10

Woo hoo! So, I love, love, love frugal homemaking sites. I do put some practical things into play that keep me from having to buy things. In the past we've made our own laundry detergent, used cloth wipes, homemade bread, lots of from scratch cooking, cloth napkins.... just a few. BUT, face it we definitely have to spend money out for a lot of stuff. Where I live, the nearest Wal-mart is an hour away, and Target and Sam's Club are 1 hour, 35 minutes. So, my big money saving happens between buying store brands at Hannaford, monthly shopping at Sam's Club, Wal-mart, Amazon Prime, and Rite-Aid. In the past year Rite-Aid has exploded with great deals with their UP Rewards program, Video Values, and Single Check Rebate. Also, there coupon policy is "off the hook"--- sorry I got excited. So, I thought I would start sharing my weekly Rite-Aid bargains. On a side note, I absolutely love the feeling I get when I hit the savings jackpot... I feel so naughty, LOL!

   So how much did I spend on all of this today? Guess, can ya? For the rundown, there are:

• 
  3 Airwick Freshamatic Starter Sets
• 2 Finish Quantamatic Starter Sets
• Biotrue Contact Lens Cleaner
• 2 Right Guard Deodorants
• 2 boxes of Special K cereal
• Booths Ginger Body Scrub
• Orbit Gum
• Garnier Facial Cleansing Cloths
• 2 bottles of Rite Aid nail polish remover

So how much? Well, first let me tell you, it should have cost  $106.75.... my total? $13.27 and I received $5 in UP Rewards to use on my next non prescription Rite Aid purchase. Not bad, hunh?!

So here's the deal breakdown.

Transaction 1:
2 Finish sets, normally 10.99 on sale for 50% off, so $5.49 each.
3 Airwick sets, normally 12.99 each on sale 50% off, 6.49 each.
Coupons used: $5/$25 Rite Aid Coupon
$1 UP Reward from previous purchase
2 $3 off Finish Coupons
3 $4 off Airwick Coupons
$1 Airwick Video Values Coupon

Total for transaction 1: $7.00 AND received a $10 UP coupon to apply to next purchase (which is why I did two separate transactions.

Transaction 2:

Orbit Gum, normally $1.29 on sale .88
Biotrue Contact lens cleaner, $4.99
2 Special K, normally $4.79 each, BOGO
Booth Ginger Body Scrub, $6.29, on sale $4.99
2 Right Guard deodorant, normally $4.69, BOGO
Garnier face wipes, normally $6.49, on sale $4.99
2 Rite Aid Nail Polish Remover, $2.49 BOGO 

Coupons used:
$10 UP reward from transaction 1
$2.00 Garnier coupon
$5.00 in ad coupon for Booth products
2 $1.50 coupons for Right Guard
$2.00 Biotrue coupon
.50 coupon for Orbit

TOTAL for transaction 2: $6.27 AND $5 in UP rewards. Also, if I had wanted to do this transaction at a different time, I could have used another $5/$25 coupon... but I'll save that gem for later.

Confusing at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's so worthwhile. The key is being organized and focused. Last week, I was able to score Max a digital camera for $17 and Kahli and flash drive for $5 there. The best place to get a break down of deals is Hip2Save, she offers a weekly run down of Rite Aid deals.Also, Money Saving Mom and her Rite Aid page. So, I hope you're inspired.... I felt so accomplished with all my purchases, and even some stocking stuffers to boot!

Magnets 101

We've been having fun this week doing some magnet experiments in Science. Kahli even snuck into the fun yesterday and commented that "we never did fun experiments."

My Love Affair With Fall

Fall... Autumn... Whatever you call it, it is by far my favorite season. I think most people think of spring as the season of new beginnings, and while I agree, Autumn is definitely my season of beginnings and getting back in the groove. It is my nesting season. The time of year when I want to be home. I want to organize. I want my house to smell of cinnamon, and hazelnut coffee, and apples. I want to bake pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, and bread and soup. I want to make lists and prepare for winter. I want to pull out blankets and put on flannel jammies and sweaters. Yup, I pretty much love this time of year. So, why am I telling you this? I don't know... Why are you reading it? LOL. I guess as a precursor, a warning to a crazy amount of photos and recipes and "hominess" that may show up the next few months. Ok-- that being said, what is your favorite season? And just for chuckles what is your favorite thing to do this time of year?

W3: Milestones, Heatwaves, and Walking the World's Rim

Oops, we forgot candles for the Homemade Ice Cream Cake!

Sorry, I'm a little late on last weeks update. Last week was so full of milestones, Max's 11th birthday, Kahli beginning her senior year. Then came the rearranging of schedules as we fit in Kahli's schedule from the school she takes classes at and the specials Max takes at the public school. Last week was also dreadfully hot, especially for Maine...in the 90's... yuck. So thankful that we have air conditioning! This week looks to much more seasonal and I love the feeling of fall in the air and the feelings that stirs in me (more of that in a coming post).

First Day of Senior Year

I thought I'd just share a quick bit from what we're reading this week that Max and I have been discussing and that keeps rolling through my head. We are reading Walk the World's Rim right now and in one part Chakoh (an Indian) is expressing his disgust at a slave's willingness to obey and submit to his master and not run away. Esteban (an African who is a slave... although Chakoh doesn't realize it at the time). Chakoh tells Esteban that a slave has no honor. That "they would rather be slaves than die like rue warriors, and the they did not care if the world knew of their fear. Their hearts are weak. They have no sense of shame, for they surrendered rather thank fight." They continue talking for a bit, til finally Esteban says, "But perhaps a slave protects his honor by obeying his master's commands. Perhaps that takes great courage also." I don't know why but that keeps rolling around in my head. This book, while at first slow, stirs so many thoughts about slavery, and freedom and what courage and integrity truly looks like. Through the book we learn why Esteban is a slave and the honor behind that. We learn of the self control he demonstrates in remaining a slave. It a spiritual sense I think about meekness (strength under control), and I think about submission within as wives, and submission to Christ. Sure I could demand my own rights and fight and demand things my way, but I choose to obey. Thankfully my Master (and my master)are kind, and only desire the absolute best for me. God sent His Son to lay down his life for me, and I know that Dane would gladly lay his life down for me as well. I think the thing that catches me with the quote is that it does take strength to deny our will, and I think so often people just think of it as being a doormat or weak to submit to our husbands and to Christ.

Enjoying Read Alouds

Well, I'm not sure if any of that made sense, it's early and my mind is swimming. But I just thought I would share. Last week went great, lots of reading... lots of getting into the books we're reading. Looking forward to a great shortened week this week. Lots of science experiments on the docket and a fun fall field trip ----how's that for alliteration?!

Milestones: First

16 years and seven months ago she became first. My first daughter. My first true love. My first glimpse into what it was like to see a little piece of me in something so miraculous. My first true test of faith. My first. 11 years ago she became my first. My first to go off to school. My first on her first day of school. Today: Her first. Her last. Her first day of the last year of school. How quickly time has flown by.

How many accomplishments and struggles. How many books... seriously, how many? I never thought this day would come so quickly. That time would go by so fast. I am so proud of her. Proud of the advantage that she has. The advantage of having a personal relationship with Christ, and a strong one at that. I spent my senior year pregnant with her. Recovering from the consequences of rebellion , broken hearted, scared. By the grace of God (and a father who loved me...enough to encourage me to not take my child's life) I gave birth to my daughter. I remember kneeling at the altar, "telling" God that I would keep this child but He would have to take care of her.

Oh, and He has... He has been so faithful to her. His name has not only been written on her heart. It has been the song and the cry of her heart. She is wholly and completely God's. At times I think she questions her testimony, somehow feeling as thought she has less to offer, or that somehow she doesn't have an amazing show of what God has done. But rather, the decisions she has made and her commitment to Christ is the show of what God has done. Her life is a testimony to God's faithfulness. Oh how He loves her, and how she loves Him. First... there are lots of firsts in the last 16 years and seven months, but the biggest first is the relationship between Father and daughter.

How He Loves Us

He is jealous for me
Love's like a hurricane,
I am a tree
Bending beneath the weight of
His wind and mercy
When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory
and I realize just how beautiful You are and how great your affections are for me.


Oh, how He loves us so
Oh, how He loves us
How He loves us so.


Yeah, He loves us
Oh, how He loves us
Oh, how He loves us
Oh, how He loves.


We are His portion and
He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption
by the grace in His eyes
If grace is an ocean, we're all sinking
So heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss and my heart turns
violently inside of my chest
I don't have time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way


He loves us,
Oh, how He loves us
Oh, how He loves us
OH, how He loves

Milestones: Eleven

Eleven years ago, I experienced for the second time the happiest moment in my life. Pure bliss. Happy Birthday Max!