1000 Words: Autumn, Day 6

1000 Words: Autumn, Day 5

W8-10: Strides

Max has always struggled with speech difficulties which have in turn made reading very frustrating. Our belief has always been that it would happen, and our desire has been not to quench his love for learning. Last year we were blessed to have an incredible woman work with him in our local school. Finally things started to make sense for him with reading. While he is no longer working with her, she provided us with the same curriculum she was using and we have used that for Language Arts this year. The past few weeks Max has taken off, it's all starting to come together and we're seeing major growth spurts. One of the difficulties of having a late reader is finding books that are at his reading level, without being babyish. The other night he pulled out his dad's bible and proceeded to begin reading it out loud, then he went and grabbed a childhood favorite, Katy and the Big Snow and proceed to read the entire thing to us on his own. AMAZING! His dad and I were so proud, and he was beaming.

I entitled this post "Strides" because that's what it feels like the past few weeks have consisted of. One of the definitions for strides is: to take a single long step, as in passing over an obstruction. It feels like as of late we've been trying desperately to scale various obstructions. This time of year is my absolute favorite, yet it is also the hardest time of year for me emotionally. I have to force myself to cling to God's word and to focus on getting out and about. There are bad days, but over time, I've learned to plow through. I'm beginning to see the clearing and focus on the upcoming holidays. Family, friends, (food), fun, and fellowship... my favorite F's. So making strides is what we've been about.. sometimes it's a lot of baby steps that help us lead up to that "single, long step," and sometimes it just comes out of nowhere and another obstruction is placed behind us.

1000 Words: Autumn, Day 4

1000 Words: Autumn, Day 3

1000 Words: Autumn, Day 2

Rite Aid Deals: Week of 10/24

Well, I joke that it looks like I was shopping for a tribe full of PMS-y Amazon women this week! Before you choke on the amount of chocolate, let me tell you that it all went straight into our big freezer. I'm thinking this will be great for toppings for ice cream, baked goods, and part of little gift packages for Christmas and my Pampered Chef business. So, here we go. I already posted the breakdown of the deals I was going to snag at the end of this post.

Transaction 1:

1 bag each: Twix, Peanut M&M, PB M&M, Snickers, Milky Way, Kit Kat, Reeses, 3 Musketeers each reg. $3.99, sale $2.50

4 bags Werther's candies, reg. $2.29, sale $1.50

NYC Xtreme Lip, $2.99
NYC Eye Shadow Quartet, $3.99
2 NYC Nail Polish, reg. $1.99 each, FREE w/ 2 other NYC purchases
Snickers Candy Bar, .50
Twix Candy Bar .50
Total before sales and coupons:  $52.08

Coupons Used:
BOGO Candy Bar coupon ($.50)
NYC BOGO Free (-$2.99)
$1 KitKat VV
(2) $1.00/2 Werthers
$1.50/3 Candy Bar
$1/2 Candy Bar
(2) BOGO NYC Nail Polish (-3.98)
.50 (not sure what this one was for)
$2 UP Rewards
$4/$20 VV Coupon

Total: $18.49
Received $12 in UP Rewards
____________________________________
Transaction 2:

2 Nature's Valley Nut Clusters, reg. $3.99, slae $2.50
2 Hall's Defense, reg., $2.69, sale $1.50
Aquify Contact Lens Solution (this ended up being a bonus pack with travel size cleaner, and case(, reg. $9.99, sale $7.99
NYC Lip Stick, $1.99
NYC Nail Polish-- reg. $1.99, FREE w/ purchase of lip stick
Renpure Moisture Shampoo (w/ bonus free conditioner), $6.99
Renpure Shampoo, reg. $6.99, BOGO FREE plus a try me free rebate hangtag
2 Sundown Vitamin D, reg. 3.49 each... BOGO FREE... $3.49 for both
Total before sales and coupons: $48.29

Coupons:
 .50 Halls VV
$1.00 Sundown (on bottle)
$3.00 Sundown
$1.00/2 Hall's Defense
$1.00 NYC
$3.00 Acquify
(2) $1.00 Nut Clusters
$1.00/2 General Mills VV
$13 in UP Rewards
$6.99 Renpure Rebate

Total: FREE with $4.03 (after Renpure rebate)
Received $8 UP Rewards
_____________________________
Transaction 3:
2 Always Pantiliners, reg. $1.49, sale .99
(2) Colgate Toothpaste, reg $3.99, BOGO Free... total for both $3.99
NYC Lipstick, $1.99
NYC Nail polish, FREE w. BOGO deal
Maybelline Eye shadow, $6.69
Maybelline Eye shadow, $3.09 (BOGO 1/2 off)

Total before coupons: $27.81

Coupons Used:
$1.00/2 Always
$1.00 NYC
(2)$1.00 Maybelline Eye shadow
$2.00 Maybelline VV
$2.00 mystery coupon
$1.00 Colgate Total VV
$13 in UP Rewards

Total: .74 (the tax was actually higher than the price paid for Trans. 2 and 3.)
Received $2 in UP Rewards
_____________________________
Transaction 4 (forgot I needed Draino and ran back in)
Draino, reg. $5.99, sale $2.99


Coupon used:
.55 peelie coupon
$2 UP Rewards


Total: .44

Final Tally:
Product total before discounts: $134.17
Total Paid:  $16.38.... one of the best things about this total is the I paid $13 of it w/ a rebate check I received! So total spent out of pocket $3.38!

For more deals at Rite Aid and other stores be sure to subscribe to Hip2Save.com. 

1000 Words: Autumn, Day 1

As I told you, I love, love, love autumn. I can't believe how quickly this season is passing us by. Last weekend was very windy and rainy and a lot of leaves fell. I was able to get out and take some photos before the storm. The rest of this month join me in slowing down and enjoying the view.

Mail Time, Mail Time...

One of my daily activities as a child involved walking to my grandmother's everyday around 9:00. You see, we shared a mailbox with them, and every day when the mail lady pulled up it was my own personal Megabucks.... you know, "just imagine..." Still to this day, I thoroughly look forward to checking my mailbox and seeing what's inside. To be honest with you my days really lack excitement or change, the mail, well that's my opportunity for a surprise. Catalogs, magazines, a card, a coupon, a package and the occasional freebie like today. Talk about the mother load!! Green Mountain Coffee is offering a "sample" of their coffee to 2500 lucky individuals on Mondays in October. Head over to Facebook and like them, then check back 8:00 EST on Monday and sign up for your sample. Wonder if it's worth the trouble, well check this out:

 That's right... the sample? A FULL POUND OF COFFEE AND A TRAVEL MUG... and a cool sticker perfect for my coffee addicted teen daughter's guitar case. Oh, and the Crest? That was another freebie. The sample/travel size products go straight into our travel basket. Anyone whose ever gone on any type of extended trip knows how expensive it can be to stock up on travel size products. So... sign up for those freebies... it's fun... trust me... just imagine! 

Rite Aid Deals for Week of 10/17... and next week's deals

 Another banner week! First though, a couple of questions I've been asked lately:

• When is the best time to get the sales? I don't know that there is a best time. I tend to go either in the morning or in the evening to avoid the crowds. Also, my checkout takes a bit more time than most so by going during a less crowded time I don't hold people up, or make the cashier feel stressed. As far as what day to go, I will say that I have been trying to go the beginning of the week that way I'm not disappointed by not being able to get a specific product and therefore having a dealbreaker. 

• Where do I start? Well, start small, don't get ovewhelmed! Start by snagging the weekly paper ( I grab two at a time now). Collin at Hip2Save is an incredible resource and where I snag most of my deals. She has a store guide for Rite Aid which breaks down all there savings programs here.  

So now back to this week's finds!

Transaction 1: 

Ziploc gallon storage bags, reg. $3.99, sale $2
Ziploc quart freezer bag, reg $3.99, sale $2
(3) 4.2 oz. Cheeze-Its, reg. $2.19, sale $1
(3) 5.25 oz. Oreos, reg. $2.19, sale $1
(2) 8 oz. Fig Newtons, reg. $2.19, sale $1
(2) 5 oz. Lorna Doones, reg. $2.19, sale $1
(2) Special K Cereal, reg. $4.79, sale $2.50
Listerine Total Care Mouthwash, reg. $5.49, sale $3.99
Old Spice Deodorant, reg. $4.79, sale $3.00
Old Spice Body Spray, $5.79

Total Before Sales and Coupons: $37.60


Coupons Used:
Old Spice, buy 1 deodorant get Body Spray FREE
$1/2 Nabisco Video Values Coupon
(5) $1/2 Nabisco
(2) $1 Ziploc 
$2/2 Special K 
$7.50 in UP Rewards

Total Spent: $7.49
Received $4 UP Rewards
Total Saved:  $30.11


Transaction 2:

(3) Kleenex w/ Lotion, reg. $2.49, sale $.99
(2) Velveeta w/ Cheese, reg. $3.49, sale $1.99
(2) Campbell's Soup, reg. $ 3.29, sale $1.50
Reese's Pieces (Theater Size), reg. $1.39, sale $.99
Duracell 10 pk. AA, reg. $8.99, sale $4.99
Clearasil Daily Wash, reg. $ 5.79, sale $5.21
(2) RA Bandaids, reg. $2.99, sale $2
Bioguard Tabs, reg. $6.99
Bee, MD Cough Drops, reg. 2.99, sale $2.49
2 Liter Coke, reg. $1.79, sale $1.61
Cottonelle Fresh Wipes, $3.29, sale 2.96
Thermacare Pain Patch, reg. $3.99, sale $2.99
Blink Tears., reg. $10.99, sale $7.99


Total Before Sales and Coupons:  $55.78


Coupons Used:

$4 UP Rewards from Transaction 1

.50 Can't remember with what this one was for....

$1 Video Values 

$2.00 In Ad Clearasil

$2.00 Clearasil

$1.00 Thermacare

$1.00/2 Campbell's Coupon

$1.00 Thermacare Video Value

$1/3 Kleenex

$1.00 Duracell

$4.00 Blink

$1.00 Kleenex Video Value

$1//2 Velveeta

FREE Cottonelle ($3.29) 

$20.96 Single Check Rebates

Total: $5.47

Received $3 in UP Rewards

Total Saved: $50.31

So in case you weren't keeping up, the total amount I should have spent was : $93.38
Total Spent: $12.96

TOTAL SAVED:  $80.47

 ______________________________________________________

So now that you hopefully are inspired, here are my the deals I plan on snagging for next week. Hope this gets you thinking and planning. 

Fun Size or Snack Size Candy 2/$5
Deal Scenario:
Buy 6 of Hershey’s, Reese’s or Kit Kat Snack Size Bags $15
Buy 4 bags of Snickers Fun Size Bags $10
Total $25
Use the $4/$20 coupon found here
Use 3 $1/2 snack size candy coupons from the 10/17 SS
Use the $1.50/3 fun size candy coupon from the 10/10 RP
Use the $1/1 October Video Values snack size coupon
Pay $15.50
Get a $10 +Up Reward (when you buy $25 of select candy)
Final Cost $0.55 per bag! Perfect for all those trick or treaters

Quaker Instant Oatmeal or Cereal Bars 10 pk. 2/$5
Use 2 $2/1 Facebook oatmeal coupons (no longer available)
or use 2 $1/1 coupons from the 8/29 RP or 9/12 RP
Pay as little as $1
Get a $1 +Up Reward
Final Cost as low as FREE!

Nature Valley Nut Clusters 5 oz., Planters NUT-rition Bars 6.15 oz. or Flavor Grove 5.75-6 oz. 2/$5
Use 2 $1/1 NUT-rition bars coupons from the 8/22 SS (expires 10/24!)
Pay $3
Get a $1 +Up Reward
Final Cost $1 each!

All Post Cereal 11-24 oz. Buy 1 Get 1 Free
Final Cost ?

Select Colgate Toothpastes or Toothbrushes Buy 1 Get 1 Free
Deal Scenario (based on online prices):
Buy 2 Colgate Kids Toothpaste 4.6 oz. $2.99 each
Use 2 $1/1 toothpaste coupons from the 10/3 SS
Final Cost $0.50 each!

Huggies Diapers Jumbo Pack or Pull-Ups or Overnites $8.99
Use the $2/1 Little Snugglers or Little Movers Diapers coupon from the 10/17 SS
Use the $2/1 October Video Values coupon
Pay $4.99
Get a $2 +Up Reward
Final Cost $2.99!

Alka-Seltzer Plus 20 ct. or Aleve-D Sinus & Cold 10 ct. $4.99
Use the $1/1 coupon from the 10/24 RP
Use the $1/1 October Video Values coupon or November Video Values coupon
Final Cost $2.99*
*Spend $30 on select Bayer Brand products and Get a $10 +Up Reward

Alka-Seltzer Plus Fast Crystal or Powder Packs 10 ct. $5
Use the $3/1 coupon from the 10/24 RP
Use the $1/1 October Video Values coupon or November Video Values coupon
Pay $1
Get a $2 +Up Reward
Final Cost FREE + $1 moneymaker!*
*Spend $30 on select Bayer Brand products and Get a $10 +Up Reward

Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia 26 oz., Caplets 55 ct. or Colon Health 30 ct. $3 Off with in-ad coupon
Deal Scenario (based on online price):
Buy 1 Phillips Milk of Magnesia 26 oz. $9.99
Use the $2/1 coupon from the 10/24 RP
Use the $3/1 in-ad coupon
Final Cost $4.99!*
*Spend $30 on select Bayer Brand products and Get a $10 +Up Reward

Halls Cough Drops 20-25 ct. or Defense 30 ct. 2/$3
Use the $1/2 coupon from the 10/10 SS
Use the $0.50/1 October Video Values coupon
Use the $0.50/1 November Video Values coupon (good for 30 ct.)
Pay $1
Get a $1 +Up Reward (when you buy 2)
Final Cost 2 bags for FREE!

Zicam Cold Remedies and Allergy Sinus Relief Buy 1 Get 1 Free
Deal Scenario (based on online price):
Buy 2 Cold Remedy Plus RapidMelts 25 ct. $11.59 each
Use 2 $2/1 coupons from the 10/24 SS or found here (must sign up)
Pay $7.59
Get a $2 +Up Reward
Final Cost $2.80 each!

All Sundown Vitamins and Supplements Buy 1 Get 1 Free
Deal Scenario (based on online price):
Buy 2 Vitamin D with Vitamin A and D3 100 ct. $2.99 each
Use the $3/2 coupon found here
Final Cost 2 for FREE!

Nature Made Flaxseed Oils, Fish Oils, Sam-E, Triple Flex or Vitamin D Buy 1 Get 1 Free
Deal Scenario (based on online price):
Buy 2 Chewable Vitamin D 400 IU 90 ct. $6.29 each
Use 2 $1/1 coupons found here or here
Final Cost $2.15 each!

Right Guard or Dry Idea Deodorant Buy 1 Get 1 Free
Deal Scenario (based on online price):
Buy 2 Right Guard Sport 1.8 oz. $2.69 each
Use the $1.50/2 coupon from the 8/15 RP
Final Cost $0.60 each!

Buy 1 NYC Color Eye, Face or Lip Cosmetics ($1.99-$4.99), Get a Nail Enamel Free ($0.99-$1.99 value)
Use the Buy 1 New York Color Eye or Minute Nail Polish Product and Get 1 FREE NYC product of equal or lesser value coupon from the All You October issue
Get a $1 +Up Reward (when you buy any NYC cosmetics valued at $1.99 or higher)
Final Cost ?

Buy 1 Salon Grafix Hair Spray, Mousse or Gel 8-10 oz. and Get 1 Free
Deal Scenario (based on online price):
Buy 2 Salon Grafix Hair Spray 10 oz. $5.99 each
Use the $3/1 October Video Values coupon (good for full-size products only)
Final Cost $1.50 each!

CoverGirl Lip & Eye Cosmetics Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off
Deal Scenario (based on online prices):
Buy 2 Cover Girl Brow & Eye Makers $2.89 each
Use 2 $1/1 coupons from the 9/26 PG
Final Cost $1.17 each!

Genteal Eye Drops, Clear Care or Acquify Multi-purpose Solution $7.99
Use the $3/1 Clear Care/Aquify coupon from the 8/15 SS or 8/22 SS
Pay $4.99
Get a $2 +Up Reward
Final Cos $2.99!

Almay Eye Cosmetics 40% Off Retail
Deal Scenario (based on online price):
Buy 1 Almay Intense i-Color Liner $6.99 (should ring up at $4.19)
Use the $2/1 November Video Values coupon
Final Cost $2.19!

Maybelline Face & Eye Cosmetics Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off
Deal Scenario (based on online prices):
Buy 2 Maybelline EyeStudio Baked Eyeshadow Duo $6.99 each
Use the $2/1 October Video Values coupon
Use the $2/1 November Video Values coupon
Use 2 $1/1 coupons from the 10/10 RP
Final Cost $1.66 each!

Aveeno Shampoo, Conditioner or Stylers $5.99
Use the $1/1 coupon from the 9/26 RP or found here
Use the $4/1 October Video Values coupon
Pay $0.99
Get a $1 +Up Reward
Final Cost FREE!

Cetaphil Skin Lotions and Cleansers $2 Off with in-ad coupon
Deal Scenario (based on online prices):
Buy 1 Cetaphil Skin Cleanser 4 oz. $5.49
Use the $2/1 coupon found here (take 5 minute survey)
Use the $2/1 in-ad coupon
Final Cost $1.49! Great price for a Cetaphil product!

Nexxus Hair Care $9.99
Use the $6/2 October Video Values coupon
Final Cost $6.99 each!

Nivea Happy Sensation Lotion 13.5 oz. $5.99
Use the $1/1 coupon from the 8/29 RP
Pay $4.99
Get a $5 +Up Reward
Final Cost FREE!

Always, Carefree or Kotex Lightdays Pantiliners 18-22 ct. $0.99
Use the $1/2 Carefree coupon from the 9/26 RP
Final Cost $0.49 each!

Oral-B Floss or Floss Picks, Oral-B Stages or Advantage or 3D Toothbrush 1 ct. $2.49
Use the $0.75/1 advantage coupon from the 10/10 PG
Use the $1/1 Rite Aid Flu Shot Coupon Booklet
Final Cost $0.74!

Bounty Paper Towels 8 pk. or Charmin Ultra Strong Bathroom Tissue 12 pk. + 4 free $6.99
Use the $0.25/1 coupon from the 9/26 PG or 10/10 PG
Use the $1.50/1 coupon from the Rite Aid Flu Shot Coupon Booklet
Pay $5.24
Get a $1 +Up Reward
Final Cost $4.24!

For more deals this week visit Hip2Save.com. 

Books By Mail

Until about 3 years ago we lived within 30 minutes of an incredible library. We loved visiting every couple of weeks and checking out tons of books. When we moved to our current location we definitely missed having suck an incredible library. One thing we discovered was Books By Mail, and we've recently been taking advantage of it again. For any of you located in my area, or another area of Maine that doesn't have a full time library I highly recommend you take advantage of this program. You do need to pay shipping, but it is at the library rate and VERY reasonable.

Rite Aid Deals 10/11/10 -- Don't miss this!

 

This was by far, my best week yet! 

Transaction 1:
Udderly Smooth Lotion, reg. $3.29, on sale $1.00
Dr . Scholl's Fast Flats $9.99
Dr. Scholl's For Her Comfort Insoles $12.49
Sucrets Herbal Berry Lozenges, reg. $5.29, sale $2.99

Total before coupons and sales: $31.06

Coupons:
$5/$25 Rite Aid Wellness Coupon
$4.00 Dr. Scholl's Coupon from All You Magazine (great source for coupons)
$4.00 Dr. Scholl's Video Values Coupon
$6 in UP Rewards
$2.99 Single Check Rebate

Total spent: $4.48
Received $11 in UP Rewards

Transaction 2:
2 Cascade Action Packs, reg. $4.99, sale $34.39
2 Betty Crocker Instant Potatoes (not a regular thing, but Dane and the kids love them, so they can make them on the nights of my Pampered Chef shows), reg. $2.00, sale $2
2 Gain Dishwashing Detergent, reg. $1.49, sale .89
2 Fructis Mousse, reg. $4.49, sale, $2.50
Palmers Lip Balm, reg. $3.29, sale $1.99
Crest toothpaste $4.79

Total before sales and coupons: $34.72

Coupons:
$4/$20 Rite Aid Video Values Coupon
2 $1 Cascade
2 $1 Fructis Video Values Coupons
2 $1 Fructis
2 $1 Gain
$11 in UP Rewards from Tran 1
$1.99 Single Check Rebate

Total Spent: FREE plus $1.43 money maker... and here's the thing, they messed up on the toothpaste, and when I pointed it out to them I got a refund, making my total for this purchase a $6.22 moneymaker! 
AND received $2 in UP rewards

Transaction 3:
Maybelline Eyeshadow, reg. $6.19, sale $3.71
Pepsi 20 oz., sale $1.59
Pepsi Throwback, sale $1.59
Twix bar, $.88
Blistex, reg. $2.49, sale $1.49
Snickers, $.88
2 Nutriste Daily Exfoliating, $6.49, sale BOGO 1/2 off, $9.73 for both
2 Halls Cough drops. reg. $1.99, sale .99

Total before sales and coupons:  $30.58

Coupons:
BOGO FREE Candy Ba
BOGO FREE Pepsi
.50 Halls Video Value
$1 Hall's
2 $2  Nustriste
$2 Nutriste Video Values
$2 Maybelline
$2 Maybelline Video Values
$2 in UP Rewards from Trans. 2
$1.49 Single Check Rebate

Total Spent: $5.98
Received $3 in UP Rewards

So in case you weren't keeping up, the total amount I should have spent was : $96.36
Total Spent: $3.84

TOTAL SAVED:  $89.87

I'm telling ya, a little time and organization and this is so worth it! 

America: The Story of Us

About a month ago I received an incredible freebie in the mail I thought I'd share with you. Earlier this year they were offering America- The Story of Us to educators (including homeschoolers.) I ordered it knowing we were going to be dealing with Early American History. I have to tell you, I wasn't expecting something that we would love. A lot of times history documentaries while interesting tend to be a bit dry. This is not the case, the reenactments, the music, the videography... it all leaves you mesmerized. Especially my man child! As I type this we're watching about a segment about Daniel Boone and Max is on the edge of the couch cheering.

The set contains 12- 1 hour episodes covering all of American history. The History Channel also has an incredible site to go along with it complete with a teacher guide and interactive activities. I would so buy this if we hadn't received it for free. It is truly amazing--- definitely worth checking with your local library or if you have Netflix it's available through them as well.

Check out the segment of The Boston Massacre here.

Sweet Freebie from Picaboo

Back in September I ordered a free photo book from Picaboo of our trip to DC and Boston.... it was absolutely stunning! They are once again offering FREE 8.5 x11 hardcover photo books ($39.95 value)  for all new customers.  It doesn't include shipping ($8), but it is so worth it. Have fun and let me know if you use this deal!  I'm thinking the hubby and the kids will definitely be making some of these for Christmas presents.

Thanks to Hip2Save.com for posting this!

Bound Treasure

Our first "favorite" book this year:

The Sign of The Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare

Love, love, loved this. Finished it last Wednesday and Max's first question was if there was a sequel... ugh... how bittersweet when it kills you to wonder what happened to a favorite character. We started The Witch of Blackbird Pond, also by Elizabeth George Speare today. Hoping for another treasure!

Rite Aid Deals: Week 10/3-10/9 (and previous week recap)

 I didn't get a chance to post my deals last week due to being sickly, but I did manage to make a trip to Rite-Aid and stock up. I won't go through all the deals but here's the rundown of what I got and how much:

• 2 boxes of Fiber One Cereal
• Malt O' Meal Honey Nut Scooters and Cinammon Toasters (This was a huge deal for my kids as I NEVER buy sugar cereal. They can only eat them on the weekends so these will last for a while.) 
• 10 pack of Duracell AA Batteries
• Crest Pro-Health toothpaste
• Gillette deodorant
• Gillette bodywash
• Aveeno shampoo
• 12 pack Charmin toilet paper
• OB Tampons
• 2 bags Dark Chocolate Chex Mix (sooooooooo good!) 
• 2 boxes Fiber One granola bars
• Clean & Clear Face Wash

Total should have been: $79.04
After coupons: $18.21
Total saved: $60.83

So this is this week's loot. I've decided to start going early in the week after a disappointing situation last week. Someone had apparently snagged a number of products I needed for some pretty sweet deals, so I've determined to not let that happen again:)

Transaction 1:
2 large jars Planters Dry Roasted Peanuts
2 travel size bottles Tresemme conditioner
1 travel size bottle Tresemme shampoo
2 Suave Body Washes
1 Softsoap
Crest toothpaste

Total before sales and coupons: $27.71
After sales and coupons: Total: $7.65
Total Savings: $20.06


Transaction 2:
3 boxes Rice Krispies
2 boxes Frosted Flakes
2 Snickers bars
6 Glade candles

Total before sales and coupons: $47.51

After sales and coupons: Total: $6.31
Total Savings: $41.20

TOTALS FOR BOTH TRANSACTIONS: $13.96 
RECEIVED $6 IN UP REWARDS BACK

Four Generations

I just thought I'd share some photos of my grandfather's recent visit. I was/am so blessed to have my Great-Grandfather, two Grandfathers, and Grandmother live well in to my adult life. In fact Kahli clearly remembers her Great-Great Grandfather who passed away when she was 10 or 11. My children have always had incredibly close relationships with their grandparents. I am so thankful for that and the gift that it is. As a kid I loved travelling to New Hampshire and visiting my Great-Grandfather, I remember he would always bring me to Market Basket and let me pick out treats. I remember orange juice and Thomas english muffins, and always homemade spaghetti sauce. My family down there seemed so different.. .it was so neat to be "spoiled".

My grandparents on my dad's side always lived next door and I remember the daily trek to visit my grandmother every morning. This routine continued for each of my children until we moved away. What an incredible treasure!

So, back to our recent visit, Young Gramp and his wife DJ moved to Florida a few years back and it has been wonderful getting to visit with them a couple times of year. One of my favorite photos is one I have from when Kahli was a baby of five generations: my great grandfather, grandfather, mom, me, and Kahl. When Gramp visited we did another photo, this time four generations, as "Old Gramp" is no longer with us. I love these photos, and the smiles in them. We had a wonderful time visiting at my mom's house, and then at mine. I hope you enjoy this glimpse.

Sisters

Oscar

Mom and Oscie

Gramp

Mother and Daughter

Oscar and Maizie--- they almost look like they're chatting.

W6/7: Balance Revisited

I am a horrible reality show junkie... horrible. I suppose if I had to name a guilty pleasure that would be it... well, that and Mocha-Caramel Ice Coffee from Dunkin Donuts. Together... at the same time. With a Lindt White Chocolate and Almond bar....... whoops... sorry I forgot you were here.

So... back to reality... shows. I used to love to watch Survivor and the would always have the teams come together and compete in challenges. Some were gross, like eating bugs or other super gross things. Some were thinking things, and then there were the physical challenges. One they would always have went a little like this: the contestants would all stand on giant poles in the middle of the water and balance.... and balance.... and balance. Until they slowly began to drop off like flies. Sometimes the fall would come from exhaustion, sometimes weakness, some out of pride and a feeling of safety would just give up. But then, there were always the ones who stuck it out. They would go hours and hours. You truly would feel their pain and exhaustion. You would watch as they made a slight adjustment, they just couldn't hold the position any longer. Their balance was waning and they just needed to readjust. And at that split second... that moment their balance would be just a tad bit off, and down they would go. Game over.

That's kinda how I felt the past couple of weeks. We've had family visiting, field trips (that both did and did not happen), work schedules, ministry, and sickness. School has happened between events and naps, but not the way I had hoped. This morning I sat down to fill out our plan book for this week, and I really was surprised by how well we had done through the chaos. Not everything got tackled, but a lot did.

It made me think back to my first post from week 1. I entitled it "balance." These past two weeks showed me that really, I do have things pretty well balanced, some times they scoot over to one side and get a little tippy, but somehow we manage to wiggle back to center ground. I've found myself condemning myself the past few days, and questioning progress and how to do things better. I think that sometimes that is good, but a lot of times, I think we just get into a groove of wanting to feel perfect, or wanting to keep up with Miss. XYZ. And quite frankly I think stupid hormones can wreak havoc and cause us to think everything is a mess! Reality is usually different though.

I guess my point amidst all this rambling is that over time, I think we can find that balance. It becomes second nature. I kinda like that. It comforts me. It also makes me think of what has been "my verse" for 2010. God really spoke it to me clearly this January, and I keep coming back to it. I can become overwhelmed very easily... by good things, and bad things. The thing I need to remember always, and the secret to balance I think is this:

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

 That's really what it come down to... seeking God first. So back to reality shows... yeah I know it's a lousy segway... one of the one's we love now is Wipeout. Talk about funny! I think that more exhibits my life, they get knocked down and rather than it being game over, they have to do it again... and again... and sometimes again, til they get it. That's me. That's the story of my life. But that's okay, in the words Paul:

I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:14 (NLT)

Sick Leave

For any of you who may be wondering where I've gone or maybe thought I've completely dropped the blog I thought I would give an update. It's been a crazy two weeks, most of it involving tissues... lots of tissues. So, I'll be updating soon with this weeks Rite Aid deals, and a recap of the past two weeks of homeschooling.