"You can drive in Texas?"

One of the things I love about being a teacher is having the summer off! I know, I know...it's really the only thing I love right? No...I like my students too! (sheepish grin) Last summer, the boys and I spent everyday at school while I was sponsoring the dance team. They hated every minute of it! So, I promised them that this summer would be all about them. The first week and a half were spent at the YMCA...I guess I need to take my camera sometime so you can see how much fun they have. And this week, we are in Texas...well, two weeks (and yes, Tony is hating every minute of us being gone this long!)

So far, we have eaten at PJ's new restaurant. Find his blog
HERE And yes, those are s'mores! My brother is the chef at this amazing restaurant called Bin 555 and it's really nice (not a place to take my little monsters) and we have amazing food and then he brought out s'mores! Funny thing is that it made sense with the restaurant!

We took the boys to one of my favorite places in San Antonio which is the Sunken Gardens. It's so beautiful there and I just love taking pics of the boys. I've already posted many of the pics on my face book but I had to put these two on here!



I may be a little biased but they could seriously be supermodels! Look at those faces! Now, if I could just get them to act as good as they look in the pic!

This weekend we are headed to the coast (and no..there are no oil issues in Texas). I've used a lot of () today haven't I? Sorry, something shiny!

Lastly, I needed to write down a few of the funny things they kids have said on this trip:

*While driving up to my mom's work, Kaden said, "Where are we doe-ding?" Me- "To Gamma's work" K- "Gamma works at Texas?" Me-"yes she works IN Texas." K- "Wow! I didn't know you could drive at Texas!" Apparently, he thinks my mom's work is called Texas.

*Mom has SYNC in her car and it hooks the phone up and talks to you and stuff. Mom to the car "Services" Car-"You said services, please say your service need." Mom "..." Brady interrupts "Go to the bathroom!" Car "I didn't understand your request" Me "bhahahahahah!" Guess you had to be there!

Kaden's conversation with Papa Jim last night. K "What is that?" J "nuts...you want some?" K "No, I only like M&M's nuts"

GOOD NIGHT EVERYBODY!

Today's Shopping Trip

I know you've been wondering how the couponing has been going! I have been organizing and clipping and purging for the past few weeks and I'm finally organized! Today, I went to Walgreens loaded with coupons and a list that was ready to save!
My first purchase, Dixie plates. They were $3.99 buy one get one free. I used two $.50 off coupons so the final cost for two was $2.99.

Next on the list, Off clip-on starter

This was a great buy! Normally $9.99 but on sale for $8.99. In the Walgreens coupon book, I used a $2 off plus a $2 off manufacturer coupon...total cost $4.99.

Noxzema had a great deal this week. Razors on sale from $2.99- $5.99. Then on top of that, they were buy one get one free. I used a $2 off coupon on the $2.99 kind.

Had I had two coupons, I could have gotten them for free...but I could only find one so I ended up paying $.99 for two!

Lifesavers...not something I would spend money on normally but you know...if there's a deal...well. I used a buy one get one free coupon so that made them two for $2.29. Then in the Walgreens coupon book, I used a $1 off. Total cost for two...$1.29.

Last but not least...Scrubbing Bubbles. This was a great deal, too! The starter kit was on sale for $7.99 + $2 in register rewards = $5.99. I used a coupon for $5 off and ended up paying $2.99....but it's like paying $.99! I love that!

I got a few other things and used a register reward from the past and walked out paying only $8.24! I love it!

The Shopping Trip

As promised, I am sharing my recent trip to Kroger with my savings! I shop for 4 people for two weeks at a time. My goal (and I'll keep you posted) is to feed all four of us for $100 for two weeks at a time. I plan to meet this goal by the end of the summer!

Here are some recent stats. Last trip (two weeks ago) I bought 135 items for roughly $290. After coupons and kroger savings, I saved $95 on that receipt. That was down from the trip before.

This week, I made my list and stuck to it. I find myself finding things not on the list which add up! Here are the stats from this week's trip. I bought 165 items for $260. That's 30 more items and $30 less. Yay! I also saved a whopping $125 with coupons and kroger savings! I about fell out in shock!
The key to saving money is to stock pile in the beginning. Once you stock up on things it makes the trip to the store less and less each time. So, and hopefully this doesn't look like I'm bragging or being weird...but I took pics of my cabinets, freezer and fridge after my trip this week.


I bought 4 hot/lean pockets because I had coupons (cats from the register) that saved like $2 when you buy two. I usually use a paper toaster strudle that gets doubled and cell fire and that gives me about $1.25 in savings on two.

I had two save $1 on Yoplait delights (in the back of the fridge) and they were like $2 each. I also had a coupon that gave me $1.50 off bread when I bought 6 yogurts. I love that i was able to stack that with a buy 6 save 40 cents (then it was doubled)

I bought 4 cereals from general Mills like this....save $1.00 on two (I had two of these) then if you bought 4 General Mills you got $4 to spend on your next trip. So, technically I saved $6 on $12 worth of cereal. And yes, in two weeks it will be gone. You will notice a fifth box, Tony eats Post Rasin Bran and no, I didn't have a coupon!

I love this pic because there are so many times that I have bare cabinets because I didn't get enough for two weeks. I'm pretty stocked up on things like Hamburger helper and soups that I can cook with. The meat marinades were a great deal. I had a cat that if I bought 2 I saved $1 on next trip, 3 I save $2 and 4 I saved $3. I got three.
I almost forgot...Pillsbury had two deals. Cinnamon rolls and biscuits were 10 for $10. I had several coupons that were buy two save 40 cents. These double. So, I bought 6 for 60 cents each. You can use up to 8 of the same coupon but you have to buy the exact amount. Then They had a thing if you bought 4 you got $3 on your next trip! So, I got a really great deal on those!

I tried to take some pics of my receipts but they didn't turn out! I hope you enjoyed this week's trip!

$2.25

Tonight, I went to Walgreens to spend my register rewards before they expired. I ended up getting several things and just paying $2.25. Thisis a great place to start if you're wanting to learn how to shop for free.
Basically, this is how it works...A couple of weeks ago, I bought several things at Walgreens totaling roughly $40. I received $17 in register rewards. So, technically, I only spent $33. Register rewards are tickets that print at the register that are worth different dollar amounts. You can then use those tickets (or cats) at Walgreens on items in the store. The trick is to buy things that will give you another register reward. (Tip...you can't use it on the same thing you got it for in the beginning....ie. zyrtec gave me $7 last week and I can't get more zyrtec with that cat and expect to get another one. Does that make sense?)
So, tonight this is what I bought: Stayfree maxi pads $2.99 with $2.99 reg rewards= free. Skintimate shaving cream $2.99 with $2.99 reg reward = free. Sudefed buy two and get $5 in reg rewards. Each was $4.99. I used a buy 2 get $5 off coupon. = Free.

Then I had a coupon for buy one get one free on tampax
so that was 2 for $2.50...oh and I bought a coke. I used my $17 reg rewards from the last trip and left there with $11 in rewards that expire 5/13.
There are so many different places you can find this information that it's a little overwhelming. But I'm having a blast buying things for free! I've been working on sorting all of my coupons and putting them in a binder. I just bought a three ringed binder and baseball card pages. Then I have been alphabetizing them and it's taking me forever. My goal is to shop for two weeks worth of groceries for less tham $100 by the end of the summer. We'll see how that works out!

My New Obsession

I have a new obsession! It's fun, challenging, and exhilarating! And the best part of my new obsession....It's saving me a lot of money! What is it you ask? Click HERE or HERE to see what I'm talking about! I've been learning the ins and outs of couponins! I mean...it's big business. I've started getting organized...which by the way is the hardest part. But It's been so much fun! The two links are blogs that I've been reading with all the secerts on one page! I love it! I'll try to post my savings from this weekend so that you all can see how amazing it is! The past two trips to the grocery I have saved more than $100 each trip! And I'm told the savings add up even more the longer you do it!

Memory Lane

The other day, I was outside reading a book while the kids were playing. They love to come home from school and ride bikes or scooters. I realized (I was deep in the novel) that they hadn't zipped by in a while and when I looked up....I couldn't believe what I saw! Before you watch the video you have to know this. When I was a kid, I only had two boys who lived down the street that I played with. One of the things we loved to do was to push each other in the yellow Tonka truck down the side walk. I had to run for my new FlipIt video camera to catch this.....


I love it! Then mom reminded me of the time when I was in the 4th grade, when I was roller skating down a hill and PJ grabbed on to me. While Brady and Kaden didn't get hurt, PJ fell and knocked his two front teeth up in his gum. He was only two!
But back to the fun....The boys were having a blast and who am I to stop them,right?

BTW...we have played outside every nice minute that we can! Kaden is konked out as we speak!

Haint Woo-dis

This weekend, we took a little family trip to St. Louis. This is the first trip (other than to family) that the four of us have taken since Kaden was born. The weather was cold and rainy, and I was really sick...but we had a great time!


First on our agenda, the Arch. I was worried that the boys would be scared on the trip up that high or that once we got up there, they would freak...but...um...NO! They loved it!
Check out my little thug before we went in!

Once we got in, it took about an hour before we were able to go up. So, we patiently waited. This picture of Brady makes him look so old! What happened to my little boy?

As you can see, they are letting their hair grow out! They both look like real boys!

Mr. Brave loved looking out the windows! He went from one to the next jumping around and laughing! I don't think he's afraid of anything...well, dogs...but other than that...not much!

Here are my guys in the top of the arch!

Of course I couldn't leave out the view from the top! I had to do some editing magic because it was such a dreary day. It's still amazing!

After the arch, we went to a parade but didn't stay long because it was cold and I felt horrible! So, off the the City Museum we went!

This place was amazing! There were so many things to climb on and crawl through. I can't describe this place but we had the best time.

The kids played until they passed out! I couldn't believe how brave they were climbing and sliding like they did!




We saw the world's largest pencil and the world's largest pair of underwear! The boys....and when I say boys, I mean Tony too...had a blast. Of course I had a great time too despite being sick. Tony can't stop talking about how much fun he had! I'm sure we will be heading back to Haint Woodis (that's how Kaden says it) before the year is over!

Following Jesus

Because this is what Jesus did.....

Brady follows him. The best birthday present a mom could ever get!

Snow pics? No, Ice Pics!!!!!

Ice pics, that made me laugh! Sorry, focus! Ok, since we didn't get the big "winter snow storm" as predicted, I didn't get any snow pictures. I know I blogged about that last night...I'm not bitter I promise!
I decided it time to bundle up and get some fresh air! So, I decided that the boys could do me a favor and....

Take some pictures to document this winter (wonder?) land. Don't worry, this isn't a blog of their pictures...though I know you'd enjoy things like the driveway closeup and one of my shoes (Kaden thinks he's a photographer. I don't know where he would get such a crazy idea!) Oh, I forgot the one he took once we got back in or his belly with no shirt! Yes friends, I will spare you that torture...or at least save it for later! This...

is what we found outside today!

No snow...just ice. As sad as we may be that we didn't get to play in the foot of snow they got just north of here, I can say that I'm enthralled by the beauty of the ice!

It blows my mind that something so beautiful can be so dangerous! I mean, a couple of cubes of it in your sweet tea...mmmmmmmm. But on the roads or tree branches, not so good! I'm very grateful that we didn't lose power this year. For some reason, we tend to be on the loss of power side of the world when these things happen.

So, today, we bundled up and played outside for all of 20 minutes! We're from Mississippi...we don't do cold!

Brady, being the "almost teenager" he thinks he is, opted to just wear long johns, cargos and a hoodie! Needless to say, he was the first ready to come in.

Kaden, or shall I say "Ralphie's little brother Randy, isn't going anywhere without being bundled to the point of no movement! He was decked with long johns, sweats, ski bib, and his new camo coat. You know I'm not going to let him run around like a crazy person (ie. Brady) and get sick. He catches everything!

And as our 20 minute nature hike (through the yard) came to a close, I was able to get them together for one last smile before heading back into the house where they have fought for the past two days!

Snow Pics

Snow Pics? Is that what you're hoping to see on this post? Well, they will be available as soon as it snows around here! Once again, we missed a day of school and were trapped in the house b/c there was no snow. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad we didn't have to drive in the freezing rain to or from school today. But I don't think I can take another day stuck inside knowing that we have to make it up at the end of the year! At least make it worth our while!

Ok, enough of that! On to other things...I had scheduled a gold/silver party for tonight. Thanks to the snow, I rescheduled for next week. I'm ok with this because apparently God felt we would be better off having it later. That's fine with me because I didn't do a very good job trying to get people to come. I will work harder this week.

Speaking of money for Baby China, I have been tutoring the past two weeks. I love it and I hope it's helping the kids. I am slowly but surely making money to go toward our Baby China Fund. It makes me feel good to know that I can do things to provide money. That's less we will have to borrow later!

Soccer

Today was the last home soccer game for the school where I teach. On Thursday, my principal gave each of the varsity players (soccer and basketball) a pompom and told them to find their favorite teacher and ask him or her to come to the game. I got one! It was from a student to whom I've never taught. However, this year, I have gotten a change to know him!

As you know, I teach in an area that doesn't value education. Unfortunatly, this leaks into the students attitudes. Many of my students would rather be anywhere but in my class...in the building for that matter! So, when I met this student, he came and spoke to my kids about how he made a lot of bad choices as a lower classman and ended up failing his senior year. He turned himself around and came back to finish high school and plans to go to college. He has since made some great friendships with my students and continues to stop by my class to check on them.

Anyway, he chose me to ask to the game! So, Kaden and I packed up and headed to the field!

I had a great time taking pics for the next edition of the school paper.



And then, I had to get some shots of the kids enjoying themselves at the game.
This is one of my fellow English teacher's little girl! She's adorable!

This one belongs to an English teacher as well! I asked him to hold the sign I made. I loved that he totally smiled like I would have had I been sporting the sign!

And then.....there's this guy! He yelled for the team. He chased a friend's dog. He ran up and down the hill. He played in the dirt (mud). He climbed on the bleachers!

And she's going to kill me for this one...but I couldn't resist getting a friend while she was chasing her dog who had gotten away from the kids and was cracking everyone in the crowd up!


Despite the chilly wind, it was a great afternoon! We didn't win but the guys played great!

My New Toof!

So, during Christmas break, I decided the family needed to visit the dentist. If you will remember, Kaden threw up all over me!This is where you can read that super fun experience! Well, when it was my turn, the dentist (who by the way looks like he's fresh out of dental school...I learned today he's 5 years younger than I am!) informed me that I would need a crown! "At least it's not a root canal!" he said with a big smile! Oh...yeah...we're so BFF's now! Anyway, I made the appt and decided to just get it over with.
I hop in the chair and think to myself, "I'm pretty sure I'm going to pull a Kaden before this is all over!" (I didn't BTW!!) The assistant asked if I wanted the "gas"! "Sure, why not!" So off to lala land I go! When the dentist comes in he says, "How are you today?" Me, "Oh, I'm here! Still not happy!" Dentist, "I hope it's not me you hate!" Me, "I know it's not personal it's business and you're just the messenger!" Dentist, "Whew! I'm glad you don't hate me!" Me (in my head) "We'll see about that!"
So...blah blah blah, I'm all hopped up on gas, they numb me with something that taste like banana, and shoot me up with something that is now wearing off! I have a temp crown for now and will go back after my birthday...my 35th birthday! Blah!

Oh, I forgot to add, when i asked him if this "crown" would look like my other teeth he said with a huge smile, "Well, we can make it gold or silver if you want!" My only response to that was, "No, I'm holding out for one of those on the front toof!"

Fundraising

I'm so excited to tell you about the new fundraiser we have started for our upcoming adoption! We have an e-store with the cutest TShirts in the world! All you have to do it click on the button to the right and it will take you directly to our store. A purchase of one of the four shirts on our page directly benefits our effort to bring Baby China home! I'm looking forward to seeing these shirts all over DeSoto county!

By the way, if you haven't logged onto our Baby China page, you can find it to the right. It's called "The Search for Our Baby Sister." This will be where we journal our amazing journey to add to our family!

Ni'Hao

That's HELLO in Chinese! That's also the only Chinese word I know...thanks to Kai'lan. You know...she's the little Chinese girl on Nick Jr. Anyway.....I am super excited that this week (the two days were actually were in school) I got a Chinese student. I love the way God works! She's not an exchange student....she actually lives in the area. She's not supposed to be in the 9th grade but she can speak very little English (her writing and reading is ok I'm told) so she is auditing my class to get her up to speed! I'm so excited!

It's funny that this happened. At our staff meeting on Tuesday, my principal said, "Larry Bell told us that we need to be asking for more! You need to ask me to give you heck! You should say, 'Hey, I'll take the Chinese student!'" I looked at the girl next to me and said, "Hey, I'll take the Chinese student!" She laughed and said she knew I would! Then on Tuesday, the Chinese girl showed up with my name on her schedule! Yay!

I also found out this week that I am a mentor! What? Are you serious? I asked if I was the last resort and he said I was actually his first pick! That cracks me up because I'm the one who always gives my opinion (like you didn't know that already) and I thought I was not really one he wanted the "new" people hanging out with! But low and behold...I'm trusted! Wow! What a compliment!

BTW, we're out of school because we had snow today and it's just too cold tomorrow. REally? Yes! So, I'll be spending my day off cleaning because we have a home study to begin next week! And I want the social worker to tell me that Ni'Hao isn't good enough to make it two weeks in China!

The Angels Are Singing!

Oh...he may look excited about cupcakes. He may even look excited that it's 2010. But what he is REALLY excited about these days has brought more joy to my heart than anything ever before. On Monday, January 4, 2010 at 9:45pm....Brady P....my Pooh Bear...became a follower of Jesus Christ!

I have been praying for this moment since I became pregnant with him. About a year ago, He really started asking me questions. I know he was hearing the truth in church and I didn't want to push him into thinking he believed when he really didn't.

When my friend died last week, I got the opportunity to share with him that both myself and Tony were saved. I let him know that he could rest asured that if one of us were to died we WOULD go to Heaven. And then this past Sunday, Brady got in the car after church and started sharing with me what he learned. Then he asked the most wonderful question. "Mommy, how do you become a Christian?" I flipped open my bible to the page where I have all the Salvation scriptures written down and had him start to read them out loud to me. He read about three and I asked him to tell me what they ment. Then it was time for lunch and he lost interest.

That night, he asked if he could pray for our friend Brenna and he also told Jesus that he reallly wanted him to live in his heart. After he prayed, I told him that we would continue our conversation the next day and I would help him understand why and how to ask.

So, Monday night, I got out my bible and we sprawled out across his bed and we started reading and talking. After I explained that when we are without God, we are like a dry erase board with all of our sins written all over it. And when we confess with our mouth and believe in our heart, God gets out a big eraser and wipes the board clean. We talked about how Jesus was beaten and had to carry a big wooden cross across town while people made fun of him and yelled at him. And we talked about how those same people nailed him to the cross. And most importantly, how even though he died, he rose on the third day. Brady was boo-hooing! I asked him why and he said "I don't know...I just love God so much." At that point, Tony had joined us and he lead Brady in prayer accepting Chirst. It was the most precious moment I've ever witnessed.

Last night, he talked with our neighbor who is also one of our pastors. They talked about baptisim and that he and Brady should meet a few more times to talk before we schedule it. And now...The Angels Are Singing!

Shock

My friend died on New Year's Eve. Her name was Michelle Feltman and I'm still in shock that it even happened.

Earlier this week, Michelle broke her ankle in two places. She was in Alabama when it happened so she rushed home to have surgery. I went to see her on Wednesday night to take her family dinner. She was scheduled for surgery the next morning. According to her husband, surgery went great. She was able to come home and was resting. The last time she spoke to anyone was around 5:15 that evening. Her daughter went in to see her and she sat up and asked for some food. I stopped by the house at 6 to take her little girl to the church New Year's Eve celebration. About 7pm, we got a call that her husband was on his way to the ER because when he went to check on her, she wasn't breathing and was cold to the touch. Despote their best efforts, Michelle went to live with the Lord that night.

Tony and I were priviledged to keep her little girl (age 8) at our house the rest of New Year's Eve. Her daddy wasn't ready to give her the bad news so we kept smiles on our faces and played games and watched the count down. The next morning, Tony took her little girl home and stayed at the house with them for about an hour. During this time, her daddy told her that her mommy had gone to Heaven.

My heart is so broken right now. I'm not usually one that gets upset over death unless it's a child or baby. I think that the shock of it was that she was healthy and ok. I think it's easier to accept when a person is old or sick. But when someone is your age and healthy, it's hard to grasp.

I'm praying for Jamey and Brenna. I know that God will take care of them and heal their pain over time. Please join me in prayer for this family.

And to Continue....

I'm skipping Christmas at the moment because there is so much to do for that blog and moving right on to today. I took the boys to get their teeth cleaned. It was the first time for Kaden and Brady hadn't been in a year or so. I know I'm a bad parent...don't judge! JK. Anyway, Kaden was siked...Brady was....well nervous. Kaden hopped up in the chair and was ready to go!

We had talked about it the night before and I told them they were just going to brush his teeth and make them really shiny. He did great! He got x-rays and everything. He let the lady clean them right up and was so excited to be a "big boy."

He even showed off his pearly whites for my many pictures. I was so proud of him. He sat in my lap while Brady waited to get started.
"My need water," he said making a face. I explained he couldn't drink anything until the dentist took a look. The next thing I know....he's throwing up all over both of us. Apparently, he didn't agree with the floride and it made him sick. After I finished catching it in my hand (gross I know!) The hygentist handed us a trash can. So, off we went to the bathroom to clean up. He was just fine after that. It was weird.




Because I was in the bathroom with Kaden, I missed all the photo ops with Brady. He had already told me "No flash photography, please." Like some kind of Diva he is sometimes.
Both boys checked out just fine with "A pluses for everyone," said Dr. Darby. I informed him that we were over acheivers at the Pillstrom household. He agreed!