Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Sick kids and catching up to do

I awoke this morning to my second son saying his stomach hurt. I had a feeling this would turn ugly so gave him some Ginger Ale and had his lay in my bed while I id a few things. Sure enough, the next thing I knew he got sick all over my bed. Thank goodness the bathroom was not far from the bed.
He seems to be feeling better. I hope it was just a upset tummy and not the flu (Crossing fingers) Nothing like sick kids when you are all alone.....I find no joy or humor in 3 sick kids while hubby is away, been there and done that and hoe to not have to for a long time.

Now that things have slowed down and he is feeling better, I have some catching up to do. Laundry needs to be done and I have some leaning and organizing to do....

Monday, June 29, 2009

Hubby is gone, time to get busy

My husband has left yet again for about 4 weeks. It has been crazy with his job, he has been home less then 2 full weeks in 3 months. But that is just the way it is.
I tend to be busy when he is home with projects I cannot do while he is away. This time around we painted my oldest son's new room, put up some fans in the bedrooms, tinted the windows and other small projects.
Now that he is gone its back to the housework that was neglected while he was home and we were so busy with outher things.

Things to do today:

* Sweep kitchen and dinning room
* Mop kitchen and dinning room
* Move the last bits of my sons stuff in his new room
* Clean playroom
* Organize hand me down clothes

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Family Cookout and Early 4th of July


Chris happens to be gone every year on the 4th. I do not dare touch fireworks, so this year we decided to buy some and do a early celebration so he could be home when we do it.
We invited family over for a cookout. It was yummy, had steaks, homemade hamburgers, hotdogs, beans, and baked potatoes. Too bad the grill decided to go up in flames while cooking lol I hate that grill sometimes. You buy a expensive one and still have issues. ither way the food came out really juicy even though it did not look that way :)




The fireworks were not what I expected for how much we paid but the kids seemed to enjoy them. Even though the huge box of sparklers I bought were more exciting to them.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Sangria

I LOVE Sangria, but I only like it if it is made fresh. It is so much fun to make and doesn't cost a lot. I only make this for special occasions or when we have family over for a cookout.




Best Party Sangria
1 bottle of Red Wine (I use Merlot)
2 lemons cut into wedges
2 limes cut into wedges
1 orange cut into wedges
2 Tbsp of sugar
Splash of Orange Juice
2 shot of Gin
1 cup of Strawberries
1 can of Pineapple chunks with juice
4 cups Ginger ale



Pour wine into a large pitcher. Squeeze the juice frm the lemons, limes and oranges into the wine. Toss the wedges into the pitcher. Add pineapple,sugar, orange juiceand and gin. Chill over night. Before serving, add Ginger Ale. Serve right away.



Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Seaworld and busy week





Hubby called to say he was coming home a week early, so we decided to plan our summer SeaWorld Vacation early. It was cheaper to fly him into Orlando then Jacksonville, so this was a good reason to just swing by Orlando while there to pick him up.

The kids and I left early Friday and got to the park at 1pm. Did some walking, checked out some shows and passed the time while waiting to get hubby.

Got a hotel reservation about 6 miles from SeaWorld. It was nice. Had 3 heated pools with slides and a put put golf right on the property. We spent all 3 nights at the pool and playing golf :)

The kids were awesome and not too much trouble. Dalton even rode Journey to Atlantis for the first time and said he was not scared, but I have a feeling he won't be going on again anytime soon.

We also went to Aquatica for the first time and I was not impressed. Andrew and I stood in line for the Dolphin plunge for almost a hour and it took 20 seconds to go down and I didn't see a thing, but Andrew liked it....

I LOVE going to Seaworld. We go 2-3 times a year. We decoded to get passports for 2 years and it has been so worth it. Free admission anytime of the year, free parking, discounts on food and we get special seating right in the front :)
As soon as we got home we were busy with shopping for food, since we did not have much for being gone 3 days. Then we took the kids to the summer movies at the local theater.
Today was waterpark day and we were there a good 3 hours. It was just right as far as the temp and weather but the water was way too cold for me.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Walgreens shop and savings

I was suppose to clean the house and do laundry, but found some great deals I could snag from Walgreens, so that's where I went.


Here is what I got:
2 Schick Razors $ 1.49
3 Oreo Cakesters $ .57
3 John Frieda Root Awakening $ 1.00


I paid $3.06 after coupons and RR for all this

Savings Thursday

I LOVE Thursdays. This is the day I do all my grocery shopping and go to some local stores like CVS or Target to grab some last minute deals.

Today I went to CVS for a few extra things I didnt grab the past 2 times I went and then went to Publix.
CVS Shop:
1 box of Rice Krispies $.88
1 Schick Razor $ .99
2 Style Science cleaning cloths $1.98
After coupons and ECB I actually made $8.00!!!! And I have a few ECB left for my next trip.


Publix Shop:
2 Honey Maid crackers $ 2.99
4 Bic razor packs $ 2.98
2 Perdue Breaded chicken nuggets pack $ 2.39
4 Starbucks Ice Creams $ 2.58
6 Edward Pie Slices $ 5.25
After all coupons and sales I paid $16.19. Not bad for all of that.


Now that I am done with shopping, I have some cleaning to do around the house.
Here is what I need to do before dinner time:

* Laundry
* Mop kitchen and dinning room floor
* Unstack Dishes
* Organize junk drawer

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Onward kids! To the movies we go

Took the boys to the local movie theater. It's $1 movies, and some we like or have not seen yet.
Thank goodness Nic is at that age to behave. He does quite well and does not get up as much as I thought he would, but he is very vocal in some parts o the movie lol

Since yesterday was full of drama and chaos, I did not get much done. I have a lot of catching up today.

Here is what I have planned to get done before dinner time:

* Sweep living room
* Laundry
* Replenish my fridge since the meltdown ruined all the food
* Knit a hat
* Organize and clean out drunk drawer

Monday, June 15, 2009

What a day

I swear when it rains it pours... I woke up to see my fridge was not working. The temp was flashing and all the food was warm or slightly cold. I thought I had left the door open a little and waited to see if it would get cold again. Well, no such luck. As soon as I finally broke down and called the appliance place the fan was making horrible noises.

The service man came out said it was yada yada and that it would be a week before the parts would come in!!! UGH I cannot live without food in the house for a week. I am lucky that my freezer is run on a different fan.
I then decided to go and buy a small fridge so we would have milk and stuff for the next week. All of my other items are shot and had to be thrown away (Bummer) But with a small fridge I could get the things we use eferyday and just buy here and there with all the rest when we needed.
Well, when I got home from getting the mini fridge, the main fridge was working Hmmmmm. Not sure whats going on, maybe he fixed it when he went in there and played around.
Since I have the small fridge I am going to wait on buying parts to fix the main fridge and see if it keeps up with the normal temp. Maybe he fixed it?
The only good thing about this whole ordeal was the box that the mini fridge came in lol Kept the boys happy for a good 1-2 hours
Now the good part for me was my 2nd CVS shop. Grabbed a few extra things today that I did not get yesterday.
I grabbed:
3 3-1 Purex complete
1 Schick Razor
1 Dial body wash
1 Excedrine Migraine
All this for $4.00 (I used coupons and ECB)

Sunday, June 14, 2009

CVS shop June 14


I had some ECB leftover from my last shop, so since I saw sme things we could use, I went shopping.





Here is what I got:
5 boxes of cereal
1 Crest toothpaste
1 2 pk of CVS toothbrushes
2 Dry Idea Deoderants
2 Excedrin Migraine





All of this for $2.71 after ECB and coupons.... I also got $8.00 back in ECB for my next trip.

Friday, June 12, 2009

10 year Highschool reunion

I cannot believe it has been 10 years since High school. Those days were good and bad for me. I had a awkward 4 years. I was not popular and didn't have many friends....
I was bullied by a few other girls, and that has stuck with me till this very day.

Our high school reunion is this weekend. I am going... but it took a lot of yes and no's before I decided to go.

One reason I was not sure if I should go is due to the bad memories I have of the place and the people whom I went to school with.
I know I was not pretty, didn't dress the best, did not have a lot of friends in school. But we do with what we have growing up and make the best of it. My parents didn't buy me designer clothes, expensive haircuts, nice shoes, and so on.... but I was loved.
Unfortunately I think in high school, those petty things matter the most to people and that ultimately decides how popular or liked you will be.
I do not think I was a bad person. I tried to stay out of trouble, went to school, made okay grades, never tried to start fights or drama..... I know I did make some bad choices when it came to friends or boyfriends or enemies, but hey, we all do that. But I did the best I could at that age and with what I had.

Second reason for the yes and no was due to me not even graduating from the school. I ended up getting pregnant at age 18 and in 12th grade. My pregnancy was horrible and I missed lots of school because of it and had to make a choice and it was to leave school. I am going cause I feel that since I put all those years in going, all of my friends went there that I wanted to go so I could see those who I have lost touch with and still remain friends with....

I am excited and nervous at the same time. I do not do well in these types of situations. I am not shy but I am not outgoing either. I do not drink and do not go to clubs....

I guess we will see how this turns out. Either way I am glad I will be able to see those whom I miss and have such wonderful memories of and with.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Publix shopping trip 6-11


I did my weekly Publix shop today. Here is what I got after coupons and sales:

4 boxes of Velveeta Cheese dinners $2.96


2 Chex Mix party mix $1.13


2 boxes of Cheerios $3.29


2 Keebler Sandies cookies $1.99


4 Ragu Spaghetti Sauce $3.18


2 Wishbone dressing $1.79





All this for $14.34

Happy 3rd Birthday Nicholas

It was only yesterday that I woke up and felt that it was time to have our youngest son. My husband drove me to the hospital and 6 hours later Nicholas was here. Almost 9 lbs! The biggest baby I have had :) From te moment he was born he was such a good baby. Only crying when hungry, sleeping well, just beautiful.
Where has the time gone??

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Bathroom before and after

I tackled the Master Bathroom. It needed it badly. This is one of the rooms that gets neglected and put on the back burner cause I have 2 other main bathrooms and other main rooms that need it more all day every day.
Now don't judge me lol It was bad. I hate walking into a dirty cluttered room. But time is only so long and this is just a room that is last on the list :)
With all the free things I get, under my sink gets cluttered and unorganized real quick.
Before

After

Busy as a bee

From the moment I got up this morning, I have been busy busy.

After getting the kids fed and dressed, we headed to CVS to grab a FREE 8x10 I ordered online. I took a Black and White picture I took of them and used that for the free picture. I normally do not print pictures but since it was free, why not have one of the boys to frame.
Then headed to PetSmart to grab some food for the bottomless pit dog we have. Picked up a few toys for him as well since he has gotten so big and chews all the toys up in a matter of days. UGH

The big store we stopped at was Old Navy. Was eager and excited to use the $50 off $100 coupon I got online Monday. I used it to buy my husband some clothes. He needs some and since it was 50% off all men clothes, couldn't resist. I picked up some shoes for the boys and clothes for my oldest since he is the only one who does not have clothes for he next season.
I walked away with 3 bags full of clothes :)

I am exhausted. Shopping wears me out lol

Now its time to get on the list of things to do today before it's dinner time

* Deodorize Living room
* Vacuum
* Clean Master Bathroom
* Laundry
* Get trash ready for tomorrows pickup
* Clean Master Bedroom

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Waterpark and Movies

Took the boys to the waterpark at the last minute. We got a good 1 hour there before tey closed due to bad weather (When will it end??)

Today was Summer Movies in town. This is the first year I have gone with all 3 boys. I was worried Nic would not behave and sit, but he did quite well. I think we will do it again soon, just not right away lol

I am working on a speacial project to celebrate my youngest 3rd birthday.
I cannot believe he will be 3 in 2 days! The time really has gone by fast and I wish it woul stop now.... I am so proud of him and how smart and sweet he is. He really has been a blessing to us.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Kmart shop part 2, Old Navy and one tired chick

I was determined to get a good coupon at Old Navy. Last week I missed out even though I stood by the computer all day. Dissappointed was a understatement!
So this week, I took my time here and there, was not going to waste my day for a coupon, but I was lucky and this morning was there when it was time to search. I was one of the lucky ones to get a $50 off $100!!! I am so stoked.





I made another shop to Kmart today. This time I had enough coupons to be able to grab 10 items worth (this is the limit) I found most of what I was going for and did really good.

I got all of my stuff for $7.00!!!

Sunday, June 7, 2009

CVS shop


I decided to go ahead and d a CVS run, due to doing it later in the week, they have less of the items I am going for.





I spent $7.47 for all of this





2 Dawn Dish Liquid


1 Gillette power razor


3 Colegate toothbrushes


2 Dove Body Washes


1 Dove Lotion





I used a $5.00 coupon given to me by CVS and then coupons and ECB.





I am quite happy with the result of my shop.

Kmart Deals and babysittng

Yesterday I babysat a friends son. He is such a cutie. He was one of the best babies I have ever watched. The problem was my kids lol They had to be in the livingroom or out of it, causea gate had to be put up for the baby. This was tiring. I had to lift tem in and out all day! The dog had to be in the crate or he would have licked him to death.
I decided not to watch him anymore. Just was not fair to the kids. We would have to stay in the house for the whole time. I felt that it was selfish of me to offer to watch him and not think about the kids and how this would effect them.
I feel bad that I offered to do it and then it turn out not to work well for us.



Today I hit Kmart for their double coupon days! They will double a coupon up to $2.00. Thats $4.00 off! did great. You can only do 14 coupons so I am taking it a day at a time. I got few items today to get started and plan to go through all my coupons for the next 6 days. The shop I did today only cost me $2.28.





Here is what I got



2 Right Gaurd for men
1 bottle of Clearasil facial scrub
1 pack of dog treats
1 pack of disposable cleaning gloves

List of things to do today:

Clean upstairs bathroom
Put laundry away
Mow lawn
Go through coupons

Friday, June 5, 2009

Victoria Secret Score!

I don't buy expensive Bras and Panties. But I do like VS stuff, so when I can get it free or dirt cheap, I go for it.
First off, I went to VS today and used a coupon I got online for today only, and got 1 free Underwear. It was nothing fancy, but hey, it's VS and FREE.
Then I went online and looked up coupon codes for a great deal.
Found one for 25% off a clearance Bra or Panty, so I found one I liked and used the code, think the bra ended up being $14.99 Originally $30!
Then I used a code for a free Panty. On top of that I used a code for $10.00 off a purchase if you use your VS card. I did not have one, but applied for one and was approved. I plan to pay off this purchase and then cancel it.

The total for 1 bra and underwear was $11 shipped! This would have been easily $30 plus if I had not used these great codes and deals.

So for 3 items from VS for only $11, I am thrilled.

Here are the codes

25BRAPTY for 25% off 1 clearance bra or panty
SP918301 $10 off a order when using the VS credit card
PASS0609 Free panty The item code for this panty is 189-720 Its a certain style but you
can choose the color

Pantry Project Finished

I got both Pantries done yesterday just did not have time to post the after pictures.
I was sad to see so much food wasted just because we did not notice it in there or it got pushed back.




Thursday, June 4, 2009

Publix shopping trip



I did well this trip. Planned my trip and got my coupons ready and out we went....





I got the following:

1 bag of Bertolli Skillet dinner


2 4 packs of GE light bulbs


2 boxes of Rasin Brand Crunch


1 14lbs of Fresh Step litter


2 packs of the Nestle Tollhouse refrigerated cookie dough





All of this for only $9.22!!

Fridge Project and Pantry job

I decided to paint part of my fridge with Chalkboard Paint. I have been wanting to do it for some time and since my fridge is not brand spanking new, why not.
I envisioned it a bit different but it will still work the same no matter how it looks.
The best part is i can use it for notes, calendar, reminders and even a list of things I run out of n the fridge.... It wipes off easy and does not have to be permanent if you have some paint remover around.


My project for today is to organize the pantry in the house and in the garage. It has been neglected and I am sure some things that got pushed back are no good anymore.



I hope to work on my list of food needed and look at the circulars for local stores online before I head out



Here is a list of things I need to get done today if possible:

* Clean dog crate ( Vacuum and wash sheets)
* Laundry
* Grocery list
* Organize and clean out pantry
* Mop Kitchen and Dinning Room floors

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Fridge done

I was happy to be able to clean the fridge before it got dark outside. I am pretty sure rain is not too far away.
After cleaning it I thought about a project I have been wanting to do with our fridge. Its about 6 years old so I am not too worried about doing this and ruining it... I will post more about it tomorrow after I am done.

Here is a before and after picure. ot a noticable difference, but it is to mee since I could see up close on how dirty and cramped it was in there. I love when things are cleaned like this. Makes me want to go and open up the fridge to see it now lol



Before After

Just not going to happen

I had all hopes to get to the fridge today and clean that baby out, head to toe, top to bottom, but it seems it will be raining soon and I do all the cleaning of the shelves outside... I will try and get some of it done but who knows....





Ran some errands today after my oldest got home from his friends. I loveto keep busy but with 3 kids under 10, its a challenge to stay sain and do it.





Got some really great items for FREE. I love free things, it's a mission of my mine to get as much free things as possible.




Here is what I got:

2 cans of Campbells soup


1 pint of Starbucks Ice Cream


1 pack of Oscar Hotdgs





I did have a coupon for free kitty litter and a free candy bar but they did not have the litter I had to get and I didnt get the coupon for the free candy bar till after I got home :)





Well, off to finish what needs to be done today before I loose motivation or become too tired (didnt get much sleep last night due to the dog oving around ALL night long)

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

I just have to say.....

AHHHHHHH

I love when the kids have been fed, bathed. The dishes are being washed. Laundry has been folded and put away. Coffee is being made and the day is almost done.

Another great day

My oldest went to the beach and over a friend's house to sleepover, so decided to take my other 2 boys to the waterpark. We got there, went in and sat down and boom, thunder lol Then we waited a few minutes till they allowed the kids back in. Got to playing for about 10 minutes and then we had to get out. There was a dark cloud so they freaked out :) But after about 10 minutes waiting they opened the park back up and the kids had a good 1 1/2 hours of playing. I must say, today was quiet, not crowded and just the right temp. We all had a good time. Too bad the rest of the week it will be raining.

I have been slacking in the cleaning department. Every year around this season, I have trouble breathing. Not sure if it is seasonal allergies or asthma. But I get worn out real quickly and then at a certain time of the year it just disappears...
I do hope to get my fridge cleaned out. A god scrub and get all the old food out to make room for the new.

Here is a run down of this weeks menu, not set day for this, just as I go and how busy we are.

* Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, corn and bread
* Chicken and Rice
* Spaghetti and Meatballs with homemade Garlic bread
* Grilled chicken marinaded in Sun dried tomato dressing with rice
* Pizza (I get a good deal for 2 large pizzas that we used for lunch the next day)
* Eggs, bacon and toast
* Pasta Bake (recipe to follow)

Pasta Bake

1lb ground beef
3 cups whole wheat penne pasta, cooked and drained
1 jar (26oz) Spaghetti Sauce
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Brown meat in large skillet, drain. Add pasta, sauce and 1/2 Parmesan cheese, mix well. ( I do this in a big bowl before I put it into a dish)

Spoon into a 13x9 inch dish, top with remaining cheeses.

Bake 20 minutes or until heated through.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Waterpark and Lazy Day

Yesterday I took the boys to the local Waterpark. We had a good time. We were there a good 2 hours. Which is plenty when you have 3 kids going in 3 different directions and only one parent to supervise :) I'm just glad we got out and did itthis time. So many days plannedto go but never made it either because of rain, them not behaving or me not wanting to.

Today has been pretty lazy. Went and got food, then the kids played outside while I pulled weeds. I swear they grow faster then I can pull them. Today would have ben a good day for some water and fun, but I'm too tired from being up till after 12am. Old Navy reset their coupons and I wanted to snag the $75 off a $100 order!

Now off to put laundry away, organize some bills and relax and knit if I can manage it all before dinner.