Oy - How I love a Good Deal and....

CVS does not disappoint! My year to date savings (as of January 1st - so just a week now) are already $646.70!! Who loves CVS - come on raise your hands in the air - CVS (Whoop Whoop)!! You know ya want to dance ;)

Here is my haul from yesterday. I spent $3.14 (on my gift card for filling prescriptions of course) and earned $28 in Extra Care Bucks. Not pictured below is a gallon of milk! These savings are a huge blessing and I hope that you can save like me. My little sister did even better than me - so shout out to you too! The sixteen boxes of Mac N Cheese make Bean so happy! Oh and the savings don't stop here...I am going to send in for a rebate on the Colgate products and will get a bag of goodies and coupons from Colgate valued at $25. Yippee!

the hunt for 75% off at Target

So a few days after Christmas, we were all in eager anticipation of the 75% off holiday merchandise at Target. We went when it was 50% and decided to hold out for most of what we wanted for 75% off. We had a hunch that it would be that next morning. So we loaded up the mini-van, my parents - my siblings and me...hmm notice that no spouses or kids are with us - just the original family unit only a lot older! We waited parked in our car anxiously!

With eyes peeled on the door (Target does not open until corporate turns on their lights at 8:00 am) - I spotted a potential shopper moving toward the door - false alarm - my Dad points out he is an employee...and then the real first shopper gets in line. At that - we pile out of the mini-van! My sister and I lead the family and are waiting at the door with the other people and the infamous lights to be turned on! Our parents and brother were the cart fetchers as we figured we moved the fastest....it was quite a scene when the lights came on. We were walking fast (could be construed as skipping) back to the Christmas decor. SCORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 75% off signs were posted everywhere. Oh - the thrill and exhilaration a sale can provide ;)

Seriously though - it was fun to hang out with the siblings and parents and bond! That is of course what it is about - family.

Welcome to 2008!

My 2008 motto is: Stop doubting and believe. John 20:27 Why this passage? It says it so well for me. Stop worrying about the past and "what if" scenarios and start focusing on the present and the joy in the moment!

What a 2007 we had. I have to say it was a year of ups and downs for us. Roon and I have grown as a result of all the challenges we have faced. There is truth to the statement you grow most in times of trouble.

We had a whirlwind finish to 2007 visiting with family and friends. I am blessed with amazing parents, loving siblings, awesome in-laws and wonderful friends. As we embark on the new year - lets look ahead to the amazing journeys and joys God has in store for us.

Roon and I are working on our "Vision Plan" for our 2008 goals. We like to put ours together so we both stay focused and work as a family to make our dreams come true. The list will be packed this year - Stay tuned!

Roon has outlined is first goal - which is so him "I will not supersize any meal or add on from the .99 menu to any meal" He is in a contest with some fellows to lose 40 pounds. Let's just say we both ate way to much over the holidays!

Have yourself a Merry Christmas!

Hope that each and everyone has a blessed Christmas. Let us rejoice in our blessings and celebrate our Saviours birth! Bean had a Christmas program at school and I just love their version of Happy Birthday to Jesus!

Let us all be like children with their joy and happiness!

Birthday Party for Jesus!!

We were invited to a birthday party to celebrate the birth of Jesus last week. On the way to the party, Bean asked “Mommy What is Jesus’ middle name?” Trying to think quickly I thought “Christ.” Then I went on to explain that he really just goes my Jesus since he is the Christ. So she thought about it and asked “So Jesus is going to be at his party right?” Well I explained that he would be there in spirit. That satisfied her and I was happy about that. The party was great and Bean did wonderfully in the reenactment of the birth of Christ. She portrayed a wise man and brought frankincense as her gift. My friend had put a wash cloth dipped in essential oils in her basket. Bean loved smelling her gift (over and over). After constructing Baby Jesus in the manger with marshmallows and haystacks we were on our way. On the door was a tree to write on there what we would like to give Jesus for Christmas. Immediately – Bean knew the answer – “Mommy a Barbie Island Princess.” I was thinking along the lines of love or something…but Barbie is good. I just love how big her heart is!!

Cheap Tip O' the Day!

Do you look at the coupons that print out at the grocery stores? Those coupons are called catalina's and can be for cents off your next purchase, specific products or promotions coming up or freebies. Yes freebies Yall! Lately I have been getting dog food and kleenex free catalina coupons. So next time you get any catalina's - look at them before you chunk them - you never know what treasure they may hold.

Out of the Mouth of Bean

After dinner I opened my fortune cookie which read "You have a talent for all that is artistic." I promptly told Roon that I got the wrong fortune - he asked why. I handed it to Bean to hand to Roon. Bean says Mommy I will read it...it says "CVS." LOL! She knows me too well. She proceeded to tell me that the other piece of paper read "Dear Tom Thumb."

Oh and for those who wanted the report on the Turkey - it Did ROCK, despite ourselves. When we were taking it off the sitting device it broke in half...and then we found the giblet back stuffed inside still. Apparently leaving the giblet bag inside the turkey during cooking is a right of passage of sorts.