End of an Era

Have you ever felt that a change in someone else's life inevitably means a change in your own life?  For example, when a friend decides to look for a new church home or a coworker makes a job change?

I have been experiencing this feeling lately.  The change is good.  The change is necessary.  I have been spoiled by the way things were.

My little sister is moving out of Waco, her home for the last seven years (excluding the time she spent in Thailand).  She's not moving far.  And I adore her new roommate.  I LOVE her new roommate (Hi, Mom!).  

I'm excited for her internship opportunity as she will be working to resettle refugees from foreign countries right here in North Texas.  It's a great combination of two things she loves: Texas and people from diverse cultures.  I'm just feeling the weight of the change it means for me.  No more weekly sister time for me.  No more weekly Aunt Kristin time for Caleb.  No more excuses to drive down to Baylor for some much needed Common Grounds refreshment.  No more extra help when shopping with two kids.

On the bright side, I will have that much stronger of a reason to drive to Ft. Worth to visit Mom (and now Kristin).  I will cherish the sister time even more.  I will be forced to use the phone more often, which I'm known to avoid.

SIGH...Life will go on.  And life will continue to afford us many opportunities to make wonderful memories.  And I'll be seeing her next weekend for Caleb's birthday party.  We can't possibly be separated because of distance!  Love you, sister!

Quote of the Day

I think Mommy should get a present every time it's your birthday for pushing out that big head of yours.
~Jadie

4 years old!

Happy Birthday to my Silly Willy!

(He hates this nickname.  Well, he hates just about any nickname.)

Mommy's Top 5 Things to LOVE About Caleb

1. Hearing you say, "I love you."

2. Hearing you talk about your Granddaddy Ray.

3. Seeing you make crazy faces by manipulating your eyebrows.

4. Your night-night kisses.  Cheek, cheek, lips, head, hug.

5. The way you say you "really, really, really" want something.

Not In The Mood

There have been several fun happenings lately that would have made fun blog posts all on their own, but I have not been in a blogging mood.  So, I'll fall back on my trusty bullets to fill you in.

• Sarah played baby Jesus in our church Christmas Musical.
• We went to the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine to see ICE! featuring The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.
• We celebrated Christmas with Jadie's mom, sister, and nephews on Wednesday.
• We attended the Christmas Eve service at church.

Diary of a Nursing Mother

Tonight I had a major freak out.  I went out without either of the kiddos and the last thing I said to Jadie before leaving the house was this: "Call me if Sarah wakes up, 'cause you got nuthin'"  Meaning that he had no thawed milk to feed her if she awoke hungry.  I had just put her down before I left, but her last meal had been about two and a half hours prior.  So, I assumed she'd wake up after only about thirty or so minutes.

After being gone for an hour and a half, I was ready to head home.  I decided to call and ask Jadie if he wanted me to pick up a Redbox movie.  I searched my purse for my cell phone.  Then the freak out began. I did NOT have my phone.  All the way home I wavered back and forth between praying and panicking.  I was praying that she was still asleep or that she would calm down until I got home if she had been awake and screaming.  Scenarios were racing through my head of Jadie pulling his hair out (not really possible anyway with such short hair) or playing in the backyard with Caleb and leaving Sarah to cry it out.

I walked in to a quiet house.  Where were Jadie and Caleb?  Where was Sarah?

What I found was a scenario I could hardly believe.  Sarah was still asleep in her bassinet.  Jadie was hiding behind our chair in the living room.  Caleb was asleep in bed.  What a wonderfully faithful God and what a wonderfully sweet (and quirky) husband!

Sarah Is 4 Months Old!

Here are the stats:

• 4 months old!!!
• 1 oral vaccine
• 2 shots (4 vaccines)
• 12lbs, 10 oz/2 lbs gained (48th percentile)
  
• 23.75 in long/1 inch growth (26th percentile)
• 16 in head circumference/0.75 inch growth (48th percentile)

Praying for:

• My blood pressure, currently running about 120/80 (still)
• Sarah's continued health and weight gain
• Jadie's cough.  He was sick over Thanksgiving and his cough is still lingering...

Swagbucks

So I've been hooked on Swagbucks for a while now.  I earn Swagbucks for searching on the Swagbucks site.  After stockpiling said Swagbucks, I can redeem them for prizes...giftcards in my case.

My total has slowly climbed to above 300 and I finally redeemed some Swagbucks for a giftcard.  A $10 Starbucks gift card, actually.

I have always thought Swagbucks was a good concept...I can get something (cash, practically) just for doing something I use Google for anyway.  Why not?

I finally realized that I could be earning Swagbucks much faster!

If Swagbucks sounds like something you might like to do, please use my link to the right (or at the top of this post) to sign yourself up.  I will earn a Swagbuck for you signing up and then I'll also earn one every time you win by searching (up to 100 Swagbucks).  Pretty, please do me this favor!

After you sign up, invite your friends and you can earn when they join!

Baylor's Christmas on 5th Street

300th Post

Seriously?

Yes, 300 posts since August 2007.  Things have changed quite a bit since then!

Thanksgiving: No Pictures

This year's Thanksgiving was kind of a drag.  Don't get me wrong, it could've been great.  We had three family get-togethers to attend.  And I did attend them all.

Thank goodness all I was responsible for were chocolate chip cookies and corn.  Easy Peasy.   Getting the kids rounded up while dealing with complicated food items would have been less than desirable.

So why do I sound so negative?  Because my strong, handsome husband has been weak, puny and sporting bed-head for the last four days.  Apparently an infection caused by a virus decided to take up residence in his body, knockng him out of commission for a while.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

We were motivated enough to get on the road for my grandparents house Tuesday evening after Jadie had worked all day.  He drove to Corsicana and I drove the rest of the way to Van.  Things were looking alright except for a splitting headache that Jadie just couldn't shake.  He woke up Wednesday morning with more of the same and congestion had joined the list of his symptoms.  I ventured out to the local Brookshire's for some allergy meds and some Simply Saline, hoping those would do the trick.  No dice.  Jadie stayed in the bed the rest of the day and then through Thanksgiving Day.  Then I had the pleasure of driving the entire way home while Jadie continued coughing and complaining of a headache.

Friday morning I did some Black Friday shopping at Walgreens and CVS.  I know, I'm so adventurous and trendy!  I baked four dozen cookies for Thanksgiving with Jadie's dad.  Dinner was great: Brisket, Potato Salad, Baked Beans, and Rolls.

Today we had Thanksgiving with Jadie's mom.  She can whip up quite the meal!  We enjoyed turkey, mashed potatoes, rolls, dressing, cranberry sauce, corn, green bean casserole, and sweet tea! Yummy!

Jadie is moving around quite a bit more today, but I can tell that he's feeling terrible still.  Hopefully his Z-Pack will get him back to normal by Monday!

Sarah's Accomplishments

Sorry that I haven't been in a blogging mood lately.  This post will be further evidence of that...bullet style, all the way.


New in the last few weeks:

• Sitting up in the Bumbo
• Putting weight on her feet when held upright
• Only 1-2 dirty diapers a day
• Grabbing everything that comes within 6 inches of her face
• Chew, chew, chewing her fingers
• Pulling the paci out of her mouth (much to her dismay)
• Staying awake about 6-8 hours of the day

Adapted Pancake Recipe

From this Recipe Exchange site.

I am finally writing down the 2/3 version of this recipe since it is the one I consistently use for pancakes in our household.  I am getting tired of doing the conversions in my head every time I make them, so I am posting it here for my own personal reference.  Thanks for understanding!


2 Cup Flour
1/6 Cup Sugar
2 2/3 Tsp. Baking Powder
1 1/3 Tsp. Baking Soda
2/3 Tsp. Salt
1 2/3 Cups Milk
1/6 Cup Oil
2 Egg
1 Tsp. Vanilla

Since the measurements are not standard, I usually approximate...
Turn on skillet or griddle to warm.
In large bowl, mix together all the dry ingredients.
Add milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla, mix well with a whisk.
If needed, grease pan, or use nonstick spray.
1/4 cup of batter makes small round pancakes, 1/2 cup of batter makes a large pancake.
Once the batter has bubbled on top, flip the pancake for thourough cooking.

The Veterans In My Life

Today is a day to remember our veterans, those who have served our country with bravery and selflessness.  There are three members of our family who have done just that.  Thank you to these three and the countless others that make sacrifices to keep our country a democracy.

My PawPaw

Everett Bennett

served during the Korean War

Jadie's PaPa

Harvey Horn

served during World War II

My Cousin

Melinda Ray

currently serving in the US Navy

Jadie's Cousin

Lesley Rodgers

currently serving in the US Army

We also wish to thank the countless friends we know who have served in the military.

May God Bless You for putting your life on the line for your fellow brothers and sisters.

Mrs. Personality

Just when I thought I had nothing to blog about...out comes Sarah's personality!!!

We've been seeing smiles for about a month now, but they've been elusive and resistant to the camera.  I managed to catch smile on camera last Thursday and another big one that she was gave to her daddy earlier tonight.

And just a few minutes ago...the bombshell...LAUGHTER!!!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Ahhhh, Much Better

Last Thursday, I got my regular-every-6-months haircut. It was about time!

Every time I sit in the chair getting my hair cut, I vow not to let myself go so long next time. And inevitably, I wait at least 6 months before I go in again.

It's actually easier to do my hair when it's shoulder length than when it's long. I have no idea why I can't seem to just go get it cut more often! My hair is so curly that it takes forever to blow dry or straighten it. And wearing it curly weighs it down...as you can see from my terrible picture below.

Ok, enough jibber jabber.

Without further ado...my new do!

But first, here's the LONG hair straight-ish...And the curly version exposing my ghostly white forehead and face...

And my shorter, easier to straighten, shoulder length cut.

$2 Reuseable Tote

I found these cute little bags today while I was shopping to restock my B&B Works Antibacterial Soap stash. Only $2 each. Way cuter than the reusable HEB bags, that's for sure. They have a variety of patterns to choose from, and I love that they roll up so you can stuff them in your purse!

Handmade Headbands

Here's a REALLY cute idea for the little girls in your life: Handmade Flower Headbands.

Perfect for any gift-giving occasion. And perfect for Kristin and I to attempt making soon!

See Design Mom's full post HERE.

More Halloween

Fall Festival Picture

The Ripple Effects of Breastfeeding

This is how Caleb plays with his dinosaurs.

Well, he doesn't play with them like this everyday. But this was how he played with them today.

Necessary Evil

I don't think I've mentioned this on the blog yet, but we've been having some tough times as a family. Nothing internal...just the external necessity of a JOB. As I look at the calendar, I can tell you with complete accuracy, that Jadie has worked 32 out of the last 33 days. And I mean weekends and all. Not pleasant. We are really starting to miss our family time. Or rather, we've been missing it for an entire month.

He has been very gracious to continue to do family things, like a date with me a few weeks ago when my mom was in town. And a trip to the HOT Rodeo to watch Mutton Bustin', Steer Ropin', and Bull Ridin'. And our church's Fall Festival this past Wednesday. But this schedule of 10 hour days, 7 days a week has taken a toll. Poor Jadie is irritable and straight up worn out! This Sunday he'll finally get a day off. And hopefully, if it really doesn't rain here at all next week (like the weather station predicts), he'll be done with this non-stop work nonsense! Sheesh!

FREE Holiday Postcards

I almost ordered my christmas cards from Vista Print yesterday. They were really adorable and would have included a photo of the kiddos. I was going to pay $22.49 + shipping for 100 4"x8" cards with envelopes. But then I came across this deal today...

See my post HERE.

Random Info

As the parent of a little boy, I have dreaded the purchase of batteries on many occasions. I tend to purchase wither Rayovac batteries or the HEB store brand batteries.

I recently purchased four Bob the Builder toys for Caleb at our local Just Between Friends sale, which is a twice a year children's consignment sale. I thought Caleb would enjoy them since he enjoys the two BTB videos he has. After only a few minutes of playing with his new toys, Caleb discovered that they have buttons to press for voice effects. Great. I was sure batteries would be required. I unscrewed the battery cover and discovered the toys required disc-like batteries. I priced them at Wal-Mart...$5.67 for three batteries. Each toy requires three batteries. So, new batteries would cost $22.68. I decided that this was not happening, so I told Caleb he'd have to make his own voices for Scoop, Muck, Dizzy, and Lofty.

Then I made a trip to the Dollar Tree for something else. I didn't find what I was looking for, but I passed by a battery display before leaving the store. I spotted disc-like batteries. Could this be for real? Could I really get a package of three batteries for just $1? No, but I was able to pick up eight batteries for $1. No joke. The exact batteries I needed, for all four toys, for under $2! Take note and remember this information!

Roll Over Day!

Sarah rolled over this afternoon!

I had her on the Baby Einstein activity mat for about 30 minutes while I fixed dinner. Then I turned her over for some tummy time. When I left her to go wake Caleb from his nap, she looked like a paratrooper--arms and legs straight out--just squirming away. When I returned to check on her, she was on her back!

**UPDATE**

I have tried and tried and tried to get her on video rolling over. I have nine videos on our camera, and this is the only one that has her rolling over. She was too quick for me to catch the whole thing!

Caleb's First REAL Haircut

Although I've cut Caleb's hair myself many times, I've never taken him to have it cut by someone else. There is a great little haircut place for the kiddos in the local kids' resale shop, but I didn't do any planning ahead, I just stopped by Great Clips on a whim yesterday. Here is the result...I was pleased.

How do you like it?

The finished product!

MUCH better than I've ever done!

He had his first electric trimmer experience. He handled it like a pro!

Defective Diapers

**UPDATE** I received a coupon for a free package of diapers and two coupons for $1 off any Huggies product.

Can you tell what's wrong with this diaper?

Jadie was actually the one to open this package of diapers, but he didn't say he noticed anything wrong. When I tried to put the second diaper, I noticed something was wrong right away. I asked Jadie if he had trouble putting her diaper on. He said, "Yeah, it was too small, but I used it anyway." Ha! These aren't too small. And they better not be because I have about 4 more packages this same size!

Anyhow, I called Huggies on Monday to tell them about my defective package of diapers. I was asked to go through the package to determine if the entire package was defective. It turns out that 11 out of 44 were defective, but the other 33 were just fine. She asked for the lot number from the package and said she'd send me a coupon in the mail for a FREE replacement package of diapers as well as several more coupons for the inconvenience. I'll try to remember to let you all know what I actually receive in the mail.

So, really, can you tell what's wrong with these?

Caleb Reads!

Well, sort of.

Apparently, he has memorized this book called Hot Dog. It is repetitive and uses rhyming words. It's sentences also go along well with the pictures. Sometimes when he "reads" the book, he says the wrong sentences with the wrong pages. But...all in all, this is a great start to reading! Way to go Caleb! We are so proud of you!

P.S. Our camera stops the video after 3 minutes. I did start a new video, but it was only 10 seconds long. You get the idea anyway!

Growing Girl

We had Sarah's two month check this morning. This appointment was much better than her nightmare of an appointment at two weeks. Apparently getting into the doctor's office (with an appointment) during the first week of school means you'll be waiting at least two hours. This morning we were in and talking to the doctor within fifteen minutes!

After talking with the doctor, we had a jolly old time getting poked with needles! I went first and I took it like a champ for once. I got the seasonal flu shot and didn't even shed a tear. Trust me, this is usually a tearful experience. Caleb's flu shot was next, and he was already panicking as the nurse rubbed alcohol on his leg. What followed was not pretty. Let's just say I'm glad I brought my mom along so she could escort him to the car. Finally, it was Sarah's turn. She was not a happy camper to be awakened by having medicine squeezed into her mouth. She had to endure an oral medication plus THREE shots in her legs. Thankfully, that part is over.

As if today's trauma of the doctor's visit wasn't enough, Sarah is sporting her first battle wounds from her big brother. I'm sure he didn't intend to hurt his little sister, but I just wanted to scream at him at the top of my lungs. We were at my mom's new house (No, she's not moving. This is an investment property) just hanging around while the appliance man fixed the dishwasher. Caleb was rolling this knitting loom across the floor.

I had already told him not to roll it anywhere near Sarah's car seat, which she was sleeping in after having endured the torture that was her check up. As usual, he continued doing as he pleased, quickly forgetting my warning. Sure enough, as he tossed the ring for another roll, it whacked her right in the eye. She's got a red mark above and below her eye. Man, have I got a challenging time ahead of me.

Anyhow, here are Sarah's new stats:

• 10 lbs, 1 oz/3 lbs, 3 oz gained (40th percentile)
• 22.75 in long/3.25 in growth (55th percentile)
• 15.25 in head circumference/1.75 in growth (49th percentile)

Praise the LORD for:

• A healthy, growing girl!
• A little boy who doesn't listen...

Praying for:

• Continued health and growth for Sarah
• A little boy who doesn't listen...
• Balance and time management for me

Too Much Clutter

I've decided that my deal seeking blog entries are crowding out my precious family posts...so I'm moving all deal seeking, bargain hunting, and crazy cheap stuff posts to this address.

Not-So-Secret Saving

Have fun saving money!

Sarah's 2 Months Old!

This was the best she would do for me on her actual 2 month birthday.

Maybe it's the non-girly, but still very appropriate red "Hold Me, Hug Me, Kiss Me" Onesie. Maybe it's the fact that I didn't try to get a picture until 10pm. Maybe it's that I didn't even realize it was exactly 2 months until I was talking to a trio of grandmas at Wal-Mart last night who were oooooohing and aaaaaahing over Sarah. But I was left unsatisfied.

So I took about ten more this morning. She was still uncooperative. She has a new thing for her hands; She can't keep them out of her mouth. At least for the 45 second time period that I'm trying to take pictures of her. This was the best one I got. Enjoy!

You'd never guess Caleb's been feeling under the weather. He's had a cough and drainage since Sunday evening. No fever, praise God. I'm keeping an eye on things and we'll be in the doctor's office Monday morning for Sarah's 2 month check up and a round of flu shots. So if something happens this weekend, at least we already have an appointment. Sort of.

Good Point(s)

1. You cannot legislate the poor into prosperity by legislating the wealthy out of prosperity.
2. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving.
3. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else.
4. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is the beginning of the end of any nation.
5. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it.

My Kid Is Obsessed With GEICO

Exhibit A:

P.S. That high-pitched squeal is Sarah. She wanted in on the action too.

Exhibit B:

Caleb insisted upon taking this card to PawPaw Freeman's for football time last night. He was totally distraught when he couldn't find it when it came time to leave. After I did find it, he began jumping up and down, saying "My GEICO, My GEICO!"

Exhibit C:

When the GEICO commercials come on TV, he is enthralled and has an ear-to-ear smile plastered on his face.

Free Greeting Cards for Preschoolers to Color

You can print free greeting cards from Fisher Price HERE. Caleb will love coloring these! When I did my thank you cards after Sarah's baby showers, he was very adamant that he do some of his own!

Thanks Melissa!

Gotta get a picture of some cute kiddos up here after so many bargain posts!

FREE Redbox Rental Codes

Current Redbox Codes

(each code can be used once per credit/debit card)

9HB6MP22

RXGVGMV

KRJX6M3

DVDONME

BREAKROOM

DVDATWAG - Walgreens Only

SMR8DVD McDonald's only

.

To Use Redbox Codes, Follow the Instructions Below

1) On the first screen select "Rent With Promo"

2) Enter the code

3) Choose your movie and swipe your debit or credit card (this is in case you don't bring the movie back. They will put a $1 charge on your card to hold the movie, but if you return the movie by 9 pm the next day, the charge will be removed)

4) You can use 1 code for each debit/credit card that you have, so to rent multiple movies, just do the above process with each card.

.

To find the nearest Redbox, click here.

Thanks Ashley from Frugal Coupon Living!

Homemade Quesadilla

For those of you who are visual, you're out of luck. I didn't take a picture of this one.

Lauren's Bacon Quesadilla

Shredded Colby Jack Cheese

Diced Tomatoes

Real Bacon Bits (I use Oscar Mayer)

2 Flour Tortillas

Cooking Spray

Spray skillet with cooking spray and put a tortilla in the pan.

Heat skillet to low/med heat (I use setting 4 on my stove).

Sprinkle a generous amount of cheese over the tortilla.

Sprinkle bacon bits over cheese.

Add the diced tomatoes and another layer of cheese.

Place 2nd tortilla on top and spray it with cooking spray.

When cheese seems to be melted, flip the quesadilla to the other side.

Let tortilla brown and remove from heat.

Let The Children Come

Sometimes, I have the sweetest, most honest little boy. Sometimes not so much. Today's conversation brought me to tears, sweet tears.

I'll do my best to get this right...

Caleb: "I don't want Granddaddy to die." (My dad died 2 years ago, September 2007)

Me: "Well, me neither, Caleb. Sometimes it makes me sad."

Caleb: "I'm sad." (As tears well up in his eyes)

Me: "Sometimes it makes me sad because I miss Granddaddy, but sometimes it makes me happy because I know he's in Heaven with God."

Caleb: "Sometimes I want to go to Heaven to be with God."

I followed with telling him about how Jesus died for us, so that we may go to Heaven when we die. He quickly changed the subject, but not before restating that he sometimes wants to go be with God.

Maybe a little heavy for a three year old. Maybe not. They understand more than we know. They are honest about their feelings. And they are simple in what they know and believe.

"But Jesus called the children to him and said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.'" Luke 18:16-17

Wednesday's Target Trip

I paid $48.50 today (no picture).

Regular prices with no coupons, clearance, or sales discounts would have made my total $133.08.  That's about 64% off!

3 Glade Scented Oil Candle Tins, sale $1.66 ea

-3 $1.50  MFR coupon from inside the tins

=$0.48 total OOP

Target Brand Dryer Sheets, 80 count, $2.29

-$0.75  Target coupon from home mailer 

=$1.54 total OOP

2 pkg Nature Valley Nut Clusters, sale $2.50 ea

-2 $1.60 MFR coupon from coupons.com

=$1.80 total OOP

2 pkg Nature Valley Granola Bars, reg $2.44 ea

-2 $0.40 MFR coupon from Sunday paper insert

=$4.08 total OOP

2 Target brand Thin Spaghetti, sale $0.87 ea

=$1.74 total OOP

Sara Lee Wheat Bread, reg $2.69, sale $1.99

=$1.99 total OOP

Minute Maid Orange Juice, reg $2.44 ea

=$2.44 total OOP

2 pkg Bic Soliel Razors (4 count + 2 bonus razors), sale $3.99 ea

-2 $3.00 MFR coupons from Sunday paper insert

=$1.98 total OOP

2 Rimmel Mascara, reg $2.44 ea

-2 $2.00 MFR coupons from Sunday paper insert

=$0.88 total OOP

2 pkg travel size Nexcare tattoo bandages (CARS characters) 8 count, reg $0.96 ea, clearance $0.48 ea

=$0.96 total OOP

2 pkg Renu Contact Lens Solution (2 oz travel size), reg $1.52 ea

-$2.00 MFR coupon from MFR website

=$0.96 profit

2 Simply Ageless Foundations, reg $13.99 ea

2 Exact Eyelights Eye Shadow, reg $6.99 ea

-2 $6.99 MFR coupons from Sunday paper insert (actually a B1G1 coupon stating buy 1 simply ageless, get one face product free)

-2 $1.00 MFR coupons from Sunday paper insert

-2 $3.00 Target coupons

=$19.98 total OOP

2 pkg Target brand shredded cheese, sale $1.79 ea

-$1.00 Target coupon

=$2.58 total OOP

3 jars Ragu tomato pasta sauce, reg $1.87 ea

1 jar Ragu alfredo sauce, reg $1.87 ea

-2 $0.75 MFR coupons from Sunday paper insert

-2 $0.75 Target coupons

= $4.48 total OOP

Snickers Ice Cream Bars, reg $3.19 ea

-$1.00 MFR coupon from Sunday paper insert

-$1.00 Target coupon

=$1.19 total OOP

M&Ms Ice Cream Sandwiches, reg $3.54 ea

-$1.00 MFR coupon from Sunday paper insert

-$1.00 Target coupon

=$1.54 total OOP

New Header

I had gotten Sarah asleep in Caleb's bed while I was doing something in there.  Then I told Caleb not to disturb her while I took a shower.  This is what I saw when I came out wrapped in my towel.  What a sweet brother!

Zuppa Toscana

I'm passing this along from A Thrifty Mom, because this is Jadie's favorite soup!  

I did condense her words, so if you want step by step pictures and more narration, HERE is her original post.

1.5 lb Italian sausage

1 medium onion, diced

6-8 medium potatoes

6-8 cups chicken broth

3 cups heavy cream

6 cups kale

In a deep stock pot, brown the sausage and onion over medium heat.  Drain the meat and set aside.

Wash and dice the potatoes, leaving the skin on.

Add chicken broth, potatoes, salt, and pepper to the stock pot.

While the pan is still cool add in the heavy cream.  It is important to add this while the broth is still cool, if you add it to a boiling pot the cream will curdle.

Now add the sausage back to the pot, and turn on medium heat.  Slowly bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring every few minutes so you do not scald the cream.

Once it comes to a boil turn down to medium / low heat so it can simmer for 20 minutes.

While your soup in simmering, wash your Kale very well. Chop the kale leaves into small bite sized pieces.

Once the soup has been simmering for 20 min, add the chopped kale, cover again and simmer another 30 mins.

It's Been A While...

...since I've used my coupons for some rock bottom deals!

Here's my haul from Walgreens #1 this morning:

I paid $11.21 for everything pictured here.

Regular prices with no coupons or sales discounts would have made my total $25.27.  That's about 50% off!

BUT, I also walked out with $8.50 in Register Rewards good toward my next trip to Walgreens.

2 bottles Formula 409 (32 oz), sale $2.50 ea

-$1.00 ea  MFR coupon from Sunday paper insert

+$2.00 RR (Register Reward)

=$3.00 total OOP (out of pocket)

Aussie Shampoo and Conditioner (13.5 oz), sale $2.99 ea

-$2.00/2 MFR coupon from Sunday paper insert

+$2.00 RR

=$3.98 total OOP

Therma Care Sample Pack, sale $2.49

-$1.00 printable coupon from MFR website

+$2.50 RR

=$1.49 total OOP

2 Oral B Indicator Toothbrushes, sale 2/$4

-$2.00 MFR coupon from Sunday paper insert (actually a B1G1 coupon)

+$2.00 RR

=$2.00 total OOP

Here's my haul from Walgreens #2 this morning:

I paid $8.79 for everything pictured here.

Regular prices with no coupons or sales discounts would have made my total $42.87.  That's about 80% off!

BUT, I also walked out with $6.50 in Register Rewards good toward my next trip to Walgreens.

2 Airwick i-Motion Ultra, sale $6.99 ea

-$6.00 ea  MFR coupon from Sunday paper insert

=$2.00 total OOP

Aussie Sprunch (8.5 oz), sale $2.99 ea

-$1.00 MFR coupon from mailer

+$2.00 RR

=$1.99 total OOP

Therma Care Sample Pack, sale $2.49

-$1.00 printable coupon from MFR website

+$2.50 RR

=$1.49 total OOP

2 Crest Cavity Protection (6.4 oz), sale 2/$4

-$0.50 ea MFR coupon from Sunday paper insert

+$2.00 RR

=$3.00 total OOP

Here's my TOTALLY CRAZY Target Steal!

I paid $3.62 for everything pictured here.

2 Glade Scented Oil Candle Tins, sale $1.66 ea

-2/$2.00  MFR coupon from Sunday paper insert

=$1.32 total OOP

2 Glade Scented Oil Candle Refills, sale $2.50 ea

-$3.99 ea  printable coupons from MFR website (cashier should have only deducted $2.50 ea)

=$2.98 total PROFIT

3 pk Hanes Bikini Panties, reg. $5.00

=$5.00 total

Get Out The Kleenex

I needed the Kleenex at church this morning for baby Charis' dedication.  This prayer was read aloud.  As I opened my eyes and looked around, I discovered that I wasn't the only one wiping my eyes!

May God grant you peace in the midst of a storm

May God give you strength even when you're forlorn

May you answer the door when Jesus comes knocking

May wisdom guide you when your mouth is talking

May discretion protect you and keep you pure

May you never stumble or fall for a lure

May your heart remain humble to the very end

May uprightness and truth be what you defend

May the world not ensnare or change who you are

May the light that's within you shine like the stars  

May angels surround you body, spirit, mind  

May favor and peace be yours to find  

May rejection and pain never reach you  

May your spirit grow bold for what you're called to

As you rest in Gods care I will rest too  

Knowing that Jesus is watching over you  

Amen

6 Week Old Sarah

Blue Bell Coupons!

$1.00 Blue Bell Coupon

Click on the Print Coupon picture.  After you print once, hit the back button on your browser to print a second time.  After that, you will be blocked from further printing.  

Ready or Not?

I did two things this week I'm not sure I was ready for:

1. I priced all of Caleb's clothes and put them in the JBF sale today!  I did choose not to date them if they remain unsold, but if they do sell...so long my friends!  I have really been wavering back and forth between being finished having children and trying for one more (not yet, but in the future).  Jadie seems set to be finished and I am being stretched by these days with a newborn, I am very much leaning toward being finished as well.  If we are surprised in the next few years, we'll just have to start a new baby wardrobe (if it's a boy).

2. I put Sarah in her crib for most of the night.  We kept Caleb in the bassinet for quite a while.  I'm not really sure how long, but way beyond 6 weeks.  I thought I 'd try Sarah in her crib for at east the first half of the night, considering her nursery has been sitting unused except for diaper changes.  She did well getting to sleep with no pacifier, only a good blanket swaddling.  I'm trying her again right now for a nap and she seems to be doing well.  I did give her the pacifier, but she has spit it out and is laying quietly with the womb sounds bear going.  I'll still be using the bassinet a little each night, but not full time anymore...unless I change my mind (which is known to happen).

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