My newest endeavour is couponing! I must admit that I didn't come up with this on my own... my generous neighbor shared a website that she found and it really does work!! I have always wondered how those super-moms seem to get a million dollars worth of groceries for $.89, but I would just scratch my head and go on my merry, spending-too-much-for-groceries way. I have tried cutting coupons and watching the sales, but I never did understand why I should use a coupon for an item when the store brand is cheaper. So I gave up. Well after my neighbor told me about http://www.southernsavers.com/, I was hooked! The mom who does the website does all the leg work for me! She types all the deals for the week for each local grocery store and pharmacy, provides a grocery list that I can customize to what I want to buy and then tells me where to find the coupons either in the newspaper or printables. It's SO EASY! If I can do it, then I know any one can! It does take about an hour or so to print out all my coupons or find the ones that I've clipped and to make my grocery list, but it's well worth it! Two weeks ago, the first week that I tried this whole couponing thing, I spent around $80 at the grocery store. That was a big improvement for me for a week's worth of groceries - I usually spent around $100. Last week, when I went to Kroger, my total before sales and coupons was $114, and I paid $59!! Since I don't grocery shop until Thursday, I got on the website today to see what the deals were at Publix this week. Well, I made my list, printed my coupons, went shopping and got some bargains!! My total for everything you see in the picture?? $10.50! I'll explain to you how I did it below. The number in red is how much I paid for the item(s).



Buy One, Get One Free Deals
Fresh Express Salad: B1G1 for $3.99 which makes each bag $1.99. Coupon for $.55 off. $1.72
Nestle Toll House Cookies: B1G1 for $3.19 which makes each bag $1.59. Coupon for $1 off. $.59
Betty Crocker Potato: B1G1 for $1.75 which makes each box $.87. Coupon for $.40 off. $.47
Barilla noodles: B1G1 for $1.39 which makes each box $.69.
Ragu sauce: B1G1 for $2.19. Coupon for $1 off 2. $1.19
Hunts Tomatoes: B1G1 for $1.39 which makes each can $.69. Coupon for $1.25 off Tomotoes and Pam Spray
Pam Spray: Regular price except that I used the coupon above. $1.25
Honey Maid Grahams: B1G1 for $3.99. Coupon for $1 off. $2.99.

In-Store coupons (they are right where you walk in the door)
Dove deoderant: B1G1 coupon for $4.49 which makes them $2.25 each. Manufacturer coupon for $2 off Dove deoderant. Used two coupons so they were $.25 each. $.50

Tylenol: Store sale for $3.99, store coupon for $3 off plus manufacturer coupon for $1 off - GOT IT FOR FREE!

The key to successful couponing is using coupons on items that are already marked down. Plus, even though Publix is usually a bit more expensive, you get the best deals when you use coupons on their B1G1 items. Also, at Publix you can stack coupons. That means that you can use a Publix coupon, manufacturer coupon and competititor coupon ALL on the SAME ITEM! That's how you get things for free! This is fun, makes a great hobby and saves LOTS of money!

I must admit that one of my least favorite things is Science Fair projects. When Morgan brought home the inital paper explaining what my life would consist of for the next two months, I'm sure I let out a huge groan. We've done okay, luckily his teacher is very merciful. Finding the research articles and planning the experient was the most difficult so far. Now he's writing his paper, but luckily his Reading teacher at school is helping the students with that. The project is due right after Thanksgiving, so that will be a very happy time in my life. Really, it hasn't been that bad and I know that I need to have a better attitude about it, but it's just not on my Top 10 list of Favorite Things.

Catching up for a busy couple of weeks

ALL of our family came over on Halloween night to take the kids trick-or-treating. We had a house full of people and it was a bit crazy, but it was a lot of fun. The kids had a great time running from house to house, it was even hard to keep up. But, with the rain and chilly weather, we were returning home after visiting about 1/3 of the neighborhood. Ivey dressed up as a fairy (our dentist told us that next year he would lend us his oversized toothbrush and she could dress up as the tooth fairy!), Gavin was Spider-Man and Ivey was some scary thing that I didn't really approve of... but, it's a long story. So, anyway, we had a grea time and now have lots of candy sitting in the pantry.

Treating treating at our first set of houses

Grammy with Baby Jamie, so cute!

All the kids, I think!

Gavin LOVES Spider-Man!

Ivey dressed up like a beautiful fairy

Last night we carved our pumpkins. We didn't make it to the pumpkin patch this year, so I just bought a few pumpkins at Harry's Farmers Market and then we carved them last night. This was our first time doing this as a family and we all had a lot of fun. I want to form traditions and make memories that my kids will remember and enjoy and I think this will definitely be one of them! Of course, it didn't keep Gavin's attention very long since he could only clean out the pumpkin, but the adults had a lot of fun carving the faces that the kids came up with. As we were carving, Chris cleaned off the seeds and kept them for toasting. Yum!

WAAARRR EAGLE, HEY! Mom and I went to the Auburn vs. Kentucky game this past weekend. Even though our beloved Tigers lost, it's always a lot of fun to go to a football game in Auburn. The experience of it all was well worth the trip - even though we were freezing our buns off by the 4th quarter!

This hat was the most creative thing I think I've ever seen. I don't know how this lady made it, but she wore a hat that looked like an eagle. Everybody got quite a laugh out of it!

At Tiger Walk - one of my favorite parts! Aubie leads the cheerleaders and football players to the stadium.

Up close and personal with Gene Chizik - trying to fire up the Auburn fans!

My other favorite part is watching the band.

Now, to watch the Tigers play!

This past weekend was my FIRST EVER camping trip. My mom's idea of camping is staying in a Motel 6, so we never went camping as kids. I was never really keen on the idea of sleeping in a tent or having to cook my own food over the fire, but when some experienced camping friends asked us to go last weekend we decided to give it a try. And we had a blast! Of course, we borrowed the tent and the air mattress from our friends... as well as many other things that I didn't bring. How was I supposed to know??? I'd never been camping!!! Anyway, it all worked out and we had a great time. We went with three other couples and it was nice to have lots of time to talk and play. Shannon and Craig even have a flat screen TV, so we were able to watch the Georgia vs. Tennessee game. A very nice man that was camping next to us, had a satellite dish and set up his tv for us so that we could watch the Auburn game, too! Too bad there wasn't much to see! We had a great time and Chris and I are even talking about buying our own camping gear. I definitely am not into "hardcore" camping like killing my food, pitching a tent in the middle of nowhere or sleeping in subfreezing temperatures. I'll stick with campgrounds. It's a great way to spend time as a family away from home for very little money. HOORAY FOR CAMPING!

Craig, Shannon, Chris and I are watching the Auburn. They played terribly! You can tell by our faces that we weren't happy.

Chris and Gavin fix the fishing poles.

Good morning, Sunshine!

The kids really enjoyed riding their bikes. There was also a playground nearby that they spent a lot of time at. It was a great way for my sheltered kids to learn how to entertain themselves outside.

Our tent. Well, actually it belongs to Craig and Shannon... thanks guys for a wonderful camping experience!

My accountability group just began reading "Lies Women Believe" and I have to say that I'm already loving it. I'm sure it was not by accident that we chose this book - God is sovereign. He is teaching me many things about my selfish desires, what I think will make me happy, what my idea of family is, what HIS idea of family is and especially how I have believed the many half-truths and deceptions that Satan has every-so-slyly brought my way... inching his foot into the door of my heart. Yes, I'm learning a lot. The mirror is being held up to my heart and I'm seeing things that I'd rather not. Yet I'm grateful. Being aware of these things means that I can now purge myself of them. I'm ripping Satan's mask off and letting him know that I have no room for his lies in my life.

Last weekend we went apple picking. It was an absolutely beautiful day and the scenery is gorgeous! This is the second year in a row that we've gone and I'm sure we'll go again next year. Everyone has a great time and the adults even got in on climbing the trees this time. The best apples are always at the top!

Last week we spent a much needed vacation in Myrtle Beach. It works out well for those of us in Cherokee County that have kids out of school in September. The rates at the beach drop dramatically after August 31st and there is hardly anyone there. We find a condo that will comfortably fit all of us, split the price and then we're ready to go! This is the second year that we've all gone together and we always have a great time. The kids had a blast, as did the adults, and Gavin is still talking about the 'musement park. We did have a little hiccup with the room - apparently I didn't realize that the additional $120 linen service meant that we wouldn't have any sheets or towels unless we paid it. Silly me thought that linen service meant that someone would come in to change our sheets every day - which we didn't need! (We rented the condo from private owners and not through the hotel itself... big mistake.) The hotel said that they couldn't help us so we took matters into our own hands. We went to the housekeeping room and got them ourselves... well, the housekeepers actually gave them to us... we didn't EXACTLY steal them. And, we took them back before we checked out. Anyway, we had a fun time with friends and are glad that we had the opportunity to go.

Last night as we were sitting around the table having breakfast for dinner (Ivey's choice, but, honestly, one of my favorites too!) Chris decided that we should go around the table and tell one thing that we like about Ivey in honor of her birthday. Chris, Gavin and I all said one thing that we liked about Ivey.

Chris: I like that Ivey loves to meet people.
Gavin: I like that Ivey plays with me and helps take care of me.
Me: I like that when I ask Ivey to do something she does it right away.

It was obvious that Morgan was putting it off. Why is it so hard for him to give his sister a complement? Soon enough it came around to him. He pretended to be thinking, acted silly and then said...

Morgan: I have two things. One is that I like that Ivey always likes everyone she meets...
[Me thinking: Okay, that's exactly what Chris said, but whatever]
[pause]
[Ivey patiently waiting to hear the second thing her big brother likes about her]
Morgan: I forgot the second one.
Ivey: Well, you should have said that one first.

That's my girl.

We've had a really fun birthday weekend with Ivey. She turns 5 today! Friday, I took her and three friends to a "princess" party. Mom went with me to help with crowd control and as we were driving away I said, "I just reminded myself why I've never done this before." Friend parties are not my thing! But, the girls had a great time and that's what counts. On Saturday, we had our family over to celebrate. Yummy food, lots of people and lots of kids! She had a fantastic time being the center of attention - what little girl doesn't?

It was a good picture and I needed something "happy" to put on my blog. Although I kinda look like I have a huge nose... do I, really?? Anywho, can't wait for vacation next week.... aaaahhhh, yes! A week with no homework. Hip-Hip-Hooray!

Update on Morgan: Keep praying. We're still working on helping him to get and stay organized, stay on top of assignments as well as making up others that he didn't turn in. Next week is Fall Break, we're headed to the beach and BOY do we need a vacation!! Chris and I have a parent-teacher conference with all of his teachers this Thursday morning. Pray that it will go well and that we will all agree on some ways to help Morgan. I am planning on talking with Morgan about why it's important to try his best. Not because we care about him getting all A's but because the bible says to do all things as unto the Lord. So, for him and his stage of life, he needs to do the best he can in school. A good education will help him succeed in life and will, hopefully, make his life a little more comfortable which is important. But, we can't forget the big picture and that we should always be more concerned about his heart and his spiritual growth as much as or more than what grades he is getting.

Well, yesterday didn't turn out so badly after all. After I dropped off the little kids at preschool in the morning, I was headed to the gym to run a few miles. On the way there I just felt an overwhelming urge to pray. It was one of those times where I felt like I needed to pray out loud and that part of the reason God wanted me to do that was so that I could hear myself relinquishing control to Him. I struggled with it for a minute and then I just gave in. There's really no since in arguing with God is there? I prayed about Morgan, for wisdom, help, good counsel as well as a couple of other things that Chris and I have been talking about. So, the day went on....

As I was looking at Morgan's grades and assignments just before it was time for him to come home (yes, I can do that on the computer now and I sure am glad that they didn't have that when I was in school! :-)) I saw that, again, he hadn't turned in an assignment. So, at the end of my rope and looking for a fresh perspective and new ideas... who else do I call other than MOM?! My mom is such a blessing to me. She has over 30 years experience in education and was even a middle-school principal for several years. At the very least, I knew that she could tell me that Morgan is normal. I explained the situation to her and, of course, she delivered. We talked through it and she gave me some great ideas. Ideas that would help me to not be so stressed-out and on-edge, but also some ideas to hopefully steer Morgan in the right direction and help him to turn this corner that he keeps running into.

After that, Morgan and I talked. I explained the new "rule" and he was in compliance. He finished his homework in a timely manner and with a happy heart and then we headed off to church. Wow - homework hell averted! As we were driving home last night, I realized what had happened. God had answered my prayer. That prayer that I didn't want to pray that morning and that situation that I was trying my hardest to fix on my own. I obviously didn't realize it at the moment that God was answering my prayer through my mom. I talk to her almost every day. I even see her a couple of times a week. I realized that sometimes I miss God's answers to my questions because I'm looking for some grand, momentous writing on the wall. Something that I can say, "HEY! THAT'S GOD ANSWERING MY PRAYER!" Nope. It was just through something very simple. Something that I didn't even recognize. I thought about how I must miss so much of what he's telling me simply because I'm not paying attention.

Morgan's 7th grade academic year hasn't really started off all that well. The last few weeks of my life have been a bit stressful with trying to make sure he's doing and completing all of his assignments as well as keeping up with projects and tests. He brought home his 4 1/1 week progress reports this past Friday... let's just say I wasn't a happy camper. I already knew what his grades were because I check them online almost every day. His grades are WAY less than acceptable and something's gotta give or I'm gonna blow a gaskit. Among being on restriction from various privileges, Morgan will also be attending a parent-teacher conference with me. But, among all of this, I struggle with knowing how hard to press and when to let up. At what point do I stop micromanaging his assignments and allow him to fail? With age comes responsibility, but he IS only in seventh grade not in tenth grade. How much responsiblity can he handle? Should I offer rewards, threaten punishments or both? It is different for every child. I am looking forward to meeting with his teachers this week and expressing my concerns along with hopefully finding out other ways to support him.

Now pair all of that with hormones (his and mine!) and we have a problem. He turns 13 in one month and we all know what that means... raging hormones. We were having another talk about middle school romance the other day. There's some girl that his "friends" want him to "go out" with and I said, "Well, do you want to go out with her?" He replied, "Well... she's pretty and she's smart... so yeah!" I said, "Is she a Christian?" He replied, "I don't know."

Man... this raising a teenager thing is gonna be a toughie.

My friend, Teri, does a Messy Party each year to celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year. This year, my sister was in town so we all went together. The kids had a great time, but Gavin wasn't in to getting messy. I actually didn't even have to change his clothes after the party. He liked to play with the bubbles and the squirty colored water. The kids had a great time and I did, too. I was able to play with Timothy (my sister's #3) and spend time with just him. He's such a sweet baby and we all had a fun time!

I love butterflies. They are so beautiful and complex... and how they even become butterflies in the first place just baffles me. This year, I wanted to plant lots of flowers in front of my house because... well... I just love flowers, too. I decided to plant bright flowers, many of which happen to attract butterflies. I've seen lots of butterflies this summer, lots of big, beautiful butterflies. The kids and I have enjoyed trying to catch them, but mostly we just watch them in amazement. Anyway, this particular kind of butterfly keeps coming back. It's yellow, black and blue and absolutely gorgeous. I wish I could have taken a picture even closer, because it's hard to see the brightness of the blue that is at the bottom of the butterfly.

So it's time to clear the dust off the 'ol blog site. I'm going to try really hard to keep up - it just seems like the weeks fly by before I even know what month it is! I have lots to share...but I'll try to do one a day or so.

Morgan started school August 3rd. He started band this year and is extremely excited about that. I must admit that I am, too! I've always loved the band (as you may know that I enjoy watching the band at football games as much or more than watching the actual game!). I played in the high school marching band myself, made great friends, had a fantastic time... and couldn't care less if other people thought we were geeks... we had WAY more fun than they did! So, when Morgan tried the instruments at the end of 6th grade to see which one he could play in middle school, his two choices were flute and trombone. Interesting... So, he came home with the sheet of paper and we had to circle one of the two instruments. I asked Morgan which one he wanted to play, the flute or the trombone, and he automatically replied, "The flute!" Oh, no... What was I to say? I just decided to be honest. "Honey, if you want to play the flute that is totally fine with me. You need to know, though, that people may make fun of you because it's just kind of unusual for a boy to play the flute. But, if you want to play it then that's okay with me." His response: "Ok, I'll play the trombone." Whew! So, as school began this year the band teacher sent home a form about renting instruments. I promptly got on the computer, barely controlling my enthusiasm, and ordered a trombone to be delivered to the school for Morgan. Well, almost a week later it arrived and he's been honking that thing ever since. He loves it and I love it! He brought home an order form from band about needing to buy the music book, metronome, music stand, t-shirts, etc. I was all over that like white on rice! I did have to contain myself a bit because I obviously only needed to buy the essentials (plus the t-shirt!). I was so excited, I just had to call my mom to share in my excitement. I even wanted to order a band t-shirt for me! My mom said, "You're going to make a great band mom!" You better believe it!

The first concert is December 17th. So, we'll then begin our new Christmas tradition of band concerts with squeaking clarinets, honking trombones, blubbering tubas and off-key flutes. I can't wait!