Spiritual reviving of my faith weekend

This is the sweatshirt that Patti bought for both of us. It reads Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like Eagles.

My stepmom Patti and I are attending this weekends Women of Faith conference in Columbus. This is my 3rd time attending and love it each year!!! This year Sandy Patty will be singing and speaking (I love her and she is so honest about her life)
Lisa Whelchel (Blair from Facts of Life) will talk about her life and her battle with her weight. Plus lots of other fantastic ladies that will inspire and lift your spirits. And lots of music and dancing.

I'll be gone until late Saturday night but will return on Sunday hopefully with lots to tell you about.

Before you go please enjoy this version of a song by Nicole C Mullen "Call on Jesus"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9u1OAJ41G8

Remember with God all things are possible. Blessings

http://www.womenoffaith.com/

Here is their webstie where you can read about them and sign up for their emails.

Turn on the smell-o-vision

I smelled it Friday night when I came home from the scrapbook crop. And now after some gloomy days you can see how beautiful the Lilac bush is.

Blessings

Weekend wrap up

I'm sorry but this past weekend just got away from me. Friday night I had the scrapbook crop. What a great bunch of ladies. I did get 2 pages done, ideas for the third page annnddddd I learned how to run the Cricut!!! I wanted Indians for the page that is in process so the instructor taught me how to cut them out. So cute but they are not done yet, just need to glue everything together. I'll post the pages and the Indians tomorrow.

Saturday just grocery shopping and I didn't feel very well. But I was able to point out the Tidy Cat litter deal to Greg and he agreed to do it Sunday for me. Silly me I bought left the coupons at home!!! Had everything else but forgot to put the coupons in my binder when they came. EVERYONE AT THE SAME TIME - Rule #2 When you get coupons in a trade put them away immediately!!!! Well I am very proud to say that Greg did 2 big deals at the store for me. First the Tidy Cat:
$5.49 for 14 lbs times 5 minus 5 $1 coupons - $3 for the Catalina for buying $25 worth of I think its Purina (but the Tidy Cat counts). the shelf price is $8.49 so we got them half price!!!!
Next deal I had a internet coupon for BOGO Lays Kettle cooked and the store had a coupon on the shelf for Buy 2 get one free Lay's chips. I hoped it would work for just paying for 1 bag and bringing home 3 bags. Now Greg is very shy and if something had gone wrong he would have been very embarrassed and upset. I was worried, I didn't want to upset him but I shouldn't have worried it worked out perfectly.

Sunday I spent the day doing church activities; usual Sunday School and service. But then one of the teams had an silent auction with a dinner and then a concert bvy 2 of our church members. For the auction I made a basket of bread - banana, pumpkin and lemon walnut. I also bought one item - a scrapbook kit. New book, 12 pages of paper Christmas theme, some do dads, some stickers and 4 markers.

Today I went to Lowes with a friend (he needed supplies and was taking me to Walgreen's) and found a gallon of paint marked as a mistint for $5!!!! Its a real pretty off white or beige and I'm hoping it will be enough to paint our bedroom. The shelf price was $16.97 and I paid $5 for it!!!!

Then we went to Walgreen's for the Stayfree, Skintimate shave gel (now I need to shave my legs), Plackers and a pack of Hawaiian Punch icees using RR from last week I paid $1!!! The Stayfree, the Skintimate and the Plackers were free after Register Rewards.

Going to chill for a bit Blessings

How I am preparing for my first scrapbook crop

This Friday I will be hauling a suitcase to the nearby Micheal's (a arts & crafts store) for their monthly scrapbook crop. I am very excited but also kind of nervous. I've been scrapping for about 2 years but really consider myself a amateur. I'm sure some of the people will be really into this and then I'll feel kind of blue when I compare the finished products.

So what I have done is: emptied the rolling suitcase (it had quilting circle stuff in it). I have my current scrapbook, some paper that I want to use for my San Antonio Mission pictures, some do dads, I also am taking card paper and some do dads for making cards. I also have some other San Antonio pictures and brochures separated and ready to scrap. I think I need to add more paper to the suitcase. What I am working on is locating some online sites that have multiple pictures of the missions. When I developed the prints the processor did not keep them in order and funny all 5 sites look the same!!!

Oh mercy I have 3 1/2 hours to fill.

Blessings

Rite Aid shopping this week

I'll make one trip into Rite Aid but the items are slim.

U by Kotex $3.49 - $3.49 SCR (Single check rebate) - $1 manufacturer coupon (yes I found another one) = $1 profit. Don't you just love when a new product comes out? Lots of sales and coupons on them.

Old Spice Red Zone products 2 for $7 - $1 SCR - BOGO manufacturer coupon from this weeks insert so 2 for $7 - $3.50 - $1 = 2 Body wash for $2.50.

Also Rite Aid has gone nationwide with their new Wellness program - some interesting coupons to use in interesting ways.

$2 off a $2.99 or higher cosmetic product.
Nivea lip balm $2.99 PLUS it is a SCR item this month for $2 so
$2.99 - $2 wellness coupon - $2 rebate = profit of $1 (and its a really nice product)

$1 off a $1.99 seasonal product. Now this one kept me up last night well it wasn't the only thing but I'll check around for gardening stuff or summer stuff.

$2 off $2.99 cold or allergy product. I'm fine for cold stuff but Greg's allergies are acting up so I'll watch for a good deal on that.

$2 off $5.99 vitamin product - looking around to see what we need.

Also a $3 off $15 total order and a $5 off %25 total coupon plus if I check my email I think I have a $4 off $20 total coupon.

I'll figure out which on to use when I see the price of a new curling iron.

Blessings and thank you for reading.

You'll find me in Walgreen's this week

I’ll be in Walgreen’s quite a bit this week. Good thing I have 2 nearby so I can spread my love.

Dawn 99 cents – 50 cent manufacturer coupon (some mailer I received) = 44 cents

Or if you still have your P&G coupon insert from Easter Sunday 25 cents off = 74 cents.

Colgate Wave toothbrush $2.99 - $2 rr = 99 cents. Not good enough for me and I couldn’t find any internet or regular coupons.

Colgate Total Toothpaste $2.99 - $2 rr - $1 manufacturer coupon (again some mailer I got) = free

But I also found internet coupons on the Colgate website (http://www.colgate.com/app/Colgate/US/HomePage.cvsp ) check under the special offers tab but you will have to sign up at the website and download the coupons printer thingy

So with those coupons $2.99 - $2 rr – 75 cents off = 24 cents. Cheap enough for me since I just donated all I had to the church food pantry.

Pepsi 12 packs (I can’t do without my pop) 3 for $11 - $3 rr – 3 for $8.00. And as far as I can see this is the only deal for pop this week.

Bic Hybrid razor $4.99 - $1 walgreen’s coupon - $3 manufacturer coupon from this weeks insert = 99 cents

Or $4.99 - $1 wg - $2 mc (from previous inserts but sure which date) = $1.99

Schick Hydro razor $7.99 - $5 rr = $2.99 I have so many I may pass on this one

The reason I will be in so much this week:

U by Kotex (new product) $3.49 - $2.50 rr = 99 cents BUT there are the following coupons you can use.

$1 internet one I posted on Friday = free product (I printed 2)

$1 manufacturer from this weeks insert = free (I have 3 inserts)

$1.50/2 mc from this weeks insert = 2 for $3.49 Not good enough for me so I will pass but if your in need . . . .

Now remember be kind do not clear the shelves on the first day. You cannot combine the purchases, other than to use the $1.50/2 coupon, you will only get 1 rr for each purchase. Do not pay for the next purchase with any rr from Kotex – that will result in no rr.

I’ll post Rite Aid tomorrow I need to work out the new Wellness program and those coupons.

Now can anyone help me convince Greg that we DO need 70 pounds of Tidy cat (its on sale at Kroger and a small RR) this week????? Honestly we have 1 cat but that would last us until at least August or September I’m sure.

Happy Shopping and blessings

Some good deals today at the grocery store

Kind of an interesting day today. First I forgot my shopping list - yikes!! When I got home I did well I only forgot 2 things and none were necessary for the menu this week.

The precooked bacon was 99 cents and when I checking my binder I found a 55 cents off one coupon that I just got this week from Krogers. One for 45 cents and 2 for 99 cents and they won't take any room in the freezer or the refrigerator!!

The salad dressing was (big gulp) $2.99 but I will send in for the taste guarantee. Greg was about to check me into the hospital for paying that price, I redeemed myself with the refund.

Then the Hershey's - I know I know I know- the last thing I need is to find room for 4 bags of Kisses in my freezer (or the waistline) but I now have another cheap movie ticket!!!! They were 50% off so 4 bags cost $6.00. The last time I remember the cheapest movie tickets were $7 or $8 but that was in 2006??? I figure I'll make some peanut butter blossoms (to help use up 3 jars of creamy peanut butter) and call Baby Bear. I'll also sign up to take some for social hour at church.

And by strategically planning I bought enough of the buy 10 items get a free movie ticket for another movie ticket. It is paired with the one we got last week.

Off to get everything ready to scan and mail in those deals.
Blessings

Internet coupon for US & Canada U by Kotex

http://www.ubykotex.com/get_coupons/print

These are on special next week at Walgreen's$3.49 - $2.50 rr and this $1 coupon will be free!!!

And remember to after printing the first one hit the back button, then resend and you'll get the second coupon. Another hint if you don't already do this the coupon prints at the top of the page so when its done use the back bottom of the front to save a piece of paper. Wish I could get the hang of stopping the print after the coupon to save that ink also.

Another great shopping day

Not only was the weather wonderful (84 and partly sunny with the nice high fluffy clouds not the ugly gray ones) but one of our neighbors gave us a ride.

We went to Menard’s for some things we needed – the stuff you can’t carry on a bus.

Walgreen’s Freebies were Schick shave cream ($2.99 with a $3 RR back) and my photo order from last week (20 prints free).

Cheapies: Stouffers Easy meals – 2 for $8 with a $1 rr back – manufacturer coupons for $2.50 off 1 = 2 for $2. And these are complete meals chicken and vegetables all for $1!!!

Dentyne gum 2 for $2 - $1 off 2 coupon = 2 for $1 and I had 2 coupons. So I replaced 4 of the 6 packs of gum that Greg’s son chewed/ate last week

I had to get a raincheck for the Kashi Heart 2 Heart cereal $2 for $5 - $1 RR – 2 $1.50 off 1 coupons = 2 for $1.00. How they wrote up the raincheck was 2 for $4 to account for the $1rr and my coupons (from Vocalpoint) are good until May 31, 2010. And wonderfully Walgreen’s rainchecks never expire.

I also used my last raincheck for the salmon $1.49 a can (the big I don’t know what size cans). I got the limit of 3 and these are priced at $2.99 each on the shelf.

Our neighbor was funny he did the 7up, A&W etc deal buy 3 get the $3 rr. He likes those deals since he turns right around to use the rr; today he got potting soil 2 for $3 and just paid 16 cents tax!!! He usually buys toilet paper.

Down the road to Rite Aid. I gathered all kinds of stuff for the new Wellness program. When we got to the register I was informed that the program would not start here until the 18th. Grrrr that was most of my coupons so I put almost everything back but the 2 chairs $7.99 each with one $2 rebate and a box of Post Honey something cereal ($1.88 - $2 manufacturer coupon). Since I have so much cereal I’ll be taking this box to church on Sunday to give to the food pantry. Some of the Wellness coupons expire on the 17th but I have a few that expire after that. So I figure that I can go back next week and clean up on those deals.

Then lunch at McDonalds for their tax break day. Buy a Big Mac or Quarter Pounder with cheese and get your next one for 1 cent. I also ordered some fries and a large drink (since I am low at home) and had Greg fill it without ice to get the most for my dollar.

They are invading!!!!!

The ducks!!! I'm sure most of you all know that I have decorated my bathroom with yellow (and not so yellow) rubber (not so rubber) ducks. I'm just as guilty as others - I see a cute duck it comes home. Hint the Cowboy one is new along with 2 smaller ones wearing bandannas.Problem is they are not confined to the bathroom anymore.
They are in the living room.
They are in the garden.
And gasp there was one in my craft room. he has been moved to the living room with the Pez dispenser.

Blessings

That song was in my head

You know how sometimes you hear a song and it lingers???? It lingers for days? Bits come in and out of your head?

One of the songs yesterday at church was doing that. Grace Like Rain.
A version I found on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcGJb-mPMmg&NR=1

The second Sunday of each month is our Praise service. The happy upbeat not sung from a nymnal service. I've been missing lately because of nursery duties. well I had no youngsters yesterday so I slipped into service. Lucky for me this song touches my heart.

Hallelujah Grace Like Rain falls down on me
Hallelujah All my stains are washed away

Blessings

Oh go fly a kite

We have this wonderfully long field behind our trailer. One day last week I saw a father and his young son flying a kite at the opposite end. It looked like fun but we didn't have a kite. So I went out and bought one - spent a whole dollar on it.

Here it is a green robot.

He did fly for a short time.


But there wasn't much wind so this is where he spent most of the time I was out.

I'll try again on a windier day.
Blessings

Menu plan for week of April 11 2010

Yes the cat momma has dogs on her pad for menu planning.

Sunday - leftovers (gained quite a few this past week)
Monday - Ham & Orange glaze (new recipe)
Tuesday - Chop Suey
Wednesday - FFY and I'm taking pumpkin bread to church
Thursday - Lemony salmon patties (new recipe)
Friday - blank so far
Saturday - Breschetta chicken bake (new recipe)

Blessings

What happens when Laura gets tired . . .

of her hair!!!! She goes to the beauty shop and shows them a picture of the style she wants and is as happy as a clam. I was so excited that I even paid to have 4 highlights put in. Greg and I have been together for 5 years and he has never seen me with my hair this short.

Blessings

At a loss for words

Folks I am at a loss for words today. I feel I should post something and I have ideas just haven't worked on anything. So your getting my favorite picture from Easter - well one of them.

So without further fanfare I present "the boys" My son AJ bear (in the black), my nephew Zack (the skinny oh my when did you grow!) and driving Grandpa's tractor my youngest nephew Brandon.

I just told Brandon to act like he was going to mow down the big boys and told the big boys to act scared.

Blessings

Baby has a problem!!!!

Here is the baby doll that I brought home from the church nursery. It was bothering one of the workers that she had no clothes. My mission as the older adult is to find her clothes.

Here lies the problem. I found 3 onesies on clearance (good thing she doesn’t care about long sleeves during summer in Ohio) for $1.50. These are the newborn size and too big!!!

So it appears that Laura will have to get her "sew on" and do some sewing. I figure if I just remove and even out the hem she can wear it without snapping at the bottom. And a seam up the back taking in about an inch should make it fit. Oops looks like I better do a roll hem on the sleeves also.

Does anyone have a doll pattern? or will Laura be learning how to make patterns also? Please post a comment or email me.

Blessings

Spring is here!!!

Buds on the lilac bush The Hyacinth

UM I think this is supposed to be the garlic.

Buds on the apple tree

A Robin checking for worms.

No it wasn't an April Fools joke but look what bloomed yesterday.

Thank God Spring is here. This past winter was a deary, cold mess and I'm glad (for now) that it is over.

March freebies, survey payments and refund checks

I was worried about the middle of the month I only had a few things but then they came pouring in.
$5 SC Johnson refund
Free CA Kitchen pizza Kroger Hoops game
Kroger coupons no freebies
Vocalpoint fruit snacks coupon
$6.99 refund check from Brawny paper towels
$5 off next shopping order Kroger hoops game
Free Maxwell House coffee (35 oz $9.19 value) kroger hoops
$19.99 Rite Aid rebate check
2 sheets Purex 2n1 laundry stuff
3M Post it sample and coupon
Greenworks laundry soap refund $8.99
$3 Pinecone survey payment
$10 Bahama Breeze coupon
$3 Pinecone payment
$5 Amazon gc from Swagbucks
Uniball pen
sample Quaker instant wheat & coupon
bottle LA hot sauce
$3 Pinecone survey payment
$10 Coors rebate
Bounce dryer sheet (2 sheets)
coupon free vitaminwater

Blessings