Another bug hunt

Andrew spotted these two grasshoppers in our front yard, wondering why they were on top of each other (ahem). ANYWAY.....he managed to break them apart and capture them for a few minutes. I teach him to be gentle with God's creation but I also want to encourage his curiosity (that is a huge part of being a boy, right?) by letting him touch and feel what God has made.





I think Abigail was the most excited of all, though. I mean, look at her expression while gazing upon the grasshoppers. This makes me smile!

$20.22 for only $1.60!

Wow, I just got home from Wal-Mart. I remember the days when I went to Wal-Mart for everything. Now that I've become a fan of Walgreens, Publix, and CVS (and all the great savings I make at these establishments), I don't frequent Wal-Mart as much as I used to. However, today was a great shopping trip to Wally World. Here's why.....remember the post I wrote about regarding the CHECK IT OUT application for coupons on Facebook? Well, I used them today and got $20.22 worth of groceries for only $1.60!!!!!!


The coupons I used were for items I would have purchased anyway. Well, I don't normally buy Bagel Bites for my kids but, since they were FREE, why not? They'll make for a great snack.

What was even more fantastic about this trip was that I got paid to buy a few of these items.

Pantene shampoo cost $5.27 minus coupon $6.00 off. I made $.73!

Cheez It cost $2.50 minus coupon $3.50 off. I made a whole dollar!

California Pizza Kitchen pizza costs $5.25 minus coupon $6.00 off. I made $.75!

By the way, the Chapstick was free with the coupon!

The only item I purchased at full price was a bag of pepperoni (not pictured) which retailed at $2.98. I only paid under a dollar for it because all the overage was applied to the final cost.


Anyway, this is all probably too confusing to understand but it was definitely exciting for me! I mean, all this for only $1.60?!?!?!? You MUST add this application to your Facebook account.

Now, I must exit Blogger to print more deals on FB.

Office Depot coupon

Here's a coupon for 10% off your Office Depot stash, no minimum purchase required (in-store only). They currently have some great $.01 deals on various schools supplies, while supplies last.

Plethera of savings

Ok, here's another wonderful site to click on to print an abundance of coupons. I never leave home without them!

Free McDonald's sandwich

Another free offer from Mickey D's. Click here to print a coupon for a free chicken sandwich or chicken biscuit from McDonald's. Once you're at the site, click on "Get A Free Offer" at the top right.


Yes, this offer was brought to you with Stuart and Chad specifically in mind. (*snort snort*)

3:00 a.m. with Luke

Wanna know what Luke, my two year old, was doing at 3:00 a.m. the other night?

Potty training is going really well. So well that he gets up each night like clock-work to go to the potty. I think I've lost more sleep now during this stage rather than when he was a baby!

He's reading such fine material, too!

Facebook coupon application

If you enjoy clipping coupons AND you have a Facebook account, click here to add the CHECK IT OUT application where you can print super duper savings in coupons! Free Orbit gum, Free Chapstick, $6 off a California Pizza Kitchen pizza, $6 off Pantene Shampoo...and the savings go on.

HT: Wendy at More Than Enough

Praying with your children

Trevin Wax has written a post about bedtime prayers with your children. I found it highly encouraging. It's so easy for me to rush the bedtime prayer routine instead of taking in every word spoken to the Almighty from the mouths of my children. I'm going to print out Trevin's post and stick it on the bathroom mirror so I'll be reminded during teeth brushing time to "slow down".

HT: Justin Taylor

Coupon time

I can think of many people in my life that would appreciate these coupons from Arby's, but none more so than my brother, Stuart. He is self-employed and scrapping the bucket. His business is doing extremely well but being self-employed always hits the wallet hard. So, he loves it when I pass along coupons for poor people. Stuart, these should get you several cheap meals and you might be able to print them mulitple times considering that they are all good til the end of this month.

Gymnastics Unlimited

Luke just finished his summer session of gymnastics and he absolutely loved it. Here are just a few pictures of his very last day in the gym with Coach James.

"Bye, Mom"

I didn't mean to leave Luke out of the "first day of school" report. Poor middle child. I'm the middle child so I have a connection with Luke. There really isn't anything "poor" about being the middle child. It's just fun to joke about. That sentence was written just to ease your mind, Mom.

So, not to be left out, Luke also had a great first day of school. He only goes three mornings a week and he wishes he could go more! On the very first day, I walked into the classroom with him only to see him make a bee-line for the table with play dough, never looking back. When I said "bye" to him and asked for kisses, he turned and just signed "I love you". He didn't want to get up from his seat!

*SIGH*

My yearly PLANNER

I love lists. I love calendars. I love organization, although it overwhelms me at times and I feel as if my house will never catch up to where I want it to be. There are unending laundry piles (dirty and clean), a steady flow of toys, and limitless dirty dishes always waiting in the sink. Who has time to dust, mop, and purge? When I'm not taking care of the "minimal maintenance", I choose to spend that time playing or talking with my children. However, the phone still rings, duty always calls, and responsibilities still abound. That's why I love my planner (did I say love? Yes, love!).

My friend, Leslie T., designs and prints them in her home and sells them every August and December. Scripture is printed all throughout the calendar. I love the reminders from God's Word....He knows I need them. In the past, I usually ask for a custom made cover with a spot/frame to hold a picture of my children...but this year I opted to choose from what she had already designed.


I prefer the August to August setup because I like to plan based on the school year. However, some people, like my mom and sister, stick to the December to December view. Leslie makes both week to week views or month to month views. I like to see the entire month in front of me.


Then, inside, she also adds a four page section for addresses as well as about ten pages of blank paper for list making and note taking. I fill these up fast!


Finally, at the back of the planner, she inserts folder pockets (she cuts up those simple school folders to make these pockets) for coupons, stamps, and any other paperwork that seems to always accumulate in our organizers.


This planner is the perfect purse size, not too small and certainly not too big. If you're interested in purchasing one, Leslie will have a booth at the local Christmas Bazaar in October or you can email me for her contact information.

It doesn't get any sweeter than this.....

Government approved?

Does anyone agree with me that the female gymnasts on Team China look waaaaaayyyyy younger than the minimum age requirement of 16?

Article online at CNN by SCC

Steven Curtis Chapman has written an online CNN article regarding the biblical call to adopt orphans. Click here to read it.

HT: Challies & Justin Taylor

Muffin Tin Monday

I've joined in the fun and made Luke's first "Muffin Tin Monday Meal" yesterday. He enjoyed the variety and thought it was fun to see his lunch in something different than on his plate.

First Day of School, Pre-K

Yesterday was Andrew's first day back at school. He was very excited about starting K4 and especially ready to begin his day with his new teacher, Mrs. B. He asked me to bake some cinnamon rolls for breakfast, during which he remained shirtless as not to get any glaze on his clothes. I didn't have to purchase any clothes this year because God has blessed us with an abundance of hand-me-downs. I love it!


This second picture was taken just before he walked out the door to head off to school with Dad. My hope is to be able to locate this shirt at the end of the school year and get a picture of him in it to see how much he's grown (thanks for that idea, Melissa!).

We love you, Andrew!

Stranger Danger

The weather was absolutely beautiful today. It was somewhat cool and downright breezy. So, after naptime, I took all three kids outside where we stayed for almost three hours! During this time, we played in our side yard and talked to the neighbor's dogs through her fence. I had already made a mental note that I was the only neighbor at home among the four houses in our circle. I then took quick notice of a small hunter green pickup truck driving into our culdesac (sp?), stopping just in front of my driveway. I see it's a company truck bearing the company's web address and logo (something about a cattle exchange, hence the deep freezer chained in the bed of his truck. That is a scary thought in itself). As I turn to acknowledge the driver with a nod, I see him (and he's a very big man) roll down his window, look me in the eye and loudly ask something in southern English gibberish. I politely say, "I'm sorry, I didn't understand you." I guess he repeats the same thing to which I reply, "Huh?".

At this point I am thinking that he's trying to be funny...but I am not amused.

Next, I watch him unbuckle his seat belt and open his truck door. This is when my body language took a firmer position, I held out my stiffened arm and hand (imagine a traffic cop) and I harden my eyes and tone of voice, saying, "No, no, no, no, no.....you don't need to get out of your car. You will not come over here. Stay in your truck, sir. What is it that you want?".

He replied, "A million dollars", and drove off in a hurry, making sure to spin out at the stop sign.

I think he was insulted that I got defensive - but, come on, man! Are you crazy? Do you not think a mother with three small children, alone on her personal property would just welcome a stranger (especially a large man in a truck carrying a deep freezer, making no sense with his words) to speak to her, uninvited? My first thoughts were for the safety of my children and I promise I would have screamed bloody murder for all the neighborhood to hear if he had taken one foot out of that truck towards us.

Well, Mom, I hope I didn't scare the heebie-jeebies out of you.

My three

Don't all children want to sit in their mommy's lap? Especially all at one time. They were fighting over space but we all held on for dear life.

Lovin' every minute of it.

Snacks by Kraft

These are NOT the most nutritious snacks in the world but they sure are fun to eat! Andrew especially enjoyed the Chips-Ahoy ice cream cookie sandwiches. After coming inside from playing in the heat, these Strawberry Nilla Nibbles were a hit with the kids.

I love these snacks because they are super easy to make with only two to three ingredients (no cooking involved!). Now if we can just administer some self control as to how often we gobble these down!

Tongues

We played outside this afternoon, making use of the sprinkler and small pool. Andrew stuck out his tongue to show me how blue it was from eating a popsicle and Luke and Abigail decided to get in on the action, too.

Luke's boots

Luke got a pair of boots this week. A good friend cleaned out her son's closet and this is how Luke acquired them. Gotta boot-scoot!

Baby Brasher has arrived!

I am just thrilled for my cousin, Brian, and his wife Heidi. They welcomed their first child, daughter E.G., into the world yesterday morning via c-section in Mississippi. I want to drive over there now and be with them as they have very little family that live nearby. Mom, I'm glad you're going to visit in September. Make sure you take lots of pictures for me!

Smiley face

Caught her laughing.

New Bible

Andrew attended Open House at his school tonight. He loves his new teacher, Mrs. B, and is excited about starting school on Monday in a class with only seven students. I can't wait to see all that he learns and brings home to tell this school year. As a gift, we gave Andrew his first hardcover Bible last week. Even though he can't read yet, he has enjoyed pointing at the words, identifying letters, and pretending to read the stories to me that he's learned about. A few days ago, he decided to pull a chair into the playroom and read in "the sunshine from the window" (his words).

Chapman family interview

I just finished watching the Chapman family being interviewed on Larry King Live tonight. I think I cried through the entire show. What a humble family. Through the awful tragedy, they still proclaim their faith in Christ. The three oldest Chapman siblings, Emily, Caleb, and Will, are so mature. They are wonderful blessings and testimonies to their parents. Larry, and callers/emailers, asked Steven so many times, "How do you cope? Are you angry with God? How do you endure?".....he answered with confidence that it is because of the deep love our Father has for his family that they can move on while never forgetting Maria. As Emily said, "His mercies are indeed new every morning". Praise His name.

22 Words

I love reading the blog 22 Words, by Abraham Piper (son of John). His posts are always 22 words long - brief and to the point. Causes me to think and I like that. Of course, it makes me laugh to read the really long titles to most of his posts. They make up for what, sometimes, the 22 words can't totally complete.

His recent post about redemption stories is one of my favorites. Click here to read it.

Fun with Magnetix

The kids had fun Tuesday morning playing together with the Magnetix toys.

My photo contest entry

By now you know that I love the blog 5 Minutes For Mom. They're having a photo contest that ends at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, August 13, and here is my entry. "Summertime fun" is the topic and I immediately thought of the picture I snapped of Luke early this summer while in St. Louis visiting friends. Even if I don't win, this picture was worth posting again. It's one of my favorites of my middle child.

Did I mention the winning prize is $500.....yeah, you're looking in those photo archives now, huh?

The perfect pet for Heather O.

I had a conversation last night with my friend, Heather O. She stated that she is not an animal lover and is not looking forward to the day when her two children begin asking her for a pet. Well, her four year old has already asked her but Heather is doing her dang best by using many techniques of distraction (and avoidance).

So, I have the perfect pet(s) for Heather. I was so excited about this find that I just had to take a video of it to demonstrate how easy they are to care for. They never poop, they never need feeding, and their water is always crystal clear. They even come with their very own nightlight. The humming is included and makes for a nice noise while trying to drift off to sleep. I'm just sayin'.....



Did you hear my husband in the background soon after he turned off the kitchen light?

Anyway, I hope you got a kick out of this, Heather. I'm sure Leesa, Zevac, Kat, and Bridget did. This was purchased at Walgreens so go get your daughter one!

"Back to School Giveaway"

Helping to make our lives easier this school season, authors and twin sisters, Janice and Susan, are having a "Back to School Giveaway" over at their blog, 5 Minutes for Mom. They've set up two giveaways: One for a Kodak all-in-one printer and another for a Dymo labelmaker. The requirements of contest entry can be read here. These two contests are open for entry until Tuesday evening, August 12, and the two winners will be announced on Wednesday, August 13.

Maybe you'll win!

My boys need a haircut

Andrew and Luke both need a haircut. I need to write that down on my TO DO list for the week. Andrew loves getting his hair cut, but Luke....well....that's another story for another post. I don't know why they were acting so crazy in this picture but it cracks me up!


School starts on Monday (8/11). I am so excited! I love the routine that the school year brings. I can just feel a sense of sanity creeping back into my head. Summer time is fun but it's soooooo hot, making the kids miserable being outside and bored being inside. Arts and crafts can only fill up so much time, ya know? Today, the boys helped me clean and I could tell they really enjoyed themselves. As I was folding clothes, they asked me if they could "do something." So, I gave them each a few Lysol wipes and instructed them to wipe all the doorknobs in the house, the bathroom counter, the microwave/oven outside doors, and the refrigerator handle. They were so excited. Yeah, I know.....it won't be that way for long. I'm just happy they had a good time working alongside each other. It made my heard smile. It also REALLY helped to knock a dent in my cleaning plan.

While the two youngest children were napping this afternoon, Andrew and I got crafty. First, we designed a plastic star and ironed it flat. Andrew thought it was neat how the iron melted the plastic parts to stick together. He was impatient while waiting for it to cool so he put it in the fridge to speed up the process. Also, I saw a crafty house collage post here so I changed it up a bit (tore the pieces) and watched Andrew identify the parts and put it together.



Met with the MOPS leadership team tonight. What an encouraging time. We chatted, ate, laughed, discussed, ate, laughed, yada yada yada. I feel really good about the direction we're going this year. All the ladies feel confident and excited about how God will use this ministry to further His kingdom. I feel blessed to be a part of this group.

On a side note, I received my new camera lens in the mail today. My friend, Holly, hooked me up with an affordable used lens from another photographer (in Oregon) and I couldn't be happier. This all happened in a matter of a week. I 'bout went loony without my camera.

Walgreens free film develop Wed. 8/6

Click here to print a coupon for one free roll of film development at Walgreens this Wednesday, August 6 (35 mm, APS, or disposable camera only).

Chapman GMA update

The information below was just posted on Jim Houser's blog regarding the Chapman family:

STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN & FAMILY OPEN THEIR HEARTS TO AMERICA

Family to Appear on GOOD MORNING AMERICA, LARRY KING LIVE and in PEOPLE magazine

New Single “Yours” goes to radio and DSPs with Additional Verse

NASHVILLE, TN....AUGUST 4, 2008....GRAMMY and Dove Award winning artist Steven Curtis Chapman, along with his wife Mary Beth, and eldest children Emily, Caleb, and Will, will soon be opening their hearts to America about the loss of their daughter and sister Maria Chapman this past May 21st. GOOD MORNING AMERICA will air a special interview with Robin Roberts from The Chapman’s home in Franklin on August 6th, followed by a live interview from Los Angeles on LARRY KING LIVE on August 7th, and an extensive feature in an upcoming issue of PEOPLE magazine. The decision to speak publicly was not an easy one, and these will be the first interviews the family has participated in since Maria’s death.

“Initially Steven talked about never doing any concerts or media ever again,” comments Jim Houser, Chapman’s manager. “But quickly God began to show Steven that if he ever believed the songs he was writing, singing and recording before May 21st and Maria’s loss, that they must still be true now. It’s the family’s hope that these appearances with serve as a chance to proclaim to a watching world what they know and are deeply convinced of even in these difficult days, the Gospel is true and faith in Christ is our Hope.”

As a part of the family’s acknowledgement of the tragedy and God’s faithfulness to them through this difficult time, Chapman has also written a new verse to his song "Yours" from his current project, “THIS MOMENT”:

I’ve walked the valley of death’s shadow
So deep and dark that I could barely breathe
I’ve had to let go of more than I could bear
And questioned everything that I believe
But still even here
in this great darkness
A comfort and hope come breaking through
As I can say in life or death
God we belong to you.

“Yours” is the follow-up single to his hit “Cinderella,” a song written about Maria and her sisters, for which Chapman is also now changing the poignant last line in life performance to “’Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight/But the truth is... The dance goes on.” “Yours” will be available for purchase via digital service providers including iTunes ®, Amazon, Rhapsody, Napster, etc. as of August 5th, with 100% of Chapman’s royalties from the sales of this single being donated to Shaohannah’s Hope. Producer Matt Bronlewee and co-writer on “Yours” Jonas Myrin have also joined the effort with 100% of their royalties from the single going to Shaohannah’s Hope, and additionally monies received by Sparrow records from the sales of this single, after deduction of expenses and royalties, will be donated to Shaohannah’s Hope. Shaohannah’s Hope is a 501C(3) organization whose goal is to help families reduce the financial barrier of adoption, and as of July 2008 has provided grants to over 1700 families wishing to adopt orphans in the United States and around the world. For more details on Maria’s Miracle Fund and Shaohannah’s Hope, please visit www.showhope.org.

Weekend RedBox Codes

These Redbox codes should be good all weekend. Three free movies!

• FUJI26
• BREAKROOM
• DVDONME

S-N-A-K-E

I get the heebie-jeebies just looking at this picture. I can't stand snakes. I think God left them on Earth to remind us of the curse. However, I took this picture of a DEAD one found on the street near my sister-in-law's house. My boys thought it was "so cool".