FREE RedBox, Starbucks, & Sonic

New RedBox Code:
ALVIN14

FREE STARBUCKS TODAY!
Visit any participating U.S. Starbucks store on Tuesday, April 8 at 9 a.m. Pacific Time (12 p.m. Eastern Time) and Starbucks will give all customers a complimentary short (8 oz.) cup of the new Pike Place Roast™ to enjoy as they participate in a simultaneous, nationwide, coast-to-coast, coffee tasting conducted by Starbucks coffee experts.

FREE SONIC MOCHA LATTE - Wednesday, April 9, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Spring time picture

Holly took a few spring pictures of Abigail last week. Here's my favorite so far. Holly is still proofing more pictures, which I'm sure I'll post later.

Free roll of film developed at Walgreens

If you still have a few rolls of 35 mm film sitting around (Melissa!), you can drop ONE roll off at Walgreens this Wednesday, April 9, and get it developed for free. You must have the store coupon to get this offer....you can find it in their weekly circular that came in Sunday's paper or pick up a free one inside the front door of the store when you walk in.

You do the math

Look closely at the picture below of various Bath & Body Works items. Estimate how much you think the average person would have spent if they paid full retail price for each item. The total would look a little something like this:


Each tube of lotion @ $10.50 each (x3) = $31.50
Men's body wash = $10.50
Wallflowers room plug @ $12.50 each (x5) = $62.50
Emory boards @ $1.50 each (x9) = $13.50
TOTAL = $118.00

How much did I pay?

ONLY $14.49!!!!!!! ($1.61 x 9 transactions)

Holla' if you hear me....come on now! Oh yeah, are you with me?! I feel good! No, great! I LOVE a bargain! The only thing I hated about this bargain was that I felt like I was cheating the company - BUT the associates at the store kept telling me to come back tomorrow with more. They said they'd do the same if they were allowed! I love good customer service. I'm going back tomorrow with more coupons to load up on more lotion, sprays, etc. The Wallflowers are currently on sale (until tomorow) for only $6.00, as well as the 2-pack of refills! Go get you some! I mean, don't we all see "Teacher Appreciation Week" on the horizon? What about end of the school year teacher gifts? What about that sweet friend who's having a bridal shower, baby shower - pamper her! Got a housewarming party to attend? Give them a Wallflower!

Can you believe this coupon doesn't expire until Saturday, April 12? Oh goodness! I'm going back and forth between the two stores here in town just so I don't appear too "cheap" to the employees. I mean, I've got enough lotion to get me well into 2010! Who knows, I might even be able to hand a few nurses some of this free stuff when I'm laying in the bed giving birth in a few years. Tee hee....

So, wanna know how you can get this AMAZING deal? Click Here to print the coupon for yourself. Scroll down through the coupon post and click on the link provided to print it out. I wanted to save paper so I copied and pasted the coupon into a Word document and placed four coupons on a page (they are 1/4 of a page size coupons).

Let me just make sure this is clear because it really does sound too good to be true. The coupon states that you only have to make one purchase of ANY item in the store and will then get a free item up to an $11 value. You see now why I have so many emory boards? Those were my initial purchase since they were the cheapest thing I could find in the store. Remember, one coupon required per transaction....so, if you want to get four tubes of lotion, you better walk in with four coupons. Hope that makes sense. Leave a comment or email me if you have a question.

Yes, it's true, my friends. You can really walk out with hundreds of dollars worth of product and only have shelled out pennies. I've got the receipts to prove it. Happy shopping!

The Attack

One of my college roommates, Libby, brought her entire family from Atlanta to Columbus today to celebrate a nephew's birthday who lives in my area. It caught us off guard when all six of our kiddos decided it was time to destroy their mothers. Libby and I were simply sitting on the couch having adult conversation (what's that?) when the attack began. Can you see the progression? Who do you think won? I, personally, think the fathers won. They were sitting by watching the event unfold, giggling like little girls.




Notice the look of satisfaction and total domination on Andrew's face in this picture.

REDBOX Free Code

Look what I got today!!!! I've been reading many blogs lately on "how to be frugal" (frugal is different than cheap) and found that there are always ways to get around paying full price for ANYTHING! Redbox offers a promo code every week or so that allows you one free movie rental. The only catch is that you have to return it the next night by 9 p.m., but that's not so bad. You can return the DVD to any Redbox location, too! There's a Redbox rental case in one of our Super Wal-Marts here (Whittelsey Blvd, for you Columbus readers) and I tried the promo code out today....it worked! So, after I put the kids to bed, I plan on cuddling with my hubby on the couch to watch my new movie.

This week's promo code is: NOFOOL

Fun Fun Fun

Has anyone seen Andrew?

Luke loves playing with sidewalk chalk.

It was so hot on Wednesday that we decided to hook up Andrew's new slip-n-slide (he received two - one from Uncle Tyler and another from Aunt Angela). After getting wet, the boys' lips started turning blue. We didn't stay outside long.

Holly, maybe if you had sprayed Luke down with a water hose, he might have smiled for you today when taking the school spring pictures. Gosh, didn't you know that was the trick?

Abigail decided she'd just watch this time.

Tidy up!

I've been inspired. Many of my friends (Becky, Tasha, Kim H.) have posted about how wonderful it feels to tidy up, tackle those forgotten odd jobs, and fold those clean clothes that have been sitting and staring at you each time you pass. After putting the kiddos to bed, I'd had enough....it was time to tidy up those cluttery spots in my kitchen. Tonight, it was the "junk drawer". You know, we all have one. Scotch tape, batteries, scissors, random remotes, appliance manuals, small bulbs....you name it. Check out the before and after photos. It spurred me on to do more but I didn't take pictures of the final project for the other tasks. I managed to organize our craft corner, the kitchen counter near the phone area (this is where everything gets thrown when we walk in the door), cleaned the entire high chair (that's a gross job), and even mopped the kitchen floor. Whew...it's time for a shower and bed!

Free "in store" events

Thanks to Sara at BeThrifyLikeUs, here are some interesting and free upcoming events for a variety of stores in the month of April. All of these events are free and give away FREEBIES!

Bath & Body Works - Free Beauty Cravings In-store Event, April 12
You will need to RSVP with your local flagship stores to attend. This event is free plus you will receive a goody bag and breakfast just for attending! Get pampered and receive tips from our beauty experts. Sample all their favorite products! Take home a Free gift (goody bag) just for coming (over a $20 value)! Enjoy complimentary breakfast treats!

Toys R Us - Free Thomas & Friends Event - 4/12 - 11AM to 1PM
Free storytime each half an hour. Free Pack of Thomas Trading Cards, Railway toys to play with, & coloring fun.

Walmart - Free Wildflower Seeds & Reusable Bag Giveaway- April 19th- 8AM
They will be giving away a million reusable grocery bags for free. They will also be teaming up with Nickeloden to give away free Wildflower seeds to kids. You can find out more about the event here.

Macy's - Turning Over a New Leaf - April 22
On April 22, Earth Day, Macy’s will offer special giveaways and promotions, including a free sapling to the first 100 people in each store. In addition, the first 100 children will receive a National Park Foundation eco-friendly “Kid Power” activity and coloring book. The book includes a coloring contest. Artwork returned to any Macy’s children’s department on April 26 and 27 will receive a “Kid Power” Patch. The activity book is also available online here and can be completed and returned in store or mailed to the National Park Foundation for a “Kid Power” patch. Macy’s will also distribute reusable tote bags to the first 150 people who visit its stores on April 26.

My heart is truly dirty, but redeemed

There was a moment this afternoon when I was deeply angry with Andrew. He was tottering around on his rollerblades and decided that he would push Abigail's stroller down the steep driveway, without asking my permission. I was only 10 feet away from the stroller but I was focused on helping Luke blow up a jump toy with the loud electric pump. The next thing I know, I look up and see Andrew falling, taking the stroller backwards with him, Abigail strapped inside. Her head hit the concrete and she began to scream. Without thinking of any innocence on Andrew's part, I immediately scooped Abigail up and began accusing Andrew of being irresponsible and disobedient. I grabbed his arm and "rolled" him up the driveway into the garage, pushing the garage door button so to close us in (so the neighbors couldn't see or hear me yell at my child!).

Anger boiled up within me quickly...only by God's grace did I see the immediate need to flee. Getting away from Andrew was the best thing to do for both him and me. There was a (long) moment when I felt like I was justified and needed to spank my almost four year old....but I knew I didn't have the whole story. After he and I both calmed down, through heaving and tears, I think I understood him to say that he lost his balance and grabbed onto the stroller to keep from falling, hence why he rolled down the driveway and eventually fell, alongside Abigail. Why do I not simply slow down and take the time to be compassionate? Does my oldest know how valuable he is to me? Do I take the time to pursue Andrew and show him the face of Jesus? I guess I could ponder all night on the "what if's" (do you see what time it is as I post this?) but I just want to be thankful for the "nows" God has given me. This life is so hard but so rewarding. Would you pray for me that I would see HIS rewards and be thankful?

O Lord, you have been so good to me. I deserve nothing good yet you pour out kindness to me. My marriage is sweet and my children are true treasures. My flesh wants to hover and protect these little ones without your help. My unbelief screams in my ear and heart that your will is never as good as my own. I distrust you and am scared that my world will crumble without these four people in my life. I am selfish and live as if "it's all about me". At moments, I cry out, "Why does God have to get all the glory?". I'm just typing out loud. Recently, I've read so many horror stories of children dying from illness/accidents/murder, parents not parenting, spouses giving up, the Church not providing, etc.....it's just so easy to get discouraged. I hope my post doesn't discourage you but rather spurs you on to love mercy and goodness.

He has told you, O man, what is good;and what does the Lord require of you

but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Micah 6:8

Pictured below are more enjoyable moments captured this afternoon...

He must increase, but I must decrease.

John 3:30

Happy 4th birthday, Andrew!

We celebrated Andrew's fourth birthday party this past weekend. He invited his entire class from school as well as his friends from our small group at church. There were fifteen children hoopin' and hollerin' everywhere! Andrew's only special request was to have a hockey cake, so I asked my friend, Tera, to make it for him. Tera even went as far as to make it extra special by putting the local minor league hockey team mascot on the center of the "ice" rink. Andrew loved it!




Mitch and I gave Andrew something he's been asking for FOREVER....a pair of inline skates. I was amazed at how well he skated the first time he put them on. He didn't want any help!

Spring Music Program

Andrew had a spring musical program this past Thursday at school. I think that you can tell by the pictures that he loves to sing and boogy.

I'm just having a moment....

Backyard adventure

After "rest" time yesterday, we ventured into the backyard to enjoy the sunshine. Andrew went on his usual hunt of anything breathing and came out of the bushes with this. I made Andrew let the frog go today after holding it captive more than 24 hours. He wasn't too happy about it....Andrew, that is.

The Lord's Prayer

This is too cute!

My friend, Davina

Davina has only been in Columbus for a short time. Soon, she and her family will be moving to Oregon for a new minstry position. I am so thankful the Lord brought her into my life....my only regret is that we didn't get to spend as much time together as I would have liked. We always chit chat about crafty things, new business ideas, or our latest earnings on consignment or garage sales, etc. Our conversation is sweet and our children play well together. Davina, I will surely miss you when you and Kyle pack up and move to the other side of the country!

Aviators

Luke and Andrew with their friend, Lee (I'm sure Mikey loves this picture), at the airshow a few weekends ago.

Easter 2008

This is the best I could do, holding an infant in my hands while shooting the picture of the kids. The sun and shadows are horrible but sometimes you just have to take the picture whereever the kids decide to plop down (to avoid a meltdown).

Talented Tasha

In my earlier post, I mentioned that I got to spend some time on Wednesday with my sweet friend, Tasha. We always take pictures of our kids when we're together and this visit was no exception. Here are her three girls with my three kiddos.



Also, as a baby gift, Tasha MADE Abigail this easter basket....looks a lot like Pottery Barn, eh? Yeah, she's pretty talented, that Tasha. It will work great as a diaper bag throughout the spring season. She's always taking orders if you're interested!

Recycle your old cell phone(s)

Mitch and I get an upgrade on our cell phones every two years (it's in our contract). We've had our old phones in a box under our bed for quite some time, meaning to take them to Staples and drop them in the recycling box. Yesterday, I heard that there's a need for old cell phones in Iraq for soldiers to use to call home and speak to their family. I'm mailing ours off today in a postage paid envelope. If you'd like to learn more about this service, click here.