First Day of 2nd grade



First Day of 2nd grade!!

Well, today was MaKayla's first day of 2nd grade.  As I was making breakfast this morning and preparing to wake her up to get ready, I began to wonder...  Where has the time gone?  It seems like just yesterday that she was placed in my arms for the very first time.  It seems like just yesterday she started daycare.  And, it seems like just yesterday that I walked her down the hall to her very first day of Kindergarden (we had meltdowns for 2 solid weeks when she first started school).  All of this thinking made me very sad.  Somewhere along the way, my blonde pig-tailed baby was replaced with a beautiful and sassy little girl.  

  MaKayla was very excited about school.  We drove up to the school and I looked over at her to see her shaking.  We entered the building and found her name under the teacher she was assigned to.  We began to make our way to the 2nd grade building.  The closer we got, the more she was shaking.  By the time we were standing outside of her classroom, there were huge tears welling up in her eyes and she sounded as if she was about to hyperventalate, from trying to hold in the tears.  I knelt down beside her and felt my heart breaking.  She was trying so hard to be brave.  I reminded her of Queen Esther (her favorite Bible charactor) and reminded her how brave Esther was.  I told her to be brave like Esther and that God was going to take care of her today, like He had so many times before.  With that, she nodded and did her very best to suck in the tears.

  We walked into the classroom and met her teacher.  I hugged and kissed my 2nd grader and assured her that I would be waiting on her as soon as school let out.  With a smile, I turned and walked out of the door- knowing that she was trying to be brave....  I, on the otherhand, cried all the way to the car!  :)

   Currently, its 45 minutes until I am able to pick my girl up!  I can't wait to hear the details of her day!

  I'll keep y'all posted!

Store Sale Cycle for August

Well, its almost that time again...  Time for the kids to get back to school.

Starting in July, you will find school supplies at rock bottom prices.  My daughter is constanty needing supplies throughout the school year.  I always take advantage of the back to school sales, and buy extras of all of the things that I know she'll be needing throughout the year (notebooks, crayons, pencis, etc).  This will same you BIG money throughout the year!  For example, spiral notebooks are currently $.20 each at Walmart.  By Labor Day, they will be marked back up to full price ($.97 each).  Take advantage of these deals!

Below you will find the store sale cycles for all stores.  These products will go on sale in August. 

Back to School:  Pudding Cups and Lunch Meat

Disinfectant:  Clorox Wipes, Clorox Spray, Hand Sanitizer

Cearance Items:  Insect Repellant, Sunscreen, Charcoal

Seasonal Produce:  apples, Avocado, Beans, Berries, Corn Cucumber, Eggplant, Grapes, Onions, melons, Peaches, Pears, Peppers, Squash, Tomatoes, Plums, etc.

Sunday Paper Coupon Preview for 7/24/11

There will be 2 inserts in the Suday Paper this week.

SmartSource

and RedPlum

The Sunday Coupon Preview website is only posting the RedPlum insert at this time.



RedPlum Coupon Insert

Flintstones Save $2/1 multivitamin product (9/30)

Garnier Fructis Save $1/1 shampoo, conditioner or treatment (10/24) ETS
Garnier Fructis Save $1/1 style product (10/24) ETS
ICAPS Save $2/1 (10/31)
i-flex Save $5/1 120ct (9/15)
Jimmy Dean Save $.55/1 fully cooked links or patties (9/30)
Jimmy Dean Save $.55/1 hearty sausage crumbles (9/30)
Jimmy Dean Save $1/1 skillets (9/30)

Kibbles ‘n Bits Save $1.50/1 dry dog food (9/24)
Land O’Frost Save $.55/1 Premium One Pound (10/17)
L’Oreal Save $1/1 Paris cleanser (9/18)
L’Oreal Save $1/1 Paris moisturizer (9/18)
L’Oreal Save $2/1 EverSleek, EverPure, EverStrong shampoo or conditioner (9/18)
L’Oreal Save $2/1 EverSleek, EverPure, EverStrong treatment (9/18)
L’Oreal Save $2/1 Healthy Look Creme Gloss color (9/18)
L’Oreal Save $2/1 Paris eye product (9/18)
L’Oreal Save $2/1 Paris face product (9/18)
L’Oreal Save $3/1 Double Extend Eye Illuminator Mascara or Liner (9/18)
Luigi’s Save $.50/1 Real Italian Ice product (9/10)
Minute Maid Save $.50/1 frozen novelty product (9/10)
One A Day Save $1/1 adult or teen multivitamin product (9/30)
One A Day Save $2/1 multivitamin product 100ct+ (9/30)
One A Day/Dial Save Save $3 when you buy One A Day Women’s Plus Healthy Skin Support multivitamin and Dial NutriSkin lotion (12-26oz) or bodywash (16-24oz) (9/30)
OPTI-FREE Save $3/1 RepleniSH 2x10oz twin (10/31)
Purina Save $1/2 Beggin’ (10/24)
Quaker Save $.75/1 5ct Life bars Target Coupon (9/30)

Systane Save $2/1 (10/31)
Temptations Save $1/2 treats for cats (9/3)
Whiskas Save $1/1 dry food for cats (9/17)
Whiskas B1G1 free tray up to Save $.69 (9/17)
Whole Fruit Save $.50/1 fruit bars product (9/10)
Whole Fruit Save $.50/1 sorbet product (9/10)

Proverbs 31 Woman- Living the Lifestyle



An excellent wife who can find?  She is worth far more than precious jewels.  the heart of her husband trust in her, and he will have no lack of gain.  She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.  She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. She is like the shipsof the merchant; she brings her food from afar.  She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household, and portions for her maidens.  She considers  field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.  She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.  She preceives that her merchandise is profitable.  her lamp does not go out by night.  She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.  she opens her hand to the poor and reaches her hands to the needy.  She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her househould are clothed in scarlet.  She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.  her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.  She makes linen garmets and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant.  Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the times to come.  She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tounge.  She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.  Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husand also, and he praises her.  "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all".  Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.  Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

-Proverbs 31:10-31 (ESV)

This has got to be one of my favorite text.  The Lord has convicted me so many times through this portion of His word.  While I am not a "working mother"- I am a mother.  The majority of my day is spent wiping up spills from cereal bowls, stepping over matchbox cars, potty-training my 2 year old, and wiping the messy faces of my two children.  To be honest, not much about my day to day routine seems to be very "Virtuous".  

  The thought of imitating this amazing woman exhaust me!  Who in the world has time to buy a field, plant it, and harvest it?!  Just the thought wears me out!  :)  If you notice, a big part of the life of this virtuous woman is effectively managing the resources of her household.  And because she manages her resources well, she is able to bless others by her hand.  The woman described in this scripture has outstanding abilities.  And, they are all a result of her love for her family and her God.  Do not se her as a model to imitate in every detail-  our days are not long enough to do all that she does!  See her instead, as an inspiration to do all that you can do to serve God and your household with all that you have.  And part of serving God is having a relationship with him.  Read His word, meditate on it, and pray without ceasing!  He will transform your entire life!  He wants to be a part of each and every aspect of your life- even the messy stuff.  He will transform you into the woman that He created you to be. 

  My favorite verse in Proverbs 31 is found in verse 25- "She laughs at the times to come".  Often times we are fearful of the times to come-  whether it be a financial situation, something work related, or the sickness or death of a loved one- times will inevitably get tough, even sometimes scary.  But, when you are grounded in God's love, He can pick up the broken pieces of your broken heart in any situation and put them back together as only He can.  Afterall, He knows your heart better than anyone else- He created it!  There are so many uncertain things in my future.  I know that eventually, pain will come.  But I know that the God that created me, loves me and will be close by my side when those times come. (The Lord is close to the brokenhearted- Psalm 34:18).  So, go ahead-  laugh at what's to come!  You can because you know that whatever tomorrow brings, He will be there! 

"For the mountains may depart,

and the hills be removed,

but my steadfast love shall not depart from you,

and my covenant of peace shall not be removed",

says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

Isaiah 54:10

/Sunday Paper Coupon Preview for 7/10/11



This week is going to be a great week for coupons!!

There will be 2 inserts- A SmartSource and a RedPlum

Happy Clipping!!

Smartsource coupon insert
Air Wick Freshmatic compact starter kit $4/1 (8/21)
Air Wick Freshmatic Ultra starter kit $4/1 (8/21)Ball accessory item $1/1 (10/31)
Ball canning discovery kit $2/1 (10/31)Bic Soleil disposable or Soleil system razor $3/1 (8/21)
Biotrue multi-purpose solution 10oz+ $2/1 (9/10)
Biotrue 2x10oz pack multipurpose solution $4/1 (9/10)
Colgate toothpaste 4oz+ $.50/1 (7/30)
Colgate Sensitive toothpaste 4oz+ $.75/1 (7/30)
Fiber One 80 calories cereal $.75/1 (8/20)  goes great with the albertsons promo this weekGeneral Mills 4.5oz+ Sweet ‘n’ Salty Chex Mix $.50/1 (9/3)
General Mills 5oz+ Bugles corn snacks $.50/1 (9/3)
General Mills Lucky Charms treats, Golden Grahams treats, Chex Mix treats or Milk ‘n’ Cereal bars $.50/1 (9/3)General Mills cereals (18 total cereals) $1/2 (8/20)
Infusium 23 shampoo, conditioner or leave-in treatment $1/1 (8/31)
Lime-A-Way cleaner $1/1 (9/10)
Mentos 45pc+ bottle $1/1 (9/10)
Mentos UP2U packs $1/2 (9/10)  free gum anyone?!
Mentos 15pc+ bottles $1/3 (9/10)OneTouch product with purcahse of Ultra Meter $10/1 (8/6)
OneTouch $5/2 boxes of Delica Lancets or $2/1 box (8/6)
OPI Nicole by OPI nail lacquer $1/1 (9/3) my favorite nail polishPilgrim’s frozen fully cooked chicken 32 ounces or less $2/1 (12/31)
Purina Cat Chow or Kitten Chow ex 16-18oz $1/1 (9/14)
Purina 4.5lb bag Chef Michael’s canine creations dry $2/1 (8/7)
Purina cans Chef Michael’s canine creations $2/6 (8/7)
Purina 11.5lb bag Chef Michael’s canine creations dry $4/1 (8/7)
Raid Max spider & scorpion killer $1/1 (9/3)
Scotch-Brite scrub sponges, scour pads, dishwands or dishwand refills $.75/2 (8/31)
Shout product $.55/1 (8/21)
Smart Balance omega-3 eggs $.50/1 (8/24)
Smart Balance cooking spray or oil $.75/1 (8/24)
Smart Balance popcorn $.75/1 (8/24)
Smart Balance rich roast peanut butter $.75/1 (8/24)
Smart Balance milk $1/1 (8/24)
Smart Balance buttery spreads or buttery sticks $1/2 (8/24)
St. Ives body wash $.75/1 (8/17)
Waggin Train 2oz+ chicken jerky tenders dog treats $1/1 (8/28)
Waggin Train 2oz+ dog treats excluding chicken jerky tenders $1/1 (8/28)
Yoplait Go-Gurt, Kids, Trix, Splitz yogurt$.75/2 (9/3)
Yoplait yogurt cups $1/10 (9/3)

RedPlum Coupon InsertCheer product Save $1.00/2 (8/31)
Cramp911 4.5ml Save $1.00/1 (7/31)
Cramp911 21ml Save $3.00/1 (7/31)
Era product Save $1.00/1 (8/31)
Flex-a-min supplement Save $3.00/1 (8/23)
Folgers coffee products 3 oz or larger excludes gourmet selections K-Cup portion packs Save $1.00/2 (8/14)
Folgers Black Silk coffee 10.3 oz or larger Save $1.00/1 (8/14)
Gain laundry detergent Save $1.00/1 (8/31)
Gain fabric softener or sheets Save $1.00/1 (8/31)Grain Berry item Save $1.00/1 (8/31)
Hefty One Zip bags Save $1.00/2 (10/31)
Hillshire Farm lunch meat Save $1.00/2 (8/13)
Jimmy dean D-light sandwich Save $1.00/1 (8/31)
Jimmy Dean D-light bowls Save $1.00/1 (8/31)Keebler Granola Fudge bars 6ct only Save $.75/1 (9/4)  great with the albertsons promo this weekKellogg’s Special K multigrain oats & honey, Frosted Mini-Wheats touch of fruit in the middle, Rice Krispies gluten free, Crunchy Nut or Kellogg’s Fiber Plus caramel pecan crunch cereal 10.8 oz or larger Save $.70/1 (8/21)
Kellogg’s Special K multigrain oats & honey, Frosted Mini-Wheats touch of fruit in the middle, Rice Krispies gluten free, Crunchy Nut or Kellogg’s Fiber Plus caramel pecan crunch cereal 10.8 oz or larger Save $1.50/2 (8/21)
Kellogg’s Special K multigrain oats & honey, Frosted Mini-Wheats touch of fruit in the middle, Rice Krispies gluten free, Crunchy Nut or Kellogg’s Fiber Plus caramel pecan crunch cereal 10.8 oz or larger Save $2.25/3 (8/21)
L’Oreal Preference Save $2.00/1 (9/4)
L’Oreal Paris skincare item Save $1.00/1 (9/4)
L’Oreal Age Perfect Hydra-Nutrition Save $1.00/1 (9/4)
L’Oreal Studio Line Styling product or Vive Pro glossy style product Save $1.00/1 (9/4)
L’Oreal Vive Pro Shampoo Save $.75/1 (9/4)
M&M’s brand chocolate candies bags 1.14 – 3.27 oz Save $1.25/3 (8/21)

9Lives Wet Cat Food (one 12-can variety pack, 12 individual cans or Three 4-packs Save $1.00 (9/10)
9Lives Dry Cat Food 3.15 lb or larger Save $1.00/1 (9/10)
Nature’s Bounty vitamin or supplement Save $1.00/1 (8/23)
Nozema Spa Shave 4 blade shaver 4 pack, Super smooth triple blade shaver 4 pack or 6 pack, Premium-Pivot twin blade 12 pack or Bikini shaver 3 pack Save $2.00/1 (7/17)
Pounce Cat treats Save $.50/1 (9/10)
Pure Silk Shave Creme 9.5 oz Save $.80/1 (9/30)
Silver Palate Pasta Sauce Save $1.00/1 jar (8/31)
Silver Palate oatmeal Save $1.00/1 (8/31)
Your Life Multi supplement Save $2.00/1 (8/23)

Happy 4th of July!



I just wanted to take a minute to wish each and every one of you a Happy 4th of July!

I know that today will be filled with cookouts and fireworks for so many people.  But, i hope that you will take just a few moments to thank God for our country and for the men and women who have given of themselves to defend it, so that we might have the freedom that we enjoy. 

I plan on spending the evening with my family and a few friends.  I'll be getting busy in the kitchen in just a little while...  Whats on the menu?  Hamburgers and hotdogs (on the grill, of course), Potato Salad, Baked Beans, and Pasta Salad.  And to top it off, I'll be making a Banana Split Cake for dessert.  I will also be making Red and Blue Rice Krispie Treats for the kids. 

We'll top off our evening with fireworks.

Happy 4th!  God Bless America

Coupon Websites reload!!



Well, tomorrow is July 1st...  Which means we're just about to enter the 4th of July weekend.  But, since its the first day of the month, it also means that the coupon websites will reload with tons of new coupons.  Make sure you take time this weekend to stop by all of the websites to see what great coupons they'll be offering this month.

Here are a few of my favorites:

http://www.coupons.com/

http://www.smartsource.com/

http://www.redplum.com/

http://www.couponnetwork.com/

http://www.kelloggs.com/

http://www.pillsbury.com/