I looked around on-line to get some ideas for New Years. I really thought about it too late for us. I probably could still round something up, but I think I am going to let it be pretty laid back tonight. We are planning to write a letter about ourselves and plan on opening it in a few years. We are going to predict what things will be like next year. The trick for us is putting the letters in a place where I know where they are and then actually opening them. I believe I will put them in our Christmas decoration box and then we will have them next year when we put them up. The idea came from Family Fun, but they suggested 10 years. I believe that writing the letters and predicting where we will be 10 years from now would be easy enough, but keeping up with letters for 10 years??? You have GOT to be kidding me! You know, thinking about it, We have had a small round band-aid on our refrigerator for five years from when Melanie was born that was on the heel of her foot ( her shots). Hmmmm....maybe tape them to the fridge??? NOT!!!
Besides the letter, we will be watching movies and maybe drinking more elf juice. Ever heard of it? A friend of mine told me about it. You put sprite in a cup with ice (we use wine type glasses) and pour a little marshino cherry juice in it and add cherries along with other fruit if you like. We also use a straw. It's good and the kids LOVE IT!
I was thinking if there was anything that I wanted to work on for the new year. Here's my list.
1. Exercise more
2. Plan earlier for the kid's lessons
3. Do a Beth Moore bible study
4. Do better at keeping in touch with friends and family
New things I did in 2008 and will continue to do.
1. Use our internet for "tv" ....love it and saves us money! Thanks Jennifer R.
2. Use CVS ECBs and combine coupons with sales...wooohoooo!!!! Just today I bought Dukes Mayo for $1.28 :-)
3. Began attending a new church and it's great. We know the Lord has placed us there.
4. Started a ladies ministry
5. Joined a new homeschool support group and co-0p.....now this is really odd...I joined waaaay before I knew we would be moving close to the church where they meet, isn't God awesome?
6. Began cooking more from scratch
7. Blog :-) Thanks again Jennifer
There's probably more, but I can't think of them right now. Well, anyway, I wish everyone a very Happy New Year and try to make it a frugal one, k?
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Elf Juice
Take some sprite, add marshino cherry juice, cheeries, fruit, and straws...Great for any time of year. I will just change the name to whatever occasion it is! Last night it was birthday punch and tonight it will be New Year's juice. I'm not very creative with names. 
A Little Note
I posted in the wrong order just like someone I know!!! hehe....so, just scroll down and then read the top if you want. :-)
Christmas Day
After a busy and fun Christmas Eve, we had a rough night. Melanie got sick! She was sick during the night and then all day Christmas Day. I felt so bad for her. Everyone else was able to enjoy the day, she did wake up feeling "so so", but that feeling changed to "blah" real quick. Here a few photos that I wanted to share. The first two aren't from Christmas Day, but something just something I wanted to share.
Mel wrapped me a gift, I thought it was so sweet. 
When we went to PA, Phil saw this shirt but wasn't able to find his size. I was so excited to be able to find it on-line for him. I love it when I can surprise someone! 
When we went to PA, Phil saw this shirt but wasn't able to find his size. I was so excited to be able to find it on-line for him. I love it when I can surprise someone! What does Madison have inside this box? It's the camcorder she asked for!!! She was one happy kid!
Michael....the Lego maniac!
This is a rare moment on Christmas day when Mel was actually smiling. She was excited to get her own tea set (she had been using her sister's set.
A Visit From Little Saint Nick
My dad has a Santa suit and we usually find a use for it at this wonderful time of year. We all went up town on Christmas Eve to wish everyone in "the shoals" a merry Christmas. Michael got to wear the Santa suit and did a GREAT job! He changed his voice, waved, and asked the little ones what they wanted. He was hilarious and we all had an awesome time. It ended up being 8 of us total up town with music blaring. My aunt and Melanie even danced a little to one of the Christmas songs. It was really fun. We then when back to my parents to read the Christmas story, sing carols, and open gifts. What a neat way to spend Christmas Eve.
Miniature Santa
Santa at work
Santa and 2 of his "elves"
Santa and 2 of his "elves"
Tiny elf with mama elf
Monday, December 29, 2008
Some Christmas Fun
Our church has several ministries. I wanted to post a couple of videos. I know they are not of the best quality and for some reason are a litte shaky ( I thought I was holding the camera still). Last Sunday night we all gathered at the church to enjoy watching the kids' black light ministry and the clowns. We have awesome leaders at the church willing to head these ministries up and everyone enjoys it. At the end of the service, the clowns had a birthday cake for Jesus...it was great and a nice way to end it.
Christmas Play
Our church had the Christmas play last Sunday morning and all the kids did so well. It was a great service. I believe all the kids enjoyed being a part of celebrating and honoring Christ's birth. I know the congregation enjoyed it, especially the proud parents.
Michael, the Inn Keeper, with two of our little angels
I'm not sure if this was suppose to be funny, but it was. Mary came riding in on the donkey.
a couple of our little angels
Michael, the Inn Keeper, with two of our little angels
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Ladies' Christmas Party
We had our first ladies Christmas Party at our church and these women had a great time. I enjoyed getting the devotion up along with an activity. After the devotion and coloring fun, we ate loads of good homemade food. To my surprise some of the ladies wanted to "boogie down". I had on some nice slow Christmas music and then someone started yelling that they wanted dancing music. I searched around through my cds and discovered a couple of fast Christmas songs ( I was being put on the spot and the women were rushing me). Those ladies KNOW how to dance! We all had good clean fun. It ended up being 29 of us in all. We also revealed our secret sisters too.
The two winners of the coloring contest...they look so proud of themselves, don't they?
Two of the ladies letting there true colors shine through...actually it was the older women that wanted to dance anyway! 
Two of the ladies letting there true colors shine through...actually it was the older women that wanted to dance anyway! One of the daughters and moms together...these two can do the bump really well! 
Well, what can I say? It just shows that we had a great time! 
Cookie Baking
We baked cookies this year a couple of times along with some great breads (recipes came from Family Fun magazine). The girls really enjoy being in the kitchen and cooking. Michael enjoys it only if there isn't something else fun to do. He even chose to be outside most of the time one day to watch Phillip do work on the house. I cheated on the cookie dough and actually bought the kind that is already made, but I did use the cookie icing I had bought really cheap a few months ago using coupons and I believe Bilo had the icing buy 1 get 1 free at the time.
Madison and Mel (don't worry we cloroxed the counter before we got started).
finished product ( I got the pictures in the wrong order somehow).
This is Michael making some after most of the fun was over when he finally got too cold outside.
finished product ( I got the pictures in the wrong order somehow). This is Michael making some after most of the fun was over when he finally got too cold outside.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
A visit from Santa
Our church had a party for the children last night and was able to get a visit from Santa too! I believe all the children sat on his lap and no one cried! Santa even brought Christmas gifts early, which was a real treat to my kids because they are about to go crazy wanting to open one.
Melanie still says he is not the real Santa because the beard is not real! She wants a gameboy for Christmas just like the big kids! My baby is growing up too fast!!!
All Madison asked for was a webkinz...what about the camcorder she has been asking for since hers broke????
Michael asked for a Dodge Charger....and I will quote something that I read the other day....it's just like reading a recipe and when you get to the end you think "well, THAT'S not going to happen."
.....and I asked for my house to be sold...Santa said he could do that!!! Ok Santa, I WILL be waiting!
All Madison asked for was a webkinz...what about the camcorder she has been asking for since hers broke????
Michael asked for a Dodge Charger....and I will quote something that I read the other day....it's just like reading a recipe and when you get to the end you think "well, THAT'S not going to happen."
.....and I asked for my house to be sold...Santa said he could do that!!! Ok Santa, I WILL be waiting!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Another Gymnastic's Meet
We had another great time this past weekend watching Madison! She again walked away with several medals and ribbons for her age group. She has learned so much in the past year. We don't know how long she will be able to continue, but I wanted to share this video. I know it's not great quality, but I will add that I didn't take it.... that counts for something, right?
Monday, December 15, 2008
Sales
I feel I got some really good deals this past week. I hope some of you were able to get some inexpensive items that you needed. My deals were so great, I want to share a couple with you. I do usually look at the sale papers, but the main place I look is the forum section on the hotcouponworld website. Here's my score.
Bilo-to be honest, all I needed was cream from here. The deals were so good though, I couldn't resist. I received over $42.00 worth of groceries for around $14.00. I was able to get 10 containers of Bryers light yogurt for free because I used a $.50 coupon that doubled, 6 pounds of Blue Bonnet light margarine for free ( I did give a couple of these away and I froze the rest), and I bought 8 packs of the Knorr flavored rice dishes for $.40 a piece (makes quick good side dishes for church socials, etc.) I also was able to Del Monte can vegetables for $.30 can due to the sale and having coupons and 5 lb bag Domino sugar for $1.30
Wal-Greens-4 day sale-spend $25.00 and get a $5.00 register reward (this is a $5.00 coupon that you can use for things in the store). I was able to get 4 bottles of arm n hammer laundry detergent with bleach for $2.96. The detergent rang up $6.99 each which totaled up to $27.96, then I used the in-store coupon for $1.99, and out printed the $5.00 register reward. So, I spent $25.00 BEFORE coupons and I was able to get the register reward. At this store, I did spend a little more because they have cute stocking stuffers, toys were 4/$13.98, and I was able to buy a surprise gift for someone too. I was also able to get 3 rolls of reynolds wrap for free because I used their in-store coupon and a manufacturing coupon. OH, I also got about 8 rolls of scotch tape for $2.00 and I will send the receipt in to get all my money back on the rebate!
Food Lion-I took advantage of their 3 day sale and bought 4 whole chickens for $.69 lb., eggs were $.88 cents dozen, and green giant veggies were 3/$1.00 (limit 6). I also got free candy bars because there are having a buy 1 get 1 free sale and I have buy 1 get 1 free coupons. Great gifts for Christmas if you want to give a little something to someone or add to a gift!
Here are some things I see that you can get this week ON THE CHEAP!!!
WAL-GREENS
2 LT. 7-UP, SUNKIST, AND DR. PEPPER with in-store coupon $.79 limit 4
BUTTERBALL CHICKEN BROTH with in-store coupon $..50 limit 4
NESTLE COFFEE MATE LIQUID buy 1 get 1 free at $2.49 there are coupons out for past weeks or go here and get a $1.00 off coupon!
GIRLS TIGHTS $.99 with in-store coupon
ROYAL JELLO 5/$1.00 with in-store coupon
SKIPPY PEANUT BUTTER 2/$3.00 even cheaper if you have the $.40 coupon
SPLENDA $2.99 BOX there are coupons for this also
PROGRESSO SOUP $.99 with in-store coupon. There were coupons in the newspaper this week and it would make it a better deal. Click here and print 2 $1.10 coupons and you can get the soup for free!
Have you ever had your ink cartridge for your printer refilled at Wal-Greens? I have done this several times and have NEVER had a problem. There is a coupon in this week's sale paper for $5.00 off, so you can get your ink cartridge filled for $5.00 for black and $10.00 for color. AWESOME DEAL!
CVS
Pepsi 12 pk 4/$13.00 get $3.00 Extra bucks reward when you buy 4
Monthly deal on the contact solution is still going on spend $8.99 and get $8.99 ECBs. This is if you can find the solution. Limit 2
Nova Max glucose monitors $9.99 get $9.99 ECBs.
Colgate $2.99 get $2.00 ECBs
Right Guard and Soft & Dri deodorant $2.99 get $2.00 ECBs. Click here to see all the deals.
I believe some of this were 2 day sales, so you may want to check first if you are planning on going.
Another note: I went in to Michael's craft store yesterday and they already have Christmas items marked waaaaaaay down. Floral items were up to 70% off!! I wasn't able to take advantage of much, but just thought I would pass the word along.
Bilo-to be honest, all I needed was cream from here. The deals were so good though, I couldn't resist. I received over $42.00 worth of groceries for around $14.00. I was able to get 10 containers of Bryers light yogurt for free because I used a $.50 coupon that doubled, 6 pounds of Blue Bonnet light margarine for free ( I did give a couple of these away and I froze the rest), and I bought 8 packs of the Knorr flavored rice dishes for $.40 a piece (makes quick good side dishes for church socials, etc.) I also was able to Del Monte can vegetables for $.30 can due to the sale and having coupons and 5 lb bag Domino sugar for $1.30
Wal-Greens-4 day sale-spend $25.00 and get a $5.00 register reward (this is a $5.00 coupon that you can use for things in the store). I was able to get 4 bottles of arm n hammer laundry detergent with bleach for $2.96. The detergent rang up $6.99 each which totaled up to $27.96, then I used the in-store coupon for $1.99, and out printed the $5.00 register reward. So, I spent $25.00 BEFORE coupons and I was able to get the register reward. At this store, I did spend a little more because they have cute stocking stuffers, toys were 4/$13.98, and I was able to buy a surprise gift for someone too. I was also able to get 3 rolls of reynolds wrap for free because I used their in-store coupon and a manufacturing coupon. OH, I also got about 8 rolls of scotch tape for $2.00 and I will send the receipt in to get all my money back on the rebate!
Food Lion-I took advantage of their 3 day sale and bought 4 whole chickens for $.69 lb., eggs were $.88 cents dozen, and green giant veggies were 3/$1.00 (limit 6). I also got free candy bars because there are having a buy 1 get 1 free sale and I have buy 1 get 1 free coupons. Great gifts for Christmas if you want to give a little something to someone or add to a gift!
Here are some things I see that you can get this week ON THE CHEAP!!!
WAL-GREENS
2 LT. 7-UP, SUNKIST, AND DR. PEPPER with in-store coupon $.79 limit 4
BUTTERBALL CHICKEN BROTH with in-store coupon $..50 limit 4
NESTLE COFFEE MATE LIQUID buy 1 get 1 free at $2.49 there are coupons out for past weeks or go here and get a $1.00 off coupon!
GIRLS TIGHTS $.99 with in-store coupon
ROYAL JELLO 5/$1.00 with in-store coupon
SKIPPY PEANUT BUTTER 2/$3.00 even cheaper if you have the $.40 coupon
SPLENDA $2.99 BOX there are coupons for this also
PROGRESSO SOUP $.99 with in-store coupon. There were coupons in the newspaper this week and it would make it a better deal. Click here and print 2 $1.10 coupons and you can get the soup for free!
Have you ever had your ink cartridge for your printer refilled at Wal-Greens? I have done this several times and have NEVER had a problem. There is a coupon in this week's sale paper for $5.00 off, so you can get your ink cartridge filled for $5.00 for black and $10.00 for color. AWESOME DEAL!
CVS
Pepsi 12 pk 4/$13.00 get $3.00 Extra bucks reward when you buy 4
Monthly deal on the contact solution is still going on spend $8.99 and get $8.99 ECBs. This is if you can find the solution. Limit 2
Nova Max glucose monitors $9.99 get $9.99 ECBs.
Colgate $2.99 get $2.00 ECBs
Right Guard and Soft & Dri deodorant $2.99 get $2.00 ECBs. Click here to see all the deals.
I believe some of this were 2 day sales, so you may want to check first if you are planning on going.
Another note: I went in to Michael's craft store yesterday and they already have Christmas items marked waaaaaaay down. Floral items were up to 70% off!! I wasn't able to take advantage of much, but just thought I would pass the word along.
Friday, December 12, 2008
A CUTE IDEA
I saw this idea on the homeschoolchristian website and just had to share it. I think I will find someone to give this to because it's just toooooo cute! I love it!
"Pop, Pop, Fizz, Fizz"
You'll need:
A cellophane bag (like a clear lunch bagl)
Twist ties to close it
One package of microwave popcorn
One can of pop
A couple of Hershey's kisses
Put the popcorn, pop & Kisses in the bag and with the twist tie to close put this gift card:"Pop, Pop, Fizz, Fizz,Oh what a great ______ (teacher, aunt,uncle etc.) you is!"
"Pop, Pop, Fizz, Fizz"
You'll need:
A cellophane bag (like a clear lunch bagl)
Twist ties to close it
One package of microwave popcorn
One can of pop
A couple of Hershey's kisses
Put the popcorn, pop & Kisses in the bag and with the twist tie to close put this gift card:"Pop, Pop, Fizz, Fizz,Oh what a great ______ (teacher, aunt,uncle etc.) you is!"
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Friday, December 5, 2008
Teaching My Children About Christmas
This Christmas season has been great so far. We haven't been really rushed, the tree is up, and crafts have been made. What makes this year different is that I have not committed myself to a lot of things and I started shopping early (on-line baby, on-line). Plus, our list of people to buy for is very short. We are concentrating on homemade treats for teacher gifts(church) and are going to give them out early. This has allowed me to concentrate on teaching the kids the true meaning of Christmas at a steady pace and to be able to have fun with it.
A few years ago I bought an Amanda Benett unit study on Christmas and this year is the first year that I have done it justice. It's a four week study and we are actually on the correct week! I enjoy mixing our school days up a bit. Sometimes I get so involved in the curriculum I purchased that I forget to see what other fun things is out there. I am listing a few things that may be of interest to you for this season of joy.
Click here to see worksheets I found on the Christmas story.
Click here to see the angel ornament we made.
Click here to see the sock snowman.
Click here to see the bookmarks that we hope to make.
If anyone has some good easy ideas for crafts and gifts, let me know. I would love to try them. I have trouble finding unique homemade gifts, but we enjoy making them for people.
UPDATE ON FREE THINGS
I posted a few weeks back about seeing what I could get to be able to give to a shelter or something. So far we have several bottles of shampoo and toothpaste. We also have some glucose monitors. Not too bad, but I was hoping to do better.
A few years ago I bought an Amanda Benett unit study on Christmas and this year is the first year that I have done it justice. It's a four week study and we are actually on the correct week! I enjoy mixing our school days up a bit. Sometimes I get so involved in the curriculum I purchased that I forget to see what other fun things is out there. I am listing a few things that may be of interest to you for this season of joy.
Click here to see worksheets I found on the Christmas story.
Click here to see the angel ornament we made.
Click here to see the sock snowman.
Click here to see the bookmarks that we hope to make.
If anyone has some good easy ideas for crafts and gifts, let me know. I would love to try them. I have trouble finding unique homemade gifts, but we enjoy making them for people.
UPDATE ON FREE THINGS
I posted a few weeks back about seeing what I could get to be able to give to a shelter or something. So far we have several bottles of shampoo and toothpaste. We also have some glucose monitors. Not too bad, but I was hoping to do better.
Friday Funnies
What did the ghost say to Santa Claus?
I'll have a boo Christmas without you
What does a cat on the beach have in common with Christmas?
Sandy Claws
What do you get if Santa goes down the chimney when a fire is lit?
Crisp Cringle (YIKES!)
I'll have a boo Christmas without you
What does a cat on the beach have in common with Christmas?
Sandy Claws
What do you get if Santa goes down the chimney when a fire is lit?
Crisp Cringle (YIKES!)
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
More Christmas Fun
What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire?
Frostbite
What kind of bird can write?
a pen-quin
How do sheep in Mexico say Merry Christmas?
Fleece Navidad
Frostbite
What kind of bird can write?
a pen-quin
How do sheep in Mexico say Merry Christmas?
Fleece Navidad
Monday, December 1, 2008
CHRISTMAS FUN
What do elves learn in school?
The elf-abet!
What Christmas Carol is a favorite among parents?
Silent Night
What do snowmen eat for breakfast?
Frosted Flakes
The elf-abet!
What Christmas Carol is a favorite among parents?
Silent Night
What do snowmen eat for breakfast?
Frosted Flakes
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