We had to get out of the house this day it was 30 degrees this day...can you tell buy the red noses. It was a fun little walk.
1.30.2008
Cabin Fever
We had to get out of the house this day it was 30 degrees this day...can you tell buy the red noses. It was a fun little walk.
Jess & Ambers Daycare
Today we spent the day with 8 kids under the age of 5. Yes, I said 8! We played outside, jumped on the jumper, ate lunch, ate cookies and well just had a blast. It was a fun day. It makes me wonder if we should start our own daycare....hmmmmm!
1.24.2008
SAVE
I am so thrilled with this entire coupon thing. I have saved so much money. Today I bought about $400 in groceries but paid $180 (approx) for all of them. I am stock piling away. Check out my storage closet.
Think about it...today I bought 4 16oz jars of peanut butter for $2.50 which makes them .62 cents each. This is just crazy. Last week I bought Ragu Spaghetti sauce for $.25 cents a jar. I bought Goodnites (pullups) that the boys use at night. I usually pay $13.99 for a Jumbo pack. I paid $6.99 today. They were on sale for $8.99 at Albertson's and I had $2.00 off coupons.
The best deals are the BOGOF...Say you buy Diapers that are on sale for $8.00 for 36ct and if you buy one you get one free. Then you have a 8 Manufacture coupons for diapers you have saved up from online coupon printing, the Sunday paper, etc. So you buy 4 pks of diapers for $32.00 and you get 4 pks of diapers for FREE. Then you get an additional $8.00 (8 $1.00 Manfac. Coupons) from the $32.00, so now you pay $24.00 for 288 diapers (total of all 36ct pks. THAT is HUGE. Diapers are regularly 14.99 per pk. so you would have over time paid $119.92 for these diapers and you just paid $24.00. Give yourself a pat on the back.
Some stores even offer wipes for FREE when you purchase sale items like diapers. This is just an example of how to save and to stockpile.
TOP FOODS has buy one get two free...these are even better deals. It takes time to get this all down. I am on week three and really feel like I am getting the hang of it. I spent this afternoon from 1-4pm with my kids doing all my stockpiling shopping for the week. I spent 20 min this week putting together my lists and coupons for ea store so I was all prepared.
The best part is my hubby is raving about me and that makes me feel good. It is always good when you hubby appreciates the hard work you do to save money for the family.
If you want to know more here you go. Jen Leverton is who showed me how to do all this. A lady I just met at a restaurant who took the time to sit down and teach me how to save. Pay it forward!
Shopping Smart
Shopping Smart is an easy way to save hundreds of dollars on groceries each month. Shopping Smart is successful because it teaches two distinctive types of shopping. Shopping Smart is basically matching grocery and drug store super sale items with manufacturers' coupons for the best possible savings, then stockpiling to reduce weekly grocery spending.
“Stockpiling vs. Need Shopping”
Are you careful to limit your purchases to the bare necessities? Do you try to get only what you really need? Stop doing that! Shopping Smart is about buying a lot more than you need. If you are shopping each week for only what you will need or eat that week YOU ARE WASTING MONEY! That's what the grocery stores want you to do. It’s called Need Shopping.
The most exciting type of shopping, and the one that makes you successful at Shopping Smart, is Stockpiling. By stockpiling you are building your own store at home. You are buying more than you need while the sales trend is running. Then when the sales trend changes, we are not forced to buy at a premium price. A basic guideline for how much to stockpile is a 3-month supply. You will learn, over time, how much to stockpile for your family. Stockpiling is the key to Shopping Smart.
“12 WEEK RULE”
Because supermarkets run sales in categorical trends it takes approximately 12 WEEKS to get a well-rounded stockpile. Each week you will notice that you are stockpiling in different categories. Example, week one you are buying more than you need of toothpaste and dish soap. In this way, you are building your stockpile in those categories. Then your stockpile will carry you through to the next toothpaste and dish soap sales trend.
The “NEED” List
The need list is comprised of things you need to buy because you don't have them in your stockpile or they are perishable, such as produce. You will want to keep these purchases to a minimum. The longer you stockpile, the shorter your need list will become. By buying lots of super sale items, your stockpile will become so full (pantry, frig and freezer) that your need list will usually consists of only a few items each week. When getting started, and until your stockpile gets built up (the 12 WEEK RULE), you may want to do your need shopping at discount supermarkets.
The Manufacturers
As an incentive to buy their products, manufacturers publish coupons in a variety of places. The best place to get coupons is the Sunday paper. You will sometimes see manufacturer’s coupons in the Albertsons, Safeway, Fred Meyer and other store ads. They will read “Manufacturer’s Coupon” at the top and have a UPC bar code. Some coupons found in the store ads will state “Good only at (other store name)”. Keep these as Albertsons accepts coupons from other stores.
Albertsons
"Why shop at Albertsons?” In short, Albertsons has the best coupon policy, and they have great super sales. Furthermore, there is no limit on the number of identical manufacturer’s coupons that Albertsons will accept. If you have 15 coupons for Pantene shampoo, Albertsons will accept all 15 coupons. Albertsons’ accepts up to 10 coupons per transaction from other grocery stores. Other stores include the Safeway, Fred Meyer, QFC, Top Foods or Thriftway coupons, *mega coupons, ticker tape coupons you get after checking out and the manufacturer's coupons that state "Good only at (other store name)." Not all of them are worth using as Albertsons may have an equal or better sale on the same product. If the coupon is for another store’s brand name product, Albertsons will substitute their brand and honor the coupon.
Note: Albertsons does not accept ad coupons from variety stores such as Rite Aid, Wal-Mart and Target. The ad coupons must be from other grocery chains.
*Mega Coupons – From time to time, most stores will issue what we call mega coupons. Usually, they are worth $5 off $50 in groceries, $10 off $75 or $20 off $100. Albertsons accepts any stores’ mega coupon.
Your Coupon File
When organizing your coupon filing system, you will want to file and store your coupons in a way that makes sense to you. I recommend using a small storage box filled with envelopes labeled with categories based on the aisles in your grocery store. You may use some of the manufacturer’s coupons the week they come out, but many will be filed and used weeks or months later. Remember less is more; there is no reason to keep coupons for products that your family will never use. It's about knowing what coupons are best, and when to use them. Start by getting your coupons from the Sunday paper. Also, as of this year, the Internet is now offering coupons of good value. This is due to new software that is in place that facilitates limits as to how many coupons may be printed. As a result, manufacturers are offering more coupon value.
The Daily and Sunday Newspaper
The manufacturer’s coupons and store ad coupons that you need will come from the daily and Sunday edition newspaper. I recommend purchasing the Sunday paper in even numbers. Two papers for a family of two, four papers for a family of three or four and six papers for a family of five or more. If you are in the first 12 weeks and are still building your stockpile, you may want to consider purchasing even more.
Getting Ready
Most grocery store ads come in the mail on Tuesday. Save all supermarket advertisements that come in the mail. Albertsons, Safeway, QFC and Top Foods come on Tuesday. The sales week begins on Wednesday and ends on Tuesday. But since you get new coupons to go with the current week’s sales on Sunday, it is best to wait to shop until Sunday, Monday or Tuesday.
Most Drug store ads come in the Sunday paper. The sales week begins on Sunday and end on Saturday, giving you even more time to shop. Fred Meyer, Target, Walgreen’s and Rite Aid come in the Sunday paper along with the manufactures coupon inserts. Most of the time you will find a Smart Source, Valassis and a P@G insert. Cut and file any manufacturer's coupons from these sections of the newspaper. Clip and file all manufacturers’ coupons. Cutting and filing coupons should take only about 15 minutes once you do it a few times.
Read through the ads and circle the items that you use and have a good sale price. Each major supermarket in your area will run most of the same sales on the same items; compare store sale prices to find the best value. Then check to see if you have coupons to match for further savings. Be careful to read everything on the coupon. You don’t want surprises at the check out. Also, look for words like “good on any…” especially when a specific item is featured in the picture. Often times, you may use the coupon on “any” of that manufacturer’s products, not just the pictured item. Just because an item is on sale and you have a coupon, doesn’t mean it is time to use the coupon. Nearly every item runs through several levels of sales before it reaches its lowest super sale price. This is where knowing when to stockpile with that coupon can save you a lot of money at check out. Once you have determined which items you wish to purchase make a list and pull these coupons from your file. Then list the number of items you wish to purchase based on the number of coupons you have next to the item description on your list. Take the coupons to the store in a separate envelope.
Shopping
When stockpiling, shop only from your list, bring your store card, and your coupons. Check expiration dates on all coupons before going to the store. Keep your need-shopping list separate from your stockpiling list. It is much easier to keep track of your savings.
Tips and Examples
Tip 1.
Make a weekly grocery budget if you do not already have one. Don’t expect to save money until you have stockpiled for a 12 week cycle. After 12 weeks you should save about 50% on your over all grocery budget.
Example 1.
If your budget is $200 a week, after the initial 12 weeks you should save $5200 a year. WOW!
Tip 2.
When looking thru the weekly advertisements, pay attention to the BOGO sales. You can save the most amount of money using 2 coupons on a buy one get one sale.
Example 2.
Dove shampoo and conditioner is on a buy one at $4.99 get one free sale at Rite Aid. You have 2 -$1.50 coupons making your final price $1.00 each, saving 80%.
Tip 3.
Use coupons that you have even on free items.
Example 3.
Albertsons has Yoplait yogurt on sale 20 for $10. If you buy 20 you get a free Pillsbury piecrust. You can use coupons for the yogurt and a coupon for the piecrust. If you had 10 –$1.00/2 yogurts and -$1.00 for pie crust your final price would be they owe you $1.00 that would come off your final bill.
Tip 4.
Share coupons with a friend. Their family probably doesn’t use all the same products as yours.
Example 4.
You will receive ticker tape coupons for competitors products at check out. When I buy Similac formula, I get a buy one get one coupon for Enfamil.
Tip 5. Watch ticker tape announcements for up coming promos from manufactures.
Example 5.
Gerber will give you back $5.00 for your next shopping trip when you spend $25.00 on any Gerber products between Dec 1st – Dec 31st in one transaction
Think about it...today I bought 4 16oz jars of peanut butter for $2.50 which makes them .62 cents each. This is just crazy. Last week I bought Ragu Spaghetti sauce for $.25 cents a jar. I bought Goodnites (pullups) that the boys use at night. I usually pay $13.99 for a Jumbo pack. I paid $6.99 today. They were on sale for $8.99 at Albertson's and I had $2.00 off coupons.
The best deals are the BOGOF...Say you buy Diapers that are on sale for $8.00 for 36ct and if you buy one you get one free. Then you have a 8 Manufacture coupons for diapers you have saved up from online coupon printing, the Sunday paper, etc. So you buy 4 pks of diapers for $32.00 and you get 4 pks of diapers for FREE. Then you get an additional $8.00 (8 $1.00 Manfac. Coupons) from the $32.00, so now you pay $24.00 for 288 diapers (total of all 36ct pks. THAT is HUGE. Diapers are regularly 14.99 per pk. so you would have over time paid $119.92 for these diapers and you just paid $24.00. Give yourself a pat on the back.
Some stores even offer wipes for FREE when you purchase sale items like diapers. This is just an example of how to save and to stockpile.
TOP FOODS has buy one get two free...these are even better deals. It takes time to get this all down. I am on week three and really feel like I am getting the hang of it. I spent this afternoon from 1-4pm with my kids doing all my stockpiling shopping for the week. I spent 20 min this week putting together my lists and coupons for ea store so I was all prepared.
The best part is my hubby is raving about me and that makes me feel good. It is always good when you hubby appreciates the hard work you do to save money for the family.
If you want to know more here you go. Jen Leverton is who showed me how to do all this. A lady I just met at a restaurant who took the time to sit down and teach me how to save. Pay it forward!
Shopping Smart
Shopping Smart is an easy way to save hundreds of dollars on groceries each month. Shopping Smart is successful because it teaches two distinctive types of shopping. Shopping Smart is basically matching grocery and drug store super sale items with manufacturers' coupons for the best possible savings, then stockpiling to reduce weekly grocery spending.
“Stockpiling vs. Need Shopping”
Are you careful to limit your purchases to the bare necessities? Do you try to get only what you really need? Stop doing that! Shopping Smart is about buying a lot more than you need. If you are shopping each week for only what you will need or eat that week YOU ARE WASTING MONEY! That's what the grocery stores want you to do. It’s called Need Shopping.
The most exciting type of shopping, and the one that makes you successful at Shopping Smart, is Stockpiling. By stockpiling you are building your own store at home. You are buying more than you need while the sales trend is running. Then when the sales trend changes, we are not forced to buy at a premium price. A basic guideline for how much to stockpile is a 3-month supply. You will learn, over time, how much to stockpile for your family. Stockpiling is the key to Shopping Smart.
“12 WEEK RULE”
Because supermarkets run sales in categorical trends it takes approximately 12 WEEKS to get a well-rounded stockpile. Each week you will notice that you are stockpiling in different categories. Example, week one you are buying more than you need of toothpaste and dish soap. In this way, you are building your stockpile in those categories. Then your stockpile will carry you through to the next toothpaste and dish soap sales trend.
The “NEED” List
The need list is comprised of things you need to buy because you don't have them in your stockpile or they are perishable, such as produce. You will want to keep these purchases to a minimum. The longer you stockpile, the shorter your need list will become. By buying lots of super sale items, your stockpile will become so full (pantry, frig and freezer) that your need list will usually consists of only a few items each week. When getting started, and until your stockpile gets built up (the 12 WEEK RULE), you may want to do your need shopping at discount supermarkets.
The Manufacturers
As an incentive to buy their products, manufacturers publish coupons in a variety of places. The best place to get coupons is the Sunday paper. You will sometimes see manufacturer’s coupons in the Albertsons, Safeway, Fred Meyer and other store ads. They will read “Manufacturer’s Coupon” at the top and have a UPC bar code. Some coupons found in the store ads will state “Good only at (other store name)”. Keep these as Albertsons accepts coupons from other stores.
Albertsons
"Why shop at Albertsons?” In short, Albertsons has the best coupon policy, and they have great super sales. Furthermore, there is no limit on the number of identical manufacturer’s coupons that Albertsons will accept. If you have 15 coupons for Pantene shampoo, Albertsons will accept all 15 coupons. Albertsons’ accepts up to 10 coupons per transaction from other grocery stores. Other stores include the Safeway, Fred Meyer, QFC, Top Foods or Thriftway coupons, *mega coupons, ticker tape coupons you get after checking out and the manufacturer's coupons that state "Good only at (other store name)." Not all of them are worth using as Albertsons may have an equal or better sale on the same product. If the coupon is for another store’s brand name product, Albertsons will substitute their brand and honor the coupon.
Note: Albertsons does not accept ad coupons from variety stores such as Rite Aid, Wal-Mart and Target. The ad coupons must be from other grocery chains.
*Mega Coupons – From time to time, most stores will issue what we call mega coupons. Usually, they are worth $5 off $50 in groceries, $10 off $75 or $20 off $100. Albertsons accepts any stores’ mega coupon.
Your Coupon File
When organizing your coupon filing system, you will want to file and store your coupons in a way that makes sense to you. I recommend using a small storage box filled with envelopes labeled with categories based on the aisles in your grocery store. You may use some of the manufacturer’s coupons the week they come out, but many will be filed and used weeks or months later. Remember less is more; there is no reason to keep coupons for products that your family will never use. It's about knowing what coupons are best, and when to use them. Start by getting your coupons from the Sunday paper. Also, as of this year, the Internet is now offering coupons of good value. This is due to new software that is in place that facilitates limits as to how many coupons may be printed. As a result, manufacturers are offering more coupon value.
The Daily and Sunday Newspaper
The manufacturer’s coupons and store ad coupons that you need will come from the daily and Sunday edition newspaper. I recommend purchasing the Sunday paper in even numbers. Two papers for a family of two, four papers for a family of three or four and six papers for a family of five or more. If you are in the first 12 weeks and are still building your stockpile, you may want to consider purchasing even more.
Getting Ready
Most grocery store ads come in the mail on Tuesday. Save all supermarket advertisements that come in the mail. Albertsons, Safeway, QFC and Top Foods come on Tuesday. The sales week begins on Wednesday and ends on Tuesday. But since you get new coupons to go with the current week’s sales on Sunday, it is best to wait to shop until Sunday, Monday or Tuesday.
Most Drug store ads come in the Sunday paper. The sales week begins on Sunday and end on Saturday, giving you even more time to shop. Fred Meyer, Target, Walgreen’s and Rite Aid come in the Sunday paper along with the manufactures coupon inserts. Most of the time you will find a Smart Source, Valassis and a P@G insert. Cut and file any manufacturer's coupons from these sections of the newspaper. Clip and file all manufacturers’ coupons. Cutting and filing coupons should take only about 15 minutes once you do it a few times.
Read through the ads and circle the items that you use and have a good sale price. Each major supermarket in your area will run most of the same sales on the same items; compare store sale prices to find the best value. Then check to see if you have coupons to match for further savings. Be careful to read everything on the coupon. You don’t want surprises at the check out. Also, look for words like “good on any…” especially when a specific item is featured in the picture. Often times, you may use the coupon on “any” of that manufacturer’s products, not just the pictured item. Just because an item is on sale and you have a coupon, doesn’t mean it is time to use the coupon. Nearly every item runs through several levels of sales before it reaches its lowest super sale price. This is where knowing when to stockpile with that coupon can save you a lot of money at check out. Once you have determined which items you wish to purchase make a list and pull these coupons from your file. Then list the number of items you wish to purchase based on the number of coupons you have next to the item description on your list. Take the coupons to the store in a separate envelope.
Shopping
When stockpiling, shop only from your list, bring your store card, and your coupons. Check expiration dates on all coupons before going to the store. Keep your need-shopping list separate from your stockpiling list. It is much easier to keep track of your savings.
Tips and Examples
Tip 1.
Make a weekly grocery budget if you do not already have one. Don’t expect to save money until you have stockpiled for a 12 week cycle. After 12 weeks you should save about 50% on your over all grocery budget.
Example 1.
If your budget is $200 a week, after the initial 12 weeks you should save $5200 a year. WOW!
Tip 2.
When looking thru the weekly advertisements, pay attention to the BOGO sales. You can save the most amount of money using 2 coupons on a buy one get one sale.
Example 2.
Dove shampoo and conditioner is on a buy one at $4.99 get one free sale at Rite Aid. You have 2 -$1.50 coupons making your final price $1.00 each, saving 80%.
Tip 3.
Use coupons that you have even on free items.
Example 3.
Albertsons has Yoplait yogurt on sale 20 for $10. If you buy 20 you get a free Pillsbury piecrust. You can use coupons for the yogurt and a coupon for the piecrust. If you had 10 –$1.00/2 yogurts and -$1.00 for pie crust your final price would be they owe you $1.00 that would come off your final bill.
Tip 4.
Share coupons with a friend. Their family probably doesn’t use all the same products as yours.
Example 4.
You will receive ticker tape coupons for competitors products at check out. When I buy Similac formula, I get a buy one get one coupon for Enfamil.
Tip 5. Watch ticker tape announcements for up coming promos from manufactures.
Example 5.
Gerber will give you back $5.00 for your next shopping trip when you spend $25.00 on any Gerber products between Dec 1st – Dec 31st in one transaction
1.22.2008
Whose says you need a real drum set
Boys seem to always find ways to make noise. I would die if someone ever bought us a drum set, but who really needs to do that when a few bowls do just fine. Put them on your head and band and it is a whole new sound!
1.18.2008
"Tickens" "Tickens" "Bak" Bak"
As I bundled up the troops to head outside on this clear, but freezing cold day Natalie and Will went screaming out the door yelling "tickens" "tickens" "Bak" "Bak". It was all I could do to get my shoes on and hat to head out. We had to feed the "tickens" then we let the "tickens" out and the kids went crazy. The idea of chasing a "ticken" must be so thrilling to them. The "tickens" were fine with this as long as they were getting food. We did not stay outside long before everyone started complaining about being cold so we headed back in for snack.
P.S. I am still missing my stuff and I have no idea where it is. I woke up 3 times last night thinking about it..."dis is serious" (in my best Wonder Pets Voice)what good is a good buy if I lose the stuff...geeeeezzzz!
1.17.2008
I am loosing my mind
Yes, it is official...I am losing my mind. I went downstairs tonight to organize my "stockpiling" closet only to be missing 3 Spritzers, 2 Wishbone dressings and 2 Progressive soups. I can not find them anywhere. They were on my counter earlier when I took the darn picture. Then I moved them downstairs before sitting down to eat lunch. I have looked everywhere. At first I thought maybe I put them in the freezer with the toaster struddels...that would be something stupid I would do. Then I thought they might be in the bag still so I sifted through the garbage. Then it started to bug me and I mean bug me. I started going up and down the stairs. I looked in the fridge, pantry, laundry basket, car (just in case in my other personality I took them there after bringing them in the house). I looked everywhere, seriously; everywhere. It is still bothering me...so here I sit venting about it. I do all this great shopping and save all this money only to lose the items...ugh!
Now I will go to bed and sometime in the middle of the night my brain will wake me and tell me where I left those darn things. That is if I can get to sleep. I have lost it! ARRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
Now I will go to bed and sometime in the middle of the night my brain will wake me and tell me where I left those darn things. That is if I can get to sleep. I have lost it! ARRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
My New Hobby!
Look at all these Groceries. I bought all of this for $29.37! YES I said $29.37. This was a savings of $101.12. I saved all that money...yahoo! Some things I actually got for FREE (Life Cereal, Wishbone Dressings, Spritzers). All this I did by cutting coupons and watching sales. I am in shock!
I am going to make it my mission to teach all my friends how to do this. It is not as hard as it seems and really not that time consuming once you get your coupons all set up and understand how the sales work and how to use your manufacturers coupons with store coupons and sales.
If you are interested send me an e-mail at jjcav97@comcast.net and I can send you the e-mail with all the info on "Stockpiling" vs. "Need" shopping.
Happy Savings!
1.14.2008
Seattle Children's Museum
We went to the museum today with my friend Amber and her two kids. Regan & Davis. It was an adventure and a lot of fun! The kids had a blast. It worked out great as Amber took the older ones and I had the little ones. Plus Amber had a great pass to get in so we only paid $3.00 a person.
It was a ton of fun 7 kids and all!
1.11.2008
Hmmmm...where was mommie?
Honestly, I was near by. Natalie decided that the PJ's for tonight needed a wash so off they went into the tub. I thought it was funny! Liam was not laughing.
Ha! Ha!
TGIF
Friday...what happen to TGIF?
As a mother I have come to realize there no longer is a TGIF moment. Yes, the weekend is nice. I am a little more relaxed with bed time and naps. I may find time to read. I love weekends because we attend church. BUT weekends are just the same as any other day. A big pile of laundry, mouths to feed, dishes to clean up, beds to be made and toilets to cleaned for the 300th time this week. Gone are the days of sleeping in, savoring a cup of coffee and a good book.
Would I trade this job? Some days, yes. Most days, no. I love being a mom. I love having the freedom to work in my jammies. I love it when my kids say things like "we love this mommie", "great breakfast", "mom, why do you read your bible", "mom, why do you watch TV when you fold laundry?". These are the questions I ponder.
Say it ain't so...
1.10.2008
Remember When
Remember when you first found out your were pregnant.
Remember when you started worrying about having the baby...oh my Gosh how will it ever come out!
Remember when you dreaded the last 4 weeks and begged your doctor to get it out.
Remember when you set eyes on your firstborn for the first time...amazing.
Remember when you thought you could never love another baby the way you loved your first baby...I cried so much.
Remember when you set eyes on your second born and fell in love all over again.
Remember when your babies would "cooo" at you and the joy of nursing.
Remember when there baby heads smelled so good after a bath.
Remember when you went to bed and never worried about getting woke up.
Remember when you had date nights, laughed, ate out, watched movies, and worked out all the time. HA!
Remember when you set eyes on your third born and though OH MY GOSH...how will I take care of them all.
Remember when you were reminded by your kids to love God and pray.
Remember the messes, remember the clean ups, remember all the dirty laundry, remember the late nights, remember the accidents (and I don't mean food), remember the excitement in their eyes when they tell you something, remember "last day", remember marking their growth on the wall, remember the first day you dropped them off at preschool, remember car trips, remember watching them sleep, remember their hugs, kisses, gentle touches, remember tickling, laughing and their first smiles remember their faith in you, remember...just remember.
Remember when you started worrying about having the baby...oh my Gosh how will it ever come out!
Remember when you dreaded the last 4 weeks and begged your doctor to get it out.
Remember when you set eyes on your firstborn for the first time...amazing.
Remember when you thought you could never love another baby the way you loved your first baby...I cried so much.
Remember when you set eyes on your second born and fell in love all over again.
Remember when your babies would "cooo" at you and the joy of nursing.
Remember when there baby heads smelled so good after a bath.
Remember when you went to bed and never worried about getting woke up.
Remember when you had date nights, laughed, ate out, watched movies, and worked out all the time. HA!
Remember when you set eyes on your third born and though OH MY GOSH...how will I take care of them all.
Remember when you were reminded by your kids to love God and pray.
Remember the messes, remember the clean ups, remember all the dirty laundry, remember the late nights, remember the accidents (and I don't mean food), remember the excitement in their eyes when they tell you something, remember "last day", remember marking their growth on the wall, remember the first day you dropped them off at preschool, remember car trips, remember watching them sleep, remember their hugs, kisses, gentle touches, remember tickling, laughing and their first smiles remember their faith in you, remember...just remember.
1.03.2008
Happy New Year
Welcome 2008 ~ We rang in the New Year with some serious parting. We partied like it was 1999. No really! We had a family Chili dinner that left us all with the "sarts" as Reilly would call them. Then we put on our party hats, drank some bubbly (grape sparkling cider) and blew our noise makers at 7pm sharp.
The kids were off to bed by 7:30pm and I sat down and read a book front to cover. Jason watched a movie and we were all fast asleep by 12:15am. Here is to another year full of new memories, blessing, and fun times with our kids.
Can you believe that in 2007 I did not get pregnant or having a baby. It is a first for 5 years. I was pregnant with Liam in 2002, had Liam in 2003, I was pregnant with Reilly in 2003 and had him in 2004, then pregnant with Natalie in 2005 and had her in 2006. Scary!
I do not make New Years resolutions as I am sure that I will just set myself up to fail. I am going to try to be a better wife and invest more time in my hubby. I am promises to hug my kids more, play with them more and just love on them as much as I can. I do not know how long they will be mine and I want to make sure no matter what they know how much I love them.
Happy New Year to you all May God Bless you in the coming year with new experience, fun adventures and a love for Him!
12.25.2007
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
I love Christmas! It is my favorite time of year. What I love most is the excitement and curiousity in our kids eyes.
Here is what life in our house was like the night before Christmas at 11pm.
12.24.2007
Christmas Eve
After Mema & Papka Goobs headed home we got busy. First, cookie dough for Santa's cookies, then naps and snack. Then we got all dressed up and attending Christmas Eve service for the first time in like 6 years. Seriously, it is crazy!
We had the joy of listening to the Three Wisemen play in concert at our church. One of my favorite singers is Timothy James Meany. It was beautiful and funny!
I snapped this picture of the kids before they got all undressed. Look at the way Liam and Reilly are watching over Natalie. She is one lucky girl!
It is 9:11pm the kids are all nestled in their beds and I am ready to get the ball rolling. My favorite part about the entire hyped up Santa Clause thing is the look on my childrens faces when they see presents under the tree and the memories it brings to read the Christmas Story.
We try so hard to make sure they understand Christmas is not just about Santa Clause and gifts, but about something so much more special. This year the boys really are beginning to understand. We are making Jesus a cake for his birthday. Liam said Jesus told him he wanted a Train cake...so a train cake it is!
I am reminded of all the fond memories I have of family and friends. I am so blessed to be loved and to love so many. May God Bless you and your families as you sleep tonight.
Love & Merry Christmas
Christmas Eve with Mema & Papka Goobs
Mema (my mom) and Papka Goobs got up really early today and drove over to spend the day with us and the kids. It was so much fun! The kids got to open presents and play all day. Natalie got a new riding toy. Liam got more Lionel track and Percy, which he was so excited about and Reilly got a dump truck with a crane. It ended up being some what nice out this afternoon and he even got to go dig in the dirt.
Jason and I got away for a little lunch date and some shopping. It was just a fun day. We were so glad they made the trip over for the day to see us. Since we are spending Christmas alone this year with just the kids it was nice to get to be with them for the day. Oh yeah, the family got walkie talkies (the real ones) and I got diamond earings...seriously they are beautiful and I pray that I do not loose them!!
May God Bless you and your family this Christmas with the gift of His salvation. It is a true blessing to know we are in His family!
12.23.2007
Cavanaugh Family Game Night
I have eagerly anticipated this day...when all the Cavanaugh's gather under one roof to hash out all life's pressing issues, discuss current politics, eat, play, and have fun together as a family.
It was another year together. I can hardly believe how grown up all the kids are getting. It was such a blessing to have us all together for the day. The Wii was the big hit amongst the kids (and the adults). Uncle Bill took everyone to "strikesville" and the LIAM-I-NATOR was on a role to "spareville". Laura and I rocked the house to "We are Family" and danced with Jack to "walking on Sunshine" oh and "KungFu Fighting". Grant, Maddie, and Uncle Mike duked it out in boxing. Grant was sweating and had to cool of in the shower (literally).
Pop-Pop relaxed on the couch and played games with the kids. Nana and her bummed out knee relaxed as well...we got her to even bowl. Jason broke out the guitar for a little Christmas music with the kids. Uncle Icky and his broken ankle hobbled around. It was the year of the injured!
Nathan and Natalie had fun together climbing and wrestling. They got along so good.
These are the true meanings of Christmas...gathered together as a family. Loving one another and spending time together. It is a true blessing!
We can not wait till next year when Eric & Jodi have another addition that makes grand baby #8. Yikes!
Merry Christmas.
P.S. Notice all the pictures with me in them...I just had to be in some pictures this year even if it meant me taking them. Ha! Ha!
Oh Santa I am so tired...please come soon.
After a long day of waiting to visit Santa at the "coffee shop dat is shaped like a square" Reilly was a pooped out reindeer. I took this picture upon our return home. The drive was 8 minutes. I guess we are ALL tired this time of year.
I will treasure this photo!
12.16.2007
We have an Elk, now what?
I found myself last night at about 9:50pm all ready to snuggle in to bed. Liam was finally asleep and I was just turning in for the night when Jason arrived (my Elk hunting hubby). I decided I would wait for him to come in and here about his trip.
WOW what was I thinking? Really I did not sign up for what was to come. As I watched Jason do all that he needed to get the Elk ready I thought to myself "Jessica you are eating your words from earlier". Yes, I am proud, but when I had to actually be involved in the process of "preparing" the Elk I think I wanted to scream. At first I was furious. Then I decided to take the high road. Jason has to get up early to work at church and he "needs" my help. Knowing that I was helping someone in "need" just made what I had to do all better (at least my mind felt better and my stomach).
I will not describe what I had to do with that Elk, nor did I take pictures for the sake of saving you from...well hurling! Just think lots of blood and red meat.
It gets better though...After we hung the Elk in the garage with care and washed all the back strap and tenderloins down with a bucket of Apple Cider Vinegar my hands were stinging from the cuts drenched in vinegar. I washed up and was ready to call it a night. Oh no...we were out of Food Saver bags for vacuum packing it all. Jason was busy finishing some other things I will not mention and gave me the old sigh "I guess you can go to bed". Pack your bags we are going on a guilt trip...I fell for it hook line and sinker. So with my yellow Ducks beanie, my nightgown, grey fleece pullover, hot pink capri sweat pants, ski socks, and my Uggs I headed off to Safeway to get my man those bags. I forgot I also had my cute black Coach purse that completed the outfit. This outfit would have so gotten me on "What Not to Wear".
Mortified I entered the store with out a peep in hopes that NO ONE I knew would be there. I was just to darn tired to change and I just wanted to go to bed and be done with it all. I snicked down the isle with all the storage stuff and can you believe it, they had no Food Saver Bags. As people walked by the isle they hesitated a bit. One guy actually walked backwards stopped, rubbed his eyes and chuckled. I knew what he was laughing at and yes I was a site!
I did not want to go home empty handed so I grabbed some more freezer bags. As I walked to the check out stand I SWEAR everyone in the store got in line behind me. Then the checker had to notice my "O" hat which again made everyone look my way. Then she wanted to talk college ball with me. Geeeez lady just let me pay for my two items and get the heck out of here!
Finally the small talk was done and I walked swiftly to my car. Home at last I sat those bags down and headed off to bed at 11:58pm. As I lay in bed trying to fall asleep I prayed my husband would see "what a great wife I am". Totally selfish, but true! I know it meant a lot to my hubby and that is what matters most.
What amazes me is that Jason passes out at the site of blood when I am giving birth, but a 700lb Elk does not even seem to phase him. Interesting?
WOW what was I thinking? Really I did not sign up for what was to come. As I watched Jason do all that he needed to get the Elk ready I thought to myself "Jessica you are eating your words from earlier". Yes, I am proud, but when I had to actually be involved in the process of "preparing" the Elk I think I wanted to scream. At first I was furious. Then I decided to take the high road. Jason has to get up early to work at church and he "needs" my help. Knowing that I was helping someone in "need" just made what I had to do all better (at least my mind felt better and my stomach).
I will not describe what I had to do with that Elk, nor did I take pictures for the sake of saving you from...well hurling! Just think lots of blood and red meat.
It gets better though...After we hung the Elk in the garage with care and washed all the back strap and tenderloins down with a bucket of Apple Cider Vinegar my hands were stinging from the cuts drenched in vinegar. I washed up and was ready to call it a night. Oh no...we were out of Food Saver bags for vacuum packing it all. Jason was busy finishing some other things I will not mention and gave me the old sigh "I guess you can go to bed". Pack your bags we are going on a guilt trip...I fell for it hook line and sinker. So with my yellow Ducks beanie, my nightgown, grey fleece pullover, hot pink capri sweat pants, ski socks, and my Uggs I headed off to Safeway to get my man those bags. I forgot I also had my cute black Coach purse that completed the outfit. This outfit would have so gotten me on "What Not to Wear".
Mortified I entered the store with out a peep in hopes that NO ONE I knew would be there. I was just to darn tired to change and I just wanted to go to bed and be done with it all. I snicked down the isle with all the storage stuff and can you believe it, they had no Food Saver Bags. As people walked by the isle they hesitated a bit. One guy actually walked backwards stopped, rubbed his eyes and chuckled. I knew what he was laughing at and yes I was a site!
I did not want to go home empty handed so I grabbed some more freezer bags. As I walked to the check out stand I SWEAR everyone in the store got in line behind me. Then the checker had to notice my "O" hat which again made everyone look my way. Then she wanted to talk college ball with me. Geeeez lady just let me pay for my two items and get the heck out of here!
Finally the small talk was done and I walked swiftly to my car. Home at last I sat those bags down and headed off to bed at 11:58pm. As I lay in bed trying to fall asleep I prayed my husband would see "what a great wife I am". Totally selfish, but true! I know it meant a lot to my hubby and that is what matters most.
What amazes me is that Jason passes out at the site of blood when I am giving birth, but a 700lb Elk does not even seem to phase him. Interesting?
12.15.2007
He Got an Elk!
Yes, my husband is a hunter. He started about 4 1/2 years ago bow hunting and he loves it. He goes usually every year,but has yet to get an Elk until TODAY! This photo was just sent to me from his last day of hunting. He got a Cow (female Elk) this morning right after they started hunting. She is close to 700lbs Jason's friend Eric says. I guess it took them all morning to get her out of there. There is nothing like hearing your man so proud that he just provided meat for his family for the winter. A bit "pioneerish" I know, but it really is a circle of life.
I am so proud!
Snow Day
I took the kids and our friend Jacob with us up to Crystal Mt. today to play in the snow and sled. We packed a lunch and some hot cocoa and headed up. It is about a 45min drive from our house. It was a beautiful drive and sunny when we first got there. We sort of "ignored" the "no sledding at Crystal Mt." sign and found a fun place just down the Mt. The kids had so much fun! We had snow ball fights, ate lunch, drank hot cocoa and listend to "Nemo" on tape. Then we did some more sledding and made snow angels. Liam LOVES sledding and is quit the dare devil. Reilly actually like it when he sleds with me. Natalie thought the snow was fun, but she was not so happy about sledding.
All in all it was a great day. We missed daddie as he was off hunting Elk (last day of bow season). We hope he comes home with something!
Tomorrow it is church and then off to see Santa at the "Java Java" coffee house. Reilly calls it the "square room" stayed tuned for those pictures. I am sure Natalie will have a fit as she does not like Santa one bit.
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