Summertime!!

This is what last Summer looked like around here. It's come back around the bend. We are already starting the ongoing trend of swimming at Grandma & Grandpa's all weekend long. That's probably where I am right now (I set this to post ahead of time)!! I hope you are having a great weekend too.

Sacred Influence

I am reading the book Sacred Influence by Gary Thomas. This author comes highly recommended to me and we are reading this book in my small group at church. As I read, I am greatly challenged in my calling as a wife.
The last couple of chapters (6 & 7) have challenged to daily ask, "How can I help my husband today?". I don't naturally do this. I am quick to think of the many things he can help me with. I do not think of the small things I could do to help him that would make a large difference in his life. This is a good practice that I plan to continue.
I love finding a book with such a Biblical view of marriage and the roles of men and women. He does not degrade women to having "only" the role of submission. Also, he explains the role of submission in such an insightful way. On the other hand, he doesn't throw away all gender roles (like our society does).
I am thoroughly enjoying this book. I look forward to learning more about what God is calling me to in my home.

Publix Grocery Sale for 5-29-6/4

For great deals at more stores, be sure to check out the Grocery Gathering @ BeCentsable

***HOT COUPON ALERT***
There is a $5/40 coupon in the Publix ad this week. The coupon is good thru July 30th, so be sure to grab enough coupons for the next couple of months.

There is also a coupon in the Winn-Dixie paper for a $25 GC with a new or transferred prescription. You can use this coupon at Publix too. But, act quick the coupon is only good from 5/2/-6/3!!

Here are my grocery shopping deals for this week:

Old El Paso Dinner Kit (bogo @ $2.67/2)
Use $1/2 Printable
Makes them $.83 a box

Pompeian Olive Oil 16 oz (bogo @ $6.99/2)
Use 2 $1/1 printable
Makes them $2.50 a bottle

Post Cereal (bogo @ $3.79/2 - includes Pebbles 13 oz, Honey Bunches of Oats 13-18 oz or Honey-Comb 13.5-14.5 oz)
If you haven't already, you can use 2 $2/1 printable
Makes them both free plus overage

Pillsbury Moist Supreme Cake Mix (bogo @ $1.69/2)
Use 2 $.35/1 from rp 5/18
Makes them $.49 a box

Orville Popping Corn (bogo @ $2.67/2)
Use 2 $1/1 from ss 4/27
Makes them $.33 each

Blue Diamond Almonds (bogo @ $3.19/2)
Use 2 $1/1 from ss 5/18 or $1/3 from ss 3/9
Makes them $1.09 or $1.26 (when you buy 6) a piece

Bumble Bee Prime Fillet Tuna 4-pack (bogo @ $6.99/2)
Use 2 $1/1 from ss 2/3
Makes them $.62 a can

Here is another interesting deal to take note of:
Spend $20 on "Ready to Serve" ConAgra Foods and receive a $25 GC to Home Depot.
The ad is not real clear on exactly which products are participating or if this has to be all on 1 receipt. It does state that the deal is good from 5/29/08 - 6/29/08.
It also states that for details, see your store.
I will be going in tomorrow and will find out more details. According to the picture below the ad, these are the participating products I see:
Chef Boyardee (on sale 10/$10)
Crunch 'n Munch
Hunt's
Fiddle Faddle
Vienna Sausage
Peter Pan Peanut Butter
Hebrew National Beef Franks
Slim Jim
PoppyCock
Snack Pack
Reddi-Whip
Van Camp's Beans

Here are the other bogo items with no coupons:
Thomas English Muffins ($2.99/2)
Welch's Naturals Juice Drink 6-pk or 10 oz ($3.49/2)
Del Monte Fresh Cut Canned Veggies ($1.13/2)
Ken's Steak House Marinade ($2.79/2)
Quaker Cereal ($4.61/2 - includes Cap'n Crunch 20.7-22 oz, Life 21 oz, Squares 16 oz)
Pillsbury Moist Supreme Cake Mix ($1.69/2)
Mueller's Pasta ($1.39/2)
Yoo-hoo ($5.79/2)
Honey Maid Grahams ($4.09/2)
Hershey's Cookies ($3/2)
Hershey's Miniatures ($3.19/2)
Town House or Club Crackers ($3.69/2)
Kellogg's Eggo Waffles
Nestle Toll House ($3.29/2)
Simply Mashed Potatoes ($2.67/2)
Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Bars ($3.69/2)

Winn-Dixie Sales for 5/28-6/3

For great deals at more stores, be sure to check out the Grocery Gathering @ BeCentsable.

Here are my grocery shopping deals for this week:

****HOT COUPON ALERT*** The Winn-Dixie paper this week has a "Get a $25 GC with a new or transferred refillable prescription at the Winn-Dixie pharmacy". They have not had one of these coupons out in a long time. It is only good from 5/28-6/3. So, if you have a prescription to fill, now is the time to do it and get $25 in groceries for free!

Ocean Spray Cranberry Juices 64 oz, 46 oz or 4-packs (bogo @ $4.19/2)
Use 2 $1/1 from 5/11
Makes them $1.09 each

Jennie-O sweet crunchy dogs (bogo @ $5.99/2)
Use 2 $1/1 (these are reported to be hanging in stores)
Makes them $2 a box

Free Eggs when you buy any 3 participating Pillsbury products (Pillsbury Grands 6.3 oz, Cinnamon Rolls 8-17.5 oz, Pie Crust 15 oz, Crescent Rolls 8-13 oz)

Fresh Brocoli (bogo @ $2.99/2)

Dole White Mushrooms 8 oz (bogo @ $1.99/2)

3 pack Romaine Hearts (bogo @ $3.49/2)

Dole Salad Blends or Kits (bogo @ $3.99/2)

Edy's Ice Cream (bogo @ $5.89/2) - Remember, the sizes of ice cream containers are decreasing as the price is staying the same. This deal is on a 1.5 quart container as opposed to the 1.75 quart from a couple weeks ago.

Strawberries/Blueberries (bogo @ $4.99/2)

Fresh Ground Chuck ($1.48/lb. - usually $2.99/lb.)

There is a free gallon of milk deal when you buy any 4 GM cereals. None of the cereal is on sale, so that doesn't look like a good deal to me.

Biggest Loser - End of Week 11

To check out last weeks post, click here.

I was actually pleasantly surprised with the scale this week. I did not exercise 1 day and I did not eat well the whole long weekend!
Somehow, I was still able to lose 1 pound this week! Woot! Woot!

Me (154 - loss of 1 pound this week and total of 16!!)
Jess (150 - nothing this week and total of 11!!)

So, there is only 1 week left and I plan to make it a good one. It would sure be nice to be closer to 20 pounds lost than 15 by the end of this. We will see how much motivation I can muster for the home stretch!

The results will be posted next Tuesday, the 3rd. Remember, you'll get to see an "after" picture. I plan to actually go out and buy a new outfit (or go through some "pre-fat" clothes) and find something nice. I am also going to get a hair cut (sorry honey).

Steven Curtis Chapman - This Family Needs Our Prayers

I came across a site from another blog and thought it was worth sharing. This is a blog set up in memory of Maria. I'm sure you have all heard of this terrible accident that happened last night in the Chapman family. If not read the whole story here.
I cannot imagine what this family is going through right now.
They have been such a shining example in the Christian community and given so much. Now it is time for us to give back. The greatest gift they could have right now is prayers being lifted up for them all around the world. Please take a moment to stop today and pray for this hurting family.

David Cook - Season 7 American Idol!

I know I haven't shared my obsession with American Idol much here, but I just couldn't resist after last night.
It looked like such a clear cut case to so many that Archuleta was going to walk away with the title. But, to the surprise of most, David Cook became the new American Idol with an impressive 12 million vote lead!
Did you notice that Simon had to do his little apology before the results were given? I wonder if he might have had an inside tip of the winner. Hmmm...
I think Cook would've been just fine without winning. On the other hand, I'm not sure how well Archuleta will do without AI carrying him along. Still, I think Cook was the one who deserved to win. He has been my favorite for a while now. He definitely has the whole package going on. He is good looking, can sing anything and has an attractive confidence, yet humbleness to him. I mean, really, did you see the boy cry last night?
I look forward to hearing some Cook songs on the radio. I could listen to him all day long!

Publix Deals for 5/22-5/28

For great deals at all your favorite stores, check out the Grocery Gathering @ BeCentsable.

12 Pack Pepsi Products (4/$11)
Use b4g1 coupon on front of store ad.
Makes them $2.20 a box

Bertolli Skillet Pasta & Sauce (bogo @ $4.99/2)
Use $2.50/1 printable or $1.25/1 from rp 3/2
Makes them free or $1.25 each

Dove Ice Cream Bars or Miniatures (bogo @ $4.65/2)
Use 2 $1/1 from 5/4 rp
Makes them $1.32 a box

Uncle Ben's Country Inn Rice (bogo @ $1.39/2)
Use 2 $1/3 from rp 4/20
Makes them $.52 each (when you buy 6)

Nature Valley Granola Bars (bogo @ $2.97/2)
Use $.80/2 printable or $.50/1 ss 4/20
Makes them $1.08 or $.98 a box

Kraft or Seven Seas Dressing (bogo @ $2.97/2)
Use $.75/2 from ss 5/11
Makes them $1.11 each

Lay's Chips (bogo @ $3.79/2)

Oscar Mayer Beef Franks (bogo @ $3.59/2)

Pace Chunky Salsa (bogo @ $2.79/2)

Vlasic Sandwich Stackers (bogo @ $2.69/2)

Taco Bell Home Originals Dinner (bogo @ $2.59/2)

Kraft BBQ Sauce (bogo @ $1.49/2)

Del Monte Tomatoes (bogo @ $1.31/2)

Ghiradelli Premium Brownie Mix (bogo @ $2.79/2)

Breyer's Ice Cream (bogo @ $5.77/2)

Kraft Mayo (bogo @ $3.99/2)

Winn-Dixie Deals for 5/21-5/27

For great deals at all your favorite stores, check out the Grocery Gathering @ BeCentsable.

There is not much to speak of at Winn-Dixie this week. Here are the few deals I see:

Ball Park Meat Franks (bogo @ $2.99/2)
There is a dispenser in front of the hotdogs and Sara Lee buns for "buy 2 Ball Park items and get a free pack of Sara Lee buns".
Because both are bogo this week, you can get 2 packs of hotdogs, 2 packs of buns and scan the coupon to pay $2.99 total!!
**** Thanks Angie for the tip!**** She said that her store scanned the coupon as $3 off also instead of the $2.69, so you actually would only pay $2.69 for everything!
This may be a good enough deal to get me there this week.

Sara Lee Hot Dog or Hamburger Buns (bogo @ $2.69/2)

12 pack cokes (5/$11)
Use $1/1 peelies from recent 12 packs
Makes them $1.20 each

Breyer's Ice Cream (bogo @ $5.89/2)

Lay's Potato Chips & Planters Mixed Nuts or Cashews (bogo @ $4.99/2)

Kraft Mayo or Kraft, Good Seasons, Seven Seasons Salad Dressing or Miracle Whip (bogo @ $3.99/2)
Use $.75/2 from ss 5/11 (Kraft Salad Dressing)
Makes them $1.64 a bottle

Oscar Mayer Combo Variety Pack (bogo @ $3.99/2)
Use 2 $.55/1 from ss 5/11
Makes them $1.44 a pack

General Mills Cereal (bogo @ $3.99/2 - includes Lucky Charms, Fruity Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Reese's Puff or Cheerios)
Use $1/2 or $.55/1 from here or here or from recent inserts
Makes them $1.50 a box

Biggest Loser - End of Week 10

Well, we are getting closer and closer to the end of this contest and it was not the best week for me.
Obviously, I have learned that the exercise part is the biggest struggle for me. I have figured out how to eat healthier and less (portion control), but finding the time to exercise consistently continues to allude me.
So, here are the weigh-ins for the week:

Me (155 - none this week but a total of 15!!)
Jess (150 - 1 pound this week and total of 11!!)

If this is your first time reading the Biggest Loser, check out my previous post here.

Here is a breakdown of what I did this week:
Tuesday - 1360 calories
Wednesday - 1430 calories (upper body weights)
Thursday - 1430 calories (1 hr. cardio)
Friday - Stopped counting calories this day (we went to see Prince Caspian and then went to Johnny Rockets - I had a cheeseburger, chili fries and a coke and decided I wasn't counting Friday:)
Saturday - 1410 calories
Sunday - 1050 calories
Monday - 1200 calories

So, I only exercised 2 days and I had 1 "blow it" day for food. I still feel good with a loss of 15 pounds so far. I plan to continue working on my weight after this contest is good. I really hope to get to 140 by my cruise in September.

Interview With Publix!!

Last week I received an e-mail from someone who is writing an article for the Winter issue of Publix Family Style magazine. The article is focusing on budget-friendly ways to shop at Publix.
She came across my blog and asked if she could call to do an interview for this article. So, today at 2 p.m. I talked with her about the ways to get the best value for your buck at Publix.
These are the magazines usually at the front of the store that are free.
It was fun to be able to share what I have learned over the past few months (extreme frugality) and my lifetime (average frugality).

Making Math Fun!!

****For some reason, it looks like when you click on the links below, you will come to an error page. If you click on the address bar and hit enter again, you should be directed to the correct page. I'm not sure why it is doing that.****

Does that look like an oxymoron to you? Not to me. Well, to be honest, I LOVE math! I know, I know, I am one of those crazy people! Math was always my "easy A" subject and it is still the subject I enjoy teaching the most.
Here's the problem... I'm no fun! Really, just ask my kids. They'll tell you. I am very goal oriented and VERY left-brained.
So, this would be o.k. if I was only teaching Morgan. But, I also have Avery. She is VERY right-brained and looks at things completely different than me. I keep trying to figure out ways to make kids math fun.
I want to be better at making learning fun.
This is where my lack of creativity is an issue. It is way too much work for me to try and figure out fun and interesting ways to teach math. I just want to get it done. But, for the sake of my middle child, I have found a book that shows you exactly how to do it. This book is full of math games and is geared toward children 5-11 years old.
To learn more, Click Here!

Prince Caspian

Yes, we were one of those families yesterday. The movie "Prince Caspian" opened yesterday and I was there with my 4 kids, my parents, brother & sister-in-law and nephew for the first showing of the day. Luckily, the movie started on a Friday morning so there was only 1 other family in the theater.
My kids LOVED this movie!! We saw the first one last year . We all loved it and now own it. From the first advertisement my kids have seen of this one, they have been looking forward to it.
My parents own the entire collection of the Chronicles of Narnia and they often read the stories to their grandchildren. I remember well my dad reading these very same stories to me. I remember the imagination it ignited in us kids and the moral story it conveyed.
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe was the first movie that I saw true emotion from my kids at a movie. They cried, they clapped and cheered, it was great! They also left the theater with an understanding of the underlying message. My then 5 year old said, "that's just like when Jesus died on the cross".
The nature of the movie is very intense which was my concern with the first and second movie. My children are very sensitive to movies and have had nightmares in the past. I was actually pleased that the second was even less graphic than the first. They were very careful to show all the battle scenes but to omit most of the actual killing.
What's more, my 3 year old stayed interested and not scared for the entire 2 hours and 20 minutes! He asked me questions every scene, but that was o.k. with me. He cheered on the lead characters through each dire moment.
This is a classic story and one that is very nostalgic for me. I give it a huge 2 thumbs up!!

Child Safe Computer

I have 4 small children at home and they love to play on the computer. So far, we have about 3 web sites they are allowed to go to that I feel comfortable with. However, as they get more independent on the computer and learn how to "surf" on their own, I start to get a little nervous.
I know the internet is so full of trash and things I never want my kids to see. I have been looking for ways to make our home have a kid safe web. What I really want is to get this parental control software. As thrifty and cheap as I am, this seems well worth the money to have the peace of mind that my child will only be allowed to "kid web sites". This software monitors every single thing your child does online (which makes it great when you have older kids as well - it monitors myspace and e-mails). They also offer a complete money-back guarantee.
Have you purchased any type of kid-friendly software? If so, what do you think? If you want to check out the one I have been looking at, just Click Here!

Winn-Dixie Deals for 5/14-5/20

For great deals at all your favorite stores, check out the Grocery Gathering @ BeCentsable
**$5/40 coupon on front of sale ad!!

The best deal at Winn-Dixie this week is the "save $4 instantly at checkout" deal. The following items are 4/$10 and when you buy any 4 of them, you receive and immediate $4 off at the checkout. This makes the items 4/$6 minus coupons:

General Mills Cereal (includes Cheerios 14 oz, Honey Nut Cheerios 12.25 oz, Lucky Charms 11.5 oz, Frosted Cheerios 17.2 oz and Cookie Crisp 12.25 oz)
Use $1/2 from several different inserts or $1/2 or $1/1 printable
Makes them $.50 to $1 a box (when you buy 4)

Milk 'n Cereal Bars (includes Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Honey Nut Cheerios, Variety Pack) Fiber One Chewy Bars
Use $.60/1 printable Makes them $.90 a box

Nature Valley Granola Bars (excludes variety pack 17.8 oz and granola bites - includes crunchy, chewy, chewy trail mix, healthy heart, roasted nut, sweet and salty)
Use $.80/2 printable
Makes them $1.10 a box
Caribou Coffee Bars Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks (excludes variety pack 10.6 oz - includes Fruit Gushers, Fruit Shapes, Fruit Roll-Ups, Fruit Stackerz, Fruit by the Foot)
Use $.60/2 printable
Makes them $1.20 each

The other deal is "Receive a checkout coupon for 3 free reusable shopping bags" when you buy $10 in participating unilever products. These include:

Ragu Pasta Sauce 16-28 oz (3/$5)

Lipton/Knorr Side Dishes (10/$10)

Wishbone Salad Dressing (3/$5)

I Can't Believe It's Not Butter (3/$5)
Use $.60/2 from 3/9 rp

Lipton Family Size Tea Bags ($1.79)

Dove Body Wash (2/$10)

All Laundry Detergent ($3.99)

Snuggle Exhilarations Fabric Softener ($3.99)

Bogo Deals this week are a little slim due to the above deals. Here is what is left:

Post Cereal ($4.19/2 - includes Pebbles 11.5 to 13 oz, Honey Bunches of Oats 13 to 18 oz, Honeycomb 13.5 to 14.5 oz, Bran Flakes 16 oz, Raisin Bran 20 oz.)
Use $2/1 printable
Makes them $.10 a box

Doritos ($3.79/2)
Armour sizzle and serve sausage ($5.99/2)
Oscar Mayer Wieners ($2.99/2)
Gorton's Fish Sticks ($6.99/2)
Swanson Hungry-Man ($5.99/2)
Klondike Bars ($4.59/2)
Thomas Bagels ($3.99/2)
Chex Mix ($2.69/2)
Wise Chips ($2.69/2)

Publix Deals for 5/15-5/21

For great deals at all your favorite stores, check out the Grocery Gathering @ BeCentsable

**There is a $5/40 coupon in the Winn-Dixie paper which you can use at Publix.

12 packs of coke (4/$11)
Use Buy 4, Get 1 Free coupon on front cover of Publix ad.
Also use $1/1 peelies from recent 12 packs
Makes them $1.20 a box

Peter Pan Peanut Butter 40 oz (bogo @ $4.99/2)
I have been waiting for some good coupons for PB

Juicy Juice 64 oz (bogo @ $3.59/2)
Use 2 $1/1 printable or $.50/2 from recent insert
Makes them $.78 or $1.54 a jug

Del Monte Fruit or Fruit & Gel 4 pks. (bogo @ $2.51/2)

Quaker Chewy Granola Bars (bogo @ $2.87/2)
Use 2 $.75/2 from 5/4 ss
Makes them $1.06 a box

Aunt Jemima Syrup (bogo @ $3.59/2)
Use $1/2 from 5/4 rp
Makes them $1.29 a bottle

Lender's Bagels (bogo @ $2.03/2)
Use $.50/2 from 3/9 ss
Makes them $.76 a bag

Kellogg's Cereal (bogo @ $3.99/2 - inlcudes Frosted Flakes, Rice Krispies, Apple Jacks, Corn Pops ro Froot Loops 12.3 to 15 oz, Cocoa Krispies 17.5 or 18 oz, Cereal Straws 8.8 oz)
Use $1/1 printable
Makes them $1 a box

Other bogo deals that do NOT have coupons:

Publix Sweet Tea (2/$1.39)
Tombstone Pizza (2/$5.65)
Starkist Chunk White Tuna 7.06 oz (2/$2.99)
Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce 18 oz (2/$2.19)
Lipton Family Size Tea Bags 24 ct. (2/$2.33)
Green Giant Canned Veggies 11 to 15.25 oz (2/$1.13)
Kraft Mac n Cheese 5.5. to 7.3 oz (2/$1.29)
Lawry's Garlic Salt (2/$3.69)
Near East Rice Pilaf or Couscous (2/$2.19)
Doritos (2/$3.79)
Nabisco Single Serve Tray (2/$6.17)
Cheez-It (2/$4.09)
Nabisco Ritz Crackers (2/$3.49)
Entenmann's Little Bites (2/$3.99)
Hershey's Kisses (2/$3.19)
Popsicle Ice Pops
Chung's Gourmet Egg Rolls (2/$3.00)
Pillsbury Ready to Bake (2/$2.89)
New England Coffee (2/$5.79)
Aunt Jemima Pancakes (2/$2.37)
Kellogg's Eggo Waffles (2/$3.49)

Free Concert - Kimberly Locke

If you live in the New York area and would like 2 free tickets to a Kimberly Locke (American Idol - Season 2) concert, check out this blog. The first 20 comments will receive 2 tickets each for this concert. There are only 8 comments so far.
The concert is at 2 p.m. this Thursday, the 15th.

Biggest Loser - End of Week 9

Jessica and I were both surprised by the scale last night! Neither of us did much exercising this week and we both lost 2 pounds!! Woohoo! So, here are the weights this week:

Me (155 - loss of 2 pounds this week and total of 15!)
Jess (151 - loss of 2 pounds this week and total of 10!)

I was very pleased with the results. I did continue to count calories this week, but I only did weights 1 day and cardio 1 day. Here is a look at my calories for the week:

Tuesday - 1360
Wednesday - 1270
Thursday - 1020!!
Friday - 1200 (lower body weights)
Saturday - 1500
Sunday - Ummm... it was Mother's Day... the calories don't count
Monday - 1230 (cardio - 1 hour)

If this is your first time reading the Biggest Loser, check out my previous posts here and here.

My Publix Trip - Deals Good Thru Wednesday!

I got all this for just over $6!! Even though this wasn't a big shopping trip, it was well worth the gas.
To see how I did it, check out my post here.

My Mother's Day!

Well, I had a very relaxing and great day yesterday!
We started the day getting ready for church. One of my Mother's Day presents came during that time. See, I have one child who is notorious for crying and screaming and flinging out while she gets her hair brushed (she is 6 years old by the way). Every day it is a battle and every day I contemplate SHAVING HER HEAD!!
Well, yesterday morning, I told her that my favorite Mother's Day present from her would be silence and stillness while I fixed her hair for church. IT WORKED!! She actually stood there quietly and didn't even flinch. What she doesn't know is that now I KNOW she can do it!
Anyhow, the day went on and we went to church and the kids all made cute little things for me in their classes. The girls made me tissue paper flowers and Jordan answered questions about me to his teacher. Here are his answers:

My mommy's name is "Cassie" (oh, what a smart boy!)
My mommy is "48" years old (he doesn't know what he is talking about. Maybe he is a little slow)
My mommy's favorite food is "the chicken I don't like" (this is him making a point that he doesn't like any food I set in front of him)
My mommy's favorite thing to do is "cook" (are we sure he is talking about HIS mom :)

Then, we went to my parents and the men of the family took over. They cooked us salmon on the grill. This was especially exciting for me because we rarely buy salmon any more due to the rising costs. I LOVE salmon and this was a special treat for me. The guys were completely in charge of feeding the children, cooking and cleaning up! It was awesome.
We spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing while the kids swam and playing cards.
I hope you all had a nice Mother's Day as well. I would like to start a petition that Mother's Day come more than once a year. What do you think?

Look Up There!! - Only 5 More Days To Get $25 For FREE!!

My Self Confidence Boosters!!

Oh, I love the honesty of children. O.k., actually, not really. They will just tell you exactly what they are thinking. So, in the past couple of weeks I have had 3 instances with 3 different children involving something to do with the way I look.
You may be thinking these are good things because I have lost 13 pounds. Nope, not so much. These are those truthful statements that you never like to hear. So, here are the 3 scenarios for your reading pleasure.

1) My 3 old son was standing next to me while I was on the computer. My husband was scratching my back which exposed some of the skin on my sides (including the rolls). This is when my little angel walks over, pokes one of those rolls and says "Mommy, you're FAT!" Just that matter of factly. How nice.

2) My 6 year old has these bumps on her that are basically like warts except they are a virus and will spread if she scratches or picks at them. I am constantly telling her to leave them alone. I was doing just that the other day when she asks me for the 100th time, "Why?". I remind her (for the 100th time) that if she messes with them they will spread all over her body. She looks at me with her "I know it all" attitude and says "Well, mom, you have them all over your face!"
Yes, she was talking about acne. Just when you think you are feeling good, you get knocked down a couple noches.

3) A 3 year old friend of the family was looking at my legs and started pointing to the varicose veins by my knee. She looks up at me and says..
"Aunt Cassie, my grandma has those on her, too!"

WHAT?!! O.k., what is the deal. I guess I need to use more neutrogena face wash, continue to lose weight and get a good enough tan to cover up stretch marks and varicose veins.
Oh, those kids just say the darndest things. Haven't I heard that somewhere before?

Publix Deals for 5/8-5/14

For great deals at more stores, check out the Grocery Gathering @ BeCentsable.
Don't forget to leave a comment here and any of the participating blogs in order to register to win the $100 grand prize!!

Post Cereal (bogo @ $3.89/2 - includes Selects 13-16 oz, Raisin Bran 20 oz, Grape-Nuts 17 or 24 oz, Grape-Nuts Flakes 18 oz, LiveActive 13 oz)
Use $3/1 liveactive printable
Makes them FREE!! Plus overage of $2.11!!

There is a coupon in the Albertson's paper for Tropicana O.J. for $1.99 (limit 2). This coupon should be able to be used at Publix.

Hellmann's Mayonnaise (bogo @ $4.49/2)

GM Cereal (bogo @ $4.93/2 - includes Cheerios 18 oz, Honey Nut Cheerios 17 oz, Lucky Charms 16 oz, Cookie Crisp 15.6 oz, Reese's Peanut Butter Puffs 18 oz)
Use $.75/1 printable coupon
Makes them $1.75 a box

Smart Balance Milk (2/$6)
Use 2 $.75/1 from recent inserts
Makes them $2.25 a half gallon

Nature's Own Organic Bread (bogo @ $3.39/2)
Use 2 $.55/1 from 5/11
Makes them $1.14 a loaf

Planters Cashews or Mixed Nuts 9.25-11.5 oz (bogo @ $4.83/2)

Ruffles Potato Chips 11-12 oz (bogo @ $3.79/2)

Nabisco Honey Maid Grahams (bogo @ $4.09/2)

Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe Cake Mix 17.52-18.5 oz (bogo @ $1.89/2)

Maxwell House Ground Coffee 11-13 oz bag (bogo @ $3.59/2)
Use 2 $.75/1 printable coupon
Makes them $1 a bag

Kraft Dressing (bogo @ $3.79/2)

Mt. Olive Pickles 16-46 oz (bogo @ $2.69/2)
Use $.50/1 printable coupon
Makes them $.84 a jar

Mott's Apple Juice (bogo @ $2.89/2)
Use $1/2 printable coupon
Makes them $.94 a jug

Duncan Hines Brownie Mix (bogo @ $2.49/2)

Hunt's Tomato Ketchup (bogo @ $1.75/2)

Campbell's Chunky Soup (bogo @ $2.39/2)

I also heard a rumor that Publix will accept the $3/15 CVS coupon as a competitor. I am going to try this week and I'll let you know how it goes.

Winn-Dixie Deals for 5/7-5/14

For great deals at more stores, check out the Grocery Gathering @ BeCentsable.
Also, don't forget to leave a comment here and the other participating blogs to be entered to win the $100 grand prize!!

Although there is not much to report this week, there are a couple of deals that caught my attention. Let me know if I am missing anything.

White Mountain Bread (bogo @ $2.99/2)

Pillsbury Crescent Rolls, Golden Layers or Cinnamon Rolls (10/$10)
Use $1/2 printable
Makes them $.50 a roll

Buy any 5 of participating products (all products below) and receive $2 instantly off total at checkout -
Betty Crocker Premium Brownie Mix (2/$4)
Use $.40/1 printable
Makes them $1.60 a box

Yoplait Go-Gurt (2/$5)

General Mills Cereal (2/$4 - includes Kix 8.7 oz, Cheerios 8.9 oz, Cookie Crisp 11.25 oz, Cocoa Puffs 11.8 oz, Golden Grahams 12 oz or Fruity Cheerios)
Use $.75/1 printable
Makes them $1.25 a box

Pop-Secret Microwave Popcorn (2/$6)

Pillsbury Pancakes 16.4 oz (3/$5)

Pillsbury Toaster Strudel or Scrambles (3/$7)
Use $1/1 printable
Makes them $1.33 a box

Betty Crocker Warm Delights (3/$5)
Use $.40/1 printable
Makes them $1.26 a bowl

Betty Crocker Muffin Mix 15.2-18.2 oz (2/$4)

Betty Crocker Cookie Mix 17.5 oz pouch (3/$5)

Betty Crocker Suddenly Salad 7.5-7.75 oz (10$10)
Use $.40/1 printable
Makes them $.60 a box

Betty Crocker Fruit Shapes (4/$10 - includes Fruit by the foot 4.5 oz, Fruit Roll-Ups 5-6.6 oz, Gushers 5.4 oz)
Use $.60/2 printable coupon
Makes them $2.20 a box

GM Granola Bars (4/$10 - includes Milk 'n Cereal Bars 8 oz, Caribou Coffee Bars 7.4 oz, Fiber One Bars 7 oz, Curves Chewy Granola Bars 5.3 oz)

Strangers Can Be Sooooo Rude!

O.k., so I was grocery shopping today... with all 4 kids. Normally, this is a high-stress and loud trip. Today went particularly well. The kids were not fighting, they were not running around, they were actually being good!! I did have to tell them not to laugh so loud occasionally, but that was it.
So, there was 1 particular older man that we passed a couple times during our trip. I was almost done shopping and came by him again. This time he decided to stop me. I was ready for the "are these all yours?" or the "wow! they are being so good!" comments. Well, he had another thing coming.
It did start with "are these all yours?". I answer "yes" with that "I know, you think I'm crazy" look. Then, he continued and said...
"OH, I feel sooooo sorry for you!!"
Ummmm.... WHAT?!!! Yes, that is how he started, but it gets worse.
I tell him that I think it is a blessing to have my children and he says..
"Oh no, it's misery!" I look a little baffled, so he goes on.
"From the moment you have them in your stomach until you die, it is misery!!"
Please remember that all my children are standing right there with me.
"Someone should have told you before you got married not to have ANY children! One day, you will have one that doesn't want anything to do with you and another..." This is when I realize that he has children that hate him. I do find this sad, but I just can't get past the fact that he has the nerve to say all this to me in front of my children!
I just continue to tell him that I love my children and think they are a blessing. Apparently, he doesn't believe me and repeats most of the above conversation. All this is happening as he is looking at my 4, quite adorable and well-behaved, blessings.
I must say, this is by far the rudest comment I have EVER encountered about my children. I have had plenty of the "are those all yours?", "don't you know what causes that?", even the looks of "lady, your crazy!". But to actually voice such disgust over children truly appalled me!
As we walked away, my middle child came over to me and asked me why/what that man was talking about. I told her that he was a very, very rude man that has no idea how GREAT it is to have 4 children and I gave her a great big hug!

Biggest Loser - End of Week 8

Well, it's about time to use the excuse of my "cycle". Yes, that's right, I am at the very beginning of my cycle and I am sure that is the reason for the lack of weight loss this week. Jess is using the same excuse and we are both the same as last week.

Me (157 - same as last week and total of 13)
Jess (153 - same as last week and total of 8)

I actually wrote down all my calories for the week this time just to share with you (and to keep myself accountable). I am trying to stay between 12 and 15 hundred calories for the day. I did pretty good at that this week. The exercise was still lacking (only 3 days). I can't exactly figure out how to make exercise fit in every day. It would probably help if I went to bed earlier and woke up earlier.

Well, here are my calories for the week:

Tuesday - 1250 (cardio - 45 min.)
Wednesday - 1150
Thursday - 1200 (upper body weights)
Friday - 1230 (cardio - 1 hour)
Saturday - 1250
Sunday - 1860 (yes, I know! We had homemade lasagna for lunch and garlic bread - my willpower was lost!)
Monday - 1360

I am actually not that disappointed this week because I knew that I should have exercised better and I expected to be a little high due to the time of the month. Next week WILL BE a good one. There is only 3 more weeks until the end of the contest.

Grocery Gathering Great Giveaway!!

This week, the Grocery Gathering at BeCentsable is hosting the "GREAT GATHERING GIVEAWAY!"
They are looking for ways to improve the Grocery Gathering and they are giving away a grand prize of $100!!
It is easy to enter to win. All you need to do is leave a comment with suggestions on what you would like to see added/changed at the Gathering. Each blog (including mine - click here to see them all) that you comment on will enter you toward the grand prize. Some of the blogs are giving away smaller prizes throughout the week as well.
So, leave a comment here and then head over to Becentsable and leave some more!
The winner will be announced next Monday!

Booked Our Very First Cruise!

Well, after all the hoax and research, we finally booked a cruise for our 10th anniversary this year.  I am really looking forward to it.

We are going to the Bahamas for a 4-night cruise with Royal Caribbean.  We will be traveling September 15th - 19th.  

I know that will be hurricane season here in Florida, but I couldn't beat the rates.  We were able to book for $229/person for the 4 nights.  Trips in the middle of the Summer are around $400 for the same ship, line and destination.

Also, with such a great rate, we are going to be able to do some of the excursions. We have been given some great advice about which excursions are worth the money and which are not.  If you have been to the Bahamas before and want to share, we would love all the insider info we can get.

Even if the weather is terrible and it rains the whole time, we are going to have 5 days together with no children!!  We love our children immensely but we were only married 6 months before we found out we were pregnant with our 1st.  Needless to say, we didn't have much "couple time" at the beginning of our marriage.  We have managed a couple nights away here and there over the years, but this will definitely be a needed vacation for just the two of us.  

Exercise For Me... Game For Them

I LOVE my DDR!! We got a Playstation 2 a couple months ago. The sole purpose of this purchase was for me to be able to get some exercise at home. I had played DDR (Dance, Dance, Revolution) at another home and decided that this was the kind of exercise I could get behind. It has the fun, competition and butt-kicking aerobic exercise I needed.
My kids have joined the fun as well. They love to play along with me and it has really taught them how to have better rhythm.
Considering this is the ONLY time they get to play a video game, they think it is the best!

Here are Sydney and Jordan getting ready for their song to start

Busting a move

It takes concentration...
And fun!!

Juno - A Movie Review

Because I don't think I could write a review I agree with more, head over to Dearest Jessica before you run out to see this highly acclaimed movie.

Publix Deals for 5/1-5/7

For great deals at more stores, be sure to check out The Grocery Gathering @ BeCentsable

I'm waiting for one of those GREAT weeks again at Publix. This is not it, but there are a couple good deals out there.
There is a $5/50 coupon in the Albertson's paper this week. My Publix takes competitor coupons and I will use it there.

Uncle Ben's Original Rice (bogo @ 2/$5.79)
Use $1/2 printable
Makes them $2.39 a bag

Old El Paso Dinner Kit (bogo @ $2/$2.67)
Use 2 $.55/1 printable
Makes them $.78 a box

Old El Paso Salsa (bogo @ 2/$2.49)
Use same coupon as above
Makes them $.69 a jar

Post Cereal - including Pebbles 13 oz, Honey Bunches of Oats 13 to 18 oz, Honey-Comb 13.5 to 14.5 oz (bogo @ 2/$3.69)
Use $2/Honey Bunches of Oats printable
Makes them free plus overage

Ground Chuck ($1.99/lb.)

Del Monte Canned Veggies (bogo @ 2/$1.13)
Use $1/12 from rp 3/9
Makes them $.48 a can (when you buy 12)

Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Bar (bogo @ 2/$3.69)

Lipton Sides (bogo @ 2/$1.55)

Tostitos (bogo @ 2/$2.69)

Azteca Flour Tortillas (bogo @ 2/$1.29)

Winn-Dixie Deals for 4/30-5/6

For great deals at more stores, check out the Grocery Gathering @ BeCentsable.

I am a little sad that great Winn-Dixie deal is over. All good things must come to end. So, here are the deals for this week:

Old El Paso Taco Shells (10/$10)
Use $.55 printable
Makes them $.45 each

Pompeian Extra Virgin Olive Oil (bogo @ 2/$11.99)
Use 2 $1/1 printable
Makes them $5 each

Ronzoni Pasta 16 oz. (bogo @ 2/$1.59)
Use $1/1 from ss 2/17
Makes them free plus overage

Quaker Chewy Granola Bars (bogo @ 2/$3.39)
Use $1/1 from rp 3/9
Makes them $.69 a box

Dole Salad Kits (bogo @ 2/$3.99)
Use $.50/1 from ss 3/9
Makes them $1.50 a bag

Dole White Mushrooms 8 oz. ($1.29)

Florida Sweet Corn (8/$2)

Several bogo produce items include:
Cantaloupe (2/$2.99), strawberries 1 lb. (2/$4.99), blueberries 4.4 oz (2/$3.99) and blackberries 1/2 pint (2/$3.99)

Edy's Ice Cream (bogo @ 2/$5.89)

Kraft Chunk or Shredded Cheese 16 oz (bogo @ 2/$5.79)

Lay's Potato Chips (bogo @ 2/$3.79)

Ocean Spray Cocktails (bogo @ 2/$3.99)

Oscar Mayer Bologna (bogo @ 2/$2.99)

Oscar Mayer Lunch Meat (bogo @ 2/$4.29)