Fall With Friends

Last week, Brooke and Jess planned a Fall party at the park. We had a fun time painting pumpkins, playing on the playground, having lunch and just chillin' in the great weather with our friends. Thanks girls for a great day!!

This tree was a popular spot and perfect for climbing

Here is my Morgan "in the hood"

Sweet SydneyEveryone painted their very own pumpkin. Here is Sydney working on hers.Morgan getting into the artistic spiritJordan made his pumpkin completely blueNo surprise that Avery took the longest and actually cared about what hers looked like.

Publix Deals and Coupons for 10/30-11/5

Publix will allow you to use 1 manufacturer AND 1 store coupon (this includes competitor store coupons) on every item you buy.

When an item is 3/$5 or such, you don't have to buy 3 to get the sale price.

Remember, you can use 2 coupons on BOGO items!!
Sunday Paper Insert Code:
SS - Smart Source
RP - Red Plum
GM - General Mills
P&G - Proctor & Gamble
KL - Kellogg's
V - Vlassis

If you want multiple coupons of bogo items for this week, be sure to order your coupons today from

Reese's PB Cups Jumbo Bag/Miniautres or Kit Kat Wafers or Hershey's Milk Chocolate, Snack Size Treats (bogo @ $5.59/2)
Use $1/3 from SS 9/28
Makes them $2.47 a bag

Nestle Fun Size Bars (bogo @ $4.99/2)
Use $1/3 from SS 10/12
Makes them $2.17 a bag

Uncle Ben's Country Inn Rice (bogo @ $1.59/2)
Use $1/2 printable or $1/2 from RP 8/24 or bogo printable (makes both free)
Makes them $0 - $.30 a box!!

Eight O'Clock Coffee (bogo @ $5.23/2)
Use 2 $1/1 printable
Makes them $1.61 a bag

Luzianne Tea Bags (bogo @ $2.19/2)
Use 2 $.60/1 from SS 6/29
Makes them $.50 a box

Nestle Hot Cocoa Mix (bogo @ $1.99/2)
Use 2 $.75/1 printable
Makes them $.25 a box!!

Pop-Secret Popcorn (bogo @ $4.51/2)
Use $.50/2 from GM 10/5
Makes them $2 a box

Keebler Town House or Club Crackers (bogo @ $3.89/2)
Use $1/2 from RP 11/2
Makes them $1.45 a box

Keebler Fudge Shoppe Cookies (bogo @ $3.39/2)
Use $.55/2 from RP 9/28
Makes them $1.42 a box

Ghirardelli Chocolate Squares (2/$5)
Use $1/2 from SS 9/21
Makes them $2 a bag

Arnold Bread (bogo @ $3.69/2)
Use 2 $.55/1 from SS 10/5 or 10/12
Makes them $1.15 a loaf

Emerald Nuts (bogo @ $5.79/2)
Use 2 $1/1 from SS 8/17
Makes them $1.90 a canister

Dannon Yogurt (20/$10)
Use $.50/6 from SS 8/17
Makes them $.41 a cup

Olivio Oil Spread (bogo @ $2.59/2)
Use $1/2 from SS 9/21
Makes them $.80 a piece

Stouffer's Entree (4/$10)
Use $1/1 from RP 9/14
Makes them $1.50 a box

Totino Pizza Rolls (bogo @ $4.33/2)
Use 2 $.35/1 from GM 8/10 or 9/7 or 10/5
Makes them $1.80 a box

Ore-Ida Steam n' Mash Potatoes (bogo @ $3.99/2)
Use $1/1 from SS 9/21 and $1/1 Publix coupon from recent magazine (I can't remember which one)
Makes them free (with $.01 overage)!!!

Publix Milk ($3.59/gallon)

Publix Eggs ($1.39/dozen)

More BOGO items with NO coupons:
Lay's Chips ($3.79/2)
Barilla Pasta Sauce ($2.75/2)
Crystal Light On the Go ($4.85/2)
Monster Energy Drink ($7.99/2)
Publix Chocolate Milk ($2.69/2 half-gallons)

Winn-Dixie Store Sale Ad and Coupons for 10/29-11/4

Chef Boyardee (10/$10)
Use $.35/3 from SS 10/19
Makes them $.89 a can

Kellogg's Cereal (bogo @ $4.79/2 - includes Apple Jacks, Froot Loops, Corn Pops, Frosted Flakes)
Use $1/1 printable
Makes them $1.40 a box

Progresso Soup (bogo @ $2.50/2)
Use 2 $1.10/1 printable or $1/3 printable
Makes them $.15 - $.92 a can

Crisco Olive Oil (bogo @ $6.19/2)
Use 2 $.75/1 from RP 8/10 or 10/19
Makes them $2.35 a bottle

Hunt's Tomatoes (10/$10)
Use $1/2 printable
Makes them $.50 a can

Bogo Deals with NO coupons:
Edy's Ice Cream ($5.89/2)
Doritos or Planters Mixed Nuts ($4.79/2)
Cheez-It Crackers ($4.19/2)
Mama Rosa's Mini Pizza's ($3.99/2)
Mama Lucia Meatballs ($7.59/2)
Kraft Mac 'n Cheese ($1.29/2)
Bull's Eye or A.1. ($4.19/2)
Kraft BBQ ($1.59/2)
Healthy Choice Soup ($2/2)

Spooktacular

Do you live in Florida and are looking for a fun and safe way to celebrate Halloween with your kids? We have season passes to Sea World (the cheapest theme park tickets in Orlando) and they are having their Spooktacular event going on right now.
One of the things I love about their Halloween event is that it is not scary or gory. I also love that the event starts during the day(11 a.m.). I don't have to drag my kids out there past their bed time and load them up on candy. Speaking of candy, they do have several trick-or-treat sections. What I like here is that it is NOT all candy. They have lots of other items they give out that I would much rather my kids come home with.
They encourage the kids to come dressed up in non-scary costumes. How often do you get to go out to a theme park in costume?
There is only one day left to join in on the fun. This Friday from 11 a.m. - closing time will be the last day of the event. This is a great alternative to staying at home passing out candy or wandering the neighborhood at night.
By the way, one of the reasons we have season passes here is that you only have to pay for a 1-day pass and it will get you back in the park for the rest of the calendar year. I think they are a great park for a family and I highly recommend Sea World over any other theme park in Orlando.
To see all the details on Spooktacular, click here.

Switching Rooms

This weekend, my husband and I made a big change in our home. We decided to have the oldest and 2nd girl switch rooms. There are a number of reasons for this decision:

1) The oldest (Morgan), has had the privilege of having her own room for over 3 years now.
-She has decided that she doesn't want any kids playing in her room because she doesn't want it to get messy.
-She was told when she first got this room that it would double as the guest room anytime someone came to stay with us. At first, she was fine with this. But, recently, I have noticed a rotten attitude everytime I tell her that she has to give up her room.
-She plays in her sister's room all the time. Yet, she never thinks she should have to help with the cleaning because it's not her room.
-She has many things that are "hers" and not many things that are "ours".

2) The 2nd (Avery), has been sharing a room with Sydney for most of her life.
-She has never had the responsibility of cleaning a room all by herself with no help.
-She has been fighting non-stop (and I mean non-stop) with Sydney for the last couple of weeks.
-She takes for granted having someone in the room anytime she gets scared.
-She is used to sharing everything, but doesn't take ownership for anything.

Last week was just the last straw for me. I kept hearing fighting and biting words every 5 minutes overflowing from the shared room. I was an all day conversation monitor and I was exhausted. I also couldn't seem to keep that room clean for the life of me. Neither one of them EVER were the ones who made the mess and neither one of them have the attention span of more than 30 seconds. I felt like I was watching 2 two year olds.
So, right now the lessons are being learned by Morgan and Avery. Soon, Sydney will have a turn in the room alone. I am hoping that this will give both of them a little perspective and a more grateful attitude.
I know this is not going to be the magic wand of happiness waved in my home. But, I sure am hoping for a little assistance in my battle for harmony.

Publix Grocery Store Deals and Coupons for 10/23-10/29

***HOT COUPON ALERT*** There continues to be $10/40 Whole Foods coupons in my Wednesday and Friday papers. Always check the food section and Friday calendar. These can be used at Publix and they are great coupons!

Publix will allow you to use 1 manufacturer AND 1 store coupon (this includes competitor store coupons) on every item you buy.

When an item is 3/$5 or such, you don't have to buy 3 to get the sale price.

Remember, you can use 2 coupons on BOGO items!!
Sunday Paper Insert Code:
SS - Smart Source
RP - Red Plum
GM - General Mills
P&G - Proctor & Gamble
KL - Kellogg's
V - Vlassis

If you want multiple coupons of bogo items for this week, be sure to order your coupons today from


M&M's Candies (bogo @ $5.49/2)
Use $1/2 from SS 10/12
Makes them $2.25 a bag (I don't usually post candy deals from Publix, but I know that this is the week before Halloween, so...)

Hershey's Candy Bars (bogo @ $4.29/2)
Use $1/3 from SS 9/28
Makes them $1.80 a bag

Ocean Spray Juice or Cranergy (bogo @ $3.99/2)
Use 2 $.50/1 from recent tearpads
Makes them $1.50 a bottle

Juicy Juice (bogo @ $3.59/2)
Use 2 $1/1 printable or $1/2 from recent insert or $.50/2 from RP 8/3
Makes them $.77 - $1.54 a bottle

GM Cereal (bogo @ $3.99/2 - includes Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Lucky Charms, Reese's Puffs, Cookie Crisp, Golden Grahams)
Use 2 $1/1 from recent boxes of GM products or $1/3 from GM 10/5
Makes them $1 - $1.67 a box

Keebler Cookies (bogo @ $4.09/2)
Use $.55/2 from RP 9/28
Makes them $1.77 a box

Bic Soleil Razors (bogo @ $4.99/2)
Use 2 $2/1 from SS 9/14
Makes them $.50 a 4-pk

Pillsbury Ready to Bake Cookies (3/$6)
Use $.55/1 from SS 9/7 or 10/5
Makes them $1.45 a package

Publix Milk ($3.59/gallon)

Publix Eggs ($1.39/gal

Campari Tomatoes (bogo)
Child's Play Funtastic Favorites ($6.99/2)
Tombstone Pizza ($5.95/2)
Publix Salad Blend ($3.09/2)
Ken's Steakhouse Dressing ($3.29/2)
Bull's Eye BBQ Sauce ($2.09/2)
Bush's Best Homestyle Chili ($2.29/2)
Mt. Olive Sweet Relish ($2.19/2)
Del Monte Tomatoes ($1.53/2)
Betty Crocker Brownie Mix ($2.63/2)
Ritz Crackers ($1.78/2)
Edy's Ice Cream ($5.39/2)
Cole's Garlic Bread ($2.79/2)

Winn-Dixie Store Sale Ad and Coupons for 10/22-10/28

I searched the paper front to back this week and I could only find 3 deals worth posting. It is a very sad week for Winn-Dixie.

General Mills Cereal (4/$12 plus $4 off at register when you buy 4 - includes Cheerios, Honey Nut Cheerios, Lucky Charms, Frosted Cheerios and Cookie Crisp)
Use $1/2 printable AND $1/1 from recent boxes of GM products or $1/3 from recent inserts
Makes them $.50 - $1.17 a box (when you buy 4)

Campbell's Select Harvest Soup (bogo @ $2.69/2)
Use $.50/2 from SS 8/17
Makes them $1.10 a can

FREE $10 GC wtih new or transferred prescription (some other pharmacies will accept this coupon if you don't want the $10 at Winn-Dixie)

Some Great Deals to Make Grocery Shopping Even Better!

This week there are some deals that just cannot be passed up!

#1 - After I went to Publix yesterday, I picked up a handful of "New You" magazines because they had a $10 Gift Check rebate inside. The rebate is for $10 to the store you purchase any 4 participating Kellogg's products. Well, I had just bought 10 boxes of Kellogg's cereal and they are included on the list. So, not only did I get them all for free, I will be receiving $10 for them! Woot, Woot!
These were in the front of my store in the same pavilion as the sale papers. Be sure to grab some.

#2 - ***Unfortunately, this deal is no longer active!! Now, you have to have a minimum of $100 to use the $25 coupon.*** You just have to head over to Angie's blog and follow her directions on how to get a sweet deal at Ohama Steaks! I just checked out with 18 burgers, a cutlery set and a cutting board for $3.98!! That includes shipping baby! It just doesn't get any better than that.

It Is Finally Starting To Feel Like Fall!

I know some places around this great country have already had their first snow of the season, but it has been ridiculously hot around here. But, these last couple of days have been nothing but beautiful. The high has been around 80 and the low in the high 50's and low 60's. We have been sleeping with windows open and air conditioning off!!
Yesterday, we even had a picnic for lunch. I am looking forward to this playing outside every day time of year. I just LOVE it!

My Groceries for the Week

It was just another great week and I couldn't pass up showing you what I got. I had to break my order into 3 because I wanted to use those $5/25 Whole Foods coupons. I also had a rain check for those Barber Chicken bogos from last week. So, my orders looked like:
#1 Paid $11.34 and Saved $17.79 (Includes 8 boxes of Barber Chicken and 2 Vlasic Pickles)
#2 Paid $10.52 and Saved $33.95 (Includes 6 boxes of cereal, cheese, applesauce, oatmeal bars, eggs)
#3 Paid $3.99 (that's right, $3.99!!) and Saved $46.34!!! (Includes 4 boxes cereal, 4 jars of pickles, 1 grape juice, 5 applesauce, 2 butter)

So, altogether, I spent $25.85 and saved $98.08. Not bad! I got more than usual and only used half of my budget. It's gonna be a good week.

To see the deals for the week, check my post here.

Gymnastics Class

Friday was Avery's 1st class doing gymnastics. I cannot even tell you how excited she was. She was giddy and loved every moment. It really is hard to get pictures as she is practicing because I am not allowed in the gym. I could watch from upstairs through a glass wall. So, these are the best pictures I could come up with then.
Here is Avery stretching (on top of someone else by the way) and her cousin is right next to her)

Afterward, I asked if I could get some better pictures with the coach and she posed below.Avery did great! In fact, she started at Level II and she was the best one in her group on floor exercises (thanks to aunt Jaime!!). Her coach said she will probably move to Level III in a couple of weeks (depending on how she does with the bars and beam).
I was so proud of her! It was so fun to see my little girl with so much confidence and doing so well. With her being the "middle child", she struggles to find something that she can call her own and do better than either of her sisters. Well, she has definitely found her niche.
I look forward to seeing how this experience strengthens her and teaches her discipline and teamwork.

I Will Clean My Room

Figuring out a way to get my kids to clean their room on a consistent basis is always a challenge. I have tried threatening, throwing away toys, yelling, guilt, etc... You name it, I've tried it. Somehow though, the room becomes a disaster area every day.
I know that part of the problem is my lack of consistency. But, I really only have this issue with my 2 middle children. They share a room. I think they have used this fact to justify that the mess is completely the fault of their sister. So, neither of them take responsibility.
Well, we had another day of this ongoing battle. I decided to try something a little different. The cleaning of the room was itching it's way right through school time. So, I decided to combine the 2. After a couple of reminders to the girls and little to no work done, I had them come out to the kitchen table.
To the 8 year old, I gave a piece of wide-ruled paper and told her she had to fill it from top to bottom with reasons why they needed to clean their room and everything that should be cleaned in their room.
Then, I handed a piece of paper to the 6 year old and told her she had to write "I will clean my room" on every line from top to bottom.
They both were unhappy about this punishment. But, they made it through. Near the end, they were both complaining about their hands hurting. I told them that it was part of their consequences.
When they were done, I sent them back to the room to clean. I told them that if I didn't see them cleaning without distraction (the common excuse), they would come back and write the entire paper again.
They started to clean, but Sydney (that stubborn little thing) decided to give me some lip and argue with me. So, I allowed Avery to leave the room and Sydney to clean by herself. When I came back to check on her and she was in the living room playing with a messy room behind her, she went back to the table.
This time, she was VERY unhappy. She cried and complained the whole way through the paper. By line 6, she was begging to go clean her room. Hmmm... interesting. I told her that she had to write it 3 more times with no crying and then I would "let" her clean her room. It was strange to be saying such a thing. But, it worked.
She left and cleaned until it was all clean.
Now, I'm not saying this is going to work long term, but it sure has been helpful the last couple of days.

Publix Grocery Store Deals and Coupons for 10/16-10/22

HOT COUPON ALERT!! There is a $5/25 purchase Whole Foods printable coupon out for this week. You can use this coupon at Publix as well. Click above to print a sheet of 4! You do have to create an account if you haven't already.

Publix will allow you to use 1 manufacturer AND 1 store coupon (this includes competitor store coupons) on every item you buy.

Remember, you can use 2 coupons on BOGO items!!
Sunday Paper Insert Code:
SS - Smart Source
RP - Red Plum
GM - General Mills
P&G - Proctor & Gamble
KL - Kellogg's
V - Vlassis

If you want multiple coupons of bogo items for this week, be sure to order your coupons today from


Kellogg's Cereal ($4.09/2 - includes Mini-Wheats varieties)
Use $1/1 printable and $1/1 printable Food Lion (combine the 2 for great savings!!)
Makes them $.04 a box!!

Kellogg's Cereal ($4.39/2 - includes Frosted Flakes, Corn Pops, Apple Jacks, Froot Loops)
Use $1/1 printable or $1/2 here and $1/1 printable Food Lion (combine the 2 for great savings!!)
Makes them $.20 a box!!

Fast Fixin' Chicken (bogo @ $5.99/2)
Use 2 $1/1 printable (if you haven't signed up before, you should be able to print at least 5!)
Makes them $2 a bag

Campbell's Select Soup (bogo @ $2.45/2)
Use $.50/2 from SS 8/17 or 9/14
Makes them $.97 a can

Welch's Juice (2/$5)
Use 2 $1/1 from SS 10/5
Makes them $1.50 a bottle

Starkist Gourmet 4-pk (bogo @ $7.21/2)
Use 2 $1/1 from RP 9/7 or 10/12
Makes them $2.60 a 4-pk

Celestial Seasonings Tea (bogo @ $3.49/2)
Use 2 $1/1 from SS 10/5
Makes them $.75 a box

Vlasic Pickles (bogo @ $2.79/2)
Use 2 $1/1 printable
Makes them $.40 a jar

Hamburger/Chicken/Tuna Helper (bogo @ $1.99/2)
Use $.75/3 from GM 10/5
Makes them $.90 a box (when you buy 6)

GM Chex Mix (bogo @ $2.99/2)
Use 2 $.50/1 from GM 9/7
Makes them $1 a bag

Smart Balance Butter Blend (bogo @ $3.59/2)
Use 2 $1/1 from RP 9/7
Makes them $.77 a box

Farm Rich French Toast Sticks (bogo @ $3.29/2)
Use 2 $.75/1 printable
Makes them $.90 a box

Quaker Oatmeal To Go (bogo @ $3.29/2)
Use 2 $.55/1 from RP 9/7
Makes them $1.10 a box

Publix Milk ($3.59/gallon)

Publix Eggs ($1.39/dozen)

Yoplait Yogurt (20/$10)
Use $.40/6 from GM 9/7
Makes them $.43 a cup

Fresh Express Salad (bogo)
Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce ($2.29/2)
Mott's Apple Juice ($3.15/2)
Quaker Natural Granola ($5.29/2)
Blue Diamond Almonds ($3.19/2)
OM Bacon ($4.78/2)
Lender's Bagels ($2.15/2)
Simply Potatoes ($2.57/2)
Mrs. Paul's Fish ($4.49/2)
Celeste Pizza ($1.75/2)

Winn-Dixie Store Sale Ad and Coupons for 10/15-10/21

Remember, you can use 2 coupons on BOGO items!!
Sunday Paper Insert Code:
SS - Smart Source
RP - Red Plum
GM - General Mills
P&G - Proctor & Gamble
KL - Kellogg's
V - Vlassis

Breyers Ice Cream (bogo @ $5.99/2)
Use $1/2 from RP 10/5
Makes them $2.50 a carton

Barber Chicken (bogo @ $5.69/2)
Use 2 $1/1 from SS 9/7
Makes them $1.85 a box

Welch's Juice (bogo @ $4.79/2)
Use s $1/1 from SS 10/5
Makes them $1.40 a bottle

Gorton Fish Sticks (bogo @ $6.99/2)
Use $.75/2 printable
Makes them $3.12 a box

Pepperidge Farm Garlic Bread (bogo @ $2.69/2)
Use 2 $.55/1 from SS 10/5
Makes them $.77 a package

Arnold Bread (bogo @ $2.79/2)
Use 2 $.55/1 from SS 10/5
Makes them $.85 a loaf

Orville Popcorn (bogo @ $4.79/2)
Use 2 $.40/1 from SS 10/12
Make them $2 a box

Planters Peanuts ($2.99/2)
Thomas English Muffins ($2.99/2)
Post Cereal ($4.59/2)
Hormel Chili ($1.67/2)

Happy Birthday Avery!!

As is our tradition, Avery got to choose her birthday meals and we had a menu of:
Breakfast - Pancakes, eggs, bacon
Lunch - McDonald's (the one time a year she gets a kid's meal)
Dinner - Homemade Pizza (from scratch)

So, we started the day at grandma and grandpa's for breakfast. Then, I headed to the park with the kids. It was an impromptu trip. But, I am glad I brought my camera. I got lots of great shots of the kids. Here are just a few:
We fed the ducks, played on the playground and just had a fun time. Then, we headed back to pick up grandpa and met grandma and daddy for lunch.
After that, we headed back to grandma and grandpa's and the kids got the day off from school and went swimming while I started on dinner and cake.
Avery is so excited about this birthday. She decided to ask for $ to go towards the beginning of gymnastics class. We talked to all of our kids about this idea. We knew we couldn't afford to put 4 children into 4 different activities. So, we gave them the option of asking for cash to set up a fund toward whatever activity they choose.
I knew this was going to be a piece of cake decision for Avery. She LOVES gymnastics and has been wanting to be in a class for a while now. Once we decided to go with the birthday/Christmas money idea, she could hardly contain her excitement.
I am actually excited for her too. I think she has such a natural talent and has been learning from her aunt Jaime for several years now. So, be on the look out for her "1st gymnastics class" post.

The only other thing she has been asking for is a telescope. She has been asking for this for at least 6 months. She was pretty sure that she wasn't going to get it. She even asked God to help her stop asking for one during her bed time prayers one night. Little did she know that mommy saw one on sale at CVS last month.To go along with this theme, she asked for a space cake. With the help of some friends, this is what I came up with:
Yes, we ended the day at (you guessed it) grandma and grandpa's for birthday dinner/family party. She ended up with her 1st month of gymnastics and registration fee completely paid for by the end of the night! We had a great time celebrating with family.

Avery,

You are such a fun personality in our home. You keep things exciting and different. You are the only one of our kids that truly seems to be a home body. You actually miss daddy and me when we are gone. You also love spending time with just our family or having a date with mommy or daddy. You are our big time love bug and could cuddle all day long. I love to watch the way God has imprinted Himself on you. He has given you such a sensitive and caring spirit.
You also are our in-home acrobat. You don't know how to pick up anything off the ground without going to the ground in a hand stand or cartwheel.
You keep me guessing all time. You make school an interesting time. I constantly am spotting you distracted by whatever is out the window at the moment or by the grain of your desk. You make me laugh and I love ya!!
I am so looking forward to seeing how your relationship with the Lord is strengthened this year. You have already shown a heart that is turned toward Him.

I Love you!!
Mom

Kung Fu Jordan

Jordan loves this little Karate dress-up outfit. His sister had the bright idea of making him look like a "real" karate man. He was all for it. So, they used their dress-up princess make up (don't tell daddy) and drew a mustache, beard and some kind of strange eyebrows. Oh, and the hair dew is courtesy of Avery.
I don't know why this looks like a karate person, but it does to him. I love how serious he looks about it.

The Bird Whisperer

Well, the story begins with a back porch. We have a screened-in porch that needs a little fixing up. In fact the door has the screen mostly torn out. Because of this, we rarely even go out there. It kinda defeats the purpose of having a screen if there is a gaping hole where all the critters you are tying to keep out, come in.
Normally, this includes the 100 lizards a day and the occasional wasp, dragonfly or other flying insect. We have even been graced by the presence of a snake. Do you see why I don't go out there?
Anyway, on Thursday morning, my youngest daughter called me to see that a small bird was stuck inside the porch. It had found it's way in, but couldn't find the way out. It kept flying around and hitting the screen. I wasn't sure how to help the little guy and I still had to get ready for the day.
Avery then asked if she could go out on the back porch with it. I replied, "Uh, NO!". Then, I went to take a shower and get ready for the day. I am sure you can see where this is going. The temptation was just too great. After I got out of the shower, I called down to make sure the kids were all ready to go. I heard them talking and running back in the house to shut the door.
So, down the stairs I go to see 1 very guilty looking face. I asked her what she had been doing and she told me she was on the back porch with the bird. I told her the reason I said no was because some birds will attack you if they feel threatened. She explained to me that the bird just kept flying away from her. In case you are wondering, she is my child that doesn't believe most of what I say until she feels the effects of it for herself.
Well, I know I should have punished her, but for some odd reason I didn't. In fact, I did just the opposite. I was thinking that the bird was still out there and it needed to get free. So, I let her go right back out to where I had first said no. I know this is terrible in the consistency realm, but now you know I give in sometimes.
I told her to slowly and carefully walk to the bird and slowly put her hands around it and try to pick it up to let it go out the door. The first attempt was a little shaky and it flittered out of her hands. Try 2 worked like a charm though. She got the bird and brought it over to the door and held her hand out.

This is where things got a little strange. It didn't fly away! For some odd reason, it just sat there on her hand. So, I told her to freeze and I ran to grab the camera.It sat there long enough for me to run to the camera, come back and take 3 pictures.
Then, Sydney asked for a turn to hold it. When they tried to pass it over, little birdie flew away.
So, I guess the moral of this story is: If you can sneak in and do what your mom told you not to, you might get the chance to hold a wild bird before it flies away to freedom. Aw, doesn't that just have a ring to it?

If You Go Out, Use Coupons!

Last Tuesday night, we decided to have a family night out with the kids.
First of all, I had bogo coupons for a local burger joint that we love. I had 3 coupons and there are 6 of us. Perfect! So, we headed there for dinner. Plus, I only spent $24 on groceries this week, so I didn't feel bad about going out to eat.Secondly, I have been saving some putt-putt "free game" coupons for almost a year now. I had 3 of them. Then, I got this coupon book that had bogo coupons for the same putt-putt place. Well, that allows 5 people to play for the price of 1. Then, I found out that children under 5 are free. So, all 6 of us were able to play for the price of 1.

Daddy showing his mad skills

Morgan was just as much a perfectionist here as anywhere. She was disappointed if it ever took her more shots than mommy and daddy.Avery had so much fun (other than the golf ball in her face - she always has been my accident prone child).Sydney was really getting the hang of it.Jordan insisted he could do it by himself! I gave a little help when he wasn't looking (sh, don't tell) just to move things along. This turned out to be a savings of $40 for our family! I was actually very surprised at how expensive it is to play now. It is normally $11/adult and $9/kid. Maybe it's just the frugalness speaking, but that seemed crazy to me for 1 1/2 hours of playing. But for $9 total, definitely worth it.

We had a great time and they kids are old enough that they all were able to play by themselves (most of the time). We did have that one golf ball collision to the face. But, other than that, we had a fairly smooth evening. It was great to get out with just our family for the night and do something fun. We rarely do things like that, so it is always a big deal. As we got in the car, all the kids kept talking about how much fun it was and asking if we could go back.