The Only Way to Stay Cool in Florida

ICE SKATING!!

We had 5 Free tickets to go ice skating that we have been holding on to for months. So, this last Saturday, daddy went skating with our kids, my brother and his kid and our friend with his kid. It was lots of fun. Although, I believe the dads didn't think they got the best end of that deal.
Apparently, holding a 4 year old all the way around the rink while they put all their weight on you and having 100's of zooming teenagers go by is not what they consider a ton of fun.
I don't know what they are talking about :)

Here is the motley crewAbbie figured out to atleast stand up pretty quickly. She loved it and stayed the whole time!Jordan never did exactly get the hang of it. He only lasted about 20 minutes and then he was ready to go. He said he wanted to do it again when all the ice was gone. He didn't like it being so slippery :)Holden and Morgan are old pros and love it (notice Morgan in a tank top)Sydney is getting really good. This is her 3rd time and she has figured out how to build some speed.Avery will do just about anything for her little brother, even if it means giving up some of her own skating time.

Christmas Day

I wanted to share a few pictures from our Christmas day here in sunny Florida.

The weather was a warm 82 degrees on the 25th :(

This is our kids waiting in anticipation of what they are about to open. We always start with stockings and they all get them at the same time. After that, we hand out the presents one at a time. I have to see the reaction of each kid from each present. Otherwise, it just isn't worth it.

Morgan got a new ipod shuffle for Christmas. Don't worry, this is actually a hand me down from grandpa. Plus, she has been asking for an mp3 player for years now. She was so excited!
This is Avery in her new Jonas Brothers tee. She is a big fan as you can see. She also got a bedazzler that I was able to buy on ebay from my sales! She is the most artsy of my kids and has already ruined, I mean, enhanced 2 items of clothing.This is the year of superheros in our home as well. These are my other great finds from ebay. Sydney didn't take off her Wonder Woman outfit the whole day and Jordan hasn't gone a day without wearing his Spiderman costume yet.
At grandma and grandpas, we did mostly homemade gifts for Christmas.
The girls (including me) all got homemade jewelry from Aunt Kourtney and Aunt Jessica. I liked it all enough that I am planning on borrowing my kids jewelry too.The boys got homemade blankets from Aunt Jessica with their favorite football team as the fabric. Jordan loves it and has decided he can't go to sleep without it now (Go Dawgs!)All the kids got homemade pj's from grandma and grammy (a couple not pictured here)

Publix Deals and Coupons for 12/26-12/31

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

Publix Milk ($3.49/gallon)

Kellogg's Frosted Flakes ($1.99)
Use $1/1 from RP 12/14
Makes them $.99 a box

Kraft Mac n Cheese ($.50)

White Potatoes ($1.99/5 lb. bag)

Whole Chicken ($.99/lb.)

Hillshire Farm Sausage (2/$5)
Use $1/1 from Winter Savings Mag.
Makes them $1.50 each

Ocean Spray Juice (bogo @ $3.99/2)
Use 2 $.55/1 from RP 12/7 or in-store dispensers or $1/1 printable
Makes them $1 - $1.45 a bottle

Welch's Juice (2/$6)
Use 2 $1/1 from SS 10/5
Makes them $2 a bottle

Pace Salsa (bogo @ $2.79/2)
Use $.75/2 from SS 12/14
Makes them $1.04 a bottle

Juicy Juice (2/$5)
Use 2 $1/1 printable
Makes them $1.50 a bottle

Eight O' Clock Coffee ($3.99)
Use $1/1 printable or $1/2 from in-store dispenser
Makes them $1 - $1.50 each

Kellogg's Mini Wheats (bogo @ $4.09/2)
Use 2 $1/1 from RP 12/14 or $1/1 printable AND $1 off produce wyb 2 Kellogg's cereal printable
Makes them $1.04 a box and $1 free produce!!

Knorr Sides (bogo @ $1.65/2)
Use $.75/2 from RP 10/5 or 11/16
Makes them $.45 each

Post Honey Bunches of Oats (2/$5)
Use $1/2 from CVS diabetes booklet
Makes them $2 a box

Chex Mix (bogo @ $2.73/2)
Use 2 $1/1 printable or 2 $.60/1 printable
Makes them $.36 - $.76 each

Smart Ones (50% off)
Use $1/5 printable

Seapak Seafood (bogo @ $7.59/2)
Use $1/2 from 10/5 insert or $1/1 from inside package
Makes them $2.80 - $3.30

More bogo deals with NO coupons:
Collard Greens or Turnip, Custard or Kale (bogo)
Lay's Potato Chips ($3.99/2)
Toufayan Pita Wraps ($1.99/2)
Shelled Black Eye Peas (bogo)
Dole Salads ($4.09/2)
Sweet Baby Ray BBQ ($2.29/2)
A.1. Steak Sauce ($4.31/2)
Hidden Valley Ranch ($3.71/2)
Keebler Cookies ($4.09/2)
Coke 2 lt. (bogo)
Milford Valley Breaded Chicken ($5.99/2)

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas!!

Cookie Party

The kids went to a cookie making party with a friend last week. They had a great time and made a huge mess!
They were able to make some cookies from dough and add their own embellishments. They also had pre-made cupcakes and cookies to decorate.
What a fun day with friends!!

Celebrating Hanukkah

We are trying something a little different this year. Every year, I struggle with teaching my children the true meaning of Christmas and keeping the focus away from presents and greed.

I also have been intrigued by the Jewish holidays for many years. As I read and learn about the significance and history behind the holidays, I wonder why we don't traditionally celebrate these holidays as born again Christians.

The thing I love so much about the Jewish holidays and festivals is the focus on the miracles of God and remembering the promises He made and fulfilled.

I have wanted to celebrate Passover for a couple of years now but have never gotten around to really knowing what I was supposed to do. I also was overwhelmed with the extensive ritual surrounding it. I don't want to do it all wrong, you know.

So, we decided to start with an easier (by my standards) holiday, Chanukah. We bought a menorah, researched the story, checked out some library books and went for it. Well, I already made my first mistake.

Chanukah officially started at sundown LAST night. On the American calendar, it shows starting today. But, the Hebrew calendar starts sunset the night before. Oh well. We are going to light 2 candles tonight and then we will be on track.

If you are interested in doing the same, here are some of the sites I got my research from:

Jews for Jesus
http://www.centralpc.org/docs/hanukkah.htm

Wheel of Fortune - Part III

If you don't remember my auditions for Wheel of Fortune, check back here and here.

Well, the conclusion is:

My friends, Brandi and Brittani (who are sisters), were chosen to appear on the show. They were taped last Friday and a group of us headed out to watch. We were not technically supposed to be using cameras and cell phones, but I managed to sneak a couple in.

This is the ginormous line we had to wait in to get seats
This is the stage where the contestants stoodJaime and I in our V.I.P. seats :)The Wheel of Fortune screenWe had a fun time and enjoyed watching our friends. I won't give the ending away, but you can see it too on March 12th :) Congratulations, girls!

Christmas Tree and Junk Food!!

We have a family tradition when it comes to decorating the tree and the house (passed down from Cory's family). My kids look forward to this every year and I think they enjoy this day almost as much as Christmas Day itself. What is so great about decorating the tree?! I'll tell you...
JUNK FOOD!!
This is the one day of the year where we make pigs in blankets, 2 different kinds of chip and dip and chocolate candy as our meal. I just put all this food in the middle of the table and let the kids have at it. Normally, I am very big about "eat you veggies" and "you can't have chips unless you finish your sandwich". I also normally serve them and they can't have seconds until everyone has eaten. Not on decorating day though.
In fact, I believe the kids could mostly care less about the actual decorating. As long as they get the junk food, they're happy :)
But, they did help decorate this time. This experience has actually become so much LESS stressful over the years. Now that my kids are older, I am not nearly as worried about a broken ornament or the lights being stepped on and such.
Now, they are old enough to truly be helpful. In fact, Morgan and Avery put all the lights on the bushes outside. They may not be exactly how I would have done them, but I think they look great. No, they are not half done in the picture. They are blinking lights and those ones are off during the picture.

Here is Avery hanging "her" ornament

This is another tradition. Morgan has to wrap herself in lights.

Jordan putting on "his" ornamentSydney loves helping with the lights too!

Here is the finished product! Yes, we are all wearing short sleaves and shorts. It's 80 degrees around here!!

Daddy putting the angel on top

Publix Deals and Coupons for 12/18-12/24

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


Fresh Express Salad (bogo @ $3.69/2)
Use $2/1 printable (thanks, Abby) AND/OR $1/1 from Publix Noche Buena mag AND use $2 off produce from Publix Advantage Mag.
Makes them MORE THAN FREE and FREE Produce!!


Del Monte Canned Veggies (bogo @ $1.33/2)
Use $1/4 from RP 11/16
Makes them $.41 a can

Jimmy Dean Sausage Roll (2/$5)
Use 2 $1/1 from Publix Winter Savings book
Makes them $1.50 a roll

Breakstone Sour Cream ($.99)
Use $1/1 from Publix Winter Savings
Makes it FREE!

I Can't Believe It's Not Butter (bogo @ $2.99/2)
Use 2 $.75/1 printable
Makes them $.75 each

Cool Whip (bogo)
Use 2 $.75/1 from SS 12/7
Price not listed, but should make great deal

Sara Lee Coffee Cake (bogo @ $4.99/2)
Use 2 $1/1 from Publix Winter Savings
Makes them $1.50 a box

Cole's Garlic Bread (bogo @ $2.79/2)
Sign up here for coupons
Print this form to receive a free reusable grocery bag wyb 3 cole's garlic bread

GM Cereal (bogo @ 5.13/2)
Use 2 $.75/1 printable or $1/2 from in-store peelies
Makes them $1.82 a box

Mt. Olive Pickles (bogo @ $2.89/2)
Use 2 $.50/1 or $1/1 from SS 11/2
Makes them $.45 - $.95 a jar

Bertolli Pasta Sauce (2/$4)
Use 2 $.60/1 or $.75/1 from RP 10/12
Makes them $1.25 - $1.40 each

Betty Crocker Potatoes (bogo @ $1.79/2)
Use 2 $.40/1 printable or 2 $.35/1 from SS 11/14 or 12/16
Makes them $.50 - $.55 each

Tropicana O.J. (2/$6)
Use 2 $.55/1 from Publix Thanksgiving Savings Book
Makes them $2.45 a carton

Bisquick Mix (bogo @ $3.19/2)
Use 2 $.60/1 (not sure which insert)
Makes them $1 a box

Swanson Broth (bogo @ $1.13/2)
Use $.25/4 from SS 11/9
Makes them $.50 a can

Campbells Select Harvest Soup (8/$10)
Use $.50/2 from Campbells insert 10/5
Makes them $.60 a can

Hunt's Canned Tomatoes (bogo @ $1.39/2)
Use $1/2 printable
Makes them $.20 a can

Kraft or Seven Seas Dressing (bogo @ $3.29/2)
Use $1 off produce wyb 2 kraft dressing from recent in-store peelie
Makes them $1.65 a bottle and $1 FREE produce

New York Texas Toast Croutons (bogo @ $1.49/2)
Use 2 $.55/1 from RP 11/16
Makes them $.20 a bag

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

Nabisco snack crackers (bogo @ $3.59/2)
Use $1/2 printable
Makes them $1.30 a box

Orville Popcorn (bogo @ $5.07/2)
Use 2 $1/1 printable
Makes them $1.50 a box

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

Friendship Sour Cream (2/$3)
Use $1/2 from SS 11/23
Makes them $1 each

Kellogg's Frosted Flakes ($1.99)
Use $1/1 from RP 12/14
Makes them $.99 a box

White Potatoes ($1.99/5lbs.)

Whole Chicken ($.99/lb.)

Kraft Mac n Cheese ($.50/box)

Publix Milk ($3.49/gallon)

Publix Chunk Cheese (2/$4)

Sorrento Mozzarella and Deli style Ricotta Cheese (2/$6)

Hormel Bacon (2/$5)

Florida Tangerines (10/$1)

Rondele Cheese Spread ($4.09/2)
Bird's Eye Frozen Veggies (50% off)
Stouffer's French Bread Pizza ($3.19/2)
Kraft Mayo ($4.81/2)
Betty Crocker Cake Mix ($1.95/2)
Barilla Lasagne Pasta ($1.99/2)
Betty Crocker Brownie Mix ($2.63/2)
Orbit Gum ($2.79/2)

Winn-Dixie Deals and Coupons for 12/17-12/25

Cool Whip (bogo @ $5.99/2)
Use 2 $.75/1 from SS 12/7
Makes them $2.25 a tub

Breyer's Ice Cream (bogo @ $5.99/2)
Use 2 $.50/1 from RP 10/26
Makes them $2.50 a carton

Mrs. Smith Pies (bogo @ $5.99/2)
Use $1/2 from SS 11/9
Makes them $2.50 a pie

Nabisco Snack Crackers - includes Wheat Thins, Triscuits, Ritz (bogo @ $3.49/2)
Use $1/2 printable
Makes them $1.25 a box

GM Cereal (2/$4 - includes Cheerios, Total, Cocoa Puffs, Golden Grahams, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Trix)
Use 2 $.75/1 printable
Makes them $1.25 a box

Farm Rich Pizza Slices or Mozz. Bites (bogo @ $7.99/2)
Use 2 $1/1 printable
Makes them $3 a bag

Horizon Organic Egg Nog ($3.79)
Use $1/1 printable
Makes them $2.79 a carton

Nestle Hot Cocoa (bogo @ $2.59/2)
Use 2 $.75/1 printable
Makes them $.54 a box

Lipton Tea bags (bogo @ $2.59/2)
Use $.75/2 from RP 10/5 or 11/16
Makes them $.92 a box

Ocean Spray Juice (bogo @ $4.29/2)
Use 2 $1/1 printable or $.55/1 in-store peelies
Makes them $1.15 - $1.60 a bottle

Swanson Broth (bogo @ $1.39/2)
Use $.25/4 from SS 11/9
Makes them $.64 a can

Orville Popcorn (bogo @ $3.29/2)
Use 2 $1/1 printable
Makes them $1.15 a box

M&M's (bogo @ $3.29/2)
Use $1/2 from RP 12/7
Makes them $1.15 a bag

Whole Rotisserie Chicken ($4.99)

3 lb. bag tangerines ($3.99/2)
5 lb. Russet potatoes ($4.99/2)
Doritos or Planters ($4.79/2)
Kraft Mayo, Salad Dressings or Miracle Whip ($4.69/2)
Kraft Cheese ($3.99/2)
Smithfield Bacon ($4.99/2)
Bird's Eye Veggies ($2/2)
Diner's Choice Mashed Potatoes ($3.99/2)
Thomas English Muffins ($2.99/2)
Mueller's Pasta ($1.50/2)
Manischewitz Postato pancake mix ($3.29/2)

I'm Sorry

It's a humbling experience to apologize to your children. I know, I have to do it a lot!

Today started out stressful. I have a plate full of stuff to accomplish for the day and not enough time to do it.

One of the things on my list is taking my kids to the dollar store so that they can buy Christmas presents with their own money. They have been asking to do this for a while now and I keep putting it off. So, I decided today would be the day.

So, I selflessly started looking for Christmas presents for my kids on ebay because of my recent great sales. While I was searching and searching and searching, I had given my children 1 instruction...
"Get ready for the day and clean your room." So, as my ebay buying came to a close, I heard the girls talking about the dog getting out. In case I haven't said this before, my dog makes me crazy!! If he is ever alone with the kids and has a chance to run away, he WILL! And, so he did.
So, I head down the stairs to chase down the dog (not an easy feat).

I realize as I am heading out the door that not only have my children neglected to obey either of my instructions, they also have made a complete mess of the back porch. And, the stress rises.

After some dancing with the dog, I finally catch him, beat him and head home. The entire 5 miles (hey, that's what it felt like) home, I am brewing over the facts. I am now running late to run the errands I need to run, I am furious at my stupid dog and I cannot believe my children have done nothing they were told. This is what I like to call "The Mom Perfect Storm!". Now, I know I still have the ability to control my emotions and reactions. I'm not saying losing my temper is o.k. or acceptable. I'm just saying, it was sure easy to lose it.

So, I walk in the door, throw the dog in kennel and start speaking in a loud voice. O.k., o.k., I was yelling. I was yelling things like, "Why should I do anything fun for you?" and "Do you know what I've been doing on the computer all day? Looking for presents for you!". I was mad, I was completely stressed out and my kids were crying.

I headed up to my room out of frustration and tried to cool off a little. It wasn't long before Avery was knocking on my door and apologizing through her stream of tears. I wasn't exactly ready for reconciliation, but I sure got ready quick.

I knew I had blown it and needed to ask for my own forgiveness. It really is not easy to ask your kids to forgive you. I don't like being wrong in general. But, especially not to my 9,8 and 6 year olds. So, Avery and I worked our way through everything and not long after, Sydney headed in my room with an apology note. We finished talking right about the time Morgan came in with an "I'm sorry" letter.

They each only had to apologize once. I had the great privilege of saying "I'm sorry. Will you forgive me?" 3 times. I could list the many reasons why I shouldn't have to say sorry to my kids and what they did to "make me" so mad. But, if God does nothing else with kids, he sure teaches me so much about my own sinfulness. It's a sobering experience.

I Heart Ebay!

Last week I sold 2 items on ebay. A Pampered Chef knife sold for $50 and a set of American Girl books sold for $25. I was so excited because this gave us some Christmas money to shop for the kids! Plus, I bought the 2 items for a total of only about $50-$60 brand new.
Who knew God could provide a Christmas budget through ebay!

The Economy Hits Home

Well, we have been bracing ourselves for the effects of the economy on our family. My husband works in construction management, and the job he has been working on for 1 1/2 years was supposed to continue another 2 years. Unfortunately, the project was changed and cut to end in the next couple of weeks.
Cory loves the company for which he has been working. Not only are they a company with ethics and morals, but the owners are friends of ours.
They have been looking for any more jobs for a while now, and as you might guess, nothing has come up. So, this means that Cory is in the process of looking for a new job.
Again, being in the construction industry is not the best market for job hunting right now, but we are trusting that God is going to do something great. He may not provide in exactly the way we would like Him to or in our timing. But, He will provide. We have walked this road before and have been amazed at the way He chooses to take care of us.
It's not a fun lesson of trust, or an easy one for that matter. But...
I have noticed already how God is using this experience in my life to remind me of everything we have and how spoiled I am to live in America. It also has brought me to a better understanding of how much I need my God and how lazy I have been in my relationship with Him. It's so easy to take things for granted when everything is going well and easy. We are reluctantly thankful for this opportunity to learn in the tough times as well.

Merry Christmas

I don't know if you've heard this before, but it's what gets me into the Christmas spirit :)

Publix Deals and Coupons for 12/11-12/17

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

Lipton Tea Bags (bogo @ $3.91/2)
Use $.75/2 from RP 11/16
Makes them $1.58 a box

Swiss Miss Cocoa (bogo @ $1.99/2)
Use 2 $.30/1 from SS 11/16
Makes them $.60 a box

Progresso Soup (8/$10)
Use $1/4 from SS 11/9 or $1/2 printable or $1/1 printable
Makes them $.25 - $1 a can

Juicy Juice 8-pk. (bogo @ $2.99/2)
Use $1/1 printable
Makes them $.50 a pack

GM Cereal (bogo @ $4.29/2 -includes Fiber One, Oatmeal Crisp, Total, Basic 4, Wheaties, Honey Nut Clusters, Raisin Nut Bran)
Use 2 $.75/1 printable or $1/2 from recent peelies
Makes them $1.40 - $1.65 a box

Betty Crocker Muffin Mix (bogo @ $2.59/2)
Use 2 $.45/1 printable
Makes them $.85 a box

Blue Diamond Almonds (bogo @ $3.19/2)
Use $.75/2 from SS 10/19 AND 2 $1/1 from Winter Savings book
Makes them $.22 a jar

Horizon Organic Milk (2 half-gallons/$7)
Use 2 $1/1 printable
Makes them $2.50 a carton

Gold Medal Flour ($1.99/5lbs.)
Use $1/1 printable
Makes them $.99 a bag

Shedd's Spread (bogo @ $2.37/2)
Use 2 $.35/1 from RP 10/5 or 11/16
Makes them $.83 each

Publix Milk ($3.49/gallon)

Frosted Flakes ($1.99)
Use $1/1 from RP 11/9
Makes them $.99

Batman, the Dark Night ($12.99)
Use $5/1 from Adv. Buy Flyer
Makes it $7.99!!

White Potatoes ($1.99/5 lb.)

Whole Chicken ($.99/lb.)

More bogo deals with NO coupons
Cheez-It Crackers ($4.31/2)
Duncan Hines Cake Mix ($1.99/2)
Banquet Brown 'N Serve Sausage Links ($1.89/2)
Blackberries ($2.60/2)
Publix O.J. ($3.59/2)
New England Coffee ($5.79/2)
La Famiglia DelGrosso Pasta Sauce (bogo)
Ruffles Chips ($3.99/2)
6pk Canada Dry ($3.07/2)
Hershey's Kisses ($5.59/2)
Thomas English Muffins ($2.99/2)
Kellogg's Waffles (bogo)

Winn-Dixie Deals and Coupons for 12/10-12/16

Chex Cereal (4/$10 minus $4 at checkout wyb 4 boxes)
Use $1/2 printable or $1/2 from SS 11/9 or 12/7
Makes them $1 a box

Progresso Soup (bogo @ $2.50/2)
Use $1/4 from SS 11/9 or $1/2 printable or $1.10/1 printable
Makes them $.15 - $1 a can

Pompeian Oil (bogo @ $8.49/2)
Use 2 $1/1 printable
Makes them $3.25 a bottle

Juicy Juice (bogo @ $3.49/2)
Use 2 $1/1 printable
Makes them $.75 a jug

Simply Potatoes ($2.59/2)
Post Cereal ($4.49/2 - includes Pebbles, Honey Bunches of Oats, Alpha Bits, Honeycomb, Bran Flakes, Raisin Bran)
Lender's Bagels ($3.69/2)
Betty Crocker Cake Mix or Frosting ($1.99/2)

Tree... Kids... Concussion

Yep, you read correctly. Yesterday afternoon we were spending the afternoon at my parents house. My kids have discovered a tree in their backyard that is just big enough to be climbed. They have figured out how to hang baskets and such in the tree to make it their very own club house.
I have been waiting for the day when one of them would take the first fall and get hurt. Well, yesterday was the day. I had pictured this first fall from my accident prone child, Avery. And I had pictured this fall coming from a misstep and have a short fall to scare them. Well, that's not exactly how it went down.
They have been playing in this tree long enough to build up some confidence. So, yesterday, Morgan decided to "test out" a branch by swinging on it like a monkey. The branch was over 10 feet off the ground and definitely not large enough in diameter to hold up a 9 year old.
Cory and I were inside sitting on the couch and a friend of ours just happened to be standing by the back sliding doors. He was the eye witness to this branch breaking right off. He saw Morgan hit the ground and started yelling for Cory to come out.
We both hopped off the couch and went running. Cory scooped her up and brought her to the back porch while I told the other 2 kids to get down. Morgan was crying pretty hard and my initial thought was that something was broken. I started looking her over and having her move her arms and legs to check. Then I moved the hair out of her face and noticed the huge bump on her forehead.
At the same time as we were examining Morgan, Avery was inside with my mom and was crying uncontrollably. She also had witnessed the fall and she is the most sensitive of all my children when it comes to physical pain. So, my mom stayed inside to comfort her and calm her down.
We brought Morgan in and put an ice pack on her head and checked her pupils for dilation. Her eyes looked good and she really didn't have any bumps or bruises anywhere but her forehead and nose.
So, we researched concussions online and watched her carefully. She did get nauseous and vomit a couple of times. She also was in some pain and laid on the couch with me most of the day. We called our pediatrician and gave the details. He told me what to watch for and said she would most likely recover at home.
So, she slept in our room last night so that we could wake her up during the night and such. This morning she felt 90% better. In fact, she said she felt great except for a headache. I was expecting that much. We took her to the chiropractor to make sure she didn't suffer any whiplash and she has continued to improve throughout the day.
It was a scary day, but one that could've ended much worse. Thank you, Lord, for watching over my baby!

Winn-Dixie Deals and Coupons for 12/3-12/9

Edy's Ice Cream (bogo @ $5.89/2)
Use 2 $1/1 from All You Mag
Makes them $1.95 each

GM Cereal (bogo @ $4.89/2)
Use $1/2 in-store dispensers
Makes them $1.95 a box

Beech-Nut Cereal (bogo @ $2.89/2)
Use 2 $1/1 from SS 10/26
Makes them $.45 a box

Arnold Bread (bogo @ $4.29/2)
Use 2 $.55/1 printable
Makes them $1.60 a loaf

Progresso Soup (bogo @ $2.50/2)
Use 2 $.55/1 printable
Makes them $.70 a can

Betty Crocker Brownie Mix (bogo @ $2.29/2)
Use 2 $.40/1 printable
Makes them $.75 a box

Ocean Spray (bogo @ $4.19/2)
Use 2 $1/1 printable
Makes them $1.10 a bottle

Ragu Pasta Sauce (bogo @ $3.99/2)
Use $.50/2 from RP 11/16
Makes them $1.75 a jar

Celentano Ravioli (bogo @ $3.49/2)
Use $1/2 from RP 10/5
Makes them $1.25 a bag

Green Giant Veggies 7-12 oz (bogo @ $2.19/2)
Use 2 $.65/1 printable
Makes them $.45 a box

Wish-bone Dressing (bogo @ $5.99/2)
Use $1.25/2 from RP 10/5
Makes them $2.38 a bottle

Cole's Garlic Bread (bogo @ $1.99/2)
Sign up here for money saving coupon

Chex Mix (bogo @ $2.69/2)
Use 2 $.60/1 printable
Makes them $.75 a bag

Valley Fresh Canned Chicken ($3.39/2)
Use $.55/2 from SS 10/5
Makes them $1.43 a can

Get 1 dozen eggs free WYB 4 participating Pillsbury products

Spend $30 (before coupons) and get a gallon of milk for $2.99

Lay's Potato Chips ($3.99/2)
Mott's Applesauce ($2.89/2)
Pillsbury Cake Mix ($2.29/2)
Kraft BBQ, A.1. or Bull's Eye ($4.29/2)
Hungry-Man Dinners ($5.79/2)
Lender's Bagels ($2.29/2)
Swanson Pot Pies ($1.25/2)
Hormel Chili (10/$10)
SuperPretzel ($3.29/2)
Vlasic Pickles ($3.99/2)

Publix Deals and Coupons for 12/4-12/10

Click here for the Grocery Gathering.

Mt. Olive Pickles (bogo @ $2.19/2)
Use 2 $1/1 or 2 $.50/1 or SS 11/2
Makes them $.09 - $.59 a jar

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

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

Juicy Juice (bogo @ $3.59/2)
Use 2 $1/1 printable
Makes them $.79 a bottle

College Inn Broth (bogo @ $2.79/2)
Use 2 $1/1 from Publix Winter Mag AND $1/2 from RP 2/7
Makes them more than FREE!

GM Cheerios Cereal (bogo @ $4.41/2)
Use $1/2 from in-store peelies
Makes them $1.70 a box

Idahoan Mashed Potatoes (bogo @ $1.29/2)
Use printable for free potatoes
Makes them both free!

McCormick Vanilla Extract (bogo @ $8.49/2)
Use $1/2 from RP 11/2
Makes them $3.75 a bottle

Keebler Wheatables (bogo @ $3.49/2)
Use $1/2 from RP 11/2
Makes them $1.25 each

Pop-Secret Popcorn (bogo @ $4.51/2)
Use $1/2 or $.50/2 from SS 11/9
Makes them $1.75-$2 a box

Green Giant Frozen Veggies (bogo @ $3.49/2)
Use 2 $.50/1 from SS 11/16 or $.55/1 printable
Makes them $1.20 - $1.25 a bag

Milk ($3.49/gallon)

White 5 lb. bag potatoes ($1.99)

Whole Chicken ($.99/lb.)

Kim & Scott's Gourmet Stuffed Pretzels ($4.99/2)
Organic Batter Blaster ($4.99/2)
Tam-X-ico's! Tortillas ($1.99/2)
Entenmann's Little Bites ($4.29/2)
Cape Cod Chips ($3.49/2)
Duncan Hines Brownie Mix ($2.59/2)
Pillsbury Cake Mix ($1.69/2)
Ragu Pasta Sauce ($2.67/2)
Green Giant Canned Veggies ($1.33/2)
Lindsay Olives ($2.03/2)
Tostitos Chips ($4.99/2)
Dentyne Gum ($3.29/2)
Bolthouse Farms ($3.99/2)
Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps ($3.19/2)
Ken's Steak House Dressing ($3.29/2)

Homemade Christmas

Well, this year we are doing a homemade Christmas with my family. The idea and cost of this sounds very appealing. However, the creativity involved sends me into panic mode. I have a couple of ideas for some of my family. But, I am looking for some good, cheap, homemade ideas for this Christmas.
I don't want to give trash to everyone to throw away after a week. So, I come to the blogosphere asking for help. As you give ideas, please keep in mind that I am not crafty or creative at ALL! I need something very simple and that does not involve any art ability :) Do you see why I am struggling here?
I hope you can help, because I am at a loss.

Thanksgiving in Georgia

We had a great week in Georgia. Here is a look at some of the going's on. The kids (and some adults) spent a good part of the week in the leaves pile. When the pile was first formed, it was big and tall enough for kids to be thrown in and they loved it!!Here is a picture of the work crew

We also had a great time doing crafts (courtesy of aunt Jaime), reading Thanksgiving books and, of course, baking!!And here are the ones I just couldn't leave out!

Roasting feet by the fire (it was cold for these Florida girls)

Annalise and SydneyJordanMorgan, Avery and Allison