Lil' Miss Trouble

Natalee likes doing things she's not suppose to.

She likes getting into things.

Literally.

My Weekly Deals 3/22-3/29 + March Savings

Nothing really exciting this past week. I did one last trip to Fry's yesterday and then sadly said goodbye to the mega event. Here are a few of my notable deals.


The mega event these past few weeks were great. I stocked up on Water, Pasta, Frank's Hot Sauce, Dole Fruit Crisps, Coke 2 Liters, NOS Energy Drinks, Capri Sun and Ritz to name a few things. I also got some more FREE Yakisoba, Purina Cat Food, Ibuprofen, Skittles and Starburst (for birthday party favors), and Reese Peanut Butter Eggs for me!

I went to Safeway once this past week to take advantage of their $5/$15 frozen food coupon. I picked up 3 Freschetta Pizzas, 1 Simply Lemonade and 5 Yakisoba and paid $4.31.

I have been trying to get my hands on the Wheat Thins & Triscuits that were a smokin' deal at CVS last week but only ended up with a raincheck. I did pick up 4 FREE Listerine and a raincheck for 4 more.

Walgreen's has a great deal on Edge Shaving Cream this week. They are 2/$4 plus you get a $2 RR. I used (2) .55/1 and a $2 RR to get 2 shaving cream for .90 + tax. Then I got a $2 RR so I repeated that deal 2 more times to get a total of 6 shaving creams. Walgreen's can get very confusing when it comes to RR (Register Rewards) but once you get the hang of it and "roll" your RR you can get some good deals.

Got some FREE Circo socks at Target with the $1/1 Circo Item Target coupon (online) and some cheap diaper rash cream since Natalee went through a whole tube while she was sick. :(

Lastly, we went to the Ranch Market Saturday for some fresh produce. I got 3 bananas, 2 apples, 1 pineapple, grapes, carrots, 2 yams and 1 cucumber and I spent $6.56. My girls are loving their fresh fruit and veggies!

So my totals for March are in. The following numbers include anytime I shopped at Fry's, Safeway, Albertson's, Bashas, CVS, Target and Walgreens when I used coupons along with their advertised deals.

Total Out of Pocket= $162.20
Total Coupon Savings= $484.19
Total Savings (Coupons, Bonus Coupons & Store Savings)= $1165.65

Totals so far this year-

Total Out of Pocket= $387.25
Total Coupon Savings= $1196.72
Total Savings (Coupons, Bonus Coupons & Store Savings)=  $2850.52

Fry's Freaper in Training

Natalee was practicing for the last day of the mega event at Fry's. She was so excited to get her "freap" on and rock Fry's!! Like Mother, like Daughter!

Yes she has a (pretend) hot dog in her mouth. Don't ask!

11 Months

I can hardly believe it! In just 1 month my sweet baby Natalee will be ONE! AHHHHHHH.

I would say Natalee is right around 22 lbs. She is a BIG girl. And if you ask her "how big is Natalee?" She will tell you she is soooooooo big!

Things to remember~

Wears size 3-4 diapers.

Wears mostly 12 month clothing.

Has 6 teeth.

Always on the go. Hasn't officially walked by herself but she will walk pushing a shopping cart or walk holding onto things.

Barely started saying "Dada" to go along with "Mama & Bubba" and all the other jib jabbering she does.

She is no longer nursing. This makes me so sad. Her last day was March 3rd.

Spent the first part of the month sick with double ear infections, a cough, congestion and diarrhea which resulted in the B.R.A.T. diet and a not so happy baby. (Not because of the diet but because she was sick)

Loves to dance. We laugh so hard because she moves her body back and forth and claps her hands and it's just the cutest thing.

She is into EVERYTHING! We already has cabinet latches downstairs in the kitchen but looks like we need them upstairs in both bathrooms too. Haylee is always telling me, "Mom, she's into everything!" Way worse than Haylee was. Her favorite is still Jackson's dog bowls or trying to crawl up the stairs when the gate isn't up. She is fast!

She went to the Ostrich Festival, breakfast with Aunt Roxie, and the zoo this month. She spent time with Grandma Patti while we went to Sedona and she also met her new cousin Hunter finally!

She has been sleeping 12 hours at night. She goes to bed at 8pm and has been waking up at 8am. This makes Mommy very happy! She is still taking 2 naps a day. The first nap is usually 1 1/2 hours and the second nap is around 2 hours. Same routine at nap/bedtime...lay her down with her bear bear, binkie and blanket. Turn on her night light and crib music and shut her door. She usually goes right to sleep.

She is eating table foods exclusively now. I try to give her a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables, applesauce, yogurt, bread and any type of crackers, puffs etc.

She drinks 8 oz. bottles between meals. They last few nights she has been so hungry and I've had to make her a 2nd bottle because 8 oz. isn't enough. That's why we call her pork chop!

She is a very happy baby. She loves to play with Haylee and she loves to take baths. Baths make us nervous because she constantly wants to stand up.

We are so blessed to have 2 beautiful, healthy little girls. Celebrating Natalee's 1st Birthday is gonna be bittersweet. I'm going to be so sad. I can't believe how fast this past year went by. Its crazy. Time to pack away the bottles and introduce her to "real" milk. Where did my sweet little newborn go?

(The pictures in this post are from her "photo shoot" we did Saturday for her birthday invitations)

Oak Creek

Josh and I finally made it on our Valentine's getaway. It was so wonderful for the two of us to spend quality time together and not have to worry about waking up early, changing diapers and screaming kids. We enjoyed every minute but we sure missed our little girls.

Friday night we had dinner at Javelina Cantina which has super yummy mexican food. Then we just relaxed in our room in the jacuzzi tub by the fireplace.

I have to add, the room was actually a joke. We are so use to our timeshare which also has a jacuzzi tub and fireplace but is also like 10 times bigger. The reason I chose this place was because I wanted more of a cabin type atmosphere. It worked, but we'll stick with our timeshare from now on.

Saturday we spent the day in Flagstaff. We shopped a little and enjoyed lunch/dinner at Outback along with our favorite, Wallaby Darned. Then we went to see Hall Pass. It was pretty funny, but there were a couple "not so funny" parts. :) When we left I told Josh, "sorry, but I'll never give you a hall pass." His reply, "I don't need one." Good answer baby!

Sunday we enjoyed the Coffee Pot (again) which is our favorite restaurant in Sedona. They have wonderful breakfast and mexican food too. After that we headed home, making a couple stops along the way. It was so wonderful to be back home hugging our little girls who seemed equally excited to see us.

A big thanks to my Mom for watching our girlies and taking great care of them. Her response when we got home..."I don't know how you do it!" Hahahaha. Wait till she has them for a week when we go on a cruise for our 10 year Anniversary. Heck, we may have another kiddo by then!

9 Years

Our Sweet little boy is 9 years old today. It's crazy to think I've had him nearly 9 years! I keep telling him he's an old fart.

We got Jackson from a private breeder. When we went to look at the puppies he was the only one left. He was muddy because he had been out "playing with the goats." He was so adorable and we couldn't resist. $50 and we were on our way.

(2002)

At first Jackson was a little rebel. He chewed the cabinets in our bathroom, would rearrange the house while we were at work and just did things puppies do. I started putting him outside while we were at work and would fill up a kiddie pool for him.

He shaped up rather quickly and has become the best dog. He has always played the protective role yet is so sweet and patient with his sisters who are constantly harassing him. We are teaching Natalee to be nice to "Bubba" because she likes to "pat" him not so gently and pulls his hair out trying to stand up on him. Haylee is very good with him. He has never bit anyone, but he will warn you when he's had enough.

Jackson has always been more of a child than a dog to us. He is so smart and knows exactly what we are saying. Park. Ball. Treat. Walk. Bath. He LOVES to play ball, but never drops the ball after he catches it. You have to pretend you're not playing anymore and then he'll drop it and you can try to steal it. He loves to go for walks too and his favorite treats are the white chocolate dipped bones we bring him home from the Sedona Fudge Shop. Baths are a different story. He doesn't love them, but he'll stand still and let me wash him. Then he runs around the house like a maniac drying off.

(2010)

He loves to do egg hunts on Easter. He'll find every egg, open it with his mouth and eat the treats out. Now it's hard to teach him that after he gets "his" eggs he has to leave the other ones alone since the girls have to find some too. And yes, he gets an Easter basket too.

(2006)

(2008)

We are big on "themed" birthday's at our house. Guess it comes from my childhood. Before we had the girls, we would have themed parties for Jackson. He's had Chicken Little, Cars, Happy Feet and I can't remember what else. Now, we still have a "party" for him, just not a themed one.

(2007)

(2008)

(2010)

Camping is one of Jackson's favorite things. The drive up is his least favorite but once we're there he enjoys every minute. He loves running around free and checking everything out.

(2009)

Jackson has also dressed up every Halloween. He's been a devil, cowboy, Elvis, Shrek, Batman and Zorro (that I can remember). He even won a photo contest thru Walgreens for his Shrek costume!

(2002 & 2006)

(2010)

On Christmas, Jackson gets to open presents just like the girls and he gets his own stocking too. We usually get him a new baby and some treats. Jackson loves his baby. He always lays with it and sucks on it's head, weird but cute. It's like his comfort toy.

(2010)

For Jackson's Birthday today I made him scrambled eggs for breakfast and tonight we went for a walk to the park to play ball. He was worn out rather fast. Old guy is outta shape. The girls enjoyed playing in the grass and finding lady bugs while Jackson took a break. Tonight we all had tacos for dinner, Jackson got his new baby and had an oatmeal pie after we sang Happy Birthday. My Mom brought him over a little teddy bear and a "Birthday Donut". He is spoiled just like the girls.

Happy Birthday Jackson. You are the best little boy ever. Even though your hair drives me nuts I wouldn't trade you for any dog in the world. We love you so much!

The Ostrich Festival

We love the Ostrich Festival. We've been going since I was pregnant with Haylee. This year Natalee went for the 1st time and we all had a good time. We watched the ostrich races which always make me laugh. I love when they come out riding the ostrich bareback but they fall off and the ostrich runs around crazy. Cracks me up!

All Haylee wanted to do was play games and ride rides. Her favorite. So she was allowed to play 1 game and she rode 3 rides.

We walked around and ate yummy food and checked out all the vendors.

We also watched the dog show, saw the sea lions and watched the piggy races. I love that the winner gets an oreo. I'd run fast too!

We love taking the girls fun places and making memories!

My Weekly Deals 3/14-3/21

Aside from my mega run Thursday, this week was kinda slow for deals. I spent $1.83 and got back a .75 Catalina to use on my next order. I had 61 items and saved $138.28 which was 99%! I love Mega's!! And the best part is the mega event runs 2 weeks so I'll be going back again and again and again! This is what I paid for the items below:

GG Valley Fresh Steamers- Free

Cocoa Pebbles Treats- Free
Dial Hand Soap- 6 Free
Fry's Brand Baby Puffs- .50
Dannon Kids Yogurt- 6 @ .27 ea.
Ronzoni Garden Delight- 6 Free + overage
Dole Fruit Crisps- 4 @ .49 ea.
Franks Red Hot Sauce- 3 Free + overage
Coke 2 Liters- 3 for $1.37
Vitaminwater- 6 Free + overage
Dove Mens Deodorant- 2 Free
Pedigree Jumbo Cans- 6 Free
NOS Energy Drink- 4 Free
Lays Chips- 4 @ .88 ea.
Purina Beyond Cat Food- 6 Free + overage
Applesauce $1.29
Canned Fruit $1.29


They were out of a few things but I will look for them when I go back again!


I did run to Safeway this week for trash bags since we were getting low. I paid $1.99 (after coupon) for 22 ct. Hefty kitchen bags. While I was there I picked up a few free Yakisoba too!


Yesterday I went to Walgreens since they have their Airwick Freshener Kits BOGO at $7.99. Just so happens Sunday's coupon inserts had $4/1 coupons and Walgreen's let's you use 2 coupons on a BOGO sale so I got 4 of those bad boys Free. My store had tons!!


Then I went over to Walmart to price match some milk and I picked up 2- 12pk double roll Cottonelle TP for $6.47 (after coupon) and then I submitted my receipt for a $10 Walmart gift card through a rebate offer. So, I basically spent $2.94 for both if you factor in the gift card. Bomb deal for good TP :)


This week I'm heading back to Fry's (of course) and I'm also stocking up on crackers at CVS.


As always, to see the current matchups and deals I take part of, visit The Centsable Shoppin site!

Veggie Tales

Aside from the constant theme song running in my head, I kinda like Veggie Tales. Both Haylee & Natalee do too, and it has sparked Haylee's interest and made her want to eat more vegetables. Last night she drew a picture of Bob (the tomato) and Larry (the cucumber). I thought it was the cutest thing I have ever seen.

St Patty's Day

What is the point of St. Patrick's Day?

Well whatever it is, we really don't celebrate it much. I just dress the girls in green so they don't get pinched.

Obviously Josh didn't get the memo and Haylee pinched him when he came home from work.

I learned was reminded of 2 things today. First of all, it is hard to get a picture of both girls together as little N always wants to crawl away. Secondly, it's is next to impossible to get a picture of both girls smiling.

Oh well, that's what my JCPenney photographer is for. Hopefully she has better luck than me next month.

Daddy's Home!

I think Natalee likes it when her Daddy comes home from work.

And apparently she's not the only one.

(Yes that's Jackson whining and running around as if it's Christmas morning)

My Weekly Deals 3/7-3/13

It's Monday which means I'm doing my new "My Weekly Deals" post. These are some of the deals I've gotten this past week that I thought were worth mentioning. For more info. on where to find the deals or coupons I used, visit The Centsable Shoppin and check out Sheryl's weekly matchups.

We will start with Safeway. They had their California Pizza Kitchen single serve pizza's on sale for $2.50. After coupons I picked up 6 for $3.50 OOP (out of pocket) and got back $7.50 in catalinas (money to spend in store on whatever I want). SW currently (thru Tues.) has their Marie Callendar pot pies for just .50 ea. after coupon so I stocked up and got 12 of those.

Target currently has their Goodlife Recipe cat food (wet) on clearance for .53 & .65. $1/1 coupons from the 3/6 inserts make them FREE + overage.

A few weeks ago we were lucky to receive $3/1 Gain product coupons in the inserts. I was finally able to use every last one of my coupons at Walmart to score 6 of those bad boys for either .26 ea. (for the 80ct.) or FREE + overage for the the 40 ct. Now I am stocked with fabric softener.

Albertson's finally had 1 good deal this week. I rarely shop there, but I went twice this week to stock up on cheap soda. They had their Shasta 12 pk for $1.88. With the help for some BOGO Free coupons, I got 8-12 packs at .94 each. Can't beat that!

Today brought a new ad for Walgreen's. They have their Right Guard deodorant BOGO Free, and we conveniently got BOGO Free coupons in the inserts this weekend meaning 2 Free. Definitely stocking up on these since these are Josh's favorite and usually pretty expensive. 12 purchased so far, 2 more to go. I did 3 separate transactions at 2 different stores and did not wipe out any shelves :) Also this week Walgreen's has their brand diapers BOGO Free at $8.99. After coupons you can get 2 jumbo packs for just $4.99. I've always used Huggies, but I think these diapers are great!

Lastly, my beloved Fry's. The past couple of weeks they had a instant win game. They'd put a featured item up for 2 minutes or so and you had to load it to your Fry's card before it was gone. During the past couple weeks I was able to get a FREE 30 ct. Charmin, FREE Tide, FREE Veggies, and FREE 2 liters. Gotta love the freebies. Yesterday, I was able to find some more Bounty paper towels for just .07 ea. after coupon and got my Clorox for .49 after stacking a store coupon and a manufacturer's coupon.  I also scored some FREE Yakisoba's, FREE Dial hand soap and FREE Franks Red Hot sauce with the new inserts we got this weekend.  This weekend had AWESOME inserts (5 Freebies so far). Hope you got some!

And starting this Wednesday, Fry's has a new MEGA Event starting which usually brings a lot of awesome deals. Aside from those deals, I will be stocking up on more Yakisoba, Dial, Free Cat Food and Franks Hot Sauce. Looking forward to this weeks new ads :)

Airing Out

Poor little Natalee seems to always get hit the worst when a cold goes around our family. This time was no exception. She started feeling cruddy a little over 2 weeks ago. I took her to the doctor and she had an ear infection. About a week later she woke up screaming in the middle of the night. Nothing we did comforted her. Back to the doctor again brought the double ear infection results. The next few days we had a very sad little baby. On top of the ear infections, she is dealing with the pain of getting her 2 top teeth. And if that wasn't bad enough she had a cough, runny nose and has been congested for the past week. Also she has a horrible diaper rash which I believe is a result of the antibiotics giving her constant diarrhea so she has just been miserable. Everything I read about diaper rashes said to let them air it out as much as possible.

My attempt lasted about 2 minutes and then I was too afraid of what might happen and I covered her back up. I am happy to report that as of tonight, the runny nose and congestion are gone. I heard her cough maybe 4 times today, and since yesterday was the last day of taking her antibiotic, her bum is already looking a lot better. Whew! Now that we are all healthy, I hope we can stay that way. These past 3 weeks of sickness in our house have not been fun. It is time to get outside and enjoy this beautiful weather.

Hello Spring....

We are enjoying this beautiful weather.

The last 2 evenings we have taken the girls to the park for some fresh air and fun. This was Natalee's 1st time in the grass.

She wasn't quite sure about it, but loved all the sticks and rocks she could pick up and put in her mouth.

She is such a silly girl. We watched Haylee run around and go down the slides and Natalee stood up all by herself and ate a cracker. 

Have I mentioned how much I love my sweet little girls?

And I might add, my sweet little girls with their Papa Reggie's red tinted hair!