Deer + Car = Not So Fortunate Deer

I went out grocery shopping a little while ago. My folks kept the kids so I could have a little easier time getting in and out of the stores. I had just left my parents' when I saw something moving on the road up ahead. I realized it was a deer and slowed down to avoid hitting it. As I got a little closer, I realized that it had already been hit. It was flopping on the side of the road trying to get away. The sight broke my heart. I pulled off the road and called my dad. The deer had at least one broken leg, maybe two. It needed to be put down. They called the state police and got permission to kill it. Dad came out to where I was waiting and Brian joined a few minutes later. I had been there about half an hour and decided it was time to leave before they did the deed. Tender-hearted as I am, I cried most of the drive home anyhow. I will have to talk to Brian later to see what arrangements they made for it. I know his friend Shawn was coming to help gut it and hang it, but I don't know when they will cut it. I wonder what they will do with the hide. As sad as it was, I know that God put us in that situation for a reason. We are definitely in need and the deer will provide meat for us as well as my brother and parents. I don't know how much there will be, but maybe Grandma & Grandpa can have some too. I just prefer to see my meat in it's end product, wrapped in cellophane and ready to cook. It's so much harder when the poor thing is looking up at you, terrified and in pain. Sigh.

My Little Pirate

Laural decided months ago that she wanted to be a pirate for Halloween this year, so since we already had a pirate costume that I bought on clearance after last Halloween, she was a pirate this year. I bought a little accessory pack at the dollar store to go along with it. Here is our pre-Halloween "dress rehearsal."

Fun Kid Stuff

Today has seen the start of some fun new stuff that the kids have started. First, Micah. Today, he started doing something that really surprised me. During dinner, as I held a bite of food in front of him, he started counting in his own little language - 1, 2, 3, but instead of saying go, he would say "mmm!" and then lean forward with an open mouth and take the bite. It was too funny. He did it not only once but with nearly every bite. What makes it funny is that we have never done that with him to get him to eat. He came up with it on his own. He has been doing the "1, 2, 3, Go!" thing for quite a while, but this is the first he has incorporated it into his eating. So cute! It's funny the things they come up with, isn't it?

Micah had his 18 month check-up and shots today. I was a bit disappointed in his weight. They said he was only 19 lb 14 oz. I think he is heavier than that (not by much) but that is what they came up with. I really don't like their scale. It's a fairly old table scale with the slide counterweights. I would like to see him on a digital scale. The doctor didn't seem very concerned. We joked about giving him McDonald's burgers. I did ask whether I should give him something like Pediasure to supplement. The doctor said I could give it to him at night before bed so that it wouldn't interfere with hunger cues and cause him to eat less food. Makes sense. I checked on the price and it was $13 for a 6 pack at Rite Aid! I will have to look at Walmart to see if it's any cheaper there. If not, I think I may need to find a cheaper alternative. I didn't hear what his length was because I was a little upset over hearing his weight. The nurse who did his measurements was not the regular nurse but an intern, so she didn't really announce it either. She did say that he was up in the 40th percentile now for height, so that is great! I just wish he'd fatten up a bit. He got 3 different shots today. I made Steve hold him down this time. It breaks my heart too much. It seemed to bother him more that he was being held down for the first 2 shots but the 3rd one seemed to really upset him. Poor guy. He was a little more clingy today than usual but part of that seemed to be that he was constipated too. Whenever he has trouble going, he always whines and wants picked up and then he puts his head down on my shoulder and rests there, sometimes trying to push. Poor guy. He's been through it today!

And Laural, well, she has learned a new word. She uses it every opportunity she can. I can't help but chuckle every time she uses it. I have to be careful not to laugh out loud because she gets all embarrassed if she thinks I'm laughing at something she has done. The word is "apparently." During dinner: "Mom, I have something to tel you. Apparently, Micah doesn't like chicken." In the car when she noticed Micah was asleep: "Apparently, Micah must have been tired." It is too cute! I love it when she gets the grasp of a new word. Especially a "bigger" word. It's so cute to see a little kid trying to talk to a grown-up. Laural gets really upset when Micah has to have shots. She plugged her ears and buried her head in my chest. She tried to calm him down and sooth him afterward. She is too cute. Such a little mommy.

We've been busy lately. Last week, we spent a lot of time at my parent's place while Ray was visiting. With choir, ministry council, story time, grocery shopping, doctor's appointment and having Austin & Kali here after school each day, our days have been filled. I think tomorrow is a free day. Stephanie is off work so she will be getting the kids after school. We don't have any errands that I can think of either. Steve is going to mow the lawn and I am going to try to get some cleaning and laundry done. I've been neglecting the bathrooms. I also need to do a little rearranging so we can have places to fit all of the good deals we've been getting with by couponing.

Speaking of couponing, I got a few good deals today. At Rite Aid, I got 2 packs of Huggies Pure & Natural diapers, 2 Reese's cups, and an eos lip balm all for $3.30 (after I get the $1.99 rebate back). At County Market, I got quite a bit of stuff. Some with coupons, some without.

2 Tony's Pizzas 10/$10
- $1/2 Q
= $.50 each

12 Chef Boyardee Ravioli microwave cups 10/$10
- $1/3 Q (4x)
= $.67 each
I normally wouldn't buy these BUT Micah is an extremely picky eater and since he is quite underweight and this is one of the few things he will devour right down, I decided to get these for him so we can try to "fatten him up" a bit.

3 Bumblebee tuna pouches $1.49 each
- $1/1 Q (3x)
= $.49 each

3 Marcal 12 pck of bathroom tissue $5 each
- $2/1 Q (3x)
= $3 each

4 Marcal facial tissue $1.25 each
- $1/1 Q (4x)
= $.25 each

Stuff I got w/o coupons:

8 Armour Lunchmakers $1 each
3 5lb bags of Robin Hood flour $1.38 each

I tried getting some of the Campbell's cream soups that were $.75 each with my $1/2 Q but it wouldn't scan and since it was an internet printable, it wouldn't go through. I was a little bummed about that since it would have made the soups only $.25 each. Oh well. Guess I will just continue to make my own soups as needed.

Go Graham Go Giveaway: Scooby Doo game for Wii, PS2 or DS

Go Graham, Go is giving away 5 copies of the new Scooby Doo video game for Wii, PS2 or DS. Go to Go Graham, Go for more info about the giveaway or The Scooby Doo site to learn more about the game. I am really hoping we win one of these since Laural is bored with her Dora game and Sonic is proving to be a little too complicated for her. She LOVES Scooby Doo. We are even reading a Scooby Doo chapter book for her bedtime story right now.

MIcah is Officially a Walker!

Yep, my baby boy finally took those steps toward being a big boy. Instead of the occasional couple of steps and then giving up, he was walking around the living room more than crawling tonight. It was so cute watching him walk. He's still a bit stiff about it, but he does it! My baby isn't a baby anymore. Being a mom has so many bittersweet moments. I want our children to grow and develop, hit the milestones on time and be "normal." At the same time, I want them to remain my little babies that I can hold in my arms and cuddle and snuggle with forever. A year ago, Micah wanted me to hold him all the time (which I admit, was tiresome at points) but since he became mobile, he wants down to explore whatever goodies his big sister may have left on the floor. I went through the same thing with Laural of course - only it was a bit sooner with her than it has been with Micah. His health issues at birth still have him behind a bit, but it really does seem to be going faster now. In just the past couple of days, he has picked up several new words. He now says "drink," "light," and he repeats a lot of letters as I spell things for Laural. I know he says a couple other words but right now I can't remember them.

Laural, well, what can I say about Laural right now? LOL Some days that girl can seriously try my patience. One minute she's being such a sweetheart and the next she's turned into an unfamiliar snotty brat-child. She is most definitely living up to the "firey redhead" stereotype. LOL Our days have a lot of ups and downs. I still wouldn't trade these days for anything. Just yesterday, I said to Steve as both kids were chattering loudly in the back seat on the way home from grocery shopping, "Can you imagine how different our lives would be if we didn't have them?" It would be empty and sad. Not a life I am interested in. Having kids can be frightening, exciting, tiring, crazy, fun, and a whole load of other things in just a single day! But it is, without a doubt, the most amazing thing I have ever done in my life. When I look into those little faces that are looking up at wanting reassurance, love or just somebody to play Barbies with, I know that I am doing exactly what God has intended for me to do - be a mom!

Coupon Spread Sheet

Here is this week's spreadsheet of the coupons that came with each of the 3 Sunday papers I get (The Sharon Herald, The Pittsburgh Post Gazette and The Erie Times News):
Coupons Spreadsheet
Now, I need to go to bed.

More from the Shopping Fanatic

Like I said in my previous post, I made another Kmart run today. I did two transactions tonight. More big savings! Here are the breakdowns:

Transaction #1:

3x Huggies Pullups $9.99 each
- $2/1 (3x) doubled
= $5.99 each

2x Huggies Overnights $11.49 each
- $1.50/1 (2x) doubled
= $8.49 each

Tide Stain Release $4.49 each
- $1/1 doubled
- $2 instant savings
= $.49 each

- $5 off $50 Kmart coupon

Total OOP: $30.44

Transaction #2:

2 Sensodyne Children's Pronamel $2.99 each
- $1/1 (2x) doubled
= $.99 each

3x Halls Refresh $1.99 each
- $.75/1 (3x) doubled
= $.49 each

Tide Stain Release $4.49 each
- $1/1 doubled
- $2 instant savings
= $.49 each

Clorox 2 $4.89 each
- $2/1 doubled
= $.89 each

4x Dentyne Gum $1.19 each
- B1G1 Free (2x) doubled
= FREE
* bonus: one of the packs of dentine was already stuck to another and marked B1G1 Free

6x Bumblebee Tuna $1.99 each
- $1/1 (6x) doubled
= FREE

2x Reeses Dark Cups $.67 each
- B1g1 Free doubled
= FREE

2x Nestle Crunch bag candy $2.50 each
filler - no coupon

Dr. Pepper $1.49 each
filler - no coupon

- $12 off next purchase catalina from 1st transaction

Total OOP: $1.32!

Another great trip and now we are stocked up on diapers like crazy! And as a result of this week, I have 8 Tide Stain release, 10 packs of tuna, 8 tubes of kid toothpaste, 8 bags of Halls, bunches of baby wipes, 6 boxes of cereal, 8 deodorants, lots of pet food and treats, a bunch of shampoo, 70 razors and a LOT of other stuff. Now, here is the grand total...

Total receipts: $372.12 (before tax)
TOTAL OOP: $75.22
Savings: 80%

Almost $300 in free stuff this week! Yay coupons! I officially LOVE the Kmart double coupon event but I'm glad it's over now - 4 Kmart trips in a week is a lot of shopping!

Shopping Fanatic

I've been a doing some crazy shopping this past week. I have taken some major advantage of the Kmart double coupon event. Besides the 2 trips I already made to Kmart, I've made 2 more! Last night and this afternoon. Both times I scored some major savings. I had too much to take pics of but I will list a breakdown. Yesterday, I did 3 transactions.

Transaction #1:

2x Huggies Overnights Diapers $11.49 each
- $2/1 (2x) doubled
= $7.49 each

2x Huggies Pullups $9.99 each
- $2/1 (2x) doubled
= $5.99 each

Huggies Wipes $5.99 each
- $2/1 doubled
= $1.99

2 Ziploc Easy Zip Bags $2.00 each
- $1.50/2 (doubled)
= $.50 each

Tide Stain Release 10 count $4.49 each
- $1/1 doubled
-$2 instant savings
= $.49 each

- $5 off $50 Kmart Coupon
Total OOP: $25.44


Transaction #2:

4x Kids Crest Toothpaste $2.29 each
- $1/1 (4x) doubled
= $.29 each

Tag Deodorant $3.99 each
+ Tag Spray $3.89 each
- B1G1 Free
= $2.00 each

2x Dove Ultra Deodorant $3.99 each
- $2/1 (2x) doubled
= FREE

2x Sensodyne Child's Pronamel toothpaste $2.99 each
- $1/1 (2x) doubled
= $.99 each

3x Renuzit Air Freshener $1.00 each
- B2G1 Free doubled
= $.33 each

Tide Stain Release $4.49 each
- $1/1 doubled
- $2.00 instant savings
= $.49 each

3x Special K Blueberry $2.50 each
+ 3x Special K Chocolate $2.50 each
- $1/1 (6x) doubled
- $5.00 instant savings
= $2.00 OVERAGE

2x Wheat Thins Crackers $2.50 each
- $1/1 (2x) doubled
= $.50 each

Nestle Crunch Bag Candy $2.50
- $1/1 doubled
=$.50 each

- $5 off $50 Kmart Coupon

Total OOP: $3.34

Transaction #3:

2x Tide Stain Release $4.49 each
- $1/1 (2x) doubled
-$2 instant savings
= $1.49 each

4x Halls Refresh Candy $1.99 each
- $.75/1 (4x) doubled
= $.49 each

Clorox 2 $4.89 each
- $2/1 doubled
= $.89 each

4x Hormel Compleats $2.00 each
- $.75/1 (4x) doubled
= $.50 each

2x Pedigree+ Canned Dog Food $1.00 each
- B1G1 Free doubled
= FREE

2x Ziploc Easy Zip bags $2.00 each
- $1.50/2
= $.50 each

1 Coke $1.49
1 Water $1.49

- $12 off next purchase Catalina from 1st transaction

Total OOP: $0.19

TOTAL from all 3: $28.97!
Total Saved: $128.27
Savings: 82%

I think that was a pretty successful trip! On the 3rd transaction, I was actually over $5 in the negative, so I had her add the 2nd bag of Stain Release to it. I was planning on doing that in a 4th transaction by itself. After adding that and then taking the coupon for that off, I was still $2.89 negative, so I added the 2 drinks and that made it $.019 that I owed. LOL The cashier was amazed that i only had to pay nineteen cents. LOL I was absolutely giddy!

Changing Policies

I used to be a regular shopper at a local grocery store called County Market. Their prices have always been the best around but, several months ago, I went in, shopped as usual and handed the cashier a few coupons that I had clipped from the Sunday paper and a couple that I had printed off the internet. She told me that they didn't accept internet coupons. I was a bit irritated and I went over to the office and told them that they had just lost a customer. I go back to get a few things that are on sale here and there, but the bulk of my shopping has since been at the Super Walmart. Of course, a brief look back at last month's blog posts prove that I have only recently really become immersed in couponing. So, today, I took my rather large stack of internet coupons along with my coupon binder, into County Market and asked if they took internet coupons yet. The answer was no. I asked why and got the same story as last time - too much fraud. I asked to speak to whoever would be in charge of this and Dave Knopp came to speak with me. I showed him my stack of internet coupons and told him that I wanted them to see these coupons because these were the coupons I'd be using this month alone (along with my clipped coupons). I didn't expect much and he started to explain the fraud story so I pointed out that each ogf my coupons had a bar code, company information, expiration date, etc. and that several other stores took the coupons. He asked which and I told him Giant Eagle among others. This seemed to surprise him. He asked to look at my coupons so I handed him the stack of coupons and he took them to the office manager and they looked at them. When he came back, he said that the coupons looked like regular coupons and he didn't expect that and we talked several minutes more and he announced that he would take my coupons today and that by next week, he would likely have a new policy in place. I was quite happy but I still wasn't expecting much to come from it. Sometimes, stores take a while to hem and haw over things before they actually make changes. So, I took a cart and went to grab a few items since he said he would take my coupons. I didn't want to make a big deal of things and then leave without using any coupons. Maybe 10 minutes later, I was in the cereal aisle when he came walking up and sad "Policy changed!" He had already called Giant Eagle to check on how they ran the coupons and decided on the spot to change their policy too. I was really amazed! We had another pleasant conversation and he asked if there was anything else besides the coupon thing that I thought the store could improve upon and I told him that I was pleased with the store in every other way. After that, I finished the rest of my shopping and price checking and headed to the checkout. The cashier started to tell me that she couldn't take my internet coupons, which we expected. So I told her that Dave just changed the policy and he had said to call him when I checked out. The office manager, Debbie, was nearby, so she came over and told the cashier about the change - take the coupons as long as they scanned. Sure enough, they scanned and we were all happy. I didn't go into County Market today expecting to change their coupon policy, but that's what happened. Awesome! Dave was quite friendly and told me he was impressed with my coupon knowledge. Before I left, I went back to the service desk and gave him the copy of the Giant Eagle coupon policy I had in my binder. He was thrilled with that and even said that he should hire me! LOL It was a good day for shoppers in the Grove City area!

He Finally Did It!

So far, Micah has only ever walked 2 or 3 steps unassisted, while pushing something or along something. But today, he did it! He was standing beside Laural's table getting over the fact that I had just said "no" to him about a million times because he was playing with the game tv. After he got past his tears, he stood there grinning at me for several minutes. The next thing I know, he started walking toward me. He got about 2/3 of the way to me when he got shy and closed his eyes and lost his balance. Instead of crawling the rest of the way, he got himself back on his feet - without using anything to pull up on - and walked the rest of the way to me! I was so excited for him and Laural was too. He was all bubbly and giggly as he grabbed onto my leg. He gets so excited about things when we make a big deal of it. It was so cute to see that little man walking. I am thrilled that he is finally walking. As I sat there telling him what a good boy he was, I couldn't help but flash back to 18 months ago when we weren't even sure if he was going to be with us very long and doctors were telling us they thought he might need a liver transplant. He's come a long way since those NICU days. I'm one very happy and blessed mommy.

Attention Couponers!

Hey there fellow coupon crazies! If you have large stash of coupons, you probably have a bunch that just expired. Did you know that military families stationed overseas can use coupons that are up to 6 months past the printed expiration date? I didn't either. A fellow Krazy Coupon Lady has volunteered to gather up any expired coupons that people are willing to send her and package them up to be sent to the US Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan. If you are willing to go through your coupons and separate them into 2 categories (food and non-food) and then mail them to Andrea in Idaho, it would be a great way to support military families! Check out this link to the post on The Krazy Coupon Lady site for more information!

Overseas Coupon Program at The Krazy Coupon Lady

Thanks so much!