Thursday, March 26, 2009

Coupon Binder give-a-way

I've been following this blog for a few weeks now. It's called "Making life sweet one deal at a time". I have a link to the blog on my blog list if your interested in checking it out. This blog is filling my "bucket" with the thrill of coupons and bargins!

On the blog they are giving away a Coupon Binder! Part of the deal to enter the drawing is to post the give-a-way on your own blog. Here is a link if you'd like more information: http://wantitall4free.blogspot.com/2009/03/coupon-binder-giveaway.html


* 3-ring Binder
* Document "How to Save LOADS of Money with Coupons"
* 50 Coupon Pages (9-slots per page)
* 30 Pre-defined Category Tabs (set by the general layout of grocery store)
* 5 Customizable Category Tabs
* 1 Pencil Pouch
* 1 Highlighter and Pen
* 3 Store Envelopes
* 1 Set of Coupon Sorting Mats
*Bonus* Stylish, Reusable Grocery Bag*
*Bonus Budget Document*

Monday, March 23, 2009

Double Coupon Frenzy

I've been getting into the coupon scene lately. Saving a little money on groceries and household items seems to be a way I can help our family....s.t.r.e.t.c.h our budget!

Today Kmart offered double coupons!

I have to admit my heart gets a little excited hearing the possibilities of bargins! I have to be careful to only clip coupons and buy items that we will actually use. I think it's easy to get caught up in the "savings" on an item that you won't actually use - just because you have a coupon or it's on sale!

Here is my bargins for the day!!!

The following items in the picture would have cost $36.65. BUT -- TODAY with the double coupon offer I was able to purchase all the items for $15.88! That's a savings of $20.77. All these items we will use and I've put them in our family storage for a rainy day!

Saturday, March 14, 2009

...a little pay it forward

Today -- my plan was to stop by Old Navy to see if I could pick up some jeans for Landon. He was down to 2-3 jeans that fit ...and even those are getting a bit worn. I had a $10 gift coupon that I've been saving that I wanted to use.

It's difficult for me to pass up $10 free dollars on clothing!

As I was in the store, I had a gathered a few items that I wanted to buy. A young lady, maybe 26ish with 2 small children approached me. She asked if I had the 30% off reusable coupon which was only valid for a 4 day period. I knodded "no"...and she said "wait here, I'm going to go and pay for my items and I'll bring you back the coupon."

She did just that. Bonus baby! I was so excited!

So...I decided to do the same thing. I went and paid for my items and then found a nice lady and gave that same coupon to her. I told her the only stipulation was that she had to give it to someone else before she left the store.

For all I know...that 30% coupon has been floating around from person to person all day!

Nice thought isn't it?

Friday, March 6, 2009

Life is precious........

Yesterday, as I was going about my daily routine…and my life stood still for a moment because of another.

My son, Tanner’s best friend Bryon was at our home spending time with Tanner and doing their hang out “thang.” They are together a lot, he’s a great kid and Tanner and Bryon have been best friends since kindergarten…which has been since we’ve moved into our home in North Logan.

I had just arrived home from taking Landon to piano lessons and preparing for a 6:30pm CERT (Certified Emergency Response Team) meeting. I heard Tanner and Landon talking to each other saying things like, “Bryon, are you joking around?” “Landon -- come look at what Bryon’s doing!” This immediately got my attention and I rushed into the front room to find Bryon having a seizure on the front room floor. I quickly went to his side to assess the situation, then ran to the phone and called 911. I still can see my fingers dial ……9…….1……..1……… it was like it was in slow motion. That was the first time that I’ve had to dial that number. I really can’t tell you what I said on the phone, but I know I was talking as fast as a race horse I’m sure! Thanks goodness for 911 dispatchers (which my sister, Kristi, is one - she's always got a great story to share and I'm sure I've been added to her story list) who can talk you through a stressful situation. Yes, I just about lost it several times while trying to get Bryon’s attention, hold him down (as he was trying to get up …but his body was not in control), listening to the dispatcher talk to me on how to keep him safe and not hurt himself. I remember seeing Tanner pacing back and forth, worried sick, not really knowing what to do….and I wasn’t able to say or do anything for him at the time because my attention was fully on Bryon. It seemed like forever before the police officer arrived, then seconds later the ambulance arrived and the EMT walked in my home. I could have kissed them, I was so happy to see them! I’m sure that only 3-4 minutes has pasted since I made that call, but time stood still and it felt more like ten. Bryon started to come around a bit about the time the EMT arrived ….they’d ask him a serious of questions and his only answer was “what?” to every question. At this time I managed to finally get a hold of Bryon’s Dad ….. who was with Bryon’s Mom. They were on an errand and immediately changed course and went to the hospital to meet the ambulance. I later found out that they had pulled over for all the passing emergency vehicles…not realizing they were coming for their own son.

By the time the ambulance left, it was 6:26pm and that’s when the after math of the situation like this hits you! I was a bit of an emotional mess…and I could not get a deep enough breath. I quickly comforted the boys and reassured them that Bryon would be ok. (By the way, Joshua was asleep downstairs and slept through the whole thing!) I was due to pick up my friend, Sandy, to head to the CERT meeting. I gathered my thoughts the best I could…and headed out the door.

The meeting was the best things for me! I was so focused and ready to learn. I came to terms that I was not emotionally, physically or mentally ready for an emergency and I want to be that person!

Bryon and Bryon’s Mom came by the house to see me later in the evening. I was so glad! All the test came back normal. That’s great news!! They are also going to do a CAT scan or a MRI just to double check. I really needed to see him myself to see that he was physically ok. I gave him a hug, which he wasn’t expecting (he’s 14..and I’m not his Mom..lol) …but I didn’t care!

I honestly believe that I was at home when I needed to be for Bryon. We were both being watched over. You just never expect a thing like this to happen….and the timing was just so unbelievable….I had a 45 minute window that I was planning to be home…and I was there, but it wasn’t for me.

Saturday, February 28, 2009

I love Landon.....he loves drums

On Thursday Landon had a mini concert at their school. They performed for the 6th graders in hopes to recruit them into playing band their 7th grade year.

I was able to get off work to attend. I like to go to this concert (as I have for Josh and Tanner as well) as it is an inimate setting and I'm able to actually see them play -- instead of on a stage hidden behind 75 other players! =)

I think Landon will hate to admit it, but having had 5 years of piano experience has really helped him to be able to catch on quickly and be an asset to the band. Of course knowing Landon's nature.....he's always helping someone else learn too. These students starting playing in September, yes there are a few squeeks -- but not bad for 6 months since they started learning! The teachers do a great job!

Landon is really the cutest thing out there! Yes, I know I'm partial -- it must be the little drummer sway that he has goin' on!


Landon The Drummer Boy! from Matt S. on Vimeo.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Sweethearts Dance

Last night was Sweethearts Dance.

Joshua went with a girl named Joanna. This is the "brief" report that I received:

They went to to breakfast...

"the breakfast was good."

then he came home for a couple of hours.

then went to a church to play games with the group....

"the games were fun."

then he came home for a couple of hours...
{I ironed his "duds" and sprayed them with good smelling stuff}

then they went to dinner....then the dance...and a friends house afterwards.

"we had a great time"

Does that sound like a typical report from a teen boy?

Yes, indeed it does.

Guess I better get used to it.



Monday, February 9, 2009

Free Running or Parkour

Josh and a few of his friends (Chris and Cory) . . . . . . . . . .

have been into doing what they call "Parkour" or Free Running. The three of them were up at USU campus practicing and were stopped by a few college students and asked if the were free running. The students had started a free running club at USU for and asked if they would be interested in joining. They were pretty excited.

The first time Josh and Cory went (about 2 months ago) we got a call from Josh later that night.... "ummmmm, Mom........someone put a boot on my car and I have to pay $70 to get it off!"


I am happy to say that all partee's involved have learned their "parking on campus" lessons...and I've been paid back the $70. :O)


Josh and his friends have continued to attend the club weekly. Last week Landon went with Josh and filmed some of the maneuvers that they are learning. This is an edited video that Josh and Matt made. If you watch closely you'll see Josh doing a few of the tricks. It's amazing how far they climb up what they call "The Wedge."

Yes, I am a little worried about broken bones.... but, what's a Mom to do when their children find something they enjoy? It could be worse.....It could be hang gliding. Oh wait....they do like that too!!!

Please don't let the "whitey tighties" sign distract from the talent.




PARKOUR - FREE RUNNING CLUB. from Matt S. on Vimeo.