Frugal Finds!

Alternately titled: How I got great stuff cheap!!!

I have always been a coupon girl, sometimes a little more half-heartedly than other times. But recently my friend, Devin, has really challenged me to do a little more and save a lot more! This week I ventured into the realm of drugstore bargains for the first time. I am quite sure that any number of people could have walked away with more than I did, for less money than I did, but I was very pleased with the savings I found.

With list and coupons in hand, I started my adventure at Walgreens. My scenario included Listerine Zero, Crest 3D white toothpaste, 2 Oral-B 3D white advantage tootbrushes and a small notebook to add one more item so I could use another coupon. (Walgreens will not let you use more coupons than the number of items purchased, even though you may use 2 coupons for the same item. Ex: a Walgreen's store coupon and a manufacturer's coupon for the same item.)

Bottom line:

Listerine Zero 500mL: $1.99

-2.00 manufacturer's coupon

Crest 3D white toothpaste: $3.00

- .75 manufacturer's coupon

Oral-B toothbrush $3.00

- .75 manufacturer's coupon

Oral-B toothbrush $3.00

-3.00 BOGO manufacturer's coupon

1 notebook $ .17 (after Walgreen's sale)

Total before sales and coupons: $15.13

Total savings: $ 9.79

Total paid: $ 5.34

Register Rewards back $ 4.00

TOTAL Out of Pocket $1.34

That was exciting!!! :)

I also got a great deal at Kohl's.com this week. Zachary has been outgrowing his clothes faster than I can keep him them. Last Sunday, we realized that Zachary had outgrown both his black and brown dress shoes, his black dress belt, and his khaki dress pants. With that in mind, I jumped on the Kohl's 35% off your total purchase sale. I was able to purchase all of those items, plus a belt for Justin and a new blouse for myself. All of the items were on sale, and several were more than half off. Then I used two discount codes for the 35% off on top of $.99 shipping per item! All of that for less than $60 and it will be delivered to my front door this week! That's my kind of shopping! :)

Nancy

Giveaway!!

My good friend, Devin, is hosting a $60 CSN store giveaway! Simply hop on over to her blog, Our Very Full House and sign up to enter for your chance to win a $60 shopping spree. I'm thinking Christmas presents.... :)

Nancy

It Snowed!!!

So far here in Greenville, we have had three snow/ice storms this winter...each time falling while Rebekah and I are at the hospital! This time (finally) we had all snow and no ice - perfect for the boys to get outside and play! They had so much fun....I'll let the pictures tell the story. :)

Caleb wasn't sure what to do with the snow. Drew said at first he kept trying to step over the snow and then picking his feet up not sure he was supposed to be stepping on it. :)

The boys have never had a sled before, but some good friends of ours brought one over Friday afternoon. They had a blast pulling each other around in the snow. Well, mostly Zachary pulling, but they still had a great time.

Aaron had a fun time, but got tired of the cold faster than the others. When he got cold, he was done! But he did have lots of stories to tell me about the snow.

Zachary and Justin playing with the sled again.

Caleb looking at the snow...trying to figure it all out.

For some reason, Caleb was fascinated with the snow on his boots. He told me about it hours later when he was at the hospital to see us.

Making snow angels! It looked like so much fun! :)

Zachary, Justin and Aaron.....I think they were a little covered in snow by this point! :)

Caleb and Aaron sharing the sled!

Caleb is ready to slide!

Justin sliding!

Happy New Year

It has been awhile since we have had time to post. We all have had a different holiday this year. We were all sick and more home bound this holiday season. We like to get out and see lots of family during the holidays, but that just didn't work well this year.

The boys are busy growing and staying busy. Zac and Justin are doing well and enjoying school. Aaron is turning 4 soon and is very excited to have his birthday coming up. He has been counting the days since thanksgiving. Caleb is busy, busy, busy. He is talking more and doing many bigger boy things. He loves to run and play with his brothers. He and Aaron are very devoted to watching over Rebekah and making sure she is cared for. That brings me to Rebekah. She is doing well over all. We are looking to go back to Charleston (MUSC) this month for a heart cath. We are moving closer to surgery in a few months to hopefully repair her heart and lungs. Besides her heart problems Rebekah is changing and doing normal baby things every day. She is almost rolling over, babbling more and more, and playing with toys. She loves to touch faces, pull her brothers hair, and cuddle on the couch with Daddy. She sits up with a little help and enjoys watching all the things going on around her.

Mom and Dad are doing well too. We enjoy the time spent with all the kids. We love to watch them grow, ask questions, and try to figure new things out. Mommy tries hard to keep up with everyones busy schedules and keep things running at home. Daddy is enjoying his new job and working hard to provide for all this gang.

We are very thankful for all the blessings and many ways the Lord has provided and cared for us thru 2009. We look forward to what he has in store for us in 2010. We trust and know he will take care of us. There are a lot of uncertain things up coming for us with Rebekah's care , but we are confident that the Lord has already made provision for all of it. We look forward to his leading and guiding of our family.

D