Memories

Do you ever see something in a store and you stop dead in your tracks because what you are looking at brings back a wonderful memory? That happened to me tonight. I was at Albertsons checking out and at the front of the store they had a variety of Hershey's candy on sale 3/$1. I stood there staring at the mr. Goodbar pile remembering my childhood.

My Grandpa was an amazing person. My siblings and I were so lucky to have wonderful grandparents and we were able to spend a lot of time with them growing up. They lived out in the country on a bunch of land. They grew their own crops and had chickens too.

When we would come to visit my Grandpa would take us on the back country roads. He knew every mile of road we went on. I remember thinking at times that we were really lost but he knew exactly where we were. We would stop at any local mom and pop grocery store and get a soda pop and a mr. Goodbar. I remember thinking on those hot Texas summer days that a soda pop and mr. Goodbar was just what I needed. If my Grandpa ever had to run into town for anything he usually always brought us back a mr. Goodbar. Needless to say, mr. Goodbar is my favorite candy bar!

So as I sat there in line for only those 5 minutes it made me feel like a kid again. Just for 5 minutes I was able to relive a wonderful memory. If my Grandpa were alive today he would be 101 this year. I miss him dearly and I am so thankful for something so simple as a mr. Goodbar to make my day.

A penny saved...

...Is a penny earned. Hello all! I hope you have had a great weekend. Our weekend was pretty uneventful except for my hubby finishing up the trim around the baseboards of our new flooring and my exciting trip to Target. More on Target in just a minute. I'm so glad to finally have the flooring finished. It looks great and Matt has done an amazing job. I will post pics soon of the transformation. On to Target...

I can't express to you the amount of money that you can save by using coupons. I've said it a thousand times!! It is amazing the deals that are out there that anyone can get from using coupons. I've been able to try out so many new products that I wouldn't normally buy without coupons.

So yesterday I went to Target with my coupon binder in tow. I knew this was going to be a good trip but I didn't know how good it was until I checked out. Here are a few highlights of what I purchased:

4 Men's Dove Deodorants $3.99 each - I paid just $.99 each.
1 roll Bounty paper towels $.99 each - I paid $.74 for 1 roll.
9 boxes of Nature Valley granola bars $1.00 each - I paid $0.00! FREE!!
1 2 liter bottle of Diet Pepsi Max $1.25 - Free!!
1 box Kelloggs Crunchy Nut cereal $2.50 - I paid $.50.
1 jar Newmans Own Marinara sauce $1.89 - I paid $.89.
2 jars Miracle Whip $2.50 each - I paid $1.00 each.
1 package Kraft sliced cheese $2.54 - I paid $.54.
1 lb ground beef $1.99 - I paid $.99.

The most expensive item I purchased was chicken breasts that were $5.39. My grand total for everything you see in the picture was $125. I have to admit that I was a bit nervous because I knew my total was going to go down but I wasn't sure by how much. After all my coupons were scanned my total out of pocket for everything in the picture was $67.27!!!! Can I just tell you how excited I was!!??!! Saaaweeeettt!

I walked out of that store with my head held high feeling like a million bucks. I might have been one of the last customers out of Target but I really didn't care. My hope is to inspire others not to brag. Even though I was so excited about my loot I want to let you all know that anyone can do this. It does take patience and some understanding of how everything works but if you are serious about it, you can accomplish the same thing.

If you ever have any questions please leave it in the comments or send me an email. I hope you all have a fantastic week. Now I'm going to go sit with my hubby and watch Les Miserables with a granola bar and Pepsi.

Back at it

I am back at the gym again. Matt and I had memberships at 24 Hour Fitness but we cancelled them a while back. A new rec center opened a stones throw away from us so we purchased memberships there. It worked out to be cheaper each month than 24 Hour. But in the last few months since we cancelled our memberships I know I have gained weight. Yuck!! Boo hoo!! I hate carrying around extra flubber! Nothing fits right and I'm not comfortable with myself. Blah! So here I go again. Back on the ol' treadmill I go.

Bath and Body Works: *Free* Travel Size Item

If you love Bath and Body Works as much as I do then you will want to make use of this coupon. Go here to print a coupon good for a FREE Signature Collection Travel Size Item with any purchase (up to a $5 value). This coupon does expire on March 9th.

It says on the coupon ANY item so look for inexpensive products. Look for clearance items, small hand sanitizers, nail files or any other products priced around $1-$2. I love to add these small sized lotions or shower gels to Christmas or birthday gifts.

For Jaxon

Dear Jaxon,

I can't believe that you are already 1 year old. It has gone by so fast. It seems like we just brought you home from the hospital yesterday. Your daddy and I love you so much. You are so happy and full of life every single day. I am so lucky that I get to be your mom and be with you for eternity.

I knew while I was carrying you that you were going to be such a mellow child. You didn't move as much as Levi and you were generally calm. Levi was all over the place which explains his energy today. Usually everyday you are so happy just chillin' eating cheerios and drinking juice. You put up with pretty much anything we drag you to. You don't complain much unless Levi has pushed you down or taken your toys. You wake up with a smile and go to sleep with that same smile.

Jaxon, you are an amazing child. You have made our lives so much richer. I know you will grow up to do something incredible with your life. You will be able to show your talents to everyone someday. You will succeed in all of your endeavors. Your daddy and I will be there for you always, no matter what. Your Heavenly Father loves you and will always be there to guide you as well.

Some of your favorite things at 1 year:
You love to crinkle your nose and snort. It's so stinkin' cute.
You started walking at 10 months and at 12 months you are walking pretty fast.
You love sippy cups. Levi hates it when you steal his cup so we bought you your own.
You sleep through the night. You've been doing that for a while. We put you to sleep around 6:30-7:00 and you wake up at 6:30 the next morning.
We still aren't sure what your first clear word is. You've kind of said banana, dada, momma. I'm thinking momma is the first word for sure.
You recently discovered the sand box. That is your new favorite thing outside. It's going to be a dirty summer!
You have 6 teeth. 4 on top and 2 on bottom.

We love you!

Love,
Mom and Dad

Mexican Pork Chops

This is a nice twist on Mexican food. Another quick and easy meal for those days when you are in a hurry.

Printable Version

1 1/2 cups water
3/4 cup white rice uncooked
8 ounces tomato sauce
2 tbsp taco seasoning
1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
vegetable or canola oil
pork chops
salt
pepper

Preheat the oven to 350. In a sprayed 9 x 13 baking dish, combine the water, rice, tomato sauce and taco seasoning. Brown the pork chops in a large skillet with the vegetable or canola oil. Sprinkle the pork chops with salt and pepper. Arrange the brown chops over the rice and top with cheese. Cover and bake for 1 hour.

There is sunshine in my soul today