1st Day of School 2010

Must this day come????

I can't believe my "baby" is old enough for kindergarten. The children were so excited to start school today. The house was so quiet without them. I had to keep myself busy or else I would tear up. In the end, they had a GREAT day at school. They were talking non-stop when I picked them up. Preston said that 4th grade is going to be the best year ever. =)

Preston, Susan and Emilia...getting one last hug before we go!

Emilia, age 5

Preston, age 9

Emilia and Preston

Mrs. Miller and Emilia

Emilia (ready for Mommy to go home)

Emilia (one last photo!!!)

Publix Deals

I miss my Albertson's in Hayden but our Publix has awesome B1G1 deals. That makes it super easy to combine coupons. I also had a $10 off of $50 coupon to make it even better. I am on my way to building up a 3 month supply of food and toiletries.

Went to Publix early this morning to shop. I like going when they first open. That way I avoid the crowds, and the cashiers aren't cranky yet. =)

Grand total came to $129 before coupons. I spent $37 after promotions and coupons. I could have brought my total down to $34, but we needed milk. Oh well...

Here is what my $37 bought:

4 boxes of cereal

12 bottles of 100% Apple Juice

8 Ragu Pasta Sauces

10 Bottle of Wishbone Dressing (I use this for marinating too)

4 Boxes Nabisco Multi Packs (I like to use these for the kids' sports snacks)

1 Gallon Milk

Not too bad. My savings percentage seems to be hovering around 70% - 72%. I'd like to get it higher, but I will be happy with what it is for now.

So now the question is...Where do all of you couponers put everything????

Happy Shopping!

I love CVS

I've been couponing lately. Of course, I am completely hooked. It is such a great way to build up a year's supply of common household items. In this economy, it is so important to be prepared.

This week at CVS, I saved 72%. Of course prices are a little inflated at CVS, but combining coupons with sales makes it all worthwhile. I paid $25 out of pocket for the following:

3 bottles of Crest Mouthwash

3 Glide Floss

4 bottles Skippy Peanut Butter

2 Ragu Sauce

1 16-count Charmin double roll toilet paper

1 8-count Bounty Basic paper towel

5 boxes Tampax (20 ct each)

1 Dawn dishwashing liquid

I love CVS!

Yummy Cake Mix Cookies!

My friend, Wynnter, introduced me to these delicious cookies. The recipe is so versatile. We have had so much fun trying different cake mixes. The possibilities are endless!

Cake Mix Cookies

1 Box of Cake Mix (any variety)

1/3 c oil

2 eggs

powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 325. Mix cake mix, oil and eggs together. Roll dough into small balls, and then roll in powdered sugar. Bake for 7 - 9 minutes.

YUUUUUMMMMM!

Sunny Florida!

I wish I had some pictures to go along with this post, but my camera is in storage. Maybe I will come back and add some pictures once we have access to our belongings.

Our last week in Idaho was a little crazy. The movers came on the 4th to box us, and came back on the 5th to load our moving truck. Our flight wasn't until the 10th, so we spent the next few nights at the Bills' house. Their family was so sweet to us!!! Kellie cleaned her house from top to bottom, gave us our own room, cooked dinner for us, and helped me paint Preston's room in our house before we left. I will never forget her kindness. It was so wonderful to have a place to stay that felt like "home." The Averetts threw a little Going Away Party for the kids, but somehow all the parents were there too (hmmm....wonder if that was planned???). It was so sweet. All in all, it was a crazy week, but I wouldn't change it one bit. I cried when we left Hayden. I will miss our friends, our ward and the community.

On the 8th of March, we met the nice family who will be renting our house until it sells. They have four children and one on the way. They seem like a really sweet family. I am a little jealous that they will get to be in our house, in our ward, with our friends. But, alas...life goes on. I wish them well on their new journey.

We arrived in Ft Myers on Wednesday, March 10th. Technically, it was March 11th, since we arrived after midnight. Our first two days were filled with thunderstorms and downpours. Then the sun came out on Saturday, and it has been beautiful ever since. The weather is great right now. The temperature reaches about 75 during the day with a wonderful spring breeze blowing. The kids and I have been taking walks around our condo community. I think Emilia got a little sunburn on her shoulders today.

Preston and Emilia found seashells while we were looking at houses with our realtor. It is crazy to me that these houses were being built on sand. There were thousands of seashells on the lots, and we were miles and miles from nearest beach.

We like the area so far, especially now that our van has arrived and we can explore a little more. We found a really cute little place here that sells fresh-sqeezed orange juice and locally grown citrus fruits. It is the best tasting juice I've ever had. We'll see what tomorrow holds...

Turning 5

Emilia will turn 5 years old tomorrow. She is so excited. She is so independent, and that seems to be increasing day by day. I am so sad that she is moving out of the toddler years, but it is so amazing to watch her learn and grow. I feel so blessed when I spend time with her. I can't believe how fast time has flown. Happy Birthday baby girl!