Cowboy Zeke

Zeke loves playing dress up!

Beach Trip - July 2009

Noah got a skim board and had a lot of fun learning how to use it!

Ocean and beach fun!

Pooltime!

Sparklers

Zeke went to a friend's bday party and got some Sparklers in his goody bag, which I thought was a fabulous idea! The kids enjoyed lighting them and playing. We put the end of the sparkler into a can of playdough to make it a little longer and to make the kids feel a little more secure about handling "fire". It worked great!

Noah's Bday

We went bowling and enjoyed pizza and cookie cake. We gave Noah Guitar Praise for his birthday. It's like Guitar Hero, but only Christian songs. We have had a really good time playing with it! Even I like it!

Can't believe Noah is 9 years old. Half of his time with us (where we are FULLY responsible for him) is over. I pray daily that we are doing the things God wants us to do and continue to teach him to follow God's will for his life and to help him to learn to listen to God!

Visit from an "old" friend

Eli's very good friend, Drew, came over for a visit while they were in town this week. Eli and Drew were kind of like "first" friends and they also share a birthday! Eli was so happy to see Drew!

Playdoh Fun!

Zeke and I got the playdoh out yesterday and started playing... it wasn't too long until Noah and Eli joined us. We played Playdoh for a couple of hours. It took me all day to get it cleaned up!

Italian Beef Sandwiches with Squash & Corn Casserole

Tonight I made Italian Beef sandwiches and Squash and Corn Casserole.

Italian Beef Sandwiches:
I don't actually ever measure anything, and I use a smaller roast but here is the actual recipe:
5 lb rump roast, trimmed of fat
6 beef bouillon cubes
3 cups boiling water
1tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
2 tsp oregano
1 can beer
1/2 to 1 jar pepperonici peppers

Place roast in crock pot. Add bouillon to boiling water. When dissolved pour over roast. Mix in seasonings and add in can of beer. Cook 5-6 hours until done. A larger roast may require more time! About 30 minutes before you plan to eat, add the peppers, otherwise they will be too mushy! Serve over crusty bread or sandwich rolls!

I recently found this recipe on http://www.allrecipes.com/ I was looking for ways to use squash that my picky hubby might enjoy. This one calls for cheese, but I omitted it as he doesn't like cheese. I then added a little to the top on half of it for myself!

The recipe can be found here: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Yellow-Squash-and-Corn-Casserole/Detail.aspx

I will note that, as usual, I didn't really measure anything. I did substitue Oatmeal pancake mix for the biscuit baking mix, b/c that is all I had. This was very good! I will definetly make it again!

Shopping week of July 11th

Well, I started off Sunday going to CVS, Wal Green's and Rite Aid. Then finished up with Winn-Dixie. No pics from these trips but here we go:

CVS Trip 1:

2 PaperMate pens $.99 each

2 1 subject notebooks $.99 each

2 scissors $2.99 each

2 school glue $.99 each

ECBs for full amount of all these items printed! I used ECBs from last week to pay. My OOP was .49!

CVS Trip 2:

1 PaperMate pens $.99

2 Tylenol Arthritis $3.99 each

- used 2 $2/1 coupons

- $3 ECB for each one

PROFIT OF $1.01 on each one!

CVS Rechargeable batteries $9.99

I used last weeks ECBs to pay for all of this. The boys used AAA batteries in the camer and videocamera and they have been playing with them alot. We had one set of rechargable but needed another. I have gotten overage on lots of thing of CVS in the last few weeks, so I figured it would be worth it to buy these rechargeable, which in the long run will save us money on batteries!

OOP $.93.

I still am planning to go one evening if Tony can get home early enough to try to make one of those FREE after ECB books. I also found one more $2 coupon for the Tylenol and will do that since it's a money maker!

Wal-Green's:

5 Royal Jello $1

2 packs Expo Markers $1.99 each

1 box of envelopes $.59

used my only RR of $5

OOP = $1.13

No RR for next week.

Rite Aid Trans #1

2 Pull Ups 14.99 each

- $3 coupon

- $3 coupon

- $2 SCR (mailed at end of month)

B1G1 candy bars $.88

- FREE Chocolate coupon so

both for FREE

Crest EnamelShield $2.69

- $2.69 SCR (mailed at end of month)

forgot to use $.75 Q from Sunday's paper

used a $5 off a $25 purchase Rite Aid Q

OOP $25.03

Rite Aid Tran #2

1 Huggies Pull ups $14.99

- $2 off Q

1 Huggies wipe refill $7.99

2 Kleenex B1G1 $2.49

2 Bounty Basic PT B1G1 $1.29

- $.25 Q

3 pk poptart $4.99

- $1 peelie on box

2 Snickers B1G1

- used Free Q making both free!

used a $5 off a $25 transaction
OOP = 26.76

The poptarts have one box with a token toward the free movie ticket, now I have enough to mail off for my second free ticket!

These 2 transactions qualify me for the $25 gift card for spending $50 in Kimberly Clark qualifying products. I will have to wait until the end of the month to submit and have it mailed, but that makes those pull ups a really great deal!

Winn Dixie

2 Pork Chops B1G1 $6.05

2 Rump Roast B1G1 $12.53

OOP = $20.25

(not bad for what will be 4 dinners and the roasts will provide lots of leftovers!)

Publix Trans #1 7/13

I waited until Monday to do my PUblix shopping so I can count it toward the rebate that is going on!

2 Kashi Frozen meals 50% $1.89 each

- 2 $.50 Target Q so $1.39 each

bananas $.79

Green leaf lettuce $1.49

Cotton balls $2.19

Grapes $3.97

Cantaloupe $2.00

Tilipia fillet $4.41

St Fair Corn Dogs $5.99

Shake and Bake $2.29 (Rebate item) and I used this to bread my fish

Kraft BBQ $1.49 (rebate item)

Jello Choc Pudding large box $1.39 (Rebate item)

Black Beans $1.15

Pillsbury Grands B1G1 $1.5

- $.35 Q which doubles so total = $.80

Mt. Olive Pepperonici peppers for my Italian beef (Tues dinner) $1.99

- $.50 Q which doubles so $.99 (I only use half the jar for my recipe)

Oscar Meyer Bacon bits (Rebate Item and Tony will LOVE!) $1.89

Kraft Mac and Cheese $1.99 (rebate item)

Velvetta Shells $1.99 (rebate item)

2 Nature's Own Honey Wheat Bread $2.75 each (thought this was B1G1 but these weren't part of the sale!)

2 Coffee Mate creamers $2.00

-used 2 $.50/1 Q which both doubled, so $1.00 each

Publix Ranch Dressing $.01

2 Betty Crocker Suddenly Salad $2.29 each

used $.50/2 which doubled so $1.79 each

Cascade Gel $3.99

- $1 off Q

3 Mueller Spaghetti B1G1 $.75 each

- $1/3 internet Q so $.42 each

2 Kashi Waffles 50% off $1.39

- 2 $.25/1 Target Q so $1.04 each

Publix 1% milk (Aldi doesn't carry 1$) $2.89

also used a $10 off $50 purchase Q from Winn-Dixie

Total OOP = $52.81

I was really trying to get those rebate items done. I wanted the gas cards but they were out and said more would be in on Tuesday so I planned a second trip for Tuesday:

Publix Trans #2 7/14

3 Lysol Wipes (80 count) B1G1 so $2.50 each

- 3 $1/1 Q for $1.50 each

1 Back to Nature Granola $3.59 - $1 Q so $2.59

Blue Diamond Almonds B1G1 $1.70 - $.50 Q which doubled for $.70

Planter's Sliced ALmonds $3.99 (rebate item) - use these for granola bars

4 kashi Waffles 50% off $1.39 each - $.25 Target Q so $1.04 each

4 Kashi Frozen entrees 50% off $1.89 each - $.50 Target Q so $1.39 each

2 deli hoagie rolls (for Italian beef for dinner tonight!) $2.29 each

Kraft 2% cheese 14 oz (this was hanging in the wrong place and there was someone stocking and had a big cart blocking most of the cheese and the kids were wild - I meant to get smaller package!!) $4.99 - $1 Q so $3.99 (Rebate item)

used $5 off a $25 Piggly Wiggly Q

Total OOP = $28.25

They still didn't have the giftcards today!!!! But they said they are going to extend the coupon for another week and they should have more in on Friday. I will hang on to these receipts and after I go to Publix next week will have enough to qualify for the Kraft Rebate for $20.

Target 7/14

1 Electrasol $3.49 - $2.50 man Q $.99
2 Kashi cereals $3.29 and $3.69
- B1G1 Free Target Q $2.89 (cashier did the wrong amount ...sigh)
- $.50 Kashi cereal Target Q
$1.80 each
Cream corn $.57 (squash dish I'm trying tonight!)
4 Duncan Hines Baking mixes $.99
- 4 $.50/1 Target Q
$.49 each
3 Driscoll's Strawberries $1.99 (will freeze some to make jam and strawberry juice)
- 3 $1/1 Target Q
$.99 each
MP Pizza $2.99
- $1 Target Q
$1.99
Kid's Listerine flouride rinse on clearance with cups $3.38
- $1 off online Q
$2.38
Kids Oral B Toothpaste $2.59
Up brand large freezer bags $2.19
-$.50 Target Q
$1.69
2 Kashi Cereal bars $2.89 each
- $1/2 Target Q
- $1.50/2 online Q
$1.64 each
10 Sobe waters $1.00 each
$5 giftcard when you buy 10
so $.50 each

OOP $35.44 plus $5 giftcard to use on next trip!

Cow Appreciation Day

After swim lessons today we put on our cow costumes that we made and headed to Chick-fil-A for Cow Appreciation Day. The kids looked so cute and got free kids meals! Fun, fun, fun!

Fun at Grayson Park

This little park is right next to the the pool where the kids are taking swim lessons. It is nice and shady and they love playing there. There are usually no other kids so they have a really good time. Most days we have a snack after swim lessons and then play for a while - I can read a book or just enjoy watching them have a good time!

Summer is too short and it is going to be over so soon! I can't believe it's already July 8th! Only 10 days until Noah is 9! That is such a milestone to me, b/c that is really half of his time that I am in charge of him. By the time he is 18, he will be done with high school and on his way to college. I only have 9 more years to help him develop into the Christian young man that I want him to be!

Shopping this week

Weekly total: $102.11 July (so far): $136.54

7/5 Publix:
Publix Tortilla Chips (Penny Item)
Final Price $.01
*
2 Cool Whip B1G1
used $1/2 Q
Final price $.49 each
*
Fast Fixin Chicken B1G1 $3.00
(never bought this brand before so I only got 1)
Final price $3.00
*
1 lemon
$.40
*
Grapes $1.69/pound
$3.65
*
Reynolds Wrap B1G1 $4.39
Use 2 $1/1 Qs
Final price $1.19 each
*
Carrots
$1.69
*
Cantaloupe
$2
*
2 Philadelphia Cream Cheese $1.25 eacah
used $1/2 Q
final $.75 each
*
Bounty Paper Towl $1.25
used $.25 Q which doubles
final $.75
*
2 packages of Jennie O Turkey patties B1G1 $4.49 for 2
packages had $1 Q's and I had a $5 Q so
final price $2.51 overage!
*
California Pizza Kitchen $5.50
used $1 Q
final $4.50
*
Bush Honey Bakes Beans B1G1 $1.15 each
used 2 $1/1 Q's
final $.15 each
*
wheat germ $5.29
use for baking, granola bars, etc
*
Hunts Petite Diced B1G1
final $.70 each
*
Publix Sweet tea B1G1
final $1.20
*
Publix milk
$2.89
*
I also used a $10 off $50 purchase from Winn Dixie.

Final $24.63 ($3.21 was tax)



7/5 CVS
2 dawn detergents $1.00 each
$1 ECB
$1/1 Q from a home mailer
$.25/1 Q
final $.25 overage
*
3 Post Trail Mix Crunch 3 for $10
$5 ECB
3 $2/1 Q's
final $1 overage
*
Febreze Deal
2 Noticeables $13
1 Air Effects $3
1 Fabric Refresher $5
$10 ECB
2 $4 off Noticeables Q (7/5 PG)
1 free Air Effects with Fabric Ref purchase Q $3 (7/5 PG)
final $ FREE!
*
Colgate Total Advanced $3.49
$2 ECB
$1/1 Q
final $.49
*
3 CVS tape $1.49 each
ECB $4.48
final FREE!
*
2 10 ct pencils $.99 each
ECB $1.98
final FREE!

I also had a $20 ECB from the Soy Joy deal

so total OOP $5.75 (2.06 was tax)
ECB's from this transaction : $24.45
plus my spring spending ECB printed for $1.50



7/5 Walgreens:
3 Fudge Stripe
1 Pecan Sandies (Tony loves these)
$10 for 4
used $1/2 fudge stripe Q
used $.55 off Sandies Q
used $3 RR
Total OOP: $6.35 ($.90 tax)

$5 RR printed!
7/6 Publix Trip (#2)

I went back to Publix b/c I forgot to buy orange sherbet for a special dessert I wanted to make and to get some more of those Jennie-O B1G1 free turkey patties with the $1 off peelies on them! Unfortunately, they were out of the turkey patties, but I got the following:

bananas $.54

Dole Pineapple $2.99

Used $.50 online manu Q, which doubled

final price: $1.99

3 Fisher snacks at $1.25 each

used 3 $1/1 Q's

final price $.25 each

Sherbet $1.89

Total OOP $9.22 ($1.05 was tax)

7/6 Winn-Dixie

4 GM Cereals at 4/$10 with $4 off when you buy 4 plus used a $1/3 Q

Final price: $1.25 per box!

Cottonelle TP $5.99

used $.50/1 Q, which doubled

final price $4.99

Total OOP $11.02 ($1.08 was tax)

7/8 Target

4 Choc Chip Eggo Waffles $1.50 each

*

4 Bakeshop Eggos $1.50 each

used 4 $1/1 online Q

final: $.50 each

*

2 8-ct Poptarts $1.52

*

4 Duncan Hines cake mixes $.99 each

used 4 $.50/1 Target Q

final $.49 each

*

Joint Juice $.99

used $1/1 online Q

final $.01 overage

*

2 Dole Mandarin oranges $.79 each.

used $.55/2 online Q

final $.51 each

*

Lindt Dark Chocolate

$2.29

*

2 Kashi snacks $2.50 each

used $1.50/1 online Q

ised $1/2 Target Q

final $.125 each

Total $21.14 (2.33 was tax)

Buying 10 Kellogg's products on one transaction allows me to apply for a Fuel for School rebate of $10. So after rebate, this purchase cost me only $11.14! And the PopTart boxes have the movie ticket tokens that we are trying to accumulate enough of for free movie tickets! Not too bad for 19 items!

Final Trip for the week: Aldi

Here is what I got

3 lb apples

1 pound strawberries

1 pound cherries

2 V8 Splash juice (Tony's fav)

Oatmeal creme pies

2 choc chip granola bars

Nutter Butters

6 pack of juice squeezers (something Eli loves and has been asking for )

bananas

4 gallons of milk

parmesan cheese

Total $27.56

My total OOP(out of pocket) for the week so far is $112.11. This DOES NOT include my Fuel for School Rebate that will come in the mail in a few weeks. After that my weekly total is $102.11. Not too bad considering we are now stocked for kids waffles for quite a long while!

Sprinkler Fun!

Freezing Fresh Corn

I bought 10 ears of corn for $1 at Target. I shucked them and then blanched them. Blanching is bringing your water to a rolling boil and then cooking. I boiled for 6 minutes. This is to ensure that all the enzymes that can make the corn spoil during storage are killed. After removing from the boiling water I plunged them into ice water for 6 minutes. This stops cooking so the corn won't be mushy after freezing.

Next, I took the cooked corn and cut it off the cob.

The corn will come off in little sheets like this

I used my clean fingers to crumble it all up so it would be individual kernals. I then left it in this tray to freeze for a few hours. Then I removed it from the pan and put into freezer bags to keep in my freezer for future use!