My first furniture redo

I have loved stalking the local DI for treasures.

It is my release and I enjoy looking at items

searching for its potential.

Lately, I try to go everyday on my way home from the gym. - I don't want to miss out on anything - There have been times when I so badly want what someone has already happily placed into their shopping cart and I wish I would have been there just 5 min. earlier.

Luckily, I have found some pretty cool things.

Today this is what I picked up:

You can't really tell from the picture but it was pretty nasty. I cleaned it up and sanded it down and whipped out my trusty can of spraypaint.

It is the perfect toybox for Peyton's toy corner:

I think it needs some cutesy embelishments but for now it is a finished project.

Things I learned this week...

1. easing your foot off the gas pedal to keep with the speed limit still gets you to your destination - plus it is a more relaxing drive. And when I got tailgaters trying to push me a long I would just smile in the rearview mirror and politely say, "I am going the speed limit and saving you a ticket - you're welcome!"

2. I can only control what happens in my small circle! Everyone else can take a chill pill cause I am not going to allow them to ruin my day.

3. It is a fantasy to think everyone "has it all under control" everyone is dealing with some type of problem and just because it isn't visual doesn't mean you can compare your life to theirs.

4. http://www.knockoffwood.blogspot.com/ is a fabulous site that my sis introduced me to. Now I have a whole lot of projects I want to tackle.

5. Months without a good dose of Chocolate makes you cranky. It is worth doing a little bit more of exercise to allow yourself a daily treat.

My baby girl is growing so fast! She is 10 months, which means her 1 year b-day is right around the corner. Oh my! Where did the time go?

My Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad week...

I got a cold, the air is nasty - not helping my cold, my Auto and Home Owners insurance is all messed up, I am sad (not depressed) about not having purpose in shopping anymore with Christmas being over and now is the time to SAVE not SPEND... and then, I get a Speeding Ticket!! - first one in 15 years. Only 14 days into the New Year and it wasn't looking very promissing until today.

I have to say - I ♥ Walgreens! So, so happy to have a store here. This deal is one I found on many coupon blogs so I am not claiming it as my own but had to share my very successful shopping day today. It made my week turn around.

The items you see below would have cost a total of $68.07 if you were stupid enough to pay full price - I personally would have gone without, thanks...

Here is a list of my purchases, the Sale Price, (-coupons used), =Final Cost:

ThermaCare Heatwrap ~ $2.49 (-$1.00) =$1.49 and got a $2.50 RR*

These items were 2/$8:

Neosporin Lip Treatment ~ $4.00 (-$3.00) =$1.00

Neosporin Lip Treatment ~ $4.00 (-$3.00) = $1.00 and got a $3 RR* for buying 2

Neosporin Antibiotic + pain relief ~ $4.00 (-$1.00) = $2.00

Neosporin Antibiotic + pain relief ~ $4.00 (-$1.00) = $2.00 and got a $3 RR* for buying 2

These items were buy one get one 50% off AND part of a $10 mail in rebate:

Lubriderm Lotion 16 oz ~ $7.99 (-$4.00) = $3.99

Lubriderm Lotion 16 oz ~ $3.99 (-$4.00) = -$0.01

Lubriderm Lotion 6 oz ~ $3.99 (-4.00) = -$0.01

Lubriderm Lotion 6 oz ~ $1.99 (-4.00) = -$2.01

Lubriderm Lotion 6 oz ~ $3.99 (-4.00) = -$0.01

Lubriderm Lotion 6 oz ~ $1.99 (-4.00) = -$2.01

Clean and Clear Blackhead Scrub ~ $5.29 (-2.00) = $3.29

Clean and Clear Blackhead Scrub ~ $2.64 (-$2.00) = $.64

My total spent = $11.36 Pretty Good for roughly $68.07 in purchases BUT it gets better! I earned $8.50 in RR (*like gift certificates to be redeemed on anything I choose at Walgreens) and by buying $30 (price before coupons) in participating rebate items I will be getting a check back in the mail for $10! So if my math is right, I got paid $7.14 to shop today! Now that is MY kind of shopping...

The majority of my coupons were printed online - just a few were in the ads that come in the newspaper and one coupon was from the Walgreens Diabetes and You magazine near the pharmacy. The store coupons are great because one coupon is deducted from each participating item you buy making it so you don't have to have multiples. (ex. the store coupon was for $1 off Lubriderm lotion - I bought 6 so it took $6 off my total) My sister also sacrificed 3 of her coupons to make this deal possible - thanks Jess!

Roll Call...

I know you are out there....

So let yourself be known.

If you are reading this please leave me a note telling me you were here. You don't have to say anything profound or intelligent. I am just curious to know who is tuning in to my babblings.

I admit, I am a silent blogstalker too - but lets get aquainted... shall we?

the THRILL of the HUNT!

I have gotten to really enjoy couponing and love that there are so many great resources out there. I was introduced to http://www.freebies2deals.com/ while watching Good Things Utah. When checking the blog on Saturday morning I found a whole list of deals at Walmart (which my sister had been telling me about but had never done it myself until then). I eagerly started printing all the coupons that were online for the products she had listed. I was able to print 2 of 98% of the coupons I wanted - YAY! Then the hunt began (what a fun Saturday activity)... I had my boys with me and they got a little bored so I think next time I will enjoy the time by myself.

Here is a top ten list of the deals and FREEbies I got on Saturday at my local Walmart:

10 -Pillsbury Crescent Rolls (4) (my store didn't have them as low as she listed but my coupon was better) $1.68 ea.
9 - Egg Beaters (2) $1.73 ea.
8 - Finish/ Electrosol Powerball Tabs 20ct. (1) $1.92
7 - Mission Tortillas (2) (I chose the Fat Free ones which were more expensive) $1.58 ea.
6 - Healthy Choice Frozen Meals (15) (they have great low calorie selections) $.88 ea.
5 - Fiesta Rice Sides (2) $.50 ea
4 - Idahoan instant potatoes (2) $.02 ea.
3 - Schick disposable razors 12 pk. (1) $-.03
2 - GE soft white long-life lightbulbs 4 pk (2) $-.07 ea.

1 - Chef's Request Filet Mignon 2 pack (1) $.68

Total of top 10 purchases (32 items in all) = $62.41 vs. $33.01 (total after coupons)
Even with Walmarts "low everyday prices" I still would have over spent by $29.40 (on just these 10 items) had I not used coupons!!!

What a Thrill! I love this game...

Goal Setting

I am a very Goal Oriented person. Give me a goal and I will do everything I can to make it happen! Ryan thinks this is considered OCD - ok who cares as long as I do what I set out to accomplish I don't care what he calls it. Things changed in my life this past year. I gave up my Managment with lia sophia and reprioritized. Spending more time at home with my kids and husband has been a great reward and a lot less stressful (some days). With this new found freedom, and being 4 mo. post baby number 3, I decided to do something for MYSELF and I went back to the gym. This is what I looked like (uggg... )

I was overweight and out of shape! But I didn't see it then - I was Happy!

After working out 5 days a week and watching my calories for 16 weeks. This is me today:

I have lost 16.5 lbs to date, gained muscle and have gotten stronger (I outdid the guys in pushups, rows and biceps last week!) I wish I would have taken before measurements but I can tell you - the shorts that were too tight to even do up can now be pulled on and off without being undone! When I started I couldn't even run 2 blocks without getting winded and having to stop. Now I can run a mile easily! I am even happier today - Exercise is the best medicine!!

I love this quote from my Aunt Valeri - "It is cheaper to live on a cruise ship than in a retirement home."

I challenge my family to start today to take better care of your body. Watch the Biggest Looser Tues. nights for motivation! I want to have a long healthy life with each of you!

Whatever your New Years Resolution is - I hope you acheive it one step at a time!

Our Holiday Whirlwind.

December was a fun month. We were busy with all the festivities and now that it is over, we are just enjoying the coziness of indoors. Stockton asked me yesterday on our way home from the gym if we needed to stop at any stores. I told him I was done shopping because Christmas was over. He excitedly said "YES!" It is good to be busy but too much of it sure wears a kid out!

The kids got many chances to visit Santa this year - knowing that they are "santa's helpers" they were sure to let him know what they wanted the REAL Santa to bring them for Christmas.

It has been tradition ever since I can remember to make gingerbread houses with Grandma Lewis. We have continued this tradition with our own kids and even though Gma couldn't make it this year we still had a good time. Aunt Jennifer made us freshly baked gingerbread. There were many choices for toppings and all the houses turned out so cute!

Bridget and Lucy sampling...

the creating begins... Jess putting swoopy lights and Melanie creating Lucy's perfect puppy house. Mom had some difficulty getting Ammon's bat cave to stay together. But I think the bat cape on the back helped a bit - way to go Ammon!

Left to Right: Ethan's elf house (the elves jumped on the bed and their hats got stuck in the roof), Stockton's Masterpiece, Ammon's bat cave, Lucy's puppy house (for Arf the dog),

Bridget's perfectly lit palace.

Lucy had her pockets stuffed...

The Smith family party was fun as always. Santa visited bringing treats for the kids

The kids got to make winter crafts and decorate t-shirts. Damian and Stockton were excited to wear their creations.

Ethan and I both won the candy guessing games (gummy bears and reeses peanut butter cups). Now to have self control...

We had our annual Christmas Eve party with Ryan's family and kept the kids up late. The next morning was so much fun. Ethan wasn't even disapointed that Santa thought he was too young for a Motorcycle. We had the kids shop for each other since they are old enough to do that now. Ethan and Stockton were both VERY excited about what they got from each other!

Ethan said that "this was the BEST Christmas EVER!"

Shhh... it's a SURPRISE!

My Sister and I had a brilliant idea for our Parent's for Christmas. Thanks to carefull planning and help from Aunt Raylene. We accomplished a Room Makeover and turned Mom and Dads bedroom from this:

to this:

Sent mom away for a sleepover at her sisters, Painted walls, New bedding, throw pillows, wall art, display plates, bedside lamps and most importantly HELP from Dad - restaining the nightstands and dresser to match the headboard - a task Mom has been wanting done for YEARS! Dad got his own computer Nook too (which he is excited about having his own space!).

I think she loves it!!

My battery in my camera died so these are the few seconds of video I got capturing the reveal.

Cache Valley Activity Info

Since so many were asking and I didn't know if you would check my response in the postings I am putting it out here for all to see.

The Live Nativity is at 800 W. 2800 S. in Nibley (this is the weathershield road just North of the Nibley Elem. school) They only had it open for 3 nights on the 4th, 5th and 7th. Friday and Monday It starts at 5 and goes to 9pm. Saturday I think it started at 1 and went to 9. They ask for either $1 per person or canned food donations per person. Wagon rides and entertainment are free but we found out the Hot Cocoa is a 25 cent donation (we left our money in the car so we missed out)
I found this and other local activites on http://www.cachevalleydaily.com/

The American West Heritage Center (AWHC) has fun Christmas activities going on too and they are free (for the most part) I believe there is a coupon on their site for free train rides if you want to do that. They are doing an interactive live nativity where your family can dress up and play the parts. http://www.americanwestcenter.org/ for more info on activities and schedules.

Another great place to find out about local happenings is
http://library.loganutah.org/local/events/ and
http://www.tourcachevalley.com/index.php?id=72

Happy Holidays!

CHRISTmas

The Decorations are up, the Trees are Trimmed and the Stockings are Hung.

But at our house we are looking for Christ this Christmas. And we began to find him at the live nativity! This was our first year going and It was amazing. The barns are set up just like bethlehem with live animals including a camel! They had carolers, a wagon ride, hot cocoa and accepted canned food donations. I explained to the kids that this was what it was like when Jesus was born (minus the snow - which was why the baby wasn't real - they were a little disappointed that it was a doll). When asked what their favorite part was, Stockton excitedly said "seeing Jesus" Awww... perfect family night! Mission Accomplished!

December 5th

has been on our calendar for weeks now - Ethan performs at Macey's with the school PE Dance Club. He begged to join and even up early every Monday, Tues, Thurs, and Friday to practice before school. The day arrived, Ethan asked me every 1/2 hour if it was time to go yet. Our whole day was planned around this activity!
We loaded the family up an arrived to the produce dept. with all the other performing students and Ethan FROZE!! He refused to participate. Aunts and cousins had come to watch and Ethan, stubborn him, would not finish what he started. I was so disapointed....

Later when we asked why he wouldn't dance he said that he didn't know there were going to be that many people. We explained that every kid's parents were there to watch and they weren't all going to be staring at him. Santa was at Macey's that day - Maybe Ethan needs some courage for Christmas this year.

Ryan and I know Ethan has a hard time in front of people and we were shocked when he wanted to join the dance club. He does fine in sports with everyone watching and he is kinda the neighborhood daredevil - what to do?

We are still waiting to see Ethan's moves - He is embarrassed to even show us. But on the other hand, he has proudly done the worm (break dancing) for his school class - No Problem! One day I hope to figure the kid out!

Hot Video - watch at your own risk!

for maximum enjoyment be sure to turn off my music player below on the right

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Advent Calendar

I finally got our Advent Calendar filled.

I am excited for all of the fun festivities Christmas brings...

Concerts at the Tabernacle

Live Nativity with Hay rides and Hot Cocoa

Gingerbread House contest on display in Historic Downtown

City Celebrations

Holiday Open House at Maceys

Breakfast with Santa at the Sports Academy

Winter Wonderland Figure Skating Performance

AWHC Holly Faire and Frontier Christmas

Ice Skating Discount nights

USU Hockey

Classic Movies at Dansante

Christmas Plays - Pickelville, CVCA

Sleigh Ride to see the Elk at Hardware Ranch

Church and Family parties

Did you know there were so many fun Holiday activities here in our little valley??

http://www.tourcachevalley.com/index.php?id=72

"It's Called Christmas"

we are getting ready at our house. Check this out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAckfn8yiAQ

Thanksgiving 2009

Amazingly Delicious Food, Fun Entertainment, Competetive Games, Football, Basketball, Playing with Cousins, Kids Craft, Ad Browsing, Nap Taking, Relaxing.

I did the kids table this year. There were activities for the kids to enjoy and lots of table to color on. We had a total of 16 adults and 11 kids enjoying Thanksgiving together! It was a great day.

Turning 34

It's Birthday time at our house and since Ryan has complained about past birthdays me and the kids planned an extra special party!
Stockton thought a Spiderman party would be fun but we went with Daddy's favorite past time - watching the Jazz as our theme. Family was invited over to enjoy the game with Ryan. I guess since it was HIS birthday it was ok that he attended the party in his pajama's.


We enjoyed an ice cream filled basketball cake. (Devils Food and Cookies and Cream)



Family spoiled him with many gifts including car care stuff, movie tickets, fishing net, Jazz tickets and an autographed D. Will picture from Nick.




"One Year Older and Wiser Too!
Happy Birthday to YOU!!"
It was so fun planning the party with Stockton. Every store we would go in he would proudly announce "It's my dad's birfday."