Extreme Couponing

This past summer, I decided I wanted to try and save a little money, but who doesn't right?? Well I was so intrigued with people who were able to save by using coupons I went to the Savvy Shopper classes taught by Amy from the Daily Herald. Everything she said totally made sense and sounded simple for the most part. So I increased my number of Sunday papers from 1 to 5. Bought me a cute Mickey Mouse binder, the baseball card holder pages and I was set.

At first I was pretty good. Usually saved about 50-60% in savings with each purchase. Not too bad for my first shot at it. Well then as I continued, I kept finding that many of the items on sale were ALWAYS gone! Shelves empty, nothing in site. It was discouraging but I pushed through it and kept trying. Mind you this was also in the summer when I had a lot more free time then I did once school started.

I kept trying and shelves were continually empty. I don't have the luxury to shop anytime I feel like it I go when I can find the time between being a mom, a teacher, a dance company director, and a coach. You know how it goes right??

Now this crazy show on TLC "Extreme Couponing" comes on. Although very intriguing, mostly annoying. I cannot believe the number of items these people buy! It's insane and completely ridiculous! Do you really need 50 bottle of Maalox?? Maybe it's time to adjust your diet instead. Just saying. At least now I know why all the shelves are always empty with all those great deals.

Needless to say I now only get one Sunday newspaper and have given up for a time. Until I can find a better way to do it. I retire from the coupon cutting business. If anyone has any great tips, please fill me in!!

Thanks for letting me rant! whew I feel better...

Happy Mother's Day!!!

These are all the wonderful women in my life that I am closest too!! I love my mom for all that she does and my sisters for the love and friendship! I truly have the greatest family ever!

Love you all!

St. George Round 2

We once again headed South this past weekend to enjoy the not so warm weather of St. George. This time it was to watch Barry & my brother Craig play softball. We were hoping that we would have at least 70 degree weather but wound out with 61 ish and windy. Boohoo!!

None the less we had a great time with all our family members and still did manage to get a little bit of sun. We were lucky to get to spend some time with Jake, Sierra, Bailee, Ron, Brittney, Ruby, and Grandma and Grandpa.

Check out the chicka below. Just chillin like a villian!!

Yummy ring pop!!

All in all a great weekend. Maybe next time we head down there it will be warmer.

Happy Easter

What a beautiful Easter today has been! Barry and I teach the CTR 8 class and lucky for me it was my turn to give the lesson. Of course it was on the resurrection! What a great lesson! I think I learned more about the resurrection than the girls did. I am so graetful for my Savior and his sacrifice for all of us. The knowledge that we will be able to see all of our family members and friends again someday is so wonderful. I am grateful that I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

As a family we had a wonderful weekend full of Easter Egg hunts a great times with family. Here are a few pictures :)

The annual dying of the eggs. Well actually this is the first time we
have done this since we have had kids.

What a cheese ball!!


Blowing Bubbles!! Look at that face, so cute!

Isn't she pretty???

Look who found us at Grandma's!!
Here comes Peter Cottontail, hopping down the bunny trail!!

I LOVE this particular bunny!! Betcha can't guess who's in the suit???

The young cousins and their loot.

On a side note, I have decided to work on little physical self improvement. Yep that's right! Time to hit the weight loss train hard core. I have done it before so I know I can do it again. You know when you look in the mirror and what you think you look like in your head isn't what you see. Well that's where I am at. I haven't been happy for awhile and am ready to put some action into changing it. I have decided to join Weight Watchers again and really take control of my eating. No more eating out as much. Focusing on nice healthy meals and working out EVERYDAY. So now that this is out in the public, please do not feed the animals (aka me) any junk food! Thanks to all!! I'll keep you updated on my progress. PS for my first week I am still working on avoiding junk food. Easter Candy isn't helping with this.

St. George Round 1

This past weekend we packed up and headed for the warm sunny weather of the south. However, it wasn't at all warm and it snowed from home to Cedar City and then rained all day Saturday. Then Sunday was finally a decent day. Definitely not swimming weather but, nice.

Saturday, the kids hung out with Barry and cousin Tayler at home while I judged a dance competition. So much fun to see all the amazing studios that are out there!

Sunday we of course headed to the outlets where I bought Andrew his Easter outfit. We spent the weekend just relaxing and enjoying a much needed break from out everyday lives. Sometimes its nice to step out of reality.

Here are some picture of our adventure!!

Shopping at the outlets!

A girl after my own heart. She insisted on carrying her bag everywhere!

At the playground in Grandpa's condo!

One of her best pictures. This was after she took a head dive down the stairs!
Poor kid.

We will be heading back down to St. George at the end of the month for our annual softball trip. So, stay tuned for round 2 of our adventure.

Cousins

This past Sunday, we had the entire family together for Ali's birthday. It's always so fun to get everyone together. While we were having a great time, I took the liberty of stealing some fun shots of Brooklyn and her cousin Ruby. They are four months apart. Brittney and I are trying hoping they will be BFF's!! So far we are off to a great start!! The last picture is all of my parents Grandkids 17 total!! So crazy and fun to see our family get so big!