Noteworthy Event

TJ got promoted on Tuesday to Lt. jg. I am so proud of him and all his hard work and dedication. Ok, so that was just a tad sarcastic. For those of you who know us well, you know how hard TJ is really working (hee hee) and that the NAVY automatically promotes you every two years. But, it's still exciting! I am teasing him because instead of having gold bars for Ensign, he has promoted to what looks like silver bars for lt. jg. So, I had to tease him he went from gold down to silver. He says the ensign bars aren't gold, they're bronze, but they look like gold to me! I guess you could say the lt. jg bars are platinum, so he went from gold up to platinum? I don't know, I don't get all the bar stuff. I also got to sew his new patches on his flight suit. This picture is from the winging in October, not from Tuesday, so this uniform doesn't show his new "title." For some reason he wouldn't let me go to his ceremony. He is so unpretentious and insisted "it's not a big deal." Whatever! It so totally is!

Next project is....

I am being optimistic and thinking I can get two scarves finished by Monday for my two little nieces. We'll see...why do I do this to myself? I bought this yarn for this purpose a year ago and am just now starting...

Frosting the sugar cookies

We finally got around to making our sugar cookies for Christmas. It's a tradition we do every year, but it has been so hot I really haven't felt like baking. Plus it doesn't really "feel" like Christmas. But, we will be flying to Colorado on Monday!!!!! I can't wait to be cold and wear pants, socks, shoes, a sweater AND a coat! (that's instead of wearing shorts and flip flops!) My kids don't even own a coat. I had to call my sisters and tell them to have some hand-me downs ready when we got there. Tyler was too busy playing outside to frost cookies with Brena and I. Brena however, doesn't miss an opportunity for sugar.

Happy Quilt

I think I will call this Happy. It just makes me happy when I see all these bright colors! TJ picked out the back. I wasn't too sure about it at first, but now I love it. It says "girl bugs" all over the back - how cute is that?? I just stippled it all over. I am now a big stippling fan. Although I am not good at it, but I'll keep practicing. Although, I can't figure out why some photos you can click on to get them to enlarge and some don't. I don't do anything different with any of my settings, I do everything the same each time I upload photos. For some reason, these are not enlarging when you click on them. I wish I knew why that was.

Christmas Cards

When I was growing up, my parents never sent out Christmas cards. I didn't even realize people did that until I was older. I started making our Christmas cards and mailing them out to family and friends about 5 or 6 years ago. I have always hand made the card, always. This year I have been trying for weeks to find a card design I like and want to make 100 times. I still have come up with absolutely nothing I like. So, I can't believe it, but I just ordered Christmas card photos from Walgreens today, boy was that easy and a HUGE weight off my chest! Hopefully I will be back in the swing of things enough next year to make them again, because I truly enjoy doing that. I guess I am just feeling like I have to apologize to everyone for not making them a homemade card this year. But, I am wondering, have you always sent out Christmas cards and did your parents do it too?

Last t-ball game

Tyler has been playing t-ball for the past couple of months and today was the last game. We have really liked playing sports through the YMCA. They stress the importance of having fun and learning while doing so in a Christian based environment. They don't keep score and everyone bats and plays on the field.

Tyler at bat - he hit the ball out to the outfield without the tee.

Sometimes the games resembled football rather than baseball :-)

Love those ears stickin' out -he got the from TJ's side of the family!

Brena always trying to be part of the team.

Happy Birthday Steph!

My baby sister is 27 today! Happy Birthday Stephanie! Not that you read my blog... But, I still love you! And am SO proud of you and all your accomplishments. You are one amazing girl.

This is us in 1982! You were just a few months old, I think you liked me holding you - look at that smile on your face!

I loved growing up in a family of 3 girls and no boys! We had great times playing Barbies all day! Although we fought a lot and we usually were 2 against 1, I still have fond memories of our growing up years! Do you remember the time TJ came to pick me up for Homecoming one year and you and your friends had dressed up in all my clothes and make-up and were waiting for him as his dates??? I thought you were so annoying :) But now I wish Brena had a sister as great as you!

Coupon Class

If you are interested in learning more about getting free stuff from CVS and Walgreens, my friend and I are doing an online class Wednesday night. It's free and all you need is a computer. Here is the link to sign up. We will have all the information you need to get started making money at CVS and Wags! Hope to "see" you there!
http://crazycouponladies.blogspot.com/

I'm crazy

I was in line at midnight last night for CVS's black Friday sales, that started at midnight last night. Here's my haul. I am not going to break it all down because I'm tired and I don't feel like figuring it all out right now, but I made somewhere in the ballpark of $60-$70 :) There are a few things that are missing from the picture. Surprisingly no, it's not chocolate that's missing. I think I consumed a few gatorades :) And some lipgloss is missing....I'll have to check Brena's pockets for that one!

CVS Money Maker tip

At CVS this week if you buy 3 American Express Gift Cards at $25 each, you can make some money. It is in the ad on page 8, but here's how it works:

$10 ecbs and $15 gas card MIR wyb any Three American express gift cards Limit 1

+$75 (3 x $25)
+$11.85 ($3.95 x 3) fees for each card
=$86.85 oop

-$10 ecb received
-$75 in gc received
-$15 gas card - find rebate form in stores or download from americanexpress.com
=$13.15 profit!!!

Twilight at Midnight!

I haven't posted because I am still trying to recover from seeing Twilight at Midnight Thursday night! Yes, I went to the premier of Twilight!!!!! I can't believe I stayed awake, but it was awesome! I didn't get in bed until 3am Friday morning. Then I woke up at 7am to get Tyler off to school. I haven't recovered yet. I don't know why I don't have a picture of us at the theatre, this was at dinner before the movie. Go team Edward!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

More Bras

If you missed out on the Victoria's Secret Bra deal (I got my bras - they are wonderful!) here's another deal from Land's End. I had to order more bras!

Land's End has bras on clearance for $6-$8 (reg $40). Use Code HOLIDAY and pin 5684 to get FREE Shipping!

Women's Regular Mesh Classic Non-padded Underwire Bra was $19.50
now $5.99 HERE
Women's Regular Satin Molded Plunge Bra was $30.00
now $5.99 HERE
Women's Regular Satin Multi-way Padded Underwire Bras $34.00
now $7.99 HERE
Women's Regular Ribbon Mesh Plunge Non-padded Underwire Bra was $34.00
now $7.99 HERE
Women's Regular Ribbon Mesh Balcony Non-padded Underwire Bra was $34.00
now $7.99 HERE
Women's Mesh Dot Classic Non-padded Underwire Bra was $20.00
now $7.99 HERE
Women's Regular Lace Molded Cup Underwire Bra was $34.00
now $7.99 HERE
Women's Regular Scalloped Lace Plunge Non-padded Underwire Bra was $34.00
now $7.99 HERE

Remember to use your Ebates account when you shop and you'll get 3% back on your purchases! Thanks to The Thrifty Mama for this!

Pink quilt

I have been dying to make a quilt out of some of my favorite fat quarters. I think my favorite color is pink, I have stocked up on a lot of pink fabric. I finally started on my pink quilt last week. It doesn't look like I had pictured in my head, but it's ok. Maybe it will look better when it's done!

Space Shuttle Endeavour Launch

NASA launched the Endeavour last night - and we were there to see it! It was SO amazing! I can't even begin to describe how cool it was. Some of TJ's classmates got there before we did and saved us front row seats on the beach while we grabbed some $5 pizzas. I'm not sure where else you can sit on the beach at 8pm in 80 degree weather on November 14, and watch a space shuttle launch!! I can't help but think how grateful I am that TJ is in the NAVY and we are having so many amazing opportunities to see different parts of the country. It's also because of the above mentioned temperature on November 14, at 8pm, with 97% humidity that we are probably moving to Washington! It doesn't even cool off at night... Ok, here are the pictures!

The pizza


It was total darkness, but there was a gorgeous full moon out. Thank goodness we got a new camera within the last month because our old camera would have never been able to do this! I LOVE my new Nikon D40! So, obviously the moon is on the left. Then in the middle of all the smaller lights across the water you can see the launch pad.

It was really windy!

Where we were sitting we were about 12 miles away.

Blast off!

Everyone was clapping and cheering. There was a very large crowd.

It all happened so fast! This is about when we started to hear the booming sound.

I LOVE this picture. Not too long after this is when the rocket boosters dropped off.

Never thought I'd see this again!

Friday, November 14. I don't even remember the last time I saw this!

Walgreens

If you have a Walgreens and haven't bought the free after rebate items for November, you should do it today or tomorrow. Not only will will the items be free - but you will make $5. Print off the Walgreens $5/$20 here and then go buy the Almay mascara and L'Oreal moisturizer. Here is the link from Walgreens to see what they look like. Scroll to page 20 to see pictures. http://walgreens.hs.llnwd.net/e1/rebate/RebatePeriod112.pdf. Remember, this isn't a mail in rebate - you just go on Walgreens.com and make an account, then put your receipt # in where it tells you to. They will then mail you a check or a gift card with a 10% bonus on it.

Too much

I am copying this quote from my friend Holly "Herein lies the tales and adventures of a woman with so many interests she doesn't know which one to focus on first." This totally reminds me of myself!! Today I looked at my quilt table and realized there are lots of quilts sitting on top of it! They just aren't finished yet - and they are all in different stages. When I first started quilting I would read about people who have all these different quilts going on at once. I thought that was dumb - I decided I would always finish what I started. Yeah, right! Here I am a year later with I think like 4-5 different quilt projects going at the same time!! I thought I learned my lesson to never say never. And in the corner of the picture you can see the scarves I am knitting for my little nieces for Christmas - another project to finish!! Does anyone else have this problem?

Orlando

My dear friend Kendra watched our little monsters yesterday while TJ and I headed down to the Orlando Temple. It was a wonderful day - thank you Kendra!! TJ and I have not been able to attend the Temple together since we left San Diego - almost 2 years ago! It's hard when it's not close and you have little kids!

Brenalee's quilt is finished!!!

I never thought I'd finish this! It is my biggest quilt to date. I finished hand sewing the binding down yesterday. I am really, really happy with it, I just wish it were bigger. We moved Brena into the queen size bed, so it looks a tad small on it. But it still works. I just need to get new sheets and a bed skirt to match.

She dressed herself, can you tell?

I pieced the back. I didn't want to buy another piece of material for this quilt.

4th & 4th

I saw this on my friend Melinda's site and am copying it. It's a tag, so I am going to tag everyone. What you do is upload the 4th picture from your 4th folder, hopefully that makes sense. Here's mine:

This picture was taken in August 2003. We went camping up in Julian (not too far from San Diego) with my Mom (holding Tyler as a baby) and our good friends Kate & Travis and their kids Megan and Austin. Tyler was only about 4 1/2 months old in this picture. And the outfit he is wearing is a hand-me-down from Austin! I remember weird things sometimes :) We have known Travis & Kate since February 1998! I moved into a NAVY housing apartment while TJ was deployed. I remember getting up for church on Sunday morning early. I heard the apt. next to me moving around and thought to myself, they must be going to church too! Sure enough, it was Kate & Travis. That same day after we met at church Kate invited me over to her Mom's house for dinner. I always appreciated that and will never forget how kind Beth, Kate & Travis were. We miss you guys!

Another great deal! UPDATE

UPDATE:
I copied this from the Nordstrom website. I hope everything will be ok, I apologize if your makeup isn't quality :( Thanks Barbie for bringing this to my attention.

06/18/2008Customer Alert - eyeslipsface.com
We have learned that some of our customers received e-mails from an unauthorized and unknown source regarding the website eyeslipsface.com. We want you to know that Nordstrom and Nordstrom.com are not affiliated with eyeslipsface.com or the e.l.f. product line, nor with any e-mail regarding that website or product line. Nordstrom does not sell e.l.f. products.
In general, you should always use caution and verify the authenticity of any website before providing information over the Internet. Also be aware of e-mails from unknown sources as they may contain a link to a fraudulent website specifically set up to capture and fraudulently use personal or account information. These websites are sometimes called "mirror" sites and may give the appearance of the true website.

Songs

My friend Andrea just emailed me this link. Thought it was kind of fun. My song was Stayin' Alive by the Bee Gees, oh yeah!
http://www.joshhosler.biz/NumberOneInHistory/SelectMonth.htm

Did you vote?? I voted like 3 weeks ago via mail, so I had no "I voted" sticker. Because I don't have a sticker, I didn't get a free scoop of Ben & Jerry's today!! Stupid early voting!

Halloween Costumes

Trick-or-treating was fun. We got too much candy. It rained. I let the kids eat all the candy they wanted when we got home. They didn't get sick. Here is Spiderman and Snow White.

Awesome Victoria's Secret Deal!

If you need some good quality bras for cheap here's the scoop:Go to the Victoria's Secret Website. If you shop through Ebates you'll get 2% back on your purchase on top of the already awesome deal you are going to get. Add the following things to your cart:
2 VS Cotton bras that are 2/$40
1 VS Cotton Bikini Panty solid color 7.50 (Item # 9F-198606 )
1 pencil sharpener for $2.50 (or some other inexpensive filler to get your total up to $50)

Use the following coupon codes at checkout:
FA814857 for free messenger bag ($50 value - so they claim) This didn't work for me, they say they are sold out. I wouldn't even bother to put it in, it won't affect your order at all, you just won't get a free messenger bag.
FA813789 for $10 off any bra
25PTY for $25 off any two full priced bras and free cotton panty

I read this on another site - but it didn't apply to me: If you find that you are having trouble with it going through, and your purchase is $50 or more, try resubmitting a couple times. I had to resubmit a few times for it to finally work. Also, the printed panties don't work, only the solid. My subtotal before coupon codes was $50, after it was 12.50 with 5.99 shipping. That makes this $19.60 for two bras, one panty, and a pencil sharpener shipped straight to my door. Plus I will get 2 % back from Ebates. Not a bad deal. Special thanks to The Thrifty Mama for this awesome deal!

Carving Pumpkins

The kids love our annual pumpkin carve. This year their favorite part was laughing at taking the pumpkin guts out. Then laughing hysterically at calling the back part of the pumpkin that you cut out so you can put the candle in it, the "pumpkin's butt." They are so weird.


The pumpkin's butt they thought was so funny.

My weird kids :)

PJ pants

I started these pj pants last year, didn't finish them before Halloween, so they got stuck in a closet. Sound familiar? Yeah, like I've said before - I have commitment issues. Anyways, I finally finished them. Isn't she adorable in them? I would like to make Tyler some, but I doubt I would get them finished by Halloween, so maybe I'll just start on Christmas ones for him :)

I'm robbing the stores blind...legally!!!!!

Wow, what a shopping day I've had! This is just too great not to share :) These items all came from Walgreens, Target and CVS. I only paid $0.22 out of pocket for everything on the table. I got money back in the form of register rewards, gift cards and ecb's and will be getting more money back from mir (mail in rebates)! Check it out:

front view

elevated view

Walgreens:

(3)Theraflu warming liquid

(2)Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold

(1)Rimmel Mineral Foundation

(1)Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate

(1)Revitalift Day/Night Cream

(4)St. Ives Elements Cleanser

(1)Revitalift Cleansing Towelettes

(6)Benefiber Kiwi-Strawberry Sticks

(7)Pert Plus Shampoo

(8)Halloween Pencils

(1)Gillette Fusion Power Razor gift pack (came with razor, cartridge, battery, shave gel & shampoo/body wash!)

(4)Gift Sacks

Merchandise Total:$161.76

Total OOP: $27.51 (used wags gift card from last month's purchases)

RR spent: $26

RR in hand: $18

Wags rebates: $49.27 + $4.93 bonus

MIR: 2.99 Theraflu

Total Profit: $47.68

Target:

(40)Buddies Bar Soaps

Merchandise Total:$38.80

Total OOP: $0

CVS:

(29)Excedrin

(3)Gum toothbrush packs

(1)Powerade

(2)Candy - not pictured (kids ate it before I could get the picture!)

Merchandise Total: $153.57

Total OOP: $0.22

ECB earned: $5.68

MIR Rebates: $1.99 excedrin

Total Profit: $7.45

Total profits from all stores for a day of shopping and bringing home all the stuff above: $55.13

Not bad I guess, it's more than I normally make in a day's work :)

Tyler's Tooth

A few days ago while brushing Tyler's teeth, I noticed a tooth coming up behind one of his bottom teeth. Then I noticed his baby tooth was a little bit loose. So last night TJ was ready to get Tyler's tooth out. They wiggled and wiggled, then Tyler ate an apple. TJ finally yanked it out. This is the first tooth he has lost. He kinda seemed a little melancholy that he lost it. He was cute and told his tooth "bye bye little friend."

The tooth

The gap

The goodbye