Too Young to Date?

A New Season

(Deanna and Eric, DeannaKaye Photography)

GO HERE to read about this new season of life for me! God is good! :)

Snow Day (part two #2)..more playing!

My neighbor's little girl..the youngest of four..the only girl! She's little, but she's tough! :)

I looked out and saw Lizzie making a snow angel! I loved the contrast of her pink coat against the dreary day! :)

A view from inside my front door! Remind me to wash that window! :)

I don't know if you can tell, but Myra is "brushing the snow" off Lizzie with a broom! It was very cute.

Break for hot cocoa on the front porch! :)

Snow Day (part two..playing!)

It's not that often that we get "good" snow here in Kentucky, so we like to take advantage when we do! The neighbors were off school, and came over to play..and we love them! :) We have such great neighbors here..we feel very blessed. So, join us for a few images of playing in the snow!

My baby boy..:)...

My beautiful 10 year old!

A view from my kitchen window..yes, I'm a wuss, most of these were taken from the window or front door view! Too cold for mama out there! :)

This one makes me smile! :)

My adorable 7 year old! :) What blessings these kids are and how much fun they had! :)

My View on Life

A couple of weeks ago, I was on my ellyptical machine (that we got for free!), and I was looking down thinking how cute my son looked playing on the floor! So, I got the idea to take pictures of my life from my view on the ellyptical! And, yes, I finished exercising when I was done photographing! :)

I looked over and saw this view of my daughter taking her temperature. Unfortunately, she ended up having pneumonia! I kept trying to "cure" her with fish oil and vitamin C! :) She's all better now, thanks to some antibiotics! :)

As I began to exercise again, I saw Shane teaching Nehemiah how to "play football!"

As you can see, he's still learning how to catch the ball! :) At this stage in his life, he has my skill for playing sports! :) (this picture is my favorite!) hee,hee....

What Do We Do on Snow Days? (part one-hobbies)

I walked into the living room and Myra was watching "Little House on the Prarie" while crocheting! :) That's my girl!

Here's what she crocheted! The world's longest chain! Ha! I think it's time we move on to a "single crochet" since she seems to have this down! :) No idea what we'll do with this. :)

Snow Day! (pancakes for breakfast)

Well, it was a snow day today! The first "real" (accumulative) snow of the season. The schools were off, and so were we! The kids wanted chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast, and I said, "why not?!" Lizzie asked me to use my pancake pan that my sister in law got me last year from Crate and Barrel (which I've only used twice? before). The kids were happy, the pancakes were great (Buttermilk Pancakes, recipe from "Dining on A Dime" cookbook-added chocolate chips), and it was a good start to a good day!

This pan is so cute..it makes "christmas" designs on the pancakes. I know-Christmas is over! But, it's still winter. :)

He looks a little distressed, doesn't he? :)

Yummy!

I think she's pretty pleased. :)

And, the leftovers are "flash-frozen" on a sheet pan to be enjoyed another day!

HAHAHAHAHAAAA!!!!!

Shane and I first saw this recently on the Purgatorio website and laughed so hard we cried! We can't stop singing it (unfortunately?)...enjoy! :)

Making Cookies With Daddy! (part two)

Okay, so I have to admit, the icing did not turn out to be the "best" icing recipe I've ever followed. I have this tendency to like to try new recipes..anyhow I'm getting off on a side road here...this is Shane's cookie creation! We named him "Mr. Bill" and had a great laugh! I am sorry to admit it was the icing more than the "decorator." I'm sure he'd do a great job with better icing, right???? :)

In an effort to save money this year, I tried not to buy a bunch of decorating stuff, and just go with what we had...thus the NEON cookies! :)

Hee, hee! We had to PRESS the decorations into the icing, because the icing was not so sticky. Oh, well, it gave us a good laugh! And, you know, they tasted JUST fine! :)

Making Cookies With Daddy! (part one)

This year, we talked daddy into making Christmas cookies with us, and we had so much fun! He even got to use a hand mixer for the first time in his life, of which he was admittedly a little scared! :) We had a great time, made a great big mess, and made some great memories! :)

Yes, this is our boy "spinning in his apron!" I kind of think it might be time to make him a "man-apron!" It WAS my great-grandmother's, if that helps at all? Probably not! :) ha!

Life With 2 Older Sisters

So, this is what happens when you have two older sisters, who are homeschooled and happen to be studying American History, while you are only 3 years old with no say in the matter! :) I'm sure one day he'll laugh...:)....

Happy New Years!

Well, I want to extend a "Happy New Years" to all of you. I can't believe another year has flown by us. As I think back on this past year, I have many emotions...mostly I am so thankful for God's grace, thankful for how we've grown in our walk with Him, thankful for all of His provisions, thankful for overall health for our family, and I'm looking forward to what this year has in store.

On the blog end, I was not so "dedicated" this year. Part of that was the fact that I started working this year for the first time since I had kids. It was a very busy year, in that aspect, and as we are thankful to God for providing so much work for me, we are looking forward to a bit calmer of a year, in this area. This year, God-willing, I will be working as an associate photographer for DeannaKaye Photography in Louisville. This will change things alot, but mostly it will provide a way for me to still work, still doing photography, but not having to bring my work home. It will free up a lot more time to be "home" when I'm home, if that makes sense. We thank God for this open door for me. And, although it has been a lot of thought about the struggle of giving up control of the editing, pricing, etc...we know this will be better for our family.

So, because of that, I'm hoping to have more time to do things I've missed doing this year, like blogging. Now, this is no "New Years' Resolution"..I know better! I'm sure it might come and go with the seasons of this next year. But, I have some ideas! :) I was thinking back, and one of the posts I still get alot of comments on was the "photo" sneak peek into my world I did...just pictures of everyday life here, from a creative view. It was fun for me, and fun for many of you. So, that's where I'd like to go more often this year...using my photography to tell "our" story. We'll see! :)

As I look ahead to this New Year, I know God's hands are guiding us and leading us, and so I know I can rest. I know there will be hills and valleys, but I know God has ordained each and every one of them, so we can trust Him for what lies ahead. Life is an adventure. Our walk with God is an adventure. Lead on, God, we will follow. :)

More Grocery Deals....

Wal-Greens 12.14.09

26 ct. Huggies pull-ups (size 3T)

Lucky Charms cereal 11.5 oz.

Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal 12.8 oz.

(2) 16 oz. liquid Coffee Mate creamer

(3) 8 oz. Hunts tomato sauce

(2) 5 oz. Lindsay Olives (pimiento-stuffed green)

1 (3-pack) Palmer chocolates (snack for the kids for car)

Total before coupons: $34.13

Total out of pocket after coupons: $10.86

Register Rewards back: $2.00

Total spent: $8.86 (about 66% savings)

Kroger 12.14.09

(2) Green Giant Frozen Valley Fresh Steamers veggies

12 pack Dr. Pepper

(2) Kroger mexican blend shredded cheese

(2)Betty Crocker Frosting containers

(2) Pillsbury Crescent Rolls

(2) Fiber One Yogurt 4 packs

(2) Philadelphia Cream cheese

2 loaves wheat bread

2.3 lbs. bananas

2 bell peppers

Total out of pocket: $17.13

Total Savings: $22.63 (57 %)

Wal-Greens 12.7.09

(2)Kelloggs Fruit Loops 12.2 oz

Kelloggs Rice Krispies 12 oz.

Kelloggs Frosted Flakes 14 oz.

Shick Quattro Razor

(2) invisible tape rolls

6 oz. M&Ms

2 (.39) stocking stuffers

(2) Chex Mix bags

(2) pkgs. Chinet Plates

(2) 12 oz. Carnation Evaporated milk

50 oz. ALL detergent

(2) gallons Deans milk

Total Before Savings/coupons: $61.60

Total out of pocket after coupons: $14.29

Register Rewards back: $2

Total spent: $12.29 (80% savings!)

And, to save some time, I'll just say that I have other receipts here:

Kroger (saved 52%)

Kroger (saved 62%)

Wal-Greens (saved 95%)

Target (saved 65%)

Kroger (saved 65%)

Walgreens (saved 70%)

Walgreens (saved 75%)

So, I have been more than thrilled with shopping this new way. (for more information, go to http://www.moneysavingmom.com/ ) I'm still sticking to 50% of my old grocery budget. I'd like to get it down even more, but am going to do this several months before moving on! :) My goal is to not buy most things anymore unless I can get them at least 50% off regular price (excluding veggies and fruits)..even then, I'm only buying weekly what's on sale in those departments. I'm almost to the point where I don't even hardly go to Wal-Mart, which I never would have said before, because I just can't save as much there. I do still go and price match when it's worth it, and if toiletries aren't on sale, Wal-Mart is still the best deal on most of those things. It is taking me a bit more time preparing and at the grocery store, but it has been so worth it for us! :)

Catch up on grocery deals!

Well, once again, I've been gone for awhile. So much to catch up on, but I'm going to start with catching up on my grocery deals, since I know a few of you keep up with me on them! :)

Wal-Greens 12.11.09

(2) 50 oz. Arm and Hammer Detergents
16 ct. Stayfree Maxi Pads
Neutrogena Mens' Face Lotion
Green and Black Organic Chocolate Bar
1.5 oz. Johnson and Johnson Shampoo
Hair barrettes for Myra (christmas stocking)


$36.26 before coupons (sale prices)
$14.27 after coupons out of pocket
$9.00 back in Register Rewards

$5.27 TOTAL SPENT (85% savings!)

Kroger Savings 11/15/09

2 bags Kroger shredded cheese (8 oz. each)

3 bags Kroger frozen vegetables (16 oz. each)

2 Pillsbury crescent roll pkgs.

1 box Ritz crackers

1 can organic Muir Glen fire roasted tomatoes

1 box Hefty fresh extend ziploc bags

12 double roll Charmin toilet paper

1 pkg. Betty Crocker double chocolate chunk cookie mix

1 roll Tennessee Pride sausage

16 oz. Oscar Meyer Bacon

1 Lysol Neutra Air kit

1 box organic Penne pasta

2 Betty Crocker brownie bowls

2 pkgs. (4 ct. each) Yoplait Yogurt

1 can Reddi Whip whipped cream

Coffee Mate creamer (liquid)

1 tub Betty Crocker frosting

4 packages McCormick brown gravy

1 package dole salad

2 boxes Ronzoni spaghetti

2 pounds organic pears

4 pounds navel oranges

Before Coupons/in-store savings: $89.69

Total Spent: $38.42

Total Saved: $51.23 (57% savings)

Grocery Deals 11.09.09 ($12.59 total)

Walgreens:

2 pkgs. Kotex maxi pads

8 oz. cream cheese

Total Spent: $3.25

KMart:

Swiffer refills 16 ct.

12 pack Scott toilet paper, extra soft

Special K blueberry cereal

Total Spent: $1.34

Kroger:

16 oz. skippy peanut butter

29 oz. Osage Canned Peaches

14 oz. beef broth

Jolly Time Butter microwave popcorn (3 pack)

4 pack Yoplait yogurt

2.75 lbs. bananas

8 oz. shredded Kroger cheese

1 lb. butter

1 bag yellow onions

1 lime

1 loaf active lifestyle wheat bread

Total Spent: $8.00

Target Savings 11/01

Well, I needed to go to Target anyways to get my sister and her fiance a wedding gift for the big day next weekend, so I took advantage of my trip into the big city! (I don't get to Target often, b/c it's about 30 minutes away) But, it was so much fun saving that I might have to go more often!

Lysol Neutra Air Kit $11.97

sale $5.99

$4/1 coupon= $1.99

Chex Mix $1.46

Target coupon $0.50

Mfg. coupon $0.50=$0.46

(2) Healthy Choice Frozen Meals $2.44 each

(2) $2/1 coupons =$0.44 each

Coffee Mate Creamer $1.79

clearance for $1.21

$1/1 coupon= $0.21

(2) Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal $2.24 each

$1/2 Target coupon

$1/2 mfg. coupon=$1.24 each

Kellogs Cereal Buy 3, get 1 Free

$2.66-$3.29 each

$1.50/2 mfg. coupon

$1/1 mfg. coupon

$1/1 mfg. coupon

(3) $1/1 Target coupons=$0.53/box

Total Spent: $8.59

Total Savings: $ 28.33

(77% savings!)

Walgreens Savings 11/01

(3) 8 oz. cans Hunts Tomato Sauce .99 each

sale 3/$1

coupon $1/3 Hunts products=FREE

(2)Campbell's Tomato Soup

sale .50 each

coupon $1/2=FREE

10.3 oz. Dawn dish detergent sale $1.59

store coupon for $0.99

mfg. coupon $0.25 = $0.74

Aquafresh 4.3 oz iso-active whitening toothpaste $4.79

$2 walgreen's coupon

$1 mfg coupon= $1.79

Glade Plugins Lasting Impressions Kit sale $4.99

$4.00 coupon=$0.99

Glade Soy Candle $3.99

$1 RR

$3 coupon=FREE

Always Maxi Pads 2/$5.98

Total Spent: $10.61

Total Savings: $25.20

(about 70% savings!)

The Queen of Coupons (not me!)

Go HERE to watch this video of an amazing woman! My friends Mandy and Sarah have got me excited again about couponing, but to a different level this time...only buying what you can get on sale with coupons for as little as possible. I am not where this lady is, and even Sarah keeps beating me with her deals! ha! But, I'm learning to do better. I was always one for buying ahead when things were on sale, so my pantry and freezer are pretty well stocked right now. I actually don't have any more room in my freezer for a week or two.

So, last week I spent last week's budget, plus half of this week's (because I found some really good deals), and so I had to be really careful this week with the little I had. I'm not where I want to be, but I have cut my grocery budget in half for the last two weeks, and I'm very excited! So is Shane!

I don't have a picture to go with this week, but here's how I did yesterday:

Kroger

2 dozen eggs

loaf white bread

16 slices american cheese

(3) 12 packs dr. pepper

box Kroger brand fruit loops

box Kroger brand rice krispies

1 pkg. Ore-Ida hashbrowns

1 pkg. Ore-Ida tater tots

1 reduced for quick sale steak (for Shane's bday last night)

5 bags chex mix

2 (4 pack) Yo-Plus yogurt

1 bag Dole salad

3 tubes Colgate toothpaste

1 roll sausage

4 air wick room freshner sprays

1/2 lb. tomatoes on the vine

2 cans rotel tomatoes

1 can organic kidney beans

1 tub Betty Crocker frosting

12 double rolls Quilted Northern T.P.

Before Coupons: $83.60

After Coupons/Kroger Card: $33.73

Today's Savings

Okay, so a friend told me today about a Salvage Grocery Store in Harrodsburg, called The Bread Basket. (thanks, Jen K. via Angela V.) :) I usually go to B&E Salvage in Louisville, but I was excited to try this one out. It is only two aisles, and so MUCH smaller than B&E, but there were some good deals! I spent $42.11, so I am done for the week. No more grocery shopping! :) But, if I had paid full retail, I figured it at around $108.79 worth of food! :) Here's what I got:

11.5 oz. Lucky Charms Cereal

(2) 10 oz. Organice Gorilla Munch Cereal

15.7 oz. Cinnamon Toast Crunch

(2) 5 oz. bags Salt & Vinegar Kettle chips (shane's favorite!)

4 oz. bag Veggie Pirate Booty

52 ct. size 4 Huggies Diapers

(2) 14.5 oz. boxes Fiber One Cereal

(2) 15.6 oz. boxes Fiber One Cereal

(2) 5 oz. boxes Organic Late July Peanut Butter Mini Crackers

8 ct. box Pop Tarts

7.5 oz. Annie's Naturals Cheddar Bunnies Crackers

(2) 3 ct. boxes Organic Newman's Own microwave popcorn

15 oz. Patak's Curry Sauce

(3) 10 oz. bags Nestle Toll House chocolate chips

6 pkgs. Stride gum

15 Harvest Whole Grain Power Bars