Cold weather, warm heart

May 1st, 2011

Brrrrr. We awoke to gloomy, gray skies today. A look at The Weather Channel website said that the temps would be in the low 40's but feel about 10-degrees cooler because of the wind. They were correct!

Today was the March of Dimes - March for Babies. One look outside and I thought for sure my phone would start ringing off the hook with people letting us know they wouldn't be making it out to the walk. Boy, was I wrong! Headed down to Phalen Park and had a great turnout! Even with a few team members who were unable to make it out, Kylie's Crusaders had almost 30 walkers this year! We also were very happy that four of the NSC Minnesota Stars soccer players came out and braved the weather! A huge thanks to everyone who came out!

Poor Kayla was miserable for most of the walk, but thanks to Joesy, Uncle Steve, Aunt Bethany and others Mommy didn't go insane with an unhappy toddler. Everyone did their best at trying to keep her warm and happy! The day took it's toll and about 15 minutes after the walk ended she was asleep on my lap. She took a good 4 hour nap, woke up, ate dinner, played and then was back in bed at her usual bedtime!

This year we had a team goal of $1000 and as of walk time we had raised $843! A special THANK YOU to everyone who donated! We are $157 shy of the goal, but it is not too late to donate. You can make a donation by visiting my March for Babies page at www.marchforbabies.org/stephdorn

Next year I hope that we get an even bigger turnout of Kylie's Crusaders (I am putting in an order now for wamer weather!) Watch for fundraising efforts over the course of the next year. We hope to do a fundraiser event this winter!

Despite today's cold weather, my heart is very warm as I reflect on the day. There are two days a year that get us thinking even more than usual about Kylie. The March for Babies day and her birthday. It was so wonderful to have such an outpouring of love and support on this day that we walk in her memory.

Angels lift us to our feet
when our wings have
trouble remembering how to fly



The pain of losing Kylie will always be present, but the love we continue to recieve helps lessen the ache. Thank you to all of our friends and family who have been our angels over the past four years, your support and love have truly helped us to our feet over and over again.

Easter Basket of Blessings

The last couple days have been tough for me. With Easter coming I wanted so much to build a memory with Kayla. I remember when I was growing up waking on Easter morning to find a basket that the Easter Bunny left for me. It has always been one of those things that I wanted to do for my child. The candy, a new toy... goodies that were presented on a bed of cellophane grass.

Money has been tight in our house. We scrape by, pay the bills, have a roof over our heads and food on the table. But, money for extras gets scare some weeks. That is the kind of week we are having. We always make it somehow, but when a tight financial week corresponds with a holiday the lack of funds in the bank is felt a little bit more.

I was feeling pretty down about the lack of an Easter basket full of treats for Kayla. In the back of my mind I kept trying to tell myself that it would all work out. I tried to surrender my wants to God, but kept feeling like what I was asking for was being ignored.

I know that Easter is about God's gift of his son Jesus, a sacrifice for our sins. I know that the true glory of Easter morning is found in His resurrection. I cling to that everyday of my life. But, like other holidays I wanted to create a full scope of memories for Kayla. I want her to know the love of God and what Easter means to us as His followers, but at the same time I want her to enjoy those other little things that also create childhood snapshots in our mental scrapbooks.

As I was worrying over an empty Easter basket, God had it all under control. He was providing. I was just too blind to see it.

I had mentioned to a coworker that I wanted to get K her first Barbie and put it in her basket. K has a few Barbies already, but they were mine. They weren't new. I wanted her to have one that was all hers. Wednesday, when I got to work, a new Barbie was sitting on my desk. My friend had one in her gift closet at home and brought it for Kayla.

I wanted to hide Easter eggs on Sunday, but even the thought of spending money on treats to fill the plastic eggs seemed frivolous. Yesterday I picked Kayla up from daycare only to find out that they did an Easter egg hunt with the kids. The eggs were in a bag, unopened. Joe mentioned that we could just re-hide them. At first I thought that to be silly, but the more I contemplated this I realized something. Kayla is a toddler, she didn't open the eggs, she doesn't know what is in them. She won't stop half way through a hunt on Sunday, look at me and say, "Um, Mama... I found these already."

Today as I was leaving my coworker mentioned to me that I should bring the Easter candy that she had in her jar home to put in K's basket along with a couple chocolate cookies.

When I dropped K off at my Mom's I broke down about the whole Easter thing. My Mom (who always seems to have an answer) went up the stairs of the townhouse. She came back down with a little bunny stuffed animal and a cute little Easter basket.

As I was driving home, I was still thinking about that silly Easter basket. What was I gonna do? All of a sudden it was like God hit me over the head and yelled, "WHY ARE YOU IGNORING ME?" In a flash of understanding I found that the empty Easter basket I was dreading had been filled through the blessings of others. I was just too caught up in my own misery to see His blessings. The people in my life did not have to give these gifts, but they did. No one asked for something in return. They were gifts given freely.

That made me think more about the gift of Jesus and His death on the cross. God did not have to give the gift of salvation through the sacrifice of His son. But, He did. He gave. It is up to us whether we accept that gift. God's blessings are all around us.

A little coupon adventure.

Extreme Couponing will not be filming me clip coupons and shop anytime soon. I will never have a "stockpile" in my spare room. I will not be spending 70 hours a week devoted to coupon clipping and shopping. But... just for fun I tried to see how much I could save at Target and Wal-Mart tonight.

This is a breakdown of my purchases:

Target

2 - Nivea Platinum Men's 2 in 1 Body Wash
Reg. Price: $3.99 each
Mfr Coupon: $3/1 (x2)
Final Cost: .99  each

2 - Reach Dental Floss
Reg. Price: .97 each
Mfr Coupon: $1/1 (x2)
Final Cost: FREE

2 - Degree Deodorant for Women (Travel Size)
Reg. Price: .97 each
Mfr Coupon: $1/1 (x2)
Final Cost: FREE

2 - Carefree Panty Liners
Reg. Price: .99
Target Coupon Price: .01
Final Cost: .01 each

2 - Trident Layers Gum
Reg. Price: $1.29
Mfr Coupon: Buy One, Get One Free
Target Web Coupon: $1/2
Final Cost: .29

I also purchased a few store brand items for which I did not have coupons.

1 - 31-Ct. Up & Up Diapers, Size 4
Reg. Price: $6.29

1 - Market Pantry Sliced American Cheese
Reg. Price: $2.84

1 - 6-Ct. Up & Up Toilet Paper
Reg. Price: $3.79

Total w/tax (before coupons): $30.57
Total w/tax (after coupons): $16.32
Total Savings: $14.25


Wal-Mart

2 - Nivea Body Wash for Women
Reg. Price: $3.00
Mfr Coupon: $3/1 (x2)
Final Cost: FREE

1 - Aquafresh Extreme Clean Toothpaste (Travel Size)
Reg. Price: .97
Mfr Coupon: $1/1
Final Cost: FREE

1 - 20 oz. Mountain Dew
Reg. Price: $1.48

Total w/tax (before coupons): $9.05
Total w/tax (after coupons): $2.05
Total Savings: $7.00

So I purchased $41.67 worth of items for $18.37

This was a fun experiment for me. The only error I made was in purchasing the 2 in 1 Nivea Body Wash at Target. I could have gotten Nivea Body Wash for Men at Wal-Mart for free. Target's price for the body wash is $3.04 for both the men's and women's, the 2 in 1 is $3.99.

I definitely will be trying this again soon! Check out my favorite site, Pocket Your Dollars for the best coupon match-ups every week!

Next step in this coupon adventure will be organizing my coupons better. I am leaning towards the binder and baseball card protector pages idea. That way at the store I could just flip through and find the coupons with out digging through envelopes.

Until next time: Happy Clipping!

More thoughts about coupons!

Bargains, deal, sales... coupons... my mind is cluttered as of late by thoughts of this craze called Extreme Couponing. In yesterday's blog I talked briefly about the new TLC show Extreme Couponing. I have been thinking about it a lot since that post. Here is what I believe we can take away from the show. If you take what the people featured on each episode do and apply it on a more realistic healthy scale it can totally work. It does take time and energy, but the level of involvement will totally be up to each individually. For me spending countless hours dumpster diving for coupons and planning my assault like I was gearing up for a major battle is not worth it. I will however try my best to apply some of what I have been learning about the smart use of coupons to my shopping excursions.

I was reading about Wal-Mart's coupon policy on Pocket Your Dollars today. I read something that I still can't quite figure out. A follower on the site posted the following:

Would there be anything on Walmarts website in regards to returning an item that you used a coupon for? I had to return an item a couple of weeks ago and used a coupon, which appears at the bottom of the receipt with coding similar to the item purchased. The clerk said she had to give me the amount less than the coupon and I said I need to get my entire amount back as you were reimbursed for the coupon. Manager called and she also agreed with that statement and said that Walmart doesn’t turn in coupons so they weren’t getting reimbursed! Seriously? I argued that point and they finally agreed to give me the coupon price back, too, just to get rid of me, I’m sure. I’d loved to have had a policy on that to show them because it was just a silly argument.

I rarely add my thoughts on message boards, but I couldn't pass this one up. In response I wrote:

I am confused as to why you would expect a store to refund you the coupon amount? That is not your money. If an item is $1.00 and you have a 25 cents off coupon, you only spent .75 cents of your money. Whether they were reimbursed the .25 or not , it was never yours to begin with. I am surprised that the manager backed down. I would never even try to get them to reimburse the coupon price.

This is quite a scam she is working. The coupon amount never came out of her pocket and she should not think she is entitled to it. Even if the store was reimbursed for the amount of the coupon by the manufacturer, the money is not the consumers.

This post did bring up one great reminder for anyone looking to utilized and maximize their coupon usage. Know the coupon policies of the store you frequent. On the Pocket Your Dollars site as well as other sites, it is recommended that you print out the store's policies and have them with you when you head out on your shopping trip. This can (maybe not always) save you from frustration at the check-out. Ultimately it will be up to the management on a coupon dispute. To get the store's policies visit their website or Pocket Your Dollars.

Happy couponing!

Extreme Couponing - Revisited

Tonight on TLC a new show aired, "Extreme Couponing." I was anticipating watching this show as I am intrigued by the savings that people obtain utilizing coupons and store sales. After six minutes of the show I was annoyed, before the show even ended I handed the remote off to my husband and told him he could watch whatever he wanted.

While I want to save money whatever ways I can, going to the extremes that I saw just in 3/4 of the one episode is not what I want. The first woman that they followed spends up to 70 hours a week on couponing. But let's take another look at what she purchased 200+ boxes of pasta. 150 candy bars. Plus other items. A look at her storage room shows that she has food items and household goods that will last her and her husband at least 2 years. But this comes as what cost? Sure she got great deals but she also admitted that she has sacrificed time with her husband to shop.

Because I am wanting to start saving more money on my purchases and outings I have started slowly getting into couponing. This is what I have discovered so far.

Don't clip coupons just because there is a coupon.
This was my first mistake. I actually find sitting down with the coupon flyers and a pair of scissors to be relaxing. Only problem was that I went overboard. I clipped coupons for items that there was only teeny tiny chance I would ever buy. I found myself throwing out more coupons than I used, because they expired and they were items I would never purchase.

Be organized.
If you are going to start couponing find a system that works for you. I started out with the small coupon accordion wallet. This became a mess of coupons and inconvenient to dig through at the store. Last night as I went through the newest flyers I emptied out the small wallet and instead moved the coupons into envelopes. Each envelope is labeled for a different department of the store. I then put the envelopes in my larger accordion file. The next time I plan a grocery trip I will go through the envelopes as I make my list and move the coupons I want to use into the small wallet to bring to the store.
What I really want to do is utilize one technique that many extreme couponers use. Purchase a 3-ring binder and the plastic pages that baseball card collectors use. This way you can see each coupon without digging through the stack.

Let others do the homework for you.
For a good part of the last year I have been a fan of Pocket Your Dollars on Facebook. Carrie Rocha has made it her career to find the best deals around. Each week she posts shopping lists on the Pocket Your Dollars website. She shows the best combinations utilizing manufacturer and store coupons along with sales at particular stores. She will also share freebies and online coupon codes.
A co-worker recently told me about Mommy Savers, while I haven't had a lot of time to look at this site I look forward to checking it out.

Find deals everywhere.
Many companies offer coupons when you like them on Facebook. Leeann Chin for example offers coupons through their facebook pages. They will post them and if you "liked" their page you will see the offers in your news feed.
Don't overlook Twitter. You don't have to tweet but sign up for an account and follow your favorite stores for online deals, etc.
Coupons.com is a site to find additional coupons for groceries and services. You will have to download their coupon printer to print.

Share your needs with others.
Are there particular coupons you know you want. Let your friends and family know! I have come to work and found Huggies coupons on my desk, flyers for a gas station that is by my Mom's house and a friend has sent me coupons that I could use in the mail.

Read this blog.
I will be sharing coupons I have available from time to time on this blog. I purchase an Entertainment 2011 book this year and will post coupons for restaurants, services and activities. The coupons will be free for the taking and I am willing to mail them if needed. I only request a SASE so I can send them out.

Good luck and while you search to find the best deals you can, don't forget to put aside the scissors and flyers and spend time with your family!

I would love to hear from others their secrets to saving money! How do you stretch your dollars?

March For Babies!

Click here to help me reach my goal!

Free Coupons!!!

This year 3 of us went in together and purchased an Entertainment 2011 coupon book. We all went through it and have pulled coupons, and there are some left that I know I will never use. I will be posting some over the next couple weeks. If you think they are something you could use please let me know. If the coupons will need to be mailed to you I will need a self-addressed stamped envelope sent to me. Message me on Facebook if you want any of the coupons.

Today's Offerings:

Car Washes

Paradise Car Wash (Locations in Apple Valley, Bloomington, Eagan & Savage)
**50% off Admiral Wash - One coupon for each month between now and October

Blue Velvet Car Wash (Ramsey)
**50% off Ultimate Full Service Car Wash - One coupon for each month between now and October

Cloud 9 Car Wash (Eden Prarie)
**50% off Platinum Package Car Wash - One coupon for each month between now and October

Downtowner Full Service Car Wash (St. Paul)
** 50% off Gold Wash with Clear Coat Protectant - One coupon for each month between now and October

Riverside Auto Wash & Detailing (Fridley)
**50% off Top of the Line Car Wash - One coupon for each month between now and October

Central Car Wash (Minneapolis)
**50% off The Works Car Wash - One coupon for each month between now and October

Brookdale Car Wash (Brooklyn Center)
**50% off Saver Wash- One coupon for each month between now and October


Activities

 Wheel Fun Rentals (Duluth & Minneapolis) Website
**Enjoy and rental at 50% off the regular price.
Planning a trip to Duluth? Check 'em out! Rent a bike or a surrey!

Richfield Adventure Gardens Minature Golf (Richfield)
**Enjoy one complimentary round of miniature golf when a second round of equal or greater value is purchased. (3 Coupons Available)

Skatin' Place (St. Cloud)
**Enjoy Complimentary skating or laser tag admission when a second skating or laser tag admission of equal or greater value is purchased.

Richfield Ice Arena (Richfield)
**Enjoy Complimentary public skating admission when a second public skating admission of equal or greater value is purchased.

Roller Garden (St. Louis Park)
**Enjoy Complimentary roller skating admission when a second admission of equal or greater value is purchased.

More coupons to be posted soon! Dining, retail, activities and more!

New Beginnings

NEW BEGINNINGS

Tomorrow we start on a new adventure. Joe begins his new job with the NSC Minnesota Stars soccer team! This will be quite a change for him after being a stay at home dad for the majority of Kayla's life! I know that he will adjust to being back out in the workforce and I look forward to hearing all about his first day at work even though I know both Joe and K will miss each other like crazy!

With Joe heading back to work, we embark on another adventure... DAY CARE!

Once upon a time I had sworn that I would not put my child in day care. I wanted to be a stay at home mom so much that I never even considered the alternative. Not because I didn't think there all day care was bad, but I never was in day care growing up and I always thought it would be the same for my child. Life however does not always turn out the way we planned. So, at 21 months of age Kayla will be venturing into the world of playmates and teachers, themed lesson plans and playgrounds.

The last couple days have been stressful. The need for immediate day care was looming over my head like a BIG rain cloud. Where does one even begin to look? I put the word out and immediately started getting recommendations, I searched on the Internet and sent out a few emails. There was one day care center in particular that I was interested in. It is on my way to work, I pass it everyday. It looks like a nice place. I sent an email to the director for more information. I received a response with the cost... gasp... I was preparing for a center to be more than a home day care, but maybe not by as much as I was quoted. Joe and I were still going to tour the center, figuring we would find a way to make it work. The more time that passed last night, the more I was feeling overwhelmed. On paper the numbers work, but that doesn't figure in for any wiggle room in our budget. I shed some tears, ready to go back to square one and start searching again. I sent the director an email, I was honest and explained that it was out of our range. I told her that with Joe starting this new job money is tight. I also told her that if circumstances changed we would be contacting her for that tour sometime down the road.

I was not expecting much in response. What I got nearly brought tears to my eyes.

This afternoon I received a reply to my email. The director told me that if we were still interested she would drop the price for us. It was right to the dollar amount I would want to pay! Tomorrow we will tour the facility!

God is good. Sometimes I find myself, not so much doubting His faithfulness, but just not relying on it as much as I know I should. Many prayers were lifted up yesterday and today by friends and family. Yet again I find myself saying, "I know, I know... Lord, you are my PROVIDER!" I wish that I could remember that before I find myself in tears, stressed and overwhelmed!

Our Valentine's Projects - 2011

 Kayla made some Valentine's Day cards for her grandparents - as seen in the pictures above!

Tissue paper heart... she wasn't sure what to think of this one. All that tissue paper and glue kept sticking to her hands.... Mommy had to help a bit to finish this one.

This one was just for fun while I finished up the cards.

A cause close to home

In my bedroom, in the closet, on a shelf, a pink covered book sits. Every now and then I take it down, blow off the dust that has collected and sit in the quiet solitude of my room and open the cover. It is a scrapbook. This scrapbook does not get taken out and shared often. Those who are granted the permission to gaze upon it contents have been scrutinized. I will easily share stories and answer questions, but the contents of this book I guard. This scrapbook chronicles the most painful and bittersweet moments I have endured. It is the story of expectation, loss, sadness, love, hope and faith.

On October 12th, 2007

 my life changed forever.

On that day my husband and I were met with an awful truth. A moment we had been anticipating with great excitement came too soon. Twenty-three weeks into my pregnancy we were quietly told that our baby girl would be arriving and there wasn't anything they could do. No odds for survival were given. The reality was that we would soon be holding a baby who was not destined to be with us forever but only for mere moments.

Kylie Rae was born, no cries of a new born filled the room. As the doctor laid a 1 pound, 1 ounce little baby girl on my chest, I knew that this was my hello and goodbye. Kylie survived for three minutes and then just as quietly as she arrived, she left us.

For us there were no solid answers as to a reason for our loss. Could have been an infection. Could have been something else. In that moment I knew that I didn't want answers. Answers to the big question of "why" would never bring my daughter back to us.

When we laid Kylie to rest, four days later, we were surrounded by so many people who we love and cherish. It was a dark time that I only survived because of my husband, my family and my friends. As time passed the pain lessened but the ache of longing for Kylie in my arms one more time still visits me in quiet, contemplative moments. October 12th, 2011 will mark the 4th anniversary of her passing. Four years later and on that day I know that there are friends and family that lift us up in prayer and have Kylie on their minds. As I look back on those dark days, I realize that I had two choices. It could be the moment that defeats me or a moment that defines me, I chose the latter.

The first spring after we lost Kylie, Joe and I walked in the March of Dimes, March for Babies for the first time. We believe in it's mission to help babies be born healthy. The money we raise each year helps the March of Dimes do wonderful things. See the poster below for how your support helps babies.



On May 1st, 2011, Joe, Kayla and I will join up with friends and family as we walk in memory of Kylie Rae Dorn. Kylie's Crusaders will stand and walk together so that one day, all babies will be born healthy.

The March of Dimes needs our help. Would you consider making a donation to the March for Babies?

If this is something you would like to do please click on the March of Dimes - March for Babies logo below. This will bring you to my personal page where you can make a secure, online donation.

What every girl should know...

Last week when I was visiting my Mom, I flipped through The Dangerous Book for Boys. It is filled with all sorts of stuff from how to build a treehouse to famous war battles. It made me curious to see what the girl version of the book would be like. Today I checked out The Daring Book for Girls.

In the book are topics such as how to tie a sari, change a tire, play double dutch and hopscotch as well as how to ask for a raise.

There is a follow-up to this book titled The Double Daring Book for Girls. In that book you will find topics ranging from picnic games to The Underground Railroad and from organizing a tournament to being a private eye.

These books have peaked my curiosity, what should every girl know?


This is where you join in... please leave a comment! This topic will be re-visited through out the course of this blog!

Clippin' Coupons - Part 1

So, my challenge to myself this year is saving money at the grocery store by utilizing coupons. This week was my first outing trying to use coupons in a significant way. Did I suceed? Depends on what you consider success. I did save some money and while I didn't get $1000 worth of groceries for $50, I am encouraged to keep up with this challenge. I saved most signifcantly at Target racking up a total of almost $20 in savings.

The days prior to my shopping excursion I sat down with my coupons, the Sunday paper and the Pocket Your Dollars website. I started by going through all the Sunday ads looking for items we needed. As I located one I would look to see if I had a coupon for the item. I made a list for Target and one for Walgreen's. I found that what worked for me this time around was to make my grocery lists on envelopes. That way I had something to put the coupons in for that particular store.

The Walgreen's ad in particular is great as it shows right on some of the sale or store coupons that there are coupons available in the Sunday paper. As I was working on each ad I also had Pocket Your Dollars site up on the computer. Carrie Rocha, the coupon queen, in my opinion, takes a lot of the guess work out of utilizing coupons. On her site she will provide shopping lists for each store and walk through them, giving ideas for maximizing your savings.

For example:

Huggies Jumbo Packs $8.99

***Deal idea***
Buy 3 Huggies Little Snugglers or Movers Jumbo Packs for $8.99 each
Use three $2/1 from 1/23 Smart Source insert (or buy Snug & Dry and use $1.50/1 Huggies Snug & Dry printable instead)
Spend as little as $20.99, get $5 gift card back
Final price: As low as $5.33 each after coupons and gift card

Source: Pocket Your Dollars, Target shopping list for 1/23-1/29.

 Joe and I used this deal, we had two $2 off coupons and one $1.50 off coupon, once you factored in the sale price, coupons and the $5 gift card we received in return it came to $5.49 per pack of diapers or about .20 per diaper.

While we were at Target we realized that some of the grocery items on our list we could get for less at Wal-Mart, so being that the Target and Wal-Mart are so close to each other we shopped both stores. I prefer Wal-Mart for pricing, we find significant savings with out coupons. I will continue to do my main shopping there.

Multiple store shopping is not for everyone. Looking at the main players in the grocery game, Rainbow, Cub, Wal-Mart and Target as well as CVS and Walgreen's, I found that I drive by or can drive by each store. For us it wouldn't be too difficult to hit all stores as needed. With lists in hand, and no toddler in tow, I could get in and out of some stores within 30 minutes. We will be looking at the ads the next few weeks and may attempt a larger scale multiple store shopping adventure soon!

I was talking with my Mom about coupon shopping and watching ads for sales, she managed to get $108 worth of meat for $54 today! Stocking up, if you have the pantry and freezer space can pay off in the long run. This is another one of my goals with this process.

We also picked up an inexpensive printer this week so I can start taking advantage of printable coupons from store sites and manufacturer's. Again the Pocket Your Dollars site is a good resource for this. When planning your next shopping trip keep in mind that Target, Walgreen's and other sites have additional coupons online to print!

I will keep you updated after my next excursion!



Extreme Couponing - Does It Work?

Extreme Couponing - Does It Work?

I have always loved coupons, I like paging through the ads, cutting along the dashed line and organizing them into categories. However, I fail at using them. Often I forget to bring them with me to the store. I don't have a plan for shopping. I misplace them until they are expired. Epic. Fail.

I am not one to make resolutions at the start of a new year because I rarely stick to them. However, this year I would like to challenge myself to a contest of sorts. I would like to see if it is truly possible to make "extreme couponing" work for me.

I have started gathering my coupons once again. Joe went to the store on Sunday morning and brought me a paper. I cut out as many coupons as I thought I would possibly use. I passed up coupons for products that I have never used nor can foresee myself using - thus saving me the headache of coupon clutter. I have become a fan of Pocket Your Dollars on Facebook and I have bookmarked Sunday Saver. I am ready to start this challenge.

Last night we went grocery shopping and while I had not started my challenge I did bring my coupons along. I only used one but just that one helped show what can be done using coupons. I had a $1 off coupon for Kraft Home style Macaroni & Cheese. At Wal-Mart this is priced at $2 so I paid $1. This is an inexpensive side to have along with chicken nuggets which cost $3.98 for a bag. Seeing as how we make probably half a bag for a meal, that will make dinner total $3. We will say $3.33, when you add in a serving of Great Value Fruit Cocktail in 100% Fruit Juice for Kayla. Quick meal for 2 adults and a toddler at a great price!

My plan this week will be:

1. Continue to watch for useful coupons, online and in print.
2. Search for tasty & healthy meal ideas
3. Plan meals for the week and make grocery list
4. Check out Pocket Your Dollars for the money saving lists
5. Check out the Sunday Saver ads once posted
6. Form a multi-store shopping plan to achieve the best deals
7. Shop away and see how much I can save
8. Blog about my adventure

I will post my success, failures, frustrations and triumphs when I can. If you have any tips to share, success stories of your own, please leave me a comment!

Walking for a cause

In 2008 Joe and I walked for the first time in the March of Dimes - March For Babies. After losing our daughter Kylie it became a cause close to our hearts. Since our loss in 2007 we have had the support of many wonderful friends and family members. We have been blessed beyond measure. Now it is time to give back to others.

Last year we added another walk to our list. We walked with a friend, Stephanie, in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's Walk to Cure Diabetes. This year we officially joined a team and we are looking forward to supporting this wonderful cause again.

Team Ana Bear

We will walk for Ana and her parents David & Chelsea as well as our friends, Stephanie and Justin, who have been living with diabetes since they were young. These are the people in our lives who have been affected by Juvenile Diabetes. If you would like to support this wonderful cause you can visit my personal page to donate.

Painting Fun

My time with Kayla is limited during the week and today I wanted to make the most of our evening. I got out the project pack that I put together and we painted as well as did a project with stickers.

After naming each color I would hand Kayla the sticker and she placed on the paper. She seemed to enjoy it even when the stickers wanted to stay on her fingers and not go down on paper. She stuck with it until got it though.

Next we painted...

 Kayla wanted to keep painting but the paint drys so fast on paper... so I got out a cookie sheet.

Painting on a cookie sheet with Crayola Washable Kid's Paint is something I highly recommend. Kayla got her fill of playing in the squishy paint and when we were done I just washed it off. This is something I will do more often with her!

Looking forward to more fun this week with my little monkey!

Colors Lesson Plan

I have decided to try something new with our 18 month old, Kayla. Lesson packs. This week it will be all about colors. This morning I spent some time organizing 11 projects or activities so that if Daddy wants to do some during the day they are all set. This also makes it easier on me so that at the end of a long day at work everything is ready and I won't have to take the time to gather up materials.

Color Lesson Pack

We are focusing on blue, red, yellow, green & orange.

1. Counting Blocks: I have a bunch of stackable square blocks for counting. I pulled out one of each color. These can be used to count and name the colors. Also great for small motor skills for stacking and pulling apart.

2. Coloring: In the pack is a coloring book and 5 crayons. Kayla loves coloring and we can use this time to name the colors as she is coloring.

3. Baby Einsteins First Words: This book has a page of colors. Great quiet activity.

4. Blue's Clues Shapes & Colors DVD: Colors Everywhere Episode.

5. Color Stickers: 10 stickers, 2 for each color. We will help Kayla stick them on paper and name the colors as we go. 

6. Painting: Using 5 colors, Kayla can paint on paper with brushes or hands.

7. Color Names Flashcards: Each card has the color name written in that color along with a solid color sticker.

8. Naming Colors: Walk through house naming colors, name colors while eating, etc.

9. Color Match: Using small bowls and a ball we will play a game where we name the color and put the ball in that bowl.

10. Color Sticks: I colored 5 craft sticks with each of the colors we will be working on. These can be used to name the colors and match up with Color Names flashcards.

11. Colors Collage: 5 pictures from magazines (1 for each color) and pom poms. Glue onto small paper plate.

What are your color project ideas? Other themes for toddlers?