Where Have I Been???

I've been MIA the past few weeks. If you're wondering where I've been, I've been at the Wal Greens and the Wal Marts and the Targets.

I've been a clipping coupons and reading Tweets and surfing the web for the lastest deals. I've been getting toothpaste and soap for free. I've been collecting my rebate checks and depositing 'em in the bank.

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Jordyn, Volleyball, & Girlie Stuff

Jordyn's volleyball season has come to an end. She loves the sport and has made a lot of improvement this year. Of course, when I asked her what the record was she said, "I don't know." Winning, although nice, doesn't stick with her. It's the fact that she had fun this season that will.

Here's a little update on Jordyn...

*She tries hard in school. She's like me...has to work hard for every grade she gets. School doesn't just come to her. Bummer...but this winter, she got her first straight A's on her report card!! Woo hoo!

*She still reads like mad! If she only gets 5 books read each week...that is a slow week. No joke!

*She is taller than me now.

*She likes music and likes to sing (really loud when she's in the shower!).

*Her room is rarely clean. And on most days, you can't walk through it. It drives me crazy!

*She is not a morning person but is a big night owl. This does not fare well when she needs to get up for school!

Almost 10 months old...

Since I've really done a miserable job keeping up with Durham's baby book, maybe I can give a little update here on the blog.

Here's what Durham is up to these days.

*He's all over the place. Crawling, pulling himself up, opening drawers...

*He's still a very good baby. Doesn't cry a whole lot...thank goodness!

*He says "da da".

*He's starting to eat some table foods.

*He is kind of like a lap dog. He likes to sit on his mama's lap and could do so for hours.

Note: Jordyn was messing around and put a little head band in Durham's hair. He would have made such a cute little girl! Ha!

Brooke's General Store

The one thing that I have learned on my journey to be a more frugal shopper is to stock up when things are on sale. I am "opening up my house" to show you some things that I've gotten for cheap or free. With a little bit of preparation and a few coupons...here you go...

Last weekend, I cleared off a shelf in the backroom of our basement for items that I really didn't have a place for (all of my cabinets and drawers in the bathroom are full!) Here are some highlights:
Nursery Water: Price matched at Wal Mart and saved $1.00 total off of 5 bottles
Toilet Paper: We buy in bulk at Sam's but I got a deal on (2) 4-pks. of Angel Soft for 77 cents each
Crest: 24 Cents each
Johnson's Kids Bar Soap: FREE
Crest Mouth Wash: 2 bottles FREE
Lucky Charms (box is bigger than my head!): $1.99 each by using coupons for County Market

For all your vaginal needs (as my husband would say!)...coupons in the paper a month or so back for buy on get one free Always products. I got a hold of a few coupon booklets so I used them all!

Health Choice $0.87 each (I had a coupon)

Toaster Strudels used coupons so I stocked up

Yoplait yogurt (used coupons so I stocked up).

Milk (Sam's Club) $1.90/gallon

Pepsi products (5) 12 pks. for $10 (used Wal Greens register rewards to get cost down)

**Note: No, we do not live on milk, pop, Healthy Choice and Toaster Strudels! This is our extra refrigerator in the basement.

For any of you who think you can't get things cheap or even free...it is possible! To me, it's become a challenge to see how cheap I can get the things that we use every day. Starting March 1st, I am going to keep track of how much I save throughout the rest of the year! I will track how much I save using coupons and price matching at stores like Wal Mart and Target. Stay tuned.

Camden-isms

One thing I have learned about 3 year old boys is that they tell it like it is. Today, I wrote down 3 quotes that Camden said. I never know where he comes up with this stuff (because it certainly isn't from me!!).
"These things are real squishy." (after touching his "boys" while he was getting dressed)

"Poopies live in my butt."

and while we are on the topic...

"Poopies love the potty."

Money Saving Frenzy

Saving money has become a game to me. I'm constantly browsing my money saving blogs looking for the best deals around. Not too long ago, the Children's Place had some incredible deals on clearance items. Thinking ahead to next winter, I snatched up a winter jacket, mittens, and some warm pj's for Durham.
I got all of the above for right at $20 (including shipping), plus got 5% cash back by going through Shop at Home. Paying full cost for the items would have cost me $59. I'm happy as a clam that I got some great deals and can check this off the list of things Durham needs come next winter.

Claw Machine Original

What does a couple quarters and a claw machine get you? How about a doll...a real special doll!

Violet eyes and red lipstick...nice! But that's not the best part!
A mature little doll...a belly baring shirt and boobies!

And a mini skirt and some go-go boots!

Durham thinks she is great fun! Camden says she is scary! Me...well I am baffled. I'm not really sure what to do with her...put her in the toy box or hide her on a high shelf. Hmmmmm....