This week at Walgreens

So I am getting back into coupon mode. I am trying to build up my register rewards at Walgreens and my Extra Care Bucks at CVS. I am starting from nothing again so we will see how long it takes me to gather up a nice stash of coupons and "free money" for all the drug stores. Gregory and I headed out yesterday for his first coupon shopping experience while Steven took the kids to Disneyland. I saw there were some pretty good deals on toothpaste and oatmeal, two things we use/need so I thought I would work a deal with that. Here is how it worked.
Transaction#1
Bought one thermacare neck wrap travel size at $2.49 with $2.49 Register Rewards
used $1.00 coupon here
paid $1.71 oop
received 2.49 in register rewards

Transaction #2
colgate $2.99 with $2 register rewards
used $0.75 coupon here
Quaker oats $3.00 each
used two $1.00 coupons here
stack with walgreens quaker oats coupon from their add to get them for 2 for $3
buy one walgreens household gloves at $0.39 with the in ad coupon as a filler
used $2.49 RR from previous transaction
paid $1.43 oop
got back $2.00 in RR

Transaction#3
thermacare neck wrap at $2.49
use $1.00 thermacare coupon
hallmark ornament as a filler $1.00
use $2.00 RR from previous transaction
paid $0.80 oop
got back $2.49 in RR

Transaction#4
colgate use $0.75 coupon
household gloves at $0.39 as a filler
use $2.49 RR
paid .43oop
got back $2.00 RR to use on my next visit

So total oop $4.37
total saved after coupons register rewards and sales $32.30

The reason for the order of the transactions is you can't use a RR for the same product you received it for. I couldn't keep buying toothpaste with my Manufactures coupons and the stores RR for the same product. That is why you have to swap back and forth so that the RR will print out to use for the next transaction. The filler items are so you have the same number of coupons as you do products. The computers at walgreens won't allow the transaction through unless the number of products equals or exceeds the number of manufacturer's coupons and RR. The in ad coupons don't count for this. I know it can be confusing but once you figure it out it is so worth it! Good luck!

He's Here!

December 31 2009 at 5:58 pm we welcomed our sweet little Gregory Mark into our home. He was proudly named after my Dad Gregory, and Steven's Dad, Mark. Thankfully labor was quick (just under 2 hours) and he arrived without any complications.We were able to have him in the comfort of our own home with a Midwife and Doula and it could not have been more wonderful. Having a homebirth was an amazing experience and we were thrilled for the opportunity. Gregory was eleven days early, much to my delight. Remember, Calvin was 10lbs 10oz. two days early. So I was praying, literally, that Gregory would be born early (a safe early) and smaller than our last babies. Jaclynn was also eleven days early and was still 8lbs 12 oz. so we weren't sure what to expect. He was born 8lbs. 5oz. and 20 1/2 inches long. Just the right size! We are so thankful for our newest blessing. Here are a few photos of his first week. Enjoy!

Dog Beach

We treated our little pups to a day at dog beach in Huntington. We had a blast and couldn't beleive how well they did. Steven even let them off the leash to run around with the kids and other dogs. It was tons of fun for all of us and I got to take a great nap on the beach! What more could you ask for?

This is the pre trip preparation that Steven had to attempt shortly after we took off due to the free for all the dogs were having in the car.

Calvin and Sydney were hysterical.

Jaclynn was laughing in between attempts to push the dogs back. Apparently a dog sitting on her head is not what she had in mind for the ride to the beach!

Our little rock climbers. They were so proud of themselves!

A lot to be thankful for...Just a little late.

This year we were able to open our new home to a large group of our family for Thanksgiving, We had a blast! This could never have been pulled off without the help of everyone from bringing dishes to share and decorating to cleaning and organizing. Filling up our home at Thanksgiving time reminded us even more of the blessings the Lord has poured out on us. We are truly thankful for our new home and loved sharing it with everyone.


Steven's side of the family that were able to join us.



The dessert spread...Thanks to Angela for her 5 homemade pies. WOW!







The guys were even able to give Steven's Grandmother a tour of the upstairs. Posing for a special shot while resting to make it back down. :)



The spread for dinner. Everything was delicious! Thanks to all the chefs!



After dinner winding down playing video games.

Halloween

Even adults can be super silly at times...
From Left to right: A baker, An oven with a bun in it, Tennis player Ken, Tennis player Barbie, Beth and Dog the bounty hunters!


And now my sweet little candy fiends!
Jaclynn was a Jack-o-lantern
Sydney, a bunny
Calvin, a pirate

Catching up

So much has been happening around here lately. We made it through our move and have been in the new place for three weeks now. But that will have to be a whole other post , eventually.

Here are just a few shots over the course of the last week or so. Enjoying our October. Getting settled in the new house. Preparing for a new baby. And so on...

We did add another little one to our brood. His name is Josh and he is Jakes brother. From day one of getting Jake, Steven and I had said we wished we would have just gone for two. Then, about a week before we moved the sign was back up that there were more puppies for sale. So, I quickly flipped a u-turn, and went to just ask some questions. Was it the same litter? How many do they have left? And, we already bought one will you give us a deal for another one? =) After a quick call to Steven, we had another puppy to care for! It has been great! They LOVE each other and get along really well and fit in with the rest of us just fine. It's been an adventure but completely worth it.


Sydney put on this old costume in hopes she would convince them she is their "dog mom"


All three of them napping poolside



Visiting the Pumpkin Patch

I LOVE the beach in October. It always seems warm enough to still get in our suits and enjoy the water and on top of that, we usually have the beach all to ourselves. Last Tuesday the waves were huge and the sun was shining. It was a great day to just sit and soak up God's glorious creation.

Only 62 Days Left Until Christmas!!!!

This is my friendly reminder to all my beloved friends and family that you can have an organized Holiday season! For the last four years, with many thanks to a dear friend, I have used this system without fail. I am strongly urging you to check out Organizedchristmas.com. It is so simple and easy to use, and best of all, it's FREE! Everything is divided up over the next six weeks to help you ease through the Holidays instead of stress out come mid-December. I love this site and think you should give it a shot. The christmas countdown starts this Sunday October 25th so be sure to check it out before then! Enjoy!