Jaclynn Grace

Celebrating her birthday this morning with a special birthday breakfast

Napping with her big brother. She loves this guy a ton!

Practicing ballet with Sydney.

Being goofy as usual!
Today Jaclynn turned two. Steven and I still don't know how it has been two years since she was born. Time really does fly doesn't it?
Jaclynn is the sweetest and silliest little thing. She has got a sassy personality and quiet the sense of humor. It's fun to watch your baby go from exactly that , a baby, to a talkative curious two year old. At the same time, it is sobering because it reminds me that she is growing out of this sweet little age and into a young lady. The time passes so quickly. My prayer is that I will guide her lovingly, as the Lord wills it, and that my efforts will bring glory to Him through her little life.
I love you #3!

The Real World

As I sit in my home sipping coffee this morning and browsing the internet for truth about the horrors of the disaster in Haiti I am humbled. Humbled because as I do this my children sit inside their warm, intact home playing with play dough and just enjoying a carefree morning. In the real world there is heart break and devastation, hopelessness and death. I mourn for those experiencing such extreme loss and continuously thank God for His amazing grace.

A few days ago I received an e-mail from an organization called Vision Forum. The president of Vision Forum, Doug Phillips, went out on a mission to Haiti to bring hope to the people devastated by this disaster. His mission is noble and his efforts seem to be more effective than what the mainstream media is saying. He is determined to share the love of Christ with the people there and to pair orphaned children with loving christian families. Here are links to his video field reports and to his facebook page. Become a fan of Rescue Haiti's Children and see how God uses this team to impact the lives of the Haitian people.

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