I know I'm a slacker...

I know, I know, I haven't been keeping up with this blog. To be honest, I haven't been in a "blogging" kind of mood, and I began to look at it as a chore. I haven't been doing much in the way of couponing so I didn't really know what to blog about. I've come to the conclusion that while I do the couponing when I can, I just don't have the passion to write about it. I will be happy to answer any questions about it, but I'm not going to blog it anymore. I have started another blog - this one about one of my true passions, books- and I plan to start another one with family news and pictures.

With the start of work and classes approaching faster than a speeding train, and knowing that my time will be very precious, I've decided to cut out the things I am not totally enthusiastic about. So, I am sorry to say that this will be my last post on this blog.

If you would like to keep up with my family's life, my family blog is www.3widemanblessings.blogspot.com. I just started this one, so please be patient - it is in progress!

If you love to read, please check out my reading blog, www.thenewberyproject.blogspot.com.

God bless,

Kary

Homeland 7/05/10

Um, yes that IS a headboard in the background. We got our new bedroom furniture last weekend, and we are trying to figure out what to do with the old bed...need to see if it will store under our bed...ANYWAY, please disregard...

4 bottles Kraft salad dressing @ 1.66 each - 1.00 newspaper q = FREE plus overage!

2 small bottles Johnson baby powder @ 1.65 - 1.00 newspaper q = FREE

1 bar Johnson baby soap @ 2.09 - 1.00 newspaper q = .09

2 pkg Oscar Mayer chicken strips @ 2.99 each - 1.00/2 newspaper q = 1.99 each

4 boxes Bagel Bites @ 2.79 - 1.00 newspaper q = .79 each

8 pkg Bar S hot dogs @ .89 each - 1.00/2 newspaper q = FREE plus overage!

3 boxes Deli Creations sandwiches @ 2.49 each - 1.00 peelie q = .49 each

8 Yakisoba noodle dinners @ 1.00 each - 1.00/2 newspaper q = FREE

Kraft Miracle Whip @ 1.97 - no coupon, but I needed it

2 State Fair corn dogs @ 3.29 each - 1.00 printable (www.statefairbrand.com) = 1.29

4 pkg seasoned gourmet burger patties @ 1.13 each (on clearance and BOGO!)

Kraft cheese bites @ 2.99 - 1.00 printable (www.coupons.com) = .99

YoPlus yogurt @ 2.39 - 1.00 printable (www.coupons.com) = .39

2 pkg ground beef @ 3.98 - 2.00 printable (www.redriverranchangus.com) = 1.98 each

2 bottles KC masterpiece bbq sauce @ 1.00 each - 1.00 printable (no longer avail) = FREE plus overage!

2 pkg Solo paper bowls @ 2.19 each - 1.00 newspaper q = .19

2 pkg Oscar Mayer roast beef @ 2.99 each - 1.00/2 newspaper q = 1.99 each

dozen eggs @ .89

2 pkg Keebler soft and chewy cookies @ 1.99 - 1.00 printable (www.redplum.com) = FREE

2 Eckrich smoked sausage @ 2.49 each - 1.00/2 newspaper q = 1.49 each

24 pack Best Choice bottled water - WHOA, I just noticed that she must have accidentally scanned ONE of the bottles - it was supposed to be 2.49, but it rang up .33!!! I totally would've brought that to her attention had I realized it!

seasoned ribeye steaks - 4.56

Total spent = $37

Total saved = $110!

Hi, my name is Kary, and I am a bibliophile

I have been a bookworm for as long as I can remember. Some of my fondest childhood memories involve my visits to the local libraries. Every time I entered one, I would breathe in the scent and I always felt at peace. All those books organized so neatly on shelves, containing thousands of stories just waiting to be read...yes, I'm a nerd - but I am proud of it, lol! I spent 2 joyous summers as a teen volunteer at a library - and I LOVED it! One year I even got to meet and present an award to author Madeline L'Engle. I still have my signed copy of A Wrinkle in Time.

I have wanted to be a librarian ever since I knew what one was. But, as I grew older, I realized that libraries are not where the bucks are, and so I tried to find other passions with which I could find a career. Well, I have many interests - and I am totally enjoying studying psychology. But, I have decided that the library is where my heart is, and big bucks or not, I am going to pursue a degree in library science - and Billy totally supports me in this. What you may not know is that there is no bachelor's degree in library science, at least not around here. And to be a librarian - not just a library employee, but an actual librarian - you need a master's degree! So, I will get my bachelor's degree in human and family sciences, with a minor of psychology, and then I will pursue a master's of library science degree. I have looked at the books for these classes at NSU, and I get so excited - because it is SO me!

Specifically, I want to be a children's librarian. I love passing my love of literature onto my kids, and seeing them excited about books.

I have been reading more and more children's literature lately, mostly to "prepare" myself for the future, and to keep up with what my kids are reading about. But, in the process, I have decided that a lot of the best written works are actually "children's" books. Truly. I do read "adult" novels, and I enjoy a lot of them, but honestly, I think I prefer "juvenile" and "young adult" fiction. For one thing, you do not see as much bad language and sexual content in books for this age group (although it is increasing in teen fiction). Sometimes, that just ruins a book for me.

It seems this is catching on. After all, the Twilight saga and The Hunger Games trilogy are actually young adult fiction, and they have become favorites from late elementary age to adults.

So, I guess my point is - don't pass over the children's section of the bookstore or library. Your new favorites might just be waiting to be discovered there!

A birthday that was never meant to be

This is a topic that is hard for me, but I feel led to share. This week, every year, is a difficult one for me. You see, we would be celebrating a birthday at this time, a birthday that will never actually get to be celebrated. In November of 2001, we lost a baby. That baby would've been born around the last week of June in 2002. Every year I think about what that child would've looked like at that age. She would've been eight years old this week.

The first year after the miscarriage was horrible. I struggled with my grief and started sinking into a terrible depression. I did not know many people at the time who had experienced this, and so I felt very alone. I also struggled with feelings of self blame (what did I do that caused this?) and even struggled with being angry at God for taking my baby away from me. But, the pain did ease as time went on, and in June - the very month I was due, I found out I was pregnant with my beautiful boy, Stephen! I was a nervous wreck the whole pregnancy, but I had a wonderful, understanding doctor, who performed an ultrasound at every appointment to reassure me. Then, in Janurary of 2003, Stephen was born. He was a month early, and had a rocky start due to respiratory distress syndrome, but, he came home healthy. I will always carry our third child (as part of the healing process, we gave her the name Aimee Hope) in my heart, and she could never be replaced - but, I know now that when she went to be with Jesus, she made it possible for Stephen to come into our life.

When I go to be with the Lord, I will be reunited with her, and this thought has truly helped my heart to heal. The pain has mostly gone, but it is the "anniversaries" that are the hardest. My heart goes out to everyone who has experience pregnancy and baby loss.

There is a beautiful song, performed by the Christian group Selah, that truly captures how I felt at that time. It is called "I Will Carry You."

There were photographs I wanted to take
Things I wanted to show you
Sing sweet lullabies, wipe your teary eyes
Who could love you like this?

People say that I am brave, but I'm not
Truth is I'm barely hanging on
But there's a greater story
Written long before me
Because He loves you like this.

Chorus:
I will carry you
While your heart beats here
Long beyond the empty cradle
Through the coming years
I will carry you
All my life
And I will praise the One Who's chosen me
To carry you.

Such a short time
Such a long road
All this madness
But I know
That the silence
Has brought me to His voice
And He says...

I've shown her photographs of time beginning
Walked her through the parted seas
Angel lullabies, no more teary eyes
Who could love her like this?

Chorus

Happy birthday, my angel baby.

A fun, cheap family fun day

I'm a little behind in posting this, as it was 2 weeks ago, but it was such a good day that I have to share it. It also goes to show that there are plenty of fun things out there to do with the kids that don't cost an arm and a leg.

The first thing we did on this Saturday was attend a Lowe's "Build and Grow" clinic. These clinics are completely free! They supply each child with an apron, a hammer, safety goggles, and all the supplies to build the featured project. They hold these every other Saturday. It is such an awesome thing, and the kids had fun! We plan to go to every clinic we can. This particular one was building photo frames for dad in honor of Father's Day.

Look at the expression of concentration on Stephen's face!

True to her personality, Emily was very meticulous in her work and took her sweet time.

Daddy helping Stephen with a stubborn nail.

The finished projects! Now we need to find just the right photos to put in the frames! Daddy is taking these to work to put on his desk.

Next we tried to figure out what to do for lunch. We realized that Stephen has never been to Casa Bonita *gasp*! We used to go ALL the time when the girls were little, but then they shut down for awhile, then changed hands, and we had heard it wasn't the same. But they somewhat recently went back to the original management, so we decided to give it a go. I have always LOVED their cheese enchiladas! Well, it was not a cheap lunch, that was for sure, but we decided that it was a good way to celebrate Billy's recent promotion! We stuffed ourselves silly, and had a great time!

We definitely did not leave hungry!

Next, we went to Philbrook Art Museum in Tulsa. Every second Saturday of the month, they offer free admission and lots of kids activities.

When we signed up, each of the kids got an art case that held a sketch pad, pencil, eraser and some information about the art they would see. Each time they go, they will get a new art supply for their case. They got to make "scarab" necklaces in keeping with the Egyptian theme for their newest Egypt exhibit.

We participated in a scavenger hunt in the gardens. They followed clues to find each animal on their list. It was super hot, but the gardens were beautiful!

Done with the scavenger hunt!

Here they got to do "Egyptian" painting. Basically, just paint something you think might be considered Egyptian. Stephen painted a picture of a pharaoh's sarcophagus, Natalie drew some hieroglyphics, and our little rebel, Emily, made a Happy Father's Day greeting, lol!

It was a great day, and fun was had by all!

Eating out on the cheap (or free!) with kids this summer

I admit it - I like to eat out. The combination of being in a different environment and not having to cook and clean up is very appealing. The kids love it too! But, let's face it - it adds up! But there are affordable options, especially in the summer time.

Did you know that many school districts open up the cafeteria in the summer time and feed kids under the age of 18 for FREE? They do! And adults can purchase a meal for about $3 - so 4 hot meals for $3? Pretty darn good deal! Sometimes, I'll just bring a sandwich, so it's completely free. Today was macaroni and cheese day, so I had to eat too. I don't care what anyone says - school macaroni and cheese is the best!

For treats, keep an eye open while going through the Sunday paper coupons for freebies. Just this last week's alone there were 2 Taco Bell coupons for FREE limeade sparklers and FREE "margarita" frutistas (not to worry - they are non alcoholic!) AND there were Krispy Kreme coupons for a free lemon creme doughnut - no purchase necessary for any of these things!!

So, today, we swung by Taco Bell for our limeade sparklers - the kids were excited b/c we NEVER go to Taco Bell (Bueno all the way!) so it was something new. We ordered our drinks, handed over our coupons....and waited...and waited. Well, apparently the guy forgot about us! I cleared my throat and he got really embarassed. He not only apologized but gave us a big bag of cinnamon twists ON THE HOUSE! WOOHOO - score!

Another option is looking for "Kids eat free" deals at restaurants. The ones I know of off the top of my head are IHOP (this deal comes and goes though - so call your store first), and El Chico (.99 kids meals all day Thursday) I am going to research a list on kids eat free deals for my next blog update - so stay tuned!

Picked up my freebies at Homeland today...6/08/10

ALL this for......wait for it.....$12!! One of my best weeks, I think! I actually went on Sunday too, but I didn't take a picture, and I've used a lot of it already. So, this is just from today.
2 24pks Nestle bottled water @ 2.99 ea - 1.00/2 IP (www.coupons.com) = 1.99 each
8 pkg Yakisoba noodle dinners @ 1.00 ea - 1.00/2 newspaper coupon = ALL FREE
2 bags Malt O Meal cereal @ 2.00 - 1.00 coupon I got in the mail when I complimented the company = BOTH FREE
4 bottles Xtra laundry detergent (I never knew the cheap stuff could smell so good too!) @ 2.99 ea - 1.00 newspaper coupon = .99 each
1 bottle Pert Plus shampoo @ 2.50 (used raincheck) - 1.00 newspaper coupon = .50
2 bags Kraft 100 caloried cheese bites @ 2.99 ea - 1.00 IP (www.coupons.com) = .99 ea
2 boxes Blue Bunny Star Bars @ 1.69 ea - 1.00 IP (www.bluebunny.com) = FREE plus .31 back on each
2 boxes Blue Bunny Big Fudge bars @ 1.69 ea - 1.00 IP (www.bluebunny.com) = FREE plus .31 back on each
2 bottles Wishbone salad dressing @ 1.59 ea - .75 newspaper coupon = .09 ea
2 bags New York croutons @ .99 ea (used raincheck) - .50 newspaper coupon = BOTH FREE
8 pkg Bar S hot dogs @ .99 ea - 1.00/2 newspaper coupon = ALL FREE
4 pkg Chinet napkins @ 1.59 ea - .75 newspaper coupon = .09 ea
2 bottles KC Masterpiece bbq sauce @ 1.09 ea - 1.00 newspaper coupon = BOTH FREE plus .91 back on each!!
2 pkg Hormel compleats dinners @ 2.00 ea - .55 newspaper coupon = .90 each
1 tub Best Life butter @1.19 - 1.00 newspaper coupon = FREE plus .81 back!
1 can diced tomatoes @ .79 - no coupon, just needed it

Total spent = a little over $12
Total saved = about $83! (about 90%!)


Don't know if this is very readable - but here is the "proof" - Top 2 receipts show 93% savings at the bottom and the bottom 2 show 85% and 93%!

Give this a try and see how much you can save!