Tribute to...

...an amazing artist and a troubled life.
Michael Jackson
1958-2009

Spoky Oaky!

Blake loves being with Grandma and Grandpa. He also loves being in WASHINGTON. We got out one of Justin's old toys, a tepee, and Blake loves to play in it. However, Blake is afraid of the "little man" inside. Apparently, Blake now has a great imagination. Luckily, though, we have laughed about it enough that the "little man" is kind of a funny man and not a scary one anymore.

Blake loves to swing with Grandpa!

How cute is that face?!

Now we cannot wait for Uncle Garrett to come home from Chile!

4 1/2 months and I did it!

I met my goal, well, I actually surpassed it. Some may have noticed the ticker I have up top that keeps track of how much I am saving with coupons. I had a goal to save 2640. This is the amount the government thinks is sufficient for our size of family to live on for a year. I wanted to see if I could save that much in the course of one year and I did it in less than half!

I started in February. I saved 275.72 that month. I was really happy about it too! Then March, I saved 642.09! April, 903.58 and May 704.44! Then so far in the 8 days of June, I have saved 235.33 already!


I am sooo stoked! Not only does it feel good to save that much, but it feels good that I spent way less than I actually spent! I have only spent 1337.21. This includes all of our groceries, baby stuff, dates and clothes. For grocery alone we only spent 399.73 since April! Oh yeah, and part of the 1337.21 was our huge grill! So that was way out of the norm!


So, here is the shopping trip that put me up and over my goal! Kmart doubles coupons up to 2bucks, so essentially 4 dollars off!

6 lotions cost only 2.94 total

6 Shave gel only 2.94 total

Cereals only .99 a box

4 deodorants only .76 total

free paper plates

free candy

3 4pk snack packs only 1.57 total

my makeup only 3 bucks

lots more! But what a great save.

I spent 67.60 but got 2 free movie tickets and 35 dollars worth of Kmart money! I'd say pretty good~!

I'm officially 1/4 of a doctor

It's offcial, I'm a second year!

I got my final grade in just shy of 2 weeks after finals and I decided to show you all what I've been up to for the past 30 weeks. In just 30 weeks I took 72.40 credit hours and I read through every single page of notes you see in these pictures at least 2 times and probably more. I then took tests on the material and I supposedly know anywhere between 87 %and 90% of this stuff! (I have a GPA higher than a B+ average but lower than an A- so who really knows?) Hopefully I can remember it for next year and boards. Anyway, here are some pictures of this stuff.

Here are all the notes and books of all the stuff we studied: Biochemistry, Physiology, Neuroscience, Anatomy, Histology, Embryology, Clinical Medicine, Human Behavior (Psych), OMM, and I took an elective of Medical Spanish (it was a joke).

Here are just the notes. Over a foot of paper! Its been a real kick in the pants and from what I hear next year only gets better! Anyway, I'm just hanging out for a while and then things start getting busy again in July with volunteer stuff and other things I have going on at the school and then in September I'm back at it. One more year of books and then I get to start playing doctor. I can't wait.

Plethora of Pictures

Free plus I made 2 bucks!!!
We went to feed the ducks at the pond. These are weird Red ones.

Blake loves to feed the birds.

Those geese honked in your face for the bread.

Mohawk Duck

So peaceful at this time of the day!

Lots of tomatoes coming

Unfortunately we had a death in our garden. Those two spots on the left were just starting to bloom watermelon vines. Blake ripped them out! We had been working on those for over 2 months! Still trying to hold back the tears on that one.

One HUGE zucchini

3.05

Yesterday morning I looked outside to find this. Justin- SLEEPING--- on CONCRETE. He was like this for over an hour.

Blake caring for Dad.

I had my Young Women's Presidency and their families over for a BBQ and swimming. The kids had lots of fun!

I love this one. One pool, 6 kids.

Free bread, pasta and cheap mustard and grapes!

Prayers for JJ

For any of you who know JJ, he is pretty much a brother to my family. He was recently involved in a bombing (He currently serves in Afghanistan).

This is from an email from his mother.

He was involved in an IED explosion to the humvee he was in. 4 of his friends were killed. He has 2 broken legs, a broken arm, broken back - says he isn't paralyzed. He is waiting to be transferred from the AirForce hospital in Afghanistan where he's had one surgery to Germany where he may undergo more surgery and after he's stabilyzed there, will be sent to Walter Reed in Washington DC. Evidently he was very lucky from the reports I've received.

A bunch of us are fasting this Sunday for him! Keep him in your prayers!

19.72

Free Mayo, face scrub, razors, drinks and some cereal. Saved 42.12.

One more of the wedding

So as you can imagine weddings are hard work, and when finished the people who were a part of it are exhausted. Well, here is my brother, Jace...

A picture says a 1000 words!

Summer Movies!

They have a summer program for kids here where there are 10 movies during the summer that you can see for 5 bucks! So we jumped on it. Blake did not watch the whole movie but he loved the chairs and the lighted stairs.

I love these pics! He is totally falling into the chair.

Free Rice, Deoderant, and much more!!!

Not pictured are 2 gallons of milk already put away.

I got 16 pkg. of rice for free.

6 deoderants for free

1 Peanut Butter for free

4 kraft dressings for free

2 Easy Macs for free

also...

that huge bage of bananas for 49cents

the popcorn was a dollar each, but i got 10 dollars back for my next shopping trip.

The kraft cheese? 29 cents each!!!

Anyway, everything together was 30.89 (saved 77.95) and I got 10 bucks for the next time.

Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Michaelson

Ryan and Corrie Michaelson!!!
Look at that dress!
Such a beautiful bride.

McKaylee and I

Blake holding my bouquet

The Michaelson Group

YAY!

At the Reception

Me and Justin

Daddy-o and Kays

Robert and Kays

Jace and the goods!

Corrie (featuring the tables/centerpieces)

Ryan and Dad

Cool Boys

The Ladies

Congrats! It was sooo fun, but 2 year olds are not made for weddings!

How much you ask?

$20, Nope!


$10, Nope!

$5, Nope!

$1.23???

NOPE

Absolutely FREE???

YEP! Totally free!
That is
1 lb. Strawberries
6 Hershey chocolate bars
1 rolo bag
1 hershey mixed bag
20 Schik razors
1 18lb. bag of charcoal
6 seasonings
4 toothbrushes
4 St. Ives face scrub
5 ramen lunches


This picture does not include the 27.7 lbs. of ground beef that I got! 93% beef for 1.77 a lb. But I had 5 dollars off so essentially got it for 1.59 a lb.
Why so much you ask???
Because, out with the old......

And in with the NEW!! This is Justin's most favorite thing in the world. One side is charcoal and the other is propane. (we got it mostly for our food storage/supplies)

Other things I want to post about....

School is out for the summer!

My little boys!

Blake really wanted to keep this, but we said it wanted to go back to its own home.

YAY!

Don't you wish?

That you could have gotten in on my craft it forward? Here is what I have been working on ...

Blake was helping too!

Good new is.... one more person can join the craft it forward. See my post below for details!

I voted....

did you?

"No... I'm Superman"

So Blake has had a lot of bread today. A slice here and there and tonight he was eating a pancake in his hand for a snack.
I said to him "Blake, I think you are a bread man"

Blake corrected me, "No, I'm Superman!"


Now how cute is that?!

Yep, 40 cents!

Everything was free except for the salad dressings- they were a whopping 8 cents each!

Scrapping with Sure Cuts A Lot!

One of my good friends, Emily, told me about this wonderful software that allows you to cut anything from your computer on the cricut machine! This is awesome because think of all of the fonts out there. And images! Do not let me get started! So here are the first ones I have done.

This actually did not use anything, just me and scissors.

So take a look at that cow!

this is a close up of the cursive text. Cool huh!

How about that Barn, notice how it connects with the words?

Thanks Emily for giving me a new favorite scrapbooking tool!

My Idol of Choice!

SOOooooooo Happy he is in the finals!

Babies having babies?

I caught Blake practicing the art of diaper changing today! What a crack up.

Mother's Day 2009

Love him!

A little redemption

for what I spent last time :)

14.59- Retail value of 110.20

for 4 Wheat Thins

4 Ritz Crackers

4 Graham Crackers

4 Crystal Light powders

10 granola snacks

8 Hershey's Bliss Candy Bars

1 Nabisco Snacks

6 Banana Boat Sunscreens

4 Mayonaises

4 pk. Wet Swiffer refills

2 pk. Dry Swiffer refills

2 saltines

Purple items were absolutely free! Other highlights are 50 cent boxes of Ritz and 49 cent tubs of Mayo.

I also could have done better, but forgot a few coupons :(

What have I done?

I just dropped over 100 dollars on food!!!!!

I had the missionaries over tonight, which I had somewhat forgotten about. Then Justin informed me that btwn. 15-20 people would be joining us for a BBQ at our house on Saturday! So I ran to the store and expected to be way over budget, I thought maybe 70, so when I saw triple digits! AHHHH!

This goes to show that a little bit of prep saves you TONS! Now who does not think that coupons are not worth the hassle.

Luckily, 1. the food tonight was excellent. Fajitas MMMMMMM! 2. I was way under last month. 3. Justin gave blood today and Blue Belle ice cream gives coupons called a pint for a pint! Is that not cute! So free yummy ice cream headin' our way!

CRAFT IT FWD!

Craft It Forward!
The first 5 people to leave a comment on this blog will receive something made by me. However there are some limitations:
1. I make no guarantee that you will like what I make.
2. What I create will be just for you.
3. It will be done this year.
4. You have not a clue what it is going to be; poetry, shoes, bags or a little invention of my own. I may even bake something and mail it you! Who knows? Not you, that's for sure!
5. I reserve the right to do something extremely strange. It may blow your mind!

Here's the catch... if you choose to do this, you must post this on your blog and be ready to make something for five people too. This will be fun! And, when you receive the fabulous item I make you, you must post a picture of it on your blog. Or if you don't have a blog, send me a photo and I will post it! Ready....Set....Comment!

Bountiful Blessings

Spare me a moment while I record my thoughts on how blessed we are. I have been thinking about the economy problems lately and keep coming to the conclusion that we will be fine how ever things turn out because we have always been cared for in the past. What is interesting is we are poorer now than ever and we seem to have more than we have ever had. (One great blessing of being poor is you can't really lose the money/job you never had).
We are constantly being blessed with opportunities to live a comfortable life. My heart goes out to those in desperate times and I hope to see a change come soon. I also hope my family and my life will prove worthy of the blessings we have and also prove to help those who are in those struggling times. Many of our friends have been affected by the economy and I am always impressed by their continued faith that eveything will work out, that God's will will be done and that they will be happy during the hard times. Good luck to those in these situations and may they find the peace they need by turning to the Lord who gave them everything that may have been lost.

Something specifc we have been blessed with is a garden that is actually producing. We are so proud of this little thing in the corner of our home.

peas and beans
onions

tomatoes

watermelons

zucchini

It is so fulfilling to watch this thing grow!

It is also fulfilling to watch this little guy grow!

Blake enjoying some ice cream from Sonic (my fav!)

Who knew ice cream could be so yummy (uhhh, duh, everyone knows that)

One of the greatest blessings we have!

UPDATE: 77 cents!

With sales, giftcards and coupons combined, I snagged this for 47 cents! Not too bad :)

UPDATE: just came back from fry's. Spent $0.30 on 7 pkgs of toliet paper and 6 bags of quaker rice cakes! No picture, but I am SOOOOOOOO happy!

9.47 for 98.23

18 salad dressings
6 quaker rice cakes
5 oreo stix
4 capri suns
12 McCormick seasonings
2 bag Mission tortillas
6 airhead extremes
5 deodorants
4 Skippy PB
2 tubs of butter
2 tabascos
3 bags peas
12 bottles of water!

I basically paid tax. Almost everything was free! I think I spent 30 cents for the mst expensive item!

Monica's Mini School

I am now enrolling for Fall 2009 preschool classes! Please go to my website to find out more about the upcoming year, tuition and to request an enrollment form!

Feel free to pass the word along to those you know who have children ages 3-5 yrs.

At least once a day...

this happens!

Maybe it is not as large of a spill, but it usually involves something sticky or smelly!

But you have to admit, it is hard to get mad at the little guy!

What a Great Day!!!

I got a text last night that I did not have to work today! So I had lots of time to get things done!!!

The dishes are finished, the counters clean. I went shopping and now Blake is taking a nap (something that happens only rarely now).

So, I had to share my great savings today. I know I just posted yesterday about shopping, but this one rocked!!!

Retail of 57.22 but only spent 22.11 total> BUT, here is what was SOOOO awesome about it.

Safeway was for the pasta sauces and the egg noodles. I got 12 sauces at $2, but used $1 worth of coupons for each and got the 12 for $12. However, I got BACK $2 (gift card/catalina print out) for every two. So I got 6 $2 print outs from the sauce. Plus if you purchased $30 worth of selected items, you got a $10 print off.

So I left Safeway with $22 worth of print-offs and only spent 13.25.

Then, at Basha's I got ALL 12 of the Barilla noodles for free! (on sale for $1, but had $.50 coupons that were doubled) The 6 Sunny D's were only $3 total. And the sugar was $.78 after my coupons!

SOOOOOO AWESOME!

I love building my food storage. I actually made a special order with the Safeway manager for 60 of the pasta sauces, and will probably donate most of it to the food bank, or something. Couponing allows me to not only save and stock up, but it allows my to pass the savings along to those who need some help!

WHat a great day!

$2.15

6 stayfree pkgs.
2 colgate toothpaste
18pk. scunci
2 bags bliss chocolates
6 nivea lip glosses
1 chapstick
1 mouthwash
1 body scrub
1 fiberchoice tablets
1 shave gel

Retail value before coupons:
72.37

Coupons used:
67.19

Gift card used:
5.28

Cash out of pocket:
2.15


PS - I also received 25.57 in money towards my next purchase, and will receive a rebate of 8 dollars for the mouthwash!!!

EBATES.COM - Check this out!!

Go HERE to sign up for this awesome FREE online rebate site. If you purchase things online, you can get rebates for the items you buy. This is very cool! I like it because I purchase certain things regularly (like ink) online. I will always go through ebates first so that I can get cash back on my purchases!

Great shopping trip!

No picture, because I already put the food away. However, I did get some awesome deals.

7 boxes of Kellogg's cereal, and 3 gallons of milk for 4.93!

They had a deal where if you bought 7 cereals you got 3 milks free, but I had 9 bucks of coupons for the cereal so it was even better!

I got 27.16 bucks worth of high quality bacon for free.

They had a buy one get 2 free deal.

In the past few weeks I have also snagged some FREE>>>>
Covergirl foundation
pringles
olay soap
candy bars
bread
pledge spray
vitamin water
deoderant
garden tools and
a calculator!

Fun Fun!

So much... So little time!!!

We have had a busy week! Justin's parents and grandparents flew in for Spring Break! Both are from up north and needed some sunny days! Blake was very excited to have them here. In fact, I do not even think I spent half an hour with him everyday.

We did lots of shopping, relaxing, food, fun and more relaxing! They watched Blake for me while I worked, which was an awesome help and Blake had a blast with them.

We also went to the Easter pageant put on by the church at the Mesa Temple. It is so good. If you live in AZ check it out!!! While in Mesa, we stopped by the Orange Patch to get some Orange Honey.
Justin also showed them his school and we got a 4 generation pic there.

One of the coolest things we did was go to Kohl's wher we purchased 460 dollars owrth of merchandise for 64!!!

Come visit us again!!!

HOW TO COUPON

(there is a post below a bit more specific to the latest deal I got at Target too)

I thought I would post with an overview of how I do coupons. It may be long. You can call with any questions too.

Here are the best websites out there. ( this is somewhat for Arizonan's, but can be applied nationally...the key is finding a site that sorts for your state)

Pinchingyourpennies.com is a great one for grocery stores. I think you register, but it is free and really easy. Once you go there I mostly focus on http://www.pinchingyourpennies.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=20 this part of the site. As you can see, there are links for each store. "Frys 3/18-3/24" or "safeway 3/18-3/24" and so on. If you open those up they provide a list of what is on sale that week and match it with the coupons needed.

EX: this is from this weeks Fry's list

Colgate Toothpaste – 1.00 each (this is the item on sale)
Use: Colgate Adult or Kid's Toothpaste, any 4 oz. or larger .75/1 (5-31-09) SS-2/22
Colgate Total Toothpaste, any 4 oz. or larger .75/1 (4-4-09) SS-3/15(these are the coupons available to use from the paper)
FINAL PRICE: FREE (this is the price after coupons for the item)

So, you get the idea? I usually copy and paste each of the lists onto a word document and then delete the ones I am not interested in. As you can see though, some items are for free when you use a coupon with it! Pretty cool for stocking up on items.

Another thing you will need to know is when the coupon is listed it says Colgate Adult or Kid's Toothpaste, any 4 oz. or larger .75/1 (5-31-09) SS-2/22 so .75/1 means you get 75 cents off per item, the date in parentheses is the expiration date of the coupon and then the "SS-2/22" is where the coupon can be found.
Now, SS= the smartsource insert. RP= the redplum insert. PG= the procter and gamble insert and LV= la vos (it is the spanish version) soyou will not have that. the date next to it is the Sunday it came out. So SS-2/22 is the Smartsource insert from February 22nd.

So then I figure out my list and cut the coupons needed for that store. I have a little coupon folder thing in my purse so that each store has its own pocket and I am not fumbling at the cashiers stand.

Now, if you need something else at the store and you are curious if there is a coupon for that. You can go through pinchingyourpennies.com to the "Coupon List" link. Then select AZ as your state and a database of coupons are there Here is the link directly to AZ's coupons... ( http://www.pinchingyourpennies.com/CouponList_AZ.php ) Press ctrl+f and then type in the item you want to look up. It will then highlight the item in the list if it is available.

EX: I want to buy some popcorn. So I go to the list, press ctrl+f and type in popcorn. I then see that there is
1. Betty Crocker Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn, any flavor or variety boxes .50/2 (4-19-09) SS-3/8
2. Betty Crocker Pop-Secret Microwave Popcorn, any flavor or variety boxes .50/2 (3-22-09) SS1-2/8
3. Smart Balance Popcorn $1/2 (4-30-09) RP-2/1

3 coupons available for popcorn. So I can choose to use those.

Now, go shopping.

There are also printable coupons available on line. Coupons.com is a great place to start. you can print off up to 2 times for each coupon.

Other websites to check out for deals in and out of other grocery stores:

Moneysavingmom.com
hip2save.blogspot.com

These ones give great ideas and help you do deals at CVS and Walgreens. if you go to moneysavingmom.com, on the right there is a link for CVS 101 and walgreens 101. She explains how those stores work with the deals they have.

I used to avoid those stores because they are regularly so expensive, but now I shop there at least weekly and often get free stuff doing it.

***Cautions to couponing.
It will take a bit of time at first and you have to start gathering and keeping your coupon inserts from the paper. The first few weeks may not be as rewarding because you have not built up a good stash.

Do no buy things just because there are coupons for it. Even spending 50 cents for a great deal is more than you would have spent if you originally would have passed it by,.

You may have a few annoyed people when you whip out a lot of coupons, do not let that discourage you from saving.

If the cash register gets it wrong or you thought it was going to be a better deal, then do not hesitate to ask them to void it and start over again if necessary.


NOW, one thing I do because it is worth it. I get 6 papers every Sunday. Why? because then instead of getting one free tube of toothpaste, I get 6. I have only been doing this since Feb. and I have already gotten over 70 items for free. So it is worth the extra money.
https://subscribe.azcentral.com/circpromos/promopages/pinchingyourpennies.php Here is a link for a good deal at getting extra papers. you do not have to get 6, but you can get up to that if you want.

OK, so if you are thinking this is not worth the time, let me tell you what I have gotten so far to make you really believe me!

ALL OF THESE WHERE ABSOLUTELY FREE!!!

Colgate Toothbrush
Scrubbing Bubbles Spray
Windex Wipes
Windex Spray
Contact Solution
Revelon Lip Gloss
Zucol Lozenges
Fructis Wonder Waves
Thermacare Heat wrap
Cottonelle TP (4pack)
Betty Crocker Frosting
Betty Crocker Cookie Mix
Trident Gum
Glade sprays
Yes 2 Carrots Lip Balm
Jergens Lotion
Colgate Toothpaste
Payday Bar
Cookies n Cream bar
Butterfinger
quiznos sub
tacos
quiznos sub
nails
Kotex Pads
Frosted Mini Wheats
Renuzit spray
Cascade Rinse
Potting Soil 1 cu ft
4 ft stake
Reynolds Wrap
Reach toothbrush
sambulco cold and flu
colgate total toothpaste
Winterfresh gum
Gillette Razor
zone bars
Dental Floss
Reach toothbrush
Vaseline lotion
Extra strength headache relief
Revlon eyeshadow
blink tears
Renuzit spray
Cottonelle TP (4pack)
dole salad kit
johnsons buddies soap
butter ball broth
thingamajig candy bar
Garnier Nutrisse hair color
pantene pro-v conditioner
Martha Stewart Living Mag
johnsons buddies soap
zone bars
gillette body wash
foam paintbrushes
12 pk. Highlighters
sambulco cold and flu
crest radiance
colgate total toothpaste
maybelline mascara
Colgate Toothpaste
Martha Stewart Living Mag
crest toothpaste
Glucerna cereal
Speed stick deodorant
garnier nutrisse gel
cheetos
quaker rice cakes
quaker granola bars
ohs cereal
Martha Stewart Living Mag
cheetos
johnsons buddies soap
archers farm bread
roast
roast
roast
roast
gillette body wash
salsa con queso
zone bars

That was just the free stuff, and did not include deals like paying pennies for other items.

Please call with any questions. if it is really worth your time, I would be to get together and show you what I do to save.

Good luck

Monica

A Wanna Be

As requested...

So, here is how i got those things at Target. For the meat, I went here and printed off plenty of the Sutton and Dodge coupons. They are target coupons for $2 bucks off. You may have to register first to print, but it is free. At that same place you can print off the Cheetos coupon for $1 buck at Target. So print as many as you want and then make sure to get the Cheetos bags that are in the checkout lanes, on the bottom of the shelf. See the picture two posts down... that size of bag. Again, while you are there, print of the Artisan bread coupons too. These you will have to buy the mini mini loaves to be free, or you can just have a dollar of a different size bread. (Well worth it, it is really good stuff).
The bottle of salsa con queso was part of a deal at Target where you buy 2 bags of Tostitos chips and get a free salsa dip.
The body wash was using 2 coupons from the Sunday paper, the PG insert from 3/1/09 for gillette body wash. You will probably need to look on the ends of aisle for the smaller size being 2 dollars if you want it free. The closest Target to me did not carry them, but another one did.

Go here, to print of the soap coupons for Johnsons buddies. They are 97 cents at Target and most places have them around there too, but just get three and you get 3 bucks off- FREE!


For future reference, add moneysavingmom.com and hip2save.blogspot.com to your blog lists and get caught up on Walmart, Target, CVS, Rite-Aid, and Walgreens deals. They posts at least once a day. They also offer other helps for freebies, etc.

Hope this gets you saving!!! It is like a drug!

Target is my BFF

Here are some things I got for FREE there today!

4 chuck roasts! (Yes to free meat)
6 bars of soap
4 bags of cheetos
2 bottles of body wash
1 bottle of salsa con queso
3 mini loaves of fresh bakery bread!

Seriously, who would not want a friend like Target!

I can't even belive it!

All of this for 6.34... tax alone was 2.69, so it was 3.65 before taxes!!! Oh, and I got 10 bucks in Target gift cards and 3.50 towards my next purchase at Walgreens!!!

YTD savings - $710.27

YTD number of items received for free - 71

(1 bag rice cakes, 6 boxes granola bars, 3 boxes of OHS cereal, 10 bags of Cheetos, 2 boxes of cute ribbons- TARGET)

(4 Garnier gel, 3 deodorants, 2 Glucerna cereals and 3 jumbo diapers- WALGREENS)

My husband rocks! and some notes to self

Justin is so cool! He got excellent grades this semester and has a 3.44 overall in med school. All of those many, many, many, many, many, many hours are paying off. What a stud!



And to keep up...

$18.12 spent on...


9 cans of chicken broth

2 Garnier hair color

3 jumbo packs Huggies

8 rolls toilet paper

3 bars of soap

Oh, and I get 5 dollars in a rebate, so 13.12.

At target, I got 10 packages of steak worth 51.80 for a total of 18.83, and I could have saved another 2 bucks, cuz I realized I forgot to give them one of the coupons :( However, I also got 5 6-packs of Mott's applesauce for 3.45, valued at 8.45. Pretty sweet! Great for food storage.

Brings my total saved to date to 468.57

Save theDate!!! Ryan and Corrie

They are getting married!!! YAY! May 23, 2009. I love weddings. Congrats bro.

testing testing, 123

I want to see if this post allows for comments, the previous one was not working???

Gardening with Blake

Justin is on Spring Break! YAY! He worked so hard and deserves this break. So he decided he wanted to plant a garden during his time off, and guess what, it is Monday and the garden is done! He is so awesome. Blake was such a fun helper for him. We planted tomatoes, onions, zuccini, peas, beans and watermelon. We shall see!

Blake also found the joy of playing with the hose and sprinkler.

This was on Saturday. Blake was exhausted, fell asleep in the car on the way to Target, kept sleeping getting out of the car, into the cart, around the store and back into the car. Briefly, Blake woke up when we got home but cried and then laid in front of the kitchen sink on the rug and crashed for another 45 minutes! We left him there as not to disturb his beauty sleep :)

For me, myself and I... well, you too, if you wish

This post is purely for my records, and I probably will be doing this from now on, but no more hesitations. I decided I like to keep record and I like to share my savings. So, feel free to pass by these types of posts from now on if they are boring.

6 lbs. apples 1.96

5 boxes of Frosted Mini Wheats 0.00 (I actually got paid a penny perbox)

Kotex 0.00 (and I earned 4 dollars towards my next purchase!)

8 cans of soup for food storage 3.04

Total 5 bucks, minus the 5 pennies got for the cereal... 4.95! Shaazamm!

***How much have I gotten for free thus far??? 178.59 dollars worth of grocery items (only one months worth, since I began in February!)

Could not resist

OK... I talked myself in and out of posting this. I am sure you are all bored of hearing and seeing what I buy, but I could not resist. So, this is unusually good deal. At target when you buy 5 boxes of poptarts you get a 5 dollar gift card. They were 2.74 a box plus a dollar off each because of my coupons. Total 17.40, but because of a mix up at the registar I was credited 5 bucks! So 12.40. Couple that with the gift cards. It was like paying 24 cents a box.

So out of pocket 12.40

got 120 poptarts and 10 dollars to go toward any other stuff I need.

Anyway you look at it... AWESOME!!

Dear Grandma and Grandpa,

I love my new "Zebra" and "Monkey" plates.
A lot!

Oh yeah, I like "maca cheese" too!

Love, Blake

While I am thinking of it

Blake has been sick lately and I have spent more time with him in my arms. I wanted to write a few things he says that are so him right now. He has been asking for the "Elephant movie" which is Ice Age 2 (elephant, because of the mammoth). When we read the scriptures to him we have the illustrated version. He calls Joseph Smith "Jofes Miss." A lot of his words mix up the sounds like that (e.g. switching the s and f's in Joseph). Sometimes he will matter of factly reply, "actually no." He almost always says "Dink Do " or thank you when I give him a snack or drink. One of his favorites is "Go-fish up in the Cup er" (goldfish up in the cupboard). He also asks for Choca Milk, as you can guess is chocolate milk. One of my favorites is when I am putting him to sleep if my tummy rumbles or growls he asks, "poopy, Mom?"
He says "ona _____"for I wanna _____. So, I hear, "ona soap (lotion)" and "ona try, ona try" and "ona do it", etc. all the time. One other thing that cracks me up... If I say no to a cookie or something, then he smiles and says "Pease" for please. So coniving, and yet so cute!

FYI- We found the binky. Where was it? Where we always put it, up in the closet. I do not know how we did not check up there better.

No more binky and other changes

Not my favorite subject to start off. Blake lost his binky a week and a half ago and the transition has been difficult. I think it was because he quit cold turkey, instead of slowing going off of it. Naps are not happening and falling asleep sometimes can take up to 2 hours of my time. Craziness. He also has been having nightmare-ish things at night where he will wake up and not totally be coherent. Basically it is a raging fit with no way to comfort.
Like I said, not my favorite subject.
However, I do want to share that since I have begun couponing, just in February alone I have gotten over 100 dollars of free items. This does not include the things that I purchased for ultra cheap. It is has cut our grocery bill probably to a third of what we would have spent. And I have gotten some items for free that I normally would pass up if I had to buy them (e.g. lip gloss) Look into couponing!! Some site I use are moneysavingmom.com and pinchingyourpennies.com (this one follow the "screaming online deals" and go to "screaming deals by state." Check to see how your coupons match up with the deals in your stores. And if you do not take the paper... there are printable coupons too. That is how I got free toilet paper.
Check out the sites. These things make having no binky bearable :)
Another change for us... I have recently been called as the Young Women President of our ward. I am really excited and have an awesome presidency to work with. I feel like I am so young to be in this position, but I know it will be good!

$2.38

T.P. (8 rolls) $0.09

Windex Spray $0.00

Windex Wipes $0.00

Scrubbing Bubbles (2 cans) $0.00

Eye drops $0.00

Progresso Soups (2 cans) $0.30

Toothbrushes (4) $0.32

Taxes for coupons $1.67

Shopper's High (Few smiles, couple discrete "yesss's" and one boogie dance when I get home) PRICELESS

For Sale

SOLD!!!

OK, sorry about the small picture. I am selling my Cricut Personal Electronic Cutter. (NOT to be confused with my Cricut Expression) Because I got the bigger version of the machine I need to sell my other one. It is still in excellent condition and comes with brand new cutting mats. I love this machine, so much so that I got the bigger one. Anyway you can look into the awesomeness of it by going to cricut.com.

No computer is required, just plug it in. Place your favorite cartridge in your Cricut and choose from hundreds of designs in 12 different sizes; ranging from 1" to 5-1/2"!

This really is awesome. To buy new, the cheapest Ihave seen it for on retail right now is 184. but they can be as expensive as 299.99.

So I am selling mine for 80 dollars. If you are interested, or know of anyone who is, pass the word or blog url along!

What I have been doing with my cricut!

I have found a new friend. My cricut expression. I love it (watch out here come's a commercial for it.) It can cut any of the images from 1/4 inch all the way to 23 1/2 inches. It really is amazing. It can cut vinyl, any paper, and even chipboard. Sweet huh!

This is my fav. I did this last night after Blake was asleep. No one could cut those images out by hand!

Finally, some pictures with the words.

I have been slacking on the picture taking lately, but here are a few.

Desitin--CREAMY style.

Now words for this... angry and laughter all rolled up into one.

I got this cute robe for Blake for like 3 bucks. He won't wear it though. I forced him this time. I thought he would love it because he always plays with my robes and the belt that goes around it. How to figure out a two year old???

Notice the rest of the fruit rollup in the lower left corner. He loves this stuff. Thanks Grandma McCoy!

** I have already accomplished one of my resolutions for the year. I read all of the Chronicles of Narnia. (and I am on my way to finishing the Series of Unfortunate Events.)

Busy, busy, busy

Well, Justin has (had) 4 exams within a 7 day period! I am now teaching preschool M-Th which takes up a lot of my time. Blake's naps could be ending, although he likes to take them at about 3:30pm. I had 2 doc. appts this week. At the end of one of these, I realized the keys were in my car-- LOCKED IN! I called a friend and she was coming, so I called Justin to tell him all was well, when I was reminded that I had no way of getting into the house once I got there. YIKES! 3 1/2 hours later... Justin came home and let us in! Thanks Elizabeth for all of the help and Thanks to Brooke for watching Blake a bit longer and feeding the poor kid. BTW- I have a drawer full of spare keys, but they are NO GOOD if you cannot get into the house to get them.
Blake has flushed 3 highlighters and I believe a crayon down the toilet. We have only been able to retrieve one highlighter. So far the clog has not come back. He also loves to put on my make up, especially foundation, loves to put it on himself, on the counter and OH YEAH, the rug. another YIKES!
I have started the coupon epidemic...love it so far. I save so much money. Check out pinchingyourpennies.com if you live in AZ or UT.
I have just a bit left in the final book of the Chronicles of Narnia. What fun books. I love the library and the fact that I can get almost any movie, book or CD I want for free!
Got a cricut expression! 'Nough said!
Sorry no pics.

Oh yeah, filed taxes too! This could be the one benifit of being poor. I get a return!!!

What would you guess??

So I went to target today and bought a dress, 3 blouses, one jacket, 3 kid's Tshirts, a bathrobe and a pair of kid's shoes. How much did I spend???

Terrific Two's!

Today is Blake's second birthday! What a big boy we have. He had so much fun today even though there was not a whole lot different from any other day except for after dinner. But today he played outsied for over 2 hours with his dad. Yep, that is right outside in January. He had so much fun. When we brought the cake out with the candles he had NO idea what to do. But we said "blow" and so he did. After he had a piece of cake, he kept asking for more. I thought he meant ice cream, but then we realized after failed attempts, that he wanted to blow the candles out again. So, we let him.

We got Blake a swimming pool for the summer and also one of these swimming suits with built in floaties; not my personal choice of fashion, but Blake kept strutting around sticking his belly into things.

He loved the plate, bowl, and utensil set from Grandparents McCoy.

Every piece of clothing was "Jammies!" to him.

He kept going to my dad for help with unwrapping.

PLAYDOUGH!!

Using the new tray from Grandma McCoy

This video takes a bit to get to the good part, but the end is WAY worth the wait!

shopper's high

So I got great deals today! I got what would have cost 241.28 and only spent 24.04. That is more than 90% off folks!!!!

Some of the things included 138 ornaments for 3 dollars and 500 sq. ft of wrapping paper for $2.45. I got a threesome decoration of trees for $3.87, originally for $56! The greatest part is the most expensive thing was $1.56 which means, I got a lot of stuff!

I LOVE AFTER CHRISTMAS SALES!!!

Arizona Christmas...and more!

So, only in Arizona could you celebrate Christmas outside around a campfire... without a jacket on!

We all gathered around the fire while Justin led us in Christmas carols. It was way fun!

The traditional reading of the Nativity

Merry Christmas Eve with our cousins, the Harrisons.

McKaylee and Jace Christmas morning!

and now the MORE...

New Year's Day we were bored out of our minds...everything was closed. So we spontaneously decided to go outta town!!! I got a deal on a hotel (27 bucks!!!) and gas was cheap so we packed up and headed to Flagstaff, AZ. The next morning we made our way to the Grand Canyon!

Justin had never been to the Grand Canyon, and he had a GRAND time!

On our way we found Flinestone's Bedrock. It is a way cute little place for campers or eaters on the road. They have a bunch of things inside the park area that are set up like the cartoon.

Yep, it does snow in Arizona... You just have to go to 7000ft. above sea level.

We are now proud spoon collectors. My parents collected bells of everywhere they visit, so we decided to do it in our own way. Justin and I like spooning!

In our hotel, about to go swimming!

Justin's Thanksgiving to Christmas Project

This is the first real attempt to grow a significant amount of facial hair in my entire life. My father-in-law usually grows something between Thanksgiving and Christmas or New Years and this year, since I'm no longer at BYU, I thought I'd join him. It was difficult at first because, as you can see, it wasn't very full and it looked like crap. Over time it filled itself in and I was growing rather fond of it. Then I started getting mustache hairs in my mouth and food stuck in my face and I knew it had to go. I still find myself grabbing at my chin to play with the scruff that was my beard only to feel a bit saddened to rub a bare chin. I have since shaved the 'stache and got a hair cut. I'm back to my good old boaring self again but Monica likes it better and that makes me a happy man!

Shredding Incident Update!!!

We got the money back! We are so happy. Merry Christmas to us!

And So This Is Christmas....

And what have you done? Another year over... a new one just begun.

This year has been full of changes for us.
*Blake turned 1 yr. This brings a lot of changes. More activity, more words, more tantrums, and more loves.
*Justin and Monica GRADUATED!!! We both got our Bachelors of Science degrees. I always want to sign my name with a B.S. after it. It just cracks me up!
*Monica's parents move to Mesa, AZ
*Justin turns 25
*Justin and Monica celebrate 3 years of wonderful marriage
*We move to Surprise, AZ
*Justin begins medical school- MANY changes.
*Monica turns 23
*Our first Thanksgiving in Spokane
*Monica starts reading for pleasure again (first time since like 5th grade) TWILIGHT! Finally I know.
*Our first Christmas in Arizona. No snow this year for us! (that's a first)

Soon it will be time for New Year's resolutions...

Graham Cracker Houses!

Justin and I had a great weekend. Friday night we had our 4th annual Christmas party. I cannot belive we have had 4 of them now. I am sad that I forgot to take pictures of it, but it was a lot

of fun. Saturday, McKaylee and I went shopping and got so outrageous deals. I got a pair of boots for 8 bucks, high heels for 6.50, and two pairs of shoes for Blake for under 6 bucks!!! Awesome huh?

We ran to Kohl's to do some shopping and as we got out of the car a lady came up to us and gave us her 10 dollars worth of "Kohl's Cash" Basically free stuff from the store. Now why is it that Christmas this sorta thing happens? I was really moved by her generosity. Thanks!

We also had our ward party that night. We had a nativity play and food.

Sunday our Relief Society had a Christmas program. I sang in two of the musical numbers. It feels good to be singing again. Then, we went to Mesa for some good ole' fashion graham cracker house making. Courtney-- Thanks for the frosting recipe.

Dad's House

McKaylee's House

Justin's Resort Hotel! (in progress)

Jace/Mom's House

My Church

Lots of fun!

Man with the wall paper in this house and the lighting it looks like we are in the 70's.

Justin and McKaylee

Rob, how do you get your face to do that?

ANYWAY- Lots of fun this weekend!

Whata weekend!

Friday was Justin's White Coat ceremony. We had my family there and after went to Macayo's for dinner. Soo good!We are so proud of you Justin!
Getting the White Coat!

Jace and Blake enjoyed the VERY adult/boring ceremony.

On Justin's campus

After Macayo's we went to a Christmas Sweater Party! Lots of fun, karaoke and white elephant exchanges.

We came home to McKaylee asleep with Blake in her arms. Thanks for babysitting!
Saturday we went to Mesa, where we went to the Mesa Temple to see the Christmas lights they have. I was thoroughly impressed. I think they have more than Salt Lake does.

In the visitor's center they had a display of nativities from around the world. This is one of my favorites, from Israel. Where could I fit this in my house???

In front of the three wise men.

Our family.

Mom, McKaylee, Dad and Jace (We missed you Robert...party pooper!)

Attention! Multiple posts below.

Christmas Decor

It's the most wonderful time of the year!!!

Thanksgiving in Spokane!

We had so much fun visiting Spokane for Thanksgiving this year. This is the first time we have been there for Tday and we have been married over three years. Needless to say, we had a blast!

We met up with our friends, Steve and Cassie, while we were there. So fun to reconnect with them!!!

We went Ice Skating too!

Family Pic in front of the tree in the Downtown Mall.

Blake and Grandpa just chillin'!

GRASS!!!

Our newly finished winter grass.

For those of you who are not from AZ, there are two kinds of grass every year. Weird, I know. I was one of the ones who did not know until I moved here.

Blake helping Dad with the mowing.

Planting

Planting.... more

I am so glad to have it all done. Good job Justin (I helped too)!

Thankful ABC's

A- Atonement of Christ
B-Blake
C-Christmas
D-Dates
E-easy laughs
F-Flirting
G-Gushers
H-Home
I-Ice Cream
J-Justin
K-knees
L-lips
M-Moms
N-nose
O-opportunities
P-picnics
Q-quiet time
R-roads
S-spontaneity
T-time
U-Umbrellas
V-violins that play Cannon in D
W-words
X-xerox
Y-young love
Z-zero pounds gained!

Studio Pics

This is my fav.

I love this one too!

Is there a doctor in the house?

Blake loves to check for your heartbeat...
on your ear...

on your nose...

oh yeah, on your heart!

November 1st .... 100 degrees!!!

October 30th... 90 degrees!

crazy, huh?

Shredding Incident Update... Again.

Well I sent off the money to the treasury and got a receipt of delivery a couple of days ago. The cost to send it was $13.82. I hope I get the money back, otherwise I just threw more of it away.

Thanks Justin!

Justin designed this background for us. Pretty cool guy-huh?

Halloween traditions

Carving pumpkins is a huge tradition.. We almost did not do one this year because with all of the trunk or treats we have been to, it seems like Halloween is already over. But luckily we did not give in. I love our pumpkin.

Blake could actually help this year.

Costumes, of course. Blake was a giraffe.

Blake's tail

Every year we make carmeled apples for one FHE night. Most of the time we just eat them, but this year we are giving some away.

I just wanted to share!

I was just looking at some pics today and wanted to share my faves. All of them are over a year old.

I love this one because it was the better part of prego life. Not too big, not too small and minimal sickness.
This just cracks me up everytime I see it. Near Justin's home growing up there is an Arboretum. This is one of the huge trees there. And... just typical Justin. (I think that is why I like it so much)

How cool is this. Blake started doing this at 2 months old. He is almost 6 months in the picture and doesn't he seem so calm about the whole thing!

I like this one because of a few things. #1 Blake is sleeping. This was at my cousins wedding that I was Maid of Honor for. I think all of my stress of being a new mother of almost 3 months and the wedding caused him a ton of stress. Needless to say, Blake had been super grouchy the whole time, until... NAP!

#2 Despite of my stress/just having a baby, I thought I looked actually quite nice.

#3 I love that my mom and bro. are with me. And check out my mom's complexion-FLAWLESS! Robert, as always, very handsome. I love it.

This one is small, but it is of our first Christmas ever together. (We did not meet until after Christmas and then got married in August) I love it because it is in our tiny apartment and we are just snug as a bug :) YES- I just said snug as a bug.

Just a bit of this and that

Well, I am going back a few years into the Young Women program. I was called as the Laurel advisor. I am excited. I loved my leaders, so hopefully I can live up to the job. It is a small group of girls which is way different for me.

Justin is one of the E.Q. teachers which is perfect for his busy schedule. I think he enjoys it.

We have less than a month until this term is over and I KNOW Justin is excited for that. I think it will be great to have a couple of weeks to ourselves!

For those who do not know, my cell phone broke like 2 months ago and I cannot hear anything. I can only text. Luckily, our contracts were about up. I got a new great and awesome phone that I really really wanted, but was not willing to pay for because my in-laws are so cool. I was just gonna get the free phone that come with extending the plan, but they used a credit discount to buy the phone I really wanted for me. How cool is that! Justin also got a great deal on a Blackberry Pearl. Only 30 bucks. My mother-in-law has this gift of getting really good deals. Thanks Connie!

Well, that is about it. Just wanted to share!

Paying for overtime???

We did a quick calculation and Justin is paying 17.50 an hour to work 75 hours six days per week. Wow! I can't really say more than that can I?

My cute boy!

I was unloading groceries and Blake started to help!


He tried on my blouse! So funny.

Blake likes the dishwasher a little too much sometimes, but if he likes doing the dishes, I guess that is a plus!

Picture Tagged!

Here is my 4th file and 4th picture. Kinda funny cause it was for last year and we never ended up doing it.

I tag Emily, Kimber, Michelle, and Tammy.

How cute is that!

Blake got a new church outfit and so Justin went to take a picture of it. He said "Blake, say CHEESE." So Blake smiled and said, "CHEESE!" So cute huh!

What's my age again?

Yep, I am twenty three tomorrow on the 11th of October! I would feel old, but I am pretty sure that I am the youngest mom in my ward, so I feel pretty young right now. Anyway, here are some pictures of me growing up. Some of the younger ones have damage and so they are not the greatest. Enjoy! (or have a good laugh :)

Okay, How cute is that?

My Dad will enjoy this one, he always makes fun of me posing!

What was I thinking? If I cannot pluck my eyebrows then lipstick should be off-limits too!

I love my senior pics. Thanks Nicole, I still look at them all the time.

So good looking! I think I am pretty good too :)

Free Handbag!

This is way cool! Go to handbagplanet.com and check it out!!!

Shredding incident update

Well, I took what I had left of the bill to the bank today and they said if they had just one more inch of it they could take care of it right then and there. However, they suggested (as many of you guys did) to gather the shredded pieces and send it all in to the Treasury for a re-issue. So we went to go through the shreds again and I did not think we would find any.

See what I mean. I had to sift through the tiniest pieces to finally find some. I eventually gather this.

Thanks so much for the comments earlier and wish me luck!

Throwing your money away

I have to post this so I that I focus on laughing and not crying. Currently, I private teach preschool and so when I get paid it is in cash. Normally, I do not like to talk about personal income or tithing, but this must be told. When I got home I needed to pay one hundred dollars in tithing. I had a one hundred dollar bill and so, I thought, rather than go to the bank, deposit it and then write a check I will just put it right in the envelope. So I did and put it on the desk.

Hours later, I am sitting at the desk watching a video on youtube and hear the shredder start up. (Blake has been doing this lately with the papers from the garbage.) I look to see the tithing envelope half-way through the shredder. I pulled out what I could, and screamed for Justin.

Can you belive we just tossed 100 bucks away... LITERALLY!!!

The cool thing is as I came home from work today, I had a large sum of cash and also a very tiny amount of cash in my wallet. I saw a homeless man, and thought, wouldn't it be funny if I stopped to hand him a few bucks and gave him a few hundred. Then I thought, I would be bummed, but I think I would be OK with it. I am glad for that experience earlier today because of what really did happen.

My brother-in-law says I can send in what is left to the Treasury for a re-issued one, if you know any info I would love to hear it.

SIGNS of the TIMES

I wanted to share somethings that impressed me as of late. Our church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, never gets involved politically. Obviously, our leaders have encouraged us to be voters and seek out candidates who will lead our country according to our values, however, they have never been explicit.
This year three states, including Arizona, will be voting on what the state's constitution will say concerning marriage. Proposition 102 states that marriage will only be legal between one man and one woman. We have been asked to vote yes on this. Infact, the church is asking us to become greatly involved in this act. I am so happy about it. Not really about voting, but that we are standing for something we know to be a true principle of God.
It really testifies to me that the times are getting worse. Sometimes I fear bringing up children in such a crazy world, yet I remeber that "If ye are prepared ye shall not fear." Now is the time to act, and not be passive.
I am sure most of the people reading this understand the views of the gospel, however, if you are not a member of the church, please find out more by going to mormon.org. So many questions can be answered there. For those of you who are curious about the church's stand on marriage, go to the church's website and click on newsroom, and go to the article titled "The Divine Institution of Marriage."
I am so happy to have a prophet to lead and guide us in this turbulent time. God still speaks to us today, or He would cease to be God. I am so fortunate to know that and rely on it.

counting down already

Every year about this time I start getting really excited for the next 3 months. It generally starts with my Mom's birthday on the 28th, then my birthday on October 11, followed by Halloween, Fall and Thanksgiving, climaxing with Christmas and then resoving with the New Year! I LOVE IT!!! My most favorite is Christmas, although the leadup to it is just as awesome. I am a person who decorates just a few weeks before Thanksgiving because I just cannot handle it anymore. Luckily, Justin loves Christmas just as much as I do. Anyway, I just wanted to explain the ticker above that counts down to Christmas. Happy Holidays already!

School CAN be fun!

This is officially my 2nd blog post ever and Monica wanted me to be clear in stating that she had nothing to do with this...(like anyone who sees this is going to think it was her when they know that I'm around). Anyway, this week in school things have gotten pretty heavy and the amount of information we get everyday has picked up at an insane rate. Well, to help lighten our load one of our teachers, while teaching us about blood pressure, showed us this video from the TV show Scrubs. It made my day and hopefully, it will make yours!

So far... So good

Well, Justin had his first exam yesterday and got an A-! Pretty good. We calculated the other day how much time he spends on school. He is either in class or studying for at least 60 hours a week. No exaggeration. Here is a pic of him all ready to go, and Blake too! Sorry about the red eye.

I was sick of seeing my previous post everytime I go to my blog. I think this is a great way to start a blog page :)

free.napster.com

Could be my favorite website as of late. You can listen to basically any, I mean any (including MoTab) cd on the internet for free. Obviously to download you pay, but while I am doing any cleaning or surfing the web, I got my music with me. My most fav right now??? LEONA LEWIS. Love her! Love HER! LOVE HER! So good. Plus, it is nice to listen to the one good song on the cd without having to buy the whole thing or even that one song. I repeat stuff over and over again. Very cool...check it out.

THE house

Our third bedroom, AKA office, scrapbook, storage room.
2nd Bath, complete with counterspace!
I think the picture speaks for itself.
Off the kitchen is the dining area, where we have a kitchen hutch (thanks Palmer's) and our table.

When you walk in the door this is what you see.

Blake's Room! So cute huh?
Master bath/closet

This is for the girls at Wymount!
Dreams do come true:)

1st day of school

Justin started medical school today. I am so proud of him. It seems like this day would never come, but here we are. We have been so blessed. I was able to find a great job that only takes me away from Blake for about 6 hours a week. We also got Justin's books from a friend a year ahead of him for a great price as well. Life is looking pretty good here in AZ.

And you thought you knew me...

Warning, this could take a while.

HAVE YOU EVER...

1. Touched an iceberg - no
2. Slept under the stars - yes
3. Been a part of a hockey fight - nope, not a fan of hockey
4. Changed a baby's diaper - uhhh... duh
5. Watched a meteor shower - yes
6. Given to a charity - yes
7. Swam with wild dolphins - no
8. Climbed a mountain - yes
9. Held a tarantula - cannot remember, either no or I did and forced the experience out of memory
10. Said "I love you" and meant it - of course
11. Bungee jumped - no desire
12. Visited Paris - no, but want to
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea - no, but that would be awesome
14. Stayed up all night long and watched the sun rise - i really enjoy my sleep, no
5. Seen the Northern Lights - nope
16. Gone to a huge sports game - BYU years
17. Walked the stairs to the top of the Statue of Liberty - yes
18. Grown and eaten your own vegetables - kinda
19. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope - yes
20. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment - many, many times.
21. Had a pillow fight -hello?
22. Bet on a winning horse - never
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill - no, I actually have not.
24. Held a lamb - do not think so
25. Gone skinny dipping - ya
26. Taken an ice cold bath - no, that would be aweful
27. Had a meaningful conversation with a beggar - I am quite afraid of that turning into a tragedy
28. Seen a total eclipse - I do not think I have lived during a total eclipse, but I have seen eclipses
29. Ridden a roller coaster - for sure
30. Hit a home run - I am pretty sure I have...SUPRISE, I am an athlete :)
31. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking - often
32. Adopted an accent for fun - not in public...since I was 13 at least
33. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors - some of my ancestors
34. Felt very happy about your life, even for just a moment - Very often
35. Loved your job 90% of the time- I would say most jobs, otherwise why have it?
36. Had enough money to be truly satisfied - no, but I am still satisfied
37. Watched wild whales - not live, but on video
38. Gone rock climbing - yes
39. Gone on a walk on the beach - yes
40. Gone sky diving - no, but I admit wanting to badly after watching my dad and brother do it
41. Ever bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant - never had the opportunity. I would love to do so.
42. Bench-pressed your own weight - ya, anyone taken a look at me, EVER?
43. Milked a cow - yes
44. Alphabetized your personal files - isn't that what everyone does?
45. Worn a superhero costume - I think so
46. Sung karaoke - yes
47. Lounged around in bed all day - Not necessarily IN bed, but all day yes
48. Gone scuba diving - no
49. Kissed in the rain - that is a great song, no
50. Played in the mud - yes, and took Courtney down in it too!
51. Gone to a drive-in theater - yes
52. Done something you should regret, but don't - ya
53. Visited the Great Wall of China - nope, totally want to though
54. Started a business -does teaching preschool count?
55. Been in a movie - nay
56. Gone without food for 3 days - NEVER, I would die for sure
57. Made cookies from scratch - Almost always
58. Won first prize in a costume contest - no
59. Got flowers for no reason - yes, I love Justin
60. Spoken more than one language fluently -not fluently
61. Gotten into a fight while attempting to defend someone - I yelled a lot
62. Bounced a check - No way, I am terrified of that
63. Read and understood your credit report -yes
64. Found out something significant that your ancestors did - yes
65. Called or written your Congress person - yes, just a couple of years ago
66. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over - no, I move cuz I have to
67. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge - a few times
68. Helped an animal give birth - yes, a mallard duck actually
69. Been fired or laid off from a job - no
70. Won money - yes, 1 buck
71. Broken a bone - cracked an elbow
72. Ridden a motorcycle - yes, passenger
73. Driven any land vehicle at a speed of greater than 100 mph -i think yes
74. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon - part of the way, but not all the way
75. Slept through an entire flight: yes
77. Had your picture in the newspaper - yes, a couple of times
78. Read the Bible cover to cover - no, but I have that as a goal
79. Changed some one's mind about something you care deeply about - yes, at leat I tried real hard
80. Gone back to school - I finished school, always went back every year???
81. Changed your name - yep, to McCoy
82. Eaten fried green tomatoes - no, sounds aweful
83. Read The Iliad -yes, about 6 times in 2 years
84. Taught yourself an art from scratch - scrapbooking, which is all scratch :)
85. Killed and prepared an animal for eating - NO!
86. Apologized to someone years after inflicting the hurt - yes
87. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language - kinda, I tried
88. Been elected to public office - in high school?
89. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream - yes, going to college, and getting married
90. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you - no
91. Dyed your hair - YES
92. Rocked a baby to sleep - yes
93. Ever dropped a cat from a high place to see if it really lands on all fours - no, but watched it happen
94. Raked your carpet - no
95. Worn a mood ring - yes
96. Ridden a horse - yes
97. Carved an animal from a piece of wood or bar of soap - yes
98. Cooked a dish where four people asked for the recipe - yes
99. Buried a child - I hope to never, ever do that
100. Gone to a Broadway play - inSan Francisco
101. Been inside the pyramids - in Vegas, ya
102. Shot a basketball into a basket - yes
103. Danced at a disco - yes
104. Played in a band - sang with one
105. Shot a bird - no, but unfortunately almost every male in my family has. SHAME!!!!!!
106. Gone to an arboretum - yes
107. Tutored someone - yes
108. Ridden a train - yes
109. Brought an old fad back into style - no
110. Eaten caviar - no, and never will
111. Let a salesman talk you into something you didn't need - never, but I do let them talk
112. Ridden a giraffe or elephant - would love to
113. Published a book - no
114. Pieced a quilt - yes
115. Lived in a historic place - Provo, UT is the closest thing i can think of
116. Acted in a play or performed on a stage - Many, many times
117. Asked for a raise - yes
118. Made a hole-in-one mini golfing - nope
119. Gone deep sea fishing - no
120. Gone roller skating - yes
121. Run a marathon - no
122. Learned to surf - no
123. Invented something - no
124. Flown first class - no
125. Spent the night in a 5-star luxury hotel -Yes, my honeymoon
126. Sang a solo -lots of times
127. Gone spelunking - never heard of it
128. Learned how to take a compliment - I have always loved compliments, never really had to learn it
129. Written a love-story - yes
130. Seen Michelangelo's David - in a picture
131. Had your portrait painted - charicature, yes
132. Written a fan letter -no
133. Spent the night in something haunted - my own room sometimes creeps me out.
134. Ran away -ya for about 20 minutes, all my clothes packed and everything
135. Learned to juggle - tried
136. Been a boss - yes
137. Sat on a jury - no
138. Lied about your weight - fudged the truth is more like it
139. Gone on a diet - yes, all candy bars
140. Found an arrowhead or a gold nugget - yes
141. Written a poem - yes
142. Carried your lunch in a lunchbox - yes
143. Gotten food poisoning- yes at an IN and OUT
144. Gone on a service, humanitarian or religious mission - no
145. Sat on a park bench and fed the ducks - yes
146. Gone to the opera -Phantom of the Opera
147. Gotten a letter from someone famous - No
148. Worn knickers - yes
149. Ridden in a limousine - a few imes
150. Attended the Olympics - no, but totally will some day
151. Can hula or waltz - both
152. Read a half dozen Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys books - no, more of a box car fan
153. Been stuck in an elevator - no, thank goodness
154. Had a revelatory dream - no
155. Thought you might crash in an airplane - no
156. Had a song dedicated to you on the radio or at a concert - no
157. Saved someone's life - no
158. Eaten raw whale - no
159. Know how to tat, smock or do needlepoint - yes
160. Laughed till your side hurt - all of the time
161. Straddled the equator - no
162. Taken a photograph of something other than people that is worth framing - not really tried
163. Gone to a Shakespeare Festival - no
164. Sent a message in a bottle - yes, to my self
165. Spent the night in a hotel - yes
166. Been a cashier - kinda, I handled money for a company
167. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt - a couple of times
168. Joined a union - no
169. Donated blood - yes
170. Built a campfire - yes
171. Kept a blog - hello??
172. Had hives - yes
173. Worn custom made shoes or boots - no
174. Made a PowerPoint Presentation - yes
175. Taken a Hunter's Safety Course - no
176. Served at a soup kitchen - no
177. Conquered the Rubik's cube - no
178. Known CPR - yes, I have been trained at least 4 times
179. Gone fishing - yes
180. Found a long lost friend - yes
181. Voted for a contestant on American Idol or So You Think You Can Dance - yes, for Carrie Underwood
182. Successfully convinced someone you were of a different nationality - no
183. Received a promotion - yes
184. Movie-hopped - no, and I think it is totally wrong
185. Planned a surprise party for someone - yes
186. Beaten all levels of a video game - no, not given it time though
187. Driven more than 2,500 miles on a cross-country trip - I did not drive though
188. Cried yourself to sleep - yes
189. Stayed awake for more than 24 hours - no, my body cannot do it
190. Crossed a national border by car - yes
191. Been to an island - yes
192. Been completely out of debt - yes
193. Read a book from the Twilight series - no, I know, I know, I will get on that
194. Traveled to Italy - no, but totally want to
195. Given birth - yep, and laughed the whole time during delivery. It is true, ask my husband.
196. Helped solve a crime -no
197. Learned to meditate - well, what does meditate mean?
198. Owned your dream car - no, not yet
199. Learned to love eating raw vegetables - I prefer them cooked
200. Seen all 50 states - working on that

Long time, No post

Sorry! We moved a week ago and then had a wedding that took up about 3 days of our time. The good thing is that I am all unpacked. I will post pics of the new place soon. We love our home. The kitchen is ginormous. The laundry, well let's just say it is definitely an upgrade to our no washer/dryer in Wymount. Blake's room was already painted all cute, and the master is awesome. The closet is probably as big as our kitchen was in Wymount. YAY!!! Oh, we have 2, yes 2, Walmarts less than 2 miles away from us in either direction and a plethera of shopping and food within the same distance. YAY!! Gas here is almost 50 cents cheaper than in UT. I saw 3.57/gallon just today. Our chapel in within walking distance, which was the one thing I for sure thought that Wymount would win on, but apparently not. Basically, we are so happy to be here and feel like it is the place to be for us!

Here are some pics of the wedding. Justin's brother got married in Mesa, AZ to Amy. YAY! We are so happy for them.

Bee Sting!!! My poor boy.

Today, while playing and minding his own business outside, Blake got stung by a bee on the ear lobe. He was squating playing in the wood chips and all of the sudden he jumped up crying. The other moms saw something fly away and they found a bee on the floor right where he was. By that time I had already picked him up to go home. I saw the stinger and the entry wound. I sucked out the poisin and I think it worked. Only his ear swelled, but as you can see it was a pretty big ear. Luckily, no allergies for him.

Poor Guy!

I felt so bad for him, I have been stung before and I know how painful it is. Blake was so brave and calmed rather quickly for us.

Goats, Pigs, Cows! Oh My!!!

Thanks to a friend from the ward we were able to go to a petting farm today at Thanksgiving Point. Today, they had a deal where you could go for 2 bucks. And, since Blake was under 2 yrs. old, he and I both got in for 2 dollars. Sweet huh!

Blake loved to goats, it was the first animal we saw, and he just went crazy.

This cow licked my hand, it was like sand paper!

We fed these horse, Blake was not afraid at all to stick his hands full of hay in their faces. I really liked feeding the horses, they were more calm than the other animals and softly ate out of your hand, way fun!!!

Part of the 2 dollars to get in included a free pony ride for kids. Blake was terrified the whole time and I eventually just took him off the horse, but it was still fun!

Thanks Tarmy for the ride and for taking pictures for me!

My little child of God!

Today was an unusual day. Blake fell down at the playground. (For being as active as he is, Blake usually keeps his feet on the ground). He scraped his knee and elbow pretty bad. When we came in it was around eleven o'clock and he laid on the couch and just chilled. I looked over a minute later and he was out! I did not even hold him or rock him to sleep. Insane, especially because nap-time is around 12:30 or 1:00. Here he is crashed.

Later, this afternoon, Blake and I went to a neighbors house. He pointed to a picture of Jesus that they had on the wall and said "Jesus?" It was so adorable. We have a picture version of the scriptures and we always point out Jesus to him. I guess he knows already!

Lately, Blake has also loved to draw and color. He lays down and concentrates while he writes, usually saying "A, E, O" over again as if he is spelling. When I help him write his name I spell "B, L, A, K, E" so I think that is where he is getting it from. So adorable!

A few weeks ago we went to the Temple grounds for FHE. Blake loved the water fountain!

Tres Años!

Justin and I are celebrating three years of marriage tomorrow. I know, it is insane! We are so happy with life and marriage. I love Justin so much. He is my favorite part of the day!

Here are some old (well, three years old) pics of us!

SURPRISE! (Not Arizona)

Well, I picked up Justin from work on Tuesday and about 5 minutes after we got home we had a knock on our door and who was it? JUSTIN'S PARENTS!!!!! They decided the night before that they would make the 12 hour drive just to see us:) OK, maybe not only to see us, but either way it was very spontaneous. What is funny is they are coming back down here in 11 days to help us move to SURPRISE, AZ. We love SURPRISES!

Uncle Jordan started this game with Blake and we loved how hard he was laughing, ENJOY!