have I fallen off the earth?

NOT HARDLY!

I have just had a wonderful summer. We have done tons of fun things and been gone lots. So, don't worry, summer will die down soon enough and then I hope to be back. :)

Here's to wishing my DH a wonderful Father's Day! You amaze me continually! I Love you!




Also this weekend, DH and I took some time alone and headed to Cascade for three days. We had a wonderful time celebrating our 11th anniversary.

Can I just say that I am so totally frustrated with my docking station? I would so love to upload some pictures, but alas, I can't.
Summer... although I haven't heard the dreaded "i'm bored", I have seen evidence of it, and it's only day 3 of summer break. That boy ({A}) is going to see the time out corner indefinately here shortly if he doesn't change his attitude toward me. Mom says it's the age, and if so, I am amazed that any boy has made it to live past 6. He is getting good at throwing temper tantrums and crying like a baby, and really good at pushing my buttons!--which makes me want to cry like a baby! :)

I do have to say though, that he seems to be maturing just a bit cuz he is playing really well with {K} lately, and I am really enjoying seeing that!

Albertsons and Rite Aid deals

So, Alb has a few good deals this week. I got some grated cheese, eggs, easy mac, Tree Top apple juice-finally! tortillas and granola bars. I paid 9.88 and saved 47.54. Rite Aid really caught my attention--they have Aveeno b1g1 1/2 off. Plus they have Single Check rebates going for Aveeno. So, here's what I got. 6 bottles of Sun lotion for 39.18. I will get $30 in rebates and I will get 2 tote bags full of free samples and coupons! Yeah! Not bad. :)

coupons

so, I have a new hobby. Couponing... I love it! It is such fun to see the savings fly off the screen! I have been tracking my savings since May 12. I have spent $234.28 and saved $202.65. I know that doesn't sound all that great, except when you look at it this way: Not including my one actual grocery shopping at WinCo, I have spent $96.75 and saved $198.65. So, some of what I bought were necessities like mustard and Kraft dressing. and some were wants like Capri Sun and S'Mores stuffs. But, the way I see it, is that summer is here and this will make summer a bit more exciting. It's been quite a challenge to pick only the best deals and not just buy to save, ya know??? :)

zoo

So we went to the Zoo on Friday with our neighbor friends and had a wonderful time! It was perfect weather and we had fun enjoying the animals. I think we'll hit the zoo in the afternoon every time, cuz all the animals were out. :)

Little Miss {a} had desided she enjoys posing for the camera. Every time I pull it out she cracks this cheesy grin! and then she puts her arms together. Fun!

Last night we went on an "umbrella walk" for FHE. It was raining, not pouring, thankfully, and we all had an umbrella. We went quite a ways trying to find the gutter drain. We figured the water followed the gutters for over 1/2 a mile before it hit a drain. The boys had a fabulous time splashing in the puddles and walking in the gutters. Allie had fun watching the boys. I'm bummed I didn't take my camera. :) They were soaked when we got home. We even gave the kids baths to wash all the gas off of them. The gutter water was a suspicious color.

summer plans

so starting the first of June, I will officially be my own boss! :) I have told the mom of the two little boys that I tend that I am done tending the end of May. I am really ready to be done. So, with this decision made, I have been busily making plans for this summer! I have registered {A} in swim lessons, and since {K} is too young for swimming, he is signed up for "Amazing Atheletes". A cute little class for 3-5 year olds and they get to learn about half a dozen sports through active play. I think it will be fun! I also have our Zoo pass, and I signed up for free bowling passes at the local bowling alley. The movie place usually offers free movies all summer long. We have a couple of reunions to go to and one big vaction planned. We're heading to gma's for a week and nestled in the middle I hope to hit the pool and library lots. This is the first summer I have had with just my kids. I am so excited! Any suggestions of more to squeeze in?