Mama Always Said, "You have not because you ask not!"

The other day, I decided to go out with the kiddies to cash in on the free KFC. I packed up all the kids up and off we went. When I got to the drive thru, I was told that I had to get a raincheck for the chicken b/c of the "overwhelming response." What did they think was going to happen...after all they advertised on Oprah!

I got the raincheck and had to put it in the mail that day. But alas, I had no stamps! Since the post office was close by, I decided to go. However, there was no way I was going to get the double stroller out, unload Halley, snap in the twins, run inside for 1 stamp, push the stroller back outside while getting Halley to hold onto the stroller, buckle Halley back in, lift the twins back into their seats, put the double stroller away, and get back in the car! Aren't you tired just thinking about how much energy that would take?

So here was my solution: I backed the truck up from where I was parked to get closer to the door and asked a complete stranger something like this, "Excuse me ma'am, I have 3 very cute but hard to transport children in my car. Would you please find it in yourself to help a sista out?" Of course she obliged. I even got express service b/c her son was with her and ran the stamps and my change out to me! Like mama said, "You have not because you ask not!"

Twins - 5 months!

Dear Rae Rae,
Today you are 5 months old. You are such a sweetheart and full of personality. It seems to me that you are growing out of your nickname of Baby Set It Off. You have mellowed out some and aren't quite as demanding. It's easier to soothe you and meet your demands these days. In the past 2 months you started rolling over (you accomplished this feat about 3 weeks after Max). Most people say it's because you have so much baby fat on you that it's harder for you to roll over! However, you were able to bear weight on your legs before your brother. I attached a mirror to your crib and it keeps you occupied and cooing for good lengths of time. You can clasp your hands together like you are praying and push up on your arms. Your hair is very curly and I adorn it with one or two barrettes to add to your cuteness factor! You are an excellent napper and night time sleeper. At your last Dr's appointment you weighed 13 lbs 1 oz. You had to get 3 shots and you were quite the trooper...barely cried at all. Your skin is still so soft and I love rubbing my face against your cheeks. I wish I could bottle something to keep you a baby forever! However, I know that you will get even sweeter and more precious to me with time...so, I guess I'll let you grow up!
Rae Rae, Mommy loves you!





Macky Boy,
What a sweet little boy you are! It is amazing how much you look like your Daddy. This month, I put a baseball cap on you for the first time and I absolutely love it. You look so cute in it. I think wearing a hat will be your signature look. You are very active and quite a squirmer. You are a very happy baby and full of sweet laughter and cooing sounds. You and Rae Rae both started sucking your thumbs last month. I had vowed not to let anymore of our kids be thumbsuckers b/c Halley's thumb is in terrible shape. However, I let you and Rae Rae have your way! You can bear weight on your legs, push up on your arms, and recognize familiar voices. On Mother's Day, Auntie Erika and Oma gave you your first taste of rice cereal. After about a week, you were keeping most of it in your mouth and not pushing the majority of it out. You are still pretty laid back, but not hesitant to let out your high pitched shrill to let me know how you are really feeling! Most nights you sleep all night and wake up around 6:30. At your last Dr's appointment you weighed 13 lbs. Even though you are only 1 oz. behind Mariah, she is in the 45th percentile and you are in the 15th b/c the boys growth curve is different from the girls. I am really proud of your progress and I think you will be bigger than Mariah in no time! But, oh what I wouldn't do to keep you little forever!
I love you Macky Boy!

There's More Than One Way To Skin A Cat...or Swing a Swing

Still Saving

Bruno's had triple coupons up to $0.55 this weekend. That means that all coupons were worth 3X their face value (a coupon for $0.55 was worth $1.65...which is great!). I'm so glad that I was able to go. I had to be careful though, b/c Bruno's is very high! Even w/ triple coupons some of their deals were not as good as I could get w/ BOGO deals at Publix. I had in mind only to buy things that were $2 or less, so that w/ the Q they would cost me less than $0.50 or so. Here is what I purchased:




Regular Price: $36.57
- $20.83 (sales and coupons)
Total OOP: $17.78 (w/ tax)

Total Savings: 52%

To put this shopping trip into perspective, I'll tell you that the Gain Detergent was $13.98 by itself before the sale! I spent about $4 more and recieved everything else! Can you believe that? I'm telling you, couponing is definetly worth it. Yes, it took time to clip the qs and research different blogs for great deals, but in the end it was certainly worth it!

Publix Super Savers

Wow! I'm back into the savings game! After church (and a much needed nap) Halley and I headed out to Bruno's (I will post about this trip in a separate post) and Publix. My Publix trip was GREAT. Here is what I purchased:



The picture is cloudy, so I will list what I purchased along with the price after the Q
4- 12 pack A&W and 7 Up $5.99
2- Digiorno Pizza $3.75 each
1 - 96 count Huggies $11.50
1- Huggies Soft Skin Wipes - FREE w/ *Publix Promise*
2- Cashew Sandies $1 each
1- Publix Cocoa Butter - FREE
1- Huggies Natural Wipes - FREE
1- Publix Alcohol - FREE
1- Publix Iced Tea - $.01
2- 3 lb bags Fuji Apples - $1.50 each
1- 24 bottles Aquafina $3.99

Regular Price: $86.41
-$11.38 (sales)
-$30.67 (coupons)
Total OOP: $37.39

Total Savings: 57%


*B/C of the Publix Promise I recieved the Huggies wipes for free! They rang up for $6.99 instead of $5.99, so my money was refunded.


I had lots of savings highlights which made me very happy! For instance, the big box of Huggies were on sale for $19.99. I had a Publix Q for $5, a Target Q for $1.50, and a Manufacturer's Q for $2. That means I paid $12 for the Huggies. If you have a child that is under 2, you should definetly sign up for the Publix Baby Club. This week, I recieved several great coupons in the mail for joining the club. I also recieved the cocoa butter, alcohol, small pack of Huggies wipes free with Baby Club Qs. I had a coupon for every item that I purchased except for the Aquafina water, but it was on sale...of course!

Once I got home, I checked over my reciept and found a few mistakes, so I returned to the store and got credit for a few items. I will try to make a practice of checking my reciept before I leave the store.


I really enjoyed my trip to Publix and I'm looking forward to more great deals!

For more Publix deals, check out Publix Super Savers at Fiddledeedee!