Raisin Bread

I made my first attempt at breadingmaking from scratch yesterday. Now I have 3 loaves of some pretty yummy raisin bread. Mine didn't look as pretty as the recipe picture but it does taste wonderful. Only drawback - my entire kitchen is destroyed!! Here is a pic of mine and a link to the recipe here.

Reading and Math Program

I am finally organizing Kristen's reading and math programs. (Yes, she is only 6 months old!) These are the same programs I used to teach Zack, our brain injured child, to read and do math. The logistics of the programs are in the books, How To Teach Your Baby To Read and How To Teach Your Baby Math by Glen Doman at The Institutes For The Achievement of Human Potential . It turns out that the best time to teach your child is when they are under 6 years old when the brain is growing so quickly. The Institutes originally developed these programs to help brain injured kids and found that they worked just as well with typical children when they are very young. Our son is a testament to them as at 9 years old, he is able to speed read over 300 words per second on the high school level and he can do instant math including algebra and geometry. Did I mention that he is brain injured???!!!!



Anyway, I have taught her about 20 words so far and I really needed to sit down and make up some word cards. I made 75 cards today. That will last me about 2-3 weeks (maybe) We started math as well. I had bought the math cards from the Institutes for Zack. While some of them are a little ragged around the edges, they will work just fine for Kristen. We learned the quantities 0-4. I will teach her 5-9 tomorrow.



She got so excited when I showed her the cards today. I thought she was going to jump right out of her seat! I am thrilled to be able to give her such a gift. Thank you God for enlightening me with this knowledge. I keep thinking what a breeze college would have been for me if I could have read as fast as these kids!! :)

Super Savings Saturday

I think this was my best week yet! This is what I got:

• 2 boxes Honey Bunches of Oats
• 1 6-pk bottled water
• 2 Muir Glen Tomato Paste
• 1 box Pop-Tarts
• 1 box Morning Star Farms Breakfast Sausage
• 1 2-pk 5 Hour Energy Drinks
• 1 Hershey's Special Dark candy bar
• 1 Fructis Shampoo
• 1 Sunsilk Shampoo
• 1 Sunsilk Conditioner
• 2 Sunsilk Styling Aids
• 2 Chapstick Naturals
• 2 Bottles Jane Cosmetics foundation
• 10 Jane Cosmetics Mascaras
• 1 4-pk Extreme3 Shavers
• 1 Venus Embrace Razor
• 1 Gillette Phenom Razor

Grand Retail Value of all products: $125.29. Amount that I paid out of pocket : $8.67!!!!! Plus, I have $10.00 in Walgreens Register Rewards to use next time and $20.87 in rebates coming to me!! I had to run around a little. I went to Target, Ukrops, CVS, and Walgreens. But, it was well worth it!!! Thanks to Money Saving Mom for all of the great deal ideas!

Apple Cobbler

I made the yummiest and easy Apple Cobbler today! It was just the right treat for a cold, icy day.

Apple Cobbler

• 6 small Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and sliced.
• 1 Cup flour
• 1 Cup Sugar
• 1 Cup milk
• 3 tsp baking powder
• 1 stick butter
• cinnamon sugar

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a small bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and milk. Pour into baking pan. My personal favorite is my Pampered Chef Deep Dish Baker. Layer peeled, cored, and sliced apples on top of mixture. Melt butter and pour over apples. Sprinkle entire dish with cinnamon sugar. Bake 45 minutes until crust is golden brown.

Riding Lessons

Ashley started riding lessons today. She did really well and I am so proud at how she jumped right in. No fear! She has really had to step up this year with the new baby and everything else.

She so deserves this.

It is Snowing Outside!

Just two days ago, it was 70 degrees and we spent the day at the park! But I just looked outside and it is snowing! Let's hope we get a good amount that hangs around tomorrow while the buyers are looking at our house. It will cover up the holes in the backyard where Duke the dog has dug to China!

Somebody Please Buy My House!

Oh, the dreaded call. We have had about 2 weeks off - the first because we were sick with the flu and the second just because no one called. But this afternoon, the realtor called. Someone is coming tomorrow at 2 to look at our house which has been on the market since August. We have had alot of traffic since Christmas but no contracts. So I am feverishly cleaning as things have really piled up in the last couple of weeks. Case in point - my homeschooling corner of the kitchen. Here is the before picture.

It has taken me about 2 hours, mostly because Zack doesn't like change and every time, I put something away, he pulls it out again. I have sent him to his room in tears so I can get this done. So here is what it looks like now. On to the next project - the coat closet!

The Greatest Show On Earth

Sorry, I have been "blog free" for a few days. It has just been busy, busy, busy around here. Saturday, I took the kids to the Circus. One of the "perks "of having a policeman DH who works lots of off-duty jobs is that we get free tickets to stuff. He was actually working the circus and we got to go while he was there. We have a great set-up at the Coliseum - a private box. It has a seating area, a kitchen area, and a private bathroom - "Mommy heaven".

Zack enjoyed the horses and the trapeze artists most of all. (and the popcorn!)

Ashley's favorites were the trapeze artists who did the triple flip.

This is Ashley's "best bud" from birth, Grayson, who came with us.

Rebates! Rebates! Rebates!

I am so excited! I just sent off another rebate from my frugal shopping I have been doing lately. I am now expecting about $65 in checks in the coming weeks!
$29.95 Glucose Monitor
$12.99 Sambucol
$9.99 RxEssentials
$9.99 Citrocal
$3.49 Gerber Nuk bottle

PLUS
$11.00 Walgreens gift card

I am so grateful to Crystal at Money Saving Mom! My hubby even remarked that there was a glimmer in my eye that he hadn't seen in a while. (I am extremely exhausted!)Thank You!

First Day of Spring Semester Electives

Whew! I am wiped out! Today was the first day of Spring Semester Electives at our homeschool co-op. We run them for 6 weeks in the fall and 6 weeks in the spring. Each child can pick up to 3 age appropriate electives. Ashley chose Latin, Intermediate crochet, and my class - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. My class is packed with 13 kids and I was amazed that the boys actually outnumber the girls. I was further amazed at how many kids esp the boys had read many of C.S. Lewis' books already. I must have made an impression too. I overheard my daughter telling some of the neighborhood public school children some of the historical facts about CS Lewis I taught them today. I am so proud! It makes all the blood, sweat, and tears worth it!

Tax Rebate

President Bush signed the Tax Rebate Bill. See complete story HERE. It looks like our family can expect about $2100 sometime this spring or summer. We are going to be buying a new home. Our house is up for sale right now so I am sure we will be putting these $$$ to good use! What will you be using your rebate for?? Let us know in the comments.

Homeschool Materials Auction Site

I just came across this great site as an alternative to Ebay for inexpensive homeschool materials. The HSLDA Materials Auction site. I always sell my materials at the end of the year and use the money to buy next year's curriculum.

How To Throw A Successful Home Party

Are you hesitant to throw a home party because:

1. You are afraid no one will come?


2. You don't want your friends to feel pressure to spend money?


3. You don't want to spend a fortune on refreshments?


4. You don't want your friends to have to sit through a boring presentation?


5. You think you don't know anybody?


6. You don't want to have to clean your house?

If you answered yes to any (or all) of those questions, then this series is for you!

Step One: Pick a Party

• What do you like? Is it cookware? Jewelry? Candles? Obviously, you have to enjoy whatever kind of party you are planning to have. Chances are your friends probably like the same things you like. But honestly, it doesn't matter. For instance, I burn candles. Most everyone I know burns candles of some kind. Now I have come across a few rare people who don't burn candles, but guess what?? They have friends and family who burn candles and they appreciate the opportunity to get some things as gifts for them. Here are some of my favorites and their links:

Partylite

Pampered Chef

Lia Sophia

• Is the price point reasonable? I do understand the people who say that they don't want their friends to feel like they have to buy something. Actually, I want to clarify that to say I don't want my friends to feel like they have to buy something that is not a good deal. Therefore, I won't throw a party and invite people to buy things where the prices start at over $20. Not everyone can afford a $50 bowl and it is not nice to put your friends in the position of having to reveal that fact. That is one of the reasons that my favorite party plans are my favorites. For example:

Partylite prices start at $7.95 for a dozen tealights.

Pampered Chef has items that start at $1.00.

• Is there something that you want to get for free? Is there a really good deal for hostesses? I am a huge fan of free stuff! Most people are! For those of us who pride ourselves on frugality, throwing a home party is a great way for us to get some nice things for free or cheap. Before I became a candle lady, I would throw 2 candle parties each year. One in the spring to get some nice things for myself and to give as birthday or wedding gifts, and another one in the fall to get Christmas presents. Additionally, I still have at least one Pampered Chef party each year. I don't think I have ever paid for a piece of stoneware. Have your consultant keep you up to date on the current specials. When you see a great deal, date that party! For example, HERE are Partylite's current Hostess Specials.

Coming Next: Step 2 - Pick the Perfect Date

E-book ideas

Over at Money Saving Mom we are talking about writing and marketing ebooks. Here are a list of ideas of subjects of which I feel qualified to write an e-book:

1. How to throw the most successful home party.




2. How to use color in decorating your home.




3. How to give a room "WOW" using candles.




4. How to teach your baby to read or do math.

Which of these ideas would you be most interested in learning? Leave me some feedback in the comments. Thanks!

My Partylite mantle

Rite Aid Deals and Rebates

1. The One Touch Ultra 2 Glucose Meter is on sale for $29.95 at Rite Aid with a mail in Rebate for $29.95 in the box. Also, I had a $20 Coupon from the newspaper so that deal is potentially a moneymaker.


2. Also, RX Essential vitamins are on Sale for $9.99 with a $9.99 coupon in the store ad making them FREE. I also had the RX Essentials Rebate form (here) so that also is a potential money maker.


3. I purchased Speed Stick 24/7 for DH for $3.99. Rite Aid is offering a $3.99 rebate for that item making it free. However, I had a $.75/1 coupon so that means I made money on that too! Click here to go to Rite Aid site for Single Check rebate program.

Ask and Ye Shall Receive

This morning my DH asks if I can get him something at the store to give him a little energy such as those energy drinks like Red Bull. He has been working alot at night and is starting to drag. I said, "No Problem!" and I immediately got out my CVS ad and coupons.

So off I go to CVS with a plan and my ECBs in my hand. This is what I got:

• 2 2-packs of the 6 hour energy drink $4.99 @ but they were B1G1free
• Fructis Shampoo $3.99 $1/1 coupon
• Excedrin Migraine $6.99 $3/1 coupon
• Excedrin Back & Body $6.99 $2/1 coupon
• Extra Gum $1.19 (I only added this when the cashier said, " Maam, your total is negative 4 cents!")

All total I only spent after using ECBs from my previous transaction $1.18 !!!! And I got $18.99 in ECBs to use next time! I so love this game! I got home and my DH said I was just "giddy".

My Super Saturday Savings Deal

Woo Hoo! (That's southern for - I'm so excited!) I have been CVSing for about 3 weeks now since I stumbled upon my new favorite blog Money Saving Mom through the Home Educators Association of Virginia newsletter. I have made some good deals but this is by far my best trip so far.

I did this deal in 2 transactions. Here is the breakdown:

• 1 Glucose monitor value $19.99 ( I will be donating that to someone who needs it.)
• 2 bags of Dove chocolates $6.00
• 1 Snickers Dark $0.69 ( I had to get this because my total was negative!!)
• 2 Triaminic Thin Strips $13.98
• 1 Afrin Nasal Decongestant $5.99
• 1 TUMS Smoothies $3.49 (got these for my little sister :)

My total value before tax was $50.14 but I only paid OOP $1.15!!!Plus I still have $14 in ECBs left over and there is a $3.49 rebate on the TUMS so I actually MADE $$$$ on my shopping trip!

* By the way, the cashier told me that the online CVS $/$$ coupons that expired on 2/3/08 will still work. I wish I had known that before I did this deal but I can always go back and play the CVS game some more :)

I Love Grocery Day!

I cannot believe I am actually saying that! But its true! Ever since, I came across my new favorite blog Money Saving Mom I look forward to grocery day. The CVS game and coupon clipping, while tedious to plan, is addictive. I get this huge RUSH by making a good deal and the benefits of stretching my budget dollars are invaluable.

I raided my aunt's old newspaper pile before she took them to the dump and scored some great coupons. I was up until 2am last night clipping them. Today, I will be planning my ventures and my mom will be here this afternoon so I can do my shopping unencumbered. I will post some of my great deals with pictures maybe later tonight or tomorrow.

I know I have to hit CVS and Rite Aid today for a couple of SUPER deals I have been looking forward to all week. There are also some great deals at Kroger ths week too.

A First

I am sorry to say that Kristen has her first......

Ear Infection!

She has been very sick and I haven't been able to get her temp below 100 since Saturday. She slept through the night last night which scared the daylights out of me because that NEVER happens. She just isn't a good sleeper. Then when I changed her diaper this morning. it wasn't wet. Fearing dehydration, I broke down and took her to the Dr. (which I try to avoid)


I am not a big proponent of pediatricians. They always think they are smarter than MOM which I have a big problem with. ( I am usually right.) But my gut told me to go in so I did. I really don't want to give her antibiotics needlessly, but the Dr assured me that she has a secondary infection from her cold and the antibiotic is necessary. We shall see.

My family

I would like for you to meet my family:

This is my husband, Bob, with our youngest daughter, Kristen. She is our "surprise" baby and we call her our little reward from God for a job well done!

This is our oldest daughter, Ashley who is 11 years old and in the 5th grade. She is the joy of my life. I couldn't do what I do without her. She is such a great helper to me. Thank You Lord!

And this is our little man, Zack. I love this boy! We're not sure what "grade" he is in. He is actually a genius. Diagnosed with a brain injury commonly referred to as autism at age 2, we started him on programs developed by the Institutes for the Achievement for Human Potential in Philadelphia, PA back in 2004. He has made amazing progress! At 9 Years old, he speed reads (300+ words per second) books on the high school level and can do instant math like a "human calculator".