Thursday, December 31, 2009

Christmas Pictures from Texas














We missed having Kristy and her family home for Christmas.
Kristy posted this new picture on her blog and this Nana had to share. The girls have gotten so big since we last saw them in September for Marissa's wedding.

Kristy with Kasja (21 months) and Chris with Mahala (5 months already).

Happy New Year


May your New Year be filled with blessings from our family to yours.

Anny and The Yurcek Tribe

Day 2: Eating from my pantry challenge



I had begun the Eat from the Pantry Challenge early and today my husband got in on the challenge and picked out lunch. Right now it is pretty easy to find something as we are well stocked. By February I will have to get really creative.


Day 2: Thursday December 31

  • Breakfast: Choose from: Cereal, orange juice, left-over gluten-free cinnamon apple swirl toast, and bananas.
  • Lunch: Chili dogs with cheese, apples and milk (wheat-eaters)
  • Glutamanics**--Sloppy joes (leftover from Day 1) on tapioca bread. apples and lactaid milk
  • Snack: Clementine oranges and crackers (wheat-eaters) Gluten-free banana bread.
  • New Years Eve Snacks-- $.97 Welchs Sparkling White Grape Cocktail bought last week and 1/2 price Chips with Free Salsa when I bought 2 bags of price matched Lays Chips (before the challenge).

  • **Glutamaniacs is the lovingly coined term for most of us who are now eat gluten-free. I am a 29 year--veteran of gluten-free eating. All six of my biological kids are now sensitive. This past year Kristy and Ian joined our ranks. I inherited it from both my parents and my two brothers eat gluten-free along with my 6 grown children.

    Today's Spending: Groceries $0

    Healthy Choice Printable Coupon $5.00/5 Frozen Meals and More


    Buy Any Five (5) Healthy Choice Frozen Meals and Get $5 off Your Purchase.
    $5.00 off 5Printable Coupon



    Don't forget to check your January All You magazine for more Healthy Choice coupons and a Mail-in Order Form for Free Coupons for One Healthy Choice Frest Mixer and One Marie Callender's Home-Style Creations ($5.00 value) when you buy 3 Healthy Choice Soup Bowls and mail in the form and receipt.

    Wednesday, December 30, 2009

    Amazon: Skull Candy Headphones $29.99 ($79.99--63% off)


    Amazon had Skull Candy Headphones on sale...

    Pink for $29.99 (Regular Price $79.99--63% off)





    Becca has been wanting these headphone ever since Dee got some for her birthday. With Becca's autism, she uses headphones to tune out our noisy world and these pink ones are just right for my styling daughter.

    Minute Maid Coupons--Mailed to your home

    Get some Minute Maid Frozen Novelty Coupons by filling out this form and get them mailed to your home in four to six weeks.

    Minute Maid Coupons

    Becca's Best Movie Deal Post: Cloudy with A Chance of Meatballs $3.00 off Coupon


    Next week on Tuesday January 5th, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs will be released on DVD.
    Use this coupon from Chuck E Cheese and
    get $3.00 off.


    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs Movie Trailer
    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs Kids On-line Games

    Check back Sunday for another of Becca's movie match-up and giveaway.


    FREE Photo Scrapbook at Pixable--$2.99 Shipping


    Free Photo Scrap Book
    I love FREE scrapbooks and here's another. This time the free Scrap book is over at Pixable! This amazing 22 page photo book free. I had been planning on putting together photo books from each of the three weddings of my kids. One FREE book deal found, two to go! All you have to do is use the code FAM11 at check out. Just pay for shipping. ($2.99)

    Go here to make your Free Scrapbook at Pixable.com
    I have made mine yet, but will be shortly. Deal Credit: Coupon Saving Family.

    Tuesday, December 29, 2009

    I Joined the Eat from my Pantry Challenge: Not just for one month, but through February too.



















    Last January, I resolved to get back to my frugal saving habits and got serious with my coupons. I was pleasantly surprised how far I could stretch a dollar and how much I could actually find for FREE with double couponing, price matching, rolling Walgreens register rewards and gift cards.

    This January, I had planned on eating from my pantry, my storeroom Mini superstore was well-stocked and our two freezers are in dire need of emptying. Even after the kids were home for Christmas and stocked up I still have plenty

    I was thrilled to discover that I can join Money Saving Mom and Life As A Mom's Eat from the Pantry Challenge. I do much better when I can share in the inspiration and company of others. (The last challenge I took was the NaNoWriMo Writers Challenge in November 2005 and began my long procrastinated autobiography, which I did complete by June of 2006).


    My goals in this challenge are
    :

    To reduce our grocery spending to $100 for the entire month ($25.00 a week or less).
    (Freebies don't count)

    Buying only Dairy Products, Eggs, and Produce or absolutely needed staples as I run out.

    I will buy wheat bread for Doc and Detamara as I can't bake with gluten or I will break out and get really sick. Well worth the $.99 per week.

    To "clean out" our freezers so I can defrost the one and get down to one freezer to begin again.

    To bake Gluten-free from scratch, to save not only money but to improve my baking skills.

    To learn to "make do" with what we have!

    To prove that eating Gluten-free does not mean it has to be "expensive".

    To save money to use on my latest project. "A Historic Project Home" to renovate and resell.

    I am challenging myself to see if I can make it not just One month but Two! From January 1, all the way through February! My kids think I may actually make it through March before I get down to bare shelves. I really don't have that much!!!!

    **I began today and we had Tuna melts for dinner... both wheat and gluten-free! 3 pouches of tuna gone from my superstore shelves :)

    Walmart--My Score $19.12 Savings: $154.96






    I made a haul at Walmart.
    $19.12 for all this!

    Walmart Savings from 50% off sale:
    $76.12
    Coupon Savings: $78.84
    Total Savings: $154.96

    (2) Ronzoni Pasta--used 2 FREE coupons
    (2) Schick Disposable Razors--$1.97 less $2.00 coupon= 2 FREE
    (8) Trident Layers Gum 4@$1.28 plus 4 FREE when I used 4--BOGF coupons.
    Staceys Chips--$2.86 less FREE coupon from mailbox today.
    Betty Crocker Gluten-free mix $3.84 less FREE coupon from mailbox for liking their product :).
    Gillette Body Gift Sets 8 @ $4.50 less
    8--$4.00 mfg. coupons (paid $.50 each)
    Schick Titanium Razor Gift Sets. ($11.00 value with refill cartridges, on price cut to $5)
    7 @$2.50 less $2.00 mfg. coupons (paid $.50 each)
    Schick Ladies Razor Gift Sets $11.00 value with refill cartridges, on price cut to $5)
    3 @ $2.50 less $2.00 mfg. coupons (paid $.50 each)
    Schick Ladies Intuition Gift Sets ($11.00 value with refill cartridges, on price cut to $5)
    2 @ $2.50 less $2.00 mfg. coupons (paid $.50 each)
    Olay Body Wash and Lotion Gift Packs
    2 @ $2.50 less $2.00 mfg. coupon (from Prilosec packages from last winter) (paid $.50 each)
    Old Spice Gift Sets -- 2 @ $2.50 less $1.00 mfg. coupons (paid $1.50 each)

    We will be able to donate some of the razors to the homeless shelters!

    Anny's Coupon Roundup

    Coupons from Today's Cruising
    12-29-09

    Ore Ida Coupon $1.50 off 2
    Save up to $15.00 in Campbells Products
    Dove Visibly Smooth Deodorant $2.00 off
    Cheerios Coupons--Register and Get 4--$1.00 weekly coupon
    Huggies Diaper Printable $2.00 off (firefox)
    Arbor Mist Sparkling Wine $1.00 off
    $25 P and G Coupon Book from Save-a-lot (mailer)


    Walgreens: Dayquil Stockup with FREE Puffs and $10 Register Rewards Deal


    Walgreens: Stock up on Dayquil Deal and Get 2 FREE Puffs and $10.00 Register Rewards


    We use Dayquil and we are finally out from the last RR deal and this is my opportunity to stock kup before the end of the year and finish out our Flex money from 2009.

    Buy 5 Dayquil @ $4.99 = $24.95
    Buy 2 Puffs @ ?? ($.89 after Walgreens coupon)
    Use 5--$1.50 mfg. Coupons - $7.50
    Use 2--Get Free Puffs when you buy 2 Vicks Products
    Use Walgreens Puffs coupon
    Pay $17.45 for 5 Dayquil and 2 Puffs tissues
    Receive $10.00 Register Rewards

    Kohls: Kids Pajamas Deal--Clearance plus an extra 20% with FREE Shipping




    Kohls has Carter and other pajamas on sale or clearance for $8.00 or less.









    Now is a great time to stock up on pajamas for next year.

    Kids Pajamas
    Infant Pajamas-in infant clearance

    Use Code: EXTRA20 to get an extra 20% off on your order and NO CHARGE to get FREE Shipping!

    I placed an order and got These Carter Pajamas for amazingly low prices. The infant blanket bag for $3.20 ($20.00 orig. --84% off) and the toddler boys Carters dino two piece pjs for $5.76 ($24.00 orig.--76% off). Five pairs of pajamas for only $25.10 shipped FREE to my home.

    Walgreens: Honey Nut Cheerios Coupons FREE after coupons and receiving register rewards


















    Walgreens has Honey Nut Cheerios for $4.00 off 2 and when you buy your milk at Walgreens with these printable coupons.

    Buy 2 Honey Nut Cheerios and Milk. 2 for $4.00
    (I will not figure this in the scenario because we always buy milk anyway).
    Use these 2--$1.00 off printable coupons for Honey Nut Cheerios
    Pay $2.00 for 2 after coupons
    Receive $2.00 Register Rewards

    Monday, December 28, 2009

    They Never Outgrow Legos

















    The Christmas Day Yurcek tradition: Putting together Legos that Santa brought for the Big Kids. (left to right: Stacey, Nathan, Becca and Ian).

    Walmart--Lego Pirates clearance 55% off





    Lego Pirates Clearance--Walmart







    In honor of our miracle Christmas 20 years ago, my boys decided that we needed to get the remake of the Pirates set that arrived under our tree that miracle Christmas.

    A remake of Nathan and Ians Christmas gift from 1989, and now a belated Christmas gift for Nana's house for the next generation of Legomaniacs.

    Today on our trip to Walmart to return our redbox rentals, our wish was granted with the one and only Lego Pirates Ship left and it was 55% off.

    The original price $104.44 on clearance for $48.22.
    The Soldiers Port $54.44 on clearance for $24.22
    and the Pirates Raft $11.44 for $5.00.

    Walmart--Gillette Razor Body Care Sets $.50 after coupon














    Yesterdays find at Walmart blew this veteran Money saving Mom's mind! I had remembered that I always buy Gillette Body Care Gift sets for my boys after Christmas. Last year they were marked down to $7.50 and I used $4.00 off Fusion razor coupons to score sets for my boys and their friends when they stop home for a visit.

    With an placing an order to one of the coupon clipping services I was able to get 5 extra coupons for $4.00 off to add to the 3 I had already. We had gone through my binders to find the expiring 12-31 coupons that had to be used before the end of the year I was reminded to look for the Gillette sets.

    Doc was on board and upon arrival at Walmart discovered the sets which were already on price drop for $9 were already marked down to 50% off, making them $4.50. Subtract the $4.00 coupon and we scored our traditional Gillette after Christmas gift sets: Gillette full sized Shampoo, Body Wash, Deodorant and Razor for a mere FIFTY CENTS each!!

    Check your Walmart for these kits. (Note that not all Walmarts mark down on the same schedule or have the same prices). Note Sunday's paper contained a $2.00 off fusion coupon which will still score a frugal deal for these gift sets.

    Gillette fusion gift sets
    $4.50 less $4.00 off fusion mfg. coupon = $.50
    or $4.50 less $2.00 fusion mfg. coupon = $2.50

    Thursday, December 24, 2009

    Our Christmas Miracle from 20 Years Ago Tonight






    Becca and Santa December 1989 in the Pediatric Intensive Care Center at the Children's Hospital of St. Paul.





    Twenty years ago this evening, we were blessed to witness a miracle that will never be forgotten.

    As our gift to you I am sharing our Christmas Miracle as told in our autobiography from Tiny Titan, Journey of Hope. That story was retold by Channel 3000 here in Madison in December 2006 and also last Christmas by First for Women Magazine.

    Miracles are meant to be shared.

    Have a very blessed Christmas from our family to yours.

    Ann, Becca and all the Yurcek Tribe

    PS: Santa's identity is remains unknown to this day.

    Thursday, December 10, 2009

    Leapfrog Daily Deal: Zippity Games at $9.99
















    Today: Thursday December 10 Leapfrog has the hard to find Zippity Games for $9.99. Choose from Disney Princess, Tinkerbell or Cars.

    Leapfrog Zippity Games at $9.99 each.
    • Free Ground Shipping on entire order at LeapFrog when you purchase any of the following LeapFrog Disney Fairies products: Tag Book Tinker Bell s True Talent, Leapster Game Disney Fairies, Didj Game Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure. Code LFTBELL (Exp. 01/31/2010)
    • Free Shipping on $50+ order at LeapFrog (Exp. 12/20/2009).
    • Go in through Ebates.com and get 3.5% back.

    Wednesday, December 9, 2009

    Walmart--Radio Flyer Retro Rocket for $20 and Trike $29.00


    Walmart on line has the Radio Flyer Retro Rocket for $20.00 (original price $49.99). When I tried to see how much it would be, it was $25.00 shipped to home with tax!









    The Radio Flyer Tricycle with Handle is $29.00 down from $59.00.

    16 Inches of Snow











    What does 16 inches of snow look like?























    We got nailed with a snowstorm which has everything shut down. Except my husband who ventured out to the hospital. We were just this past weekend finishing yardwork and helping our girls finish their Swingset 4H project. Now all this snow!!

    I was inspired to take my new camera out and take a few pictures after I spent the morning creating FREE photobooks at Snapfish, posted at Couponing to Disney.

    PS: Kristy and Marissa, no warm remarks :)



    My girls recently finished 4H project taken a few days ago.

    Monday, December 7, 2009

    Photoworks: $5 Picture Mug--A Christmas Present for Myself

    <






    Today 12/7 Only
    Use code: 5DOLLARMUG at checkout.

    Today 12/7 only you can get an 11oz photo mug for $5 only at Photoworks. The shipping it’s free. Click the link on the left side for the $5 Photo Mug. The Mugs are usually $14.99. Mine came to $5.00 plus tax :)

    I bought myself a Christmas Present with this deal found at Common Sense with Money and Money Saving Mom. Thank you for my keepsake Nana Mug Deal. I made a black mug with one picture of Nana's girls Kasja and Mahala.


    I had to do something with this cute picture of my Nana's girls. Yesterday I got a FREE key chain from another deal, today a Mug.

    Free Download: Curious George: Christmas with a Monkey


















    Get this FREE Monkey Christmas Download, from Amazon. Thank you Hip 2 Save.

    I posted this especially for Nana's girl Kasja who loves anything Monkey, especially Curious George. She is our little monkey. But now we need to get her her own Ipod or MP3 player so she can listen in her car seat.

    I thought I was done shopping?
    Another Nana mission...

    Sunday, December 6, 2009

    Kmart--2010 Calender with Coupons and Fisher Price Trio Castle Deal

    I was making a layaway payment when I saw a Kmart 2010 Calender and the clerk gave me one. It has coupons beginning 12/1/09 for each month through 2010 including a $5 off $50 each month.

    Decembers 2009 coupons for $5.00 off $30.00 TOY PURCHASE or the $5.00 off $50.00 will come in handy with the Buy 2 Get 1 FREE mix and match Transformers, Little Pet Shops and Playskool deal.


    Fisher Price Trio Castle $29.99 (originally $59.99) and $1.00 Hot Wheel Car
    Total $30.99

    Use $5.00 off $30.00 Kmart Coupon (Make sure Kmart Coupon is handed first)
    Use $5.00 off Fisher Price Coupon on Trios
    Pay $20.99 for Castle and Matchbox Car

    Tuesday Morning--Santas Workshop for Trains, Dollhouses and More



















    Kidkraft Transportation Center $29.99 compare at $59.99















    Kidkraft Busy City Train Set $39.99 compare at $79.99

    Tuesday Morning
    has several high end children's products right now for less than 50%-70% off including Madame Alexander dolls and Ryans Room dollhouses and furniture.



















    Ryans Room Dollhouse $49.99 Compare at $149.99

    Saturday, December 5, 2009

    Becca's Best Movie Deal: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince






    Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
    Released Tuesday 12/8/2009






    Walmart (on line) $15.32 for Blu Ray
    Preorder and get FREE shipping to home.

    In case you want the regular DVD
    Amazon has it for $9.99 Free super saver shipping on orders over $25.00

    Walmart has the DVD for $9.99 with free ship to home

    Thank you to reader Megan for this deal.

    Pamida Doubles This Week







    I will be price matching Walgreens ad at Pamida and picking up a few frugal staples.

    Nabisco Crackers 2/$4
    Wheat Thins, 10 oz., Ritz 16 oz., Triscuit, 9.5 oz.
    Use $1/1 Nabisco Crackers doubled -$2.00
    Pay FREE

    Kelloggs Rice Krispies $1.99
    Use $1.00 insert coupon
    Get for FREE

    Pert Plus Shampoo $1.99

    Use $1/1 coupon from 10/18 SS insert doubled -$2.00
    Pay FREE

    Finesse Shampoo, Conditioner or styling $1.99
    Use $1/1 coupon from 10/25 RP insert doubled -$2.00
    Pay FREE

    Ragu Pasta Sauce 2/$3 after in-ad coupon (Pamida will match price after coupon)
    Use $1/2 coupon from 11/15 RP insert doubled -$2.00
    Pay $1.00/2

    Chinet Plates on sale buy one get on free or 2/$2.99
    Use 2-$1.00 off coupon 11/29 insert doubled will take it to FREE Get 2 for FREE

    Carnation Evaporated milk $0.99 each after in-ad coupon (Pamida will match price after coupon) 2 @ $.99 - $1.98/2
    Use $0.50/2 coupon from 9/27 SS insert doubled -$1.00
    Pay $.98/2

    Chex Mix $0.99
    Buy 2 @ $.99 = $1.98/2
    Use $1/2 coupon from 11/15 SS insert doubled -$2.00
    Get for two for FREE after coupon

    Total $1.98 for all of the above after price matching and coupon doubling

    Walgreens--$10 Challenge My Plan









    I am getting back to my budget and my weekly Walgreens Ten Dollar Challenge. This is my shopping list and roll for the week, taking advantage of stocking up on my daughter's Motions hair products.


    Transaction #1

    Triaminic 2/$10, Earn a $5 RR when you buy two
    Use 2--$3/1 Triaminic Thin Strips from 12/6/09 ss insert
    Use $2/1 coupon (will take off $4) from Walgreens Healthy Savings coupon booklet
    Total FREE Receive $5RR

    Theraflu 2/$10, Earn a $3 RR when you buy two
    Use $2/1 printable coupon
    Use $2/1 coupon from Walgreens Healthy Savings coupon booklet
    Pay $2 out of pocket and earn a $3 RR back

    Chinet Plates on sale buy one get on free or 2/$2.99
    Use 2--$1/1 printable coupon (IE Link) (FF Link) or $1/1 Chinet Classic White
    Pay $0.99 for two after coupons

    Pert Plus Shampoo $1.99
    Use $1/1 coupon from 10/18 SS insert
    Pay $0.99 each after coupon

    Finesse Shampoo, Conditioner or styling $1.99
    Use $1/1 coupon from 10/25 RP insert
    Pay $0.99 each after coupon

    Toblerone bars 2/$3
    Use 2-- $1/1 coupons from 11/22 SS insert (regional)
    Use $1/2 coupon from December Coupon booklet
    FREE after coupons!

    Nabisco Crackers 2/$4, Earn a $3 RR WYB $10 or more of participating products
    Wheat Thins, 10 oz., Ritz 16 oz., Triscuit, 9.5 oz
    Buy 5 @ $2.00 = $10.00
    Use 5--$1/1 Nabisco Crackers or Easy Cheese coupon from 11/8/09 SS insert
    Pay $5.00 for five boxes Receive $3 RR

    Total $9.96 Received $11.00 Register Rewards

    Transaction #2

    Motions Hair Care 3/$10, Earn a $5 RR when you buy three
    Buy 3 for $10.00

    Chex Mix $0.99
    Use $1/2 coupon from 11/15 SS insert
    Pay $0.98 for two after coupon

    Find something for over $.02 to add as filler
    Total $11.00 + change for filler
    I will use the 3--$5.00, $3.00, $3.00 RR
    Total FREE plus change and tax Receive $5.00 RR

    Transaction #3

    Kelloggs Cereal $1.99
    Buy 4 @ $1.99 = $7.96
    Use$5/4 printable coupon on Target website (this is a manufacturer coupon with Target logo)
    Pay $2.96 for four boxes after coupon

    Ragu Pasta Sauce 2/$3 after in-ad coupon
    Use $1/2 coupon from 11/15 RP insert
    Pay $2 for two jars after coupons

    Buy some small item to add at least $.04 to the transaction
    Pay $5.00+
    Use $5.00 RR from transaction #2
    Pay the change

    *Submit Non-Prescription for Flex Money Reimbursement

    In addition I have $14.00 in Register Rewards from this past week to play with.

    Clearance find: I found Revlon lipsticks for $2.00+ on clearance, use the $1.00 Target Revlon (these are manufacturer coupons for get them for $1.00+ each.

    Hasbro Toys Deals with a Pamida Price Match at Walmart



    Pamida has the Mr. Potato Head Toys on sale this week, but they won't take an internet printable.
    Solution: Price Match Pamida at Walmart.


    Lullaby Glowworm $7.99 (Pamida Ad)
    Use $3.00 mfg. coupon
    Pay $4.99

    Mr. or Mrs. Potato Head $5.99
    Use $2.00 mfg. coupon
    Pay $3.99

    Mr. Potato Head Spud Bud Collectibles $8.99
    Use $5.99
    Pay $3.99

    Usually I price match other stores at Pamida for double coupons, this time I will price match at Walmart to be able to take advantage of the Playskool internet printables.

    Friday, December 4, 2009

    Walgreens: FREE Comtrex Cold and Cough Day/Night Caplets


    Walgreens: Get Comtrex Cold and Cough Day/Night
    20 count caplets for FREE after coupons



    Comtrex Cold and Cough Day/Night Caplets 20 ct
    On sale for $5.99.
    Use Walgreens December IVC coupon -$3.00
    Use Comtrex mfg. coupon -$3.00/1 (11-1 Smart Source insert)
    Comtrex is free.

    *Watch for the bonus boxes and get 5 caplets extra for FREE.

    Wednesday, December 2, 2009

    Send a FREE Card

    You can send one free Personalized Holiday Card to someone through Google. The card is personalized online but is sent through the mail. This offer is available to U.S. residents, AA, AE and AP.

    Free Family Christmas Photo Cards


    Free Photo Cards for your family and use the savings to buy a toy for Toys for Tots.

    Head on over to A Thrifty Mama to show you how!

    Monday, November 30, 2009

    Kid Tested Toy for a 4 year-old: Leapfrogs Scribble and Write



    Leapfrogs Scribble and Write
    Becca gave it a 5 star rating for its learning and play value.




    Becca has a new job babysitting a friend's four-year-old daughter Serena. Today I hauled out a couple of new Leapfrog Toys I bought earlier this fall for her little charge to play with. Hands down, the Leapfrogs Scribble and Write kept Serena busy practicing copying her letters for over an hour.

    $5 Animals at Build A Bear










    Build-A-Bear Workshop is offering up these 5 animals here for just $5 each Monday Only. There is a limit of 5 bears per customer. Plus, if you spend $35 you can use this code 94590 to score FREE shipping or use this code 091241 to get $3 off a $15 purchase.

    Pick from the White Puppy (looks like Becca's Milo), Pink and Blue Cloud Bears, High School Musical Bear, and the Leopard.

    Thank you Hip2Save for alerting Becca to this deal.

    **We began at 9:30 am trying to get it to work, and finally beginning at l0:25 we began to get things to load into our shopping cart. Becca decided that we needed to pray for patience and for God to make it work. It errored and crashed more times than more than we could keep track of. But at last our order was finally finalized at 11:28. Becca has two more gifts done.

    Sunday, November 29, 2009

    Evan--Goodbye Tiny Warrior


    Our weekend was filled with roller coaster of emotions as Friday another another miracle child with Noonan syndrome lost his battle. God brought Becca's friend Evan home. Those who follow my blog, know my daughter Becca and the fact that she has a severe form of Noonan Syndrome. I had another reminder of the gift of today with my daughter with tears in my eyes.

    The news hit hard as I had been reminiscing the day before that it was twenty years ago this Thanksgiving Day, we first brought Becca home to make some memories as they didn't expect her to survive much longer. Her brothers and sisters had not had any time with their sister as they were not allowed in the NICU. The doctors had ruled Becca out for a heart transplant and there was nothing more that they could do for her. Her immune system to impaired to have any hope of survival. By four months old, I had watched my daughter die twice to be miraculously brought back to life for more time. I now have spent now twenty years, grateful for another day.

    We met Evan and his dad through the Noonan Syndrome support group and Scott was a father who turned writer like myself. Parents who write to cope with the emotions of living with a child with a critically ill child. Both inspired by the strength of our children. Scott also a gifted carpenter, who turned old used blemished wood into stools, chairs and wooden "gifts" for special children out of love.

    Tonight I found this video of Evan and Scott, I knew I needed to share their inspiration.

    Evan came as a gift from God as a tiny warrior whose came to serve, teach and inspire those who had the privilege to meet him and his father.

    In the video they show the gifts of love that Scott so lovingly fashioned from old wood for children. Becca received a "gift" from Scott and Evan about five years ago. She uses it everyday to get things out of her reach. Becca had been asking me for something to stand on because she couldn't reach anything, normal step stools were too short. Then out of the blue, I received an email from Scott saying he had a "something" for Miss Becca.

    The beautiful handcrafted stool was perfect and a perfect match to the wood in my kitchen. The little stool became her step into independence. Many times a day, Becca is made independent as she gets things down because of the little stool. The little stool toted from place to place.

    Now the stool will serve a precious reminder that she can reach for her dreams with a little help from her friend of the heart Evan. For me a symbolic reminder of the beauty of our children, and the strength of a father's love. A precious reminder of the gift of today with Becca. She has already had more tomorrows than we could ever have imagined.

    Thank you Scott for sharing Evan with us through your writing and gifts of love. Our prayers are with you and your family.

    With Love,
    Anny

    Saturday, November 28, 2009

    Walmart--Personalized Gifts

    Walmart Gift Ideas on line specials: Nov. 30-Dec. 5 Five Days Only



    Get a Family Vinyl Message Wall Art personalized family message for $19.00 with $.97 shipping








    Personalized Family Door mat for $16.00 (price cut from $19.76)

    Becca's Best Free Movie Deal: Countdown to Christmas with ABC Family







    Four years ago, I began a tradition with Becca and Detamara of watching a Holiday movie each day until Christmas. They couldn't wait to begin watching our evening Holiday movie and spending time with me. It is now a vital part of our Holiday season and an added bonus, its FREE.

    When asking Becca what she wanted to post this week, she wanted to share our tradition.

    Using the ABC Family 25 Days of Christmas Programming Highlights and Lifetimes FALALALA Lifetime movies, we have choices to which movie we will see. We will DVR the movie and after dark curl up with our inexpensive Target coupon gained Pop Secret, hot chocolate or soda, our red Christmas flannels and cozy blankets and spend quiet evenings enjoying time with my girls curled up on the sofa making memories.

    Countdown to 25 Day of Christmas from ABC Family Schedule:

    This Schedule was taken from the USA Weekend 11/27/29 Issue
    **There may be variations from this depending on your area

    Sunday 11/29
    8pm/7c The Dog Who Saved Christmas **A New ABC Family Christmas Must See

    Monday 11/30
    9pm/8c Naughty or Nice

    Tuesday 12/1
    8pm/7c Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause

    Wednesday 12/2
    7pm/6c Pixor Short Films

    Thursday 12/3
    8:30pm/7:30c The Polar Express

    Friday 12/4
    7pm/6c Frostys Winter Wonderland
    7:30 pm/6:30c Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

    Saturday 12/5
    4pm/3c Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
    8pm/7c Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

    Sunday 12/6
    7:30 pm/6:30c Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

    Monday 12/7
    7:30pm/6:30c Cranberry Christmas
    8pm/7c Unaccompanied Minors
    10p/9c Jack Frost

    Tuesday 12/8
    7pm/6c Mickey's Christmas Carol
    7:30/6:30c Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too
    8pm/7c The Year Without a Santa Claus
    9pm/6c The Miser Brother's Christmas


    Wednesday 12/9
    7pm/6c Rudolph's Shiny New Year
    8pm/7c Santa Claus is Comin to Town
    9pm/8c Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the Island of Misfit Toys
    10:30pm/9:30c Twas the Night Before Christmas

    Thursday 12/10
    8pm/7c Holiday in Handcuffs
    10pm/9c A Flintstone Christmas

    Friday 12/11
    8pm/7c Santa Clause 2

    Saturday 12/12
    All Day Holiday Classics Marathon

    Sunday 12/13
    6pm/5c Santa Baby
    8pm/7c Santa Baby 2 Christmas Maybe (A New ABC Family Original Movie)

    Monday 12/14
    7pm/6c Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day
    7:30/6:30c Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too
    8pm/7c Mary Poppins

    Tuesday 12/15
    8:30pm/730c Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

    Wednesday 12/16
    8pm/7c Happy Feet

    Thursday 12/17
    8pm/7c Jack Frost
    l0pm/9c Jingle All the Way

    Friday 12/18
    7:30pm/6:30c Disney/Pixar's Cars

    Saturday 12/19
    8pm/7:30c Disney/Pixar's Ratatouille

    Sunday 12/20
    8:30/7:30c Disney/Pixar's The Incredibles

    Monday 12/21
    All Day Holiday Movie Marathon

    Tuesday 12/22
    7pm/6c Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat
    7:30/6:30c Dr. Seuss on the Loose
    8pm/7c Dr. Seuss the Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat
    8:30/7:30c Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

    Wednesday 12/23
    All Day Holiday Movie Marathon

    Thursday 12/24
    All Day Holiday Movie Marathon

    Friday 12/25
    4pm/3c Miracle on 34th Street
    8:30/7:30c Disney/Pixar's The Incredibles

    Thursday, November 26, 2009

    Purple Power--For the Football Fan: NFL Store Buy 1 Item Get 2nd Item 40%




    I finally found a great deal for my guys the Vikings fans.




    Buy One Item, Get One 40% off at the NFL Shop.
    (11-26-11-28) Thursday, Friday, Saturday)
    Go in through Ebates.com and get an extra 10% off/$100 and FREE Shipping on orders of $75, and if that is not a good enough deal, I will get 6% back on my total.

    I was struggling what to get for all these Big Boys in my life. With Doc and my 6 boys, and add my son-in-laws I was struggling buying for them all until Ian arrived home this morning and was playing at the NFL Shop and I stumbled on this deal.

    I found the best idea thanks to Ian. A Customized Football Jerseys or T-shirts. I can't write what I found as I will give their gift ideas away. I will be splitting my order in order to get the best deal. I was able to buy 4 of something and get--4 40% off.

    I also found several clearance deals which made for even better savings.

    Anny

    Wednesday, November 25, 2009

    LEAPFROG Black Friday--Up to 75% off


    Leapfrogs Black Friday Sale has some amazing prices on their products. Check them out! Free Shipping with an $50 order, $10 off $100.

    A select few TAG books for $5, Diji Games $5, Leapfrog Games $5 and more. I got over $230 worth of products to go with the inexpensive Leapster, Tag Readers and Diji I got earlier this fall for $75.00 shipped FREE! Even the NEW TAG Jr. Books are discounted to $8.24.

    *I couldn't get any promo codes (Wendys) to work on these deals, but I still saved a fortune.

    Tuesday, November 24, 2009

    Hallmark Coupons to Use Black Friday. The Perfect Gift for the Grandkids


    Check your magazines to find two amazing coupons which will add to the savings on Black Friday at Hallmark Gold Crown Stores. $10 off the Recordable "The Night Before Christmas" and a $5.00 off any purchase.

    The Storybook is a perfect gift for Nana's like me who will not be with the Wee Ones this Holiday. Nana can read them the story this year and every other from here forward. A perfect keepsake. The book is $19.99 after coupon. I bought my books now to be guaranteed to get them and scouted out how to use the other 6--$5 off coupons in my binder.

    Planning ahead I picked up another for Nathan and Stacey's little one for next Christmas, and one for the next kid to start a family which will be years from now. I used one $5.00 coupon and have 6 to go from all my FREE magazines:) You cannot use it on the storybooks as it already had a coupon, but will take it off anything else in the same transaction. Each $5.00 off coupon has to be used separately, one per customer. The girls and I will be each going twice this weekend!