Thursday, September 30, 2010

Impromptu Fall Field Trip




















Not wanting to waste a beautiful fall day, Detamara and I went on an impromptu fall field trip to Cassville, WI. We found out that Cassville was named after the first governor of the Michigan Territory (1827), Lewis Cass. The first Governor of Wisconsin Nelson Dewey (1848) lived there, and he is buried in Lancaster. On the way home we figured out where in town that was. We had visual/hands on history is how persons with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders learn best.














Stonefield is a historic town and agriculture Museum we visited.




















Detamara checked out the train and was figuring out what this lever was for.














We went to school old fashioned style, while in school modern style.















Detamara checking out the school desks. She thought it would be much too noisy with all the different ages of kids all in one room for her to learn. Detamara needs a small quiet one-on-one environment to learn with her FASD.















What Mom learned was for Detamara to be successful out in the community, she needs one-on-one support to go to new places. She did not have time to think about going, and we just went. Other times we need to give her prompts and cues to know what to do next. We just went for as long as she could handle, and when we checked in at a few minutes to 3, our passes would be good the next day (but we convinced them to write on them for Friday). We can head back and check out more.















How does this phone work?














We happened upon catching a tug boat with 13 barges heading upstream. It was a great photography opportunity.














With all the rain, the Mississippi River is at its banks in Cassville. The boat landing and part of the parking lot were under water.

On the way home, we ran into buggies of Amish Children heading home from school, farmers bringing in the harvest and more questions and lessons about the area we live.

Total Cost: $14.75 and 19 miles from home.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Becca Seeing Peter Facinelli from Twilight at the Benefit for Pediatric Cancer




















Being short often means having trouble seeing over a crowd. But as long as Dad is around, she always has the best view in the house.

After oversleeping because she stayed up all night because she couldn't wait to head out, Becca awoke in a panic at 10:30. We assured her the lines were way long already and why rush to just be at the end of the line. But the Twilight obsessed Becca had to leave immediately.

I complained about the hefty $25 an autograph and $40 picture fee, but was embarrassed for complaining when I found out where the money went. Becca for the first four years had an undiagnosed blood disorder which we now realize was JMML a leukemia, and my niece Maggie survived Neuroblastoma.

The day and money was well spent, and Becca has memories that will last a lifetime. A bright moment to carry her through the tough stuff.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Totsy--My Bands Medic Alert and Childrens ID USB Flash Drive Rubber Bracelets 50% off













I had been eyeing these for Becca. They are available beginning now for four days through Totsy, a Children's Invitation only site for 50% off. Regularly $29.99 on sale for $14.99.....

They have not just medic alert bracelets but also kids ID bracelets.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

More Toys R Us Toy Deals--$8.96 for 3 TAG Jr. Books and 3 Games

Deal Scenario #1:
Buy 3 Monopoly and/or Sorry Games on sale for $7.99 each
Minus buy 2 get 1 FREE sale = $15.98 for all 3
Use 3 $4/1 coupons found here

Buy 3 LeapFrog Tag Junior books $10.99 each
Minus buy 2 get 1 FREE sale = $21.98 for all 3
Use 3 $4/1 coupons found here or here or in the 9/19 SS

Subtotal $13.96 ($37.96 before coupons to qualify to use the $5.00/$25.00)


Use $5.00/$25.00 Coupon from my previous post
Pay $8.96 for 3 Games and 3 Tag Jr. Books Savings $47.98

New -Leapster Explorer Deals--Toys R Us and Target

We already bought the New Leapster Explorer and with this deal I will be stocking
up on the games.

Target
Leapster Explorer Tinkerbell is on sale for $17.00
Use $5.00 Leapster coupon from todays paper -$5.00
Pay $12.00 Savings $12.99

Toys R Us

Leapfrog is all Buy Two Get One Free
Buy 3 New Leapster Explorer Games 3 @ $24.99 = $74.97
Register will take off -$24.99
Total $49.97
Use - $5 off $25.00 Toys R Us Coupon (link on my previous post)
Use 3 @ $5.00 off LP Leapster mfg. Coupons (if they let you)
Pay $29.97 for 3 Leapster Explorer Games Savings $45.00

Toys r Us--Toy Deals

This week with may be time to stock up for Christmas with using the $5.00 off $25.00 coupon good through 9-26-10. Read the coupon for directions... including one coupon per customer.
But that is solved by using cash and going shopping with a shopping buddy...or two... or three.
Or going back another day or two or three if you live close.

Combine it with the Buy 2 Get 1 Free Toys Deals through several popular toys.

I bought 6 Toddler Thomas Train Toys @ $7.99 6 @ $7.99= $47.94
These Chunky Wooden Thomas Trains are on Price Cut from $9.99--saving $6.00 more
(2 Sets of Thomas B2G1F) Computer Takes off 2 @ $7.99 = $15.98
Use $5.00 off $25.00
Pay $26.95 (50% savings off retail)

Another Scenario
Buy 3 of one brand of toy @ $5.99 = $17.97
Buy 3 of one brand of toy @ $5.99 = $17.97
Treat yourself to a Soda or buy a filler item to get your total after free toys $1.59
Total $37.53
Computer subtracts 2 toys at @$5.99 = $11.98
Subtotal $25.55
Use $5 off of $25.00
Pay $20.55

We also ran a couple of B2G1 Free Lego sets with the $5.00/$25.00 to get started on Christmas shopping. The Calico Corners Animal Sets are seldom on sale I got 3 of the $24.99 furniture sets, B2G1 Free, used the $5.00/$25.00 and paid $44.98 for all three, saving $29.99. I now have jumped started my Christmas shopping and the new toys for Christmas are in stock.

Late September is my favorite time to shop for Kids Toys as they are freshly out and on the shelves. Toys r Us is jumpstarting the season with this incredible deal.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Back to School




















It's was Labor Day and we jump started school... The advantage of schooling at home is we can double team it. Dad does some lessons when he has time and I to the rest. Having Dad doing school is a special bonding time for both of them, while giving me a breather to do something else.

Becca and Dad are both sporting their school attire... their band t-shirts... like father, like daughter.

Friday, September 3, 2010

IPAD Review by Becca and Brody

Becca and Brody's Review of the IPAD

No words necessary.....

They were listening and reading the FREE Toy Story Application.