Happy Birthday Daddy's Buddy!

**a quick side note** Daddy's Buddy dug into the present pile while Flutter Nutter was in his room getting dressed. He started with the present from Kelly cousins.
As soon as the words Indiana Jones were spoke, Flutter Nutter came running. He was soo excited, he couldn't get his shirt on straight, it was backwards and then the arms and the head hole and it was just crazy. Who thought to make shirts so complicated? Didn't they know boys have more important things to figure out, like Indian Jones Legos!

Birthday Sayings....

Today is Daddy's Buddy's birthday.
He is 6!
He is not my little baby anymore.
It is like pulling toenails to get hugs at bedtime. Don't even ask for kisses.
He does like to surprise me every once in a while with a hug of his own or snuggles.
This morning started with the question,
"Do you feel any different?"
DB: "Yes, bigger."

The morning quoteables didn't stop there.
When asked, "What do you want for lunch?"
DB relpied, "Steak and ribs!"
I just fell over wanting to die. Where did that come from?
Fun Mom asked, "Do you even know what ribs are?"
DB: "Yes"
FM: "Where did you learn about ribs?"
DB: "Last night."
The light bulb clicks on. Fun Mom informs me that while I was at hockey practice they were watching BBQ Pitmasters on TV. The boys were oohing and ahhhin over the food being shown. It didn't suprise me, I had instant flashbacks to Hockey Player a few years back. He loved to watch the cooking shows. He had lots to say and ideas of what to make in the kitchen. He even concocted his own recipe for Sugar Pie, that we just had to make. We did. Fortunately for me, I was pregnant and on a restricted diet so I was unable to try it. :)
Steak and Ribs...my boys are going to kill the grocery budget in a big way.

Then we moved onto presents. He was so excited about his "mother load"
The present to be all presents.
The Spark Scooter.
Mom, "Are you excited?"
DB: "Of course I am, it shoots sparks." all said matter of factly. What could I have been thinking?

Just before going to see Grandpa, he came into my room, hugged me and told me this is the best birthday ever. It isn't even lunch yet. So glad it is the best birthday ever for my young man.

Flutter Nutter's nose

Flutter Nutter has the cutest little nose, if I might say.
But he has the best working nose as well.
He can be clear down in the dungeon (aka, basement) and very quickly catch the smell of something cooking.
It doesn't take long to hear, "I smell something." and "Mommy, what is it?"
Me: "Dinner"
FN: "What kind of dinner?"
The last question is very important as he likes sweets, chicken nuggets and fish sticks, and hot dogs. So I must respond with, "Something yummy!"
FN: "Okay."
Then off to the stove to investigate.
To which he hears, "Get down before you get burned."
FN: "OK"
The fact that his nose works so well is amazing. Because his mouth and tummy don't seem to work as well. We have the hardest time getting this kid to eat more than "2 bites". The required amount he must try before being done. Dad is trying for 3 bites...but it is with gnashing of teeth, and not the gnashing that involves chewing. We have even tried to encourage him to eat so he can grow big and strong. He absolutely has no desire to get bigger. He wants to be little forever!

Surgery Update!

I received more info tonight from a mutual friend who has been updating for our friends on Facebook.

**most recent update **The tumor was smaller than before which means less trauma to the rest of her body from removal. It did seem a little odd so they will wait the pathology report befoe knowing what kind of tumor it is. She will be in ICU today and tomorrow and if all goes well she can move to the hotel by Thursday or Friday.

Prayer Update -- Prayers of Thanksgiving!

I am so tickled and pleased to share this bit of information. My dear friend's husband posted on facebook today and her daughter called to share with me that all went well with the surgery. Sounds like it was a 6 hour surgery. A long, long wait. I haven't stopped rejoicing or thanking the Lord for His mercy and grace for this wonderful family!
*** Praise the Lord Janet is out of surgery. The doctor is very pleased with surgery and feels everything went well. Janet will go to recovery and then to ICU. She will be there until tomorrow sometime. Thanks for all your prayers. I will update laters when Janet is awake. **
(facebook post from this afternoon!)

MOre Quaker Coupons!

Taking a few minutes to order free samples on the internet and I came across this great coupon for Quaker Oatmeal here.
My kiddos love their oatmeal.
I love to stock up when there is a sale and coupons aren't always easy to come by.
Thanks Quaker.

Really Cool Dillons deals! !

When I finished shopping the mega I was hmm, okay.
Nothing really jumped out at me as super exciting.
Since I only shop with coupons and sales ads now, it is the norm for me to have a high percentage of saving. This time I was bummed cause I was thinking I hadn't scored any freebies or super awesome better than normal deals.
Booo on me.
I really shouldn't be so bah humbug about the savings.
So I started checking out my receipt.
This week Northern Toilet Paper is part of buy 10 get $5 off sale.
My receipt suprised me.
After the $5 off the TP was 5.99
I had a manufacturer coupon for $1 off, and on my receipt there was a $2 electronic coupon taken off. I think it was from the Dillons website, but I am not for sure. All I know it was a super wonderful suprise to find out I got TP for 2.99!
A family of 7 goes through a lot of TP!

My other unexpected suprise was the Old El paso Mexican Rice. (Not a part of the mega deal. It is by the taco shells. Little yellow pouches you can heat and serve. On sale for 3 / $4.
I had 3 manufacturer coupons for $1 (sortof... if it is 50 cents or more I call it a $1 on my sheet since Dillons doubles.) (printables + inserts). So I got 3 for $1. But the kicker was, I had 2 coupons on my card from cellfire. Each was worth 50 cents. So I got all 3 packs for free.
** Bonus** I then received a catalina for $1 off my next purchase because I had bought 3.
Woohoo !

My last suprise was Nestle Tollhouse cookie dough. It is a part of the mega deal.
When you buy 10 it is a $1.70. I had 2 coupons for $1 off 1. I jumped on cookie dough for 70 cents. The deal is even sweeter. I had coupons on my card again I didn't know about. Each coupon was 55 cents. Cookie Dough for .15 cents! !

Now if all I had bought was cookie dough, kraft mac n cheese, toilet paper and rice my total spent would have been incredible and I would have done a happy dance. But I have some hungry kiddos here so I bought a little more than just that. I will be completely happy with my 54%, 61%, 57% savings at Dillons. ( yes I did 3 transactions...or 3 30's) We have travel food and crazy night food and just to fill em 'up because the only thing easier would be if the kids were cars and they could just pull up to the pump and be filled. :)