Last Day

Thursday was Adam's last day of first grade. He was excited for the fun and ready to become a second grader! He came home with his report card full of high scores and was officially promoted to second grade status! Lucky boy! 

First Smile

Today I got a special treat. I was talking to Lucas and his face lit up with a huge smile!!! After enjoying the moment, I pulled out my phone and talked more. Sure enough, another grin! Huge, full faced and magical! And, I got the picture' 

Mom Win

So, we recently (three weeks ago) welcomed baby Lucas into our family. I suppose a full welcome post is due, but today that's not what I want to write about. 

Alex, almost 2 now, is struggling to adjust to being a big brother. He has many great moments - tolerating sharing mommy and waiting a minute (or 10) to get what he wants but at other times its not so easy. 

Today, we were sitting on the couch. Alex was wanting cuddles and I did my best to hug him while feeding Lucas. Apparently I wasn't doing a good enough job because Alex hit Lucas in the face. 

I told him no. Told him it wasn't nice and told him to be gentle. He responded by giving Lucas a big hug and kiss and saying awwwww. 

I will call that a mom win. 

Target 7/31

A quick Target Trip today to use a few coupons that expired at the end of July. Lots of school supplies cheap/free right now!

Pampers Baby Wipes: $2.39 Used $1/1 MQ and $1/1 TQ - Total .39

Wet Ones 24 Ct Wipes: $1.99 Used .50/1 TQ and $.75/1 MQ - Total: .74

Stayfree 18 ct Pads: $2.74 Used $2/1 MQ and $1/1 TQ - Total: FREE (or +.24)

Papermate Pens: $.94: Used $1/1 TQ - Total: Free

3x RoseArt Glue Stick 2 packs: .25 each: Used $1/3 MQ - Total: Free (or +.25)

Post It Tabs & Post It Sticky Notes: Total $3 for Both: Used $1/1 TQ and $1/1 MQ: Total: $1 

2 x Bic Pens: $.99/ea Used $1/2 TQ and $1/2 MQ - Total: Free

Pre-Coupon Total: $13.79

Total After Coupons: $1.54

90% Savings 

*Note at Target, the cashier has the right to adjust the value of a coupon down to the value of a product. I got lucky and managed to have 2 decent moneymaking coupons (Stayfree and Roseart, each .25) and a few extra pennies. Your total for the same transaction may be different. Also, a few of the coupons I had came inside other purchases (I got a target coupon book inside my last box of diapers, for example) so you may not have access to all the coupons I used. 

Exploring Minnesota: Northfield

Today we headed down to Northfield to check out the Riverwalk and Farmer's Market. The Market was disappointing, with very little produce, mostly art and prepared foods (we did get some honey sticks and refrigerator pickles though). The River walk was pretty, but short, only about 2 blocks total. Beautiful views but not really what we were expecting. We wandered the entire downtown, stopped in a half dozen stores, did the river walk, farmer's market and stopped for lunch at the Quarterback Club (decent burgers, excellent shakes) all in about 2 1/2 hours....a fun little half day adventure (about all the boys can handle) and another activity checked off our Explore Minnesota list.

Exploring Minnesota: Minnehaha Falls

We have decided to take mini adventures as a family, and explore this wonderful state we call home. There are many hidden treasures right here in the Twin Cities, as well as further away from home - and we plan to explore many as a family!

Our first adventure was to Minnehaha Falls, hidden away in Minneapolis, this huge park features walking trails, historic buildings and a beautiful water fall. We made our way down to the base of the falls, where Mike and Adam were rebels and climbed up as close as they could for some photos! We let Adam hop in and dip his toes in the river, went for a walk along the river and took a dip in the Minnehaha Wading Pool where we all climbed in to cool off! We ended our day with a stop at Jamba Juice for smoothies before heading home exhausted!

Target Trip - 7/16/12

Another successful trip at Target today! Pleased to have gotten some office supplies, cleaning products, first aid and soap for super cheap! Here's the breakdown:

Soft Scrub Cleaner: Sale $2.50 - used $1/1 MQ - Total: $1.50

Comet Spray Bathroom Cleaner: $1.87 - used .75/1 MQ - Total: $1.12

Comet Stainless Steel Powder Cleaner: $1.99 - used $1/1 MQ & $1/1 TQ - Total: Free

Bounce Dryer Sheets: $1.99 - used .50/1 MQ & .50/1 TQ - Total: .99

Up & Up Peroxide (large): .89 - used .75/1 TQ - Total: .12

Up & Up Soap x2: .89 each - used 2x .50/1 TQ (one from target.com and one register coupon) - total .39 each (.78) 

Up&Up Cotton Balls: .99 - used .50/1 TQ - Total: .49

Up&Up Paper Clips: $1.24 - used .75/1 TQ - Total: .49

Up&Up Sticky Notes 4 pack: $1.94 - used .50/1 TQ - Total: 1.44

Up&Up 20 ct pens: Sale $1 - used .50/1 TQ - Total: .50

Total Pre-Coupons: $16.19 

Total After Coupons: $7.44 

Total of 69% Savings 

My coupons come from 1 Sunday Paper, register coupons, Facebook offers and online coupons sources like target.com and coupons.com.