Summer is in Session! Along with family vacations and trips to the zoo, General Mills is teaming up with Nickelodeon's The Penguins of Madagascar to bring the action-packed adventures of summer to your very own breakfast table.

Inside specially marked boxes of General Mills cereals, you'll "commence operations" with one of five characters from The Penguins of Madagascar; Skipper, Rico, Kowalski, Private or King Julien. Each participating cereal contains one character launcher with mission details outlined on the back of the box.

My Blog Spark and General Mills provided my family with one of the Penguins of Madagascar prize packs which included one box of Trix cereal, a Penguins of Madagascar launcher and the new Penguins of Madagascar movie, The Penguins of Madagascar Operation: DVD Premier.

My girls immediately tore into the box to see what was inside and started playing with the launchers. They had lots of fun flying them through the house and trying to make baskets, or getting them to land on the counter or table. We also had some cereal and it is yummy. The girls loved it!

My Blog Spark and General Mills would like to give one of my readers (US only) a Penguins of Madagascar prize pack. To enter just leave a comment and I will choose a winner at random on Friday, July 23rd.

He's a man, He's 40!

My wonderful husband, the man of my dreams of 15 years, turned 40 yesterday. He is such a wonderful man, and an incredible father. We have been together a long time and I can't imagine spending my life with anyone else. But he has this one flaw, he is not one to let me throw big parties and make a big deal out of his birthday. He would rather go along like any other day and not be the center of attention. (This is why we get along so well, we are total opposites!)

It took everything I had not to decorate his office in black balloons, or put up big signs proclaiming his man hood! But I refrained. I was good and did not make a big deal out of the day. We had a quiet dinner at home and the girls gave him presents and I made him his favorite Whoppers cupcakes. YUM!

Later in the evening he said, "I could tell you were wanting to be ornery. Thanks for not doing anything." I replied, " I knew paybacks may not be so nice." You see, in a few short months I will bid my 30s goodbye and welcome a new decade with open arms. But I want a big shin-dig!!! (Are you reading this hun?)

Mail you get when you turn 40!

So, this year I will turn 40. What? Oh you guys are too kind for saying I don't look that old! I have a few more months until I have to think about it so I try not to. A few days ago, as I was looking through the mail I notice something addressed to me. Upon reading it I realized it was a postcard from the Menopause Center of Oklahoma!!! Is this the type of mail I can expect to get now that I am turning 40?! I have at least 10 years before going through "the change" so why so early on the mail! Are they afraid they will not get my business if they don't send correspondence now? I guess I can call and make an appointment for September 2020.
I showed Travis and he got a big laugh out of it.

What can you do????

Yoplait Greek Yogurt

MyBlogSpot recently sent me a box with fun spa items and coupons for free Yoplait Greek Yogurt to "Nourish My Inner Goddess". Greek yogurt has more protein than regular yogurt, 12 grams to be exact, and has ZERO grams of fat. Yoplait is the only leading yogurt with vitamins A and D in every cup and is an excellent source of calcium. I chose the Blueberry and Honey Vanilla but it also comes in Strawberry and Plain.

I have never tried Greek Yogurt before and I must say at first I was a little surprised. Last night I decided to try the blueberry. I was expecting normal yogurt but this Greek yogurt is much thicker and has a more creamy texture. It took a few bites for me to get use to but I really enjoyed it. I then added some of my husband's Wheaties Fuel cereal and it was really yummy! I really enjoyed it and will purchase it again. It was a great snack and very healthy.

The product, prize pack, information, and giveaway were provided to me by Yoplait through MyBlogSpark.

Here is a link to a coupon if you would like to give Yoplait Greek Yogurt a try.

http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=zd1iblw50148801&bt=vi&o=61852&ci=1&c=GM&p=pWoTrRvS

Homeland Deals 3/31-4/7

Here are the Homeland Deals for this week. I never got to Homeland last week so I am hoping to pick up some deals this week. It looks to be an ok week.

Here a few of my favorites.

Pilsbury Cresent Rolls $1.50

use: $.40/2 SS 3/28

or $.95/1 printable

final price: $1.10 each or Free

Country Crock $2.49

Use: .40/1 RP 3/7

Final Price: $1.69

Birds Eye $1.00

Use: .35/1

Final Price: .30

Rhodes Cinnamon Rolls $3.39

Use: $1/1 RP 3/28

Final Price: $1.39

Rhodes Rolls $1.88

Use: $1/1 RP 3/28

Final Price: FREE

Betty Crocker Cake or Frosting $1

Use: $.75/2

Final Price: .25 each (this is great! Devyn's b-day is next week)

Chinet Napkins $1.50

Use: .75/1 ss 3/28

Final Price: FREE (Again, great for Devyn's party)

Go Here to see Coupon Princess match-ups

Go Here to see Christi's 2 Cents match-ups

BOGO Skittles coupon

Here is another great coupon. Become a fan of Skittles and get a BOGO coupon! Don't forget to hit your back button to print 2 coupons. Hopefully these will go on sale for Easter!

Starburst BOGO coupon

Become a fan of Starburst on Facebook to print out a Buy One Get One Free Pack of Starburst (single serve product). The coupon expires on 4/17/2010. Don't forget to hit your back button to print 2 coupons. (Thanks Bargain Briana)

Homeland Deals 2/24-3/2

I am really excited about this week at Homeland. My list is long! There are some fun things, stock up things, and things my girls will love. I did not put my entire shopping list but will add things as I find coupons for them.

This week there are some deals that are only good Sunday - Tuesday. I have separated them for you so you can make you list.

Sun-Tues deals

Medium eggs dozen .89

Hiland Orange juice $2.49

Use: .55 Printable DND or SS 1/24

Final Price $1.94

Kellogg's Kids Cereal 3/$5

Use: $1.50/2 Printable

Final Price: $1.82 for 2

Digiorno Pizza $3.99 Limit 2

Use: $1.00 SS 1/24

Final Price: $1.99

Blue Bell pints $1.00

Regular Ad

Lunchables $2.99

Use: $1.00 Printable

Final Price: .99

Jimmy Dean Sausage $2.69

Use: $1.00/2 RP 1/31

Final $1.69 each

General Mills Cereal (select varieties) $2.50

Use: $1/1 DND Printable

Final Price: $1.50

Hiland Dip Sour Cream $1.00

Use: .45 DND SS 2/7

Final Price: .55

Right Guard Deodorant $1.00

Use: $2.00/2 Printable

Final Price: FREE

Rainbow Bread $1.00

Colgate Toothpaste $1.00

Little Debbie snack cakes $1.00

Manwich $1.00

Nesquick $1.00

Motts Applesauce $1.00

Bisquick biscuit pouches $1.00

Go Here to see Coupon Princess' match-ups

Go Here to see Christi's 2 Cents match-ups

Remember Homeland doubles coupons up to $1.00. All final prices reflect the doubling.

Homeland Deals Feb 17th

There are a few deals to be had this week at Homeland. Here are some of my favorites.

Yoplait Smoothies $2.50

use $1/1 =$.50

Eckrich Smoked Sausage $2.99

use $.55 = $1.89

Wishbone dressing $1.67

use $1.50/2 = $.92

Quaker Oats $1.49

use $1/1 Printable= FREE

Capri Sun $1.97

use $1/2 printable (not sure it is available any longer)=$.97 each

Crest Toothpaste $1.79

use $.75 = $.29

Suave Body Wash $1.50

use $.50=$.50

Go Here to see Coupon Princess match ups

Go Here to see Christi's 2 Cents match ups

Remember Homeland will double a coupon up to $1. All totals are reflecting this.

Happy Shopping!!

Wal-Mart deals

There are some great deals for Wal-Mart this week. Bargain Brianna has a long list with lots of great match-ups. Go Here to check it out.

Stretching a Buck has some great Target deals posted. Go Here to check them out.

Remember prices and coupons vary by region.

Hope everyone had a great weekend and some quality time with your Valentine!

Homeland Deals Feb 10

Homeland is not that exciting this week but there a few deals to be had.

Go here to see Coupon Princess match-ups

Go here to see Christi's 2 Cents

Sorry I have not been good to post often. Life has been crazy!

Homeland Deals

There are some good deals at Homeland this week. Not spectacular, but good.

Some of my favorites are these:

Kelloggs Cereal, Breakfast bars, and Snacks BOGO

Wholly Guacamole $2

Use $1/1 from RP 1/31

Final Price- FREE

Dole Salad $1.50

Kraft Slice Cheese $1/69

Go Here to see the full list (Thanks Coupon Princess)

Go Here for Christi's 2 Cents

General Mills cereal

A few weeks ago, General Mills and MyBlogSpark sent me 4 coupons for free boxes of General Mills cereal. Now that GM has put less sugar in their cereals they wanted families to try them out and give them some feedback. I was so excited when I got my coupons in the mail. I immediately went to the store and got a box of cereal for my girls to try. I did not tell them it had less sugar then it use to have. I wanted to see if they could tell. They picked out Cookie Crisp. In a couple of days, the box was devoured and they did not say a thing! They could not tell.

The next box we picked out was Cinnamon Toast Crunch (which is their favorite). They loved it!! They were begging to have it for dinner. Again, they had no idea it had less sugar and did not notice anything about the taste or texture.

A few days ago, I got another box of Cookie Crisp and a box of Lucky Charms. They have loved them! I have had a bowl of each for breakfast the last few days now that we are off our fast. Both are so yummy and knowing they have less sugar, makes me feel so much better about eating them. The texture has not changed with any of the ones we have tried, nor has the flavor. I love the new formula and are so pleased General Mills is thinking about what they can do to make their cereals more nutritious. So, if you are mom like me, who wants to give her kids some fun cereal without worrying they are overloading on sugar, then try out General Mills cereal.

A couple of recipes

Since we started out fast I have been searching for some recipes that fit within the limits of our fast. I have gotten some from friends and tried some things on my own. Some worked, some went down the disposal, and some where ok.
A friend here at work sent me a link to a blog where the lady has tons of recipes that fit within the Daniel fast guidelines so I thought I would share it with you. Even if you are not fasting but are wanting to eat healthier, you should check it out. It is called "Those Who Hunger" Go Here to check it out.

The best thing I have made so far is a veggie chili. I got the recipe from our pastor's wife. Although my husband will not call it chili because it does not contain meat. It was absolutely yummy!!

Here is the recipe. I am going to make it again after the fast and put in some chicken.

Veggie chili serves 6-8

2Tbsp. Oil
1 Large onion (chopped)
1 Large Zucchini (chopped)

Saute the onion and Zucchini in the oil (I waited a few minutes to add the Zucchini so it would stay crisp)

1sm can green chilies
1 can corn
1 15oz can Tomato Sauce
1 Can red kidney beans (including juice)
1 Can black beans (including juice)
3 Tbsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
* salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic to taste

*add all ingredients to a 3 quart saucepan, heat for 30 minutes
Don't worry if you don't have cumin or balsamic vinegar. You can add a little sprinkle of Cayenne pepper or what other spice you like.

Let me know how you like it!

Sunday Inserts

There will be 2 inserts this weekend. 1 Smartsource and 1 Red Plum. Go to Sunday Coupon Preview for the full list.

Because of my fast I am excited about these:
Birds eye steamfresh vegetables $1.00 off 3 (x2/7)
Dole fruit bowls or fruit bowls in gel $1.00 off 3 (x4/4)
Dole all natural fruit $1.00 off 2 (x3/31)Dole frozen fruit products $1.50 off 2(x3/7)


Remember not all area's get the same coupons or coupon values.

January 20th

I am sure many of you have heard that Haiti suffered another earthquake this morning. It was a 6 point. Please continue to pray for Haiti and those who are suffering and for the many who have lost loved ones. My heart just aches for them. I can't even imagine what they are going through.
I pray that Haiti will be more open to Christ and will come to know the Jesus we love. Today's prayer is so fitting.

January 20: Reading John 17

Pray that God would continue to show us ways that we can be generous to the Kingdom and provide tools that will further the Gospel.

I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed. (Psalm 37:25-26)

January 19th

January 19: Reading John 16

Pray God would give us a heart that is content with what He has given to us.

Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, “Who is the Lord?” Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God. (Proverbs 30:8-9)

January 18th

Here are the readings and what to pray for, for Friday, Saturday, Sunday and today. I am sorry I forgot to post them this weekend.
I hope every one's fast is going well. We are on the down hill slide. Remember to stay strong, continue to pray, continue to pray!

January 15: Reading John 12

Pray God would strengthen marriages for our team and for those soon to be married. Pray God would provide strength for us to love and serve our spouse with an unconditional love.

For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife and they will become one flesh. (Genesis 2:24)


January 16: Reading John 13

Pray for your children: for their future, their hearts, and for them to come to know Christ if they don’t yet know him. If you don’t have kids, pray for your future children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren or children of people that you know.

Train up a child in the way they should go and when they are old they will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)


January 17: Reading John 14

Pray for your leaders here at Life Church and pray for the leaders of other churches. Pray God would give them wisdom and understanding as they lead.

Now we ask you brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)

January 18: Reading John 15
Pray that God would help us to utilize the gifts of our staff team to build up the people whom God has entrusted us with to be built up for works of ministry.

It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare god’s people for works of ministry, so that the body of Christ may be built up… (Ephesians 4:11-12)

Prayer for January 14th

January 14: Reading John 11

Pray for our nation and the leaders of our country and other global leaders.

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
(Romans 13:1-2)

Prayer for January 13th

January 13: Reading John 10

Pray for healing for those you know and love you may need physical healing, emotional healing, or mental healing.

But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall. (Malachi 4:2)

Prayer for January 11th

I apologize for not getting this posted yesterday. I have put yesterday's and today's on here.
Hope all is going well with everyone and you are growing closer to God through all this.
Remember to encourage each other, pray for each other, and be open to what God is telling you.

January 11: Reading John 8

Pray for the staff team, and pray God would speak to us during this fast about ways that we can serve and honor Him more.

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. (1 Peter 1:13)

January 12 Reading John 9

Pray that God would give us as a team a passion and drive to manage our finances in a way that would honor Him. Pray He would give us wisdom and strength to pull away from the snares debt can cause.

The rich rule over the poor and the borrower is a slave to the lender (Proverbs 22:7)

Prayer for January 8th

Here are the readings and prayers for this weekend. I hope your fast is going well and that you are growing closer to God. He and I had a long talk last night when I was craving a big chop brisket sandwich!! I got over it though (Thank you Jesus!!) This is what is all about. We give up things we love so we can tune ourselves to God and hear what he is telling us. I pray you are making it through and that God is speaking to you.

Enjoy your weekend.

January 8: Reading John 5

Pray for any people you know who do not know Christ or have fallen away from Him. Ask God to reveal Himself to them and draw them to Himself. If any are filled with hurt, shame, doubt or fear, pray that they will run to God and not away from Him. Pray a hedge of protection around your family from all deception, temptation, and any plans of the Satan would bring against them.

…Believe in and on the Lord Jesus Christ—that is, give yourself up to Him, take yourself out of your own keeping and entrust yourself into His keeping, and you will be saved; [and this applies both to] you and your household as well. (Acts 16:31, AMP)

January 9: Reading John 6

If you have never prayed, worshipped, or shared communion together as a family unit, or if you have gotten away from this habit, consider how you can begin this practice regularly. Set aside time today to pray with at least one other family member.

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15, NKJV)


January 10: Reading John 7

Pray for the healing of families. Ask God to restore any broken marriages for which you are aware. Pray for reconciliation between parents and children and to repair broken relationships among other family members.

Turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers... (Malachi 4:6, NKJV)

Prayer and Reading for January 7th

January 7: Reading John 4

Pray that this year, you, your family, and your close friends will come to know Christ and what “new thing” He desires for you in the upcoming year.

Behold I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it, and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43: 19, AMPL)

Homeland Deals for the week

Hello friends. Here are some Homeland Deals for this week. There are so many things that look good to me but I won't be going because it would be too tempting! (Read Here for explanation)

Go Here for Simple Saving Savvy Deals

Go Here for Coupon Princess

Have a great evening!

Prayer for today

January 6: Reading John 3

Ask to be led by the Holy Spirit. Pray you would be sensitive to the Spirit’s prompting and you would be obedient to what He calls you to.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Rom. 15:13,NIV)

Today's reading and prayer January 5th

How is everyone doing? Did you make it through the night? My head is pounding so I know that my body is getting rid of caffeine. Feel free to share what you are learning and things that are helping you through your fast.



Here is the reading and prayer for the day.

January 5: Reading John 2

Ask God to open your eyes to see Him more clearly and your ears to hear anything He desires to speak. Pray for a Spirit of wisdom and understanding that you might know Jesus better. Also pray God will give you a greater understanding of the power that He has given us and how to walk in that power.

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and the incomparably great power for us who believe. (Ephesians 1:17-18, NIV)

Welcome 2010!

Hello friends! I hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year and are looking forward to a new decade. I had some much needed time off and had a great time hanging out with family. It was great to be able to stay in my pj's, play games with the girls, reorganize the girls rooms, and watch some football with the hubs! What a great start to the new year! I pray you had the same restful time with your families and are looking forward to the new year and what God has in store for you and your family.

Our staff is starting the new year off by coming together to fast and pray for 21 days asking for God's guidance for the new year. Some people are fasting from all food, some are giving up twitter, facebook, sweets. My husband and I have chosen to do the Daniel Fast. We will be eating fruits, vegetables and drinking water for 21 days. I have to admit that I am a carb junkie and love my diet vanilla Pepsi. It is going to be hard, but isn't that what it is all about? God asks us to give up what we love so we will grow closer to him. I am excited to see what God does in me and our staff these 21 days.

If you would like to join in you are welcome. Each day we are reading a chapter of John and will have something to pray for. I will be posting what we are praying for everyday. Take time to pray, asking God what you should give up so he can speak to you. Fasting is a personal issue between you and God. Seek him and he will guide you in what you should do.

Here are a few resources about fasting:

John Piper messages - http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/topicindex/26_Fasting/
Jentezen Franklin’s book – Fasting: Opening the door to a deeper, more intimate, more powerful relationship with God
Jentezen’s Fasting Blog - http://www.jentezenfranklin.org/blog/index.php?c=7

Stovall’s Church site - http://www.awake21.org/

Daniel Fast http://www.wellingtonboone.com/resources/articles/Fasting/Daniel_Fast.pdf

http://daniel-fast.com/recipes.html

Here is the reading and what to pray for today.
January 4: Reading John 1

As the New Year begins, ask God for your “One Thing” that you can do in this coming year. Make sure to talk it over with your loved ones and Life Group. Go public with your “one thing” and ask for support to achieve it.