Time really does fly

On Monday of this week I dropped Shyla off at her first day of preschool. Now, of course it's only 3days a week, 2hrs a day, but when it's your little girl....you can't help but think how fast this is all happening. How "big" she is. How much she's grown up right in front of your eyes, everyday, and you don't realize it.

Until one day you look at her, and you say....
Mom, "Want me to help you with your bag?"
Reply, "No mom, I got it."
Mom, "Hold my hand, I'll walk you up to your class."
Reply, "That's ok mom. I'm good. You can just stand here and watch me."

WHAT?!?!? I could have sworn it was my 4yr old I was taking to preschool not a teenager!!! Seriously, she is soo independent. She reminds me soo much of myself. She's become a really big helper, and she loves to play and take care of her brothers. She is such an fun, outgoing, and sweet girl and I'm so lucky to be her mother. I have learned soo much from her and she continues to keep me on my toes everyday.





I love you Shyla Marie!! My sweet baby girl!

Shyla turns 4!

Shyla is 4yr old today!! I can not even begin to tell you how happy she is that her birthday has finally arrived. We woke her early this morning to celebrate with breakfast in bed, and sang "Happy Birthday" before Dad had to head off to work.

It was soo fun to see her face!

Lexton was excited to celebrate too, of course :)

Ya, I was one candle short...had to make do with what we had...It was 5am people!

We had smiles all around. Lexton could not take his eyes off the pancakes with sprinkles. :)

Even Tanner was excited about the early morning party.

And now, the house is quiet as we all enjoy a well deserved nap :)

I "H-E-A-R-T" Couponing!

Today, with three kids under the age of 3yr in tow...I headed to Fry's to take advantage of some GREAT sales! With sales + coupons, I spent a total of $38.58! And got ALL of this:

Just incase you can't see it all I'll list it:

2 Listerine Smart Rinse Mouthwash
1 Colgate Total Whitening Toothpaste
1 Colgate Cavity Protection Toothpaste
1 Degree Deoderant Men's
2 Suave Deoderant Women's
1 Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner
1 Lysol Bathroom Cleaner
1 Lysol All Purpose Cleaner
1 Lysol All Purpose Refill
1 Dixie 200ct. Napkins
2 Sargento Shredded Cheese
2 Kraft Shredded Cheese
2 Activia 4pks
2 Dannon Danimals Smoothes 6pks
1 DanActive Smoothies 4pk
1 Private Selection Ice Cream
1 Pillsberry Toaster Strudel
1 Kraft Miracle Whip
1 Kraft Mayo
1 Jello Pudding Snacks 6pk
1 Wishbone Salad Dressing
1 Aquafresh Kids Toothpaste
3 Philidelphia Cream Cheese
3 Past-a-Roni
4 Rice-a-Roni
2 Kraft EZ Mac
1 Kroger Sour Cream
1 Bage of Cherries (1.37lb)
4 Donuts/Pastry's (reward for good behaving kids :)

Grand total: 46 items for $38 Bucks!! Waahoo!!!!

**And, I'm proud to say that this is WITHOUT the help of "Coupon$ense"*** :)
A BIG thank you goes to my mentor and sis-in-law Kelly for education me on the art on couponing! (hahaha :D )

I LOVE saving money on grocieries and household items! It helps me build my three month supply and, in a way it helps me be able to make a contribution to our family finances. I'm telling you, if I can do this anyone can!!

Trip to the Museum

Friday Night we went to the Phoenix Children's Art Museum with Pete & Juliet and family. We had such a blast!! Best part was, admission was free! Of course we had to deal with slightly crazy crowds, but it was soo worth it.
Jose & kids

Pete & the boys

Shyla filling up

Tanner & I hangin out

Rayne cruzin

Lexton playing

Tired kids :)

We had a fantastic time. Can't wait to go again next month!

From the mouth of Shyla

Conversation while putting lotion on Shyla before church this morning...

(Shyla) "Mom, be careful k. Because you need to watch out for my owies."

(Mom) "Shesh Shyla! What are all these owies from?"

(Shyla) "Its ok Mom. It's because I'm getting soooo bigger."

My Grandpa Merrell

Grandpa pasted away early last Monday morning, Memorial Day. Grandpa has had a long "go" with prostate cancer. Our prayers we're answered. The gates of heaven were opened. He is no longer suffering the tremendous pain the cancer was causing. I'm so thankful for our Savior's plan. I'm so thankful for my Grandpa and the great man that he is.

He is a great example to me. He was a man of service, compassion and kindness. He loved his family. He loved his Father in Heaven. He loved to serve others. I can't remember a time when my grandpa was ever angry or raised his voice. He always had a smile and always (even through the pain) had a great sense of humor.

The first thing I said to Jose was that it's neat that Memorial Day was "the day" since that is one of my favorite childhood memories of Grandpa. Every Memorial day, I remember we would be in Duncan and would go to Virden Cemetary. We'd walk from grave to grave and Grandpa would tell us about those who have gone before us. We'd always start at my Uncle Chris' grave. Grandpa now, is with Chris, watching over us and the Gila Valley. :)

Ohhhhh Shyla

Wednesday night Shyla was watching her favorite show, "So you think you can dance." She tripped while dancing(ofcourse) and went head first into the coffee table.

Resulting in a not-so-quick trip to the Emergency Room to get a few stitches.

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh Shyla...