Connelly's Pictures

Ok. So, I know I'm biased as his mom. I know that my view of my little stud is warped because ALL parents think their kids are DARLING. BUT...you have to admit, he is one good lookin' kid! He's so easy to photograph! What do you think?

What a fun BABY....mine isn't one anymore :(

My friend Brooke had her baby and I was so excited to take some pictures of her. Oh my gosh...she was so cute. It makes me wonder when the time will be right for us to try again. Honestly, I'm not sure. I'm really enjoying Londyn right now though. She's growing up so fast! Pretty soon I won't be able to call her "the baby" anymore. That makes me pretty sad.


This is my way of documenting Londyn's hair growth since we moved to St. George in July. WOW...it's grown A LOT! Start at the bottom right and work your way along the rows until the top left! (Obviously!)To those of you who don't know. We buzzed her head in July. It was REALLY hard, but I think we can say it was a success. Her hair has grown like a weed since.

Things have been really busy around here lately. I finally feel like things are calming down a little bit. Last week was one of those weeks that I felt like I was running around like a chicken with its head cut off. I hate weeks like that. This week was much better. With the kids having spring break off, they have played outside together for 5 days straight. Londyn took THREE baths in one day because she was so filthy. I kept thinking, I'll get her clean and keep her inside...ummmm...no way did that work. She wanted to be outside with the others.

I've started couponing, and I LOVE IT! It is really fun to get groceries for so cheap. For a minute though, I was absolutely obsessed, and it feels good to now understand that I don't have to go to EVERY store for EVERY sale! To those of you who might be wondering about it, it is worth it. Is it time consuming? Yes. But I think it is worth the time.

I'm taking a lot more pictures lately and it's such a fun hobby for me. It's one of those things that I really enjoy. I'm even having a lot of fun teaching a few friends how to use photoshop. It's fun for me to keep a log of my work on my photo blog. You can look at it HERE if you want.

I finally got back on top of the house cleaning just for it to jump away from me again! Honestly, how do you all do it!?!? This is one area that I really just can't grasp! How the hay do you keep your houses clean all the time! It's exhausting to me, and I feel like my house is NEVER clean. I finally get all the laundry folded and put away just to find that three more loads have stacked up in the mean time. O'well. I guess I'll just keep plugging a long on this shortcoming of mine.

Other than that, life is speeding by. Dan stays extremely busy and I hope I help him as much as he needs. The office can be a stressful job (I know first hand). He seems to "roll with the punches" and doesn't get worked up over little things. He works really hard. I love that I have a husband like that! Oaklyn broke her slinky today and she said, "My daddy will fix it. He can fix ANYTHING!" It's true. He really can.

Oh, and one more addition to the family. CLIFF. Dan is in love again. (This equals 15 minutes of weakness on my part by the way). I just wish he'd give me the attention he gives this beast! j/k...kind of.


Oh yeah and another blog worthy thing is that Dan had his first cavity ever last week. YES, his FIRST. Not a bad one, he didn't even have to be numbed. Me on the other hand had a flubber-face for 5 hours.

I guess that's all for now.

Oaklyn's turn

Oaklyn has been asking me when it will be "her turn" to have pictures taken. She's the type of girl that likes to have the attention all the time. So when she sees me taking pictures of other people, she has a little bit of an issue with it!

So, today I decided to take her pictures. I love my little redhead! Her freckles are my FAVORITE.

Tonight she was reading a princess book (pretending to read) and she kept saying "princess dot com" ......."princess dot com." Our kids are growing up in a different world these days.

Even better at Walgreens this time!

So, I went back to Walgreens with more coupons to see if the deal would work on regular Huggies...and it did!

SO, this is how it turned out

1st transaction:
2 packages of Huggies for $10.00 each (20.00 total)
1 pack of Huggies refill wipes $6.00
-$5.00 manufacture Huggies coupon you can get here
-another $5.00 manufacture Huggies coupon (same as above)
-another $5.00 manufacture Huggies coupon (same as above)
(FYI, you can print two coupons from every computer you have, just keep pushing the back button and it will print out twice) SO, the more computers you have, the more coupons you can get. OR...use your neighbor's computers...etc. :)

Total out of pocket: 12.62
BUT get a $10.00 Register Reward, so I actually got all that for $2.62

Next transaction...SAME as first transaction!

3rd transaction:
3 packages of Huggies diapers for $10.00 each (30.00 total)
-$5.00 coupon
-$5.00 coupon
-$5.00 coupon
Total out of pocket: $16.87
BUT get a $10.00 Register Reward, so I actually got all those diapers for 6.87

SO MY GRAND TOTAL out of pocket was 42.11
BUT I got $30.00 in register rewards SO I got all that stuff for $12.11

Walgreens Deals!

I was pretty proud of myself this week. I've heard that Walgreens has great deals, but I have never actually taken the time to figure them out. SO, this week a few friends and I made a midnight run to Walgreens to get some diapers for cheap.

I made a few mistakes, and next time I will save even more! BUT, here is the breakdown of what I got this time:

4 Colgate Max Fresh Toothpastes (FREE)Bought at 3.29 but got a Register Reward for 3.50)This transaction technically took place "last week" because since we went into Walgreens Saturday night, I checked out with the toothpaste before midnight. SO...this deal is no longer available. Sorry for the confusion.

We then waited until after midnight to check out with the other transactions. SO, the rest of the deals are still available and will run until this Sunday.

6 packs of Huggies Natural Care Diapers (6 packs at 10.00 each, used 6 $3.00 off coupons plus got a $20.00 Register Reward=$3.66 each)

3 packs of Huggies Gentle Care Diapers (3 packs at 10.00 each, used 3 $5.00 off coupons plus got a $10.00 Register Reward=$1.66 each)

3 Gillette Fusion Gamer Razors (3 razors for 8.99 each, used 3 $4.00 off coupons, plus got a $4.00 Register Reward per razor=99 cents each)

4 boxes of Excedrin (4 boxes for 5.99 each used 3 coupons for $2.00 off, plus used Walgreens easy savor coupon for $4.00 off= 86 cents each)

2 canisters of Lysol 4 in 1 wipes (On sale for 2/$4 but used 2 $1.00 off coupons=$1.00 each)

2 bottles of Garnier Fructis Shampoo/Conditioner (On sale for 2.99 but used 2 $1.00 off coupons plus used Walgreens Easy Savor coupon for an additional 2.00 off per bottle=FREE)

SO: For all those items, I spent OUT OF POCKET: $99.58 with tax
BUT, I got $56.00 in Register Rewards.

SO I really spent only $43.58 for all that stuff!

I even learned some lessons so that next time I'll get an even better deal.

INTRODUCING....My Photography Blog!!!

I've decided to create a photography blog. I really enjoy photography. It's been a hobby for a really long time. I actually started taking pictures when I was in middle school. Every time I would see a beautiful sunset, I'd run inside to get the camera! I was also the school sterling scholar for art because of photography.

I really like to snatch the moment by snapping the picture! So, my photography business is called Snatch and Snap Photography. I thought it was kind of catchy.

So, feel free to visit my photography blog. It is http://www.snatchandsnapphotography.blogspot.com/

Cindy Lou Who...funny things.

Oaklyn's school is doing Dr. Seuss week. It was pretty fun to dress her up like Cindy Lou Who. She was so excited, but because her hair is so short, we had to be a little creative! So, we got two of her dress-up wigs, and braided them. I had to use a lot of bobby pins, but we got them to stay. I thought she turned out great!

I also wanted to write down a few funny things that the kids have been doing lately. Oaklyn was giggling in the car, and she kept saying, "You're crapping me up." (instead of you're CRACKING me up!)

Oaklyn has been pretending she's a puppy a lot lately. Her name is Analiese. She wants me to call her Analiese all the time. I've decided to adopt the puppy act because Analiese is quite the fantastic little helper. She'll clean up the toys, put away clean laundry, "fetch" me a diaper for the baby...etc. I enjoy Analiese! :)

The kids were watching Annie, and during the part where they decide to go to the movies, they talk about taking the "subway." Well, Connelly heard that and said, "Subway, EAT FRESH." Ummmmm do you think he watches enough TV?

Londyn is growing up so fast. She can say a few words and I wanted to document them. BA BA (bottle), Daddy, Mom, Jesus, and can mimic a lot of words that we say. The other day, I asked her, "Guess what?" She said back, "What?" I laughed out loud. It was so cute.

She also loves to play the game what does the doggy say. She sticks her tongue out and pants. Then we ask her what a kitty says. She tries to say meow, but it sounds nothing like meow. What a little cutie. Her hair is growing like a weed right now. It's ALMOST as long as Oaklyn's hair.

Change is good!

I needed a change. I wanted a change. I didn't know what I wanted. SO, this ONE time I let Dan choose how HE wanted my hair. I know...I was kind of worried. Well, for those that knew me when we got married, my hair was long. REALLY long. So, he told me that he really wants me to have long hair again. I wasn't about to grow it out for five years. SO, he got me extensions for Valentine's Day. It has been so much fun. My friend Kristie did a great job, and I promised her that I would put a picture on my blog. Well, it's been a few weeks, and I'm finally fulfilling the promise. I realized while searching for a "before" picture of me, that I really don't have a lot of pictures of me. I'm usually the one taking the pictures, obviously. :) I wish I had taken an official "before" picture but o'well! I also realized that I wear A LOT of hats because 90 percent of the pictures I have of me, I have a hat on.

Londyn Pictures! and Coupon Class tonight!

I've been wanting to do these pictures with Londyn for a really long time. I FINALLY went yesterday to take them. She was actually REALLY sad for most of the pictures because she is getting some teeth right now. But, I thought these turned out cute. I can't believe my BABY is already 15 months old.

Don't forget the coupon class tonight!

Coupon Class! This THURSDAY!

So, I've been learning how to save money by using coupons. And I must say that I cannot believe how much money you can save by doing this. I'm not even good at it, and I've already saved a TON of money.

My friends, a.k.a. my coupon teachers, have agreed to hold an official coupon class for me at the clubhouse. This class is open to ANYONE who wants to come. It's completely FREE.

They are basically going to teach us how to shop using coupons, and how to get the most for your buck.

I'm so excited!

The class will be this Thursday, Feb. 26th at the PV Clubhouse at 6:30. Let me know if you need more information! (P.S. you don't really need to bring the coupon pictured above! he he.)

New Book Needed...Any Suggestions?

I need a new book to read. Does anyone have any suggestions? I have to admit, I haven't read anything lately that has REMOTELY kept my attention as well as the Twilight Saga...I need some help. Or maybe I just need to realize that NOTHING will ever be as good. :)

So, if you've read a good book lately that you'd give a 5 star rating, let me know ASAP!

Couple's Bunko!!!

Dan and I got to play couple's Bunko this week, and it was hilarious to show the boys what Bunko is all about. Some of the guys couldn't believe how "hard core" us girls were during the game. It made me laugh because I am pretty competitive, and I hate losing. So, I guess I am "hard core" when it comes to games!!

Jo did a GREAT job at hosting, and it was definitely the cutest Valentine's party I have ever been to! I just wish I would have won one of her cute "couples" prizes!
This is our "high school dance" pose!

The new Ulrich family member

I couldn't help but post about my new niece. Ayla Rose was born Saturday morning. She was 4 lbs 3 oz. My brother and sister-in-law Chris and Staci, suddenly gave birth to their daughter Ayla after being hospitalized at 32 weeks. Luckily mom and baby are doing great, and we got the chance to go up and see them on a "spur of the moment" trip to Salt Lake on Saturday.

Ayla, although I haven't gotten to see her in person yet, is ABSOLUTELY beautiful! I had to steal a few pictures of her so you could see her. I love her already, and when I heard of her birth, I BURST into tears. I love Chris and Staci so much, and the joy that I felt for them just completely overwhelmed me.

They deserve her so much. They are going to be the best parents ever. They had to try for her for about 6 years, and eventually got pregnant after their second try at invitro. I can't imagine all the things they went through, and I just had to share the GREAT news of their darling new addition.


Here is a cute picture of them so you can see!

Ayla will be in the NICU for next few weeks. Please join me in praying for her and her parents. I love you guys!

Coupon Deal of the week. FREE MILK!

So, I have these SWEEEEEEEET friends helping me learn how to save money using coupons. I made a new year's resolution to save money, and spending money on food is definitely an area that needed improvement. So, thanks to Melissa, I bought 2 gallons of milk, and three bags of malt-o-meal cereal at Albertson's for $2.98. NOT KIDDING!!

This is how you do it:
Go to this website.
Register for a free account.
Print the 75 cent off coupons (if you use the back button it will print two instead of one).
Then you need to go to another computer and print of at least one more. (You have to do this because it won't allow you to print it more than once from each computer).

NEXT STEP:
Take your ad from Albertson's that comes in the mail.(If you can't find it, you can ask for another one at customer service).
Look on the front and use three of the "double your coupon" coupons. This will turn your 75 cents into $1.50 each.

Ok. Next step, you must get the cereal that is on sale for 3 for $7.00.
You will instantly receive a $4.50 credit for milk.

I don't know if this makes sense to you, but it was seriously AWESOME!! If you have any questions, leave me a comment, but EVERYONE should go and do this. WE all need cereal and milk.

Thanks again to my coupon "teachers!"

When all else fails...look under the kitchen sink.

Random post I know, but this week was long, and if you know me, you know I can't stand looking for things. My patience is slim to none, and I get frustrated after looking for about 30 seconds. By the end of the week, I was losing everything. My brain was pretty fried!(I was really nervous to teach Relief Society...I'm happy to have that done with). Well, Dan found my makeup under the kitchen sink for me. I couldn't find it anywhere, and he helped me look for it. Well, that's not all, I couldn't find the Splenda today. Same scenario...I get frustrated after looking for what seems like FOREVER (about 30-60 seconds) and beg Dan to help me find it. Sure enough...any guesses where it was?...under the kitchen sink....BINGO. I'm losing my mind. WHY THE HECK WOULD I PUT THEM UNDER THE KITCHEN SINK??? I have no clue. Thank you Dan for finding both these items for me.