Family Fun
Summer Activities: Greenville Drive Baseball Game (Take 2)
Greenville Drive Baseball Game - let's play ball! After getting rained out for the girls first Greenville Drive Game we decided to give it another shot and go again. The day looked like it may rain but ended up being beautiful. Since our first game was rained out we ended up being able to attend a double header. The girls did great and enjoyed watching the two games and the fireworks afterward. They had an amazing firework display following the second game.
Brina having fun at the Greenville Drive Baseball game! 
Karlie having fun at the Greenville Drive game. 
Greenville Drive Team Players warming up before the second game. 
Karlie and Brina watching the Greenville Drive Team Players warm up before the second game. 
Brina and Karlie wanted a picture with the "Cow" 
Fireworks after the Greenville Drive Game! 
Amazing fireworks! Mailbox Goodies: Free Gillette Razor, Garnier Gel, Mulch, BluApple, Book, Coupons, Magazines & More!
Mailbox Goodies One of the best parts about getting the mail is when the mailbox full of goodies, especially when they are free! We got some great coupons, free samples, magazines and more stuff in the mail. Some of these deals are still available so if you haven’t had a chance to sign up go ahead and do it now. This week we were busy with traveling, house guests, visiting friends in the hospital and a variety of activities so I didn’t have the opportunity to keep up with all the mailbox goodies (some grew feet before I could catch them). I will try to keep you posted of some of the new ones coming up as well.
Here are some items we received in the mail:
- Free Garnier Moisture Rescue Gel – Target Samples
- Free Rubberific Redwood Mulch Sample – Recycled Rubber Mulch Facebook Page (still available)
- Free 20% Off Bed Bath & Beyond Coupon – sign up at your local Bed Bath & Beyond store to receive these coupons (still available)
- Free Gillette Fusion ProGlide Razor and Coupons – Slam Dunk Central
- Free BluApple Fruit & Vegetable Fresher – Mamapedia
- Free South Carolina State Museum Information and Coupons – Check your local Chamber of Commerce or Visitors Center for these coupons, ours came in the mail but you can probably get similar ones
- Free “No More Dreaded Mondays” by Dan Miller – my new book to review
- Free Baseline Magazine
- Free Field & Stream Magazine – Value Magazines
- Free CIO Magazine – this one has been coming for several years
- Free Financial Planning Magazine
- Free Tech & Learning Magazine – this one has been coming for several years
- Free Network World Magazine – this one has been coming for several years
- Free Newsweek Magazine – Rewards Gold
- Free Internet Retailer Magazine -this one has been coming for several years
- Free Wallstreet & Technology Magazine
- And more free magazines and local coupons!
If you are like me it is nice when you get a mailbox with free coupons and samples in it. The bills will come as well but when you get a mailbox full of free items it helps make the day a little more enjoyable. Plus the coupons and samples are a great way to stretch your budget and share with others!
Fresh & Healthy: Community Supported Agriculture (Week 4)
It is our fourth week receiving fresh produce from our CSA! Our family purchased a half of share and will be receiving fresh produce, local honey, eggs and more for 20 weeks. I plan to give an update on the items we receive from week to week. Jake picked up the fresh veggies this week for us while I was delivering a meal to a friend that recently had her first baby.Week 4 of Fresh Goodies from our CSA!
Fresh Vegetables from our CSA!
Items in our Basket this Week:
- Bundle of Swiss Chard
- Bundle of Beets
- Bundle of Carrots
- Half a Dozen of Fresh Eggs
- Onions
- Potatoes
- 3 – Zucchini
I am looking forward to eating these goodies this week! Thanks everyone for the delicious Recipes!!! Do you have any amazing recipes to share that use Chards?
To find out how you can be a part of a local CSA check out this post – Fresh & Healthy: Community Supported Farms
Book: “There’s a Wocket in My Pocket” by Dr. Seuss
Our family enjoys quite a few of Dr. Seuss’s books! His book There’s a Wocket in My Pocket! by Dr. Suess has been a favorite for a long time. When Jake and I were dating in college I purchased this book and a small stuffed frog for his “Zillow on his Pillow”. We have read the girls the book and told them the story of Daddy’s “Zillow” many times. They now have “Zillows” of their own after reading the book and hearing Daddy’s story. It is a great kids book that’s fun to read with them!
Family Recipe: Luscious Baked Chocolate Cheesecake
My mother in law, Kay, is a wonderful cook. I didn’t grow up making cheesecakes but have made a few since marrying into the family. Kay makes amazing cheesecakes, however, her Luscious Chocolate Cheesecake is my favorite! For those of you who enjoy chocolate and cheesecake this is a recipe you need to try, it’s delicious! Add a few fresh strawberries to the finished product and you have an awesome dessert ready for when guests arrive or to celebrate a special evening with your family.Luscious Baked Chocolate Cheesecake:
- 1/3 cup Margarine or Butter, melted
- 1/4 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 3 – 8 oz packages Cream Cheese
- 1 – 14 oz can Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 1 – 12 oz package Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, melted OR 8 – 1 oz squares of Semi-Sweet Chocolate melted
- 4 Eggs
- 2 teaspoons of Vanilla
Preheat the oven to 300°. Combine margarine, crumbs and sugar; pat firmly into the bottom of a 9 inch spring form pan. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add condensed milk and beat until smooth. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Pour into prepared pan. Bake 1 hour and 5 minutes or until the cheesecake springs back when lightly touched. Cool to room temperature. Chill. Remove the side of the pan. Garnish as desired. Garnish Ideas – chocolate curls, syrup, fresh strawberries, white chocolate sprinkles, whipped cream, or anything that compliments the chocolate cheesecake.
Photo by CEThompson
Summer Activities: The Girls First Greenville Drive’s Baseball Game
Greenville Drive Stadium - Fluor Field We were able to get tickets to a Greenville Drive Baseball through a work contact so we decided to take the girls to their first Greenville Drive’s Baseball Game. The Greenville Drive is an affiliate of the Boston Red Sox’s Team. Like with any outdoor event such as baseball you are subject to the weather conditions. The girls were super excited but after the game got delayed followed by wind, rain, hail, and thunder they had to cancel the game for the night. Although it was a fascinating experience watching the workers drag the huge tarp out onto the field the game being cancelled was a disappointment. The girls handled it fairly well and we were managed to squeeze in a few minutes of another special activity. We were able to get another set of Drive tickets for a double header so their first Drive game was postponed temporarily.
Having fun on the playground at the Greenville Drive Stadium! 
Saying "HI" to Reedy the Greenville Drive mascot before the game! 
You guessed it! The girls first Greenville Drive baseball game and was pouring rain and hail. The giant tarp was not coming off the field that night! 
Brina had a moment of sadness because it rained and the baseball game was cancelled. 
Daddy trying to cheer up Karlie despite her obvious disappointment that the game was rained out! 
Since the game was cancelled we managed to squeeze in ice cream sundaes and a little bit of play time at McDonald's indoor play area! Can you find them? (Hint - look at the ceiling) 
WAY up high! 
They like to be up in the high towers, can you tell! Fun Activities on the Last Few Days at School
I was able to go spend a morning volunteering at the girls school recently. Thankful that I have had a number opportunities throughout the year to participate in their classroom. One of the benefits to having twins in the same classroom is you don’t have to split your time between several different rooms. The girls LOVE it when Mommy hangs out with them at school and Mommy is excited they still want to have me be a part of their school group. The last several days of school are always busy with extra activities. One of the days I was able to help out with was their annual Field Day which is a full day outside competing in a variety of kid games.
Karlie working at a picture for one of her friends! 
Brina thrilled that Mommy is taking a moment to watch her draw while helping with their class! 
Karlie and Brina resting in between games on Field Day! 
Brina's turn to carry the bean bag in the relay for her team on Field Day! 
Karlie was one of the few kids that made it all the way hopping down and back without losing the ball between her knees. I was pretty impressed, probably couldn't do that myself! 
Brina doing the sack race, she was a trooper for her team! 
Almost to the finish line! Go KARLIE Go!!! It is hard to believe the school is done and they are out for the summer. We have many fun activities already planned for the summer and I know we’ll come up with even more stuff to do. They have already listed several things that we did last summer tat they want to do again (guess that’s good because last summers memories were positive)! Glad they enjoy hanging out with Mom because I love these months at home with the kids!
Save A Lot: Deals for the week of June 8 – 14, 2011
The Save A Lot weekly ad deals are listed below for your convenience. There are a lot of great deals that are continued this week at Save A Lot for $1.00. Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!
Meats and Seafood
Eckrich Hot Dogs or Bologna (16 oz) – $1.00
Carolina Ground Turkey (16 oz ) – $1.00
Butterball Turkey Bacon (6 oz) – $1.00
Use $0.65/1 coupon from insert 5/22 Red Plum (Expires 7/10/11)
$0.35 each after couponGwaltney Pork Sausage (12 oz) – $1.00
Fresh Pork Tenderloin – $3.88 per lb
Boneless Chicken Breast – $1.88 per lb
Chicken Drumsticks or Thighs – $0.88 per lb
Half Boneless Pork Loin Roast – $2.49 per lb
80% Lean Ground Chuck – $2.88 per lb
Simmons Buffalo or BBQ Boneless Wings (32 oz) – $6.59
Pick 5 for $19.99 promo on going: Pick any 5 specially marked packages of your favorite cuts of fresh, frozen or smoked meats and pay just $19.99 (about $2 per pound).
Fridge and Freezer
Oscar Mayer Lunchables – $1.00
Reser’s Assorted Salads & Coleslaw – $1.00
Use $1.00/1 printable coupon from Coupon Web
Free after each couponMinute Maid Lemonade or Fruit Punch – $1.00
Tony’s Crispy Crust Pizza – $1.00
Use $1.00/3 coupon from insert 5/22 Smart Source (Expires 7/31/11)
Use $1.00/5 coupon from insert 4/17 Smart Source (Expires 7/9/11)
Use $1.00/5 coupon from insert 3/20 Smart Source (Expires 6/11/11)
Use $0.50/4 coupon from insert 5/22 Smart Source (Expires 8/13/11)
As low as $0.67 each after couponTotino’s Pizza Rolls – $1.00
Use $1.00/3 coupon from insert 5/22 Smart Source (Expires 7/31/11)
Use $0.50/4 coupon from insert 5/22 Smart Source (Expires 8/13/11)
As low as $0.66 each after couponBanquet Dinners – $1.00
Fisher Boy Fish Sticks – $1.00
T. J. Farms Sweet Potato Fries – $1.00
Party Treats Ice Cream Sandwiches (4 count) – $1.00
Tombstone Brick Oven Pizza – $2.49
Curly’s BBQ Pulled Pork or Beef – $3.99
Crisp Frozen Lemonade – $1.19
World’s Fair Sundae Cups – $2.49
Household
Poly Steel Sandwich Zipper Bags (50 count) – $1.00
Joy Dish Liquid – $1.00
Bounty Basic Paper Towels (6 count) – $5.99
Use $2.00/2 coupon from insert 4/10 Red Plum (Expires 6/30/11)
Use $1.00/1 coupon from insert 4/10 Red Plum (Expires 6/30/11)
As low as $4.99 each after couponProduce
Iceberg Lettuce – $1.00
Fresh Tomatoes (3 pack) – $1.00
Baby Carrots (16 oz) – $1.00
Seedless Watermelon – $3.99
Fresh Strawberries – $1.99
Valencia Oranges (3 lb) – $1.99
Vidalia Onions (4 lb) – $1.99
Grocery
Pringles (Original and Sour Cream & Onion) – $1.00
Use $1.00/2 coupon from insert 5/22 Red Plum (Expires 6/30/11)
Use $1.00/3 coupon from insert 5/1 Proctor & Gamble (Expires 6/30/11)
As low as $0.50 each after couponKnorr Side Dishes – $1.00
Use $0.50/2 coupon from insert 5/22 Red Plum (Expires 6/19/11)
$0.75 each after couponHamburger Helper Dinner – $1.00
Use $1.00/3 coupon from insert 5/22 Smart Source (Expires 7/16/11)
Use $1.00/3 coupon from insert 5/1 Smart Source (Expires 6/25/11)
Use $0.75/3 coupon from insert 4/17 Smart Source (Expires 6/11/11)
Use $0.75/3 coupon from insert 5/1 Smart Source (Expires 6/25/11)
As low as $0.67 each after couponSave A Lot Apple Juice (64 oz) – $1.00
Sundia Fruit Cups (8 oz) – $1.00
Red Gold Ketchup (40 oz) – $1.00
Use $0.50/2 printable coupon from Red Gold
$0.75 each after couponWoeber’s Mustard (24 oz) – $1.00
Kurtz Sweet Relish – $1.00
Shasta Soda (4 pack) – $1.00
Deer Park Spring Water (3 liter) – $1.00
Crunch & Munch Butter Toffee – $1.00
Dippables – $1.00
Mantia’s Pasta Sauce – $1.00
Shelby’s Grove Sliced Peaches – $1.00
J Higgs Pretzels – $1.00
Chicken of the Sea Chunk White Tuna – $1.00
Allure Zero Calorie Sweetener – $1.00
Jade Dragon Soy Sauce – $1.00
Kellogg’s Cereal – $1.88
Use $1.00/2 printable coupon from Kellogg’s
Use $1.00/3 printable coupon from Kellogg’s
Use $1.00/3 coupon from insert 5/15 Red Plum (Expires 6/26/11)
As low as $1.38 each after couponHawaiian Punch (1 gallon) – $1.88
Baumann’s Best Barbeque Sauce – $1.19
Cowboy Billy’s Baked Beans – $0.79
Bakery
Mini Cupcakes (12 count) – $2.49
Bundt Cake – $5.99
Bakery Fresh Cherry or Apple Pie – $2.99
Sliced Loaf Cake – $2.99
Remember you can use the $5/$25 printable coupon to sweeten these deals! Plus you can earn up to 5 additional $5 off $25 coupons for sharing the coupon with your friends.
For more information about Save A Lot’s coupon policies go here. If you find additional deals or savings please let me know and I will add them to the list.
Summer Activities: Enjoying our First Juicy Watermelon of the Season
Thanks Daddy for the Yummy Watermelon! Yes I made the girls eat it outside, we know how messy they can get with this juicy treat! As a special treat Jake brought home a watermelon recently! It was our first watermelon of the season so we were super excited to dig into the juicy melon. The last watermelon I purchased wasn’t great but this one was AMAZING!!!! Maybe the key is to have dear hubby pick them out in the future.
Eating watermelon brings back memories…..the first few watermelons the girls ate were the sweet yellow watermelons because we got a bunch on sale at the local Farmer’s Market. When we gave them the regular “pink” watermelon for the first time they didn’t believe us at first that it really was watermelon because it wasn’t yellow! Every summer season we enjoy sharing our first watermelon together, this year we kicked off the season with a traditional seedless pink one. Maybe we’ll have to head to the local Farmer’s Market and get yellow to enjoy soon.
Brina munching away on the sweet watermelon! Too busy eating to even look at the camera! 
Karlie licking off her sticky fingers! Ummm.....Mom where's the napkins? She was more concerned about the mess she was making! Thanks babe for the delicious treat, it hit the spot on a hot day! All of us enjoyed eating our first watermelon of the season and are already looking forward to the next one!
Song: “Keep Changing the World” by Mikeschair
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWQpzKHEwVg&feature=related
“Keep Changing the World” is great reminder of how one person can make a difference for in the lives of people around them. When we show the love of Christ to others in our neighborhood and community we have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others. We can change the world we live in by helping those around us. It is hard for me to imagine “children without homes” but I know it happens. Pray about ways you can get involved and help those within your immediate community.
