Today's Totals (in savings)

Well today I had to go get some of the great deals that are out there right now.  So here's the scoop I went to Safeway spent $43.56 and saved $71.80.  The next stop of the day was at Fry's where I spent $46.87 and saved $53.27.  And lastly I went to Albertson's and spent $26.94 and saved $23.07.  So here are the grand totals spent $117.43 and saved $148.14.  Not bad!  I'm excited to see what deals are out there with this upcoming week's adds!  Have fun and go get yourself a bargain!  

Family Vacation 2009 Part 1

So are you prepared for a long post with a ton of pictures?  If so, keep reading!  

We got back from a fun and much needed family vacation last night.  We went to Knott's Berry Farm, Disneyland, and the Beach.  We brought along two helpers: my sister Kristen; and Mason's habilitation worker Krystal.  Thank goodness we did because even with a ratio of 4 adults to 3 kids it was crazy.  Of course that's how we roll here in the Durham home!  

Here is Mr. Mason in the car looking all studly as we travel to Knott's. 

Daddy trying to be just as cool! :)

Here is Aunt Kristen and little Miss Saige getting out of the car.

This next picture I think is hilarious.  Shortly after we arrived in the park a roller coaster went over their heads and this was Michelle and Mason's reactions.  Classic!  

Here is Michelle and Mason on the first ride.  I think it goes without saying, but right after I took the picture we took Michelle off of the ride.  It's so frustrating that she won't even try them.  Oh well.

Mommy and Mason giving a thumbs up to Aunt Kristen!
Here is Krystal trying to comfort the ever crying Michelle.

LOVE this one of Saige.  Can you see what's wrong here?
A cute one of Krystal and Michelle.

A fun one of mommy and Saige!
Daddy and Mason!
This next picture is one of my absolute favorites from the entire trip.  I know nothing to do with the family...but I thought this little flower was gorgeous.  I can't wait to play around with it in Photoshop!

This next ride was one that everyone could enjoy!

The day after Knott's Berry Farm we decided to have a relaxing day.  We were originally going to go to find a park and pool but somehow ended up watching a movie and playing games.  Here is Lonnie and I getting ready to do dance dance revolution for the very first time.  And yes it was just as scary to watch as you are probably imagining! 

Mason loved the motorcycle!  Thank goodness he just turned 4 and not 16!

Both Michelle and Saige loved the guitars.  Too cute!

LOVE this one of Mason watching/helping daddy play pinball.

Here is a classic from Miss Saige.  Her screaming "NO" as I take a picture!  Gotta love the lungs on this child!

Here is one of Aunt Kristen getting ready to dance.  She was so much better than us!

Here is Miss Krystal kicking everyone's butt on guitar hero!  She rocked at this game!

We had a blast and there are many more pictures to come of Disneyland and the beach!

Happy Father's Day!

Here is one of my favorite pictures from our recent family vacation.  Happy Father's Day Lonnie!

Happy Birthday Mason

I cannot believe that Mr. Mason is four years old today!  How quickly time flies.  Pictures to come later!  Good night!

Photos from the Airport

Okay so Hermana Moffitt has been home since May 20 and I am just now posting photos.  Oh well...better late than never!  Welcome home sista!

"are you having a party or something?"

Let me start out this post by acknowledging that we are a peculiar people!  I don't know how all of you all out there store your water, but let's just say that about 7 years ago we bought 2 55 gallon drums and they are still empty!  I don't know why but I am scared to death to treat the water with bleach or chlorine.  

Anyhow, so we have chosen to store our water by buying either the cases or gallons.  Well, Safeway has their water on sale for really cheap and I went and bought 20 cases worth!  The gentleman that helped me load this up asked me if I was having a party.  I said yes a couple of them.  What I should of said is no I am trying to be prepared.  Little does he know that is only 10 days worth of water for my family and the sale is good until Tuesday, so I will be back, just not tonight!  

Also, just as an FYI for those of you who are following the madness here in our home, I did order 5 newspapers one week and one week only.  That was way too much work and too time consuming for me.  However, I still do love me a good bargain.  Tonight is a great example.  As you know I bought 20 cases of water, 5 lbs. of sugar, and 4 cases of raspberries.  My total was $63.43 and my savings was $65.52, that is 51%!  I think if I continue to shop like this I will never order another Sunday paper for coupons!

Go on and get prepared!  It feels so good and is money well spent!

Homemade Laundry Detergent

An awesome sister sent this recipe out a little while ago and I made it this morning and it was so easy!  

Here's the recipe for half of a 5 gallon bucket:

1/3 bar of Fels Naptha grated 

1/2 cup of Arm and Hammer Washing Soda

1/2 cup of Borax

Mix the grated soap and 6 cups of water until melted.  Remove from heat.  Add other ingredients and mix until dissolved.  Pour 4 cups of hot water into the 5 gallon bucket.  Then add soap mixture and stir. Next add 1 gallon plus 6 cups of cold water and stir.  Cover and let sit for 24 hours.  The mixture forms a gel-like consistency that needs to be separated.  You can us a whisk or spoon but the best way to do it is to get your hand in there and break it up.

To do a load of laundry use 1/2 cup for normal sized loads or 1 cup for larger loads.

Here's the recipe for a full five gallon bucket:

1 whole bar of the Fels Naptha grated

1 1/2 cups of Arm and Hammer Washing Soda

1 1/2 cups of Borax

Mix the grated soap and 12 cups of water until melted.  Remove from heat.  Add other ingredients and mix until dissolved.  Pour 8 cups of hot water into the 5 gallon bucket.  Then add soap mixture and stir. Next add 2 gallons plus 12 cups of cold water and stir.  Cover and let sit for 24 hours.  The mixture forms a gel-like consistency that needs to be separated.  You can us a whisk or spoon but the best way to do it is to get your hand in there and break it up.

You can buy all of the ingredients at Bashas.  It is super cheap and really good!  Try it out and let me know what you think!

Also, you can use this in a front load washer.  That's what I have and I have had no problems.  I use a cup worth.

warning against canning butter

I finally made homemade salsa last night and canned it!  My sister was over for dinner and we had fajitas with chips and salsa.  She thought it was store bought!  Anyhow we all really liked it.  

This morning I was going to finish up some canning by canning butter.  Interestingly enough I happened to check a couple of different food storage/preparedness blogs and there was a post on this subject.  You can find it here.  Apparently canning your own butter is not safe.  Bet you can't guess what I will NOT be doing this morning!