Rudy Family Rukus~Parenting tips and humor meet in one big "rukus"

I can't believe we are finished.  I actually did it.  I kicked my budgets behind and I survived.  I learned some things I didn't know before.  I reactivated my desire to coupon and save money.  I realized that not only can I save money but I can also live greener and teach my kids great habits as well.  We are eating more healthy and here at home.   We did eat out today but it was a special occasion.  We met our "daddy" for lunch.  I was thrilled that the restaurant we chose was having a buy a fortune cookie for $2 and get the chance to donate to St. Jude's Hospital (Children's Cancer) and possibly get your meal for free.  That fit perfectly with the challenge for this week to give back or donate.  Knowing that donating on a budget is absolutely doable makes me very happy.  So I gave the server my $2 and picked a fortune cookie and you will never guess what it said!  No I didn't get my meal for free it said.... Did my fortune read my post from yesterday

Pretty sure I am the worst blogger ever lately.  I am having a difficult time getting any computer time.  It might have something to do with the illness we have had for the past two weeks.  I mentioned it last week in my brief posts.  I am so angry about the entire situation I can't discuss it right now..... I digress.  Or it could have something to do with the organization book I am reading that doesn't include blogging time or I haven't gotten to that chapter yet.  Or it might be that my kids are off track and I am trying to enjoy every moment we have left of this gorgeous weather before we have to hibernate for the winter..... I could go on.  Here are some things we have been doing... First day of preschool Dance classes (oh and playing with the editing tool on Photobucket) Flag Football And of course enjoying the last HOT day of the year by cooling off in the pool.  I promise to be better about posting and commenting I do love blogging and all my fantastic bloggy

I am a little slow getting this up this week.  We have been suffering from strep again..... More on this later this week.   The challenge this week was "rolling rewards".  You can read more about the challenge over at In Good Cents .   Something I found very tricky when I first started but now I am a pro--haha!  Actually my favorite place to get rolling rewards is Target.  They have great sales that offer a $5 gift card when you buy certain items.  This week  Target had a few items on this deal that I needed.  For example Downey was buy two get a $5 gift card.  So I had 4 coupons (because I get 4 Sunday papers) they were for $1.50/1 from the P&G insert and so I got 2 $5 gift cards.  I shopped this sale the last time and my supply lasted until they went on sale again.  Hooray!   I am far from getting my stuff for free but I love having those gift cards to use on my next trip.   I also try to shop the sales at Smiths that are buy "x" amount of items get $$ back

I called this challenge a HUGE success since I have been trying to do this for the past few years.   Clair suggested we pick an item our family loves to use and go with it for a week.  She suggested getting rid of some of the disposable items in our lives.  It not only saves money but also the environment.  She suggested baby wipes, ziploc bags, and paper towels.  Since I have an intense relationship with all of those items I decided to discuss some other items that we have given up over the past few years instead and how that affected me and my family.   We used to love these little fluffy delights in the shower and tub.  Me in particular....  I made me feel like a girl and as though I was giving myself a little extra attention in the shower.  However I realized that they are not good for the environment and I get just as much love from my washcloth in the shower. We also love body washes.  I sadly cut most of those out too.  The only time I get body wash is if I can get it for fr

Our favorite part of the game is going on the field AFTER the game.  Everyone is anxious the entire second half waiting to hang out with daddy.  The OT didn't help the situation any this week.  I did manage to get a friend to snap a picture of me with the kids since I NEVER get in front of the camera.   If we look tired it is because we are... thus the glazed eyes and crazy hair.  I love Dalton's smile in this picture he loves football! Hosted by Krystyn at Really, Are You Serious? Joining up with Krystyn over at Really, Are you Serious for Mommy and Me Monday.

Just wanted to share this message today.  I love these they always make me feel like I am doing something right in my life.  Hope it speaks to you the way it did to me.

That is one powerful look from a 3-year old! Catching some serious air on the tramp... A beautiful sunrise on Monday. I couldn't get enough of the sky this week.  I love the clouds and the sun peeking thru! What did you capture this week? Linking up with Lolli over at Better In Bulk for Give Me Your Best Shot head on over to see what others were shooting this week.

Was reading some blogs last night and my awesome friend Cassi had this posted yesterday!  It made me cry and smile all at the same time. What would you have told yourself?

I know I am slow but better late than never.  My very tardy Wordless Wednesday post!  Linked up over at CrazyLand