What a Beautiful Mess...

This is how I feel about all my Family and Friends

2009-01-30T10:13:00.000-08:00

Queen Bee of FREEBIES

2009-01-28T19:34:00.001-08:00

I am the self proclaimed Queen Bee of Freebies. Kind of catchy, isn't it! Really, I know that I am being blessed beyond belief and me being able to utilize my passion for cheapness, is just a perk. I cannot tell you how thankful I am for great neighbors, family members, and friends. We have all been coming together and supporting each other with our "time, talents, and all that we have been blessed with" (that's in D&C folks, don't get all rylled up)

It is amazing what you can do with coupons.
Today at Albertsons I spent $8.46 and got all of this-

That is 16 items folks at only .53 cents each! I actually did it twice today and got all of the same except for more popcorn and no crackers and cheese and I only paid $5.28
To do this you need 2 Purell Hand sanitizer 2/2$ coupons and
buy the smallest ones and you actually make money on those.
2 Culinary Circle 1$ off coupons
and 2 Orville popcorn 1/1$ coupons
and last you need the 2/2$ Nibisco crackers that was in
SmartSource in Sunday's paper. (This one isn't online)
Then you just combine these with Albertson's in-store coupons for the Crackers and free cheese, buy 1 get 3 free popcorns, and buy 1 pizza get 1 free plus 2 Dr. peppers for free.

This is my Coupon book aka photo album and I love it
It is easy to see and find the coupons I need; plus it is cute!

So basically here is all the tricks and tips. I COPY OTHER PEOPLE.
Yea, I use my google reader Which I can't really explain; just click on the words to the left and it will tell you all about it. But basically you get feeds from all your favorite websites, blogs, couponing resources in all one spot. So you don't spend hours visiting everysite to see if there are any good deals for the day.

So here is the scoop; Albertson's new ad comes out every Wednesday. Tuesday night I check Pinching your Pennies (Which is a Utah based site, so everyone in Utah can use it for Smiths and Maceys too) and print off online coupons. That site has a star rating system. The more stars the better the deal and what is cool about this site is that they will actually give you the link for the online coupon and give you the final price. Then on Wednesday I go to the store and combine in-store deals with on-line-manufacturer coupons and waalahh you get free stuff and awesome deals on food and food storage. It is a win win all around
Here are some of the sites I always visit.
You can blog hop and also print coupons right off of their sites

Krazy Coupon lady

www.grocerysmarts.com This one is alot like PYP aka pinching your pennies

Hot Coupon World This site is awesome. Such a great resource. You can search any item like for instance I needed a Orville Popcorn coupon for albertsons today and I typed Orv and up popped a bunch of information on where to get those coupons and how much they are worth. I actually made money off of that deal today because I printed off the coupons and a rebate for if you buy one popcorn and mail in the receipt. So when I get my rebate back they actually paid me a dollar to buy my second Albies trip!

Marathon Post

2009-01-28T03:24:00.000-08:00

Well, well, well! I have been so ridiculously busy that I haven't had time to blog about some of the coolest happenings of our lives lately. So Marathon Post here we come!

1st off I have to post about my kiddos Christmas presents, Yes a month late but only because I just added the finishing touches to Drew's present yesterday. Each Christmas Ross and I only get the kids one big present and then stocking stuffers; but each year- due to grandparents and aunts and uncles- the kids keep getting more and more! How will we compete with that crap in years to come? Moving on, so for Drew; my dad and I collaborated and he built her her very own kitchen.

Isn't it darling. When I was in Utah for New Years, I went to Ikea and bought the S-hooks, basket, and coasters (aka-burners on the oven). My mom got the kids the microwave; which really works by-the-way, and she also put the vinyl lettering on. It turned out cuter than I could have imagined and both kids love it and play well together while using it.

My model Corbin- as usual- would not cooperate. But these aprons and chef hats that I made- out of dish towels- were in the kids stockings. Drew loves hers and has to wear it everyday while helping me make dinner or even pour cereal. haha

Corbin for Christmas got a Big Wheel that he can't play with until the summer! He too loves his gift. When I saw the target add for it I knew I had to get it for him. I still remember my Big Wheel; I rode that thing everywhere. I drove it even after the middle of the front wheel concaved in. And to prove it I uploaded a picture of me and my beloved Big Wheel. -Yes those are trailers and that is the trailer court I grew up in.

Survivor Tryouts

Last Thursday My dad and I went to open call for survivor! He is a HUGE fan and heard about the tryouts on the radio so while he was at work I downloaded the application and when he got off we went over there together. We had so much fun standing in line; people watching and thinking of what to say. They give you three minutes to say or do whatever you want. I wasn't nervous until the very end of my schpill, when I thought, "how do you rap this up?" All the other girls where ending with various kisses and flailing-of-the-arms and all... and that just isn't me so I awkwardly bumbled "The end" and walked off of the stage. Needless to say I doubt Hollywood will be calling me but pray they will anyway; I need the survivor diet, free swag, and million dollars!

While we were waiting we ran into Dan (one of Ross's co-workers from Costco) and he actually went and bought that fish from the pet store one door down from where we auditioned and he ate it... LIVE. Poor fishy

DON'T look at my eyes. I am soooooooooo tired in this picture because we took this after the tryouts late that night- way past my bed time- and I just really wanted to put up a pic of me and my dad. He and I rarely get to do things just the two of us and I really enjoyed our Daddy-Daughter Date. Love you DAD

Stinkin Cute Hair!

2009-01-28T03:03:00.000-08:00

So Lately I have been into doing Drew's hair! I can't stand it in her face and I stumbled across this blog (thanxs Miz Walker) where all she does is hair and posts how-to instructions for every imaginable hair style. She also has listed on the, left hand side, links to other fancy hairdo sites.

here is the link if anyone is interested :)

Christmas Letter 08

2008-12-24T16:10:00.001-08:00

Drew is mostly featured here because her brother only likes his picture taken
when he is being naughty!

One of Corbin's many "adventures" described in Our Christmas Letter. He is so proud of himself too. In the top picture you can actually see the Mascara deep inside his ear!

December, 2008

Hello friends and family,

It is time once again to reflect on the year passed. We can’t help being anything but grateful this year. With the economy, the way it is, we are just glad we have everything we need. Ross still has a job, even after they laid off all the part-time employees at Costco. We still have a roof over our head. And everyone is healthy and strong.

Since our children are our greatest treasures, you get to hear all about them! Drew turned 3 in September. She is so smart and observant. She takes everything literally. She notices when the moon is “fixed” and full again because when it is waning, in her words, “Mom, Look! Somebody cut the moon!” When Grandma Madsen asked her where she got her blue eyes, she replied, “ummm…. the eyeball store?” Drew loves to sing. She sings all day. We love it. She has become the snugglier child as of late and Ross is eating it up; like he needs an excuse to stay in bed longer! We love our girly girl. She is so very helpful and fun and a bright spot in our day.

Corbin, Corbin, Corbin…. Is all I have to say. This month alone, he has dumped an entire box of raisin bran on the floor and spread it around the house, tracked in perfect little boy footprints onto my carpet that was cleaned about 4 hours before, painted our walls, sheets, and couch with toothpaste, shampoo, lotion, and Ross’s hair gel. (And yes, if you come to our house, the bathroom and our bedroom doors are ALWAYS locked) He almost painted the blinds with his “#2”, and who can forget that he has knocked out 3 of his front teeth on two separate occasions this year. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. He’s already quite skilled in the area of milking his parents. The second I even glance, in his direction, an upset look he runs to me and not away! (Drew runs away) He stretches out his arms and puckers his cute and fat little lips and tries to give me a kiss! He doesn’t even turn 2 until February and works us like a pro. But we love him anyway. He is our little man and I guess we will keep him.

I hope this letter finds your family doing well. I am thankful for the Christmas spirit. It is always nice to observe the birth of our Savior and remember that He is the reason for the season, as we strive to follow His example. We love you,

Love Ross, Amber, Drew, and Corbin Olsen

Everyone is Sleeping but Mom

2008-12-23T18:38:00.000-08:00

Where do you think mom fitd on this bed?.... If you were thinking on the No Where! or on the couch; you were right.

Corbin fell asleep like this! And stayed asleep (as you can tell by the drool marks on the couch)

Twilight Movie!

2008-11-23T22:32:00.000-08:00

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

Yes I know I the trailer takes up a ton of space. But it's worth it! Just bare
through the mini commercial in the beginning. ;)

My aunt Meg bought me a ticket and found me a babysitter so that I could
go with her and Taylor to the show on Saturday. There was no line, we sat
right in the middle, ahh I love Idyho. I had so much fun teasingTaylor and
getting a break from the chillins. Thanks Meg! I love you.

I must say I have mixed feelings about the movie. I think I like this trailer
much better than the movie. Maybe if I hadn't read the book I would have
liked the movie more. It is just that my imagination is sooooooooooo much
better! The actors that portrayed the Cullens didn't live up to my
expectations; at all!. In fact Edward seemed a little stalker-ish and creepy
to me. But when they come out with the sequel, you know I will be paying
the big bucks to watch it.

Halloween Party08

2008-11-01T11:03:00.000-07:00

Last night we had a Halloween party with all the cousins and Aaron! We had so much fun playing games and harassing each other. I am thankful to live next to so many of my favorite people (hint hint; Cassie you need to move here!) We really enjoyed ourselves. But besides the fact we are all related; you guys are my best friends. I think we made a pact in heaven to stick together and support each other out here in this crazy world and here we are, doing just that. I love you and thanks everyone for pitching in and entertaining us.

From left to right; Lindsay, Cassie, me, Teri (Sara Palin), JillBills, Courtney/Trophey wife

From left to right; Nate (God's gift to women), Drew, Blake, Jared Obama, Ross, Aaron

More Halloween Party

Cassie and Drew were Tiger Wood's Fans and Conrad was a Tiger. Isn't he tender. Oh I love that cute little squishy face. Ross and I were Greek Gods. Ross said it just looked like we were going to a toga party.

Halloween Oufits

Look at my babies. Grandma bought these clothes for them, of course, and because she wouldn't drive 3 miles to see them for herself I had to take a picture for her. I love that they are holding hands. Although I did have to make them! Corbin needs his own tricycle so that he doesn't have to be photographed on a pink one. so if anyone sees a cute one at a garage sale for like 10 bucks let me know.

2008-10-23T16:06:00.000-07:00

I can't even begin to tell you how blessed I feel, as of late. It is so beautiful this time of year and I am so glad I have family and friends to share holiday activities with. Today we went to the pumpkin patch today with Lindsay, Kael, and Conner. They had free mazes, and petting zoo for the kids. Drew and Corbin played so hard that thier faces were stained with dirt and they fell asleep as soon as we got home. Ross was so funny too. We had to get a "mommy" and a "daddy" pumpkin and we ended up leaving with 6 pumpkins because Drew had smuggled some "cute" gourds in her coat. Yea my daughter steals. I tried explaining that we didn't pay for them but she just said that they were hers and they were cute. What do ya do?!

Trunk or Treat

2008-10-23T15:37:00.000-07:00

We had our trunk and treat last night at the church building. We had so much fun. Drew loved the cupcake walk; so much that even after she won a cupcake she just wanted to keep walking in a circle to the music. We also won prizes in the bean bag toss and made sucker ghosts and spiders (made out of mounds-candy and pretzel sticks). Jack and Maryn came with us and we all had fun walking from trunk to trunk. We love our ward. They were so creative in decorating thier trunks! It was impressive. Corbin, as you can tell by the pictures, is entering the terrible twos and wouldn't wear his "chicken little" glasses or his costume. He just screams at me all of the time. It's lovely! Can't wait to have #3

As Good as it's Gonna Get Family Pics

2008-10-22T11:46:00.000-07:00

My dad took our pictures out by the corn fields next to our house yesterday and there is not one (of all 4 of us, anyway) that I could blow up and frame on my wall. Corbin cried the whole time because he didn't want to be held and he wanted the sucker in grandpa's front t-shirt pocket! Other than that, we had fun. Ross cut Corbin's hair 2 days ago and Corbin looks like an old man to me. Ross is so proud of his little clone! They just adore eachother; I love it.

Halloween Fun

2008-10-19T15:00:00.000-07:00

Ross, the kids, and I all went over to my cousin Lindsay's house to do some halloween crafts. I think Lindsay and I may have had a little too much fun "finishing" the kid's crafts! But check out how cute they are! I never want to carve a pumpkin again. No, Ross wasn't in on the festivities; he and Josh played wii for close to 4hours.

Drew and Corbin Love to go over to Conner and Kael's house. Drew asks for them all of the time :)

Sara Evans Concert

2008-09-17T15:29:00.000-07:00

Jessica took me to the Sara Evans Concert for Girls Night out. We felt naked without our hubbys but we tried to enjoy ourselves anyway ;) We both realized that we were old moms, shortly after arriving, because our feet were killing us! We both wore heels and as you can see, Jessica was cursing her shoes after the concert. While we were there, we ran into our cousin Danielle and Aunti Meg. It was a family affair.

Drew Turns 3

2008-09-11T13:16:00.000-07:00

My baby turned 3 on Monday, September 8th. I Can't believe it. We invited Amanda and her babes; Jack and Maryn over to Grandma Madsen's backyard for a party. Drew was so excited to be a pirate but she had to hold her purse (which contains her dog that she named burrito) on one arm and fight off Jack with her sword in the other. We had so much fun eating chocolate molten cupcakes for her birthday and watching the kids play. This was the first time Drew was really excited to open presents. She's is old enough to "get" that her birthday is all about her and she abused her birthday powers to the fullest. She actually said, "mom, can I have some gum? it's my birthday!"

Shrine to Corbin

2008-09-11T12:28:00.000-07:00

I think I have a ton of pictures of Corbin. So I am just going to call it what it is, a shrine. But Drew won't pose for pictures and Corbin will. The second one is a little overexposed; I couldn't resist putting it up anyway.

Mommy Thinks She Can Cut Hair

2008-09-11T12:16:00.000-07:00

I cut Corbin's curly locks off! I did it while Ross was at work. I thought he would be so mad but he was just sad, which was then replaced by "my son looks like a pimp!" (not my words but Ross')
I just think that Corbin looks like a little boy and not a baby anymore :( I wish they could stay little forever

2008-09-02T15:17:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun when Cassie and Conrad came to visit. I am not sure Conrad had tons of fun but we enjoyed them anyway. Drew, as you can tell, wanted to hold baby Conrad every second. And of course her cute attire was sponsered by Grandma Madsen. She is so so spoiled.

We Are The Champions My Friends Da Da Da!

2008-08-07T18:38:00.001-07:00

Part of my Cheering Section. Grandma and grandpa Madsen, Ross, Drew, and Corbin all came to the championship game. In which we won 13-1. Pretty sad (for the opposition) but loads of fun for me. Our team had to play Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday to claim the title "champion." We were all injured and we all decided we are all getting to old to play. So no fall ball for me. Maybe by spring I will feel young again.

Me and my girl Amanda

Our Sweet Team

BSU Spirit

2008-08-07T18:28:00.000-07:00

Look at my adorable cheerleader. Aunt Sam would be proud. My Auntie Meg bought these outfits for the kids so it was time for a photo shoot. Corbin was not thrilled about the experience but we got in a few shots anyway. 2nd cousins Taylor and Tommy joined in on the fun.

Walking Calamity

2008-07-16T14:19:00.001-07:00

FOR THE GOOD LOVE! Our sweet son has now knocked out one tooth plus TWO, which makes THREE. I can't even believe it. So on Sunday morning, right before church, I went to look for the wipes (cuz Corbin was # 2-ing) and I heard him crying in the kitchen. I ran to pick him up and he was bleeding; I was hysterical of course and ran him to Ross, who was in the shower, and noticed a tooth on the floor. After Corbin was all cleaned up I went to see what happened and noticed ANOTHER tooth on the floor and a chunk missing out of the chair! All I can say is that I hope this is not the first of many calamities. I am a wuss. I hate blood and seeing my babe's owies. I thought I wanted like 20 boys but after this experience I think I am fine with one or two. P.S. I am the only one who can call him 'quazi' NO one else!!!

Makin $ off the Tooth Fairy Early

2008-07-16T14:11:00.000-07:00

The Potty Princess

2008-07-13T13:59:00.000-07:00

Now that I am staying home I get to focus on potty training Drew. We have had some fun times! (please sense the sarcasm) Every time she goes potty she gets to be the potty princess and we throw a party for her. I finally had to buy Drew her very own toilet and let her run around naked for a whole day and she wouldn't go the bathroom for 8 hours (that I know of!) and then finally she went in her potty! It has been an exhausting week and we were so busy over the weekend I get to start potty training all over on Monday.

4th of July

2008-07-13T13:44:00.001-07:00

Me and Uncle Todd

Drew Trying to get GG with a water balloon

Daddy helping Drew down the water slide

Corbin having the time of his life

4th of July was spent in Grandma Milich's Backyard (as tradition) And we had so much fun. Uncle Todd has most of the pictures on his camera which we will post soon.
Corbin wasn't feelin' the hugs from Drew as you can tell.

Corbin w/ Great-Grandpa Milich

2008-07-13T13:38:00.000-07:00

We Moved!

2008-07-03T17:10:00.000-07:00

We Moved out of the Ghetto! That is the good news. The bad news is that we no longer have FREE access to the internet so my posts will be few and far in between. Sorry blog stalkers! We now live off of Middleton and Flamingo and Chris and Jessica Milich are our neighbors. I love having my cousins soooooo close. Close enough for Chris to come over and eat Oreos and watch T.V. every night before he goes to bed and stick his stinky hard working feet in my face. I love him!

And They're Off

2008-06-12T14:45:00.000-07:00

We have this little jeep but it has been in storage. When Drew saw it we had to pull it out for her and she just knew what to do and how to drive it. It is made for one person but they both were able to share. It was so cute to see them off and independently playing together.

Jeep For Two

2008-06-12T14:37:00.000-07:00

The Jeep can really go over stuff
and quickly too. Drew is a natural
at four wheelin' Meanwhile
Corbin was just chillin and enjoying
the ride.

Ummm I have brown hair and freckles

2008-06-03T09:44:00.000-07:00

I was sick of dying my hair every 5 -8 weeks so I dyed it all one color yesterday and I actually love it. I an not photogenic (as you can see by my glamor shots) but in real life it is cute. Ross said he liked it better than the blonde me. But Corbin is still unsure. For such a mamma's boy; he can't decide if he wants to go to me or not since the change

Cowgirl

2008-05-30T12:36:00.000-07:00

We went Horseback riding with Karlynn (a lady Ross works with at Costco) and Drew begged and begged to "ride the horsey. She was even wearing her cowgirl boots so how could we not let her ride?! Corbin slept in the stroller and missed out on all of the fun.
On our way home Drew kept telling Ross, "I want to be just like you, a cowboy"

Family Photo Finally!

2008-05-25T19:13:00.001-07:00

Hangin Out By the Pool

2008-05-25T13:31:00.001-07:00

I think Ross really enjoyed himself, even more than Drew did. Wouldn't you say he might be a little too big for the kiddie pool!

But at the end of the evening Drew just wanted daddy to hold her while she enjoyed warming up in the sun. I can't even begin to express what a blessing it is to be here in Idaho. We have so much time to enjoy each other and our family. I actually don't chew my nails anymore! I have long beeeuutiful nails for the first time in my life. I love my hubby and his willingness to do the Lord's will and also his willingness to be an active playmate for our children. No one can play with our babies like Daddy can.

The Difference betwen Boys and Girls

2008-05-22T23:04:00.000-07:00

My mom was playing with the kids in the garden the other day and she showed Drew a worm and tried (unsuccessfully) to get Drew to hold it but she would have none of that, because the worm was "yucky and scary." Grandma then showed Corbin and he looked at it, reached for it, and then ripped the dang thing in half and walked away; like "what's the big deal!"

2008-05-22T17:28:00.001-07:00

This is my first blog! And what better event to start with than the first ever picture with all of Drew and Corbin's cousins on the Madsen side. We took these pictures in April down at Nelson's Grove Park. That park is so so beautiful. From left to right is; Mariah, Corbin, Drew, and baby Conrad (He is only a few days old! Isn't he sweet.)

Corbin's First Boo Boo

2008-05-22T16:43:00.000-07:00

Corbin had his first accident on the 10th of April.
He fell on a wooden toy (with 2 wooden pegs jutting out) and popped out his entire tooth including the root. I was at work and Ross was a witness (I hope) to the accident. So now for the next 5 to 6 years when you see pictures of our son; you will know why we are poor white trash. I told my mom that all we need now is for Drew to have a few silver teeth, a little rat tail, for Ross and we will fit right in (here in Idyho.) As you can see by pictures, which were taken the day of the accident, Corbin seems to be unaffected by his sore mouth and missing tooth. He is such a happy boy!