Free and Cheap, My favorite!

I've never written my blog so early in the morning. For the second day in a row, I was up before 8 to get some good deals. Yesterday it was 4 packs of playdoh for $1, today it was melting chocolate for candies and cookies. But, I did successfully get the last of both deals. Forty canisters of playdoh for $10, and 100 ounces of Chocolate for $13. Not bad. You know how I love a good deal, and this week was full of them. 

But now I'm up before anyone else. I've been out, I've gotten what I need to get and now the house is totally quiet and everyone's still asleep, so blogging seemed like the best option. (As opposed to cleaning the house, or some nonsense like that).

So lets rewind to last Sunday. Because the game was at 1, we decided we would stop by Publix to pick up their chicken dinners for tailgating. For $12 you get a 8 pack of chicken, two sides, and rolls. We picked up some cookies, and pinapple was buy one, get one, so it was a little more. But if we can stay under $20 for a tailgating event, I am a happy camper. Justin said we could use his table, and so that was our tailgating for the week. Thanks again, Justin! (Could we maybe keep it until the 15th when we have our last home game?) 

We've gone back and fourth on if we should get season tickets again next year. It is very reasonable price per game (the kids are $15, Asa and I are $30), but thats still a lot when you add it up. And let it be noted, this is what Hayden does during all the games. 

It's Kindle and popcorn for him. Which, it is easier for $15 a game to just take him than find someone to watch him. And, for $12 we get a bottomless popcorn and pop, and thats all we ever get, so that keeps everyone happy.  

This week though, we were happy for other reasons. The Bucs played AWESOME. I didn't even have to take the token sad face picture, because THEY WERE NEVER BEHIND. We all had such a great time. I'm sure it helped there were next to zero Falcons fans compared to opposing fans for other games, but after winning on Monday night and again on Sunday, we were all pretty pleased. 

The stadium towards the end of the game was so empty, it was like our Thursday night game. But this time everyone was leaving because the Bucs were ahead by a ton, not the opposing team. 

We, however, as always, stayed until the very end. That score says Bucs 41, Falcons 28. But don't let that fool you, it wasn't that close. The Falcons scored 14 of those in garbage time, with back ups in. And don't let Hayden fool you. About a minute after I took this picture and we were gathering our stuff to go, he looked up and said 'did we win?', and then threw his hands in the air like he cared or something. 

On the way home from the game, we stopped at Evos. (For those of you who don't know it's supposed to be a healthy alternative to 'fast food.) Anyway, I had gotten a coupon for a free sandwich or wrap, one per person. Since we were passing the place on the way home, I decided we should stop, use our coupons, and take them home to have with our left over side dishes from tailgating for dinner. And so, we all got a sandwich or a wrap, and I HAD to take a picture of the receipt. I find some good deals, but this may take the cake.  

Monday during home school, we wrapped up our geography unit. We've been studying all kinds of different landforms, and so I got out all kinds of arts and crafts paint, clay, playdoh, plaster of paris, ect.. and told the boys to use the bottom of a box to create a world with some of the landforms we talked about. 

They worked and worked. Hayden used playdoh, and was pretty proud of himself for topping his mountains with snow for the peak. Calib used the plaster of  paris, being sure to include an isthmus and a peninsula. Peyton spent like two hours on his, using air dry clay. He even made trees for his, out of toothpicks. 

Justin came over Monday night to watch Indiana Jones, and met Maybel for the first time. He liked her, and he generally doesn't like animals. Everyone loves Maybel. 

Tuesday and Wednesday were normal days around here. Hayden made his turkey with written, standard, and expanded form on it. He has had two new concept weeks in a row because of all the classes we've been going to, we haven't had a lot of full days. 

Tuesday night was craft night at the library. Hayden made a couple different astronomy related crafts. 

And, a quick look how cute Maybel is break. She really likes not having to be at the shelter anymore.

Thursday Hayden had a class at Mosi, called Backyard Adventures. We went into the woods, took some water samples, and made a tree craft. With out MOSI pass, classes are $10 each. Toally worth it. 

Keeping with my free and cheap theme of the week, everyone sends me links, apps, whatever they can think of to help me out with home school. This week it was free DVDs. Yes, free. Shipping included. Thanks to our friend, JD for the link to these. 

Fun Friday was in full swing, with our Friday Journals, Brown Bag Books, Mr. Potato Head Spelling, and Plinko. 

A big congratulations are also in order for Asa who passed another class yesterday. No rootbeer floats last night, but we did have date night and split a shake, it counts.

Up Next: So much going on! But most exciting: The FOURTH Annual Pie Making Wednesday!

We Have A Winner!

I wanted to quick write this blog today (Saturday), so I could include our Monday Night Football game, and not have to write about Sunday night. Why you ask? Well, because in this week's blog I get to write about how the BUCS WON A GAME! And, should they lost tomorrow, I don't want to dampen the excitement of winning. 

We left early to grab some $5 Little Caesars Pizza, and tailgate. But, the traffic was terrible down by the stadium even two hours before game time. So once we found our parking spot, we had to quickly scarf down dinner to get to the game in time for pre-game. The boys were bummed we didn't have time to throw the football around, but with it getting dark at 6, it didn't really work out anyway. We assured them we'd go early for the last three home games. 

We wanted to make sure we were in our seats early to see the card stunt for Veterans Day. Last year on the very same date, Asa and I went to see Philip Rivers play (from the SECOND row!) and we got to be a part of the card stunt. This year we were getting to see it from the third level. Also worth noting: We wore our Navy hats to the game in honor of Veterans Day. I'm actually wearing my dad's hat. I think it brought us good luck, and I'm wearing it tomorrow too to test my theory! 

The first quarter went well for us, the second half was ok. As a very cool bonus at halftime, Warren Sapp was inducted in to the ring of honor, with his name on the side of the stadium. It was super cool to be there for it. All the past Bucs were there- Alstott,  Lynch, Brooks. Plus getting a HUGE round of applause was Jon Gruden and Tony Dungy. I have sworn SO MANY times this year I'm not renewing our season tickets. But, a cool night game like this totally changes my mind. 

And then there was the third quarter. And it didn't go well. As always. The Bucs lost their lead, we contemplated leaving. Not because we were losing, but because there were SO MANY Dolphins fans there--- more than Bucs fans-- and they were obnoxious. 

But then something amazing happened--- the Bucs scored to take the lead once again! 

And we were very, very nervous. There was still two minutes left in the game. This is happened a number of times this year, where we lost a game after being in the lead at the two minute warning. But this time, something amazing happened. WE DIDN'T LOSE! 

Even Calib, who is very low key--excited emotions wise-- was THRILLED! He'll so regret posing for this picture later. 

But there it is.. Bucs 22, Dolphins 19. And all those mean, obnoxious Dolphins fans had to leave Raymond James hearing chants of 'Tampa.... Bay'. And, I want season tickets again. (Check back with me in a few weeks though)

The downside of a packed stadium, and a close game: traffic getting out of the parking lot. It took us 45 minutes to even get out of there. We didn't get home until after one. Good thing nobody had anywhere to be the next day. Asa had worked Sunday for Tuesday off, and I hadn't planned anything but reading and time trials for home school the next day. 

Part of that was because Peyton and Calib had a science class at Mosi (our Museum of Science and Industry) at 2 on Tuesday. While they went off to their class, Asa and I took Hayden around. He even sat very nicely through a 45 minute talk at the Planetarium. The bonus of going Tuesday during the day-- there was almost no other kids there. Or people in general for that matter. So, not only did we have the giant checker board to ourselves, but pretty much everything. We got to read all the signs and do all the experiments without any other kids reaching their hands in, not reading signs, or cutting in line. 

While we were waiting in the lobby for Calib and Peyton to be done with their class, we ran into a bunch of Bucs cheerleaders there for a special promotion, and Captain Fear, the Bucs mascot. Everyone was still pretty happy about the game the night before. Hayden was happy to get his picture with Captain Fear, though probably not as excited as Asa. 

Also worth noting, My kids have a favorite new past time: Playing Minecraft online with my cousin, Jake. They put him on skype and then play with him. It's really pretty funny. Every night they're asking what Jake is doing in the hopes he's going to play Sattler/Water world with them. 

Wednesday was a very full home school day, Hayden is learning about expanded form with numbers. Another big shout out to GiGi for the rolls of adding tape. They're sill coming in handy! 

I am so about free and cheap activities. We do ok with just the one income (until of course we have two cars that have something wrong with them, and missing child support-- delayed 5 days by one holiday, ugh, it's been a rough, rough month). Anyway, so on facebook I check in frequently with the 'free and cheap things to do in Tampa Bay'. This weeks find: RaceTracs were giving out free coffee, cappuccino, and hot chocolate all week. When Asa and I went out to run some errands, we had to stop to get ours.

In case you've been wondering how Maybel is doing: she's enjoying her new home, but we're still getting used to a cat that wants to be around people. (Penelope would go all day--until bedtime-- without being seen, most people didn't even know we had a cat) Maybel very much likes to cuddle, and play. She's still learning to get along with the dogs. The dogs are all actually pretty afraid of Maybel though. She's taking a few swings at them and hissed. They've taken the hint. But, she doesn't let this stop her from wanting to play with their tails when their backs are turned. She also has no idea whats socially acceptable- and you find her in the strangest of places. 

Last week, when we got Maybel Peyton and Hayden switched beds, so she could sleep with Peyton. (Peyton usually has the top bunk, Hayden has the bottom). Penelope could climb the ladder, Maybel we figured was too small for this. Last night, however, Hayden came running in to tell us Maybel climbed up and they could switch beds back. I hadn't realized Peyton was enjoying Haydens curtains so much he was bummed about switching back. I told Peyton I would try and pick up some fabric black Friday when it was really inexpensive, and make him some curtains of his own. 

Oh, and take note everyone: Asa has developed a soft spot for Maybel. Even he walks around talking about how cute she is. 

Thursday Calib stayed home to work on his school work, while Hayden, Peyton and I went out to the aquairum. We of course stopped to get some free hot chocolate on the way. (It's been a theme of the week) 

Peyton and Hayden each had a class at the aquarium. So, while they were there, I got to take my library book and find a nice quiet place to sit and read. For the first 45 minutes, I didn't eve see or hear another person. It was amazing. 

After I picked them up from their classes, we had lunch in the aquarium cafeteria, which was actually very reasonably priced. I even got AAA discount. I did talk to another mom who said she bought a pass to the aquarium for just her. It was only $54 and that way she got half off home school classes (they go from $16 to $8) and free parking. Plus discounts on food and such. I think it's genius, and I really need to do it after the holidays. It would pay for itself pretty quickly! 

For the $16 class, though, the boys did get into the aquarium for free, as does one adult per child. So we took the afternoon to enjoy the aquairum. Just like Mosi on Tuesday, there was ZERO crowds. Because of this, we really got to talk to the staff. We learned lots about horseshoe crabs (They're older than dinosaurs, travel in lines with the female in front, and have SIX eyes!), starfish (they have TUBE feet, and the water we can pet them in is the warmest they can survive in), and sting rays (they're related to sharks!) It was a super fun, informative day. 

We finally got around to having a Fun Friday day at home school, and Calib got to drop Plinko chips for the very first time. He's liking home school so far, and he's especially liking never getting up before 10 am. That a lone is doing wonders to curb that teenage attitude that can come out. 

Friday night, Asa and I went out for date night. I just realized we must be getting to be an old married couple, I didn't even take a picture. Plus we went to dinner and the book store. I guess that kind of makes us nerds too. Then we came home and binge-watched New Girl.

Today I took Hayden to the library for his Thanksgiving crafts. Peyton and I had reservations for a nature walk this morning, but it was cancelled due to all the rain. No worries though, it's free, and takes place almost every Saturday, we'll get to it. 

A big shout out to our neighbors Jan and Lonnie. I never take pictures of the food she brings over to us, because it seems to be gone in an instant. But, I did remember this time. She brought us some apple muffins. 

I also finally got our December board done. It's really light, I realized. But with Ohio and Christmas, its just not ideal to get into anything too much. We are celebrating Christmas around the world though (a new country each day), and we have an activity for each of the 12 days of Christmas (like the song.. think Pear Tart for the first day of Christmas), in addition to things like our Math, Daily Boards, and Reading. That should keep them pretty busy and engaged. 

Before I leave you, two funny moments this week: 

Peyton had his rat out while reading. This is not unusual, but he's usually on the top bunk, where the rat cannot climb down. Because of Maybel he was on the bottom bunk where the rat can, and did jump down without him noticing. 

Asa found Ulysses, the rat, running around on the floor in the family room. 

Asa: "Should their be a rat on the floor?"

Me: "Oh my gosh NO! Get her!" 

After I picked her up, and gave her safely back to Peyton

Asa: "That was way less weird than it should have been"

Also, Calib's daily board contains an element on the Periodic Table 

Each night, I cut it off and turn it into flashcards. Not even thinking about what I was saying, I told my oldest son 'I need to cut off your oxygen'. Oops. 

Next Up: A Bucs game, and a work from home week!