Steve & Jackie

Tahoe & Marshall Gold Discovery Site

2010-07-02T15:32:00.000-07:00

On our way home, my brother John and I took our families to the place where the California Gold Rush started -- the Marshall Gold Discovery site in Caloma, California (by Placerville). Our great, great, great (I think that's right) grandfather, James S. Brown, was one of about 17 crew members building a sawmill for Sutter's Mill the day that their boss, Marshall, discovered gold. Grandpa Brown was about 18 years old at the time. We saw pictures of him at the museum, and also the cabin where he and his other Mormon companions lived (they had gone to work at the mill after being in the Mormon Batallion). It was really cool to be in the place that truly made California what it is today, and to know that our ancestor was right there in the beginning. When John asked his daughter Paige if she saw Grandpa Brown's cabin, she said "Yup, and he had some BIG pajamas!". There was a pair of huge red long john's hanging in the cabin.

Lake Tahoe

2010-07-02T15:24:00.001-07:00

2010 THOMPSON FAMILY REUNION

2010-07-02T15:07:00.000-07:00

Thompson
Family
Reunion

Lake Tahoe
June 26, 2010

It was so beautiful in Tahoe. It was my first time there, and I can't wait to go back. The water was a bit chilly, but the day was warm, so it was nice.

I'm so grateful for families. We had so much fun, and I can't wait for next year.

This Abled Mom

2010-03-28T20:28:00.001-07:00

Check out my new blog www.thisabledmom.blogspot.com. It is an experiment in conversation about being a disabled parent. Please refer it to anyone you know that might be interested.

I will maintain this blog still as my family blog.

Thanks!

California Coast -- February 2010

2010-02-12T15:03:00.001-08:00

Pismo Beach Pier

Pismo Beach

San Simeon -- Elephant Seals (I can't post the seal pics -- they're X-rated -- it was mating season)

Claire's 1st Hotel Bed

Queen size for our little Queen. She was quite pleased with herself.

Last weekend we had an amazing 2 day vacation with Steve's family. We drove up the coast to Pismo Beach. We were going to see the monarch butterlies, but because of the rainy weather, we missed them. But, we did do a lot more: Solvang, San Simeon to see the elephant seals, very entertaining animals, Pismo Beach pier, drove through Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo, ate lunch in Cambria at a delicious restaurant called "Linns" -- would recommend it to anyone. The food was amazing and Cambria is a cute little town to drive through.

And most of all, we got to spend time with our family. Claire was a perfect little traveler on her first real road trip. She slept fine in the hotel, well, let's face it -- those beds are a lot nicer than the pack 'n play :)

Not nearly enough....

2010-02-12T14:50:00.000-08:00

Claire -- 4 months old (January 2010)

Hanging out with old friends at Christmas. It was so fun to meet Marshall's wife Amber.

Claire & Grandma & Grandpa T.

November -- Standing in line for New Moon, of course. Midnight showing. Steve was a trooper, saving our place in line while my friends and I ran back to our place for dinner and warming up. It was very cold that night. (Claire & Steve didn't go to the movie that night, but they did later)

Not nearly enough time to post all the pictures that would describe the last 3 months. But worth a try.

Blessing Day -- November 1, 2009

2009-11-03T18:52:00.000-08:00

Claire's blessing dress was very special -- we borrowed if from her cousin Ellie. It was just too beautiful to pass up. And they share the same birthday, so it's extra special! Ellie was very proud that Claire was wearing her blessing dress. Thanks Angie!

I'm too lazy to get the red-eye out of these pictures, but I will someday. Really.

The blessing was beautiful. Steve is a wonderful dad. It was a beautiful day spent with family and friends. Little Claire sure is loved!

Was that a compliment or an insult???

2009-10-24T07:48:00.001-07:00

When speaking to a new mom about her appearance, it can be kind of tricky. You never know how emotionally stable she is (hormones all crazy & stuff). Do you say she looks "great", "thin", or "healthy" or "you don't look like you just had a baby", (Hey! Thanks a lot! I went through all that for 9 months -- don't take away my credit!) or "you can't even see the tummy" (It doesn't matter, I know it's there.)

But for the first time last week I got this comment: "Um, Aunt Jackie, you are so, like, FLAT".

--Paige Jaclyn Thompson

To which, I of course responded, "WHICH PART????" Crossing my fingers that she says "your tummy" and not...well... you know..

"Like, this part.." (As she caresses my arm).

I sigh in relief.

6 Weeks

2009-10-24T07:35:00.000-07:00

This is the best!

Most of the time, I think she looks more like Steve. But this picture really looks like me when I was a baby.

She's such a poised sleeper.

Daddy's little monchhichi. "monchhichi monchhichi, oh so soft and cuddly". This is what I wake up singing in my head in the middle of the night. Thanks Steve.

Fall Stuff

2009-10-24T07:20:00.000-07:00

John & Angie's family came up for the annual Lombardi Ranch trip. It's always a fun time. Steve especially loves playing on the haystack pyramid.

Emma Jane love the horse ride. She's getting so big!

We love spending time with these girls.

Steve's "new" toy. New meaning it was someone else's trash. I can't watch him ride it. I had a bad experience on one of these in Mexico.

1 Month

2009-10-09T16:46:00.000-07:00

She's already chubbin out! We love her! So far, so good. She's still your basic eat, sleep, poop & pee, pee, pee, baby. But for some reason, we're entertained all day just staring at her. She hardly cries at all, and when she does, it never gets to the "shut that kid up she's hurting me ears" point. I'm crossing my fingers and knocking on wood, though, because I know she can change at any moment. For now, I'm enjoying the cuddles, the grunts, and even the cute little cries. And I'm sooooooo grateful to the inventor of the pacifier.

As for me, I think I had the fastest, easiest C-section recovery ever (I don't mean to brag, but seriously, it was waaaay better than everyone had led me to expect). In fact, I really don't think I could have had a more painless birth experience. I've thought a lot about all the reasons why it was so easy for me, and I can only think of one: God must want me to have more kids!

1 Week Old

2009-09-16T20:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Claire! One Week Old!

This is a rare moment -- completely awake and eyes wide open.

She really loves to snuggle.

I can't count how many times in the past week I have just started crying. I look at her and I am amazed at how blessed we have been. She is healthy, happy, and beautiful. She is ours.

Introducing.....Claire Mattingly Johnson

2009-09-16T19:50:00.000-07:00

09/09/09
6 lbs. 11 oz.
20 1/2 in.

The Johnson Family

Steve's space suit.

We are truly blessed.

5 More Days!!!

2009-09-04T16:18:00.000-07:00

Been pretty busy this summer -- my sisters' family came and visited for 2 weeks, and we had a blast! Went camping at Refugio, had my baby shower, hung out Grandma's pool, and pretty much just spent the time hanging out. I love my sister! She is the best mom, sister, daughter, friend, etc. etc. She made this quilt for me out of my baby clothes. One of the patches even has my name embroidered (from a dress someone had made me). My adorable niece Liv (on the right), "loves to sew" and helped her mom make it. My mom also helped. Maeve, the baby, pretty much just loved to roll around on it.

Even though she won't be sleeping here for a few months, I just had to have the room and crib done before she came. Thanks to my mom, we finished sewing the bumper, skirt, curtains, and quilt. I love the bright, happy colors!

We went a little crazy with the sewing, and my mom even made a curtain for the bottom shelf of the changing table, as well as a changing pad cover. I love it! P.S. -- best buy ever -- my crib was $100 at Big Lots! Thanks Mom & Dad!

Me and my belly at 36 weeks. The Dr. says she weighs 6 1/2 lbs already. My C-section is scheduled for 9-09-09 at 9:00 am. Maybe she'll be born at 9:09. Better than 6-6-6 I guess :)
I'm really not too nervous about the surgery --I've heard both horror stories and raves about C-sections, but I've got my mom close by, and Steve is really helpful too. I'm mostly nervous about being a mom, and how exhausting that is.

So, hopefully it won't take me too long to post some pics of our (still nameless) baby girl. But don't hold your breath :)

One HOT Summer!

2009-07-22T16:49:00.000-07:00

I'm at the point of my pregnancy when everywhere I go random strangers ask me if I'm ok, with a genuine look of concern, as if I"m about to go into labor. I think it's partly because I'm so small, and this basketball bump is weighing me down, and partly because I have a miserable look on my face 99% of the time because it is HOT! 105 for a week makes for a very mean pregnant lady.

Luckily, I can relax in the pool like a mix of Mrs. Incredible (elastigirl ) and a hippopotamus.

I'm very lucky to live so close to my mom right now. She has been a lifesaver throughout my pregnancy-- she helped me through morning sickness, a kidney stone, sewing all my baby's room stuff, and now she makes me lemonade whenever I ask. I lover her!

Not flattering, but historically accurate.

Sew this is what I've been doing....

2009-07-16T16:25:00.000-07:00

This is the front of the crib quilt that I am making for the baby. I have started to freak out that nothing is ready for the baby's room, so my mom and I began sewing this week. It is so much fun -- my mom is an excellent seamstress and a really good teacher.

This is the material for the curtains in the baby's room. It's orange on a cream background. I'm staying away from too much pink, because if we have a boy next, I don't want to have to completely re-decorate! (We only have 1 spare bedroom).

Oh yeah, and I cut off my hair after one too many hot summer days. After growing it out for nearly 5 years, it feels good to be free again! And I got enough (11 inches) to donate to Locks of Love, so I didn't cry at all this time.

Stoked About My Stokke!

2009-06-22T12:29:00.000-07:00

I love my parents and Craigslist! Thanks to my mom & dad, I just got the best stroller for me -- the Stokke Xplory (slightly used, but WAY cheaper than retail).

My niece Emma was a perfect little model for the first test drive.

The seat goes front or rear facing in 5 different positions and fully reclines for infants.

The best thing is that the kid is up super high, so it makes it so much easier for me for lifting and lugging the baby in & out. Being a disabled mom is my most immediate concern about having kids, but I really feel like this stroller will help with my mobility.

Thanks Mom & Dad!

bumps, bruises, and other pregnancy perks

2009-06-09T11:33:00.000-07:00

Baby Bump 24 Weeks

I just love my skin right now! The red patches on my cheeks and the bluish ring around my belly button are my favorites. Too bad you don't get a picture of those beauties :)

Lots of women have weird dreams in pregnancy, because they have interrupted sleep. Mine last night was a recurring nightmare I've had since I was 20, so not exactly weird for me, but disturbing. I'm sent back to high school to take a math class that I never took before, and the teacher is explaining all this stuff -- the whole class gets it and I'm sitting there panicking, feeling really stupid because I don't understand it at all. I wake up a nervous wreck.

Am I insecure about something? Definitely! But is it really about math? I don't think so. Maybe it's about being a mother.

Nephew's School Project

2009-06-01T13:06:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH9Xnog2vC0

This is a link to the video that Steve helped our nephew David make for his final kindergarten project. David is really funny and Steve did a great job. It's funny how much David reminds me of Steve, when it comes to money, and saving. I don't think I knew what a savings account was when I was 5.

People are so polite

2009-05-12T10:15:00.000-07:00

Ok, seriously, why didn't anyone question the name??? No, Vanessa, I am not naming the baby Ruggelina. I thought you would know me well enough by now!

So, let me explain. Ruggles is actually the only name that Steve and I can talk about without really arguing. We happened upon it one day while reading the D & C -- some poor man's first name was actually Ruggles. I swear. Anyways, ever since, we kind of avoid discussing real names, and Ruggles keeps coming up as a joke.

And, knowing my husband, and how fond he is of making permanent decisions, the poor girl will be called Ruggles until the day she's born to avoid the real discussion. And then she'll probably end up with some really generic name like Stephenie or Jackie.

Ruggelina (Ruggles) Johnson -- Due September 23, 2009

2009-05-08T13:17:00.000-07:00

Jackie: Um, so can you tell us what it is?

Dr. Tabsh: Girl.

Steve: Really?

Dr. Tabsh: Let me put it to you this way: I didn't see a p____.

(Later)

Steve: Just because he didn't see it, doesn't mean it's not there.

Jackie: Ok Steve.

Friends

2009-04-21T13:33:00.000-07:00

I don't know how to make this picture bigger. I seriously stink at this blogging thing.

Steve, Fred, Baby C, Christina, and Me

This past Sunday we went down to San Diego for one of my best friend's baby's blessing. It was a beautiful day and I'm so glad we went. She is a darling little girl with the cutest chubby legs and arms, and she even fell asleep in my arms! I really miss my friends Mercedes and Christina, so it was a great day for me because we all were there.

I'm a taker! I just take take take!

2009-03-30T13:31:00.000-07:00

That's my excuse for being a horrible blogger. I blog, alright, but it's usually just stalking other people's blogs. I've also been really into facebook browsing lately, so that takes up a lot of my computer time too. So, here's a few pictures from the last 3 months of our lives.

Above & Below -- FINALLY! The rental house renovation project from Hell is over. And I think we did a pretty great job! Got some great tenants in it, and so my parents are very happy.

This past weekend we all went down to San Diego for my cousin Dan's wedding. It was so much fun to be with my family and see my cousins and aunt & uncle.

Jeff with the bride, Michelle. I couldn'tget a picture of my cousin Dan :(

Jeff & Emma

Ellie & Paige

Steve's 34th Birthday at the Queen Mary

We both look a little drugged....

So I married a trashpicker

2009-01-26T11:30:00.000-08:00

I used to get annoyed when we would be driving
along, and Steve would have to pull over to
check out what someone had thrown out on the
sidewalk, no matter what condition it was in.

Once, we were driving around in Lancaster, and
there was a huge empty dirt lot (hard to imagine,
huh?), and he had to make a fast u-turn because
he spotted a bundle of old clothes and boots.
Really, he got out of the car and inspected the
boots. I put my foot down and said, "NO
SHOES!!!".

But, now I am grateful that he is a trashpicker,
because we wouldn't have our dishwasher or this
really nice tv stand if he didn't have that
quality. We did have our tv sitting on a horrible
little black shelf, but he found this one on the
sidewalk, all torn apart and he just put it back
together! I seriously love it!

I can be a trashpicker too. These are the curtains
I made from the material we used as table
runners for my wedding. I love the way they
turned out, but even more, I love that I can
actually sew now! My mom's a great teacher.

And yes, I agree, the curtain rod is way too small,
but it was the only one I half way liked at Bed,
Bath and Beyond, and by the time we put them
in (what a pain!!!), we felt kind of stuck with them!
I should have just gone to Walmart!!!

Our New Home!

2008-12-19T11:28:00.000-08:00

Obviously the best feature of our new
home: the walk in closet -- I only took
a picture of my side, because if you
know Steve at all, you can imagine
that his side is pretty bare (which
means, of course, plenty of space
for me to "grow" into!)

The master bedroom -- biggest room we've ever
lived in the past 9 months of marriage and
4 moves. I am sooo glad I don't have to move
anywhere for a long time. I didn't take a picture
of the guest room (it's empty)or the 2 bathrooms,
but I promise, they're there.

It's your basic small apt layout -- front door
enters into front room, blends into kitchen/
dining area -- buy hey -- We've got granite
counter tops -- Who could ask for anything more??
(actually, granite's not my cup of tea, but the
color actually is pretty cool)

Front room -- I'm so glad I finally get to blog
about my couches . Let me just say that I
LOVE LOVE LOVE them -- they have character,
they're super comfortable, and they were
FREE! (hand-me-downs, thanks to Steve's
brother) Steve wants to get new ones, but I've
gotten attached.

We love our new home -- it's our first big
purchase together as a married couple,
and it feels so right. We feel very
blessed and fortunate that we could do this
right now. For those who know us, and without
getting too specific, we live very close to the
movie theater on my parents' side of town.
So, yes, we'll be members of the ward I grew
up in for a while. Weird, but we really like it
already :)

The United States of America

2008-11-05T13:30:00.000-08:00

I am grateful to be a citizen of the United States of America. I am grateful for my freedom to vote for or against the laws and leaders that I feel best represent my desires. Yet, even more than all this, I am grateful for a living prophet with the courage to call his people to defend the one truth that trumps all politics. The family is divine and can be an eternal unit under Heavenly Father's plan. I know that the world will not always agree with that, and that someday, our battles might be lost, but today is a day of victory for truth.

Sad News

2008-10-23T08:26:00.001-07:00

We have lost our baby. I had a missed miscarriage so I had to have a D & C yesterday. I am feeling much better today. We are sad, but grateful that everything went safely at the doctors'. Please no comments, I just wanted my friends to know. Thanks.

YES on PROP 8

2008-10-08T21:36:00.000-07:00

I have to voice my belief that marriage is a sacred union between a man and a woman. I encourage all who are registered voters in California and who believe the same to become active in the PROP 8 campaign. Prop 8, if passed, will amend the constitution of the State of California to define marriage as "between a man and a woman". In 2000, I voted for Prop 22, which upheld this same definition. Just a few months ago that proposition, which was voted into law by a majority of Californian voters, was overturned by only 4 people -- judges of the Supreme Court of California.

Register to vote
Vocalize your beliefs
Vote on November 4th

Baby Johnson

2008-10-02T13:06:00.000-07:00

We're having a baby! I left my ultrasound pic at work, so I don't have anything but words to post today. We are really excited, and I am really sick! Luckily, I can work from home, which has been really nice. I try to go in to the office as much as possible, but working from home is just so much more convenient. My dad is a great, understanding boss! I eat a LOT of Oat N Honey granola bars (the really hard, messy ones) and Cheerios in milk. That's about it. But sometimes I have a good spell, and I can eat eggs, spaghetti, and pizza. I'd like to say I have morning sickness, but really it's all day. Any advice from experienced people would be greatly appreciated!

Anyways, down to the technical stuff -- I am of course a little nervous -- probably more than most women because I do have another medical condition already. However, a couple friends recommended a high risk doctor to me and I feel really confident in his abilities. He is a head doctor at UCLA Medical so I will be delivering there, most likely. I am so grateful that he is covered by my insurance! PPOs are awesome for people who have to be a little picky about their doctors, like me. I have gained 3 pounds so far, and I haven't been throwing up too much, just really nautious, so things are going as expected so far.

Baby is due May 4th. Yea!

Refugio 2008

2008-08-11T23:16:00.000-07:00

Our first "official" camping trip together as
a married couple. Steve's already been with us
twice before, so he's used to the tradition!

I always take this picture, but it's just so gorgeous!

So cute! Words can't describe the fun we had with
Paige, Ellie, Zane, Liv & Maeve!

Cousin Dylan, Mom, Jenny, Dad, & Ellie

Steve & Brian

We were really lucky and got to go to Refugio twice this summer! Once in July, and then in August. All of my siblings were there for at least part of the week, and my cousins came out from Florida. The weather was great and the water was pretty warm -- we had fun in the kayak, out on the rafts, and hanging around the fire, of course. Anyone that knows Steve knows he enjoys fire :)

Our "New" Home

2008-07-29T11:05:00.000-07:00

Steve and I just moved out of our apartment and into a rental house that my parents own. After many years, their tenants have moved and we are now the lucky ones to fix up the place and make it a rental again! We have a lot of work to do, and have already done a lot -- so I'll post the pictures as we go along. And yes, we're staying at my parents' house until there is actually one decent room for us to sleep in at the rental -- I"m hoping that won't be more than 2 weeks away! We are having a lot of fun doing this -- I feel like I'm in a very long episode of Flip This House.

Jeff & Steve scraped almost all of the ceilings
in one day--- Jeff is basically a professional
since he did my parents' house last fall.

This was after cleaning for an hour already.

Not a very flattering picture, but the bathrooms
are my territory -- while the boys have been
demolishing ceilings and walls, I've been
scrubbing the tubs and toilets. I actually like it.

2008 Thompson Family Reunion 5-26-08

2008-05-27T16:25:00.000-07:00

Thompson A vs. Thompson B Soccer Match

Sadly, the game was over at only 2 points, I
think -- they're all getting a little bit too old
for this stuff, I guess.

There were a ton of kids there -- but none
from my dad's family -- They were so cute.

Uncle Bruce made delicious beef brisket.
I didn't know he was such a great chef :) He
also gave us a very interesting lesson on our
genealogy -- about the Tanners, Browns, and
Andersons. I can't wait to start researching
with my mom and dad, although I know Aunt
Betty has gotten most of it done, but it will
still be fun to learn about it myself.

THE THOMPSONS

BRUCE & BILL --brothers -- we missed
Aunt Betty and Uncle Dan's families and hope
to see more of them and our siblings next year!

THOMPSON BOYS

I had to add this picture of Uncle Bruce's
amazing rose garden. It was gorgeous and so
peaceful. It was great to see all the cousins
and visit them in Fallbrook this Memorial Day.

Yosemite May 2008

2008-05-17T19:35:00.000-07:00

Steve's parents took us to Yosemite this week
and it was SO BEAUTIFUL! This was my
first time going, so it was all so amazing to me.
I am so grateful for this wonderful gift of a
world in which we live.

Don't ask what fall -- they all looked the
same to me! (but in a really cool, unique way)

We stayed at the Wawona Hotel -- really old-
fashioned and in a beautiful little meadow. I
loved it, but Steve was really bummed-- no
TV in the rooms!

Coupons thru Tue April 29

2008-04-29T12:15:00.000-07:00

I know this is really last minute -- but it's more to get me back to blogging than anything else!

Cottonelle 4pack of Toilet paper: $0.50 (with the $0.25 coupon from 4/27 newspaper)

Garnier Fructis Hair Products: $1.00 each (with coupon from last week's paper)

Stouffer's flatbread pizza thingies: $1.00 each ( I think last week's newspaper coupons)

Honey Nut Cheerios & Trix $0.75 each (buy 4, use 2 $1.00 off coupons)

I wish I could post something more intersting than this, but coupons are seriously the highlight of my week right now. Maybe I'll take my camera with me next time.

Update: Still Married :)

2008-04-08T12:52:00.000-07:00

For anyone looking at this blog who actually knows us and cares--- we're still married and having fun, I've just been really lazy about keeping up with this blog. Here are a few of the "real" pictures from our photographer, Heather -- I think she did a great job and I would refer her to anyone. She does great family pictures too --if you want her contact info, let me know.

Everyone looks better in black and white!

My Personal Favorite!

2008-03-19T18:09:00.000-07:00

I love, love, love this picture because....he's actually smiling! I love my new name by the way, it just sounds so cute "Jackie Johnson".

More!

2008-03-19T17:57:00.001-07:00

Nikki, Ashley & Mercedes all made their
own dresses--aren't they great? Sorry
for all the hassle, but it was fun, right? RIGHT???

Still running after 300,000 + miles.

More Pictures!

2008-03-19T17:45:00.001-07:00

Beautiful nieces, um, I mean princesses!
I heard that my 2 nieces in Virginia have been
wearing these dresses every day since
they got home!

Thanks for a wonderful party, Dad :)

Mercedes, Christina & Me

My sister Jenny & Me with my lazy eyes!

Sorry to Steve, but this is the only pic
I have of him and Jerron.

Stephen & Jaclyn Johnson: The Wedding! 3-1-08

2008-03-19T17:35:00.000-07:00

Los Angeles Temple -- It just stopped raining for us!

Steve's Grandma Marilyn

Our parents are wonderful! Thanks!

The Thompson Family

Finally--some pictures of the wedding. It was a perfect day for us, thanks to our family and friends, especially those who travelled far and sacrificed much to be with us -- Gk, Susanna, Jones', Grandma, Jerron, Thompsons, Larsens, Melissa & more! Thanks so much! We had fun and hope you all did too. Isn't my dress awesome -- thanks to my mom and Cherie for beading it all night! Amazing!

Coupons Feb 13-19

2008-02-13T16:00:00.000-08:00

Best Deals This Week: (Notice that I included the date the coupons came in the paper for most)

Colgate Total Toothpaste $0.00 (FREE with the $1.00 off 1 tube coupon from 2-3-08 paper)

Colgate Toothpaste (various special ones) $1.00 each (with the $1.00 off 2 coupon 2-3-08 paper)

Best Foods Mayo $0.99 each ($1.00 off 2 jars coupon)

Tropicana Orange Juice $1.50 each ($1.00 off 2 cartons coupon)

Smuckers Jelly, Jam or Preserves $1.80 each (with the $0.35 off 1 jar coupon from 2-10-08 paper)

Great Sale: Ralphs Spaghetti Noodles: $0.80 each

Thanks Everyone!

2008-02-13T15:02:00.000-08:00

First of all -- THANKS so much to
Ashley & Nikki for throwing my
shower! It was tons of fun, with tons
of great food!

I was so grateful my oldest friends

came!

You can tell I was a little embarrassed

--glad that's over!

This gift got the "awwwwwwssss"

Coupons Feb 5 - Feb 12

2008-02-06T20:05:00.000-08:00

Best Deals This Week (in my opinion):

Colgate Toothpaste $1.00/each (with the $1.00 off coupon in this Sunday, Feb 3rd newspaper)

Campbell's Condensed Chicken Noodle & Tomato soups $0.40/each (with the $0.40 off of 4 coupon)

C& H white & brown sugars $1.60/each (with a $0.55 off 2 coupon) --this is cheaper than the Ralph's brand

Quaker Chewy granola bars $2.00 a box (with the $1.oo of 2 coupon from this Sunday, Feb 3rd paper) -- even though these have literally no nutritious value, i like them as a snack sometimes!

Bon Apetit! (sp?)

More Coupon Savings

2008-01-30T13:51:00.000-08:00

Ok -- I know not that many people check out this blog, so this is specifically for my friends and family in SoCAl. Every week I will be posting my good deals and coupon savings on this blog. You can check out my blog for FREE! And I will try and keep it current at least every 2 weeks.

To do this you will need:

1. to live near at least one Ralphs grocery store, preferably 2

2. the L.A. Times Sunday newspaper -- (I get mine from my parents house-- for free, but they're really not that expensive) --this is where the coupons are

3. a little time -- but it's worth it

This week's greatest deals (good from Wed, Jan 30 -Tue Feb 5):

Post Cereals: $0.99 each with the $1.00 coupon in this week's newspaper

Quaker Life Cereals: $0.99 each with the $1.00 coupon (I think from last week's newspaper)

Campbell's Seclect Soups: $0.75 each with the $0.50 coupon from a few weeks ago (these are the big cans of soup)

Many of these coupons can be printed off of coupon websites for free -- just google it, and you should be able to get the same coupons that come in the newspaper.

I will be more specific about what coupons come from what week's newspaper in the future.

i've been tagged -- 10 random things about me

2008-01-29T12:06:00.000-08:00

I've been tagged to post 10 random facts about myself--here goes:

1. my favorite thing to do to relax is tweeze my eyebrows

2. i don't like ice cream very much -- i'll have it every once in a while, but only a few bites

3. i know where every penny i spend goes -- i love my checkbook ledger!

4. it is very difficult for me to drink the milk from the bottom half of the carton--gross!

5. i am an excellent hula hooper -- it's the only semi-sport i'm good at

6. i prefer fresh chocolate chip cookies to cake any time

7. i still run into curbs and sidewalks, and i've been driving for 10 years

8. i had a private conversation about California politics with the Democratic Presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich (sp?) at LAX airport a few months ago-- we didn't really see eye to eye

9. i never had braces -- i think that counts as weird and random because it seems like everyone i knew had braces from 3rd grade on -- and i was always jealous

10. i honestly don't know 10 people that blog that haven't already been tagged with this game, so I am just allowing all who feel the need to go ahead and participate!

my favorite engagement pic -- but it's blurry!

2008-01-25T15:44:00.000-08:00

this is the only picture I have access to right now

Here's how to save some serious $$$$

2008-01-25T15:38:00.000-08:00

Hello friends and family -- sorry this blog is so outdated -- but I only think to update it at work, when I shouldn't and when I don't have my camera with me to download pics. So I'll try and scrounge something up real soon.

BUT---- I do have something serious to blog about:

RAGU SPAGHETTI SAUCE.

Yes, Ragu. It is on sale this week at Ralphs -10 for $10.00 -- so, $1.00 a jar.

But I got mine for $0.60 a jar because I used my double coupon out of the LA times coupons.

So, all my friends who live near a Ralphs, I hope you go and stock up, because you know what all those important guys in Salt Lake have been talking about for the past few years, right?

Merry Christmas!!!

2007-12-14T18:59:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Everyone! Here are a few pictures from my ward's trip to see the temple lights.

Me, Ashley, & Nikki

HELP ME PLEASE?!?!?!

2007-12-07T22:13:00.000-08:00

I need suggestions and/or references of good wedding photographers. Please leave a comment if you know of anyone around LA. Thanks!

downtown

2007-11-23T13:57:00.001-08:00

I love this picture of LA. I went there last weekend to shop for fabric and it was a beautiful day.

the 24 hour mullet

2007-11-23T13:47:00.000-08:00

i almost cried when he walked in the door ---- luckily he cut it off the next day!

School Rivalry

2007-11-09T16:51:00.000-08:00

So, in addition to working as a paralegal, I have been substituting for my local high school district. Today, as I arrived at the school -- West Ranch High School -- I noticed that the entire school was covered in graffiti (sp?), signed no less, by their rival school, GV (Golden Valley). Their football teams are playing each other tonight. The real travesty here though, is what was written on the walls of West Ranch. Somebody's got to go over and help that English department out at Golden Valley. The taggers mis-spelled quite a few words, like "weth" and "goldin" and "mob's".

Wedding Date

2007-11-07T20:45:00.000-08:00

Steve and I are getting married on Mar 1, 2008. Hope you can come!