We went to a Cubs game!

Look at how awesome our seats were!! 3 rows from First Base.

Someone fell asleep during the game!

I love this Country.

I love the USofA. To me this is the greatest country in the world. This is my home. I am proud that my husband serves this great nation and I am honored he chose me to be his wife, that I am able to stand behind him and support him.

And, shockingly because I am Southern after all, I love this video of Faith Hill singing 'America, the Beautiful' at the Super Bowl. Because America, with all her faults, is beautiful.

The Army is a small world...

Have I mentioned lately that the Army is a small world? Daddy is in town for a conference and I went into the city to meet them for a day at the Shedd Aquarium and a visit. While in the elevator we were talking about a family friend and another passenger said, "Hey, I know him! Great guy." I, being me, turned and started a conversation with him explaining how we knew him, etc. etc. Still gives me a chuckle how small the Army really is...

Here's a few photos of the Shedd and my adorable little man with my parents. They are ah-mazing Grandparents! I knew they would be, being fabulous parents it isn't a hard leap to amazing grandparents.

Total spent today: $18.95. Over $92.39 saved.

I did my weekly CVS and Walgreens run and look at my steals! I spent, out of pocket, $18.95 and saved over $92.39 (I also received another $8 in ECB from CVS to use for my next trip).

Walgreens:
Spent - $5.05
Saved - $23.58

CVS
Spent - $13.90
Saved - $68.81
Received $8 ECB

Want to know how I did it? Check it out: Walgreens and CVS

Swagbucks, Swagbucks, Oh, my lovely Swagbucks!

Swagbucks. You might have seen links with that word in them on your wall, it's becoming quite popular. And for good reason!

Swagbucks is a search engine that you earn 'swagbucks' by using their search engine instead of google, yahoo, etc. Once you earn enough you can trade these swagbucks in for giftcards and other prizes. My favorite is the Amazon $5 Giftcard. I earn about two a week now. (I just paid for my husband's book for his Master Course!! And we all know now expensive those are.)

You can also earn free swagbucks by filling out surveys, participating in their daily polls, and codes that are randomly put out.

Your keys to success are:
- Make swagbucks.com your homepage on your computer AND your Smartphone!
- Download the Toolbar
- "Like" Swagbucks on Facebook
- Follow Coupon Pro on Facebook, He puts out when and where the codes are

Get started HERE!

Enjoy!

I spent a $1.68 at Walgreens

Yup, all that for $1.68 at Walgreens. And I even bough an item without a coupon (the Vaseline).

Over $33 saved! Coupons are amazing!!

Yet another reason why the Army Life is AWESOME!

In the words of Peter Griffin, the Army life is "freakin' sweet".

My husband took a Recruiting Company Command not so much because he wanted this job, but so we could get a break from deployments. He just had one of those jobs were he deployed a lot, please remember not every job is like that! He chose that job just like he chose Recruiting Command.

Recruiting is a stressful job at times, but if you work hard, you play hard. And Tuesday night we got to meet the Chicago Bears at their Training Camp.

Da Bear and I!

Robbie Gould, Kicker #9

This hat has over 17 signatures on it, It is going in a case for our son.

Hall of Famer Matt Forte #22

Fabulous Article about the power of Facebook for our Soldiers!

"For most Facebook users, the dialogue is audience to audience. But it is important for Soldiers to remember that our communication can be perceived as Army to audience. Therefore, we must maintain the same professional conduct and discipline in the virtual world as we do in the real world. Army Strong and Victory Starts Here!"

Maj Gen Milano wrote a wonderful article here that I thoroughly enjoyed. It was a very eloquent reminder that our Soldiers represent the Army at all times, even on Facebook. We should always remember that the world is watching us. This is a good reminder for us wives, too. We represent the Army just as much as our husbands do.

Battalion Organizational Day

Battalion Organizational Day

A day fill with fun, family, and good, healthy competition! We BullDawgs did our best and had a great time competing. Notice I am a good head shorter than every one else on my team!

New Army Housing Waiting List Procedures

Effective 01 August 2010, the Army has issued new waiting list procedures for all homes in the Residential Communities Initiative (RCI) program. Below are some highlights from the new policy:

• Active duty Service Members with current orders are eligible to apply for on-post housing prior to reporting to his/her new duty station.

• Applications are placed on the waiting list with an effective date equal to the date the Service Member departed the last duty station (as verified by DA-31 (leave form).

• Applications can be submitted in-person or electronically. Applications must include a copy of current orders, a copy of the most recent DD 1172 (DEERS enrollment form), valid identification, and DA-31.

• Applicants will be placed on wait list based on rank and number of family members.

• No home will be assigned without a completed application and all necessary documentation; this must be received within 10 business days of submission.

• Applicants who apply after 30 days of arrival at new duty station will be placed on the waitlist with an effective date equal to the date of application (all documentation must be submitted at that time).

Please contact your installation Housing office if you have specific questions about the procedures.

http://www.facebook.com/notes/army-housing/new-rci-waiting-list-procedures/10150245953530157

Do you coupon?

I coupon. I LOVE coupons! Who doesn't like to save money on things we buy every day?!

Now, I am a big supporter of the Commissary. Best meat prices, decent selection, and hey, it's cheaper than Wal-Mart. I did some quick math and last trip to the Commissary I saved over $100 from Wal-Mart. (I also saved $115 in coupons!)

But is it always cheaper? Nope. Not when you play the Pharmacy game! It took me a few tries, but I think I am getting the hang of it. We're going to be here two years, so when things are a good price, I'll stock up and all extras go to Iraq in care packages.

Plus, the more money I save in our every day expenses, the more we have to enjoy the City!

Commissary Coupon Policy

Do commissaries accept coupons?

Yes. Commissaries accept most types of coupons as part of purchase transactions in accordance with the terms and conditions stated on a coupon.

Commissaries CANNOT accept "in-house" coupons issued by commercial grocery stores or supermarkets.

Patrons who wish to use coupons as part of a purchase transaction must buy the item(s) indicated on a coupon, and-except in foreign overseas areas-must use a coupon prior to or on the expiration date stated on a coupon.

Commissaries located in foreign overseas areas accept coupons up to six months after the expiration date stated on a coupon.

Do commissaries ever have "double coupon" or "triple coupon" promotions like those offered by commercial stores?

No. The "double" or "triple" coupon promotions offered by commercial stores involve doubling, tripling (or otherwise increasing) the face value of a coupon. Commercial stores who offer these types of promotions get paid by the coupon issuer only for the face value of a coupon, and have to absorb the costs of "doubling" or "tripling" coupon face value in their pricing and profit structure.

Because commissaries are required by law to sell goods at prices set only high enough to cover the cost of those goods, commissaries make no profit from which to pay the costs associated with "double" coupon promotions.

Additionally, DeCA cannot use funds provided for the operation of commissaries to support such promotions, because law strictly prescribes the uses of these funds, and "promotional support" is not among the allowable uses of these funds.

Commissaries do occasionally offer a different type of "double coupon" promotion than described above. For these promotions, manufacturers or other coupon issuers agree that commissaries may accept more than one coupon on the purchase of an item, and usually supply large numbers of coupons to patrons in the commissary in support of such promotions. These "double coupon" promotions involve doubling the number of coupons accepted on the purchase of an item, but DO NOT involve doubling (or otherwise increasing) the face value of a coupon.

May I use coupons in combination on the purchase of an item in a commissary?

"No, customers may use only one coupon per item in DeCA commissaries. Even coupons without "exclusionary language," such as "NOT TO BE USED WITH ANY OTHER COUPON, " "NOT TO BE USED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER," "ONE COUPON PER PURCHASE," etc. , may not be used in combination on the purchase of an item. This policy is in line with the policies of other DoD resale activities and our commercial counterparts."

Can I use coupons generated from the Internet in a commissary?

Yes, commissaries gladly accept Internet or home-printed coupons provided they meet the following requirements - the coupons must have a typical barcode and Product Identification Number (PIN) or GS1 DataBar. A Dot Scan Barcode may appear below the expiration date, but is only required if stated on the coupon, e.g., "Do not accept without a Dot Scan Barcode below the expiration date." Internet coupons cannot be accepted for free products, however, "Buy One Get One Free" coupons are acceptable if they meet all other requirements.

Procter and Gamble (P & G) does not authorize Internet coupons for any of their products.

This can be found http://www.commissaries.com/documents/contact_deca/faqs/coupon_use.cfm

How I bought $125 worth of stuff for only $20.91 at CVS

First thing is, Do you have a CVS ECB card? If not, sign up for one!

Several things I do before I go:
- I get two Sunday papers a week. I clip coupons for things that I might or might not want to stash for a sale.
- I constantly search several sites, boards, and blogs for good coupons to print. (I've found some of the best coupons are printable, so get a good printer that doesn't use a lot of ink.)
- Always check out the ad in the Sunday paper and plan accordingly.

Frizz-Ease
CVS price 2/$10
Get $5 ECB (Extra Care Bucks are gift cards that print at the end of your receipt for you to use when you come back, I usually have a stack to roll over to each purchase)
Used 2 $2.50 off coupons (http://www.johnfrieda.com/news_and_offers/special_offers.asp)
Final price = FREE

L'Oreal Studio Gel
CVS price 2/$5
Used to 2 $1 off coupons from last Sunday's paper
Final price = $1.50 each

L'Oreal Ever Strong Conditioner
CVS price $5.99
Get $5 when you buy two
Used 2 $2 off coupons from Sunday Paper
Final price = $1.49 each

Shick disposable razors
CVS price $7.69
Special Buy One Get One FREE
Used 2 $3 from Sunday paper
Final price = $.85 each
(You can combine manufacturer coupons with CVS specials for big savings!!)

Kotex U
CVS price $4.99
Get $4.99 ECB
Use $1 coupon ( http://www.ubykotex.com/get_coupons/print )
Final Price = FREE plus $1 in coupon overage!

Irish Sprine/SoftSoap
CVS price- varies
Get $5 if you buy $15 worth of featured products
Used 2 $.50 off Irish Spring
Used 2 $1 SoftSoap
Final Price for 3 3-packs of bar soap, Irish Spring shower gel, 2 SoftSoap shower gel = $7 or $1.17 each

Aveeno
CVS price - $5.99 for big bottles/$3.49 for small bottle
Spend $20 and get $10 in ECB
Used 2 $2 off 2 Aveeno lotions ( printed, but campaign is over)
Final price for all 4 bottles = $1.86 each

Collgate Wisps
CVS price - $2.59
Buy Two, Get One FREE
Used 2 $.50 off coupons from Sunday paper (Could've used three)
Final Price = $1.39 each

Biore Pore Strips
CVS price - $4.99
Get $2 ECB
Use $2 coupon from their facebook page, under sweepstakes tab.


Websites I use: http://mommysavers.com/boards/whats-store/160386-cvs-deals-coupon-match-ups-7-25-7-31-a.html

http://mommysavers.com/boards/couponing/

FREE P&G Coupon Book for Military

http://familyunitpg.com/Registration.aspx

P&G has partnered with the USO to give away P&G coupon booklets to Military Families. I can't wait for mine to come in!

MyCAA back with some changes...

DOD to Resume Restructured Military Spouse Career Program

                The Department of Defense announced today the resumption of a restructured military spouse career advancement account program - MyCAA, following a comprehensive review.  The program will be available to spouses of service members in the pay grades of E1-E5, W1-W2 and O1-O2 beginning October 25 at 8 a.m. EDT.
                “The changes announced today reflect a return to the original intent of the program which is to help military spouses, with the greatest need, successfully enter, navigate and advance in portable careers,” said Clifford Stanley, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness.  “We fully support the program and are committed to ensuring the program’s sustainability.  To that end, we are making several critical operational changes.”
                Amongst these changes, eligible spouses will receive a total of $4,000 in DoD-funded financial aid, with an annual cap of $2,000 per fiscal year; funding must be used within a three-year time period from the start date of the first class; and must be used to obtain an associates’ degree, licensure or certification.  A waiver may be granted when fees for licensure or certification require an up-front fee greater than $2,000 and up to the total maximum assistance of $4,000.
                “The MyCAA program popularity grew beyond our expectations and became too expensive to continue.  Therefore, we are returning to the original intent of the program in a way that is attainable and fiscally responsible for the Defense Department,” said Stanley. “As we look to the future, we envision a program that is much broader than DoD’s financial assistance component.  Military spouses will be guided along a more holistic approach to career planning.”
                Under the long-term program guidelines, career counselors will continue to work with all military spouses to help develop career and education goals and plans, and assist them in identifying and accessing available federal education benefits toward these goals.
                “Families play a crucial role in supporting our men and women on the battlefield.  When service members are confident that their families at home have access to resources and support, they are better able to focus on their mission,” said Stanley.  “The Defense Department is committed to investing in military families.  When we invest in the well-being of the family, we invest in the well-being of the force.”
                More information can be found on the MyCAA Web site:  https://www.militaryonesource.com/MOS/FindInformation/Category/MilitarySpouseCareerAdvancementAccounts.aspx.

http://www.defense.gov//releases/release.aspx?releaseid=13725

Do you have an emergency plan?

Every one should have an emergency plan. Depending on where you are stationed will decide what types of plans you need.

When we were stationed at Fort Stewart, we had a Hurricane evacuation plan. Now that we are stationed in the Midwest we have a Tornado plan. You should have plans for floods, fire, and other natural disasters. Always be prepared!

Does your family have a safe word? This would be an every day word that only your family would know. What if a Police Officer has to rescue your child, but your child is afraid because they are a stranger. Simply tell the Police Officer the safe word and your child will know that Mom or Dad sent the stranger to help them.

For more good ideas visit: www.ready.gov/america

Military OneSource is offering FREE Life Coaches for Military families!!! (This includes teenagers!!!)

Military One Source FREE Webinar: The Healthy Habits Coaching Program has three areas of focus:
- iCanChange uses a personalized, flexible, and supportive approach to help you reach your weight and health goals.
- iCanThrive can help you learn how to fuel your body with healthy foods, begin a program of enjoyable physical movement, and relax more.
- iCanRelax can help you become aware of stress and how it affects you, and gain skills for handling your reactions to stressful demands and changes.

The programs feature an optional telephonic or online personal health coach, a personal homepage with a tracker, interactive tools, and much more!

DATES: Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at 11:00am Eastern Time and Thursday, July 22, 2010 at 1:00pm Eastern Time Dial in to the teleconference at: Toll Free: 1-888-299-3723 (toll +1-720-239-5801) conference code: 8479050209. www.militaryonesource.com

Brookfield Zoo!

Many attractions are free to Active Duty Military... and it's nice! We certainly take advantage (but we're always sure to be good guests!!). Brookfield Zoo, the 216 acre 76 year old Zoo, is one of such attractions. It just costs $9 for parking. Such a fun time!! We've already been twice, in fact.

Need to cancel your cell phone without paying the cancellation fee?

You can only cancel if your Soldier is deployed or you PCS.

Here is how you do it:

1. Have a copy of orders (deployment or PCS).

2. Call your current cell phone providers. They are going to hassle you. They are in business to make money. Just stay firm and read the below to them:

SEC. 305A. [50 U.S.C. App. 535a] TERMINATION OR SUSPENSION OF CONTRACTS

FOR CELLULAR TELEPHONE SERVICE.

(a) IN GENERAL.—A servicemember who receives orders to deploy outside of the continental United States for not less than 90 days or for a permanent change of duty station within the United States may request the termination or suspension of any contract for cellular telephone service entered into by the servicemember before the date of the commencement of such deployment or permanent change if the servicemember’s ability to satisfy the contract or to utilize the service will be materially affected by such deployment

or permanent change. The request shall include a copy of the

servicemember’s military orders.

(b) RELIEF.—Upon receiving the request of a servicemember under subsection (a), the cellular telephone service contractor concerned shall—

(1) grant the requested relief without imposition of an early termination fee for termination of the contract or a reactivation fee for suspension of the contract; or

(2) in the case that such servicemember is deployed outsidethe continental United States as  described in subsection

(a), permit the servicemember to suspend the contract at no charge until the end of the deployment without requiring, whether as a condition of suspension or otherwise, that the

contract be extended.

(c) CELLULAR TELEPHONE SERVICE DEFINED.—In this section, the term ‘‘cellular telephone service’’ has the meaning given the term ‘‘commercial mobile service’’ in section 332(d) of the Communications

Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 332(d)).

FREE Museum entry to Military families!!!

From Memorial Day to Labor Day over 600 museums across our Great Nation will be opening their doors free of charge to those that serve in the Armed Forces.

http://www.arts.gov/national/bluestarmuseums/index.php

The link above lists all the museums that normally are not free to Military members and their families.

My husband and I have found that a majority of museums are, in fact, free! Don't be afraid to ask for that Military Discount where ever you are, ladies. Most retailers feel that is there way of giving back to those who give so much for the Good Ole USofA.