We Love The Movies!

This year has been rather tough financially for us.  Garth lost his job in April and man 5 kids can be expensive (not to mention Garth and I)!

But the blessings of FREE movies came along when I found packages of M&M's with codes inside for $3 off a movie ticket (or concessions).  When I combined the right coupon with the store that offered the cheapest packages of M&M's, I ended up getting a rather lovely supply of candy AND free movies. 

It has been wonderful having the ability to take the whole family to a movie (stress free) AND get popcorn and a drink for absolutely free!

I have recently seen some packages of M&M's with the offer of FREE Movie Tickets on the outside, so be on the lookout!

And when you combine deals like these with theatres matinee prices and their concession coupons, you can really save big!

This week at Regal, you can go here and give them your cell phone and they will text you a mobile coupon for a $2 popcorn and $2 drink. Did you know you can ask for the larger size for only a dollar?  Often large popcorn and drinks can be refilled...we share one of each with the whole family!

This week we saw Mission Impossible (and even took Aunt Lisa)!  That was 8 tickets ($72), a large popcorn and large drink...for a grand total of $100...costing us a mere $3!

By the way, both Mission Impossible and WarHorse were fabulous movies!

We All Need More Charity...

I love, love LOVE this story!

Click here to watch...before you do...be sure to gather the kids!

Thanks Shawni!

Brittany's 2011 Surprise Gift to Her Parents

Brittany and I have started a Christmas tradition where we secretly plan a special gift from her to her parents.  You see, Brittany doesn't have the ability to get out and go shopping for her most wonderful parents.  But I know she still wants to give...

This year, my lovely friend (and photographer extraordinaire), Jean, came to me with an offering of her services.  We decided we would sneak over to Brittany's house and have a secret photo shoot!

You may think this would be an easy process.  It was NOT easy but man did we have fun.  I first had to ask Brittany if she wanted to even participate (since she was the model and all).  After getting a "yes (this is done by Brittany putting her little hand over to her right knee...that means yes)," the preparations began.

She first needed a new outfit, perfect for the shoot. I went over to Justice and picked out three complete outfits. While her parents were out, I showed her all three...she chose her favorite one.

Then came the hard part...when could we find a time to sneak over?! You see, Brittany is fed her meals through a tube..it takes 2-3 hours...(we didn't want a tube in the feeding for this model)!

And...between numerous doctor appointments, physical therapy, it was next to impossible to coordinate this small frame of time with Jean's schedule (and with Sommer too...she was our hair and make-up artist for the shoot).

After finding exactly ONE hour that fit everyone's schedule, we waited until both mom and dad were out.  Brittany's nurses let us in and the secret photo shoot began.  The new outfit was put on, hair was curled and styled and a little make-up applied.

We all lifted, positioned and helped get Brittany ready for Jean to take the perfect picture.

And did she ever.  Here are are favorites!

I requested Jean take a picture of Brittany's feet.  To read the post I wrote earlier this year about her sweet feet click Here.

Merry Christmas to the Leap Family!

Christamas Was Wonderful

We had a wonderful Christmas! 

Brooke and I had to take this shot following our darling daughters, Sommer and Suzanna's modeling session...like mother like daughter!

After our amazing friends and family left for the evening from our annual Christmas Eve party (Mexican fiesta, Gingerbread House decorating contest, present exchanges and Charades!), we finished the evening with a sibling gift exchange and new PJ's!

 This all happened after a small fight broke out, followed by frustrated parents, threats, lecture and forgiveness.  This led to us reading from Luke, having each family member read a few verses (which Ashton ended up taking over) and Garth expounding on the beautiful Christmas message.

 Early (much too early), we were awakened by all FIVE (I was shocked) children asking for "release" to the family room to see if Santa had indeed come...and did he ever!  We feel so blessed this year (after quite a doozy) to find Garth feeling much better AND with a NEW job! 

 The day seemed absolutely perfect, having the opportunity to go to church for a music filled meeting and great speakers sharing the history and their testimony of each Christmas song presented!  It was pretty awesome if I say so myself (thanks Garth for the help)!

We ended our day at Grandpa and Grandma Gair's (with Aunt Lisa too) where Grandpa plotted the most amazing surprise for Ethan. He asked Ethan to bring his guitar (and Sommer, Tate and Ash to plan on playing a piano piece) to share.  While the other kids were performing, Pop-pop snuck into his room and "exchanged" Ethan's old guitar for a BRAND SPANKIN' RED DREAM guitar Ethan had been eyeing.  As he unzipped his guitar bag, he looked confused and pulled out the coolest guitar. He immediately set it down and ran into Bruce's arms saying, exclaiming, "Thank you Grandpa!"

All the other kids were spoiled too and showered with love and perfectly picked out gifts (and totally spoiled once again).

Happy, Merry, Wonderful Christmas indeed!

TOFW in Richmond

Man oh man was I in need for "Time Out For Women" this year!  And thankfully, two of my wonderful girlfriends were able to join me in my adventure...thanks Michelle and Jill!

I was SO excited to be able to sit and bask in the wonderful words of the presenters!  I was especially grateful to see my dear friend Shawni and her mother Linda, share their thoughts on motherhood...did I need that!

I was thrilled to hear Jason Wright speak too (an old friend from our Oakton days) not to mention the other presenters that I always love!

And finally I was able to hear Jericho Road, the "mormon" boy band I have heard about for years but never actually heard.  Needless to say, I have a crush or two now!

It was amazing to run into so many friends from my past days in the Oakton ward.  Living in the same area for 18 years will do that...make you a lot of friends...that you get to see every now and again...LOVE IT!

Thank you both Shawni and Hilary for the VIP seats and the opportunity for lunch with all of the presenters.  I felt so loved and my cup was filled!

Road Trip to North Carolina

Did you know that the farthest I have ever driven by myself is maybe 2 hours?! It's true. Well I crushed that old record on Friday when I went to visit my dear friend Michelle in North Carolina!  I got up at 5:15 am, dropped Sommer off at seminary and started my drive. 

I must say I was amazed how quickly it actualy went. I asked a few people what in the heck I was supposed to do for 7 hours.  I mean, I only have so many thoughts and who wants a one sided conversation?! 

I was thrilled with lovely phone calls from friends while I drove.

I was thrilled with the book on tape I had.

I was thrilled to sing along with the radio.

We had a great visit!  We were able to sit in Michelle's backyard and visit in the 75 degree fall weather while Chase played.  We went to our favorite restaurants, watched a movie, chatted all night long...it was so lovely.

And then it was time to drive again.

It wasn't bad at all.

I think Garth and I have a future retirement plan now...driving (did I actually say that)!

Beach, Birthday and Bowling

BOWLING

We had the first Bowl-A-Rama bowling tournament this summer hosted by the Porter Family.  Couples from all over the area participated in the event.  Two games were played, scores were averaged and awards were presented. 

 Dan and Lynette came to rock the alley...and boy howdy did they ever...BEST TEAM UNIFORM by far!

 Robbie bowled the highest score, receiving the coveted "Top Bowler" trophy.

 A few Liters of soda were given away to the top male and female "crusher."  Dave and I each took that home!

 If you ever wondered what I looked like with half an arm....Jared took the "most Strikes" trophy.

Garth was presented with the "You Stink" award, receiving a 4-pack of toilet paper.  I am so proud.  Our next tournament will be held in October!  Time to hit the lanes!

Birthday

I decided to turn 40 this year.  What fun! I should do that more often. Garth organized quite the gala. With a house full of dear friends, Cafe Rio was eaten and Couples Bunko was played! 

Beach

We hit the beach the week before school and the week AFTER the hurricane (thank goodness!).  This lucky planning led to an extremely quiet beach.  What fun!