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'Twas the day before Christmas
and a blogger was reminiscing,
Of Christmas pasts with family
And the traditions they held so dear.

Okay that was a terrible poem but it's my segue into
a post sharing our Christmas traditions.

First and foremost,
our most important tradition is decorating the tree.
Each year we watch Elf as we do it, this started when we moved into
our house. Sometimes we also watch Love Actually too.
Probably no longer Love Actually now that we have,
Sweet Pea though...



Each year we use to eat at the Varsity on Christmas Eve,
2009 it moved to Waffle House,
2010 we stopped this tradition completely because
SweetPea was 16 days old plus there were threats of
snow in GA which always means everything shuts down.
But I am hoping to start it again soon.


Peace up, A-town.

Each year we go over to my in-laws read 'Twas The Night Before Christmas
on Christmas Eve. We missed it one year and Hubby was very upset.

For the past three years we have been going
to the Town Square to see Santa Clause.
It's always the same guy and he is the nicest Santa helper,
he so good with the children and so patient.



After eating at the Varsity, we use to go to the Town Square and take pictures.
Now we take pictures when we go see Santa but I would like to try and bring
this tradition back as well.



This tradition started last year that I decided to continue is,
making her hand print into a snowman ornament.



New Christmas activity we started this year, also, that I am hoping to continue -
Going to the Christmas parade in our town square.
SweetPea had so much fun and his family use to go every year when he was younger.



As well as going over to the in-laws to read,
we usually open a Christmas present on Christmas Eve.
And it's usually pajamas. :)

Most of these traditions are based on my husband's family traditions. I never grew up with any that I remember. I remember the idea of traditions were there but nothing moved from year to year. My parents got divorced when I was five. So I only ever remember a Christmas divided. I remember running around every year and never getting time to enjoy the day. I woke up at my mom's and then we went to my Granny's house and then my dad would come get us and Santa always came to his house too. Then he would take us over to my Papa and Granny's house. And then the day was over. It always felt that Christmas was over in the blink of an eye.

This is the first year (besides the year she was born) that we can't go up there.
And it is bittersweet. But we have to do what is best for our family.

Traditions change because they have to. Families grow. If you don't change or alter your traditions, you are just going to leave someone out or exclude someone. If you don't want to change, that's fine but be aware that others may have to because they want the best for their family. And there is nothing wrong with that.

Christmas is a time when you celebrate Jesus' birth. The presents, food, parties - all that doesn't matter. Spending time with everyone you love is what matters.

So, if anyone is still online, what are some of your family traditions?
Have a post? I would love if you shared it in your comment. :)

Our tradition of reading 'Twas The Night Before Christmas, was mentioned on Circle of Moms! You can view it HERE.

Happy Sunday, everyone!

Do you have plans to get together with family today?
I do. We are heading out to my
Father-in-Law's side of the family,
where we'll do a white elephant exchange and have
wrapping paper ball fights. Lots of fun. :)

I just wanted to do this quick blog post because, honestly?
I am just so excited. It really warms my heart.

A while back, I posted this photo of my
daughter on my Instagram
and then I was asked if it could be
featured on planetearthbeauty's page.
{View my original photo on Instagram}





A few weeks ago my daughter's photo was featured in
A Night Owl's
Weekend Hashtag Project
and the prompt was cozy. ;)
{View my original photo on Instagram}






Then YESTERDAY my daughter's picture was featured on
Tutus By Gayle's Facebook page.
She is the one who made the
adorable outfit my daughter is wearing.
And when I saw her profile picture,
it just made me smile.
So I decided to share and brag a little bit. :)


She was saying cheese in this picture and
honestly didn't want to bother with pictures. LOL

Follow @mrsdchastain

Okay done being a braggy parent but I'm proud of my sweet pea.

Have a great day! Happy Holidays! :)

Has anyone seen this meme?



My thing about the Mayan calendar is, what if they just ran it of room
and thought, well we will be around to update it later.
They were the most powerful at the time.
I kid.

But I see all these people quoting bible scripture.
No man knows and time is not relevant,
Let's remember that.

Okay, so here are the HOT deals I grabbed at Publix and Kroger.
A few things to note:
Some coupons may or may not be available anymore,
I calculate my savings after submitting any iBotta offers, after received SavingStar discounts,
and any mail-in-rebates. Because those ARE savings.
To read my review on SavingStar & iBotta, click HERE. :)

My Kroger only accept TWO of the same printable coupon & 5 of others.
My Publix accepts Target, Ingles, & Kroger as competitors,
doubles coupons, and does half price BOGO.

Okay so let's get started, this week was a GREAT week!

Publix:
You can grab these deals for yourself until Wednesday. :)

2 Fresh Express Salad Blends, 5 to 12 oz, BOGO $3.99
- No Coupon Used
= $3.99 or $2 each

3 Smart Balance Milk, Half Gallon $2.50
- 3 $1/1 Smart Balance Milk Publix Coupon All The Trimmings Booklet
- 3 $1.50/1 Smart Balance Enhanced Milks SS 11/18/12
= FREE

2 Kraft Fresh Takes $2.99
- 2 $1/1 KRAFT FRESH TAKE Cheese & Breadcrumb Mix IP
- $3/2 Kraft Fresh Take Cheese & Breadcrumb Mix 6 oz Publix Yellow Advantage Buy Flyer “Happy Holidays” In-Ad Publix Coupon
= $0.99 or $0.49 each!

6 Whiskas Temptations Treats For Cats, 2.47-3.1oz, BOGO @ $1.65
4 $0.50/1 Temptations Treats For Cats RP 12/02/12
2 $0.50/1 Temptations Treats for Cats printable
2 $1.00/1 Whiskas Temptation Treats Publix coupon printable
2 $0.75/2 Temptations Treats Target printable
= $6.05 Money Maker! ;)

4 Knorr Pasta Sides, 3.8-6.4oz, BOGO @ $1.29
2 $0.50/2 Knorr Rice and Pasta Sides printable
2 $1/2 Knorr® Sides or Knorr® Homestyle Stock products Publix coupon Best Meals Happen at Home email
= $1.42 Money Maker! ;)

2 Kraft Mayo or Miracle Whip Dressing, 30oz, BOGO @ $4.63
- 2 $0.75/1 Kraft Mayo or Miracle Whip Dressing Publix coupon Savings Are Stocking Up Mailer - Publix will apply one Publix coupon as many times as you need. So although I only had one, they applied it twice.
- 2 $2/1 Kraft Mayo or Miracle Whip Dressing printable
= $0.87 Money Maker! ;)

2 Breakstone's Sour Cream, 16oz, BOGO @ $2.59
- 2 $1/1 Breakstone's or Knudsen Sour Cream printable - NLA?
= $0.59 or $0.30 each!

2 Bertolli Pasta Sauce, 15-24oz, BOGO @ $2.79
- 2 $1/1 Bertolli Pasta Sauce printable from the Best Meals Happen at home E-mail
= $0.80 or $0.40 each!

8 Kraft Salad Dressing or Sizzling Salads Kits, 12-16oz, BOGO @ $2.85
- 4 $1/2 Kraft Salad Dressing SS 12/09/12
- 4 $1/2 Kraft Dressing Publix coupon Savings Are Stocking Up Mailer
= $3.40 or $0.43 each!

4 Lindsay Olives, 6oz, BOGO @ $1.99***
- 2 $1/1 Lindsay olives printable - I tried to build a direct link, let me know if it works, please. :)
- 2 $1/1 Lindsay olives Facebook IP
= FREE

2 Betty Crocker Cookie Mix, 14-17.9oz, BOGO @ $2.79
- 2 $0.50/1 Betty Crocker Cookie Mix printable
= $0.79 or $0.40 each!

2 Sabra Hummus, 10oz or 4pk, 2oz Cups, BOGO @ $3.99
- 2 $1/1 Sabra Product Publix Booklet All The Trimmings MFG coupon
= $1.99 or $0.99 each

5 Kraft Shredded Cheese, BOGO @ $3.99
- No Coupons Used
= $9.98 or $1.99 each

Keebler Club Crackers BOGO @ $3.65
- $1.50/1 from Kellogg's Family Rewards
= $0.33!

Bananas $0.69/lb
1.85 lb
= $1.28

2 Sara Lee Honey Wheat Bread BOGO @ $2.89
- No Coupons Used
= $2.89

Subtotal Spent = $14.15
Taxes = $2.10
Used $10 gift card from Target coupon promo
Total OOP Spent = $6.25
Total Saved = $131.52
Percentage Saved = 95% Savings! :D






Items I asterisked, I am using in last minute Holiday gift baskets. These are baskets I make each year to have around for when last minute events arise or someone you didn't expect gives you a gift. ;)