Update on the Ryan family

So, we lost our camera last week when we moved... that's right! You heard me right, we moved. I didn't want to tell anyone, because it's getting beyond ridiculous, but this time was not our fault!

We wanted to renew our contract with our landlord, but they got a divorce and wanted their house back. So... we got packed up and we're back in Draper with John's family. John has several job ops that he's deciding between, so we thought it best to stay with family until that is sorted out.

I'm still pretending to be in South Ogden with Savvy Sister, checking out all the unadvertised deals at the double coupon store. The truth is, I have an awesome informant from my last ward that does the work for me! Sweet!

So, as soon as we get our camera back, I'll post a picture of Tommy with his first top tooth missing- so cute! He's turning 6 next week... unbelievable! We're having a hard time knowing what to get him for his birthday, he wants everything!

And, I'll post a picture of us at Seven Peaks on Saturday. John's whole family will be here, the sisters from out of state and everything. The kids have never been to a water park so awesome, they don't even know what to expect!

And, I'll post a picture of Allison getting ready for Young Women's Camp- they are going to the Heber Camp, the lucky girls! I've heard it's the "Cadillac" of Young Women's Camps- she's going to be spoiled on her very first trip!

I also need to add to the school year report that Rebecca had an amazing year of field trips! She went skiing, canoeing, did archery at a mountain camp, and went to This is the Place Park & the State Capitol. Wow, 4th grade was great for her! I can hardly believe that she'll be in 5th grade this fall, the same grade I used to teach.

As for me, I'm still a crazy blogging mama on Savvy Sister Shops. It has been a great outlet for me during a frustrating time. There's so much more to it than I imagined! The good thing is, it's finally starting to make some money. If you want to know how, I'll gladly share my secrets!

I've got a bunch of giveaways lined up and this week's is from Jilly Bean Things- my sis-in-law has an incredible etsy shop and the winner of the blog giveaway gets to choose any item from her store! Check it out here, if you want to enter.

And now, Becca will be happy because I finally updated our blog- our pictures will be ... coming soon!

End of school year report 2010

Allison: Won almost every award that a 6th grader could receive at her school's award assembly. Included in these was the 'Hope of America' award- each teacher was able to choose 2 children in their class to receive this award.

She also auditioned for 'PAL Camp' here in Weber District and was accepted into the performing arts camp. She saved up her babysitting money so that she could attend. She had a fabulous performance last week all about Jazz music. It was amazing that the teachers could put together a show like that in one week! It makes a big difference when the kids are older and they actually want to be there.

Rebecca: Won several art contests during the year. (But never received the $100 by the way, we were misinformed about the prize!) She and her best friend played a violin duet for the end of year 4th grade talent show. She and the same best friend also qualified to compete in the district Math Olympiad in the Tangram contest. They took 1st place! Becca was so proud- she earned her first medal ever!


Thomas: Went from recognizing a few letters at the beginning of the year to reading sight words, sounding out words, and counting every thing he sees. He had a fantastic team of teachers pulling for him this year and we are so grateful. We are considering a repeat of Kindergarten because he's been so delayed in academics, etc. He's certainly taught us a lot in these short 6 years!

Our new family picture!

My Riverton Friends

I get to come and see you on Thursday night at Jenni's! You probably received an invite through Facebook to the coupon class. If you didn't receive an invite, then please just come! It's this Thursday night, June 3, 7 p.m. at Jenni McCoullough's! I really want to show you how coupons can make a big change for your family. I recently told more about my story on my blog and also on another blog, Couponing to Disney. If you have a minute to read those, it would mean a lot to me. The response on Couponing to Disney's site was great and I hope that my experiences help families in whatever situation they may be in.

We are still looking for work, but we have been able to make it through this storm because of coupons. I can still go shopping, because so many items are cheap, FREE, or I can even make some money on deals with Target gift cards, etc. It is amazing!

It would be so fun to see you all on Thursday night. I wish I could visit more often! ;)