Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Merry Christmas

Goodness, how time flies!!! Here it is, almost Christmas, and  I'm still trying to get everything decorated.  School is almost out for Christmas Break (only 2.5 more days!!!), but my house is not the least bit ready for Christmas.  Looks like Friday will be a BUSY day.  I hope to at least get the tree up this weekend.  It makes me feel bad that I don't have the stuff up - I mean I realize that Christmas isn't about the tree and decorations - it's what comes from the heart.  God gave us the best gift over 2,000 years ago (and some people are still trying to outgive that one, go figure).  I enjoy Christmas, but as a musician, it's probably the most hectic time of year for me.  I will be completing my last concert this evening.  I can't tell you the HUGE sense of relief that is looming LARGE at 6 p.m.  Sure there are parties and such to prepare for, but the performance aspects make me lose sleep at night.  I surely do not stress over the quality of my party food.  However, disappointment from parents if the programs don't go as well as they should is not something I look forward to seeing and nightmares of countless musical mishaps (which never happen) keep me up much too long during the night.
Well, here's to the best holiday season ever - Christmas!!! I wish you the merriest of days.  Remember who we celebrate.  It's all worth it.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Has it been that long???

While wandering the internet, I decided to check my rambling spot. Obviously, I'm not a dedicated blogger. I couldn't believe that I hadn't checked in since March. Time marches by far too quickly. Summer is here, school is out, my computer time is more available. Who knows? Maybe I will really get into this blog thing. I guess we'll see.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Who'da Thunk It?

I had never even considered how progressive my own mother was. Way back when I was young, my mom became a coupon queen. It was so embarrassing to shop with her - she had this 4 inch binder full of coupons, stapled on pieces of paper, sorted by category. She was the only mom I knew that did this. I kinda dreaded going shopping. Then, there was the job of clipping the coupons, checking the book for expireds, filing the new ones. Now here I am - 20+ years later- toting around my own big coupon notebook....heavy sigh....I think I have become my mother after all. (But I don't think I'd admit that to her).

I admit it - I have returned to the land of the coupon clippers. I had been a "member" when my son was born and I was a SAHM. I had time then, not really, but it felt like it. I was really good then. I could save money like a machine. Then, the rest of life just pushed it to the side and I abandoned all of my efforts. Now I'm back at it again. I mean - saving money is a good thing. I've been feeling convicted about being a good steward of the resources God has given me. So, here I am, lugging my trusty notebook to every store on the planet, making some pretty decent deals along the way.

I'm not a guru about this coupon world, but I will admit, it does become sort of treasure hunt to see what deals you can get. I've even gotten to be better friends with people as I am on this journey. It is nice to have someone who understands all of the coupon language and hunts for deals with you. I think it's cool....oh, my mom has returned to her coupon roots as well. Go figure!!

Gotta go get the grocery list completed. Happy Shopping!

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Head above the water

There are days when I feel like I can barely keep my head above the water. I feel like I'm stuck in a doggie-paddle headed nowhere. It's on days like this that I feel so totally overwhelmed. I find myself wishing for extra time to do all of the things that need to be done. However, when I do get those days, (like snow days - yes, I do teach in a public school), I don't even know where to begin. Oh, sure, I can picture everything that I could accomplish, if given a few extra hours. Then, when those precious hours arrive, I want to do anything but the things that should be done. I hope I'm not alone in this.

I try not to feel this way too often, but it seems to sneak up on me when I least expect it. I do plan for those snow days - moments of time when not too much is required of me. I just wish there would be actual snow on the snow days. It would be easier to excuse my lack of initiative. I would just get out and play in the snow. Everyone can forgive you for living in a snow moment.

It seems that my life gets taken over by the stuff - clutter, more papershuffling at school, the drudgery of daily life. I want to be able to be one of those people that can be spontaneous, yet organized, creative yet not chaotic. I guess I should just start with baby steps and take just one task at a time. That might help. The baby steps for me, though don't always matter to those around me. Sure, they want things neat and tidy, but the family could care less about an organized linen closet or a neat silverware drawer. I guess I need small places to help me get to the bigger places. If I could just keep those small places under control, maybe the larger ones would begin to make more sense. I just need to be able to be consistent and content with the things that I have. I guess the apostle Paul had it right with being content whatever the circumstances. I still have much to learn about contentedness.

I hope that my body can do what my mind thinks it can. If not, I'll be in deep trouble. but then again, I do have the Source to lean on (Phil. 4:13). Thankfully, He doesn't get tired or worn-out. I can't wait to be swimming freely and not just keeping my head above the water. But somedays, it just about the continual motion and not stopping. You are still surviving, even if it's just your head above the water.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Friday Night Crop - Yippee

I can't wait to get my scrapbook stuff out tonight.  It's a monthly group meeting and it's tonight!!  I wish I could scrap more often, but I don't have the space to keep my stuff out all of the time to work on it for 30 minutes here and 30 minutes there.   I am trying to balance all of the different projects that I'm working on.  Maybe I'll get more done tonight - being jazzed and ready to go this time.  

I try to avoid the baby pictures for now.  My kids are 10 and 8 and when I start looking back, I get all sappy, emotional and eventually turn in to a blubbering mess.  I'll try to keep it together today.  I need to do some soccer and school pages.  Maybe that will work.  We'll see.

Can't wait to crop!

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

100+ reading challenge for 2009

I don't think I've ever kept track of how much I read, but I'll give it a try.  My dear sister-in-law has led me down this path.  We'll see if I can keep up!!  Here are the books that I have read for the 2009 year:

1. Navy Wife by Debbie Macomber

2. In Search of Eden by Linda Nichols (really enjoyed this one - very lovely read)

3.Friday Night Knitting Club - currently reading

4.