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.

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.

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!