to save or not to save

A few weeks ago when Robby and I were in Alabama at the women's conference, there were several amazing women speaking.  Unfortunately, I was unable to hear their break-out sessions.  Although I would have really loved to.  After the conference was over, I had the opportunity to speak with one of the ladies that presented a break-out on saving money and couponing.  I have to admit, I am not much of a money saver, although my husband would desperately love for me to be.  I am much more of a brand loyal type of girl and a convenience shopper.  I generally use products that my mom used growing up.

I am not good at shopping around for the cheapest price.  And I am certainly not good at clipping coupons.  These two things take so much time.  Time for which I don't feel I have any extra to spend.

As this sweet lady was sharing her heart for why she shops for the best deal and why she clips coupons...I was a little convicted about my own spending habits.  The Bible calls us to become Proverbs 31 women...a virtuous woman who is wise with monty.  Is my brand name shopping or convenience shopping modeling a Proverbs 31 woman.  I don't really think so....but, here is what I am doing to help.

This week I had some time one evening, and I decided to sit down and clip my coupons and price match some of the items in the CVS, Walgreens, and Target ads.  I made my list, and set out to do my shopping yesterday in town.

At the end of the day,  I spent about $120 on non-food grocery items between CVS and Walgreens.  And had a total savings of $48.00 between the two places.  WOW...that is super crazy!!  Saving that amount of money is pretty motivating to do it again this week.  The crazier thing...is they say I can save more than that....hmmmm!!  I don't know for sure about that, but I am sure going to work towards it.

These days it seems harder than ever to save money for our ever growing and changing families.  I would love to know your secrets, tricks or plans for saving money for your family.

Be blessed,

dEEpLy, mAdLy in LOVE

This morning (this post has been a post in progress...started yesterday, finished today) I was reading this (blog) devotional from Proverbs 31 Ministries titled "Am I Messing Up My Kids?" Very honestly, there are days moments that I wonder if I am doing the right things for my kids...I feel totally drained, physically and emotionally. I ask myself...am I being too hard, am I expecting too much, are they being held accountable and becoming responsible. The list could go on.....I am probably not alone.

As a mother, we want our children to leave our nest ready to face the world.

As a mother we know how tough the world is, and we want our babies to be tough and ready to take it on.

As a mother, we want to protect our precious ones from the heartache and hurt that we had to go through to get us where we are today.

In all reality, it is the a little of the pain and the hurt that made us tough mommies ready to take on this world ourselve and raise our most precious earthly possessions.

Now I know that this battle will rage on in our minds, but I want to share some encouragement with you. My sweet friend Wendy shared this scripture yesterday in her blog...isn't it funny how God puts all these things in your day, and at the end it all comes together to make some kind of sense.

Psalm 46 says "Be STILL and know that I am God. I will be exalted in all the Earth." He has created these children as His wonderous works. God is in CONTROL of these kids...if we only submit them to his tender, loving care. He is more kind, protective, gentle and loving than we could ever hope to be. Call on His NAME in those moments of desperation. He is our STRENGTH and our PROVIDER, and He will not leave us.

As I was getting ready for bed, Robby was in the bedroom working out (YUCK!!) with the music playing. The song Dont Blink by Kenney Chesney was playing.

Don't blink.

Just like that you're six years old and you take a nap and you wake up and you're twenty-five and your high school sweetheart becomes your wife.

Don't blink.

You just might miss your babies growing like mine did.

Turning into moms and dads next thing you know your "better half" Of fifty years is there in bed.

And you're praying God takes you instead.

Trust me friend a hundred years goes faster than you think.

So don't blink.

Life goes faster than you think.

As I listened to these words it brought my day full circle...moments of desperation, God's words being placed in my heart, realizing that I am not alone and I will make it through this journey of motherhood, and remembering how precious my babies are to me and I am so deeply, madly in love with them....and my amazing husband.

My dear friends, know that you ARE a wonderful mom, and your children will be just fine. You ARE a Proverbs 31 woman. You are strong. You are bold. You are noble. You are full of wisdom. Finish the race. Keep the faith.

How could one not be deeply, madly in love with these these cuties??? Have a great weekend. Be blessed...remember, don't blink!!!