Twas the weekend before Christmas...

And Juli is making a list and checking it twice. I have quite a few things to get done. OK, a ton of things to get done so I am going to waste time by sitting at the computer and blogging!Jayden is sitting on my lap because he told "its a fine idea" and I agree with him!
So, here is my list of to-do items.
Pick Calvin up at the vet. He goes every other day to have his infected paws flushed and get a shot of antibiotics. I know I am crazy to do this since he is 14 but I love him and as long as I can do something to keep him alive I will. Unless it costs like $1000. Then we will talk.
Wrap presents. Yes the boys are going to help me so they may not be beautiful but they will be wrapped with lots of love
Mail presents. This is a little trickier with two kids. And I know that I am way behind on this so I will be waiting in line forEVER. If you are getting a gift from us, it is probably going to be late. I am sorry for this and my only excuse is poor planning.
Go shopping (oh dread!!!) to pick up some presents for the boys from the MOMO! I know exactly what I am picking up so I will be able to be as efficent as the other shoppers allow me to be. Jayden is getting a Sleeping Bag and WallE watch and Jacob is getting Elmo pj's and Elmo kitchen. Two stops: JcPenny's and Target
Next, we will be making gifts for MeeMaw and Pop. Shhhh! Don't tell! Of course, half the time Jacob thinks that he is meemaw so it could get a little confusing.
Make noodles for Christmas dinner I will be utilizing child labor and forcing Jayden to help me.
On Sunday, I am Mary again and this time I get to have a real live baby on stage. My sweet friend Christina is letting me hold her son. I pray it goes good. So between first and second service I am going to run to CVS because they are having mega deals. I hope I get everything on my list!!! CVS is my new obsession
Then home to eat lunch and put the boys down for naps. Clean house, and get ready for the youth group christmas party.
So, tis the season for busy busy busy!!! But I am going to make sure to take lots of deep breathes and pray and spend some time with God and remember that event though there is so much "to-do"ness this weekend, the top thing it to celebrate Christ!

My new love

I LOVE to save money. I have always been a coupon clipper but recently, I have gotten VERY serious about my art!
So, to pass on the love, I am going to reveal my favorite websites:

afullcup.com
This website is great because you can choose your store from a list and it will pull up a spreadsheet of what is on sale and what coupons to use. It will even post the link if there is an online coupon that you can print

hotcouponworld.com
I use this website to help me develop my CVS shopping strategy. If you are not currently a CVS shopper, you must must must!!!! get an Extra Care Bucks Card and join me in my obsession! This website has lots and lots of advice on how to get the most bang for your buck!

hillbillyhousewife.com
Great website if you want to cook more from scratch or make your own cleaners. I have started making our laundry detergent-it is super cheap and good for our very sensitive skin.


So, there you go my fellow deal divas and deal dudes!

Bah hum bug

I have not been in the Christmas spirit at all this year. Usually, I cannot wait until I can put up all the decorations, wrap presents and listen to Christmas music. Today, I finally think I figured out what is going on with me. I have been so busy with all of the "to-do" lists of this time of year that I have completely neglected to really focus on what this season is about. I have been trying to do everything myself and I was again reminded that we cannot do anything ourselves-only with Gods guidance! So, I am resolving to spend more quiet time focusing on Christ!

Oh, and did I mention that I am going to be Mary on Christmas Eve. Good Lord, could they have picked a more non-Mary looking person. I am about twice the age of Mary when she had Jesus and I am not even remotely Jewish looking! Hopefully I can learn the lines!!!!