Actually, this lesson is for everyone, not just working moms. But it struck me this week as something I should share for any of us who feel over-extended from time to time.
Working Mommy Lesson #3: Give, and Get Grace.
This past Monday I had the pleasure of watching my friend Terri's two children. I gladly offered to help out on my day off because I love her kids and I knew it would be no trouble at all. I also knew that Terri would do the same for me if I needed it. Although I knew her kids would be wonderfully behaved and would not add any extra stress, I wondered if I would be able to find the time to get things done around the house and complete the work I needed to that day. The day came and went and of course they were angels (I'm not just saying that because she reads my blog). And as I settled in for the night, I couldn't believe how much I accomplished - both at home and with work.
The week progressed and the grace continued to come. Each day at work seemed to bring about much accomplishment and at home I seemed to get even more done than usual.
As I ended the week last night, I began to reflect on how it began and I felt God whisper, "Give, and get grace." I realized that even as a busy, working mom, this is the king of life I want to live. I don't want to say no just because I'm afraid it will be too much. I want to give and give and trust God for the grace to give some more.
So dear friends, bring it on! Let's cultivate a life of giving to one another and a community that can depend on one another. Give, and get grace. . .all the grace that you need!
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
Seriously, there IS a diaper fairy!
I know, I know. You are all so sick and tired of my bragging about Amazon subscribe and save and how I get my diapers delivered right to my door. You too can participate in this amazing feature of the modern world. Sorry to harp on it, but I had to share about my recent run in with the diaper fairy.
Just 5 minutes ago I was sitting on the floor with Hope, looking at a toy catalog while watching Oprah (yes, we're having a productive afternoon). I realized she had a poopie diaper - the third one today. I thought about how there were no more diapers downstairs and strategized how I would run up quickly while leaving Hope alone in the living room. I'm sure that the department of child services wouldn't come get me for leaving a 17 month old unattended in the living room for 45 seconds, but then again, they don't know my daughter. The other day I took my eyes off of her for a minute and then discovered she had climbed all the way up the stairs into her room to get a toy then was making her way back down the stairs before I grabbed her off the third step from the top. . .but I digress. . .
So I was just about to sprint up the stairs to grab some diapers when I caught a glimpse of something colorful through my front door window. Purple. . .yellow. . .could it be?? YES! The diaper fairy had come and left me such a simple and wonderful gift. Diapers, free of the 45 second sprint up and down the stairs.
I can hardly believe it. It's true Virginia, there is a diaper fairy. And she comes right when you need her.
Just 5 minutes ago I was sitting on the floor with Hope, looking at a toy catalog while watching Oprah (yes, we're having a productive afternoon). I realized she had a poopie diaper - the third one today. I thought about how there were no more diapers downstairs and strategized how I would run up quickly while leaving Hope alone in the living room. I'm sure that the department of child services wouldn't come get me for leaving a 17 month old unattended in the living room for 45 seconds, but then again, they don't know my daughter. The other day I took my eyes off of her for a minute and then discovered she had climbed all the way up the stairs into her room to get a toy then was making her way back down the stairs before I grabbed her off the third step from the top. . .but I digress. . .
So I was just about to sprint up the stairs to grab some diapers when I caught a glimpse of something colorful through my front door window. Purple. . .yellow. . .could it be?? YES! The diaper fairy had come and left me such a simple and wonderful gift. Diapers, free of the 45 second sprint up and down the stairs.
I can hardly believe it. It's true Virginia, there is a diaper fairy. And she comes right when you need her.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Simplicity Project #14
The Coupon Game
I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted. And I am very sorry that I missed September's Simplicity Project post. I'm sure you are all relieved to know I don't have it all together.
Last month I tackled several little projects like cleaning out my closet to see what clothing items I really need for the fall. I actually found a few dresses (no kidding, they were stuck underneath some other clothes in the corner) and within 15 minutes of finding them, I put together two really cute outfits with sweaters and shoes I already had. It's amazing what an hour of cleaning can do for your wardrobe! I also cleaned out Hope's closet and transferred her summer clothes to my consignment pile.
This month, I decided to post about couponing. You may be asking what that has to do with simplicity. If any of you participate in the coupon game, you know it can be very complicated. I kept hearing about all these women who were saving hundreds of dollars a month using coupons. Women who spend $40 a week to feed a family of four. After probing further, I realized these women spend most of their free time up to their eyeballs in coupon clippings and they typically go to a grocery store every day. I don't know about you, but I don't have time for that!
My great friend Terri (who happens to be amazing at everything she puts her hands to) told me about some great websites that have made the coupon game one that is easy to master. The women writing these blogs do all the work for you! They research store ads, coupon circulars and everything you need to know to get the best deals possible.
My favorite is www.southernsavers.com She lays out every ad for the week and then lists and links to coupons for each item on sale. Last week I got Pillsbury cookie dough for .45 and coffee that is usually $5.79 a bag for $1.59 a bag.
There are many sites out there and you really could spend all your free time playing this game. In the spirit of simplicity, I have adopted a few, simple rules that allow me to participate in the savings without spending a lot of my time.
My Rules for Effective Coupon Savings:
- Pick a store and stick with it. (I choose Publix - I love Publix)
- Pick one website that covers that store's circular. (Southern Savers covers them all)
- Go through the list of items on special and write down only the things you really need. (With Publix, I concentrate on the BOGO deals)
- The site will cross reference the store deals with newspaper and online printable coupons. Cut or print coupons for only the items you will likely buy.
- Plan to do your shopping on the same day each week so you can coordinate with in store deals.
- Stock up only on the items you know you will use within a month. (No one needs canned soup stocked up for a year - that is not simple living!)
Last week I did stock up on cereal because we eat it every day. With the BOGO deals and the coupons, I got 4 boxes for $1.25 a piece. That is a great deal for cereal! I spent $150 on groceries last week - which may not seem like a deal - but most of those groceries will last me all month. I may return to Publix once or twice this month for fresh produce and a few odds and ends.
The important thing is to find a simple couponing plan that works for you and your household. Don't become obsessed with saving. If you get too overwhelmed, you may be saving money, but it will cost you your mind.
I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted. And I am very sorry that I missed September's Simplicity Project post. I'm sure you are all relieved to know I don't have it all together.
Last month I tackled several little projects like cleaning out my closet to see what clothing items I really need for the fall. I actually found a few dresses (no kidding, they were stuck underneath some other clothes in the corner) and within 15 minutes of finding them, I put together two really cute outfits with sweaters and shoes I already had. It's amazing what an hour of cleaning can do for your wardrobe! I also cleaned out Hope's closet and transferred her summer clothes to my consignment pile.
This month, I decided to post about couponing. You may be asking what that has to do with simplicity. If any of you participate in the coupon game, you know it can be very complicated. I kept hearing about all these women who were saving hundreds of dollars a month using coupons. Women who spend $40 a week to feed a family of four. After probing further, I realized these women spend most of their free time up to their eyeballs in coupon clippings and they typically go to a grocery store every day. I don't know about you, but I don't have time for that!
My great friend Terri (who happens to be amazing at everything she puts her hands to) told me about some great websites that have made the coupon game one that is easy to master. The women writing these blogs do all the work for you! They research store ads, coupon circulars and everything you need to know to get the best deals possible.
My favorite is www.southernsavers.com She lays out every ad for the week and then lists and links to coupons for each item on sale. Last week I got Pillsbury cookie dough for .45 and coffee that is usually $5.79 a bag for $1.59 a bag.
There are many sites out there and you really could spend all your free time playing this game. In the spirit of simplicity, I have adopted a few, simple rules that allow me to participate in the savings without spending a lot of my time.
My Rules for Effective Coupon Savings:
- Pick a store and stick with it. (I choose Publix - I love Publix)
- Pick one website that covers that store's circular. (Southern Savers covers them all)
- Go through the list of items on special and write down only the things you really need. (With Publix, I concentrate on the BOGO deals)
- The site will cross reference the store deals with newspaper and online printable coupons. Cut or print coupons for only the items you will likely buy.
- Plan to do your shopping on the same day each week so you can coordinate with in store deals.
- Stock up only on the items you know you will use within a month. (No one needs canned soup stocked up for a year - that is not simple living!)
Last week I did stock up on cereal because we eat it every day. With the BOGO deals and the coupons, I got 4 boxes for $1.25 a piece. That is a great deal for cereal! I spent $150 on groceries last week - which may not seem like a deal - but most of those groceries will last me all month. I may return to Publix once or twice this month for fresh produce and a few odds and ends.
The important thing is to find a simple couponing plan that works for you and your household. Don't become obsessed with saving. If you get too overwhelmed, you may be saving money, but it will cost you your mind.
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