Update

Since November of '08 Fred and I each lost a parent. Fred's mother passed away in a nursing home in Massachusetts in November. She'd had Alzheimer's so the family was sad, but not sorry that her suffering was over. Fred's family had the sweetest memorial service for her I think I've ever seen. Then in Feb. we lost my father very unexpectedly when a blood clot from his leg went to his lungs. He left us in his sleep which was merciful for him but so very hard for us. I am doing better from that, but some days are better than others. It's been hard to get back to the things I enjoy but Fred, my kids, and my good friends have been a tremendous help. You never realize how much some kindness and understanding mean until you go through something like this. My dad was one of my favorite people on earth and I enjoyed spending time with him and talking about fiddles, music, and almost anything else we thought of. I'm so glad that there is more to look forward to than just this life we have here and I have even more reason now to look forward to that. We should live our lives here so that we don't need to be afraid of what comes after we pass away from this life.

So from these experiences I'm taking the life lesson that yes, it's important to meet our life and our daily goals, but is what I'm doing going to be worth it in the long run? Are we taking time to enjoy our lives and especially our loved ones while we have our daily "to do" lists? When we lose someone, regrets can make dealing with the loss so much harder. So I'm learning to temper my goals with some ideas about making it more enjoyable for Fred and the kids, and myself. A special treat now and then, a movie matinee, a good book, a picnicm a special trip. These are things to remember.

Make time to make memories.

Re-visiting Coupons

I'm so thankful to my friends at our homeschool group for teaching me about couponing and shopping deals! (I should bake Carrie a pie!) The coupon moms have started trading our leftover coupon sections with one another each week, and we save even more money! I'll have to get with them over the summer. I'm sure we'll all miss those extra coupons! It will give us an excuse to keep up with one another over the summer. (Yay!)

I can walk right by products when the prices are aren't at their lowest price most of the time, unless we are completely out of whatever, and have to have it now. I've got about a year's worth of dish detergent and soap, and also my favorite shampoo and conditioner! It's been a sniffy winter so I have to keep buying tissues but we've cut back on paper towels. I don't buy paper napkins anymore since we have cloth napkins (not Fred's favorite thing but he puts up with it).

I find I'm buying more of the store brands and that knocks me out of using coupons on those products. (Unless I have one of my all-time favorite coupons that gives me dollars off my shopping trip at that store. :-) ) I still use lots of coupons of Walgreens! They have wonderful store coupons. They also have a great rebate program, but I only use it for items I would normally buy. I keep the receipts on my corkboard until I've received the rebate-that keeps me from misplacing them.

I'm learning to take adavantage of sales as they happen. I'm already way ahead on Valentine and Easter candy!

We don't have to be depressed about a recession: we can use knowledge like this at times of economic hardship and feel empowered. Go coupons queens and kings! Sale on!