Hello 2012!

     Here we are in a New Year and even if you are like me and do not make resolutions, we all think similar things.  "I am going to get my money in order."  "Time to clean out the house."  "I think I may watch what I eat and exercise more."  There is a natural tendency to think about doing things differently with the start of a new year and I am no different!

     My family and I just returned home from a trip to Washington and Folsom, CA to visit with family.  Mike and I were crazy and we drove...two 12 hours day each way, with three kids crammed in the backseat of a Chevy Malibu (thanks to Grandma B).  All in all, it was a great trip...there were some rough spots, in the backseat, along the way, but the kiddos were troopers!  Needless to say, we were all happy when we walked in our own house. 
     I have to say, the closer we got to home, the more excited I became to get things accomplished.  Organization is one of my big ones!  Posting here on the blog is another thing I plan to be better at!  That means, you will get to hear about all the things I am doing to organize and of course, trying to save money. 
     It seems like since we moved in August, I have been a disorganized mess in every way.  Now that we are a little more settled, birthdays are done, (we have 10 between August and December) and Christmas is done, I feel like it is a "New Day".  So, here it is, HAPPY NEW YEAR!  Let me know what things you hope to accomplish in 2012!

Don't Have the Right Tool???

     Alright...we are all familiar with car trouble...it is miserable.  Especially because most of us are not mechanics.  However, every once in awhile, there is something we or someone we know can do for us.  I am lucky, because my hubby is that someone.  He is pretty handy and can do lots of things on a car, even if he does not like to.  However, many times he starts to work on something and then comes in frustrated because he does not have the right tool.  Well, today I found out that AutoZone has what they call the "Loan-A-Tool Program."  How cool is this, you just go into the store, leave a deposit and take home the tool you need and get your deposit back when you return the tool.  Now, they are not talking about wrenches and pliers, they are talking about seldom used, expensive tools that you do not want to buy.  Here is a link to their description:  http://www.autozone.com/autozone/inourstores/lat/latLanding.jsp.  Check it out, it might make your next round of car trouble a little less stressful and save you some money!

Christmas Traditions...What Are Yours??

    Good morning and happy November 2nd!!  Today happens to be my sister's birthday, so I love this day already...then I woke up here in Phoenix to cold wind and thought....IT'S ABOUT TIME!!  However, this lovely influx of cool air, after weeks of 100 degree temps, brings Christmas to the foreground of my mind.  I know, I know, I should have already been thinking about this...but when you are still wearing shorts and flip flops and have to have the A/C on, you kind of forget how close it is really getting. 

     I will certainly start looking for great deals and ways to make this Christmas season special for my kids without spending tons of money, but I am curious, what are some of your Christmas traditions that keep the focus on Christ and family?  What are some things you do with your family that don't require money??  This seems to be my challenge every year and I would love to hear what my amazing readers do.  I will be posting ideas I find as well as great deals this month and next, but I need your help!  Leave a comment and help all of us!