* We didn’t take a new picture this year, so I had to give you our picture from last year!
Merry Christmas! I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love this time of year! I love that my kids are home from school, I love that I am off from work, I love that my blogging schedule is lighter, I love that it gets colder and family is around! I love the smells the lights, and food!
On an even deeper level and I am so thankful for the the reason why we celebrate Christmas. There was a talk that I heard recently about the choice that we have to be grateful, and it really struck me for this time of year and not just in November.
Thessalonians – 5:18 In every thing give athanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
A few years ago at Christmas time, Paul had been laid off and things seemed REALLY bleak. I was physically sick each day thinking of what my kids would have to open Christmas morning. I planned and planned and worried even more. More important than presents I had to worry about just paying basic bills, I felt selfish even worrying about how I was going to get them something cool to open. I was mad at Paul for getting laid off (as if it was his fault) I was mad at pretty much everyone that I could possibly be mad at including myself for not seeing ahead that this could happen.
One afternoon when my little kids were sleeping I got a church magazine and a Simple Living magazine in the mail the same day. I sat for a few hours while they napped and read both of them completely through. From the church magazine I got a peace of heart that all would work out and from the Simple Living magazine I knew that I had wanted too much and lost sight of what was reasonable for my little family.
That was when I decided that just like Christ received 3 gifts from the wise men, my children would get 3 gifts each year from us. They would also get a gift from Santa, but it gave me a place to start and a plan to keep it in control. I also worked like crazy to make it happen and have a peaceful heart that all bills were paid before I bought a single present. I cut hair, made personalized ceramic plates, I babysat and cleaned friends homes. I swallowed my pride and let people know that I was doing all these things if anyone knew someone or needed anything themselves.
I had everything paid for and presents bought. I was patting myself on the back. Then on the 20th of December, our baby at the time, had gotten so sick she was admitted to the hospital. As I sat up there with her wishing we were home with the other kids, I wasn’t so proud of myself anymore. All I wanted was to be with my family. None of it mattered anymore. My heart hurt so bad that the Christmas that I had worked so hard for would be celebrated without the baby and I. Even more difficult was watching my baby hooked up to the breathing machines and that she just could not understand why she she was there and couldn’t move around.
I prayed and prayed she would get better. Slowly she started breathing better, the 2nd set of antibiotics started working and we were sent home at 9pm on Christmas Eve. I cried as we walked in the door at the relief of us all being in the same place. The next day for Christmas was the first Christmas that I really felt the miracle of what that day represented. It all came together for me that day. The love that Jesus Christ has for all of us, the simple nature of how it should be celebrated, the CRAZY love that I have for my kids and just how GRATEFUL I was for EVERYTHING. I wrote a journal entry to myself, begging ME to remember the feelings that I had that day and to make sure I had them every Christmas.
I know that many of you have had situations of stress that are difficult to imagine. Husbands and children gone for the Holiday’s, job loss, stressful family situations, even death. Please know that you are not alone, that there are people who love you, and that many situations although hard to imagine, are only temporary. I believe also, that Jesus Christ is our savior and that Heavenly Father has a plan for us and that are blessings in store for us. It can be hard to be grateful when we have challenges, but when we try and have a grateful heart and serve others we can see that we all have many blessings and a reason to celebrate this Christmas season.
Please be safe if you are traveling this week! Have a wonderful Christmas!
With Love from,
Paul, Tiffany, Tucker, Emma, Paige, Avery, Storie, Rush and Andie!
Part comedian, part Dad, part athlete. He will boss around your children while they play ball.
Just as angelic as she looks, this girl could easily raise a Village by herself, and all the children would grow up to be President.
Self proclaimed, she would be a webkinz dog. Because, "they're cute, and puppies are too. And they're sweet and they always get along with other puppies."
This mini-Martha Stewart can handle ANY craft you send her way. She isn't all bows and rainbows, she's got karate kid moves!
Not "Pick-Me-Up" like caffeine, she wants you to pick her up! AND NOW!
Anything that can be destroyed WILL be destroyed!
Practically Perfect in Every Way for now! Nicknamed "The Panda" she is rolly polly and lives by the motto, "the little one, is KING!"
The resident Labradoodle, Miller got his name because Mom won and got to name the baby! Need something chewed up? He'll take care of it. Especially if it's expensive..
Beautifully put, my friend.
No segue but I can I have Rush?
LOL! I will rent him out to you… but you must know that it is really the baby that is the party favorite!
That was lovely. And thank you for these wonderful reminders. PS: I love the snow.
Merry Christmas Ivanovsky’s!
Awesome post Tiffany. You are a great mom. Merry Christmas to your family!
THANK YOU for sharing your story! It can be so easy to forget the true meaning of Christmas. May you have many more blessed holidays
Merry Christmas!!! Your message is truly inspiring and it is so important to remember the heart of Christmas and why we celebrate.
Beautiful story Tiffany. Thanks for sharing and have a blessed Christmas
Tiffany, that is such a moving story. Merry Christmas to all of your family. Thank you for helping us all appreciate the small things in life.
Beautifully written. Merry Christmas to you and your family. You are such an inspiration.
Merry Christmas to you, Tiffany! I’ve so enjoyed taking your class and following your blog this year. Have a wonderful Christmas with your lovely family. I know you’re as grateful for yours as I am for mine!
Thanks for sharing. I needed to read that today
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We are so blessed for you to be able to write such a fun blog that allows a small budget to extend so far. Thank you. Merry Christmas!
Thank you! I can not begin to explain how much I needed to hear that message right now. Know that God used you to help me get some perspective. Have a Merry Christmas and a Blessed, Happy New Year:)
You are awesome!!! I love that story. It is nice to be reminded of why we celebrate and to have friends like you guys. Merry Christmas to all your family!
Where is miller?
Merry CHRISTmas. Thanks for sharing this part of your the testimony of the things the Lord is doing in your life. I pray that through you the Lord’s Word will penetrate the hearts of many. We are grateful for all that you do. Love to you and your family.
Thanks so much for sharing. God bless you and your family; Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas From Our Family To All Of Yours, God Bless You
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas. About a year ago, your blog helped me get started on couponing and really saving my household money. This story really hit home. I’m thankful that your baby got out of the hospital okay on that Christmas two years ago. We went to visit my mom today. She had surgery the day before her birthday on Dec 4th and is recovering. Knowing she wouldn’t be home, spending Christmas with her today just seemed the most important thing to do. Thanks again for your story. I appreciate it.
Tiffany, that was such a moving story that I read it to my husband too. I had a great time meeting you at the cookie exchange and am so greatful for your blog which makes me laugh, saves me money, gives me good ideas, and today reminded me of how blessed we truly are!
Merry Christmas to *you*! I just love you; I’ve never met you, and I read many “deals” blogs, but there’s just something about you that is special. You seem utterly down-to-earth and like you’d be just wonderful in person. I appreciate your work so much throughout the year. May 2012 be blessed for your family!
Thank you so much Susan! I was happy to see the Girls in White dresses tag again! You feel like an old friend!
Tiffany, always remember you make each of our lives a little easier each day with the wonderful job you do on this website. I know that I’m not only one that really counts of all of these wonderful deals and coupons you post. Happy Holidays.
Merry christmas to you and all of your family. I love your site so much I check it every day and am so glad to see that your family recognizes the true meaning for Christmas. It is just me and my sister left now from our family and we make sure we spend our time together at this time of year. so once again Happy Holidays also.
Wonderful post and we all need to sit and reflect and remember the true meaning of Christmas. Thanks for all you do to help all of us save everyday.
Thanks for sharing Tiffany!
Your words are spoken from the heart and make us realize we are not alone. No matter when it was written, last year or now, it came from the heart, which means the most
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!
Lovely reflections, Tiffany. We were in very similar circumstances a few years ago (husband lost his job 12-21) and I panicked. It has been a very long road digging out of the debt that caused, but I admit the struggle made me a better person by showing me the difference between necessity and luxury. And I’m happy to report that after much hard work, we are down to our mortgage and one small loan as far as debt goes. Credit cards paid in full and I use cash whenever possible. Under my tree as my children still sleep are some amazing finds from my local thrift store. Everything else was purchased on sale or with a coupon or with swagbucks or eBay PayPal money. Best part is I know I didn’t spend a single penny I didn’t already have. Thank you for sharing your beautiful family’s journey. Y’all are such an inspiration for me and so many others! Love and joy come to you!
Merry Christmas to you and your family!!! Awesome story, thanks for sharing!!!
Merry Christmas Tiffany & Paul & keep up the great work w/your websites!!!
Joan
Thanks for that post, Tiffany!! I agree that God gave you this message for those of us that have had struggles this year. I certainly needed to hear it!! I hope that you and your family have a wonderful Christmas season!!!
A *guy* who likes saving money and taking advantage of the deals you post – strange huh?…
Well we have 4 kids and understand the fun more than a couple entails! And our oldest (now 22 and healthy) went thru a couple hospital stays in her early years. Nothing could tug harder at your heart than seeing your child in an undetermined state of health. You’d trade places in an instant.
Thank you for a beautiful story – we’ve all been enriched as a result of your graciousness.
Merry Christmas!
Thank you for posting your story. It wsd something I really needed to read/hear today. Thank you so much.
Thank you for such an inpirational story. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Thank you for that story I also needed that as I think of my family and the blessings I have . Have a blessed holiday.
????Merry Christmas! I recieved your new coupon binder for Christmas and Love it!!!! Also, thank you for the recipes share…we had praline French toast this am with ham and eggs, but the toast was yummy!!! Can’t wait to try your acorn squash Recipe this week!
Tiffany,
Thank you so much for your kind words. They truly touched my heart, maybe, because like you those years ago, we sometimes find ourselves in those same situations today. I am truly thankful for all your help on this site. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!
God Bless You,
Roni
Tiffany thank you for sharing your story. Wishing many blessing for you and yours during this Christmas season. So glad and thankful for your testimony here.
Love your site all year long but this was especially meaningful. Thx for all you do and share! Tremendous blessings to you and your family Tiffany!
Tiffany thank you for sharing your inspirational story. you are a true inspiration to us all. thanks for all your hard work finding us super deals so we can save money. May You & Your family have a Blessed New Year!