Piano Fund

For the past few years I have really wanted to get a piano. I had a piano growing up and although we were never great, my sisters and I did learn to play many of the hymns. It was something I enjoyed doing even when I didn't have to and it always made me feel good. Until we moved a year ago we really didn't have the room, but now that we do I have become more determined to add a piano to our home.

Six months ago I thought I had things figured out when we got a free piano on craigslist. It seemed like it would be OK , but after a really bad experience with a piano tuner, I realized what we actually had was now a $90 paperweight in our basement. We were disappointed to say the least and decided instead to set our sights on a digital piano. Thus was born the "piano fund".


I want our family to make some kind of sacrifice to get the piano so that it will mean more to us when we finally do get it. We talked to the kids about it and they were on board immediately, brainstorming ideas of what we could do to earn money for our piano. We talked about selling things that we don't really need (the kids didn't love that idea), not buying thing we really don't need, using less electricity and not wasting food to create a surplus in our budget that could go to our fund.

As soon as we were done talking about it, Max ran out to the car to find some coins he had seen and added them to the jar and then asked for a screw driver to get all the coins out of his "house" bank.

Since then the kids have been great, running around the house keeping all the lights off, talking about car washes, lemonade stands and other money making ideas. I laughed when Reed remembered that my mom had told the boys that she would give them a dollar for every poem or scripture they memorized. He said, "Let's call grandmother and tell her some of our scriptures...but don't talk for too long. I don't want to have a big phone bill."

It has only been a few days but the kids already have me feeling like a pioneer without air conditioning--and it's only May. I actually finally caved and turned it on at dinner last night as we were all beginning to drip with sweat. When I mentioned it Reed said, "You turned the air conditioning on!? Let me get my fan instead!" All I've got to say is that we better have one low electric bill next month because I don't think I can make it through June.

My favorite moment so far was when Reed, after some thought, got his wallet and proudly donated $25. Reed is my saver and Max is my spender so I know this was a little harder for him. He said, "You know how you are always asking me what I'm saving up for, well now I know--a piano. I could tell he felt good about his decision.

I'm excited about the prospect of having a good piano soon and have a feeling it's something our family will cherish for years to come.

P.S. Mom and Dad: This idea was inspired by the "pool fund" of 1985. Let's just hope this fund has a better fate. :)