In no particular order....
*I've learned how selfish I truly am. I am getting better about personal sacrifice. Not great, but better.
*I've come to a better understanding of how wide, how deep, how great is our Father's love for us.
*I get to laugh everyday.
*I get to experience things for the first time (again) through the eyes of my children.
*I have two children who love me unconditionally-they are quick to forgive, and always full of love even when Mommy messes up.
* Motherhood has provided me with the opportunity to bond more deeply with my husband as we share the common goal of trying raise our children to love and serve God.
*It fulfills the desire in my heart to "be needed." I am needed!
*I get the opportunity to connect with other women traveling on this road through "preschoolhood." This time of life grants me with the chance to form many solid friendships for the years to come.
*I enjoy knowing that even though I am far from the perfect Mommy, that I am the perfect Mommy for Celeste and Caed, because God has gifted both of them to ME. They are also the perfect kids for me. God uses them often to refine me.
*It is hard to find better hugs and kisses!
*I get to do fun things like going to the zoo, the playground, the library, and taking naps and it's all in a day's work!
*I get the opportunity to teach my children about God's great love and sacrifice for them. I have the huge responsibility of telling them about how to find true meaning in life by having a relationship with Christ. It is an honor and joy to share this with my children.
Thanks Nita for getting me to contemplate this! :-)
Showing posts with label Random. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Random. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Trying something new
I've always marveled at the ladies who could save soo much money by couponing and shopping the deals. Though I've always admired them, secretly, I thought I could never "be" one of them. I don't know why! I think part of it is that most personalities of people I've met that are successful couponers are quite different from me...more artistic, flexible, good on a whim, etc... I also have always felt very overwhelmed with the prospect of the amount of time and energy it might take me to figure out this beast!
I totally get that the statement I just made comes across a bit one sided. I know there are people out there that are extremely organized, have a plan, and make coupon purchasing successful for them. In fact, I've meet several recently! Partly due to circumstances, and mostly just for the challenge, I've finally decided to give couponing the shot it deserves.
I promise I'm NOT going to be raving about all of the deals I find ALL THE TIME, but I can't promise not to share some. It's just too hard to resist sometimes! I understand why my friends that use coupons feel the need to share these deals. I feel like couponing is this HUGE secret now that it is working for me because if everyone really knew how much money they could be saving...So, yeah, I think that is why people have to share what they find!
Since this was my first week giving it all I got.....here is a sampling. :)
I got FREE toothpaste, a raincheck for FREE Nivea bodywash, Louisiana Hot Sauce for .25 cents a bottle, and practically free deodorants and shave cream, Tortilla chips for .78 cents, and Specialty Almonds at 1.25 a jar. I've learned it is possible to beat Wal-Mart prices with name brand products! That is just amazing to me! My pantry is already starting to stock up!
I am very new to this of course, and as I am heading in to week two, I am already making a few adjustments and getting pickier about what I consider to be a good deal. My ultimate goal is for the stores to be paying ME to take their stuff home...Isn't that a fantastic plan?!! Moowahhaha
I totally get that the statement I just made comes across a bit one sided. I know there are people out there that are extremely organized, have a plan, and make coupon purchasing successful for them. In fact, I've meet several recently! Partly due to circumstances, and mostly just for the challenge, I've finally decided to give couponing the shot it deserves.
I promise I'm NOT going to be raving about all of the deals I find ALL THE TIME, but I can't promise not to share some. It's just too hard to resist sometimes! I understand why my friends that use coupons feel the need to share these deals. I feel like couponing is this HUGE secret now that it is working for me because if everyone really knew how much money they could be saving...So, yeah, I think that is why people have to share what they find!
Since this was my first week giving it all I got.....here is a sampling. :)
I got FREE toothpaste, a raincheck for FREE Nivea bodywash, Louisiana Hot Sauce for .25 cents a bottle, and practically free deodorants and shave cream, Tortilla chips for .78 cents, and Specialty Almonds at 1.25 a jar. I've learned it is possible to beat Wal-Mart prices with name brand products! That is just amazing to me! My pantry is already starting to stock up!
I am very new to this of course, and as I am heading in to week two, I am already making a few adjustments and getting pickier about what I consider to be a good deal. My ultimate goal is for the stores to be paying ME to take their stuff home...Isn't that a fantastic plan?!! Moowahhaha
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Nothing is Impossible For GOD
This past week at church, our pastor spoke briefly about a list of questions that, as Christians, we should contemplate for the new year. One of these ten questions was, "What is the most humanly impossible thing you will ask God to do this year?" In Sunday School I shared that I felt it was humanly impossible for us to get a house that was in decent enough condition to live in-in the price range that we were looking for. I know it's true that it is humanly impossible. Seventy or Eighty thousand dollars at most is NOT very much money when it comes to buying a home! I bit back tears after sharing that information because the knowledge that we were trying to do something that was humanly impossible really hit me after I shared out loud.
I came home from church on Sunday and posted on my facebook in the "write something about yourself" section the question, "What is the most humanly impossible thing you will ask God to do this year?" And then, I wrote my answer. "Give us a house we can live in that is in the price range we are seeking." I left it at that.
Last night, as I was looking on realtor.com I noticed a home in the price range, in a spot in Mckinney we liked, with 3/2. It had been listed just hours before I found it. There were no pictures, so I didn't expect much, but I contacted our realtor to take us to look at it anyway. It is SO MUCH better than I had expected for the price. It's ridiculous really...it has granite countertops, a second living space, and hardwood floors (the flooring is in need of repair, and the home did have two flooding incidences in the past several years, so it is not perfect...) But, if you compare it to other homes that we have looked at over, and over, and over these last few months you can easily see how much better it is.
God's hand is so evident right now. It isn't everyday that I feel and see God's movement in such an obvious, personal way. It brings tears of joy and thankfulness even as I write this to be reminded of how much he loves us, oh, how much he loves us! He is sooo faithful. I'm still amazed that he answered this prayer so quickly. To experience first hand God make the impossible, possible, is just astounding. I know I shouldn't be astounded, and maybe that isn't the right word, but WOW, what a God moment.
Even if this house doesn't end up being the one for us, God still has shown up in a very real way, saying to me that He will provide.
And, if it IS the house we end up getting, then I am going to have to move on to a different question for contemplating because God will have answered THE hardest question on the list, waaaay more quickly than I ever expected Him to do!
God will show up if you give Him the chance. What humanly impossible thing will YOU ask Him to do for you this year? Give it a try!
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3: 20-21
Quick Update: We looked at the home last night, and submitted a preapproval application as well. We are moving forward and digging deeper with an inspection in the near future to see if this might work out! Hopeful and cautious...please pray for wisdom and a thorough report. Will update again soon!
I came home from church on Sunday and posted on my facebook in the "write something about yourself" section the question, "What is the most humanly impossible thing you will ask God to do this year?" And then, I wrote my answer. "Give us a house we can live in that is in the price range we are seeking." I left it at that.
Last night, as I was looking on realtor.com I noticed a home in the price range, in a spot in Mckinney we liked, with 3/2. It had been listed just hours before I found it. There were no pictures, so I didn't expect much, but I contacted our realtor to take us to look at it anyway. It is SO MUCH better than I had expected for the price. It's ridiculous really...it has granite countertops, a second living space, and hardwood floors (the flooring is in need of repair, and the home did have two flooding incidences in the past several years, so it is not perfect...) But, if you compare it to other homes that we have looked at over, and over, and over these last few months you can easily see how much better it is.
God's hand is so evident right now. It isn't everyday that I feel and see God's movement in such an obvious, personal way. It brings tears of joy and thankfulness even as I write this to be reminded of how much he loves us, oh, how much he loves us! He is sooo faithful. I'm still amazed that he answered this prayer so quickly. To experience first hand God make the impossible, possible, is just astounding. I know I shouldn't be astounded, and maybe that isn't the right word, but WOW, what a God moment.
Even if this house doesn't end up being the one for us, God still has shown up in a very real way, saying to me that He will provide.
And, if it IS the house we end up getting, then I am going to have to move on to a different question for contemplating because God will have answered THE hardest question on the list, waaaay more quickly than I ever expected Him to do!
God will show up if you give Him the chance. What humanly impossible thing will YOU ask Him to do for you this year? Give it a try!
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3: 20-21
Quick Update: We looked at the home last night, and submitted a preapproval application as well. We are moving forward and digging deeper with an inspection in the near future to see if this might work out! Hopeful and cautious...please pray for wisdom and a thorough report. Will update again soon!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Days Like Today...
You just gotta get out of em! :-)
This morning at 5am I woke up to my daughter's voice whimpering that her ear hurt. She sounded so pitiful. I pulled myself from sleep, and then scrounged through our bin of medical supplies to find my ear infection detection device. (Best investment I have ever made! It's not been wrong yet!) Celeste sits still while I check her ear, and sure enough, it registers a blaring 5! on the reader. That's the highest it reads. I check it two more times just to be sure, feel her head (no fever), and then give her a small dose of Motrin to help with the pain and hopefully help her sleep for a few more hours. We both crawl back into my bed. Within minutes she is sleeping soundly, and there I am lying wide awake-worrying. The questions begin....
Do I take her to the doctor first thing this morning? That's expensive. Maybe I should take her to a Kroger or CVS clinic like I did with Caed in Nashville. Wait. I don't know that there is one here. Better take her to the doctor so I don't waste ALL DAY trying to find a place to get her taken care of. Maybe it's not that bad, and I should let her wait it out? BUT, she already has failed a hearing test in that ear, and I don't want any sort of infection lingering in there to increase any problems she "might" be having with hearing in that ear. Okay, if I arrive at the doctor's office at 8 without an appointment, will they be able to see me before I meet our landlord with a rent check by 10? Will that give me time to run over and get an antibiotic filled before I head down to meet him?
Well, you get the point. I didn't go back to sleep. At 6, Caleb's alarm went off, and I slowly got up also. A few minutes later the power goes out. I was so thankful that the coffee had mostly brewed. The power was out for about an hour and a half and the temperature was dropping rapidly in the house because of how cold it was outside! I woke both the kids up to get them dressed in warmer clothes before it got to chilly inside the house. I packed some breakfast to go for the kids, the power clicked back on, and we headed out the door to the doctors office.
Fortunately, the doctor's visit was quick. However, what was intended to be an appointment for Celeste's ear ended up being a lot more than that! Her ear was indeed coming down with infection, but her throat was blaring red. The nurse tested her for strep-and, wham, bam-positive! Consequently, I'm automatically upgraded to paying for 2 doctor's appointments since I had Caed with me and they looked in his throat when they discovered Celeste had strep. They also went ahead and did a swab of his throat-negative. BUT, we are still prescribed with antibiotics for Celeste, Caed, and me because we would probably all get it anyway. Caleb's is getting called in tomorrow. I'm thinking..."If you are going to just give us all antibiotics anyway, Why in the world would you swab my son, and by so doing, automatically DOUBLE the amount of money I owe to someone out there...!!" I had to pay $100 dollars for a sick child visit for Celeste plus $74 dollars for a swab of her throat. And, essentially, them looking into Caed's throat cost $100 dollars because he became a second patient at that point. Really people? Then, $74 more for his NEGATIVE swab.
Driving down to meet the landlord to give him rent money because our electronic bill payment hadn't reached him for the second time in a row, which had caused me to spend literally 2 hours on the phone with banking customer service/automated voice machines the day before,the thought hit me about how overwhelming a lot of things seemed in my life at the moment. It was then that the Holy Spirit gently reminded me that taking care of me and my family is ultimately God's responsibility. It gave me great peace to be reminded that no matter what the circumstances are that God has promised to take care of his children. So, I don't have to worry!!
"Attitude check?" Praise the Lord!! :-) I do have a lot to be grateful for. I am very happy with the decision to take Celeste early this morning to the doctors office. I'm glad that we won't be miserable with sore throats over the weekend, and that overall our plans weren't ruined for the day. I'm glad that this money actually went toward our deductible at the beginning of a new year!
We have a lot on our plate over the next several months. We are adjusting to one income, implementing a stricter budget since we've seen our savings plummet drastically since our move, researching homes to purchase, planning for a third child if the Lord wills it in the near future, and wondering about putting Celeste into dance classes. And, since I don't have to worry about all of these things, I'm going to be excited about them!! And yes, being on a strict budget thus far has actually been exciting and rewarding.
That's enough of an update for now. It is more likely rather an unloading of my brain on to paper than an "update," so I will probably benefit from this far more than anyone reading, but thanks for muddling through it anyway!
This morning at 5am I woke up to my daughter's voice whimpering that her ear hurt. She sounded so pitiful. I pulled myself from sleep, and then scrounged through our bin of medical supplies to find my ear infection detection device. (Best investment I have ever made! It's not been wrong yet!) Celeste sits still while I check her ear, and sure enough, it registers a blaring 5! on the reader. That's the highest it reads. I check it two more times just to be sure, feel her head (no fever), and then give her a small dose of Motrin to help with the pain and hopefully help her sleep for a few more hours. We both crawl back into my bed. Within minutes she is sleeping soundly, and there I am lying wide awake-worrying. The questions begin....
Do I take her to the doctor first thing this morning? That's expensive. Maybe I should take her to a Kroger or CVS clinic like I did with Caed in Nashville. Wait. I don't know that there is one here. Better take her to the doctor so I don't waste ALL DAY trying to find a place to get her taken care of. Maybe it's not that bad, and I should let her wait it out? BUT, she already has failed a hearing test in that ear, and I don't want any sort of infection lingering in there to increase any problems she "might" be having with hearing in that ear. Okay, if I arrive at the doctor's office at 8 without an appointment, will they be able to see me before I meet our landlord with a rent check by 10? Will that give me time to run over and get an antibiotic filled before I head down to meet him?
Well, you get the point. I didn't go back to sleep. At 6, Caleb's alarm went off, and I slowly got up also. A few minutes later the power goes out. I was so thankful that the coffee had mostly brewed. The power was out for about an hour and a half and the temperature was dropping rapidly in the house because of how cold it was outside! I woke both the kids up to get them dressed in warmer clothes before it got to chilly inside the house. I packed some breakfast to go for the kids, the power clicked back on, and we headed out the door to the doctors office.
Fortunately, the doctor's visit was quick. However, what was intended to be an appointment for Celeste's ear ended up being a lot more than that! Her ear was indeed coming down with infection, but her throat was blaring red. The nurse tested her for strep-and, wham, bam-positive! Consequently, I'm automatically upgraded to paying for 2 doctor's appointments since I had Caed with me and they looked in his throat when they discovered Celeste had strep. They also went ahead and did a swab of his throat-negative. BUT, we are still prescribed with antibiotics for Celeste, Caed, and me because we would probably all get it anyway. Caleb's is getting called in tomorrow. I'm thinking..."If you are going to just give us all antibiotics anyway, Why in the world would you swab my son, and by so doing, automatically DOUBLE the amount of money I owe to someone out there...!!" I had to pay $100 dollars for a sick child visit for Celeste plus $74 dollars for a swab of her throat. And, essentially, them looking into Caed's throat cost $100 dollars because he became a second patient at that point. Really people? Then, $74 more for his NEGATIVE swab.
Driving down to meet the landlord to give him rent money because our electronic bill payment hadn't reached him for the second time in a row, which had caused me to spend literally 2 hours on the phone with banking customer service/automated voice machines the day before,the thought hit me about how overwhelming a lot of things seemed in my life at the moment. It was then that the Holy Spirit gently reminded me that taking care of me and my family is ultimately God's responsibility. It gave me great peace to be reminded that no matter what the circumstances are that God has promised to take care of his children. So, I don't have to worry!!
"Attitude check?" Praise the Lord!! :-) I do have a lot to be grateful for. I am very happy with the decision to take Celeste early this morning to the doctors office. I'm glad that we won't be miserable with sore throats over the weekend, and that overall our plans weren't ruined for the day. I'm glad that this money actually went toward our deductible at the beginning of a new year!
We have a lot on our plate over the next several months. We are adjusting to one income, implementing a stricter budget since we've seen our savings plummet drastically since our move, researching homes to purchase, planning for a third child if the Lord wills it in the near future, and wondering about putting Celeste into dance classes. And, since I don't have to worry about all of these things, I'm going to be excited about them!! And yes, being on a strict budget thus far has actually been exciting and rewarding.
That's enough of an update for now. It is more likely rather an unloading of my brain on to paper than an "update," so I will probably benefit from this far more than anyone reading, but thanks for muddling through it anyway!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
New Year Resolutions
1. Read more Non Fiction books (First read: Sarah Palin's "Going Rogue")
2. Stick to our new budget
3. Drink more water
4. Share my faith more
5. Lose pregnancy weight!
6. Make the bed more consistently in the morning
7. Go to bed earlier
8. Get up earlier
9. Put the kids to bed by 8
10. Get my Texas teaching certificate in at least one area
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Twenties, I ♥ you...! Thirties, I embrace you.
Farewell miniskirts... Here I am ready for some line dancing.
Caleb taking Celeste down the big slide inside at the restaurant. The kids were entertained all night by this!
Celeste helping me pull out the 30 candles on the birthday cake!
Thanks to all who helped me celebrate my entrance into my 30's. I have enjoy the warm wishes and thoughts.
I'm going to be so excited about being 30...hehee.
A very special thanks to Caleb for getting together a birthday dinner with friends at Trail Dusters, and for baking me a chocolate cake from scratch. It was delicious! Here is a picture...
Caleb also got me a great gift! I'm on my way to the Dallas Symphony in December to see Micheal W. Smith's Christmas concert. I've been a fan since highschool, and it's been a long,long time since I've been to a concert of any kind, so this will be a fun night for us!
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Caleb taking Celeste down the big slide inside at the restaurant. The kids were entertained all night by this!
Celeste helping me pull out the 30 candles on the birthday cake!
Thanks to all who helped me celebrate my entrance into my 30's. I have enjoy the warm wishes and thoughts.
I'm going to be so excited about being 30...hehee.
A very special thanks to Caleb for getting together a birthday dinner with friends at Trail Dusters, and for baking me a chocolate cake from scratch. It was delicious! Here is a picture...
Caleb also got me a great gift! I'm on my way to the Dallas Symphony in December to see Micheal W. Smith's Christmas concert. I've been a fan since highschool, and it's been a long,long time since I've been to a concert of any kind, so this will be a fun night for us!
.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Brr.
The temperature in our house is currently 70 degrees. Cooler than it has been all summer with running the air conditioning because we set it at 75. In the North Carolina part of my mind, I am thinking this is almost swimming temperatures. So, why am I so cold!!! I think my blood has already started to adjust to the extremely warm temperatures of Texas. Caleb says I am in denial about what season it really is. I admit that is probably true. It feels easy to do here with swimming outdoors lasting up until just last week. The days have been so consistently hot or warm up until this point that I feel like this has to just be a cold front moving through. Maybe it really is fall! It's a great change and a welcome respite from the heat. I love the coziness of wearing a hoodie sweater and sweatpants-sorry, Caleb-I know it's not attractive, but I gotta keep warm!
Friday, September 18, 2009
The Sickies
Caleb and Celeste have come down with the sickies. Celeste has been coughing and having a runny nose for about five days, and late today has started to run a temp of about 100.8. I am really hoping that she wakes up completely better tomorrow! Caleb is also running a slight fever and is a little achey-he describes his symptoms like that of a cold virus. He is also coughing some and not that hungry. I'm wondering if we have a case of the swine flu going around our house. We have basically met every symptom between the two of them! Caed had a runny nose this morning, but seems to be doing just great now. I am also feeling quite well. I sure hope that keeps up! If it is swine flu, I think I've found the anecdote...eat ham. Caed and I both had some today. :)
Monday, September 14, 2009
Your Opinon Wanted
The rental house we have been renting has developed a central heat and air problem. Though I don't think it is anything major financially, we do want it fixed without having to pay for it ourselves. The downstairs is quite balmy as the air and thermostat isn't working in that part of the house. At the beginning of the lease, I specifically asked about major repairs, and the landlord said he would be responsible for anything that went wrong. That is typical. We are in charge of paying for any repairs for our home in Birmingham. Yes, it stinks when something goes wrong, but that is all part of the joys of home ownership! Well, I got an email from our landlord yesterday asking if we would be open to him paying a home warranty for the house, and then us pay for any deductions for the plan and take care of the vendors as well. With this email coming on the tail end of our notifying him about the air, which still isn't fixed-it didn't strike me in the best of ways. I feel like he is asking us to pay to fix the air problem!
Our landlord is a nice guy. We don't want to upset him, or make our relationship strained, but at the same time, we don't feel we want to participate in his home warranty plan. We feel that it is something that would be of great benefit for him, and that he probably should have already had it in place when we began renting. Had he mentioned this option at the beginning of the lease, we might have agreed. But, now, we don't know what to do!
What do YOU think we should do???
Our landlord is a nice guy. We don't want to upset him, or make our relationship strained, but at the same time, we don't feel we want to participate in his home warranty plan. We feel that it is something that would be of great benefit for him, and that he probably should have already had it in place when we began renting. Had he mentioned this option at the beginning of the lease, we might have agreed. But, now, we don't know what to do!
What do YOU think we should do???
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Gym Fun
We frequent the gym often these days since Caleb's company provides us with a discounted rate...as long as he gets there 10 times a month. It has been an excellent addition to our routine. This weekend I got a quick photo of Celeste enjoying her Daddy's favorite game. I know he was soo proud. 
On our way home from the gym, we got to see these preparing for takeoff...
Celeste loves seeing the hot air balloons and points them out frequently in our Texas skyline. We are excited to be taking her to the Hot Air Balloon festival in Plano in mid September. We get to watch a hot air balloon launch and a fireworks show. She is going to love it!
On our way home from the gym, we got to see these preparing for takeoff...
Celeste loves seeing the hot air balloons and points them out frequently in our Texas skyline. We are excited to be taking her to the Hot Air Balloon festival in Plano in mid September. We get to watch a hot air balloon launch and a fireworks show. She is going to love it!Friday, September 4, 2009
Deciding to Downsize
Well, I think it is pretty official-we are going to be downsizing. You may be asking why? There are many factors that have brought us to this point...I'm no longer working, It just makes sense, Why not?, It will be an adventure, Other friends have done it and it worked well for them (Thanks, MV and Renee!), It's a good investment, we still own another home, and on and on.
Now, when I mean downsizing, I mean REALLY downsizing. We are pretty much going to hold an estate sale and sell everything we own-except for the bare essentials and sentimental must haves, but furniture that doesn't fit into a place that is probably going to be just under 1000 sq. ft. has to go! All of the clothes I've stored up in storage for our next kids, any extra toys, Tv's, beds, yep, all of it. Fortunately, I have a good year to enjoy the stuff before it's time to say goodbye to it all. :)
If things go according to plan, we hope to buy a house and pay it off in about five years. Yes, that's right, five years. Many things have to fall into place before we ultimately commit to the decision-mainly finding the right place in the right location, but crazy as it sounds we are excited about this new perspective. The house we would buy would be in a range from 40,000 to 75000 dollars. Obviously, our mortgage payment would be low, and the plan is to use the other money to do things to fix up the house. Small things like replace carpet, paint, put up a fence, landscape-things we can do ourselves. Then in five years, or in two and a half if we just can't take it anymore, we SHOULD be able to sell it and have a great 20 percent down payment for a more "typical" home.
We don't like living paycheck to paycheck more than anyone else does, so we have decided to do something drastic about it. It may seem counter intuitive, but I will actually probably be spending MORE money with this plan because it will free it up to spend. Not that we won't have a budget, but I am so excited to think about being able to afford curtains, decor, plants for landscaping, enrolling Celeste in dance classes, and etc. All things that are out of the question right now at least without serious saving.
I certainly want to hear from all of you about our plan. I will listen to all words of wisdom, words of woe (make sure it's a safe location, has a good foundation, doesn't contain asbestos, etc), disdain, surprise, or whatever. We would love to hear how crazy you think we are or aren't!
Now, when I mean downsizing, I mean REALLY downsizing. We are pretty much going to hold an estate sale and sell everything we own-except for the bare essentials and sentimental must haves, but furniture that doesn't fit into a place that is probably going to be just under 1000 sq. ft. has to go! All of the clothes I've stored up in storage for our next kids, any extra toys, Tv's, beds, yep, all of it. Fortunately, I have a good year to enjoy the stuff before it's time to say goodbye to it all. :)
If things go according to plan, we hope to buy a house and pay it off in about five years. Yes, that's right, five years. Many things have to fall into place before we ultimately commit to the decision-mainly finding the right place in the right location, but crazy as it sounds we are excited about this new perspective. The house we would buy would be in a range from 40,000 to 75000 dollars. Obviously, our mortgage payment would be low, and the plan is to use the other money to do things to fix up the house. Small things like replace carpet, paint, put up a fence, landscape-things we can do ourselves. Then in five years, or in two and a half if we just can't take it anymore, we SHOULD be able to sell it and have a great 20 percent down payment for a more "typical" home.
We don't like living paycheck to paycheck more than anyone else does, so we have decided to do something drastic about it. It may seem counter intuitive, but I will actually probably be spending MORE money with this plan because it will free it up to spend. Not that we won't have a budget, but I am so excited to think about being able to afford curtains, decor, plants for landscaping, enrolling Celeste in dance classes, and etc. All things that are out of the question right now at least without serious saving.
I certainly want to hear from all of you about our plan. I will listen to all words of wisdom, words of woe (make sure it's a safe location, has a good foundation, doesn't contain asbestos, etc), disdain, surprise, or whatever. We would love to hear how crazy you think we are or aren't!
Monday, August 31, 2009
First Blog Update
It is surprising how in just a month you can see progress in goals. Here is an update on what I've been hoping to accomplish.
1. Find a widow to meet with weekly and bring her dinner or just visit with her.
Not there yet, but getting closer with finding a new church home.
2. Begin a ladies fellowship Bible study from my home.
I actually have started a Bible study from my home, but it is over a blog I have created. It is pretty fun, and I have enjoyed this new approach since I haven't yet developed a lot of friends here.
3. Join a Mom's of Preschoolers group.
Did this. Our first meeting is on Friday, and I am really excited to meet these other Mom's! I have already been out for a mom's night out once, so I know there are some great women!
4. Get into a routine with my kids and the gym.
This is two fold. I am getting into a good routine with the gym. We go nearly 6 days a week just to swim, workout, or enjoy the jacuzzi. Getting the kids into a routine is also coming along, but life happens!
5. Become certified as a teacher in the state of Texas since they don't accept other state's credentials!
I take one of several exams that I need for certification tomorrow. Yikes.
6. Stick to a budget since I'm not working.
Err. Well. Yea, I better get better at this one!
7. Make some money by tutoring after school to save money for a downpayment on a house. (According to Dave Ramsey, we shouldn't buy until we have 20% down. So, at this rate, let's say I make 25 dollars an hour tutoring and I tutor a different kid M-F for one hour each that's 125 dollars a week. That times the four weeks in a month is 500 dollars a month. Minus 50 dollars in tithe for the month is 45o. That times 12 is 5400 dollars. 5400 is 20% of 27,000 SO, in four years we could purchase a 108,000 dollar house....Hm.) That was a silly idea!
I designed some business cards for tutoring, but have to order them still. I think I will put them in the mailboxes of the parents here on our street. Also, I found a house that I really like for only 119,000 and that is only the list price, so maybe the 108,000 dollar house isn't such a silly idea afterall. Who knew!
8. Make some money by tutoring to have money for gasoline to visit family instead.
We will make the sacrifice to visit family either way.
9.Find a job teaching!
I'm becoming more convinced that I would just rather stay home, OR teach at the Christian academy here in Mckinney. Both would be great.
10. Lose 10 pounds by the end of October.
Don't know if I will reach this goal, but I am making progress. Slow, slow progress.
11. Lose 20 pounds by December.
Since this is contingent on goal 10, it's a wait and see.
1. Find a widow to meet with weekly and bring her dinner or just visit with her.
Not there yet, but getting closer with finding a new church home.
2. Begin a ladies fellowship Bible study from my home.
I actually have started a Bible study from my home, but it is over a blog I have created. It is pretty fun, and I have enjoyed this new approach since I haven't yet developed a lot of friends here.
3. Join a Mom's of Preschoolers group.
Did this. Our first meeting is on Friday, and I am really excited to meet these other Mom's! I have already been out for a mom's night out once, so I know there are some great women!
4. Get into a routine with my kids and the gym.
This is two fold. I am getting into a good routine with the gym. We go nearly 6 days a week just to swim, workout, or enjoy the jacuzzi. Getting the kids into a routine is also coming along, but life happens!
5. Become certified as a teacher in the state of Texas since they don't accept other state's credentials!
I take one of several exams that I need for certification tomorrow. Yikes.
6. Stick to a budget since I'm not working.
Err. Well. Yea, I better get better at this one!
7. Make some money by tutoring after school to save money for a downpayment on a house. (According to Dave Ramsey, we shouldn't buy until we have 20% down. So, at this rate, let's say I make 25 dollars an hour tutoring and I tutor a different kid M-F for one hour each that's 125 dollars a week. That times the four weeks in a month is 500 dollars a month. Minus 50 dollars in tithe for the month is 45o. That times 12 is 5400 dollars. 5400 is 20% of 27,000 SO, in four years we could purchase a 108,000 dollar house....Hm.) That was a silly idea!
I designed some business cards for tutoring, but have to order them still. I think I will put them in the mailboxes of the parents here on our street. Also, I found a house that I really like for only 119,000 and that is only the list price, so maybe the 108,000 dollar house isn't such a silly idea afterall. Who knew!
8. Make some money by tutoring to have money for gasoline to visit family instead.
We will make the sacrifice to visit family either way.
9.Find a job teaching!
I'm becoming more convinced that I would just rather stay home, OR teach at the Christian academy here in Mckinney. Both would be great.
10. Lose 10 pounds by the end of October.
Don't know if I will reach this goal, but I am making progress. Slow, slow progress.
11. Lose 20 pounds by December.
Since this is contingent on goal 10, it's a wait and see.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Moss Doesn't Grow
Under my feet.
I've got quite a week ahead this week! We have a birthday party to attend tomorrow night in Dallas. Caleb's grandmother is turning 81. We have my mom-in-law visiting us for the celebration, and to just see our new place, and us of course! On Tuesday I have to go take an exam by the Evil Testing Service for Texas Certification, and then babysit that night for friends for our babysit swap. Wednesday we will probably head back to Dallas for Caleb's grandparent's anniversary. Thursday is off, so I hope to hang out with Michelle and/or meet Caleb for lunch, and Friday is my first MOPS meeting. So, woo-hoo! Here we go.
I've got quite a week ahead this week! We have a birthday party to attend tomorrow night in Dallas. Caleb's grandmother is turning 81. We have my mom-in-law visiting us for the celebration, and to just see our new place, and us of course! On Tuesday I have to go take an exam by the Evil Testing Service for Texas Certification, and then babysit that night for friends for our babysit swap. Wednesday we will probably head back to Dallas for Caleb's grandparent's anniversary. Thursday is off, so I hope to hang out with Michelle and/or meet Caleb for lunch, and Friday is my first MOPS meeting. So, woo-hoo! Here we go.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Alternative Employment Options
Dream Jobs I would LOVE...besides teaching and being a SAHM.
1. Product development-probably for a large baby company like Gerber, Johnson n Johnson, etc.
**Ideas: Disposable high chair tray covers(kinda like a large strechy shower cap type thing, or maybe it could be made out of some friendlier environmental material), China print "baby" plates that match your fancy china. The plates could be real china OR baby friendly-your risk! (Who says baby can't match everyone else on those special occasions!)
2. Interior Design-Who wouldn't love to be paid to decorate!
3. Chef/Writer/Photographer for Southern Living Magazine-Got to visit this place while living in Birmingham, and it would be a phenomenal work place! Besides, I love to cook, write, and take pictures!
4. Product Advertisement-I'd love to create commercials!
Yep, so that's it for now. Those are my dream jobs.
1. Product development-probably for a large baby company like Gerber, Johnson n Johnson, etc.
**Ideas: Disposable high chair tray covers(kinda like a large strechy shower cap type thing, or maybe it could be made out of some friendlier environmental material), China print "baby" plates that match your fancy china. The plates could be real china OR baby friendly-your risk! (Who says baby can't match everyone else on those special occasions!)
2. Interior Design-Who wouldn't love to be paid to decorate!
3. Chef/Writer/Photographer for Southern Living Magazine-Got to visit this place while living in Birmingham, and it would be a phenomenal work place! Besides, I love to cook, write, and take pictures!
4. Product Advertisement-I'd love to create commercials!
Yep, so that's it for now. Those are my dream jobs.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Writer's Blog!
Well, I have been wanting to write something new for several days, but I have writer's blog! Time to review my list of ideas! I'm too exhausted to think of anything today.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Napping
Napping seems more important than blogging today. I love naps! They are the perfect way to energize for the afternoon. I like how many countries have a siesta time each day. I've seen some employees from my husband's job bring a pillow, open both car doors, and take a 15 minute siesta during the middle of the work day. They are probably more productive afterwards! If I were the CEO of a large company then I would want my employees to have siestas! Everyone go take a 20 minute nap!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Contemplating What's Next
Potential Blogs may come up on the following plans...
Find a widow to meet with weekly and bring her dinner or just visit with her.
Begin a ladies fellowship Bible study from my home.
Join a Mom's of Preschoolers group.
Get into a routine with my kids and the gym.
Become certified as a teacher in the state of Texas since they don't accept other state's credentials!
Stick to a budget since I'm not working
Make some money by tutoring after school to save money for a downpayment on a house. (According to Dave Ramsey, we shouldn't buy until we have 20% down. So, at this rate, let's say I make 25 dollars an hour tutoring and I tutor a different kid M-F for one hour each that's 125 dollars a week. That times the four weeks in a month is 500 dollars a month. Minus 50 dollars in tithe for the month is 45o. That times 12 is 5400 dollars. 5400 is 20% of 27,000 SO, in four years we could purchase a 108,000 dollar house....Hm.) That was a silly idea!
Make some money by tutoring to have money for gasoline to visit family instead.
Find a job teaching!
Lose 10 pounds by the end of October.
Lose 20 pounds by December.
Yah, so that's enough "To Do" for now.
Find a widow to meet with weekly and bring her dinner or just visit with her.
Begin a ladies fellowship Bible study from my home.
Join a Mom's of Preschoolers group.
Get into a routine with my kids and the gym.
Become certified as a teacher in the state of Texas since they don't accept other state's credentials!
Stick to a budget since I'm not working
Make some money by tutoring after school to save money for a downpayment on a house. (According to Dave Ramsey, we shouldn't buy until we have 20% down. So, at this rate, let's say I make 25 dollars an hour tutoring and I tutor a different kid M-F for one hour each that's 125 dollars a week. That times the four weeks in a month is 500 dollars a month. Minus 50 dollars in tithe for the month is 45o. That times 12 is 5400 dollars. 5400 is 20% of 27,000 SO, in four years we could purchase a 108,000 dollar house....Hm.) That was a silly idea!
Make some money by tutoring to have money for gasoline to visit family instead.
Find a job teaching!
Lose 10 pounds by the end of October.
Lose 20 pounds by December.
Yah, so that's enough "To Do" for now.
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