Monday, July 21, 2008

What's wrong with this picture?

Last night KE had company and we played crazy hair salon and made homemade chocolate chip cookies. I tell the girls to do a silly pose and KE throws up gang signs....







Then this morning I walked by KE's bedroom and N looks a little too comfy. ( This is what you get when you have a little boys after a girl)


That leaves W..... well, he's perfect ;)

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Lazy Week

It has been somewhat a lazy week here. I took KE to get her school uniforms and took the boys to the doctor yesterday. Fever, runny nose, cough. One has a red throat and other has a red ear so they were both put on meds.

Our debt diet is going fairly well. We have cheated a couple of times. It takes so much discipline to stick to a strict spending schedule. Have any of you paid off debt? How long did it take? What were some of the things you gave up?

Tomorrow we will welcome a new church nursery worker! She is eager to meet the kids and I think everyone will love her.

Have a wonderful rest of the weekend!

Thursday, July 10, 2008

She's Got the Look


I love the show The Big Idea and tonight they introduced a company that markets stuff for the ladies.... stuff I want! Yes, even though I can't spend any money, who says I can't look for ways to spend money? Be sure to check out the Commando seamless panties and matchsticks...too cute!

Speaking of, we did really good tonight. Usually by this time in the week, we have eaten out 3 times. We entertained the idea of going over to Gino's for a juicy burger and fries but after about 5 minutes of looking at each other (hoping the other would say aw, what the heck) we decided to eat at home. Whoop Whoop!
Family Stuff:
KE had a play date the other day and W decides that he wants a play date too and even asks me for one. He is 2!! So we call a friend of his down the street and have him over this morning for 2 hours. I figured anything longer may end in disaster. They did well. Only one meltdown and it was W. N played right along. Then W tells me his hair is in his face and I need to cut it. It is amazing the difference between kid #1 and kid #2. KE didn't know half of what W does. ( oh and I cut his hair... not too shabby)
N is trying out new words and he has a deep voice. He is tough. He will hit his head, look at me like I did it and then move on.
School starts in 4 weeks and I need to get on the ball... KE has books to read, I need to buy her uniforms, new shoes and a new cool backpack that I haven't decided on. We picked a great time for a budget huh?
I'm in charge of our church nursery somewhat and I interviewed a girl to work in our toddler room and it went well. She is precious and has very good references. Oh how I pray this works out! I really never knew how much it took to run a nursery program. I strive to make the kids happy and esp the parents happy. The parents who are leaving their child in there and the parents who are keeping the children. We had TVs mounted in each room so that whomever is in the nursery during the service could watch and listen along.... that is if they can hear over the joyful noises of the children.
Since I have decided to do more of my house-wifely duties ( I'm talking cooking b/c I do everything else) there is a recipe I wanted to share that is so good.
1 Rotisserie chicken from Wal-mart
1 loaf of $1.50 french bread from the Wal-mart bakery
Sliced provolone cheese
butter
fresh garlic or garlic salt if you are in a hurry
Slice the bread the size you like your sandwich and butter both pieces on one side. Spread the garlic. Place a slice of provolone cheese on top and broil in oven til bubbly (or a little burnt like me) Remove from oven. Add mayo, mustard, or both or none. Slice chicken and place on bread and VOILA! Easy sandwich for you and hubby. Torrey loves these so it will satisfy.
p.s. sorry guys about the paragraphs running together. It drives me nuts but I have tried to Edit it 4 times already.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Beans and Rice! Beans and Rice!

So T and I are on our way to the lake Friday and scanning through the stations, we land on talk radio with Dave Ramsey. We have listened to him on and off through the years. Two callers back to back called in to say they were debt free. The first was a 27 year old male newlywed who is completely debt free of $30,000 after 16 months. The second caller was a man in his late 30's, married with 4 kids who just got out of $60,000 of debt in 26 months. On top of that he also managed to pay off his $600,000 mortgage! Before you ask how, I think T and I were so amazed at with what we just heard we started talking about how we have no excuse to be in debt of any form.

We both know that if we just suck it up for 2 solid years we could do wonders with our financial situation.

After many many months of back and forth with money matters and trying to figure out where it all goes, we have FINALLY decided to take the Davesque route and not only get out of debt, but obtain a substantial savings for our family. Spending or not spending shall I say is not one of my strong suits so this will take much discipline on my part. I'm not the most frequent cook either so I know we will save hundreds ( yes, I said hundreds) of dollars just eating out each month. I'm appalled every few months when I decide to get real and look at what we spend where.
Ever since I was pregnant the first time I felt I had to have something good for dinner almost every night. I have not been one to be okay just eating a pot of white rice like T but I'm getting better. I think it has all to do with contentment and the more time I spend with God, the more content I become. Amen to that!
So say a little prayer for me! I will need the encouragement. I hate to miss out on a good deal (must stay away from shopping) or a good meal. Now, just like with any diet, one can't totally deprive oneself from everything so we have made a deal to eat out once a month for big dinners and once a month for small ones..... Any simple recipes you may have are welcomed.
Friends know this, if you ask me to do something that costs, I'm not being anti-social.. I just want to be debt free. Maybe one day T and I can call Dave and scream over the phone.. "We're Debt Freeeeeee!'

Monday, July 7, 2008

I'm walking on Sunshine



Had to brag on my sweet hubby today. He surprised me with these beautiful sunflowers from our dove field! One of my love languages is gifts so the flowers were great ( and didn't cost a thing I might add!) My other love language is acts of service and I consider the fact that he took time to cut these and bring them to me just that.


KE proceeded to say. "Daddy can you get me some flowers next time? Except I like roses best." Not afraid to speak her mind.


It's a Treat To Beat Your Feet....

You think KE could see anything under water in those goggles?



We joined a few friends on the lake this weekend. It was H-O-T. No breeze whatsoever. Of course the kids didn't mind.



As long as the fireworks didn't "pop" the boys were ok with them

N in the spirit of the weekend


at Hunt Club ready to ride to the boats



the girls collecting rocks




KE and daddy in deep convo


KE and sweet AJ snacking after a long day

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Summer is flying by

Today I realized that KE has about 5 weeks until she starts school! That is nuts. We have been sleeping until 9 most mornings and doing whatever everyday. It is so nice. I think we will have to start training ourselves to get up a week before we actually have to. There's nothing worse than being rushed in the mornings ( well, there is but....)

Today KE had a long awaited playdate. Afterwards when the boys were napping, a sitter came and I took KE to the pool for a couple of hours. I try to take her by herself often. She enjoys it and so do I :)