water heater

I had to get a new water heater last week. Not real exciting stuff, but necessary. So, I was lucky that a friend of mine put it in for me. Saved me $240!! :) Sweet. I'm all about saving money. It works well, and looks great. I'm so pleased! Now, I've got to get the old one out to the curb.

I've heard people complaining lately that home ownership isn't worth it... the expense out weigh the ownership. For me, I don't feel that way. I do realize there are things that have to be updated and cost money each year. But, so far, it's been realistic and not too overwhelming. I bet, though, if you had an old house, or one with a lot of problems, it would feel different.

Anyway, the only other home repair that I want to get done this spring is getting my whole house fan fixed... :)

Peace.

Goals and personal finance

I am a very goal-oriented woman. I love goals. I like making them, and I like working through the process of getting to the finish line of the goal. It's my nature. It's not other people's nature, though. Which, sometimes I find odd. ;-)

I have highly likely written about my goals for this year already, but I am working every week to make my goals a reality.

#1 Goal: Pay off credit cards by 12/31/09.

I'm pretty well on my way to doing this. Yes, part of my tax return helped. I've cut spending back to the bare minimum. Which, kind of sucks. I like to shop... but I like to be out of debt more!! haha. Progress to date: I have 6 (yes, 6) credit cards. As of tomorrow, 3 of them will be paid off! The other 3 had larger balances, so it's going to take longer, but 2 of the 3 should be paid off by September and the last one by December. Whew. :)

My bigger deal, though, is the line of credit (against my house) I took out last year to help with my own credit cards (yeah, right) and Sister's divorce and credit cards... Ugh. That's a biggie. And, even though I have like 20 years to pay it off... I'd like to get it paid in the next 2 or 3. So, that's a bit more daunting. Lesson learned, by the way. Debt consolidation can hurt you... by giving you more debt if you're not careful! Of course, it was the best option at the time, and I do not regret it.

Oh, and now the University wants to buy said house. Let's hope and pray I get enough to cover the house pay off and the line of credit. That would be very helpful. Very. I'm not sure when this house buying thing will happen, but it could happen as soon as next year, and I'd like to be prepared to buy another one.

Anyway, goal setting is pretty easy for me. I like making a plan. But I know others who aren't so good at it. I wonder during these times how they are going to make it. Because to get your money situation under control, you really need a plan. Dare I say it, a budget. Budgets aren't bad, actually. I never really understood that, or liked them until this year. They felt constricting.

However, I learned that you put yourself and some fun money IN the budget and it doesn't feel as constricting!! Yes, things might be tight, but you've got to allow (or at least I do) for some spending money, or you might go off the deep-end and spend too much!

For a couple of years now I've been putting other things first instead of my own personal financial freedom... So, this year, I'm trying to get back on the right track. Looks like I can make it, and I'm really thankful / grateful for that.

Peace.

Giving our all

What if... we gave everything?

Show and Tell - Nephew Imagination

For my show and tell for Stirrup Queens:

My nephew has been participating in a group called Destination Imagination this season! They came up with a "tragedy" yesterday....(could have been comedy or tragedy)


Sis said: "The Destination Imagination (DI) getting ready to do their Instinct Messaging. They had to choose between a comedy or a tragedy, theirs was a tragedy. The animals escape the zoo only to get caught in super sticky gum, the zoo keeper tazes them and puts them back in the only cage that hasn't been broken."

Auntie M is so very proud of her Chasey-man!!! He called me all excited this morning about losing his 4th tooth in a couple of weeks and how much fun he had yesterday at this DI event!!! He's 8 years old, and quite the creative little guy, if I do say so!!

Love you to both... xoxo

Peace.

Sis update

Sis has officially gotten custody of my nephew! They are still following the shared parenting, so it doesn't change much until the fall, when she can put him in the school by her. But, I hope this bodes well for the final divorce hearing in june. God, please. It's been a rough go for them, but Nephew needs to be with his Mom. That is for sure. I hope it happens soon.

But for now, we're relishing the tiny win of custody!! :D

Sis seems to be doing a little better overall, too. She doesn't get paid what she's worth at her job, and I"m trying to convince her to try to get the to give her more money, or move somewhere else where she can get more. It'll take time, but it is a definite need.

As for me, I got a new cell phone this week. I love it. I've been trying to lower my monthly budget bills, and this was one way. Which means other things can get paid. It also means Sis won't be on my plan for now, but that will actually save us money. So, let's see how it goes. I felt kind of bad about it, but I think it might work out OK. And, I'm totally digging the fact that my new cell phone battery is still at 3 bars, and it's been since Wed that I got it!!! WOOT.

I'm looking into digital home phone service, to see if I can cut another $10 a month off that one. It has been a pain in my behind for awhile... I don't use it much at home, b/c I use my cell... but I feel like I need the basics... which seem to stay around 40-50 each month! UGH. So, I'm determined to make a change somehow. Even if that means getting a 2nd cell and keeping that one at home or something. I don't know yet.

Sis has the same issues. So, we've been working on our budgets for this year. Really trying to be more frugal day to day... My number one goal this year is to get my credit cards paid off. Must.do.

I realize that it seems kind of silly to nickel and dime some bills... but I live by the rule that EVERY LITTLE BIT COUNTS. :) so... there you have it. If you're trying to budget, just remember that encouraging little tidbit. 'Cause it all adds up. Believe you me.

Peace.

A bit off this week

It seems so odd to me that the time has changed already. I am still not quite used to it... yes, i do realize it's only and hour and it's been a week already!! It just seems to early to do the DST change already... oh well. I'm going to try to get back on track this weekend!!

So, a couple of months ago, I got my hair cut off. Not sure if I mentioned that here or not. But I thought I'd post an updated pic... just 'cause there's not much else to write about tonight. I had a trim last week, but nothing major. I'm going to let it grow for awhile! :) Lil M also had her FIRST-EVER hair trim last Thursday (3/7/09), too. I now have hair for her baby book.


Oh, and it looks like Senate Bill 68 won't pass this go around. Woot! Thank GOD for sure.

Peace.

Plugging along

Plugging or plodding... I don't know, but we're getting through the week. Lil M hasn't been taking naps like she needs to for the past 3 days. :( That messes us up... got to get her back on track. It was my fault, actually. We went to the Zoo on Saturday, and she had a late nap. She love the Zoo, of course, and I didn't feel like we could pass up such an absolutely gorgeous day. Then we had company Saturday night... more about that later... Sunday, we went to the Shriners' Circus. Another first for her. She got to ride a camel. That was fun to watch!! But, no nap at all. So, yesterday, she didn't take one at daycare. :( I'm sure it doesn't help that daylight savings came this past weekend, too.

So, what do other parents do to get their children back on schedule with naps???

As for the company on Saturday night, we had a girls-night-in... I had invited some girl friends, with and without kids, to come over. It happened that we were all Mamas there, and had 4 kiddos with 5 adults. We had pizza and wine (water/milk for the kids, of course). We had a blast!

My other question is, how do you decompress? Or get your adult-mommy time in? Do you have get-togethers? Do you go out? Get a sitter?

I haven't broken down and gotten a sitter, yet. But I think that day will come!! :) We had such a great time this weekend, though. And, that made it ALL worth it!

Peace.

Lil M is 2.5 today

My baby is officially 2.5 years old today. :) She can count to 10, loves to sing the ABC's (acd, mommy), and is doing really well on the potty-training. She loves the dogs, and can actually call them by name now! She says bye to all of them in the morning... including the cat. :) Her favorite toy is still her "Meow". But she loves her blocks and to be read to... daily! She still loves the up-down game, pattacake, and peek-a-boo. :)

So, since she is 30 months old... and was adopted 9.5 months old, came to the USA at 10 months old. :) So, She's been with me for over 20 months now! YEAH!!!

She's the light of my life for sure.

Peace.

If you aren't married, you aren't good enough

Apparently, here in the State of KY, if you aren't married (but choose to live with the love of your life), they want to make a law to keep you from adopting or fostering a child.

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 199 to prohibit the approval of foster care, relative caregiver services, or adoption of a child by an applicant who is cohabiting with a sexual partner outside of a marriage that is legally valid in Kentucky; create the short title "The Child Welfare Adoption Act"; exempt children placed for adoption prior to the effective date of this Act; amend KRS 199.470 to conform.

It in my opinion is beyond reprehensible. How they can create a law to HURT children, by taking away viable homes is beyond me. Yes, there always needs to be criteria to make sure the children are safe. But this is ridiculous.

And very close to saying all singles can't adopt or foster.

For shame KY.

If you want to send a letter Here is the link to the Senators of KY:

http://www.lrc.ky.gov/whoswho/county.htm

http://eqfed.org/campaign/family


Peace.

Off track

I got a little off track there for a few days with my thankful posts, huh? Well, things here have been pretty good. Fairly laid back and quiet. I'm pretty anxious to get my tax return, but other than that... all is well.

So, what am I thankful for today?
1. yummy turkey meatloaf
2. my job
3. the snow has melted
4. the dogs can get out and play
5. Lil M is asking to go potty more and more

Peace.

Friday night thoughts

Today has been pretty non-eventful, but good. The weather is getting a little warmer, the dogs seem to be doing a little better... and Lil M and I had a relaxing evening at home. Good stuff. I'm feeling a little bored and tired, so will be off to bed soon!!

GiST 2/6
Thankful for:
1. my job, having a job in this economy
2. my co-workers... it is SO SO SO different than my last job.
3. eggs (they make great meals... so long as i don't think about it too much, lol yes, i'm nuts)
4. music - has such an impact on my life so often
5. cloth diapers - laundry isn't too bad, and i don't feel like i'm hurting the env't as bad. it's all relative.

Nothing special going on this weekend, except errands and visiting family... maybe. Sis has a cold and I'm not sure we want to go if she's sick.

We might end up going anyway, 'cause it's been like 4 weeks since we've seen her!! YIKES. We had a little celebrating to do over the Judge awarding her custody of her son after the last hearing. Jake was supposed to show proof of health insurance, and he didn't. So, Mindy's lawyer submitted the docs. We don't have the official paperwork yet, but it is still a great move forward.

Peace.

Adoption...

Nothing major going on today. This past week I got my finances in order (ok, the budget, anyway)... and it's got me back to thinking about a 2nd adoption. I've been reading a blog about a lady who is a Single Mom by Choice (SMC) and has 3 children already...but is adopting 2 more! Wow. I don't have dreams of having 5... but perhaps a 2nd wouldn't kill me after all!! LOL

Thankful for:
1. other moms who have been there done that (btdt)
2. maggi moo (my sheltie) and her smarts... just because
3. sleep!
4. the ability to freeze leftovers
5. Bones - the show

Peace

GiST 2/4

I'm a bit crabby tonight, so let's see what I can come up with!! lol

thankful for the little things:
1. breakfast for dinner
2. being able to take a 1/2 hour lunch at work
3. heat
4. my blanket from Mexico (not sure why, but it is one of my faves)
5. slippers

Yes, I'm cold today. My menu is sort of working so far... I know it's only been a day, but last night we had leftovers and tonight I made egg/hashbrown scramble and an english muffin. I'll make the quiche tomorrow night, probably. I didn't tonight because I had to go to the grocery and then clean up after one of the dogs when I got home. By then, I was NOT in the mood to really cook. So, I improvised. :)

I've been reading other folks "easy" and "cheap" meal night suggestions. That is one of mine - breakfast for dinner. Anything with eggs, really. We also do a lot of rice and beans, some pastas. Other suggestions are welcome. :)

Peace.

First time menu

So, I came up with a list of menu items for the month yesterday. I figure making 4 real meals a week gives me lunches and leftovers for the other 3 days. If we don't have enough then we'll have something frozen, or I'll make something additional. I've also added re-use meals, where I will use something from a previous meal that I know I will have plenty of in a new meal. You will likely notice we eat a lot of beans and rice in different combos. :)

Here goes...

Week 1
Goulash
Turkey meatloaf, veggie
Quiche - veggie and hashbrowns
Tacos/burritos (w/ beans)

Week 2
Chili
turkey dogs w/ beans & veggie
taquitos w/ veggie
chicken & rice w/veggie
breakfast for dinner

Week 3
Cabbage soup w/ rice
mini pizzas
lentils w/ rice
turkey burgers
re-use meal - lentil filled burritos

Week 4
spaghetti
bean soup (w/ rice)
stuffed peppers
chicken w/rice & veggie
re-use meal - veggie burgers w/ bean soup

GiST 2/3

1. grocery list
2. Lil M and i were walking downstairs and she was carrying Mommy's lunch bag...she wanted to carry the other one with cookies in it, too, and part way down the stairs she handed it to me... I said is it too much? She said - yes, Too Much!! ;-) Like she knew just exactly what I meant. hehe. Then I had to tell her she was "too much" haha
3. Lil M asking to go potty twice again this morning... and going.
4. home-made lunches
5. organic 1% milk - YUM

Peace.

GiST (grace in small things) 2/2

I'm thankful for:

1. budgets (yes, i just wrote that)
2. Lil M told me not once, but twice this morning that she had to go potty before we left the house... she only went once, but it was cool.
3. slippers
4. coffee
5. that sis finally had her pre-trial hearing for the big D and that it went ok (ok, that was a bigger thing, but still thankful for it today!!)

What are you thankful for today?

Peace.

Grace in the little things

There's a site that is doing a Grace in small things for the year of 2009. I found it last week, but just really looked it up this morning. I love the concept. So, I'm going to try to add my list as often as I can. Basically, list 5 things that are blessings for that day. Small stuff.

1. Brooke Fraser music
2. The song "Almost Lover"... not sure why, but I just love this song.
3. When Mia lays with me and snuggles my neck.
4. M Asam hand cream. I'm addicted to the scent.
5. Egg sandwiches.

Peace.

Couldn't resist!

**Thanks for the comments about being under the weather. I'm feeling better, but one of the dogs has had potty issues today. Not fun. I'm hoping Lil M doesn't get the cold I had... she has seemed like she might be today.

This is so true... and doesn't just pertain to significant others. lol

NINE WORDS WOMEN USE

(1) Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.

(2) Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

(3) Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.

(4) Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission.. Don't Do It!

(5) Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to # 3 for the meaning of nothing.)

(6) That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

(7) Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say you're welcome.. (I want to add in a clause here - This is true, unless she says 'Thanks a lot' - that is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say 'you're welcome' .. that will bring on a 'whatever').

(8) Whatever: Is a woman's way of saying F-- YOU!

(9) Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?' For the woman's response refer to # 3.

Peace.

What do you do

What do you do when you are sick and have a baby in the house? As little as possible... right?

Several people at work have been sick for the past couple of weeks. And, I started feeling pretty yucky today. :( So, I tried to keep Lil M occupied in her room so that she wasn't breathing my cooties all day. For now it is cold symptoms and a tummy issue. I think the tummy issue is a separate issue. I am praying she doesn't get ill... And I HATE being sick. Thankfully, we've been sick less (so far) this winter than last winter.

So, today has been a very laid back kind of day. I did take a nap while Lil M was napping. I'm wondering how others keep their kiddos occupied when they aren't feeling well.

Dinner

I did just think of something I could share today. I decided to make some black beans in the crock pot for dinner tonight. So, last night I pulled out the dried beans, (rinsed, cleaned) and soaked them over night. I cut up some onion and put some spices together in the pot this morning. Oh, and I added a little leftover turkey breast cutlet that I had.

Tonight, we will have beans. Not sure how yet... I have 3 meals planned for the beans.
1. beans and rice
2. stuffed green peppers (with rice and tomato sauce added)
3. bean burritos (with onions, rice and maybe some ground turkey or chicken)

If I get lazy, we'll just have it as soup! lol But right now, I think we're going to at least have beans and rice tonight for dinner. Yum.

I like to cook this way, because it makes it easier overall for me. I know we're eating well, but I don't have to cook *big* meals every day.

What about you? Is there anyone out there who wants to share how they handle daily/weekly meal planning? I'd love to hear from you!!

Peace.