Oh to be debt-free...

Chris and I are trying desperately to get out of debt. We've put ourselves on a strict budget and are throwing every penny on our lousy debts. I'm a big fan of Dave Ramsey's and have been inspired by all those people who call in to his show to scream, "I'm debt free!!" I want to do that someday. It sickens me to think that we could have been out of debt years ago - long before Casey was born - if we had been sensible and smart about our money... But you can't change the past, you can only learn from it and move forward. Which is what we are doing. And we are making progress, even on our measly little income. We've stopped using our credit cards, which is what got us into trouble in the first place! But now, it's the unexpected expenses that keep popping up - - Chris' appendectomy in February, major car repair in April, health insurance increase - - just to name a few. Amazingly, we're still making progress on that debt, even though we've had a bit of a setback.

I know it will all be worth it in the end. To be debt-free. Can you imagine? What would you do? I know what I'll do - celebrate!! We're getting a sitter and going out on a date - a real one! And we're going to stay on a budget so that this never happens again!!!

Complaining...

I am getting tired of this cold drippy weather! I want summer!! I'm not trying to complain, it just comes naturally when I have to wear a coat to go outside because otherwise I'll get cold... Ok, I'm done complaining. I intend to make a positive impact on my world today, and that means a smile and happy feet.

I'll start by getting off the computer - after I'm done posting this - and cleaning my house! The dining room table has a stack of papers on it, the laundry needs to be done and I think I'll clean the bathtub - it's looking a little grimy... When I get that done, I know I'll feel better - honestly! Oh yes, I also want to make cards with my daughter. That should be fun - nothing like a 4 year old with scissors and glue! *grin*

It's funny, because if it today were a gorgeous warm and sunny day, I'd be complaining because of all the things that need to be done inside... So here's to turning the tables on myself and that attitude!

Mothers Day

I remember how I felt 5 years ago when Mother's Day rolled around. I was sad that I wasn't a mom, and I felt a little sorry for myself thinking that I never would be a mom. But God knew what He was doing, and month later I found out I was pregnant. Now here we are, with the most beautiful, spoiled daughter in the world. And I'm the happiest mom around. Sure, there are days.... But the good far outnumber the bad. And I wouldn't trade a minute of it.

It was a wonderful Mother's Day.

Why do I procrastinate?

I wish I wasn't such a procrastinator. Seriously. If I would just do things right away when I think about it, then I can only imagine how much more I would accomplish in a day. Right now, for instance, there is a pile of laundry waiting to be folded, a dryer waiting to be emptied (and folded), dirty dishes and a stack of papers to go through. At least I stopped to write here - which I've been putting off for the past little while....obviously. Again, I don't know why. I mean, it's so easy to sit down at the computer and take a couple minutes to write something. It's not that hard. But for some reason, I procrastinate. And then, before I know it, way too much time has gone by and the job that should've been done long ago still sits there - waiting to be done. So what am I going to do about it? I think I will take a step in the right direction, and for the rest of today - I will not procrastinate. Tomorrow, I shall try the same thing. And we'll see if taking on this problem one day at a time will help me overcome this particularly unsightly flaw in my life.

Amazing. I feel better already.

A Wonderful Day

Today was both a sad day and a wonderful day. Sad, because it was the last Mops meeting for this year. Wonderful, because I realized that I have made 9 fabulous friends this year. This was my 4th year of Mops and by far the best. The ladies at my table just clicked. Our personalities seem to mesh well and we always have a great time together. It wasn't all fun and laughter, though. We were able to spend time praying for each other and sharing from our hearts. I think Mops really filled a need in my life the past 8 months like it hasn't in the past. Thank you, God, for these wonderful new friends!

The BEST Mops table ever!

Today was also a gorgeous day! Casey and I were outside again, planting flower seeds. It'll be interesting to see how they make their appearance since she did most of the planting. *smile* I'll be sure to take pictures. Casey is truly my sweetheart. She makes me laugh and cry, but I think mostly it's her carefree approach to life that keeps me inspired. For example:

My sweet, little princess

Who LOVES to get dirty

Ahh...Spring

I love Spring! (Although Summer is still my favorite!!) I spent all afternoon outside. It was wonderful. I tilled up my little garden and planted lettuce and onions. And plotted out where I want my tomatoes and peppers to go once it's warm enough. Hopefully I can get to my flower beds tomorrow. I'm finding that there is something very therapeutic about working in the dirt. I don't know if it's the promise of food and flowers to come, or if it's just the whole idea of being outside without having to bundle up...hmmm - I think it's the last part!

Everything is starting to look so beautiful outside. The trees are turning green. The grass is growing. The birds are nesting. Flowers are blooming. Spring just oozes new life and I love it. God really knew what He was doing when He made the seasons - except I'm still not sure about the usefulness of a 4 month winter...

I watched a documentary recently about how over-processed our food is, and it really made me thankful that I live in a state that produces so much food - naturally. I don't have to go very far at all to get grass-fed meat or home-grown produce. I've become so picky when I buy meat in the stores - Did you know that most of the "fresh" meat at Aldi and Walmart, for example, is a combo pack from the USA, Mexico and Canada!?! Why in the world is this country buying meat from Mexico and Canada? Oh. My. Word.

Ok, I'm done with my soapbox for now. Can't wait to see where Bulaga goes in the draft tomorrow night! Go Hawkeyes!

Michigan

Casey and I just got back from a week in Michigan. Chris' grandmother is living with his folks, and we thought it would be nice to go up and help out. I specifically went to help with the cooking and cleaning, and Casey went along to spend time with Grampa and Ganna. Casey had a lot of fun during the days with Grampa - he took her for a ride on the excavator, she really enjoyed playing in the sawdust in his shop - which made for a very dirty little girl. She also got to ride a 4-wheeler and pet baby chicks. She spent time playing with cousins and made friends with Armanda's cat, Igor. Needless to say, the week flew by and we are now home again.

Chris stayed home and, in his words, "made the paycheck". Hopefully, he will go with us on the next trip. I tried to have plenty of food in the house for him, since he's not known for his cooking. Unless you count cereal and frozen pizza...

Spending time with G'ma Eula was really a treat. She's bedridden, but has a seemingly good attitude about it all. I tried to make food that she would enjoy since she barely eats enough to keep a bird alive, and I think her favorites were the cookies - go figure. I think she's eaten so healthily for the past 20 years, that she rather enjoyed the "not-so-good-for-you" treats. I do what I can.

Now it's time to focus on life here at home. I really want to get outside and clean up my garden and flower beds, get some flowers, onions and lettuce planted, and mow lawn! I'm hoping that this weather is an indication of a fabulous spring and summer!