The kids have been taking long, late naps, and unfortunately it has pushed bedtime back. Kids can't fall asleep if they aren't tired! So we've been going out to play in the early morning and late evening when it's cooler--which means even later baths and books and blessings! I do enjoy a little afternoon siesta though!
Jensen is doing another cervical length check at 20wks, less than two weeks away. Maybe this time baby will show his/her gender! Heart rate was 146 again today--same as during the sonogram. Nothing else to do but keep waiting.
Before bed Gabi asked me if I've ever played with paper dolls like Laura and Mary (from Little House on the Prairie). I thought it was cute because we finished the series a few months ago, but I do believe she caught every word! AND I told her yes I've played with paper dolls! Grandma Margie used to get them for Alli and me to play with when we were at the cabin.
On a Grandma/cabin note, she called me today and said she found the Parable video we kids used to watch at the cabin. I'm SO EXCITED because I've searched for it everyyywhere. I still remember the videos and stories and everything. The kids will love it.
Well Rafe and Addy just ran in here--back to bed!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Busy Summer Days
Right now I'm laying in a lounge chair outside while Mitch and the kids play tball. Addy just got it for her birthday, but they are all already so good at hitting! Tomorrow I see Dr. Jensen, and we're submitting an offer. I'm very excited about it, and Mitch is very excited for more projects. Hopefully Friday I'll finally be able to meet up with this craigslist guy styling a brand new 8 person tent. That will give us room to grow, lol! Saturday my grandma is going to butcher the rooster for me, and we're planning on fried chicken for the Fourth. Sunday is my other grandparents 65th wedding anniversary! We're getting together to celebrate that. And Monday of course is my favorite secular holiday, the Fourth of July! If only the next 4.5 months would go as quickly as this next week is going to go! It's all good. One day at a time...
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
And Baby Is...
We don't know! The sonogram tech couldn't get a money shot! She said she would guess girl based on not seeing any definitive boy parts, but she didn't have a percent sure or any pics that says boy or girl on it. So... guess we'll wait until next time! Cervix length looked good. I see Jensen Thursday. I'll start bugging him about another sonogram then ;)
Monday, June 27, 2011
Happy Birthday to Chelle!
We had a nice birthday party with grandparents, aunt Alli, Matt, and uncle Michael. Addy had a hootie owl theme with butterfly cupcakes. She opened all kinds of presents. Before bed I asked what her best thing of the day was, and it was blowing out her "3" candle. Her favorite present was some 2 inch Disney princess figurines. She is always pretending toys are people. Maybe their toothbrushes will last longer this way. :) She also got a tball stand that Rafe has in his bed right now, lol. Great day. HAPPY BDAY CHELLE!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
rest for the weary
Poor Mitch is working himself to death with the housework. It's a lot to take care of a 5 person home. Laundry alone is a core even when done faithfully every week. If anyone has ideas to help please tell me. My sister is going to try to come help with the bathroom, a load or two of laundry, and dishes when possible. I'll be 18wks Tuesday and have to start slowing down. So I'm basically taking about moral support I can give him, so he knows I appreciate everything. I can feel the baby a lot now. So awesome. It never gets old. With Addy's Bday in a few short hours I'm reminded of the terrible realities of nicu and the ups and downs of a micro preemie. I'll do anything in my power to keep this baby safe and sound until mid november. Anyway this is taking forever bc I'm in bed on my phone. Any thoughts are appreciated!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Next time..
It went for 40k--our max bid was 35k. Boo! I really, really liked that house. It was weird, I've never been to an auction before, and I didn't even know it was ending. There was no "going, going, going, gone" like in the shows. Got some experience for next time.
Auction
We're attending a home auction today at 10am! Wish us luck! We're visualizing getting the house for $25,000. Ready to take the plunge--gotta get back on FB somehow! Oh and Mitch had an interview yesterday. They said they couldn't offer anywhere near his current company's insurance/benefits, but they said they had part time positions available for a second job type thing. It would be cool because he'd be working with CATIA which is the computer program that he learned in all those CAD/CAM classes, buuuuuuut I just don't think there are enough hours in the day. With work, school, and house stuff it's like he already has 3 jobs. I guess we'll see if he gets called back for a second interview. I do feel like I'm having a lot of success with the facebook hiatus. If nothing else it's got me thinking creatively. I'm working on a prototype for an invention and also writing a curriculum for some classes.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
All OK!
Hey peeps. Decided to deactivate the ole fb for awhile. It hasn't been permanently deleted, I just have some other stuff to focus on right now. Don't worry, I'm ok, baby, kids, Mitch, dogs, chickens, and garden are all doing fine, too. Our biggest news right now is Addy will be turning 3 on Monday, and we find out the new baby's gender Tuesday!!
I had my budget post written out but decided not to post it. I may post an edited, watered down version of what our zero based budget looks like, just to give anyone curious an example. I'll be content with being an example and not force feed finances down anyones throat. Just because I'M a nerd, I know everyone isn't. It comes down to "control what you can control," and even though I'd love for everyone who reads this to be as successful as they desire (in all areas, not just finance), I can't control anything but my own destiny.
That being said, FB will be reactivated once we're making $1000 more a month after taxes, on top of Mitch's base pay not including any overtime. Until then, I've got no business wasting time on facebook! In 2012 we want to take the kids to Texas, Disney World, and rent a lodge in Colorado for Christmas, which requires moolah. So, Universe, hear this: "I AM A MONEY MAGNET ATTRACTING IDEAS AND INVESTMENTS THAT WILL MATERALIZE MY FINANCIAL GOALS."
We've started the kids working on a "comission." Monday they picked up rocks at $0.10 per ounce. They've each got their own envelope. Gabi is saving for a Tangled nightgown and stuffed animal with big eyes from Hobby Lobby, Addy is just going to put hers in the "saver bank" (girl after my own heart!!!), and Rafe wants to buy himself a flag. So funny. Anyway, they're all really motivated for the jingly stuff!!
I had my budget post written out but decided not to post it. I may post an edited, watered down version of what our zero based budget looks like, just to give anyone curious an example. I'll be content with being an example and not force feed finances down anyones throat. Just because I'M a nerd, I know everyone isn't. It comes down to "control what you can control," and even though I'd love for everyone who reads this to be as successful as they desire (in all areas, not just finance), I can't control anything but my own destiny.
That being said, FB will be reactivated once we're making $1000 more a month after taxes, on top of Mitch's base pay not including any overtime. Until then, I've got no business wasting time on facebook! In 2012 we want to take the kids to Texas, Disney World, and rent a lodge in Colorado for Christmas, which requires moolah. So, Universe, hear this: "I AM A MONEY MAGNET ATTRACTING IDEAS AND INVESTMENTS THAT WILL MATERALIZE MY FINANCIAL GOALS."
We've started the kids working on a "comission." Monday they picked up rocks at $0.10 per ounce. They've each got their own envelope. Gabi is saving for a Tangled nightgown and stuffed animal with big eyes from Hobby Lobby, Addy is just going to put hers in the "saver bank" (girl after my own heart!!!), and Rafe wants to buy himself a flag. So funny. Anyway, they're all really motivated for the jingly stuff!!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Is it pointless?
Is society really afraid to change? Is a year or more of sacrifice not worth a lifetime of freedom? Is selling your car now not worth one day having the power to give away cars? Is admitting you're responsible that scary? I'd love to know. I shouldn't be posting when I sound so down! I felt like a great cheerleader yesterday... but today feel afraid like I put myself out there to people who just shake their heads and think, "Mandi is out of her mind!!"
Time is on (most of) our side! Don't let age get you down though, Col. Sanders didn't franchise KFC until he was 65! But I'm sure all will agree, the sooner you do this, and the younger you do this, the better! There are sooo many ways to lower expenses. Many of them are for those with Gazelle Intensity. Those who are excited and ready to do this. If you think that may be you, but you're afraid, Put Your Fear Behind You! You can get control over your life and your finances.
Tomorrow when Mitch is at school, I'll tackle budgeting. Hopefully I can remember my google docs username and pw!
Time is on (most of) our side! Don't let age get you down though, Col. Sanders didn't franchise KFC until he was 65! But I'm sure all will agree, the sooner you do this, and the younger you do this, the better! There are sooo many ways to lower expenses. Many of them are for those with Gazelle Intensity. Those who are excited and ready to do this. If you think that may be you, but you're afraid, Put Your Fear Behind You! You can get control over your life and your finances.
Tomorrow when Mitch is at school, I'll tackle budgeting. Hopefully I can remember my google docs username and pw!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
What a poor blogger am I!
Lots to update between now and the end of April, but I'll keep it as brief as possible. A good portion of it will probably end up as rambling because I had a bad headache today and am really tired.
I had surgery for my cerclage on May 21st, and it went very well. Recovery was awesome--about as good as my recovery with my first cerclage. I'm 15 weeks pregnant as of today, and I really need to start scaling back. It's so hard to do! My gender sonogram is in 3 short weeks! Can't believe it! Still hoping to find that little Leo is on his way. Mitch is already working himself to death and I'm still doing almost all the cooking and cleaning: 40+ hours of work, weekly laundry, lawn care, and his summer classes have just started. He goes for 3 hours three days a week and 4 hours one day a week. He's also been busy digging the garden bed (which is thriving!), and I need another one dug soon for my fall pumpkin patch garden. If that wasn't enough, he's also in the middle of replacing our deck. Things are always busy. So glad he's got the work ethic of a dozen men!!
We had a momma duck sitting on 5 eggs at my parents house. They live by a lake, and on Memorial Day we killed four snakes who tried to eat the eggs. That night we put crystallized moth balls around the nest and all was well for a few days... long story short one by one they were eaten while my parents were at work or the store. The kids saw first hand what had almost happened, so they weren't too surprised with nature taking its course.. but my poor dad was pretty upset about it. He was really looking forward to having baby ducklings hatch out for the kids.
This last story I need to add just so I can look back and laugh one day. After Grandma Kathy helped with baths this evening Addy said she needed to potty, so of course Rafe said "potty, too." Addy pottied, and Rafe sat. Rafe took it upon himself to empty Addy's potty--over a closed toilet, which made a big mess. I shooed them out of the bathroom, and then went to grab a diaper for Rafe. He told me he pottied, but his potty was empty. I asked where he had peed, and just as I sat in the pee he told me, "Right there, momma." I walked into the kitchen to find Gizmo had also just peed on the floor. At least they're all in bed now...
Since I will probably have a lot of blogging time the next few months with summer school, I thought I'd do some Dave Ramsey related posts. I just bought 5 of his Total Money Makeover books at a really great price --$4ea including shipping! His website often offers them for $10 plus $5 shipping so $4 is dirt cheap--anyway I bought 5 to give away to people who will read/use them. Dave Ramsey is all about getting and staying out of debt. He advocates paying cash for school, cars, and even houses (although he isn't against taking out a 15yr mortgage that is less than 25% of your take home pay), and never using debt. I obviously am a DR koolaid drinker, and I strongly believe in the method. I think the most effective and most intimidating part of his plan is writing (and sticking to!) a budget. Hopefully I'll be able to make budgets less daunting, and show how we put into practice a "zero-based budget"--where each dollar is allocated every two weeks with Mitch's paycheck.
*If you are interested and want to borrow or have a TMMO book I still have 3 left. I only ask that you return it if you don't use it or no longer need it, so I can give it to someone else! If you need any help I LOVE writing budgets and planning, so consider it!! There's more than enough success for everyone who is motivated to TAKE IT.
Enough preaching. These are the 7 Baby Steps including smaller "to dos" that go along with them:
0.1 - Commit to NEVER borrowing money or using credit cards ever again (with the exception of a house)
0.2 - Write a Budget (I'll cover this in the next post! As well as how to lower fixed and variable expenses)
0.3 - Temporarily stop retirement contributions (This is so you can be laser focused on each step--retirement is Step 4)
0.4 - Get current on all your basic necessity bills (house, utilities, food, basic clothing)
0.5 - Sell toys (boats, ATVs, extra vehicles) if you owe on them and will prevent you from being debt free within the next 12mos. Many people sell these even if they are paid for to get the snowball rolling.
0.6 - Cut lifestyle (get rid of cable, get cheaper internet, lower cellphone bill--some drastic ppl do prepaid Walmart phones, stop eating out, the more GAZELLE INTESNE you are, the better!)
BABY STEP 1 - Save $1000 for the Baby Emergency Fund. $500 if you make less than $20,000/year
1.1 - Cut up credit cards
1.2 - Get health insurance
1.3 - Get life insurance
1.4 - Sell any car you can't pay off within 24 months and get a cheap one off Craigslist that you can pay for with CASH! My first "Dave Car" was a 2000 Ford Explorer. I think we paid 3500 for it. Now I'm driving a $14k Yukon Denali--the car upgrades will come! You aren't less of a person because your car isn't 5yrs old or newer!
1.5 - See if it makes sense to raise insurance rates on the paid for in cash car from $500 to $1000, and also consider getting liability only.
BABY STEP 2 - Debt Snowball like Crazy! Pay off all debts (lowest balance to highest--not by interest rate..yes I do know math, folks. This is based on psychology.) Pay minimums on all payments and throw all extra money at the lowest debt. Once it is gone, add that minimum payment to the next lowest debt, along with all extra money, and before long you'll be DEBT FREE BABY!
2.1 - Take a CA$H vacation if desired!
BABY STEP 3 - Finish the Emergency Fund! 3-6 months expenses for emergencies ONLY. This amount varies based on your budget--it will probably be at least $10,000, but it could be as much as $30,000.
3.1 - Start car replacement fund if desired
3.2 - If you don't own a home yet and want to buy, save up that 20% to avoid PMI
3.3 - Start furniture replacement fund if desired
BABY STEP 4 - Start contributing at least 15% of gross income to retirement funds. If your place of employment matches partially, all the better. Dave and I disagree here. I don't trust the stock market and don't have more in it than I'm willing to lose overnight. I like tangible assets--land, precious metals, real estate, etc. Dave is so against gold it isn't even funny, but Gerald Celente (a trends forecaster whom I greatly admire) has been forecasting "GOLD $2000" for years... long before it rose to where it is now. I say you'll want to do a LOT of research when you get to this point. Dave likes mutual funds, mutual funds, mutual funds, oh and real estate. : )
BABY STEP 5 - Save for Kids' College -- daunting if you're planning on having as many children I've got!
BABY STEP 6 - Pay off the house!!! BEST ONE OF ALL! Same as Debt Snowball, but now you only have one payment. Everything extra after retirement and kids' college goes to the mortgage.
BABY STEP 7 - Live and GIVE like no one else! Have a monthly "vacation" line in your budget. Give away 100s spontaneously at Christmas. Sponsor children in third world countries. Have fun with it!
I really hope that was intriguing not overwhelming. Next post I'll go right into budgeting. It's a living, breathing document that changes month to month. Gas/elec/water bills will vary. Gasoline will vary. It needs to have flexibility. Okay I'm stopping myself. ENJOY!
I had surgery for my cerclage on May 21st, and it went very well. Recovery was awesome--about as good as my recovery with my first cerclage. I'm 15 weeks pregnant as of today, and I really need to start scaling back. It's so hard to do! My gender sonogram is in 3 short weeks! Can't believe it! Still hoping to find that little Leo is on his way. Mitch is already working himself to death and I'm still doing almost all the cooking and cleaning: 40+ hours of work, weekly laundry, lawn care, and his summer classes have just started. He goes for 3 hours three days a week and 4 hours one day a week. He's also been busy digging the garden bed (which is thriving!), and I need another one dug soon for my fall pumpkin patch garden. If that wasn't enough, he's also in the middle of replacing our deck. Things are always busy. So glad he's got the work ethic of a dozen men!!
We had a momma duck sitting on 5 eggs at my parents house. They live by a lake, and on Memorial Day we killed four snakes who tried to eat the eggs. That night we put crystallized moth balls around the nest and all was well for a few days... long story short one by one they were eaten while my parents were at work or the store. The kids saw first hand what had almost happened, so they weren't too surprised with nature taking its course.. but my poor dad was pretty upset about it. He was really looking forward to having baby ducklings hatch out for the kids.
This last story I need to add just so I can look back and laugh one day. After Grandma Kathy helped with baths this evening Addy said she needed to potty, so of course Rafe said "potty, too." Addy pottied, and Rafe sat. Rafe took it upon himself to empty Addy's potty--over a closed toilet, which made a big mess. I shooed them out of the bathroom, and then went to grab a diaper for Rafe. He told me he pottied, but his potty was empty. I asked where he had peed, and just as I sat in the pee he told me, "Right there, momma." I walked into the kitchen to find Gizmo had also just peed on the floor. At least they're all in bed now...
Since I will probably have a lot of blogging time the next few months with summer school, I thought I'd do some Dave Ramsey related posts. I just bought 5 of his Total Money Makeover books at a really great price --$4ea including shipping! His website often offers them for $10 plus $5 shipping so $4 is dirt cheap--anyway I bought 5 to give away to people who will read/use them. Dave Ramsey is all about getting and staying out of debt. He advocates paying cash for school, cars, and even houses (although he isn't against taking out a 15yr mortgage that is less than 25% of your take home pay), and never using debt. I obviously am a DR koolaid drinker, and I strongly believe in the method. I think the most effective and most intimidating part of his plan is writing (and sticking to!) a budget. Hopefully I'll be able to make budgets less daunting, and show how we put into practice a "zero-based budget"--where each dollar is allocated every two weeks with Mitch's paycheck.
*If you are interested and want to borrow or have a TMMO book I still have 3 left. I only ask that you return it if you don't use it or no longer need it, so I can give it to someone else! If you need any help I LOVE writing budgets and planning, so consider it!! There's more than enough success for everyone who is motivated to TAKE IT.
Enough preaching. These are the 7 Baby Steps including smaller "to dos" that go along with them:
0.1 - Commit to NEVER borrowing money or using credit cards ever again (with the exception of a house)
0.2 - Write a Budget (I'll cover this in the next post! As well as how to lower fixed and variable expenses)
0.3 - Temporarily stop retirement contributions (This is so you can be laser focused on each step--retirement is Step 4)
0.4 - Get current on all your basic necessity bills (house, utilities, food, basic clothing)
0.5 - Sell toys (boats, ATVs, extra vehicles) if you owe on them and will prevent you from being debt free within the next 12mos. Many people sell these even if they are paid for to get the snowball rolling.
0.6 - Cut lifestyle (get rid of cable, get cheaper internet, lower cellphone bill--some drastic ppl do prepaid Walmart phones, stop eating out, the more GAZELLE INTESNE you are, the better!)
BABY STEP 1 - Save $1000 for the Baby Emergency Fund. $500 if you make less than $20,000/year
1.1 - Cut up credit cards
1.2 - Get health insurance
1.3 - Get life insurance
1.4 - Sell any car you can't pay off within 24 months and get a cheap one off Craigslist that you can pay for with CASH! My first "Dave Car" was a 2000 Ford Explorer. I think we paid 3500 for it. Now I'm driving a $14k Yukon Denali--the car upgrades will come! You aren't less of a person because your car isn't 5yrs old or newer!
1.5 - See if it makes sense to raise insurance rates on the paid for in cash car from $500 to $1000, and also consider getting liability only.
BABY STEP 2 - Debt Snowball like Crazy! Pay off all debts (lowest balance to highest--not by interest rate..yes I do know math, folks. This is based on psychology.) Pay minimums on all payments and throw all extra money at the lowest debt. Once it is gone, add that minimum payment to the next lowest debt, along with all extra money, and before long you'll be DEBT FREE BABY!
2.1 - Take a CA$H vacation if desired!
BABY STEP 3 - Finish the Emergency Fund! 3-6 months expenses for emergencies ONLY. This amount varies based on your budget--it will probably be at least $10,000, but it could be as much as $30,000.
3.1 - Start car replacement fund if desired
3.2 - If you don't own a home yet and want to buy, save up that 20% to avoid PMI
3.3 - Start furniture replacement fund if desired
BABY STEP 4 - Start contributing at least 15% of gross income to retirement funds. If your place of employment matches partially, all the better. Dave and I disagree here. I don't trust the stock market and don't have more in it than I'm willing to lose overnight. I like tangible assets--land, precious metals, real estate, etc. Dave is so against gold it isn't even funny, but Gerald Celente (a trends forecaster whom I greatly admire) has been forecasting "GOLD $2000" for years... long before it rose to where it is now. I say you'll want to do a LOT of research when you get to this point. Dave likes mutual funds, mutual funds, mutual funds, oh and real estate. : )
BABY STEP 5 - Save for Kids' College -- daunting if you're planning on having as many children I've got!
BABY STEP 6 - Pay off the house!!! BEST ONE OF ALL! Same as Debt Snowball, but now you only have one payment. Everything extra after retirement and kids' college goes to the mortgage.
BABY STEP 7 - Live and GIVE like no one else! Have a monthly "vacation" line in your budget. Give away 100s spontaneously at Christmas. Sponsor children in third world countries. Have fun with it!
I really hope that was intriguing not overwhelming. Next post I'll go right into budgeting. It's a living, breathing document that changes month to month. Gas/elec/water bills will vary. Gasoline will vary. It needs to have flexibility. Okay I'm stopping myself. ENJOY!
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