We're doing this and it feels great!

In Dave Ramsey's words, "Debt is dumb; cash is king and the paid off home mortgage has taken the place of the BMW as the status symbol of choice"

Gary and I (and his family) have been listening to Financial Peace University for Family Home Evening each Monday night. At first I was disappointed figuring it was going to be a waste of my time. I was wrong. It only took minutes to fall in love with what this man has to say. He's got some great advice we could all learn from. I dare you to read his book, listen to his radio show or check out his website AND try implementing it into your life. 

Here is his advice in a summary: 
 

Baby Step 1
$1,000 to start an Emergency Fund
Baby Step 2
Pay off all debt using the Debt Snowball
Baby Step 3
3 to 6 months of expenses in savings
Baby Step 4
Invest 15% of household income into Roth IRAs and pre-tax retirement
Baby Step 5
College funding for children
Baby Step 6
Pay off home early
Baby Step 7
Build wealth and give!

Learn more about being debt free at:

http://www.daveramsey.com

Valentines!

I'm sure I remind everyone of this every February but! I Love Valentines Day!  I love the colors mostly but I love that we take a day to remind each other that we are all loved.

Last year I decided to start a tradition of making Creme Brulee. Since we're living with Gary's family I thought I'd make the special treat for everyone, which meant I needed to buy more ramekins (oh darn). I forgot that it's an 6 hour process to make Creme Brulee. Since I get home from work between 6:30-7:00 I didn't have time to make it myself so Jeanette was sweet enough to make it! It was delish!

Since V-Day was on a Monday, which is Family Home Evening night, Gary and I went out on a date on Saturday instead. I was such a special night! We first went shopping at Flat Iron's Mall. Gary helped me pick out a fancy pair of earrings. Then we headed over to Red Lobster for a divinely delicious sea food dinner. The food was so good I forgot about the final event of the night was to go see a movie!

We decided to see True Grit since it got such good ratings and it sounded good to both of us!  I am just going to say this... Go See It!!!! It was amazing.

 

New

Well here we are in a new year! A new year always welcomes in new changes, kicking bad habits and promising yourself to do better. This year I think we've all forgone all that and just decided to strive to always be your better self. I like that plan. Why start fresh on January 1st? Why not do better now?

So this year has been a billion trillion times better than last year already. Gary is helping with his father's Liberty Tax office again. I wasn't so kind. I found myself a new job working at one of Primrose Schools. I'm excited to be there and to work with kids again.

All this work is keeping us busy! Gary has been working from 3:00 to 9:00 pm and I've been working from 9:00-6:30. It's depressing to only see each other for a few minutes a day but I'm excited that we're both busy being productive. 

I am incredibly excited for 2011 and all the many great opportunities it brings!

Portland!

 

Jeremy was so excited to see all that was under the Christmas tree!

 Jeremy and Gary playing with Jeremy's new toys!

I sure do miss Mt. Hood! Look how majestic it is!

The dog loves getting presents! He's great at opening them too!

Bayli opening gifts in her new Christmas PJ's

 My brother, CJ was a great sport about the Hansen VCR I gave him. (there was a gift card inside)

The boys fly their helicopters in the gym. Looks like fun!

Bayli and I trying out her new cookie press. Baking is what we do best.

This would be the San Fransisco Bay. We had to make a pit stop to see how California was doing.

 Beautiful, right?

 I don't know what mountain this is, but I thought it was amazing so I had to snap a shot.

 San Fransisco!

"Home for the Holidays"

A friend wanted to do a service project this holiday season. She chose Gary's parents as her lucky/blessed recipients. Her plan was to makeover the house! She asked Gary and I to keep it a secret and try to get supporters to help. She ended up letting Kent and Jeanette in on it knowing we'd need their help and knowing that Jeanette would like to help pick the materials.

We (mostly Kent and Jeanette) spent weeks selling furniture and packing up their whole house for this big makeover! By time it was finally time to do the makeover I was seriously worn out. Or so I though. We spent the first day redoing the kitchen counters. I loved getting my hands dirty and learning how to install Formica. 

The second day was filled with paining! We had help from many friends! The third day we ripped out flooring and put in a tile entry way and back splash in the kitchen! We also did some paint touch ups.

Day four was spent placing wooden floor boards in areas where the linoleum would be laid. We also put it in the kitchen and dinning room and front bathroom. They brought in the new toilets and new vanity and sinks in the bathrooms.

Day 5 we installed the carpeting, faucet installations and final touch ups.When all was done and everyone had left, Kent and Jeanette returned home from their mountain retreat in Estes Park.

I learned a lot and most importantly I loved the experience. I got to know the sweet lady who put this all together as we worked together through out the week. I felt bad now and then for following her around but I wanted to help and enjoyed doing so.  The construction workers were the best! They were so kind, funny, smart and experienced. I felt lucky to be in their presence as they worked.

It was a wonderful experience and the final results and the joy it brought to Kent and Jeanette are priceless!