Daybook

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... it is cloudy and very windy. We are expecting some severe weather later this evening. It has rained quite a bit the last couple of weeks. I am not sure I have seen this much rain in January in quite some time.

I am thinking... better get the laundry done before the big rains hit. I hate to do laundry when it is raining.

I am thankful for... great family and friends. We had a fun (but exhausting) day celebrating the twins (our niece and nephew and godchildren) first birthday on Sunday. It was nice to spend time with family.

Ella was eager and anticipating cake.

Owen was not too excited about cake.

Ella after cake was all said and done. She really had fun with the cupcake.

Owen after cake was all said and done. He was just not as into it.

From the kitchen... it is Taco Tuesday. Although it is “Taco Tuesday” at Pablanos (hard shell tacos for 99 cents at a local restaurant) I am making my own version of Taco Tuesday at home. I have been craving a nice crunchy taco!

I am wearing... pajamas. It is nice to lounge around the house in my pajamas. They are comfortable and I can get a lot done around the house when I am more comfortable.


I am creating... a quickie budget. It is part of our homework assignment from our Financial Peace University class last night.

I am going... nowhere. The car is low on gas and hubby has the new car. We are approaching the end of the month and the very end of the budget. Things get a little tight this time of the month.


I am reading... three books at once! Last year I had trouble keeping up with just one book and now I am reading three at the same time.

Total Money Makeover: my January book of the month

Financial Peace Revisited: for our Financial Peace University class

Heaven is for Real: for spiritual growth and inspiration

Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent

I swapped Financial Peace for Total Money Makeover since I was behind on our book a month goal. But now we are reading Financial Peace as part of our class. I will be reading it over the next 13 weeks.

I am hoping praying... for a successful Financial Peace University class, for continued strength and growth in our marriage, and for health and prosperity.

I am hearing... the dryer. There always seems to be laundry that needs to get done. Today is a good day to get it all done.

Around the house... there is still so much work to be done – inside and outside. My husband took apart the playground and old wood in the backyard. They were not safe for the kids anymore. Perhaps someday we will install a new set.


One of my favorite things... Everything Dave Ramsey: Financial Peace, Total Money Makeover, The Dave Ramsey Show, etc. He keeps us focused and intense about getting out of debt.

http://www.daveramsey.com/home/

Dave Ramsey

Financial Peace University

Our FPU kit

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Friday: Family meeting – February goals and quickie budget
Saturday: A day to relax with my hubby
Sunday: Five Guys Burgers and Fries with the neighbor

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

My bounty from Detweiler’s Farm

This is just a start to get my husband eating (and maybe liking) fruits and vegetables.

http://www.detwilersfarmmarket.com/

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/
The Simple Woman's Daybook is a brief outline for women/mothers who blog to use as a way to compose thoughts, plan the week, and keep a grateful heart. It is typically published once a week on Tuesdays.

My job: Stay at Home Wife

A close friend had been asking me how we came to the decision for me to be a full time stay at home wife versus a working wife when I moved here. It was not an easy decision for me to make personally but it was an easy decision for us to make together. It was not that my husband told me that I had to be a stay at home wife but he gave me the option to be a stay at home wife. If I need to go back to work for whatever reason (either personal or family) then I know I can. The option is always there for me to work but the decision to stay at home is truly a blessing.

Below you will find how I chose to answer her concerns about staying at home versus being a working wife.

A few questions to consider when deciding to stay at home:

1) Is the second income the difference between making ends meet and a few extra dollars for dinner and a movie once a month?

2) Is the primary income alone enough to cover your essentials -- food, water, electric, and mortgage?

3) Can you squeeze the budget in non-essential areas (health and beauty, leisure and entertainment and blow) and tighten in other areas (food and clothing)?

4) Do you have "extra" or increased expenses in certain areas due to your second income?

Here's how we explored each of these areas:

For questions 1 and 2:

Early in our marriage (a month or so after we were married) we explored our monthly budget. We took our monthly income (using Monopoly money) and spent EVERY dollar on paper.

Categories we considered:

1) non-negotiable: mortgage & car payments
2) monthly negotiable: food & gas
3) frequently occurring (not monthly): car repair & medical
4) other expenses: blow, leisure, entertainment, savings

We determined that my husband's salary (including overtime) alone would cover all of our monthly expenses. Anything I bring home would only be to help either pay down our debt faster or add to our leisure, entertainment, or savings. We could cover all our necessary expenses and still have enough for an occasional treat once a month or so.

For question 3:

As the months went by after we planned our budget, we realized there were certain categories we had omitted from the budget (unexpected medical expenses) We also realized that what we originally budgeted in some other categories were more than what we needed. So we were able to adjust the budget to fit in the new categories and pare down the others. We were still able to make my husband's income work each month without it being necessary for me to have to go to work.

For question 4:

Consider this. Let's do some math. Let's say you make $1000 a month working part time. You can subtract about 1/3 of that for taxes and payroll deductions so your take home monthly is approximately $700. But since you are working you now have increased expenses in other areas that you wouldn't normally have if you stayed home such as increased car maintenance. And perhaps now you eat out more since both of you are just too tired to make a nice home cooked meal. Not to mention you are both too tired and your quality time together isn't what it used to be. So with all the added expenses, your take home pay is now reduced to $300 to $400 a month. Can you adjust the budget and spending to save $400 a month rather than you having to go to work? If you can find areas where you can cut expenses, then it's like making $300 or $400 dollars that goes directly into your pocket. It's not taxed and you can spend it anywhere you need it. Saving money is positive income rather than outcome (money going out)

I have come to realize over the last nine months although I am not working outside the home, I make us money by saving us money. I have learned to save money at the grocery store and I have not purchased any new clothes since we have been married. I have tightened my personal blow budget and applied the money in other areas where we need it. I have sacrificed things that I really want for things that we really need. This helps us stay on track and on budget. Saving money truly turns our income into IN-come rather than OUT-come -- money going out for bills and unnecessary wants. It was not always easy for me to make these kind of decisions but I have learned to make choices for the greater good of our family rather than my own wants. I see sacrificing now will pay off for us in the long run. Denying ourselves these simple pleasures now will help to enjoy them later without concern for money.

Every few months, we revisit the idea of me working. It is more for personal reasons rather than family financial reasons. I start to miss working and the interaction with people. But after all is said and done and we openly discuss it, I choose every time to stay at home. I continue to make our house more than a building but a loving and welcoming home that we pray someday we can fill with children.

Being a stay at home wife has been the best job I have ever had. It is worth the hours I put in and the money I make. The benefits are the best. I have a beautiful home and an amazing husband who loves me with all his heart. What more can one ask for?

Daybook

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... is a cool 66 degrees outside. It was an incredibly gorgeous day outside and I am so sad that I did not take advantage of it. I hope it is just as beautiful tomorrow and the rest of the week so I can enjoy it.

I am thinking... what an amazing last couple of weeks we have had. We have fought a lot less and even staved off a big fight or two. We have definitely loved a lot more and grown tremendously. What a great life marriage has been! If I would have known it was this grand, I would have done it much sooner.

I am thankful for... having more than we need yet less than we want. We are so blessed that all our needs are met.

From In the kitchen... the refrigerator and pantry are full. There is more than enough food to keep our bellies full. We are so blessed that we do not want for food.

I am wearing... corduroys! I feel so retro. It reminds me of my younger days when all we wore were bellbottom corduroys!

I am creating... nothing. I would like to learn a craft such as knitting or crocheting. Perhaps even sewing. I am not sure I have the patience though for it.

I am going... to the grocery store for a few things to get us through the next couple of weeks while they are still on sale.

I am reading... Total Money Makeover. I finally finished House Rules and decided to read Total Money Makeover instead of Financial Peace Revisited. It is a faster read and I am a tad behind on my book a month. I hope to have this done by the end of the week so I can get a jump-start on February’s book.

I am hoping praying... for all my family & friends. I am praying for healing, financial blessings, happiness for newlyweds and health for newborn babies.

I am hearing... the news playing in the background as I surf the Internet and finish this week’s Daybook.

Around the house... I have managed to keep it tidy. I have managed to keep up with a little work here and there to keep things tidy and neat. Every once in a while I have to do a heavy cleaning but tidying up here and there really helps to keep it nice.

One of my favorite things... our cat, Gracie. She has found a new place to sit and relax – my open drawers. She likes to climb in them when she finds them open. She always looks up at me as if to say, “What am I doing wrong?” Even though I am a little upset that she is doing something she is not supposed to be doing, I always have to take a picture.

Sitting in our dresser drawer in the master bedroom

In the drawer in the guest room

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Friday: Date night at the dollar theatre
Saturday: Trip to St. Petersburg to visit family
Sunday: Happy first birthday to our godchildren the twins – Ella & Owen

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Here is some artwork drawn by my 5-year old niece Anna Rose. We hope that someday they will be worth a lot of money. For now, they make great refrigerator art.

Our Family including the cat

Anna and Uncle Kris with his head in the clouds

Anna and Auntie Eileen. I am not sure why the house.

Even if they were worth a lot of money, I'd never sell them. To me, they are priceless! We love them and Anna, too!

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/
The Simple Woman's Daybook is a brief outline for women/mothers who blog to use as a way to compose thoughts, plan the week, and keep a grateful heart. It is typically published once a week on Tuesdays.

Daybook

FOR TODAY

1-11-11 

A day of ONES

Outside my window... it is a surprisingly beautiful sunny day outside. Temperature is a bit cooler than it appears to be – 63 degrees – but certainly a beautiful day out. A nice change since the last couple of days had been quite dreary.

I am thinking... I really need to get outside today. I do not have to go far. Just sit outside and enjoy the day.

I am thankful for... the gift -- the gift of love from God who showed us how to love. He does not ask for much in return from us but He gave us everything as the perfect example.

From In the kitchen... lies the heart of my family. It is where there is a great outpouring of love in every dish that is prepared. Every dish prepared with hands and heart that truly love for my one and only love.

I am wearing... my pajamas. I could just stay in them all day.

I am creating... love. Is there anything better?

I am going... to sit outside and read. I always say I am going to do it but I never get around to ever doing it. I will not let this opportunity pass me by again today.

I am STILL reading... House Rules and I vow to finish it today so I can begin Financial Peace by Dave Ramsey.

I am hoping praying... for those who have no one to pray for them.

I am joining my prayers… with my friends and family for all their special intentions in their hearts this day.

I am hearing... the sound of my fingers typing away at the keyboard. It is peaceful and quiet around the house today.

Around the house... most of the work is done. I have managed to keep up with all the little things that I finally have time to do some intellectual housework – which is what my hubby calls reading & learning.

One of my favorite things... a warm cup of coffee anytime of the day – morning, noon, or night – and a good book.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Wednesday night/Thursday morning: Adventures at the rental property
Friday: Grocery shopping
Saturday: Dinner with my sister and family

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Your smile and laughter are so contagious. You make me want to laugh even when I am fighting with you :-)

From our Engagement pictures March 2010

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/
The Simple Woman's Daybook is a brief outline for women/mothers who blog to use as a way to compose thoughts, plan the week, and keep a grateful heart. It is typically published once a week on Tuesdays.

Daybook

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... it is a beautiful 69 degrees and my hubby is working out in the yard. I love a hard working man… especially MINE! It seems that the cold winter days have come and gone. We are heading into the cooler weather of winter in Florida that we all love so much.

I am thinking... of all the things I want to do today …a bike ride, read my book (finish last year’s book so I can start the reading list for 2011), clean the kitchen… So much to be done! There is always so much that I want to do but I never manage to get it all done. Well, there is always tomorrow!

I am thankful for... an amazing start to 2011. 2010 was surely a great year for both of us and I just know that 2011 is going to be much better. Every year has been better than the one before.

From the kitchen... chocolate chip pancakes were made although I am not too happy about the way they turned out so I do not think I will be making them again. Soon dinner for my husband to take to work – a ham and cheese melt – will be prepared.

I am wearing... my pajamas. I love to stay in my pajamas as long as I can. Comfortable clothes to get the housework done.

I am creating... ? There is nothing I am currently creating except for our scrapbook which is a LONG work in progress as it dates back to our early days together circa 2001 (I have the most difficulty writing something in this section as there does not seem to be much creating going on. I do enjoy scrapbooking but I rarely have a chance to get any of it done. I am not very artistic otherwise. I do not knit, crochet, or sew. My talents in this department are very limited.)

I am going... nowhere. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the days I do not have much planned outside of the house. A great opportunity to catch up on housework that is left behind from the weekend.

I am (still) reading... last year’s book – House Rules. I hope to finish it today (or very soon) and start on one of the books on my 2011 reading list. I have not decided which one but I am leaning toward Financial Peace Revisited by Dave Ramsey.

I am hoping praying... for a healthy New Year. I hope that my hubby gets over this cough that seems to be lingering from his cold from a few weeks ago. I hope that we both remain healthy throughout the New Year and no more visits to the ER.

I am hearing... my hard working husband taking care of some yard work in the backyard. We are preparing for our  Spring project to seed it and finally get some grass in the backyard. Perhaps we will plant a small garden as well.

Around the house... there are always a lot of little things that need to be done that add up one BIG thing. Just when I seem to get a few done, it starts all over again.

One of my favorite things...

“Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things”

I love the music from the Sound of Music. Great to sing along to and cheer you up anytime you are feeling down.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Wednesday: Art Show
Thursday: Prayer group
Friday: NFP class
Saturday: Young Adults in Christ

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Ate Sunshine (Kuya Jun Jun's wife) from Canada came to visit Mom and Dad for the holiday. They came one day to visit us in our home. We took them to the Ringling Museum in Sarasota. Here are a few pictures that Ate Sunshine shared with us.

Clowning around in the gift shop. Don't we look like we belong in the circus?

This is one of my favorite pictures with Ate Sunshine.

Kris and I with Mom and Ate Sunshine at the museum.

We had a great time visiting with her and are happy that we could do our part to make her vacation here a little more fun.


http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/
The Simple Woman's Daybook is a brief outline for women/mothers who blog to use as a way to compose thoughts, plan the week, and keep a grateful heart. It is typically published once a week on Tuesdays.

Tomorrow

Group: Third Day
Album: Come Together
Song: It's All Right

Year: 2001

Lyrics: 

Your letter said that you were leaving
But you didn't know how long
I have never stopped believing
That one day you would return
And though waiting is the hardest
Part of everything I do
I do confess it's getting better
Knowing I will be with you

It's alright
It's okay
I won't worry about tomorrow
For it brings me one more day
Closer than I was to you

Now the question isn't "will you"
What I want to know is "when"
If it's one day or a million
I will wait for you 'til then
So I'm holding on to your words
And the promises you've made
There is not one you have broken
There's not one I didn't take

Your letter said that you were leaving
But you didn't know how long
I will never stop believing
I know one day you will return


This song is a song with so much hope. So much hope that tomorrow brings us closer together than we were the day before to the one that we love. I have said words like this before. I may have even heard words like this before. But I have never stopped believing that someday you would return to me. Here you are with me now and forever. Here you are to stay. This song gives me hope in tomorrow.

I am thankful each day for you and the tomorrows that we will share. I will strive not to worry about tomorrow. I will strive to remember and be thankful that we have more tomorrows ahead.

It's all right.
It's okay.
I won't worry about tomorrow.
For it brings me ONE MORE DAY
Closer than I was to you.

"So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." -- Matthew 6:34

Prayer at the beginning of the day

Thank you Lord for letting us see the rising sun and the start of a brand new day. Thank you for letting us wake up next to the one we love. Watch over us and protect us through the day. Give us the strength to make it through to the end of day.

Prayer at the end of the day

Thank you Lord for letting us see the end of another day. Thank you for giving us one more day with the one we love. Watch over us and protect us as we sleep. Give us a brand new day tomorrow.

Goals for the Future

I have never been one to make resolutions for the New Year. Resolutions have always been like empty promises that get broken a day or two after the New Year begins. Most people are quick to give up when a resolution is broken. They have nothing to strive for the rest of the year. I prefer to set personals goals. With a goal, you strive all year long to accomplish it. You are freer to go about your day, week, month, and even the year with each goal in mind rather than the resolution looming over your head. Some people are quick to break their resolutions so that they do not have the extra added pressure on themselves to keep up with something that is next to impossible to do. The advantage with a goal versus resolution is you give yourself an entire year to accomplish it and if you do not make it on the first day then there is always the next day. There is even the next week and month for you to try and achieve the goal. A goal takes time to accomplish and there is a great feeling attached to it when you have finally reached your goal. The key is to set a modest goal. Set goals that you can reach within the year. Set goal that you can even reach within 6 months so as you start to slack off as the year drudges on you can still hit them by the time December 31st comes sneaking up on you. And who says that you have to wait until January 1st to start working on your goals? If you set them early, then you can start them right away. By the time you get to February, you can be 1/3 of the way to reaching your goal and then you can relax a bit before you have to go at it full force again.

In November 2008, I set pretty lofty goals for 2009. They might have seemed unattainable at the time but my life was going in an upward swing and I wanted to set some pretty high goals to strive for throughout the year. I started them before 2008 ended and even as unattainable the goals seemed, I managed to accomplish them all before the year was even half over. The one goal I thought would be the hardest to attain was to find the one person I was going to marry. I did not have to be married or even engaged by the end of the year. I just wanted to find the person that I could say “He’s the one.” Not only did I find him (he had actually been right there all along) we were engaged on May 29 and the year was not even half over. I had so much to look forward to the rest of the year.

With a wedding set for April, the goals for 2010 were set naturally through planning. Moving to a new town helped to set a few more goals. I wanted the wedding to go off without a hitch. Things went pretty smoothly. There were a few things that could have been done differently but for the most part it was a great wedding. Everyone all around had a good time. Adjusting to a new town and a new life was not such an easy task. I did not know anyone here and finding new friends was not so easy. I missed my old friends and activities in Orlando. There was always something going on at least once a week to keep me busy. There was always someone to call or close by to cheer me up when I was feeling a bit down. Adjusting to a new role as full time wife was harder than I thought. It took a while to get into the swing of weekly versus daily house chores.  Eventually we were able to find a Church that we both could agree we could grow. A parish we could be active parishioners and raise our kids. I was able to find two prayer groups I can go to once a week and feel like a larger family. I am still adjusting to my new role as wife but I am happy to have found a nice young adult group with other young families I can look to as examples of a good Catholic home. There is still a lot of adjustments to be made but I would say that the goals that were set for 2010 all have been met just in time to ring in the New Year.

Setting goals for 2011 has been different than previous years. I am used to setting my own personal goals. I did not have to think about what anyone else wanted or was trying to accomplish. For this New Year, I not only had to set personal goals but family goals. I had to think about what goals we wanted to accomplish together as a family. Kris and I decided to set a few goals together so that we can try to encourage one another to stick to them. We have already decided on a few goals. We want to read a book a month. Twelve books to enlighten us and make us wiser. We want to exercise – walk or ride our bikes – 2 to 3 times a week. We want to increase our faith and become more involved in our Church. We want to stick to a tight budget and work on paying off our debt. We will encourage each other throughout the New Year to keep up with the goals that we have decided on as a family for 2011.