Monday, July 20, 2009

Financial Peach University

It's been a few weeks, so I should write something here. (Not that anyone is reading this thing)

Darcy and I have started Financial Peach University at our church. The fourth meeting is tonight. I am enjoying it so far. Most of it is common sense, but it is good to be accountable for how I spend my money. It is also nice that finally, Darcy is participating in our finances.

At first I was scared that we wouldn't have any extra $$ to do anything fun, much less actually pay down our debt. But, once we switched to the cash/envelope method, it is so easy to see what we actually have and put it where we want it to go. We definitely fell into the debit card trap...we would just swipe it and not really track how much we were spending in each area of the budget. Sure, I wrote it down after the fact, but now I know before the fact, whether I can buy something or not.

Okay, better go. Darcy will be home soon and I want get the kitchen cleaned up for him--it's the little things that make him happy.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

12 years!

So, I awoke this morning thinking it was just another Sunday. Then Darcy rolls over and says, "Happy anniversary!" Ooops! I totally spaced it! I guess after 12 years, it becomes old hat.

Actually, I did remember my anniversary was coming up, but I knew we would be busy at church today, so put my plans on hold. Our church (Christ's Place) just wrapped up a huge event called the Summer Bash. Darcy set up the stage this morning and afternoon, then ran the sound all evening. (Luckily I had help wrangling my kids, though Emma did wander off at one point causing a mini Amber Alert to be issued.)

We got married when we were 19. (That seems so young now! I can't believe our parents supported us.) He had just graduated from tech school, I had just finished my freshman year at UNL. We lived in Lincoln while he worked me through school. I finished in 4 years (thanks to summer classes) and we decided to stay in Lincoln. We enjoyed our kid free time and I honestly didn't know whether we would have kids. I know that is one of the things you are supposed to get figured out before you marry, but we were young and unsure of many things at the time.

After 8 years, we got pregnant with Emma. It wasn't a total shock...we weren't "trying" but we weren't "preventing" either. Another 2 years and we had Sam and that is how our family came to be. I don't think we will have any more, but we will see what God says about that. I am leaving a crack in the door, just in case I feel the urge to have another one down the line.

The years have seriously flown by! Darcy and I started dating when we were 16! We are both turning 32 this year--that means we have been together half our lives! I seriously can't remember life without him. I am so thankful for my husband. God has blessed me richly with a man of integrity who makes me strive to be a better person. Not that he is perfect, but we definitely bring out each others strengths.

So, Happy Anniversary, Honey! I am praying for many more years of happiness together. Just think, if we both live to 79 we can celebrate 60 years of marriage! What a party it will be!

Ahhh...Nap time!

It's that special time of day again. The time when my house gets quiet and should be getting cleaned...but it's Sunday, so I have an excuse to be blogging instead of putting away laundry. I thought I should explain the name of my blog. It wasn't my first choice, but it works.

I initially tried for "Little Brick House" but that was already taken. So I tried the next available adjective...small. Yes, my house is small with only two bedrooms, but luckily the rooms are rather spacious compared to other ranch style houses I have been in. My house was built in the 1950's. The man who built it started with the basement (of course) but actually finished it off and lived it before finishing off the main floor of the house. As a result, my laundry room has this funky wall paper with teapots on it...I guess it used to be the kitchen.

My house is on a dead end gravel road with 10 homes on it. Our lot is just under one acre. It's a bummer to mow, but a huge blessing for the kids to be able to run free (for the most part).

Since moving in about 7 years ago, I have struggled with discontent with this house. I love the location, but it is not the nicest house around. Why can't I have the nice big house with the vaulted ceilings and multiple baths???

Then, I get a reality check. Most people in the world do not own a home, much less one as nice as mine. God has blessed me with a good house and a wonderful family to share it with. How can I complain about that??

With that, I will go and enjoy the rest of my peaceful nap time in my small brick house.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Here I am!

I have been inspired by my good friend Erin, to start my own blog. We will see if actually catches on!

About me...My name is Donna and I am married to a wonderful MAN named Darcy (there is much confusion about this at Drs. offices) I am a Stay-at-home-mom to my two wonderful children, Emma (3 1/2) and Samuel (2). I provide childcare in my home 3 days per week. This gives me a little extra income while I stay at home with the kiddos.

To start out, I don't have any amazing recipes to share (like my friends Erin and Mindee). Just a few standby concoctions I have thrown together...and surprisingly, my family liked them! I am very fortunate to not have picky eaters in my house. (Which is amazing considering I have 2 preschoolers in the house)

So, what will I write about? Well, I have recently gotten on a health kick, so I guess I will write about that. I have completed Power 90 (not to be confused with P90X) and am now working on the 30 day shred, though I have been taking days off (mainly Sundays) so it will be more like the 21 day shred. My next attempt will be Chalean Extreme. I have ordered it, and it should arrive in the next week or so.