Summer Wish List

Gonna start saving up my blow money so I can get me a pair of these. The FitFlop. They supposedly tone your legs while you walk and actually provide foot support, unlike Crocs which are apparently terrible for your feet. The $50 price tag is a little steep, but I will definitely let you know if these are a Fit or a Flop!! If you have already tried these and were dissatisfied, please leave a comment so I don't waste my money. Thanks!!

One More Week

Financial Peace starts next Monday. We are so excited. We have 51 people signed up. I will keep you posted as the class goes along as to how things are going, and if there are any specific prayer requests. Here is Part 3 of The Miller's* Financial Peace story (*last name changed)...

Despite, the job issues, our family received some financial windfalls (which frequently happen once you start the program), and early in 2007, we paid off both our cars. “Traction” was now on our side and now that we were debt-free, but the house, and we decided to keep going and save 3-6 months of our income as an emergency fund. We agreed that we would “stop” after the 3^rd baby step. We couldn’t imagine ever paying off our house.

About mid 2007, a funny thing happened. Our family found we had more time. Tim and I had long since stopped arguing about money and budget committee meetings only lasted a short time. We weren’t shopping near as much or taking time figuring out what to buy. I think we gained about 5-7 hours a week. During this time, we really cut back on expenses - by really practicing some “super-saver” techniques that we will share during the class - and started shoveling all available funds toward the emergency fund.

Another wonderful thing happened. We agreed to always, no matter what, to ensure we were regularly giving 10% of our income at church. We believe is a key ingredient in where we are financially today. We believe, in order to “have/get” money, you have to be willing to “give” money. This was a new belief system for us at the time, but one that we later realized is steeped in Biblical principles and really patterned after Christ “giving all” for us on the cross.

During 2007, I was given the opportunity to donate a kidney. The fact that the emergency fund was growing steadily and we were on a financial plan was a key stabilizer in that situation. Tim asked me if I would have given the kidney if our financial situation had not stabilized. I really can’t answer that, because it was stabilized at the time and I felt very much in synch with my husband about our financial goals. However, I do know that finances were not an issue in the decision making that went into that process.

By the end of 2007, a 3-month emergency fund was in place. What did we do next? We decided that a Christian education was important to us. So we took a slight detour off the baby steps and decided we would save all the school tuition next so that we would never have to worry about that.

After we recovered from the kidney operation in early 2008, our family was looking around for something to do – remember we have all this time on our hands because we are totally in synch about money and not really focusing on buying things.

We decided to get involved in Helping Hands and really try to define and lead that organization at Good Shepherd.

2008 continued along just fine. The Lutheran school tuition fund was growing along at a steady pace. Here’s a true story: One night we decided to take some friends out to dinner for something they did for us and we actually couldn’t find Red Lobster in Fairview Heights because we hadn’t been out to dinner in so long. We laughed so hard.

Now the story really gets good. The unthinkable happens. The company I worked for, Anheuser-Busch, gets bought out in mid-2008. Something no one ever could have imagined. Although unsettling, our family has financial peace, so we know that no matter what happens, we are going to be fine financially. We have no debt and our emergency fund is well-funded.

In December 2008, I do get laid off. We give more praise to God for giving us a “dress rehearsal” in May of 2005. Now we are prepared mentally, financially and most importantly, spiritually, for what happened.

Final Segment Next Week

I Scream U Scream

We all scream for ice cream!! Sunday we broke out the ice cream maker we got for Christmas from Aunt Heather and Uncle Sean. Our first homemade treat was Mint Chocolate Chip minus the coloring. Trying to keep it natural.

Crushing chocolate chips is serious business.

Whisk 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup milk, 3/4 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon peppermint extract.

Pour into ice cream maker.

Watch the ice cream maker do its magic for 25 minutes.

Add in the crushed chocolate chips.

Voila!!

Carlie's Royal Ice Cream is indeed... Magical!!

Financial Peace is Coming

Financial Peace University starts in 2 short weeks. After our first orientation we have over 20 people signed up. To show the benefits of FPU, I have been sharing one couple's story. Here is part 2 of "Our FPU Story- The Miller's" (last name changed). Remember, this is a couple who leads Financial Peace at their church. I have broken it up into 4 parts.

In January 2006, we had our first budget committee meeting and he had to participate. So no more would it be my fault that there wasn’t enough money. We agreed that we would talk to each other first, no matter what, if we wanted to spend outside the agreed upon categories. Only if we were both in agreement before the spending occurred, could we buy the item. We found there was a small amount to start plunking on the car debt.

We also started on the envelope system right away. I had previously tried about 10 different methods of trying to portion money out for the month and this is the only method that has worked for us.

Invariably, it happened. He wanted to buy something or I wanted to buy something that wasn’t in the budget for that month. He called me right away. I think he wanted to go to a Chinese buffet. “What envelope is that going to come out of?” I said. We didn’t have an envelope for eating out. We had agreed not to put it in the budget. “Right….” He said. We ate at home. I wanted a chair that someone at work had up for sale. I called him – “Can we take it out of the car fund?” “No.” he said. So now I am minus a chair that I really didn’t need. And so forth.

A few months down the road, we wanted to increase the amount we were putting toward the car fund. We had an emergency budget committee meeting and started cutting out things we previously thought we couldn’t. Taking the initial step to cut out those things was much more painful than actually doing without them. After a brief time we didn’t miss them at all.

Then, in May 2006, the unthinkable happened – almost. I was almost fired from my job. It took almost six months for the incident to “blow over” at work, during which the family (but mostly me – as in I was the one that needed it) went through a spiritual growth spurt. I started to look at Christ to define me, and not my job. I started thinking of daily blessings as coming from Christ and not Anheuser-Busch. Prior to May 06, my thinking was so skewed that I used to “joke” that, “my daily bread comes from Anheuser-Busch.” Now I was starting to realize that these kinds of statements are not a joke – they were the start of heading into some serious spiritual issues! But, thankfully, God gave me some discipline in that regard! And the Dave Ramsey program took on more significance.

Part 3 next week...

Show Us Your Life--Fitness

It's another Show Us Your Life Friday over at Kelly's Korner blog. Today's topic is exercise and diet. I'm definitely not an expert on the topic, but I can let you know what works for me.

I think too many women believe that once they have kids, the weight has to come off immediately. None of us are Heidi Klum. We don't have the money, trainers, or time to have all the weight off and be in a lingerie show 5 weeks postpartum. It takes time and discipline.

I am happy to say that after two kids (and three years post 2nd child later), I am probably in the best shape of my life and weigh the same as I did in high school. Things may not hang where they once did, but I'm not worried about it.

My Exercise week goes a little something like this...

*Monday-- Run/Walk 3 miles around the indoor track at the Y. I mostly walk fast. After every 1/3 mile, I do 15 push ups. In the middle of the 3rd mile I complete 100 push ups. This is excellent and doesn't require any equipment. (I have had to stop doing push ups recently because I have been diagnosed with arthritis in my shoulder.)

*Tuesday-- Zumba class. If you haven't tried it, I highly recommend it. You learn a lot of Latin dance steps that are really fun. Our instructor also adds in hip hop and country from time to time.

*Wednesday-- Run/Walk 3 miles (see Monday). I am still putting together an upper body workout to give me Jillian Michaels' shoulders.

*Thursday-- Zumba class. It may be frustrating at first if you can't get the moves, but it just takes practice, and it is an excellent lower body and cardio workout!! Here's a sample...


I take Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off, but I don't sit on the couch. I do laundry, housework, and probably travel up and down our stairs at least 100 times a day. Every now again I will do a workout DVD. Here is what I recommend...

Great Boot Camp Workout!








Great for Improving Flexibility








Great for Toning those trouble spots








As far as diet, I could make some improvements. I eat too many Mickey Mouse chicken nuggets from Costco (not healthy), but I never eat more than "a serving". I don't eat near enough veggies. And, I really need to layoff the M&M's, but if I stop buying them, M&M/Mars may go out of business, and I really don't want to be responsible for that. I will write about diet another day. This post is getting lengthy as it is.

Bring It On Kobayashi and Chestnut

Noah and I ventured out to Costco today to pick up some necessities, including milk which is always at least $1 cheaper per gallon. I must say this had to be the fewest number of people I have ever seen at Costco. Granted, it was a Thursday morning, but there were only 3 samples if that gives you any idea.

Naturally, we had to eat there because you can't go to Costco and not get something to eat. Noah said, "I do not want pizza, I want a hot dog." I went ahead and ordered pizza with every intention of eating half of his hot dog. Not so fast. He ate the entire hot dog. In about 5 minutes. At first I thought he may have dropped some of it on the floor, but the floor was clean. After he finished, he wanted some of my pizza. So, in about 10 years, he'll be competing in this... (Watch this-- the commentary is priceless)

Move Over J.K. Rowling

Carlie's kindergarten class is being introduced to "Storytelling" to go along with Art. She's well on her way to becoming a best-selling author. Don't you think?

New Background

I like this new background much better. Oldie but a goodie. Now, I just need to create a flashier header, but no rush.

Background Change

Okay. I don't like this background or layout. Way too narrow. I'm looking for new possibilities. Definite changes on the way...

Tuesday Turnback

Here are a few pics of the kiddos when we got a bit of snow after Christmas.

Sister Bear

Yes, Brother Bear has gotten new boots since this pic with Uncle Buddy was taken. He doesn't have to wear Sister Bear's boots anymore.

I like December snowflakes.

I prefer January snowflakes.

Eat From the Pantry Challenge Week 2

We've been doing well so far. I am going to need to go to the grocery store soon. We are out of eggs, bread, and almost out of milk. Running low on fresh fruit as well. Just got the weekly ads, and it is $10 off $50 at Shop 'N Save on Thursday so I will be there right after Zumba. Can't wait till then for the bread though.

Tonight's menu
*Marinated Salmon
*Steamfresh Potatoes and Green Beans
*Fresh Fruit

One pantry problem... does anyone have any recipes or ideas for 12 cans of refried beans??

Financial Peace is Coming

In just a few short weeks, Mike and I will once again be leading Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University at our church. If early registration is any indication, we could have 75 people participate. Awesome. To get prepped for the class, I decided I would share one couple's story over the next several weeks. They lead FPU at their church across the river...(*last name has been changed)

Our FPU Story – The Millers*

“Income” – how much money you bring in, (or your financial shovel); and “outgo” – how much money you spend are the two constants in everyone’s financial equation. We don’t make a million bucks, but income has never really been the issue for us.

We know that, especially in this economy, lots of people are losing jobs or having their income reduced. I think Financial Peace will give you some new perspectives about income as well as outgo. But our story focuses more on planning, organization and re-thinking priorities versus coming up with new income sources.

Just because income hasn't really been our issue, doesn’t mean we were good at handling money. In truth, we were terrible at it. Turn back the clock 3 years ago. We always had too much month at the end of the money. We had little savings, and at times, no savings. We were always putting essentials like gas on a credit card because we never had enough in the checking account. We didn’t give an offering more times than I would like to admit. We sometimes couldn’t buy groceries when we needed them. It seemed like something unexpected was always coming up – like the kids needed school supplies – and it was a struggle to find the money. Since I did the bills, Tim would say to me, “Why don’t we have money for this?” Invariably it would turn into an argument. It got to the point I felt I was walking on eggshells around him about money, because it seemed like it was always my fault there wasn’t enough.

So it was surprising to me when, one day, he came home from work and said, “We make enough money, we should have our cars paid off.” I laughed. “No way,” I said. “We barely have enough to cover all the bills and we usually have to hold off on groceries. And we don’t even know how we will pay for Good Shepherd when Eli is ready for kindergarten.” But the Holy Spirit was working. What Tim said stuck with me. So a few days later, I said to him, “Let’s say I agreed with you about paying off the cars. How do you propose we go about paying off these cars, huh? Where would you get the money?” He told me to listen to Dave Ramsey on the radio on the way home from work and he had these things called the baby steps that showed you how to do it. That’s all he said. So I started listening. Soon after that we started on the baby steps.

To be continued...

Does any of this sound familiar? If so, consider taking Financial Peace University. It is not easy, but it does work. It really makes you think about what is really important. What the real priorities are. I will post more of this story next week because it is fairly lengthy.

Push-Ups Have Been Banned

Yesterday I had my annual physical with my PCP. Things are great for the most part.

Blood Pressure--Excellent.

Heart and Lungs--Excellent.

Skin color--uhh, "very pale". (That's not rocket science to figure out.) I MUST start taking multi-vitamins and increase my Vitamin D. Trip to the Caribbean anyone? I also have to start taking Claritin pretty much year round for my sinuses and sinus headaches.

I also informed her that every time I do push-ups, my left arm makes a "pop" or "crack" noise. She seemed puzzled. After doing a few motion swings my shoulder, she informed me that I have "very bad arthritis" in my left shoulder. She said there was "a lot of grinding." According to her only "serious athletes" (that are as young and vibrant as I am) have that much grinding. Obviously, I am not a serious athlete. Now, I have been working out considerably more than I ever have on a consistent basis, but serious athlete I am not. Luckily, we aren't going to do any treatment since it only bothers me when I do push-ups. So I have to lay off the push-ups. That's really a bummer because it really is one of the best core strength and arm exercises you can do.

No, that's not me.
(photo from ehow.com)

Eat From the Pantry Challenge

I decided to try the Eat From the Pantry Challenge going on at the Money Saving Mom blog (see side bar for link). Here are the guidelines...


1) Stop at the store a maximum of three times in January.

2) Only buy dairy (milk, eggs, cheese, etc.) and produce (fruits/vegetables).

3) Spend a total of $75 or less on groceries during the month of January.

So, tonight's menu is:

*Minute Steaks
*Betty Crocker Au Gratin Potatoes
*Steamfresh Vegetable
*Sliced Apples

This is going to be difficult because our pantry isn't exactly "stocked" after the holidays, but we will see how it goes.

Treasure Hunt!

In keeping with our plans to live intentionally this year, we planned our family day around the "Treasure" exhibit at the Missouri History Museum. Because we had never been to the museum despite living here for nearly nine years now, we figured this was a perfect time for our first visit. It didn't disappoint. The museum itself has free admission (if you ignore the taxes you pay to fund it), and the exhibit was just $5/adult and kids were free. The kids enjoyed learning about pirates and seeing various shipwreck treasures from the 16-1700's.

Noah makes a pirate flag

Carlie uses a metal detector to find treasure

Panning for Gold

Thomas Jefferson

Lunch at Il Vicino... yummmm!!!!

2010- Time for Intentional Living

I listen to Dr. Randy Carlson a lot on the radio, so I decided to do as he says and start living intentionally--making the decision every day to do something to improve faith, relationships, finances, health, and work.

FAITH... I bought these devotional studies last year that I never got around to doing. Well, for January I will study the book of Ephesians with a little help from Elizabeth George.


RELATIONSHIPS... We will do one family outing per month. It doesn't seem like much, but we have a limited budget. I will also schedule an outing once a month with a friend. For January I will be attending Winter Jam 2010 with my friend, Karen. If anyone else wants to come I won't say no. Here's a little taste...



FINANCES... Not very difficult. We are continuing our quest to be debt-free. We hope this is the year we can finally call Dave Ramsey and scream "We're debt freeeeee!!!!" I may even drive down to Nashville and let him know in person.



HEALTH... I am going to make a decision every day to eat a piece of fruit. This is really lacking in my diet, so I have to make an intentional choice to eat it every day. Do M&M's qualify as a fruit? Also, I will continue my exercise regimen of Zumba twice a week and running/walking (mostly walking) 3+ miles twice a week. If you've never tried Zumba, here's a sneak peek...



WORK... I "work" at home, but I do need to get more done. In January I will be focusing on organization and cleaning. I have already started clearing out our storage room and have made great progress. Maybe I will post a picture when I am done. I am also excited to be getting new laundry baskets. Grammy D. gave us some money to buy new ones. It seems a little strange to get excited about laundry baskets, but I'm kind of strange.



So, there is a glimpse of our plans for the year. I'll keep you posted on how it's going, and I challenge you to pick one of the five and make the choice every day to improve it.

New Blog Header

How do you like the new header? If any of the six people who read this know anything about HTML, I could use your help. I would like the header to be BIGGER, but I don't know how to do it. Increasing the size in photo editor does not work.

I'm working on ways to be more intentional in 2010 and plan to post them tomorrow. Resolutions are too vague. You have to make intentional choices every day, and hopefully the choices made will improve your faith, financial situation, relationships, health, and work. One example might be I am going to spend more time with my family today, so I am not going to get on Facebook or use the internet at all today. (I think everyone can relate to that one.)

See you in 2010!!!!

In Case You Were Wondering...

... we are still here. I did finally get our Christmas cards mailed so that is one thing I can check off the list. Many things still on the calendar as the one-week-till-Christmas countdown begins. Looking forward to a visit from Grammy and Pawpaw R. in a few days, and Grammy and Grandpa D. will be coming after Christmas (and Buddy and Casey and possibly Pony Boy.)

My Celine Dion Christmas CD was MIA for the last month. Luckily, I found it. Joyous!! Let the loud music blare throughout the house.

I made the playoffs for fantasy football, but I lost in the first round by four lousy points.

All for now, gotta watch the Monk finale on hulu.

Drummer Boy 2009

In case you are looking for something to do this Christmas season, come see Drummer Boy at Grace Church in St. Louis. Our church has been putting this on every year for the past several years, and it continues to grow in popularity. It is AWESOME!! And, it is FREE!!! Here is a sneak peek...

Christmas Treasures

The article below is from my daily email devotions from Proverbs 31 Ministries. It was written by Rachel Olsen. Some people are so blessed with the gift of words and writing. (I am not one of those people.) It's a great message for the Christmas season...

"For where your treasure is, there your heart is also." Matthew 6:21 (NIV)

It was 38 degrees when I woke the day after Thanksgiving. Yet, willing to brave chilly temps and frenzied crowds in search of crazy deals, I headed out shopping.

As I walked the aisles past slick gadgets, plush robes, and animated toys, one thought kept coming to my mind: The gifts we long for—the ones we ask for, save for, shop for, and wrap up in shiny paper with bows—will disappoint, eventually. They will age, wear, scratch, stain, fade or break. They may even get lost or stolen. Not long after the shiny newness wears off, the realization sets in that these objects don't provide the lasting happiness we'd hoped they would.

Am I a Christmas scrooge? Not at all! Beneath my tree sits several lovely gifts I look forward to giving my family. And I'm hoping one will appear there for me before Christmas Eve. But this thought, this realistic view of the contents of those packages, helps me keep the material aspects of this holiday in perspective — eternal perspective.

It's so easy to get caught up in the commercial fervor that is Christmas. It's easy to think we must show our love through bought gifts. But often a warm hug and some relaxed hospitality, time spent together on a hobby, or a letter detailing your appreciation would mean so much more than another coffee mug or gift basket. And for those of us facing hard financial times this year, that's welcome news.

If I could give you one fantastic gift today, I'd take your hand and cause us both to travel back in time some 33 years after the birth of Christ. We'd sit together on the hillside and listen to Jesus teach the Sermon on the Mount. We would hear our Savior say , "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:19-21, NIV).

Perhaps hearing it from the Savior's lips would help us believe that it's important what we treasure. It's important where our heart is. And to remember that the objects we ask for, give, and receive are temporary, just like the pleasure they bring.

God, however, gives gifts that are eternal. They never age, fade, deteriorate or fail to delight. He gave the gift of love with a baby in a manger. He gave the gift of truth through the teaching of Rabbi Jesus. And He gave the gift of eternal life in the form of the crucified and risen Christ. God gives the best gifts!

I found a few good deals at the mall that early Friday morning, but no thing like the deal I found at a little church almost two decades ago when I met this risen Lord and exchanged my sins for His grace.

In the days of the Bible, times of great joy were frequently accompanied by the giving of gifts (e.g. Nehemiah 8:10; Esther 9:22; Revelation 11:10). This ancient custom, practiced in all nations throughout history, finds its greatest expression today at Christmas. As we participate in gift-giving this year, let's follow God's lead and look for ways to also share love, truth and the path to eternal life with those we care about. Perhaps we can help another to find the greatest gift of all, or to treasure it rightly.

Dear God, thank You for the treasures of Christ, the gift of grace, and the blessings of eternal light and life. Show me opportunities to share them with those around me this month. Help me keep my heart set on You as the only lasting source of delight. In Jesus' Name, Amen.