best of both worlds

We just had a money matters lesson in one of our Sunday school classes yesterday. They suggested the classic envelope technique where you divvy up the months income into your expected expenditures. You are apt to spend less when you actually have to see the cash leave your hands.

That's smart and all but I would be terrified to loose my envelopes or get my purse stolen. Cash is cash and when it's gone it's gone.
I'm a partial to credit cards myself. We pretty much use our card for everything. We're still smart and pay it off every week thus avoiding interest and late payments, and it doesn't hurt that we get reward points with our visa either! If you loose your card or if someone steals your number, you can call in for a replacement or sign an affidavit for the fraudulent charges. But I must admit, it IS easy to get carried away with a credit card. (the whole "have now and pay later" mantra)

So I got to thinking... I want to actually try living by a budget (vs. just drawing one up and glancing at it from time to time) but still have the security of a credit card, and then it hit me:
Keep the envelope idea, but instead of putting cash in them, put a 3x5 card in them with the designated amount on top. Throughout the month you can subtract amounts spent from the remaining total, and still use your credit card to make the purchases.

This plan still requires more effort and will power than the cash technique, but it's a great tool to keep track of your budget better.

that's a wrap folks. I hope this suggestion helps!

talking with your mouth full

Maybe it's the freshness a new year brings, but it feels like I need to tackle my projects and get after some hefty new ones! Frankly, I feel like I've bitten off more than I can chew, but I really want to blog about my lofty ambitions to you all. :D

I just decided that I want to write a series of children's books- this cute little name popped into my head last night/morning (4 am ish... yeah..... that's morning...)along with a funny/cute idea. However- now that I'm fully awake, that funny/cute idea seems off the wall and weird :S
BUT I am keeping the name of the main character. So we'll see where it goes from here.

I really want to start painting and designing my kitchen. I've been wanting to paint over this off-white/cream that's been smothering my kitchen with a bright fresh white on top, and a nice warm ash gray on bottom. Do some chair rail, some wainscoting action in the dinning room, and have a fresh blue accent wall by my cabinets. FINALLY finish the floors and maybe/maybe not take out the existing cabinetry and start all over in that department....hehehe (AJ's really loving me right now :D)

some more sewing projects, a couple birthday parties to plan, more yard work and landscaping, and last and not least: building a toy chest for Treson's 3rd birthday. Yes, even though I thought of this idea... I really don't intend to build it.. the sneaky sly part is getting AJ to do it for me! (*snicker snicker*)
so shhh! don't hint at this while he's around! :)

Ask and you shall recieve

here you go Daddy-o!














thank you again for the camera!

A look at the year 2010

It started in January, with a change of the salary
No more bad bugs to monitor, with AJ’s new job as auditor
Two certifications in one year, is a feat that not many hear
As the new Mission leader in our ward, he no longer has time to be bored


Treson turned two; we went to the "zoo" (aquarium)
Potty training is his new thing, we’re so happy we could sing
Planes, trains, and automobiles, he loves anything with rolling wheels
We’d test his I.Q. but he’s only two
He loves letters, colors and arts, 'cuz he’s got his mother’s smarts



After having Treson we wanted more, in May our family went from three to four
Ellie’s cute, she’s cuddly, she’s pretty in pink, with her in our lives we’re all now in sync.
She can say Momma & Dadda & loves her shoes, sitting up & pierced ears are both recent news



Mommy’s had decent sleep since Ellie arrived, without Aj’s help she wouldn’t have survived
Voted by Daddy as the best Mom of the year, we’re so glad she chose this as her career
We’re lucky to have her eye for design, our garden and house are looking quiet fine
She’s into landscaping, when it’s warm she’ll be outside, with Treson helping in the dirt by her side

This year’s been great with many memories to share,
Here’s to another year, now you all take care.