Chicaaaaaaaago!

I have the most wonderful husband on the planet.  Sorry ladies.  Matt graciously played "Mr. Mom" for the weekend, so I could have a fun reunion with my college girlfriends!  We had so much fun.  Here's one picture of the craziness (I left my trustee camera at home). 

And here's a big shout out to my husband - I love you!  Thanks for letting me take a short break from wife and mommy - to enjoy the city with my friends.

PS - Annelise is walking.  She waited until I got home on Sunday night to take 5 steps.

As Promised

A little birthday cupcake goes a long way.

Cousins.  Wyatt, Annelise and Ty

Now, who could resist this face?  As my dad would say, "How much money do you want?"

Buddies.  Angie - feel free to steal.

Birthday Update

Annelise had such a fun birthday!  On Saturday morning, my dad continued a very special tradition in our family.  He took Annelise to McDonald's for breakfast! 

It was so fun to watch how excited he was to take her.  And he said she ate like a horse - two pancakes, sausage and orange juice!  

Later in the day, we had the entire family over for cake and ice cream.  She got to eat her own cupcake and boy did she like it!  She also got some great presents (thanks family!). 

Sorry the quality of the video is so bad.  I'll post more pictures/video soon.

 

Today was Annelise's one year doctor appointment.  She is growing like a weed.  Here's her specs:

29 inches (50 percentile)

19.6 pounds (25 percentile)

and her head is in the 75 percentile

The past year has gone by so quickly, but we are thrilled to watch Annelise grow into the woman that God has created her to be.  She has brought so much love and joy into our family.

My Baby Turns One

Which One Doesn't Belong?

Birthday, the Stomach Flu and Biggest Loser

Trick question.  Actually, they all belong - and they are all occurring today.  

It's Matt's 33rd birthday.  Happy Birthday, Love!  And he came home from work today with the stomach flu.  Boo. What a way to spend your birthday!  

Also happening tonight is the Biggest Loser.  Which has new meaning now that I've decided to join the Biggest Loser challenge with my friends.  Yikes!  Did I just announce that for all the internet to hear?  Now there's some accountability.  I guess we won't be eating ho ho's on the couch while we watch the fat people weigh in.  I WILL be the fat people!  So far I've eaten very well and am experiencing my first sugar headache of the week.  Tell me it gets better.  

Financial Peace

Those of you that are non-budgeters may want to steer clear of this post.

We hate debt.  In fact, we have none.  We own both of our vehicles - paid cash for our van.  No schools loans, thanks to tuition free colleges and parents that were willing to help.  The credit card is off limits - except for reimbursable expenses for work.  We don't owe money to friends, family or any financial institutions (minus our house).  But, we do have this measly thing we call a "second mortgage."  You know, that's the creative lending they (meaning the banks) maneuver when you don't have twenty percent down on your home.  It's not much, just enough to drive us crazy.  After months of brainstorming the best way to pay it off quickly - the lottery isn't reliable, fabulous prizes on game shows are overrated, and we can't get a call back on "Deal or No Deal" - we've made the decision to follow Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University Baby Steps.

I realize that Dave can be a bit controversial.  No debt?  Is that really even possible?  We believe it is.  So much so, that we're taking extreme measures to ensure that we pay off our second mortgage and stay debt-free for the rest of our lives.  Starting January 1st, we've employed the cash envelope system for all of our cash purchases.  Groceries, gas, clothing - and are saving as much money as possible...so far so good.  You can't believe the emotion that cash spending evokes.  Purchasing an item of clothing requires much more thought and purpose.  I bought Annelise a dress at a consignment shop on Saturday - and thought hard and long if I really wanted to spend $6.50 on it.  When I pulled the cash out of my wallet, it was so...freeing. Not the word you expected, right?  I thought to myself...

"How satisfying.  I just purchased something that I had the money to buy and don't have to worry whether or not I've just cut into our grocery budget or worse, gone into debt to have it."

It was a very pleasing experience.  

P.S.  I know that some of you have done the envelope system before.  Would you mind sharing tips on what has worked and what hasn't?  Also, what do you spend on groceries each month.  I feel like our budget is high, but don't have anything to compare it to.

Reality Hits Hard

The past two weeks have been glorious.  Besides traveling to Kentucky for Christmas, we haven't ventured out much.  Its been nice to be at home, enjoying one another and experiencing true relaxation.  I can't remember that last time I slept in until 9 am - college maybe?  

Matt is back to school today and Annelise and I are getting the last few Christmas decorations cleaned up before our week starts tomorrow.  I will miss these days, but certainly welcome a semi-normal life from here on out.