Monthly Archives: January 2009

Today was one of those wonderful winter days! DH took our boys, the two neighbor boys and myself sledding. It was a blast! (Okay, I only went down once and it was on a SMALL hill and even then I said some things on the way down that Mom would have washed my mouth out with soap for – oops!) All of the boys had a blast sledding down the big hill with the exception of the little one (2-1/2 years old). The little one prefers to stay with me at the top and provide moral support such as “Awesome, Daddy!” “You okay?” and “Good job!” It is too cute! But, our older son (4-1/2 years old) LOVES going down the long STEEP slopes!! He doesn’t even mind when he gets a little snow in his face if he wipes out. It is such a treat to watch him and see how much fun he is having! Daddy even enjoyed the slopes. He had made sure to get a sled that would hold his adult body. He had just as much fun as the younger boys.

I even remembered to take my camera to capture it all – until it was time to walk out the door! UGH! I was the last one ready as I got everyone else ready so in the rush, I forgot to grab the camera. But, we have some terrific memories! Then, we all came back to the house for hot cocoa and some Guitar Hero. What could be better than that? We had a great day!

I am trying very hard to be as frugal as possible. It is a fun game for me! I love saving money! The problem has been not buying just because it is a “deal.” So far, so good. I am trying to plan out our meals and only buy what we need for our plan – or what I KNOW that I can integrate into our plan in upcoming weeks. I have also unsubscribed to all email “ads” and have removed all catalogs from the house. It is much easier when you are not tempted by the cute items that you can get so inexpensively. But, it isn’t about how much money I can save when I buy something but how much money that have left over to pay down our debt with! I am trying to remind myself of this and push forward. Not a hard goal as it is one that I am pursuing strongly and am in great desire to fulfill. My best strategy? Going to the store as little as possible! The less often I am there, the less money that I spend. This is what works best for me.

“People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. This is how character is built.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

“Gratefulness is the key to a happy life that we hold in our hands, because if we are not grateful, then no matter how much we have we will not be happy — because we will always want to have something else or something more.” – Brother David Steindl-Rast

Ah… The day is none. All of the chores that are going to be accomplished today have been completed. The house is still and quiet (with the exception of the dish washer!) inviting us to join the children in slumber. Ah, what a wonderful feeling! As I reflect over the day’s accomplishments – taking the kids to the library, chores done, Christmas items packed away (still taking it all down), and the nice nap – and the tasks when remain on my “to do list,” I am content with the day God blessed me with and am looking forward to snuggling into bed next to my wonderful husband. Good night!