You want me to do what Dave Ramsey?

Ugh! Budgeting....need I say more?? I never, ever, thought that creating a budget would be as time consuming and stressful as this has been, much less the thought of now having to FOLLOW it! You got to be kidding me Dave....seriously.... and sit down and change this budget up monthly..... You are killing me!!!

So....here we go! We are making the last minute changes to our cash flow zero budget this weekend and We start with our "monthly budget" some Monday. I want to cry...... no...I really want to go on one last shopping spree before I am constricted to such things.....

No....now let me rephrase that. Budgeting is not constricting yourself to starving and doing without. It's making you become more aware of your spending and truly seeing your outflow of money. I sat down this week and went through October's payments.....and compared them to our upcoming budget..... Ha! That was a joke! We had no idea what we were spending....especially in the grocery category...and that wasn't even the "eating out" category.... I feel like the man that said he was "eating his retirement!" No we don't have lavish, 5 course meals at our home. I think the problem is that when I see certain things on sale, I tend to "Stock up". Which isn't necessarily a bad thing unless your budgeting. Because give it 2 more weeks and that same item will probably be back on sale again...... Or like when I'm shopping at Wal-mart I hadn't been making a menu for our meals and so I would just grab this or that to have on hand just in case we made this meal or that meal..... that does not work with a budget!

Since Jeremy already had listened to the lesson, and my sister is 2 weeks ahead, this lesson wasn't as eye opening to me as the past ones. We were ahead of the other classmates as we had started to prepare our cash flow budget and start itemizing our priorities. This is starting to be fun almost. Setting limits on ourselves, sucks-yes. But challenging each other to save each others blow money for something bigger, or working extra to pay off something quicker.... what fun! Because if your marriage is anything like mine-- we like to set almost unachievable goals and since we are both stubborn and hardheaded we will go out of our way to prove each other wrong and meet that goal!

When I went into this and learned of having to use a budget, my first thought was "Oh no-- here we go again- back to beans and cornbread and scrubbing my toilets again" But that is not what a budget is. If your budget can be allocated for such needs and you still give 10%, still save, and still work towards your debt snowball, you can allocate for such things. The kicker is- how fast do you want to be debt free? Should you budget for "entertainment"? Or should you put that money towards your house/car/school loan? That's where budgeting gets you! It's learning to live like no one else now, and doing without, so later you can LIVE like no one else!

So please keep up us in your prayers as we start this task next week! I know it's going to take some work and hard discipline, and I also know that no budget ever works the first time. It takes at least 3 months to establish a working budget. So here we go my friends! I'll keep ya posted!

Do you ever wonder????

This morning while I was "milking the cow" which is also my facebooking time, I could not get over the amount of people talking about the Ranger's game last night. It was astounding. I'd scroll down- still rangers-- scroll some more-- still more Ranger talk-- click on "more posts" on the bottom and even more Ranger's talk. Some postive, some negative, some motivational, and some just down right eye shocking. How can anyone get that aggrivated at a team in a world series game? Really? To sit there and put such harsh, curse words out in front of everyone over a World Series Game? Why do we get so wrapped up in these things? The sun is going to come up tomorrow...... The Rangers will still be a team next year...... Baseball isn't going anywhere......so why do we let these false idols take over us?

Then I started to ponder.....what if we changed the word Ranger's to God in all of these posts? What if everyone who was posting and cheering and rooting for the Rangers were cheering for God instead..... can you imagine our society then?! WOW! We are so wrapped up in our world, and consumed by these "things" that I think we all fail to ever want to cheer for God like this. We are quick to put our feelings and frustrations towards a team on facebook, but yet, do that many people, that often, place an uplifting, christian status? No! Several posts from my lists last night were from the same people, updating their thoughts/anger/happiness hour by hour.......

I know I am probably sounding like I'm top of a soap box, or a "Jesus freak" right now..... but do you ever just stop and wonder about things like this? We wonder why our world is in such a mess and going through such crisis? I'm betting if my facebook news feed was this crazy with Ranger Drama last night....yours probably was too..... go back and look.....replace the word Rangers with God and see how it would look/sound. Would we be a better nation?

Don't get me wrong- I love the Rangers- have watched every World Series game thus far and was wrapped up into that game. I can't tell you the number of times I told Jeremy "Ok- 1 more strike and they got it" Ha! I was excited when Josh hit his first post season home run last night...then the back to back home runs from Beltre and Cruz... by far and awesome inning for the Rangers....

But in all seriousness, imagine what our would would be like if we were wrapped up in our Faith and displaying to others our love of God instead of these false idols that are put before us?

Dedicated to Christ!

This past Sunday, we dedicated Jentri to the Lord at church. Although I grew up catholic, and have since joined the Baptist, I know it bothers some that my children have not been baptized. I have always been told that God takes care of the little ones. I also know after reading "Heaven is For Real" this past summer, that he who doesn't receive the kingdom of God as a little child by no means enters it". I am totally excited about the day that Jentri and Jaylee both choose to be baptized. How awesome is this? To remember your own baptism and above all making the decision to be baptized on your own. Do you remember your baptism? I don't. But I do know that my parents made that decision based on their own christian belief and I don't regret them making that decision. I know in my heart that my original sin is gone, and that my baptism is just as good as those that chose their baptism. So, here's to Jentri and her christian walk of faith in life!

"Train up a child in the way he should go. And when he is old;he will not depart from it" Proverbs 22:6

Watch out..... here comes Soccer Mom!

Well....sadly and excitedly.....I feel like a soccer mom now! Never thought I'd see the day of me driving a soccer mom car, but I am! Our car was getting too cramped up for all 4 of us and 2 bulky carseats....and as much as we are traveling, on the road, Jeremy gone during the weeks- not here to fix the breakdowns--it was time! I am very blessed to have a husband who has worked hard this past year to get us on the ahead track financially and allow us to drive a very nice car. It's not the fanciest, but it fancies me! My sisters and I grew up and turned out just fine without leather seats and DVD players, and I'm sure my children will too! Or- I could do what Dave Ramsey says and SAVE my blow money each month, let it add up, and get a DVD player installed! What a goal to aim for-- but I feel like after saving all that money up- I will want something else so I have doubts of this ever happening~! I love this car for not only the room, but for the fact that only one other person in my town drives a car like this. When Jeremy said he was looking at trading- some of you would be very very shocked to know that I never once test drove, looked inside, any cars! I did some Internet searching, but that was it! Kudos to him for doing an awesome job! He never lets me down!

I love Tuesdays!

Hooray for TUESDAY! Yay for Dave Ramsey day! I get more and more excited each week as Tuesday rolls around. I love even more that my sister and I are doing this together, with our husbands and we have each other as our "accountables" and help us through this lifelong process! I don't think it really sank into Jeremy how "gung ho" I was about this process and truly doing it the way you are suppose to... but I think he understands as of Saturday. We were leaving Abilene and he asked me if I wanted to get something to drink before we left town. I simply stated "I am not thirsty and I do not NEED a drink, would I LIKE a drink, of course, but I can put that $2 towards something that we NEED" I think it all sank in then how truly disciplined that I had become. Tonight we start the dreaded, in depth, cash flow budget! Wish us luck! We've been working hours upon hours on getting our budget prepared for this upcoming month when it's suppose to "start"! I am totally excited about how it's all going to work. This process has definitely made us more aware of how we are spending our money. Money can either control YOU or you can control your MONEY. I have been in places in my life where money was controlling me, but thank God, we do not have to live like many others do and worry about so many bills, debts, etc. It truly was a blessing that Jeremy didn't go on harvest this past year as he was suppose to take the plunge of buying a truck and leasing a combine. THANK YOU JESUS for not letting us jump into that huge pile of debt. So, I am anxious to see what awaits at class tonight and what all we get to do this upcoming week!

Mixed Feelings....

Well, yesterday was by far the hardest goodbye yet. We have been used to Daddy driving back on Monday mornings early, but with the change in his job and going back to being an operator, he had to give up the Monday morning drives, sometimes, and go back on Sunday evenings. It had been several months since we have had to say Goodbye on Sunday. For some reason, it was so much easier doing it at 4:30 on Monday morning. So, it got to be time for the goodbyes and Jaylee Ray just wasn't giving it up. She helped him load the pickup, she asked and told him numerous time "I go with you Daddy" then when the time came, and his pickup drove away, talk about a sad little girl crying, "I want my Daddy!"
My heart has hurt all day. Jaylee has said numerous times how she wants her Daddy today. I have been praying really hard that God would bring Jeremy back closer to home and keep us financially stable and comfortable in the process. I have no idea when Jeremy will be back with us, on a daily basis, but I do pray that it is soon. I keep praying for Jaylee's emotional sake that we aren't hurting her and scaring her for life through this. God must have felt my heartache today because I started bringing a girl from KC over to Munday after school now to drop off for dance class. She is 9 years old and her Daddy is gone for 2 weeks at a time on a drilling rig, then comes home for 2 weeks. This girl is very bubbly and intelligent. Her personality speaks volumes! Talking with her .... you would never know that her Daddy is gone or at home. I guess that was almost like a sign from God saying that it was all going to be ok!
In the meantime, if any of you have time, please say a prayer for our family and we will continue to pray that he guides us on his path. I have faith that we will one day again be that "normal" white picket fence family, but until this, I'll keep clinging to my faith in him. As the old saying goes..."this too shall pass" and that's exactly right. I know this isn't forever.

Nerds VS. Free Spirits

Well, after class last night, I learned that there are nerds and then there are free spirits when it comes to a marriage and dealing with money. Can someone please explain how I can be such a NERD in my entire area of life, except where I need it most--- money! Then- can you explain how my husband is a "Free spirit" in life----but is a "nerd" with money!? I don't get it! Something just isn't right here in this equation!

Anyways- basically- it's time to start the dreadful b word--- BUDGET! Aaaahhhh!!! We started our budget this weekend, and putting figures and looking at how much we spend here and there, etc. Wow- have you ever sat down and truly wrote down every single expense that you make in 1 month? I haven't done it yet, but just doing a guesstimate in each area-- blew us both away! It's amazing how just putting a pencil to a piece of paper can really start opening your eyes.

Most importantly- I am so glad we are doing this NOW instead of LATER and having a huge mortgage, a big car payment, huge credit card debt, etc, etc etc. Then, secondly, how much better our future is going to be by investing now, and saving more now, so we can truly LIVE LIFE later on! No more month to month, paycheck to paycheck agony. Life has been alot more pleasant this past year with Jeremy making more money. Yes, it's very hard without him home every night, and it's hard on me dropping my kids off for 2 hours every week for a class to take. However- knowing that this is only benefiting our family and securing our future- makes 2 hours and $100 bill totally worth it.

I have noticed, though, that Satan is knocking at our door alot more now. He is trying to approach us from every angle to get in our way of doing this. He's changed up Jeremy's job, he's tried to persuade un-necessary spending, and so forth. It's driving me crazy. Is it even odd that I can tell you that I "feel him" pushing us towards the wrong path. It's like once we start putting our money in God's hands and letting him control our wants/needs--the devil is working OVERTIME it feels like! I'm having to praise and worship double and pray harder just because I don't want Satan interfering with us and us being on this right path!

Someone after class stopped me last night and said how much they admired my husband and I for continuing to go to church every weekend, despite us only being together on the weekends. I know I had to look dumbfounded because I wanted to say "is that an option?". Jeremy and I have realized the impact that church makes on our family, how much better our life is, and how Jaylee enjoys it as well. We can't imagine what it's like to NOT be going to church. Of course, sure there are the occasional out of town- missed church weekends, but very RARELY do we ever miss anymore b/c we are being selfish and want our "family" time now.

An "Aaaahhhhh" Moment!

You know those times that are rare in life, where the light just comes on and you just go "aaaahhhh!!!!!" Well- I had that feeling last night. As I started that "self help" class, I came across an interesting quote of dealing with money:

"One definition of maturity is learning to delay pleasure. Children do what feels good; adults devise a plan and follow it"

WOW! I am sure my mother has in some sort of way told me this and tried to explain this countless times- but stupid, hard-headed me always thought I was the smartest one. Ha- and I see where that has gotten me! I get so "caught up" with buying/doing things with money- and I don't even realize it. I sat down and started us a budget last night. Obviously the saying is true "make more-spend more" and I am as of now STOPPING the SPENDING. I know that we can make it off of very little, because we did for 4 years. It was hard, but it was also good for us. Becuase now, with the extra income- we should be doing better things with it. And have you ever sat down and figured 10% of your income and what you should be tithing each month? HOLY BAJEZUS were we ever way off! I was just giving what I thought was best, and I felt on cloud 9 to be giving such a gracious amount. Then when I did the figuring tonight- God is probably rolling on the floor at my stupidity! I feel like I have cheated not only my church, but God himself out of this money to glorify his kingdom.

I get so caught up in "society" and what we "want" instead of what we "need" . For instance- did we really "need" to go to 2 ranger's games this year, get a hotel, eat at nice restaraunts- ABSOLUTELY NOT! We were immature and did what felt good! Did I need to spoil my husband and give him two tickets to Nascar, and again another hotel, nice meals, shopping, etc? Absolutely NOT! Did I need to buy my child a $900 swingset when a $300 one would have served the exact same purpose. Grrrr I'm so frustrated with myself right now! Why do I get so caught up in "stuff". All this "stuff" is not going to get me anywhere in life. Have you ever seen a U-Haul behind a hearse? NO! All my life I have struggled with materialistic things and it's finally starting to click. However- it just seems as though we are, as a community, caught up in doing what feels good, and trying to outdo everyone else. I've seen it between families; between farmers; between friends.... it's happening all the time!!! And it is all summed up in the quote I stated earlier- it's the difference between immaturity with money and maturity.

So- I'm starting to learn my lesson! Should have learned it 10 years ago- but I guess we all have to live and learn at some point in our life. Overall- a very good first night lesson and I'm totally excited about what's in store. My main priority out of this entire class is to learn how to work and live on a strict budget- and I know it is not going to be easy!!!!!

Have Mercy!

Really? I just don't get people sometimes. It doesn't matter how many times you tell someone something, or go through the motions with them, they just don't GET IT! Please, I can't take it anymore, STOP WITH THE STUPIDITY STUNTS!

Ok- now that I got that out of my system-- welcome Monday! I must say, it was quite the productive day! The highlight of my day was coming home to my cute little girls and having yet, another blessed evening with them!

As for our goal last week of learning how to sit at a table for meal time and saying a prayer, put a big CHECK MARK beside our names, because we got it going on! I'm so proud of Miss Jaylee! All it takes is a little bit of routine, sternness, and consistency, and alot can get accomplished!!! The cutest part is hearing her say" God is grape- instead of God is great"

Our next goal : how to sit at the table continuously for the entire meal until everyone is finished. My mom used to drill this to us, and I never saw the point....until now! Grrrrr I can't believe I'm typing this out- I never was going to be my mother! But- I'm starting to realize that those things she did maybe weren't so wrong/bad after all! (ok Mom- there- are ya happy now?) Anyways-- so my focus this week is getting her to sit through the entire meal without getting up to go get a toy, check to see what Daisy is barking at, etc.

Also- I am starting one of those "self help" (as my husband calls them) classes tomorrow night and I am totally stoked about it! I think it's going to totally rock and I can't wait to see where it's going to take us! I just pray that God will work out any kink that gets in the way of me going and will help me strong in my discipline to go all 13 weeks. I already have an insight to this class and I'm almost scared in a way because I know, that just after one class, it's going to give me that "get me right there" feeling! Oh well- as long as it's worth it :)

And for closing- I stumbled across an interesting quote last night: "If you were to wake up today and God only gave you the things that you thanked him for yesterday.....how many blessings would you have?"