June 29, 2006

bye bye



Bye bye Ben...finally!

Tonight, Ben got kicked off of So You Think You Can Dance...I've been rooting for him to get the boot since the beginning. He is S-T-R-A-N-G-E...

I loathe his hair...his face is sickly...his personality is bizarre. So off-the-wall and just weird. I was so so so happy that Nigel decided to get rid of him.

Bye bye now!!!

June 28, 2006

stuff

:: Tomorrow, Chris and I are entering some of our photos in a photo contest at work...wish us luck! He is entering three, I'm entering three...and yes, we are in competition against each other too!

:: We picked Aspen up from basketball camp today...seems like she really had a fabulous time, and actually learned a lot too. She looked pretty good during the scrimmage. She's pooped out, but is ready to go back next year!

:: Tonight is So You Think You Can Dance, the highlight of my week! :) Go Benji and Donelle!!

:: Ocho is in the "heathen" stage...let's hope it doesn't late too long! This morning, he came flying out of the covers at me (a half hour earlier than we were supposed to get up) and proceeded to bite me on the nose! And I had to go and buy some Bitter Apple spray to try to prevent him from chewing...

:: My dear friend Jackie is pregnant with baby #2!! So thrilled for her. She is one of the best moms I know. The interesting part of the story is that she was ON THE PILL. So beware ladies! :) She had so much trouble the first time and had to take fertility drugs...and time #2, she's on the pill and it happens. Blows my mind!

:: Received a job today (last minute, mind you) to do some shower and wedding invitations...the shower invitations need to be done tonight, printed/trimmed tomorrow, and delivered to the client Friday. Quick quick...

:: Found out yesterday that we get an extra day off next week for the fourth of July! Woo hoo! So that means Chris and I will be enjoying a 4-day weekend. You just can't beat that. Plus, Monday is Chris' 32nd birthday...so we can enjoy the whole day together...

:: Went to get my allergy shot today...the woman that gives the shot to me every week didn't recognize me because I had straightened my hair!

:: Thursday is my friend Marie's birthday! I'm excited to take her to dinner on Friday to celebrate...will be good to catch up with her and just chat...

:: Friday, Chris and his department at work are heading to the Rangers game...in the corporate jet! We do enjoy some perks, working for this company...

:: Tomorrow, I am helping my friend Angie out...she is having a procedure done under sedation, so I will be taking her to the appointment, and picking her back up when she's awake again. Her husband will be out of town, her son can't do it, her daughter just moved three hours away. So, Kelley to the rescue! I'm happy to help her out...

:: Okay, off to cook dinner!! Tonight is Tomato Mushroom Pasta, garlic bread, and salad...

June 26, 2006

off to camp



On Sunday, we dropped Aspen off at her first "overnight" camp...

She's attending the Hardin-Simmons basketball camp, and will be staying in the college dorms from Sunday until Wednesday...she was very excited to be staying in the dorms! (which, by the way, have air condition! when I was in college, our dorms did NOT have air condition!!)




Her roommates name is Tanna...and these two girls share one bathroom with two other girls. Oh, to be a fly on the wall!!

Aspen's first time away from home on her own. Chris asked her if she wanted us to stick around for a little bit, or if she was ready for us to leave, and she said, "Uh, #2." So off we went, leaving her to her newfound freedom!

She called the first night to exclaim about the dorm cafeteria...they could eat ANYTHING they wanted! And as much as they wanted! So far, most of her meals have consisted of corn, rolls, hamburgers, cake, and pie, to name a few.

I'm sure she'll have tons of stories...I still remember my 6th grade camp pretty vividly...it's always a big impression, when it's your first time away from home on your own. Getting to decide on your own what you will eat, when you'll go to bed, whether you'll shower. Big stuff...and a glimpse into how she'll be as an adult one day...

June 25, 2006

harry potter & the half-blood prince

Oh my, my, my!

I loved this book! If you haven't read it yet, and plan to, hurry to it! And don't read any farther, because I'll spoil it for you...

This book had my attention from the very beginning...I remember the first few Harry Potter books...you could tell they were aimed at a younger audience. I still enjoyed the stories though. This book seems to have matured in style...and I liked that. I was completely into the story.

I zoomed through it...couldn't put it down. And then it happened. Dumbledore was killed!

I couldn't believe it!! Dumbledore! The good wizard. By Snape, the traitor!

Immediately I thought, okay, this is going to be one of those things like in the Lord of the Rings when Gandolf dies. He'll come back later in the story, he didn't really die. It just "looked" like Snape killed him, but really Snape was on the good side. But there was a funeral. And the spell he had put on Harry released, which signified that he was indeed dead. And his phoenix mourned, which leads you to believe he really was gone. How can Dumbledore be gone???

And so, it seems, Harry, Ron, and Hermoine won't be returning to the school. They'll be setting off in search of the evil wizard. So that Harry can destroy him. That will be interesting, not being in the school anymore. But I guess there is only so much you can write about in that setting. Hm.

I must say...I was fascinated by the whole idea of the evil wizard splitting his soul into separate horcruxes to try to make himself immortal. Very clever idea. All horcruxes must be killed before the wizard will die. I think there are 4 more to go...

I'm ready for the next book!!

June 24, 2006

joseph w. mccarthy



February 8, 1921 - June 17, 2006

I arrived at age 30 with two full sets of grandparents...that in itself is such a blessing. I don't think that very many people are able to make that statement. All four were such a huge part of my childhood, and because of that I have so many wonderful memories.

I am utterly saddened because my recent last-minute trip to St. Louis was to attend the funeral of my McCarthy grandfather. He was eighty-five years old...he had been through a rough few months, first having a stroke and then adding pneumonia on top of it. It was finally too much for him, and he passed away peacefully, to join my father Michael and my uncle Randy...

The funeral was hard. My grandpa was cremated, so there was no chance to have a last look to hold onto. So the way I will remember him is from our last visit at Thanksgiving...the picture above is from that visit. My uncle Kevin spoke at the funeral, and that was such a moving thing to behold. To see such a strong, serious military man fight for his words between sobs was heartwrenching. I was touched to my core. And we all discovered that my grandpa was quite decorated in his military career, including three purple hearts and four bronze stars. He was such an impressive man...so couragous...so brave. And yet he never spoke of it...he never complained of his war wounds. There are so many things I wish I could ask him...should have asked him. I guess that's how it always is...

He will be buried at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery...quite an impressive place. To hear the guns salute him, to watch the military unfold the flag and then refold it and present it to my grandma, to drive through the grounds and see all of the uniform white headstones signifying all the veterans who have passed away...all very moving.

It was a rough few days at home...it was good to spend time with my family...it was good to honor such a wonderful, dignified man who has meant so much to my life...he will be missed by me forever...

sweet sympathies



Along with many sweet cards containing words of sympathy, I also received a few plants/flowers to help me through this difficult time...

The above plant is from my group of scrapbook friends, and it arrived on Monday before I left town for the funeral. It was such a sweet gesture from my friends. It is a hearty plant, and I should hopefully be able to keep it looking as good as it does right now! It's potted in an adorable tin bucket, which is so me!




And this arrangement arrived Friday, after I'd returned to work...it was from my boss and her husband, and the arrangement is glorious. Just beautiful, and the vase will always be a cherished reminder of my grandfather...

Just wanted to share the kindness of others...

June 23, 2006

rangers & six flags



Last weekend was our little trip to Arlington, TX, where we had a whirlwind weekend of FUN! First, on Saturday evening, Chris, Aspen, and I headed to a Texas Rangers baseball game. It was Aspen's first experience at a major league baseball game, and she was awed with the size of the stadium, all of the people, etc. We had a good time, ate stadium food, and won the game 8-4. It was H-O-T, but luckily, but the 7:05 pm game time, our seats behind home plate were already in the shade (the other half of the stadium wasn't so lucky)...so it was an enjoyable experience...



The stadium where the Texas Rangers play is so nice...very clean, with a "new" fresh feeling.



After the game, Wells Fargo sponsored a fireworks display, which lasted about a half an hour. It was a great show, and from our seats the view was perfect. Near the end, lightening began to intermingle with the fireworks...Mother Nature wanted to contribute her fair share! We decided then that it was time to head back to our hotel that was "within walking distance"...and we decided to forego the trolley (which made numerous stops) and just walk back. Needless to say, by the time we arrived back at our hotel, all three of us were soaked to the bone from the rain that decided to pour down on us! I don't think I have ever been that wet! We were making memories, right??



On Sunday morning, we headed to Six Flags Over Texas to meet up with Kim, her husband Gary, and their two kids, Brandon and Kelsey. We had such a great, full day with them! They were so sweet to give us the free tickets that they received from having their season passes...I can't thank them enough for their kindness...

Right out of the gate, we headed to the Batman...now remember, this was Aspen's first time at Six Flags as well...so she was raring to go, but certainly did not know what she was in store for! The Batman scared the crap out of her, and basically did her in on the big rides for the remainder of the day. She rode the other rides, but forget those big monsters! So, since Chris doesn't ride many of the rides himself, and since Kim doesn't ride many either, it was me, Gary, and Kelsey braving most of the rides. And did we have fun!!! This Six Flags had some really awesome rides that the Six Flags Over Mid-America doesn't have...like the Titan and the Superman...both were so cool!




Above is a picture of me, Gary, and Kelsey on the Flashback...the pointing finger is showing where the three of us are...I'm wearing the white hat...




The Superman ride was definitely my favorite of the day...it was a whole new experience for me! It was a normal roller coaster, this one was all about the "free fall" feeling. Which I have never done before. Loved it!!!!! There's Kelsey, Kim, and me, waving, thinking "I can't believe we're still alive!"



And what is Six Flags without the pictures with the characters?

It was a great day...we got there when the park opened at 10:00, and left when the park closed at 10:00...so much to see and do...I'm sure it was a much more exciting day for those riding the rides. Six Flags isn't really the best place for someone like Chris, who doesn't ride the rides. Standing in all those lines and waiting for us riders can sure get tedius!

There was one "down" moment of the day, however...

Before we even left for Arlington, I had the strangest feeling of 100% sureness...that I would be getting a phone call from my mom, while we were at Six Flags, telling me that my grandpa passed away. I was so sure of this that I found myself waiting throughout the day, knowing that it would come. And it did come. While we were waiting in line to ride the Titan, the phone call came, and it was exactly as I knew it would happen. No, I'm not psychic...but sometimes, you can just feel things like this...

We were able to enjoy the rest of our day, and then I arrived home to plan my trip to St. Louis to say goodbye to my grandpa...

June 22, 2006

still here

Sorry to be MIA for a few days...I had to make an unexpected trip to St. Louis and was without computer access for those days.

Much to talk about, and will get to it all when I can...topics to include:

:: Rangers Game
:: Six Flags
:: Trip to St. Louis
:: Thoughts after finishing Harry Potter

Back to work tomorrow, and then another weekend ahead. Hope you have all been well in my absence!

June 15, 2006

scrapped



Finally! I made some time to scrapbook!

It seems like I really only scrapbook once a month...at the crops...but I've decided that I need to do it more. I enjoy it so much, and I need to take that time for myself. I want to leave my scrapbook table out more so that I can do it whenever I have a few spare minutes. This page took me two days overall to finish, but it's a layout I wouldn't normally have. So.

I wanted to use these cute new rub-ons I bought while in St. Louis...paisley and stitches. Fun fun. I'm not sure of my feelings on how this turned out, but it's done. And it's not horrible. Every layout doesn't have to be a masterpiece!! :)

Love this picture...it was taken of us on New Year's Eve in 2004, while we were in St. Louis. That was a fun evening...and I love how purely happy we look in this picture...

Let me know what you think of the layout! If you're so inclined...

desktop



Just wanted to share...this is the new computer screen desktop that I created yesterday. This is what I see all day long while I'm working...makes me smile!! What a cutie...

{click to enlarge in order to see all the detail!}

June 14, 2006

early favorites

So You Think You Can Dance? Who's with me??? Anybody else watching??

I was looking on the website today, and saw that they had the contestants up finally. So I had to do my "early favorites" post...now, granted, looking through the 20 contestants, there were a lot that I didn't even recognize. I think they picked some of their favorites to showcase on the show so far, and some of the others haven't gotten as much air time. Which is typical...but of course, it skews my early judgement! So with that said, here are my picks SO FAR...




I totally love this girl, Donyelle...she has IT. IT IT IT. Love watching her dance.




Now, these two...Heidi and Benji...I don't necessarily know how far they'll go in the competition, but these two together (they're cousins) can SWING like there's no tomorrow! So entertaining, high energy, fun. I think they'll do good in the more formal stuff like ballroom, salsa, etc...hip hop and lyrical will be interesting to see though! I also really like Benji's "story"...he fell into a serious depression over a girl who was supposed to wait for him but instead sent him an invitation to her wedding to another man...he hit bottom...and then when he saw Nick win the competition next year, his life took on a new purpose and he was able to bring himself out of that depression.

So...I've got bunko tonight...WHAT? Realized I won't be able to watch my show! Gasp!!! The first week of the real show!!! Luckily, Kim and Gary (dear, sweet, fabulous Kim & Gary) are going to record it. Whew. Okay, I'm calmed down now.

:) Who do you like??? So far, that is...

June 13, 2006

impromptu weekend plans

So, quite suddenly, we've got a full weekend ahead of us! One filled with fun, excitement, new adventures, time with good friends...what more could you ask for?



Saturday afternoon, we'll be heading to Arlington to see a Texas Rangers baseball game...this will be Aspen's first experience at a major league baseball game, so that will be fun. We've got good seats, and it's a 7:05 game, so it shouldn't be too hot at that time of day. At least the fierce sun won't be shining down on us! We're staying in the hotel right across from the stadium, so we'll be able to walk to the game. And then in the morning, we'll be able to catch the free shuttle to Six Flags!



Kim and her family have season tickets, and one of the perks they enjoy are additional free tickets every now and then for certain days. Father's Day just so happens to be one of those days, and they have graciously given those tickets to us. So, we'll be joining them for a day of fun fun fun at Six Flags Fiesta Texas!

I am thrilled about this! I love Six Flags! I have been to the Six Flags in Missouri a bazillion times. Every year, we used to have a day where our entire school district went to Six Flags...that was so much fun. And now that I'm grown, I realize that not everyone had that experience. I've never been to the one here in Texas. So I can't wait to see what different rides they have.

Chris and I are figuring that we'll spend almost all day Sunday at the park, and then there will be a three hour drive home. So we have decided to take Monday off from work...we'll need the rest, I'm sure!!! So a long weekend ahead for us, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...

June 12, 2006

love this


I've been looking everywhere for the phantom "white sharpie" that I hear scrapbookers everywhere talking about...have had no luck. And then I found this poster-paint sharpie, and thought I would give it a try. It says that it's archival safe, and it dries almost instantly. I tried it out on a photograph, and it worked perfectly!!! I am so thrilled! I can write on photos now, doodle, all kinds of fun stuff! Just had to share...in case you're a freak like me on a search for something like this! :)

{keep on reading...there's more below!}



things you always wanted to know {i'm sure!}

:: I can not sleep under a ceiling fan...it makes me cough...

:: I hardly ever wear anything gold...I am a silver girl. And my gorgeous engagement ring is platinum...

:: I am obsessive about sunscreen. My skin is pale 365 days a year. If I can prevent getting a sunburn, I will. I'd rather have pale skin that is the same shade all over than have tan lines. Ick.

:: I am a serious hater of visible bra straps.

:: I walk with great posture...I actually get compliments on it! Someone even asked me if I've been in pagents! (uh, no...)

:: There is no better way to waste away a day than by reading a good book.

:: I am obsessed with cherry Icees...I stop and get one whenever I can.

:: I will not ever write with a ball point pen. Only gel ink for me. As handwriting is so important to me, you know!

:: I will never wear gouchos. Or Crocs. Or tube tops.

:: I don't like my face to be wet. After I wash it in the shower, I have to immediately dry it off.

:: I wasn't obsessed with my eyebrows until I met Chris...

:: I have no patience. None. Sorry Clarence. I have failed you.

:: I would rather buy ten things for $10 than one thing for $100...

:: I hate mopping the floor. So much in fact that I just don't do it! (Sorry Chris) What's the point, when it never looks any cleaner when I'm done??

:: I hate the taste and smell of beer. But I love the way Chris' breath smells after he's had some.

:: I firmly believe that if you can't walk properly in high heels, you should NOT wear them!

:: I don't like having emails in my inbox...I like to answer them as soon as possible and get back to my clean inbox.


:: I do not participate in organized sports.

:: I am not an outdoorsy girl...I hate being hot, hate sweat, and the allergy-aftermath is just not worth it.

:: I would love to have a screened in porch with a hammock in it...or a porch swing...

:: I could eat my weight in chocolate.

:: I can not do math in my head.

:: I believe that cancer and drugs are going to be the end of the world.

:: I have milk every night with dinner.

Maybe there was something in there that you didn't know????

June 09, 2006

i...



Man...this little sucker is hard to get good pictures of! He moves around so fast, and doesn't quite grasp the concept of "posing" :) Thank goodness for digital, you know!? Loved this one that I was able to get the other day though.



Chris captured this one last night...look at those big ole ears!

Anywho, had to share those two cute ones...now, onto a list (I saw this on another blog and thought it was fun!)


:: :: :: :: :: ::

I AM: comfortable being by myself.
I WANT: serenity in my heart.
I HAVE: so many blessings within my family and friends.
I WISH: there were more hours in the day.
I HATE: inconsistency and drama.
I MISS: getting a full night of peaceful sleep.
I HEAR: golden silence, as all doggies are asleep, Mimi is at work, and Chris & Aspen are at a tournament.
I WONDER: why the world is full of such evil.
I REGRET: not making amends with my father before he passed away.
I AM NOT: a free spirit.
I DANCE: very rarely anymore.
I SING: off-key and loud.
I CRY: at sappy commercials, love stories, and always always at Hope Floats when the daddy leaves the little girl.
I AM NOT ALWAYS: cheerful.
I MAKE WITH MY HANDS: scrapbook pages to capture our memories.
I WRITE: to get a better understanding of my feelings.
I NEED: consistency in all areas of life.
I SHOULD: be more patient.
I START: feeling overwhelmed when I don't have a little time to myself now and then.

June 07, 2006

relating with money

So...here is Session Three of Financial Peace...I really enjoyed today's lesson. Very, very good information.

Topic #1: Men & Women Relate to Money Differently
You all know this is true, right? Men want to get good deals by negotiating...women want to get good deals by hunting for the best bargain. Men want to get into a store and get what is needed and get out...women want to stop at every store and touch everything. To men, money represents self-esteem and is more of a scorecard. To women, money is security. These differences, of course, mean that we deal with money in different ways. With an agreed upon cash flow plan, both sides can get what they need. Knowing that the sexes relate to money in such different ways makes it a little easier to understand a partner.

Topic #2: Nerds & Free Spirits Balance Each Other Out
Usually in a relationship, one person loves forms and budgets and planning (the NERD), and the other person doesn't like to plan, and feels controlled by a budget and the nerd (the FREE SPIRIT). Here's what Dave Ramsey suggests having a "Budget Committee Meeting"...when figuring out your cash flow plan, the Nerd does a first draft. The Nerd is the one that enjoys doing this sort of thing anyway, so they get the majority done in the draft. Does it as they think it should be done, and then presents it to the Free Spirit. At this point, the Free Spirit speaks their mind and their wishes for the budget. The couple compromises and works the budget to best meet the needs of both people. The budget becomes "our" budget, something shared.

Topic #3: Teaching Children About Money
Teaching kids about money is YOUR responsibility. Most high school seniors graduate without even knowing how to balance a checkbook. So it is our responsibility as parents to make sure they are learning these things. Here are some things he recommends:

:: Allowance: set up a system where there are certain chores the child has to do each week. Have a chart that they can mark off as they do them. At the end of the week, pay out only for those chores that were completed. Pay out in single dollar bills so that...

:: Your child can set up a 3-envelope system. One for savings, one for spending, one for giving. Out of $5, for example, the child puts $1 in giving, $2 in savings, $2 in spending. This is a good system for kids 5-12 years old. They decide what causes to give to, they decide how to spend their money, and you take them to the bank to put their savings in an account every so often. This needs to be done CONSISTENTLY. Allowance GIVEN consistently, savings deposited consistently, etc. My personal plan is to withdraw money when we get paid, at the same time that I plan to withdraw my Blow money and Chris' Blow money. The Blow categories will be our envelope system, that's the money we can spend on whatever we want, and when it's gone, we're done for the month. So at the same time, I plan to get all of the monthly allowance money out, and have it ready to give to Aspen each Sunday after reviewing the chore chart. I know it takes consistency, and I will make that happen.

:: Children ages 13-15, Dave recommends opening a checking account for them to handle. You would deposit the money into this account that you would normally spend on the child each month, for clothes, for extra fun food, for toys, etc. The child (or teenager) buys their stuff out of this account, with your guidance. This step should really teach them that there is only so much money each month, and that they need to spend wisely so they can get the most for their money. You help them balance the checkbook each month. It's a joint, learning effort.

:: A great savings exercise for a teenager is to purchase their first car. A good plan is to offer to MATCH whatever they save for the car. He recommends that you should never just give a teenager a car. This does not teach the child anything. And when purchasing a car, the teenager should pay cash. No debt, no debt!!!!

I hope these things are helpful for you to read. Did any of you fill out a Cash Flow Plan for June? How's your progress going as we progress through the month? I've had to adjust a few things already, but I truly think that in a few months, we'll have it down. I hope you guys are having some success with it...

June 06, 2006

:: Look what I found today...the most adorable knitting bag...I love how it's long for the needles!! So dang cute...

:: Chris is delayed for an extra day...so Friday it is...that makes me so sad! I'm ready for him to be home...BIG time! He's taken 300 pictures already...I've trained him well!

:: Ocho is not liking his little polka dot dog carrier bag :( Anybody out there know how to get a dog accustomed to being carried in a bag?

:: I really feel like scrapping...getting those 144 pictures back from Winkflash ;) makes me feel inspired! Maybe I'll pull out my scrapping table this evening and work on something...

:: Had a weird day at work...felt a little "down on life" and overwhelmed. I'm sure it's because I feel thrown off with Chris gone...

:: I'm in such a mood to GET THINGS DONE. To be productive. To work out and get toned and skinny. To do, do do...But, I just find myself sitting around, playing with the dog, reading, wasting away the evening...I need to light a fire under my ass, people. I have the best intentions, and then I never get anywhere with them. I really start to get disgusted with myself after awhile!

:: I royally hate it when I put something in a place where I'm sure to remember, and then when I need it, I can't for the life of me find it! {I totally get this from my grandma McCarthy! She used to hide gifts all over the house, and then could never find them...we'd get something for Christmas that was meant for us three years before!!} Chris wants me to make him a shadowbox display with his marathon finishers medal, his marathon jersey number, and the picture of him running. We finally got the picture in the mail, and now I can't find the marathon number! I have looked every stinking place I can think of! I am at the point now where I am probably going to have to recreate it on the computer and then print it out. Not as good as having the real deal, but I guess it's better than nothing. And then maybe, one day down the line, the real one will turn up, and I can switch it out!

:: My boss asked today for us to turn in our vacation requests. Hm. I have two whole weeks to use, and need to figure out what to do with them. I know one week will be spent travelling home to St. Louis, either for Christmas or for Thanksgiving. Probably Thanksgiving, though Chris and I haven't really talked about it yet. I think the Turkey Day trip was much more relaxed and just worked out better for everyone. What to do with the other week? We've talked about a little trip to Ruidosa, New Mexico, but that would probably just be a long weekend and we could just use a few personal days for it. I'm thinking I may just want to take the week to myself, have a little "Kelley renewal" time. Some glorious time just for me, to do whatever I want. Walking around for hours in stores that I always just rush through, piddling around, going to the park to read under a big shade tree, scrapbooking, whatever my fancy dictates. Just some perfect time for ME.

:: Which brings me to this post of Carrie Colbert's blog...I thought this tidbit of information was awesome and so so true...

An introverted person recharges by being by himself / herself, while an extroverted person recharges by being around other people.

By this definition, I am certainly an introverted person. Though I am social and tend to enjoy being involved in a group of fun activity, I RECHARGE by spending time by myself. I don't really feel like I ever recharge anymore. It's hard to find the time when I'm part of a family and when I have certain responsibilities. I don't take that time that I need. So I feel a little off balance most of the time. I think a little "recharging" is in order...

:: So You Think You Can Dance is on for 2 hours tomorrow night...can't wait!!

June 05, 2006

more ocho & yada yada



Just sharing another cute one of Mr. Ocho...peeping through the grass while he chewed on a toy. He's got so much personality...and he's definitely ruling the roost. Our boxer Foster and our other chihuahua Little Man growl at him when he tries to take their toys, but then they give it up. So Ocho pretty much knows that what he wants, he gets!

Gave him his first bath Saturday...he did NOT like that one bit. And then he shivered for about a solid hour afterwards. I wrapped him up in a big fuzzy towel and held him for a long time, and he just fell asleep that way...

Got my brown/pink polka dot dog bag from UPS today! It's going to take awhile for him to get used to being in there...but we'll get there! So so cute!

*** Warning *** Graphic image below...look at your own risk!



When he sleeps, he SLEEPS! (Just ignore that little manly part!!)

He's already growing...I can tell a difference in him. That baby puppy face that he had when we got him is already thinning out, and his body is getting a little longer...he's still adorable, just not such a roly poly pup...

So...anyway...just wanted to share some more pics of him...

In other yada yada...

:: Tomorrow is 6-6-06...that kind of freaks me out. I vote we just skip past tomorrow totally. Remove the day from the calendar. It's just too eerie. And then I see that the new remake of The Omen is starting tomorrow too! That is just too much. How long were those movie people been planning this???

:: Aspen's first day of basketball camp seems to have gone well...it goes through Thursday, when there will be a little "show and tell" for us parents to attend. I'll be attending solo, and will need to use the "film" camera to get some shots...since Chris took the digital with him. No digital also means no picture of Ocho in his little bag!! Oh, how digital spoils us...

:: There is nothing on tv anymore! Summer tv sucks! (well, except for my So You Think You Can Dance show!!). I guess that really just frees us up to actually have a life though, huh?

:: I wish I could be one of those laid back, nothing-bothers-me kind of girls...sometimes I feel so high-strung. I wish I could be a free spirit...

:: Have you read the newest Harry Potter? I'm about halfway through and I'm loving it!!!!

Okay, better make something of my night!

June 04, 2006

monthly cash flow plan





For those interested, here are a few things I learned at our last Financial Peace seminar...I really enjoyed this session, it was filled with a whole lot of information, and there are lots of forms to fill out, etc. The nerd in me really likes that! :)

The lesson was on Cash Flow Planning...because it's very important that you TELL YOUR MONEY WHAT TO DO. You don't just let the money sit around until you need it or want to spend it. You assign it to certain things and then strive to use it as you've planned. Here's a truth: managed money goes farther.

The main thing I want to share with you is the Monthly Cash Flow Plan Worksheet. I found this worksheet very helpful. Of course, it isn't going to be perfect right out of the gate. In fact, he mentioned that it will probably take 3 months to get it down where it's working somewhat well. Most of us don't really have a solid idea of exactly how much we spend on certain things. So it's a process, learning how to allocate your money.

This is a ZERO BASED plan. Meaning you add up your monthly salary with your partner's, and that's the amount you are allocating. Every penny is placed somewhere, until you get to zero. The great part is, along with all those necessary categories like food, housing, clothing, and transportation (and yes, those categories should always be allocated first!), there are fun categories too, like: entertainment, vacation, miscellaneous, and BLOW. The blow category, meaning that is money that you can spend on whatever you want...scrapbooking supplies, a great bargain you just can't pass up, stuff like that. So, there is room for fun in this plan too...

Here's how you use it:

:: This worksheet is three pages long. You'll fill it out, total up each page, and the totals from the three pages should equal your monthly take home money.

:: There are five columns on this form. The first column lists all of the categories that you'll be working with. The second column is where you list the amount of money you are allocating to that category. The third column is helpful in showing your totals for each broad category. The fourth column is where you list what you actually spend in each category for that month. In categories that are on-going throughout the month, I am using pencil...I put a total, and then add to it as we are spending. And the fifth column is where you can determine what % of your take home pay each broad category is using.

:: As you are determining how much to allocate to each thing, you need to take your whole month into account. Don't allow there to be any surprises, if possible. For instance, I know this is June, and that Aspen has a basketball camp at the end of the month. That money needs to be accounted for. I know this month is Father's Day, so there needs to be money for that. Take everything into account, as it will be different for each month.

Trust me, it's not going to be easy. When you are used to just spending without thinking about where the money is going, it's going to be a lifestyle change. When you've got two different styles of money management coming together, it's going to take some adjustment. But when it all gets in order, and the plan is really working smoothely, the STRESS of money begins to lessen. There are no more arguments about where the money is being spent. And that is always a good thing!

Let me know if you actually take the time to fill out this form...I'd love to know who's making changes!! :)

June 01, 2006

got away

Well, the evening got away from me...and now it's time for bed and I realize I forgot to blog!

:: Aspen needs new basketball shoes for her camp next week...I guess Chris will be taking her to Academy tomorrow at lunch...her foot is growing like wildfire. It's crazy. She was wearing a childrens size 3 when school started, and now she's wearing about a womans size 6! How does a foot grow that fast!? It's almost as big as mine, and she's 9!

:: Had a phone call surprise this evening...thought it was my mom, but no! It was my new step-dad Randy! So sweet...he called to make sure I was watching So You Think You Can Dance, that I knew it was on...loved that!

:: Ocho has taken over Little Man's big polka dot pillow bed. ! Little Man is not happy, not one bit. A trip to PetSmart is in the works for Saturday...we need to get Ocho his own bed, and two new bowls too. He will NOT eat out of his metal ones for some reason?

:: Ocho slept through the night last night! A full night of sleep for me! Let's see if we can make it two nights in a row!!

:: I'm working up the legistics of a new scrapbooking job...looks like it might be two full scrapbooks and one smaller 6"x6" album. It will be a nice chunk of change, and also a great chance to do some very girly, fun pages!

:: My brown dog carrier with pink polka dots is on its way to me! It is scheduled to arrive on Monday!!! (see the Wishlist sidebar for a picture of it!)

:: Okay...I'm spent...