22 Days (Don't Check my Math)

Can we start with this:

Ok so October was awesome.

November (BOOM!) I totally blew the budget. Long-awaited purchases (read: underwear, socks, socks, a comforter for Rita, baskets for holding Tyler's gaming equipment and Rita's toys, etc.). Y'all these purchases aren't like I went and bought a computer (ours works 80% great). Our budget is just tight and now this massive dog we have literally eats and eats more and more. It's sorta scary. Like, is the dog worth it? I know that's controversial. Moving on. 

And now you're like...

Um, Sue? Pardon me, but did you notice we're still smack in the middle of November?

Oh yes dear. I'm quite aware.

My sweet husband. I just know my irresponsibility really brings him sadness and stress.

Girls, if your ability to spend within a set amount is like mine, then do something about it. Because when you are married one day, you do not want the OVERTIME your husband works to be the money that covers your bad choices.

Wow, this is like way deeper than I meant to get.

Apologies. You can totally click the little red "x"in the corner. I understand.

So if you're still there, I HAVE A RESOLUTION!

I am not going to spend money unless Tyler tells me that I have to. That I must load our kiddos in the car, drive to destination of his saying and purchase whatever he says.

For 22 days.

22?

I was in the check-out line last night and I thought...I need Tyler's help. But he can't tell his wife no (BECAUSE HE IS THAT MUCH OF A PRECIOUS WONDERFUL SWEET MAN IN LOVE *swoon!*). So, instead of telling me no - he has to be the one to say "yes, we need, now go and get x, y, z"." 

I will certainly let you know how this goes.  Is it funny it has been TWO years that I have been pursuing submission and I'm justjustjust starting to get a glimpse into how horrid I am at it? Maybe. Whatever it is, it's true.

On that note, here are the specs:

• no online purchases
• no Christmas shopping
• no grocery shopping
• no shoe shopping
• no
• no
• no

I certainly have an issue with hearing "no," so pray for me will ya? It's gonna be a great way to start Advent. I just know it. :)

Why through December 10th? In the line at the grocery yesterday I said a prayer and asked the Lord to help me...and December 10th jumped into my brain. So, there you have it.

Hopes:

• I exercise more
• We visit family more
• I bake more (Christmas gifts - I'm thinking yes!)
• I spend more time with kids
• I read more

We will see. How much has spending been consuming me? Time will tell.

Happy Tuesday!!!!! Go! Make a goal! Challenge yourself! This is it! Today, now. It's your life. 

Live awesome and amazingly!

To my husband,

I will never be able to put into words the disappointment and simultaneous forgiveness that was in your eyes as I yet again confessed to reaching beyond my boundaries, letting the tidal wave of discontentment crash over my soul.

Please forgive me.

I want nothing more than to bring you happiness and joy and the hope of life-everlasting.

You are my lover and soul-mate.

For your kindness and forgiveness and undying love, I am forever grateful.

-Sue

Saint Matthew, pray for us!

Let's Chat About Goals

Can we just take a few momentos of this dia
and talk about me + goals = utter feelings of "uhhh....what am I actually doing with my life?"

So, yea...

The "new year" is totally at the end of the month.  (how?! when?!)

Hellooooo Advent - I see you coming.

Casti Connubii?

Oh Casti - I heart you. But like seriously...

...achieving the goals ye olde spiritual director set is like breath-takingly hard some days. Some days I just can't can't can't even think at night.  Or after doing a spiritual reading I realize that I've just been rereading the same paragraph for uhh like 20 minutes because I keep falling asleep.  Not to mention my own personal get all crazy organized and be super woman ideals (Oh K Whitaker I just am gawking at you sista!!)

Y'all what I'm doing is like fo' real. 

I'm totally raising kids.  Doing laundry. Cooking some slap ya' momma good food.

People pay BIG bucks for a good dry cleaners.

People pay BIGGER bucks for take-out or dine-in more nights than not.

People pay HUGE bucks for quality day care.

So here is a glass of red wine (baby, can you pick some up on the way home?) to me realizing that some goals are immeasurable.

Some goals are bigger than a check list.

Some goals are life choices that will be the memories and legacy I leave behind.

And y'all, that's awesome-sauce.

Year of Faith/2013 Goals - A Long Overdue Update

Year of Faith Meets 2013 Goals

Year of Faith (2013) Goals

Throughout the beginning of the new year, which started early December (shout-out to fellow Catholics!) I spent time praying and discerned that this year will be a year of contentment.

Last year submission was my theme.  This year it is contentment and it is already such a challenge!  But I'm hopeful that I can open my heart to receive the needed grace to embrace this virtue (is contentment really a virtue? i mean, it has be! right?!).

This year I'm not using an acronym, but I am breaking my goals down into tasks again.  Breaking the goals down was much more helpful than the cheesy (but legit) acronym, so keeping the good and tossing the lame!

Continuous Goals

Monthly Confession (Before the 25th of each month) MAKING IT BI-MONTHLY
Attend one weekday mass per month with the children NOT AT ALL
Night prayer with Tyler every day YES! YES! YES!
Cardio three days per week (Monday-Saturday) YES! YES! YES!
Wake-up with Tyler every weekday 75%!
Paint with Rita once a week NADA
Use holy candles at supper, for First Friday, First Saturday, prayer requests, keeping vigil, etc. RAN OUT, *GET MORE
Spend at least one hour per day solely playing with the kids (between nursing, diaper changing, meals, meal preparation and daily duties this is truly a difficult task for me, but I want it to be a priority) HMM.. 40%
Once a month visit out-of-town/out-of-state family NEEDS MORE EFFORT.

Play-by-Play Goals

1. Read the remaining Gospels (cause Jesus is the best to learn from!)

• December: begin Mark DONE!
• April: begin Luke
• August: begin John

2. Read and apply four books on simplifying (including Happy are You Poor and One Thousand Gifts of which I have only ever heard good things)

• December: Tell Your Time DONE!
• March: Surrender to Love  - In process of reading
• June: Happy are You Poor
• September: One Thousand Gifts

3. Reduce clutter - Jesus obviously encourages this from my reading of Matthew's Gospel this past year

• January: Create and implement filing system
• February: Update hand-me-down organization
• March: Purge files (filing two months in a row would cause my brain to melt, thus the February hiatus)
• April: Eliminate technology clutter
• May: Purge Tyler's shed (Ahhhhhhh! I have SO MUCH STUFF hidden there.  So sad)
• June: Clean out prayer bench drawers
• July: Clean out linen chest
• August: Clean out clothing chest
• September: Cycle thru 31 Days to Living Intentionally Simple
• October: Organize and purge toys
• November: Pair-down Christmas ornaments

THIS IS INCREDIBLY CRAZY HOW MUCH I HAVE NOT ACHIEVED!

4. Sew once a week 

• January: Sew four felt food toys in January
• February: Sew four felt food toys in February
• March: Sew Lucy four felt food toys (Birthday present)
• April, May, June: Sew Rita a dress to wear for Jonah's one year pictures in July
• July: Sew Mom a make-up brush bag (Birthday present)
• August: Sew Nicole a make-up brush bag (Birthday present)
• September: Sew Stephan a harmonica case (Birthday present)
• October: Sew Nanny a make-up brush bag (Christmas present)
• November: Sew Molly a make-up brush bag (Christmas present)

WHEW, I GUESS SEWING WILL BE A ONCE A YEAR OCCURRENCE, OR MAYBE JUST NOT AT ALL FOR NOW.

5. Build a Lego Table

• Easter gift to Rita
• Easter 2013: March 31st
• January: price materials
• February: purchase materials
• March: assemble

MAYBE NEXT YEAR

6. Blueberry Business

• Build raised beds for blueberry bushes, plus room for one more DONE!
• Plant blueberry bushes DONE! 
• Purchase and plant one alternate variety blueberry bush NOT GETTING ANOTHER BLUEBERRY BUSH

7. Fence in our front yard

• January: get an estimate
• Save for fence 
• October: have fence installed (if three month emergency savings complete and fence-only funds available, otherwise wait until 2014)

We would love to fence in the front yard, but this isn't our forever home and so we are eliminating this.

8. Pay $500 on principle car debt

• July: $250 (at least that much paid) DONE!
• November: total $500 paid

9. Build a three month emergency savings fund

• Use any tax return money for this savings
• Use any Ebates earnings for this savings
• Set-up automatic withdraw

OH WHERE OH WHERE CAN THAT MONEY BE?

10. Save for a family vacation/wedding in October 

• February - August Save $100 per month
• August possibly purchase plane tickets
• August order visitors guides
• September book/plan accommodations

NOT THIS YEAR.

I think this concludes my Year of Faith goals. 

Jesus, into your merciful hands I entrust these goals.  Above all, let me accomplish what You desire, Jesus.  I give you my life.  Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace...

OK SO AFTER ALL OF THESE GOALS THAT I HAVEN'T ACHIEVED I'VE ADDED READING CASTI CONNUBII BEFORE ADVENT, HAHAHA! I AM QUITE THE IDEALIST!

Growing Our Domestic Church {phfr}

Linking-up with Like Mother, Like Daughter for {pretty, happy, funny, real}

Pretty

Little brown eggs

We are elated to have a couple of eggs here and there. Once we totally finish this pretty chicken tractor there will be no escaping for the egg-layers! We are collecting one-a-day.  I think one hen is holding-out on us, in rebellion to captivity.

My amazing husband built a pallet-based chicken tractor with me!
He totally rocks!

Happy

We are overjoyed to announce the coming of a new baby in April!

Praise be to God!

Which, as new life does, has made quite a shift in our plans. And that is good.  

Funny

Ree and Jo are just about the cutest ever playing together. They are especially funny outside in the water. Constantly dumping water on one another and squirting each other smack in the face and then erupting into peels of laughter. 

Real

"Morning" sickness has become more intense with each pregnancy, and kicked in a bit sooner each pregnancy. This time around I'm craving pineapple and orange juice but also lots of greasy unhealthy pizza. I'm continuing my running which is so nice and brushing my tongue is a no-no. We thought our third would be a girl (we are so silly and enjoy guessing what will be next) but my cravings are closer to Jo's pregnancy (including cheap queso and corn tortilla chips), but Rita is strong in her guess that this will be a baby girl; time will tell.  For now, the wedding we were hoping to attend has been shifted to a back burner while I struggle through morning (but really afternoon) sickness and car sickness (first time for everything!).  The car sickness is what really has made us discern against attending the wedding.  There is no way to afford flying and I just cannot even tolerate the thought of constant motion for 14+ hours...(shudder)
Would you please pray that I can continue to exercise this pregnancy? That's so very important to me.

-----------
Other thoughts...
I tried watching an episode of Breaking Bad, after reading this post and this post, and I was devastated and leapt up in tears, disturbed and heartbroken despite it all "being acting" and "not real," as my consoling husband pointed-out to me (he is such a great best friend to have, and clicked the episode off instantly).  I tried to figure it all out, but I kept finding solid articles praising the show...

Frying our eggs!
And cracked a double yolk the morning we had a positive pregnancy test!!!!

But I can't see Breaking Bad for merely a theater.  I know these situations happen.  I know young ones struggling with parents with hardcore addictions.  It's death.  It's this world, but yet I feel like this is a time to enjoy what is left of Eden and embrace the love and happiness.  My intent is not to escape (trust me, I dwell on the negative far too long), but just to pursue all that is "good, true and beautiful" as a priest friend encouraged me to do.

This all being said, when Kendra wrote THIS POST I was suddenly consoled in a real catholic way.  In that there are other sisters out there thinking like me, and man, that really really warms my heart.  God has so blessed me through the wonderful blogs He has led me to.  It has been great for our marriage (I think, love, do you agree?) that T can see that others feel the way I do, that I'm not some strange alien beamed-down from the planet of Naive.

Speaking of marriage, I'm intent on studying Casti Connubii Leila Marie Lawler style, via the LMLD 2013 Lenten series.  Please check it out!

I sent out this tweet earlier this week, because it was my virtue of pursuit last year, but there is always room (and room and room and room) to grow:

Being the dear that she is, Auntie Leila replied lickety-split and was abounding in good counsel, despite a 140 character limit:

"Respect and admire him."  I just really love that part.

So friends, I am off to study, ok well, first print-out the reading material, and then study the Casti Connubii LMLD posts, *BEFORE* Advent.  Before.  I must.

My studying attempts might turn into funny photo shoots, but that's awesome too,
and Tyler will keep me on track (please dear!).

Have a wonderful weekend!! Happy First Saturday!

To Those of You Who Read

Hello!  I am so wanting to write an article of substance.  I reflection, or an observation, but, alas my blog posts are quick and not nearly as thought-out as I would like.

My precious girl, two years ago!

I just love this photo of my Rita!  Precious baby girl.

I hope to write soon!

Happy August heat to you!

The Eve of a New Year

Spiritually and emotionally this year has been amazing.

Financially it has been a disaster.

I haven't updates my GOALS in so long!

I've learned that a baby, post-partum recovery, a wedding, and Fall and Winter holidays in a five month period are absolutely catastrophic if you are not financially aware of what you're getting into. We aren't drowning in debt and we have been handling the expenses but our savings is zapped nearly all the way and we are going to be rebuilding our emergency fund.

How have we prepared for 2013?

1. Emergency savings has already been set-up to come out of every pay check.

2. Christmas savings has already been set-up to come out of every pay check.

3. Our grocery/toiletry/misc budget has been drastically raised.

4. I am factoring in fun money weekly.

5. I have added a bit of eat-out money each week.

6. By allowing for these expenses that we regularly/often exceed makes our budget more true, predictable and accurate.

7. Realized this: It's better for us (for various reasons) to save a chunk and spend a bit, rather than save a hunk.

8. I am focused on contentment, which seems to inspire me towards repurposing and reusing what I already have.

9. Cash budgeting. Inconvenient. Annoying. Totally totally undeniable.

10. Less is more. 'Nuff said.

Hoping you are living this Christmas!! We are exhausted and re-cooperating, but our tree is lit and our manger displayed and we belt out a Christmas carol here and there! Just simple celebrations of this season!

Merry Christmas! And My Favorite Wipe-off Board

Merry Merry Christmas!!!!!!!


The morning of Christmas Eve we baked and listened to music, and prepared to visit family by having a quiet first half around our home.  We love that we are quiet and at home.
Then we attended the 4pm Christmas vigil mass!  The Nativity scene, bright red poinsettias and crowded (ok, we stood outside) church were all inspiring. This early vigil mass is just the perfect time for our young family (ok, as perfect as perfect gets when you are held to specific available times!).
Christmas Eve evening was spent exchanging gifts and sharing a meal with my extended family.
So wonderful!
Linking up with Clan Donaldson!

Yeast bread rolls the size of oranges! (Ok, except the sad one near the top right corner)

This past liturgical year I spent seeking to set a foothold for grasping at true submission.  The submission of Jesus Christ.  That in loving Jesus that submission fills me and spills into loving, selfless, beautiful submission to my husband.  Gosh that sounds awesome.  Let's just say I have a foothold...but I don't always use it the best.  Eeck! (I just think that looks so funny! I don't think I really say "eeck!"but anyway, you get the idea) So, Eeck! I really need to begin to build this virtue but mission accomplished!

Decorating sugar cookies we baked together! First time ever and it was so so wonderful!
Thank you Jesus for my sweet Rita.  And thank you Lod for helping me let go of "perfect" cut-out cookies.  It was so worth surrendering and letting our cookies be crazy delicious circle-ish shapes.

Now we are in the Year of Faith...ok it started a while back... (just looked it up - October 12th! Whoa baby I'm late! Better than never!!!  I really do say "whoa, baby" if you were wondering.  And sometimes Rita does too - hahaha!) but I needed to get into and through Advent to really discern where God is leading me.

Contentment.

This year will be a foothold for contentment.

I'm pumped!

We are skim/paraphrase reading Declutter Your Life - this is such a great read!  I'm so excited Tyler is reading it with me...and guess what???????????????

I'm reading it from my...

KINDLE FIRE WITH WHICH I AM SO SO SO TOTALLY EXCITED ABOUT AND CAN'T BELIEVE THE GREATEST HUSBAND EVER GOT ME SUCH AN AWESOME NERDY GADGET AND HE IS JUST THE MOST THOUGHTFUL GUY EVVVEEEERRRRRRRRR!  THANK YOU LORD FOR SUCH A VERY VERY THOUGHTFUL HUSBAND!

Whew! I'm so pumped.  I. Love. To. Read.  

My Review: 
Reading on an iPhone versus the Kindle Fire is like
eating potted meat versus a stuffed oven roast*.

*I've never had potted meat, but my husband who has eaten both approves this statement.

Ok, contentment.

So this is the quote I'm going to cling to this year:

"Fast now - feast later.  Feast now - headache later."
~Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

And so enters in the following photo.  It includes my favorite wipe-off board ever: a large, oversized bathroom mirror.  Total quotation-mad-creative-happiness.  This folks, is our bathroom!  Or half of it at least.

And it was so wonderfully decorated with: a dry erase marker.  Washable markers totally work too.  Promise.  I was like crazy mirror writing lady through all of high school.

My contentment quote and my "rhythm" schedule adorn our bathroom mirror.

So this will be a year of seeking contentment, which will be carried with me and grown deeply into throughout my life (or so I pray).

I imagine that I'm going to need lots of:

self control

prudence

patience

patience

patience

gratefulness

not sure what else but I think contentment will really help to cultivate other virtues

Hoping that you are having a wonderful beginning to your Year of Faith and 12 days of Christmas!

An Unexpected Reply to My Request and Life Today

I vocalized that desire to stay home and within 24 hours Rita came down with a cold.

Oh boy have we been staying home!  The Lord sure has a sense of humor!

Today was a great day.  I had a real awakening Thursday night when I read about Marie.  You should read too.  In addition, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood (thanks PBS) taught me a catchy tune to sing before blowing a fuse (which I ashamedly admit usually happens more than once a day with this one momma caring for two babies).

My stupid yelling and fussing and screaming (ouch... that hurts to admit) at Rita for "wrecking" the house  and "un-doing" is so lame and immature.  Really...I'm so blessed she has the intelligence and "want" to help around the house;  just so happens her helping usually results in a mess of some sort (not  unlike myself!!).

Jonah napped today.  Truth be told this baby LOVES his carseat.  Like he sleeps for four hours instead of 45 minutes.  So what the heck, let the baby sleep!

I'm getting ready for bed and the laundry hampers are no longer overflowing, the leftovers were eaten for supper (HUGE for us), our bed has clean sheets, Rita had clean PJs or "BJs" as she says (usually there is a "BJ" shortage in this house), I swept the living room so Tyler wouldn't have to, me and Rita had some great learning time and she is proficiently identifying both circles and triangles (!) at 19 1/2 months old, the kitchen is messy but clean, the bathroom counter and sinks are sparkling (but don't look too close) and the only plans we have this weekend are mass and homemade donuts with Mamzie and Gramps Sunday morning!

Jonah made six weeks this week.  His cooing and smiling has me melting all day long.  Such a sweet soul!

Life is finally settling down.

It feels so good to be able to grasp for a routine.

PHOTO: http://judelandry.bigcartel.com

I'm seriously considering ordering this print for Tyler...and I have to agree with it!  I'm not a guzzler but I love a refreshing crisp beer after a nice big supper.

Did I mention I am about to check-off a Bucket List Goal?!  Well, I guess I need a post on what my Bucket List is, but that will be another day (or another midnight).  So, I'll end the suspense.

I'm going to learn to speak Cajun French!  I'm SO grateful to have a supportive husband.  The babies will have great Dada time while I learn, I just know it.

Anyway, my parched mouth needs water and my eyes need sleep.  Happy Weekending to you!

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39 Weeks and Counting!

Before Baby Arrives: Checking-In at Week 39
THE MASTER LIST (Update 2)

Source: marthastewart.com via Kendra on Pinterest

No 4th of July baby for us!  But sometime this month!

1. Mending (will mostly be by hand, so it can be easily started and stopped)*
2. Reusable wipes (nearly finished! just about 30 minutes of work remaining :)  )  COMPLETE
3. Reusable menstrual pads (have a pattern)
4. Scripture reading    PRETTY GOOD 
5. List items on Craigslist (might not be necessary with garage sale in the next week or two) Done!
6. Have a garage sale (very new goal, but necessary) GARAGE SALE NEXT SATURDAY, AD IS PAID FOR AND SCHEDULED TO RUN!
7. Freezer meals (comfortable with what I have done, but hoping to do just a bit more esp. in terms of breakfasts and snacks) ADDED A LUNCH
8. Install carseat (washed and cleaned, ready to be put into the car) BASE INSTALLED
9. Organize scrapbook material (hoping this will be worth it - intent on keeping true keepsakes, not every little thing!)
10. Pack hospital bags
11. Pack Rita's bags
12. Decorate Rita's room
13. Purchase disposable diapers and wipes for when Rita is with family (they prefer not to cloth diaper and are helping us out, so this is an easy way to help them!)
14. Car maintenance (not unexpected, just routine stuff)
15. Put bed frame back in our room (when have had our mattress on the floor as Rita transitioned into her toddler bed - it made it so easy for her to join us if need be, but would be difficult postpartum) 
16. Mail Chaco shoes to be repaired
17. Purchase disposable diapers and wipes for Jonah while we're at the hospital


So here is what remains (with a few changes):

1. Soak-up lots of cuddles, outside time, and delicious cooking with Rita and Tyler
2. Order reusable menstrual pads (not wanting to sew these and then have a mess!  rather go with something that has great reviews)
3. Keep on reading scripture!
4. Organize scrapbook material
5. Finish packing hospital bag for me and Tyler (Jonah's is finished)
6. Decorate Rita's room (started)
7. Car maintenance (Tyler's is done, just mine remains)
8. Ummm...not sure about mailing Chaco shoes, is it quite a bit more involved than just mailing them in
9. Paint over puttied patches around the house
10. Sweep and mop under refrigerator
11. Update budget and register

*Ditched the mending goal...too difficult with Rita running around, not to mention dangerous!

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2012 G.O.A.L.S.: May-June Update

May-June updates are coming to you a day early, but since we have family in from out of state I'm not expecting to be at the computer much this weekend!  Have a blessed weekend.  

Today is the feast day of Sts. Peter and Paul.

                                                              Source: catholicseeking.blogspot.com via Jennifer Dawn on Pinterest

Sts. Peter and Paul, pray for us that we may have the zeal for the Lord and His holy will, as you did in the early beginnings of Christ's church!

My monthly updates on my 2012 goals will be bi-monthly updates. 

GOD
Increase in visits to the adoration chapel (weekly, hopefully)
Um, after Rita started digging in the plants and scattering dirt on the chapel floor and then ran to the altar cloth, ready to yank with all her might we have postponed chapel visits with a curious toddler.

Daily family prayer
Before dinner each day, or at least five days a week.  It is a short but rich time.  We have done a few spontaneous Rosary walks and tried to utilize travel time in the car as family prayer time.  Started to pray one decade of the Rosary together in the evenings that are at home and quiet.  Rita really enjoys the family prayer time and it brings much fruit to our marriage.

Teaching Rita the traditional Catholic blessing before meals, the Guardian Angel prayer and the Hail Mary
Working on it and we added the "Glory Be."  Rita continues to make the Sign of the Cross and every now and then clasps her hands in prayer.  She also exclaims "A-ben!"  

Establishing 15 minutes of conversational prayer time
Still reading the Gospels during dishwashings - it is so uplifting and thought provoking.

Saying as much of the Rosary each day as I can (separate from conversation time with Jesus)
I usually manage to start at least one Rosary each week - progress!


OWE NOTHING*
Decrease vehicle debt by $1200 (at minimum)
We have put $524 towards principle!

Take a family vacation with CASH only.  ACCOMPLISHED!

*Currently we owe on one vehicle and on our home, so this won't happen in 2012 but we are at the start of the journey to totally debt free living!

APPRECIATE 
Being a SAHM is the greatest blessing, Lord let my lips not complain!
Become great at pursuing gratitude and expressing it at every opportunity
Appreciate our financial stability and practice frugality as part of my job as wife and mother
For May we dropped to $85 per week and I tried bulk shopping at the beginning of the month as well as using our debit card rather than cash...then for June I did the same thing BUT I made a simple meal plan (POST ON MEAL PLANNING TO COME NEXT WEEK, STAY TUNED).  The simple meal plan allowed for better use of our grocery budget and even room for a few treats!

LISTEN
I talk way too often
I interrupt even more often 
Lord Jesus Christ, remind me of the simple anatomy of my being - two ears and only one mouth
Um I've just been a chatterbox all of May.  Glad I'm revisiting these goals.  Maybe a little better in June...maybe

SAVE
Save, save, save!
Save $6,200 $5,967* for our three month emergency fund  

We have saved $3,033  $3040.55  $3045.99 towards our three month emergency fund (more than half way)! 

*We reevaluated our needs vs wants during a time of financial stress and determined we would truly need $5,967 for three months.  

Save $400 for photos with our new baby in July and for family Christmas pictures
We haven't saved anything for pictures and being that Jonah is due to arrive anytime in July...looks like I will be calling on my high school photography skills and my black and white manual camera.  Won't be what we thought of but it will be done by me, and that's special!  Still hopeful about Christmas though!

How are your 2012 goals going?  If you have fallen off track, don't be afraid to pick back up!  It is never too late to start.

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Before Baby Arrives: Progress!

Remember the master list I though I needed?


It happens to be working great!  I'm far enough along in my preparations before baby Jonah arrives that simplifying to one list is practical.


THE MASTER LIST (Update 1)

1. Mending (will mostly be by hand, so it can be easily started and stopped)
2. Reusable wipes (nearly finished! just about 30 minutes of work remaining :)  )
3. Reusable menstrual pads (have a pattern)
4. Scripture reading 
5. List items on Craigslist (might not be necessary with garage sale in the next week or two) Done!
6. Have a garage sale (very new goal, but necessary) GARAGE SALE NEXT SATURDAY, AD IS PAID FOR AND SCHEDULED TO RUN!
7. Freezer meals (comfortable with what I have done, but hoping to do just a bit more esp. in terms of breakfasts and snacks) ADDED A LUNCH
8. Install carseat (washed and cleaned, ready to be put into the car) BASE INSTALLED
9. Organize scrapbook material (hoping this will be worth it - intent on keeping true keepsakes, not every little thing!)
10. Pack hospital bags
11. Pack Rita's bags
12. Decorate Rita's room
13. Purchase disposable diapers and wipes for when Rita is with family (they prefer not to cloth diaper and are helping us out, so this is an easy way to help them!)
14. Car maintenance (not unexpected, just routine stuff)
15. Put bed frame back in our room (when have had our mattress on the floor as Rita transitioned into her toddler bed - it made it so easy for her to join us if need be, but would be difficult postpartum) 
16. Mail Chaco shoes to be repaired
17. Purchase disposable diapers and wipes for Jonah while we're at the hospital

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Before Baby Arrives: So About Those Pregnancy Goals...

Week One and Two of June, Clearly I Need Just One List


Being pregnant a second time around is SO immensely different than the first time.  First of all, I know those days and spans of days when life seems too overwhelming to be real will fade and be forgotten.  This time I will understand why mothers always encouraged me to love my baby, breathe deep and let go - because it will be forgotten anyway!  What will not be lost is the chance to grow in virtue and shower love on my wee baby boy.


My concerns and to-do lists from before Rita are nearly less than shadows in my mind as I prepare for Jonah's arrival.  Jonah.  What a blessing to have another child bouncing kicking and celebrating our marital love in my womb.  So the time is near to begin thinking about what needs to be done (vs wants) before our baby arrives.

Source: google.com via Suzette on Pinterest

After realizing that all of this subdividing of my great to-do list was just causing brain cramps and disorganization I decided to step-up and refocus.


The results?


THE MASTER LIST
Here's what I have left to do, in a master sort of list.  I was getting all too confused with  my lack of progress, so the following list is IT.  Get it done when I can, however I can and in any order!


1. Mending (will mostly be by hand, so it can be easily started and stopped)
2. Reusable wipes (nearly finished! just about 30 minutes of work remaining :)  )
3. Reusable menstrual pads (have a pattern)
4. Scripture reading 
5. List items on Craigslist (might not be necessary with garage sale in the next week or two)
6. Have a garage sale (very new goal, but necessary)
7. Freezer meals (comfortable with what I have done, but hoping to do just a bit more esp. in terms of breakfasts and snacks)
8. Install carseat (washed and cleaned, ready to be put into the car)
9. Organize scrapbook material (hoping this will be worth it - intent on keeping true keepsakes, not every little thing!)
10. Pack hospital bags
11. Pack Rita's bags
12. Decorate Rita's room
13. Purchase disposable diapers and wipes for when Rita is with family (they prefer not to cloth diaper and are helping us out, so this is an easy way to help them!)
14. Car maintenance (not unexpected, just routine stuff)
15. Put bed frame back in our room (when have had our mattress on the floor as Rita transitioned into her toddler bed - it made it so easy for her to join us if need be, but would be difficult postpartum)
16. Mail Chaco shoes to be repaired
17. Anything else that we think of!


HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
Hoping that Sunday was a great celebrate of your loved ones who are also fathers, husbands, and grandfathers.  We had a beautiful family day and had Tyler's favorite meal for supper...spaghetti and Italian meatballs!


Note: I totally calculated wrong - I'll hit 36 weeks pregnant in the middle of this week!  Not just as far along as I thought (referencing previous "Before Baby Arrives" post), but ultimately I know that by August 1st (42 weeks, Rita came right at 41 weeks) we will have a baby.  This is because me and my doctor agree that 42 weeks is the longest Jonah can stay in his warm womb cocoon! 

How do you do when you make a list of goals?  Do you often find yourself rewriting your list?  What do you do to stay motivated and focused?

Other posts in this series:
Before Baby Arrives
Before Baby Arrives: April
Before Baby Arrives: Baby Essentials for Two

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Before Baby Arrives: Week One of June

Being pregnant a second time around is SO immensely different than the first time.  First of all, I know those days and spans of days when life seems too overwhelming to be real will fade and be forgotten.  This time I will understand why mothers always encouraged me to love my baby, breathe deep and let go - because it will be forgotten anyway!  What will not be lost is the chance to grow in virtue and shower love on my wee baby boy.


My concerns and to-do lists from before Rita are nearly less than shadows in my mind as I prepare for Jonah's arrival.  Jonah.  What a blessing to have another child bouncing kicking and celebrating our marital love in my womb.  So the time is near to begin thinking about what needs to be done (vs wants) before our baby arrives.

May goals were:

1. mend three garments in pile - oh this task just hangs above my head...
2. cut 1/2 dozen wipes and hem all three dozen wipes - decided against a slew of flannel baby blankets from Rita, so re-cutting some of these wipes
3. establish a general routine that includes exercise and relaxation using any down time I have to practice relaxation, even just briefly and going for a stroll with Rita at least two mornings a week
4. read from the Psalms three nights a week - oh how this needs to be prioritized
5. record all 12 songs and import to iTunes Five done!
6. thorough art supply and toy declutter - started but not quite finished
7. sort, discard and organize photos
8. continue to list items on craigslist as we decide against them
9. plan meals to be cooked and frozen in June
10. budget for and order reusable menstrual pads - has to wait for June - paying on car debt instead!

So, at the longest we have eight weeks before Jonah makes his arrival.  If he is like is his sister, I have seven weeks.  Really though, I just don't know when!  This being taken into account, I need to complete all of my goals ASAP.  Let's pretend he will come at 37 weeks, so that leaves me three weeks between now and then.  

Some tasks have been completed, others have been started and still others are untouched (mending anyone?).

Here goes - during the first of the anticipated three weeks I aim to accomplish 

FINISHING THE GOALS THAT I HAVE STARTED

1. thorough toy/art supply declutter
2. wash and mildly bleach all cloth diapers and reusable nursing pads
3. help Tyler send songs off for copyright
4. list items on craigslist as we decide against them
5. freeze at least five suppers and 10 lunches* (this week: Beef and Cheese Enchiladas, Chicken Pot Pie, Lemon-Poppy Seed Muffins)
6. sew those stinkin' three dozen wipes!!!

* Post on freezer meals coming-up soon!  Stay tuned.  It is a great way to simplify weekday life!

I will be updating after the passing of each week.  I'm hoping this will help me to stay focused and be a way of holding myself accountable.  Meanwhile, please keep me and Jonah in your prayers as our time of labor and delivery approaches.

Still having formatting issues with Blogger...so sorry!  I know my fonts are mis-match and spacing is off, among other problems.  

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