Super Summer Debt Payoff Begins Today

I am so excited about this I can't even put it in the right words.  Starting today we are using my paychecks to pay off bills and only live off of Ralph's income.  It takes several weeks of "preparation" and tightening to get the cushion to start.  Although it may seem radical to some but here are some of the specifics we do:  we only eat out every 2 weeks on my payday, the grocery budget has been decreased, our entertainment will primarily be doing things together that are at no cost or the Redbox dvd's and no debiting or atm visits.  Last year we did this but then stopped when Sept came, this year however we are going to keep going until the debt list is all paid off.  So every two weeks when we get to eat out it's a celebration dinner and I announce which bill got paid off we toast each other.  We found a water park within an hour of us which is owned by the city so admittance is only $4 for adults and $3 for kids and you can be there from 12-8 and bring your own food in.  How great is that?  If you are budgeting or paying off bills keep it up.  Cheers!

OH, THE SUMMER FUN WE WILL HAVE

I am so excited and almost giddy about this summer.  Why you ask?  Because it is pretty much open this year.  Ryan isn't playing tournament ball this summer like he has for the last three years, well one tournament in July but that's it.  Wes is going to lacrosse camp and was asked if he wanted to do some lacrosse tournaments this summer.  Generally summer baseball is very intense (practice every night and tournaments on the weekends) and will end around the end of July.  So if your boy is doing this they have played baseball from March 1st to August 1st.  So this summer we only have a few random tournaments to go to and I am trying to think of FUN summer stuff to do the rest of the time.    I am a planner, planner, planner so of course I want to get things on the books to do.  So far we have LAX (abbr. for lacrosse), BASEBALL, WATER PARK, HIGH SCHOOL CHURCH CAMP FOR WES, MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL GAMES.  Not a huge list but fun anyway, we are squeezing some visits with friends as well into some of the tournaments.  I've added a couple baseball pics.  Wes gets one of the biggest leads off a base in hopes of stealing.  He is usually successfull and makes pitchers nervous.  Ryan always rocks it behind the plate.  Those pictures of him are a bit harder to get because I have to stand up and block others view of the game.  Hee hee I don't really care, I have scrapbooking opportunites to get.  Enjoy the beginning of summer. Cheers.

1st Birthday Milestone "16"

Do you remember how exciting and cool it was to finally turn 16?  It meant driving, certain freedom from your parents, status at school and too many other great things to count.  My first born is "16" today and I can't believe how emotional I feel.  He's been an amazing kid and now that we are in the home stretch with only 2 more years of high school I think I'm feeling panicked that it's not enough time.  People always say how quick it goes, yeah yeah whatever.  Well they are right.  When Ralph gets home from work he's taking him down to take his drivers license test. Hmmmm, am I tearing up?  Not yet.  Tomorrow night it's a birthday dinner with his choice of where to go and noone gets to complain (that's our house rules).  Your birthday your call.  And even with him being a "cool" guy, he still hugs me and tells me I'm the best mom even in front of his friends.  My cousin James taught him that, "never be embarrassed of you mama".  So Happy Birthday big Wes, next milestone "18".  XOXO.

Homemade Gifts

My initial thought was I was going to knit a gift per month and by the time Christmas got here I would have 12 gifts ready to go.  Okay, so I only have 3 which is half of my quota.  I am definately not a speed knitter but have things like lacrosse, baseball yada yada that suck up my knitting time.  Those are all just excuses, I usually knit after the boys have gone to bed and Ralph & I are up watching tv.  I came to the realization last week that I hated everything I was currently knitting and that's why I hadn't touched it in a couple weeks.  So I fixed my slump by taking the four projects I had going off the needles and starting fresh.  Ahhhh, I am so excited!  I am doing an afghan blanket.  Normally that utter thought of knitting something that big would be to much, but this one is 24 squares, all different patterns and coordinating colors.  Kind of similar to putting quilt blocks together (another love of mine).  I'll post the square when I'm finished but for now you can see the Feather and Fan Scarf I finished.  Not sure who will be the recipient at Christmas but it was fun to do.  Homemade gifts are the best to give and receive.  Cheers!

Girls Weekend at the Farm Chicks Antique Show

Oh! the fun I had with my funky vintage junk loving girlfriend Amy at the Farm Chicks Antique show in Spokane. Never heard of the Farm Chicks? You can check them out on here and here. I first read about them about 4 years in my favorite magazine Country Living. I was so excited when I learned that they were located so close to me here in Washington. You just may be a Farm Chick too. Amy and I have talked for a couple years about going and this year booked hotel and took a short road trip. We were totally amazed at how many people were there, we overheard ladies from Iowa and Michigan. Wow, now that’s a love for antiques. We each came home with a few “must have” finds. Like my vintage Christmas apron that I loooove, black handbag w/ original coin purse, glass doorknob and a couple antique Ball canning lids. We ended our trip with the most delicious breakfast ever in Spokane at Franks Diner. My favorite breakfast spot when we visit there. We have decided of course that this is a yearly trip for us. Next time we might have to add in Friday for some additional shopping downtown. Cheers!