Preparing for Empty Nest

Rick and I have been together for 24 years. That's a long time, most of that time has involoved our 3 children. We had a couple of years before Kate came along but really, the past 21 years has been all about kids. And we are in the throws of big money right now, not that we're banking big money, ohh noo no, more like money comes in and boom, it goes out. It goes out to the University of Montevallo, it goes out to Phi Mu, it goes out to Hoover High school, football, track, the trip to NY. And those are the big things. That doesn't even include food, and gas. I'm not complaining at all. I love it. I love that we are able to give the kids what they need and want. I mean, to an extent. Jack would really want a whole closet of Patagonia clothes but....that isn't going to happen. Even if we made it big, that wouldn't be happening. Okay, so back to us raising kids for like 21 years. It's been all about them. And you know that one day, the house will be a little quieter, kids start driving, they get busy, they have little jobs and other commitments but that day is far in the future. But what you don't realize is that it will get here super fast, and it'll be upon you and you don't even realize it. We're sort of there. The boys are still at home but we're not needed as much as we used to be so there is time for Rick and I to go do something. I'm not one to sit in the house unless I feel like I've done sort of exercise. I've always been that way. Yesterday, we hiked for an hour and then had lunch at the new pizza place. It was fun and we laughed and as we trekked through The Preserve, we talked about future business adventures, weddings, and such. It was fun. Whew, I guess we can still have fun again out on our own. Yikes, after 21 years, you really never know how that is going to go. But I know we are excited about our family growing someday. We're excited about new ideas and new business plans, we're excited about and pray for our children's future partners. We're thankful every day for every experience we've had with this crazy circus. And, we're looking forward to so many wonderful dates ahead!

Pollen, money, birthdays, Easter and track....

First of all...The pollen. Oh my every single year. Most trees are out but the hard woods are not. Poor Joe. He suffers during this season and with his track schedule he is really out in it. There are literally clouds of pollen that he runs through. Even the heavy hitting allergy meds barely work. Sad for him.

Not sure I updated on my cash stash last week but I was able to stash another 200.00 away. I did good with my menu and budget. Kids are learning that they have to save for things they want and when it's $60.00 shorts, well, that involoves some saving. I think Jack did inquire about a job so that's good. It's time for him to get a little job. Not sure I'll be able to save as much this week because we have Kate's birthday, Lauren's birthday and Alex's birthday along with Easter in the next 10 days!

Joe ran an amazing mile last night is is now a member of the sub 5 club. That was his goal and he did it. We know he came in 2nd but the hosting school messed it up and has it at 3rd by 6 100ths of a second. There were no medals last night but instead of 3rd in the state he'll be 4th....Whatever. He did amazing. Rick and I were literally jumping up and down! We're super excited for him to run for Hoover. Coach Doran has been so great at Bumpus and I know Coach Hinds will be fabulous too!

Almost Friday

Barring some crazy event that requires money, it looks like I will have saved $200.00 this week! Not sure what made this week any different than any other week but I did it. Maybe it was creating the weekly menu. Hopefully, I'll be able to continue this through out the year. If so, I'll have 10k!

Spring green is everywhere which means, everything will be a beautiful yellow. Joe was home this week with a cold or maybe allergies. He went back today. He did PR in the meet at Spain Park. He ran the 800 and the 400. I just ran outside, had a good run. Only ran 3 but after taking a few days off for spring break, it was good. Looking forward to yoga tonight. Kate's passport arrived. She is getting things organzied for finals and then for her big trip to Argentina! i know she is super excited but I'm ready for her to be home and all of us head to Michigan! This year will be bitter sweet. Lauren will be joining us but it is our first year w/o Rick's mom. She would be happy knowing we are all there enjoying the cottage. But she will certainly be missed!

Tomorrow is prom for Hoover. Jack isn't going. He decided he wasn't going to go just to go. Have to thank him for that because there's no way I'd be able to save money with prom. I did tell him he is for sure going next year! He promised he would.

Manic Monday!

Still doing good with the saving plan...I've stashed cash and I am sticking to what's in my wallet. Hoping for nothing crazy unexpected to come up which probably means it will. Actually made one of the recipes I planned for tonight. It is a little complicated for me especially after working all day, going to bootcamp and then coming home to chop veggies. But, I did it and I think it will be delish if not for tonight but for tomorrow or for my lunch. Joe was home sick, he asked for nachos so I ran by the store for him but that's it. Got the dogs from the vet today on my lunch hour. Owen was crazy but it was so good to see them. I love them so much! It is a beautiful evening. We are all getting spring fever. 8 more weeks til summer is here!

Save $100 per week? Me? Sure gonna try

I've come back from spring break thinking I can really be frugal and save $100.00 out of my weekly cash. I mean with Pinterest and planning meals, I can do this. The boys are hungry. They want to eat all the time so I have to be better about planning dinners. We spend a lot on food each week. It's so easy to get bogged down with every day life stuff and I'm the first to just buy whatever.  But, I can do this! If I save $100.00/week out of my cash, that is $5200.00/year. I can do this! Becky Bloomwood is trying to take over but I keep pushing her out of my mind. I don't need anything new to do this, I can use everything I already have! I'm telling her to shut up! I've found an old journal that I used maybe 3 times. I've made my recipe list and I'm ready for the store. I'm kind of funny about organic meats so I know I'll still be buying those. They do get expensive but they're really so much better for you. I can never go back to eating non organic meats. Here's my dinners for the week.

Sunday- Baked Ravioli (easy peasy & fairly cheap)

Monday- Salsa chicken ( easy ingredients, little prep time...sounds good to me!)

Tues- Track meet...Plan on fast food...Budget about $20.00 for it.

Wed- Arroz Con Pollo- Something new, sounds delish and ingredients are easy and cheap. Love that!

Thur- Beef Burgandy...Boys will love it, they'll think I spent a lot of time on it. Easy prep and will cook all day in slow cooker...love!

Fri- Eat out, get cash again, stash $100.00 aside! Start over planning. I can do this!

Help me Understand

Patton Creek was supposed to be this very cute and fancy out door shopping place. And, it really started out like that. The anchor gift shop is great. They always have fun items for almost every occasion. I know when I need a gift, Wrapsody will have it. The girls working are always so sweet and helpful, and their customer service is fabulous. So, I love Wrapsody, never want it to go anywhere, it is a huge asset for Hoover. There are a couple of other very cute shops as well, Mustard Seeds is adorable and has so many cute unique Christian gifts and I've even found one of my favorite dresses in there. And then there's Edgars which is yummy and cute and there are many other restaurants to choose from but when it comes to boutiques and gifts there really aren't any and the shops that are in there other than the one's I mentioned above really aren't up to what I thought the standards of Patton Creek were supposed to be. I know when I'm shopping, if shop doesn't have atmosphere and ambience, it's a huge turn off. I know it takes a lot of money to set up shop. But I think there are savvy ways to do it without throwing a bunch of stock tables together and white metal shelves on the wall. Women want to feel like they're in a special place when they're shopping. I'm just disappointed with how Patton Creek has turned out. One of the newest boutiques as a bootleg sign on it. I cannot think this makes the owners who have worked so hard to build a beautiful business happy. Come on Hoover!

Not so little month called January!

By the time the end of January rolls around, I'm so done. I'm done with this long month, I'm done with cold, I'm done with adjusting to the new year budget at our house. That's never fun. :/ If it not for my middle child, our first boy, who by the way thinks I'm the lamest mom ever's birthday, I'd probably crawl in a hole and hibernate....Seriously....No joke! So, when the last days of January are upon me, I literally think, "holy cow! I think I'm going to make it!"  People, this is not a new thing with me. I was like this way back in elementary school.  This month is long, it's cold even in the deep south. Ha, we just had snowpacolypse this week. Flu, cold and stomach viruses are everywhere. Be sure to wash your hands after using the equipment at the gym! Oh and there's that extra 7lbs from the holidays, let's add another 7 because down here the holidays start when football starts.  But soon, Very soon. February will be here. And, it's short and yummy because it's all about hearts and pink. I love pink and hearts too! I'm sure I'm jinxing things but Februrary here in the Ham isn't as bad as January. By Valentines the first brave blossoms start to appear. Sure we'll have cold days ahead, probably a little more snow but at least January is behind us. If I had to paint January, it would be a blob of white paint, Ok, I think I'd add a little heart for my Jack who will one day realize that I am really fun and not lame at all!