The Challenge

Howdy! I've been working and working on getting my spending under control and I've been using E-mealz, to help with my menu planning. It is so easy/tempting to just grab something quick and easy after I pick up Drew. I mean, working all day, picking up Drew, taking him to soccer practice/&/or going home and doing all the things we need to do (sign his folder, read, work on homework...yes, my 6 year old has homework, take a bath, etc), fixing dinner is really the last thing I want to worry about.

Anyway, E-mealz has really been helping me. They give you a week's menu and also provide you a shopping list. Usually, my meal for two for the week costs me less than $50 and I'm LOVING that!! I keep thinking I'm the little engine, "I think I can, I think I can..." I just keep repeating that to myself over and over.

While that project is going on, I'm also attempting to work on some other projects, within myself. I'm working out and trying to just "get out there!" Not dating or anything, just expanding my life a little beyond mommyhood. The thing is, I'm SCARED to death about that! I think I would rather work on my budget.

Anyway, that being said, I read an article today that really made me stop and think. I've started following prodigaljohn on tweeter and his website is Stuff Christians Like. He has a really neat way of talking and explaining things. He posted an article titled, "Ignoring the Soundtrack" and it's all about how doubt comes in and attempts to be the sound track to your life. It's a neat way at looking at things. Also, I know that reading that was one of God's ways to say, "I KNOW you can!"

Take care!

Friends

I have the greatest friends. I've been truly blessed with my friends and my family. My friend, Mindy, is watching my son today because he is out of school...Columbus Day. So, he's hanging out with her and her hubby, Jeff (Drew adores both of them!) Mindy snapped this picture of the boys and I just had to share...
Aren't they adorable! Thanks a ton, Mindy for helping me out! You guys ROCK and I love you dearly.

I've also been having some car issues. Well, the one shop I took it too told me it was going to be about $700 to fix everything...I don't have $700 laying around right now. Luckily, my buddy Karen talked to her hubby, Keith about it and he is sending me to another shop. Plus, he told me at this moment, don't stress about it. It's great having people who can help you out.

See, I have the greatest friends!!!!!

Stepping up to the challenge...

I've been struggling with creating and sticking to my budget. It seems that I always have more money coming out than I do coming in (as Dave Ramsey would say, I have more month left at the end of the money!). I know, I'm not alone in that feeling. Well, one of the bloggers I follow, Spuds, set up a challenge for his readers and being the person I am, I've stepped up to that challenge.

Basically, he is challenging people to reduce their budgeted grocery amount and give more to a food bank. That is a great idea and this might be the kick in the pants that I need to get motivated. So, in order to achieve this goal, I've signed up for E-MEALZ. This is a great sight that gives you menu plans and approximately how much it's going to cost. I've signed up for the family of 2 and today will be my first shopping trip.

So, I'm stepping up to the challenge and we'll see how it goes. I am going to make this work!

Take care!