Tina's 9!!

Fun crafts

Tina's new coat and boots from the Chambers grandparents

the other pair of boots

he bonked softly:)

my american boy doll LOL

The strawberry flower cake

The Grandma Daines outfit

The beautiful dress on the beautiful girl:)

My Sweet Tina girl has finally reached the ripe old age of 9. She told me she felt like she was 8 forever. I think it was because we went through many life changing events in that year: She went to 3 different schools, lived in 3 different houses, and got baptized. That is more change in one year than most of her lifetime. We had a family party this year to the theme of "flowers." She also got her highly anticipated "American Girl Doll" She has named her Maya, and no, Cole didn't fit in the package. I guess he's my doll:) She also got some wonderful outfits from Grandparents, some books, and a zooble contraption. We played heavy heavy hang over thy poor head, made tissue paper flowers and thumbprint flower shirts, and had a flower cake ( I rolled out starburst candies). I think it's the best amature cake I've ever done. All in all a successful day. She definately deserved it. She is such a wonderful girl. We all love her so much!

Projects

not necessarily a "project" but definately something on our wish list!!

Brooklyn may look like a model, but she didn't want to stop watching TV:)

This is the back. I can't wait to do some more in different patterns!!

I made this vest in the spring. I love the colors and the fun flowers!

I am in a project mode. I want to do a lot of things for a Christmas Baazar. Mainly bags. But I had to show you some of the things I've been working on so far in my knitting class. I'm loving it! I also have to show you our latest purchase! Dave got this for a screaming deal at Aaron's - it's a little damaged, but it is really nice!

Financial Freedom

We have discovered a "better way" to managing our finances, thanks to Dave's parents. We have 2 checking accounts now. We have already discussed which bills we are in charge of, and how much I need for groceries. Now we just transfer the money over and keep track of our own checkbook register. Last month we didn't go into our overdraft! I love that we get to keep anything left over in our account also. Dave's really excited to sell stuff so he can have a cusion in his account, and he's more conscious of his spending. I am keeping much better track of what I am spending and now I know we have enough to live on.

Thanks for giving us some good directions Gary and RuthAnn! I'm so grateful for all of your help in the finance department. I feel so much better now.

Only 4 more debts to go until we are debt free!

Step 1: Sell the truck and other miscellaneous stuff

Step 2: Increase Mel's income with piano students - include flute lessons too?

Step 3: Plan every purchase (grocery trips, research best deals for big purchases, use coupons, etc.)

Step 4: Reduce bills as much as we can - limit driving, AC, electricity, etc.

If you can't tell, I'm very occupied with our finances, but I really feel that this set-up is best for us. I had a hard time keeping up with both of our spending and bills. You'll have to let me know what works for you too!

New Spot

Braden took our picture:)

Attempted to make a mud castle:) Note the zhu zhu pet inhabitors

I thought the shirt was appropriate!

having fun

tried to get buried

playing in the water

Dave enjoying a day off!

We have found a new spot that we love here. When we get visitors, we know where to go now! Isn't this a pretty spot? I love living close to such beauty! This was what we did for Memorial Day after cleaning the house, and fixing our dishwasher.