Deal With It, Simply!

This weekend, Randy helped a friend move. I decided I was going to surprise him and paint the garage. I went to Sherwin Williams in Maumee and told the man behind the counter I was going to paint today. He said “what kind of paint do you need? I said what is the best and he said what kind do you have on the garage now Latex or oil?  Boy.. I didn’t know it was so complicated!

He shared with me how you can tell the difference and I can’t wait to share this tip: Take a white cloth and put rubbing alcohol on it and rub the paint if paint is on your rag it is latex if there isn’t it is oil!  We have Latex and I bought primer and starting painting and finished ….0ne of the 4 sides. The wood was thirsty!

Yesterday, after church we started another side and Randy told me I better pick my Rhubarb. I made a rhubarb cake (a crisp) and wanted to take a picture if it for you, but when I made it back to the pan this is what I found-

When Ben got home he said is that rhubarb cake? I said yes it is and he said “the heck with homework I’m eating cake!” then it was gone → The world fastest eating family something I will always remember!

Making Mental Memories, Candy

Good Morning! I have been so busy this week I have let my duties here slide.

Randy got his first check this week and I have to say it is a great feeling. A feeling that I can breathe and relax. We have hope and are coming up with a plan to reach our debt-free goal. There are many ideas on how to obtain this goal and I have to say it can get confusing. Who’s on First… Who gets paid first?

• Pay yourself first- I have to say I have never paid myself first and am going to try at least pay myself second.
• Give the Lord your first fruits- With many of us struggling it is still important to tithe. Our family has been very blessed with work and it is all thanks to my Lord.
• Emergency Fund- I know if you can’t save an emergency fund is really not a easy task. Some say $1000 and others 6 months worth of living expenses.
• In the area of credit card pay more on the one with the smallest amount to get it paid off when that debt is eliminated then pay that extra on the next bill and work on a type of snowball effect.

I want to work on these points and see what you are all doing and start a plan!

Have a wonderful day, Candy

Our family has been quite busy with baseball, instrument practices and a new job. The first thing to go is great family dinners. When I was a kid my mom always seemed to have dinner on the table by 5pm. In our home lately you are lucky if you eat let alone together. We try not to run through the drive thru for $1 meals but it is tempting so I don’t hear those four little words “Mom, what’s for dinner?” I am on the search for quick and easy meals. Last night we had Hot dogs, yes just hot dogs!

I like casseroles and one pot dinners. My husband likes to cook amazing meals, but they take a lot of time and he usually cooks on the weekends. Here are some ideas I need to remember.

• Crockpot cooking is a great way to have a meal when you get home from work.
• Using your leftovers- I hate wasting leftovers and by using them you are adding extra to your budget.
• Old stand by meals like grilled cheese and tomato soup.
• make extra ingredients for other meals. brown extra meat or cook extra rice for a future meal.
• cooking at home recipe sites

I need to get organized with meal planning I have been so busy with family and work our family dinners are lax. another thing to get in order.

Any help would be appreciated so it isn’t easier to do this and waste my money, Candy

Wow, I was hip before hip was cool! Staycations are when you find things in your area to do and not have the expense of travel and accommodation’s.

I have always wanted to see Mt. Rushmore in person, but I think it won’t be this year with Randy starting his new job. There are many things to see just in the area or a car ride away. I am looking and hopefully in the next few days I will have some ideas.

This weekend we spent some time with our friends in Luna Pier, Michigan. I loved walking the beach picking up rocks and shells. A very relaxing time, but it was even better to get home. As the summer progresses I have a working against the clock type of feeling trying to work and have a good summer for my kids.

Being a kid summer is supposed to be fun and adventure. The days of playing cowboys and Indians or loading up the family in the station wagon heading to the Grand Canyon are not as common. Families are different and time together is harder with two incomes. I am going to take a few weeks off with my kids in August before school starts and hopefully have some fun.

Have a great day, Candy