Lent

Things I've considered giving up for the season of Lent...

-junk food, more specifically only eating whole foods, drinking only herbal tea and water

-spending extra money, only spending on food, passing on any item that is a "want"

-saying anything even remotely negative about my hubby, who really, truly is quite wonderful 

-running, I don't think that one counts though

-not meal planning, meaning I would diligently meal plan for the next 4o days

-not being a good steward of my time, forcing myself to better plan every day, even the ones when I stay home all day

What are your thoughts?

The McLaughlin's Economic Plan

Without trying to stir up any financial controversy, I just have to share with you what budget is working for us.

We've gone through seasons of using only cash, using only debit cards, and a mix of the two. However, at the end of the day, what works best for us is cold, hard cash, Baby. You can click on the link to Dave Ramsey if you're unfamiliar with this approach, it's on the right hand side of our blog. Literally, the only downside is the unsightly envelopes that we carry around. Once they finally gave up and fell apart we moved on to a canceled check file. Let's face it though, it's not cute, it's purely functional. While function is the bottom line, let's have some frugal fun in the process...

You can find these beautifully, upgraded files at Etsy.com, keyword MyLilBudgetBook, they start at $14.95. Or if you're blessed like me to have a sister, who prefers to use the right side of her brain, beg her to make you one, two, or even four! That's exactly what I've done! She has joyful agreed! Now as soon as I can pick out my fabric (the best part) she'll make me some. I'll post pictures once I get them back, upgraded of course!

Decorating Ideas

Here are some decorating ideas I'd like to incorporate into our house

Comfy yet beautiful chair

Tuscan Bath Accents

Neutral Bedding

I Took The Winter Off!

Eeek! Our Winter is over! I can hardly believe it! We had great family time and made precious memories. 

A is quite the Daddy's Girl. She loved helping Daddy look for deer and playing Mom. This week she folded an entire load of laundry all by herself! 

B learned to walk this Winter and he has new words everyday! Yesterday was "open" and "off". He's doing very well health wise which is so refreshing.

Daniel and I got away by ourselves twice this Winter! Once for a long weekend marriage retreat and once for a week long, all expenses paid Caribbean Cruise! Thanks Potomac :) 

We finished up at the Baptist church Daniel had been leading at and are now attending a non-denominational church. We've been there since the first of the year. We're quickly falling in love with the church and the people there. 

As always the Lord has been, is, and will be faithful! 

Here's to the end of Winter and the sweet memories we have left to remember it by!