Back in the Saddle Again

The week back to school after a break is always a killer. Waking up early is not my fav, but fortunately I have a great group of students. Some of them I actually missed over the break. I have had these kiddos for a year and a half. In a few short months, they will no longer be mine. I want to make the best impression on them as possible. I want them to remember me as someone who inspired them to be something greater.

We got a new car this week. We are thankful that God has provided the means for us to get another mode of transportation, and we are praying that this car will last us a really long time. My old car has been kind of finicky about going in reverse, so we figured it was time.

Before we had completely decided to buy a new car, we took it to a friend of a friend at Christian Brother's Automotive in Corinth. We were discussing the financial situation and mechanical issues with Brandon. Buying a car is a big deal. Being good stewards of God's money is a big deal, too. So, obviously stress levels were a little higher than normal because we wanted to do the right thing for us. Brandon said something that really stuck out to me. He said, "Remember, it's just a car." It IS just a car. The kind of car you drive is no indication of the type of person you are, how much money you have, what kind of job you have, or how successful you are. You could have a really fancy, shmancy car and be up to your ears in debt. You could have a really old car and have financial peace about your retirement plans.

It is important for me to remember that we don't need two cars and having the additional car is just an added blessing for our convenience.

Anthony and I have really enjoyed the guidance of Dave Ramsey and Financial Peace University. If you are looking for a good way to get started with paying off debt, budgeting, and saving his book is definitely worth reading. (We listened to it on a car ride!)

What I am loving right now

In the midst of all the stress surrounding TAKs testing and teacher cuts, let me share with you ten things that I am loving right now:

1. Tapioca pudding--my grandpa used to call it "fish eyes." I try to smash those little things with my tongue while I eat it. What are those things anyway??? For that matter, what flavor is tapioca??

2. Spring air as written by L.M Montgomery, " chatting together near the open door that led to the veranda, through which a cool, delicious breeze was blowing, bringing whiffs of phantom perfume from the garden, and charming gay echoes from the vine hung corner"

3. Reading the Anne of Green Gables series as mentioned above. I am already on book 8! I need good recommendations for reading material after I am finished.

4. Being at financial peace and on the same page as my husband in regard to OUR money. We were both raised to handle money very, very, very differently. Let me clarify, that neither one of us think that either one of our parents did it the "right" or "wrong" way. Blending two different ideas about any subject is going to take work. We have always known that finances would be our testing point. Thankfully, our financial advisor is a wonderful man of God and understands the importance of being at peace with our financial decisions. Peace, for us, meant that we paid off our debt. He helped us set up a payment plan to be out of debt (from college loans) in April 2012. We are so excited about working toward this goal!!

5. My best friend is going to have a baby!!! She will be a great mom because she has always been a loving, caring, sacrificial friend. I love you, Brittany!

6. My brother and sister-in-law are expecting another bundle of joy, too! I love being an aunt so so so much!

7. Playing volleyball at school.

8. Getting Anthony's car fixed completely for no more than our tax return! Thank you, Lord!

9. Playing practical jokes on Anthony. Last week when he was in the shower, I poured a glass of ice cold water on him. I thought it was really funny, but he initially got so mad that I will for sure think twice before I do that again.

10. The pictures on the right: McDonald's egg bacon cheese biscuits, magazines, and snorkeling. Currently I am not doing any of those, but I love them!