My Pursuit of Happiness

This is what I'm going to call my goals from now on, if for no other reason, to remind myself there is purpose, direction, and intention in my life, and it's all for the good of my family, myself, and hopefully others too.

This is especially true with our financial goals. We are currently working to pay off our last debt, and it's a big one. If all goes well, it will take the remainder of the year with plenty of hard work and focus. I try not to live with the thought process of "I'll be happy when..." Instead I'm trying hard to find happiness in the journey and it's been surprisingly easy (most days). It's frustrating when unexpected things come up, like my broken tail light (thanks, Caleb), but we've noticed plenty of blessings too, like the job Clint was offered that will work along with what he is currently doing and my raise.

So how did April turn out? We paid taxes, paid cash for our Disneyland vacation, increased what we contribute to our Christmas account each month, and paid $1100 towards debt.

Our Disney trip helped give us a break from the busy schedule we've been keeping and we're ready to get back to work and make some progress in May.

Progress and an Early Valentine's

I took a good look at my list of goals today and realized in some areas I'm doing great, in other areas, not so much.

But... there has been progress. In our quest to become totally debt-free this year, January has been a pretty great month.

• We paid off Caitlin's braces


• We paid off Radiology- I think for the first time in nine years, we owe them nothing! ;-)


• We paid a good chunk towards Caitlin's medical debt

We have also made some progress towards our 3-Month Rotatable Food Storage. We have been using Pinching Your Pennies and although it takes time to prepare our grocery list and cut the coupons, we are saving some good money and are able to stock up on food we would normally buy anyway (usually not on sale). Today Clint got 5 boxes of Quaker Instant Oatmeal for free by matching prices and using coupons. It's exciting. Here is what our food storage looked like at the beginning of the month.

Here's what it looks like now. Keep in mind we have also stocked up on toiletries, cleaning supplies, and fresh and frozen foods.

Caitlin is currently off-track and will be until February 16th. Her 5th Grade class had their Valentine's party early and she was excited about her box and class Valentine's. This may be one of the last times we make class treats together, so I took pictures.

Confessions from the First Day of the Year

I personally don't think it's a good idea that New Year's Day is a holiday. How is a girl supposed to get serious about her goals when she's still in celebration mode?

First of all, I totally want to shop. How do you go from the Christmas shopping frenzy to budgeting and saving (especially when everything is on sale now?).

Second, I can't stop eating. Help me! We have spent a considerable amount of time in restaurants since Christmas and I am still craving candy, treats, and anything with a high fat content.

I have two favorite quotes that I keep on my monitor (and in my bag) that have generally helped me to stop and think before acting-

"Don't give up what you want most for what you want at the moment."

"If hunger isn't the problem, eating isn't the answer."

Do you have a favorite quote or words of advice for a certain girl who has started the new year off in a less than desirable way?

By the way, I'm getting serious on Monday! Hello, elliptical... buh bye everything yummy...

Be Prepared!

This is our family motto for 2010.

We are each coming up with individual goals with this statement in mind.

As a family our goals for 2010 are-

1. Become completely debt-free

2. Increase our grocery-type food storage to a three-six month supply and long term food storage to a one year supply (as it is, we could possibly survive for a couple of weeks if our diets consisted mostly of canned fruit and oatmeal- yummy!).

3. Save enough money for vacations to Washington DC with Grandpa and Grandma Ross in August and Camp Sunshine in October.

4. Have Family Home Evening each Monday night.

2009 was a good year for our family, with many blessings and accomplishments. We are hoping 2010 will be a year full of growth, peace, and happiness for all.