Learning as we go.

Since my son started pre-K last year, I have struggled with the need to feel accepted or gain approval from others. Once my children started to enter the "world", I felt more judged.  I realize now that all of those feelings were not totally about concern for my son and much more about me.  And that makes me a little sad because I know my own internal drama caused me to react badly and put unnecessary stress on my family.   But I am a work in progress.  I no longer view my children's actions as a negative reflection on me (most of the time).  Just like me, they was created with free will.  We made a choice to focus on the positive.   A few moments of misbehavior during an entire day doesn't equal a bad day. We encourage good behavior and remind them to show their teachers their best.

 If one of our children has an issue during their school day, it is most certainly addressed by talking to them about the issue, explaining why it is was a bad choice, and together discussing a plan for making a better choice next time.   But that is is it.  We don't dwell, no harping.  Quite frankly at this age, they only kind of remember what even happened!  It has made a huge difference in our family life.  Both of our children are excelling in school! Funny how that works, huh?

Yesterday was report card day for both of our children.  Neither of them get real grades at this point.  I had a conference with L's teacher this week and she decoded the grading system for me so I knew what to expect.

For Emory, we simply looked over it for comparison to last quarter and he is doing great (by our standards) in all areas.   That is all that matters to us.   We made sure to tell him how great his report card was.  Honestly, I don't think he has any real idea what any of it really means just that mommy and daddy are praising him.  I want to be sure I use this time to continue to use positive reinforcement and not let my feelings get in the way.

My kids are both happy and learning, how can I possibly ask for anything more?!

Thoughts on 2015 finances and budgeting

Like many other people, one of my goals for 2015 is to regain a better handle of our finances.  Our financial situation has improved this year. NPK worked hard to earn a pay raise and I earned a promotion with a new job!  However, that "extra" money can easily get lost in the shuffle if I don't make a plan.  I have to admit my husband is a little better about taking any extra earning right out of the regular bank account and stockpiling for an unexpected repair or need.  Me..not so much.  I start thinking about all the things I can now but with that extra boost and if I am honest, most of them are not needs at all but luxuries I feel I "deserve." My plan this year is to erase that mindset and look towards to the long term.  We have three larger debts I am planning to attack this year.  I don't feel comfortable giving totals but I will say one is a credit card, one is a a low interest consumer loan left over from our short sale in 2010, and my new Highlander. We are already paying more than minimums and on the right track but I want to see more progress!  In order to do so I am going to be more intentional with how we spend our money and where it goes.  I will be working on revising our budget this weekend now that I have a more realistic idea of my new earnings.  I am also scouring the web for easy ways to save a little more money where we can. No brainers like saving electricity, meal planning, making lists before shopping...all the easy stuff that goes out he window when you wait until you are hungry and tired.

Happy New Year!

Hello 2015!  I had an amazing last day of 2015. I spent the day with my sweetheart doing things we both enjoy.  No fancy parties or anything like that just us riding back country roads and stopping along the way. For me, it was the best NYE ever and so appropriate. Our number one goal remains to strengthen our marriage. My other goals or plans for the year are still working themselves out but I have lots of ideas and am super excited to see what this year brings.

Here is to a new year filled with health, happiness, blessings and fun!

DK