Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Budget

Do you ladies have a budget system in your home? Do you like it? Well, we have been doing the envelope system for a a while now. I did not want to do it. I felt like I would be "enslaved to the budget" as I not-so-submissively told my sweet husband. I mean, I have plans for how we are going to spend our money. We just bought a house in March and there are things that I "NEED" to do. But I have been doing it now for quite a while...and I like it. It has actually given me much more freedom. David has been sooo good to make an envelope for EVERYTHING. Like, I have a "play money" envelope. With that, I can take the kids to various places during the week without feeling like I am spending too much and dealing with the guilt. When the envelope is empty, as it is right now:), I know that we can't do anything "extra" until we get paid again. It has made me so much more disciplined with our money. Before the budget, I wouldn't even make a list to go grocery shopping. Who needs a list? Aren't you supposed to just stroll down every aisle and throw whatever you think you need at that moment into your cart? I guess not. That way gets you into a little shock when the person at the check-out tells you your total. Wow...groceries can be expensive. Now, I have a list. I haven't clipped coupons yet, but the list is a start for me. I try to beat the budget. It is kind of like a game for my overly competitive mind. And the "stuff" for our house? Well, when you stick to the budget there are monies left over:) It may take longer than I would like to have our house look like it does in my mind, but I am sure it will be worth it when it gets there.
A budget, seemingly bonding, but oh so freeing!

Thank you God that we live in a country where we are free. Thank you that we can talk openly about You, read our Bibles without fear of getting arrested, and go to church not worrying about our lives ending. Thank you God, for all the men and women who have fought and continue to fight for our country. Thank You, for placing my family and me here. Happy Fourth of July!

Emma's Belated Birthday Blog...

Sweet Emma,

You are a dream. You amaze your daddy and me with your mind. You understand so much about this world that we are still trying to comprehend as adults. Your faith is beautiful. We dream of having such faith in God like you do. You are loved by all who meet you. You do not know a stranger. If there is someone around that you have never met, you are quick to greet them and ask them about their life...and ask them if they know Jesus. Beautiful.

God made you with the prettiest "sand" colored hair. You want it to be as long as your friend Miriam's...her's is "so long it touches her bottom". Your sweet eyes are a perfect hazel. You change your clothes about five times a day. Probably just a glimpse of what life will be like when you are a teenager. Speaking of which, you can't wait to be a teenager! If you see an older child you always ask me if they might be a teenager. You tell me quite often, that you dream of being a mommy just like me. That makes me smile from my eyes to my toes! Being your mommy is one of the greatest dreams come true! You love your brother with a love like no other. When he wakes up in the morning, YOU are the one he wants to see first. Not mommy or daddy, he wants to know where YOU are:) You are so loved by everyone in this family and I hope you truly feel it. We are so extremely blessed to have shared the last 4 years with you and we can not wait to see how God blesses us with you in the years ahead. We love you Emma Campbell!!

Audrey, Sarah, Emma and Miriam...the girls quickly took off all party attire and got into their swimsuits!Cutie Reid with pink baby stroller...he will be a great dad!Lauren, this is Emma's Favorite gift! She loves it!Sarah having a little fun with the spray toy.
They look like they are up to something!

This is just funny...Sarah running through the water.

See Miriam's long hair? It is beautiful!

Our little dare-devil...he has no fear!

It's been a while...

Holy moley, is that how you spell that expression? I haven't updated in a while. This will be random, but if you are even looking at this blog it will at least be new:)

Our summer is going great. Well, great if you like rain! What is up with all of it? I do feel bad for the kids at times because this whole summer has been spent indoors. We are getting creative, and I have a few pictures to show off my kids' talent. They are super sweet and growing right before our eyes.

We usually go to Michael's on Thursday mornings. If you haven't done this, I strongly suggest it. It is fun and it is cheap. They have a craft time called "Tater Tots" and it is $2 per child. They provide all the materials and the "know-how". Our kids have really enjoyed it. (See the Spoonimals below. They are one of their favs!)

Tuesdays have been at the Southlake movie theater. My sweet friend Jan, that I still need to give money to...don't worry Jan I WON'T forget, got tickets to the Summer Movie Camp. It was $5 for 10 movies. They show "kid friendly" movies, however use your own discretion. Last week was Ice Age 2. There is a part in the movie when they are saying "a**". I wasn't paying much attention as to why, but then they were saying, "your momma's an a** , father's an a**..." When some kids behind us started mimicking, I thought we should leave. BUT, I didn't. I stayed and subjected our kids to the muck. I never know where the line is. Well, I say that, but I felt the "Line" tugging at my heart and ignored it. Why do I do that?

A few weeks back we went to San Antonio with hopes of going to Sea World. The Friday that we arrived, Emma threw up in line to ride a River boat. She felt hot and it was not looking good. I wonder why kids always get sick after hours, on the weekend or on vacation? hmmm. Our room had two beds and the kids wanted to sleep together. They did for about 5minutes, then Jacob was begging for the little portable crib that the hotel brought us. That boy does not play around when his sleep is concerned! We skipped Sea World the next day (Emma threw up again that morning and we did not want to get her in the heat all day), we went to the outlet stores in San Marcos. We really did have a great time just hanging out with each other. I am so blessed to have a great family that I love and that I enjoy hanging out with.

We had Emma's birthday and I will post another entry on that. It was fun...chaotic, but fun.

I guess that is all for now. Sorry for the random-ness! Be glad you got a new entry!

Hotel in San Antonio

Dinner kinda on the River...right before Emma threw up:(


David and Jacob at dinner...silly boys!

Emma making a silly face because it is raining AGAIN! (she is in her swimsuit!)