Budgeting made EASY!

One of our new year’s resolutions was to make a budget, and stick to it.  We have tried to do this many times before, but this time we meant business!  We were on a mission to actually gather all our information from bills, monthly payments (gym membership, etc.), and then see what we have left over for groceries, gas, stuff for Pace, and maybe a date night here or there. 

However, this huge task was made so easy by an amazing website that was brought to my attention: Mint.com! …And you’re welcome!  It takes any and all accounts and puts everything in one place.  Then it helps with goals, and even shows breakdowns of your spending habits.  Wow, I spend a lot of money at Chipotle J

Now, I must give credit where credit is due.  This website was posted on facebook by a guy who not only saved my life freshman year, but also helped get me through accounting in college.  Much thanks to Daniel Dyer for posting Mint.com- it is changing our lives! 

Enjoy Mint.com everyone!!!!!

Allison Anne Photography: WOW!

CHECK OUT: http://allisonannephotography1.blogspot.com/

On Saturday, one of my good friends came over to the house and spent some time taking pictures of Payson.  A quick preview of the pictures can be seen posted on facebook.  Allison is a teacher (a great one!), but also has a passion for photographing people.  She did a GREAT job and we are so fortunate for the pictures she took of the little man.  Pace is a pretty photogenic boy, but he was SO fussy when she was here (short naps tend to do that).  He didn't crack too many smiles and was being a bit of a 'grump-o-potamus'; however, by looking at the pictures, you would never guess that.  

If you want pictures of your kids, family, or just some pictures with your sweetie (valentine's day is right around the corner), Allison is your girl!  The quality is great, and the pricing is extremely reasonable. The best part is that she takes the wonderful pictures, does all the work, and then just gives you the CD so you can print them on your own.  If you have ever had professional pictures done before, you know that this not typically the case.  A lot of photographers license each picture, and each print must be purchased through the photographer.  This can make the pricing crazy expensive.  

This is one of my favorites: 

I posted the link to her blog at the beginning of this post, but if you have any other questions just let me know and I can get you additional information! 

***Remember: When people are asked, "If your house was on fire, what five things would you save?" 91% of people say photographs as their #1 answer!!! (I made that up, but honestly, I bet most people would say that...I know I would!) 

Focusing

Ok so it has been a while since my last post; this is due to a few things:

1.  The holidays are always busy, in a GREAT way
2.  Because of the holidays, Meg was home a lot, which is even GREATER
and...
3.  GREATEST of all, Pinterest, just kidding (not really)

Pinterest may take over my life each night after Payson is asleep, but it has also taught me something.  It has taught me that I no longer care about much other than being a mom.  I absolutely love being a parent and couldn't be happier, and feel more blessed in life.  How has Pinterest taught me this?  Because when I am on it, all I do is look for fun and interesting things that have to do with parenting.

So, that being said, I think I am going to refocus this blog in 2012.  I will primarily be posting about being a mom; products I use, things I have have done, tried, failed at, and hopefully been successful with.  Because so few of my close friends have babies, I hope this not only serves as a blog, but will maybe become a forum of sorts.  I hope people will post their own experiences and we have have a virtual "mom's group".  Even if we don't regularly talk, or even if we very seldomly talk, please feel free to post your thoughts, ideas, and experiences.

Thanks and HAPPY NEW YEAR! (If you get the SNP, check out the New Years Baby, he is cute as can be)   ;)