I am still working on this thing called "catching up"... If I can do all of today's replies - I'll be caught up until now.
I'm glad we and Josh were able to get away for a mini vacation -- that's always nice! I'm hoping my husband and I can do that sometime this summer after things calm down.
I'm also glad you were able to find the issue in your budget numbers and get that fixed.
Happy birthday to your Dad -- I'm sorry the turnout wasn't bigger, but I know he felt the love!!!
I drive a stick shift...although there are times I wish I didn't, particularly when I'm commuting and stuck in stop and go traffic! Not fun....but I do love my little car and it gets great gas mileage so I can deal with it. DH's car is an automatic, but it doesn't get nearly the gas mileage mine does so I'd rather not drive his on the days I commute (1 hour or more each way) to/from work.
Been watching the news out of London...you can be sure that V will most definitely be in my prayers while she is gone this summer -- and so will you.
Have a great day!
It was fun! And nice to get away.
Thank you - it was small, but we were mighty.
Really??? That is awesome! I bet it's not much fun in traffic - think of it as exercise.
I've been driving the Jeep a lot lately - and I am getting much better at it.
Thank you!
Same to you!
Sounds like you had a nice weekend on a little mini vacation and celebrating your dad's 70th birthday.
How great that driving a stick shift isn't a problem for you. I'm sure the girls will learn to do it with a little practice.
How great that debt pay off is going well. I guess it will get easier and easier to pay off debt when more debt are gone. Keep up the good work
The trip this weekend to the meeting went well. I discovered some more stuff I would like them to fix on the car so I can drive even more comfortably. So it was very good that I got a long drive before I got the appointment to fix the car.
The weather was OK when I left Tromsø on Saturday. I little rain in the air, but no problem driving. When we woke up on Sunday it was a snow storm outside and it looked like we were going to have difficult driving condition on our way home. Luckily the weather wasn't that bad when it was time to drive. There was some small parts where I had to drive a lot slower than normal because of the weather, but for the most part I could drive at normal speed.
I planned to find some geocaches on the way to the meeting, but I soon discovered that we had to go through over 4 feet of snow to get to the caches. So I decided not to find any geocaches and to that during summer and fall when the snow is gone.
We did - it was a very nice weekend overall.
I am having a lot of fun driving the Jeep... I'd love to put a little more work in to it, so that it's a little quieter... Some day. For now, it's dependable - so that's what matters most.
It's going really, really well... I am very proud of us!
It sounds like that was a fun weekend for you - glad you were able to update your car fix list, so you can get it taken care of. And glad the trip home wasn't too bad... It often looks worse than it is here.
So glad we are FB friends! I feel like we are still quite connected there.
Dorine - you look amazing in your weekend lake pic - way to go! I think we will keep bombarding you with replies so you have to keep this TR going until the PTR starts
I would love to be a part of your debt FB if you should have one. Tyler and Ariece decided to put more money into repairs for her vehicle and wait a while. It's hard seeing your kiddos struggle.
So glad V learned from her sister's path; no need to hurry off to college. Shane took the first year off which was best for him. Every child has to make this decision and it's good V knows what is best for her. I am so proud of her saving up for her trip.
Soooooo - Allison and Gus - I wish them the very best. Allison has a good head on her shoulders. She is working hard and will be just fine.
Your Dad looks so very happy; the picture with his birthday cake is the best. I hope he got my card. I didn't get in the mail until Friday.
Keep us updated Dorine! A big hug sent your way.
Hahaha!!! I think that's everyone's plan!
Thanks! I love hearing about Tyler and Aerice... Event though they are young and struggling (who didn't struggle when they were young?) - it seems like they have a really good path carved out for themselves.
I agree - I personally think it's a good thing for them to get a "taste of the world" - and I honestly think that year is a good year to do it...
Yes - I sure hope so... She is definitely working hard and saving like crazy!
I think he got your card? He called yesterday and said that he received a few cards - but he didn't specifically say from whom....
I am trying!!!
I meant to put something on Facebook for your Dad Saturday but I went into work early and wasn't able. Boo!! Glad it was a good time. I think it's better to have smaller parties so you can really enjoy it rather than always running around catering to every little thing.
I saw the picture of Gus on FB and was like hmmmm and then you said it on here and my first thought was a little oh no. But I think A has to learn on her own and he seems like a good guy-- even if he isn't the forever guy. But maybe it's a sign. Hopefully you feel positive about it.
And driving a stick!!! Way to go girls! I've tried it once and it's not for me but I wish I knew how. My friend drove one in high school and I feel it made her a more aware driver somehow? So it's great to learn.
It's exciting to read about your debt pay offs. We got a little money put away these past few months and now we've booked a trip to the "dark side". I needed a little Harry Potter lol. And my husband just wanted to go someplace fun. We will be planning a 15th anniversary trip to Disney next summer so I'm feeling guilt about this summers trip but at least I already have the money for it and I'm not adding to my current debt.
Looking forward to more from you before you take a short intermission. Or like yuh said, replies might last until you can start another PTR!!
No worries!!! He had a great time - I was just so happy that we had a few people come - it made his day for sure!
He is a good guy... Just not certain that he's the right good guy for her? Sadly - that isn't my decision... So, we will just stand back and see how it goes...
I've been driving the Jeep a lot lately... Seeing as I don't think the girls are quite ready for real roads yet... So, they have been sharing my car and I've been taking the Jeep everywhere... Except on grocery day - there's no way I'd survive that using the jeep.
Hopefully, within the next few weeks, they will be able to take the Jeep more often and I will be able to take my car back... After all - it's almost paid off, and I want to enjoy driving it after I own it for a little while.
FUN!!! And awesome! I am so thankful that we paid cash for all of our trips - much less to pay off now.
Your trips sound amazing - I have to admit I am feeling the sadness from not having a trip booked - but I am also finding excitement in other parts of life - so it's OK... I am truly enjoying this debt pay off game... And I've been able to concentrate heavily on my business and my health - which is also a good thing!
Hahaha - I was hoping you guys would come up with that idea...
Everyone should learn to drive a manual transmission car! My first husband taught me to drive his VW bug - many, many years ago. The only one of my kids that can't drive one is Shannon - her dad tried to teach her, but I don't think the lesson went well.
Can't remember if I told you that my dd Kate and her hubby are moving to NYC? Chris started a great new job on March 1 and is currently living in the city. Kate went up over the weekend and they started apartment hunting. Kate's contract with Center Stage runs until July, so I'm not sure when she will be moving. Looks like she will be at her Dad's once her lease is up the end of April. Luckily for me, that is right down the street!
I'm getting ready to head to Tennessee for a quilt retreat. So looking forward to it. We are heading to Disney a week and a half after I get back. We are doing the Dark Side 5K - Charlie, Steve and I, and Kate is running the Half.
Your Dad looks like he was enjoying his birthday!
I had minor knee surgery 2 weeks ago - a torn meniscus. It went well and I am enjoying not having constant pain in my knee.
Glad you are going to be around for a while longer. I enjoy reading about your and the girl's adventures!
I agree - kind of like riding a bike... I honestly think it's a good lesson to learn... and it opens up the opportunity for them to purchase a manual transmission car - which they sometimes go a bit cheaper, because the market is smaller (which means they tend to sell cheaper too...) - I dunno... I am just really happy that it's a skill that they have! Both of them are doing really well with driving it - just not ready for the city yet... but back roads and dirt roads (they graduated from the school parking lot) are going good.
Yes - you did tell me, but thank you for the update! I sure hope that they are able to find somewhere to live easily enough - or is Chris already there, and she is just going to move in with him? Regardless - it's hard to live apart when you are young, I wish them the best... And yay that Kate will be so close to you, even if it will only be for a little while.
Yay for the quilt retreat and Disney!!! Exciting!
Will you be able to do the 5k with your knee? I sure hope so! I hope you're feeling much better by now!
Yes - I think Dad enjoyed his birthday very much! It was a fun day!
Trying to step back a little bit - though I didn't mean to stay gone quite this long...
I must say you look fabulous in your selfie. Looks like your hard work and persistence is paying off! Love the style of your top - looks flattering on you. Your Dad's smile looks like pure joy. Sometimes small parties are nice because you can more easily enjoy who is there. Back in the 70's I bought a VW bug so was forced to learn how to drive a manual transmission - even though I don't have the car any longer the skill has come in handy a few times. Glad I did learn. Trying to keep the replies going so the TR continues!
Thank you - I am still working hard... And I am still trying to lose the 20 lbs I gained last year... Super frustrating... but at least I continue to try - it would be worse if I didn't.
Thanks! I love that look - it's like wearing jammies all of the time.
True... He had a good time and it was so nice to see everyone that could make it!
Awesome!!! I believe it's a great skill to have! Especially for girls - it gives them an edge.
I get a lot of looks when I am driving the Jeep... Not sure if it's because it's a Jeep or because it's a manual transmission? LOL
Awesome! I was hoping you guys would!
Hi D!
SO I feel like a terrible, awful person for being so far behind. First of all, I had tears in my eyes reading your "final thoughts" post and seeing all the pics of V growing up. Your love and relationships with your girls is beautiful. I am glad that you are doing well with your debt management and that you continue to meet your goals! Yay for a little getaway with Josh- sounds short, but sweet! Your Dad has such a sweet smile in the birthday picture! I would say that says it all. He looks happy!
Quinn is doing much better this week. We ended up getting a splint for her leg that she wore for a further 4 days just to help stabilize her leg. She is now walking much better. Emma's party went ok. There were a few little spats ( as there always are with pre-teen girls, LOL), but overall, I think she had a good time.
We leave for Tokyo on Sunday. I am very excited, but also a little anxious as it is such a big city. I hope the rest of your week goes well.
Also, I refuse to admit that your TR is over. I think it is going to be a cycle. We will all keep replying to your replies of our replies. So, it will NEVER END!!! (Maniacal laugh... maniacal laugh....)
No worries - believe me, I haven't been here as much as I should be either... Life got away from me again! Though I do feel like I have a valid excuse this time. LOL
Thanks - I've enjoyed all of these years with them immensely! The memories are just incredible!
Yes - our debt pay off has been going incredibly well - I am very proud of us!
Still a long way to go - but we are taking steps in the right direction.
Dad did have a great time - it was great to see him with everyone!
So happy to hear that Quinn is doing much better! And the party went well for you too!
I've been watching your Tokyo trip on FB - it's been so fun to see it all! I bet it's so exciting to see that and just be there! I am not sure if that's a corner of the world I will ever get to? So, it's neat to see it through your eyes!
Hahaha - I am kind of depending on you guys to keep me going for a while...
I just finished reading your trip report and it has gotten me so excited for mine and my husband's upcoming trip this September. Thank you for sharing!
Awwwh! Thanks - I am glad that you enjoyed it!
Thanks for stopping by!
I guess we will all have to keep commenting so you will need to do replies until you start a new trip report, lol.
Looks like you had a nice weekend at the lake. Your dad looks very happy with his birthday cake. My husband is so ready to get up to our cabin, but I like to wait until it's a little warmer. My son's birthday is Sunday and then we are going to the Twins opener on Monday. So he plans to head up after that. Luckily the weather is now looking better for the Twins game, although there is still a chance of rain. We are on the sunny side as long as the sun is out.
We got our new windows installed. I was a little worried that they would find rot and have to do more work, but only one window had some on the bottom and they were able to replace it quickly. Now I just have to get out and match the stain. I don't think that will be too hard and it saved us quite a bit to do it ourselves. Another person comes out to do that and I just didn't want to deal with that and it's not hard to stain. Seriously it was about another $300 per window with Andersen, or our salesman knew someone who would do it for $200 per window!
I used to drive a stick shift all the time. I actually taught myself after a little lesson in the driver's training simulator. My dad would buy cars and then try and make a little money reselling. One time he had a small truck that looked like a mail truck only smaller. I thought it was so fun to drive around the neighborhood and it was a stick, so I taught myself to drive it. When we bought our last van they didn't have manual transmissions so we went to automatic. I must say I like not having to shift now.
It looks like it's going to be a nice day. I'm going out to buy stain and do a little shopping. Have a great day!
Exactly... LOL I think that's the general consensus around here - you guys must have all got together on this? LOL
We had a great trip... The last several years - I've only made it up there once, during our July trip... So, it's really nice to be able to sneak in a few extra small trips - and it's easier when it's just Josh and I, I feel like we can just run up there quick... Though now that the girls are older - it's not that hard with them either... It's better than when we had to bring swings and high chairs with us. LOL
It looks like you all had OK weather for the home opener? I know it was rainy, but it didn't look like the game got rained out? I didn't plan it - but I did wear one of my Twins sweatshirts on Monday...
Yay!!! What a relief that your windows are done! And you were able to get them done cheaper!
How exciting! Now to watch your energy bills drop!
Really cool! I think it's an awesome skill to have - especially for girls... I don't think that a lot of the younger generation even is taught how to drive a manual transmission anymore? It's fun to watch them practice and gain this skill! Now if we can get them off the back roads and into town... They are still a little skittish though.
So sorry about your tooth! I had a tooth extracted about three weeks ago. I have horrible, horrible dental anxiety so I took my anxiety meds and all was well. Honestly, it wasn't that bad and while my mouth was sore for a few day after, it was nothing that Ibuprofen didn't take care of. I hope all goes well -- prayers for an easy procedure and quick recovery.
Congratulations on having another credit card almost paid off -- that's fabulous! I have one payment left on one of my smaller credit card debts and then that will be paid off and the account closed. Can't wait! Then another small store card will be paid off this summer. Small, but progress.
The wedding is two weeks from tomorrow. I just got a third mother of the bride dress and returned the first one I bought. I'm not sure which of the two to wear...one of them I definitely like better than they other but it's just a bit too peach (the colors are pale pink and gray/silver)....the one that is a bit more on the pink side is ok, but I don't love it. I'm not sure what to do since Alyssa said she wanted me in one of the wedding colors... I think I'll take both dresses to Utah and let her choose. I spent some time on the phone last night with a friend who will be our wedding coordinator the day of the event and so I'm feeling much better about all of that. I found someone to do all the chalkboard lettering for us for the signage at the reception, so that's good. Bridesmaids dresses have been guaranteed to arrive by Tuesday of next week...fingers crossed. I need to sit down and do a detailed list of the things that need to be done the week leading up to the wedding and the day of the wedding so I can make sure I haven't missed anything. So much going on!
Have a great day!
Thanks! Overall - it hasn't been too painful... I've had a few bouts now n' then, but for the most part - it's not as bad as I thought it would be... However, the taking out part wasn't all that enjoyable. LOL Let's just say that I went to Magic Kingdom and then to Animal Kingdom that morning.
Ibuprofen and Tylenol have been taking care of any pain quite nicely... I didn't have any at all yesterday - but then I had some before bed, as I had some pain after supper and I wanted to sleep. Although - my family is getting a little sick of "baby food" meals... LOL - if I have to suffer, we all have to suffer.
Thank you!!! It's been a tough week for us financially, yet - I am so happy, it would have been much worse!
Congrats to you!!! That is awesome! You are making such GREAT progress! Keep it up!
I cannot believe that the wedding is approaching so quickly!!! ACK!!! But it sounds like you have done an excellent job coordinating everything! Way to go Momma!!!! And what a relief to have someone else manage all of the details on the day of - what a smart decision - then YOU can enjoy the special day too!!! Looking forward to seeing a TON of pictures on FB!
Thank you!!! Same to you!
So sorry to hear about the tooth. Crossing my fingers all goes well at the dentist.
YAY for paying off a large chunk on one of your credit cards
Here it's snowing A LOT. On Tuesday we got 8 inches of snow and it has just continued snowing ever since. Now we have 3 feet 11 inches of snow and it's still snowing. In southern Norway they have had summer temperatures this week. It's this time of year the difference between north and south is really noticeable.
As we say in Tromsø: We know where we live. The winter isn't over until late April / early May here.
Thank you - it went pretty well... It sure wasn't fun having it done - though the pain hasn't been too unbearable - which was part of my worry... So, that's good.
Thanks! We are pretty excited!
WOW!!!! That is crazy - that is a huge difference! This time of year, I am definitely over the romance of snow! Hopefully yours is gone quickly!
Getting a wisdom tooth out really isn't bad. I only had 1 wisdom tooth--that's it--and I finally had it removed about 3 years ago. Before going in, I had all these horrible flashbacks of when my brother had them out when he was a teenager, but it wasn't that bad at all. The only reason I had it removed it because the dentist said it would just continually grow downward since there wasn't another tooth on the lower part to stop it.
Yes - I was more scared than what I needed to be... Though I can't say it was an "enjoyable" experience - it certainly wasn't as bad as I feared either... The drill portion wasn't pleasant at all though.
Josh's wisdom teeth were the same way - he had his out when we were first married... I don't remember him being as big of a baby as I was? LOL
Will do! Sent you a private message.
Got it! Thanks!
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Phew!!! Lookie who is all caught up!!!!
It's about time! LOL
So, Friday was no fun, with my wisdom tooth removal... I could do a Mini-TR on that experience, if you'd like?
As I did have to "leave" the room... I chose to go to Magic Kingdom - it was very nice there - I was the only one in the park.
Once the surgeon brought out the drill - I decided to park hop to AK... That was lovely too... Again I was the only one in the park.
Over all - a lovely day in WDW.
I came home, and while I was still numb, I worked all morning upstairs... I was able to get a lot done, so I could take the weekend off. That was really nice.
I sat around all weekend - being a baby. I did a LOT of icing - mostly because it felt good on my jaw. I was supposed to switch to "warm and moist" heat after day 2 - but to be honest, the cold still feels really good - so I've done that.
For the most part, the pain has been very manageable with Ibuprofen and Tylenol - which is good.
On Sunday night - we watched Mo and her family on the Caesar Millan Dog Whisperer show! That was super cool - I know a CELEBRITY!!!!
Our budget and debt pay off has been going very well... Although - Josh did come home from work on Friday and expressed that he was having truck issues (again!), and really wanted to get the alignment done and new tires put on... It was getting to the point that he didn't feel safe with us girls driving it. On Monday - after taking it to work - he called me and said it was really bad and he needed to get it done that day... We had set aside the remainder of our tax return, plus we had saved some extra to put towards this expense... We weren't quite there yet, but if it needed to be done - we could take the remainder out of our emergency fund. He made the appointment - and when he got there, they discovered he also had a ball joint going out - which they had to replace before they could align it. Long story short... The repair was almost $500 more than we had budgeted, but Josh now has a new ball joint, an aligned truck and new tires.
Which we paid cash for without batting an eye. 6 months ago - this would have stopped us in our tracks and it would have been a major emergency... This time, it was a sucky inconvenience - but nothing more. So relieved to have that emergency fund in place!
I've crunched the numbers, and since January, we have cash flowed roughly $4000 in repairs on the truck and Jeep, plus put $800 worth of new tires on Josh's dad's car (payment for letting us borrow it for so long - it was the least we could do), plus $500 in dental crap for me over the last 2 weeks... On top of that... We have managed to pay off the Jeep, a personal loan and by Friday we will have refunded our emergency fund and also paid off 2.5 credit cards!
Then, as if that wasn't enough... We have lived SOLELY on cash over the last 4 months - we have not touched one single bit of credit. I call this WINNING! In a major way!
Sleeping better at night is priceless!
We are still on track for the same pay off dates as we had projected... These repairs probably won't catch up to our snowball until June or July... So that is good that we are able to keep up our momentum at the beginning here - paying things off like this really makes you want to pay off MORE!
Ummm... What else is new???
Jeep training is going well... The girls have graduated to dirt roads and back roads.
I am pretty proud of them for learning this skill... It won't be long and I'll be taking them into town to practice. I am doing pretty well myself - it seems that the Jeep has become my "regular" vehicle for the time being - which is OK. I get a lot of looks - LOL - most of them shocked. I guess I don't look like the type to be driving a Jeep?
Oh yes - we have opened the house up to the doggies... Well, MM has mostly had the run of the house - but Cooper never has... Over the last week, we've opened the gate much more frequently and we also let them sleep upstairs... It seems that Cooper has taken up residence in V's bed. LOL I wake up every morning to Snapchats during the night from V...
She puts her fan on him, and he stays there all night. LOL Whatta baby!
The weather has been pretty good these last few days/weeks - so I've been able to get out for a walk almost every day that I am working from home... That has been really nice. I've been really concentrating on my eating again - however - that did slide a little bit over this last week... On Friday - I lived off of apple sauce and doughnut holes.
Probably wasn't the wisest health decision ever?
By Monday - I was back to eating normal soft foods.
That's about all for updates... Not much else going on. We are just livin' life and going with the flow.
Miss you all incredibly much! So happy that many of us are connected on FB, so I can still see your lives unfold!
Sending out GIANT prayers and Pixie Dust to all of you!
D~