March change

Our One Small Change for March is something we have picked up this winter, but have yet to be completely committed: setting our heat at a lower setting during the day (65-67), and setting it to around 60 at night.
Previously, we just left it at 69-70 depending on how cold we were, day or night. We could just buy a programmable thermostat, but we are going the cheap route and just trying to remember to turn it down before heading to bed.
Now, since the baby is coming any day now, I am not sure how this will effect THAT! I know they say babies like it warmer, but I figure since it will be sleeping near us, there isn't much to worry about. We will play it by ear.

What is your change?

Our February Change results

So I am writing this away from home, visiting with my parents at their timeshare a half hour away from our place. Needless to say, we are not taking part in the family cloths away from home.
But we did however do pretty decently before my parents came to visit. Not as good as I was hoping, but let's face it: the last month before delivery extra laundry is not on the list! So I think since the baby will be in diapers we will be using these more often in the next couple months. Only time will tell, right!?

I would give us a C+ or a B- for effort for the month (January was an A, definitely). But this is something to improve upon and maybe continue as time and energy permits.

I think the One Small Change is a great way to really look at where you can improve on your awareness. So as long as we remain aware, I think it was all worth it.

Wish us luck on our March change!

Ten

Ten Things That Make Me Happy

*How both my kids have almost mastered sarcasm
*Blue skies
*A clean table
*Having family around
*Baby kicks
*A good beer or glass of wine at the end of a long day
*Hearing the kids talking from around the corner
*Finishing a project
*Spring growth coming through
*A tasty meal with quiet conversation

What are your TEN things?

Are you saving for your kids? And for what?

Together Tyler and I have decided to save on a monthly basis for our kids. However, I think we have different ideas than most do with how this money will be spent!
This may sound crazy, but it is not designated for college. In fact, I hope my kids choose NOT to go to college right after high school (unless they are absolutely sure that is the path for them). I would rather them choose to spend the money to travel around and gain meaningful experiences with people and nature in somewhere other than their "home". And I am pretty sure Tyler is right there with me.
Both of us joined the military a couple years after high school, and have found that was a great way to gain some experiences we would never have had. I for one, did not go to college before the military... which was a huge disappointment for a couple people. I had been one of 7 or 8 valedictorians from my small high school; I had received a large settlement from a 1986 accident (which my dad had invested for me since that time); and it was only normal for me to go to college. I just couldn't make up my mind on what to be. When I was little, I wanted to be a "fridgerator" (funny how I still love food!). I had no idea (still have no idea) what I want to spend my life doing. Tyler, on the other hand, went to a community college, but really had no clue as to what he was going to do either. So, we both joined the military. And we met (that is another story!), and fell in love (another story, too!)
And all this to say I have no pre- or misconceptions that my kids will want or need to go to college with the money we are saving for them. They each have a piggy bank to put coins and dollar bills in, and we save the allotted amount monthly, which will add up to a good amount by the time they are 18. Not to say they won't have stipulations. No guns or drugs! (that is a household joke, and I couldn't resist!) But seriously, they could use it for a car or like I said, travel, or...???
I hope the best for my kids, but they have to learn the value of money for themselves. Hopefully we will be good enough teachers to lead the way with guidance before they leave the nest. But only time will tell.
What do you hope your kids will use their money for when they get to make their own decisions? Is college the only way to go?

Picture a day 42-51

(42::365)
concentration

(43::365)
earflaps and booties

(44::365)
heart shaped tracks

(45::365)
jumping off the couch

(46::365)
filling Daddy's boots

(47::365)
Look at me

(48::365)
splashing in puddles

(49::365)
taking in the Lonepine view

(50::365)
rock climbing with an audience

(51::365)
waiting for Spring

Earflaps and Booties

I have finally finished a couple things for the babe that is to be here soon... and I couldn't be happier with how they turned out! The booties and hat are from the book, Knitting for Baby: 30 Heirloom Projects. I love this book, and have so many things I want to make, but narrowed it down to these for now! I chose this green, because it is one of my favorite colors, and pretty neutral for a baby, either boy or girl.

The swaddler is from the book, Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing for Baby. I got this book from the library, and LOVE it! Such simple projects that are easy to read and easy to put together. This turned out better than I thought, and I just love the little sea horse, and I finally practiced a little embroidery... love.

Our Valentine's Day

We had a fabulous Valentines Day. Tyler and I really didn't celebrate much... he got me some chocolate, I got him some Now & Later's... not even a card. But the kids got a little bit more... I made them each a thrifted outfit (so cute!) and each a little jar of sour candies.

Breakfast was yummy thick french toast, local bacon and some good orange juice... it was so good! Early afternoon, we headed up to the local state park, Lonepine, and did a little hiking. The kids were so independent and wanted no help from anyone! Hopefully this will be a precursor to this summer when they will be hiking a little on their own. Is that a basketball in your shirt?

How cute are they? Love it when they hold hands!

What a beautiful view! Can't believe we live here!

Tyler showing the kids how to be a monkey!

Then I made some manicotti for dinner, and that was also fantastic. I got my recipe out of Joy of Cooking, and it really was fantastic. I am a huge fan of ricotta cheese.
Then we watched some Olympics, while playing train tracks with the kids... some rousing games of memory and "Feed the kitty", and then off to bed.

Nothing is better than celebrating the feeling of LOVE with the ones you love!
Colton Vday outfit... he is into monsters lately, so I made a cute little monster, and the pants are from a t-shirt.

Ayla's outfit, her "I (heart) pink" pants... so cute! and "A" shirt.