It creeps up on you

I was giving a test for a class to a young child last year, and I asked her what the four seasons were. She said, "summer, spring, fall, and...um....Christmas?"

I've been seeing it everywhere, and it's not even Halloween yet. Working in retail, after the back-to-school rush, your mind automatically starts preparing for the holiday season, which, literally begins the week or two after Halloween. 

Earlier this week, I went to a craft store that's notorious for having their Christmas products out for at least half of the year (you know the one I'm talking about, the one that I could spend all day in just looking). Aisles and aisles of red and green. Even stacked on top of the non-Christmas themed aisles.  I was thinking, " Really?"

Then, earlier this morning, there was a post on a blog that I read about already thinking about saving for Christmas. Being a newlywed, this hit home with me. Money is tight right now for just about everyone, especially us newlyweds or soon-to-be-weds. I don't think people would expect a lot from us, but I love seeing the joy on people's faces when they've opened a gift that I put a lot of thought into.

So, the article I read suggested opening up a new savings account just for Christmas. I really don't think that's necessary unless you have a slew of kids and save the whole entire year for Christmas. Other people I know (namely my mom), buy little things they see all year round when they're on sale. The problem people have is not being able to find these things when it comes time for Christmas (I tend to get a few things around Valentine's day from my mom or grandma that were meant to be given at Christmas. lol).


I think the hubby and I will be sticking to Dave Ramsey's envelope system. I've read most of Dave's book The Total Money Makeover and I really like some of the things that he has to say about money....anyways. 


How do you handle saving for Christmas (and other money things) in your family?

Starting School...Again

It's that time again...

I LOVE back to school time.

  I LOVE buying school supplies. Even as a kid, I loved picking out what folders and binders I would have for the year. My favorite was always Lisa Frank, of course.

Source

Having all of these new supplies makes me feel organized and at peace with the world...at least until mid-semester when things get crazy and I stop using my planner.

I started graduate school at LSUS in their Specialist in School Psychology program about 2 weeks ago. Things are kinda hectic carrying 9 hours, a full time (20 hours/week) graduate assistantship, and working at my part-time job. Justin has been really amazing with helping keep the house clean and food on the table...although I sometimes wonder how often he secretly eats Ramen when I'm not around. Justin is still busy searching for a job. He had an interview earlier in the week that wasn't fruitful.  

This morning, Justin and I drove down to Jonesville for his family reunion. It was the 200th anniversary of the McClure's moving to this region. It was really nice meeting more of Justin's family, and I always enjoy spending time with his parents. I'm even sitting here (sort-of) watching the LSU game at their house. I must admit that I'm a Razorback girl thru-and-thru! We're going to swing through and visit my dad tomorrow on our way home. I, unfortunately, do not get to rest from my labors on Labor Day (yay for holiday pay!).

I hope all of you have a great Labor Day weekend!

Being a Newlywed

Sometimes being a newlywed stinks:

Our apartment, however safe and clean it is, happens to be right next to a railroad track.

This isn't like the locomotive clock that my brother had as a kid that blew its whistle every hour, but had a light sensor and didn't make noise at night. NO, no, no. This railroad track has real trains that come a various hours in the day and night. And they blow their horn a LOT because of the railroad crossings. yay us!

Or, yet again. We are sitting in a hot laundromat, and we're both scrambling on our lap tops while waiting for our clothes because we don't have the internet at home.

While others go out on fancy dates (eating out or a movie), we stay home and watch an old movie or play Wii. 

Other times it's great:

Like today, when I was at work for only 6 hours and I missed my husband. It felt great to walk through our door and say "honey, I'm home!" and get my welcome home kiss.

The 3am train is bearable because he usually wakes up, too. We both sigh from annoyance, and I get another chance to say "I love you".

Because we don't go out for dates or whatever, I've really gotten to know the man I married. We talk and have fun without spending any money. Tonight, for instance, I came home from work and he was cooking me dinner. He made bread and chicken cordon bleu from scratch....for me. :D  And..you know, I think I have more fun making dinner with him and watching a movie at home than going out to a movie and dinner (although, I'm dying to go to Joe's Crabshack when we get a little moolah!!!!).

All in all, being a newlywed isn't that bad. I honestly wouldn't trade what I have for anything else.

What's your favorite memory from your newlywed year?

Things I'm Thankful For

• My husband who loves me (who I'm crazy about).

• Temple covenants that I have made.

• My family (old and new) who love me and help keep me sane. 

• Having a nice safe place to live.

•  Food on my plate.

• Air conditioning and other modern "conveniences" (more like a necessity in this 107 heat).

• Having a job (no matter how much I may complain about it).

• Feeling safe at night when I close my eyes. 

• Good Health.

This is just a few things that I decided to remind myself that I'm thankful for. Sometimes I think that we (meaning me) get caught up in the things that we think we want and need and forget all of the things that we do have. It's my goal that when I utter a complaint or an "I wish I/we...." that I make a list in my head of the things that I am grateful for. 

New Ward

Change is scary. At least I think so. Justin and I have been experiencing a LOT of change. I've basically had my fill of it.

One part of moving that could be/is stressful and/or scary is finding out where your new church is (or, if you aren't LDS,  choosing a new home church). 

Justin and I went to the church website and typed in our address to find out where we're supposed to go. We went to the Shreveport 2nd ward to find out that the next Sunday 3 wards were meeting to create a new ward. That week we found out that we're in the new Bossier City ward. Last Sunday was supposed to be just fast and testimony meeting with a talk from the bishop afterward. Justin & I didn't go because I was awfully sick. So, this weekend is stake conference. Basically our whole experience has been jumbled and we've been shuffling around waiting to get back to a normal routine as far as church goes.

We're trying to just go with the flow. What was the most stressful or worst part of moving to a new place? What was the best part?

My Wedding Cake (and other wedding pictures)

Here's my BEAUTIFUL cake! Made by my Mother in law Linda McClure. 

Ms. Linda, as I've probably said before, is the pioneer of electronic cutters for cakes. Visit her website or blog. 

 

Here's my handsome husband.

Here's an okay picture of my dessert bar. 

Everyone wiped out our cupcakes, that's why there aren't hardly any on my cake plates (That I MADE). 

I borrowed this cute piece of furniture from my grandma and turned this into a cute display. Remember the banners I made? That's one of them!

Anyways, Justin and I have finally gotten settled in our new apartment, and celebrated our one month anniversary yesterday. We haven't killed each other yet, and my cooking hasn't killed him. LOL

Now that the wedding is over, I'm wondering where to go with this blog. Any ideas?

Because of dietary restrictions, I have to cook with low sodium (salt). Which means that I usually have to make things from scratch (can't used canned sauces, pre-made freezer meals, etc). I've thought about blogging about my adventures with cooking, along with everyday life. What do you think?

I'm a married lady!

 

Justin and I are finally married!

Here are a few pictures taken by our photographer in Idaho Falls....In the Moment Photography.

The next picture is a fun one of me, my mom, and my brother from Jeanette's Photography at our Mississippi reception.