"new" adventure

In the Spring, Michael and I went through Dave Ramsey's "Financial Peace University." For those who have done it, you can empathize with what our world looks like today. For those who haven't, it truly is a life changing financial planning program based on the premise that our money belongs to the Lord. For us, the focus was not just about learning how to be good stewards of what we are given and have a good system in place {and become debt free}, but mostly to grow to a point of being able to give to others in the way we desire. We have finally completed Baby Step 1 and are making strides little by little. I admit that there have been many days of frustration. We have chosen that I am the primary wage earner in our home, for now. With that wage coming from a non-profit agency, the budget is tight to start with. I love my "job" and we both feel it is important for the kids to have one of us at home, so the sacrifice is worth it. But when Michael started creating our budget, I was skeptical. We can barely buy milk some weeks without attempting to pay off debt quickly. But we are seeing that when we are faithful in these small things, God is faithful in ALL things!

One of the greatest joys of this journey has been sharing these truths with our kids. We include them in this plan, and they are soaking it up. Christmas was light this year...but they didn't notice. If anything, I think they are starting to get that life isn't about the "stuff"...which is our goal. We want our kids to be compassionate and aware of the needs of others. This has been a great way to incorporate some of those lessons into our daily life.

OH, MY HEART!!!!!! When I see any combination of our kiddos loving on one another, I can't imagine what they would each be like without the other. It seems like their little personalities are molding one another. If Samantha were our first-born, I'm sure she would be a different kid. They all share such unique and loving relationships. There is certainly bickering and sibling stuff, but the love runs DEEP! I love catching these precious moments. Our "little" man turned 5 this week and my mind can't comprehend that! He is such a sweet and loving boy. I can't wait to see how he eventually protects his sisters.