Seriously, Some People Can't Be That.......

......naive!

Someone recently said that the " cure-all" to most Americans being broke is for them to make more money!!!!! This person can't be serious. Making more money will not cure being broke if bad choices aren't changed into good ones. That's the problem nowadays; society pushing people to work, work, work...to make the all mighty dollar; and for what? To still be broke at the end of the day. Habits have to change; thoughts and ideas too!

The key is very simple to keeping more money in your pocket: try to keep your bills low and learn to love to live within your means! Easy and Simple, right?! For many people, it isn't.
Let me give you an example. When my husband and I started looking for a home to buy, we had a limit on what we wanted to pay each month in one big payment, including mortgage, insurance, and taxes.

We didn't bother looking at houses that would clearly bust our payment limit because we would just be fooling ourselves and our wallets. Now, sure we could've afforded a bigger house, but why? Our bills would be bigger, it would be more for me to clean, and more furniture we have to buy to decorate with! Besides, we wanted to live comfortably on what my husband was making at that time, since I am a SAHM; so if he got a raise or promotion (which he did), that would be extra money for us to keep in our pockets or give to other people in our family.

Society have warped most people minds into thinking more money means your less broke. Nope, it doesn't. If some people rather get a purse from COACH, rather than Target or even a thrift store; then those are the ones who will be broke, even if they had more money. Keeping up with the Joneses or anyone else, combined with too many bills will kill any chances of us moving from broke to wealthy. Just my opinion!!! :-D

I'll write another post going through each category in our budget and how I try to keep that bill low and why we don't have other bills as well.

-Sheena

Plans On Hold......

For those of you who read my blog regularly, you know I have been talking about some personal things that I have been thinking about and working out over the past few weeks. What was taking up most of my thoughts/time was the possibility of going back to school; Law School to be exact.

Before I got too deep with prepping and planning, I wanted and needed to consult GOD first to 1. see if it was in his will and 2. if he would make a way for me to go to school. I did get prayer and the Lord did let me know it was alright for me to go back to school.

After that, I still wasn't happy. Something inside of me refused to let me be joyous and continue on in the planning process. I then sat down and begin to ask myself some hard but honest questions and in turn answer those questions honestly despite how I may feel. At the end of that session, I cam to a conclusion; Law School was NOT for me at this present time. I had to think about everything the Lord said to me and not just the "it's alright" part. Now, I could very well go at some later point down the road, but not now. And you know what was amazing, just as soon as I made that decision, I immediately felt better. It was like going from 0 to 10 in seconds on the happy scale. My spirit became more relaxed also. Its so amazing how GOD guides and protects me from potential disasters.

My husband and I also had a loooooong talk about this very subject. I told him that I didn't feel right; my spirit didn't feel right and I couldn't possibly go further with Law School without knowing exactly why I had these feelings. He told me that he actually prayed and asked GOD to let him know if what he was feeling was bad; because my husband had those same not so good feelings about me going to Law School but he didn't want to tell me as to not hurt my feelings. As soon as I told him that I felt the Lord didnt want me to go now, he said it was confirmation!!!!! He gave me a big hug and told me he was proud of me!

I know that GOD will provide. Besides, there are many, many people with advance degrees who cannot find work or who have low paying jobs they didnt think they would have to have. My life is a testimony in itself. My husband does NOT have a college degree, yet he is the HEAD..yes HEAD of his department, which requires a Master's degree. Got 2 promotions and 2 raises, including a bonus last year that was half his salary...yes, his bonus; which helped us buy our first home! We went to Europe for a month, have money in the bank, and are able to give to others. I'm NOT bragging, but the Lord brought all of this back to my remembrance to let me know it is HE..NOT I, BUT HE who opens doors and blesses. It is HE who provides for us and protects us and NOT a law degree OR job. I had to GET OUT OF THE WAY!!

I am so grateful to GOD for being so awesome. I feel Good and now can move on to others things. I love being a SAHM, although at first I didn't...BUT I Love it now!!!!

Have a GREAT Day!
Sheena

Our Trip to Europe-Pictures....

I had a little time on my hands this evening and as I was going through some pictures on our camera, I came across some pictures of my family and I in Europe.

Really no description needed; except that we went to London and Romania, stayed for a month, and it was a good, educational experience. Enjoy!

This is the only time.....................

When I don't mind being busy........why?!

Because I go on VACATION this week............

I badly need it and so does my poor husband. We plan to have a ball!

Gotta get the money, packed suitcases, info, and so much other stuff in order...but I am so HAPPY to do it!!!!

Until Next Time,
Peace Be Upon You!

Ever Heard of The Expression...............

................Christmas in July???

Well, even though its August...I have started planning for Christmas. I love everything about the day; the meaning, celebrating my Lord and Savior Jesus, giving to others, the lights, music, food, and just being with family.

With that said, we all know that Christmas is one of the most expensive times of the year with gifts, food, travel, electricity (Christmas trees & lights), heating costs, etc. Since I can't predict what most will costs, I can start the budget process for our gifts.

Since my entire family is large..very LARGE...we have started doing Pollyanna's; that way no one would be burdened with trying to buy a present for everyone. Also, my husband and I wanted to give a gift to my sisters as well.

Furthermore, I have started my wish list for my husband...LOL..better early than never!
I also created budgets for each of us with the gifts we would like:

$70.00 for our daughter
Doll
Stroller
Educational toy-Jumpstart Game
Book
Misc Toy

$125.00 for Mommy
The Mummy DVD (1st movie)
Pajamaas-Purple or Blue
Wawa Gift Card-$20
$25 Cash
1 nice smelling Candle
Comfy Slippers

$200.00 for Daddy
Surprise!

This is our start to a more frugal Christmas. You wouldn't believe how much we used to spend on each other in the past; but we wanted to spend less money and try to give gifts that are less expensive but really special!

We also have started 3 new traditions within our household to do during the Christmas holiday.......

.....They are:
1. Put on our coats and walk around our neighborhood to view all the pretty Christmas lights.

2. Give/Send a donation box to a shelter or organization that helps those who are less fortunate.

3. Bake cookies, then shut out all our lights except for the Christmas tree and watch a traditional Christmas cartoon (while eating our freshly baked Christmas cookies!)

I can't wait for Christmas!

Until Next Time,
Peace Be Unto You!

A New & Fresh Start!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sometimes when life just bites you on the arms, you have to bite life back. I haven't been posting as much as I'l like to but that has changed.

I decided to start fresh..with a new template, colors, and wording. Its also a chocolate theme, which I absolutely love. Besides, I miss chatting with all my blogging ladies.

On a much, much happier note...I am preparing to go on vacation next week and am so excitied. It'll be nice to just get away.

Also...my daughter will be turning 3 next month...on September 11th..I know right?! But we believe that GOD had turned a day of sadness into a blessing for us through our daughter. We are still trying to figure if we should give her a nice birthday party with all the trimmings..or take her and her 3 other girl cousins (ages 2, 3, 4) somewhere where they will tire themselves out and then go to bed when they get home..(our daughter LOVES to run, jump, play). Any suggestions??

As for gifts, we have 2 in mind...a magic doodle board & tricycle. She already has a brand new barbie bike that her grandpa bought for her with all the trimmings..but it's a little too advanced for her and it has training wheels!

We still have some time...so we'll see.

Until next time,
Peace Be Unto You.............

Just Blame Facebook

Ever since I "discovered" it, I have been posting there more often than here. I like facebook though...pretty cool website.

Can't Wait Until AFTER tommrrow...............

.......Cause this whole Michael Jackson thing should be over or at least die down a bit.

It's everywhere...the news, magazines, weather and business channels, even churches!!!!

I have NOTHING against him as a person..but when churches start playing his music and preaching about him DURING the time they are supposed to be praising GOD; then I think as a christian...we have crossed the line.

I think about how much focus and attention do I give God or my fellow brothers & sisters. Do I show them as much love as I give to Mr. Jackson, am I making him an idol and putting him before GOD??????????????!!

After all, didn't Jesus tell Peter, when his father died, to let the dead bury their dead.....the Lord needed Peter to FOCUS on him and not the loss of his father, because he had to prepare Peter for a higher purpose and there wasn't much time to do it in.

Now don't get me wrong, I too used to be a HUGE fan, I mean HUGE....but as a grew in Christ, he has taught me that HE should be my #1 priority, then my family, then my fellow saints...

I cannot forget that my God is a jealous God and does not like his people putting others or things before him.

Just my two cents.......

I Can Offically Say That I've Been..............

.........Married 4 Years!!!!!!!!

Happy Anniversary Honey!

Hubby Going away next week.......

Gotta get him ready. He's going on a business trip for 2 days...which is a lot to me. It'll just be me and my daughter, at the mall, LOL. Just kidding.

I am also in the midst of preparing our menu for the next 2 weeks. I go food shopping on Monday and there are 2 special days during the next 2 weeks.; 1. Father's Day & 2. Our wedding anniversary (June 24th).

Well, I'm off to hang with the family.

Enjoy your day.

I'm Back and Feeling Refreshed...............

.................Thanks to many prayers, kind words, and intervention by GOD.

This past week...well actually, these past few weeks, have been very difficult for me spiritually. There were many times when I felt like the was Devil closing in on me.
I started to feel like I couldn't make an escape until GOD came and intervened on my behalf.
My home even has a different feel to it & I'm more peaceful and happier.

Now, If I can ONLY get my 2, almost 3, year old daughter to stay in her bed, when it's time to go nite nite.

How Young Is Too Young to Be a Successful Housewife

When my husband and I got married almost 4 years ago, I was 20 years old. I had met him when I just turned 19. Right away I fell in love with him; but it wasn’t your standard “boyfriend & girlfriend” type love, but something much more. When we announced our engagement 3 months after we met, we ran into a lot of ‘are you ready for marriage”, or “your too young”, or “live life first, then in a few years, if your ready".. I started to think if getting and staying marriaged was even a good thing anymore.

Yes, I was young and still am (I’m 24 now), but yet GOD had something else in store for us. Its funny how almost every single person in the bible that was used by GOD had a situation/appearance/background/etc, that wasn’t accepted by “society” standards. I mean, can you imagine the looks and “talking behind the back” remarks Moses must’ve received when he told his family that GOD spoke to him through a burning bush. People’s first thoughts were probably, “Moses is nuts!”

I have to admit, my perception of Housewives was quite different growing up and entering college. As a young child, I can specifically remember being told to study hard so I can go to college and get a good job. I wasn’t taught to keep a house, cook, how to dress like a lady, or even prepare myself for a husband. Many of the women in my family had terrible relationships with men and I was taught that I didn’t need a man in my life. All a man did was become a weight, that had no job, dozens of children, no education, etc. I didn’t even want to get married because of what I experienced growing up; and if I did get married, it would be when I was older, much older…like 40!LOL

And kids, don’t even get me started on kids. I didn’t want any children. Nope, none whatsoever! Many girls my age growing up, had kids and it was ALWAYS out of wedlock, with some guy they knew for a few months. Here they are stuck with a baby, still in high school, no job, or stable future. I did not want that to be me. That was something else that I was taught growing up……..STAY AWAY FROM BOYS! BOYS ARE BAD!!! BOYS ONLY WANT ONE THING FROM YOU!!

Well when I met my husband we was 23, gone to college, VERY smart, had a career, active in his church, dressed VERY professional (even on our first date), and extremely handsome. His background was MUCH different than mine. His mom stayed home with him and his sibling when they were younger. She taught them how to care for a home, cook, manage money, dress, and behave. I had to learn ALL this, especially when we started talking about marriage. I realized that I would feel VERY bad, even awful, if I didn’t know how to cook my husband a meal, and he’d have to go to someone else or stop off at a fast food place.

When we both decided I would stay home and be a housewife, it was a lot to take in at first. Here I am 22, college graduate at home doing nothing. We’ll GOD sure did change my perception. I soon realized that my job in the home is so important. It’s like running a company. There’s cooking, cleaning, budgeting, organizing, planning, and so much more. My cousin said that even though the man is the head of the family, the wife is the neck! LOL. That means the head needs the neck to get everything in the body function properly. It guides the head in each direction...LOL

Today, I can say that I LOVE taking care of my family. Yes, there are times when I get into a “rut” and yearn for something a little different. But all in all, I’m happy and blessed. Since I began to stay home, the Lord gave my husband a new job, 2 raises, and he just got a promotion last week…in THIS economy! When I let go of my wants and desires, GOD will step in and pour his blessings on you!

Still Awake & Full of Energy.....

Yes...my baby. My wonderful, beautiful, cuddly 2, almost 3 year old. It's 10:28pm and she isn't sleep yet. We have tried the "letting her cry it out", but she still will not go to sleep. She cried for almost 1 hour until we came and got her. She will ONLY go to sleep if I lay with her; she likes to be close to me...the bad part is that I have to sleep in her room on the floor, and I am a sensitive sleeper..the slightest sound will wake me up. I really haven't slept through the night since she was born, which would make that 2 1/2 years!

Oh, how I long for a good, comfy night's sleep.

So, for my birthday...and I have already made my request known to my husband (my b-day is in September)...I would like to stay in a hotel overnight, by myself...with a nice spa treatment & dinner. All getting me ready for my BIG birthday present...A FULL NIGHT OF SLEEP! (hopefully the BEST 10 hours, OF MY LIFE! ( At least I hope to sleep 10 hours straight).

We'll I'm, off to see the wizard.....or at least in dreamland hopefully.

Nite, nite!

The Weekend

We had some beautiful weather this past Friday and Saturday. Highs in the mid to the upper 70s. It felt just right; not too hot & not too cold. I wanted to take advantage of this nice weather by completing some work out the outside of our new home and spend some time as a family out doors.

I took our daughter to the playground both days so she can run, ply, yell, and get some exercise. She played her little heart out. I swung on the swing, and boy, did it bring back some good memories. In fact, that was the very reason I went to the playground as a kid; the swing! Even my hubby got on!

We also went out Friday evening to Home Depot to pick up a lawn mower. Our grass was growing like no body's business, and needed to be cut badly. Our budget was $200, including tax. I was hoping we could get what we need in that price range, and we did! The total came to $140 and change including tax (I had a coupon, of coarse!). It was easy to put together as well.

We also heard some strange sounds with our car, especially when the gear is in reverse and we back up. I was hoping that it wouldn't be expensive, since we had an older car, but it wasn't. My husband took it to the machine first thing Saturday morning and they drove the car. Once they got back to the shop, they lifted the car up and the mechanic saw the the front bumper had been hanging off..underneath..where you can't see. And every time we backed up, it hit against the tire causing the noise we heard. He took 4 screws, tightened it back on and solved our problem. A $22.00 job! Praise GOD! We all know how much cars can eat into any body's budget and can have some VERY, VERY costly repairs. But, I thank GOD that he made a big situation into something small and inexpensive!

Saturday, we also went to the playground, out to lunch at Chick Fil-A (Great Food, Very Pricey), visited the mall, got some ice cream, and came home to play the Wii. It was a nice ending to a wonderful day!

Well, I'm gonna get ready to get off of here....I'm hungry and ready to eat dinner. We are having Long Grain rice, string beans, chicken, and Sweet Potato Pie for dessert! Yum!

Enjoy your day!

Update on Shopping Outing Yesterday & Today's to-do list

Yesterday, I ventured out to Marshalls, Target, and the Post Office. I wanted to go to Bed, Bath, & Beyond..but didn't since I left my coupon home by accident.

I came out with some really good deals. I'll post a more detailed version later.

Today, I need to wash some clothes, work on our budget/savings accounts, plan a menu and my grocery store list/match coupons, pay bills, take hubby's suit to dry cleaners, go to bank, and some other things.

Also, mess around with some make-up..experimenting with different shades of colors and the like. Also conditioning my hair. It's VERY important to me to look good for for myself, but more importantly for my husband. Besides, I love when he can't stop looking/touching me...and not wishing his wife kept up herself.

The weather outside..is cold, rainy, grey, and wet and it's a Wednesday. The day is moving very slowly.

But........can't complain..the LORD is is good anyway! I'm Thankful.

I am so......................

BLESSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

......and you are too!

Enjoy your evening!

50 Random Facts About Me

Got this idea from Heather over at What What You Have. She is such a real and down to earth person and I enjoy reading her blog very much.

So here we go; 50 Random Things About Me (some of our answers are exactly the same!):

1. I love God, and I have accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and personal Saviour.
2. I believe that the Bible is the inerrant word of God.
3. I’m passionately in love with my husband.
4. I have one daughter. She is 2.
5. I used to eat the white tips of matches when I was a child..LOL
6. We bought our first home this year and it feels great!
7. I'm addicted to soda....any kind really, except diet.
8. My hubby and I met through a chatroom. Yes, the Lord works in mysterious ways. He spoke to Moses through a burning bush, didn't he?!
9. My favorite color is purple.
10. My favorite number is 4.
11. People say they love my cakes; I LOVE to bake.
12. I used to participate in pageants as a teen. I even won a city and state crown/trophies.
13. I love neatness and order. I can’t concentrate when the house is a mess.
14. I am 24 years old & my hubby is 29; most people think were much older..lol
15. My hubby proposed to me 1 month after we met and I said YES!
16. Been to Orlando twice and I an I'm LOVE with it.
17. I prefer to stay home; although at first I despised it...lol
18. I absolutely LOVE make-up and I wear it often.
19. When I was a child, I was in love with Michael Jackson...not anymore though...lol
20. I've been to London and Romania....I loved the experience.
21. I love sales and couponing.
22. Hubby has been to many cities in the US.
23. I care about me and my family appearance. We represent GOD and we should look and act like it.
24. I’m organized and thrifty.
25. I'm a stay at home wife and mommy; although we plan for me to go to law school in 1 1/2.
26. I LOVE sweet potato pie. My mouth waters up just thinking about it.
27. I LOVE the Christmas season; just everything about it.
28. I love the movie Lord Of The Rings...my all 3 extended version, soundtrack, and behind the scene stuff.
29. I love listening to old gospel. I love the feeling I get from it.
30. I am a quiet person and prefer to keep to myself.
31. I love FLOWERS and plan to start a garden soon.
32. I love everything chocolate; cake, ice cream, regular chocolate, cookies, etc.
33. My favorite stores are Macy's & Target.
34. I love family get together's.
35. My favorite subject in school was History.
36. I have a BA degree in History/Politics.
37. I studied at 3 colleges/universities, starting in the 10th grade.
38. I remember the exact details the first day I met my hubby; what we were wearing, where we went, how shy I was, etc.
39. People say I'm sweet!
40. My favorite junk foods are chips, soda, cookies, pie, and cheese...yes..cheese.
41. I don't like tomatoes, squash, peppers, raw onions, or anything diet.
42. I love water ice, especially mango, cherry, and blueberry.
43. I have 3 younger sisters....19, 16, and 10.
44. I love the show, Everybody Loves Raymond.
45. I love high heel shoes (not the exotic dancer kind)lol
46. My hubby still says he's attracted to me just like when we first met.
47. I like to watch the Food Network Channel.
48. I love to watch Rick Steves' Europe.
49. I LOVE going to church every week and being with ALL my family.
50. I love being married and a mommy; and wouldn't changed it at all!