Crazy for Cricut!!

I am SO excited! I have been wanting a Cricut for years and could never justify spending $200+ on one. Yesterday while browing the ads in the Sunday paper I could not believe my eyes - JoAnn's had a sale on Cricuts for only $85!! I could not get to the store fast enough! I bought one and can't wait to start getting crafy with it! (Thank goodness for tax return money!)

Do you have one? I'd love to hear about the fun creative things you've made with it!

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"Dozer"

Tax Time

Stephen just filed our taxes online the other night and we found out how much we are getting back. It's a decent amount for people like us who think that $20 is a lot, you know? We are planning to stash most of our tax return money and use it for the next couple of years when Stephen is doing clinicals. During that time he will not be able to provide much, if any, income. So of course we want to save up as much as we can to help take some of the burden off me. We're cool with that - trust me, we'd love to blow it all on house repairs, stuff for Ava, maybe a date or two, some new clothes, etc. but we know the right thing to do is to save it...

BUT

we are seriously considering taking a small portion of the money and going on a vacation. We are so undecided about this because on one hand we feel guilty spending the money for something as luxurious as a vacation, considering the financial situation we are already in, not to mention the future! On the other hand, we have only been on "vacation" once together, not including our honeymoon. We would love to get away for even a long weekend together! Is that so much to ask? Also, we know that the next few years are going to be really tough on us financially, all the more reason to save. But, we also know that time is going to be stressful on us as a couple and that we won't be seeing each other much, facing money problems, etc. So why not enjoy a trip together now while we have the time and money?

We have been praying about this and will try our best to follow God's direction for how we should handle the money - but in the meantime, I'd love to hear your opinion! What would you do? Be responsible and save all the money or indulge a little and take a vacation??

Brussels Sprouts

In an effort to try new things and get a bit more iron in my diet I am making brussels sprouts for the first time. I have tried them before - just boiled w/some butter and salt - and I hated them! So I am looking for some creative and hopefully tasty recipes. If you know of any that you like, please share!! Here is one that I think I might try...

Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole

Preheat oven to 350. Cook 2lbs brussels sprouts (halved) in boiling salted water for 6 min or until tender. Meanwhile melt 3 Tbsp butter in saucepan. Stir in 3 Tbsp flour w/wire whisk. Gradually add 3 cups milk, stirring after each addition. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Simmer 3-5 min or until thickened, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in 2 cups shredded cheese and 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg. Drain sprouts, add to cheese sauce, mix lightly. Spoon into greased 9x13, sprinkle with 1/2 cup finely crushed Ritz crackers. Bake 35-40 min, until top is golden brown.

Hello Gorgeous!

Welcome to my third official blog! My main blog started as a way to share stories and pictures of Ava with family and friends. It has since evolved into a sort of "memory book" for Ava. There are often times that I would like to share or post something, but I don't feel it belongs on that specific blog, so I decided to create a new one. This one is a place for me to come, discuss things that are on my mind, & just be me. A place to vent, rant & rave. I hope you enjoy reading things and maybe every once in a while it will make you smile, or laugh, or really think about something. Enjoy!