Big Brood

Back in early November gander and I took a look at our finances and decided we were at best going no where fast and more likely on a sinking ship. Together we headed down the debt reduction road once again. I say once again because we have done this several times before. We have taken tax returns, bonuses, etc and paid down credit card debt to zero (or nearly zero) only to be lured back into our consumer world thinking we should spend money on things we didn’t need and certainly couldn’t afford.

We are trying something a little different this time. We are communicating. It seems obvious but we have lacked this in the past. It is much easier to slip back into bad habits when you don’t talk about spending, purchases, etc with your spouse. It has taken us almost 12 years of marriage but I think we are starting to figure a few things out! I did say starting!

We also decided we would keep ourselves motivated by taking a special trip or buy something special to reward/motivate ourselves whenever we get a large bill paid off. Since our current endeavour began in November we have paid off 2 big bills and are chopping away at a third, Gander’s 10 year old rusting minivan (don’t ask why we still have an outstanding loan on this, sigh). Gander and I took a much needed overnight date night last night. We had the youngest gosling with us, but other than that it was just us. We had several “quiet” meals together and got a lot of chatting done. It was very refreshing and really helps us to keep our perspective.

So the other goslings don’t feel too burdened by our debt reduction plan (and the sacrifices they have been making like very few trips to the “big M”) we will treat them also, we will be going to an indoor water park next month. That will get us up to date until the next debt has been eliminated!

It is in the low 50’s today which makes me quite anxious for spring to officially arrive! I ordered our seeds for our garden last week, which I plan to at least double in size this year. I decided to try the heirloom route this year http://www.seedsavers.org/ after listening to this audio book,

I have no time to sit down and read something like this but with car trips here and there, running kids to a class, and the occasional quiet moment around here (ha), I am almost finished listening! I think audio books have to be one of the best inventions for a busy mom. Here is the website with loads of info and my favorite, recipes. http://www.animalvegetablemiracle.com/.

Our yard could use a major overhall but I think we will try to get some more debt paid down before we tackle it. I planted several bushes last summer and fall as well as some bulbs that I hope have survived.

I am wondering how to keep a large garden in order while mothering my family in a way that will keep everyone happy, content and growing in all the right ways. I think I need to take stock of my expectations and make sure they are in check. I often have high lofty goals but forget I am the mother of 6 children who are in constant need of my attention and correction. It seems we are all on a constant learning curve around here.