Sunday Snapshots

Today is a beautiful, sunny 80* degree kind of Sunday and I thought Id share a few snapshots of Finn and Sunny.  Unfortunately, Finn has been sick the past few days.  He has had a little cold with all the trimmings: congestion, sneezing, coughing, mild fever, runny nose and eyes, and fussiness.  Hopefully he will be feeling better as this upcoming week progresses.  Other than that, we have had a great day so far- we washed the cars, dogs and played in the sun.
Hope you enjoy the Pictures and have a great week.

First Waffles

Sick Day :-(

Aerobathon!

Okay so my post may be a little belated on this subject, but last Saturday on January 22, I completed a 3 hour sweat session called the Aerobathon!!  It was fun, spirited and tiring. 
It consisted of six 30 minute aerobic classes held consecutively in one three hour sector.  There were probably about 60 or so brave souls who attended and actually finished.  I was one of them and proud! 
I suppose that when i signed up, it didn't actually register in my brain what the aerobathon actually entailed- until i was in the midst of it.  About 45 minutes into it and while shifting my weight on the most uncomfortable seat ever (a bike seat) I realized- CRAP! We still have TWO hours to go!!
Anyways, after shaking my booty in Zumba, cringing in my seat during spin,  pumping iron in circuit training, crunching in during abs, being a bad ass during kick boxing and meditating (aka just lying there unable to move) in yoga- I finished!  It was awesome!  I got myself a free commemorative t-shirt, water bottle, and sore muscles to take home, but I FINISHED! During my endorphin high of achievement, I began thinking, If I can do this I can surely complete a half marathon!  Well the endorphins have run out and I am thinking clearly now, Ill keep you posted on whether a half marathon is in the future.

We Are Adults Now.

I just wanted to give a shout-out to my amazing husband.  We have endured so much in our short almost 4 years of marriage.  Last night we had amazing conversation about God and politics over a few glasses of wine.  TV was off, baby was asleep and we were just relishing in the company of one another.  I love that even today, I am living off of thee energy that our conversation produced.  I am so thankful to have met my soul mate, best friend and accomplice at such an "early" age. Although we are very different, we are so much alike and I truly believe that we were meant to be together.  Bryan, I love you more than you will ever know, and I will always look forward to good conversation and laughter.     

"Live Like No One Else, So You Can Live Like No One Else."

We are in week three of Financial  Peace University with famed Dave Ramsey leading the way through the murky waters of money management.
Bryan and I have signed on to challenge ourselves for the next 10 weeks in the effort to pay off debt, save money, and LEARN about money.  Although we are not drowning in debt, we have acquired debt just as every American has- its the norm right? WRONG!  We should not be living above our means and paying for things that we simply do not have money for.  Dave Ramsey has seven "simple" steps to paying off debt, saving money, and becoming independently wealthy. 

Step #1: Save $1000 as an emergency fund
Step #2: Pay off all debt except house, utilizing debt snowball
Step #3: Save 3-6 months worth of expenses
Step #4:  Invest 15% household income into Roth IRAs and pretax retirement funds
Step #5: Save for college
Step #6: Pay off house early
Step #7: Build wealth and give

I am proud to say that we are at step #2. Step one was easy for us; step two is one that can take awhile to get rollin'.
I am going to put it all out there- including our house in Washington, we have $265,000 of debt.  In 10 weeks, I will post an update, and in 3 months, 6 months and 1 year. 

This week was very challenging for me, especially as it drew closer towards the end of the month.  I think i am having impulse shopping withdrawal.  I frequently find myself  "window" shopping online, where I place a bunch of items i want in my cart, just to close the window.  It makes me feel both frustrated and victorious.  I am frustrated that I have a budget and cannot just simply buy my items and ride the endorphin wave of instant gratification; on the other hand I feel victorious that i resisted the urge, and know that I can wait a few more days, where I can either budget or save for my beloved "item."

Bryan and I got motivated for this process, NOT because we are drowning in debt, but because we want to learn how to make smart financial decisions, and we want to learn about what our money can do for US.  Join us and please support and encourage us as we change the way we live and the way we will live. 

The water is looking much clearer now...

Milestones...

Finn is now 7 1/2 monthes old!! It seems just yesterday I was holding him and he barely fit in my arms.  Ah to reminence...

He is growing so, so fast! He has a tooth now and I think the second one is working its way in as well.  He LOVES to eat!!  He eats just about everything we feed him, except peas.  His favorites are bananas and mango.  He eats pureed chicken, salmon, turkey, all the fruits and veggies.  He is also eating mandarin slices, pear bites, dairy, and cheerios. 

He is sitting up now while on the floor, not with a straight back, but kinda folded over.  Last Thursday, he rolled from back to front on his own... and he is slightly bringing his kness up when he is on his stomach.  Im going to predict, that he wont be much a crawler; he'll be a late crawler, but then go straight to walking.  I'll follow up in the next 5 monthes to see what has happened. 

He is very vocal, laughs alot, and protests when you take away something or get him dressed.  He'd much rather be naked.  Also, he LOVES his baths!!  That is a Finn and Daddy activity, and he loves to splash and kick.  I like to sit in and be a bystander.  Its like being at a Shamoo show- you WILL get splashed if your in the front row. 

Our Holiday season was amazing and full of blessings.  Finn and I had the oppurtunity to go to Oregon the week before christmas and see family, whom we missed alot!  Then, Bryan's parents were able to come to Texas for actual Christmas.  It was the first christmas we had at our house in Texas where there was family there. So much fun!! 

As for now, I have gotten busy sewing and making projects for friends and just kind of experimenting.  I have also been involved in a ladies bible study, which is enriching to my soul.  Bryan has got a new job as ADO (Assistant Director of Operations); he really likes it.  It is more responsibility but better hours- he's actually home at decent hours!  He is also going to take on another Master's class here in the next month, and he is in the realms of pinning on Major.  As a couple, we just started a Financial Peace University class, where we are going to learn about our finances and how to make good decisions with our money- we'll let you know how that goes...
We are enjoying our last year in Texas and are anxiously waiting to hear of any dates that we might be moving.  But, until then, we will be enjoying the sunny days, the lake and all of our friends.  Parenthood has also been a great joy.  We are learning Alot!  I think it is a mutual understanding that parenthood is basically a guessing game and a follow-your-instinct kind of gig.  Neverless, we wouldn't trade it for the world.  So that is what the Clune household has been up to, til next time...

I'm Making a Resolution to make a Resolution

Some people get intimidated by the thought of making a "New Years Resolution."  Why?  Are you afraid of failing?  Failing is natural process and everybody does it.  But you get back on the horse and try again.  If anything, it gives you the ability to evaluate what went wrong; and the opportunity to try again; try another stragedy.

 res·o·lu·tion - noun

rez-uh-loo-shuhn

–noun

1. a formal expression of opinion or intention made.

2. a resolve or determination: to make a firm resolution to do something.

3. the act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action, method, procedure, etc.

 

---

—Synonyms 4.  resolve, determination, perseverance, tenacity; strength, fortitude.

By making a resolution, you are just stating that you are DETERMINED to do something; there is no footnote that says, if you don't complete your resolution, you are a complete failure...
I am not trying to sound harsh, but there is so much negativity affiliated with the idea of making a resolution.  Whats wrong with wanting to be a better person, doing something new or positive, or just plain having fun with a "resolution?"
If you havent already, try something new, make a resolution.

With this in mind, I am Determined to do quite a few things this year:
1. Floss more often
2. Read my bible
3. Be a runner, run a 1/2 marathon (DTBD)
4. follow our budget (we are saving for a Hawaii trip, and for renovations on our house)
5. Prepare for RN school

One thing to keep in mind, We have a Whole year to complete our resolutions; so if you fall off the horse, get back on!

"I think in terms of the day's resolutions, not the year's."  ~Henry Moore

Cheers!

How in the Heck?

Okay, so I consider myself a fairly computer savvy person; I can figure out most programs, navigating, searching, shopping,* uploading and using the various social networks and forums; but for the life of me, I can't figure out this blogging thing!! How do you personalize your blog?  Also, I keep changing my title... I wan to think of something cute and catchy.  Any suggestions? (Not like i will be able to figure out how to read them or anything...)
I will figure this out, I will figure this out...
Just keep swimming...
Til next time.