This month I listened to Dave Ramsey's book on CD called The Complete Money Makeover. I would suggest that to everyone, and to have their children read it before they head off to college. So this month I have really tried to tighten the budget strings and start squeezing more of it into savings. Not such an easy task, but in the process I have found that I have always said "yes " to my kids when they want things. I don't think I have spoiled them, but I don't think they ever gave a second thought to how we spend our money. I have used money to solve a lot of my problems. I am learning not to say "no", but "next month" or "maybe something cheaper". I think it will teach them to be use to a budget and not use to getting what they want right then. That is a valuable character trait that I want my kids to have. Anyway, love the book.

The last thing that has happened in the last month or so has been Jeff being called as our ward's bishop. WILD HUH. He had been REALLY busy at work for a month already, but if you know Jeff he is always busy. So, not much has really changed. I know he will do a great job.

As for me it has been a wild ride lately. I have had some real life changing things happen to dear people around me, (people dying, getting cancer, getting in big trouble.) It has been hard to stand by and not be able to do anything. I guess it has made me grateful for where I am and the family and friends that I have.

I have been busy too. I got the "matching" bunk beds in the girls room and the loft bed in Cason's up. The rooms are all done now. I even got the shelving up in Cason's closet. The girls love the new bunk beds and Cason thinks his loft bed is awesome. The storage room has all of the shelving up too and now I just have to continue to fill it with food.

Samantha had a band concert and performed a couple of duets and was a solo flutist in some of the songs the whole band played. She will be playing with the ward choir in a couple of weeks too. She continues to amaze me with all her music abilities.

Carissa has continued to be a delight in our home and tries to keep up with Samantha which makes me amazed that my baby is so grown up. For instance, just the girls and I went to the pumpkin patch this year with some friends. The childhood wonderment was gone. We had a fun time. We really enjoyed the great weather, friends, kettle corn, (thanks Sarah), but not the same as taking a three year old. She just finished her soccer season and is going to start her 1st year of basketball.

Cason

Cason just finished his football season. They won one game, tied the last game in overtime, and lost 5 other games. Even with the loosing season Cason was awesome this year. He played both offense and defense and stayed in almost the season. He played receiver, and corner back, if that means anything to you. He made a touchdown catch one game and made lots of great tackles for being such a small guy.

Blake's Eagle Project

Well it has been a little over a month since I have added anything. Let me make a quick life update...

Blake has finished his Eagle project!!! Way to go Blake! A big "THANK YOU goes out to Jerry, Tony, Sarah, Mark, and Jeff, that stuck it out with Blake through the whole thing, mud and all. He built a fence for the ARC, and had the ground all leveled off with a bulldozer so that they could plant more grass and make the area usable. He couldn't have don't it without the help of so many people. He has finished writing it up and needs to make an appointment for his Eagle Board of Review. I am so happy for him!