I need to brag

I think it's OK to be proud of ourselves once in a while. I have a few things that I've been meaning to do for a LONG time and lately I feel like I've been slowly checking things off my long list. It's a good feeling.

We finally have a totally detailed budget! This is something that we've had our ups and downs with. Now that Danny has a more permanent job, we can actually PLAN on where to put our money. It's a beautiful thing. I still have to send a shout out to Dave Ramsey for his inspiring book and awesome software including the Debt Snowball program.

This might seem like a REALLY dorky thing to be proud of to some people but I actually went to the library and checked out some FICTION books. I used to read fiction when I was younger but once I hit college I kind of just stopped. I read some comedy books when I worked at Deseret Book (Robert Farell Smith is a genius) but that was pretty much it. I am always reading non-fiction stuff that I'm sure bores Danny :) But I decided to choose 4 books and give them a 50 pg. chance. If I wasn't into the book by the 50th page, it was getting the boot and I was on to the next one. Luckily for me, the first one has held my interest. It's a Mary Higgins Clark book (I'm not sure what the general opinion of her is, I just wanted a mystery) and so far it's interesting. Super corny, but interesting. I also got Room With a View, a Jane Austen book and some book with a cute cover. Yes, I judge by covers--so sue me. Hopefully with less time on the computer and more time expanding my mind with fictional nonsense I will be mentally fed. :)

I signed Cole up for swimming lessons and it has been SO fun to watch him get more comfortable in the water. He has made huge progress after just 2 lessons and it's really interesting to watch him interact with his teacher. (It's going MUCH better than tumbling...that was a disaster).

We've had family scripture "study" every night for almost a month. We only read 6 or so verses so as to keep Cole's attention but he is very attentive and loves to announce that it's scripture time. I hope this one doesn't sound too braggy, it's just something I've known we needed to start and we finally did. I just want Cole to remember that if we did nothing else right as parents, at least we read the scriptures together.

Other cool things:
Did my visiting teaching the FIRST week of the month instead of the last.
Cleaned out my inbox down to 8 emails instead of 58. So much junk! I also unsubscribed from about 25 email offers/coupons.
I can now see the desk and have organized my desktop. This one is huge for me. I'm pretty much a rockstar.

It's a good feeling when after so many months of wanting/needing to do things I've finally accomplished some of them.

Is this picture not hilarious?
I actually think the butt is my favorite part.


Comments

skcoe said…
How wonderful to feel like you're not only making goals, but keeping them and progressing because of them! (It's that last part that's so tricky...)

I ALWAYS choose books based on the covers. I've always liked Mary Higgens Clark, it's usually a fun easy read. I LOVE Shannon Hale and if you like LDS fiction Josi Kilpack has some good stuff.
Dave said…
Robert Farrell Smith IS a genius. I served in his ward on my mission - just as hilarious in person.
That's awesome RaeLynn! I am virtually patting you on the back right now. I also judge books by their covers - maybe that's why there is that saying, because everybody does judge them.

Yay for swimming lessons! I'm biased of course :) .
Seriously Rae, I love it when you do posts like this because it re-inspires me to get off my duff and do things. Budgeting is the worst, so you have every right to be extremely proud of that one. Seriously, I need to read one of Dave Ramsey's books so I can find out what the hype is from all of my friends!
Shannon said…
You should be proud of yourself! That is really cool! The thoughest part (for me anyway) about being a mom is the endless list of things that need to be done. I always write them out and try to cross them off, but that even seems to overwhelming sometimes. :0) Way to go RaeLynn
McBride Family said…
great post - good for you - and great blog all around - love it!
beckiemanning said…
If you can write something like this and inspire someone else, it's great--not bragging! I know that the things we hear in conference are supposed to inspire us and not make us feel guilty--same kind of thing! You are doing a great job! Keep it up!
bevany said…
Everyone deserves to brag once in a while. Good for you! I'm also trying to read more. I got some fiction books, but also got Kate Gosselin's two books she wrote. I'm nervous to read them. Good work reading scriptures...we've been working on it too and it's HARD with a three year old.
Cox Family said…
Wow, good for you Rae! It sounds like you're making TREMENDOUS strides, and there aint nothing wrong with being proud of yourself! I'm very impressed! And inspired to make better efforts at scripture reading as a family....