A long time, a lot to say

I didn't realize it had been so long since I last blogged, but a lot has been going on and I guess it slipped by me.

Some things I have learned this week:

1. Peyton and I have been going to the YMCA during the day so I can work out and she can play with the other kids. She seems to like it in there because usually when I am done, she isn't ready to leave. I have really enjoyed being able to get out of the house and do something constructive, especially that doesn't cost additional money (besides our membership.) And I might even be skinny by summer!

2. Being romantic can be amazing, even on a budget. Yesterday for Valentine's Day, Jamie got up with Peyton, fed her, and then dressed her (so cute in warm up pants and a clemson t shirt) and they went to Chic-Fil-A to get me breakfast! Chikin Minis and hash browns and they were so good. He gave the box of Chikin Minis to Peyton and she brought it to me in bed! It was a great way to wake up for sure, not to mention the extra hour I got to sleep because of it!

3. There is nothing better than spending time with family.

4. As I have written before, I keep thinking Peyton is a super smart child. I am not really around other kids her age to compare her abilities to, but she recently has been picking up on things really fast. Jamie has taught her to rub her belly and say "Mmm." when she eats something good. It is really cute. Also, when we watch Little Einsteins on Playhouse Disney, they pat their legs to get Rocket going and each time they start to do it, she does too. Then they raise their arms to blast off and so does she! It is amazing what kids can learn through repetition, even at an early age. New words she has begun to say are duck, dog, quack quack, moo, milk, let's go, and please. It is really exciting when we see that she has learned a new word or phrase!
5. Trying to be frugal with money is hard and stressful. I hope one day I am able to relax and buy something without thinking about it too much.
6. God speaks to people in His own way and He does answer prayers. (I already knew this, but it was reaffirmed this week.)
7. This housing market and economy stink! We just had to lower the price on our house by $10000 hoping it would peak some interest! In this day, we will be lucky if we break even! So much for a house being a good investment that appreciates!
8. You should go with your gut- hopefully it won't lead you wrong. I just interviewed twice for a job and by the end of the second interview, I wasn't sure if I wanted the job or not. I knew it would be difficult to turn down any job offer though, due to the lack of other opportunities and the need for additional funds in our bank account! But in the end, I didn't have to make the choice because the job didn't choose me, which I was actually relieved about for the first time ever. I have another potential interview in the next week or two (I had a phone interview already) so let's pray and wish for that to work out!

My quote for the day: "If you have ears, say Cheers!"