at the beach the other day

Duane & I (photo by Jason)

they are getting it

Last night as I was about to go to bed at midnight, I thought I smelled gas in the house. My stepfather, Scott, who is a firemen told me if I ever think I smell gas to call the fire dept., so I did. I had to warm up the car and put the sleeping kids in it. I put Jason in the backseat and Joshua in the front seat. Jason went back to sleep, but Josh was half asleep, half mesmerized by the fireman (I am sure he thought he was dreaming.) As I thought Josh was falling asleep he jumped up and said, "Mom, what about Jay?" I assured him Jason was asleep in the back seat, after he checked himself he went back to sleep. I started tearing up thinking after ALL the fighting they do to each other Josh's main concern was his brother. So I guess they are getting it (what really is important.)

Praise the Lord after about 25 min. we got the clear to go back in with no gas having been detected, they said it was probably just the start from dryer or stove (I was running a load in dryer, plus had made a cup of tea about an hour before.)

-Becky

tax refund

Because I am self employed, I was able to gather all the papers I needed and send to the woman who does my taxes already. She did my taxes and efiled them and I got my refunds last week. Efile is great!!! I do pay to have my taxes done as my CPA specializes in home businesses; plus she is a work from home mom so I get to help support her; and the cost is tax deductable for next year's tax return (as a business expense.)

what I did with my tax refund:
$400- tithe
$100- offering (family gift for sponser child)
$400- life insurance (for the year)
$450- great adventure season passes (not bought yet)
$150- renter's insurance (for the year)
$100- Jason
$100- Joshua
$2,100- in freedom to fully fund for 1 year
$200- mattress for grandma
$200-home repairs (paint,etc.)
$55- housewarming & birthday gift
$50-chinese food
$100-catch up on all bills
$4400-total refund (state & federal) not too bad.

I like that my freedom account is fully funded including $700 for car repairs. WHAT A GOOD FEELING!!! Plus I still have $1,000 in a cd for other emergencies (non car related.)

My next goal is to fully fund my emergency account to be at 6 months living expenses (about $12,000.) Then start saving for a down payment on a house. I want to save 20% over the next 5 years, so I can try to buy a house then. Of course I have no idea what God's plan is, but it never hurts to tithe, pay all bills, and save; even if buying a house is not in my future.

But for now I feel good, plus yesterday we even spent some mad money and I bought myself Yahtzee. We played it last night and I won!!!

Did you file yet? Are you getting a refund? What are your plans for your refund?
-Becky

Monthly budget

Becky’s Budget Feb. 2009

Income:
Jason $386 ($96.50 weekly)
Joshua $170 ($85 bi-weekly)
Office Work $480
Childcare $320

Total $1356

Expenses:
*Tithe $120
Savings $
Offering $ 70 (Compassion Child $35 / Solutions $25 / F.O.F. $10)
*Rent $500
Car Repairs $
*Car insurance $ 80 (due 2/13)
Gas for car $120
*Allowance $ 64
Electric bill $105
*Phone $ 24 (for basic phone only with taxes)
Food $200
Non groceries $ 30 (contact stuff, misc.)
Freedom account $100
*HSLD $ 11
Clothes $ 0
Spending $ 0

Total $

I am super excited

My sister, Lindsey, and her husband, Justin, feel lead to adopt. You can read all about them if you click here

Please do so and send them some love and support by leaving them a comment, as they are just starting out with adoption process. But what is so exciting is that they already have a little girl who may be there's. Her name is Anna, she is absolutely adorable.















It may all happen very quickly for them. That being said, I ask you to prayerfully consider making a donation to them. Even $5 is helpful. They are willing to do the work and raise this little girl, so maybe God wants you to help with bringing her home. Thanks so much! -Becky

donate online here: