Family

HRG’s Christmas Awesome Stuff Survey

The Merfett

I’m jumping on the cool kids train and linking up to Hungry Runner Girl’s Christmas Survey.

1.  Favorite Christmas Album/CD/Song?

I have a recent new favorite. “Mary Did you Know” I like the version by Reba :) Something about that sassy red head!

2.  Run on Christmas morning or take the day off?

Day off! I LOVE sleeping in on Christmas and taking it easy. Spending the morning in my pj’s is a Christmas gift on its own.

3.  What do you usually eat on Christmas morning?

My Mom would always cook breakfast and the tradition would be a breakfast pizza. It’s a pastry with different flavor segments…apple, cherry, lemon. It’s yummy. I think since this is our first Christmas, Merfman and I will have to come up with a breakfast tradition. I’m thinking Monkey Bread or Cinnamon Rolls :)

4.  Favorite holiday or Christmas tradition?

Decorating the house for Christmas. I also really like sending out Christmas Cards. My family always sent a card, and now I love sending one from our little family.

5.  Real tree, fake tree or no tree?

Real. I love the smell. But we have a fake tree this year since we’ll be gone for several days visiting family and worried about the tree drying out. We also have a little French Bulldog that loves to graze, and I’m sure she’d enjoy nibbling on the pine needles.

6.  Christmas pajamas… yay or nay?

YAY! My Mom started a tradition on Christmas Eve when we were little. We always got a fresh set of pajamas to wear that night for Christmas morning.

7.  Where do you spend the holidays?  Your own house, your parents’ house, extended family, in-laws, friends?

All over the place. This year it’s going to be in-laws, my parents and extended family. We’ll be busy!

8.  Food that you always have during the holiday season?  Favorite Christmas food/treat?

Cider. I love making cider in the crockpot. I love the way it smells and how it always feels like Christmas when I have a mug. It’s also tradition for my Dad’s side of the family to have Mexican food for our Christmas celebration. We love us some Mexican food.

9. Open presents all at once or take turns?  Stockings… yes or no?

Both? We trade off some years and take turns or just go for it. We always do stockings at my Grandma’s house. We all have unique stockings that we got when we were born that have out names on them.

10.  Favorite Christmas(ish) movie?

ELF! I quote it almost too often if that’s possible. You don’t yell “Santa, I know him” every time you see the big man in red?

Family

Graduate!

The Merfett

Today I completed my final session of Financial Peace University!!

I signed up for the online course in August, and 15 weeks later I’m done! Since we started FPU, Merfman and I have made some awesome changes in our finances, but I’m most thrilled with the change in HOW we look at, deal with and spend those hard earned dolla’ billz.

It’s not rocket science my friends. It’s living within your means the way your Grandparent’s did. If you follow the steps and work the plan it will blow your mind. I promise. When you control your money, you don’t let it control you. I know we’ve all had those weeks and months where we check the bank account and our lighter wallets and wonder…WHERE did that money go?

We have a plan in place, and we’re working toward a financial goal. There’s a snowball to tackel, as Dave calls it, but it’s doable and we’re sick and tired of being normal. Because Normal = Broke. Weird = Good. It’s not easy, it’s hard work. But seeing the results makes you want to work harder.

Is life all about money? Heck, to the no!

There is so much more to life than having a big pile of cash. But, this journey is about changing our family tree, and making much of ourselves. I want to retire someday, and enjoy life with my hardworking Merfman. I want to send my future kids to college debt free, with a solid hold on their finances. I want to GIVE and bless other families someday.

Tis’ the season of giving, and long lines at the mall…circling the parking lot for ANY space. I encourage you to gift someone an education that will change their lives. I’m not being dramatic…so what if I drank the Kool-Aid, it tasted good, it worked and I paid cash for it. We believe in the program and Dave knows what he’s talking about. It’s not some crazy self-help program that’s trying to steal your money, it’s legit. Read the testimonies, talk to people about it. It works.

Avoid the long lines and the grumpy people in the parking lot at the mall. Do you really need to give Aunt so-and-so another set of sunflower tea towels? Give a gift that really will give so much more.

Family

I Feel Pretty

The Merfett

Remember that one time I talked about coloring my hair at home?

Well, it finally happened! I had been dragging my feet since I didn’t want to spend the extra money last month. I went online to Sally Beauty and wrote down the prices of everything I needed…realizing that it was only a $15 investment. Oh.

So, yesterday after church we made a trip to the store to gather the necessary supplies. Merfman was very tempted to make things a little more interesting with some hot pink highlights, but quickly put it down. I was beyond nervous that I was going to buy the wrong supplies or not mix the ratio correctly and end up bald.

Last night we prepared the bathroom and wore old pajamas for fear of transfer. After 20 minuets of skilled application by Merfman, and 30 more minuets of processing I was ready to rinse and dry!

I kept checking myself out in the mirror absolutely surprised that it really WORKED!! Who knew, following directions can get you results?

Now, I didn’t do anything too intense. I only went a shade or two darker than my current shade, and I consulted a pro to get the info on what brands and supplies to buy.

The real victory is the savings, Dave Ramsey would be so proud! $15 for an at home color, or $55+ for a salon version. Yes, the home version isn’t as comfy or posh, and the results aren’t exactly the same. But I’ll take it!