Following the Prophet...

We paid off our credit card debt today that we have accrued since the beginning of residency-- HOORAY! It really is such a relief, and we are continuing to learn how to be better stewards of the financial blessings we've been given. My big sisterly advice is to develop great financial habits NOW, no matter how much (or how little) money you have. The one habit Derek and I can say we are good at (and we learned it from great parents!) is paying tithing, and we know that is what has blessed us for our first decade of marriage. We are still improving on savings, budgeting, etc, so feel free to send your advice our way if you've already figured something out that we haven't yet. :)

I LOVED Elder Robert D. Hales' talk Becoming Provident Providers this past General Conference. http://lds.org/conference/sessions/display/0,5239,23-1-1032,00.html
He shared a story about how they taught their children to save-- they had a family goal to earn enough money to take a "dream vacation" on the Colorado River. Any time the kids asked to spend money on something, they were reminded of their long-term goal. So we have likewise set a goal for our family, which is already motivating the boys. We are saving our money so that all of us can go to the lovely

Richmond, Virginia

Spring 2010!

I decided to post this so that 1) Nick and Jenna know we're not just blowing smoke when we say we're planning to come see them and 2) we are committed to saving for this! (Not that the kids would let us get out of it, anyway!)

Just the other day Reido saw something he wanted in the store but said he'd rather save his money so we can go to Virginia. Yay!

Along with meeting La Hatchita pequena, we promised the boys a trip to one of their favorite resort destinations: http://www.greatwolf.com/williamsburg/lodge

Feel free to check up on us and ask the kids how the goal is coming! :)