The Pubchara Family

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

The Ugly Truth

The other day I recieved a text message that asked if we carry any debt and how we were paying off our debt.
Yes we have debt. Of course we have a plan. I think. It's in my head.
Since then, I have been obsessing over these questions. And I realized that my plan pretty much sucks. I had mentally planned that we would just pay what we could every pay check...... And if we did that, we'd never actually pay off our debt. So onto the new plan-
Our budget is broken down into pay periods. My husband gets paid every other week. He keeps a little bit of money for himself and to pay his credit card (like $100 bucks) and he also keeps money to pay our mortgage. We pay our mortgage on the 1st and 15th of the month. Doing that alone will save us thousands in interest on our loan. Then he sends me the rest of the money. And I go to the mall.
Not really. I pay the bills, do the shopping, and make pretty much every financial decision that needs to be made for our household. We make the big decisions together, of course, but when it comes to the best deal on toilet paper or what is on sale at the grocery store, that is all me.
I have always cconsidered myself to be good with money. I shop the sale ads at the grocery store. I use coupons at other stores whenever I can. I shop around for the best proces on things. but I know that there is always room for improvement. I know that I can do better than what I am doing right now. So my plan for this family blog is to document our journey of saving money, paying off debt, while still enjoying life with our family.

The Plan
Our budget will be broken down into catergories: Bills(Utilities, Cell Phone, Netflix, etc), Household Purchases (Groceries and other Household purchases like toiletries and cleaning products), Tithing, and "Extra." The "extra" will be all those extra things that we spend money on. This could be anything from a hair cut to a fun family outing. Whatever money is left over in our bank account from that pay period will be put towards the debt. So for example, if we make $500 and spend $100 on bills, $100 on groceries, $100 on "extra" stuff, and $100 on tithing, we will be able to pay and additional $100 towards our debt. But if for some reason we need that money for an unexpected anything, we will have a little bit of cash instead of adding more to our credit card. Make sense? I really do believe that the money we send at the end of the pay period is going to make a huge dent in our debt. Every little bit helps.

Every pay period I plan to include a set amount to send to my credit card. I decided $100.00 was a doable amount that I know I can pay. I will include that with the other bills I pay during that pay period.
Things may change along the way. I'll see what works and what doesn't and make changes accordingly.
The First Pay Period- April 9-22, 2014
Total For Bills: (I've actually decided not to include this figure. It is what it is. more on that later)
Total for Groceries/Household: $100.00.
Total for "Extra": $100.00.
Total for Tithing: $20.00
Our bills are high this pay period, so I decided to cut back on the grocery budget. We will eat out of the pantry and freezer.

Things I forgot to budget: Ava's First Haircut, "Egging" a few friends, Preschool Easter Party

I am in charge of bringing the supplies for Ava's preschool class's Easter bags for the egg hunt at their Easter party this week and I completely forgot to add that expense in. It won't be much, but I don't want to be dipping into money that I am really hoping I can put towards the debt. Then it hit me! I have a few things to return to Hobby Lobby and Walmart from Will's baptism last weekend- the 2 stores that I will need to purchase the supplies from, so I think I can swing this just from the store credits. I know Ava would love to spread some Easter cheer through egging a few friends. I think I can round up the supplies needed from around the house and squeeze a bag of candy into the kids's easter basket budget, so that we can do this. Ava's hair cut on the other hand.... not sure how I can afford this one this pay period. We may have to wait until next time.....She has gone 3 1/2 years without a hair cut, so i don't think it will hurt her to go another week or so.

Reflections:
Phew! That was pretty tough. Tough to watch every. single. penny. and where it went. And unfortunately I failed. or rather I didn't do as well as I originally intended. So where did I go wrong? The first week was easy! I managed to go grocery shopping and had $25 left over to buy fruit, bread, and milk the next week. I was only using the cash in my "extra" envelope for all my "extra" purchases....Then the stuff that I hadn't originally planned for or thought through happened. I didn't think about our actual plans for Easter. I went to the grocery store and spent $50 on a few groceries and some wine and beer for the husband. Which I know aren't necessary, but we needed a treat. (It had been a long week with Will's surgery.. more on that later). On Easter Sunday we bought lunch from Luby's so I wouldn't have to cook. The week before I spent $30 at a Christian bookstore. originally had planned to buy 2 books for the kids, but the 2 turned into 4. I bought a devotional I had been eyeing that was on sale and I bought another book. Then yesterday, I spent $13 on valet parking at Texas Children's. I was unfamiliar with the hospital and late to Will's appointment. I was able to send $18.37 to my credit card. I was hoping for more, like $118.37, but I'll take it and try to do better this next period. And I almost forgot about the almost $2500.00 I charged to my credit card to pay for the surgeon for Will's procedure. Thankful that we have credit to pay for things like medical expenses.

This next pay period I plan to really look into the 2 week period, especially those last few days, to figure out our expenses. From there I will prioritize the "extra" expenses. That was my biggest fault, I think. Wish me luck!

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

William 2 Months

Woah! 2 Months already, my big boy?! I don't know how to explain it, but you just fit. You fit into our family so perfectly, I can't put it into words. Everything seems so normal. It's like you've been here. We were just waiting for you to be here in the flesh. Maybe these feelings that I feel are because you've been in my heart since I started praying for you. You are so special to me.

Length: 24 inches
Weight: 13 pounds
Hair Color: Blonde
Eye Color: Dark Blue

Feeding: Breastfeeding exclusively. You like the TM. And your growth proves it.

Diapers: Size 1, barely. Size 2's are in your future. Like after we finish this pack.

Clothing: 0-3 months. All newborn clothes are packed away. And by packed away, I mean in a pile in your room.

Daily Routine: Mommy is back to her routine. You however- Eat, Play, Sleep. You sleep really well at night. You definitely know that night time is for sleeping.

Things You Do: You lift your head up and chest during tummy time. You grasp things, like Mommy's finger. You smile. You coo. You love to see your sister. You spit up. A lot. This is something that started in your second month. At your 2 month visit, the doctor was amazed by you. You were on the table and you rolled over for her. I'm not counting it as your first time- only because I think you had a bit of an advantage because of the angle you were at. Doc says you did it though.

Sweet Moments: The first time you smiled- you had just turned 6 weeks old. Almost to the minute. I laid you next to me in bed and we were laying side by side. I looked over at you and you turned your head and smiled the sweetest, most loving smile. I knew you were so happy to see me. That moment made me forget about how tired I was. I'll never forget that moment. My heart melted.

Favorite Toy: You enjoy tummy time most when you are on your tummy time mat pillow.

Funny Moments: I thought it was funny when you pooped all over the bushel basket during our family photos. Daddy didn't find the humor and was frantic about all the apples being thrown away- including the ones that were no where near you.

Milestones and Other Events
November 2, 2013- First Birthday Party(Morgan) and Baby Shower(Crystal) to attend
November 9, 2013- First Family Photos
November 13, 2013- First smile
November 28, 2013- First Thanksgiving
December 3, 2013- First time to roll over at 2 month check up

Questioning this photo shoot

Definitely not liking the picture taking

Then Princess walks in and announces she's going to school.

Back to the picture taking. This face.

Daddy said you needed something to hold.

Instant comfort once you got your BF, Ellie

That mouth.

And Behind the Scenes....

All of us in one photo. I love Ava's face.

I don't know what to say, but I love this- the chaos in our living room- to
Ava walking around her brother- to Will and his 2 Month Shoot.
Love.

Because one picture taking device is never enough.

Thanksgiving 2013

This Thanksgiving we have so much to be thankful for. We have means to provide for our family, a roof over our heads, food in our bellies, and the list goes on.

But what I am most thankful for is our precious and newest addition to our family, Will.

My Blessing

Our Family

This year we celebrated Thanksgiving, in our home, with my Dad and his wife, my father in law, my sister and her husband, and my sweet niece.

This was a special Thanksgiving since it was the first in many years

that both my sister and I were with my Dad.

Pamela, Arnold, and myself were up at 6 am to see 'Arnold the Turkey'

off in his "Death after Death," as said by Pamela.

Pamela and I spent the morning cooking and prepping for our feast.

The Turkey

Homemade Apple Pie

After dinner we watched football and enjoyed our time spent together.

It was a simple, but rich Thanksgiving.

The Menu:

Appetizers: Chips with Salsa and Black Bean Corn Dip & Deviled Eggs

Main: Turkey and Gravy, Apple Pecan Dressing, Cranberry Pomegranate Sauce, Mashed Potatoes,
Broccoli and Tomato Casserole, Sweet Potato Casserole, Green Bean Casserole, Salad, & Hawaiian Rolls

Deserts: Pumpkin Pie, Apple Pie, Pecan Pie, Fruit Pie (Brought by Arnold's Dad), Fresh Whipped Cream

I LOVE this silly girl!

Friday, November 22, 2013

William 1 Month

My sweet boy. I have fallen hard. So hard in love with you. Don't all girls fall in love hard? Mommas are no exception. You stole my heart and I don't want you to ever let it go. You are so beautiful. I can't stop staring. Your lips. Your fingers. The way your little mouth moves when you are sleeping. You are so quiet. You don't have a real cry. You grunt. And occasionally call out. But no real cry. You are very laid back and easy going. Daddy calls you 'Hiccup.' Once you start hiccuping, it's like you can't stop. Ava loves you. Really loves you. You have fit into our family so well. There was no adjusting- it's like you just slipped in because you were always meant to be here with us and we were just waiting for you. You have brought us nothing but joy and we are so blessed that you are ours. This is just the beginning!

Length: 22 inches. 21 inches at 2 weeks
Weight: 10 pounds, 5 ounces. 8 pounds, 10 (?) ounces at 2 weeks.
Hair Color: Blonde
Eye Color: Dark Blue

Feeding: Breastmilk. You had a little formula in the nursery at the hospital. Daddy tried to give you a bottle one night, so Mommy could sleep. You and I have been doing amazingly well with breastfeeding. No problems latching. No problems with supply. Everything has been perfect!

Diapers: Newborns from 10/2-10/27. Currently size 1.

Clothing: I squeezed you into a newborn onesie one last time on November 1st. And by squeezed, I mean you were a stuffed sausage. Currently 0-3 months.

Daily Routine: Sleepy Newborn Phase. Sleep, Eat, Diaper Change. Repeat.

Things You Do: You are so strong. Your head control is so advanced. That was nice when your sister
scooped you out of the swing and carried you across the living room at 2 weeks old. No floppy head for you! You are very alert. Your doctor has even commented that you are so alert and that you are going to be a very smart boy!

Sweet Moments: The first time you stared into my eyes. Like really stared. You stole my heart. Seeing all the sweet moments between you and Ava is so special. From holding hands, to her giving you little kisses, to her putting blankets on you when I am not around. She loves you. I want nothing more than this to be the beginning of a special relationship the two of you will have.

Favorite Toy: Ava has introduced you to your elephant. He doesn't have a name yet and there's a good chance your sister has stolen him. You enjoy your swing. We've started tummy time.

Funny Moments: Ava carrying you across the living room was funny after the fact. Mommy thought she was going to have a heart attack.

Milestones and Other Events
October 2, 2013: You entered the world at 4:21 am.
October 4, 2013: We brought you home from the hospital.
October 7, 2013: First Doctors Appointment
October 8, 2013: First Bath at home.
October 9, 2013: Your circumcision.
October 17, 2013: 2 week appointment
October 22, 2013: First Tummy Time. First bath in the puj tub.
October 29, 2013: Newborn Screening.
October 31, 2013: First Halloween.
November 2, 2013: Attended your first birthday party and baby shower.

Halloween 2013

Halloween was very simple this year. Ava was a Super Hero! Captain America's Daughter to be exact. This was accidentally decided. I ordered the costume and didn't pay attention to who the super hero was. Ava loved it of course! Her favorite part of the costume was the cape. She ditched the mask for Trick or Treating. Will wore his Boo onesie and a caterpillar hat for some pictures, but he ditched the hat for Trick or Treating. He's so young that I didn't get him an actual costume this year. I took Ava and Will Trick or Treating and Arnold stayed home to pass out candy. Ava was so sweet saying 'Trick or Treat' and 'Happy Halloween' and 'Thank you' to all the people who passed candy out.

Happy Big Sis

Super Hero Pose

My Hungry Caterpillar

Ava pushed herself into this photo.

I love the "realness" in this photo. baby. girl. dog.

And this was the last time I painted his face.....

Prior to Trick or Treating, while I was making dinner I caught Ava moving all the candy from the candy bowl to her Halloween bucket. I asked her what she was doing and she says, "Mommy, I'm cleaning up this mess." Well, Momma just cleaned up the Halloween mess and Ava is waking up to a lot less candy!