Bring on 2010!

I can't believe this year is almost over. It seemed like it went so fast. It definetly was a great year though. I don't think there is any part of the year that I would change.

It started out with us getting settled in our new house.  Having a house is a lot of work.  I had no idea how much work went into fixing up a house. It's been exciting though.  The biggest thing we did this year on the house was new windows.  We saved up the money and got bids from different companies and with the help of some great friends and my dad, Steve put in the new windows. I love them.  The house seems much brighter with the new windows and our electric bill is definitely happier.

We celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary this year in May.  We also made the final payments on our vehicles this Spring. It feels so good knowing the cars are paid for. It's just one less debt to worry about.  The next task is to tackle the student loans. Besides the house, the student loans are all we have left.
This summer, my High School class celebrated our 10 Year Reunion.  Liz traveled up from Tulsa to spend the week with us, so I was happy about that.  It was good to see some friends I hadn't seen in awhile and catch up with others I see all the time.
This summer, Steve, our friend Damian, and I took a road trip to Philadephia to visit Steve's cousin, Meredith.  We spent a day walking around Philly, then we went to the a Phillies baseball game.  We also visited Delaware and spent a day in New York City.  I think in total we visited 5 different states.  The trip was pretty fun.  I rode on a train and a city bus for the first time. I love history, so walking around all the sites in Philly was really exciting.
God blessed us at every turn this year.  It seemed like everytime we felt discouraged or stressed, He had something for us right around the corner.
We are back working a second part time job at Sears for Christmas.  We are both hoping they keep us after the season is over. 

We ended the year with a trip to Chicago with some amazing friends.  It was a bit on the chilly side, but great fun anyway.  These two have been two of my best friends for almost 20 years. I would not trade them for the world.  Our husbands all get along too, so that's great.
I made a New Years Goal last year of reading one non-fiction book a month, for a total of 12.  As of today, I'm working on number 11.  I didn't reach my goal, but I figure 11 books is more than I read last year. 
I can't wait to see what God has in store for us in the next year.  Bring it on.

2009 YWCA Christmas

YWCA Wish List

Thank You to Everyone who Donated to the YWCA this Year!

The need continues all year: Become a Women of Vision today!

If you have any questions please call Peggy King at 574-233-9491 or email her at pking@ywcasjc.org.

My Reading Goal: 10 Down, 2 More to Go

I had a goal this year to read one non-fiction books a month, for a total of 12 books, because I heard the average millionaire reads one non-fiction book a month.  I just finished my tenth book, so that means I have one month to read the last two.  I'm not sure what books I'm going to read yet.  This was much harder then I though, probably harder than it should have been. 

Proverbs 18:15 (New International Version)

The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out.

Here is a summary of the books I read so far:

1. The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
2. Financial Peace Revisited by Dave Ramsey
3. Who Moved my Cheese by Spencer Johnson
4. Bridges Out of Poverty by Phil DeVol
5. Rhinoceros Success by Scott Alexander
6. The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas Stanley
7. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Richard Kiyosaki
8. Your First Two Years of Youth Ministry by Doug Fields
1. This was actually the second time I read this book.  I loved it again this time too.  This book is full of little tokins of wisdom.  I recommend it for anyone working with kids, not just in Youth Ministry.
1. "God is much more concerned by your being than your doing."
2. "Failure to see the difference between loving God and loving others can result in a ministry-focused life rather than a God-focused life."
3. "Faithfullness to the first commandment (loving God) results in obedience to the second (loving others).
4. Accountability: "Be courageous enough to invite a friend to lovingly ask you about your consistency, your desire, and the quality of your times with God."
5. "God doesn't need you to be a spiritual giant to lead students toward maturity."  God is mostly concerned for your heart.  As you walk on the journey and grow closer to Jesus, drag some students to follow you along the way.
6. When students start to follow you, it is very important that you are leading them in the right direction though.  Students will follow where you go more than they will ever listen to what you say.  It may feel like a burden, but it's actually a calling.
7. (1 Corinthians 11:1)  Students are like sponges. They soak up everything you say and do.
8. "Student leadership can allow them to use their skills of God's kingdom, interact with full-time ministers, and open their eyes to a unique way of spending their vocational lives."
9. "Effective students leaders advance the church, reach more people, grow in their spiritual journeys, and relieve adult leaders of some of the work load."
10. "Student leaders will challenge you with their readiness to serve, inspire you with their faith, and convict you with their pure motives...Invite them to serve, and be with them when they face trials in the future." "Most teenagers are dying for an adult to believe in them."
    
9. The 21 Irrefuttable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell
1. The ideas in this book are pretty simple.  This is a must-read for anyone that is a leader or plans to become one.
1. "Character makes trust possible. And trust makes leadership possible. That is the Law of Solid Ground."
2. "People listen not necessarily because of the truth being communicated in the message, but because of their respect for the speaker."
3. "Champions don't become champions in the ring - they are merely recognized there."
4. "The Law of Sacrifice says you have to give up to go up."
5. "When the right leader and the right time come together, incredible things happen."
   
10. QBQ: The Question Behind the Question by John Miller
1. "What to really ask yourself to eliminate blame, complaining, and procrastination."  This is a book was a really huge smack in the face.  This is probably the place in my life that I struggle the most.  The lack of personal accountability is a problem. No organization or person can achieve goals or compete in the marketplace without personal accountability.
1. "Stress is a choice...Yes bad things happen: The economy sours, our business struggles, the stock market tumbles, jobs are lost, people around us don't follow through, deadlines are missed, projects fail, good people leave. But still stress is a choice...we choose are response." We choose to become angry.  We choose to worry.
2. Blame questions solve nothing. "They create fear, destroy creativity, and build walls."  Instead of brainstorming and working together to get things done, we "blamestorm" and accomplish nothing.
3. "Ownership: A committment of the head, heart, and hands to fix the problem and never again affix the blame."
4. "Managers don't change people. They can coach, counsel, teach, and guide, but no one changes another person. Change only comes from inside, as a result of decisions made by the individual."
5. No matter our role, someone is watching and emulating our behavior. "Modeling is the most powerful of all teachers."
6. Taking action may seem risky, but doing nothing can be an an even bigger risk. "Action, even when it leads to mistakes, brings learning and growth. Inaction brings stagnation and atrophy."
7. "Humility is the cornerstone of leadership."

Abraham Lincoln's Thanksgiving Day Proclamation

Source

Proclamation Establishing Thanksgiving Day

October 3, 1863

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.

In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle, or the ship; the axe had enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years, with large increase of freedom.

No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington, this third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the independence of the United States the eighty-eighth.

A. Lincoln

Thanksgiving 2009

This year has gone by so fast.  I can't believe it almost over already.  I have blessed so much this year.  This has been a tough year for many with job cuts, layoffs and the downward economy. Steve and I were not even immune to it when our Sears closed.  We refused to participate in the Recession though.  We were not going to hang our heads and feel sorry for ourselves, as so many have.  We looked to the future.  Sears was supposed to help us pay off our car loan and it did just that. We are now debt free, except for our Student loans and the house. Not much longer after Sears closed, the YWCA decided to bring us both back up to 40 hours, so any income we lost from Sears we got got back from the YWCA.  Praise God!
There have been some tough times for us this year. It wasn't all roses, but everytime I felt discouraged I remember all the things that we do have.  We have so much.  We are so lucky.

For those that don't know, Steve and I back working at Sears again after taking the Summer off.  We are now just Christmas help, but they may keep us on afterwards. We will just have to wait and see.   If anyone is having out at the mall at Oh-dark Early, I will be at Sears from 3:45am to 4pm.  I'll be in the Hardware Department. Pray for me!  It will be a long day.
Thanksgiving is just a day to day eat way to much food and watch football. It's a day to think about what you are thankful for.  It's about family and friends.

1. First, I am thankful for a God that is patient. We serve an amazing God and I think sometimes I forget that. He has done so much for me that I know I will never be able to thank him enough. He blesses us at every turn. Even when I don't feel like He is there, He is.

2. Second, I am thankful for a husband that is patient. I have the greatest husband ever. He is such a hard-worker. He was even willing to work two jobs this year to help us reach our goal of car debt-freedom. I know some nights he was really tired, but he stuck to the schedule. On top of that, he did work on the house. We got new windows and they are gorgeous. Steve, with the help of friends (Thank you Dad and Bobby and Josh), they installed the windows themselves.

3. Third, I am thankful for my family. My parents are just great. They have been married for 29 years and after all these years they still love to hang out together. With so many marriages ended in Divorce, it is nice to have such a strong example to follow.

4. Fourth, I am thankful for my friends. I have the greatest friends anyone could ever ask for. Some of the best friends that I have right now have been my best friends since Elementary school. We have been through so much together. I truly am thankful for you guys. I hope you know that I would not be who am today without you. We have laughed together, prayed together, and cried together. I am thankful that my friends are forgiving and patient. Sometimes I don't I deserve to have as awesome friends as I do. I can count on them and I hope they can count on me.

5. I have a job that I absolutely love. How many people can say that they actually enjoy going to work everyday? Sometimes it's not all fun and games. It's a lot of work sometimes, but I believe in the mission of the YWCA. I don't see my job as just paperwork and data entry, I am helping victims of Domestic Violence by making sure we have the data for grant billings and reports. My bosses (yes I have two Supervisors now) are supportive, encouraging, and just great to work with.

6. I have a warm place to live. We bought our first house at the end of last year. Maintaining and fixing up a house is hard work, but it been a fun adventure.

It's Getting Cold Outside!

The YWCA is currently in need of winter coats, hats, gloves, scarves for both women and children.
Warm twin-sized blankets and comforters are also needed.

Any donations can be dropped off at the YWCA at 1102 S. Fellows, South Bend, Indiana, 46601.
You can also make monetary donations at http://www.ywcasjc.org/. Thank You!

TLC Cooking: 10 Meals That Are Proven to Make You Happier

Source
10 Meals That Are Proven to Make You Happier
by Alia Hoyt

• 1. Macaroni and Cheese
• The dairy products standard in this recipe (milk and cheese) contain high levels of vitamin B, which has been shown to heavily impact the brain.
• 2. Fish and Brown Rice
• Multiple studies have linked depression to imbalances in omega-3 fatty acids, found abundantly in fish [source: Melone].
• 3. Scrambled eggs and Oatmeal
• Remember those helpful B vitamins found in dairy products? Eggs are also rife with the critical substance.
• 4. Spaghetti with Meatballs
• We've already spelled out the benefits of whole-wheat pasta: It's high in folic acid and helps increase serotonin levels.
• 5. Mashed Potatoes and Turkey
• Turkey and mashed potatoes need not be reserved for Thanksgiving, thanks to the mood-boosting vitamins and minerals this main dish and savory starch contain.
• 6. Banana Split
• This is my favorite of the list. Yum! The two main components -- ice cream and bananas -- are both rich in B vitamins, which are effective depression-thwarters [source: Carper].
• 7. Chili and Cornbread
• Beans are a terrific vehicle for ingesting selenium and increasing levels of magnesium, a deficiency of which has been linked to depression [sources: Magee, Melone]. 
•   The perfect complement to this wintertime favorite is cornbread, which contains gluten, known for its ability to stimulate endorphin production [source: Cohen].
  
  
• 8. Sweet Potato
  
• Complex carbohydrates, such as sweet potatoes, are packed full of energy and mood-boosting vitamins and minerals.
  
• 9. Beef Stew with Veggies and Potatoes
• Lean red meat is an excellent source of tryptophan and protein, both of which are critical to mood regulation. Dial down the unhealthiness quotient by trimming any excess fat before putting the meat in the Dutch oven or slow cooker.
• 10. Anything Chocolate
• Multiple studies have revealed that chocolate (gasp!) is actually healthy in moderation. Although it's still high in calories, chocolate contains a myriad of beneficial nutrients that help regulate mood. The sugar that gives chocolate its rich taste helps increase serotonin levels, while the fat content releases mood-elevating endorphins [source: Carper].

Yum. I think I'm going to be putting these foods in my menus.

America Again by Carmen Written in 1993

American Again by Carmen

Listen to the song here

George Washington, Thomas Jefferson
Samuel Adams, First Chief Justice John Jay
Names synonymous with the spirit of our country
Founding fathers of the U.S.A.

Over 200 years ago they shook off the chains of tyranny from Great Britain
By divine call
Citing 27 biblical violations they wrote the Declaration of Independence With liberty and justice for all

But something happened since Jefferson called the Bible the cornerstone
For American liberty then put it in our schools as a light
Or since "Give me liberty, or give me death," Patrick Henry said
Our country was founded on the Gospel of Jesus Christ

We eliminated God from the equation of American life
Thus eliminating the reason this nation first began
From beyond the grave I hear the voices of our founding fathers plead
You need God in America again

Of the 55 men who formed the Constitution
Fifty-two were active members of their church
Founding fathers like Noah Webster who wrote the first dictionary
Could literally quote the Bible chapter and verse

James Madison said, "We've staked our future on our ability to follow
The Ten Commandments with all our heart"
These men believed you couldn't even call yourself an American
If you subvert the Word of God

In his farewell address, Washington said, "You can't have national morality apart from religious principle," and it's true
'Cause right now we have nearly 150,000 kids carrying guns
To these war zones we call public schools

In the '40's and '50's student problems were chewing gum and talking
In the '90's, rape and murder are the trend
The only way this nation can even hope to last this decade
Is put God in America again

The only hope for America is Jesus
The only hope for our country is Him
If we repent of our ways stand firm and say
We need God in America again

Abe Lincoln said, "The philosophy of the classroom in one generation
Will be the philosophy of government of the next"
So when you eliminate the Word of God from the classroom and politics
You eliminate the nation that Word protects

America is now number one in teen pregnancy and violent crime
Number one in illiteracy, drug use, and divorce
Everyday a new holocaust of 5,000 unborn die
While pornography floods our streets like open sewers

America's dead and dying hand is on the threshold of the Church
While the spirit of Sodom and Gomorrah vex us all
When it gets to the point where people would rather
Come out of the closet than clean it
It's a sign that the judgment of God is gonna fall

If there's ever been a time to rise up Church, it's now
And as the blood bought saints of the living God proclaim
That it's time to sound the alarm from the Church house to the White House
And say, "We want God in America again"

I believe it's time for America to stand up and proclaim
That one nation under God is our demand
And send this evil lifestyle back to Satan where it came from
And let the Word of God revive our dying land

For Jesus Christ is coming back again in all His glory
And every eye shall see Him on that day
That's why a new anointing of God's power's coming on us
To boldly tell the world you must be saved

Because astrology won't save you, your horoscope won't save you
The Bible says these things are all a farce
If you're born again, you don't need to look to the stars for your answers
'Cause you can look to the very One who made those stars

History tells us time and time again
To live like there's no God makes you a fool
If you want to see kids live right
Stop handing out condoms and start handing out the Word of God in schools

The only hope for America is Jesus
The only hope for our country is Him
If we repent of our ways
Stand firm and say
We need God in America again

Guess Who's DEBT FREE!!!

If you guessed the YWCA, you would be right!!! I love my job. I sent this email to the Dave Ramsey Show and he actually read it on the air.

Hi Dave,


I work for the YWCA of St. Joe County in South Bend, Indiana. We are a non-profit organization that serves about 1300 women and children every year escaping Domestic Violence and going through Chemical Dependency Treatment. We are one of only a few organizations in Indiana that allow women to bring their children with them during Residential Chemical Dependency Treatment. We also have Transitional Housing for women and children and Permanent Housing for women with disabilities. WE ARE DEBT FREE!!! Even on the building. I love my job and I’m so proud.


My husband and I have been working your plan and we are credit debt free. All we have left is student loans and our house. Thank you for all you do.

Go to this link to listen to the call.  Listen to the November 4th show. You will have to listen to about 20 - 25 minutes of the show before he reads the email on the air.

YWCA Christmas Wish List 2009

YWCA Holiday Wish List 2009

For Children
Toys for all ages

Teenagers

Watches, hand held videogames, batteries for toys if required, young ladies toiletry items, hats and scarves, hair accessories, age appropriate art supplies, portable CD players, MP3 players, gift cards, books.

Children Ages 4 – 12

Legos and other building sets, cars and trucks, dolls and accessories, inexpensive handheld video games, art kits, educational games, board games, puzzles.
School uniforms in all sizes always needed.

Infants and young toddlers

Baby action toys, stuffed animals, baby CD’s, early age videos, hats, mittens, and scarves.Diapers, cribs, pack & plays always needed

For Adults

Robes, slippers, pajamas, throws, alarm clocks, portable cd players, CDs-variety of music, cameras, watches, costume jewelry, calendars, organizers/day planners, hoodies, perfume, bath/body lotions, hair accessories, hat/gloves and scarves.

Note: It will be most appreciated if all gifts are non-violent in nature and, if possible, delivered to the YWCA by December 14th.
If you have any questions please call Peggy King at 574-233-9491 or email her at pking@ywcasjc.org.

If you want to give a monetary donation go to: ywcasjc.org
Thank you in advance you for your generosity.

Changing the World

When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered that the world would not change so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country. But it too seemed immovable


As I grew into my twilight years, in one last attempt, I settled for changing only my family; those closest to me. But alas, they would have none of it.

And now, as age has caught up with me and soon I will leave this world, I suddenly realize that if I had only changed my life first, then by example I would have changed my family. From their inspiration and encouragement, I would have been able to better my country. And who knows, I might have even changed the world.
- The words inscribed on the tomb of an Anglican bishop in Westminster Abby (1100 A.D.)

Paint the Town Purple: Another Women

Source

Another Women

Today another woman died
and not on a foreign field
and not with a rifle strapped to her back,
and not with a large defense of tanks
rumbling and rolling behind her.
She died without CNN covering her war.
She died without talk of intelligent bombs
and strategic targets
The target was simply her face, her back
her pregnant belly.

The target was her precious flesh
that was once composed like music
in her mother’s body and sung
in the anthem of birth.

The target was this life
that had lived its own dear wildness,
had been loved and not loved,
had danced and not danced.

A life like yours or mine
that had stumbled up
from a beginning
and had learned to walk
and had learned to read.
and had learned to sing.

Another woman died today.
not far from where you live;
Just there, next door where the tall light
falls across the pavement.

Just there, a few steps away
where you’ve often heard shouting,
Another woman died today.

She was the same girl
her mother used to kiss;
the same child you dreamed
beside in school.
The same baby her parents
walked in the night with
and listened and listened and listened
For her cries even while they slept.

And someone has confused his rage
with this woman’s only life.

-Carol Geneya Kaplan

Michael Moore on the Sean Hannity Show

Michael Moore went on the Sean Hannity Show to discuss his new movie.
"I report, you decide."

Part 1:


Part 2:


Part 3:

South Bend intermediate student dies, concerns over swine flu

South Bend intermediate student dies, concerns over swine flu

Shared via AddThis

Domestic Violence Awareness: Why Purple?

source
Why Purple?
Purple was Lisa Bianco's favorite color.
Who is Lisa Bianco?
Lisa Bianco married Alan Matheny in 1977. They lived in Mishawaka, Indiana in St. Joseph County. Lisa divorced Alan in 1985 after enduring eight years of very serious abuse. Shortly after the divorce was finalized, Alan kidnapped their two daughters and fled out of state. Lisa agreed to not press charges if he brought the girls back home.

In 1987, Alan was charged with seriously beating and raping Lisa. He plea bargained to a single felony charge of battery and was sentenced to the Pendleton Reformatory for eight years, with three years suspended. Lisa began to make a new life for herself. She attended a northern campus of Indiana University. She went to work at the Elkhart Shelter for victims of domestic violence. She told everyone she would have to leave the community when Alan was released from prison. She knew better than anyone how dangerous a man Alan Matheny was. On March 04, 1989, after serving two years of his sentence, Alan was granted an 8-hour furlough for a trip to Indianapolis. He headed straight for St. Joseph County and parked two doors from Lisa’s home. He kicked in the back door. Lisa fled through the front door. Alan pursued her throughout the neighborhood. When he caught her, he bludgeoned her to death with a shotgun he had stolen from a friend’s home. He hit her so hard, the handle of the shotgun shattered. Lisa’s brutal death took place in front of their six and ten year old daughters.

Alan Matheny was executed Wednesday, September 28, 2005 for Lisa’s murder. Lisa’s death brought about much change in Indiana and the nation. We now have victim notification laws—where victims are notified when the perpetrator is being released and the “furlough” policy was revisited. We also have the purple ribbon—the symbol representing domestic violence awareness—so that we will not forget Lisa. Purple was Lisa’s favorite color and her family and friends tied purple ribbons throughout St. Joseph
County as they mourned her tragic and violent death.
Today, the purple ribbon continues to be the symbol for domestic violence.

Girls Night Out Project

This is the project I made at Pottery Schmottery during our Girls Night Out. It turned out pretty good, I think. It's a football shaped snack bowl.

Paint the Town Purple: Domestic Violence Awareness

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month is observed every October across the country. National, state, and community organizations for violence prevention and victim services, businesses, health care providers, and others mark the month with educational programs, recognition and memorial ceremonies.

To find out about local awareness events click on the purple ribbon.

YWCA Wish List

Donate Online

Domestic Violence Hurts Everyone-Here are some ways to help put a stop to it.

Girls Night Out and Windows Weekend

This weekend was fun and busy. On Friday, Shere, Tabby, my sister, and I got together for our Girls Night Out. We went to Pottery Schmottery in Elkhart. I am so not talented when it comes to crafts, but it was really fun. I think my project turned out pretty good actually. We pick them up next Friday, so I will post a picture when I get it back. After created our masterpieces, we went to an Italian restaurant called Lucchese's Italian Restaurant in Elkhart. Yummy!

We got our windows this weekend. Steve started to project on Thursday created the rough opening for the big window in the front of the house. The orginal window went almost all the way to the ground and the new window was going to be not as tall. That meant that Steve had to create a new opening and put new siding on the outside. Our friend Bobby came over to help him on Thursday. Thursday we also had Mighty Ducts come over and clean our ducts out.

On Friday, Pella came and installed the big window in the front. Since it was so big, we decided to have them install it and Steve installed the rest. When I came home from work on Thursday, I came home to a big whole in our house. I was excited when I came home from the Girls Night Out on Friday to a new window. :o)

On Saturday, my dad, our friend Bobby, and our friend Josh came over to help Steve do the rest of the windows. Steve originally thought that we would have to take the drywall off the walls to make them fit. The side frames of the window on our house are part of the stud of the house, so he thought he might have to create the rough opening. It turned out that after some discussion and testing of some things that we did not have to take off the drywall. Unfortunetly, they decided this after we had already removed the drywall in the middle room and part way in the back room. :o( Oh well. Steve is going to keep the old insullation and put it in the attic and put new insullation in the two rooms, so I guess something good is going to come out of it.
My mom and I worked on the drywall removal and the cleaning up of the insullation and dust that came from all that. Of course, we had the Ohio State and Notre Dame games on while all the work was being done. OSU pulled a huge win and Notre Dame won but it was close.

Thank you so much to my parents, Bobby Athey, and Josh Gulledge for all your hard work to help us put in our new windows. We appreciate you guys a ton.

Sunday, we got up for church and then came back home to finish the job. My dad came back over to help Steve put back on the siding and my mom and I cleaned some more. It was a busy weekend. I was so tired Sunday night.

Weekend Fun: Date Night, Stripping Wallpaper, Ohio State

Steve and I decided to go on a long overdue date night on Friday. I can't even remember the last movie we saw in the theater. We received a gift card to Olive Garden for a gift, so we decided to go there. We also has a coupon for Olive Garden, so that kinda sealed the decision. We both had the Never Ending Pasta Bowls. They were very tasty. I love that resturant, but we don't get to go out very often. After dinner, we went to the Dollar Theater and saw the movie UP. That movie was so cute. It actually started out really sad. The whole movie is about the man's desire to keep a promise he made to his wife. A little Wilderness Scout goes with him along for the journey. I won't spoil the ending for you, in case you haven't seen it, but it's so worth going to see. Very fun! I give it 2 Thumbs WAY UP! haha. No pun intended, of course.

On Saturday, Steve had to go into work and clean the carpets. When he got home, we finished stripping the wallpaper in the "Ohio State Room." The wallpaper has completely removed from the wall. Now we just have to prime and paint the walls. I can't wait to be done with the room. Hopefully, we get it done before the season is over. I think Steve wants to be able to watch a game while sitting in the "Ohio State Room."
While we were we working on the room, we were listening the Michigan/Notre Dame game on the radio. Michigan won in the last few minutes. We were both very happy.

The Ohio State game ended, unfortunetly, just about the same way. Last year, USC killed Ohio State so it was nice to Ohio State ahead for a good part of the game. Both teams fought very hard, but unfortunetly OSU lost in the last few minutes when USC got a touchdown and managed to win by 3 points. I was hoping OSU would be able to get back within field goal range and tie it up...but they didn't. :o(

Book 7: Rich Dad, Poor Dad

I just finished reading Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. I must say that I was a bit disapointed in it. It came highly recommended. For the most part, I liked the book. He compared his real dad, who he called Poor Dad, to his friend's dad, who he called Rich Dad. His Poor Dad was highly educated and had a government job and his Rich Dad was uneducated and was self-Employed.

My main dislike of the book is that he seemed to discount the value of education. To me, it seemed like he didn't see the value of education and he thought the only way to be successful was the own your own business. His plan seemed like a get-rich-quick plan, but hardly works for most people. According to the other books I have read this year, I have learned that financial success takes time, effort, and a "crock pot" mentality. Wealth building takes time.

He tells the story about how he made all his money in Real Estate. Real Estate is a really great investment, but it does come with risks. He said he took a $500 weekend seminar and learned how to flip Spec Houses. It's a good idea but it doesn't always work and to suggest that it does, is wrong. Houses don't always go up in value. Sometimes markets bubbles burst and if you have a bunch of debt piled in Spec houses, you will get foreclosed on (ie. Our House). The man who owned our house watched the weekend seminar, drank the kool-aid, and bought a bunch of rentals and now my dad's bank owns most of them. If you want to invest in Real Estate pay cash for it.

"Studies show that 100% of the foreclosures happen on homes with a Mortgage." - Dave Ramsey

He did have some good points where he says too many people let their money control their lives. That they go through life working for money and never really making it, instead of letting their money work for them.

"Many great financial problems are caused by going along with the crowd and trying to keep up with the Jones." (If you remember the information from The Millionaire Next Door most of the "Jones" are broke.)

Roberts doesn't like to pay taxes...and I don't think I know anyone that does. He made some interesting observations about them though. At one time, Americans were anti-taxes. It wasnt until 1913 that an Income tax became permanent in America. Before that the only taxes collected were temporary to pay for wars.

"It is the idea of Robin Hood, or taking from the rich to give to the poor that has caused the most pain for the poor and the middle class. The reason the middle class is so heavily taxes is because of the Robin Hood ideal. The real reality is that the rich are not taxed. It's the middle class who pays for the poor, especially the educated upper-income middle class...The idea of taxes was made popular, and accepted by the majority, by telling the poor and the middle class that taxes were created only to punish the rich...Although it was intended to punish the rich, in reality it would up punishing the very people who voted for it, the poor and middle class."