Cheesin' with Cheez-its

I've been living for the weekends lately. Each week seems to be flying by, but during the weekends, I try to slow things down and soak it up a little. I'm going to be sappy for a moment...

Tony and I are so lucky and blessed by these two munchkins. Everyday is a new adventure through their eyes. Some nights I get frustrated and I have a short temper. I'm not perfect, and it's really hard sometimes to remember that they are only this little for a short time. These photos were all taken from my phone, even though we have a fancy camera and I've started teaching myself how to use it. But the phone is quick and available and helps me to capture the moment. And I always have my phone with me, so I get to glance back at these babies anytime I need a little sweetness in the day. 

Someday I'll post pretty pictures. Today, I'm posting life at the Conary household. Take off your shoes, get comfy, and I'll give you a glass of wine. And probably some Cheez-its. 

Miss Mae loves to smile, coo, and talk with you!

Brody trying out some funny faces with Mama.

These boys are obsessed with hockey!

Cheeks, polka dots, and stripes. A few of my favorite things.

This kid! Eating a snack in Charlee's chair and making Burt & Ernie hold hands.

Have a great week people!

Countdown to Christmas

Wait, what? We just got done with Christmas! Why are we starting the countdown already?!

Apparently Tony and I are on an every other year financial trend of being awesome with our money one year and then completely losing it the next year. Rewind to Christmas 2012... we saved up at least a $1000 in cash and did not put a dime on our credit card... in fact, I think we had even paid off a few cards that year. Last month, Christmas 2013, was quite the opposite. Sure, I can blame it on maternity leave, our home purchase earlier in the year, career changes, etc. The fact is, we were lazy. We forgot to tell our money what to do. We forgot to give each dollar a job. 

Not this year baby!

What's the latest craze in savings? Among all of those New Year's Resolutions posts on the FB a few weeks ago, many of my friends were sharing this one:

(Not sure the original source since it's been shared so much!)

As you know, in the past I've typically stuck to the Dave Ramsey plan. But this year I've decided to branch out a bit and try a few other techniques and philosophies. Along with YNAB, I decided to try this challenge as well, but do it backwards! I wanted to get a running start and then have it impact my pocketbook less and less the closer we got to Christmas. And just an FYI, I don't plan on spending all $1378 on Christmas gifts, but it's nice to have the option and/or a financial cushion.

We just finished Week 4 and have $202 in our Christmas Fund!

I think we will be able to stay on trend... as long as this kid doesn't bust our grocery budget...

As we wrap up January, have you had any successes with your New Year's Resolutions? Or if you didn't make resolutions, did you have any small life victories this month to share?