Get Yo Freak On: Friday Night's Music and Money

Friday night came and Kelby and I decided to turn down all other offers (pa ha) and spend it with our son. Max loves his jumper seat/music maker/toy bonanza (hereinafter referred to as "stimulation station"). Before bed, we let him loose in it to wear him down. Generally, he'll sit there and entertain himself jumping, drooling, gnawing, cooing, etc. but I think he sensed it was the weekend and wanted a little company. My fun-loving husband obliged and this is what ensued:

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Naturally, this particular exercise--repeated later several times with Mommy joining in the fun--did the trick and before we knew it, Max was a tired pup. Once asleep, the real fun began. Ish. Kelby and I immersed ourselves in mad, crazy... budgeting. You really think I would talk about that? Honestly!

(We're taking a financial course offered at Blessed Sacrament. It's Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University.  Among other things, the program instructs couples and singles on how to manage their money--and not let their money manage them--so as to live in financial peace. Check it out!)

Anyway, our big assignment for the past couple weeks has been to work out a zero-based budget. This is how we started:

Around midnight, I found myself saying things like this, "Ok, so how many times a year do we buy deodorant? And about how much would you say you spend on your toothpaste?" It's a worthwhile task, but it can take an eternity!

After 4 hours or so, we balanced it all up, forgot all the you-shouldn't-have-to-buy-more-than-one-new-shirt-a-year-'s, hugged and tucked in for a good night's sleep...which turned into a whole half hour before Max woke up. I love parenthood!