by Claire
Yesterday was a fantastic day! Although all fireworks were cancelled due to the fire danger in Colorado, no one in this family was disappointed. Why is that? We were absolutely, positively over the moon about spending July 4th in 75 degree temps in the Rocky Mountains! It was near 100 and humid at home yesterday and the pics on facebook from friends at various parades and events showed the misery! From young to old everyone in the pictures simply looked wilted and miserable! It is TOO HOT to be outside on July 4th in San Antonio! We were all content to forego fireworks as we walked the trail around beautiful Bear Lake in RMNP! The kids had such fun exploring nature and it was even more rewarding as I (of course) was doing mental math about the cost of the adventure!
I know many of you think that I go overboard on my spending thinking but right now that is where I am at in this journey. I don’t think I pass too much of that on to the kids (as far as griping about spending) and that is likely b/c I get much of it out on the blog! So you, my friends, have the privilege of hearing me lament but my family is somewhat insulated from the looping in my brain about $, so I thank you!
Yesterday brought another trip to Safeway. No surprise there but it is still less expensive than eating out every meal as we have on other trips. It was another $50 but the rave reviews on our meals from the kids make it all worthwhile. We are hearing comments now from them about the healthy food route and all are positive. Even picky DD enjoyed a slice of veggie pizza before her cheese pizza for lunch. The veggie pizza is homemade pizza crust, cream cheese with green onion and garlic (that I chop and add) and a wide assortment of veggies. It is served cold and I was shocked to see every child enjoy at least a slice–and sometimes more than one! I had broccoli, carrots, red pepper,zucchini, cucumber and mushrooms on there and they ate it! That is a huge accomplishment. They also enjoyed the homemade cheese pizza a lot.
We also put $50 in gas in the rental minivan. No other spending on this day.
The entire day was spent in RMNP. We enjoyed a free Ranger presentation on the life of Elk…I love those informative presentations as to at least half of the kids and Steve…the other two kids indulge us. Then we climbed much farther than I thought we could at the Alluvial Fan. Then drove up to Bear Lake to walk the trail around the lake. We are taking it easy today in preparation for a big hike to Fern Lake tomorrow. By far my favorite hike in the park. We’ll need a very early start b/c it is a favorite for many visitors!
Born and raised in Texas. I’ve at least driven through every state in the US courtesy of a roadtrip loving Dad.
I’m single with two children and a good parenting relationship with their father.
I am a “life is just half full of funny” kinda gal. Humor is my saving grace and I am thankful for it every single day. I have a strong Catholic faith and am thankful for that foundation.
I read a lot for a living but still enjoy a good book. I love biographies but in recent years have found the need for fun fictional books–sadly, for a long time I just didn’t enjoy fiction!
I love live theatre of any kind–from local productions to Broadway.
I love to scrapbook and pride myself in my kids’ albums.
I love being a mom but also love my career. I’m blessed to have found a balance allowing me to be at everything my kids need and want me to be at–while also having a career.
Favorite Quotes: Well behaved women rarely make history.
Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out. -James Bryant Conant
That stinks about the fireworks, similar cancellations were done in the cities around us, but we were still able to catch some. And 75 degrees sounds wonderful!
What a wonderful day. Great post, I’m glad the kids are living the real food.
Your trip sounds wonderful! I just discovered your blog and can’t tell you how refreshing it is. I don’t think you overthink money or spending at all. When one of your goals is to save or pay down debt it should be what you think about a lot! I think that shows accountability and commitment. 🙂 Thank you for being awesome!
Welcome Parker! I’m glad you’re here. I hope you continue to enjoy the blog. I am enjoying writing more than I ever thought I would!
When I first started paying off debt I thought about it all day long every day. I needed to be intense when I started. As I’ve developed good habits where money is concerned I’ve found that I don’t need to think about budgeting as much. It will get easier and you’ll spend less time and effort making it work, but it’s good that you’re intense now at the outset of your debt reduction journey.
That’s my thinking too Felicity–thank you!
Claire, I’ve been thinking of you all week and had to share. We are vacationing at our timeshare in Vegas this week, family of 5 plus my dad. My husband suggested I bring my crock pot and my son wanted lasagna. Lasagna required a skillet to precook the meat so I did that at home and brought it with us frozen. We’ve been able to have bagels for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch and crock pot cooking every night….healthier and cheaper than eating out. We drove so it was easy to bring but next time we vacation I may buy a crock pot at target or kohls just do I can cook in the room! Just sharing in case you want to consider the idea for your next vacation! If you can cool that takes away lots of extra expenses!!