These are a few of my favorite things . . .

I don't have to buy anymore diapers or Pull Ups ever again!
For the first time in over five years, our budget no longer includes diapers or Pull Ups-WOOT! This week, Abby insisted on sleeping in big girl underwear at night time, and all I can see is the monthly raise I am getting:) Actually, more like more money to spend on something else in my envelopes. Nate and I have envelopes that we use every month for spending. We have envelopes for groceries, Target, Costco, entertainment, and individual allowances for me and Nate. We pay cash for all these things, and it helps keep us within our monthly budget. And I am so excited that I no longer have to spend my Target envelope money on diapers or Pull Ups! Yessssss . . . .

I love everything about T-Ball

I love the whole TBall experience--from the practices to the games to the dinners at Chili's after each practice. I love sitting in the bleachers and cheering for the girls. I love that Nate calls all the girls "Frank" and they laugh hysterically. I love getting to know the other moms on our team. I just love it.

My new favorite store, OshKosh

I have always shopped at Target and Kohls for the girls' clothes. But once Jenna moved up in the girls department, I have had to find new stores. Many of the clothes at Target are to old looking for Jenna. Not that I won't ever let her wear "skinny jeans," but not when she's five. And I'd like to have other options in t-shirt apparel other than Hannah Montana. So, I have become a freqent visitor at our local OshKosh store, and really love the nice quality of clothes and the fact that they are appropriate yet cute for a five year old girl.

A new adventure, PLI

Nate and I are embarking on a four year adventure called PLI--which stands for Pastoral Leadership Institute. This is a leadership training institute that works with Lutheran pastors and their wives. We will be placed in a small group with other pastors and their wives from all over the country. We will attend leadership training, visit host churches, and participate in a mission trip. I am so excited because Nate and I get to do this together. I have always been involved in leadership and am really looking forward to discovering what ministry means for us together. Our first conference is coming up in a few weeks and I am really looking forward to the following things: the girls getting to spend nine days with Grandma while she babysits, time away with Nate, seeing old college and seminary friends who are also involved in PLI, spending time with Chuck and Tamara after the conference, and seeing our vicarage and original sr. pastor. We have lots to look forward to!

Uncrustables, the answer to an easy lunch

For those of you who don't know, Uncrustables are frozen peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, without the crust. You can put them in your kid's lunch in the morning, and they will thaw in time for lunch time. And they are really good! I don't pack lunches quite yet, but they are so convenient to use as snacks and to have when other kids come over. The best part is that they sell these at Costco:) In large quantities:)