iFad

*alternate title: Everything I Know About Money I Learned From My Mother

Yep, that's my new (well, I got her last month) iPhone 3g. Isn't she lovely? Ever since I discovered they were going on sale, I became infatuated. Borderline obsessed, if you will. I began looking up reviews and videos, weighing the pros and cons, trying to remind myself that this new toy was a luxury and not a necessity. Of course, Hubby-kun was of no help. If I upgraded to one, that meant that he would get to upgrade also. He left the decision completely up to me, which is probably the worst possible thing for him to do. Making decisions (particularly ones that require spending money) leave me stressed, second-guessing myself, and possibly even more neurotic than I already am.

The price of the phone was nearly impossibly to resist, but the $30 a month (per person) data plan kept staring me right smack in the face. But alas, I kicked my inner tightwad to the curb and bit the bullet. I'd be lying if I said it didn't send me into a small panic attack when Hubby-kun entered all our information and clicked send. But after having the phones for a month now, I am so glad we got them!

It is pretty sweet with it's touch screen. And being able to check my email and surf the net is hawt. Yes, it is! Not to mention, being able to watch tv shows, movies, and play games while flying cross country. I just had to resist the urge to look at our first bill since getting our new phones. Trust me, it is better for everyone this way.

If you don't already know about slickdeals, you should check it out. We have found many a good deal there. And speaking of good deals, the other day we saw that Southwest Airlines was having a 48 hour sale. I researched all day to be certain it really was a slick deal. Thankfully, Hubby-kun took the reigns and at the eleventh hour bought our tickets to NYC in November. I immediately began having buyers remorse, but Hubby-kun reassured me that it was ok. We are using this as our honeymoon/1-year/2-year anniversary trip. It is sure to be a grand time, and plus.. this will be our first official trip for just the two of us!

BOLO

Extended Family

Here are some snapshots of my mother-in-law's side of the family. I had already met most of her sisters, but it was the first time for some of her nieces. My mother-in-law has six sisters, can you believe it? Sheesh, and I can barely handle one brother and two brothers-in-law.

(Last photo taken by Hubby-kun)

Birthday{s}

It seems like summer is full of birthdays. Two of my very sweet friends have birthdays just 2 days apart. Isn't that fun?

Sunday was Susan's birthday. She lives in Vancouver, WA. We have known each other since first grade, longer than I have known any of my friends. I love, love, love her! I like to think of her as my partner in crime because she is always up for anything! Susan has such a huge heart and is constantly thinking of others. I have always admired the strong relationship she has with her family and her mother. It has been so much fun going through the different seasons of our lives at the same time. Susan, you are such a gift to me and I cherish our friendship!

Happy Belated Birthday, BFS!

Truth be told, I have always looked up to Katie. Although, I'm certain I have never told her. Out of all of my friends, Katie is probably the one least like me. She is incredibly smart and witty. She is creative. She is frighteningly organized and uses her time well. She takes the road less traveled. She loves and loves a lot. She remembers the little and big things. You have inspired and challenged me more than you can know. Katie, thank you for being such an example to me over the years!

Happy Birthday, dear friend!

I love you both!

St. Louis

I am finally getting around to posting pictures from our weekend in St. Louis. One day, the in-laws and I walked around downtown and I snapped some pictures. Mostly of the arch, of course. This was my second time in St. Louis, and this time around I got to see a little more of the city. A few years ago, Hubby-kun and I had driven cross country and we stopped at the arch and zoo on our way to see some relatives. Both times were in the dead heat of summer, ugh! I am much more suited for cooler weather.

*The last picture was taken by Hubby-kun