My Debt Free Journey Tips

Some of you might know that we have been working towards paying off our debts for the past couple of years. It hasn't been easy, nor has it always been fun, but it is so worth it! I wanted to share some tips that I’ve learned along the way.

My first tip would be to write down (or create a spreadsheet if you’re more tech savvy than I am!) of all of your current debts.  Include interest rates, total amount owed and original total of debt. I like to start with the lowest total at the top and go down from there.  Many of you may have heard of Dave Ramsey’s Debt Snowball approach.  He suggests you pay off the smallest amount first regardless of interest rate.  This accomplishes smaller wins so you stay motivated to keep going. Once you pay off one debt, you take what you were paying to that debt and “snowball” it into your next focused debt. As you pay things off, you will free up more money to put towards your next debt.

My next tip and something that really helped me was writing out all of our bills, debts and income in a calendar each month. My husband gets paid weekly so I could see how much our bills were that week and could put any extra towards debt. Most of our bills come out automatically so this also helped me to visualize when each bill was actually coming out of our bank.

We have had to sacrifice a lot of “extras” but it really hasn’t been too bad. We cut the cable, we downsized to one car, we stick to a budget when it comes to groceries, spending money and eating out. Such small changes have led to big results for our family and I am excited to continue on this journey!

40 Days & Counting!

The smell of the ocean air. 

The sand between my toes. 

The sounds of the waves crashing and my kids laughing. 

The feeling of the sun warming my face.

These are the things that keep me going each and every day between our annual beach vacations to Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina.  My grandparents are the masterminds behind this trip that we all look forward to so much, and we couldn't be more appreciative to them. There are 21 of us that travel from Kansas City, St. Louis, Cleveland and Winston-Salem to spend a week in paradise together.  By this point (14 years, I believe!) we have the logistics down to a science: the menu is the same each year but updated as needed, the sleeping arrangements, everyone's assigned tasks throughout the week, and helping out with kids or cleaning and cooking whenever needed. It's a well-oiled machine and we absolutely love it. 

The beach itself has a very interesting history and feel to it, compared to many other beach towns I’ve been to in the past. First of all, it is tiny; it is only 4.5 square miles in total and has a population of 550 people.  In the summer months, however, that population increases to 100,000 people weekly. It is a very popular summer destination spot for families especially. It is one of the few beaches that runs east to west, instead of north to south, so we are lucky to get to view some amazing sunrises and sunsets each day. There are some amazing pop-up thunderstorms throughout the week, and one of our favorite past-times is sitting on the covered decks to watch the storms together. There are two grocery stores in town, along with some little coffee and gift shops. 

Our favorite things to do while we are there include visiting the fishing pier, going to the local creamery, catching Blue Crabs along the Intracoastal Waterway, swimming, walking out onto the sandbars to search for seashells and going miniature golfing in town.  It feels like an old beach town, which is part of its charm and appeal.  There aren't a lot of options to distract you from just relaxing and enjoying the beautiful scenery. My husband catches as many crabs as he can during the week so we can all enjoy some fresh, delicious crab cakes! 

Luckily, there are numerous destinations within driving distance if you do want more to do. Myrtle Beach, SC is only a 45 minute drive from Ocean Isle and is a highly commercialized location with lots of shopping, shows and tourist attractions. Bald Head Island is a short drive and ferry ride away with its unique “no cars allowed” policy. People rent golf carts or bikes and cruise around the island with a speed limit of 12 MPH. Wilmington, NC is also only about 45 minutes away and has some really interesting history including the Battleship North Carolina, fun little shops, and some areas where scenes from many television shows and movies have been filmed. 

The countdown is on: 40 days until we get to experience all of this again for a whole week with some of our favorite people. I am so grateful that my kids get to form these memories with family that we love the most. I have a feeling we will be going there for many more years to come!

When did this happen?

Tenley is officially big.

I'm sad.

Wasn't she just born?

8 1/2 months and counting...

Red Barn Farm

Last weekend we ventured to Weston to the Red Barn Farm.  It was the perfect fall day and a fun way to celebrate Dallin's birthday as a family.

6 Months?! Already?

I can't even begin to tell you all that has happened in the past few months! Ok...so maybe I can. But it's a lot.

We moved back to Missouri in April. I got an A.MA.ZING job that I absolutely love at an orthodontist's office in Liberty. Dallin got a job that will help him get through school. We bought a house. Tenley is 6 months old. We bought a car with four doors! Yay.

Life has done a complete 180 for us and we are so grateful.

Tenley is growing up so fast. She is Army crawling now. I can't believe it has already been 6 months. She is the happiest baby.  We love her so much. Pretty sure we are the luckiest.

Tenley Nu'u Alofa Ah-Mu

Clearly I am fashionably late with this post, so please forgive me. I have been busy not sleeping, changing diapers, doing laundry and taking care of this new baby we have welcomed into our lives.

I ended up being induced on Sunday, March 20th. We were blessed to have amazing nurses throughout our eventful stay at the hospital.  Little Tenley's heart rate kept dropping pretty low, so I was lucky enough to get to lay on my right side and have an oxygen mask on the entire time. The doctor kept threatening (ok...so not really threatening, but you get the idea) a c-section if it kept happening.  Luckily everything worked out and she was born on Monday, March 21st at 6:25 pm. She was 19 inches long and a whopping 6 pounds 1 ounce. For all of you who kept telling me that they hoped she looked Samoan, sorry! She is definitely a tiny little thing. Some newborn clothes still don't fit her.

We are very lucky that she is such a good baby. She usually only wakes up twice during the night and is fairly content to just hang out with us during the day. We have loved getting to know her little personality so far and can't wait to watch her grow up.  Here are some pictures from the first two weeks of our little Tenley's life.

                                                              

                                                    

                                                      

                                         

                       

The Countdown

Today is my due date.

Still no baby.

At my appointment tomorrow, I am going to make a request to be induced this weekend.  I am sure that my doctor will accommodate my wishes right? I'll keep telling myself that. Cross your fingers for me.

Long Overdue

What a whirlwind the last three months have been!

Just to give you an idea...

We made the long move to Utah in September (each in our own car, which I will never do again!) and then two days later both started our new jobs. I do not recommend this.

Dallin is now working for STS Turbo doing their Internet marketing and sales. He literally eats, drinks and breathes cars all day, every day now. Which is his dream.

I am working for the same company Dallin has worked for for years, just at the Utah office. It's fun to still have some Missouri ties here.

We found out in October that we are having a girl! We are so excited, although not feeling ready! We haven't bought anything really yet, but know that we will get it all figured out.

We are loving living in Utah and can't wait to make a more permanent home for ourselves in the next year...apartment living is not so fun. It is great being back here with friends of mine from years ago, and being surrounded by family. It keeps us busy but we wouldn't trade it for anything! 

Baby Ah-Mu

Surprise! Baby Ah-Mu will be gracing us with his/her presence on March 16th, which makes me about 9 weeks at this point. This sonogram is from our first appointment yesterday.  It was amazing being able to see the heartbeat (which is beating at a whopping 178 beats!). In pure Jallin style, we high-fived during the sonogram. (Who needs to be mushy gushy anyway?) Dallin is so excited, as am I, but morning sickness has been taking its toll on me.  Hopefully that aspect of the pregnancy goes away soon...very soon.

I got some new plates for my kitchen! Just thought I would share. You may not care but I am showing you anyway! Oh and I got to try out my new camera! I'll be good one day. Just wait.

Picture Perfect

Monday can't come soon enough. Not to mention two more weeks till our beach trip...hello beautiful beach pictures on my beautiful new camera! Yes please!

fun with migraines

The other day at work, all of a sudden, I couldn't see.

I had a flashback to the fifth grade in Mrs. Moppin's art class. We were painting. And my eyes stopped working. I went to the nurse and laid on the vinyl couch-like-thing. I experienced the worst headache I had ever thought possible. 

I kept wishing and hoping the same thing wasn't happening. I thought migraines were a thing of my past. Not something I ever wanted to experience again. I took some Advil hoping to kick it before it got too horrible and went to lay in the dark in one of the dentist chairs.  Too bad Sponge Bob was blaring above my head and I had no energy to get up to turn it off. I just laid there with my arms covering my eyes wanting to cry. Dallin, being the wonderful husband that he is, brought me some lunch hoping some food would help matters.

Too bad it only made me feel even more nauseous. He left me and went back to work. I went back to my desk and held my head in my hands. I asked Dallin if he could come back and take me home. There was no way I could last the rest of the day. As soon as I walked through the door, I made it to the bathroom and sprawled out on the floor. I didn't know my head was able to hurt that bad.

Luckily I was able to fall asleep. Sleep always helps.

Yesterday I felt like a new woman. Still had a slight headache but nothing compared to the day before.

I may have jinxed myself. 

I couldn't see again today. Unfortunately I had driven myself to work and was a little unsure I would even be able to see well enough to make it home. Needless to say, I made it home and slept again. 

I am scared of what tomorrow will bring.

Doctor on Friday.

No more migraines please!

Spring flowers make me happy...a lot.

I have been so excited for Spring this year, even more than any other year it seems.
It always amazes me how quickly the grass turns green...flowers bloom...and the sun decides to grace us with its presence.
I was inspired this week by a lovely friend to buy some adorable pots to plant some flowers.
Dallin has chuckled at me all day--I've been that excited to go buy pots and flowers. 
He is so sweet to humor me because, if you know Dallin at all, you know he could care less about flowers or anything close to it.
So please join me in getting excited for Spring!

My Hunka

Reasons why I stinking love Dallin Edwin Maleisea Ah-Mu:


His crazy awesome Samoan name.

He has pretty blue eyes.

He cleaned his Mom's kitchen today, just so she didn't have to.

He has accepted, and even adopted, my obsession for a clean house.

We talk gibberish to each other and somehow we understand what the other is trying to communicate.

He is always thinking of ways to make our life and future together better.

He works hard.

Our ability to work together as a team in almost every situation.

Our lazy days spent together.

His understanding and willingness to forgive my shortcomings.

That's a pretty good list...yeah...I am a very lucky girl.

My New Found Love

I get giddy every time I walk into our living room and see this beauty out of the corner of my eye. Ahh the simple things in life....

365 days

365 days ago, Dallin and I officially started dating. I have been thinking today on how much things have changed in the past year. It is pretty amazing to both of us how we have been together since we met on that fateful night at the Fullmer's. We have been through a lot in this first year together and I know that we will continue to grow closer as we endure trials and joys as husband and wife. I'm still getting used to that title...I'm a wife?? Weird. But awesome. And to celebrate this year together, we went to Wal-Mart to buy me a new book and home to watch Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice. Yep. We are officially an old married couple. But I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. I think I can get used to being a wife to this fella. I kind of like him.

One more week!

In one week Dallin and I will be enjoying our trip to Utah for our second reception! We can't wait to see everyone and enjoy a little mini vacation. To top it all off, my amazing Utah dad surprised us with three nights at Hotel Park City. If you want to be jealous, please look at this link.

http://hotelparkcity.com/index.html

Pretty fancy right? Yeah, we are excited!

I promised Dallin there would be no running around like crazy like we were on our last Utah trip. I figure that everyone is coming to us, so there will be no need for that right? I am going to try and plan some fun adventures for us since he has never really been able to do that when he has gone out there. This next week can't go fast enough!!

Oh and for all of you wondering if I am still Dr. Pepper free....I AM!! I have made it over three weeks so far and going strong! The first day was torture and I may drool every time we go out to eat and I see someone's deliciously caffeinated beverage pass me...but other than that...I am doing great! Be proud of me please.

Day One

Are you drooling over that picture as much as I am? I decided today that I refuse to be at the beck and call of this measly little...beautiful...delicious...i mean evil, red can. I have been very much addicted to the Pepper de la Doctor for the past ten years or so. I cannot imagine how much damage the carbonation burnage has done to my internal organs, nor do I want to.

I am not going to lie. My head felt like it was going to explode today. But I did not give in! I made it an entire day. Please keep your good non-caffeinated vibes coming my way over the next few weeks. Heaven knows I will need it!

My last name is Ah-Mu

Dallin and I are officially married.
Everything went perfectly.
The end.
Ok...just kidding. It was so great seeing most of my friends and family all at once.
It was definitely a crazy weekend, but it was well worth it! Dallin and I took pictures with our wedding party prior to the ceremony, so our lovely photographer arranged for us to have a special first meeting all dressed up. She was able to capture the moment which is very precious for both of us.

I was lucky enough to have both of my amazing dads walk me down the aisle. I think if I wasn't so nervous about falling or passing out, I would have cried during the ceremony. Dallin and I were both feeling the heat (literally!) and felt a little whoozy during the ceremony.

Our reception turned out to be so incredible...more than I could have thought possible. We had great help setting up the night before (till almost two in the morning...) and yet I was still surprised when we walked in at how amazing it looked with all the lights and flowers. Dallin's Samoan family served us delicious Samoan food...including two roasted pigs and chop suy! We had a Samoan band and dancers, who got the groomsmen and our dads to shake their booties in front of everyone. Rather hilarious.

I am so grateful for those of you that were able to make it out for our special day! And for all of you Utards...we will be out there October 16th for our reception in Sandy. Can't wait to see you all!

Here is the link to the rest of our pictures if you would like to see them...

www.shadesofgraykc.zenfolio.com/jananddallinwedding
password: jananddallin

10 Days!

That's right everyone. Ten days. I can't believe Dallin and I have made it to this point. It felt like we would never get here. I feel like we have so much left to do...even though we really don't. I am trying not to get so caught up in the STUFF and realize that in a week and a half...ten days...240 hours...14,400 minutes...864,000 seconds...Dallin and I will be married. I can't wait.