Exercise, money, vacations and chores- OH MY!

Felt amazing. Knocked out 2.31 miles on the treadmill this am. The best part is- I was by myself. I knew Kim wasn't able to go this morning. I wasn't sure if Audry was going. I went and when it was clear at 8am that Audry was not coming- I went in. I jumped on that treadmill. I definitely did not set any records but I still did Week 4 Day 1 of C25K.

On to other subjects- I am making awesome Cabbage Rolls tonight. They are my friend Katies recipe. I am excited about them but also excited cause they are Katies... makes me feel a little closer to her. She moved to southern California last Spring. I miss her tons but especially now cause she is about to have her first baby- a sweet little girl!

Lee and I made a HUGE decision. We were real grownups for once! I filed our taxes two days ago and we had been planning a family trip to Ireland before he deploys. We loved Ireland last time and desperately want to go back and bring the kiddos this time.

Yet we have been really thinking about the fact that we could be moving back stateside in just over a year. There are SO many expenses that come with the move and also settling back in to the states. We have to ship 2 animals and a car. We want to travel between duty stations. We will need to get some basics when we arrive back in the states. (i.e. washer/dryer etc) We may also be moving to one location for a short time en route to the next permanent location... so more costs! Plus- we will be stateside and you know we will be spending some money!! lol... So- we decided no big trips before he leaves. We will do some days trips and maybe a few overnights. We still havent been to the Black Forest or to Berlin. Those are some possibilities. We also talked about Belgium and the Netherlands. I need to set up a small office in our room to get some stuff organized- so that is a priority before traveling. The rest is going to bills. We want to leave Europe with little to no bills.

Part of that goal also includes another grownup decision I made. I will not travel home this summer. Even though Lee will be gone and it will be tempting, I want to stay and enjoy my last summer here in Europe. Hard to believe! Last summer here. I hope it is actually a nice one cause last year was not! I am going to go home Nov 22- Dec 8. I am running in the CIM again. So the kids and I will fly home for Thanksgiving and Hais birthday and the run. But I am coming back afterwards cause I want to be here for Christmas. I want to go to Christmas markets!!! Last chance to enjoy those! If you have never been to Christmas Markets- they are a must see in Europe!

Rothenberg ob der tauber Christmas Market

Rothenberg ob der tauber 2010

Edinburgh Scotland Christmas Market- one of the most amazing ones I have been to!

Edinbugh 2010

Anyways- one of my projects today is this awesome little sheet of paper...

source

We have been trying to figure out a better chore chart for Hais. I loved this idea! I found it on Jamies page over at Delightfully Coconuts. I love her blog cause she is honest and has some awesome ideas... it is also cool that she is living in Germany and not that far from us! Hais has a savings account that has a debit card attached to it- with her name on it. She is super anxious to be able to use it. So- this is not only a good way for her to do her chores but also for her to practice some math, learn the importance of managing her finances and also show her how to deal with money properly. Awesome right?? I will let you know how it works out! She has no idea we are doing it but I think she will love it!