Living like no one else success story: My second daughter's first birthday.

Living like no one else success story: My second daughter's first birthday.

We're on the Dave Ramsey plan, knocking out our debt, saving money and living like no on else.

We've learned to live on a budget (Dave calls it a Cash Flow Plan) and spend our money differently. We think differently causing us to live and spend differently.

3 years ago for B's first birthday, we invited all her little friends, ordered a cake and had refreshments. At the time I thought it a very simple birthday.

Paige's first birthday was truly simple! We invited two families we're close to, threw a couple pizza's in the oven and I made the cake. The best thing was her present from us, a brand new Laugh and Learn Learning Home! I did in fact say brand new but I did not pay the $80 MSRP, not even close. I found one "used in good condition" on our local yard sale site for $10.00. When I went to pick it up the lady selling it informed me there was a piece missing but it was still functioning. I gladly purchased the unit knowing Paige wouldn't care if it was broken.
I went on the Fisher Price website and attempted to order the missing piece and was slightly taken aback when it wasn't available. I called Fisher Price and they told me if I sent them the bottom of the unit, obviously sans the missing piece, they'd send me a brand new toy! I only had to pay the shipping for the piece I sent in, what a deal!

Paige's First Birthday Party:
Decorations: $0 (we didn't decorate, she's 1)
Food, including cake: $11.00
Present from us: $15.00
Living like no one else: priceless!

She's Already One??

What a difference a year makes, or even more so, 2 years.

My Paigie Bear is turning one! Where has the time gone?? I am sadden and filled with such joy! God has truly blessed me in allowing me to be her mother and watch her grow!

I remember someone telling me to make sure I take a lot of pictures of my "second" because when they're grown you always have more pictures of the first. With that in mind I made sure we did the milestone pictures with Paige as we did with Brenna, the biggest difference is we didn't get picture packages every time. So going up my stairway you will find Brenna and Paige's newborn, 3, 6 and 9 month pictures. Next week I'll be getting her 1 year portrait done and it too will be displayed on the stairs.

As I prep for her birthday I'm noticing many changes. The biggest being she's not really having a party. We've invited two families we're close with; which came in very handy when we had to switch from Saturday to Sunday early Saturday morning. B got a fancy store bought cupcake cake with her name on it. I made Paige's, and while it might not be as pretty, I think it's rockin'!

I think she'll like it and I'm sure her sister will too!

(While I have more to write on this topic, I have the munchkin in my lap at the moment and she's finding my desk WAY to interesting. Good night!)