Thursday, March 26, 2009
I fell in love again... with Turbotax!
Okay so I just have to share the news that I have been dreading doing our taxes for the first time ever this year. I was planning to do tons of research on it to teach myself about itemizing and all of the credits, etc. and then do all of the worksheets with paper and pencil and calculator. (This would involve lots of paper spread all over the floor, hair pulling, pen chewing, and frustrated moaning and groaning.) In the past we have had a professional tax preparer that Luke baptized on his mission doing it for a way discounted price, but last year he made us pay $150 without telling us so I decided I would do it this year. Well then I heard about "TURBOTAX" and it just replaced Luke as my new best friend. Although it took me 7 hours nonstop yesterday and I was a very boring mom (I put Gracie in her walker thing and fed her puffs for quite some time - or we could say I worked on her fine motor skills; then she watched an Einstein video that we checked out from the library), Turbotax took me through 350 deductions and helped me make informed decisions about everything which is really important for me to know why I am doing something. Then I e-filed and it only cost me $29.95. I got $21, 800 in deductions verses the standard deduction of like $10,500 for married filing jointly. Plus you gotta love the child credit!! (Karl and Megan figured this one out soon.) And now since we e-filed, it said we can expect to recieve our major, biggest ever tax return this Friday. We are going to put it toward's Luke's remaining school loan and some in savings. I might convince luke to let me buy some new shorts with it, maybe a high chair?, and maybe a used bike trailer if we can find one on craigslist. Oh and the new rug since our carpet remnant is so gross (got chocolate on it the other day). Probably not all of the above. I could think of lots of things to buy, that's easy, but we will probably just put the rest in savings after paying the loan. Oh and one more thing to top off how much I love turbotax, we got our place in FL rented. We had to give the month of April free, but who cares when we will have guaranteed year of payments for most of our mortgage. Wahoo! Don't you love/hate money? What are you going to do with your tax return?
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Hand over that chocolate...
She is soooo pleased with herself after it was all gone but below she actually pulled a "you caught me" face!
So this just happened while I was messing with our blog so I have to put it on right now.
I guess Gracie is doomed to be a chocolate lover. I wasn't going to let her do this until her first birthday with her cake, but she started it!!! So it is her fault.
*Mom does that remind you of anything? (hint: Kevin and I fighting when we were little, I would eventually just say it was my fault so we could get our noses out of the corner. Kevin would never give up!)
And just a note about the carpet- we are saving up to buy a new area rug to cover the tile in our front room because of Gracie learning to crawl and walk. The carpet that we have right now is a scrap from the old carpet that they took out to put tile in right before we moved in. It is all stained and gross. That is the only reason why I was so careless with the carpet.
Any tricks to get chocolate out?
I plead guilty to...
"blog neglect." Yes that is right. I can't believe the last time I posted was for valentines day. Well I can believe it. I have been busy. At least I am not guilty of baby neglect, husband neglect and family neglect. Will post some catchup soon. Gracie is almost 7 mos and I haven't even posted her 6 mos. Aaah! Later...
Thursday, February 19, 2009
So Valentine's Day Huh...
We slept in and hung around and watched 3 chick flicks, Luke really did, -but by that time we were both up to our eyeballs with gagging faces. I can't remember if I ever cried or not, but I am sure I did. :)
While sitting there, Luke humored me by writing 25 random things about himself, inspired by Megan and her kids. Then, regrettably on his part and due to confusion about the task ahead, he gave me the idea to switch and do it about each other too. Not necessarily like a love note, just whatever came to mind. It was actually pretty fun and interesting to see what things we know and think about each other, how we put our flaws so nicely and of course the compliments that are always good to hear but never often enough. It served as a very true love note for us. SEE POSTS BELOW to read them! You should try it too.
Oh and to finish telling you, Gracie and I made heart shaped sugar cookies and we took them to some people we were grateful for. Then we ended V-day by going to a church dinner and dance where Luke of course wowed everyone with the Worm (soo glad he didn't split his chin open this time) and we got to swing dance. Yeah, we tore up the floor despite how rusty we are! Man! It was a really good V-day! Hope yours was too.
While sitting there, Luke humored me by writing 25 random things about himself, inspired by Megan and her kids. Then, regrettably on his part and due to confusion about the task ahead, he gave me the idea to switch and do it about each other too. Not necessarily like a love note, just whatever came to mind. It was actually pretty fun and interesting to see what things we know and think about each other, how we put our flaws so nicely and of course the compliments that are always good to hear but never often enough. It served as a very true love note for us. SEE POSTS BELOW to read them! You should try it too.
Oh and to finish telling you, Gracie and I made heart shaped sugar cookies and we took them to some people we were grateful for. Then we ended V-day by going to a church dinner and dance where Luke of course wowed everyone with the Worm (soo glad he didn't split his chin open this time) and we got to swing dance. Yeah, we tore up the floor despite how rusty we are! Man! It was a really good V-day! Hope yours was too.
25 Random things about LUKE
25 Random things by Luke
I’m a neat freak
I like to make-out with Hollie
Suprisingly exercise gives me energy
I dream about things I don’t have
I like to eat most anything
I hate moving
I like to see/visit different places
I only work because I have to
I am a homebody
I like surround sound
I love watching movies
I want a fast car
I like listening to music
I like playing basketball, soccer, and volleyball
I enjoy my time with family most
I want to spend more time reading scriptures
I’m not very good at expressing my feelings
I love taking time off from work
I like to sleep in
I think it would be fun to be an entertainer
I love being a parent
I manage money well
I don’t have lots of close friends
I used to have a really low self-esteem
I am not as computer savvy as I’d like to be
25 Random things about Luke by Hollie
You like to make people laugh.
You are a fun-loving guy.
A good clean shave is what you do when you want to be close to me.
You don’t like to read.
You’re not very good at thinking deeply unless it really matters to you.
You worry about providing for your family.
You can’t figure out what you want to do the rest of your life.
You are a fun dad.
Your hair is funny when it gets wings on the side.
You’re a very good singer.
Most things come easy to you.
You don’t like it when the house is not picked up.
You’re a really good cleaner.
You are so cute when you talk like a duck.
You are more cute when you try to be creative and romantic.
You get frustrated when your wife expects you to read her mind.
You love your birthday.
You're favorite thing to wear is B-ball shorts and a t-shirt.
Nothing embarrases you.
You should stop biting your fingernails.
You like making Gracie smile and laugh.
Playing sports de-stresses you.
You have to have some relaxing time.
Very few things matter so much that you get upset.
You are a good friend.
You are a great missionary.
You have a strong testimony and know the scriptures.
You are the greatest man I know and the best one for me.
I’m a neat freak
I like to make-out with Hollie
Suprisingly exercise gives me energy
I dream about things I don’t have
I like to eat most anything
I hate moving
I like to see/visit different places
I only work because I have to
I am a homebody
I like surround sound
I love watching movies
I want a fast car
I like listening to music
I like playing basketball, soccer, and volleyball
I enjoy my time with family most
I want to spend more time reading scriptures
I’m not very good at expressing my feelings
I love taking time off from work
I like to sleep in
I think it would be fun to be an entertainer
I love being a parent
I manage money well
I don’t have lots of close friends
I used to have a really low self-esteem
I am not as computer savvy as I’d like to be
25 Random things about Luke by Hollie
You like to make people laugh.
You are a fun-loving guy.
A good clean shave is what you do when you want to be close to me.
You don’t like to read.
You’re not very good at thinking deeply unless it really matters to you.
You worry about providing for your family.
You can’t figure out what you want to do the rest of your life.
You are a fun dad.
Your hair is funny when it gets wings on the side.
You’re a very good singer.
Most things come easy to you.
You don’t like it when the house is not picked up.
You’re a really good cleaner.
You are so cute when you talk like a duck.
You are more cute when you try to be creative and romantic.
You get frustrated when your wife expects you to read her mind.
You love your birthday.
You're favorite thing to wear is B-ball shorts and a t-shirt.
Nothing embarrases you.
You should stop biting your fingernails.
You like making Gracie smile and laugh.
Playing sports de-stresses you.
You have to have some relaxing time.
Very few things matter so much that you get upset.
You are a good friend.
You are a great missionary.
You have a strong testimony and know the scriptures.
You are the greatest man I know and the best one for me.
25 Random things about HOLLIE
25 Random things by Hollie
I like to have a bag of treats hidden somewhere in the kitchen so I can sneak a piece every once in a while and make it last as long as possible.
Barefoot is best followed by flip-flops.
I THINK way too much.
I cry easily.
I love being a mom.
I wish I could sing and play the piano better.
Flowers are so pretty but they are expensive and die too quickly.
I love to laugh.
I love people who can make me laugh.
I have the best husband for me.
I hate swearing.
I hate spiders and bugs in my house.
I like sleeping-in and waking up next to Gracie and Luke.
I am not very good at ignoring contradictions.
I love learning EVERYTHING!
There has to be a purpose for everything, trying to change this paradigm.
Exercising is more fun when playing a sport.
I have to have french fries every couple of months.
I think I have cute feet.
Creating things is one of my favorite things to do.
I can never get enough sleep.
I love to dance and be silly but I don’t do it often enough.
Accents are fascinating.
I like to think deeply and analyze stuff.
I hate when I feel like I have to prove myself to other people.
25 Random things about Hollie by Luke
You are more spontaneous than me.
You are neat but not as much as me.
You are a wonderful mother.
You are very spiritually minded.
You are compassionate.
You care more for others than yourself.
You like to stay up late at night.
You over-analyze way too much.
Sometimes you are too smart for your own good.
You are good at remembering important things.
You are not good at remembering unimportant things.
You are good at expressing your feelings.
You are an over achiever.
You’re very patient.
You know more than I give you credit for.
You love to learn.
You’re a good example.
You don’t swear.
You know what you want in life.
You’re a great cook.
You’re funny but don’t always know it.
You’re very adventurous.
You’re beautiful.
You like love movies.
You like to read.
I like to have a bag of treats hidden somewhere in the kitchen so I can sneak a piece every once in a while and make it last as long as possible.
Barefoot is best followed by flip-flops.
I THINK way too much.
I cry easily.
I love being a mom.
I wish I could sing and play the piano better.
Flowers are so pretty but they are expensive and die too quickly.
I love to laugh.
I love people who can make me laugh.
I have the best husband for me.
I hate swearing.
I hate spiders and bugs in my house.
I like sleeping-in and waking up next to Gracie and Luke.
I am not very good at ignoring contradictions.
I love learning EVERYTHING!
There has to be a purpose for everything, trying to change this paradigm.
Exercising is more fun when playing a sport.
I have to have french fries every couple of months.
I think I have cute feet.
Creating things is one of my favorite things to do.
I can never get enough sleep.
I love to dance and be silly but I don’t do it often enough.
Accents are fascinating.
I like to think deeply and analyze stuff.
I hate when I feel like I have to prove myself to other people.
25 Random things about Hollie by Luke
You are more spontaneous than me.
You are neat but not as much as me.
You are a wonderful mother.
You are very spiritually minded.
You are compassionate.
You care more for others than yourself.
You like to stay up late at night.
You over-analyze way too much.
Sometimes you are too smart for your own good.
You are good at remembering important things.
You are not good at remembering unimportant things.
You are good at expressing your feelings.
You are an over achiever.
You’re very patient.
You know more than I give you credit for.
You love to learn.
You’re a good example.
You don’t swear.
You know what you want in life.
You’re a great cook.
You’re funny but don’t always know it.
You’re very adventurous.
You’re beautiful.
You like love movies.
You like to read.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Tagged by Lisa...
8 Favorite TV Shows... ( I can't even think of 8)
1. Gilmore Girls (we watched all seasons on Netflix, too bad there is no more. It was funny too because Luke refused to watch it for a long time and then after watching a couple he was hooked too. We really it.)
2. 24
3. House
4. The Closer
5. The Office (Makes me uncomfortable a lot, but Luke really really likes it.)
6. And I like old Seinfeld episodes and Everybody Loves Raymond if I just have the TV on for some background noise.
7. I like watching figure skating if I ever see it on.
This is the first time that we have ever paid for TV since we have been married and first in my entire life. I just had the free channels while growing up and we never watched it. It is surprising how many people think they couldn't live without Cable.
8 Favorite Restaurants... (and what I get)
1. Cafe Rio- smothered burritos
2. Jamba Juice- Strawberry Tsunami
3. Betos- Breakfast burritos
4. Olive Garden- Salad and bread sticks
5. Papa Johns- Sicilian Pizza
6. Gugliemos FL- Pasta and balsamic vinegarette salad
7. China -A go go (las vegas)- Orange Chicken
8. Firehouse Pizzeria- Pizzookie
8 Things I did Yesterday...
1. Got up 6:30 and took Luke to work.
2. Went and got blood drawn.
3. Sought and found a Ross Dress for Less, and a Super Huge Joann Fabrics, happened to find a Babys R Us, went in looking for Gracie an outfit for Nancy's wedding, no luck.
4. Ate cheese & crackers and grapes for lunch
5. Went to a radiology appointment.
6. Picked up Luke after driving and waiting in Rush hour traffic.
7. Made a yummy salad and warmed up leftover spaghetti for dinner.
8. Unpacked a bathroom box and organized the closet with it.
8 Things I look forward to...
1. Finding out whats wrong with my thyroid
2. Getting more sleep when Gracie can go more than 3 hours again
3. Getting my house clean and organized, no more boxes, no more stuff I don't need/use
4. Nancy's wedding, seeing friends and family like Karl and Megan and kids, and Bill/Bri, and Rob/Heidi/kids, and Kevin, Molly/Mandy/Lisa, and meeting the love of Nancy's life (BJ Randall)
5. Making a quilt for Nancy
6. When we are consistently getting a regular pay check again
7. Getting a car and getting to know Las Vegas
8. Getting my pre-pregnancy memory back (this is the worst)
8 Things on my wish list...
1. lump to go away and knowing what is going on
2. like I said, my memory back
3. getting the massage Luke gave me for my birthday
4. a car
5. a tall file cabinet
6. carpet piece for under our couches so it is not all tile
7. a dentist appointment
8. that I could help Luke to not be stressed about his career and the future
8 People I tag...
1. Megan and Karl
2. J'lene
3. Robert and Heidi
4. Bill and Bri
5. Mandy and Dan
6. Sarah and Trent
7. Kori and Chase
8. Trent and Amy
1. Gilmore Girls (we watched all seasons on Netflix, too bad there is no more. It was funny too because Luke refused to watch it for a long time and then after watching a couple he was hooked too. We really it.)
2. 24
3. House
4. The Closer
5. The Office (Makes me uncomfortable a lot, but Luke really really likes it.)
6. And I like old Seinfeld episodes and Everybody Loves Raymond if I just have the TV on for some background noise.
7. I like watching figure skating if I ever see it on.
This is the first time that we have ever paid for TV since we have been married and first in my entire life. I just had the free channels while growing up and we never watched it. It is surprising how many people think they couldn't live without Cable.
8 Favorite Restaurants... (and what I get)
1. Cafe Rio- smothered burritos
2. Jamba Juice- Strawberry Tsunami
3. Betos- Breakfast burritos
4. Olive Garden- Salad and bread sticks
5. Papa Johns- Sicilian Pizza
6. Gugliemos FL- Pasta and balsamic vinegarette salad
7. China -A go go (las vegas)- Orange Chicken
8. Firehouse Pizzeria- Pizzookie
8 Things I did Yesterday...
1. Got up 6:30 and took Luke to work.
2. Went and got blood drawn.
3. Sought and found a Ross Dress for Less, and a Super Huge Joann Fabrics, happened to find a Babys R Us, went in looking for Gracie an outfit for Nancy's wedding, no luck.
4. Ate cheese & crackers and grapes for lunch
5. Went to a radiology appointment.
6. Picked up Luke after driving and waiting in Rush hour traffic.
7. Made a yummy salad and warmed up leftover spaghetti for dinner.
8. Unpacked a bathroom box and organized the closet with it.
8 Things I look forward to...
1. Finding out whats wrong with my thyroid
2. Getting more sleep when Gracie can go more than 3 hours again
3. Getting my house clean and organized, no more boxes, no more stuff I don't need/use
4. Nancy's wedding, seeing friends and family like Karl and Megan and kids, and Bill/Bri, and Rob/Heidi/kids, and Kevin, Molly/Mandy/Lisa, and meeting the love of Nancy's life (BJ Randall)
5. Making a quilt for Nancy
6. When we are consistently getting a regular pay check again
7. Getting a car and getting to know Las Vegas
8. Getting my pre-pregnancy memory back (this is the worst)
8 Things on my wish list...
1. lump to go away and knowing what is going on
2. like I said, my memory back
3. getting the massage Luke gave me for my birthday
4. a car
5. a tall file cabinet
6. carpet piece for under our couches so it is not all tile
7. a dentist appointment
8. that I could help Luke to not be stressed about his career and the future
8 People I tag...
1. Megan and Karl
2. J'lene
3. Robert and Heidi
4. Bill and Bri
5. Mandy and Dan
6. Sarah and Trent
7. Kori and Chase
8. Trent and Amy
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