ShannonAlbert.com - June 2009

Just posting really since I haven't in a few days. Today is the last day of the week for the 4 of us because we're all off (or taking off) on Friday. The kids have annual pediatrician appointments that day (where we'll go through the whole routine of explaining to them that it is in fact better for Blake to go first and show Payton how not to be scared at the doctor) and then we're headed to KC. Dan's officially opening his restaurant next year and having a gathering to celebrate that plus we'll be celebrating my mom's birthday with my brother and his family.

I'm excited to get away for a few days but still trying to figure out how to get things done after we get back - losing a few days in a row when trying to run a family and work a lot of hours is hard work, people! But you probably already know that.

- Surviving October using a budget for the first time. Food spending is the hardest to manage.
- Put our hot tub up for sale. Might as well get some extra money from it since we don't use it.
- Using thegrocerygame.com for groceries. First week was $77 on groceries. Down from...a whole lot more.
- Have started to Christmas shop to try to find good deals as they come up. Placed an order on Amazon.com tonight to take advantage of some good sales.
- Cooking at home more now.
- Gathering cleaning supplies to start doing my own cleaning.

Overall, going very well and we're very motivated to get through this step ASAP.

On Saturday morning, we attended the parade and fall festival in Maize. Blake really liked the parade (especially the part where you catch candy!). The amazingly beautiful awesome weather made it that much better.





Bob and Nicki's church with their infamous slogan and live band...







Afterward, we ran into Nicki and her clan so our 6 year olds played some games for a bit.

The kids just started taking piano lessons about 2 months ago and there was a piano recital on Saturday for all of the piano teacher's students. We opted to have Blake sit this one out so he could see how the recital works and give him some more time to learn. Payton's been learning quickly since she's older and can move faster through the piano books so she went ahead and did it despite being a totally new piano player.

The recital was held at Senseney Music...


Payton playing...


Payton with Ms. Shelley, the most patient piano teacher in the world I'm pretty sure...


Payton's friend Kami (spelled the same way as my Kami...weird!) came with us to watch and afterward, she went up to the piano to play for a bit. She's REALLY good.


Classic Blake, always trying to see how things work.