-- 1 --

I hope you like the new look of my blog! I'm very excited to have moved it to my website, something I've wanted to do for some time now. I could never figure out how to customize the style of my blog on WordPress, except to use one of their templates. Now, I feel like I have total control, though I still have a lot to learn about CSS and PHP! I'm enjoying figuring it out, though.

-- 2 --

We closed on our mortgage refinance today. Woohoo! We are now saving about $118 in interest per month - now that's what I call savings! Most of that money will probably go toward skyrocketing taxes, though; in the new year, we have seen David's federal tax withholding increase by 50%. So much for trying to get ahead. Thank you, Obama! (Grumble grumble!)

-- 3 --

You've just got to try this recipe for fresh-baked bread in just five minutes a day. It really works, and it's delicious!!

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The other day I was mildly surprised downright shocked to realize that in just a few short weeks, Lent will be upon us. I feel like I missed Advent altogether, thanks to sick kids and... well, just the hustle and bustle of life... so I'm vowing to be more prepared for Lent. I think I might give up Facebook. I hate how addicted I am! I hate how I need to have my computer by my side at every moment. This morning I took my car in for an oil change and waited while they worked on it, and I was so disappointed when I realized I'd forgotten to bring my laptop. I did have this book with me, though, so I read that instead -- what a wonderful book! What a badly-needed wake-up call! I've been far too lax about my spiritual journey, and I've allowed things like Facebook and email to creep in and take over my life. Time to take a step back and refocus on the things that really matter. And what better opportunity than Lent?

-- 5 --

I was so, SO excited to discover that Fr. Corapi will be coming to Cincinnati in July! I am so THERE!!! Will I see you there too?

-- 6 --

If my sinuses don't settle down and behave themselves soon, I'm going to kick them to the curb! I know it's only January, but... enough with the winter germs already. Yuck!

-- 7 --

We've decided to make the kids work for their toys. If they really want to play with the toy kitchen, they'll find a way up on to the soffit, right?

Hey, with a house this small, sometimes you have to get creative with your storage solutions.

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