The Total Money Makeover

My pastor recommended that Jeff and I read the book The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey before we get married, so I put it on my Christmas wish list. My parents got a copy for both of us so we could read it while we're apart. I'm only a few chapters into it, but I really like it so far. Anyway, if you're looking for some practical advice on how to get your finances in order (and a little humor) you may want to check it out.

Ugly Betty

I just watched the first two episodes of Ugly Betty last night for the first time. A girl that I work with always raves about the show, but I never watched it because my loyalties are with The Office (which was on at the same time). Well I was at the video store last night, so I thought I would give it a try...and it was totally worth it! I can't believe that I've been missing out on the fun all this time. The highlight last night for me was when Betty was waiting for an interview with a fashion magazine and she complimented a model-type person on her poncho which was purchased in France and created by Dolce & Gabbana. When Betty later gets the job at the magazine she is sure about what she should wear her first day to work...a poncho her dad got for her in Guadalajara.

I think this show is a gem.

These are a few of my favorite things....

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
The handy new gadget that's on my key ring
These are a few of my favorite things


I just had a car starter installed yesterday (my Christmas present from Jeff), and I LOVE IT!!! My car was warm when I left the grocery store yesterday. It was warm when I left my apartment after supper. When I left the gym, warm. On my way to work this morning, warm. I cannot believe that I've been starting my car for more than a decade. I highly recommend this handy gadget to anyone who lives in eastern North Dakota.

I heart a Montana boy...AND Montana!

I spent my entire Christmas break with my fiance, Jeff, which was such a blessing since we live six hours apart. We were able to spend 16 days together including Christmas with my family and a visit to his home state, Montana. We had a great time visiting his family and spending time in the great outdoors.


We spent one day at Red Lodge where I skiid for the second time in my life. The first time I went skiing was with my youth group in the hills of Minnesota 12 years ago. My memories of that trip include falling into the splits which I could not do. OUCH! Needless to say I was terrified of tumbling down the mountainside. But once Jeff talked me into my skiis and down the training slope I had a great time. I loved it!


Another day included snowmobiling in the mountians near Cooke City, MT where everybody drives their sleds in the street. Sledding through the mountains was unbelievable. It was snowing really hard when we were there and I felt like I was in a snow globe. We had a great time riding around and enjoying lunch at a cozy restaurant. With the exception of my driving the sled off the trail into three feet of snow where we were stuck for about 20 minutes digging and pushing, the day was wonderful.

We had a great vacation and I'm super excited to spend more time out west this summer.