You know you're a personal finance blogger when...

For those that haven't visited yet, I make a living off my blog at www.thepennywisefamily.com. There's no charges or subscirptions but advertising revenue pays the bills over there.

I realized that perhaps I've been devoting too much of my time that way tonight while I was braiding Destiny's hair.

I asked her what event she'll be running in Thursday's track meet.

She told me she'll be running the 401k.

On a side note, I re-tried her same zig-zag braids today with extensions. Super cute! It was my first real attempt at the plastic hair that adds length to her locks. (She's worn them before, but I've always hired professionals to do it at the cost of $20-$40/week) I did it tonight in one and a half hours for $3.00.

Finally mastered cornrowing!

I've finally gotten the hair rhythm down. The kids get a shampoo and braiding on Sundays and Wednesdays. I did this cool style on Destiny last night (we didn't get to our regular Sunday time).

She LOVES these braids. She'd wanted "zig zags" but I was afraid of how long it might take me to do that. I still have to be pretty careful about parting everything in advance.

Instead, we set a zig-zag part and then braided cornrows from there.

4th Grade Play: Treasure Island

If I get any play footage with my video camera, I'll post some here, but I overheard this at our dinner table today and had to post it.

4th grade play is the pirate story "Treasure Island" Destiny told Rob she'll be scrubbing the floor in the play. Rob said "swabbing the deck?" She said "no dad! cleaning the floor" He explained that the deck is the sailor term for floor on a boat.

She said "that's ok, we don't have a boat." He asked "what are you pirates sailing in this play?" Answer.."duh, a stage. Geeze Dad. It's a play."

Easter Weekend With the Wards

Today is the 2nd day of our church's three-day prayer vigil. Members take turns as hosts for two hours, or "prayers" for one hour.

I signed up to host for two hours during Melat's nap time, and Decided to take Destiny along with me to learn a little bit more about the Easter story (sans pink chocolate bunnies).


Both our girls are being baptized this summer, on July 12th, and we're teaching Destiny, especially about learning to walk with God and listen for God. Instead of doing Easter baskets this year, I wanted to give the girls prayer beads, and I wanted to teach Destiny the "stations of the cross" prayers. If she has the same attention difficulties that I do, prayer is an invitation for distraction. I learned a few years ago about using Prayer Beads to stay focused.


During our hosting time, we were to keep the doors open of the church for everyone who wanted to come pray, and ensure that the candles stayed lit. In general, a pretty dull two hours.


I read Destiny the stories of the Stations of the cross, and then drew a 15-square grid for her to draw what it meant to her. I wrote a relevant prayer in each box for her.


After she was done, I took a look at her work of art. The exercise of drawing the story made it so much more real for her. Here's a photo of her drawing:

I thought her to pray the stations with the rosary, and wouldn't you know, the designated pray-er for the church had to leave early, so I invited Destiny to light a candle and go into the sanctuary and pray the stations there until the next person arrived.

She did it and said it was a very interesting experience. I gave her a little red Rosary as her Easter gift. I'm not sure how much sank in, but I'm confident it was good preparation for tomorrow's Easter church service.

When I picked up Destiny's rosary, I also picked up a little wooden "my first rosary" for Melat. Since she was born Orthodox, I thought she might be expected to bring one when we visit Orthodox services.

She was thrilled when she opened it and said "I know this mom!" She ran to the computer and wanted me to put on the Orthodox church (she likes to watch this on YouTube, on the Internet).

She wrapped her rosary around her wrist, swayed in the chair and sang to the church music. Then she wanted to show me how to do it. She watched it for a long time and then stopped for lunch, and watched more.

Here are photos of both girls after our pre-Easter celebrations. Looking forward to tomorrow's service, and lunch with Rob's family and my mom and sisters at Gramma Pat's house.

Happy Easter to All! He is risen, risen indeed!

Got Our AHOPE Gear

World AIDS Orphans Day is May 7th. Interesting that it should occur on the Friday before Mother's day. I can't help but wonder if that's no conincidence?

We ordered AHOPE shirts to honor those who've lost their parents, and to support this wonderful cause.

I'm sharing this info because the quality of these shirts is really great! I wasn't expecting this from a fundraiser item, especially considering their low price. They look wonderful and we get compliments everywhere we go with them on. I'm actually going to order another one. (I didn't order one for Rob and he's told me he'll be stealing mine).

Hugs and prayers for all the children who are waiting for their second parents.

Another publication you might like

I wanted you to know about this publication I’m a part of called Serious.Life Magazine. They just published a new issue today, and I am in their Featured Blog Directory. It’s a very high quality magazine… you’ll really like it.
The magazine includes a lot of great content from bloggers you’ll appreciate, as well as great features, photos and other content. The magazine is owned and published by a family who have seven kids, three adopted and one who has Leukemia (http://www.riggsfamilyblog.com/). The magazine gives away a bunch of ads to charities and ministries. Besides great articles on interesting people, there is a lot about family, adoption, personal finance, spiritual life, humor… all sorts of “life” topics.
Again, the subscription is FREE, and I know you’ll enjoy the magazine, so take a minute to check it out and sign up to get future issues. http://www.seriouslifemagazine.com/

Going for a walk--Destiny Style

Destiny has a knack...for making practically any situation both comical and uncomfortable simultaneously.

Melat has a knack for charming the living daylights out of even the most grumpy sort.

Tonight we were going for a pleasant family walk around our neighborhood. Destiny was pushing Melat in a stroller, and Melat was charming oncoming foot traffic to an almost embarassing point. She had convinced each passerby to "high five" her on the way by, by the time they approached.

One curmudgenly looking fellow was walking towards us in a straight section of sidewalk, so she'd worked him up to a high five at least 100 feet in advance.

Sure enough, like all the rest, he high-fived her right on que.

Destiny replied (very) loudly "GAWD MELAT, DON'T YOU KNOW SOME PEOPLE DON'T WASH THEIR HANDS?!?"

*Blush* What's a parent to do?

I do hope this fellow thought "now there goes some parents who've done a swell job raising their child to understand the hazards of germs.

Jesus Loves to Eat Injera

Melat loves bedtime songs. She always asks for "Jesus Loves the Little Children" but she's always kind of mumbled the words together "Jesuslovestoshweoihewioht"

I've finally determined what she's saying... she thinks the song is "Jesus Loves to Eat Injera."

Well, it's all logical enough.

I'm Going to Fund Adoption Loans

I've been investing with Lending Club alittle while, but I've decided that when I invest more I'm going to invest in adoption loans only. There aren't any awaiting funding right now--so if you're looking for adoption money and are planning to take out a loan, check them out and let me know if you decide to apply, because I'll contribute to funding your loan!

I wish I'd known about this when we adopted last time. We put travel on a credit card, but LC has rates under 8%.