I've said this to people before, and so far it hasn't worked out. But this morning I woke up and was reading a book. I shouldn't tell you what book it was, because it is a Jr. High level book. I just love them. Ever heard of the babysitters club?
Anyway, I'm reading one where the whole club gets to go on a cruise and then to Disney World. So what does my mind do? I decide it's time to really honestly start saving for our "dream vacation".
So downstairs I go to work with our budget (once more...it seems that's all I do anymore). I knew that I just had to put in a category for "vacation savings". So I tweak a little here, a little there. And...tada!...there is a spot for our vacation savings.
Then I decided that I would see just how long this will really take to pull off (with only about $50 a month put away). Well, I figured out our cost and guess what...we just might be able to go for Martie's 30th birthday!
Ok, it won't be that bad. Actually we pay off what's on our pick-up at the beginning of next year (putting some extra money towards it). Then whatever we put towards the pick-up(extra and all) I think I will put in our vacation savings. We should be have close to $500 of our money by the time the pick-up is paid off and then if we put that money back it should only take us a year of saving that to get us where we want to be. So I think we should be able to go the summer before Martie is a Senior.
Ok, I know I keep saying that I am going to save this money for Disney and that money for Disney. Then I never do, but I am itching to go back and I just can't let my daughter not experience the trip.
I've decided that we will get her a vacation savings as well and she can help earn the money for herself. Have her pay for a little of the trip and her souvenirs.
If for some reason we put back all extra, Martie helps, we somehow end up earning some extra money and putting it away, there's a chance we could do this all next year....but I'm not gonna get my hopes up that much.
I think our best bet for going will be at the end of May or beginning of June, but I really wish we could go in September. That's when we went the last time and it's cheaper and the weather is beautiful (as long as there's no hurricanes), and the crowds aren't as big. But I'll take what I can get. This is just so exciting, knowing that I have a real plan now...and it's on paper.
So we'll just see what happens. Our "Magical, Disney Vacation" might just be a reality.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Song of the Week
I've decided that I'm going to post the lyrics for the song of the week....and I hope to put that song on my playlist so you can hear it as you read the lyrics. This week I will start with a hymn called "I surrender All". The version I have, is sung by Crystal Lewis. It combines the song of the week with another of my favorites. So you're getting two for the price of one.
Just As I Am/I Surrender All
Just as I am, without one plea
But that Thy blood was shed for me
And that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee
O Lamb of God, I come! I come!
Just as I am and waiting not
To rid my sould of one dark blot,
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come! I come!
All to Jesus I surrender
All to Him I freely give
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live
I surrender all, I surrender all
All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all
I surrender all
Enjoy!
Just As I Am/I Surrender All
Just as I am, without one plea
But that Thy blood was shed for me
And that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee
O Lamb of God, I come! I come!
Just as I am and waiting not
To rid my sould of one dark blot,
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come! I come!
All to Jesus I surrender
All to Him I freely give
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live
I surrender all, I surrender all
All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all
I surrender all
Enjoy!
New Cd
Ok, since the blog has a name that mentions music, and our family loves music, you can't blame me for posting something about music. LOL! Well, we have plans to make a new cd this next winter. I am so excited about it. Actually I will be allowing others to help make some of the decisions about the cd.
For instance, when I get my camera back, I will put some pictures on here and you can vote for the picture you think should be the cover picture of the album.
Also, I will eventually put a list of hymns on here and you will get to vote for the ones you would like to hear on the album. I don't know the exact number yet, because we are actually working on a couple of original songs (shh...don't tell anyone).
Can I also ask a favor of you? We would like your prayers for the album.
*One, that we will be doing this for God and God alone, not to make ourselves popular
*Two, that God would provide the funds that are needed to make this album. We don't have them and we are trusting Him to get us what is needed.
I have to admit that this album already seems more fun than the first one. I also hope to polish up the fiddle and maybe play a little on there. Of course Scott will play the drums. (Martie's voice is still in the polishing process, but we are hoping to be able to let her record a couple songs on her own cd...which might be a home-made one)
Ok, that's the news for now. Just keep us in your prayers and pray that God will use our music to touch lives for Him.
God Bless you all!
For instance, when I get my camera back, I will put some pictures on here and you can vote for the picture you think should be the cover picture of the album.
Also, I will eventually put a list of hymns on here and you will get to vote for the ones you would like to hear on the album. I don't know the exact number yet, because we are actually working on a couple of original songs (shh...don't tell anyone).
Can I also ask a favor of you? We would like your prayers for the album.
*One, that we will be doing this for God and God alone, not to make ourselves popular
*Two, that God would provide the funds that are needed to make this album. We don't have them and we are trusting Him to get us what is needed.
I have to admit that this album already seems more fun than the first one. I also hope to polish up the fiddle and maybe play a little on there. Of course Scott will play the drums. (Martie's voice is still in the polishing process, but we are hoping to be able to let her record a couple songs on her own cd...which might be a home-made one)
Ok, that's the news for now. Just keep us in your prayers and pray that God will use our music to touch lives for Him.
God Bless you all!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Great Guy
Ok, so I bragged about our daughter last time. It's time to brag about my husband now. This could take awhile. What can I say, I picked the best guy out there. Life is not always perfect at our house(far from it). But we are so in love.
Scott can be really romantic when he puts his mind to do it. He once rented a limo for me (for Valentines Day and my birthday since they are so close) and we dressed up fancy and everything. We just drove around and then ate at D.Q.
Scott is awesome at making supper when I'm not up to doing so (or I'm busy). He's a pretty good cook, and grilling seems to make him feel more "manly".
He does his own laundry. Ok, I help him out occasionally. He says he does it so that I can focus on what I would like to get done. It really does help, and I appreciate it. He even helps me with mine sometimes.
Scott does the dishes (ok, we have a dishwasher, so it's not that hard). He will load or unload it over his lunch hour just to help me out. What a guy!
Scott puts aside his own agenda to help me with my music. He will give me vocal pointers or even sit through a voice lesson, just to help me out with concerts and stuff. I love him.
He's a fighter. He stayed strong and positive all through his cancer. There were times he broke down, but mostly he held on to God and found as much joy as he could through it all. And we grew more in love getting through those times than any other time. I know because of that we are inseperable. And the faith he has from it is amazing.
Which brings me to the last one I will say (or I'll just keep going). My husband is the best spiritual leader of our household. If you were to come over to our house before he leaves for work (and brings Martie to school) you will find him at our kitchen table with God. Very rarely does he miss out on having a devotion time with his Maker. And because of it, his faith grows even stronger everyday. Like I said in the title, what a great guy.
And now that you've met my family, you see why I choose to count my blessings. I have so many to count.
My husband and I are so much in love
Scott can be really romantic when he puts his mind to do it. He once rented a limo for me (for Valentines Day and my birthday since they are so close) and we dressed up fancy and everything. We just drove around and then ate at D.Q.
Scott is awesome at making supper when I'm not up to doing so (or I'm busy). He's a pretty good cook, and grilling seems to make him feel more "manly".
He does his own laundry. Ok, I help him out occasionally. He says he does it so that I can focus on what I would like to get done. It really does help, and I appreciate it. He even helps me with mine sometimes.
Scott does the dishes (ok, we have a dishwasher, so it's not that hard). He will load or unload it over his lunch hour just to help me out. What a guy!
Scott puts aside his own agenda to help me with my music. He will give me vocal pointers or even sit through a voice lesson, just to help me out with concerts and stuff. I love him.
He's a fighter. He stayed strong and positive all through his cancer. There were times he broke down, but mostly he held on to God and found as much joy as he could through it all. And we grew more in love getting through those times than any other time. I know because of that we are inseperable. And the faith he has from it is amazing.
Which brings me to the last one I will say (or I'll just keep going). My husband is the best spiritual leader of our household. If you were to come over to our house before he leaves for work (and brings Martie to school) you will find him at our kitchen table with God. Very rarely does he miss out on having a devotion time with his Maker. And because of it, his faith grows even stronger everyday. Like I said in the title, what a great guy.
And now that you've met my family, you see why I choose to count my blessings. I have so many to count.
My husband and I are so much in love
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Bragging rights
I don't get to do this as often as I want, but I want to take the opportunity to brag on my daughter. I want to tell you what she means to me and how much of a blessing she is.
Like I said, we've only had Martie for a year and a half. It's been a climb, but all is going pretty good. We are so proud of her. I can't wait to see what God does in her life.
She is an awesome writer. And I'm not just saying that cause I'm biased. She writes stories and poems that share what's in her heart. She has an awesome imagination, so her stories are always fun to read.
She has a good voice. She is still young yet, but she can sing very well and sings with me sometimes. I think we are going to let her record a two song demo next winter when I make my sophmore album. (doesn't that sound impressive...lol)
She has a very compassionate heart. Underneath her tough exterior, I have a daughter that wants to put others first. She loves to help others, and gets a lot of joy out of showing love to others. God will use this to the fullest as she allows Him to.
There is so much more that I could say, but I'll finish by saying that she absolutely loves being "clingy" when she's around me. I can't get mad at her for that because I truly love that she wants to be around me.
Like I said, we've only had Martie for a year and a half. It's been a climb, but all is going pretty good. We are so proud of her. I can't wait to see what God does in her life.
She is an awesome writer. And I'm not just saying that cause I'm biased. She writes stories and poems that share what's in her heart. She has an awesome imagination, so her stories are always fun to read.
She has a good voice. She is still young yet, but she can sing very well and sings with me sometimes. I think we are going to let her record a two song demo next winter when I make my sophmore album. (doesn't that sound impressive...lol)
She has a very compassionate heart. Underneath her tough exterior, I have a daughter that wants to put others first. She loves to help others, and gets a lot of joy out of showing love to others. God will use this to the fullest as she allows Him to.
There is so much more that I could say, but I'll finish by saying that she absolutely loves being "clingy" when she's around me. I can't get mad at her for that because I truly love that she wants to be around me.
Who are we?
Who are the musical Soodsma's? We are a family of three who absolutely love music. We think life is full of music, and we use a lot of music to share our thoughts and feelings. I love to use song lyrics to show what is going on with me personally. It brings me joy and helps me get out of my depression.
I(Melissa) sing. My husband(Scott) plays the drums. He also helps me with my singing. Our daughter(Martaysha) sings with me on occasion and has stated recently she wants to learn the guitar.
Martie is our adopted daughter, and we've only had her for a year and a half. We are very quickly learning what it is like to be parents and how to raise a teenager. We are eventually going to be looking into adopting another one (hopefully younger than a teenager).
So sit back, and enjoy our life put to music.
I(Melissa) sing. My husband(Scott) plays the drums. He also helps me with my singing. Our daughter(Martaysha) sings with me on occasion and has stated recently she wants to learn the guitar.
Martie is our adopted daughter, and we've only had her for a year and a half. We are very quickly learning what it is like to be parents and how to raise a teenager. We are eventually going to be looking into adopting another one (hopefully younger than a teenager).
So sit back, and enjoy our life put to music.
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