Don't Want What the Joneses Have

The Joneses.... The family that everyone tries to keep up with. Their lifestyle seems so glamorous yet so unattainable. But so many people try to keep up with them.

As we've taken a closer look at our finances, started getting out of debt, and continued saving money in our emergency fund, I'm finding myself with a different take on keeping up with the Joneses.

Usually the Joneses drive really nice cars.... with payments and higher insurance rates. We drive fairly nice vehicles with no payments and reasonable insurance rates. We're comfortable and safe when we drive.

Usually the Joneses live in a really nice house.... with a huge mortgage, higher insurance rates, and extra furniture. Our house is not huge, but it's big enough for us right now. We'll be moving to a larger home this summer. It's very nice (built by my dad and grandpa!), larger than this one, but still a size that's manageable for us. We'll be able to afford the payments as part of our monthly budget. It will have plenty of room to live and to enjoy the company of friends and family.

Usually the Joneses have to work A LOT to afford the things that they have. While we aren't against work, we also appreciate our family time. We've made choices that allow us to have plenty of time together as a family. Another 1000 square feet isn't worth the extra time at work. I sometimes wonder if the Joneses have any time away from work to actually enjoy the things that their money buys.

As we see the Joneses now, we often wonder if they can afford what they have or if they're in debt up to their eyeballs to keep up the front. Sure, many of these people pay cash, have emergency funds, and can afford what they buy. But there are so many who just want to look like they're the Joneses.

We're not being judgmental. We're just checking ourselves. Are we grateful for what we have? Do we only have what we can afford? What's our motivation for purchasing _____ (fill in the blank with anything)? Are we buying what we need? Or are we buying to keep up with the Joneses?

I'm thankful that we're not the Joneses. I don't want to be them. I don't want to keep up with them.

This post is linked to:
:: Gratituesday hosted by Heavenly Homemakers
:: Finer Things Friday hosted by The Finer Things in Life

Photo Credit

A Break in the Snow and a Princess Party

We are finally seeing a break in our cold weather and snow. Our road is still covered in a thick layer of slushy ice, but school is back in session! Emma was thrilled to be able to get back to preschool last Friday. Before that, she was certain that preschool was done for the year. Each day she would wake up and ask "Is there too much snow?" And the answer was "Yes" every time.

The best part about going to back to preschool Friday was that the kids were finally able to have their Prince & Princesses Valentine's Day Tea Party. The girls came dressed in their princess dresses, and the boys sported their knight or prince attire. Our little princes.....


The "tea" was chocolate milk. The treats were heart-shaped and yummy. The games were fun and loud. Valentines were exchanged with a great deal of enthusiasm.



I can't think of a better way to spend a Friday morning... with my princess.

This post is linked to Gratituesday hosted by Laura at Heavenly Homemakers and Finer Things Friday hosted by Amy from The Finer Things in Life.

Finer Things Friday: Playing Dress Up

When you think about the finer things in life, what comes to mind? How 'bout this?

Playing dress up.... What could be finer? For more finer things, stop by Finer Things Friday hosted by Amy's Finer Things.

Finer Things Friday: Sweet Whispers

On Wednesday, we went to a new sports-type restaurant that opened near us. We had a nice meal, complete with an Etch-a-Sketch for Emma to play with while we were waiting for our food to arrive. She was fascinated! After we ate, we made a quick stop by the restrooms before heading out for some shopping. We were just finishing up, and Emma told me that she had to whisper a secret in my ear... I bent down with much anticipation.

"I love you very much!"

It came complete with the ornery grin from ear to ear. Now that's a secret I'm sure to keep... Definitely one of the finer things in life. What finer things are you celebrating today? Stop by Finer Things Friday hosted by Amy's Finer Things to see what others are celebrating.