Goodbye Bianca, I really do miss you

I didn't know how much I missed her until I began this post. Friday night, I said goodbye to Bianca. She was my pal for three years. 52000 miles. Alyssa had a great time hopping in the expensive sports cars in the showroom.

Introducing Xyril. I plan to keep her for more than 5 years, so there won't be heartbreak again.

History: I had a Silver 04 Altima, Chaeli, that I loved and planned to keep, however, when Bianca came around in 07, it was a better deal to upgrade.

For the past 3 years, I planned to keep Bianca long term, so I was suprised by what happened this week. I started running numbers in my head, thinking deeply, and ran some thoughts by Jim Vach. Later Friday, I prayed about what decision to make regarding our family vehicle. I really didn't think financially I should continue with Bianca, yet I didn't think I could let go of her luxury. When I walked into Nissan, to figure out the end of my lease, my answer came; You should get a Sentra and save $7K.

I knew my credit was flawless, so I would qualify for their best offer. As a Microsoft employee, I was able to do have a haggle free 5% under invoice deal, so I saved a few thousand. 0% financing made the math easy to understand so that I wouldn't get confused by the car salesman sneaking in other numbers into the price. The car came to less than $20K and had most of the features I truly enjoy. I gave up only 2 perks, (garage door opener & power seat adjustments). Since Troy, Alyssa and I are small people, the lost cabin space/leg room suits us just fine. Being in the compact car category, also saves us money on insurance and will when we have a teen too!

This car could be a great car for Alyssa in 5 years, if she saves her pennies and wants to buy it from me.

Funny, I think I am over having tinted windows and don't plan to waste money doing them again. It's been about 10 years since I had no tint, but I feel I have outgrown that need. I like the changes I am feeling regarding wastefulness. This new monthly payment is less than I had with Bianca and it was the smarter decision for our family. I still feel sad abandoning her though. Goodbye, farewell, much love!

7 years ago...I bought my home

7 years ago at the young age of 27, I was preparing to buy this home. I started scoping out my first home back in November and so by March, it was nice to plan to get this process overwith. I was approved for a $250K loan on my measely salary. I was so scared to take on this 'big' risk to me and I felt so young and immature.

My real estate agent was Craig Roberts of Prudential and his wife Charlotte was my Mortgage Loan officer. I knew them since 1995 when I was their nanny in West Seattle. I loved them so much and totally trusted them. Craig had been bothering me for 6 years to buy a home and I kept putting it off, toooo scared.

The funny thing though is that I did all my own research and so did Craig and when we came together to view homes, he let us see all the homes I picked out first. We went to Covington and Maple Valley homes, about 10 of them. Then, when we were done, he turned to me in the car and said, "NOW, ARE YOU READY TO SEE THE HOME YOU ARE GOING TO BUY?". I laughed at his cocky statement. He showed me this address in Maple Valley. It had gone on the market just 2 days prior. It was exactly $249,900. Here were some crappy camera shots I took of our first walk through. The backyard sold me.. it was HUGE, over 10,000 sf. I put a full offer in and it was accepted. On March 12, we signed the papers. My stepdad co-signed for me. We took a chance and did an FHA loan which meant that I got a 4% arm loan, but paid in $100 per month insurance. It was my only option to make it work since I put down such a low down payment and maxed out my possibly loan.

The goal was to get a 20% increase in value in 2 years and I would get all my insurance returned to me, take my step-dad off the loan, and lock in on a 30 year rate.

It worked perfectly! PHEW!!!!

Just a few days after I signed on my new house, I was laid off from my job of 4 years. I couldn't believe it. I was a frantic mess and I immediately cancelled my 6 week Europeon Vacation that I was planning. Fortunately, I got a new job and I was able to keep my house. What a nail biting time in my life though. I didn't know if I was more happy my employer waited to lay me off after I got my house, or if I was more mad that they let me buy a house knowing they would lay me off. Oh well, water under the bridge now.

I still feel so lucky and I thank the Roberts for helping me. I also thank my step dad for taking a chance on me.

March 7 - two year anniversary

For those of you who forgot or never knew, Troy and I secretly were married by Bishop Lake on March 7, 2008.

Three months later on 06-07-08, we had a wedding in Oregon for our family and friends to celebrate with us. Few people knew we were already married.

WHY, you ask? 1) to give Troy and his girls insurance right away 2) importance of being married by Bishop in an LDS church 3) wanted a private ceremony

March ceremony attendees only included Bishop and his wife, Bennetts, Diane, my auntie and my mom.

I love looking at this picture because it was such a sweet and simple, yet super important day. Thank you to Diane who made us beautiful place to stand up in.

Who knew a relief society room could look this nice in a photo?

Landsberg Park

Just took a few minutes today to scope out Landsberg for our upcoming family photo shoot. I love this site and took some photos of Alyssa and her bestest friend Kaitlyn. Posting because I know Kaitlyn's parents and Alyssa's grandparents will enjoy seeing these photos.

Phew, Just In Time

Phew.. just in time. Good thing I found me a husband, because this has been the year of fixing appliances. In the last 6 months, we have given four of our appliances love.


First, we had the thermostat go out on our 1 year old hot water heater, Thanksgiving Weekend. Fortunately, that was on a manufacturers warranty, so that was free. We went without hot water for 5 days over the 4 day weekend, IT WAS GREAT! Troy's brother in law got us the heater at plumbers cost, so that was nice. Troy installed with my brother so we saved big!

The dryer's heating element went out and Troy was able to fix that and the part was $80 at Reliable Parts. Then, the washer needed a new water pump. Troy fixed that one himself too. That part was $76. The fridge thermostat went out this week and that part was only $56, but we didn't know how to find it or what to do. So that repair was $232, but we have a 1 one year warranty now on the fridge, so that is cool.
In addition, Troy has done some work on our dishwasher too but it better be too new to need a true repair.

So lessons learned: 1) good to have husband to handle these things 2) do yearly maintenance on appliances to avoid basic problems. Usually, it is cleaning out the filters and is very simple.

Thank you Troy for being so handy and for earning your keep!