Football Sunday in our house is a HUGE event. My husband gathers all his snacks, his cold drinks, throws on his football jersey and heads to the game room of our home where he becomes lost in some sort of black hole. Every now and again you hear some sort of scream or cheer and you know, okay, he is still alive in there. Some Sundays are louder than others. His favorite losing team " The Raiders" always seem to fizzle out towards the end of the game and that's usually how I know "he's still alive and well" or at the very least half time is over !
For a long time we would spend our Sundays at the local Pub. A nice relaxing time over some hot wings and a cold beer. With the economy tightening up, Christmas around the corner we have decided lately to become a little more home bound. Although I DO believe our economy will be just fine, we WILL bounce back, as we always do, I also understand Rome wasn't built in a day and things do take time. Fortunately, Tennessee is not hardest hit like other states such as Florida, California and Arizona. Along with the economy you ad the housing markets in those three states and there is a higher level of panic amongst it's citizens. For them too, I believe they will bounce back.
There are some mis-guided perceptions out there however where many believe today is not the time to purchase a home. On the contrary-today is a GREAT time to purchase a home. If you can and are already affording to rent than you can purchase. Sure, we all have to change our way of living sometimes but isn't it worth it in the end to know that every month you are putting into a stock that will gain you a return later ? Instead of paying the landlord's mortgage every month why not pay your own ? Wouldn't it be better to gather your family around the dinner table every night to eat rather than all of you racing to a "Big Mac Attack" ? Wouldn't it be better to wash your own car rather than spending what seems like an eternity at the car wash ? You would be amazed at the little things one could do to save a few extra bucks and put it towards the biggest investment of your life...your new home !
This past Sunday my children decided they wanted to spend a couple dollars of the allowance they saved. We headed off to the Dollar Store where snacks were the name of the game for them. You simply cannot watch Football with Daddy without the snacks of your choice. My little guy decided on " Sour Skittles" whereas my daughter who has been sick and isn't into " puckering up" decided on some gummy bears.
One year ago things would have been done differently. I may have not realized how much fun my kids could be through the hussle and bussle of everyday ordinary life. I may have not realized how far you could stretch the imagination on only a couple of bucks. I may have not realized that every moment counts. Sometimes we get ahead of ourselves. Instead of getting back to the basics of life and family we grew accustomed to throwing a few bucks down on the table allowing others to prepare our meals, entertain us. This year as I re-vamp my budget in an effort to save more for rainy days not only have I learned the power of a dollar, I am grateful for what I do have as things could be worse and I am savoring every moment with my children and family.
I am not any different from you. I worry, I struggle. I have a mortgage, electric bills and so on. By omitting just a few things that I have found are luxuries rather than necessities my checkbook does not seem as bad. So, yes, I can sit here and say : by cutting a few cost's, by spending only what you can afford at the end of the month, by dining in rather than out you CAN afford so much more than you think.
Don't believe me ? I can prove it ! Take a look at the power of some sour skittles:
Bag of Hot Wings - $5.95 ( on sale at Kroger w/ Buy One Get One Free )
Sour Skittles - $1.00 ( Dollar Tree )
( the scream you hear in the background is my husband alerting me he is alive and well, in other words, the Raiders were not doing so well ) For more information on real estate in Crossville TN on the Cumberland Plateau call Melissa Grant direct at 931-210-8277 or visit www.crossvilletnrealestateforsale.com !
Melissa Grant
931-287-2534
lissalgrant@yahoo.com
Licensed Real Estate Agent in TN
Pointe Realty Co
109 Mariners Point
Crossville, TN 38555-5740
Melissa, I just bought skiddles too, at the Dollar Store, problem is my kids, adult kids, have just about eaten them all, so I will have to go back before the 31st.
What a great message! You don't need to spend a lot of money to have fun. Now, I don't really consider sour-ANYTHING too much fun, but my kids sure did when they were younger. I could never understand why they enjoyed that taste so much, but now with your video I can see that it could be quite fun!
It is so important to keep the things that are important in their right place. Excellent remender for all of us.
Melissa,
That video was too funny!!! Lemon & sour apple...you can't get any sourer than that!!!
Hard times can tear a family apart or it can bring families closer together...no problem seeing how you've handled it!!! Good job! Thanks, Fran
I am not a big fan of the sour candy...your hubby screaming about the Raiders...that is priceless!
Wow that video is priceless! Great Post Hilarious you can' stop laughing
We just spent a day at a State Park for a picnic. You can't go wrong spending time with your family.
Melissa...
Now this is some unique marketing and I like it. The kids are adorable and you did a great job narrating. Just so you know when I was growing up we didn't have candy, toys or any of the things children have today. We used to have to walk 10 miles to school too :)
What was that my Grandmother used to say...Oh I remember...A penny saved is a penny earned. So just how true is that anyway? :)
TLW...ROAR!
It does not have to cost a lot to have fun and a good time. And most of all time with the family.
There is nothing funnier than watching the antics that kids can become involved in.
Melissa - Those are some seriously SOUR candies, apparently. This was a lot of fun. I hope Grace is feeling better. I want some "sour bour hour" candy now.
I just love to go on long walks or a visit to the park. Inexpensive and great times for everyone.
Awww Melissa... this video is priceless... Great job. Looks like he really enjoys sour skittles
Melissa..... you have some cute kids. And tell your husband that I was actually cheering for the Raiders because I had them to beat the Jets... and it was way to close at the end.
In regards to your message, very good. I have cut back a little, but at the same times, yes, it's a great time to buy. Home values are down and shouldn't really be going down more... and rates are still semi low. I will be doing a rent vs buy blog series in the next few days..... ps, and yes, your husband is alive. lol
Great post! We work so hard to provide for our families and often forget to enjoy our families. Good for you.
I totally agree; spending time with family is one of the most important priorities you can have.
Kids are so much fun. Not only are they easily amused, they amuse those around them as well. It sounds like you were having a great time.
Melissa: Not sure... Maybe we can track the number... Thank You !
That was priceless. Family, laughter and good real estate advice. Your a true Gem!
Sour Skittles = good times. Family is always most important on the priority tree.
Good advice - All Around - Great to remind us how you can simplify your life and STILL HAVE FUN!
Thankfully with gas prices coming down 30% here...maybe the holidays won't be as bad now that some can start to recover instead of everything going up in price and drowning...I still enjoy the weekends watching sports and sitting aroundwith the family. I was in NY this weekend and missed the giants game due to a family party at a restaurant with no TV! Caught the Jets choking though.
I am sure it won't be the only scream about the Raiders the rest of the season LOL
I agree 100%. As a Realtor, consumers assume you are available 24/7. Yes, availability should be a priority, but not your #1 priority. Schedule or set aside some family time and stick to it. Your clients will (should) understand.
I laughed throughout your entire post and video. Melissa, please tell you hubby it could be worse. He could live here and have the Poor Pitiful Lions as his local team :-))
Stay home, have fun with your kids and hubby and enjoy every second!
Awesome post and well said my friend. Family is everything in this world.
Great video, great post. First: sour skittles are incredible! If you go to Costco you can get a huge bag for like $2 and second: we're not talking about the Raiders. They beat my Jets and that's not a good subject to bring up right now.
Andrew - LMAO ! My husbands brother won't talk with him either...he is a Jets fan as well !
Melissa - Are your sure we aren't married to the same "Football Fanatic" ?
My hubby disappears into the "Black Hole" of our basement to cheer on the "Redskins". All the kids follow him ,because he has all the snacks & goodies in the basement with him.
As for the Sour Skittles they are great ! Almost as good as the Sour gummy worms.
Great Post
Melissa~ I think when you are eating sour skittles, keeping your eyes shut makes it easier to eat those sour little things! LOL. Cute video!
HI MELISSA! Absolutely priceless. That boy is too cute! What a great reminder that although we have to cut back on some things, we can clearly find joy in other things.
Melissa-That was too cute. What a great marketing idea....I love the message you sent. Family is SO important. Buy a home, and enjoy your family!!! Glad to hear Grace is feeling better. Now, to get you some long needed rest:)
Thanks for sharing, Great Post, without family we don't have much.
Have A Wonderful Day