little angel

little angel
Originally uploaded by jodyrow

Little Angel is finally here! She was born yesterday a little over 4 pounds. Parents Chad and Missy say she will remain in NICU for about a week. Doctors say Angel is healthy and Missy says she is feeling good. They hope she will be healthy enough to travel to Mayo with them for the rest of Missy's treatment. Keep them all in your prayers as they all continue to fight this disease!

Waiting

colorweek :: red
Originally uploaded by house on hill road

Do you ever feel like you are waiting. WAITING for tomorrow, waiting for the next thing...just waiting. I always feel like I am waiting. I think it is the part of me that likes to be PREPARED so I am not sure it is all that bad. I know they say that too many people go through life waiting for things to happen instead of making them happen! I don't think that is the case for me...at least I hope not. I am excited about today and waiting for where God brings us tomorrow!

tough competition

tough competition
Originally uploaded by jodyrow

We hit up the Great Minnesota Get Together this year. It was the first time Luke had been there. We both had a blast. We got to see a calf being born and of course the endless wall of corn that all looked the same to us! We visited the baby piggies and the honeybees! I hope we can go back next year! Click on the photo to see more of the pics!

hangin with my BF

hangin with my BF
Originally uploaded by jodyrow

The little guy nappin with his froggie

The Suite View

the suite view
Originally uploaded by jodyrow

We celebrated our 1 year anniversary...yeah we made it!:) Just kidding..it has been a wonderful year. Luke suprised me with my favorite flowers, a room at Fitgers, and a spa day at the salon. You can't beat a hotel that has aveda products in the bathroom. We both had facials and massages. So relaxing!!! We endulged in our wedding cake topper...yummy! This was the view from our room. Click on the picture to see more pics!

newlyweds

newlyweds
Originally uploaded by jodyrow

Dani's married! We are so excited for the happy couple. I had the job of personal attended, and all went smoothly, except for almost leaving without the honeymoon luggage. She planned the most beautiful day. The ceremony was on wisconsin point by the water, and the reception at the encounter was perfect. I loved the colors! Click on the link to see more wedding pics!

missy

missy
Originally uploaded by jodyrow

Hey friends and family,
We are asking for your prayers for our sister in law Missy Rowan (luke's brother's wife). She was recently diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) in her 22nd week of pregnancy. She and her baby Angel are fighting strong, but please keep them in your prayers. There is a link to her caring bridge site in our links lisif you would like to keep updated or leave her a note of encouragement.

wedding days

wedding day
Originally uploaded by jodyrow

We had the priveledge of attending our friend pete and angies wedding this past Saturday. All I have to say is beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. After the ceremony we took a train ride up the shore. Then we all met at the tent overlooking Lake Superior where we dined listening to a swinging jazz band. It was such a perfect day for the happy couple. We were reminded of our wedding...almost a whole year now! Click on the photo to see more pics...

yard games at the 4th party

yard games at the 4th party
Originally uploaded by jodyrow

We had a great fourth. Around noon we walked with Ty down to 4th fest but couldn't stay long it was way too hot for the pup. Later that day we headed off to the olsons for a BBQ. Luke took his favorite place at the grill with the men. As we spit watermelon seeds and cherry pits we knew it was finally summer in duluth. After a few yard games, Luke and I left the party to meet the Ohmans/Byers down by the waterfront to watch the fireworks. It was cool to see them up close and personal!

Flat tire!

Yeah so I am sitting here at the car place. I got a random flat tire on the way to work today! So fun! At least they have internet to play on! So I thought I would update our blog. I have decided that we are going to try to update more often...promise! Not a whole lot happening in the rowan house. We are still lovin have a puppy. He is so cute. Luke is enjoying his new job of youth and young adult pastor! Lots of activities this summer. Well the mechanic is hailing me! Talk soon!

our baby- 4 months old!

 

My wife told me not to say anything stupid!

Got a credit card? CUT IT UP! I have been fully-100% converted. I am a disciple of Dave Ramsey and Jesus-of coarse. This past Thanksgiving when I was at my in-laws, my brother in-law, Brian, was looking up stocks on the internet. I asked him what he was doing. Brian informed me that he was making some adjustments to his retirement portfolio before the end of the year. He started talking the jargon of finance guys and my head began spinning. At that moment I realized I was FINANCIALLY ILLITERATE! I felt so overwhelmed, however for the next hour or so he patiently answered my questions and wet my appetite for financial knowledge. Before the night was over Brian laid out some steps to take before we met again at Christmas.

A few days later I was listening to Focus on the Family podcast, and they were playing their #1 requested show before the end of the year. The show consisted of an interview with a crazy Christian financial guy named Dave Ramsey. In the show, Ramsey layed out the step of finanical freedom called the Baby Steps (Brian's are similar). The Baby Steps are as followed:

1. Save an Emergency Fund of $1000
2. Pay off all debt using the Debt Snowball
3. Put 3-6 months of Expenses in savings
4. Invest 15% of household income into a Roth IRA's and pre-tax retiremnt
5. College Funding for children
6. Pay off home early
7. Build wealth and give (Dave teaches tithing-no matter where you are at in the Baby Steps)
Invest in mutual funds and real estate

Jody and I started the baby steps in January with a plast-sectomy. We vowed to not used credit cards ever again. We have started a budget and set several goals and are on our way to becoming financially fit. We have almost become a little obsessive in following the plan. Jody and I listen to Dave Ramsey's podcast everyday-check it out! The cool thing about all this is how God has blessed us in our pursuit of financial responsibility.

Luke

Resources
Websites
www.daveramsey.com
www.money.com
www.mvelopes.com (Budeting software-evelopes style)

Books
Total Money Makeover-Dave Ramsey (about: Wealth building tools and knowledge) Excellent
The Wealthy Barber-David Chilton (about: Solid financial knowledge and investing) Very Good

Publications
Money Magazine

Podcast
David Ramsey
Money Matter (Crown Financial Ministry)

GO OPRAH!!!

Oprah's Leadership school in South Africa