Monthly Scoop: November 2021

LifeScrambles, Monthly Scoop

When I started this little blog it was a way to stay in touch with family and friends and share recipes. This year when I decided to redesign the blog the one family and personal thing I wanted to keep is the Monthly Scoop. A monthly post that helps us all stay connected. Here is a glimpse of what the Giberson-Ashley’s have been up to.

Monthly Scoop: November 2021 Title Image

What’s new:

This past month was fun and exciting. We got to spend a lot of time with friends and family. We went to a corn maze and a pumpkin patch. Baby E turned 5. We went to a circus, a haunted house, as well as trick or treating with new friends. All in all, Oct was a good month.

Holloween was the one-year mark of when my mother-in-law got her chance diagnosis.
A year ago we would have never thought she would already be gone, that cancer would take her in a short 6 months. The lesson here is never to take your time for granted. Hold the ones you love dear and close because you never know when it will be your last day with them.

Even though we had an incredible month it was also heartbreaking when we got the call another family member has passed. So I will say again it is never too late to call someone and say you love them, tomorrow is never guaranteed.

What I am reading:

“The Wrong Family”: It’s full of twists you’ll never see coming and you’ll be breathless until the end. Trust me: you’ve never read anything like this.

“Something In the Water”: A psychological thriller that captivated me from page one. What unfolds makes for a wild, page-turning ride! It’s the perfect beach read

“How to Unfu*k Yourself”: Get the tools and advice you need to demolish the slag weighing you down and become the truly unfu*ked version of yourself.

What I am binge-watching:

Okay, full disclosure I broke down and got the Disney+ bundles with Hulu and ESPN + just so I could watch the packers play on Sundays and the kids could be entertained. However, now Hulu is my new favorite thing.

“A Million Little Things”: I am still hooked… I am not caught up to the current season and the wait to know what will happen next is insane… I would say I am a bit obsessed with this show at the moment.

“Castle”: An oldie but a goodie. I love murder mystery shows of all kinds and the chemistry with Becket and Castle is just so endearing.

We also have been watching the Mandalorian and getting caught up with Disney movies we have not seen like the “Greatest Showman” and “Luca.”

What I am crushing on:

Winter squash and all things pumpkin. It is just that time of the year and those two things just make me and the kids feel all warm and cozy.

I am also hooked on Dawn Dish Soap power wash spray. This is my crazy time of the year and honestly, there is no time to do dishes. But this spray really works and helps me clean up in record time whether it is after dinner or after a day of photoshoots.

Debt Free Journey Status:

_{This used to be a section on the site but decided to be more food-focused but If you have any questions feel free to contact me}

Back story: We moved to Texas in 2014 we bought a beautiful brick house with a huge yard. After all, we worked nearly a decade and both had successful careers, a nice savings account… life was great. We even got a second mortgage to get brand new windows for our beautiful house.

In 2016 right after I had Eli I just got clearance from my Dr to go back to work. I found out they filled my position while I was on maternity leave. That was the same week we got Jane’s Autism diagnosis.

I tried to find work but it was hard to find employment as a mom with a kid that had 3 therapy appointments a week, some of which I had to participate in. So, Greg and I decided I would stay home and give Jane the tools she needs to thrive and succeed in her life.

Then in April 2017, Greg got laid off after his company got bought out. That was when we learned how fast one can lose everything they have worked so hard for. BUT! Despite the struggles, it was a blessing. You live and you learn and let me tell you life is simpler with less.

Started Debt: $218,000 (start date Oct 2019)
Begining of 2021 Debt: $75,846
Current Debt: $24,354

Most of the debt was our last house and the second mortgage we had on it, so selling that paying it off, and downsizing eliminated $148,000.

That left us with our debt consolidation loan, 2 car loans, a personal loan, a student loan, and 5 credit cards with about $70,000 in debt.

Since then we have paid off our debt consolidation loan, both care payments, the student load, and 2 of the credit cards. We also found more affordable auto insurance through Progressive and negotiated more manageable payments for our other debts.

What’s to come:

The site is still being updated as it is life.. so there are some recipes that are not published yet, but if you need one feel free to message me and I would be happy to e-mail it to you.

Also, for the site, there will be a store coming as well as a book club with a list of all the books I am reading, plus a kids and teen section.

For life, I am just taking it day by day and living for the moment not the dollar because if this year has taught me anything it is money can always be earned while time can only be lost.