Home buyers class (TyandNat)

Weeks are getting very busy now, trying to get everything done before the baby comes... we already have plans for every night this week and into next week... busy, busy, busy. On Saturday we went to a home buyers class. It was all day long and was pretty boring. AND, the two ladies directing the class had no clue what they were talking about. They tried to tell us that a good money management technique is to "pay yourself first." Normally I would agree with that advice, but in this case... well let me just say that their definition of paying yourself first is to get $100 cash when you deposit your paycheck and then go on a shopping spree--"because I deserve it." Fortunately the class was saved by actual professionals who came in and lectured on banking and home buying specifics. Next week we'll go to look at some houses and ask questions about the home buying process. Anyhow... the big benefit of taking this class is that upon completion we will be awarded a $3000 federal grant that we can put towards either the down payment or closing costs. There are a few other programs we're looking into that could potentially add to the down payment as well. Our hope is to be able to come up with about 10k on our own and 10k in grants so that we can put 20% down on a 95k home and avoid paying PMI (private mortgage insurance--which is basically mandatory insurance that ensures we won't default on our payments or if we do they are covered--it's a complete waste of money and we want to avoid paying it).


Saturday evening we went the ward chili cook-off/trunk or treat. I didn't enter this year because I'm still a little jaded that I didn't win best chili last year. Eli had a great time seeing so many of his friends--because he has been sick for so long it was great for him to be bombarded with kids. Our costumes didn't work out as well as planned although I still think Natalie's was awesome. We tried to be monsters but I looked more like a map with funky feet and Eli spent the entire night pulling his duct taped spots off. We enjoy dressing up even if most of the other adults don't--we're the cool parents. :) Sunday was the last of the month so I'm embarrassed to say that most of the day was spent home teaching. And our hometeachers came for the first time so that was nice. Today (Monday) we'll finish clearing out the garden and go for a nice fall drive. Our leaves are finally changing colors.