The tenant paid her rent early (by several days). I have started my new budget - the weekly grocery and gas expenses will be taken care of with the prepurchased gift cards (see earlier post).

I put $50 cash in our jar on the fridge. We changed things up a bit from our Sunday donut routine and DH ordered ahead and picked up the best apple pancake from a local restaurant. Plus he stopped by the store and bought bacon (on sale) and cooked up a delicious spread before Church. Cost: $15.00.

We are waiting on a check for $1,250 from supplemental job. I am putting all extraneous funds in a separate account and paying things off that way.

A friend is adopting from Ethiopia and taking doantions for school supplies for their orphanage's school. I bought knitting needles yesterday at Michael's for $2.80. There were two more coupons in yesterday's mail for Michael's - I'll take my mom's coupons as well and devote another $15/$20 to that cause. Plus Toys R Us has $1 crayons and markers today and tomorrow. It is funny that things that my children take forgranted are blessings to the less fortunate in Ethiopia! This is a good reminder for all of us on how good we have it in this country.

Off for a free excursion to the Y for Family Swim. DH is off working the remainder of the day.

The tenant paid her rent early (by several days). I have started my new budget - the weekly grocery and gas expenses will be taken care of with the prepurchased gift cards (see earlier post).

I put $50 cash in our jar on the fridge. We changed things up a bit from our Sunday donut routine and DH ordered ahead and picked up the best apple pancake from a local restaurant. Plus he stopped by the store and bought bacon (on sale) and cooked up a delicious spread before Church. Cost: $15.00.

We are waiting on a check for $1,250 from supplemental job. I am putting all extraneous funds in a separate account and paying things off that way.

A friend is adopting from Ethiopia and taking doantions for school supplies for their orphanage's school. I bought knitting needles yesterday at Michael's for $2.80. There were two more coupons in yesterday's mail for Michael's - I'll take my mom's coupons as well and devote another $15/$20 to that cause. Plus Toys R Us has $1 crayons and markers today and tomorrow. It is funny that things that my children take forgranted are blessings to the less fortunate in Ethiopia! This is a good reminder for all of us on how good we have it in this country.

Off for a free excursion to the Y for Family Swim. DH is off working the remainder of the day.

Well, we survived the first week of school. Things were hairy yesterday AM, but by the time everyone got home and "vegged" we were normal again.

We slept late and everyone had two big bowls of CRAP cereal and watched cartoons for an hour. (I hate referring to the food we eat as CRAP food, but sometimes there is a therapeutic value to a big bowl of Apple Jacks or Fruit Loops).

DH is gone all day painting. We will stop by for a visit, go to the park, head to the library, and then go to Michael's so DD can get started on two dioramas due in the next ten days.

Have a good day! Enjoy the 3-Day Weekend.

Admittedly, it is the last day of the first full week of school. The new 1st-Grader has had some issues with the full day. (Tearful little face yesterday at lunch, though he worked through it an played with his friends during indoor recess yesterday). This AM it was blown out war with him. He rejected every suggestion for breakfast (even down to my last of the unhealhty food - White Castle cheeseburgers). I have learned that he will not starve, so when I totally deflected the situation and said he would survive until snack time, he left. Round 1: Mom

Then he went up to his room, still undressed. He opted to not get dressed himself, so I had to dress him. The whole time he was crying, muttering, "Too long a day ... don't wanna go ... miss you ... want kindergarten..." I told him how one of his older sisters missed her ride due to a tantrum and both the principal and teacher told her they expected more of her (and that was 2nd grade, I think). He then protested a little less (being a law and order sort of guy )

We actually had to orchestrate his departure because he wasn't going to go - minivan needed to be started, one sister had his shoes, another had the backpack, and a bag of pretzels should be decide to eat.

DH had to scoop up his semi-combatitve little body and carry him away. His last words as they closed the door, "But I love you ..."

The above refers to the upheavel in the title.

Now, new groove: my summer schedule is now gone, replaced by an awful list of "Be here at 5, Be here at 6, Be here at 7". And the homework routine has been painful to establish as well.

I need to have more meal options made up frozen, single serving size in the freezer for food options. Have been bad at that this week - but I can overcome this and make things far more manageable.

And my dryer is broken. Don't have the funds to have it fixed - if it were the dishwasher, that would be different. I have been taking the clothes out of the washer, throwing them on air fluff (only cycle that works) in the dryer for ten minutes, taking them out and hanging them up. I do cart over a load for my mom's dryer every other day. DH is going to have to rig up some sort of clothes line for me.

My daughters solo dresses are at the seamstress. Only $70 to alter both! I love that! I spent over $150 for one dress at a different place and thought alterations would be $250 or up. So some small money saved here and now.

Gotta go start finding my new groove before my remaining sleepers wake up!

I have been in a quandry regarding the allocation of money for budgeting categories given the inconsistent nature of our income. We have recently remodeled the bathroom and had to deal with some unexpected expenses (solo dance dresses for daughters). With that behind us, I have come up with some concrete categories and numbers for monthly spending.

My children's school has a regular fundraising program where we purchase face value gift cards for grocery stores and gas stations with the school getting anywhere from 2-9% of the face value. We don't lose anything on the transaction (pay full face value) and the school makes a profit.

I have committed to purchasing $100/week in grocery store funds and $50 in gas cards. This is done as a weekly debit from my checking account on a Thursday with the card arriving home with my child on Friday. I can always ammend this and cancel altogether, but it is a good way to keep me on track and our spending in check.

The additional money that comes in from the supplemental income and other venue will go cash into a jar and be doled out accordingly (entertainment, clothing, etc). I am confident that we should be alright for awhile on this program - kids have enough clothing from the BTS shopping and they all have birthdays from Aug to Dec and will get clothing for that.

I also cashed in more points through my debit/credit card program so that is another $150 in Target cards.

This will be an exerice in discipline and cognitive decision making!

I had a tantrum yesterday (of the written kind). Feeling sorry for myself - while DH is off galavanting in the Ft Lauderdale sun. Also feeling jealous that my father throws his money around like mud while I am running around picking up every speck of dirt I can find to build a measly little ant hill of money to buy a dress.

Fast forward several hours later: my second daughter already had her dance dress. She is a better dancer than the older one (or she is further along the curve by about three months). The older one loves dance far more than the younger, and practices far more. She has dealt with the younger one getting her dress earlier (this dress is an honor - you graduate from the school dress and in this case, the girls are competing in the top 100 dancers in their age level in the midwest). So they have aspired to the solo dress for quite some time.

Yesterday, dear daughter (oldest) got to bring her dress home. She was so radiantly happy and said, "Mom, they said the dress was made to fit me - my size AND my color." She beamed ... the price of the dress is $1,500. That is a lot, but it could be more. I had figured $1,250. But this dress came with the earrings and two different headpiece options, plus bloomers. She seriously said to me, "Mom, THIS IS the dress I have always wanted. Is it a lot of money?" I explained that she worked hard for this, she demonstrated maturity in dealing with the fact that her younger sister is a bit ahead of her in progress, that her dad and I would have plunkered down MORE money than this. I am so glad to be able to have a girl with a grateful heart, and she is truly happy. Hard work for her had paid off.

The opposite extreme of my father who is piggish and grand is my mother. Younger daughter's dress went to the seamstress yesterday and my mother in a hushed tone said, "Did you find out how much THOSE are going to cost?" I know she means well, but I have inherited my insecurities about money from her. I don't know which extreme is better - having no worry at all (and no plan for fiscal failure) or being cautious about every dollar (or cent).

And the thing is: I don't advertise the fact that I am worried about money (It is my own private battle, my own tortured existence). I don't run around saying how much things cost. People know my DH is always gone working and we have our kids in a Catholic school (choice, no complaints here). I have always maintained that it all has to do with managing one's resources. We can have it all, just not all at the same time.

I am feeling sorry for myself right now. DH works an awful lot (day job and part-time work) and he has an opportunity (all-expense paid) to head to FL for 24-hours. He is going to look at 90 foot yachts that my father is considering buying.

I am embarrassed to put that down in print (the fact that my father is sooo piggish about his money that he can buy a yacht. He lives in a million dollar house. He pays my DH probably below-market rates for the work that he does (manual labor).

Anyhow, I actually told DH to go. It would be a nice diversion from the continual work he is doing. I am annoyed at several levels. DH is actually going (he should, I am simply jealous). And my father throws money around while I sit here scrambling to come up with the funds necessary for my daughters dance dresses. I realize they are in an expensive sport, but they excel at it and this is what they have worked for. I have to spend probably $2,500 on dresses (I was embarrassed to put that number down as well) Hell with embarrassment! At this point, that is what I need to pay for two dresses (USED) and buy the proper shoe buckles and Irish dancing socks with rhinestones.

Is there something not inbalance here?

And after looking at the calendar, my DH's excursion to FL is two days prior to his helping my inlaws with their move two states away. Out of seven days, I will be alone six of them.

I can't complain that I have to drive my children- I knew going into having a large family that I was responsible for them. I just wish I would have some help.

I realize that my pity party can last all of another five minutes, because I then have to oversee homework and then start taxi-ing the kidd-Os around.

I cannot make DH feel bad that he is going - I am just feeling bipolar at the moment (I hate you, don't leave me).

I have a $1,200 Theodore Alexander settee that my father bought for me not that long ago (He does that once in awhile, surprise people with nice things that he things they should have, not quite realizing it doesn't quite go with my Sam's Club set of furniture and I probably shouldn't have Museum Quality furniture when my youngest are all boys). I think I might see if I can return it. That would be a nice bit of change to put toward my dress purchase.

Oh, I hate to be petty. But, Petty, I am. At least at this very moment. Not fair, not fair, not fair, not fair.

Today is the first full week of school. The oldest ones are gone, the youngest still sleeping. I have quiet time. Odd ...

After all summer long of constant companionship, I am enjoying quiet time. I need to find some good books to read or take up a hobby.

Of course, my day gets really busy after school (3:30-4:45 volleyball practice, 6:00 to 7:00 soccer practer, 7:00 to 8:00 Dance for one daughter, 8:00 to 9:00 Dance for other daughter).

So I sit here in silence taking an inventory of the things I have to do and realize that I have most of the day to get them done. I think I will check my bank balance and go make myself another coffee.

Any reading suggestions? I like all types of fiction. I need to try to find some good Investing books.

Have a good day.

I really hate the title of my post - but it is a candad and honest statement. DH works a full-time job (sitting at a desk and analyzing numbers). The part-time job covers routine maintenance and upkeep plus painting of units in my father's apartment buildings. Usually this entails a do-able amount of work a month.

Right now we are living "When It Rains, It Pours" - actually it is now a downpour.

Last week DH was gone Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri dealing with: mold growing on a bathroom wall (scrape and spackle - need to paint), water dripping from an air conditioner unit down into a first floor apartment (attempt at patching cracked cement with hydraulic cement), and now there is an apartment to deal with. The normal usage of an apartment requires about 20 hours for paint/cleaning/etc (two bedroom units that is, one bedrooms are less).

This apt. has been a nightmare - long-time single 50-ish male tenant left. DH has to deal with: totally removed mailbox lock, no smoke detector, broken thermostat, cracked Thermopane windows, totally gross oven and fridge and toilet, etc. AND with this economy and uitlities going up, my father has already placed the ad in the paper for 9/1.

So, my DH is off (I did insist that he grill on Wed as BTS celebration and yesterday was DS birthday so we ate at Rainforest Cafe and had a great bike ride for the family celebration). He anticipates being home at 6:00.

Another long day with homework and errands and life in general alone with the kids. I miss him, I guess this is the price to pay for secondary income. And DH put $180 on the credit card for unexpected items.

Kids strewn around family room asleep on the floor after watching Disney's "The Cheetah Girls' One World".

Broken dryer. DH looked to see if any of the vents were blocked. No such luck. More money out the door.

I am apparently not the only one on the blog tonight.

Busy day tomorrow, but hopefully cheap. Lunch out at Rainforest Cafe for DS birthday meal. $40 cash plus a few coupons for $1.99 Kids Meals. Should be fun.

Sleep well, fellow bloggers.

I have a batch of tired and crabby (plus sick) kiddos here, but they are blissfully quiet, watching TV or playing.

Wed and Thurs were 1/2 days and today was the first full day. Up at 6:30 and out the door at 7:30 (DH drives to school). We were fairly organized and I had a menu planned of breakfast items and snacks/etc. I encouraged everyone to have things laid out the night before (even moved the school clothes down to the living room and the teeth brushing stuff to the powder room). When we're more into the routine of waking up early, they'll be able to do these independently, but now I have to keep track of the stragglers!

I was perseverating about not being able to pay tuition in full this year - I missed the deadline for setting up automatic drafts from the checking account. The Business Manager was as nice as could be, took my check, and will send the updated paperwork next week for handling remaining payments.

And I ran into Walmart with only the non-schoolers and was able to be in and out in 20 minutes. I had a wide range of items: worms for the turtle, extension for new curtain rod, gym shoes and sandals for DH, Hannah Montana bag on clearance for one of the dancing daughters, Star Wars movie for DS5 whose birthday is tomorrow, cough drops for the sicklings, odd assortment of groceries (milk and yogurt), and dishwashing detergent. Total damage $73. I was happy at that!

I am going to crash myself now - still recovering from lack of sleep two nights ago when the three year old had an ear infection.

Hope everyone has a nice quiet night.

As some may recall, I have an issue destroying (shredding) those convenience checks at 1.99% interest for the next ten months or so. That is a battle I am really fighting - using those and preserving the capital I have. Kind of warped, I know, I know ... Really, I do know better than using those, but my money is my security.

The new roof is going on the rental property on Sunday. The cost: $2,800 for a complete tear off. I have the money in my checking account - have been collecting it for some time (paychecks and rent, etc). No more debt acquired.

I will also have enough money to pay the remaining balance on the HELOC ($761.00). I will then close that account (I am trying to get things stream-lined and close unused accounts - I DO realize this may not be the best for my FICO, but I am not planning on purchasing or financing anything for the next few years).

I will have enough money to live on until next rent comes in. DH's next check from the regular job plus from the supplemental should cover the real estate tax payment (I may be short, but I will transfer the remainder from the EF portion of my money market account).

If I just breathe and tackle things one day at a time, the overwhelming picture doesn't seem so all-encompassing.

Well, the healthiest of the children are now the illest. The youngest has, I suspect, an ear infection - resulting in a gap in profitable sleep of 3.5 hours (11:00 to 2:30). I spent that time playing musical beds, cleaning up an accident, trying to console and come up with things to rememdy an ear situation (medication, warm rag, TV as a diversion, etc).

In between I decided that I am tired of being a worrier about money. This has really taken a toll. I am already worrying about next year's bills (more or less, "How am I ever going to come up with X amount of money for tuition and taxes for next year if I am trying to get everything paid for this year?")

The bills I am worrying about have due dates of 6/09, 8/09, and 9/09. I have to stop this, it is counter-productive.

(1) I am one mortgage payment ahead - I will use that money to clear up the present issues

(2) I talked with the school about possibly changing tuition payment plan - this is not set in stone and can be changed by the Church Business Manager

(3) I am paying off and closing the remaining $700 on my HELOC

(4) All extra money will go toward the tax payment (balance transfer fees of 4% far exceded a late payment)

(5) Spending simply has to cease - the bathroom project had bad timing, but is done and I am glad for that. I also spent more than anticipated for school simply because "the funds were there" (Apparently my dollars are lacking specific purposes)

(6) Dancing daughter will have to get the lesser of two dresses - the first one is just beautiful and less than a year old - several hundred dollars more than used which is very nice and fits her just as well

(7) DH's supplemental income will have an 80-20 split - I will put 20% away for him - he works hard and should have the benefit of some of his funds immediately

(8) Have to talk to my father about getting money upfront for supplies - the credit cards are leaving - I might join Boo and post a pretty picture of colorful shards of plastic!

(9) I need to lighten up and have some more fun - life is more than dollar signs!

It is Back to School tomorrow - 1/2 days on Wednesday and Thursday, full day on Friday. We have finished the shopping (minus two yellow notebooks, who knew that OfficeMax and Office Depot don't carry that color?) There was one yellow remaining notebook at CVS and my new 1st grader lives by law and order, so he gets the notebook. The older students will just have to wait.

When did lists become so specific? I mean down to the ounce glue stick required. I am convinced that the .77 oz glue stick does exist (and it has to be Elmer's) somewhere, just not in the greater Chicagoland suburbia where I am. I also understand that plastic folders are more durable than paper, but I couldn't find the required colors at the advertised $.25 sales (and I was there on the first day). Etc, etc. I did cheat and buy myself a set of new Bic permanent markers ($14.99 down to $6.99 on sale, less my $1 coupon) Happy for me!

I am sick of stores. I shopped yesterday for the next week and while it was more than I had anticipated spending - I can borrow from next week's money.

I believe I shall be in spenders hibernation following this month's endless spending (school clothes, bathroom items, etc, etc.)

I may have to retire the debit card and return to cash only. I have definite issues with boundaries (or shall I say budget categories) ...

I mentioned in a post last week that DH and I had a miscommunication about money and whether or not to buy a grill. I was concerned about having to buy not one, but two solo dance dresses for my dancing daughters. DH complained about the grill and wanted a new one.

Well, fast forward to yesterday. DH and my dad looked at the grill and determined that it needed a new burner mechanism. Cost for replacement innards was $35.34 including tax. And I will concede it does need a new coat of paint to pretty it up, so in the near future I will buy some new grill paint. It was hot dogs on the grill last night, and steak for dinner tonight! Saved: At least $200

CVS has "buy two Linens n Things $25 gift cards, get $7 bonus bucks". I think that I will get one for my ex SIL for Christmas, and one for brothers current flame. And then I'll use the $7 on milk for the week.

Getting ready tos scour the coupons and ads and put together some money-saving menu plans. I am so glad that most of the bathroom remodel is done. The small trips to the hardware store were a continual small leak (adding to the big bucks dropped!)

Well, have a good Sunday!

In an effort to clear out and clean up, I rounded up items for:
(1) Kids consignment: 5 items accepted for a total of $10.55
(2) In-laws garage sale: rounded up two bikes, double stroller, big wheel, kiddie scooter, picnic table, light bright, a few other oddities. BUT due to road construction, lack of advertisement, not living on main thorough-fare, I made $9.00 (Little Tykes picnic table and light bright)

Disappointing, I had hoped for more as far as the garage sale. Inlaws were out there for eight hours and made $90. I cannot really complain because it wasn't really my time.

Nonetheless, I am less cluttered and $19 richer than yesterday.

After a few bad nights, I had no reason not to sleep well, and I did. I am feeling marginally "so-so" and I have the *critical* trip to Home Depot today to buy the trim/last minute things to stay on pace for the work plan. I also have to deal with trimwork for our master bath that didn't get finished in June.

The 5 year old is still ill - hacking pathetically, he just walked up to me and handed back the Triaminic Flu medication in the medication spoon. He muttered "I am sorry ... I just ... I just can't." He is a character at times, messy hair sticking straight up sleeping in a big T shirt of DH's. (Haven't done laundry in several days).

To avoid a repeat of yesterday, I did manage to get together a batch of chili and the fixin's for tacos. I also found some copies of worksheets and coloring pages, so no television as a parental substitute.

I am off to round up the remaining sleepers and conquer my day. Wish me luck.

Well, two of my children have had some virus complete with fever and coughing for the past five days. Not at the same time, rather running 48 hours with little to no overlap. The 5 year old was sick this AM, so we skipped speech. Now my ten year old is coughing.

I am not one who sleeps well under normal circumstances, so illness makes it thousand times worse (several febrile seizures occured at night and that is when asthma seems to be at its worst). So I had two nights in a row of not falling asleep until after midnight and then being woken up by coughing/crying/etc.

I did have to run into the store for medication and picked up a box of cereal (Kelloggs) and three cans of Spaghetti-Os. Now I am not feeling well at all, and I let my children eat cereal for lunch. They are protesting tangerines (Clementines have been the fruit of the week for two in a row now).

I need to be far better organized to avoid this feeling of inadequacy.

And my children have been watching TV for two hours in a row (even the heatlhy ones). Bah ...

I have a list of monetary responsibilities that are looming in the near future (starting beginning of Sept). I have to do my final shopping trip to Home Depot for trim, a toilet, and faucet. Saturday is D day for bathroom remodel - D as in DONE! DH won't start his paint job until Sunday (not ideal, but at least we will have family time on Sat)

I have paid for everything for the remodel with cash from the checking account. I also am allowing $180 spending (gas/groceries/last minute BTS things) thru the 22nd. All excess funds are going to be transferred to the Vanguard Money Market to earn minimal interest and be out of my little hands (though I am doing better controlling the slow leak of money out of my financial boat).

My children return to school next Wed. Half day on Wed/Thurs and then full day on Fri. I have mixed feeling about it - I will miss the freedom and flexibility we have had this summer to lollygag around. The schedule is somewhat awful between Scouts, dance lessons, soccer practice, etc.

In a previous post I mentioned the dresses for the dancing daughters and how I've had some anxiety about managing to buy both. My dear parents (mom and step-dad) have said they would help out with the purchase. I gave a whole-hearted, "Thank you, that is wonderful of you. You know, I try to be self-sufficient, but I appreciate any help you can give." I have had a bad time saying "Thank you" lately - has something to do with pride and being regarded as a bad money manager.

I do have to run to the store today - that amount will be deducted from my $180 remaining funds. Will post it here.

Hope everyone has a good day -

I have an ambivalent (at best) relationship with my lifelong best friend (well over 20 years). Sometimes I feel funny using the term "best," seems rather juvenile; it is what she refers to me as, though I am now feeling it is a hollow honor.

She has perseverated and been irresponsible about money for ages. Always a day late, a dollar short; owes other friends money. She has complained that I wouldn't let her live in my rental property at a discounted rent (like I did other relatives), etc. etc. She is godmother to one of my chilren, so aside from the irresponsibility with money she does have other redeeming qualities.

I used to listen, give advice, etc. That was up until a month ago. I simply was too tired to deal with her financial angst (see, I have my own money concerns). She would call and complain. I wouldn't say a word. She then called and asked explicitly for advice on whether or not she needs a roommate. My only response, "Only you can answer that question. No one knows your financial situation better than you." I wasn't mean, I was indifferent.

She didn't like that and is apparently holding it against me. We are both on facebook. This is something I am new to and am not obsessed with it, etc. Anyhow, I signed on and there was a picture of her NEW car. (For those of you on Facebook, you know how it is linked - any change to anyone's profile, etc)

She then called and said: I have something to tell you.

Me: About the new car?

She: Oh, you know.

Me: I am on Facebook, and I did see the pictures.

She: You don't need to know how much it cost. You don't need to know whether or not I was upside down on the loan or not.

Me: Ok.

She: Well, ...

Me: What was that you needed to tell me?

She: Nothing.

Hmmmm ... Did I mention that I am too busy to deal with stuff like this? I think at this point I need a major break from my friend. Ugh!

As I've been posting about the remodel, here is the update. DH spent the better part of yesterday with the ceramic floor (using his new wet-saw to cut the tile and then cementing it down). This AM he grouted. The bathroom is coming along fabulously ... especially since DH has a desk job during the week and this was his first go at a rennovation (knocked down soffit, replaced the wall, pulled out rotten floor, replaced the underlayment, put down new floor, etc).

I am a little freaking out about the wall color that I picked (of course it didn't seem quite as green on the color swatch). I matched it up with the color in the shower curtain/towels. It turned out to be a 1950s/1960s greenish/teal blue color. I am hoping that once the mirror is up and there is artwork and lots of nuetrals (floor and towles) it will be not as "bold".

So my task for the week: head back to Home Depot for the new baseboard and trim and then stain. I also get to seal the grout (doesn't sound that hard). DH is starting another weekend gig the next weekend, so I am glad that to get this room finished will be small projects. I am hoping to post pictures soon.

I had two week kids this past week and didn't make it to the Y as much as previous weeks. I did do one hour on the treadmill yesterday and today - 3 miles in 51 minutes and 3.25 miles in 60 minutes. I need to kick it up a notch - should be easier as everyone returns to health.

I took DD shopping for a gift for her best friend's birthday. She knew my limit was $15 (usually $10 for friends, $15 for closer). The purchase came to $19 and she gave me four singles upon our return home. Sweet girl! We bought the items on sale at the upscale Dept. store where they do free gift wrapping. Well worth it!

Hope everyone is having a good weekend!

Well, DH is going to lay the tile in the bathroom today. He painted yesterday and it looks really nice. Hard to ever believe there was a soffit there, as well as bad flouresent (spelling?) lighting. I am taking the kids and leaving for the day, hoping to cme home to something nice and new! (The bad floor was the catalyst for the rennovation)

It was a busy week between dance lessons, soccer practice, and all the other activities. Not to mention the PRE back-to-school socializing.

I have been watching the money (tracking every nickle) and am not obsessing so much. I did fairly well with staying on target for the weekly spending: Usually $225 - $100 groceries,$75 gas, $50 misc (oil changes, dog grooming, etc). I was at about $236 but that included a gift and some things for around the house (artwork from a Resale Store for $12 - a Daniel Ridgeway Knight - not my favorite, but I like it a lot) and new flashights.

To the real point of the post, solicitation for advice and ideas. My sons are turning 4 and 6, one in August (end) and one in October (early). This is the first year we are combining birthday and plan to have it on a nice Saturday afternoon in mid-September. We did decided to rent a jumpy inflatable thing (never did that before, but have a coupon for a place friends have used). The theme is a Hoe Down and I am looking for any ideas and advice. This is what I have so far:
(1) Invitations: Black and White pictures of the two of them with WANTED on the cover - inside will have all the pertinent information. Will do this one at home (I have been creative in the past on invitations and shouldn't have to spend more than $5 for scrapbook paper and black/white printing)
(2) Games - horse shoes, pinatas with Hoe Down theme (Hobby Lobby had horses last year)
(3) Decorations: handkercheifs and blue/white or red/white balloons (red/white/blue seems too patriotic)
(4) Cupcakes: corn on the cob kind - put three in a row and decorate with various shades of jelly belly jellybeans.(5) Menu: pulled pork sandwiches (there was a great sale - gof plus coupon - and I was able to get 6 tubs of Lloyds pulled pork - 56 servings according to label for $21) I am thinking chili maybe - too messy?
(6) Take home treats - not a clue?

Obviously, not at all exhaustive, but at least a starting point. What do you think?

I had an interesting conversation with my oldest daughter yesterday. Apparently, a friend told another friend that our family is "old-fashioned". My daughter asked if I thought this was true.

I did say that we are traditional, but that isn't a bad thing. In our discussion we came up with a list of traits about our family:

(1) Dad goes to work, Mom stays home.
(2) More children in the family than other families.
(3) Definitely Mass once a week, sometimes more.
(4) Always wear dresses to Church and family parties.
(5) Praying before every meal (including breakfast) and bedtime.
(6) Simple meals - home cooking a lot.
(7) Embracing family traditions - the type of dance they do celebrates their heritage.
(8) Knowing a lot of family history; what towns in Europe relatives came from, where they settled in the US, what these relatives did for a living.
(9) Having old and new family traditions that are important. Birthday rituals, holiday rituals, food habits anf favorite meals/games/etc.
(10) Reading a lot - playing computer games once or twice a week for 30 minute intervals.
(11) Going places and doing things - zoos, museums, etc.
(12) One TV in the family room, ask if it can be turned on. One computer in family room. Portable DVD used in travel or if someone is sick.
(13) Knowing how to sew and do needlepoint.
(14) Buying things as we need them - not a lot of recreational shopping.
(15) Showing respect to all elders.
(16) Knowing the value of the dollar and making economic choices.
(17) No cell-phones for individual use. There is an IPOD for use when practicing individual dance.
(18) There may be more brothers and sisters born into the family.
(19) Grandparents may live with us in the future.
(20) Modest dress - no spandex or words across their butts. Sensible clothing choices.

I know that people make choices as to how they live their lives and the lifestyle they cerate for their families. This made me really confident in the choices that my husband and I have made for our family. If this is old-fashioned, I am all for it ...

Well, whatever that miscommunication between DH and myself has blown over, though we did have a snarky unrelated money snit that blew over in about ten minutes. Operative words: Drop it and move on, nothing either of us says is meant to apply to personality or traits we possess as individuals.

DH and I reached some sort of compromise, I suppose you could say. He got a check from his parents for $150 (belated birthday gift) and we will apply that to the grill with our budget covering the overages.

I had another "start over" on August 1st - this is a perpetual problem of mine - but I am on Day 6 of the "Spend What I Need To" mode. The kids' activities keep me out of the house ever day this week (Soccer has started, as well as a week-long volleyball camp, and we had the last swimming lesson, plus weekly speech therapy and regular dance lessons).

I am doing far better perseverating over the price of quality food - took me awhile to get to this point - I have rediscovered the Pepperidge Farm Bread Outlet (we would go frequently up until the past few months). While I am sure the stuff isn't THE best, I am able to get things like high fibre bread and fancy grained things for under $1.80 a loaf. My children love the mini bagels for $1.99 a bag. I do indulge and let everyone get either a $.33 or $.50 bag of cookies. So I am tracking the spending for a month to see how much it really costs. Today I am taking advantage of the last day of $6.00 for a pound of blueberries and buy one, get one free 4# of Clementines (8# for $6.99).

DH has some interest (fincial participation in the household's money) in stocks, so I posted about the ING Sharebuilder account. Plus ING is sending out free $25 if a purchase is made by 8/31. Definitely contemplating that ... (I am a Good Old Vanguard Girl, let other people balance the portfolio!)

Looks like the tenant (slow paying) has had her boyfriend move in, which I am fine with. If it means that she will continue to pay as planned, I have some peace of mind bringing me closer to the things I need to take care of without rocking the boat. I did come up with a list of things I know that will have to be done whe she leaves (reseal the bathtub, etc) and am setting aside funds for that.

And I have been riding the wave of home re-decoration. I have the worst colored walls and carpet for the active family I have. There are only a few walls that are really, really bad. I had an acquaintance come out to give a quote on painting. DH was rummaging in the basement and found left over paint (brand and color written on it) so we can simply repaint the problematic walls ourselves (the issue was vaulted ceiling in the living/dining room that we couldn't easily paint ourselves). That will perk things up. Have decided on carpeting rather than hardwood - cheaper and faster in the long-run. Will be a nice facelift after several years.

All for now, gosh this was long and boring!

I am contemplating opening up one of these accounts to start dabbling with individual stocks. Does anyone have experiences with this account? I am a beginner at this, and am interested in all info: the good, the bad, the ugly.

Thanks!

DH and I ususally get along great/good, but it has been bumpy lately (probably attributable to his constant list of to-do's - day job, part time job, home remodel, etc) Not to mention that we are at the time of summer when it might be ready for there to be spaces in the family's togetherness (gosh, I hate to admit that one) and there are tons of drama going on with the extended family (inlaws, etc). So, we are having some snippish conversations which leave me out of sorts.

Need to set scenario: My daughters dance competitively in a costly type of dance, the level at which they compete has been elevated to the geographic region which we live in encompassing many states. To this point, they have participated in team dancing. We found out in May that one daughter qualifies for individual dancing. Got over the difficulty in other daughter feeling inferior in her ability, etc. The dresses cost more than I feel like writing down. Think wedding dress prices ...

So I have been squirreling money away and I know that the grandparents will help out. Well, when DH picked up the dancers from class last Tues, the instructor said that other DD has worked on everything and is ready to perform individually as well (GREAT honor as they are among the Top 100 in their ages in the Midwest). My girls are dedicated and practice over an hour most days. I admire their commitment to the dance and their love of it. I do not begrudgingly buy these dresses, HOWEVER I do have some concerns how to do it comfortably (not one, but two, and the teachers will get them USED dresses - so that helps)while juggling multiple demands.

DH has already shared that he needs the wet/dry ceramic tile cutter ($88). He then said he'd like a new grill because we can probably get a good deal on one. I immediately jump into the "I really don't think now is the time to get something that we really don't need" - looking at the whole global money issue -not sure how long tenant will be with us, finishing up the remodel, Catholic school tuition, etc. etc.

His comeback, "Well, I guess I'll just have to work more than I am"

So our miscommunication has left me feeling misunderstood and him feeling undervalued. With as busy as he is, he wants nothing to do about the money making decisions. I can't blame him, it has been our division of labor lately, and I know this will blow over, I just wanted to vent ...

Now that my DH has become the official Do-It-Yourselfer, I have to conceded that he is right on some things and just pointed out a major flaw of mine (or as he nicely tried to phrase it "Something you really to work on is ..."

Before the big TA-DA and reveal of what behavior/mindset I need to work on, I will backtrack and fill in some missing information.

DH yesterday replaced the faucet at the rental property. He lacked the correct equipment (a basin wrench) which I borrowwed from my stepdad. So with little knowledge but a new faucet, directions and some other tools he went over to the house. He was successful. He returned 1-1/4 hours later happy with his performance.

Then he had to face our bathroom remodel which was waiting for him. He got the underlayment and cement backerboard down and is dealing with the last of the bubbles which appeared after the first-go at spackling. Thank goodness for the Internet so he can google at will professional help on his issues. He went to HomeDepot to get something he needed.

THEN we had the conversation about the wet-dry tile cutter (don't know if that is the correct term or not, but it is the equipment that will cut the tile for the floor. Next on list after painting)

He: I was at HomeDepot and talked to the guy in the ceramic tile dept. The cutter will be about $88.

She: Snort/chortle: How many tile jobs do you think you will do to justify BUYING a cutter at $88? Remember you aren't giving up your day job to pursue home carpentry skills.

He: Well ...

She: I will call Buttrey to find out how much it will cost to RENT one. That is probably the smarter thing to do.

He: Well ... go ahead.

F/F to call to Buttrey. $66 to rent the wet/dry tile cutter for 3 hours or $88 for the full day. I relay this to He in a sheepish way.

He: Well, you'd better get the full story before "ke-boshing" things. I WAS going to tell you more about the conversation I had, but I think I'm going to go and spackle now. You know, you should really work on that. Jumping in before you have the whole story.

She: Well, what was the conversation?

He: Sorry, gotta go spackle.

I realize that patience with grown-ups isn't my greatest attribute. I suppose I expect more from them - or I expend all of my patience on my children. So it looks like I will be spending $88 on a tile cutter and I have some lessons to learn ...

I have found out that slow paying tenant shall remain for at least another month. This is a good things because I will be able to take care of over 60% of what I need to for September's additional bills of taxes and partial tuition.

There is a plumbing issue at the rental property and DH has decided to try to deal with it BEFORE calling in a plumber. This will save us money (hopefully) and give him practice on his plumbing skills.