Spending recap for 12/21 to 1/3 is as follows:

Groceries/Household $256
Gas $78
Pets $13
Rx $7
Dining $24
Hot lunches for Jan $42.50
Celebration $21
Christmas $274
Entertainment $30
Miscellaneous $32
Clothing $66

I hosted Christmas and a birthday and had my ILs here for five days. We obviously drove far less with the kids out of school. Christmas was everything: Meal/wrapping paper/cash gift for brother/gift certificate for MIL to orchid place/donation to church/and an unnecessary, but totally wanted purchase of three Lenox ornaments on 75% reduction at Macy's on 12/27.

I am looking into Netflix because we spent $13 at Family Video. We also had a family outing to the roller rink and I had a great time (haven't been on skates in 23+ years and my girls didn't know I could skate at all!).

Payday is tomorrow.

I discontinued the prepaid manna/Scripps card through the school. This will allow me better opportunity to take advantage of the sales and varying grocery stores. That $256 spent last pay period did leave me with mostly full cabinets and a freezer, so I am hoping to keep my grocery at $75 this week and $125 next week. Gas will also increase now that we resume regular life on Monday with driving frenzies.