And had to transfer $45 from the short-term savings (PNC 's Virtual Wallet's "Reserve" account) to cover the deficit in the checking account.

I was a Mother Hubbard this morning and did the weekly shopping to Sam's Club/Walmart. Last week I spent $94 for everything (in all fairness had 3# chicken in the freezer toward this past week's meals).

Today was a whole 'nother story. $118 at Walmart and $41 at Sam's Club. We were down to the last roll of toilet paper and paper towels. We needed a rinsing agent for the dishwasher and soap for both the dishwasher and washing machine. And worms for the turtle and frog (frost is making it difficult to dig for them). And dog food and dog treats. And we're hosting a sleepover for with four additional girls tomorrow night. And I needed seam sealer and a drop cloth for the camp-over tomorrow night (our tent needed a bit of attention since it's new and the seams are still naked). It all really adds up!

And I even back away from the cereal (saving about $8) since I'm cooking more in the morning (French toast or scrambled eggs or frozen homemade waffles from the freezer). The kids are also eating spaghettios in the thermos two days next week so that cuts down on the deli purchase. I've introduced popcorn and flavored seasoning instead of chips or pretzels. And instant pudding instead of ice cream. Produce was apples/bananas/strawberries and carrots/sugar snap peas with dressing. DH's lunches will remain tuna salad.

I'm thankful for the small savings account to cover the overage. My prayer intention today is the people who rely on the local food banks for their meals.

On a happy note: gas is down to $3.56 a gallon at Sam's Club. And milk only went up $.10/gallon there.

My long post yesterday got eaten, lost, gone.
All that remained was the title. Glad that it brought humor to some (Petunia).

Cranky kids, stressed husband, lack of sleep, ineffective boundaries have left me frazzled. Today is a bit better, sun and sleep can have a positive effect, but I'm not sure that it will sustain me through the day.

Science fair is well underway. Oldest daughter got her grades up in the classes she was struggling in (C to a B in Spanish II, she's had some difficulty with indirect pronouns and past tense verbs), and Picture Day (today) is done (hair cuts, clothing selections, etc).

Money is auto-pilot. Found $125 in the checking account (really a check hadn't cleared the last time I looked and the balance was lower than it should have been). It was helpful for the $33 for pictures (3-$11 packages, the 8th grader has her pictures that we buy in Feb), $13 for haircut, $29.72 to Aldi's for groceries and produce to get us through to Saturday. The incoming funds on the 26th are all planned for and there isn't really much to fret about.

DH is stressed in a major way at work. This is the point where it is time to come up with the exit strategy. His plan is to become a Deacon and this means a return to school for a degree in pastoral counseling and theology. If we sell the rental property and have virtually no mortgage on the primary residence, and our income drops substantially, the financial aid (grants and scholarship) increase proportionately. I missed the boat on a job that I might really have liked with the Diocese.

He'll have to stay put or return to school part-time until the house sells, and I presume we'll put it on the market in the Spring.

I have to pay off the last $3,900 in credit card debt soon. I'm seeing what can go. Irish dance will most likely be leaving as my girls have sort of moved on to poms and lacrosse. My boys have always been low-cost activities (soccer through the park district, scouts and band).

Once the debt goes, I'll put 20% into retirement while we can. My girls are taking over more of their own expenses and I'm sure it will all be fine.

And my best friend is falling apart, completely disintegrating before my eyes. I've learned that she was suicidal with a plan, though she assures me she is much better now. I don't even care about her money situation (doesn't make enough at the second job - a hospital outpatient position - to cover her bills, needs a room-mate, $400 a month student loan payments are now due - she exhausted all forbearance and deferment opportunities). She's off the psychotropic meds and is desperately chasing after the man she pushed away. She didn't trust my promise to have her dog put down and then I'd make sure his ashes were with hers or at her grave. Her new plan included doing away with him, too.

I called this morning to make sure she was still alive. She was. (Last night was a difficult one with her pertaining to the man, and she sent him a $40 package of cookies and hand-dipped strawberries to celebrate Sweetest Day, before he was mean to her).

I guess it is a good day then?

Rant over. Thanks. This is really where I do most of my mind dumping, isn't it?

Spending here is going to be to the minimum. The 10/26 payday will leave a bit more room, but not much more. We trucked through out "extraneous funds" for the following: $124 dance competition fee/$56 dance class fee/$60 for Cub Scout camp out (includes golf outing to nice course that we'd never usually spend the $ on and also a steak dinner), $30 for furnace filter for rental property, and $100 for license plate sticker.

I have to be realistic about our tackling the last of the debt. On the 26th, it will have been $2,600 we've paid on it since the start of November. I've also paid $1,000 in tuition in the last two months. I am not sure whether or not I will be able to realize the goal of hopefully no more debt (balance at $3,800) and minimal tuition balances. We'll see ... I am diligently achieving the monthly goals, but with the holidays coming, not sure how much that will be able to continue.

From last Friday's payday, I was able to fritter away $200 for Christmas or vacation or whatever.

Monies spen this weekend:
$10 for DH and I to see Varsity football game at daughter's high school; younger daughter (8th grade) performed with the pom team and clearly has nothing to worry about when it comes to making the team - tryouts are in April.
$12 for Flapjack Feast at our parish. Not many places that my brood can be fed for $12, an all you can eat pancake and sausage festival.

8th Grade daughter finished the experimentation portion of her science fair project: determining the rate of transpiration on common sage plants. It required manipulating four variables (plus the conrtol group) and measuring the 15 plants at two-hour interval yesterday (from 8AM to 8PM, and then at 8 AM this morning). Spent $34 on the 15 plants which I imagine I'll keep until spring and the plant. She borrowed a scale from my stepdad who is a teacher so didn't have to deal with that. We've already purchased the tri-fold poster board at Michael's with 50% off coupon. Her paper is mostly written, too.

I've entered a chili cook off (the entrance fee is deducted from a fee for the kids' school) and I don't have a good chili recipe - my bland run of the mill recipe wouldn't impress anyone on a good day!

Anyone have any recipes to share? Or at least ideas to point me in the direction of something that would at least be a formidable contender for a runner-up prize?

I have had a few times when I've felt completely vulnerable, most of them related to my profession (clinical psychologist) before having a family. Bipolar patients off of meds, having a resident of a group home for behaviorally challenged young males claiming paternity of my unborn child, family stalked by schizophrenic tenant evicted from my father's apartment building). I've always been fortunate in being level-headed, I've filed police reports and know our local police, and I am lucky that the last incident involved the psychiatric unit that I worked on and I was able to get information by knowing people who still worked there and I was able to get the police involved prior to his release. OK, so you know I've had my share of run-ins with the crazies.

Today we were at Mass, noon, and we werethere minus one child with my inlaws (my mother was elsewhere in the Church). We were the first people in line for Communion and it appeared that another Eucharistic minister came up from the side of the church. At this point our pastor and deacon are handing out Communion center row. I saw this wasn't a Eucharistic Minister, rather a person with a glazed crazy look. He point his finger behind his ears and started hissing like he was a Satan/snake combination. He paced frantically and made his way toward an icon. At this point because we were the second family in the Communion line, I motioned for my husband to go because other big men were coming up onto the altar. I told my kids to return to the pews and I left to the Narthex to call 911. One of the security for parking is a cop and he called for back-up and they got the guy off the altar, behind it and out the church onto the main street.

Very scary. People go to the movies to think their seeing a premier and bad things happen. This crazy could have had a gun, and I sent my kids back to their pew. I told my husband to help out and apprehend the crazy. Granted there were seven to eight large fathers who headed and corralled and there wasn't incident after that.

Ultimately, it sort of put things in perspective. Doesn't matter that I should fret about a coupon expiring and be upset over a $3.00 expired ECB. Everyone was very subdued after this event on the way home.

My younger daughter is sensitive and she felt bad that she didn't buy my oldest son a present at his birthday in August. We were at Target so that my youngest could spend his Target gift card from his birthday. Daughter asked if she could buy the oldest son a remote-controlled hexbug because that is what he really wanted and didn't get. I lent her the $20 and she paid me back when she got home.

So while I'm hoping to get more organized, I will find a balance between fretting over stupid stuff and I'll spend more time smelling the roses. And supporting my kids buying gifts to show love and kindness to their sibs.

Today I am thankful for the health of those that I love the most and am happy that most of them are content with their choices. For those that aren't exactly content, I hope that they move towards a place where they are.

My husband has a friend whose wife was diagnosed with lung cancer. It was stage one and the surgery was yesterday. The surgeon feels that they got everything and the bone and pet scans showed that it hadn't spread. This reminds me that life is precious.

That said, I've got a full weekend ahead with a roller skating party and family party for my almost 8 year old (birthday on Monday).

It is 8:35 and I've got the older two out the door (younger daughter is "shadowing" older daughter at the high school. The rest are fed. I've baked a cake, got stew going in the crockpot, made a jello salad for the party tomorrow, and I am moving on to my 36 muffins for breakfast for tomorrow. I am now getting ready to color my hair and the oldest boy is gong to shower,he's got a sccial day today with get togethers.

I have to get the birthday boy a hair cut, and go to the Boy Scout store to have pins for tomorrow's woodsy outing. And I have to run to Aldis. Then skating party at 3:30.

Lots of things, but all under control. And when all is said and done (after paying for last round of groceries and skating party) I will have $16.00 left to last next week.

Have a greatday everyone!

I am fighting to maintian my positive attitude. I thought I've been able to deflect some things pretty well lately, though it is all feeling sort of heavy right now. Sadly, in the grand scheme of life nothing is very note-worthy.

The good thing is that money-wise, it is all working out. I've got some realistic estimates on the cost of son's party, plus the party menu for the family party on Saturday. I already purchased his gift. I did use some coupons today at CVS and spent over 50% on some shampoo, body wash, and Robitussin (using coupons and ECB). I also found older daughter's favorite shampoo at Walmart rolled back to $5.94.

Best friend is back in a needy way, though this time she's weaning herself off of Wellbutrin. She's being pretty forthright about how bad she was in her relationship that ended in August. And she is blaming the meds in a big way, no self control, etc. She wants me to vouch for her sanity with the man that she is trying to re-establish contact with. I've done it once in the past (8 years ago) when she went postal after being on Lexipro. Don't think I really want to be involved. The good news is in her mental clarity and an eye toward the future, she is taking a serious look at her finances and making some wiser decisions (like postponing a trip that she really can't afford). Boundaries on this one are sticky because I have interceded for her before, but I don't want to now. Looking back it was all rather juvenile. Ugh.

The 2nd grader had a melt-down yesterday and today. He didn't want to go to school and feigned illness and I could tell something was bothering him. He is the most well behaved of my kids (and they're all mostly well behaved) (he was the only child in kindergarten to get an O (outstanding) for self-control. Well, the teacher yelled at him yesterday. The first time ever he has been yelled at. And she screamed at him. It was apparently the end of his 7-year old world. It was nice to see his sibs rally around him to boost his spirits, and I hope he manages to get through the day without falling apart. His party is on Friday, so hopefully that will keep him cheered up.

Drama-momma is back in a big way, and I have ignored her phone calls. She really has a way of inserting herself and making problems where there really aren't any. Essentially both girls are shadowing at a high school on Friday, and they're following my older daughter. The other girl was complaining that my oldest isn't in honors Algebra (which she presumes she will be in) and chorus (mine is in gym, which this girl will have to take). I guess my child told her child that maybe she should request someone else. This turned into a "Why would *M* tell my daughter to shadow someone else? I must get to the bottom of this. I have to get my paperwork faxed in!" I ignored the call because I had no idea there was an issue. The girl then called and was a bit snotty in her message which was a toned down version of what her mother said. My daughter called back and said she knew she was on speaker phone and called the girl out on her desire to shadow someone with a more similar schedule, but then added of course she could shadow with her. *sigh*

Despite the fact that I didn't respond, I do resent the intrusion. I know that it doesn't matter, but it still upsets me.

On a happy note, I am putting up my fall decorations today. Looking forward to some cheerful autumnal colors. Pleased to say that I'm not purchasing a thing, just revisiting some of my favorite knick-knacks from the past.

And I've turned the ringer off on the phone.

Moving on to Christmas Big Ticket Item #2 for third child, oldest son, Lego Enthusiast, lover of all things Harry Potter. Diagon Alley. Now on the "Hard to Find List" of Lego Items. (I should add that I live in my own version of Lego-land - Harry Potter, Ninjago, now Monsters, and then just the general play stuff). That items is not on shelf at any local store (Target, Kmart, Toys R Us) so my options were to buy it online or go to the nearest Lego store at a big mall about 20 miles away. I was going to take a ride to the mall, but don't really feel like going that far by myself to run in and buy one item (the Lego set) and not being any sort of recreational shopper, I decided to see about buying it online.

I found it at Target for $148.99 which is the price at the Lego store. It was over $50 and qualified for free shipping (a savings of $9.09) and I used my Target Red Debit card and saved an additional $7.75. So I'm having it shipped to my mom's and his major gift is done (mostly the kids get three or four items to open on Christmas morning). Moving right along ... though I am a bit bummed that I couldn't use my American Express gift card because something about not being able to split orders on third party cards, etc. Anyhow, paid cash! And still have gift card.

I also found a $20 coupon for the Veramyst Rx I need to pick up for my son. That puts $20 back in our company sponsored HSA.

And I double checked my husband's EOB for dental services and saw that his xrays were covered. Mine from the month earlier were denied. I didn't follow up with Delta to find out why mine were denied. As soon as I saw that his were covered, I DID make the phone call. I found out that claim SHOULD HAVE been covered and will be covered. My payment dropped from $128 to $30.75 just like that. Big ole smile on my face.

We've got a busy weekend coming up with birthday festivities for the soon to be 8 year old. We've got a five day weekend school-wise, so he's having a skating party at the roller rink Friday from 3:30-6:30 with ten friends. My inlaws are coming in on Friday for the family party on Saturday night. I'm working on the menu and shopping list for the party and weekend guests.

So all spending is staying within parameters, including party and groceries. The unexpected $151 for the Christmas purchase might make it a bit tight next week, but I anticipate left overs will fill out menu plan and minimal extraneous (anything outside of groceries/gas) expenses next week.

Onward and upward, "saving while spending"

The holiday budget per each child is $180. Today I found a new pair of UGG boots for younger daughter, $200 down to $110. Purchased and stashed!

Time to keep my eyes open for bargains on items that the kids would like!

Friday is payday/rent collection so here is the plan for the money:

INCOMING (net): $2,675
For 10/12 mortgage: -$875
Tuition payments: -$500
Living expenses: -$425
Utilities/Bills: -$425
Party Expenses: -$275
Extraneous: -$175
Remainder $0

We've got a party planned at the roller rink for the soon to be 8 year old, followed by a family party. Mostly small and low-key.

The Cub Scout calendar is filling up quickly. I doing fairly decent with boundaries and keeping things in the proper perspective. Type A personalities tend to make me shy away, but I've dealt with some things assertively, always being nice.

That is it for now.

Can anyone say Homecoming game tonight in 50 degree weather? I say that Fall is officially here for us!

The kids are all bringing friends and they thankfully get in free with some coupons available on line. Should be an awful lot of fun. We hosted an atypical midweek sleep over with older daughter's friend (whose father had surgery recently and her mother travels on business). Pleased to report it went well, they were in bed by 10:30 and up without grumbles by 6:00. And really, one additional person in our already chaotic household doesn't matter. Tonight is another sleep over for oldest son. I'm adjusting well to the whole concept of an open home, and I'm liking the fact that my kids are comfortable to bring their friends over.

The dance is tomorrow night. The dress and shoes were purchased last weekend. DD is getting her hair and nails done tomorrow. I ordered the boutonnaire today. The date took care of the tickets. I'm borrowing my stepadad's awesome camera to take pictures tomorrow. I'm driving some of the kids from the house they're meeting at to the restaurant and then from the restaurant to the dance. I also picked up some snacks to contribute to the after party get together at her friend's house.

Money spent today:
$50 gas for minivan 1
$50 gas for minivan 2 (at $3.99 a gallon at Sam's it was a steal)
$96 at Sam's Club (including $12 for snacks, and $15 for gifts)
$22 at Walmart
$15 at Aldi's

Safe to say that spending is done with the exception of the boutonnaire tomorrow and photo developing.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

1) After writing yesterday's post about the difficulties with the best friend, she called and wanted to talk about things. She needs my support, etc. I told her point blank that I need boundaries (a first for me, since the conversations usually center around her and her drama and her anxiety-fraught life). I used my relationship with my brother as an example. I used to worry about him and his love life and things that aren't really my business (sadly, I think he takes after my father who is a womanizer and lacks any concept of fidelity and loyalty over the long-term). That said, I had him share infomation (phone numbers) with a single mother I know from school. I know they've gone out a few times, but other than that, I am not asking. I only hope to be invited to a wedding if there is one.

I told my friend that I thought it was best if for awhile we didn't talk about money or men. Or at least her drama associated to those. She wasn't really happy to hear that. She wants to be able to talk to me about anything. I said I didn't think that was a good idea for awhile. Her topsy-turvy life never quite leaves me with a clear understanding of where she is and what I can and cannot say. At this point, it is too energy consuming and too much work. Maybe in a few weeks I'll call her and see about going for coffee, but she pulled a "poor wounded pouty" whiny voice. I'm thinking some distance will be a good thing in the long-run. "Spaces in our togetherness" is definitely required.

2) Daughter has a date for Homecoming. She is very happy and pleased about this. He is apparently a good looking, smart, basketball player who was suprised to find out from her friend that she didn't already have a date. Not that it really does much to her preparations, but we did have to fact a buttonaire or boutonaire? or boutonnaire? (clueless how to spell). I'm happy for her, and I heard from younger daughter that the invitation ended with an awkward hug. Baby girl is growing up!

3) Tomorrow is a non-payday Friday, but we get our weekly standing Scipps/Manna order - $150 gift cards to Walmart/Sams. I'm still figuring out how to spend those - gas first? groceries at Sam's Club first? I am slowly drifting away from the coupon game, though I do still save the personal care products and cereal ones for Walmart.

4) Have to work on the budget for October. One son is having a birthday party at the roller rink and I estimate that to be $150? Hopefully everyhing else is paid for (Homecoming will be past, all fall classes will be paid up, and then it will be time for Christmas shopping and holiday spending!)

In my mid, this really isn't a negative post, rather about reaching tht point when you realize the there isn't much more than you can say or do something about someone else' situation.

I used to sit here on this blog, though I think it was several versions ago, and type away bemoaning how I was the only one in the proverbial money boat, having a husband who analyzed financials for major corporations and had 0 interest in our money life. Of course it took us to attend our parish's financial money class which taught us to communiate about things and understand where the othe person is coming from based their experiences growing up and strengths and weaknesses. Had I not acted on signing us up and had DH been unwilling to go, we'd be in the same boat. Thankfully we're not at all in the same place.

We're preparing for DH to return to school for a career change (life in ministry), and we still have lots of kids to get through school, and we have retirements, plus the same budget woes as before, but we make wise choices about our money based what we have and what we need, and list our wants priority wise.

Best friend has resurfaced in a back slided way. Now that summer is over and my life is hectic and she has returned to work full time in the schools, I speak to her once a week, maybe twice, which is a great decrease in the constant handholding.

I had my weekly call with her yesterdy, and things are bad again. She is back to stalking the guy that broke her heart in August, on twitter (not sure how to phrase that if any grammarians catch the awkwardness) This is the one that she said "Never ever talk to me again, I'm deleting your numbers" and she is giving his advice via Twitte comments about the other woman that he co-liked as the time as her.

And she's off eating lunch out every day, according to her list of where she ate last week and her search for a new place. Then there was the comment about how expensive kayaking is. She has every right to do all that she is doing. And then I asked how the Dave Ramsey FPU class was going, last I though it started early September. And then the gun with both barrels was turned onto him, and let's just say she took me out with few zingers: not my life, not my money, not my interest in a man who broke my heart. All true.

So I managed to share that I was seeing some major inconsistencies in what she was saying and what she was doing, in both her love life and her money life. Then I had the reaization that I'm not her therapist, and she doesn't need to hear me say this.

I'm guessing this has to do with bipolar, and at that is she is probably undiagnosed despite being on some anti depressants and some anti-anxiety meds. I took the wimpy way out and calld myself with my cell phone which I've never done before.

I give up. Not sure what else to do.

But other than this, everything is continuing on a nice keel, we seem to have settled into a nice routine that is sort of busy. We've had nice morning being on time and homework hasn't been that muh of an issue.

On a money note (to justify this post) I did have to transfer $150 back to the checking account and have decided to make a $1,350. I missed that I needed to pay $15 for T-shirt for 8th grader, $20 for 8th grader's Cultural Event Day, and $30 for DH's registraton for a 5K.

Yesterday was one of those blissful days when all the moons align and everything is better than fine. The type A cubmaster for the boys' Cub Scout Pack was complimentary on my evite (and the idea of the evite) for tracking RSVPs to the fall cook out. And an even further "thank you" all in caps when I let her know I'm meeting with the new Tiger leader for the 1st graders. The head cubmaster scared the new Tiger leader so badly, which is sad because it really isn't all that bad to accomplish the requirements, so I'm hoping I can alleviate some of her concern by sharing all that DH did last year and to infuse some fun into it. Volunteering without fun isn't worth it, or at least receiving some intangible personal reward.

My children were all in good moods and polite and while we had one playdate planned, I ended up with older daughter's latchkey friend who spent all weekend with us (father just had surgery and mother travels on buines). So for 1.5 hours of the playdate, the kids all sat around the dining room table playing Apples to Apples. And then latchkey friend stayed for dinner, complimenting everythings, and she and daughter did homework. Academically-challeged son voluntarily did all of his vocab and spelling. My list of little things goes on and on ...

Anyhow, I spent $37 on a trip to Aldi's to supplement the $147 at Sam's Club. This is will be necessary to get the regular items that I need to pull dinners together, and I'm still working out the budget (every changing). The price of gas is crazy here ($4.09-$4.29 a gallon). Might need to up the gas and groceries allotment again! Also spent $76 for a dance class for younger daughter, I knew it was coming up but I thought I had two more weeks before the new session started. Not! So I am sitting on my $1,500 credit card payment until closer to next payday, should still be able to make it, fund-wise.

Have a child home today, he has a bruise on his upper thigh and is limping. I suppose that is the consequence of rip sticks and motorized scooters and the combination of the two. Anyhow, I was going to send him, but there are several flights of stairs and I rethought the decision seeing him going down our carpeted stairs on his butt. So, I've got myself a friend, and kid TV all day.

Homecoming is this weekend for my highschooler: Friday nights is the game, and Saturday night is the dance. This is my alma mater, and when I was there the reality was you only went to the dance if you had a date. I fell into that odd place of "middle" uncoolest of the cool, of coolest of the uncool, and I regularly had dates to all the dances. Nowadays, the dance is open to all, and they go as a group. My daughter was asked by a football player is she wanted to "wear his jersey"? and that implied a date. She politely declined, and then later told me that she'd rather be with her friends that evening rather than someone who she's never spent time with.

So, DD was lined up for a high-paying marathon babysitting gig on Friday and she had planned on using those funds to pay for her shopping trip on Saturday. The mom broke her foot, so there was no babysitting gig. My mom gave my daughter $20 and I gave her a $100 American Express gift card from my vacation stash. I also let her go shopping with her friend to find a dress. I didn't feel compelled to go, my daughter is classy and knows how to put together a nice outfit. She knows what clothes she looks best in. She has a good fashion sense. Anyhow, the only advice I gave was stick to a size 1 and make sure that it fits because its another busy week and I didn't want to have to factor in a trip to the tailor.

Well, ex-friend (judgmental drama mama of younger daughters ex- best friend) has a way of turning up or finding things out about me and then commenting away to others. Apparently she ran into my daughter at the mall. She said how interesting her hair was: the last inch or so of her very long hair was dip-dyed in purple Kool-aid this summer and still has a dark maroon tint to the edges. Then she asked why my daughter was at the mall, and raised her eyebrows that I would let my daughter shop for a dress without me (something to the effect of saying to her daughter - "Don't let this give you any ideas about shopping for a Homecoming dress without me!")

Anyhow, my daughter found a very nice dress in a size 3 that fits her frame, a very nice silvery shimmery strapless dress that fits her wonderfully and she looks beautiful in. Dress was $58 prior to 25% off at Carsons and came to $47. She bought earrings for $8.50 at American Eagle, and has enough left on the card to get her hair done in an updo. She's going to buy her own ticket ($15).

I am grateful that my daughter was a wise shopper and that she felt bad for ex-friend's daughter who appeared very embarrassed my her mother's actions. I am glad that my daughter was more amused by ex-friends behavior, which wasn't really adult-like.

I suppose that next year younger daughter won't be shopping with ex-best friend for Homecoming dresses.

It is one of those days when the busyiness of the schedule and the lack of sleep has taken it's toll. There really isn't much to do, and I don't feel like doing anything at all. I'm not feeling like I want to read (which I do have books from the library) and it is too hot to really do much of a walk with my dog (who is an old girl herself). Yesterday was nothing but "run run here, run run there" and I have concluded that the best use of my time traveling around picking kids up is an audio book, but those voices tend to put me to sleep or I associate them with bedtime.

I must get myself back into the saddle and a proper nap would probably help. Thankfully there is only one appointment on the calendar for tonight and I'm hopeful that a leisurely pace of homework and dinner will atone for yesterday's frenzy. I'm concluding that some things will have to go from the schedule to return to a nice and happy atmosphere.

I have $11 left in the checking account (to be replenished with Friday's incoming fund - see previous post on how those funds will be outgoing). I did manage to find some coupons for free McFlurry's from McDonald's to supplement Braces Girl's diet. She has decided that she likes French toast, so my $8 will have to buy another dozen of eggs, a trash sticker, and a gallon of gas. Had to rework my money plan and on the extraneous line, I added the $80 Cub Scout fee and dropped the car registration to next pay period on 9/28 - and I'm still a month ahead of its due date.

That's it.

Anyone remember merch from a few years ago? I really liked following his blog (and boy, was I money mess back then!) The one thing I took away from his wisdom/advise/comments was the mantra "plan the work, work the plan."

With that said, I sat down and planned the work for Friday's payday/rent collection. It looks like this:

Total income (post tax and health stuff): $2,573

Living Expenses (gas/grocer): ($425)

Utilities: ($425)
Includes: Rental prop insurance $68.55
Life insurance premium $26.08
Water (2 mos) $83.65
Electric $150
Gas $55
Student Loan $38.05

Credit card debt ($1,500)

Extraneous ($348) * This includes $125 in category
Includes DH's 4-month personal training $255
License plate sticker renewal $99

There you go, the nitty and gritty of my money life

This weekend was the busiest that we've had in awhile: Saturday went something like: 8 AM appointment for braces to go on older daughter, 9:30 evaluations for the 5th grader who will be playing basketball, 10:00 soccer game for the 2nd grader. And then I somehow managed to have a house full of children that weren't mine: six elementary school boys, plus younger daughter's friend who has a difficult home life (she was here from Friday night on). Anyhow, lunch on Saturday was Little Cesar's party pack for $15.09.

Daughter who is now in braces has required daily trips to either McDonald's or Burger King for fruit smoothies. I'm totally fine with this because I don't need her to lose the five pounds she gained in the last year (for whatever reason 5'7" and 95 pounds looks healthier than 5'6" and 90 pounds). She has also eaten 2# of strawberries and 6 Danimal Smoothies, plus she's attempted ramen noodles that have been broken into 1/8" pieces. I've never had braces so I'm not sure what else to do. She requested a watermelon, so I'll go pick one of those up today.

This is what my week looks like:

Today: pom dance class for younger daughter, babysitting gig for older daughter
Tuesday: dance for both girls, Cub Scout registration for all boys
Wednesday: soccer practice
Thursday: dance for both girls
Friday: babysitting gig for older daughter
Saturday: Scout class 9-11; soccer game 11; basketball evals for younger daughter 12-2; 2nd grader attends party from 3:45-6; oldest son and DH have sleepover at leader's house.

Spending for the week should be minimal; I am trucking through my small balance with the $3 and $4 purchases here and there. I will need to buy seam seeler for the tent, crickets for the bearded dragon, a trash sticker $3.37. I predict we will remain solvent for the next four days.

Oh, how fast we reverted to the summer mode, sleeping late, going to bed late, watching things that we shouldn't (the remake of "Planet of the Apes" with Mark Wahlberg scared everyone in my house aged 11 and under). Got to admit, they were a bit freaky.

It was a nice weekend, with nothing looming large on the horizon. We spent time doing homework and studying, DH took the boys to the Y to swim and work out, the girls were able to spend time with friends and grandparents, we went to Mass and out to lunch at Panera's (using a gift card for over 1/2 of it), and our last hurrah at the pool.

Result: no one wanted to get up this morning; the youngest fell asleep three times in various places (one actually under a pile of pillows on the couch), the complaints included a burning head, tired eyes, sour stomach. I have a bridge of hypochondriacs on my hands! Despite this, all left on time fed, clothed, and appropriately outfitted with gym clothes and lunches and projects. The only advantage to such tired folks is they'll all be in bed early today.

Anyhow, money-wise:

(1) Spent $34.15 on three pairs of shoes at Payless (used a $10 off of $35, older daughter found fun shoes for Homecoming for $16.99, there was a pair of school shoes too $15, and younger daughter got a pair of flip flops on sale $9.)

(2) It is all on auto-pilot, bills and savings.

(3) I did redeem $200 in American Express gift cards from the account and am $1,000 short of another $50. Daughter's braces go on Saturday, so that charge will put me up and over the amount required.

(4) Considering opening an account with B of A (checking) to earn $150. Not too much work required for that amount of money. Just need to do it by 10/1.

My household is really in need of this three-day weekend; the transition to school and schedule has been difficult. We've also had a few minor attitude adjustments to snap back into place (with more sleep, less idle time and a general reminder of niceness).
We've concluded all the Curriculum Nights and now move onto Cub Scouts. I missed registration for soccer for the 2nd grader (which happened to be back in June when my life was nothing but paper registrations for the summer programs at my parish. Anyhow, happy ending, the admin agreed to put my son on the team after an email from the coach. And we've added a pom class for the younger daughter. All good, just more to do and more to go to.

Resurrecting the line: "We're the 10% who do 90% of the work." DH and I are pretty much entrenched into our parish in major volunteer capacities. DH had to turn down a request that he be on the Parish Board simply because we don't have a lot of time free, and what is there is for the kids. I got tired of hearing myself say the above catch-phrase when asked to do more. The email came today (well, late last night) about getting together to draw straws to see who will be the Committee Chair (Cubmaster) for the Pack. I've already turned down the position for myself and my husband. Now my response is simply: "Please take our names out of the list. We are operating at full capacity right now. Thank you." Ugh!

Payday and rent collection day was yesterday. Haven't done much with the funds yet; I'll pay the mortgage and then we'll purchase the bunk beds.

High school football started last night and my house was very quiet for several hours when they all (minus one daughter) went. Our team lost. And they're State Champs.

We got a call from the tenant that there was a leak in the roof. The roofers who put the new one on (five years ago and then repaired the front last summer after the tornado) came out and found the problem. And fixed it. A flashing started to come up and it was re-siliconed. No cost to us.

Enjoy your weekend!

1) Had to spend $123 to get the Kia fixed. DH thought it was the CV joint which should have been under warranty; however, it was the backing plates which were out of warranty since we're past 12K miles. $125 fee for diagnostics was waived and repair was $123. Paid cash from the checking account; nice to be at that place to have the cash ready.

2) Concluded the three appointments for metal allergy testing for older daughter who is getting braces on 9/8. She was a 3+ on the readings for both nickel sulfate and gold, and 2+ on palladuim chloride. I suppose this means porcelain and titanium braces.

3) Payday is tomorrow, so I'll make the mortgage payment and buy the bunk beds at Sam's. The rest of the spending should be minimal: nothing major is needed or wanted by anyone. Middle son moved into oldest son's soccer cleats and shin guards, no cost to his playing soccer.

4) Oldest son is dyslexic and dysgraphic and he has two new teachers this year (4th and 5th graders move between the same four teachers for both years but there was a high turn-over last year, so there is a new math teacher and social studies teacher). I'm hopeful that his anxiety decreases as the year progresses, he so hates to be singled out for any sort of attention or extra help (positive or negative) and I am so thankful that he is able to verbalize that he was embarrassed in class about doing something in math (ordering the numbers from greatest to least instead of least to greatest). I just hope that we're able to make this transition comfortable for him; we're encouraging him to speak with the teacher about his concerns rather than mull over them.

5) Supposed to be a 90+ degree today! Air on and pool this weekend?!

Found out that my prepayment to next years' property taxes isn't an option available until 12/3. I've decided to use the money allocated for that ($250) and purchase a set of bunkbeds at Sam's Club which are $299. We're redoing kids rooms and trying to free up square footage in the boys' room. This summer we spent $220 on new comforters (three were purchased as Kohl's on sale and with the 30% off and Kohl's bucks, and two were from Walmart).

We're back into the second full week of school and we've got dioramas due next Wednesday for extra credit and since I've got another 8th grader this year, too, it seems that I can't escape Science Fair. This year the topic appears to be paper chromotagraphy. Definietly something I don't know a lot about.

The high schooler has joined the baking club and the photography club. She's anxiously waiting for Lacrosse to start, but that isn't until the spring. I image that I should start looking at sporting stores and watch for sales/coupons as I imagine Santa will be bringing her a Lacrosse stick for Christmas.

All for now. Off to read the blogs.

Had oldest son's birthday parties this past weekend. Took him and his three best friends to an indoor trampoline place. Had budgeted $88 (was supposed to be $22 per child for two hours) but only spent $56 (it was still the summer special of $14 per child for two hours) 5th grade boys love Little Ceasar's pizza (I guess its an upgrade from that the school serves on Friday pizza lunch). We had his family party on Saturday afternoon, very nice little get together (had Italian beef sandwiches, 10#s purchased for $26 at Sam's Club). DS spent his birthday cash on a bearded dragon (a cute little lizard at this point) and my parents are buying him a new bike.

Our parish block party was supposed to be yesterday but it got completely rained out, so it was moved indoors and became a rather pricey potluck that we skipped. I had a fridge full of left over and opted out of paying $20 to eat over at church. DH went and stayed for several hours. I stayed home with the kids and my MIL helped the oldest make cookies and quizzed her on spanish, was actively involved in the care of the new pet with birthday boy, and played Blockus with the little kids. Youngest opted not to do any reading with grandpa and actually hid his "Frog and Toad" book. Poor thing was sheepish when I found it and then told him he's reading double today. Going to have to work on making reading fun for this child, too.

Allergy testing for older daughter is ongoing. Patch comes off today and will be read on Wednesday. Braces go on 9/8 and will most likely be titanium and porcelain. Curriculum night for the high-schooler is Thursday. I have to walk my mom's dog today as she is recovering from a bum knee. Busy, with nothing really spectacular in the works, just hoping for a smooth transition to BTS.

We are in the midst of the mid-week slump, the enthusiasm for the first day of school and my early eager wakers are over and done. Thankfully I smart enough to make sure that the backpacks are lined up and uniforms are laid out the night before. I can say that I am getting a solid cardio workout going up and down the stairs to wake, awaken and rewake the slew of sleepers. I am so glad that tomorrow is Friday

Yesterday I got myself over to the Y. I realize that I'm need of some regular working out. I managed to do 15 minutes on the treadmill and walked .91 miles. I probably could have done better but I stupidly thought the Sketcher Shape-ups might add to my work-out. Let's just say that I'm probably not qualified enough to wear them and walk around the block, let alone a moving belt. Apparently I need more time in them to get used to the balance issues. I did manage to pass up donut sticks (though they are tempting me now) and I had some soup and salad for dinner. I'd like to be down to 125 (13 pounds) at some point in the near future.

I returned a clearance sweater to Marshall's yesterday for a $10 credit back onto my debit card.

That is about all the interesting (or not so) things from yesterday.

Still pleased with the money path that we're on. Looking forward to next week's payday to get some progress on the goals I've set.

I was able to take advantage of the prepaying option for band which saved me 5%. $470 done and paid and I am done for the year. I took $200 from the short-term savings (to cover things like this) and won't prepay on daughter's braces when I make the initial deposit on the braces installation day (three weeks forward).

There is something to be said about doing a spending freeze and then accumulating a nice little bit of money. I know that my money mind was cleared, and spending FROM budget categories that are fully funded is a wonderful thing.

Just wanted to share this: might have turned a money corner. And I'm being so proactive that I've started the list of things that we'd like to purchase next spring: Definites: new bike for oldest son, new grill, Maybe: new lawn mower.

Ok, back to reality and what really matters in life (shaking the dust of my last post off of my shoulders).

I currently have Dish here and we are switching from Xfinity Comcast to Dish, saving $40+ a month. Hope that it is worth it. Once of my children recently referenced the commercial showing how bad Dish was; we had a discussion about advertising and political campaigning all at once.

My husband works at a major office supply company - and one of the perks of the take your children to work day is each participant receives a backpack filled with supplies. Since we've been sending kids to this for the past several years, we've amassed a collection of backpacks. I gave three last year to the family we hand-down to. We have several put aside for camping and spares; my daughters are particular about their Jansports that they've been carrying for years. I mentioned to one friend that we had several laying around if she needed one/some. Saturday I got a call from her sister-in-law (who I also know very well) who asked if we had any we could give. Another larger Catholic family, father is a teacher who had a breakdown and didn't want his school to know so he took an unpaid leave of absence to deal with his issues and they haven't rebounded from the situation - I know all this through her sister-in-law/my friend).

We gave two brand new girly backpacks that her husband picked up on Saturday. The oldest daughter is going into 6th grade and yesterday I saw her and she smiled and whispered thanks and pointed to her backpack. And right after that I saw the mother of a student at the high school my daughter attends. Her daughter is a junior and the uniform changed, so she said she has a bunch of uniform shirts for me. Next year I'll have two in the same uniform.

Life is sweet. What goes around, comes around. Hopefully it will be goodness and kindness.

And how can I forget this gem: Best friend has found a job and can predict a stable pay pattern and basic budget. She's joined up with a large non-denominational church which is offering the Dave Ramsey's class (FPU) and she actually signed up

Supporting local business and the benefit:

Yesterday had my new-to-us couch and love seat cleaned. I was reluctant to do it myself, though it was in need of a cleaning. One of the deacons at our church own a carpet and upholstery cleaning company. I called for a quick quote from a place in the phone book, and while the deacon was higher by about $50 for the cleaning plus scotch-guarding I decided to go with him. My mom gave me the $50 for the scotch-guarding. I had $210 cash for the cleaning and treatment ($90 for couch, $70 for love seat, $50 for scotch-guarding). He only took the $160, stating that he appreciated the fact that we hired him and he called in the parish discount. Of that $50 - I put $25 aside for party boy's pizza pack from Little Ceasar's on Friday and I spent the remainder on the Back to School Roller Skating Party.

Taking the high road: (Disclaimer: non-finance stuff ahead )

I've posted her about my difficult ex-friend who is a busy-body, in everyone's business, has something to say about everyone's business, and ultimately attacking most of my parenting [letting a child "ditch" a school function - the year-end picnic in lieu of a day at the pool with her two friends (other ditchers); letting another child wear a strapless dress to a school function (despite being covered by a shrug), and other stuff]. Actually it was her child who kept throwing up these instances of how "good" my kids have it.

Fast forward to the summer: I took my child to a tattoo parlor for a piercing. [I sort of reside in Peyton Place where everyone knows everyone's business]. Ex friend has some things to say about that. Then she officially snubbed my child yesterday when she was walking down the hall (daughter was walking with a boy, while ex-friend who is all over the school said (daughter recounted it as "gushed") "Well, hello *L*. How was your summer?"] I had to tell my daughter not to let it bother her, ultimately the happiness of her life is not contingent upon the approval of anyone in that particular family, and to always be polite and civil in a Christian-manner.

Back-story to situation: A friend of mine from high school happens to have a son at the same school that my kids go to. He was a photographer for Playboy and happened to have married (and divorced) a centerfold. I was approached by someone I know from the young mom's group (years ago) who came up to me and said, "Oh, *D* is so beautiful and I've heard that she is pursuing a career in modeling. *A* (her child) has had such great luck with this agency - its Christian-based. I've heard you were going to be collaborating with *K* and even have *K* do her make-up. If you need someone reputable, I can give you names and numbers. I'd just be careful who you hook up with."

Turns out she heard it from ex-friend. So I must really be slipping in the realm of good parenting: who knows what I've let my younger daughter pierce? (it was her ear lobes, second holes) and now I'm grooming by 14-year old to turned over to Heff. Take me now, Lord!

The funny thing is: I'm trying to teach my child not to judge. And the other thing is: at my parish, you don't really get much more Catholic that my family. My husband is with the fraternal order and is going to be going into a life of service as a Deacon. I co-coordinate all the summer programs. We're the family that is always together and when one of us is missing we look out of place. I don't even know what to say or think.

Probably should just take the high road and ignore, but really ...

Silence. It can definitely be considered blissful, given the pandemonium of this morning getting 9th, 8th, 5th, 3rd, and 2nd graders off to school. The 9th grader started last week, but she's still not confident in a lot of things and needs support and attention.

Despite my best efforts at being organized (totally uniforms laid out, insisting that back packs were packed, and lunch was made for the oldest), we still dealt with: (a) who did the glue sticks belong to? (b) the new belt that needed a last minute hole added to it (c) should I eat this third donut stick if my stomach is nervous and I think I am going to throw up? (d) what if JS is the class of the 8th grader; he liked her and expressed it through tormenting her. (e) what was the combination again for the gym lock? (f) when does band start? And oh, the frenzied list of concerns. Didn't help that I lacked good mother judgment and we rented "The Hunger Games" last night, which the grown up liked, the girls had seen, and was definitely not suitable for the younger folks. Had to deal with one nightmare and almost stepped on someone when I got out of bed.

I am looking forward to getting back into a routine around here. While I love the leisurely summer pace, seems like my house is always almost clean, the meal plan is almost done, etc.

We rented a rug doctor and cleaned the carpets yesterday. I'm waiting for the upholstery cleaner to come right now to clean the new furniture. I've tackled several mountains of laundry yesterday. I've freezer cooked on Friday (making batches of chili, ground beef for tacos, and sloppy joes). It is rather personally satisfying to be ahead of the food game. Oldest son's family party is on Saturday (with kids friend party on Friday after school) and I even have the menu planned and the recipes organized.

Amendment to the nickles and dimes flowing out: I can remove the $52 for shots, moving it to the next pay period. The dates were wrong on the website so DH and the boys and our furry friend turned up to ... nothing.

Well, hope everyone has a great day!

For the next two-week pay period, our extraneous spending looks like this:

$52 for vaccinations for our furry friend; taken to Luv My Pet traveling doctor.
$24 for rental of Rug Doctor + $14 for soap
$45 for last round of school supply shopping
$160 for upholstered furniture cleaning happening tomorrow (my mom gave me $50 for the scothguard option
$88 for oldest son's birthday party (he and three friends to Sky High Sports - like Extreme Trampoline only closer)
$25 for oldest son's pizza from Little Ceasar's (party pack)

I was able to pay the last installation of the property tax payments two weeks early Am glad to get the monkey off my back, and am so excited to sign up for the prepayment option. My goals for the remainder of the year look like this:

$1000 to high school tuition
$1000 to parochial school tuition
$1000 to property tax bill for next year
$1500 to eradicate last of the credit card debt
$1250 to savings

And the nice things about it is I am actually one paycheck ahead of this pace and think that I'll throw some money toward these starting on 8/31 rather than 9/14.