For once I'm ahead of the game as far as entertaining (party tomorrow for sons and inlaws coming for weekend). The house is actually clean in an organized fashion, rather than a pile and shove clean.

I'm happily hosting playdates for the kids afterschool - some of them at least. Nice weather means they can play outside. Some even like walking the dog and I was surprised that 3rd Graders are far more mature than 11 year old girls when it comes to the dreaded poop bag.

Money situation is fine, put money into the savings account (got it up to $11,700) and have enough funds allocated for this week, including big food shopping trip today.

Outlook for October is good. We have an extra paycheck in October, but really 1/2 of the third takes care of the first of November, but I'm expecting to have a surplus of about $1,000. My goal for that is extra $ is: $250 for home maintenance (new sump pump for rental property, funds for lawn refuse bags and stickers for a tree clean up in back of rental property, drive way filler and sealcoating), $350 to son's college savings (in my disorganization I never mailed the deposit in and the funds are gone but this from his First Holy Communion and rightfully his), and the balance toward dance tuition and fees.

We had a great conversation about gratitude at the dinner table two nights ago. Gratitutde versus a sense of entitlement really. I was surprised when my kids all said they'd wear last year's Halloween costumes rather than expect new ones. The smallest one will get a new one because this is his first year in the school Halloween Parade and he has only worn hand-me-downs. It was nice to see that they are learning the value of the dollar, and also being realistic about things.

Have a good Friday!