Hard to believe that May is just around the corner ... and April is almost gone. We've had my daughter's Confirmation (lovely event) and then I coordinated the CCW's Mother-Daughter Luncheon (I did this because my daughter is a recipient of a scholarship from this organization, and I didn't fully embrace the whole event). But is was a nice event, with 43 in attendance and I had too much food, rather than too little. And I was under budget by $30 (goal of event: to break even). I was totally appreciated and got compliments for the décor and menu. I repurposed some floral garlands I use at home to decorate the dessert table, and I borrowed the BALL jars used for the Cub Scout Blue and Gold Dinner for centerpieces and favors were seed packs purchased for $.25 at Dollar Tree.
All that remains is my son's First Communion this Saturday at 5:00 PM Mass. He's wearing older son's suit. We did buy him a new tie, shirt and shoes. We are going to dinner afterward with grandparents, uncle, godmother, close family friend in the "Pope Room" (we are Catholics with a sense of humor and don't consider this sacrilege). Afterwards, it is back home for cake and coffee. I opted out of the big party the day after with relatives we don't see often and usually only invite out of obligation. I finished the cross stitch sampler and need to get it to the framer today (using a premade frame, they are only cutting a mat and assembling).
Financially for April:
1) Made May's house payment plus $250 additional principle
2) Sent $200 to DH's fraternal order's annuity
3) Sent $2,000 to property tax account
4) Paid cash for DD's eye dr appointment (her Rx changed and she was having head aches) and 6 months worth of lenses
5) Only made minimum payments on the credit cards (will get that up for May)
6) Paid cash for a new gas grill at Aldi's for $154. DH seems impressed with the quality and there is a 2-year warranty
Off to catch up on the blogs. 
April Updates
April 24th, 2013 at 02:27 pm
April 24th, 2013 at 02:48 pm 1366814898
April 24th, 2013 at 02:56 pm 1366815395
Picture a room big enough to seat 16-18 comfortably. In the center is huge round table. In the middle of the table is a lazy susan that spins round and that is were some of the food goes (we eat family style). In the middle of it is a bust of Venerable Pope John Paul II (I like to think of him as a Rock Star in the papacy of the RC Church). He is encased in plexiglass and he turns as the lazy susan spins. The walls are also filled with black and white pictures of past popes from the 30s to the 60s. There are also tons of vintage First Communion pictures. We really fall into the "traditional" category of Catholic, with lots of kids, DH becoming a Deacon, always sitting at the same place at the same Mass, etc. So one of mothers of a similar family made it a point to say that her family considered it tacky to be in that room. I had to laugh because they'll be at the same restaurant at the same time and maybe she's just jealous. Ha!
April 24th, 2013 at 03:31 pm 1366817488
April 24th, 2013 at 04:28 pm 1366820903
April 25th, 2013 at 01:06 pm 1366895216