Love the Life you Live

I was loving the whole idea of organization and simplification. I examined the situations of the household and determined what I am lacking in some situations is efficiency. DH brought me home a bonanza of bankers boxes and I'm filling and removing items from the house. It is very liberating. I actually tackled my closet and had a very honest heart-to-heart with myself. I will not ever be a sustainable size 4 again. Those items went to my mom. I am most likely not going to be a size ten either (I was briefly) and I boxed those items to give to my best friend. I will be a 6/8 probably for the intermediate while and I tried everything on and everything fits and is comfortable. I even like the way my closet looks. I got rid of hand-me-downs from my brother's girlfriends. I parted with my preschool teacher sweaters which were fine when I had a bunch of little kids. It pained me to do that, but I did - no more bunnies on Easter sweaters or snowmen on Christmas sweaters. I imagine I can always get scarves for the seasons.

Now is the weekend of painting and switching rooms. Well, not exactly switching until the new carpet goes in. Oldest son is very sad that the mural we painted in his room will be leaving. We've got a photo op to commemorate it tomorrow - it has been five years since I drew the barn and cows and pig, and he drew the sheep. His wall had a mama sheep and baby sheep (he and I). Even I am kind of bummed about it, but I think a few good pictures will be great for recall.

We are organized in the moving out of things, but it is overwhelming.

The ravages of the time change has reared its ugly face here at my house. Who would think that losing one extra hour would wreck havoc? I had one child home Monday because he was up all night with allergies and no sleep (thanks to the mid-afternoon Sunday nap). I have another one home today, but his is more of a mental health day given he would have had to deal with the sub from Hell today. I can't say that I blame him for his tizzy this morning, though I did encourage him to be reasonable next time in the presentation of his case rather than a "I'm not going to SJS" five minutes before we're ready to leave and strip out of his uniform starting at the door, leaving a trail of clothing items all the way up to his room, where he ultimately was hiding under the blankets. All I'm asking for is reasonable, folks ...

Then older daughter achieved her goal of straight As for the third quarter, putting her GPA for the quarter at 4.33 (even pulled an A in Spanish II which was a huge hurdle for her). Younger daughter didn't advance to State with her Science Fair Project. Last year of the 8 that went to Regionals, 7 went to State. This year of the 9 that went to Regionals, only 2 are going to state (out of 3 that got gold). Daughter only got a Silver, which means her score was in the 81-90 range. I had to lament with her that it wasn't fair, but all I could zero in on was unfair it was the only 2 of the 3 Gold get to go. And she's very emotional this week. And tired. It all leaves me tired, but parenting was never said to be easy, right?

Went to Goodwill today and found the EXACT Ralph Lauren sweater I was contemplating (not for very long) buying at TJ Maxx for $39.99. I like the color and fit and it is spring colored, but still warm enough for this chilly transition time in the Midwest. Final cost: $3.99. Also purchased the sickling that happened to be with me three books, illustrated Children's Classics that will be easy for him to read (given his reading challenges).

So, that is it. Payday and rent collection on Friday. Looking forward to a new spending period. Goal will be to keep grocery costs as low as possible.

I was wondering if there are any thrifty blogs (of course outside of the SA community) that you follow regularly.

I follow: the peaceful mom (mostly for her $125/week grocery challenge, because that is about what I spend and our family sizes are somewhat similar).

I recently came across "blissful and domestic" after reading about the family's living on $14K per year.

I've spent some time going through the recipes of each and am putting together a new recipe binder of things I'd like to incorporate into our menu plan - everything from smoothies to main entrees.

My next goal is going to do entirely away with processes foods, but I need to get a better game plan in place before that can really happen.

Here is a picture of the new-to-us workstation ($250 on craigslist, plus $21.50 truck rental and $4 gas for rental truck).

I am very pleased with it, much more efficient given the previous "work station".



I'll include a final photo once we're officially set up. I'm loving organization, and simplified living. I'm so glad that I found this piece and it was a great fit with need and available funds! I don't feel that I compromised at all, and am so happy that I didn't spend $600 on some laminate stuff that would have taken DH twelve hours to assemble. It is real wood and heavy.

ETA: The top of the station itself extends over the work space on the top of the desk and has three pop lights in to fully illuminate the work space. Additional money saved from not having to buy a desk lamp.

Remember the last picture that I posted (shamefully, head hung low shaking back and forth at the imaginary finger waggling at me), I am pleased to report that great progress has been made. As in cleared out, vacuumed, ready for the new desk/hutch/office furniture that DH is picking up. I found it on craiglist (in my town) for $250. This was in reaction to doing a little pre-shopping before placing an order for something nowhere near as nice for $600 at OfficeMax. I knew I was in for good luck when I turned up at the house and it happened to be a grand new construction house with a circular driveway, just very grand and elegant.

So DH and oldest son are riding over in the rental truck ($25 for two hours) and are getting it loaded in, and DB will meet him here to bring it in. The last time I was this excited was when I found my Ethan Allen sofa and loveseat on craigslist last August (for $500).

So, in the meantime preparing for this, I've managed to organize ALL of the office supplies and paper products in the house. And there were quite a bit. I've pared down to shoe box sized containers of markers/crayons/pen & pencils/general office supplies/hardly used supplies (like hole punchers and glue gun). Loving the way that organization feels.

Haven't spent much money lately. I was a judge at the Regional science Fair yesterday and spent ALL day judging 7th and 8th grade projects. (whew, glad that is over) an then I took the girls to see the musical at DD's high school. DH stayed home with the boys and spent $12 on a movie and snacks, still cheaper than bringing all four of them.

Will post final update on Monday.

ETA: The furniture has arrived and we ended up with a bonus matching filing cabinet. So excited to move in. Everyone agrees (husband and brother) that it was well worth the $250.

Despite the turbulent times and uncertainty of DH's employment (details haven't been divulged about merger/acquisition), DH's employer made revenue goals for the first time in the six years DH has worked there. This translated to a $1,500 bonus which resulted in a budget surplus of $960 after taxes.

We found a desk/hutch unit on craigslist located in our town. A very nice and large workstation, complete with a storage and work space. We're picking it up this weekend and I've needed to address our very cramped and dysfunctional work space. I am posting it below:



This islike airing my dirty laundry. What is missing from the picture is a tall seven shelf plastic drawer unit that contained office and school supplies.

We're also getting new carpeting in the four bedrooms and all the contents of those rooms need to removed. We had a snow day yesterday and moved all the photo albums/books down, and I'm pleased to say that we're somewhat organized. We did an initial purge and yielded one large bag of garbage, three large bags of items to donate, and one large bag of things to pass on to our friends. I've also decided to part with two CD holders from when I went through a British-inspired phase of life (Big Ben and the Red Call Box) which will be headed to a consignment shop.

So you will see how inefficient life has been here (I will add that most homework is obviously done between the kitchen table and dining room table and the computer is only used for printing out assignment and typing papers/research. The second CPU to the left died last week, so I can part with that. The lamp is ridiculously bright and matches the one on my dresser. There are also markers, odd cards, ipods plugged in and tons of chords. Also a collection of hex bugs (spider, crab, bug) around. It is time to embrace a simplified way of life!! And it is only costing us $250.

It will only get better with the new furniture coming. I'll post the AFTER pictures next week.

OK, six days post announcement of merger, not "takeover" as DH presented. It is business as usual and there is no real plan in place and things may drag out for six-nine months (end of year) timeframe. DH is thinking that it may be beneficial for him to ride it out and see about severance. He was willing to leave without it, but it might make his transition to academia easier. If he could get a semester or two full time, he'd be moving along at a quicker pace. So I'm thinking of this as a time to build up funds (still taking spending to minimal levels).

I resigned myself to let go and let God. I'm ultimately not in control of things (I'm speaking of overall the way situations that are beyond my control play out, not to be confused with magical thinking).

I perseverated for a day or two about extraneous expenses. The soccer club in the area that DH has partnered up with in the Fall wanted my son(s) - the oldest won at state, beating out the club players at the council and regional levels. It's expensive, like "all off of your chair laughing at how much this costs" expensive. We hadn't accepted their offer of acceptance, citing the expense. Back on 2/1 the Director said he'd see what sort of scholarship they'd be able to offer. Last Friday they came back at 75% discount (total club fees $400 for all three of them, payable in three payments in March, April, May). And if we needed to delay or defer a payment because uniforms would cost us $120 that was fine too. My parents are picking up the cost of the uniforms - they've paid for my daughters' dance things in the past and like to be equitable. So, we can manage the $400. It worked out.

And we have a weekend away planned, to a resort in Wisconsin, with an indoor waterpark and it is where my daughters have a dance competition. The room and dance competition fees were paid for with the Christmas money from my inlaws. My extraneous income this week has been $114.33 (redeemed from the Chase freedom account) and $119.02 in reimbursed expenses for the Cub Scout Blue & Gold Dinner (which I used from checking account). So I've designated those funds for our weekend away:$50 for gas, $100 for waterpark fees, $50 for dinner at Culvers. I'll use the rest for snacks/breakfast food in room (that we'll bring) and maybe a movie. Going to spend it and have fun. It worked out

I found out my grandma will most likely come from CA for 8th grader's graduation. She was here last year and is still going strong for a 93-year-old. That makes us rethink our trip to CA this summer. Goal was to see Gma, and if she is here, we might explore a closer and less expensive alternative to original travel. It worked out

And my Irish Dancing older daughter is in need of a new dress. The younger daughter's dress will do for this competition/performance, but not overall. My daughter doesn't love it, and I can't say that I blame her. It just isn't quite right. A mother at our school is making the alteration to lengthen it. She happens to make ID dresses and just got beautiful fabric from England that is my girl's favorite color. And she has colored Swavorski crystals to complement it. And if I sell daughter's old dress (which is a Sciope Rince out of Ireland that holds it value), I might even be able to replace it with a new one and have money left over.

So, the money is really taking care of itself.

Yesterday I said I was too busy to worry about the situation at DH's place of employment. There had been talk of a merger. Today the reality is his company is being purchased by the major competitor.
Now I am getting a bit squirrely.

Nothing will happen for the next 3 months (most likely). He was planning on leaving end of summer for other areas unchartered.

Now the recap to make myself feel better:

1) One month ahead on mortgage and braces.
2) Remaining balance on parochial school tuition $350.
3) Tax refunds went to prepay real estate taxes: $6K (another $4K due by end of October)
4) $20K in EF
5) I do have things I was thinking about selling: expensive odd piece of oriental furniture that I've never liked, some jewelry, some upscale things to take to the consignment store.
6) DH has decided to give up his personal trainer/work out facility fee at work (saving $85 per month) Will definitely want to keep the Y, don't think we'll be getting a pool membership this summer
7) Work study plans for girls underway
8) Better self control with shopping and menu planning
9) Better planning for spending on things that we need

Wondering the cost of COBRA and insurance. That will my to-do tomorrow. Maybe best case scenario they will give him a nice severance, which he was willing to forego to pursue other avenues. That would be a benefit. I also figure that maybe between rental property income and unemployment, he might be able to get a few quarters of school full-time. That would require some real measures that I should look into. And if I were able to get a part-time job, it might be do-able.

Oh, the joys of the unknown waters. So I'm minimally flustered. Reality check: not totally immune from old ways.

Life is a busy whirlwind of activities, and doesn't really have a lull for quite a while.

There was a brief time last week where I considered applying for a job that I thought would be ideal for me. Ideal for a different version of me. It is at a place that I really like (the office of our Diocese), but alas, I'd never work 30 hours a week in the summer when my kids are home. Ever. Unless I needed to, and we're really not at that point.

Anyhow, during that brief time, I was quite productive in making progress in the areas of the volunteer work that I do. I'm learning to deal better with difficult people. (And I'm realizing that they are all around). I've decided that while I'm in the middle of several uncomfortable situations, it must say something about my ability to be diplomatic. Making definite progress in the not complaining about others to others department. So, all it well.

To the worry part: DH is employed by a large office supply company that is merging with another large office supply company. Of course, you never know where the chips will fall, and he already has an exit plan in place (to pursue another career direction). That plan has us scaled back pretty much in the spending department (though we do have a list of things we are accomplishing with the extraneous funds while we have them).

The old me (had we not had a plan) would have been blathering about this and that and "woe is me".

We've been conscious in raising our children of sharing and giving back and being part of a community bigger than ourselves. We've worked with Special Olympics and I (co)run the summer youth programs at our parish. My girls are natural born helpers who actively get triple the required number of service hours required for sacraments; they like to help with their brothers' Scouting Dens, etc. The older one received a scholarship for her first year of high school that we hope will be renewable. The younger one just finished the application for a scholarship that her sister is on the wait list for. I am fairly confident in her ability to be an actual recipient in that she is a bit stronger in her faith life and academics.

Anyhow, we were at Welcome Night for the younger one who will be a freshman at my alma mater and the school her sister is a freshman at. The sticker shock of a cost of one year rattled her chain a bit; I don't think she realized that is costs $9,600 for one year (for her sister with scholarships and grants we paid $5,000). The principal discussed the work study option available in the summer to defray tuition costs.

Both of my daughters thought this would be a good idea. And they hope to earn $500 toward their tuition (each). They heard DH and I talking about him possibly switching to a position within our Diocese that would pay somewhat less, but would also bring the tuition for each daughter down an additional $1,000. This might be also conducive to his return to school for the diaconate. To work and attend classes at the same place is a good thing.

I'm also thinking about talking to the school to see about any teachers' aide positions that might be available.

Anyhow, I was proud. And I am no longer a Nervous Nellie about change. I've concluded that change is good. Sometimes uncomfortable, but mostly good.

I've come to a realization about myself. And that is: when I am nervous about something, I micromanage, perseverate, and generally immerse myself in whatever situation, so I can monitor and be ready for some indication that the situation is going to go awry. As if I'm heading for a cliff of some sort, if I pay careful attention, I'll be able to stop the calamity from happening.

In the past I've spent a lot of time worrying about things. Coming from a dysfunctional money background growing up (living with a poor mother, abandoned financially by a father who came from a family with money), left me out of synch - thinking that money magically solves things. And then, when we did have little bits of money, I'd hoard it away "in case".

Most recently I analyzed my relationship with older daughter who is now a freshman. Starting high school for me was a very scary thing, having to start at a new school with no friends (I started in public for elementary/junior high, and ended in parochial for high school). My daughter was also starting at the same school knowing few people. I confess to being a helicopter parent; I was able to check her grades on line and hounded her about an F because she forgot her Bible in Theology on the day they did a supplies check. No wonder she was a bit tired of me. I also hounded her about staying in contact with her best friend who went to a different parochial high school. Ugh, I look back and think "what was I thinking?" The consequence of this was I closed the door on open communication with my daughter who I'm usually really close with.

I realized my behavior at the end of 1st quarter. I haven't looked at her grades at all once, not even one sneaky peak. I let her tell me what her grades are, and guess what? She's done remarkably well without my hounding. She and her best friend have renewed contact and talk once a week now and get together twice a month. She has new friends and we talk about situations with boys and etc.

I'm no longer hovering, and the results are good. My girl is able to think and act for herself, and I'm there when she needs me.

It is the same with money. I'm not checking the balance in the checking account every day. I do keep aware of how much remains in budget categories. I also have a budget cushion that allows me to spend more freely. The money is taking care of itself.

We haven't missed the funds from increasing the 401K to 11%. Once I get the income tax refunds, I'll be paying the $7K (estimated) property taxes on the primary residence and that will be off the plate for the year. I'm planning a few months out now for events like First Holy Communion, Confirmation, and Graduation.

What started this whole analysis of the shift in my thinking? We were shopping at Payless yesterday for shoes. Oldest son's school shoes didn't survive and the sole was almost completely off. Younger daughter needed shoes for her Valentine's Day Dance on Thursday. She found a perfect pair of pink pattened leather pumps with a black bow (cost $30) and she said, "I love these shoes. I'll wear them for the dance, Easter, AND Graduation. I know I should be practical, but I LOVE them." Of course I bought them for her. Everyone deserves a pair of shoes they absolutely love. Old me would have bought them with some sort of little lecture about how they aren't exactly practical, but I would. I'd be conveying some sense of displeasure or disapproval.

Yesterday I smiled and said, "Of course you can get them! I'd buy them for myself if they matched something. They are great. And let's get you a pair of flats for the May Crowning. Its a buy one, get half off sale!"

Total spent for three pairs of shoes: $45.

Lesson to mother: Priceless.

According to my spending plan, today is the day we fill up the gas tanks (well put about 3/4 tank in based on the current high prices - $3.87 BAH) and I do my grocery shopping. Last week's trip was bigger than I usually do, so there is no imminent need for anything other than milk and bread

So I'll run out and pick a few items up. All the bills for 2/1-2/14 are paid. I have enough cash on hand for a few miscellaneous purchases, two-sided body tape for younger daughter for her dress for the Father-Daughter Dance. Some Belfast linen for a stitching project that I'm doing for my 2nd grade son.

Also working on the budget for Cub Scouts. I'm taking the whole element of drama out of the process; this is indeed a challenge for me (who is probably more emotional than cerebral).

All is quiet on the money front.

I'm drinking my Mr. Coffee coffeemaker coffee this morning, enjoying the fact that I didn't spend needlessly, Funny how sometimes I can meander off the money path that I am quite content with. DH thought it was funny that I was being so weird about buying a coffeemaker, and suggested that if I wanted to perk up my morning coffee experience I should try the new International Delight natural coffee cream (there was a commercial on for it). Maybe I will. And I think I need a new coffee cup.

Funny how the little things can make a world of difference. Sort of like having tea with my one friend; she's clearly a tea-junkie, and when I go there I feel like I'm treated to some great culinary feast: my choice of "treat tea" (as she calls it, and my choices are like rose and champagne or lavender and honey), and then its real tea, in a little strainer thing, and I'm served it in a delicate china cup with hand-painted roses, and there is a whole other little plate for my spoon, and little tea cookies, you get the idea ... a whole different experience than plunkering a tea bag in a stained cup (which is what I do at home).

My outing yesterday ($54 for replacement coffeemaker, 6 pairs of socks, one NFL-logoed mug as a gift) yielded me $10 off of a future Kohl's purchase. I also received a catalog in the mail from JCP and almost recycled it without seeing the free $10 off of $10 purchase. Glad I found that, free money is free money. I also submitted $8 in receipts for supplies for a project I did for the high school and my $50 refund from the Y should be here soon. So money is coming in ... and going out.

I've got the budget on auto-pilot and I've decided to stay in money lock-down through the month; I'll be able to continue my pace of staying one to one-and-a-half months ahead on due dates (2/18 will be making the March braces and tuition payment, both payable on the 15th). I'll also make March's mortgage payment plus $433 additional principle.

March gets spendy when I am moving ahead on the carpeting for the bedrooms. I've decided to take my present cash surplus ($1,500) and the tax refunds ($5,500) and pay the real estate property taxes on the primary residence all at once. Then my extra money of $1,450 a month will be applied to short-term goals and upcoming 2013/2014 tuition. This will start in April. March's money will be carpeting, new dresser for girls, paint for upstairs, and some other miscellaneous home repairs/maintenance we've been putting off.

Kohl's has the spend $50 get $10 off a future purchase sale going on. I went there first to replace the coffeemaker that died yesterday. I was conflicted; why? I do not know. I want one of those new machines... I asked for Christmas, but didn't get one. I've used one only once in the oral surgeon's office while DD was having her teeth pulled.

I then went to Walmart. I was unimpressed with their basic offerings, black and dull. I didn't buy. I tried to justify spending the $100 (but it would have yielded me $20 for another purchase) on the dinky little colorful Keurig that is usually $129. I came close to biting the bullet, even going so far as to select a color I liked and put it in the wheely-rolly thing.

But, alas, common sense prevailed. I ended up with a 12-cup Mr. Coffee upgrade from what I previously owned and died. It was $35 down from $50. I actually bought socks for the boys and Green Bay Packer Mug on clearance as a gift for FIL. Total spent was $54 and have $10 for a future purchase.

I won.

The American Express that we opened last year in order to take advantage of a bonus is going to have the annual fee added next billing cycle, so we'll be closing that account. Yesterday we had enough points to redeem a $25 gift card to Victoria's Secret (my girls love PINK), $20 to Old Navy (place that I buy the school uniforms) and $10 to Bath & Body Works (a fun place to pick up things for Easter baskets or stockings at Christmas).

My coffee pot died yesterday morning. It wasn't anything special and was from my MIL a few years back. We had a coupon for a free coffee from 7-11, so DH bought it last night and we split it this morning. I can't live without coffee, nor can DH. I imagine that I'll head over to Kohls today to see about replacing it. I must be practical. I'd like the new fancy-fanagled ones, Keurig?, but alas, I'd probably be too practical to buy the coffee for it.

This is the first day in many weeks that those kids that had school all got up and ready without any aches and complaints. I didn't have to take temperatures, medicate, or anything of the sort. Just make lunches and say good-bye! The high-schooler has an Institute Day and is sleeping in, so I don't need to drive anyone to school. Yay for PJs and coffee on a cold, snowy morning.

Spending recap for Sat/Sun:

$41.10 Auto Zone (new windshield wiper blades/headlight)
$9.86 Ace Hardware (rental property repair)
$24.00 Red Lobster (DH and I had a date, that was after coupon and gift card applied - $15.05 food, $7.95 tip)
$8.08 CVS (Benedryl and Sunday paper)
$2.30 Dominick's for groceries after $16.50 in coupons.

Cupboards and gas tanks are full, so no spending this week.

A friend altered younger daughter's dress for free. I'll pick up a Starbuck's gift card for her. Saturday is Father-Daughter Dance and I told daughter I'd give $10 towards her manicure. 8th Grade Drama is getting very old. At least there are lots of positives outside of school to concentrate on for her: Science Fair, Confirmation, Graduation.

Life is good. Off to catch up on the blogs.

Thanks for those who commented on my last post. I'm clearly a person who doesn't like confrontations, and I really just want to be understood for who I am vs. who people think I should be. But I suppose we all really struggle with that.

I'm realizing that after helping behind the scenes a long time and with times a-changing and people a-moving on, I'm becoming more visible. I don't think I'm very comfortable with that. This is the situation I find myself in with Scouts. I have reasonably good relationships with the CM, Committee Chair and Treasurer who are all out come end of Feb. I'm also reasonably friendly with the new CM (who is abrasive and sometimes his logic is down right fuzzy!) so I find myself in the middle.

My emails are now cc: to everyone. I'm not taking personal emails I stated that we should follow the past protocols for our budget (including covering the thank you gifts for the leaders leaving) and that we should finish out the 2012-2013 budget based on the projections. I also said that we'd be within budget for our banquet, and we'll just have to rework the menu to stay within the funds. I inventoried what we have from last year and we won't have to buy any paper products, so that will save money.

Funny, how once I get my own household in order financially, I'm dealing with the budget for Scouts!

Anyhow, I'm simply going to deal with Treasury issues. No more arm chair psychologist to my "friend". I don't need to discuss political issues (or religious issues, for that fact) or listen to commentary on the present (outgoing) management.

This will be a sheer exercise in diplomacy. I don't need to confront. Yet? Maybe I'm being naïve on my ability to step back.

Thanks for listening.

I have a dilemma, and I need some advice on a situation.

I found myself in the uncomfortable situation as being a sort of "quasi Committee Chair" for our Cub Scout Pack. I have three Scouts and my husband is leader for the 2nd Grader Den. I am the secretary/quasi leader for the 5th grader who is moving on to Boy Scouts later in February.

The guy who is stepping up to be the new Cubmaster or Committee Chair is a high-maintenance sort of guy, and I wake up to daily emails from him that do pertaining to Scouting, but some of it is just odd. I realize that he probably thinks that we are friends, given we spent a day with his family at their beach house and had a great time. Other than that, we don't socialize outside of school. He is abrasive and has alienated those in charge who are moving on. They don't want to deal with him, and consequently everyone choses to deal with ME and I'm in the middle. My role for the new regime is "Treasurer" (I have plenty of other volunteer work to keep me busy outside of Scouts).

On Friday night when others were assembling the Pinewood Derby Track he sent me an email (via text) that said "I think I am getting the cold shoulder." OK?

The most recent email last night had to do with the new policy regarding gays in Scouting.

I assume he perceived me to share the doctrinal view of homosexuality. I love my faith for lots of things, and do not agree with everything. I don't personally chose to use birth control and have a largish family (it would be large if all of my pregnancies ended in healthy, live children). It is none of my business what people chose to do to limit the size of their families. We are pretty devout in our faith life and my children know a lot of their religion inside and out. But guess what, my girls wear bikinis and one even has multiple piercings, and she's waiting until 16 so she can have her cartilage pierced. Because we limit our social obligations during the times of Advent and Lent to focus on our family, we are perceived as "the way right". And guess what, we are Pro-Lifers with the exception of rape/incest/life of the mother. However, I wouldn't even dare to pass judgment on someone who has an abortion. Ultimately it isn't up to me.

I pointed out to this person that I like an inclusive view of Scouts, and DH and I signed the petition to let the gay Eagle Scout be an Eagle Scout. What does it really have to do with life? We can't even say that Scouting is Christian when there are Hindu, Buddhist and Jewish awards of faith. I am dealing with some who wants to blend the issues.

We're butting heads on things like money now. The budget for our annual banquet is $2,300 for 100 people. Last year there were 130 and they did the whole thing for $1,700. This guy is a foodie who wants to do it organically. which I don't think we can afford. $5.50 for one chicken breast?

The worst thing is we are having three long-time individuals "graduate" and in the past the budget has covered their appreciation gifts/plaque. This guy is saying this year we're taking up a collection because it isn't coming out of the budget.

I'm thinking about fighting for the budget to cover these items as it always has in the past. Or do I just resign and let him deal with it all.

I'm already in hot water because our banquet is in the school hall (basement) of our 100 year old school, and I moved it to the basement of our new church so the mother with ataxia and a walker can come without a problem. Oy, do you fight or resign?

Recap for January; all in all I'm pretty proud.

1) Paid January and February mortgage payments, including an additional $933 additional bringing us to an even $258,000 owed.
2) I made January and February payments for braces ($426, $406 regular plus $20 additional) and for tuition ($350, $300 regular plus additional $50)
3) Made a $1,500 contribution to my IRA
4) Upped 401K for DH to 11%, adding $640 roughly to the vanguard money
5) Used credit card not at all
6) Skipped ads and coupons and shopped at Aldi's keeping grocery spending down
7) Four Rxs (new and transferred) added $100 gift cards to the grocery spending
8) Finished the taxes, getting back $4,526 for Federal and $967 from state (It helps to have a large family, actually my children were referred to as a "tribe" at the ortho appointment, someone didn't believe I had that many of them).
9) I paid cash for the hotel for our weekend away in March
10) I did a great job finding bargains on clothing items purchased
11) Extraneous spending including new sporting equipment for the kids (helmet for skier, and new soccer ball and shin guards for the boys).
12) Finished Scholarship paperwork for oldest daughter
13) Making decent progress on paperwork for younger daughter's scholarship

Whew, feels like I've accomplished a lot, since losing the last two weeks to illness. I have two home today. Oh, well.

I should disclose that this isn't going to be our average months. We had some generous Christmas gifts (monetary ones) thrown our way to help up make major progress.

I also opened the Chase account and will get $100 back after I spend $500, and I will make $75 after I transfer $10K from the $20K EF to the Sharebuilder account.

I am ready for February.

According to someone high up in the government of Zimbabwe, the country only has a balance of $217 in their savings account.

I've got more than that in my checking account right now, and payday/rent collection is in two days.

I'm sleep deprived, but have turned the corner in the "poor me" department. Finding out that an acquaintance's child has been diagnosed with leukemia can be a definite wake-up call to be thankful for what you have.

I am off to the doctor again with yet another child who most likely has strep.

The humorous moment yesterday that made me laugh hysterically when sick daughter retold it: She was in the School Office talking to the secretary about her sore throat when the principal walked in and said to her "Well, N, if your skirt were longer it would keep you warmer, and you wouldn't be sick." HA! My daughter has three more months left at that school in that uniform skirt and there isn't anything left to let out. Let's hope the weather warms up and this won't be the cause of her illness.

I am adding gratitude to my list of "ism" lately: my whines and sighs and groans as yet another child is down.

Younger daughter came home with a sore throat, the exact same kind that oldest son experienced prior to be diagnosed with strep. I just got my older daughter on the mend after an allergic reaction to trace elements of tree nuts.

I can't complain though because a 4th grader at our parish was just diagnosed with leukemia. No details were released, just an 8PM rosary tonight, which I didn't go to. It certainly was a slap in the face to me when I complain about my lot with these germ puffs.

So here I sit in my pajamas, thankful for the health of my children. And my husband. And that my mother's case of the shingles isn't too bad.

Money is just a tool that makes the economy go around. Health and happiness can't be bought. I'm going to say a rosary and count my blessings.

Thanks for listening.

I had to go back to bed this morning and clocked a four hour nap before waking up at noon. DD was feeling better, ate and kept the food down, caught up on some tv, then did her homework. I managed to get to the grocery store spending $40 on an odd assortment of groceries and items (from the top of my head). I also got the 5th grader caught up on the work he missed last week. And two loads of laundry and one dishwasher load. I straightened and it looks less like a hobo or gypsy camp around here. I also breaded some chicken tenderloins, made a side of pasta noodles, and found a box for cinnamon bread in the cabinet leftover from the holidays, so I made that. Feeling much more productive.

And then I sat down and entered all the information into Turbo Tax. Our federal refund is $4,400 ($300 less than last year) and our state return is $974 ($50 less than last year). Sigh of relief ... I can now get going on the scholarship and financial aid paperwork.

So I am feeling again like a productive member of society. I'm hoping that everyone is back in school tomorrow ... might I dare to wish.

First for the money stuff: am going to file taxes and take care of financial aid and scholarship paperwork for daughters early this week. Have an offer from Sharebuilder for $75 additional funds deposited if I transfer in $10K. We have $20K EF sitting there in the money market, so might take advantage of that twice (one for me, one for DH). Also was approved for the Chase Card that pays $100 if you spend $500 in three months (that is my grocery/household budget for the month, so will be easily able to knock that out of the park).

Now for the whine:

Was a hectic, but enjoyable weekend, despite feeling really bad. We had the Pinewood Derby for Cub Scouts on Saturday. Yesterday we had Open House for Catholic Schools Week, and I set up for the Father Daughter Dance and then helped daughter get ready for it. On top of this, I had one child miss 2.5 days of a 4 day school week, so we had lots of make up work to do. Life with sick kids makes it hard to get anything done (as most parents here know). So I'm behind on laundry, grocery shopping, and general cleaning. I am proficient in making beds in the family room, finding missing remotes, making gross medication taste better, and I am a good Lego builder.

I've had a long string of sick ones here: first DH with his peritonsillar abscess, then son with first Step test negative, a week of non eating, and finally a positive strep test. I've also had a daughter with a bad knee from stretching while doing the splits (this really only required an Ace bandage and advil, but still had to deal with it). Also had the random sick feeling child home for one day here of there.

Last night, DH and daughter came home early from the dance. Daughter felt sick and went right to bed, only to wake up three hours later to several rounds of vomit. And she spent the rest of the night in my bed saying she didn't feel well, etc. She's obviously home today and I've been up since about 2:30. DH was a bit foul as things at work are getting really bad.

*whine* I don't wanna do this any more *whine*

OK, I think the germ puff that tested + for Strep yesterday has passed it on to me? Feels like razor blades reside in the back of my throat?

And this is not the weekend to be sick:
Today - Cub Scout Pinewood Derby
Tomorrow - Open House for Catholic Schools Week AND the Father Daughter Dance for the 9th grader

The sickling who has Strep, tested - on Monday (apparently testing too early). He's not eaten solid food since Sunday and has lost 5 pounds according to the scale at the Dr.s yesterday (from a previous visit in Oct was the starting point I used). I spent $15 at the grocery store yesterday on things he thought he'd like to eat, of those only one can of spaghettios has he attempted. We had a ton of $1 fruit smoothies from Burger King, so he's eaten at least one a day, and I got him a shake from McD's yesterday.

This means that I haven't tracked the spending too closely because I have tons of receipts piling up. Not too interested right now.

8th Grader for her science fair project advanced to the next round of Regionals. I'm pretty confident that she'll go to state which is May 3-4 and we've got the 2nd grader's Communion at 5:00 Mass on Saturday. It will all work out ...

Oh well, thanks for listening ...

Oldest son tested negative for Strep on Monday. He was home on Tuesday, did school on Wednesday, came home sick yesterday. He went today still complaining of a sore throat. The pediatrician wanted to see him again before the weekend. Friday's test for Strep: Positive.

Another round of antibiotics in my house.

And, oh joy, my boys are all invited to join the soccer club. And I am requested to forward headshots of them for their player cards?! This is like a testosterone version of "Dance Moms" with Miss Abbey and her dance pyramid.

...

My kids have been talking about money lately.
1) Younger daughter drilled a newbie Irish dancer and was paid $20/hour. She gave me half for her savings account.
2) Older daughter had her braces adjusted today and will have another adjustment in 3 weeks. She's on pace for being out of them in the allotted 15 months, as she's 4.5 months in. The agency she has been scouted by (a large one with a Chicago office) lists their average hourly pay rate at $325. She said that would be a nice way to defray college costs.

Money-wise, it's all looking good. One week to pay day/rent collect. Enough remaining in the gas and groceries categories to get us through.

This week was Open Evals for the soccer club in our area (read this as "elite" players). Due to our economic situation, my boys are park district players (read this as "affordable"). Last Summer/Fall, my husband (for his Fraternal Organization) partnered up with this Club in order to run a Soccer Challenge. My 10-year old ended up beating out the Club players and took first in state. The President of the club was in contact with DH about having my son come and try out. DH was smart enough to mention that "our schedule and budget would dictate if this is a possibility, but thank you." So, we've had the "please don't let money be an issue to dissuade you from pursuing this" conversation.

Evaulations for two of three boys have been completed, and I'm already sensing that I won't be fitting in with this group of Soccer Moms. I successfully managed to avoid being a Dance Mom in all of my years with Irish Dance.

Still waiting to hear what sort of discounted fees they'll charge.

Funny note to end on, my mom was at the resale shop associated with our local hospital and she came across a sweatshirt from this soccer club; she picked it up to buy it, until she realized that there was a last name on the back ...

DH had his go with the abscess on the tonsils last week, with follow up yesterday. He was told he has an increased likelihood of this happening again, and if it does: tonsils out. He said he laughed at that prospect; he is 44.

Had the 5th grader to the pediatrician yesterday and he's got acute pharyngitis. No Rx required, but he can't swallow and is sort of high-strung, so I'm hoping he makes a speedy recovery.

DH just took the kids to school and the 2nd grader started sobbing, didn't want to go, and starting coughing with the croupy-like bark. Uhhh ... at least this was after yesterday's open evaluations for our community's soccer league.

Money-wise, we're looking OK. Our weekend entertainment spending didn't exceed $25 - $15 for pizza on Friday when there was a sleepover, $6 at Family Video to rent a game for the XBOX and a movie, and $4 to get into the basketball game at the grade school.

I found out from the 8th grader who was tubing yesterday that to rent a helmet was $10. Makes me glad we bought hers for $19 + tax at Walmart. Odds are she'll use it again since she declares she now loves winter sports.

I did the right thing regarding a situation with the Cub Scout's Blue & Gold Dinner. It is held in the basement of our antiquated school which isn't handicapped accessible (read: lots of stairs). I sent out the Evite and was shocked that one response was from a mother with ataxia who can't do stairs. We've got a nice room in the church basement, but we've got an elevator there. Type A planner going out isn't happy, new leader coming in is fine. I don't know how this can even be an issue ...

$19.99 for a Walmart purchase. A sports helmet for the 8th grader who is off on her Ski Trip today. Today: the day that will be the coldest in two years with Arctic breezes making their way south to the Midwest. We checked at Play It Again Sports and they had nothing. At least it was new and pretty and pink and she'll be safe AND warm.

$10 for two of the boys to go to see "Lincoln". A friend's husband is out of town and she was looking for something to do with her three boys, and our local theatre was playing it. The 5th grader is learning about the Civil War and we have a local place that we visited that was a stop on the Underground Railroad. So off he and his brother went. One of mine fell asleep, but the 5th grader had a good time with the 8th grade brother and mother/my friend. It was PG-13, but because of the historical significance I thought it was a wise parenting decision.

Todays's anticipated spending: minimal.

The budget is pretty much fixed and accurate these days. I was able to defray the spending for groceries by using $75 in gift cards from three Rxs new to Jewel. (I've been average $110 a week for everything, with the last two only being $95).

8th Grade Daughter has quite a few functions coming up: Father Daughter Dance, Valentines Day Dance, Confirmation, May Crowning and Graduation. She is a sweet girl who said she'd be happy to wear her sister's hand-me-downs for some events, but wanted two new dresses (Father Daughter Dance and Graduation). We were shopping at delias yesterday looking to see if the dress she wanted was finally on sale and I had a $10 off of $30 purchase. It was on sale, and because she is so small there were tons of size 0s on clearance. She bought a beautiful black and sparkly dress for the Father Daughter Dance, a periwinkle colored dress with scalloped skirt for the school Dance, and a beautiful pink/gray lace dress for graduation. Here is the best part: after the reductions and the coupon, I paid $59.50! I about did the dance of joy right there. Had the money in the checking account (no plastic no more).

And it gets even better that older daughter wants to wear one for the turnabout dance.