Love the Life you Live

Still living off the prepaid Scripps/Manna cards. Spending within normal limits Though I have forgotten about the annoying little balances that can be left on cards: $5.46 on Jewel/Albertsons, $8.61 on Dominick's/Safeway, $16.54 on Walgreens. I have a trip to Sam's Club planned for Thursday and should be fine with the balances on the cards I have, getting gas and most of the items for DD's graduation party on Sunday (Italian beef sandwiches and baked ravioli).

Today was the last day of school for my 8th grader. Where did the time go? She started at her school in 3rd grade, in her plaid jumper and French braids. The kids all looked so grown up today at the Cap and Gown Mass, very nice ceremony. Things are changing at our school with eight teachers leaving for various reasons, some drama involved in some situations. Still, it will be interesting to see what changes for the better, and what does not.

I have come to the place where I am questioning the amount of time and talents that I volunteer, and a considering part-time employment in the Fall when the kids go back to school. DH and I fall into the 10% of the people who do 90% of the volunteer work. This month alone he was asked to become a Parish Board Member which is a three-year commitment, and was asked if he would consider becoming the Chairperson for our school's Cub Scout Pack and turn over his leadership of the Wolf Den. He declined both of them. My counterpart for VBS has/had a kidney stone and hasn't surfaced, not that I can blame her, but a phone call to discuss some up in the air things would be nice. I am defnitely learning not to sweat the small stuff.

I did something radical and am in the process of fixing my brother up with a single mother at our school. She's the parent of one of my 7th grader's classmates, and I think they'd really like each other. I talked to her today and she said she always likes to meet new people and if a romance happens, that is wonderful. Brother has agreed to go our with her. They'd make a nice couple. Here is to hoping that my match-making efforts turn out.

Well, since my grandmother is here from CA it seems to me that I'm only able to catch up on a little at a time. Today was three loads of laundry (while running in and out), a dishwasher load of dishes, and some general cleaning and upkeep. We can get very untidy very quickly here at my house.

But it is a glorious day and my spirits and productivity are up. Hope all is well with all!

Paycheck and rent all in one day! This will be a rather tight two-week period as I am paying the property taxes on 6/1 and we are having DD's graduation party on 6/3. We don't have a lot of extraneous funds for the next four weeks (taxes and the mortgage payment are putting on the squeeze).

The prepaid gift cards for Scripps from the school worked out fairly well the last two-week period. I underestimated on gas usage and only being able to buy groceries at Walmart or Sams Club wasn't wise use of grocery funds (for most things, except fresh produce which we go through so fast is only available at Sam's Club at the average price of $6.50 - we go through lots of blueberries/strawberries/bananas/etc).

Today is 1/2 day for the kids with two Spring Sing performances. My grandma likes to see all the kids perform and sing and dance, so she'll get her fill of excitement with my crew. We're doing lunch at Steak N Shake and I've got my coupon.

So our extraneous funds have been depleted by $22 since DH bought a huge bag of weed and feed at Ace. He was able to get a $12 rebate, so I've got to take care of the paperwork.

I need to get re-interested in a re-finance, but the thought of paperwork for an additional "thing" makes me very tired. I'm dealing with low enrollment numbers for VBS and am now trying to actively recruit on top of everything else. Bah!

Anyhow for the limited fund until 6/22's payday, I do have $30 gift card for our town which can be used at the discount theatre and bowling alley. DH got a $25 gift card as a thank you for being the scout leader so that can defray the cost of a date. We've got VBS from 6/18-6/22. There is the library for DVDs and books. I think my best approach will be to be somewhat organized and have a plan for our days and activities. And yes, the pool opens so we do have a place to go!

This is a non-fluid post as I'm doing sort of a brain dump. Well, my list of neglected household activities is growing and I've got to unload the dishwasher and fold a load of laundry before heading to the 10:30 performance to videotape.

Life is full, got to love it.

For the first time in a month, I needed to use the credit card. American Express, so no long-term debt incurred, but a credit card nonetheless. Seems that I ran out of money about two days early (money comes in on Friday). Totally unexpected expense of "buddy" gifts for my 1st and 8th graders to exchange with their respective buddies ($20) and a sick child necessitated more ibuprofin to which DH bought the biggest bottle at $13.99.

Spring Sing is upcoming: parent show tomorrow, then two performances on Friday for the VIPs in the kids' lives. I like this better than the Christmas show.

Volunteer work is draining me, making me very weary on top of the already chaotic busyness of this time of year. I have to chair a meeting tonight because my counterpart is in the ER with kidney stones. Obviously not her fault, but the timing is bad. So I have to dash off an agenda and ... I'm making some major decisions on some things. I've upgraded my title from co-coordinator to Director, in my mind only.

Remember my "friend" who attacked all of my parenting decisions several months back? Well, we're past the animosity, and being very civil dealing with the Field Day, year end picnic. She is at her wits end with her oldest (in 7th grade) who made a poor decision and badly handled helping her 4th grade sister with volleyball practice. "Friend" made her daughter walk home 3.8 miles. My daughter is concerned with this and while the girls haven't socialized in months (since the tirade of the mother), I'm feeling like it might be a good idea, but then again I'm not sure about it. Apparently, "friend's husband" said he feared someone might call DCFS after hearing this. I don't know what to do.

Looking forward to a quiet 3-day weekend thought the girls have a school competition on Sunday and my mom is having a cookout on Monday. Time to relax before the hubub of all the graduation activities.

Off to catch up on posts!

* Spent $12 yesterday on cupcakes, ice cream and candles for DH's impromptu birthday celebration. He wanted a T-shirt from the school DD will be attending in the Fall. The store didn't have hours on Mondays, but the teacher who runs it asked what I needed, and offered to meet me at the school and let me purchase the shirt. Love the smallness and cheerfulness of that place!

* Volunteer work is making me weary. Why is it that 10% do 90% of the work? That is probably an exaggeration and is really 20% doing 80%, but I'm feeling a bit disgruntled by the whole atmosphere of people complaining and not quite realizing the bigger picture.

* Daughter had her Mass and Reception last Thursday for the scholarship she was one ofeight recipients of. At that point, I realized that we are blessed. Our school prinipal and her husband (who had a traumatic brain injury four years ago) drove the 30 minutes and were there. Principal's husband was a professional photographer pre-accident, and he took some wonderful pictures of DD and the Bishop. Our CCW chapter's President is a family friend and she and her husband turned up. A very wonderful evening

* My grandmother is here from CA. She's enjoying the frenzy of activities, I had everyoe over for a campfire and smores on Saturday, an Italian dinner (baked ravioli) on Sunday, birthday party and America's Got Talent last night.

* Today I've got to catch up on grocery shopping, laundry, some more registration work for VBS, quick trip to mall for needed clothing items for kids, hair cuts for boys, and the girls have dance.

Should definitely take my cue to go be productive.

Suprise, suprise. I am reaping the (obvious) benefits of striving for organized simplicity. Aside from feeling that my surroundings are more harmonious and less chaotic (I'm a confessed piler, organzied piles make sense to me, don't appeal visually) I've purchased nothing new, but resurrected some pretty file holders for my counter. I'm bring out things I really love and displaying them in my new breakfront. It's just more appealing

Anyhow, I am also finding that I have more energy to do fun things before they become drudgery (running to the Dollar Tree to get daughter's paper products for her graduation party/running to Michael's for her scrapbook pages, etc. And this is 2.5 weeks before the event.

This brings me to the point of my post. Instead of waiting for people to bring things up, I've taken the iniative on two things this morning:

(1) My grandmother is coming on Saturday. She is staying with my mother. I have the trundle unit from the daybed that my grandmother sleeps on (it is actually one of my child's bed). I simply said, "When do you want the bed for Grandma?" because I'm ready to move it out and ride the continued wave of productivity. My mother then starts in on how busy my stepdad is with school work and year end stuff. This annoys me to no end because everyone is busy and has stuff to do, there isn't exactly a claim on that. Rather than let it get to me, I said (as respectfully as possible), "When would you like the bed? Just let me know when will work for you. We're all busy." Seemed to diffuse the situation, though my mother appeared miffed, but no sense allowing myself to become annoyed.

(2) Remember the difficulties I had with "friend" back in February, the one who totally turned on me and attacked all of my parenting decisions that she didn't agree with. I've had to deal with her because we are co-room parents. We've got Field Day coming up and we have to plan the activities/menu. "Friend" is busy spear-heading the good-bye gift for our beloved teacher who is leaving. I'm up to my ears in registration for VBS and I have to come up with the agenda for our planning meeting next Wednesday etc. I called "Friend" this morning and acknowledged that we are both very busy going about our business, but would she like me to contact the Cub Scout leader about the four-way tug-of-war rope for the 4th grade event? Very simple and to the point. She said "Yes, delightful idea" and then was going to start in complaining about some other aspect of our school. To which I said, "You know what, I think I'd like to make the call to arrange for getting the equipment. We'll touch base soon."

Stripping away all the layers of drama certainly do make it all easy.

I spent most of Monday and Tuesday taking major steps and effort to organize and simplify. I've tackled the two most anxiety-prodcuing places (the basement and the "middle room" which is catch-phrase for drop all and hide things room).

My inlaws (when they visit) sleep in my unfinished basement, though it is nice with a carpet and a couch, etc. It had gotten really bad down there, especially since we didn't really put Christmas away, rather we put it in piles. I organized things neatly, purged unwanted and unused items. It looks very nice down there now, and I feel no guilt about having that be our guest room.

I did a huge dumpster run getting rid of odd, broken, unusable things. My father owns an apartment building and I routinely use his dumpsters, so no cost there.

I had DH move some of the things to the garage (his Corvette car cover was down there for some reason) - a California car bag with zippers, etc. I also dealt with a tent that was down there drying since last summer? (Let's you know how tardy we are in completing some tasks).

I did a decent size run past the Amvets drop off in the Walmart parking lot - parting with VHS tapes and some toddler toys.

Today I am:

Giving a bunch of kid things to the family friends we regularly pass things down to.

Another run past the dumpster

Another medium run past Amvets

A huge sigh of relief ...

I'm also stream-lining efforts in the kitchen and spent most of Monday doing major cooking. I'm also finding that the kids aren't missing their processed snacks as much as I thought they were. They seem to gravitate towards the fruit and cheese snacks better than I remember.

Must continue of my efforts for organized simplicity.

"Wings" being that my girls are growing up and flying. At going into 8th and 9th grade, we're well past the American Girl phase and even looking at pictures they've changed so much this past year. I suppose puberty has a way of doing that.

Both girls feel that their opportunities for earning money at home are limited. They receive a nominal allowance from great-grandma and they walk the dog, unload the dishwasher, fold towel, put away their own laundry, vacuum and do general cleaning. Let's fact it, I'm a SAHM and I do most everything (as I should ) They are too young for legal employment and the sporadic opportunities for earning money (walking my brother's dogs or weeding my mother's yard) are far and few between.

They put out an email to all the parents of first graders offering they're services. They tandem babysit for large families (4+ kids) and they heard back from the three largest families that they'll be calling. Then last night came an email from a mother I know from the Mother's Bible Study. She had a 9 and 6 year old and is looking for reliable babysitting from 8-2:30 two days a week throughout the summer. The girls' rate is $8. She was fine with them together or alone or whatever works for them. So my girls will be each earning $52 a week for the summer. They are so happy and have some financial goals. I am very proud of them!

DH is not happy at his present situation at work. He has some difficulties with his boss who he has had for ten years (moved with him from the old job to this job). This where the roots come into play.

The biggest impediment to our finances is our rental property. If we were to sell that, we could essentially wipe out our mortgage on our primary ($263,000) and reduce our expenses. The issue is we did a bridge loan to get into this house and have a lein against the rental property for more than it is worth. To get ourselves out of this situation, we have to do a refinance on the primary. Then we can sell the rental property outright. We've concluded that our timeframe for this is ten months. We'll need to work on the budget to determine how much we will need to set aside to cover expenses while it is unoccupied and on the market. I'm hoping to make some major progress on the bills and will have a better grasp after we see the finanical aid offer from the high school DD is going to in the fall.

By doing so, we'll definitely be setting roots down and keeping this as our long-term residence. DH is slowly moving forward on a diaconite and I think that a seismic shift in our financial life will help him make the move a bit quicker.

Oh, the things to think about. Sometimes makes me tired.

Hard to believe that May is almost half over! We're in a whirlwind of activity (all of them fun) and my volunteer work (which I do at home coordinating the registration for our parish's VBS) is at its most time-requiring, so in my quest to get through the day to day stuff, I'm quickly surprised to see that the weeks are going by fast!

My 8th grader's last days of school are wrapping up. She has an outing to the White Sox game tonight, Great America in two weeks, the Dinner Dance on 6/1, Graduation at 5:00 PM Mass on 6/2, and her party on 6/3. The menu looks like it will be Italian beef sandwiches and salads. She'd like an ice cream cake from Dairy Queen and an edible fruit arrangement. All within budget

My grandmother is coming next Saturday. She's 92 and decided she didn't want to miss my daughter's Graduation. We've got some low-key fun stuff on the calendar: Morton Arboretum and Brookfield Zoo for tram rides, leisurely walk around my grandma's favorite local park, ride to the old neighborhood in Chicago to see where they used to live, etc.

Today I'm doing a major cooking blitz: making chili, meatloaf muffins, taco fillings, etc. I'd also like to make some cookies and waffles to freeze for breakfasts.

Hope everyone had a nice weekend.

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there!

DH just left with the gaggle of gift-buyers. I have to share with you the conversations in hushed whispers that I was able to hear. "Let's check out the coupons!" was what younger daughter said.

I group the coupons according to specifc stores in the front of my coupon holder that everyone knows where it is (my older one regularly checks for Subway coupons when she's heading out with her bff). Anyhow,
missing from the coupons are:

(1) 40% off of Michael's
(2) Buy one, get one free at Yankee Candle (small size)
(3) My $10 Kohl's cash which expires tomorrow
(4) $10 off of $20 purchase at Fannie Mae

It will be interesting to see what treasures I receive tomorrow. All I can say is at least the spenders are trying to save while spending.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day with sweetness and love.

to feed your family better. Apparently we've been eating too much crap food lately and not enough fresh produce. I say that because I spent a small fortune in fresh produce today at Sam's Club:

Blueberries $6.98
Avocados $5.98
Red grapes $6.98
Mini cucumbers $3.98
Carrots $2.98
Apples $6.48

Definitely time to pay attention to grocery budget percentages! My goal: For each $1 on crap food, $2 on healthy food. (I think in my estimations I may be close to that based on roughly $33 for produce/and $22 for snacks)

I did also revamp the snack options at our house. For the next two week our choices for snacks and lunch extras are (all also purchased at Sam's)

Vanilla wafers $5.98
Veggie Chips $4.18
Pretzels $6.98
Brownies (4 batches from mix) $7.44

I'll supplement the above with Pepperidge Farm goldfish crackers after I hit the outlet store next week.

I know that I definitely need to look into cheaper snack alternatives (like baking brownies from scratch, and even rice crispie treats). I suppose I'll start checking out some cook books from the library.

Just a reminder to self: there is nothing more important the health and well-being of your children. Shut your mouth and fork over your money for healthy food.

Yesterday and today are NSDs. Made it with $4.00 in the black. No credit card usage at all this past two-week spending period.

Tomorrow is payday and rental property imcome day which means money in. We have to pay the mortgage. All other utilities for the month are paid. Our spending plan for 5/11-5/25 looks like this:

$375 for gas/groceries/household. I was bold and made a scrip purchase of $375 Sam's Club/Walmart gift cards. We've been buying our gas at Sam's Club where it is usually about $.15 cheaper per gallon than elsewhere. I've been frequenting Walmart because their milk remains at $1.78 a gallon. I'm being practical and diligent in my menu planning and have lists for both Walmart and Sam's Club for my shopping tomorrow.

I purchased a $25 Ace Hardware card for DH to purchase a flat of flowers (on sale Sat at $9.99 a flat) and some weed and feed.

Our extraneous funds sit at $275. Of that I'm planning on spending: $20 for an oil change, $40 for dog grooming, $65 for oldest's 8th grade trip to Great America. DH and I are planning a date (it has been eons and ages since we've done anything just the two of us ) and I have money from my parents from our anniversary gift so that is already funded. I am also waiting on $50 reimbursement from volunteer activities that I'll use towards daughter's graduation party food list.

I think that with the spending plan in place, we'll be just fine.

(1) Finances are on autopilot. This financial spending period ends tomorrow. I've had several NSDs in this fourteen day time period. I am finishing in the black with $4. Not a lot, but it is black.

(2) I had absolutely no credit card spending. It was a bit odd to pay for our hotel room ($196) with the debit card. A foreign, but nice feeling. Debt stands at $6,500. Won't be adding to that even in the name of rewards or points or etc.

(3) I made progress staying within the spending period I am in. The old me would over inflate what I could pay on upcoming things and then I'd be left wondering what to do, or using the credit card. Not this time. I had hoped to pay $20 for an oil change and $40 for dog grooming from this funding pot, but alas I paid $105 for basketball for the 2012-2013 school year for M and E, and I also paid $35 for oldest's White Sox Game outing. I will have extraneous funds to cover those expenses when the money pot is replenished on Friday (payday and rent collection).

(4) Discretionary spending on consumables (gas and groceries) for the next two week period will be limited to $375, all things to be purchased at Sam's Club (gas is the cheapest there) or Walmart. I purchased the spending through our school's Manna Program/Script (prepaid gift cards).

Everything's coming up roses.
And I'm taking the time to smell them.

Life here has taken on that busy, chaotic, frenzied flurry of activities. Not only is the school year winding down, but planning for VBS has started up and I'm the co-ordinator and in charge of registration. I made some small changes from last year's protocol, and things are running with greater ease than last year.

We've had the Spring Concert for my 4th grade trumpet players, which was very fun to see how much progress he's made. He's the youngest in the grade and on the small side and has opted not to play football next year which is a big thing for the new 5th graders. I am glad that he has enough insight not to do something he doesn't want to. He did ask about a summer camp for band which will be a "yes" since I don't need to pay $125 for him to play football.

We have two field trips for the boys, my oldest daughter in 8th grade has an outing to a White Sox Game and the trip to Great America. She's successfully transfered from glasses to contacts and is looking like such a mature young lady, rather than a gawky adolescent. We found out that the second scholarship were waiting on daughter was #28 out of 170, and the $5K scholarships annually went to the 1-27. A bit disappointing, but she received an additional $1K grant from our Diocese and the school hasn't put together their financial aid offer which should be substantial based on how close she was to being a scholarship recipient (they use the same criteria for determining both: academic success and financial need). We should be fine after all. I've decided to postpone the prepaid college tuition payments (taking about a $180 late fee if it takes me the longest amount of time projected to pay), and I'll use those funds to pay her tuition bill all at once.

Daughter went to State for the Science Fair this past Friday-Saturday. She and her best friend/partner got a Gold (meaning their paper and presentation earned them somewhere between 95-115). We were incredibly proud of them. I was fortunate enough to be a judge and my partner was best friend's father and it was a lot of fun. Interesting to see the caliber of talent out there. There were 1100 exhibits from junior and senior high school students in the state. Cost: $196 for room and $75 dinner out at Chili's. I used the debit card. No more credit card usage even in the name of rewards.

Our credit card debt stands at $6,500. The only way it will go away is by not adding to it, thus the old card in either of our wallets is the American Express which if we needed to use, we'd still have to pay off in the same month. I'm able to make a payment and a half on my dental bill ($300 rather than $200), and I'll be able to pay our present tuition bill by 5/25 (earlier than anticipate). I've given up couponing for a short time, opting for Walmart and Aldi's. Definitely saves time and money overall.

I have had to spend some money lately. Oldest daughter needed a dress for May crowning and 8th Grade Dinner Dance with parents. She's a size 1 and it is difficult to find things for her to wear. I hit the jackpot and found a size 1 at Kohl's - a cute sun dress with floral print that she liked, and the sweater/shrugs were on sale. I had a 20% off coupon and a $20 gift card so my OOP was $19. Youngest son needs a new pair of jeans (he is a 7 Slim) and I have $10 Kohl's cash and also 20% off, so that should be an affordable expenditure too.

My grandmother is coming from CA on the 18th. I have to plan daughter's menu for her graduation party and get the invitations sent. So life continues be good, but busy.

Hope all is well with everyone!

Happy for no particular reason, except that life is good. All children accompanied their father to "Take Your Child To Work Day" at the major office supply store's HQ that employs DH. DH took the Steak N Shake coupon and said he'd figure out the cheapest way to do it (Big pat on his back!), as we're going away next weekend (Fri-Sat) for our 8th grader's participation in the State Science Fair (where I happen to be a judge-I sometimes forget that I do have the benefit of higher education which makes me qualified to judge "Behavioral Science" categories).

DH mentioned that there is rumor again that the future of his company is uncertain. I no longer quickly cave into that place of fear and quaking (How will we live? What will we do?), because I have a plan. And in the event that something like that were to happen, DH would most likely pursue the direction that he really wants to go.

I'm going shopping today with my mom for blinds for my kitchen. We've been without them for several years and I keep saying I'd like to buy some, but my money(which is limited) always goes for something else. This is my Mother's Day gift. DH measured and I'm looking forward to sprucing up the house. Nothing major, just a few things to make it spring-y and summer-y. (Read that as: color)

Tomorrow I'll be restocking the consumables (groceries and gas). Today will be another NSD.

Hope everyone has a good day!

was nil, so another NSD.

Funny how I've slipped into the mindset that this is the norm, or at least the goal.

Today's spending:
$12.02 in gas (pay day is Friday and fumes won't work for DH's car, though I told him next time to take mine, which has gas because I've been mostly housebound).

I'm anticipating $15 in groceries (cereal is on sale at Walgreens and I need sugar and frozen veggies).

Tomorrow should be a NSD. Friday: Spend-fest (gas for both cars, shopping for daughter's Confirmation Celebration (paper products/decorations) and groceries.

Other than that, not much news. Sickling returned to school for the first day this week and I'm hoping he makes it through the entire day. He's been averaging 12+ hours of sleep battling this sinus-infection-turned-worst-ear-infection. Now that he's feeling better we get to start him on nasal spray. Joy.

Sickling is home yet again today. He was complaining of ear pain yesterday moreso than the day prior, and there was discharge in his ear, so I'm thinking perforated ear drum. Older daughter experienced that, so we'll deifnitely keep the follow-up appointment next week. Anyhow, sickling slept through the night and is still sleeping. This means that I am housebound today, too.

Spent $9 yesterday. This was for a digital photo of older daughter being confirmed. The parish hired a professional photographer who got pictures of the Confirmandi with the Bishop and their sponsors. We definitely lucked out with a successful photo. Well worth the $9. We're having our Confirmation celebration (a small luncheon) on Saturday and we're breaking out the chocolate fountain.

The Confirmation was a beautiful service, but very long with 100 Confirmandi. We only had four tickets and ended up bringing younger daughter with us. Sickling and his cohort stayed home with Grandpa. My mother (sponsor) commented how articulate daughter was when the Bishop asked her about her Confirmation name. Daughter is very shy and quiet and deflects any public attention. She apparently had a nice chat with the Bishop about the admirable traits of St. Isabella of Portugal.

Money-wise, don't see much spending the remainder of the week. I will need to purchase lunch meat and cereal and make the $24.00 trumpet payment, but other than that ... not much on the short-term horizon.

Or "The Lost Weekend" ...

1st Grade son was home sick on Thursday. He complained of jaw pain and has molars coming in on that side. Friday night into Saturday, NO sleep, chronic severe pain. Sat AM pediatrician says glaringly to me, "This is one of the worst ear infections I've seen. It is REALLY bad. He must have an incredibly high threshhold for pain." Talk about making me feel like the most neglectful mother in the world. I sputtered somthing about no fever and molars. Anyhow, took me a minute to realize the totality of the situation (aka I'm not a bad mother) and get the RX and get out of there.

The result of this has been: $5 for Little Cesar's pizza because I was too tired to cook, $5 at Family Video for two new main stream movies, and $5 at CVS for Ibuprofin and monkey's favorite candy bar.

He's home again today after *yet* another night of interrupted sleep. I know the line up of the Disney Channel from about 1:30 - 3:45 AM. Everyone else is off for their day and I'm going back to bed.

Daughter's Confirmation is tonight at 7:00. Our celebration is Saturday. Hopefully I'll be caught up on sleep by then.

Went to the Mother-Daughter Luncheon at Church yesterday. Very nice time indeed, good conversation between the three generations. This is sponsored by the CCW which nominated my daughter for the scholarship which she was a recipient of. She is a shy girl, but managed well when our pastor came up and congratulated her. (He wrote a wonderful letter of recommendation for another scholarship we're waiting on and commented on her "quiet nature is in harmony with her helper's heart" ) And at the end of the Luncheon the President of the CCW announced she was the recipient and she did well with applause and said an audible "thank you" with a big smile. Cost for tickets: $40 (though OOP was $20 - my mom paid for half).

Spent rougly $130 on groceries/household on Friday. Higher than I wanted to, but I was low on things like dog shampoo and ear wash, poop bags, and bird food. Gas was lower becase I'm driving less.

Happy Monday all!

Yes. This what the letter reads:

Dear *D*,

CONGRATULATIONS! On behalf of the JDCCW and the Bishop Blanchette Scholarship Monitoring Committee, it is an honor and privilege to inform you that you have been selected as one of the 2012 BBSF Scholarship recipients. This year's award is for $3,000.

(The next paragraphs state that there will be the awards presentation at our Parish's Pastoral Center on May 17th. The Bishop that is confirming my daughter on 4/23 will also be presiding. All family and friends are warmly invited to attend this happy occasion. A reception will be following. My daughter is invited to be a gift bearer at the Mass. The check will be sent to the school in August.)

We wish you a succesfful year in your endeavors in high school. We would enjoy hearing from you some time during the year sot hat we know how you are doing.

Sincerely,

Chairman

***************************************************

The scholarship is double the amount that was previously stated. This means that at March's Luncheon of the CCW members of our parish, members were very generous. This reminds me that even small $15 donations when pooled together, add up and can make a big difference.

This has reduced the tuition bill from $9K to $6K. My daughter has applied for another scholarship for $20K, five for each for years of tuition. There are 27 of those, and we think that based on her academic strengths, our (DH and I) volunteer commitment to the Catholic faith, and our financial needs, she's probably a strong candidate for one of those too.

So for all the worrying that I have done in the past, I should really remind myself that it all does work out in the end. My faith tells me that. But my daughter also pointed out that faith doesn't always need to be in God, though for most it is. She had a great discussion with me about "Faith in Humanity" and she wrote a beautiful essay about it for school. It was inspired by the Holocaust reading that they're doing for 8th grade.

So, anyhow, the blessing train definitely stopped at my house yesterday.

notification of a scholarship?

My daughter (who isn't here) has received in the mail an envelope hand-addressed to her (full name). It is from our diocese's CCW and she was the nominee from our parish for a scholarship for parochial high school (based on financial need and academic strength).

I really hope she is the/a recipient. It is $1,500 towards a hefty tuition price.

I really wish she were here right now to open it. The suspense is killing me! LOL! Well, I'll hope it is good financial news! She's a great child and a great student and ...

I'll let you know what the answer to the question is!

The last day that money was spent at my house was last Friday. Today is scheduled spending for a trash sticker (in our community, the garbage truck only picks up refuse that is "tagged") and avocados; I know, really exciting, huh?! It's the last day of the buy one, get one free sale at Dominick's for the avocados, so I'll get a few of those.

My 92 year old grandma IS coming from California for my older daughter's 8th grade graduation. The graduation is 6/2. My grandma will be here to see the kids' Spring Sing (our school's most ambitious musical production of the year) and also my girls' dance studio's school competition. The weather will be nice and we've got the low-key "fun" things to do (tram ride at the Arboretum, lunching out, having Gma watch us bowl). This also means that our trip to California can move to next June (more time to save!)

My brother has gone from part-time to full-time employment, with benefits, at the firm he worked at prior to joining the one he was ousted from. This means with a clearn conscience I can hit him up for the $40 that he owes me.

Spent some time yesterday planning the grocery spending for the remainder of this two-week period. Looks like it will pay to do some multiple-stop shopping (CVS has razors on sale that will also yield ECB, Walgreens has a few items, and Dominck's sale also has some regularly eaten items for my house on sale and I've got coupons). So it all looks fine (meaning I predict no "over spending" this go-around).

Hope all are having a good week! Off to catch up on the blogs.

That is the thrill of NSDs continues. It was a No Spend weekend (first ever possibly?) Yesterday was also a NSD, as today will be.

Spent a lot on Friday, gas into both cars and a major grocery shopping trip. Also spent $20 for the kids to go rollerskating (had coupons and brought some skates).

Not much new on any front. With a bit of planning, I'm staying ahead of things. The biggest thing I had looming (creating the registration forms for my parish's youth summer programs), I finished on Sunday. Now I'm forcing myself daily to take care of one small task associated with the volunteer work. And I'm becoming better organized for the volunteer work that we (DH and I) do but are at stand stills.

Well, that's it for the Tuesday check-in. And tomorrow's planned spending should be no more than $10 (two trash stickers and six avocados - last day of the buy one, get one free sale)!

it was a NSW (weekend)!

Yesterday, soccer games and library DVDs were the free entertainment.

Today, geocaching with a good family friend!

Wa-hoo!

What a day it was, yesterday.

Older daughter went to the optometrist (my mother's) to see about contact lenses. I have a strong gag reflex which makes dental work difficult. My daughter has a strong blink reflex which makes eye work difficult. Her Rxs are different in each eye, and the Dr. put the wrong contact in the wrong eye, which was dilated and she had blurry vision. He then passed my daughter quickly off to a less than proficient "lens tech" who ultimately had to removed my daughter's lenses for her, due to her blink reflex, sqeamishness, watering eyes and blurry vision. Daughter will go back again and work with a different technician. I'm not a lens wearer so I'm of no help. My mother wears lenses, so she gave my duaghter an impromptu lesson demonstrating with her own lenses. The stress of that excursion left both of us exhausted.

DD then had to move on to the first day of the Clinic for the dance team tryouts for high school. She ended up getting her period (sorry if that is TMI) and wasn't feeling well. She's not proficient in one-handed cartwheels, toe-touches, or splits, so she's rethinking whether or not she'll return. Can't say that I blame her, because with the schedule and commitment to the Dance Team she'd have to cut back on Irish Dance, and I don't know if I see that happening. On a happy note, DD did well enough on the Spanish Proficiency Test to be placed in Spanish II in the Fall. I loved Spanish and my kids had the Usborne Into to Spanish book when they were little, so I suppose I'll be reviewing conjugation with DD this summer to keep her skills current.

Cub Scouts wrapped up last night with the graduation of the Tigers to Wolfs (DH is the leader) and then some recognition for our Webelo I (of which I'm co-leader). I was feeling a bit miffed at my co-leader who has fallen off the face of the earth, leaving me to sort of flounder. Come to find out that her son has been having debilitating migraines for months now and they haven't determined the cause, nor can they have successful management of the symptoms. Lesson to self: Sometimes, L, there is more to the picture than you know. Do what you can, realize it's enough.

Payday and rental property income coming in today. Outgoing:
Com Ed Electric Bill: $85.00
Nicor Gas Bill: $61 (Budget plan amount)
Student Loan Payment: $38.50

I'm grocery shopping today and paying for our summer membership to a pool one suburb over (savings of $180 over last year's membership at a pool at a different local suburb). Will be $324 (I have $200 and $124 coming from extraneous budgeted category).

Then it's a roller skating afternoon (taking several kids plus friends) and then both girls will be at sleepovers.

Happy Friday the 13th!

I'm late to join the daily tracking expenses, partially because I was shamed by own lack of self-control and over-spending for the pay period ending today. But I'm ready to join in, tracking the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Spending for 4/11:

$21.63 - Play It Again Sports, soccer cleats and shin guards. Used.

$10.64 - Clothing, $4.83 for swimsuit NWT at resale shop, $5.81 nightgown on clearance at Target for 80% off.

$14.02 - Walmart for groceries to get thru til Fri (milk/2 L of soda/Gatorade/one can dog food and treats/box of cereal/cupcakes for lunches)

$3.37 - Utilies: Trash sticker

Total Spent: $49.66
Remaining balance in checkbook: $.38 (Not really, but my credit card payment is scheduled to leave the account tomorrow, and I am in the black after the payment, with only $.38.)

Strategy to combat this lack of impulse control and poor planning: CASH ONLY THIS WEEK!

We're OK with at least some gas in the cars, so it won't be what we usually spend to fill up on payday. I'll be using the last $25 off of $50 coupon at Dominick's for transferring an RX. I plan on stocking up on chicken breasts/tilaia/ground beef (though not sure how far $50 will go). Note to self: Read fine print on coupon - I know it doesn't apply to dairy. Meal planning here is key, and not according to sale ads/coupons for the next two weeks. At least here I'll be forced to be accountable.

My esteem has taken a small beating lately, due to my own self-comparisons. I am by no stetch a flashy/blingy individual. DS said to me two weeks ago in a sad sort of way, "Gee, Mom, you don't have a lot of clothes, do you? M's mom did lunch duty every day for a month and didn't wear the same thing twice." Then when I was at the grocery store yesterday, the clerk at the customer service desk where I was buying my trash sticker lowered her voice and said, "Me, too. I have the same sweater and have been wearing it for twenty years!!"

I was lucky enough to have four big bags of hand-me-downs from my brother's girlfriend, access was offered in a very nice way so I felt that I wasn't exactly a charity case. My husband is recipient to my brother's stuff and has been for eons. Anyhow, this girlfriend that he is quite serious about, is my size and has similar taste and style, so I was able to find a nice pair of leather boots (real leather, I might add), a large black leather handbag and wallet (that I promptly moved into), three dresses (one red and black that I'll wear to my daughter's Confirmation, and the other two are black), a dressy top, a pair of capris and a pair of jeans (though it is taking some time to get used to "low rise" clothing).

You'd think that in my early 40s I be over this sort of thing. Apparently not.

I usually tend to underestimate and overspend when it comes closer to the holiday events that we are hosting (Christmas, Easter, etc). This year I had the bestest of intentions to "remain in budget". I did fairly well the two week spending period just prior to this one, using free haircut coupons for the boys, good grocery savings stacking coupons with sale prices, etc. But this go around (that end on Thursday), I sort of lost control of the spending, and sadly, on noting frivolous.

The first question refers to the alarming rate that I spent money. Was I "spending fast"? YES. I was derailed mostly by groceries. Seemed to me I was always running to the store to pick up a few items (all on sale with coupons of course), but the cupboards were always sort of odd and empty. I'd buy for three days, but by the second day end, it was looking scarce again. Odd. I finally had to go to Walmart and stock up on regular items (cereal, pasta, yogurt and cheese, a few snacks, frozen chicken tenderloins, etc.) I also shopped with DH that trip and he needed a new pair of work out shorts (as he's shrinking, not really shrinking, but doing a low-carb diet and is down about another 15 pounds).

As far as Easter basket items, I was carefully compiling a list of things that people said they needed/liked/wanted. For my girls it was things like a make up mirror (which I bought at Bed Bath and Beyond and ued a $5 off coupon), the new Clearasil soap pump ($3 off coupon), some products from Bath & Body Works (spent $24, after $6 savings), some make up items (all purchased on sale). I bought oldest son the Harry Potter Lego Bus and used a $20 gift card. The younger guys were already purchased (Lego items on sale after Christmas). I refrained from any stuffed bunnies, plastic items, etc. So while I spent the same amount that I usually do, it seemed to go much farther. I spent $2 on wrapping paper at the Dollar Tree, so everyone got a wrapped gift from the Bunny plus their basket of candy.

I also underestimated on the amount of gas we are spending, grossly underestimated. Consequentially, my driving will be very limited for the next two week period.

So, the second question is: Will you be participating in a "spending fast" for the next two week period starting 4/13? An astounding yes. I will only be purchasing consumables as in groceries and gas. The sole point of this exercise will be to use the excess (saved amount) to start the following two week period (4/27) with fully funded budget categories for the time period following.

Oh, this is sort of the equivalent to the "carb crash" that DH and stepdad had after Easter brunch. The last item that I need to purchase tomorrow are new soccer cleats for oldest son. We'll go to Play It Again Sports and I'm planning on spending $15.

Also, since grocery shopping was my major budget drain, I'm allowing myself a once weekly shopping trip to Walmart and Aldi's. Our Walmart has a limited selection of fresh fruit and veggies - thus Aldi's. I will be skipping the sale ads altogether. I won't be worrying about coupon savings for the next two week period. I'll also be making snacks from scratch (chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal raisin cookies, rice crispie treats, apple muffins) and will try to limit dryer use. To think that I lived EIGHT MONTHS without a dryer. I'm so used to just tossing the clothes fromt he washer into the dryer, I certainly can find a happy middle to non-use versus over-use.

Alright, I got all the money stuff out of my mind. Wish me luck as I fast!

Older daughter is trying out for the high school dance team later on this month and is concerned she isn't as flexible as she should or could be. This means daily stretching exercises and things. Younger daughter is flexible to boot and was showing off some odd tricks yesterday, weird body contortionist type things involving laying on her back, balling up into a little shape and putting her knees on the ground next to her ear. I can describe it in no other ways, it is just odd.

Fast forward to this morning: Younger daughter is laying in bed crying and sceaming that she can't move her neck. An hour after ibuprofin and heating pads we were able to get her to a more sitting position. After another two hours we were able to get her down stairs. She had an appointment at the doctor at 1:00 PM. The pediatrician rule out meningitis, and anything skeletal. However, when she had daughter move her head from left to right, daughter did, but then said she didn't feel well, her ears started to ring, her vision blurred, and she fainted because of the pain. Based on that they did five x-rays which showed no injury, just muscle spasms. So after 1.5 hours, daughter is on a muscle relaxer and drinking Gatorade.

Our plans for today were to go down to the Shedd Aquairum and the Lincoln Park Convervatory. I must remind myself that neither of those are going anywhere and warmer weather is right around the corner. Gratitude for my blessings, as CJ stated. I am thankful that my child didn't seriously injur herself. I am glad that DH was home to stay with everyone else while I took daughter to the doc. I am thankful that my parents were at the store and got the Gatorade that I forgot. I am thankful that DH took the remaining kids rollerskating for "fun" and I can catch up on my sleep. Stress has a wretched way of making me very tired. My blood pressure went through the roof with the fainting spell.

Tomorrow we're heading to an Easter Egg Hunt in the morning, then coloring our own eggs, and then Easter Vigil at 8:00 PM, a new tradition for us. My kids can sit through a 2 hour Latin Mass, so I think that the Easter Vigil, which is a lenghty service with seven readings, will be just fine.

Sunday: Brunch at my house (ham, cornbread casserole, green bean casserole, jello, rolls, mashed potatoes) and the traditional viewing of "The Easter Parade" one of my all-time favorite movies.

A Happy Easter to all of my Christian friends. A Happy Spring Weekend to all of my friends of other persuasions. I am blessed to be part of this community.

Of sending the children to school for three days, sandwiched in between Spring Break and Easter Break? (Being we're Catholic and Holy Week is impotant, our kids have off Thursday-Monday). We quickly lapsed into a summer routine of sleeping in (an average wake up time of 9:15-9:45 was the norm). And on top of it, it's a busy week with some planning meeting for me for VBS and DH is wrapping up the Tiger Scout activities. Looking at the calendar we are entering that final phase of frenzied activities through school year end: Band Concert, Spring Musical VIP Show, Confirmation, trip to State for Science Fair, daughter's 8th grade outings to the White Sox game and Great America, and finally Graduation. Whoosh, I'm tired looking at it.

Time to get back into the saddle of organization! Right? Well, I'd better get myself busy. I'm presently disorganized, I suppose it had to do with really slipping into "summer mode". I did haul away six huge bags of stuff (closets and drawers were cleaned out) and sadly there is WAY MORE TO GO! Three big bags went to Amvets drop off center at Walmart and three were hand-me-downs to a friend's family. I suppose I've been bit by the Spring Cleaning bug, too.

Off to be productive! Moneywise, it is all on autopilot. Practicing restraint in spending options. Was very thrilled to find milk for $1.78 a gallon at Walmart (about $1 less than anywhere else). Gas is still too high, so I'm driving less.

Oldest son saved enough money to buy an iPod. He's in 4th grade and a diligent saver. Now that he is starting over again in the savings department, he is pondering what his next big purchase will be. Last year he saved the $150 to buy Harry Potter's Hogwarts Lego version. Now the $180 for the iPod. Who know what is next.

Daughter had the consult for invisalign. She's a candidate as her dental issues aren't that severe and her metal allergy precludes her from conventional wires in her mouth. The cost: $4,500 for 9 months worth of work. I have to check around because I think we can do it for less that that. And of course if I signed yesterday AND paid, I'd get a 5% reduction if paid in full.

Possibly planning big trip to California this summer if my grandmother doesn't come to visit. She thought she might be here for my daughter's Graduation. Then she thought she might not really want to come. At 92 she can change her mind; but I do want to see her, so it looks like I'll (and my group) be going out there. Time to start seeing what I can sell and rounding up the piddly funds to get a big vacation fund in place.

Now I'm really off to find my productivity!

Despite living only 5 miles away, my best friend and I have more of a "phone relationship". Her work schedule and my regular life schedules don't exactly mesh and make for mutually optimum times for get-togethers. We do get together for breakfast occasionally, during the week. Anyhow, we got around to exchanging gifts yesterday - or I should say exchanged them via a pick up/drop off on my porch.

She likes to buy for the kids - my girls got Dance Dance 3 for the wii Kinnect, and my boys got gift cards to Target plus small Lego sets. The weather here is cold (55) and chilly and not too sunny, so we did our running around (Rx pick-up, quick trip to Target for the boys to shop, and the park for soccer, but it was quickly apparent it was too cold for anyone to play seriously) So home we came to play with Legos and dance with the wii. My shoulder bades hurt from dancing India to the Bollywood songs.

Tomorrow "The Lorax" makes it to the $4 theatre and I think we've got some sleepovers on the calendar. Spring break is quickly dwindling ... I'll have a few days to regroup before Holy Week (for us Thurs-Sun).

Budget-wise we're looking OK. Wonderful? NO. OK? YES. I'm able to make a few bill payments early and will be able to pay off our high American Express bill that had all of our extraneous expenses for the past 30 days. I'll still keep using it, but need to go back to paying weekly. The points are good, we're saving up for a vacation at some point in the future.

Stay warm!

Since it's been cold and my kids have been disbursed throughout the suburb I live in visiting friends, etc, I spent some time on oldest son's laptop killing some time. I came across thepeacefulmom.com (I think) who blogs about living on less than 28000 a year. Her plate is full, though she seems to thrive. And in light of some upcoming changes to our daily life, I think that it will all be fine. It has definitely been a time of self-evaluation and over-all analysis of where we are, what we want for our family, and what God is calling DH to do. So if you've got time, check out her blog. You'll probably like it

I file the state income taxes last Wednesday. Today the refund was deposited to our savings account. How is that for fast? I have a plan for those funds, with a new lawnmower being one of the items needed. DH mowed the lawn yesterday with the old mower, and while it went through lots of oil, a 15L jug of 10W30 costs $15 and that might keep our present mower going for awhile longer.

Today it is still chilly, with only a high of maybe 70. We're heading to Morton Arboretum for a trek in the woods this afternoon and then probably going to Happy Hour at Steak n Shake for malts right before dinner

Last week was all about tank tops, flip flops, bike rides on school nights, impromptu soccer games at the field with friends, etc. It was a nice weekend, weather-wise, a Cub Scout outing to the local wildlife rescue center, and some shopping with the girls for badly needed summer clothes.

Today the temperature was barely 45 degrees. Sunny, at times, and chilly cold, all the time. Our hopes for warm weather outdoorsy activities (trip to the Morton Arboretum to walk the Joy Path) had been replaced by two children going over to friends' houses, one going to the mall, and the remaining are playing wii. AND we had to put the heat on.

Spending remains reasonable. Driving less with gas at $4.32 per gallon. Our DVDs from the library for the first part of the week include: The Lord of the Rings (original animated version), Little Women (mid 90s with Winona Rider), and A Lion in Winter (remake with Glen Close and Patrick Stewart). Late week planned outings include bowling and the movies.

Stay warm!