Oh my! Another one gone this summer? I am sending Chelsea to New York City for 4 days with her dance team and I am a bit nervous. Even though you have done it before, it is still hard.
Yup - and then I can relax and enjoy life. I hope. LOL
That's a hard one too - at least she will be with a group of people... But still - hard.
Will Marissa be home by then?
I laughed at the picture with all your receipts. I think my daughter has you beat. She always has a lot of receipts and coupons too in her purse. She says most of them are for very little. She always uses her Target debit card to get the extra 5% even if it's for a really small amount. And that's where she often stops when she just needs a few groceries.
We finally had the guy out from Andersen to measure the windows. The salesman had told us 8-10 weeks a month ago so we asked if that was still about right. He told us it was and that it's always from the time we sign the contract so we're still on schedule. I think I told you it was interest free for 18 months, and its a 7 year loan. He had shown us what the interest would be if we only made regular payments, almost $24,000! It's 18% interest but I know we will pay it off before then so I wasn't worried. It did freak my husband out a little though.
Amazon had a great deal on photo prints for 1¢. So I ordered some more for my scrapbook. I had ordered some from Walgreen's to get started. I've never ordered from Amazon so I'll see how I like their quality. I guess I won't complain though as it only cost me a couple bucks and shipping was free with my Prime membership. I know people complained when they raised the price of Prime to $99, but it's really worth it to me. I just ordered my son a couple video games for his birthday and saved $20 with my membership. They also upgraded my Amazon credit card so I earn 5% on Amazon instead of 3%. I think I buy too much there, lol.
We're not planning a Florida trip for 2018, but I've started looking at 2019. I just loved the house we stayed in last year, but it was already booked for this year. It's booked for all of next Jan. and Feb. too so I decided to email her about 2019. She didn't have pricing for then, so I just asked if I could book that far out. I really loved the warm pool she had. This year it was ok, but I think I was spoiled and we do a lot of swimming. So if she says I can I will have to figure out dates. It's actually gotten me a little excited. My husband told me to get it booked as he likes houses we've stayed in and liked. The only problem is finding out if my daughter's family will come as they would come during spring break. Of course my grandson will be in college then so that's a factor too.
Keep working on that debt. It sounds like you're really doing a good job.
Hahaha - yah, those receipts were just one of those "aha" moments - ya know? It's very easy for me to sit here and to put the blame on others - yet, I needed to look in the mirror first. It's a hard thing to realize and to try to acknowledge... Sometimes forgiving ourselves is the hardest.
Even though all of those receipts were probably less than $20 each - most of them maybe even less than $5... Gah - it still added up! Aside from work on Monday - and my bi-weekly grocery trips, I haven't set foot in a Target store in weeks!
6 months ago - I was in there multiple times per day, spending something each time! Progress!
WHOA!!! That is a LOT of interest!!! Yes - definitely plan to pay that one off early! The new windows will be so NICE though! And winters will be cozy!
Awesome that you were able to find such great deals on prints!
Now, hopefully you can get some work done on the books.
I sure hope you are able to book the house you like again! That would be wonderful! Good luck! I've been dreaming of Disney a little bit - it's really hard to take this time off - but once we are done paying things off, I'll be able to go more frequently... And taking the time now, while the girls are busy with work and school - before the thought of marriage & grand babies are even in the picture... I think the timing is good for a break.
I hope you have a wonderful week!
good tires on the car are important. So it's wise to get new tires for the car and wait a little paying off more debt.
I can totally understand that it is fun and addicting to pay off bills. One less thing to pay for and one step closer for another debt to be gone.
I'm sure V's trip to Europe will go just fine. Hopefully Allison can give you some support
Yes - they are! These ones really should have been replaced before winter - though it's been good driving experience for V. LOL Teaching her how to drive in the winter, when the tires aren't the best, gave her some good 'ol "little bit more slippery than usual" driving experience.
It is!!! Seriously! I log into the bank every day, and double check my numbers with my budget numbers - and it's so freeing to know that every dollar has a name and a job to do!
I am sure it will... It's just hard.
Hello my friend!!!
I miss you so much!!! I have a treat coming your way!!!
Haha, I loved your description of closing your eyes while looking at the bank account, I've been there before. I'm still writing down what I'm spending and where I can cut some spending. It is dang hard to do some days. I have been writing a menu and that seems to help with those last minute dinners and the urge to go out to eat. And after about 6 weeks, my trips to Target are much more infrequent and I walk away from the impulse buys. I know finances are private matter, but I really appreciate how much you have shared. Also, I decided to clean out my hobby room/storage room and I am selling off some items I don't use. I think Dave Ramsey mentions selling off stuff and saving the cash? Well it is a good feeling clearing out some stuff in my life.
Yah - that is some scary stuff! And it just sneaks up on you too! All of a sudden, a few days before the next payday, you look at your bank account and wonder where all the $$ went.
It's a scary place to be!
Do you have a phone where you can get apps? If so - Dave has the "every dollar" app - it's free (or the paid version syncs your accounts) - I've heard of many people loving the app... And it's very easy to enter purchases in on the fly too. So, maybe that's an option? Personally - I don't track my spending... I take the cash out for each category on pay day, I clip each category together in my wallet, and that's what I have to spend. Once it's gone - it's gone. This is super helpful for me - it's kind of reverse tracking.
Menu planning helps A LOT... Lately - I've been planning menus, and purchasing items for those meals, but we move them around within the week, because it seems like most nights we are hungry for something other than planned... As long as it's something on the menu, planned and purchased for - I don't really care when we eat it, as long as we are not wasting food.
Well - technically - Dave Ramsey does say to sell off stuff and save cash... Up to $1000 to start (baby step 1) - then anything you sell above that amount, and any $$ left in your budget gets put towards debt (baby step 2)... Which is where we are and will be here for quite some time.
You are doing great! I am so proud of you!
I can't even bring myself to look at the bank account! My husband changed the password a few years ago when we were hacked and I don't know what it is. He has told me numerous times but I just don't remember, because I don't want to. It's terrible. It really is. I appreciate your example and support and encouragement in this area. It's hard to look at how old I am and at our corresponding financial situation and know that things could have been much different. But you're right -- what's past is past and it can be changed. All that can be changed is future decisions and actions. I need to find the time and strength to start reading the book....
We got another school cancellation today (ice in the very rural areas of in our county that couldn't get cleared in time) and so Mark and Brie are home again. Actually, right now he's driving her to a doctor's appointment so that I can stay home and work (teleworking). I so appreciate that he did that because the appointment, with driving time, was going to take up about 2.5 to 3 hours of the day and I really need to make a huge dent in some work projects. We got 2/3 of the wedding invitations mailed this morning -- he dropped them off at the post office for me. Such a sweetheart! Unfortunately I ran out of stamps and the post office he went to doesn't have any stamps that are good for a wedding...so he'll go to the other post office in town later today to see if he can find some. I need to enter the remaining invitation addresses into the address spreadsheet -- we ended up getting addresses from various sources -- Andrew's Mom, my parents, Alyssa and Andrew themselves, church rosters, and addresses people submitted via FB. So I'm combining all of those into one spreadsheet as we send out the invitations so that Alyssa will have a good list of addresses to send thank you cards, as well as the start of her own address book. So I'll do the rest of them on my lunch break today and then as soon as we have stamps later today they'll be stamped and mailed. Yea! I also ordered all of the paper products today except the plates (need to check Costco for prices on those), so that's done. Still stressing about the bridesmaids dresses... Finalized the flowers and cake stuff yesterday...and was informed by the florist (who is a wedding planner and also does catering) that my estimates for food are WAY low...I need to double them. So I need to revisit that. But we're getting there.
V going to Europe...so exciting for her, but I know it will be hard for you. I have several friends who have sent multiple children out on church missions (18 months to 2 years) and they all said the first one was hard, but the second and subsequent ones were a bit harder in the leading up time because they knew how much they would miss them. Does that make sense? The anticipation was worse....but the nice thing is that you'll have Allison there to keep you company and reassure you. And V with have such a wonderful time, and learn so much, and Myrthe and Josh's brother will take very good care of her. But yes, you'll miss her. A lot. And I'll be here to offer long-distance cyber hugs and a shoulder to cry on.
Isn't it interesting how you can come to value a person's friendship when it's someone you've never met in real life? I really do value your friendship -- you're such a great example of determination, strength, success, and I love that.
Have a great day!
Sending you hugs Stephanie... This has to be so hard for you!
Yay for getting everything done! And still so awesome that you had some unexpected help! Fabulous!!! And what a great idea for the address book - we still have ours from our wedding - though we don't really use it anymore, as half the people are no longer living and the other half have moved... I kept it updated for many years, then about 5 years ago - once everyone really started communicating on FB, I pretty much gave up. I am sure I'll have to update it when the girls get married - as I doubt it will be correct to send out wedding invites on FB yet.
Yes - in many ways, it will be harder this time... And in some ways, it will be easier. It's been drilled into her head - NOT to go to Amsterdam at 4 pm, that trip is much better suited as a morning trip, so she is not stuck on the last train - which inevitably stops before your destination! Sigh. She is also to avoid earth quakes (natural disasters in general) and potential terrorist target areas... I say that half-jokingly... As we all know that Allison was close enough for comfort to both of those things.
Absolutely!!! I love all of you guys! And I consider all of you to be amazing friends! I value each and every one of you so much! I learn so much from you every day.
I've done many posts on friendship over my years here - although it's been a while since I've done one... Each of your friendships is such a treasure to me - whether I've met you in person or not!
Did you know the Dis boards ate my reply? It was posted a few days ago and it is nowhere. I am too old to remember now
But I am here and love meeting you each day through the Boards!
Good and safe tires are a must do. At least the money is there for you. I had a good laugh at your description of looking at your bank account. I know the feeling too well, back in the day.
I cannot believe time is rapidly approaching for V to go to Europe. I have heard that passports are taking longer for some reason. At least Allison will be here to give you the scoop on Europe and V will be better prepared (hopefully).
I was so so excited to see your auction up this morning. You definitely have the Disney magic and talent combined Dorine. Amazing.
Have a wonderful Wednesday!!! Hugs and prayers.
It happens all the time! Sadly.
Thanks for coming back though and stopping by!
It's been such a relief these last few months to have our "ducks in a row" - we've always made do, and we would have made it happen this time too - but this is sooooo much easier, and rewarding! We've always budgeted - always... but in recent years, the budget was more of a "guideline" and not necessarily a "contract"... So it was loosely followed. Now it's binding - and both of us know exactly where we are going and what our goals are... It's been an amazing process!
I know - it's hard to believe that it's almost her turn. I've heard that passports are taking a shorter time... I had a friend, last week, get her's in 9 days! I guess, we will find out - huh? We are going to get V's passport renewed this afternoon.
Thank you!
Same to you Carol!!! I hope you have a great remainder to your week!
I know you are having a busy week, so I am just popping in here. Quinn's cast was only on for about 3 1/2 weeks. I wit was such a short time as well. It actually has me concerned as she is really hobbling on leg. I know she can bend it because she climbs up and down the couch. I am trying to be patient. I just don't want her to be in pain. This week has mostly been dedicated to getting ready for Emma's sleepover on Friday. Her birthday is Monday, but DH is out of town next week so we decided to do it beforehand. 4 crazy 11 year olds in my house. AAAAHHH! It should be fun, though. She wanted the Pie Face game to play at her party where some one gets a whipped cream pie in the face. It reminds me of the old Bozo the Clown show. Anyway, I told her if we couldn't find it, I would be happy to randomly hit them in the face with a paper plate full of whipped cream, LOL.
Well, I hope everything is going smoothly this week and that V has no trouble renewing her passport. Funnily, the reason my DH is going out of town next week is to go to passport training in SanDiego. I am so jealous that he gets to go back to the states even if for a short time. He works in the legal office & one of their jobs here is to issue passports, so he will be able to do that after this training. Hopefully, A can help you through this summer without V, and be able to calm any fears of what was "unknown" last year. There will always be that Mama worry, though.
Hope you have a great week!
Well - I sure hope she adjust soon and is back to normal... Hopefully they didn't take it off too soon. I know that V had her's on for 8 weeks, I am not sure if it's because the break was so clean - or the location of the break - or the fact that she was really at an age that she was growing, so they were being cautious... Or all of the above.
I sure hope that Quinn is off and running in no time!
Hahahaha about the party!!! That sounds like fun! Just make sure you warn people... We took V to a Mexican restaurant for her b-day last year, unbeknownst to us - the tradition there for birthdays is a pied face... V was NOT happy - she was very angry about that, and continued to be angry about it for months after... So - approach that situation with caution.
I doubt V will ever go there to eat again - birthday or not. LOL
That's cool that your dh gets to come back to the States for a bit... bummer that you can't come with him - just for a short break. Safe travels to him!
Same to you!
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OK - super fast check in... I should have been working out already!
Nothing exciting to report...
I'll be heavy lifting this morning...
Working upstairs until lunch time...
Then V and I are going to get her passport renewed...
Then putting tires on the car...
And home in time for dinner...
A pretty basic day!
A funny story... My neighbor texted me yesterday, telling me that we had a bike in our tree... So, Josh and I went outside to look... No bike in any of our trees.
Then she sent this photo - LOL - it's our neighbor's tree... Not a clue how they made this happen - It's very high up there! It's funny just the same. LOL
A cute puppy picture for you all...
I hope you all have a great day and a great remainder of your week!
Prayers and pixie dust to all!
D~
It's really crazy! LOL
