~~ They're leaving the nest, sew it's time for a trip - or two - or three...~~ D~'s bag ~9/22 ~~

[vrajewski10513]

Hi D! I just got caught up on your PTR! I'm really happy I came across it. I've actually been following your business page on facebook for a while and had no idea you were on the Dis! I look forward to the rest of your PTR and hearing about your upcoming trips!! Maybe we will run into each other in October 2016!

 

[Iamthequeen]

Hi D~, Looks like we may be in WDW the same week in January. We are waiting for another contract for DVC to finalize before we can book our room, but Charlie is set on going in January. LOL We've been busy here painting and working on the yard - seems like it is a never ending job.

I've been doing some heavy lifting - following the NROLFW - just finished up Phase 1. Also I've been really watching what I eat - and I have almost no junk food in the house. Shannon will be disappointed when she comes home this weekend.

The big news in our family is that my oldest daughter Kate became engaged over the weekend! She is so excited and so are we. No wedding plans yet because Kate needs to find a job first. She and her fiancé, Chris, recently moved back to Baltimore after spending the last year in New Jersey/New York. A position at her old job is open, but they are still doing interviews this week. I guess she will know something next week.

Cooper is a cutie! And so is Max.

Have a great week!

 

[DMGeurts]

I was wondering how it was going with Gus. They have such a strong bond. Hopefully it will get them through. And with today's technology it isn't like they can't talk. I remember my college relationship....we hardly had email, much less smartphones with snapchat, skype and facetime. They will be fine. And if they aren't....then it just wasn't meant to be.

Have a great day! Miss you!

Gus came home yesterday... It was great to see him! He had a good first week. I do have to say that we all missed him a lot - we must have sat at the kitchen table for 2 hours yesterday afternoon just chatting. It will be nice to have him in town all weekend... It sounds like him and Allison have a lot of fun plans - around her work schedule, of course.

I know - it's amazing how communication has changed in just the last decade... When Josh was in Iraq - we barely had email... At that time, soldiers ability to email was quite rare as it wasn't very secure... Not sure how they do it now? But I know a lot of them are able to Skype and do things like that. I am not sure if Allison and Gus have Skyped yet? Last I heard, he didn't have it on his laptop... I should ask her about that.

Miss you bunches too!

I'm glad the boys are getting along and that Cooper is almost potty trained.
I think V. should just enjoy her summer. She'll be working the rest of her life anyway.
My daughter and her husband moved into their house last weekend. She still has a lot of stuff here. She took both cats with her. the older one was very angry with her and yelled at her for most of the day. He's settled down since then. It's very quiet around here now.
My neighbor gave me a Singer sewing machine from the 60's. It needs a little love but should work once I'm done. My daughter couldn't understand why I took it. This is from someone with tons of old pyrex.
Have a good day.
Liz

How exciting for your dd... I am so glad that everyone is settling in. I wish her many happy years in her new house!

Oooh - a vintage Singer - you know how I love those! LOL I hope you enjoy it... I am sure it's a great machine!

I hope you have a great weekend too Liz!

You sound very busy. I am glad everyone is doing well.

I am always busy these days. Just when I think I am going to have a free moment - something else comes along. Sigh. One day...

Potty training is the pits.. I wish there was a magic wand you can wave around.. The crazy dane will ONLY go outside for Tom and Matt. It's the PITS!



I guess this is a hint???



I do miss you guys too...

There are times i really wish we weren't so far away.. But that would take away our really cool adventures if we were in the same cities.. no one wants to read that! HA HA

I know - I hope Raven catches on soon and allows you to take her out once in a while too. Maybe she is just intimiated by you because you are Alpha Dog?

I know - I know... I agree too... We have such fun adventures... I cannot wait for our next one!

Hi D! Things sound busy with you!! I am busy too so I totally get it! Glad to hear all is well and good luck on the final push to potty train that adorable little Cooper!!!

Hi Casey!!! I know - life is just crazy... Once I think I will get a few moments, Poof... Nope. LOL

I think we are really almost there... He's had 2 days in a row accident free.

Awww...glad everyone is doing so well. Good luck on dropping your last two sizes. Wish I could drop just one but...I can't seem to give up the bad foods.

Glad Cooper is doing so well. Our next door neighbor is working with her 3 month old yellow lab puppy and man is she a handful. The puppy biting and scratching right now is crazy! She is thankful when my kids are home and come over and wear out her little puppy since that makes her calmer for the evening when her husband gets home.

And to answer, we will be in Disney for 8 nights. We hope to leave really early in the morning (2:30am) for a 14 or so hour drive to Disney. Just over a week later we check out and drive about 9 hours north on our departure day and hang with my parents in southern NC (near where all the recent shark attacks have happened) and have plans to relax with them and possible hit the beach at least one day...maybe only in the really really shallow part though! We'll drive home Sat night or Sunday making our total trip 11-12 days with lots of driving.
Can't wait!

I know... I am getting there. These last days, since I've been home from Maine, have been really good on the healthy lifing side of things. I really hope that this is "it"... I don't mind working so hard - I am comfortable with the food/excercise I am doing on a daily basis... I just want to be at my goal size already. LOL

Yes - it takes so much commitment to train a puppy... Cooper still does a little bit of jumping/biting, but not too bad. He gets so excited when we come home from where ever we are, that he jumps on us. We are very careful to make him sit before he gets any attention... I would hate to have him 120lbs and doing that to us... He'd bowl us all right over. LOL

Eeeep... That sounds so nice and exciting! It will be a great trip, and how awesome that you get to catch up with your family too!

I know! And the fact that Disney mailed us an Aulani brochure a week after we got back (and booking for 2016 was just made available today) isn't making things easier. I told my husband that I should just have our jobs mail our paychecks directly to Disney.

Hehehe... Disney knows how to get you when you are down for sure. Hopefully you can just focus on your next trip and enjoy all of the planning. I think I am still trying to get over some of the Disney blues from our trip last year - that one was really hard.

Hi D! I just got caught up on your PTR! I'm really happy I came across it. I've actually been following your business page on facebook for a while and had no idea you were on the Dis! I look forward to the rest of your PTR and hearing about your upcoming trips!! Maybe we will run into each other in October 2016!

Hi there! Welcome! I am glad to hear that you are enjoying my PTR... It's a little slow going these days, but hopefully I can find the time to keep up with it a little better soon.

I would love it if we could meet up in Oct 2016... That would be awesome! Keep me updated on this!

Hi D~, Looks like we may be in WDW the same week in January. We are waiting for another contract for DVC to finalize before we can book our room, but Charlie is set on going in January. LOL We've been busy here painting and working on the yard - seems like it is a never ending job.

I've been doing some heavy lifting - following the NROLFW - just finished up Phase 1. Also I've been really watching what I eat - and I have almost no junk food in the house. Shannon will be disappointed when she comes home this weekend.

The big news in our family is that my oldest daughter Kate became engaged over the weekend! She is so excited and so are we. No wedding plans yet because Kate needs to find a job first. She and her fiancé, Chris, recently moved back to Baltimore after spending the last year in New Jersey/New York. A position at her old job is open, but they are still doing interviews this week. I guess she will know something next week.

Cooper is a cutie! And so is Max.

Have a great week!

TESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh goodness - it's great to see you!!!! I've missed you!

Oooh so exciting about a new DVC contract! Please let me know if we are there at the same time... I'd love to catch up with you and meet Charlie... And I'd also love for you to meet Allison too!

Yay for NROLFW!!! And congrats on finishing Stage 1! That is just epic! How do you feel? Are you enjoying it? Are you seeing any strength difference?

Congrats to DD - how exciting!!! Eeeep... I bet you are excited for the wedding. Are you making anything for her?

Thanks for stopping by!!! I've been keeping up a little with you on FB, so I know you are OK.

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

Another crazy week come and gone! I cannot believe it's Friday already!

I've been busy in my sewing room... Working on a custom order this week - and some auction stuff on the side... I love this week's custom order!

The girls are doing well on summer vacation... Allison has been working a lot... picking up any and all hours at Target that she can get. She is almost done with her behind the wheel portion of drivers training - she has one more class left. She is excited to have that done. We just need to get in about 7 more night time driving hours, then she can take her test at the end of July. A little nervous about this - but she is a good driver - most of the time.

V has been super busy with her youth group at church... They are constantly doing activites and field trips. Last week she went to a Twins game... Yesterday was a pool party... Next week is tubing down the river. I love that she is so active with this group!

For me, it's been work, work, work... I am staying really healthy these weeks since I've been home from Maine... I am feeling really good and I am feeling like my size is finally budging a little bit. I finally splurged yesterday and purchased myself a new pair of tennis shoes - it's been almost 3 years since I've had a pair, and I wear them every single day to work out in - so I feel like I was way overdue. I have them on now and I will test them out shortly when I do my workout today.

Gus came home from school yesterday... He spent most of the afternoon here. It was great to catch up with him. He had lots to talk about and lots of new experiences to share with all of us. Him and Allison have lots of fun things planned this weekend.

Cooper is in the final stages of potty training... He is 2 days accident free in the house - and he is learning to bark at me when he has to go. Not too sure how much I love being barked at, but it's better than not telling me and going where ever he wants to. LOL

As for the rest of us - we will be laying low all weekend... I have some grocery shopping to do, and some errands in general. I think I will get started on my next big auction too.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and happy Friday!

D~

 

[Wood Nymph]

V has been super busy with her youth group at church... They are constantly doing activites and field trips. Last week she went to a Twins game... Yesterday was a pool party... Next week is tubing down the river. I love that she is so active with this group!

Victoria sounds like she is having a good summer. Those activities sound like a lot of fun. It is a lot better than working but I'm sure she would love the income from a summer job.

I bet you'll be glad when Allison can drive herself to work. You must drive a lot of miles every week.

 

[Sweetly]

Wow, have you been busy. Glad potty training is going well the Cooper.
Not too much going on here. Work has been extremely busy and stressful. I am counting down the days till my next mini-vacation. It won't be a Disney one, but it will be definitely a great one.
Don't push V into getting a job. He can work the rest of her life when she is an adult. My daughter, right now has three jobs. I don't know how she juggles it all.
Have a great weekend!!!

 

[vrajewski10513]

I've been busy in my sewing room... Working on a custom order this week - and some auction stuff on the side... I love this week's custom order!

I just have to say, I am OBSESSED with the Genie bag.. You're really making me want to save my pennies up for one of your bags, they just keep getting better and better!

For me, it's been work, work, work... I am staying really healthy these weeks since I've been home from Maine... I am feeling really good and I am feeling like my size is finally budging a little bit. I finally splurged yesterday and purchased myself a new pair of tennis shoes - it's been almost 3 years since I've had a pair, and I wear them every single day to work out in - so I feel like I was way overdue. I have them on now and I will test them out shortly when I do my workout today.

I love getting new sneakers... they make me feel revitalized with my workouts lol

Gus came home from school yesterday... He spent most of the afternoon here. It was great to catch up with him. He had lots to talk about and lots of new experiences to share with all of us. Him and Allison have lots of fun things planned this weekend.

I'm so glad they're making things work. I know first hand how hard long distance can be, especially so young.

Cooper is in the final stages of potty training... He is 2 days accident free in the house - and he is learning to bark at me when he has to go. Not too sure how much I love being barked at, but it's better than not telling me and going where ever he wants to. LOL

I've heard having an older dog around to show the puppy the ropes tends to help with potty training. Has this been the case with MM and Cooper?

 

[OregonMomToWDW]

You have been busy. The kids are all whining to go to DLR for the 60th and I want to go soooo much too. But, I am being strong and resisting until I have my funds in hand. We went to see Inside Out last night. Chelsea did good, didn't cry. Marissa couldn't stop crying and Jacob teared up. It was good. We will be doing Jurassic World on Sunday. The previews at the movie had a commercial for DLR and that almost made me tear up.

Hopefully, you will have a relaxing weekend.

 

[MrsDrewsky]

Happy (very belated) Birthday!

All caught up on puppy pictures and trip plans. I know you gals will be busy, but I would love to try to say hi while we're there. Nov 14-20 I don't think we're going to be planning too many park days, the park commando days are over until little mister no longer needs a nap.

Off to read about Maine!

 

[Terkina]

Sounds like you have enough to do. It looks like V is having a great summer with the church.
The extra money Alli earns on her job will come handy when she is going to Europe and Disney.
How great that Cooper is learning to bark when he needs to go outside. That makes it a lot easier for you.
It's great to hear that Gus and Alli are able to be together this weekend.

 

[DMGeurts]

I had some time in the middle of my day (Gasp!) - so I thought I would check in.

Victoria sounds like she is having a good summer. Those activities sound like a lot of fun. It is a lot better than working but I'm sure she would love the income from a summer job.

I bet you'll be glad when Allison can drive herself to work. You must drive a lot of miles every week.

She is having a good summer- she is staying busy with people she enjoys being around - so that's a plus.

I will be glad... A little nervous, but glad. It will save me time - for sure - 2 trips back and forth from town are getting old... she won't have a car though - at first (not sure when/if she is getting one?), so she'll be using my car - which will depend if I need it or not. But it will be nice... I do put a lot of miles on my car.

Wow, have you been busy. Glad potty training is going well the Cooper.
Not too much going on here. Work has been extremely busy and stressful. I am counting down the days till my next mini-vacation. It won't be a Disney one, but it will be definitely a great one.
Don't push V into getting a job. He can work the rest of her life when she is an adult. My daughter, right now has three jobs. I don't know how she juggles it all.
Have a great weekend!!!

Yes, it's been a little crazy here!

Yay for mini-vacations - I love those! I hope you get to relax a little bit.

I won't - trust me... I really would prefer if she waited until next year to get a job anyways... I think she will be much more ready.

You too! Thank you!

I just have to say, I am OBSESSED with the Genie bag.. You're really making me want to save my pennies up for one of your bags, they just keep getting better and better!



I love getting new sneakers... they make me feel revitalized with my workouts lol



I'm so glad they're making things work. I know first hand how hard long distance can be, especially so young.



I've heard having an older dog around to show the puppy the ropes tends to help with potty training. Has this been the case with MM and Cooper?

Hahaha... Yes, I love the Genie bag too - it was fun, if not a little sad, to do.

Hehehe... Yes - new shoes are really nice... I was just happy they were a smaller size... I was starting to think I had elephant feet - they just seemed so huge for my body... Which I think they were. LOL

Yes - it is very difficult for them, being so far away from eachother, but I really think this will be a good experience for them... If they choose to stay together - it will mean that they will cherish their time together more, but it will also make them learn how to communicate better too. If they can make it through this year - I think they will likely stay together for a while longer. We'll see. He's a good kid - and we like having him around.

LOL - I am not sure MM is showing SC the ropes? LOL MM really never had the "ropes" figured out until Cooper came around LOL. But maybe - Cooper is definitely an easier puppy... I am not sure if it's because he's truly a good puppy, or if we learned with MM what it takes to raise a puppy?

You have been busy. The kids are all whining to go to DLR for the 60th and I want to go soooo much too. But, I am being strong and resisting until I have my funds in hand. We went to see Inside Out last night. Chelsea did good, didn't cry. Marissa couldn't stop crying and Jacob teared up. It was good. We will be doing Jurassic World on Sunday. The previews at the movie had a commercial for DLR and that almost made me tear up.

Hopefully, you will have a relaxing weekend.

Ahhh... Shannon - I know - it's so hard to stay away... but you are doing great!

I have not seen or heard anything about Inside Out yet - except for a few previews. I know I want to see it though. I think Allison and Gus are going to see Jurassic World today? I know we purchased the 3 previous JP movies last weekend - and we've been watching them all week... I am surprised that they were actually decent movies - LOL I remember them being kind of "not real" feeling... but they were better than I remembered.

I hope you do too! Thanks Shannon - it's good to see you!

Happy (very belated) Birthday!

All caught up on puppy pictures and trip plans. I know you gals will be busy, but I would love to try to say hi while we're there. Nov 14-20 I don't think we're going to be planning too many park days, the park commando days are over until little mister no longer needs a nap.

Off to read about Maine!

Hi Ashley!!! Thank you!

Yay... Oooh - YES we MUST meet - we MUST!!!! I need to add you to our calendar... Please coordinate with me on FB - we'll work it out.

I hope you enjoy reading about Maine - we had so much fun! And we tend to think we are pretty entertaining. LOL

It's great to see you - I hope you and your family are well. I am really enjoying seeing all of the wonderful things you are making and posting on FB too... Such a talent!!!

Sounds like you have enough to do. It looks like V is having a great summer with the church.
The extra money Alli earns on her job will come handy when she is going to Europe and Disney.
How great that Cooper is learning to bark when he needs to go outside. That makes it a lot easier for you.
It's great to hear that Gus and Alli are able to be together this weekend.

It has been super busy!!! I hope you are doing well Lillian and your weather is turning more summer like? Any fun plans coming up?

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

Nothing really exciting going on here...

I've just been working a lot... Same ol', same ol'.

I've really been concentrating on my healthy living and whole foods eating since I've been home from Maine... and I feel like I am making progress. My jeans don't think so though...

The dogs are doing well... Cooper's potty training seems to be 1 step forward, 2 steps back... But overall - I think we are getting there.

I hope you all have a nice weekend! Prayers and good thoughts go out to all of you!

D~

 

[Iamthequeen]

TESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh goodness - it's great to see you!!!! I've missed you!

Oooh so exciting about a new DVC contract! Please let me know if we are there at the same time... I'd love to catch up with you and meet Charlie... And I'd also love for you to meet Allison too!

Yay for NROLFW!!! And congrats on finishing Stage 1! That is just epic! How do you feel? Are you enjoying it? Are you seeing any strength difference?

Congrats to DD - how exciting!!! Eeeep... I bet you are excited for the wedding. Are you making anything for her?

Thanks for stopping by!!! I've been keeping up a little with you on FB, so I know you are OK.

Still waiting to hear about our ROFR from Disney, it will probably be another week or so. Once we get the points in our account I will be booking our January trip. YAY!

I love NROLFW! I think I found an exercise I really like and look forward to doing. I think I can tell my arm muscles are forming - LOL. I feel wonderful too.

No wedding definite wedding plans yet, but they are looking at next October. We were talking ideas on Friday, and Kate has some good ideas, but she wants to put together a budget first. I have offered to make her wedding dress, but its still early.

 

[DMGeurts]

Still waiting to hear about our ROFR from Disney, it will probably be another week or so. Once we get the points in our account I will be booking our January trip. YAY!

I love NROLFW! I think I found an exercise I really like and look forward to doing. I think I can tell my arm muscles are forming - LOL. I feel wonderful too.

No wedding definite wedding plans yet, but they are looking at next October. We were talking ideas on Friday, and Kate has some good ideas, but she wants to put together a budget first. I have offered to make her wedding dress, but its still early.

Awesome! Just keep me updated please!!! I sure hope we get to meet up again!

Yay!!! Some days I really hate lifting - and other days I really love it. But I LOVE what it does to my body - and I wouldn't ever give up doing it for that reason alone. I am so proud of you. My friend Jay is a personal trainer, and he was telling me the other day about a 72 y/o woman he trains who can deadlift 150!!!! How amazing is that??? She only started lifting a few years ago - so this isn't something she's been doing her whole life... I bet she is reaping some awesome benfits! I can only hope I can do that when I am her age.

Oooh - how exciting if you get to make the dress... You could definitely do that and it would be gorgeous! If you do - you'll have to show pictures for sure!

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

Just a super, super quick update...

Trying to get this updated before our big storms roll in and I lose power.

Yesterday, for Father's Day - Josh took me out for our first Jeep ride of the year... It was a gorgeous day! I almost felt like it was Mother's Day, because he was doing everything I love to do. LOL He even grilled steaks for dinner. It was just a glorious day all around.

And yesterday morning, I got to spend some fun time in my sewing room - working on something totally for me. It's rare I get to do that, unless I am working on trip stuff. Josh and I are back to our Dave Ramsey budgeting... It's so necessary right now. I hate to talk budget and $$ on here, but as you all know - I pay for all of my trips with cash and all of our day to day living with cash... but over the years we've accumulated debt... Years ago, we did Dave Ramsey and Financial Peace University, and we made a huge dent in our debt... but we still have a lot out there. I wouldn't change a thing... Going on these trips has really made the debt pay off much slower - but to be honest, I have my whole life to pay off this debt and taking the girls on these trips and making memories - well, I would't trade that for the world. But - in the last several months, prob since Christmas... My going to town every single day - and stopping at Target every time I went to town... Well, it totally blew our budget out of the water. I take full blame. In an effort to get back on track and be super $$ conscious... We are back to CASH only (no debit card for anything but gas) - which is really hard because I save that extra 5% with my Target debit card... Maybe in a few months I can go back to doing that - but for right now... Well, I have to buck it up and use cash.

Anyways... What does that have to do with Disney and my PTR? Funny you should ask... Yesterday, I took some time to make something just for me... It's a cash wallet with 8 cash compartments, so I can put each category in a different compartment... So, say I am out grocery shopping and I find a super awesome deal on a shirt... I can pull the $$ out of the clothing compartment right then and there... I don't have to "borrow" from the grocery stash, and try to remember to swap it out when I get home. I am very excited about this - it will make my life so much easier. Of course, then I had to put a Disney spin on it too. It's not perfect, by any means, but I was so excited to get it done, I just whipped it together. The next one I do - will be much better, I promise.

I hope you all have an amazing day!!! Prayers and good thoughts go out to all of you... Lights are flickering - I better get this posted.

D~

 

[Clio]

Your cash wallet is really cute. I love the fabric you used.
Your day sounds like fun. Steak cooked on the grill is one of my favorite foods. Unfortunately, I usually have to cook it.
My day was fairly quiet. I worked in the front yard for a little while. I didn't get to the back. We're having a really problem with deer eating the roses this year. I went over my daughter's for supper. She made hamburgers on her grill and cooked corn on the cob on her stove. It was kind of funny; non of the cats had ever seen a gas stove and couldn't understand the noise it makes when the burner ignites. They all seem to be settling in and the two younger ones are getting to be friends. The older one has always been a loner.
I hope the storms aren't too bad. They're coming this way later today and tomorrow.
Liz

 

[KatMark]

I don't get here on the DIS often, but try to check in once a week.

I love your wallet.

We've all been there with debt (and trust me we are far from debt free), and as you said you've got to make those memories with your kids while you can.

I hope the storms don't get too bad (they are supposed to hit us tonight...when Andy and my hubby go to the Cubs games).

 

[Chicago Mo]

I LOVE your wallet! way adorable!!!
glad you had a wonderful weekend! Tell Josh i said HELLO! and hope he had a wonderful Father's Day!!

 

[OregonMomToWDW]

I love the wallet too. I am needing to be more strict with my spending as well. When the child support stopped, I totally used credit to make ends meet, instead of working on making my budget workable. So, I am having to go back to cash only. I wish I had stayed on that course all along. Oh well. Baby steps, right?

 

[sunnysideup3]

I hear you on managing money. We are making our budget stretch extra far and I feel like we have nothing, but it really makes us do things like activities at home, or eat all the food we buy and put in the freezer. We also refuse to have credit cards. If we can't afford to get it, we save until we can. That's really helped since we started doing that when we were married 8 years ago. I love the idea of the cash only, I'll have to look into that!

The Jeep ride looks great. I wish the weather today was like it was yesterday.... we're getting what you had this morning!

 

[MrsDrewsky]

Hi Ashley!!! Thank you!

Yay... Oooh - YES we MUST meet - we MUST!!!! I need to add you to our calendar... Please coordinate with me on FB - we'll work it out.

I hope you enjoy reading about Maine - we had so much fun! And we tend to think we are pretty entertaining. LOL

It's great to see you - I hope you and your family are well. I am really enjoying seeing all of the wonderful things you are making and posting on FB too... Such a talent!!!

D~

Oh great, I sure will. It will be on my husband's account since that is the one linked to my business account.

Maine looks beautiful! You all always seem to have so much fun, and yes you are pretty entertaining. LOL

We're good! Getting settled into our new house and getting things rolling again. That's very kind of you to say, it's getting there. I know I have told you this before, but if I hadn't read your very first PTR I don't think I would have ever given sewing/crafting a try!

It looks like you and Josh had a nice Father's Day weekend.

I LOVE the mickey envelope system. Can I tell you, I am so relieved to read we aren't the only ones who go to WDW and are on the dave plan. LOL Our trips are pretty much our Mothers Day/Fathers Day/Birthday/Christmas/Valentines/you name it gifts to one another, but now that Jonah is getting older we will have to rethink that strategy.

 

[KathyM2]

I love that wallet!! So cute! And way to go for sticking to a budget. I'm terrible at that. We had some wicked storms last night here too...the dog (and kids) were terrified and we are all tired today!!

What a great Fathers' day weekend you had!

 

[DMGeurts]

Your cash wallet is really cute. I love the fabric you used.
Your day sounds like fun. Steak cooked on the grill is one of my favorite foods. Unfortunately, I usually have to cook it.
My day was fairly quiet. I worked in the front yard for a little while. I didn't get to the back. We're having a really problem with deer eating the roses this year. I went over my daughter's for supper. She made hamburgers on her grill and cooked corn on the cob on her stove. It was kind of funny; non of the cats had ever seen a gas stove and couldn't understand the noise it makes when the burner ignites. They all seem to be settling in and the two younger ones are getting to be friends. The older one has always been a loner.
I hope the storms aren't too bad. They're coming this way later today and tomorrow.
Liz

Thanks Liz... I know - I love steak - pretty much any way it's prepared.

Glad you were able to get some work done... We don't normally have deer problems where we live, but rabbits and squirrels - yes.

Hehehe about the cats... Glad to hear they are adjusting well though.

The storms weren't too bad - at least not here... Lots of rain north of us though.

Have a great week Liz!

I don't get here on the DIS often, but try to check in once a week.

I love your wallet.

We've all been there with debt (and trust me we are far from debt free), and as you said you've got to make those memories with your kids while you can.

I hope the storms don't get too bad (they are supposed to hit us tonight...when Andy and my hubby go to the Cubs games).

I know... I am sorry to make you come back. I miss you!!! I need to take care of that link you sent me, I keep forgetting the few times I am on a regular computer.

Thanks! I am pretty excited about it!

Yes - debt sucks... I try really hard not to accumulate more of it - especially for every day living and trips... There have been a few times where it's necessary though. Oh well... The memories are the most important - and maybe I am stupid for thinking that way? BUt I cherish those trips with the girls and I wouldn't trade that for anything.

I hope you guys did OK with the storms??? It was mostly rain here - a few times the lights flickered, but we never lost power, so that's good.

I LOVE your wallet! way adorable!!!
glad you had a wonderful weekend! Tell Josh i said HELLO! and hope he had a wonderful Father's Day!!

Thanks Mo!!! I thought of you and Suzi on Father's Day... Josh made grilled veggies on the grill... I almost took a picture to send to you girls - but I devoured them too fast. LOL They were good!

Same to Tom - belated, of course.

I love the wallet too. I am needing to be more strict with my spending as well. When the child support stopped, I totally used credit to make ends meet, instead of working on making my budget workable. So, I am having to go back to cash only. I wish I had stayed on that course all along. Oh well. Baby steps, right?

Thanks Shannon! It's so hard - I get it - truly I do. I believe we all do the very best we can with what we have... I am the first to admit I've deviated from our budget, but there's not much that can be done about it - other than dusting ourselves off, pulling up our britches and moving forward. Getting down on ourselves isn't going to get us anywhere. Baby steps is right... Just keep moving forward - and try to create great family memories in the process... I totally get the whole "debt free" mentality and I do want it - but not at the expense of NEVER getting to have family time... Kids DO grow up, the DO move out... and I want good memories for them too... So I fully believe there is a balance there. Don't be too hard on yourself.

I hear you on managing money. We are making our budget stretch extra far and I feel like we have nothing, but it really makes us do things like activities at home, or eat all the food we buy and put in the freezer. We also refuse to have credit cards. If we can't afford to get it, we save until we can. That's really helped since we started doing that when we were married 8 years ago. I love the idea of the cash only, I'll have to look into that!

The Jeep ride looks great. I wish the weather today was like it was yesterday.... we're getting what you had this morning!

You are super smart about this... It's so hard when our budgets are streched so thin... but you are doing a great job and no CCs - that's even better. I wish we had been that smart years ago, but live and learn, right?

I hope the weather wasn't too bad for you.

Oh great, I sure will. It will be on my husband's account since that is the one linked to my business account.

Maine looks beautiful! You all always seem to have so much fun, and yes you are pretty entertaining. LOL

We're good! Getting settled into our new house and getting things rolling again. That's very kind of you to say, it's getting there. I know I have told you this before, but if I hadn't read your very first PTR I don't think I would have ever given sewing/crafting a try!

It looks like you and Josh had a nice Father's Day weekend.

I LOVE the mickey envelope system. Can I tell you, I am so relieved to read we aren't the only ones who go to WDW and are on the dave plan. LOL Our trips are pretty much our Mothers Day/Fathers Day/Birthday/Christmas/Valentines/you name it gifts to one another, but now that Jonah is getting older we will have to rethink that strategy.

Yes, Maine was amazing! And so were the girls I was with... Truly cherished friendships there.

Yay - glad to hear you are getting settled! I am happy to hear that I inspired you to change direction in your life - to a path you'd never considered... And look at how successful you are!!! So proud of you!!!

Hehehe... I agree... I try to make our trips account for some sort of milestone... it would be easier to justify if Josh enjoyed these trips too, but sadly - he doesn't, so I have to find other ways to justify them. I have a friend on FB (who is also a Diser) and she has made her family Christmas/Birthday gifts every year - rather than things - they give eachother "moments"... So, mostly it's Disney trips - but other trips too. I wish I would have thought of that for the girls... because I GUARANTEE you, they remember every single Disney trip (or other trip) - but Barbies/toys/other things, not so much. I wish I could have started them on "moments" as gifts when they were young - we'd have far more family memories together, had we done this... The memories would still be there - but the toys are mostly broken and long gone (aside from our AG stuff). And besides - who wouldn't LOVE opening a Disney trip under the tree??? I'd be beside myself with joy at just the prospect of it.

I love that wallet!! So cute! And way to go for sticking to a budget. I'm terrible at that. We had some wicked storms last night here too...the dog (and kids) were terrified and we are all tired today!!

What a great Fathers' day weekend you had!

Thanks!!! It's not easy - but now it's at the point where it's necessary, whether it's easy or not. It's time to get serious and make it work. Thankfully - none of my trips are included in our "budget" - so I don't have to worry about any of them being in jeopardy...

Sorry to hear about the storms you had. Usually I am terrified of storms... I was in a pretty bad tornado when I was 5, and I still have a lot of residual stuff from that... Then I was in another one in 2008 - that was terrifying... So, whenever a storm comes close - I become a wreck! I hope you all are OK now though.

Thanks! It was wonderful - very low key and just nice.

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Checking in again in the afternoon... Not sure why this is becoming more frequent these days? Sometimes, it just happens to be when I can grab a few spare minutes.

Well, I am childless this week. Whoa!!! Not sure what to do with myself?

Allison is at Yearbook Camp for the remainder of the week.

V is at BFF's house helping with her garage sale.

So, it's just me and the boys (Josh included).

Not really in the mood to make dinner tonight... We have a bit of cash in the Dining Out fund... So, I am going to see if that interests Josh at all when he gets home... After all, I am a tightwad at heart - and if we can eat out cheaper because there is only 2 of us, then so be it. LOL

I am trying to finish up for the week in my sewing room by tomorrow - and so far, I am on track to do that. We leave for the lake on Saturday as a family for 11 days of relaxation... The dogs are coming with, but 2 friends of mine is staying at our house while we are gone to take care of Lottie and just be here... It's so nice of them to do that! I always worry that something will happen while we are gone, this is the first time we've gotten a house sitter, and I am much more relieved about it.

So, the remainder of the week will look like this...

Tomorrow, I plan to finish up in my sewing room for the week. I also have to make home-made mayo. Literally - I have this on my to-do list. LOL

Thursday, I will be grocery shopping - not only for the lake, but for my friends who are house sitting - just so they have something to eat around here. This will be a BIG grocery shopping trip, I've been prepping my list for almost 2 weeks... Planning salads to make and menus for while we are at the lake... I am sure I told you all that one year - before Josh and I were married, we went to the lake for 4 days, didn't bring any food with us and we starved because there wasn't much locally (at that time) where we could shop. So, now I am obsessive about making sure every single meal is planned out and we have enough - usually we have TOO MUCH, but I'd rather have too much than not enough.

Friday, I will be doing laundry, making salads and packing... Have I told you all that I love going to the lake? I enjoy it so much!

I hate to say it, but I probably won't be doing any replies while we are there, all I will have with me is my tablet and it's really hard to do replies from that. I will check in when I can (probably more often than I have been lately) and post a few photos.

I couple of pictures for you all... First is "family game night" last night...

Then MM and SC cuddling and sharing so nicely... I had SC in to the vet today to have his nails trimmed - and he is weighing in at 34.1lbs! BIG boy!!!

(And, yes, I know - my floors are always a mess... "Someone" always thinks he needs to bring a stick into the house with him - then proceeds to chew it to smithereens... Better that - than my dining room furniture...)

Anyways... I hope you all have a great week, I hope to be able to check in once or twice over the next few days. Prayers and Pixie Dust go out to all of you - as always.

D~