http://littlegopher.savingadvice.com webmaster@savingadvice.com LittleGopher en-us http://littlegopher.savingadvice.com/2008/10/02/catching-up_43755/ The expenses have been settling down finally, though I did just write one more check for a field trip for my oldest. Back to getting my checks regular, and getting the savings built up again. <br /> <br /> It's been a beautiful fall, but the last few days were very cool. The temps have been... Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:57:16 PST dhenthorne@frontiernet.net (LittleGopher) http://littlegopher.savingadvice.com/2008/09/21/our-companys-left_43384/ ...we're down to six at our house again. We had such a wonderful visit with my brother, his wife and four kids from Anchorage. Their older two and our younger two are the same ages, and all the cousins had a blast. We had my other brother and wife come over yesterday for a bbq -... Sun, 21 Sep 2008 12:49:59 PST dhenthorne@frontiernet.net (LittleGopher) http://littlegopher.savingadvice.com/2008/09/06/a-bit-chatty-today_42958/ We all survived the first week of school! I did manage to keep on top of all of the papers (my homework as it's called) and the checkwriting (why do I ever think I'm done with just the supplies and shoes!) All fees and forms are complete - my girls are now free to attend school,... Sat, 06 Sep 2008 16:01:03 PST dhenthorne@frontiernet.net (LittleGopher) http://littlegopher.savingadvice.com/2008/08/22/easy-comeeasy-golaying-low_42437/ Boy, the last paycheck just shot of our house, between bills and back to school, coupled with no OT. Hmm, I think we start to enjoy that OT too much, then forget it's not always there.<br /> <br /> Oh well, this is where the 'laying low' comes in. There isn't anything we need, and nothing... Fri, 22 Aug 2008 08:31:59 PST dhenthorne@frontiernet.net (LittleGopher) http://littlegopher.savingadvice.com/2008/08/13/now-a-word-from-my-employer_42145/ Got my job assignment for the coming school year - pretty much the same as last year. I'll be working most of my hours with sp.ed. preschoolers and some with elementary and intermediate school sp. ed. students. How fast this summer has gone...<br /> <br /> My position is under a union contract,... Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:06:49 PST dhenthorne@frontiernet.net (LittleGopher) http://littlegopher.savingadvice.com/2008/08/12/cleaned-the-freezers_42086/ ...and dinner's in the crockpot. <br /> <br /> On Sunday, I cleaned out the chest freezer and the one on the kitchen frig. I also had to defrost our older model chest freezer. It wasn't too full, so it seemed like a good time for the job. I pulled its plug, and sorted its contents, getting... Tue, 12 Aug 2008 06:49:27 PST dhenthorne@frontiernet.net (LittleGopher) http://littlegopher.savingadvice.com/2008/08/01/this-that-and-everything_41713/ Not much happening lately. After a little time of spending - final payment on a Washington DC trip for the 8th grader, a sports registration fee, some school supplies sale shopping, etc. - we're in a blessed quiet time money-wise.<br /> <br /> We've been heading to the beach nearly every day... Fri, 01 Aug 2008 08:22:51 PST dhenthorne@frontiernet.net (LittleGopher) http://littlegopher.savingadvice.com/2008/07/21/another-summer-day_41356/ Sent the girls off for their last week of working mornings at the pool. I finished my summer session last week.<br /> <br /> My goal this week is to work through the pile on my desk. Then I'll help my two youngest with their room - clearing out the old stuff mostly. My youngest is slowly... Mon, 21 Jul 2008 08:16:28 PST dhenthorne@frontiernet.net (LittleGopher) http://littlegopher.savingadvice.com/2008/07/18/money-inmoney-outmoney-saved_41262/ I got a check on Tuesday, and my husband got his yesterday. Oh, the ways to spend them!<br /> <br /> After the deluge of recent medical, things have settled down - finally! In a bit I'll head to the grocery for our two week shopping. <br /> <br /> I do have a Target list, and a pack of girls who want... Fri, 18 Jul 2008 06:03:53 PST dhenthorne@frontiernet.net (LittleGopher) http://littlegopher.savingadvice.com/2008/07/17/working-onloose-ends-_41225/ My husband had his eye dr appt yesterday, and he needed glasses. No getting by with drug store cheapies. I told him he was getting old - ha! So another $100, exam copay included. This is the end of our vision care needs, for this year anyway!<br /> <br /> A lot of loose ends got tied up... Thu, 17 Jul 2008 06:35:13 PST dhenthorne@frontiernet.net (LittleGopher) http://littlegopher.savingadvice.com/2008/07/15/more-medical-spending_41154/ I took my two youngest girls to the eye dr yesterday. The 13 yr old got her first pair of glasses last year, and a had significant change at this exam. So she picked out a new pair. My youngest checked out fine in her exam, and no glasses necessary. On Wednesday, my husband has... Tue, 15 Jul 2008 06:30:53 PST dhenthorne@frontiernet.net (LittleGopher) http://littlegopher.savingadvice.com/2008/07/09/a-little-side-job-woes_40987/ Yesterday afternoon, I worked on a little side job. Even though I changed positions within the school district, my old place still keeps my mailbox filled and offers me the job of processing their bulk mailings. I get paid by the hour, and it's a quick way to earn a little pocket... Wed, 09 Jul 2008 06:30:39 PST dhenthorne@frontiernet.net (LittleGopher) http://littlegopher.savingadvice.com/2008/07/07/spurts-of-spending_40930/ ...or maybe more like gushes! Nothing too out of ordinary, but still... <br /> <br /> My two oldest and I went to the eye dr today. We all wear glasses, and we all needed new prescriptions (it's been four years on the current glasses, so not too unexpected.) The girls said it's like shopping!... Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:19:11 PST dhenthorne@frontiernet.net (LittleGopher) http://littlegopher.savingadvice.com/2008/07/05/wow-its-been-forever_40864/ All I can say is that life and computer issues get in the way sometimes. <br /> <br /> A little update - I've updated all of my girls ages, the latest birthday just this past week. We have added a new driver as of May. My oldest bought her own car in May, and we added another cheap used car... Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:08:33 PST dhenthorne@frontiernet.net (LittleGopher) http://littlegopher.savingadvice.com/2007/10/13/glorious-fall-day_31112/ Sunny, 60s for temp, leaves have changed, but haven't fallen...exemplary fall day here in MN.<br /> <br /> And my plans for this gorgeous day?? I've already gone shopping for more clothes for my mom - with being in the wheelchair and having aid at mealtimes, she's gained weight and outgrown... Sat, 13 Oct 2007 12:15:27 PST dhenthorne@frontiernet.net (LittleGopher) http://littlegopher.savingadvice.com/2007/10/08/catching-up_30927/ How busy the last month has been! Between school's start and my new job and my husband's job, along with the girls' few activities - whew!<br /> <br /> I've now worked long enough to get three paychecks, and all I can say is that it's so nice to write out the bills and have the funds ready.... Mon, 08 Oct 2007 14:25:57 PST dhenthorne@frontiernet.net (LittleGopher) http://littlegopher.savingadvice.com/2007/09/10/work-is-working-out_30131/ It always take a week or two for us to adjust back to school and work. Last week I was tired, and my head was swimming by the end of each day. This week is going smoother so far (one day, I know - ha!)<br /> <br /> I get my first paycheck later this week (I thought it would be on the 30th.)... Mon, 10 Sep 2007 18:28:39 PST dhenthorne@frontiernet.net (LittleGopher) http://littlegopher.savingadvice.com/2007/09/03/oh-the-excitement_29904/ Not a lot happening this weekend - just working at the odds and ends that are endlessly on the to-do list.<br /> <br /> We helped out my inlaws around their house. My husband and I are starting to see a need to schedule a bit more time over there to keep things up better, as their health keeps... Mon, 03 Sep 2007 14:22:58 PST dhenthorne@frontiernet.net (LittleGopher) http://littlegopher.savingadvice.com/2007/08/31/i-have-a-new-job_29836/ I interviewed on Tuesday, and was offered a position late this afternoon. I accepted, and called my current supervisor and co-worker to let them know, and with their well-wishes, I start on Tuesday. <br /> <br /> I'll assist the preschoolers who are in the school district's special ed program.... Fri, 31 Aug 2007 18:48:15 PST dhenthorne@frontiernet.net (LittleGopher) http://littlegopher.savingadvice.com/2007/08/14/its-august-and-time-for-an-entry_29241/ Wow, how fast this summer is going!<br /> <br /> I finished up my summer position at the end of July. My last check for this work will come tomorrow. I will start back after Labor Day, so I'll be without a check for about a month. <br /> <br /> Much of the expenses for this time of year have been covered.... Tue, 14 Aug 2007 06:38:37 PST dhenthorne@frontiernet.net (LittleGopher)