My youngest is home with a fever. Where did our immunity go this winter?! This makes for a day off for me, but I'm thankful for my job's flexibility to do this.

She is mostly sleeping, so I will hit more of my to-do list, that never-ending list. The pile (of desk papers) got filed over the weekend, as well as the old stuff from the files pulled. I still need to shred them. I received a number of w-2s and 1099s, but still not all. Should be able to get the taxes done by early Feb nontheless.

I pulled out a package of the cutup ham from the freezer, and will make up scalloped potatoes and ham in the crockpot for dinner tonight.

We found out yesterday that my husband's company had been sold (officially - we knew it was going to happen, but didn't know exactly when.) Within minutes of the purchase, layoffs were made at each branch across the country, though thankfully not my husband. He did lose two vacation days though, which is far easier to lump compared to losing a job.

I have such a mixture of emotions - feeling bad for his coworkers, thankful for husband still having a job, and the pressing need to really batton down our finance hatches. At least, we're at a place where we could get through a layoff, if need be, along with the opportunity to be even better prepared. Staying positive...

We're in the second week of our groceries, and holding steady. I'm feeling like making a nice pot of chili for tonight. A pan of brownies would be nice too.

Busy Saturday already - oldest daughter off to the pool job, youngest off on a day's adventure with her girl scout troop, second daughter just arrived back from a friend's youth lock-in, third woke up from sleeping in (needed - she was one of the sickies this week.) Husband is off to police station to do a bit of work on their card access system. As for me, that pile to file IS going to get done - enough with the procrastination! (In reality, it'll probably take all of 20 minutes, if that even.) Usually once I get going, I keep going, so I have my to-do list handy...take that, inertia!!

Enjoy your weekend...take care!

My third daughter is home sick today. I think illness has taken up residence with us! The nerve of it, too - I've been a fiend with the Lysol.

I just received a call for a bulk mailing of preschool brochures to go out at the end of next week - a bit more money on the paycheck. Plus my supervisor said she mentioned my name to our Community Ed. program for bulk mailing the school's Sr. class party mailer. More potential income...yay!

Yesterday, a coworker gave me a bag of clothes cleaned out of her middleschooler's closet. My two middle girls had the clothes divided in literally seconds. It's funny - my third daughter was needing some pants too, and there were two pairs that fit perfect. Someone is looking out for us, that's for sure.

Dinner will be tacos, laundry is done, house straightened...boring, but nice.

Temps are pretty cold with the windchill, but better than yesterday (and tomorrow, by the sounds of it.) This is more like MN. And the price at the gas pump is surprisingly not too bad - I think I must have missed some news piece about why, but I'll relish it while it lasts!

Enjoy your day and take care!

My oldest stayed home not feeling well, but the rest of us are back to work and school. My lunch and water are packed for work. I work through lunchtime today, then I'll visit my mom at the nursing home before heading home. I've heard some local nursing homes are restricting visitors, but at my mom's place, visitors are requested to wash hands and make use of the numerous bottles of hand sanitizer. Winter is a hard time of year at the nursing home, that's for sure.

I got as far as I could with tax gathering yesterday. Now, to wait patiently for statements to arrive...I can try! I still need to file the pile (of papers,) but I left that fun for this afternoon.

As it is Wednesday, tonight's dinner is in the crockpot - spaghetti. Then I send the girls off to church activities for the evening, and help as needed with homework for the younger two.

Enjoy your day and take care!

My husband went back to work yesterday, after having some vacation time following Christmas. The girls headed back to school today, except my youngest. She wasn't feeling well, so I'm keeping her home another day. I have a staff meeting tomorrow, but won't start back in class until Monday. A few days to get some stuff done around here, almost alone...

For today - Laundry (continually everpresent!) Get bills paid out. File the teetering pile of papers on my desk, which will then allow me to start to pull together items for tax time. With our incredible medical bills over the past year, I'm sure I'll be able to itemize our deductions. Once I fill out the forms, I'm having my brother look over everything, as the last time we itemized was at least fouteen years ago. I usually don't mind doing our taxes, but I'm definitely not in that frame of mind this year. Oh well, I'll be glad when they are done (how's that for positive!)

I also need to get over to the nursing home to sign the papers for a new medicine for my mom that I gave a verbal ok for on the weekend. She continues to decline, and it's taking more meds to keep her less agitated. Alzheimer's is really a hideous disease.

I need to throw something in the crockpot - maybe minestrone or spaghetti - as it is Wed, with church activities back on the calendar. I just need to get back into our schedule again, and not with my feet dragging!

Take care!

...some emergency medical stuff with my oldest (things are going ok now,) a coworker's 47yo husband had a massive heart attack and after several days passed away (the service is this afternoon,)work, getting ready for school, middle school sports that start the week before school's start, appointments, appointments and more appointments. Whew!

Almost all of the above have taken money, but either was planned or taken care of with our checking account cushion, thankfully.

The upcoming long weekend is gratefully void of anything scheduled. My family and I need to recharge before the headlong rush into the school year.

Take care!

This afternoon, my third daughter got a call from our local librarian saying that she had won a drawing, and could come pick out a book of her choice. When we arrived at the library, we found that she had also won a second drawing for two tickets for our upcoming state fair. Lucky girl! What's neat is that my husband and I were just talking of going to the fair, as our oldest will be competing there with her fire department explorer group. Two less tickets to buy is grand!

On the work front, I got a call today that we can put in a bit of extra hours this week and next, as we are preparing for a big open house on the 25th, as well as school's start in September. This is in addition to the 'ready for Kindergarten' classes I'm already doing these next two weeks. They didn't have to ask me twice! May our luck continue...take care!

We're back from our camping trip up north. It was so fun and relaxing. We spent lots of time in the water - swimming in Lake Superior and under Gooseberry Falls. Roasting hot dogs and marshmallows over campfires at night. My second daughter discovered a talent at making pancakes, so we had several breakfasts featuring her artistic creations (round is boring, mom!)

During the requisite laundry catch-up, I spent time gathering together my youngest's outgrown clothes, as well as checking out the rest of the girls' closets. Altogether I had eight bags of clothes, shoes and miscellaneous household clutter to donate at our favorite place. Yesterday afternoon, we made a run to make the donation, as well as check out their thrift shop for clothes for school. I told the cashier that we were leaving with almost as much as we donated. Well, only four bags...but good deals nonetheless. Still looking for some jeans for the two youngest, but not desperate yet.

We're almost school-ready. I have the bulk of the school supplies bought (just a couple things that I need from the art and office supply stores.) My mother-in-law offered to buy the girls their gym shoes - the oldest and youngest are done, still have the middle two to do. Yay all around!

The next two weeks, I'm working the 'Ready, Set, Kindergarten' class. I need to get out of vacation mode, and back to real life! I have to plan out meals for the next two weeks, make the gocery list, and then head to the bread thrift and grocery stores. I'll definitely be out of vacation made by today's end! Take care!!

Tomorrow morning we leave on our camping trip. Today we run errands, clean up the house and pack up the van.

We have our neighbor girl take care of the animals and water the flowers. She is worth every dollar I pay her - our old dog needs to be let out four times over the day, she plays and pets the cats and guinea pig who feel quite abandoned, and she keeps the goldfish safe from being a cat snack. Our house and animals are safe under her care - one thing to not have to think about while away.

Now, my mom is another thing...I visited her yesterday, and left our trip info with the staff. I take along my cell phone, but unfortunately I have limited reception up north. I'll check messages daily when we're in or passing near Duluth. It' funny, I can go weeks without a call from the nursing home, but as soon as I'm on vacation, which is always camping with poor phone reception, I get calls every time, and by chance catch them as we are near a town or a dell tower. I think this is the trade-off for having an easy time with pet care arrangements.

Otherwise, my visit with my mom had some good and bad. The good is that my mom is finally out of the wheelchair. After breaking her hip last December (knocked over accidentally by another resident,) she got through surgery and was rehabilitating well, until she developed sores on her feet in February, and was ordered into the chair until healed. Just last week, she was given the ok to be back on her feet with the walker (no one thought to call me for this!) Anyway, talking to Mom about it, she doesn't ever recall having to use the wheelchair (I didn't even mention the broken hip - ha!)

The bad isn't horrible, just a part of her Alzheimer's progression. She was talking about "Daddy" a lot. She has always called my dad that when she talks to me. So she said Daddy had been here. I repeated back, "Oh, Dad was here?" She looks me in the eye and says, "Not your daddy, my daddy!" Later, she saw the nursing home social worker (male) and kept saying he's her daddy. He's probably in his mid to late-twenties. I'm trying to see the resemblance, and it's probably more about some interaction they've had. She was also talking about her childhood house in Wisconsin. Something must have got her thinking of her childhood. I'm grateful she still knows who I am (not quite sure how I fit into her childhood thought mode.)

Well, enough of a ramble for now...take care!

Last night, I took the girls to our local night out event. My husband is in the police reserve unit, so was already there grilling a ton of hamburgers and hot dogs. Very fun to see friends and neighbors, even in the rain...can you believe after weeks of blazing sun and drought, we had rain through the day, and a downpour right during the event?! We were all so relieved to not have 100 degree weather, that no one cared getting soaked.

Today is beautiful and predicted to be in 70s - no window a/c's, no fans, laundry on the line. Yay!

The youngest two girls are attending our church's vbs this week, and my second is a teacher's helper. Tonight the oldest two will go to a bbq at one of the congregant's (beautiful!) home. Then tomorrow evening is the family potluck for all the vbs students, staff and families. It's an easy week for dinner, that's for sure!

We're all looking forward to our camping trip. Food is all bought, and in the freezer or safely stashed. We'll pack the van up on Saturday, and leave early Sunday. Can't wait!

So as to not have to scramble when we get back (coupled with catching stuff on sale,)the girls and I finished buying the rest of the school supplies they need for September. When we get back, we'll search for athletic shoes for school - and I have some coupons for those.

Enjoy the day....take care!

We're heading for the 90s and high dewpoints again. Luckily, the three younger are auditioning for a play in the a/c high school, so we'll be staying cool for the afternoon.

I'm trying to get as much done this morning as possible, before we leave for the auditions. I need to schedule appts to the doctor's. Drop off and pick up my oldest from her pool job. A bank run. Figure out a cooler dinner than the one I was planning. Then after I run out of everything else to do, I am tackling my upstairs hallway (aka the place where everything gets tossed until I make decisions about what to do with it all - instead of a junk room, I have a junk hallway!) With this being my first week off for the summer, I'm feeling the pressure to get started on my summer to-do list, before summer is no longer. I've also been thinking seriously about going for a different position at the school, where I'd work the whole school day, every day school is in session (I know, I know, like a real job!) I can picture my days then really whizzing by...still going over the pro and cons of taking on such a position.

Enjoy your day...take care!

We're back in the 80s again - yay! I even got to use my oven for tonight's dinner.

I worked today, hung the laundry on the line, and then headed to the lake with the youngest two. Wow, I can imagine everyone thinking, this is what she does EVERY day. Simple, even boring if you wish, is fine for us!

Tomorrow we go to my oldest's medical appt, and we'll be near Target and the first of their back-to-school sales. I'm checking over what school supplies I put away at the end of the school year (a whole six weeks ago!), and am figuring out what we need. The medical facility is close enough to Target, so I'll only buy what's on sale and priced well this week. It's a poky way to get the four girls' supplies bought, but it does keep the total spent down (Mom only buys what is on her list for that week!)

I will also try to visit my mom in between work and the dr appt. Last week I got a call from my mom, and I was so taken aback, as I hadn't heard her voice on the phone in over three years. Before her Alzheimer's (and earlier on in the disease,) we talked almost daily on the phone. We tried having a phone in her room in assisted living for a while, but she got confused and upset with it, so we discontinued the service. It took me a few moments to really understand it was Mom on the phone. It turned out that the nursing home staff were having a hard time settling her into bed, and they thought a call to me would help. It did, and when I visited the next day, she didn't remember anything of what had upset her the night before. We are starting to see an increase in her agitation, but she still has many good days. I remind myself all the time to enjoy the good in each day, and try not think too far ahead.

At least with having a number of things to attend to in my life, I can never wallow in one part. (I may have spent too much time in the sun on the lake - what a ramble today!) Take care!!

Not much happening here. Several hot and humid days in a row has slowed us down. Thankfully, the predicted temp of 100 has not happened so far today, though the dewpoint is making for a very steamy day. The lake has been the only place to be lately!

My husband and I both got payed on Friday. So I headed to the grocery store and spent less than usual for the next two weeks. This was due to having leftover meals from the previous two weeks, as it's been too hot to cook inside the house, and no one is all that hungry in this heat anyway. With fans running when we're inside and all night (no a/c, at least) - well, we'll probably come out just about even, when the electric bill comes.

Otherwise, I've taken the plunge and signed up for some of the freebies in the forum area. My worry in doing this has been mentioned a few times in others' blogs - a deluge of junk mail. Others have posted that they haven't had that happen, plus receiving some coupons, as well as the samples, would be nice. Anyway, if I don't like the result, I figure I can redo measures in reducing the junk mail flow.

I just heard from my oldest, who traveled on a mission trip to a Montana Crow Reservation. She is back in MN, and is due to arrive around dinnertime. My second girl has her bag packed, and is ready to head out with a friend to her church camp up in northern MN tomorrow morning. Whew! Coming and going...

Plans to grill tonight, IF anyone is hungry (the sun is just starting to peak out from the clouds - we may hit 100 yet)...stay cool & take care!

Got my oldest sent off to her mission trip yesterday morning. The whole crew looked like they will have a great time.

Didn't get a lot done yesterday, beyond the usual laundry and meals. I did clean out the computer area though. Every so often, I pause at the computer and admire how nice it all looks (mostly 'cause I know it won't last!) I have a few of the younger aged computer games and educational discs to donate.

Later we watched a couple movies from the video store - Eight Below and Cheaper by the Dozen 2. I didn't think my youngest was going to make it through the first one! Luckily we watched the second one before bed - laughing is a far better way to go off to sleep for sure.

I saw my first school supply ad this past week. As much as I don't want to acknowledge the thought of September, I'll need to start collecting those 10cent deals as they come about. I have the three youngest girls' supply lists, and the oldest needs just basic supplies to start, with her high school classes providing supply lists, if any, after school starts. Ok, enough with the school thoughts!

Redirecting thoughts to our vacation plans immediately! We have our main annual camping trip the first whole week in August. We head north toward Duluth and the North Shore, and we all can hardly wait. We have money set aside in the savings for this. We can do this trip fairly inexpensively, mostly spending for gas, camping site fees (state park, cheap) and a mid-week food restock (we tent camp and use coolers and ice for the food.) There is a bunch of free things to do in Duluth (a port city on Lake Superior,) as well as at the state parks, Gooseberry Falls and along the North Shore of Lake Superior. So we get city and nature all in one trip. Can hardly wait - I know I said this already, but it's true!

We have a second set of vacation days later in August. We may do a smaller camping trip (this is the trip each year that we explore a new-to-us state park.) Or we may enjoy a few days at home. Depends on money and energy level at that point.

Enjoy your Sunday...take care!

We had power go out one night last weekend, and the computer wouldn't come back on. My husband has been working overtime, and my computer knowledge lacks in any sort useful skills, so we had to wait until he had the time to look at it (and it took all of two minutes, wouldn't you know!)

Our family had a great little break at home over the holiday weekend (my husband and I both had Monday off.) We used our zoo membership, and went on a gorgeous day with the youngest two girls. We swam a few times at our favorite beach. On the 4th, we went to a bbq at my inlaws, and later went to a firework display at the next town over from us. In between, we had lots of time to sleep in and read and relax. It was definitely a struggle to get back into work mode on Wednesday - enjoying the relaxation way too much!!

Otherwise, we're continuing to luck out with line drying weather for the laundry, eating at home (lots of grilling) and enjoying summer (need to bank warm weather memories for the winter!)

Tomorrow morning, my oldest daughter leaves for a mission trip with the youth from our church. They are driving out to a Montana Crow reservation for service work and some sightseeing. She's looking forward to the trip, and is packed and ready for the early morning departure. She's a seasoned traveler, so I'm excited for her (this is far less embarassing for her than having anxious, worried Mom waving goodbye, as the crew sets off on their journey.)

My husband's last paycheck with a slug of overtime, as well as my better-than-nothing check, helped pay off the final amount on the mission trip, the vet bill and a too large prescription mail-order. I try so hard to stagger the med orders, especially the expensive, no generic available ones, but with some recent med changes, I got caught this time. Well, luck was with us, as there was extra on the paychecks. May we always stay this lucky - I like this lucky!

And, gosh, here we are at the start of another weekend, with no plans, which is my very favorite kind. May you all enjoy your favorite sorts of weekend...take care!

Getting settled into the new work schedule, having the girls off from school and enjoying summertime activities has left me with less time to make entries here. But everything is going great!

I'll end up receiving continuous paychecks throughout most of the summer, due to working at least some each pay period. Some checks will be tiny, but nonetheless welcome! I'm almost half way through my summer position. I'm enjoying the work with the special ed. middle and high schoolers for these few weeks, but I really, really appreciate my regular position in the preschool.

I'm continuing to grocery shop every two weeks, and have been keeping to budget. There is a difference in having the girls home, though. They are slowly figuring out that if they go crazy the first week, there isn't so much left for the second week. It isn't the food I use for meals, it's more the 'fun' stuff, like ice cream and snacks and stuff for baking. There were a couple times last week that I could have ran for things at the grocery, but I held my ground to make the point of spreading out the consumption (plus we were hardly going to starve!) I grocery shop today, so it'll be interesting to see what happens these next two weeks. (Gosh, I'm probably sounding like an evil, conniving mom, but I promise you, I won't let my girls suffer malnutrition!)

The girls had birthday money to spend, so we went to Target yesterday. They did well, spending a bit for fun. They saved some too, when they realized there wasn't anything they needed or wanted right now. As for me, I bought a box fan on sale - we had our old one fall out of the window it was in, and some of the blades broke. I didn't need or want anything else either.

Happy July! Take care!

Got the two middle girls off to our church camp in Wisconsin. Second daughter was an old pro at this, and third daughter linked up with a girl from our church very readily. They went off to explore the camp so quickly, that I almost missed a goodbye hug and kiss (almost - I tracked her down!) I feel better about it all, and think they'll have a great time.

The rest of us ate out cheaply as planned on the way home. Then after dropping me off at home, my husband and the two girls headed down to help his parents drop off their van for repair work. (It must be the week for this!)

Today was for sleeping in - accomplished (not my husband - I sent him off to work.) Laundry - another nice day to hang it out on the line. Bills and checkbook - need to catch that up and look ahead at expenses.

We are reaching the limit on medical visits for my oldest, so we are taking on the cost of one visit a week at full cost, and not putting it through the insurance, to help carry her more expensive visits a few more weeks longer. We're working on an appeal, but I'm not sure if it will work.

Between my oldest's visits, and now my third daughter's starting up, plus our medicine copays, we're paying on the equivalent of two brand-new vehicle loans. My husband and I laugh, because we never thought we could afford one, let alone two, new vehicles. I guess, as it turns out, it's a good thing we didn't, as we wouldn't have the money for all the medical expenses we have at the moment. And while it hasn't been easy, I am amazed and thankful how much play our income has ended up having. It's wild how 'little' money it seemed we had before, compared to how much we've been required to accomodate lately (25% of our income for medical.) And, so far, I am proud to say, our emergency fund is still intact, with plans to keep it that way. I can hardly wait until we get through with some this medical stuff - not only for my daughters and my family, but just to see what we will do financially. Life is looking good today.

Wow, enough for now...take care!

Yesterday, my husband's work van needed some more repair work, so in the morning I followed in our van to pick him up. I then headed north to drop him off at his office, so he could work on programming a security system for the Fargo job, which he'll head to again sometime during the next week. I went home and worked in the garden and kitchen, and on the everpresent laundry. Later in the afternoon, I picked him up at the office, headed south to the repair place, and came home. Lots of gas used, but OT and a working van are good things.

Later we grilled hamburgers, and packed up my two middle girls for our church's camp in Wisconsin. We leave today after lunch. This is my third daughter's first time to camp, so we wanted to take her and settle her in, as are most of the families. The camp is a couple hours away. The families all chipped in to pay for renting a school bus from our area for pickup, however, with gas prices as they are.

I'm not sure how much I can take in a few day's time - my third daughter's 5th grade graduation and off to camp. She's my little homebody, but wants to spread her wings, hard as it is for her. I'm doing pretty good at being positive for her, while keeping my anxiety of her anxiety to myself. Growing up is hard to do - both for the kids and the moms!

Of course, having my oldest practicing her driving to and from camp may prove distracting enough, or cause a different sort of anxiety altogether!

It sounds like an exhausting sort of day - anticipating no sleep troubles tonight! Take care!

The girls went to school with mixed emotions - a bit sad for school to be ending, but happy for the end of the homework. We dropped off teacher gifts, and took photos. This afternoon is the 5th grade graduation for my third daughter. How my girls seem to be racing through their school years!

Met with a friend for coffee (used another giftcard) and celebrated her upcoming birthday. We always meet the first and last days of school (and in between too.) It seemed like we were just talking of what the school year will present, and here we are summing up how it went. A sentimental day...

I had a giftcard from a preschooler for a local restaurant that I had thought to use tonight to end the school year nicely, but the three older are all going to parties - either birthday or year-end - so I'll save it for a night we can all be together. My youngest can help me make a homemade pizza instead, which will be fun.

I guess not much financially happening - kind of in auto mode lately, as another blogger I think called it. This is better than out-of-control high anxiety mode any day - just makes for boring daily blog material! I do like that I'm making use of the 'making do, using up, do without' category a lot more often now. Enjoy your day...take care!

..then I'll hang the laundry out in our gorgeous warm weather.

My TTH preschool class ended last week, so I'm off today. Wow, I'm here without anyone home! I don't think this has happened all school year. Hmm, the possibilities seem endless of what I can do today...all alone. Well, there is that laundry and plenty of house straightening to do. I'm sure I'll come up with something, once I get myself off this computer!

Spent two hours on the phone yesterday talking with the various departments of our health insurance. I wanted to make sure there wasn't something we were missing in maximizing our benefits. I also started checking with the State and our county on possible help. Thanks for the suggestions...it's definitely a road I wish I wasn't on, but as a mom, there is absolutely no other choice than to be on it. We inch and hurtle along the way as the ride requires. We will get through this, I know. I always say, such drama I have in my quiet little life!

The wash cycle has ended...so onto my day's work. Take care!

Work was busy today - the kids definitely sense the school year's end!

Got the laundry up on the line. It's not real breezy, but there's enough air moving to do the job.

I'm going to do a little straightening around the house. The girls are having some friends over after school, and later we'll do some grilling.

My husband will go over to help his parents out tomorrow morning. I know of two school projects for my youngest to get started on this weekend. Tomorrow I'll head to the thrift bread store and do my grocery shopping for the next two weeks. And last, we're packing the camp gear into the big van for our camping trip over Memorial weekend. The week is looking very busy, and we want to leave Friday after the girls get home from school. I can hardly wait!

The weekend is shaping up nice - just enough activity to keep us from being total slugs, but plenty of relaxing time too.

Enjoy your weekend! Take care!!

Worked extra today - getting ready for the Tuesday-Thursday preschool class' final day field trip on Thursday. The kids were squirrely today, though luckily, we could play a long while outside.

Payed off the last of the hospital bills from March. The facility that my oldest goes to weekly (and sometimes more often) is helping us look into a way to continue her treatment. Our insurance contract limits what they'll cover in my daughter's treatment, and the cost is way beyond what we can afford. We're getting close to when all of the treatment will be our responsibility.

The place has offered to write up an appeal, though the insurance company says there would no point, as our contract has limitations. I figure there's no harm in doing it. Another possibility is to see if United Way has anything to offer - again the facility is looking into this. And last is taking out a medical loan, with a fee reduction, and making payments. At least, there are some options for us. I've been searching online for help beyond what medical insurance will pay for. I haven't been successful yet, but am still searching and calling around. I'm getting quite the lesson on the ins and outs of this new to us insurance!

I tried out a new rhubarb muffin recipe that the girls have been eating over the last few mornings. Very good! The continual rain of late has my rhubarb growing to massive size. Almost daily, I pick, and either use and freeze the stalks - a bumper crop!

Well, there is sun outside - a rare sight lately. The lawn is definitely overdue on mowing...so out I go! Take care!

Worked extra again today - finished the last touches on the Mother's Day gifts the preschoolers will take home to their moms tomorrow.

Trying to make some decisions about my oldest's medical path. I feel like we're at the limit of what we can handle to pay for (our portion after the insurance pays.) We visit with the dr today - maybe there will be more info to make a clearer decision about what we should do. All I know is my head is swimming from trying to work out the figures against what funds we have available, talking to the insurance company, and yes, helping my daughter get through it all too. Insurance seems to be a big game that I wish had easier instructions to wallow through.

The busyness of the day continues through the afternoon and evening. In a bit I pick up my oldest for her dr appt. Afterwards, we head from there to the schools again to pick up my two youngest from each of their Girl Scout meetings. We eat a very quick meal at home. Then head back to the school again for the 5th-8th grade year-end band concert, which include my two middle girls. Then onto the homework - yikes! Finally, the two youngest and I need to pack for an event at the Girl Scout camp this weekend. We stay overnight on Friday and spend the day doing activities - and I'm so not in the right frame of mind for it! I will give myself a stern talking to, and make a great effort for the girls. (Grumble, grumble - GS is great for the girls, but why, oh why is everything packed in at the end?? Ok, all done with that.)

Boy, enough of the whining for me...take care!

The two girls, who were sick yesterday, have recovered and headed off to school this morning. So far, no one else in the family has shown any signs of the illness. What luck so far!

I got a call last night to cover one of my co-workers on Wednesday over the lunch period. A few more dollars on my paycheck in face of the upcoming drought while I'm off for the summer.

It's been so crazy busy lately, between working extra hours and attending to the school year-end activities. It's hard to get to all of the frugal things I usually like to do. Luckily, we tend to live without, rather than throw money at what we're lacking - too busy to even spend! I'm relying heavily on my trusty crockpot and meal plan - haven't eaten out yet, in response to being too tired and busy. A big yay, as this is where money has flew out of our hands in the past.

Per family request - no crockpot dinner tonight. Once we're home today, we can stay home. I took some chicken out to defrost in the frig, and we'll grill it up. Shaping up to be a relaxing sort of evening...well, of course, there is the homework and school projects. At least we can be home and not in the van!

Enjoy your day...take care!

My oldest and third stayed home from school due to yucky tummies. (Please don't let this spread!!)

I went to work, and was able to sign up for some extra hours later this month and in June. Dollars to my paycheck!

Going to pull some more rhubarb for baking - it's growing like mad.

Time for the homework onslaught.

Take care!

I got a call today from the school's childcare program, asking if I wanted some sub hours. I prefer the preschool setting, but am willing to try doing the childcare. The director needed someone for earlier today, but I couldn't due to an orthodontist appt for my daughter. The second time was for Friday afternoon, but my oldest has a dr appt. I think I have the spending portion of my life down pat - need to work on that income part!

Oh well, I'll let her know when I'm generally available for the rest of this school year, and possibly a little to help her out this summer. Though after being at home with the girls for almost 12 years, and now only working when they are in school, I'm not too keen about being away when they're home. I'm blessed to even have the option of being home with them in the summer and school holidays. Very blessed.

Good news - we're still holding at seven pets at our house. The youngest brought home a note, stating that the crayfish her class have been raising are needing good homes. I looked at her, and she emphatically said, "No way, they pinch!" We did play a little joke on Daddy, though. He panicked for a moment at the thought of adding a crayfish to our menagerie. It's good to know we draw the line at crustaceans.

Enjoy your evening. Take care!

I picked the first rhubarb of the season. With our recent rains, the plants tripled in size practically overnight. I'm making muffins for afterschool snacks and lunches.

When I got married in 1984, my rhubarb was divided from plants at my parents' place. The rhubarb was there when they bought the place in 1963, and I suppose could have potentially been around since the house was built in the early 1900s. Wow, historical and free - what a combination!

In a bit, I head to the school for an IEP meeting for my youngest. Chicken stir fry is on the menu for tonight. The three younger girls are all having their state exams, so no homework for them tonight. My youngest participates with a monthly bookclub in her classroom, and they have free choice with this month's selection. She chose Secret Garden, and we'll read it together and make a good start on it tonight. It finally stopped raining this afternoon, though it's still cloudy and chilly. Definitely a good cuddle and read night. Take care!

After church, we did go to drop off our donations at the thrift shop and picked up our receipt. The family proceeded to peruse the aisles of the store. The girls and I all got something (my husband held out for the nearby hobby store.) Used a 20% off coupon the store had sent to me, plus found some items in the 50% off area. So did well, for cheap.

We went to the hobby shop, and my husband bought something he's been waiting a while for (no sale or coupon, but hey, he works hard and asks for little - plus the fact that it was inexpensive helped.)

Next, we went to a chinese/thai restaurant that we had a giftcard for, and were waiting to use. We paid a little beyond the card's value, but the gift made the restaurant affordable for the six of us. We traded food all around, so we all had tastes of six different dishes. It was fabulous!

Home again, we're all hanging out. My husband is ditzing with his new puchase. The two youngest playing games - pick-up sticks at the moment. My second is taking a shower. The oldest is vying for the computer (so I'm hurrying!)

No dinner to cook - we are stuffed. I'm thinking of relaxing with my 69 cent 'new' book I picked up from the shop earlier - Tales of a Female Nomad. Utter relaxation to enjoy...take care!

...when you're having fun!

Actually, life hasn't been too bad lately, just plain busy. The couple times I tried to make a new entry, I couldn't log in, so I'm glad it's working out for me today.

We had a fun long Easter weekend. My third daughter came home from her school trip on Thurday night, feeling very successful (no tearful calls home from a homesick girl!), tired and with lots of stories of her adventures. On Friday, everyone got up early to do yardwork in our beautiful summery Spring weather. Afterwards, we had moved into the house to clean and generally spruce up the interior. On Easter day, we had my husband's parents over for noon dinner, and later went to visit my mom at the nursing home (she's still in a wheelchair for her December hip break, and we would not have been able to get her to our door even, plus her stage of Alzheimer's makes it so hard to take her anywhere anymore - she gets so unsettled and anxious, and just wants to go back home. Can you tell I feel bad about this? This is the first Easter dinner without her. I know there is nothing to be done, but to do what's best for her. It just takes a bit of getting used to, I guess.) We took her dog along for the visit - she loves that old dog! It was a nice visit with my mom - the dog and girls always bring my mom a lot of attention, so she had fun being at the center of it all.

So it was back to work and school for us all today. I work extra this week - the last session of Kindergarten Connection. I also said yes to working a two-week session in August to get the kids ready and raring to go to Kindergarten in September. I'm off in the summer, and by August a bit of paycheck will be welcome.

We've seen online all that the insurance will pay toward my oldest's hospital stay in March, so will be prepared for the bills when they are sent out. We have the money set aside.

I'm getting a little edgy about upcoming expenses. Hospital charges - ok. Ongoing medical appointments - 25-75 per week - have been managing, but have been putting off the more non-pressing medical appts, and that can't go on too much longer. (Still saying to myself - be thankful that there is insurance!!)

My two middle girls are going to our church's camp in Wisconsin in June. My oldest is going on a mission trip to Wyoming in July. Between the girls' savings and work (at the pool and babysitting) and youth accounts at the church, I'm estimating that the amount I'll pay out to be $200-300, or so altogether.

We are camping over Memorial weekend - paid for! Just the gas (no small expense anymore!) to get there and we bring along food. We try to camp a couple other times over the summer - we'll have to see how we stabilize after paying off the hopsital and manage the ongoing medical expenses, once I'm not getting a paycheck.

Also, we got notice that my second daughter was recommended for a school trip to Wahington DC next Fall as an 8th grader. Her older sister did the trip, and we thought it was a wonderful experience. My oldest paid for over a third of the trip by working at the pool as a water safety aide in lessons. My second is applying for an aide position in our commnuity ed program over the summer - that would really be great news in making this trip a reality.

Well, enough for this entry - not the best at short and sweet! It's a beautiful day here in Minnesota, one that you dream about at Winter's darkest. I definitely need to find some puttering to do outside! Take care!

The pace of last week seems to be continuing into this weekend.

Early Saurday morning, I took my two youngest to run errands, while the rest of the house (family and guests) slept in. We went to the PO to get postage for the state taxes owed and some postcards for my third daughter while she's away next week for the 5th grade trip up north. We went to the bank to deposit a check and withdraw some cash for daughter's spending money for the trip. We headed to good old Target for a few remaining items for the trip (disposable cameras and underclothes) and some HH and health/beauty items. Then we went to our library to pick up our holds and some new books for the week. Everyone at home was at least up when we got back (won't say how energetic they were!) Then we puttered the rest of Saturday away with cleaning, washing laundry, cooking and making excuses to be outside in our gorgeous Spring weather.

Today is Palm Sunday, and our church has a Palm Procession with the younger kids which includes my youngest, and serves a youth fundraiser pancake breakfast, which involves my three oldest. I just have to get them there (we're the third house from our church, so not too hard) dressed appropriately (a little harder) and oh yeah, attend the service and breakfast!

Our fun plans for later in the day include helping my daughter get packed, get gas and groceries, and go to Petco for the seven beasties. Sunday is not my favorite day to grocery shop, but I have my list ready and will go right after the first church service, so it shouldn't be as bad as later (there seems to be a greater number of recreational shoppers on Sundays, which doesn't mesh well with my 'get in, get out' approach to shopping.)

Here's to hoping for a quieter week! Take care!!