Sent DD2 a referral to open an ING account, which she did this morning and I have received the $10 referral bonus...so my $20 Challenge is now at:

$127.63 + $10 = $137.63....I am well on my way to that next benchmark of $200!!! I think I will scope out some more cans to turn in this week!!!

Woo-hoo!

Ok, I decided to 'snap out of it'....took a hot shower and finished the housework...then finished dinner (turned out really yummy....mexi food)

Now DH and DD3 are watching the country music awards. And I am just relaxing.

The tax return...well, we got $600...we decided to give $50 to DD3 to use on school clothes...she got a great report card and has been helping out alot.

$200 will go to the Freedom account for unforseen emergencies and the rest ($350) will go to our cc bill. I hate having an outstanding debt...but this was accumulated from a dental bill, a broken well bladder and 40 year old plumbing (cast iron pipes and boron don't mix well...especially after 40 years) after we pay the $350, we will still have $1500 to go...I am budgeting to have that paid off in a year.

So...easy come, easy go!

It has been a strange day for me...kindof like the weather right now...the sun is shining, but its also raining...

I have dinner planned ...but i want to go out...

Our tax return check came and I pledged it towards our outstanding cc...but I want to put it in savings and have some fun with it...

A little more housework to do, but not motivated...

Ever have one of those days??? Just feeling off-kilter...

I successfully completed a week of stair climing...so Ive added another $14 to my challenge...bringing the total to $119.63.

Ive also decided to add 10% of the savings from yesterdays grocery shopping trip...rounding up =$8 which brings the new total to $127.63!! yessss!

Today, we are going on our 'In-Season' hours for the business..which means DD1 and GD will come out everyday. (She has only been coming out 1-2 times per week since GD was born last Septemeber for winter hours) Im looking forward to having them here.

UPDATE on opening accounts:
The Wells fargo account opened just fine.

The BofA account is requiring more action before they can open (want me to visit a branch to make the initial deposit, or mail one in) So I will take care of that today.

I gathered all my coupons and sales flyers together this afternoon and decided to go to one store and see how well I could do.

We needed a ham for next weekend....but they were on such a great sale I bought two...one for the week and one for the brunch next weekend. Alot of bogo's with coupons in addition....Ended up spending $52 after saving over $78!!!! the receipt said I saved over 58%!!! and I bought only things we will use. In addition, because I spent over $50, I get .06 cents per gallon off of the next gasoline fill-up!!! Woo-hoo!

Nana invited me down for stuffed pork-loin for dinner....yummy! So my two pork roast will be for Monday and Tuesday dinners.

Great day!

SAVINGS:
A recommendation from this site was to try to find out pet meds online....so I went hunting this morning and found generic heartworm meds for my dogs for over 1/2 off of what we pay at the vet!! wow- a huge savings for us!!! (About $50!!for 6 months worth)

FAMILY:
My mom is doing great. The surgery fixed the problem with the fistula and hopefully she will have several years left on this one! She has been up and around this weekend. Next weekend we are celebrating her 69th birthday and GS's 2nd!!

TODAYS PLANS:
DH and DD3 are still sleeping. DH may be going golfing if this sunshine holds. I plan to organize coupons and get a shopping list ready. Need to start getting ready for the Easter Brunch/Birthday party.

DD3 and her friends all wanted to go on a 'date night' tonight. One of the moms always chaperones...(it was one of the boys moms turns this time)...so I took two of them into town...we stopped at walmart on the way.

I had two keys made for my car (so now I have 3!!) Found three cheap key rings so that they will show up well when strategically hidden by GS. lol

They had DHs fav chips on sale (bought 2) some Suave shampoo...and somehow a bag of M&Ms made it into the cart ...hmmm...Total: $11.98 and i still have $1.99 left on my gift card for next time.

Dropped the girls at the show...gave DD3 $5 to spend (her "date" called at the last minute and couldn't make it)...

DH and I ate dinner at home. He is watching Saving Private Ryan...so I am surfin...Had a great day!

I have been reading alot of your posts regarding gift cards and cancelling services...so I decided to try a couple out and see how it goes. I signed up for my points recently and received an offer to join 'Complete home" for $1 and will get a $20 Lowes card....I just have to remember to cancel within a month.

Then, I opened two new accounts (Wells Fargo= $25 GC and BofA = $50)...The Wells account has to be open for 30 days, the BofA is 50 days (I believe)..I'll see what happens...

I am planning to utilize the Complete Home website while I have this one month trial and see what benefits there are.

I'll update on what happens.

My mom called first thing this morning and had just pulled homemade scones from the oven, and had a pot of coffee on.(blueberry, raspberry,chocoalte chip scones)YUM

Went down and visited for a few minutes and had scones and coffee. (Thank you mom!!)

We went to the festival (it didnt rain!!)and saw DD3 march...she looked so cute! Then we met up with her and two friends who were riding home with us...watched the parade, visited the vendor booths (spent $ZERO- a first for us!)

I cooked up another batch of chicken breasts for quick meals this weekend...DH decided to make himself a bacon and egg sandwich.I had a ceasar salad.

The girls are up in DD3s room watching a movie...they have made three trips downstairs for water, soda and 3 bags of popcorn...3 BAGS!!!But they're enjoying themsilves...DH just left to help a friend cut down two trees that are about to fall on his road..so he'll be gone all afternoon.

I was in the mood for coffee (I never make coffee in the afternoon) and decided to indulge...I have some vanilla creamer and found a gourmet tin of mocha mix in the cupboard that I forgot about...so I mixed the three together and now have the creamiest, chocolatey coffee...super YUM...what a treat.

Something simple for dinner...maybe burgers...gotta go lay out the hamburger....but it'll wait til I finish this delightful cup of coffee!

DivaJen has set up a poll in the Discussion Area (General Finances)in regards to property taxes...and it is a real eye opener as to how the cost of property taxes differ GREATLY around the country.

If you haven't had a chance to take part in the poll, take a look.... I was amazed...

You go to the bank to open a business account and the one employee who does that is off today...on a FRIDAY? ...but I can come back between 10 and 2 on Monday.....lol

So, no luck on DHs business account today.

Finished the pizzas...so dinner all set for four families tonight. DD1 ond the grandbabies just left.

Nana is doing good post surgery today...she is such a little trooper!

Woke up with a MIGRANE this am....and am still trying to settle it down...by tonight I will have downed enough drugs to knock an elephant out...see Ray go loopty loop...hopefully it will be gone before the parade in the morning...

So glad to see so many 'new friends' joining up here on the site...

have a good one!

Pizza day got postponed a day because of nana's surgery yesterday...

So DD1 and the grandbabies are coming out this afternoon and we are setting up the pizza production line while the babies nap.

Tomorrow is the Pear Blossom Festival and DD3 is marching with her school's band...which means a couple of the girls are spending the night here tonight...so Pizza works great tonight!

The pear trees are indeed all blossoming right now...Did I ever mention that Harry and David (big catalog company) are here in the Rogue Valley??? This is where all that yummy fruit comes from!!
I have to pass alot of their orchards when I go to town.

Fun day today...and we always have a great time at the festival (hope it doesn't rain!!)

We are going to open a new business account for DHs wood business today. I suggested this to him a couple of days ago and I guess he has gotten pretty excited about it....cause he double checked with me on it last night...(too cute)

DH actually started processing wood about 10 years ago to get us through the winter. He trucked it from the woods himself. (We purchased permits to salvage wood from the forest from trees that have fallen or been cut for safety reasons)

Then, this last year we started buying log-truck loads of wood salvaged from clearings...(most of it is wood that would have been burned on the site...what a waste!) The truck loads are expensive- about $800 each...but we sale enough to pay for the load and make appx $800-1000. Right now we are using any profit to offset my being home to care for my parents.

We are starting to turn a profit now...and by spreading the word, DH now has two jobs set up with private owners to actually go and clear property for their homes...which means FREE wood...to process and sale.

This is very manual labor...he cuts, I split...but it is time spent growing a new business- One that we hope will give us a little more for our retirement years.

The surgery went well...and my mom is home in bed, resting. She had to have a repair on her fistula...(the artery used for dialysis)...Without going into gory details, I will just say it was more complex than we planned, but it will keep her current fistula working a while longer (take good care of your kidneys, this dialysis is no fun!)

I have been trying to have lunch with my former boss for 3 weeks now...and I keep having to cancel (last week I was sick)...and today was supposed to be lunch...but because of the surgery and my dads subsequent surgery consulation..I had to cancel again...so i stopped by the florist and got him a bouquet of spring flowers ($9.95) and went and saw him and cancelled in person. (He was the coolest boss, and is such a wonderful friend- he totally understood and we are going to shoot for next week....(keeping my fingers crossed)

I bought my dad and I a mocha while we waited at the hospital ($6) and I had to get gas ($27)...so today was definately a spend day...but well worth it!

My dad's surgery is on the 28th...so my mom will have tome to heal before it's his turn.

Hope everyone else's day went well!

Tomorrow is my moms surgery, which is the more serious of the two that my parents have to have. We are hoping all goes smoothly and it will just be an outpatient surgery...but this is one of those "we won't know until it happens" surgeries.

My dad has his surgery consultation tomorrow afternoon...so it is going to be a busy day.

I took some more cans in today and turned in some loose change at the bank...these won't be going into my challenge money. Instead, I found a single mom and daughter to send the money to. It is a small amount ($25), but hopefully it will help. (Mailed the check today)

I made soup today and it turned out really yummy...so i took a batch up to my mom and dad so my mom had one less worry tonight...in exchange, I got some chocolate cake from her...now how's that for instant reward!! YUMMY!

I am reading a book that Ima Saver recommended "The Education of Little Tree" and it is turning out to be such a heartwarming little story.

Tonight DD3 and I are going to spend time together, after homework is all done. And that's about it for now.

I love Wednesdays.

When I was working, because we live so far from town, my kids did not get to do much extra-curricular stuff ...So the WEEK (minute?) that I quit, my daughter started a library club with her friends...they all walk to the library after school to do homework...I pick up and deliver any who need rides home and then my daughter and I head home.

About 8 months ago, DD3(14) and I decided that Wednesday nights were mom and manda nights..

This means...no computer, no phones (a BIG commitment to a 14yo)...

We pick out a show or a DVD...she gets her journal (huge journal writer, writes about any and everything) and we make popcorn and go up to my room...I have a big comfy king size bed with lots of pillows and flannel sheets...and we just have time together...sometimes, she is just in the mood to journal...but
we often end up turning off or ignoring the tv because we get to talking about anything and everything...
It keeps us connected, doesn't cost much (popcorn) and is something we both look forward to. And I have to say, I have noticed a more CONFIDENT and HAPPY young lady this past year---a year when most are stuggling with peer-pressure and identity.

I love Wednesdays!

I needed to pick DD3 up from a youth function tonight and decided that it would be a good time to trade in some of my cans....They have those machine thingys here that gobble up the cans one by one...and I had never used one (DH has always been the one to trade them in, but he hasn't wanted to bother for a while)

8:40 at night....and someone else pulls up to trade in cans as I get started. (huh?) I thought Id have the machine all to myself at this hour... as I figured this out....

Oh well, I get the cans going, its not so bad, kinda easy actually...and part way through the machine stops taking my cans and spits out a receipt...(I guess there is a can limit)...so I take the receipt and start again...get all the cans traded in, take the receipts into the store...and the clerk had to get a supervisor override because I had more than $10 (I had $11.50)

Oh well, now I know...I think I will just take a couple bags at a time till I get them all traded in...so...the $11.50 is going to my $20 challenge....which means I have OFFICIALLY gone over the first $100 mark...(cheer and applause here)$105.63 to be exact!!! oh yeah!(doin the victory dance)

The past couple of years has seen my three oldest children turn into self sufficient adults. They have married, become parents, bought homes, gotten new jobs, started careers, been introduced to debt, and begun the next faze of life...
One is married with a daughter, one married no kids & buying own home, and one is a single mom. They are all handling the different twists and turns differently, but all are managing pretty well.

I noticed last year that they would go overboard on birthday gifts...or struggle to find the 'right' gift...or feel bad if they didn't remember, etc...

So I have officially started our Birthday Club. We talked about a monthly amount that is doable for every family...each family contributes this amount at the beginning of the month...then the birthday person knows in advance that they get to pick out a gift for 'X' dollar amount from the family. (so instead of several small gifts, they get a combined gift of choice) A small amount is set aside for the cake and decorations...and we have decided to 'potluck' on the birthday rather than go out to eat.

My mom is the first recipient and she asked me to find her a 'dutch oven'...which is ordered and on it's way...

The family won't be scrambling to come up with the perfect gift, the price was very affordable and money is there for the event!

...and the whole family is happy with the new Birthday Club.

Had a thought. At Christmas, I bought some plain green wreaths at the dollar store.

I also have a whole bunch of those plastic Easter eggs from past years...

And a few cream-colored tall candles...

Since we are having an Easter brunch here this year and also celebrating my moms and GSs birthday...I need decorations.

I think I will spend the evening turning those Christmas wreaths into some cute centerpieces and decorations...for basically free since I have all the stuff... Hmm...I wonder what else I can find that can due double-holiday duty....

Any ideas/suggestions?

The first Monday of each month is usually pretty busy here in the office (which is in my home)DS, DD1 and I are running a pest control business.

I get to call all of our maintenance customers to schedule appointments. Then I start on the billing and wrap up for end of month.

Usually, it takes a few days to get all the calls completed (waiting for all the return calls) But today was a good one, I have heard back from all but one.

I love working at home because I can do laundry, dishes, put dinner in the crockpot, etc. throughout the day/ between calls. We are entering busy season...and I am starting to take several new calls each day (a good thing)

My DS just called to ask me not to schedule anymore appointments today....so he can go golfing!! He is 21...just got married last June and bought a house last summer and started this pest business. (whew) He is naturally frugal by nature and has got a good level head.

So,in honor of his golf request, I decided to set aside the rest of the monthly work for the aftenoon and relax too! (as if I havent putzed on this site off and on all day anyways...lol)

I added another $14 to my challenge for stair climbing last week...so I am up to $94.13 (the .13 was interest this month!)

I have been racking my brain on ways to earn some money to add to this challenge...and remember that we have several bags of soda cans in the garage...so I will be turning those in this week! I also have some change in my piggy bank...I will take that in as well...

I am eager to see my challenge top $100--

A while back, I remember complaining about the cost of gasoline and stumbled across this surefire way to save on gas....

(If you want to save too, try to follow the steps below as closely as possible)

#1- You have to have a GS or other child under the age of two. It is best when they 'babble' rather than speak.

#2 Leave ONE set of your keys on the table, eye level to said child..(my situation also involved a safe deposit box key, not recommended)

#3 Think it is totally adorable when said child 'borrows' your keys to try to lock the front door...'oh, how sweet...he's learning so fast' is what comes to mind...

#4 When the phone rings, forget said child was so cute ...and even that he had your keys...

#5 Allow a one or two day grace period here...(you know, a 'no spend day" when you dont leave the house) you will have no idea where said child was with keys...crawl around on floor to try to figure out all the fun spots at his eye/hand level...

#6 Just for kicks and giggles, ask said child where he put your keys...if nothing else, it is fun to watch his face when he babbles incoherently behind you as you crawl on your hands an knees..(may not be entertaining for you, sure is for him)

#7 Give up, and get your only spare and put it on the table with a note to get new key made and then leave said child alone with DD3 (14) for a couple of hours...minutes may be sufficient...Discover note wadded up on floor and no key in sight...

#8 You have just successfully completed this task and your gas tank will stay at the same level (hense reducing your gas expense) for quite a while...

disclaimer...it helps to have a sense of humor and maybe a glass of wine available..for those added hours on your hands and knees....and a giggling two year old tagging along behind you...


argh....

GS spent the afternoon and night last night...He did really well and slept through the night.

This morning, DH and I took a beautiful drive to meet DH's dad and pick up DD3. On the drive, it was snowing and the roads were pretty icy. Had to go through lots of beautiful pines...and passed my favorite campsite (it's still snowed in!)

We met at a little cafe and had breakfast (Papa insisted on paying so we paid tip $7), then headed home to catch the two free movies on showtime that I wanted to watch...Just finished Hotel Rwanda...(boy, what an intense movie!!)
Waiting for Crash to start. Gas for the trip was the expense today...DH has a diesel pu- almost $30 to get there and back. (ouch)

I cooked 4 lbs of boneless chicken breast last night ($1.79 lb), so we have dinner (chicken ceasar's) practically made when everyone gets hungry. The chicken will be used again for teriyaki rice bowls tomorrow for lunch and then probably chicken taco's for dinner..and then more chicken ceasar's on Tuesday. (I never get tired of chicken!) It is cooked in EVOO, a little seasoned and garlic salt and pepper- until really brown, then I squirt a little lemon or lime on it for an extra layer of flavor...my family loves the spiciness...I love the convenience. I have been making this up each weekend for about 3 weeks now, and it sure makes meal planning a snap for a couple of days.

I am now off to watch Crash...(Don't you love freebies!) Have a nice evening!

I took some time to look back at our finances this past month and realized that my DH had not made any charges to his CC or any debits that were not planned. I usually have at least a couple of surprises...but there weren't any! This makes budgeting so much easier!

When I looked at our checking history, where there used to be pages of activity...there is now just a couple...and they are all planned expenses (DH did decide to pick up his lunch at the grocery store twice)

We have one account set up for weekly expenses (groceries, household stuff) and that is where my small weekly check is deposited.

Then, we have a second checking that DH's paycheck goes and that covers monthly bills and savings.

Each account is starting to read like a book...2-3 grocery debits/checks each month and an allowance draw...from the weekly account. and monthly debits from the bill account.

While I had tried to get this to be the case prior to joining this site...for some reason, this month is our first fully successful month...and I know it is because this site has provided the next level of inspiration and focus.

The other really sweet benefit...is that I have met some pretty darn nice folks here. This is my first adventure into posting and blogging...and it has been such a treat.

Throw us to the wolves for a few extra bucks in your pocket...

I am too upset/busy to do a proper lashing just yet...but tomorrow, you will hear from me.

In the meantime:

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