The ...Packers....lost last night *sniff*. I guess that means I can be more focused on other things until next August.

I have Z today. I didnt expect to but DD2 just realized that she has to get in 20 hours of study for her pharmacy tech certification renewal by the 20th. So, she is studying and I am playing. Z turns two on Tuesday.

I havent grocery shopped for the week- and plan to challenge myself to live off of what I have on hand. I have tamales that SIL sent home with me last night. I have one chicken breast, that I can shred and make enchiladas and I have pasta and sauce. For breakfast, I have oatmeal. Lunch will be paid by work Mon - Wed as we have a guest visiting, and I am their host, so I will be taking her to lunch on the corp card. Piece of cake.

Tomorrow is my evaluation. This is my first eval with this boss. I am eager to see how she scores me and learn what my raise will be. I work really hard at my job, but I am so blessed to have the position that I have- I am doing what I love and getting paid for it. I hope to do this 8 more years, and then retire at 60. The hub supports this idea, I just have to stay financially focused. Any raise I get will be added to the 401k contributions.

Today is an kick back day of laundry, housework and playing with lil Z. Life is good!

It is frustrating to read some of the blog responses on certain blogs lately. I have always valued this site because it encourages our community to post whats on your mind- the good, the bad and the ugly..in return, it is the readers choice to read or not and if they choose, are welcome to respond. If a blogger chooses to take or to ignore advice, so be it- we all learn something here everyday and some people just make changes in their own time. Live and let live.

Are we enablers, then? I dont think we are. I think we encourage, support, and leave it up to the blogger to do with as they will. My philosophy is.. even small changes are good. Why this seems to irritate some of the non-members is beyond me. But to keep picking at someone who blogs here is ridiculous to me. If you dont like the blog, dont read it.

*stepping off the soapbox now*

Last night was GS's (age 8) turn to stay the night. We had a good time. I worry about this little guy...I suspect he may be autistic...but DD2 is having a hard time getting a diagnosis. Right now he is being treated for ADHD, but I am not convinced it is a completely accurate diagnosis. Anyways, we had such a fun night. We had popcorn and watched a movie..and he made me his 'special' of the night....rootbeer with whipped cream. lol. It was actually not bad- and he was so proud. This morning, we met DD1 and my ex-brother-in-law J(kids uncle) for breakfast- is is J's birthday. I treated- $36 for the four of us.

Then, I took GS home. DD2's house was showing signs that she is a single mom with 3 small kids (GS-8, GD-4 and Z- almost 2), and is working lots of hours to try to make ends meet. So I stayed and helped clean for a couple of hours- I could tell she really appreciated the help and the clean house.

This afternoon, I am going to DD1s- SIL made me homemade tamales (yum!) and we are going to watch the Packers/49ers game. I offered to bring chips and dip, refried beans and drinks. I spent $24.

Tomorrow, DD2 is coming over with the kids so that we can work on her budget. Hopefully, we can come up with a plan that will work a little better for her..right now, she struggles from paycheck to paycheck and some of her benefits are about to get cut because she worked extra in December.

Today was payday for both the hubby and me. My paycheck include the 10% rebate that employees get on interest paid and earned on accounts for the year...and also had the higher social security taxes taken out. My net was still higher by $110. The hubs paycheck was a little over $700 more than budgeted. This week I paid the utility bills, deposited for the birthday account for the year, paid $1000 to debt, paid off the small cc that the hub uses for airline and hotel expenses and deposited the monthly vacation and christmas amounts. Checkmark.

DD3 also received her first paycheck- $678, and that was for four days. She is seasonal and will work about 5 months. She is paying us back for expenses for getting the job and because I paid off her truck so that she could register it in her name before she left...so for a while, $500 from each paycheck will come to mom. He future paychecks should be much higher, and so even after the $500 ding, she should come home to a nice savings account.

As one of my 2013 goals, I am having one grandchild spend the night on Fridays. Tonight is my oldest grandsons turn- he is 8. This means, I will need to pick up steak on the way home..he is a true carnivore who loves his meat and potatoes.- Well, mostly just the meat. We will play Jenga, watch a movie with some popcorn and he will want to play something on the ipad. Should be a fun night.

Tomorrow my SIL is making homemade tamales and we are watching the Packers/49ers game. Im a Packer fan, everyone else that will be there is a 49ers fan. Should be fun.

I cant get my profile picture to update. Not sure why, but Ive tried several times in the past year or so and always get the same pic, no matter what I upload. Nate? Jeff?

DD2 heard from the case worker tonight about Z. Unfortunately, this is a new lady who just got the case about two weeks ago. :/ Her decision is to give 'mom' six more months to get it together. I hope she does...but lil Z will be 2 1/2 by then and has no idea who this 'mom' is. She is rehabilitating in another state..so she wont see him until closer to the next court date. My poor daughter is so frustrated, knowing she and her own children will have six more months to continue bonding with Z...and that he still may be moved out of the house. sigh. Such a broken system...the prior case worker was 100% on board with placing Z permanently, she knew the case inside and out...but she got promoted and relocated..so now it is in the hands of the new case worker. DD2 is more discouraged than ever tonight.

DD3 is getting her first paycheck tomorrow for her Alaska job. It is $687 for 4 days....from now on paychecks will be for 7 days. SHe was pleased to learn how much she had earned.

Will update on the hubs check and budget tomorrow. Too pooped tonight.

I booked the airline tickets today for our cruise in August. I arrive in Seattle about 4 hours before the hub does. That leaves at least a couple of hours to have coffee with SA friends in the area...hmmm.

My job posted the calculator function today for our rewards bonus. It is based on salary, goals and evaluation. I plugged in my best guess on my eval and was very pleasantly surprised to see the results. After taxes, and with all the other 'extra' end of the year money I have received, I will have about $4k to pay on debt at the beginning of Feb. Now that we have our emergency fund funded, I want to focus earnestly on this weight around our shoulders called consumer debt. I have disclosed before that the debt was made during time I had taken off work for two year...primarily with my sons business that failed and on home repairs on our older country home. It will take 3-4 years for us to pay it off, but there is light at the end of this very long tunnel.

I DO want to balance paying this debt off with enjoying this stage in our lives and traveling. The hub and I both want to explore a little now that the kids are raised...but I want to also be a good steward of our money and make sure debt is paid as much as possible along the way. My goal is to plan one bigger vacation and a few mini vacations each year. But extra money outside of the vacation budget, will go towards debt.

Tonight, I enjoyed the marinaded teriyaki chicken breast, onion and pineapple over rice. Uh, YUM. The chicken was left over...so the meal was pretty cheap. One way I can help with our budget is to live frugally while the hub is in Alaska- which I try to do. Thankfully, I have several QUICK meals that can be fixed, baked and on the plate in 30 minutes or so...which helps when youre tired- it just takes planning. I have leftovers for lunch and dinner tomorrow.

Tomorrow I find out what the hubs check will be. Also, it should be DD3s first payday this week. She had to borrow quite a bit to pay off her truck and get all her gear and get to her her job, so a portion of her checks will pay us back for a while. I always look forward to seeing what the check is...its budgeted up to a certain dollar amount, the rest is extra to put towards debt, or unexpected expenses. This week, we havent had any unexpected stuff, so it can all go towards the debt. My longer term goal is to retire in 8 years, so paying off the debt and maximizing savings is a priority now.

In the end, I decided to buck up and make dinner for the kids tomorrow night...all 15 of them. They get enough pizza, I just couldnt do that to them.

So, I went to my fall back recipe and ran to the store...spent $36 and 30 mins later I have 6 lbs of lemon rosemary chicken breast, and 7 lbs of seasoned, baked red potatoes, green beans, rolls and peanut butter cookies to deliver tomorrow night. The chicken and potatoes have about 10-20 minutes left in the oven and poof Im done. Thats $3 per person for a much healthier meal than pizza and a savings of probably $40 to me.

whew.

AND...I have teriyaki chicken, sweet onion and pineapple marinading for tomorrow night.

Now to pull it all out, transfer to the disposable pans, wash the dishes and call it a night.

Bleh. Sometime between yesterday, when I said I felt much better and this morning, when I woke up...the cold returned with a vengeance. Luckily, I am able to work from home once in a while. I could have went to work...but the reason I got sick in the first place was because someone else decided to go to work when they were sick. I have been working since 7am in my comfy clothes, have gotten so much done, and havent contaminated anyone. In spite of feeling mighty crummy, its been a productive workday.

Unfortunately, I am supposed to cook for the teen shelter tonight and drop it off tomorrow. Not a good idea really. So, I will most likely have pizza delivered to them. I hate doing that- but otherwise, I run the risk of making someone else sick. It will cost more than Id planned, but I really dont have the energy to make food for 15 tonight.

One of the things I did for work today was my self-evaluation. I really dont like doing self evals...but at least its done. We will see if it matches up with my bosses review of me. I will know next Monday. Either way, my raise should be significant this year. I asked to have my salary adjusted to mid-point of the scale- and have been told that will most likely happen. That is about a 7-8% increase before the scale adjustment is made for the year. Considering we just made all of our goals and assumed several locations, and my department is about to grow by 2-3 people, mid-point should adjust higher too. I am eager to find out- I will be raising my 401k to absorb most, if not all, of the raise- which is exciting!!

DD3 was transferred to the remote location today. (Alaksa)...so there may not be cell reception and I may not hear from her for a while. I sure miss her.

Since I am homebound today, it will be a no-spender. However, tomorrow and pizza/salad for 15 will be a fairly big spend for the week. At least I have a plan B for the kids.

I love days like today. I didn’t leave the house. Didn’t spend any money. Got so much done and the week ahead will be easier because of it!!

Here is my list of accomplishments today:
• Calculated budget through August
• Washed sheets/made bed
• Made teriyaki chicken and quinoa- enough for 4 meals
• Deep cleaned the kitchen
• Boxed up all Christmas decorations
• Washed & readied worked clothes for the week
• Made oatmeal for week

I budgeted for the next six months without calculating any OT for the hub. This will ensure that the bills are all paid and any OT is extra to go towards debt or savings. I also didn’t calculate a raise for me- but I will be getting one in February. I will add my raise to my 401K plan. Right now I am sending 8% to the 401k and my job matches that (8% is the max they will match).

Last year we paid off $5k in debt during the winter. This year my goal is to pay an additional $5k in debt while paying for the cruise we will be taking in August.

This should be an inexpensive week since I have meals all preplanned. I may need gas by the end of the week, but otherwise just anticipate the budgeted bills and no other expenses.

I love days like today. I didn’t leave the house. Didn’t spend any money. Got so much done and the week ahead will be easier because of it!!

Here is my list of accomplishments today:
• Calculated budget through August
• Washed sheets/made bed
• Made teriyaki chicken and quinoa- enough for 4 meals
• Deep cleaned the kitchen
• Boxed up all Christmas decorations
• Washed & readied worked clothes for the week
• Made oatmeal for week

I budgeted for the next six months without calculating any OT for the hub. This will ensure that the bills are all paid and any OT is extra to go towards debt or savings. I also didn’t calculate a raise for me- but I will be getting one in February. I will add my raise to my 401K plan. Right now I am sending 8% to the 401k and my job matches that (8% is the max they will match).

Last year we paid off $5k in debt during the winter. This year my goal is to pay an additional $5k in debt while paying for the cruise we will be taking in August.

This should be an inexpensive week since I have meals all preplanned. I may need gas by the end of the week, but otherwise just anticipate the budgeted bills and no other expenses.

Tuesday is the first court date for determining Z’s permanent situation. (Z has been in foster care, living with DD2 since he was 5 months old and turns 2 in a little over a week.) The scales have tipped recently in DD2’s favor for being able to keep him permanently. The ironic thing is that DD2 didn’t sign up for foster parenting, it was an emergency intervention, she was asked to take him for two weeks…and now almost 2 years later, he is fully engrained in our family. Please pray, send good thoughts, cross your fingers…that Z is allowed to stay with the only family he knows…it would break our hearts to have to see him go.

This month, it is my turn for cooking dinner for the homeless teen shelter on Tuesday. (I rotate with two others for one night each month- so every three months) I am defrosting some chicken breast and have supplies to make enchiladas and rice- so that is what I will be making. Last time there were 15 at the house…I will have to call tomorrow to find out how many to cook for.

Today I am catching up on housework and thinking about 2013 goals. Because work has been so busy since the end of the year, I haven’t had a chance to do either. Our budget is planned through March, so I need to finish the budget for the rest of the year. I want to plan things to do myself when the hub is in Alaska- and also plan things to do together when he is home. Seems like I had several things I thought about that we never got around to…I find we are much more successful when I WRITE IT DOWN somewhere that I can see.

My credit union gives out several versions of calendars- so I have a year at a glance on my fridge, and a month to month hanging in the bedroom. This should help keep me on track. Now to get the lists of to-dos ready….

The first court date for permanently placing Z is Tuesday. (He has been living with my daughter since he was 5 months old..he turns 2 next week) There have been a few turns in events that are tilting the scale in DD2s favor- so please keep your fingers crossed for her (us).

Today will be a stay at home, no spend day. This cold is kickin my butt- and I have major catch up to do around the house, so that will be about as ambitious as I get.

I brought home leftovers from the dinner last night. Just the leftover stuff that I took, but it is enough for one or two meals.

I still have not had time to sit down and plan out goals for 2013. With all the extra time at work and then catching this cold, there has not been time or energy...but that is on my list for today. I have our budget worked out through March, but I need to go ahead and set it for the rest of the year. Plus determine plans for when the hub is home and when the hub is gone.

It is my turn this month (Tuesday) to fix dinner for the local homeless teen shelter. Usually there are about 15 people there..I just remembered this, so I will need to get to the store tomorrow to pick up the fixings for something to put together tomorrow night for delivery on Tuesday... hmm.

Got the pork ribs cooking ($6) in the crockpot and will make some red potatoes ($1.50) to go with them- and then, got an invite to a friends to watch the Greenbay/Vikings game. I will take the food over to share with the friends- she is making pork and a salad too, so we will have a fun, inexpensive night 'out'. I am a big Greenbay fan...and so tonight is a big playoff game that I am looking forward to. GO PACKERS.

Ive heard from DD3 a couple of times today. She said she is learning lots and making friends..everyone is being very friendly- makes me feel a lot better since she is so far from home.

Yesterday's payday refilled the food and allowance budgets for the month. I still have allowance left over from last month, so I just deposited mine into my savings account. DD3 wont be using my car (gas) or helping eat the food, or needing any emergency money...so I may not have to use much allowance this month- well, except for a haircut and occasional treats for grandbabies.

Next week, the hub and I both get paid. He has been working 15-20 hours a day- so it should be a big check. Poor guy- he is working so much, but really is enjoying that he is in charge of 'his' road this year. The extra money is earmarked for paying down debt that we incurred a couple of years ago helping DS with his business startup and numerous repairs on our 50+ year old country house. It will take us a couple more years to pay off the debt...then we will start focusing more heavily on retirment savings.

This week was insanely busy. On Wed and Thur, I was in the car 5+ hours each day, worked 8+ very busy hours and got very little sleep in between. Unfortunately, several of the people at the new locations were sick...and I have managed to pick up the bug. I did get to take most of today off because of all the extra hours this week and last weekend. I slept in til almost 10 this morning, which I never do..got my grocery shopping done ($60) worked for about 2 hours and cleaned house.

One of my New Years resolutions is to spend time with a different grandchild each week when the hub is in Alaska. So tonight, my 7 year old granddaughter is spending the night. I plan to rotate each week and let one of them spend the night each Friday night.

Today was the hubs payday, and his check was $600 more than budgeted. A good thing because we had unexpected expenses this week.

DD3 left on Wednesday morning for Alaska. Bless her heart, she didnt want to cut in front of anyone when they were announcing last call for luggage...there was a long line, so she called me after a few more minutes and I said YES, get up there and get your luggage checked in...
Unfortunately, it was too late. She made the plane, but the luggage had to be sent overnight Fed Ex...at the tune of over FOUR HUNDRED DOLLARS. ouch. I paid for it, but she will be paying it back. I dont think she will hesitate about getting checked in again. Poor kid.

It is very lonely having DD3 gone. I dont even know how many thoughts Ive started off with..I should call her to go to lunch, or figure out what we will do for dinner, or....just to remember that she isnt here to buddy up with. But she did make it safely and starts her new job tomorrow- she is pretty excited...but it may be 5 months before I see her again...

The hub received a $75 gift card from his job- hopefully he will want to use it on massages when he comes home at the end of the month.

The week ahead I have planned to rotate chicken and pork ribs for dinners and lunches.

Tonight- Chicken and rice - granddaughters choice
Saturday - Pork ribs in the crockpot
Sunday - Rosemary chicken and quinoa
Monday- Pulled pork sandwiches (left over from Sat)
Tuesday - Left over chicken and quinoa
Wednesday - Enchiladas with shredded chicken
Thursday- Leftover enchiladas
Friday- TBD - Date night with 8 year old grandson (may have to buy steak, that is his meal of choice usually)

Tomorrow I will fry up a lb of bacon and I got a tube of cinnamon rolls- (granddaughter request)...they were on sale for $1.69. Leftover bacon will be used for breakfast the next couple of mornings with oatmeal or eggs.

Lunches- sandwiches, soup or leftovers.

This weekend I need to go look for a few new work clothes and a new pair of work shoes- maybe try to get my hair cut. Something easy..the ends are really showing that its been7 months since Ive had it cut/trimmed.

I am back from my working weekend. It was such a great opportunity. I stayed at a wonderful hotel on the coast and was on a team that audited a company that has recently was assumed by the company I work for. Very busy, but also a lot of fun, great time with the coworkers and I enjoyed some wonderful meals. The weekend was a no-spender- since the job paid for everything. The best part? Well, that was the weather. It was sunny all weekend...not warm, but very sunny and gorgeous.

I am so glad I have tomorrow off.

At Christmas, I received a gift basket from our janitorial company. Although I am not responsible for managing this function any longer, I received this beautiful gift- which had pasta, dipping oil, red wine, etc.. I decided to try the oil on some pasta tonight for dinner and wow, is it wonderful. I also decided to have a glass of the wine, and it too is very nice. I will enjoy another glass tomorrow night for new years eve.

DD3 leaves for Alaska in two days. Am I ready for this? The closer it gets, the more anxious I get.

I am planning to use time tomorrow to set my 2013 goals. Looking forward to seeing what I come up with!

Got a not so nice surprise in my paycheck today. The $350 cash bonus I received from work was added to my income and taxed and my paycheck was $70 less than normal. :/ HR added an extra 30% to the amount we received to cover taxes, etc...but obviously, that wasnt enough to cover the expense. I shouldnt complain, but ouch. Not expected, not so cool. Thankfully I hadnt spent it, so I can just deduct $70 from savings and add to the household account.

On the other hand, the hubs paycheck had quite a bit of OT and was $531 more than I budgeted. I will need to loan another $155 to dd3 because she learned today she will have to pay for her cold weather training next week, which we hadnt budgeted. This will be paid back out of her earnings while she is in Alaska. Her tab is growing...airline ticket, cold weather gear, hotel, etc...

Tomorrow we leave for the coast for our working weekend..the good part is that we will be off by 3pm each day and we are staying in a ocean view hotel. THAT will be nice. AND, I get Monday and Tuesday off, followed by 3 days and another weekend.

life is good!

I deposited the $350 into the visa rebate account, which had $197 already, bringing the total to $547. Once the other rebate and bonus money is received, I will transfer all to ING.

I will be working all weekend, starting mid day Friday until late Sunday night. The job is paying for hotel, travel, food, etc- so this weekend should be a no spender. Then, I will be able to take a comp day on Monday- which I plan to use to grocery shop. Tuesday is a New Years and a paid holiday...so next week will be a short week.

The place we like to go to for weekend getaways is having a special while the hub is home next. Pay for 3 nights, get two nights free...so I booked a home for 5 nights! We split the cost with friends, so it makes for an inexpensive getaway. I always look forward to these trips. This one will cost $75 per couple per night. The house has two master suites with king beds..so each couple will have a nice retreat.

Tomorrow the hubs paycheck will hit pending. This is his first check since he started working the remote road (and significant OT). Until about May will be quite a bit more than normal and the extra is going to go to debt.

Because of the weekend ahead, I wont get my Christmas decorations down until New Years this year. Another reason I enjoy having an artificial tree!!

I love the Holidays and giving and visiting- the prep, the anticipation. I also enjoy when things settle back down and I start planning for the New Year.

I hope everyone had a wonderful day-

Tomorrow I plan to start the savings account for the 2012-2013 bonus money. So far I have received $350 in cash, $197 on the visa 1% rebate for the year. I will be getting two more rebates/bonus payments that will also go into this savings.

The hub has been working 17-20 hours a day this past week. I dont know how he does it- thankfully, there is an occasional day that is back to 12-14 which allows him to get some rest. The extra money he earns will be going straight to debt.

I definately fell behind on housework with so much company in and out this past week and so much going on. Knowing this week is going to be as busy as it is, I am a little anxious about staying on top of it all. One day at a time this week...

Today was DD3s 21st birthday. I took her, DD1, DD2, one of our 'adopted' daughters (DD1s bff from age 12) and DD3s BF out for drinks and dinner. I treated everyone and it came to $200. I had budgeted a little more than that, but because it was Christmas eve, several of the friends that DD3 invited backed out. However, she had such a nice night. My baby is an official adult. I just got off the phone with DH- reminiscing about the last 21 years. We are blessed, indeed.

Tomorrow, I have a couple small gifts for each of the grandkids who will be stopping by, but mainly, the day will be just relaxing and planning 2013.

This coming year is going to be very busy work-wise. Thankfully, I have 29 days of vacation. I am trying to plan a week off every 3-4 months and a day or two here and there. Hopefully, pacing the vacation days will help to avoid burn out.

What a blessed day today was. My baby is all grown up.

We had our family Christmas this morning. It was so wonderful to have all the kids and grandkids together. I got up early and got the bread dip in the oven and made the bacon, sausage and eggs for the breakfast burritos. Just about the time it was already and in the warmers, everyone arrived. For future years, this was a really easy meal to prepare and keep warm...and it was a big hit.

This was a very smooth running day. Everyone loved their gifts - I didnt see any disappointed little ones, so I must have done ok... I think everyone was just excited to be together and having DS and his family here. I know all the cousins were having a blast together. By noon, they had all left for other family gatherings...and so I snuck in a nap.

Tomorrow DD3 turns 21. Hard to believe- I have to work 6 hours tomorrow and then I am not sure what the plan is for DD3- She is keeping her options open. - but i know she will test out that ID at least once. I hope after that her and her siblings opt to come back to moms.

Christmas will be very low key. I have a couple of small gifts for each of the grandkids that will be here. And then DD1 is hosting dinner.

The rest of the week, including all weekend next weekend is VERY busy at work. Big changes this week that require working through the weekend next weekend. Thankfully, I will get to comp out some time and take New Years Eve and New Years Day.

My son and his family arrived safely today. We had his sons third birthday and then I picked up the few final gifts I needed. I AM DONE. Good thing, because the stores were crazy today and I am sure they will stay that way through Christmas. Way too many people for me.

Tonight all the kids went on a party bus with all the kids to look at christmas lights around town. I hung back at home and am sitting with little Z. I had planned to finish up with housework and getting dishes ready for tomorrow morning...but he wants to play. So, he wins. We are playing and having fun until everyone gets done with the party bus. Then, I will finish up with the chores. Everyone is coming over at 9am, so I wont have to get up super early..` All gifts are wrapped. I just have to prep food for the bread dip and breakfast burrito bar.

I work on Monday until 3 and then I am off on CHristmas. DD3s 21st birthday is Christmas eve, so her siblings want to take her for a drink/toast. Because we are doing our big celebration tomorrow, CHristmas morning will be semi quiet. Then, I work through next weekend- part of it out of town. However, I will get new years eve and new years day off.

The hub has checked in a couple of times. He jumped right into 17+ hour days. He loves the work, but I hope he doesnt burn oout too soon

Ok...bread dips are made and in thr fridge, a load of dishes are running in the diswasher. All gifts are wrapped and ready to go in the morning. I have a fe more to dos..but those can wait til I have mhy batteries recharged in the morning. Gramma ray is plum pooped tongiht.

Today was a vacation day. I slept in a bit, then went to the grocery store and got the makings for breakfast burritos and bread dip for the 23rd and Christmas morning- Im feeding quite a crowd (20-25) on the 23rd and about 10 on Christas morning- spent $107 at the store. I went to my grandsons (4) preschool program- so sweet to watch little guys performing. Our superstar really really really wanted McDonalds for lunch...sigh...for the toy of course. At least lunch was only $15 for four of us.

Then, I came home and finished wrapping gifts and made dinner. Why do days off always seem to fly by?

My son and his family have started the trip up, but winter weather will keep them from making it all the way tonight. The passes are closed due to snow and ice..so DS and his family will stay at a hotel tonight and finish the trip up in the morning.

Tomorrow is GS (3) birthday party...and then tomorrow night we are going on a party bus, in our 'ugly' christmas sweaters, to see the Holiday lights around town. Should be a great day with the family.

Today was Santa day at work. I am so blessed to have a job I enjoy that is so generous with us. I received a $50 gift card- to a store that I chose that carries just about everything from groceries, to household, to clothes and toys. Then, I received $350 in a cash bonus. I wasnt sure if we would receive the bonus this year, so it was a very pleasant surprise.

In a few weeks I will also receive a 1% rebate on all interest earned or paid on my personal accounts, plus I have earned almost $200 in cash from the 1% visa rebate. THEN, we have achieved all of our goals this year, so I am eligible for a 5-6% bonus on my salary. With the exception of the gift card, I will put all of this into a savings account and let it ride.

If the weather and road conditions cooperate, DS and his family will be here tomorrow night. However, the passes have been hazardous most of the day today, and tonight promises freezing weather. I called DS today and made him promise that he would stay somewhere safe for the night if the conditions were bad. I would much rather have them safe than here if its a choice.

Been checking out sites and prices for the cruise next summer. With so many options, it will take some study to make sure I book this correctly. I do know that we want a balcony...beyond that, not so sure.

I am off tomorrow..need to grocery shop and pick up a birthday present for GS who turns 3 tomorrow and has a birthday party on Saturday...

Then, just putz around the house getting ready for family!!

Life is good!

The hub called from Alaska tonight. It is always good to know he made it back there safely. He will stay the night in Anchorage and then leaves for the North Slope first thing in the morning.

I really appreciate technology when it comes to staying in touch with loved ones. Tonight my son posted videos on facebook of my two grandbabies (5 and almost 3) singing in their Christmas program. It was so cute. They both look like miniature versions of their dad, which brings back memories of him as a little boy. I cant wait to see them this weekend.

I work tomorrow and then have a three day weekend. I plan to use Friday (my day off) to get the grocery shopping and last couple of gift shopping done. I have lists and a plan, so I should get done by mid morning. The family will all be here on Sunday morning for our family Christmas. I will make brunch - breakfast burrito bar and bread dip (family tradition) Saturday is my sons - little boys birthday party. He is three this year...where does the time go??? And then Saturday night we have arranged a party bus to take all of us (kids and grandkids) and a few friends on a tour of all the Christmas lights. Everyone is wearing ugly Christmas sweaters. lol.

Should be a fun weekend ahead.

Last night we had a weather warning. This morning there was about an inch or two on the ground- the roads were an ice patch. On the way to work, cars were sliding all over the place. Luckily, I made it to work just fine. The hub is leaving tomorrow, so he took my car in to have tires rotated and it was good timing, because my two front tires were too worn. 2 new tires, $200. I have that in the car fund- so thankfully, it wasnt a hit to the budget right now. I knew the tires were showing wear, which is why we were getting them rotated, but I am really glad we had them checked and the new ones put on.

The hub is packing tonight. This is his first rotation of only two weeks home, followed by 4 weeks gone. It means extra paychecks...but these are long stretches. Thankfully, I have Holidays and kids to keep me busy.

The cupcakes at work were a hit. (once I fixed the frosting issue) They really turned out tasty, and everyone seems to be enjoying having them to snack on. Tomorrow, we are having our end of year lunch with our department at Olive Garden. I am looking forward to spending the lunch hour enjoying co-workers offsite at a free to us lunch!

On an really exciting note..the hub and I want to take a cruise this year- a first for us!! I have been saving since September for the trip and will continue saving through August. We looked online tonight and have decided to book on Princess Cruise Lines. We will be going on an Alaska cruise, most likely next August. I signed up for their emails, hopefully that will result in getting a few deals before I book. I like that they have 100% refund until the end of May if we cancel. By May, we will know for certain if the dates we pick will work.

I consider myself a fairly good cook...I also enjoy baking and dont do too shabby...but a cupcake decorator, I AM NOT. I baked a couple dozen cupcakes tonight. Vanilla and red velvet. I have chocolate frosting for the vanilla and buttercream for the red velvet. How hard can it be...

I put the chocolate frosting in a baggie, snipped off the end and made little swirls on top of the vanilla cupcakes...and guess what? It looks like my dog dooed on them. So NOT what I anticipated.

So I fluffed out the frosting with a knife and will just fluff the frosting on the red velvet ones too.

They smell delicious, and now they dont looks so bad either. :P

I got the last of the gift cards today and now I just have to finish wrapping this week.

I am curious to see what is waiting at work tomorrow, having been gone unexpectedly for most of last week. I have some year end projects that will take most of my time.

On an exciting note, this week we will get our Christmas gift from work. For the past 10 years they have given a $50 gift card plus a cash gift of about $300 to exempt staff. I usually use the gift card, but for the past three years I have put the cash, the end of year dividend rebate, and our yearly rewards bonus that we get in February into an ING savings account. I have just 'let it ride'. I enjoy that it is building up a little more each year. Towards the end of each year, I round each account up to the next $100 from any interest earned during the year.

We have hit all of our goals this year so I am really hoping that we get the max payout on the rewards, which is 6%. I wont know what it will be until later in January though.

Well, the last of the cupcakes are cooled, so time to go frost and cover them to take tomorrow.

DD3 got her much anticipated phone call today. She will be heading to Alaska on January 2nd. Unfortunately, that is one of a few VERY busy days for people to travel...and her one way ticket was as much as we normally pay for the hub round trip ($650). In spite of that, she is very excited. She finally has a date to go AND she gets to be home for her 21st birthday, which is Christmas Eve.

Today the hub and I picked up a few of the last gift cards I needed for the adult kids gifts. I wasnt able to get one of them because the store didnt open for an hour or so- so I still have that to pick up this week sometime.

I decided to make adorned cupcakes for my co-workers as my gift to them. Tomorrow, I will be baking while watching the Packers game. I have 9 people on my team, and the cupcake makings for at least two dozen ran $$6. I have a stockpile of leftover Christmas cards from years past that my intentions didnt pan out- so this will be an inexpensive treat/gift.

NOW, I have to figure out a plan for DD3s birthday. We all anticipated she would be in Alaska by now, so we dont have a plan for the birthday. Unfortunately, the hub leaves on Wednesday, so he wont be here, but I know all her siblings and friends will be happy to help her celebrate.

As always, another very busy week ahead. I am scheduled to be off next Friday. If all goes ok this week, I FULLY intend to take that day...since DS and his family will be arriving for the Holiday weekend and I havent seen them since September!!

The trial ended today and the jury was able to reach a verdict. Our focus was shaken by the news in Connecticut. Certainly, the mood was more somber as we came to the decisions.

This case was around medical marijuana- and involved state and federal law. There were two defendants, each with his own attorney. I now know more about growing, harvesting, DNA, dry vs wet weight, the medical marijuana act, etc...etc.

There were three key players. The two defendants and the money guy who turned state witness to try to get a lessor charge. HE was the one who should go to prison for 40 years, IMO. One of the defendants was found guilty on all counts, the other- not guilty. It was heartbreaking to see the guilty guys family react to the verdict, knowing he will be heading to prison.

Very tough week of learning and deciding someones consequences.

PLUS, being away from work, THIS WEEK was not good. We have huge changes about to happen and I have lots to get done in a very short period of time. Plus, Christmas is approaching all too quickly now.

My heart goes out to the families who lost their children today. I cant begin to imagine their pain.

Today was day three. Tomorrow, we may get to start deliberation in the afternoon. I doubt we will have a verdict until Monday. I really hadnt anticipated this hiccup to life right now. It is tough when you know a decision could affect someone for the next 40 years. I cant imagine how people on a death penalty trial do it.

DD2s dog got in her house today while she was at work. She rents. THe dog tore a huge hole in the carpet, chewed up a pair of dansko shoes, several of the kids toys and did a few other naughty things. She definately cant afford to replace everything..Having bred dogs for years, I know the owner has to train and take responsibility for a pet. But I would be hard pressed to keep a dog that was that destructive. (This isnt the first damage he has done.)

Tomorrow is payday, but I havent had time to review budget this week. I guess I will figure everything out when I get back to work next week. The good news is the hubs paycheck is $180 more than budgeted.

With everything going on at work this week, I crossed my fingers this morning that I wouldnt be selected for the jury. But as luck would have it, out ofover 50 people I was one of the 12 selected. I am on a 3-4 day trial. This could not have happened on a worse week. Tomorrow I was supposed to make a pesentation and I have a huge project due on Friday. But now, I will be sitting in court. To make matters worse, the defendants bank where I work and I helped put the evidence togeher for this case. I tried to explain this to the judge, but he still felt I could be impartial. The judge is seriously old..he nodded off during testimony this afternoon.

Needless to say, my week has been turned upside down and I am scrambling to pull off work stuff on my breaks and lunch times..

The hub and DD3 went to the coast today to ride their quads, so I am home alone tonight. Nice to relax and kick back. Listening to evidence and testimony all day was brain taxing.

I hope the case wraps up early, but if today is an indication, there isnt much luck in that.

Tomorrow I go to jury duty. Work is so busy this month that I had hoped JD would be cancelled for tomorrow, but no such luck. I really hope it is a one day obligation..there are too many deadlines looming to be tied up for more than a day.

For the last few months, the hub has been asking if we could change cell phone plans. US Cellular didnt work as well in Alaska as some of his coworkers who had Verizon. We decided to switch and it wasnt cheap with the new phones..We will see how good of a decision this was in a couple weeks when the hub is back on the slope. The good news is we will pay off the new phones and the switch this month. We went with the new iphones. Not the most budget conscious decision weve ever made, but the hub was happy. I do find it easier to navigate than my old android was.

The hub made dinner tonight..super easy french dips with aus jus. It is nice to come home to a non-empty house and dinner made.