I decided to wait on the reset until Monday. Sorry 444....I know you
are dying to see it all. But I would like to tweak a few things on the
blog, and I won't have time until this weekend. I will say that the
all the funds have cleared our account, and 4/5 have posted to their
respective places. The one that hasn't posted is always a few days
longer, so by Monday I expect that it will post too. The first
retirement loan payment has been made. More on all of this later.
As
for today....it is raining. It always rains on May 4. I know this
because it is my birthday, and it almost always rains on my birthday.
Per my mom, it was a nice sunny day on my actual BIRTHday, but I guess
someone lost the memo that this trend was supposed to continue. My 24th
birthday was sunny...but since that was a few moons ago, I will say
that rain is more common.
Since I have only been up for
an hour, I don't have much to report yet. I will say that Swagbucks
sent me 50 bucks for my birthday. And then I got 26 more from a
search. Not a bad way to start things off. The kids and G-man said Happy Birthday. Otherwise my day will be:
go to work and do paperwork. I am hoping to be done by noon. Then I
would like to go shopping for my Secret Sister swap, hosted by Carla. There is a store near my office that should work well for this task.
We are having dinner at home (grilled shrimp tacos and chile lime rice). The kids are excited about the rainbow cake.
The
big question of the day is: Will my parents remember my birthday? I
know that shouldn't be a question, but it is. My money is on "will call
later and tell me that they didn't forget and will send me something
that will never come."
Meanwhile, I am hoping to just
have a chill out kind of day. I don't want drama. I don't want
excitement. I really just want to enjoy a quiet, rainy day. I have
more PTA stuff to work on (crafty, fun stuff!), so I would like to enjoy
a "beverage" and get my craft on.
To my friend MutantSuperModel....good luck on your final today!!!
Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts
Friday, May 4, 2012
Monday, December 26, 2011
Post Christmas Post
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday celebration, filled with love, family and friends. But now Christmas is over....and New Years is only a few days away!
Our Christmas Eve was lovely. The kids enjoyed decorating cookies and throwing the Reindeer Dust. Dinner was yummy, and while we still had a few last minute things to do....the evening was quiet.
Christmas morning started around 7am, and was met with happy faces. The bonus of the day was Bossy throwing himself around us saying THANK YOU! for his Operation game. We have never seen him so excited over a gift! Things like that don't really happen....so it was very special for us.
The kids loved their scooters, and played outside for awhile. While it will take some practice to get the balance down, they are having a great time learning.
My favorite gift....the kids got me a cactus and an aloe plant, and painted the pots themselves. Sassy painted all the things I love (a book, a heart, a tiger...which stands for our cats). Bossy went the abstract route. They are just perfect, and by far my favorite gift.
Today will be spent putting things away and general clean up.
Our checkbook is still tight until after New Years. Oh, how I can't wait for our Flexible Spending to restart!!! I have some upcoming posts about our plans for 2012, goals, etc. But for today....I am just going to enjoy the post Christmas glow.
Our Christmas Eve was lovely. The kids enjoyed decorating cookies and throwing the Reindeer Dust. Dinner was yummy, and while we still had a few last minute things to do....the evening was quiet.
Christmas morning started around 7am, and was met with happy faces. The bonus of the day was Bossy throwing himself around us saying THANK YOU! for his Operation game. We have never seen him so excited over a gift! Things like that don't really happen....so it was very special for us.
The kids loved their scooters, and played outside for awhile. While it will take some practice to get the balance down, they are having a great time learning.
My favorite gift....the kids got me a cactus and an aloe plant, and painted the pots themselves. Sassy painted all the things I love (a book, a heart, a tiger...which stands for our cats). Bossy went the abstract route. They are just perfect, and by far my favorite gift.
Today will be spent putting things away and general clean up.
Our checkbook is still tight until after New Years. Oh, how I can't wait for our Flexible Spending to restart!!! I have some upcoming posts about our plans for 2012, goals, etc. But for today....I am just going to enjoy the post Christmas glow.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Happy Holidays to All!
I hope you all are done with your preparations, and have the weekend to just chillax' with friends and family.
We were able to sell our netbooks for what we paid (we only lost shipping)! Plus, someone bought both, so that was fabulous. We returned the mouse(s) for a full refund. So we are thrilled with that outcome, albeit still disappointing that our idea didn't work out.
Christmas Eve Day will be spent baking cookies for Santa, and of course picking out the BEST ones for the Santa plate. We will make reindeer dust (oatmeal or crushed Cherrios and glitter) to sprinkle outside for the reindeer to see from the sky...so they know where to go of course. We always track Santa on NORAD as well. The kids have their new jammies ready to go, and I think we have all our bases covered for groceries, gifts, etc.
Bossy has picked out Calzones for our Christmas Eve dinner, and Sassy has picked out Ham for Christmas Day (in her words...it is a classic!). We are looking forward to a few days of quiet family time.
I will be back in a few days to share my end of the year thoughts....get geared up for 2012....and all that jazz.
So please have a wonderful holiday.....be healthy....be safe. Blessed Be!!!
We were able to sell our netbooks for what we paid (we only lost shipping)! Plus, someone bought both, so that was fabulous. We returned the mouse(s) for a full refund. So we are thrilled with that outcome, albeit still disappointing that our idea didn't work out.
Christmas Eve Day will be spent baking cookies for Santa, and of course picking out the BEST ones for the Santa plate. We will make reindeer dust (oatmeal or crushed Cherrios and glitter) to sprinkle outside for the reindeer to see from the sky...so they know where to go of course. We always track Santa on NORAD as well. The kids have their new jammies ready to go, and I think we have all our bases covered for groceries, gifts, etc.
Bossy has picked out Calzones for our Christmas Eve dinner, and Sassy has picked out Ham for Christmas Day (in her words...it is a classic!). We are looking forward to a few days of quiet family time.
I will be back in a few days to share my end of the year thoughts....get geared up for 2012....and all that jazz.
So please have a wonderful holiday.....be healthy....be safe. Blessed Be!!!
Decor a la Mysti - part 3 - the finale!
You have seen the inside....mostly. There actually is more, but it isn't terribly interesting to anyone other than me. Heck, most of this is probably not interesting to anyone other than me. But it is my blog...so I get to write about what I want.
On to the outside!
We have owned this house for 10 years, and the decor out here has been modified many times. It just never is quite right. We started out with just Wreaths on the windows (and still have those wreaths 10 years later). We had icicle lights for years until G-man decided he couldn't deal with them anymore. We have had snowmen. We have had snowflakes. The last 2 years we added some garland, and were getting closer to the look we wanted. Then I found an inspiration picture! Thank you Pintrest!
Pretty, right????
Our house isn't that big, and there are elements that we didn't include this year due to budget. But we tried. Here is the end result:
I tried to get a decent picture in the evening. But it failed miserably. Part of the problem is the lack of light. Plus, I stink at this. So here is what stuff looks like up close.
Here is the front of the house. The garland we already had and I added Dollar Store Ribbon and Poinsettia. We also already had the lights. The trees are new. You can't really see it, but there is garland and red sparkly ornaments on the base to fill in the space between the urn and the tree.
Our Walkway trees need more lights for sure. The 2 on the steps need bigger pots. Since we can't stake those, we tried to put them in a container.
But this is what happened because the pots weren't big enough:
The wreaths are old, but they look better with the lights and ribbon. The upper level didn't get ribbon on them. I have it...but it just didn't get done. I let it go.
We had the Kissing balls. We got those last year.
My poor pictures really don't do it justice. It is much nicer in person. Next year we would like to add more lights. Probably something in the ceiling of the porch. A wreath on the top window (which is actually the attic).
OK....let me have it....how can I make it better?????
On to the outside!
We have owned this house for 10 years, and the decor out here has been modified many times. It just never is quite right. We started out with just Wreaths on the windows (and still have those wreaths 10 years later). We had icicle lights for years until G-man decided he couldn't deal with them anymore. We have had snowmen. We have had snowflakes. The last 2 years we added some garland, and were getting closer to the look we wanted. Then I found an inspiration picture! Thank you Pintrest!
Pretty, right????
Our house isn't that big, and there are elements that we didn't include this year due to budget. But we tried. Here is the end result:
I tried to get a decent picture in the evening. But it failed miserably. Part of the problem is the lack of light. Plus, I stink at this. So here is what stuff looks like up close.
Here is the front of the house. The garland we already had and I added Dollar Store Ribbon and Poinsettia. We also already had the lights. The trees are new. You can't really see it, but there is garland and red sparkly ornaments on the base to fill in the space between the urn and the tree.
Our Walkway trees need more lights for sure. The 2 on the steps need bigger pots. Since we can't stake those, we tried to put them in a container.
 |
| Our Walkway trees |
But this is what happened because the pots weren't big enough:
The wreaths are old, but they look better with the lights and ribbon. The upper level didn't get ribbon on them. I have it...but it just didn't get done. I let it go.
We had the Kissing balls. We got those last year.The front door came out nice, I think.
My poor pictures really don't do it justice. It is much nicer in person. Next year we would like to add more lights. Probably something in the ceiling of the porch. A wreath on the top window (which is actually the attic).
OK....let me have it....how can I make it better?????
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Our Yule Celebration!
Merry Meet!
At 12:30am this morning, Winter officially began! The night between December 21-22 is the longest night of the year and we were excited to prepare for this holiday.
First, we made a Yule Log. G-man found this piece of birch in our neighborhood and drilled holes in it to mount the candles. Birch wood symbolizes new beginnings.....very fitting. The kids decorated it with beads, glitter, and Pointsettia flowers. We displayed it on a bed of evergreen branches from our Christmas Tree. The gold ornaments represent the Sun, who has now been reborn.
We also created our Fairy Houses. These were hung outside, so that the tree fairies have a place to rest and get out of the cold of Winter. Sassy made sure to include a blanket. G-man made a few that looked like they were leaning, and we decided to pay homage to his deceased father, and call them The Shed, and The Boat Pad. The shed is just like his dad's shed....full of paper, rags, and junk! And the Boat Pad....nuff said.
We also strung cranberries and popcorn to sustain the animals through out the winter.
Last night, instead of our usual reading, we read about the Winter Solstice. We read two children's books: The Winter Solstice by Ellen Jackson, and The Shortest Day by Wendy Pfeffer. The kids loved both. We talked about the traditions of the the Solstice, and how they relate to things we do now (candles, the evergreen tree, the lights). I enjoyed reading the books to them, and it was so wonderful to have them ask questions. They continued to discuss it between them, even after I finished reading.
And lastly...we welcomed the Sun again by ringing our Yule Bells at official sunrise (7:15am) this morning!!!
Happy Winter! Blessed Be.
At 12:30am this morning, Winter officially began! The night between December 21-22 is the longest night of the year and we were excited to prepare for this holiday.
First, we made a Yule Log. G-man found this piece of birch in our neighborhood and drilled holes in it to mount the candles. Birch wood symbolizes new beginnings.....very fitting. The kids decorated it with beads, glitter, and Pointsettia flowers. We displayed it on a bed of evergreen branches from our Christmas Tree. The gold ornaments represent the Sun, who has now been reborn.
We also created our Fairy Houses. These were hung outside, so that the tree fairies have a place to rest and get out of the cold of Winter. Sassy made sure to include a blanket. G-man made a few that looked like they were leaning, and we decided to pay homage to his deceased father, and call them The Shed, and The Boat Pad. The shed is just like his dad's shed....full of paper, rags, and junk! And the Boat Pad....nuff said.
 |
| Sassy's House |
 |
| Bossy's House |
 |
| The Shed |
 |
| The Boat Pad |
We also strung cranberries and popcorn to sustain the animals through out the winter.
Last night, instead of our usual reading, we read about the Winter Solstice. We read two children's books: The Winter Solstice by Ellen Jackson, and The Shortest Day by Wendy Pfeffer. The kids loved both. We talked about the traditions of the the Solstice, and how they relate to things we do now (candles, the evergreen tree, the lights). I enjoyed reading the books to them, and it was so wonderful to have them ask questions. They continued to discuss it between them, even after I finished reading.
And lastly...we welcomed the Sun again by ringing our Yule Bells at official sunrise (7:15am) this morning!!!
Happy Winter! Blessed Be.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Change of plans...
Today should have been a post that concluded the decor of the house....that has gotten bumped to Friday. Why? Change of plans! Specifically, I couldn't write the post last night, let alone take the pics. Why? Change of plans!
So what changed? The boxes arrived.
The boxes from our parents.
The ones where I had already talked to them about what I/kids were getting for G-man yet I apparently talk (or type) just to hear myself talk (or type). As we opened the boxes, or more specifically the ones from MIL.....and noticed that she bought a number of things for G-man.....that I already bought. The stuff that I already told her I bought. See where this is going????
After I got over the initial anger, I had 3 choices: 1) Let it be, and return duplicates later and get other stuff, 2) Let the emotion overtake me and go over the top and get him something BIG, or 3) Get other stuff.
I went with 3. So out to the Mall I went after work (after spending 30 min on line at the Post Office for work). Did I mention I was wearing 3 inch heels? With pointy toes????
We have a number of items that need to get returned...the mouse (mice?) for the kids, the duplicate G-man gifts, and 1 thing that I ordered for his stocking, which turned out to be the wrong one. Alot of it needs to be returned via Amazon, so tonight I will package all of that up, and have to go BACK to the Post Office.
I have lost track of the money at this point. I have to sit down and sort it all out....between returns and purchases, ugh.
I was able to get him 2 gifts, and something for his stocking. I even got something for myself using a gift card that I had in my wallet (and for the record....it was at Victoria's Secret....not a gift card I could have used to buy a gift for G-man. Well, I guess technically you could call it a gift for him as well.....hee hee).
We still need to fix the whole Santa thing for the kids. As in the little thing they get under their personal trees. We decided that Santa will leave them a CD under their tree (we already had one for Bossy), but need to get one for Sassy. Then we need to get something else for Bossy, as the CD was supposed to be from us, and not Santa. The CDs will replace the Mouse that was supposed to be under their tree.
I tried yesterday, but my feet HURT. Trying really hard to roll with it!!!
So tomorrow you will see our Yule Celebration, and then Friday will conclude our Decor with Mysti series.
And on a rambling side note.....To the People at the Post Office who just wanted Stamps....buy them somewhere else....the grocery store maybe....do not clog up the Post Office line for stuff like this!!!!!!
So what changed? The boxes arrived.
The boxes from our parents.
The ones where I had already talked to them about what I/kids were getting for G-man yet I apparently talk (or type) just to hear myself talk (or type). As we opened the boxes, or more specifically the ones from MIL.....and noticed that she bought a number of things for G-man.....that I already bought. The stuff that I already told her I bought. See where this is going????
After I got over the initial anger, I had 3 choices: 1) Let it be, and return duplicates later and get other stuff, 2) Let the emotion overtake me and go over the top and get him something BIG, or 3) Get other stuff.
I went with 3. So out to the Mall I went after work (after spending 30 min on line at the Post Office for work). Did I mention I was wearing 3 inch heels? With pointy toes????
We have a number of items that need to get returned...the mouse (mice?) for the kids, the duplicate G-man gifts, and 1 thing that I ordered for his stocking, which turned out to be the wrong one. Alot of it needs to be returned via Amazon, so tonight I will package all of that up, and have to go BACK to the Post Office.
I have lost track of the money at this point. I have to sit down and sort it all out....between returns and purchases, ugh.
I was able to get him 2 gifts, and something for his stocking. I even got something for myself using a gift card that I had in my wallet (and for the record....it was at Victoria's Secret....not a gift card I could have used to buy a gift for G-man. Well, I guess technically you could call it a gift for him as well.....hee hee).
We still need to fix the whole Santa thing for the kids. As in the little thing they get under their personal trees. We decided that Santa will leave them a CD under their tree (we already had one for Bossy), but need to get one for Sassy. Then we need to get something else for Bossy, as the CD was supposed to be from us, and not Santa. The CDs will replace the Mouse that was supposed to be under their tree.
I tried yesterday, but my feet HURT. Trying really hard to roll with it!!!
So tomorrow you will see our Yule Celebration, and then Friday will conclude our Decor with Mysti series.
And on a rambling side note.....To the People at the Post Office who just wanted Stamps....buy them somewhere else....the grocery store maybe....do not clog up the Post Office line for stuff like this!!!!!!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Decor a la Mysti - part 2
Yesterday you saw alot of our decor....today you get to see the "real" trees.
First, Bossy's tree.
He decided this year that he doesn't want the lights on. In years past, he has. He said they made his room too light. OK. He decorated the tree himself (with some supervision by Daddy). He actually still had a ton of ornaments left, but he was happy with this; if he is happy....we are happy.
Sassy's tree....named Lilac. Last year it was Lily. She must have a thing for "L" names.
She also didn't use all her ornaments. And she used the Disney Princess ones for some reason. Whatever. She likes her tree on all night. Her creation was entirely hers....she didn't let us in her room until she was done!
And our main tree....and the only one that was a live tree....which has now fulfilled it's Christmas Destiny.
The kids named it Ronald. They went through the tree lot and looked at all the tags on the trees...looking for one that said "Ronald." Silly. Sassy is the one who actually found this one. Both kids helped carry it to the front and got a little lesson on counting the rings. Bossy was very upset that they cut a little off the bottom. He did not like the fact that they were cutting our tree!
We have alot of handblown ornaments that we have collected. I just love them. We started collecting them the first year we were married.
These are the ornaments for our daughters. The twin girls have Waterford Crystal ones that match their boxes. And our baby that we miscarried....hers is a purple swirl....she swished in and out of our lives so quickly.
And for HS, if you are reading this.....you asked if my hair really is pink.....actually, it is pink and purple now. But, here is a picture Sassy drew of me for the tree. Notice the pink streak???
Tomorrow I will show you the outside of the house....and Thursday is our Yule Celebration!
First, Bossy's tree.
He decided this year that he doesn't want the lights on. In years past, he has. He said they made his room too light. OK. He decorated the tree himself (with some supervision by Daddy). He actually still had a ton of ornaments left, but he was happy with this; if he is happy....we are happy.
Sassy's tree....named Lilac. Last year it was Lily. She must have a thing for "L" names.
She also didn't use all her ornaments. And she used the Disney Princess ones for some reason. Whatever. She likes her tree on all night. Her creation was entirely hers....she didn't let us in her room until she was done!
And our main tree....and the only one that was a live tree....which has now fulfilled it's Christmas Destiny.
The kids named it Ronald. They went through the tree lot and looked at all the tags on the trees...looking for one that said "Ronald." Silly. Sassy is the one who actually found this one. Both kids helped carry it to the front and got a little lesson on counting the rings. Bossy was very upset that they cut a little off the bottom. He did not like the fact that they were cutting our tree!
We have alot of handblown ornaments that we have collected. I just love them. We started collecting them the first year we were married.
 | |
| Bought at a craft fair in 1998 |
These are the ornaments for our daughters. The twin girls have Waterford Crystal ones that match their boxes. And our baby that we miscarried....hers is a purple swirl....she swished in and out of our lives so quickly.
 |
| 2007 Waterford Crystal Ornament...we have 2 |
 |
| This one was named Sugar Plum |
And for HS, if you are reading this.....you asked if my hair really is pink.....actually, it is pink and purple now. But, here is a picture Sassy drew of me for the tree. Notice the pink streak???
Tomorrow I will show you the outside of the house....and Thursday is our Yule Celebration!
Monday, December 19, 2011
Decor a la Mysti - part 1
I truly think that my love of decorating for the holidays comes from my mother's complete LACK of decorating. I love for the house to look special and dressed up. Granted, it is much more fun to put it up than take it down. But sitting in the evening and just looking at it all....it is nice.
So, wanna take a tour of my decor??? My real camera decided to die, so most of these pictures are complements of my cell phone. Sorry for the poor quality of some of them!!
Downstairs Powder Room: These trees were purchased last year from Michael's. The ornaments came from a local discount place, and my fancy tree skirt is a scarf from the Dollar store. And of course everything needs some bows!
Upstairs Bathroom: Another Michael's tree purchased last year. The ornaments are little beads I bought and hand strung.
Hallway: My stairs have had several versions of decoration over the years. Right now we are keeping it pretty simple. The stockings sort of block the decoration. And of course my snowmen! They have been collected for several years. They used to be spread all over the place...but I think having them as a group is more impactful. I try and add one every year. I just luv them!!
Living Room: These little trees were purchased from the Dollar Store years ago. Actually, all but that Snowman came from the Dollar store. They used to be on top of our Entertainment cabinet, but once we took that down, they got displaced. So here they are.
Alcove: I gotta tell you....this tree and I have not gotten along this year. The base broke when I was setting it up. I epoxied it....seemed ok....then broke again. We ended up having to buy a new base, and it didn't fit. The two adapters were either too big, or too small. *sigh*. We ended up having to stuff the adapter that was too big. Now the tree is up, but it isn't the sturdiest (notice the lean?). I also fell coming down the attic stairs and dropped the box with the ornaments....luckily only one broke. I almost gave up on this tree. But I love the decor on it (lots of glittered ornaments!) , so I had to push on.
The bookcase decor used to be downstairs, but it moved up here this year. I have no idea why the wall looks blue behind it....it is actually a dark brown. Gotta love lighting!
So, wanna take a tour of my decor??? My real camera decided to die, so most of these pictures are complements of my cell phone. Sorry for the poor quality of some of them!!
Downstairs Powder Room: These trees were purchased last year from Michael's. The ornaments came from a local discount place, and my fancy tree skirt is a scarf from the Dollar store. And of course everything needs some bows!
Upstairs Bathroom: Another Michael's tree purchased last year. The ornaments are little beads I bought and hand strung.
Hallway: My stairs have had several versions of decoration over the years. Right now we are keeping it pretty simple. The stockings sort of block the decoration. And of course my snowmen! They have been collected for several years. They used to be spread all over the place...but I think having them as a group is more impactful. I try and add one every year. I just luv them!!
Living Room: These little trees were purchased from the Dollar Store years ago. Actually, all but that Snowman came from the Dollar store. They used to be on top of our Entertainment cabinet, but once we took that down, they got displaced. So here they are.
Alcove: I gotta tell you....this tree and I have not gotten along this year. The base broke when I was setting it up. I epoxied it....seemed ok....then broke again. We ended up having to buy a new base, and it didn't fit. The two adapters were either too big, or too small. *sigh*. We ended up having to stuff the adapter that was too big. Now the tree is up, but it isn't the sturdiest (notice the lean?). I also fell coming down the attic stairs and dropped the box with the ornaments....luckily only one broke. I almost gave up on this tree. But I love the decor on it (lots of glittered ornaments!) , so I had to push on.
The bookcase decor used to be downstairs, but it moved up here this year. I have no idea why the wall looks blue behind it....it is actually a dark brown. Gotta love lighting!
Tomorrow....see the kids' trees and our main tree!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Time for the Back-up plan
G-man is having a hard time giving up the idea of the computer for the kids for Christmas. We looked into it last night, and it would run us $200-$250 minimum to get them what we would need.
We have $150 left in the Christmas fund (I purposely left a little extra out of the budget, just in case. I was hoping to roll that into the Cat Care fund, but oh well). We do have money in the emergency fund, but it is low because of the recent car purchase (we had to float $300 from the EF to cover the first payment because direct deposit just kicked in and wasn't going to be there in time).
What we found out was that our netbooks have an operating system of Windows CE, which is what is used in a cell phone. The current version of Flash Player isn't compatible. 4 years ago, it would have supported Flash 4....but we are up to Flash 11 at this point. It would take a whole new operating system to make it work.
We kicked around the idea of getting them EACH a tablet or laptop of some sort...but I really can't spend that, or at least Santa can't. We kicked around the idea of getting ONE for them to share, and are concerned about fighting over it.
So I think we are going to have to give up this idea for now.
The back-up plan....I think we are going to get the kids some sort of scooter. EACH will get one. We have just about enough left in the fund to cover this, and once we sell the now defunct netbooks, it will replenish the fund.
Like a few of you said...at least we found out before Christmas morning!!!!!
Oh, and a word on Batteries....we open boxes and make sure the batteries are already in a toy before we wrap it up. We also free a toy from its wire bondage, so as soon as a gift is opened, it is ready to go...no fighting with it!
It is a major disappointment, but this is the best we can do right now.
We have $150 left in the Christmas fund (I purposely left a little extra out of the budget, just in case. I was hoping to roll that into the Cat Care fund, but oh well). We do have money in the emergency fund, but it is low because of the recent car purchase (we had to float $300 from the EF to cover the first payment because direct deposit just kicked in and wasn't going to be there in time).
What we found out was that our netbooks have an operating system of Windows CE, which is what is used in a cell phone. The current version of Flash Player isn't compatible. 4 years ago, it would have supported Flash 4....but we are up to Flash 11 at this point. It would take a whole new operating system to make it work.
We kicked around the idea of getting them EACH a tablet or laptop of some sort...but I really can't spend that, or at least Santa can't. We kicked around the idea of getting ONE for them to share, and are concerned about fighting over it.
So I think we are going to have to give up this idea for now.
The back-up plan....I think we are going to get the kids some sort of scooter. EACH will get one. We have just about enough left in the fund to cover this, and once we sell the now defunct netbooks, it will replenish the fund.
Like a few of you said...at least we found out before Christmas morning!!!!!
Oh, and a word on Batteries....we open boxes and make sure the batteries are already in a toy before we wrap it up. We also free a toy from its wire bondage, so as soon as a gift is opened, it is ready to go...no fighting with it!
It is a major disappointment, but this is the best we can do right now.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
PANIC!!
Don't tell me not to panic....this is a crisis! PANIC!!!!!!
We bought the kids netbooks as their Santa gift this year. Got them from 1saleaday. Well, they don't support Flash Player. So the kids wouldn't be able to play games on them. Which was the whole purpose of getting them.
PLUS...we can't return them. (We will probably sell them ourselves to recoup the money).
But now we don't have a Santa gift for the kids!!! They don't want anything!!! They aren't into anything!!!
CRAAAAAP!!!!!! And Christmas is in less than 2 weeks!!!
So now what?????
We bought the kids netbooks as their Santa gift this year. Got them from 1saleaday. Well, they don't support Flash Player. So the kids wouldn't be able to play games on them. Which was the whole purpose of getting them.
PLUS...we can't return them. (We will probably sell them ourselves to recoup the money).
But now we don't have a Santa gift for the kids!!! They don't want anything!!! They aren't into anything!!!
CRAAAAAP!!!!!! And Christmas is in less than 2 weeks!!!
So now what?????
Monday, December 12, 2011
A spin off to the waste post....Holiday edition!
Goodness knows I have room for improvement in all areas of my life. But when it come to wasting money at the holidays....ugh. It always bites me. None of it is intentional...it just sort of happens. Here are a few things from this year, and years past:
1) Electricity. We have lots of holiday lights (pics to come!). And for some reason....no one remembers to unplug them but me! The big tree....G-man will shut that off. The rest? They would burn 24/7 if my family had anything to do with it.
2) Little trees. This could be a whole post in itself. But we bought walkway trees this year. 4 trees with lights...and they are connected by the strand of lights. I wanted ones that weren't connected, but that was $$$ (they were solar powered!). I looked around in the major big box stores...nothing. Ended up buying 2 boxes on Ebay for $13 each, plus $9 for shipping (so $35). The day after they arrived....I found them in a store I rarely go to. For $10 a box. No shipping.
PLUS...these trees only stake into the ground, and we needed 4 of them on the steps. So G-man bought inexpensive clay pots to put them in. He put dirt in the pots, and staked them that way. WELL....the pots he bought are too small. So they keep tipping over, and since they are connected....once one goes, it pulls the others over as well. I spend at least a few minutes a day picking these things up, fixing it...having to wash up from all the dirt on my hands....
3) Bows for the tree. Good gracious. I must have thought that there was going to be a Zombie Apocalypse and that bows were going to become the new currency. I have enough bows to last until my grandchildren need bows.
4) Filler ornaments. I also thought that I needed more "filler" for the tree. So I have at least 3 packages of plain ornaments from years past. Maybe I will try and glitter them for next year!!!! OOOHHHH, a new project!!!!
5) Finding a present cheaper somewhere else. We have all had this happen...you buy something, and then you find it somewhere else cheaper. Then the debate comes in...do I buy it again and return the first one? Sometimes the amount of time it takes to return the gift negates the price savings. We bought a game for $15. Then found it for $10. We ended up buying it again, and returning the first one....because we had to go back to that store anyway. But waiting on line for 30 min to return something for a net of $5....not so sure.
6) Products to save you time. This one ALMOST ended up in the trash, but we got it working, and all is good now. We bought a timer for the outside lights. It was $9. It took some fiddling around with, but it is fine now. However, while it wasn't working right....it was about to be pitched and take the loss of $9. Same with the pop up tape dispenser...it doesn't work for me. I just will stick with the regular ole roll of tape.
7) Stuff you break. I bought a pair of hurricane lamps...one broke before I even put it up. It must have hit up against something. $5 down the drain. I also broke the base on one of the artificial trees (I dropped it). So now we have to buy a new base. $8 apparently is the price of clumsiness.
8) Stuff you were GOING to do. I wanted to put wreaths up on the cabinet doors. I bought the hooks for the cabinets, some new wreaths, and had some ribbon. Went to do it, and the wreaths are too big, and haven't seen smaller ones in a price level I am willing to spend. So all of that got thrown back in the tote and maybe I will try again next year.
As I stated earlier....I am using up the wrapping paper, bags, and ribbon I have this year, so I am not wasting money buying more. I did buy tape and tissue paper...but I needed that, so it doesn't count.
So fess up....what have you wasted money on for the holidays?????
1) Electricity. We have lots of holiday lights (pics to come!). And for some reason....no one remembers to unplug them but me! The big tree....G-man will shut that off. The rest? They would burn 24/7 if my family had anything to do with it.
2) Little trees. This could be a whole post in itself. But we bought walkway trees this year. 4 trees with lights...and they are connected by the strand of lights. I wanted ones that weren't connected, but that was $$$ (they were solar powered!). I looked around in the major big box stores...nothing. Ended up buying 2 boxes on Ebay for $13 each, plus $9 for shipping (so $35). The day after they arrived....I found them in a store I rarely go to. For $10 a box. No shipping.
PLUS...these trees only stake into the ground, and we needed 4 of them on the steps. So G-man bought inexpensive clay pots to put them in. He put dirt in the pots, and staked them that way. WELL....the pots he bought are too small. So they keep tipping over, and since they are connected....once one goes, it pulls the others over as well. I spend at least a few minutes a day picking these things up, fixing it...having to wash up from all the dirt on my hands....
3) Bows for the tree. Good gracious. I must have thought that there was going to be a Zombie Apocalypse and that bows were going to become the new currency. I have enough bows to last until my grandchildren need bows.
4) Filler ornaments. I also thought that I needed more "filler" for the tree. So I have at least 3 packages of plain ornaments from years past. Maybe I will try and glitter them for next year!!!! OOOHHHH, a new project!!!!
5) Finding a present cheaper somewhere else. We have all had this happen...you buy something, and then you find it somewhere else cheaper. Then the debate comes in...do I buy it again and return the first one? Sometimes the amount of time it takes to return the gift negates the price savings. We bought a game for $15. Then found it for $10. We ended up buying it again, and returning the first one....because we had to go back to that store anyway. But waiting on line for 30 min to return something for a net of $5....not so sure.
6) Products to save you time. This one ALMOST ended up in the trash, but we got it working, and all is good now. We bought a timer for the outside lights. It was $9. It took some fiddling around with, but it is fine now. However, while it wasn't working right....it was about to be pitched and take the loss of $9. Same with the pop up tape dispenser...it doesn't work for me. I just will stick with the regular ole roll of tape.
7) Stuff you break. I bought a pair of hurricane lamps...one broke before I even put it up. It must have hit up against something. $5 down the drain. I also broke the base on one of the artificial trees (I dropped it). So now we have to buy a new base. $8 apparently is the price of clumsiness.
8) Stuff you were GOING to do. I wanted to put wreaths up on the cabinet doors. I bought the hooks for the cabinets, some new wreaths, and had some ribbon. Went to do it, and the wreaths are too big, and haven't seen smaller ones in a price level I am willing to spend. So all of that got thrown back in the tote and maybe I will try again next year.
As I stated earlier....I am using up the wrapping paper, bags, and ribbon I have this year, so I am not wasting money buying more. I did buy tape and tissue paper...but I needed that, so it doesn't count.
So fess up....what have you wasted money on for the holidays?????
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Who knew finding help would be so hard?
G-man and I were invited to a cocktail party coming up this weekend. The e-vite went out mid-November, so we had plenty of time to find a sitter, get a hostess gift, etc.
Neither of us were going to need anything new to wear (sans a pair of hosiery for me if I ripped mine). I got a hostess gift on sale, just needed to be wrapped up.
That just leaves the sitter. We called our regular girl...and after a period of her going MIA, she finally said she couldn't do it that night. I asked someone from PTA who has a teenage daughter....she can't do it. Asked another friend whose step-daughter is in college....SHE can't do it, but our friend thought maybe the roommate could. Nope...she couldn't do it either.
This brings us to Sunday. As in, 2 days ago. In a moment of desperation, I googled sitters, and found 2 sites that claim that you can post a job and find a sitter! Background checks are already completed....it had reviews and profiles. And it was free! Sounded like a good deal.
WRONG. Yes, you can join for free....yes, you can post a job for free....but if you want to get the CONTACT information for the sitter....THAT my friends, you have to pay for. How much? $35 freaking dollars, A MONTH. That is on top of whatever you would pay for a sitter (which around here is $10/hr).
There was no way we were going to pay $35 for a one time usage of a sitter. Let alone per month to keep our membership active. $35, plus probably $50-$60 for the sitter....we are closing in on $100, just for the sitter....plus the gift.....plus the gas to go to the party (it is 45 min away).....good thing we didn't need clothes! This was turning into an expensive party.
So, we let the couple know we wouldn't be able to make it. The hostess gift will get saved for another occasion. And we and the kids are going to make Fairy Houses (fun with popsicle sticks and glue!! And of course GLITTER!!!) to hang outside so the Tree Sprites have somewhere to go to get out of the cold (as part of our Yule celebration).
It will still be a nice evening....just not the evening we originally thought!
Neither of us were going to need anything new to wear (sans a pair of hosiery for me if I ripped mine). I got a hostess gift on sale, just needed to be wrapped up.
That just leaves the sitter. We called our regular girl...and after a period of her going MIA, she finally said she couldn't do it that night. I asked someone from PTA who has a teenage daughter....she can't do it. Asked another friend whose step-daughter is in college....SHE can't do it, but our friend thought maybe the roommate could. Nope...she couldn't do it either.
This brings us to Sunday. As in, 2 days ago. In a moment of desperation, I googled sitters, and found 2 sites that claim that you can post a job and find a sitter! Background checks are already completed....it had reviews and profiles. And it was free! Sounded like a good deal.
WRONG. Yes, you can join for free....yes, you can post a job for free....but if you want to get the CONTACT information for the sitter....THAT my friends, you have to pay for. How much? $35 freaking dollars, A MONTH. That is on top of whatever you would pay for a sitter (which around here is $10/hr).
There was no way we were going to pay $35 for a one time usage of a sitter. Let alone per month to keep our membership active. $35, plus probably $50-$60 for the sitter....we are closing in on $100, just for the sitter....plus the gift.....plus the gas to go to the party (it is 45 min away).....good thing we didn't need clothes! This was turning into an expensive party.
So, we let the couple know we wouldn't be able to make it. The hostess gift will get saved for another occasion. And we and the kids are going to make Fairy Houses (fun with popsicle sticks and glue!! And of course GLITTER!!!) to hang outside so the Tree Sprites have somewhere to go to get out of the cold (as part of our Yule celebration).
It will still be a nice evening....just not the evening we originally thought!
Monday, November 28, 2011
The Holiday Ramp-up
We are now past Thanksgiving (hope everyone had a great one!) and the official countdown to the Holidays has begun. Some people are way ahead of the game....some haven't even started. Where do you fall?
This year, I am ahead of the game. I fully admit that this year is somewhat of a rarity. I am always done early by traditional standards (probably by Dec 15). This year, because I had my Christmas fund, I was able to start shopping a little earlier, and had the money to do so. Plus, we are on track to have about $150 left in the fund in the end, which will go into the Pet care fund (for food, litter, and vet expenses)
But right now....all but 1 gift has been purchased. And a few stocking stuffers. This one gift is bugging me. It is for my boss. We have a casual office, and I have known my boss for almost 9 years. But he is soooo hard to shop for. I have a $15 budget and am really trying to stay in that budget. I can go up to $20. But no idea what to get him. I don't want to cop out and just get a Starbucks gift card. All of my ideas have turned out to be too expensive. So here I am....pondering this. Any thoughts???? Especially from the male readers???
UPDATE: After talking to a bunch of people...I discovered that men like gadgets and "cool stuff." So I am getting him a flashlight that has a tripod, and it can be used as 1 big flashlight, or 3 little ones.
We started decorating the outside of the house, and it looks nice. I am hoping to have that finished this week. As we were putting things up, some people walked by, and commented how pretty it looked. That made us feel good.
We will be getting our tree and putting it up this weekend. Normally we get it the second weekend of December, but that weekend is crazy, so we are doing it a little early. This week I will finish moving a few things around in the room to accomodate the tree, and by Friday we will be all set.
I have mentioned that I put up lots of trees and decorations. This week is quiet, so I am hoping to clean one area each night, and put up the actual tree....decorating will probably be this weekend.
Holiday cards are 95% done. I had a hard time cropping the pictures so I will finish it at work, and they will be ordered today. I made address labels years ago, so once the cards arrive, it is usually an hour process to stuff and address it all. I have the kids help with it.
Wrapping....I love doing it. So I will probably wait until after the crazy period of time to do it. So I can actually enjoy it. The only exception....the stuff that needs to be shipped. That will get wrapped and ready to go, so they can go out by the 10th.
We have a cocktail party to go to....hostess gift purchased and ready to go.
Dinners for Dec 24 and Dec 25....we let the kids pick what they wanted. He picked Calzones for Christmas Eve, and she picked Ham for Christmas. Sounds good to me! Santa cookies are also on the plan.
Yule is Dec 22. So we will be doing some traditional Yule activities to celebrate, including decorating a tree outside with edible goodies. We will also be making a Yule log, and will be making Sun bells. I love that we are doing this!
Really the only other pending thing is getting the kids their new PJs for Christmas Eve.
I am happy with the progress. I am not stressed about any of it. I am going to enjoy it ALL. I deserve to enjoy it.
This year, I am ahead of the game. I fully admit that this year is somewhat of a rarity. I am always done early by traditional standards (probably by Dec 15). This year, because I had my Christmas fund, I was able to start shopping a little earlier, and had the money to do so. Plus, we are on track to have about $150 left in the fund in the end, which will go into the Pet care fund (for food, litter, and vet expenses)
But right now....all but 1 gift has been purchased. And a few stocking stuffers. This one gift is bugging me. It is for my boss. We have a casual office, and I have known my boss for almost 9 years. But he is soooo hard to shop for. I have a $15 budget and am really trying to stay in that budget. I can go up to $20. But no idea what to get him. I don't want to cop out and just get a Starbucks gift card. All of my ideas have turned out to be too expensive. So here I am....pondering this. Any thoughts???? Especially from the male readers???
UPDATE: After talking to a bunch of people...I discovered that men like gadgets and "cool stuff." So I am getting him a flashlight that has a tripod, and it can be used as 1 big flashlight, or 3 little ones.
We started decorating the outside of the house, and it looks nice. I am hoping to have that finished this week. As we were putting things up, some people walked by, and commented how pretty it looked. That made us feel good.
We will be getting our tree and putting it up this weekend. Normally we get it the second weekend of December, but that weekend is crazy, so we are doing it a little early. This week I will finish moving a few things around in the room to accomodate the tree, and by Friday we will be all set.
I have mentioned that I put up lots of trees and decorations. This week is quiet, so I am hoping to clean one area each night, and put up the actual tree....decorating will probably be this weekend.
Holiday cards are 95% done. I had a hard time cropping the pictures so I will finish it at work, and they will be ordered today. I made address labels years ago, so once the cards arrive, it is usually an hour process to stuff and address it all. I have the kids help with it.
Wrapping....I love doing it. So I will probably wait until after the crazy period of time to do it. So I can actually enjoy it. The only exception....the stuff that needs to be shipped. That will get wrapped and ready to go, so they can go out by the 10th.
We have a cocktail party to go to....hostess gift purchased and ready to go.
Dinners for Dec 24 and Dec 25....we let the kids pick what they wanted. He picked Calzones for Christmas Eve, and she picked Ham for Christmas. Sounds good to me! Santa cookies are also on the plan.
Yule is Dec 22. So we will be doing some traditional Yule activities to celebrate, including decorating a tree outside with edible goodies. We will also be making a Yule log, and will be making Sun bells. I love that we are doing this!
Really the only other pending thing is getting the kids their new PJs for Christmas Eve.
I am happy with the progress. I am not stressed about any of it. I am going to enjoy it ALL. I deserve to enjoy it.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Reasons to Give Thanks
As we all rush to prepare our holiday meals and drive to family homes, let's take a moment to give thanks for the one we have in our life.
First, I would like to thank all of you for sharing your lives with me, and actually caring what happens in mine!!
I am also thankful for:
Kitty S (aka Boo Boo Bebe) - You always sleeping at my feet. It is nice to wake up in the middle of the night and feel your warmth there. You will always be my first Bebe.
Kitty A (aka Kittyface) - You are my cuddle girl. I love when you decide to lay on my chest and keep me company.
Kitty K (aka Fatty McOrangeA$$) - You are definitely the kids' kitty...and they love you for knowing what they need. And thank you for hanging out with me in the shower....you think that the ledge of the bathtub is your own personal Kitty Sauna.
AT & T U-verse - For allowing me to record up to 4 things at once. Sometimes you just want it all!
Unlimited Talk to Friends and Family on my Cell phone - My bluetooth is charged and ready go every day, as I talk to everyone while in the car.
Flavored Coffee Creamer - Oh, that first sip of coffee in the morning....YUM.
First, I would like to thank all of you for sharing your lives with me, and actually caring what happens in mine!!
I am also thankful for:
My Bebes (aka the cats)
Kitty A (aka Kittyface) - You are my cuddle girl. I love when you decide to lay on my chest and keep me company.
Kitty K (aka Fatty McOrangeA$$) - You are definitely the kids' kitty...and they love you for knowing what they need. And thank you for hanging out with me in the shower....you think that the ledge of the bathtub is your own personal Kitty Sauna.
My Kids
(aka the Babies, even though they aren't Babies anymore)
Bossy Boy - You remind me to slow down. I need to break everything into managable steps for you, and it forces me to think things through and not just RUN all the time. I love your smile, and your hugs!
Sassy Girl - You see the world through Rose Colored Glasses. You see the good in everyone, respect the difference, and love everyone with all your heart. I admire your creative spirit, and love your good night kisses.
The Silly Things That Keep me Going
Pintrest - I get to create my ideal world. Learn new things. And just be quiet for awhile.AT & T U-verse - For allowing me to record up to 4 things at once. Sometimes you just want it all!
Unlimited Talk to Friends and Family on my Cell phone - My bluetooth is charged and ready go every day, as I talk to everyone while in the car.
Flavored Coffee Creamer - Oh, that first sip of coffee in the morning....YUM.
And lastly.....
G-man - It has been a very rough year. But I am thankful for the opportunity to try and make things better. We both know that things are broken....but hopefully we can mend some of this and come out stronger. Thank you for trying.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Part of learning to accept and change some things...the long winded Holiday edition
I spent a good deal of time Christmas shopping on-line yesterday. I kicked butt!!! I am almost done, and managed to pay minimal shipping charges. I found what I wanted within the price range I wanted to stay. I have a few things left to get....but considering it is Thanksgiving week, all is good.
I am behind on my holiday cards. The kids both need haircuts. And Sassy is sick. So pictures will have to wait. I usually like to have them out by December 10. But if it doesn't happen...it doesn't happen.
We usually get our tree the second weekend of December. Well, that weekend is crazy busy. We have 2 parties to go to. And the kids have half days of school for the 3 days leading up to it. And I have an all hands staff meeting that week. Too crazy. So we will get the tree early. It will be dead as a door nail by New Years. Oh well.
I decided to try and use up the holiday wrapping, ribbon, and bags that I already have. Most of it I don't like. Which is why I still have it hanging around (most of the wrapping paper was purchased by my Mom years ago and I inherited it when she moved. And the gift bags are my Mother-in-law's favorite gift giving vessel, and I save them....even though I don't like them). I posted last year about how much I love wrapping gifts and why I do it. And I still feel that way. But I also want to use up what I have and not spend any more money than I have to. I know I will feel sad as I wrap things in paper I hate....but it needs to be done this year. I need to compromise this year and try not to buy something unless I really need it (like I know I need tissue paper). I will probably get some stuff I like when it is on clearance after the holidays, but I am going to try and get rid of all the stuff I have already this year.
I got an invitation to a holiday party hosted by my Dad's cousins (yes, they are my cousins too....). And I usually go with the kids (G-man usually has to work), and I am miserable. It is a long drive. The kids (particularly Bossy) gets way over stimulated, and by the time we get to gifts, he is out of control. Last year I missed Sassy opening her gifts because I was wrestling Bossy in the spare room as he was out of control. I love family...but these people, although blood related (or I should say some are....there are lots of people there)...are not my FAMILY. These are the people I see once a year. And otherwise, have no contact with. I have gone out of obligation. And I am not doing it this year. I need to be who I am....and pretending to enjoy this is not it. I don't follow the same religious practice as I was raised in, and having to pretend for the day, and then having to explain it all to the kids....nah. Not this year.
Lastly...there has been a piece of my spirituality that has been lacking for a long time. It is time for me to really embrace that. This year, I will do that. I am starting to plan my Yule celebration, and am excited to do so.
And there ya go.....anyone else have things they are accepting and/or changing for this year?
I am behind on my holiday cards. The kids both need haircuts. And Sassy is sick. So pictures will have to wait. I usually like to have them out by December 10. But if it doesn't happen...it doesn't happen.
We usually get our tree the second weekend of December. Well, that weekend is crazy busy. We have 2 parties to go to. And the kids have half days of school for the 3 days leading up to it. And I have an all hands staff meeting that week. Too crazy. So we will get the tree early. It will be dead as a door nail by New Years. Oh well.
I decided to try and use up the holiday wrapping, ribbon, and bags that I already have. Most of it I don't like. Which is why I still have it hanging around (most of the wrapping paper was purchased by my Mom years ago and I inherited it when she moved. And the gift bags are my Mother-in-law's favorite gift giving vessel, and I save them....even though I don't like them). I posted last year about how much I love wrapping gifts and why I do it. And I still feel that way. But I also want to use up what I have and not spend any more money than I have to. I know I will feel sad as I wrap things in paper I hate....but it needs to be done this year. I need to compromise this year and try not to buy something unless I really need it (like I know I need tissue paper). I will probably get some stuff I like when it is on clearance after the holidays, but I am going to try and get rid of all the stuff I have already this year.
I got an invitation to a holiday party hosted by my Dad's cousins (yes, they are my cousins too....). And I usually go with the kids (G-man usually has to work), and I am miserable. It is a long drive. The kids (particularly Bossy) gets way over stimulated, and by the time we get to gifts, he is out of control. Last year I missed Sassy opening her gifts because I was wrestling Bossy in the spare room as he was out of control. I love family...but these people, although blood related (or I should say some are....there are lots of people there)...are not my FAMILY. These are the people I see once a year. And otherwise, have no contact with. I have gone out of obligation. And I am not doing it this year. I need to be who I am....and pretending to enjoy this is not it. I don't follow the same religious practice as I was raised in, and having to pretend for the day, and then having to explain it all to the kids....nah. Not this year.
Lastly...there has been a piece of my spirituality that has been lacking for a long time. It is time for me to really embrace that. This year, I will do that. I am starting to plan my Yule celebration, and am excited to do so.
And there ya go.....anyone else have things they are accepting and/or changing for this year?
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
It's Time for Shutterfly Holiday Cards!!!
Those of us in the Northeast that got pummeled with an early snow pretty much lost the whole first week of November. No power....it has been a mess. But now that most of us are restored (and my heart goes out to those that are in day ELEVEN without power), it is time to look at the calendar and realize....
EEEEEKKKKKK!!! Thanksgiving is just 2 weeks away, which means that Christmas is 45days away (Hanukkah is 41, Kwaanza is 46, and Yule is 42....if I missed your holiday....SORRY!)
We still send out Holiday Greetings to our family and friends, and for years we have used Shutterfly for our holiday card needs. They were one of the first to offer multiple picture options on the cards, which has always worked out great for us. They have a huge selection of cards...whimsical, traditional....folded or flat....1 picture up to 9 pictures!!
I had fun looking through the selection and picking out my favorites. It was tough!!! I have narrowed it down to these gorgeous selections:
I know some of you don't send out holiday greetings....and that is a-ok!!! Shutterfly has you covered for other greeting card needs!!! They have soooo cute birth announcements too....in case any of you are expecting a new bundle of joy, or are thinking about it. They are so cute, they ALMOST make me want another baby....just to send out the card! (I jest....our family is done!! But...... ;) )
Shutterfly also has so many other options available. Two years ago, we made a photo book as a Christmas gift for my mother-in-law. We featured pictures of my in-laws with the kids from birth through Easter 2009, which was shortly before my father-in-law passed away. I was able to pick layouts and backgrounds that fit each picture to a tee....I even found one that looked like a shed....which featured one of the last, and best pictures of my father-in-law. The reason it was perfect? The picture was taken in his shed...one of his favorite places. My mother-in-law loved it.
If you have used Shutterfly before, you know they are awesome. If you haven't, now is the time to try them!!! And in order to entice you.....I have not 1, not 2, but THREE giveaways for you!!!!! Shutterfly generously gave me (3) codes good for 25 FREE cards....you just need to pay shipping! C'mon, you know you are all excited!
Rules of the Giveaway....
Good luck to all!!! And thank you to Shutterfly for sponsoring this giveaway.
- You can only win one code; if Random.org picks you more than once, I will keep picking until I get 3 winners.
- Giveaway ends Monday, Nov. 14 at 7pm. Winners will be announced Tuesday, Nov 15.
- To enter, leave me a separate comment for each item (up to 3 entries per person):
- Are you a follower? (If not....scroll down to the bottom and become a follower)
- Have you used Shutterfly before?
- What is your favorite holiday song??
Good luck to all!!! And thank you to Shutterfly for sponsoring this giveaway.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
So THAT is why we aren't getting anywhere!!!
I have really been racking my brain (which, is full of holes at this point....) on why we aren't making more progress. If others can do it...so can we! So what about our plan isn't working.....Then it finally came to me. The reason we aren't making more progress....is we are PLANNING.
I can hear you all now.....Huh? Mysti....you really are off your rocker. Since when is planning the reason that something doesn't work? That is so counter intuitive.
Oh, but listen, my little grasshoppas....
I looked at our budget and where all the moola is going, and it dawned on me. We are SAVING for PLANNED expenses. In the past...we would hope that we could use our three paycheck months to cover the shortfall. There were some things we would put on a credit card, and then we really didn't think about them as expenses, because they just fell into the abyss known as DEBT.
Last April, I opened our first ING account, and have since opened several more. These have allowed us to save for planned expenses, and to actually visually see where it all is. And we are now paying CASH for things that either previously went on a credit card, or we shuffled around to make ends meet.
ETA: Please remember....I have a child with Autism. He simply will not tolerate having people in the house for a party. Kids "touching" his stuff....will set him over the edge and he will not even attend his own party. We can't do parties the way the rest of the world does. He likes bowling....he understands what happens there. We can do a party for him and have him have FUN...and that is important to us.
Sassy....her party will be for her and 3 friends. She doesn't have friends. She doesn't get invited to parties. She doesn't have playdates. She is the kid that has "that brother." If she has a friend over, Bossy goes into hysterics, and it is a mess.
No one has to agree with us on this one. But if you take a 9 year old kid who has had ONE party in their life......I don't think we are being over indulgent.
(I should add that originally this was going to be for G-man's 40th birthday bash....but after this year of issues, I decided against holding it, and decided that it would go to the kids).
After I thought about all of this.....THERE is where my debt repayment money is. I used to think I should have at least $500 more a month to repay debt. NO....we were living above our means, and now that $500 is being saved for REAL expenses.
I can beat myself up for not slashing through our debt in Gazelle style. But I am not going to. We are living a more realistic budget now. (Even if the food budget is STILL crazy, and gas prices aren't helping either). Baby steps.
Dave Ramsey might not be proud per se....but he at least wouldn't call us an idiot.
I can hear you all now.....Huh? Mysti....you really are off your rocker. Since when is planning the reason that something doesn't work? That is so counter intuitive.
Oh, but listen, my little grasshoppas....
I looked at our budget and where all the moola is going, and it dawned on me. We are SAVING for PLANNED expenses. In the past...we would hope that we could use our three paycheck months to cover the shortfall. There were some things we would put on a credit card, and then we really didn't think about them as expenses, because they just fell into the abyss known as DEBT.
Last April, I opened our first ING account, and have since opened several more. These have allowed us to save for planned expenses, and to actually visually see where it all is. And we are now paying CASH for things that either previously went on a credit card, or we shuffled around to make ends meet.
- We saved $1,000 CASH for the kids' camp. They didn't take credit cards, so that wasn't even an option. Last year, Nannie paid for camp (which was great, because we hadn't saved enough.....). This year, we had it, no problem.
- The kids' birthday is coming up at the end of August. They will each have a party (their first one since they were 4, and they will be 9). I researched the cost (she is having a spa party, he is having a bowling party), and saved up. I saved $700 for their parties, gifts, cakes, and their special dinner on their birthday. Probably more than I need, but the left over will roll into the Christmas account. Now, I realize that is ALOT for a birthday....but this is for 2 kids' parties, and they haven't had one in 5 years.
ETA: Please remember....I have a child with Autism. He simply will not tolerate having people in the house for a party. Kids "touching" his stuff....will set him over the edge and he will not even attend his own party. We can't do parties the way the rest of the world does. He likes bowling....he understands what happens there. We can do a party for him and have him have FUN...and that is important to us.
Sassy....her party will be for her and 3 friends. She doesn't have friends. She doesn't get invited to parties. She doesn't have playdates. She is the kid that has "that brother." If she has a friend over, Bossy goes into hysterics, and it is a mess.
No one has to agree with us on this one. But if you take a 9 year old kid who has had ONE party in their life......I don't think we are being over indulgent.
(I should add that originally this was going to be for G-man's 40th birthday bash....but after this year of issues, I decided against holding it, and decided that it would go to the kids).
- The boat. My nemesis. It needs some repairs. We are now saving $40 a month toward that.
- The cars. Having a car maintenance fund has saved our tushies a few times. It has covered oil changes, wiper blades, a few smaller repairs. Granted, it didn't do squat when we had the $2,000 transmission bill. But over the past year, I guarantee ever last one of those expenses would have been on a credit card if we didn't have an account for this. We save $140 a month for insurance and maintenance.
- Christmas!!! We are all guilty of charging up Christmas. And last year I planned to not do it....and then did. Not this year. We have a Christmas fund. We are saving $230 a month for Christmas right now (this fund is still small....we had to save for camp and birthdays first). And we decided that the kids really don't need alot of fancy stuff...she is really happy with books. He is harder, but again, fancy doesn't do it for him. We budgeted for gifts, cards, postage, the tree....and when the money is gone, it is gone. I am not going into more debt for this.
- Irregular expenses. These are things like the 2x a year car tax bill, 2x a year water bill, quarterly trash bill. Those things you know exist...but sort of ignore until you have to deal with them. Not anymore. I save for them, to the tune of $80 a month.
After I thought about all of this.....THERE is where my debt repayment money is. I used to think I should have at least $500 more a month to repay debt. NO....we were living above our means, and now that $500 is being saved for REAL expenses.
I can beat myself up for not slashing through our debt in Gazelle style. But I am not going to. We are living a more realistic budget now. (Even if the food budget is STILL crazy, and gas prices aren't helping either). Baby steps.
Dave Ramsey might not be proud per se....but he at least wouldn't call us an idiot.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
How do you save for it ALL?
Let's just put the saving while in debt debate aside for a minute. We all know there are things we WANT and if you save for them...then great, have at it. But what about things that you NEED, and you need to save for it ALL????
Home maintenance is pricey. I think the statistic is something like 5% of your home's value per year. For us, that would be about $9,500. I think that is a little on the high side yearly. But I would say that $3-4,000 isn't totally off the mark at times.
All of the things that need replacement aren't dead and broken....YET. They are all senior citizens, who aren't quite at round the clock care, but definitely in an assisted living situation. Legitimately, they all have lived out their lifespan. It isn't unreasonable to think that they need to be replaced.
The problem...trying to save for it all at once!!!
I sooooo wish I was more money savvy when we bought the house 10 years ago. There are so many things that I would have done differently as a whole. But one HUGE thing would have been starting a home maintenance fund. And then when things wore out, I would have a cushion. But no...we couldn't afford to save (how can you afford to NOT SAVE......ugh, lessons learned).
Things that need work around here (in no particular order):
It is completely overwhelming. Where do you even start to save??? What if you aren't able to do it one thing at a time, and multiple things go at the same time? What if a larger ticket item goes sooner than expected?? ARGH!!!
Back to the saving while in debt. Yes, we have an emergency fund, and the majority of things on the list aren't emergencies (kitchen appliances and furnace really are the only true emergency items). But I don't want to deplete the EF, and then struggle to rebuild, all the while with debt and other things looming.
Right now, the I call the plan the $115 plan. This is the amount that gets transferred from our checking account to ING savings per paycheck. It is the go-to money for larger savings goals. Camp was funded this way. The kids' birthday party (almost funded!) and Christmas will be funded this way. Once each of these accounts is funded, then the $115 will go towards saving for the extra stuff, until it is time to start saving again for Camp and Christmas.
Piggy back this with gift cards and such from other savings programs (My Points, Swagbucks), and we are cobbling it together. Not a great plan...but it is the only one I have at the moment. If we can make some MAJOR headway in the debt snowball, maybe I will slow that down a little to allow for more savings for the items.
And maybe in Fantasy World...we will get to take a vacation someday.
Home maintenance is pricey. I think the statistic is something like 5% of your home's value per year. For us, that would be about $9,500. I think that is a little on the high side yearly. But I would say that $3-4,000 isn't totally off the mark at times.
All of the things that need replacement aren't dead and broken....YET. They are all senior citizens, who aren't quite at round the clock care, but definitely in an assisted living situation. Legitimately, they all have lived out their lifespan. It isn't unreasonable to think that they need to be replaced.
The problem...trying to save for it all at once!!!
I sooooo wish I was more money savvy when we bought the house 10 years ago. There are so many things that I would have done differently as a whole. But one HUGE thing would have been starting a home maintenance fund. And then when things wore out, I would have a cushion. But no...we couldn't afford to save (how can you afford to NOT SAVE......ugh, lessons learned).
Things that need work around here (in no particular order):
- Pool liner (in process....the current liner was placed in 1993)
- Deck boards (also circa 1993)
- Stove/Oven (circa 1998)
- Refrigerator (circa 1998)
- Carpeting in Bossy's room (um, no idea on age, but I am guessing that you aren't supposed to see the floor boards underneath through the worn holes)
- Carpeting in Sassy's room (eh....it is really ok, but if we have an Adventure in Carpeting (starring 80's teen star Elisabeth Shue!), we might as well replace hers)
- Furnace (circa 1950's....still works but is highly inefficient)
- Windows (circa 1911...original to the house....again, works, but is inefficient)
- Living room couches (circa 1997)
- TV in our bedroom (circa 1994)
- Closet system (for the larger of the 2 closets we have...where 3 of us share it for all our clothes, and it just isn't working)
- Digital camera (circa 2004; we did get a newer one, and it doesn't work right and we hate it)
It is completely overwhelming. Where do you even start to save??? What if you aren't able to do it one thing at a time, and multiple things go at the same time? What if a larger ticket item goes sooner than expected?? ARGH!!!
Back to the saving while in debt. Yes, we have an emergency fund, and the majority of things on the list aren't emergencies (kitchen appliances and furnace really are the only true emergency items). But I don't want to deplete the EF, and then struggle to rebuild, all the while with debt and other things looming.
Right now, the I call the plan the $115 plan. This is the amount that gets transferred from our checking account to ING savings per paycheck. It is the go-to money for larger savings goals. Camp was funded this way. The kids' birthday party (almost funded!) and Christmas will be funded this way. Once each of these accounts is funded, then the $115 will go towards saving for the extra stuff, until it is time to start saving again for Camp and Christmas.
Piggy back this with gift cards and such from other savings programs (My Points, Swagbucks), and we are cobbling it together. Not a great plan...but it is the only one I have at the moment. If we can make some MAJOR headway in the debt snowball, maybe I will slow that down a little to allow for more savings for the items.
And maybe in Fantasy World...we will get to take a vacation someday.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Someone send me some positive energy tonight....**UPDATE**
G-man and I are sitting and working on budget matters.
Things are still tense, and he currently isn't living here. He seems to think we can squeeze blood from a turnip. I know I shouldn't post this....but here goes (to some degree).
He is trying to find "extra" money to pay rent in our marital budget. He asked me where we can pull money from. I told him....uh, nowhere. I am angry that he thinks that his actions should result in a ME figuring out how to pay for it. So I said...fine....let's start from scratch.
He is completely clueless. And one of MY steps towards change is having to give up some control. So instead of just working on the budget myself, WE will do it. The only place I can really see where there is to "pull" from is our Christmas Fund. And I told him that I do not want the kids to pay for his mistakes.
He has agreed to work some extra shifts.....amazing how he is NOW willing to do it. When I have suggested it in the past as a way of generating extra income to GET OUT OF DEBT....he wasn't willing. Why should he have to do any more than he was....
So tonight.....when you feel that cold rush around you....and you just are feeling that something is off balance in the world....that is probably the JuJu seeping out from my house.
He and I are trying to work things out....I am still not sure. We did talk about him moving home, just from a money point of view. I would love to have that OT to put toward debt! But there are more things to discuss. Will let you all know if I can.
Things are still tense, and he currently isn't living here. He seems to think we can squeeze blood from a turnip. I know I shouldn't post this....but here goes (to some degree).
He is trying to find "extra" money to pay rent in our marital budget. He asked me where we can pull money from. I told him....uh, nowhere. I am angry that he thinks that his actions should result in a ME figuring out how to pay for it. So I said...fine....let's start from scratch.
He is completely clueless. And one of MY steps towards change is having to give up some control. So instead of just working on the budget myself, WE will do it. The only place I can really see where there is to "pull" from is our Christmas Fund. And I told him that I do not want the kids to pay for his mistakes.
He has agreed to work some extra shifts.....amazing how he is NOW willing to do it. When I have suggested it in the past as a way of generating extra income to GET OUT OF DEBT....he wasn't willing. Why should he have to do any more than he was....
So tonight.....when you feel that cold rush around you....and you just are feeling that something is off balance in the world....that is probably the JuJu seeping out from my house.
**UPDATE**
Wow....he had no idea what things cost. Food...he said $250 a month for the family. HAHAHA. Gas...he said $300.....it WAS $400 before the prices went up....now we are closer to $450. He forgot some major expenses.
I think the small exercise did help some. He sees that this isn't easy. He sees that every dollar is obligated to something.
End result....he needs to work a minimum of 8 hrs of overtime a month, above and beyond his office and part time jobs....to pay his "rent." I showed him how much money that is...and if he had just done this before....when we talked about it in regards to debt....that we would be in a much different place right now.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Well, if it is going to happen....let it happen all at once.
I am sooooo glad that New Year's is coming, because it is like a big reset button!!!!
Things have piled up left and right, and now I am trying to re-sort, re-analyze, re-----lax?????
1) Christmas Blow Out - I don't even know what the numbers are yet. Other than over budget. Funny thing about it though, it isn't because of the kids. We have spent less than $60 per child. Budget blow outs have been because a) G-man has gone hog wild; b) I failed to budget for some "forgotten" gifts ; c) I set too low of a budget for some items, and by default, I had to increase the amount, plus I underestimated the shipping costs, and d) the Craigslist money we were "saving" for Christmas....some of it got used over the course of the year for a few things.
2) Those irregular bills - Water bill was due 2 weeks ago, but it is still outstanding. Between that being over $100 higher than I expected, Christmas, blah blah blah....I still have it. Additionally....personal propery taxes are due "Jan 1" with a 30 day grace period.
3) Love/Hate the 3 paycheck month - It got sucked up in "life." My plans on paper...ain't worth the paper they were written on. Additionally....my boss has decided to muck with payroll schedule. So while I was expecting 3 paychecks this month, it is actually 2.5.
4) My car!!! - Bad water pump and something with a hose to the heat core....$564. We had $120 in the "car maintenance" acct, and the rest will come from emergency fund, which will drop to just over $1000 now (it was at $1500).
5) Christmas Bonus! - I got $200 Christmas bonus. Up until today, I was toying with treating myself to a new tattoo....a memorial tattoo for my daughters. I picked it out 3 years ago, and haven't done it. Well, now that seems largely irresponsible. Between having to dig out from Christmas overspending, bills, the car....I would never be able to enjoy the tattoo.
6) Medical stuff - I need new contacts and glasses. That was SUPPOSED to come from the 3-paycheck months. Um, no. So that has to wait until after Jan 1 when our FSA resets and I can use that.
7) Need to revamp the plan - before my car broke this week, I was toying with taking money from the E-fund to "fix" some of the above issues. Now that I have to use almost 25% of it for the car, it makes me nervous to take more out. Need to look at the numbers again.
8) Snowball thoughts - I really thought I could pull off paying off my Student Loan by Dec 31. Not sure now. We had also planned on paying down CC2 (with the highest interest rate), as the next snowball victim. The new plan is to undo Christmas damage, and then focus on G-man's car. If my car is going to start to die, I don't want to end up with 2 car payments.
Oh, and dear bloggy friends....this isn't even all of the stuff going on! More on that stuff another time. At least you know where I have been.....dealing with LIFE!
Things have piled up left and right, and now I am trying to re-sort, re-analyze, re-----lax?????
1) Christmas Blow Out - I don't even know what the numbers are yet. Other than over budget. Funny thing about it though, it isn't because of the kids. We have spent less than $60 per child. Budget blow outs have been because a) G-man has gone hog wild; b) I failed to budget for some "forgotten" gifts ; c) I set too low of a budget for some items, and by default, I had to increase the amount, plus I underestimated the shipping costs, and d) the Craigslist money we were "saving" for Christmas....some of it got used over the course of the year for a few things.
2) Those irregular bills - Water bill was due 2 weeks ago, but it is still outstanding. Between that being over $100 higher than I expected, Christmas, blah blah blah....I still have it. Additionally....personal propery taxes are due "Jan 1" with a 30 day grace period.
3) Love/Hate the 3 paycheck month - It got sucked up in "life." My plans on paper...ain't worth the paper they were written on. Additionally....my boss has decided to muck with payroll schedule. So while I was expecting 3 paychecks this month, it is actually 2.5.
4) My car!!! - Bad water pump and something with a hose to the heat core....$564. We had $120 in the "car maintenance" acct, and the rest will come from emergency fund, which will drop to just over $1000 now (it was at $1500).
5) Christmas Bonus! - I got $200 Christmas bonus. Up until today, I was toying with treating myself to a new tattoo....a memorial tattoo for my daughters. I picked it out 3 years ago, and haven't done it. Well, now that seems largely irresponsible. Between having to dig out from Christmas overspending, bills, the car....I would never be able to enjoy the tattoo.
6) Medical stuff - I need new contacts and glasses. That was SUPPOSED to come from the 3-paycheck months. Um, no. So that has to wait until after Jan 1 when our FSA resets and I can use that.
7) Need to revamp the plan - before my car broke this week, I was toying with taking money from the E-fund to "fix" some of the above issues. Now that I have to use almost 25% of it for the car, it makes me nervous to take more out. Need to look at the numbers again.
8) Snowball thoughts - I really thought I could pull off paying off my Student Loan by Dec 31. Not sure now. We had also planned on paying down CC2 (with the highest interest rate), as the next snowball victim. The new plan is to undo Christmas damage, and then focus on G-man's car. If my car is going to start to die, I don't want to end up with 2 car payments.
Oh, and dear bloggy friends....this isn't even all of the stuff going on! More on that stuff another time. At least you know where I have been.....dealing with LIFE!
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