I have no idea how 13 years have gone by. THIRTEEN. Teenagers! GAK!
They were born on a cloudy Wednesday (Wednesday's child is full of woe....Man, the Universe got that one right!). As I am typing this.....13 years ago we were meeting with the Neonatalogist to decide if we were going to try and resuscitate them at birth or let them go. Kinda big first parenting decisions.
But at 9:56am, and 1:28pm (yes, they are 3.5 hrs apart!), Bossy and Sassy were born and our lives were changed forever. Despite EVERYTHING....I would do it all again. No doubt in my mind.
Now today....I kissed my newly crowned teenagers good morning and sent them off to the second day of 8th grade. He happily sprinted out the door for school. She came home in tears yesterday (overwhelmed because the school started a new schedule system that is CRAZY for an adult to follow, let alone kids), so she was much more apprehensive about today.
She is standing tall at 5'6" and 95 (ish) pounds. He is standing less tall at BARELY 5 feet (depends on who is measuring him!), and 82 pounds. Both healthy, both reasonably happy. Both in puberty now (the girl attitude SUCKS and her crying over everything gets under my skin; he is just barely into puberty, but the body odor has hit full force! UGH). They physically look so different now that unless you know they are twins, you would never guess it.
We are entering into unchartered territory in the coming years. Physical changes. Emotional changes. Cognitive changes. College is in the not so distant future anymore. We will be dealing with romantic feelings....and learning to drive....and thoughts about where you want your life to go. Scary!!
But to my beautiful teenagers.....you drive me crazy in some way each and everyday....but I wouldn't have it any other way. You are growing and maturing and learning and loving. We will do the best we can to deliver you safely into adulthood....we will make mistakes and we will screw parts of it up (don't worry children, you will do the same to your kids). I can promise you through the frustration and tears, that we will always, ALWAYS love you. There is nothing you will ever do that would change that.
So please join me in welcoming my kids into the next big chapter of their lives!! Happy Birthday to my babies.....not so much babies anymore.
Showing posts with label Kids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kids. Show all posts
Friday, August 28, 2015
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Remember Me? Busy and Boring
It has been 2 weeks since I posted! April has been BUSY! The short and to-the-point summary is....we are fine, nothing has changed. Life is just BUSY! Additionally....life is sort of "boring." Busy and boring? Yep. Busy because all the usual things just take up time. Boring because it is all the same ole, same ole.
So in an attempt to fill you in on the busy and the boring, here is a very long, not very interesting update!
More showings, nothing new to speak of. Met with the realtor last week, and we are talking about dropping the price in a few weeks. We want to give Spring Home Buyers a little time (considering there are still areas with SNOW....not us, but some areas). We have also discussed listing the house as" buy or rent", but we aren't ready to do it yet. Renting out the house here pretty much seals the deal that we won't be able to buy a new house, and I am not ready to give up yet. We are getting closer to the deadline where that decision needs to be made.
Again, renting out the house here is just a laundry list of issues (management company, pool liability, no control how the house looks when it goes back on the market...just to name a few). And renting a new house locks us in to a small area in regards to school when we are ready to buy, we have to move again, not being able to make a real "forever"home. Ugh. We have thought about a rent-to-own option (on both ends), if it is available and we are able to find a house that we would want to do this with.
The frenzy of a few weeks ago has unleashed its wrath on me. I knew this was coming. But it is making for very full days, and a constant feeling of being "behind." Nothing is late, but I can't seem to find the bottom of any pile. Anytime I do, it just fills up 2 hrs later. Additionally, other staff members are "behind" so then they spend a few hours playing catch up, and then DUMP EVERYTHING on me. I get hours upon hours of work dumped in a matter of seconds. And there are 12 full time people.....you do the math.
I took off 1.5 days, and my desk looked like a paper factory exploded. I have another day off in 2 weeks, and the timing of it is horrible. But right now, it won't matter WHAT day I take, it will always be horrible. So I am taking the day for myself, and that is that. I have been bring work home in the evenings and on the weekend to make up for my time off, and so far, I have been able to mostly make up my time. Good for the pay check. My upcoming day off is the first day of the payperiod, so I will have plenty of time to squeeze in the "extra" hours.
Both are fine.
Sassy is really turning into a moody little thing. Welcome to teenage years. She can be this incredibly sweet girl...and then BAM! ATT-I-TUDE. I think part of it is age...part of it is just being sick of being here and not with Dad. She also isn't eating well. She says she isn't hungry. This has been going on for months. I spoke to her doctor at her last check-up, and the doctor talked to her about the importance of eating. She is growing and healthy....she just "forgets" to eat unless I remind her...especially on the weekends.
Bossy completed 2 Merit Badges for scouts this month, and should be getting a total of 4 at June's Court of Honor. Braces are going well so far. His eating has decreased....so I am fighting to make sure he eats enough. He is on this kick where he thinks we should get a snake....NO. Not a chance in all that is good and green that this is gonna happen.
He came home for a visit last week, and left this past Tuesday. It was rough. We all fell into the "routine" of having Dad home, and having to say goodbye again was difficult on all of us. We were able to accomplish all of our Dad To-Do list in a week though:
Family Time: We each got a 1-on-1 date with Dad. Plus, as a family, we went to the trampoline park, outlet shopping (these darn growing kids!!), and a beautiful nature hike. PLUS family dinners, hanging out and watching favorite tv shows, and the kids were able to play basketball, help him with some yard stuff, and misc other stuff while I was at work. Orange Kitty needed 3 teeth removed, so we also had that done (I am a wuss...I was so afraid something "bad" would happen with the cat and then I would be on my own to deal with my own grief and help the kids with their grief....so I waited to do the surgery while he was here.) And while not "family" time...G-man also got a night out with his peeps from his old office (I was invited along...but declined. Hanging out with his work friends when I don't really know them, and they would just be talking about work stuff....no thanks.)
House Stuff: G-man changed out the storm windows back to screens, turned on the water to the outside faucet, put out the patio furniture. He did some yard work, helped me get ready for the 2 showings we had while he was home, and just helped with the day-to-day stuff. Plus, he and I went through stuff in the attic that we hadn't gotten to yet....most of which was donated. We have a big pile of "trash" that will need to go out a little at a time as we can fit it in the trash can. The attic looks terrific....it looked good before....now it is even better.
Moving Stuff: We met with the realtor (see above). We did alot of talking about next steps. He was able to bring our attic stuff to Goodwill, so that cleared more space and is a tax write off.
We are nearing the "reset" anniversary date, so stay tuned for that....I am hoping to have a milestone to report...but not sure yet. I don't think it will happen, but I may be able to jockey a few things. In general...there isn't much to say. The bills come....I pay them. Until after the move, there isn't going to be alot of "effort" here. Our pay cut has left the day to day budget incredibly tight, so I just do what I have to do. With the exception of the credit card, which is more "variable" in payment....everything else is on autopilot. The balances go down each month...nothing exciting to report.
That's it folks. I wish I had something interesting to say...but I really don't. I am in this holding pattern that is driving me batty. I really am looking forward to moving FORWARD. But in the meantime...I might be scarce. Unless there is something you would like to know. Let me know!
So in an attempt to fill you in on the busy and the boring, here is a very long, not very interesting update!
House/Moving
More showings, nothing new to speak of. Met with the realtor last week, and we are talking about dropping the price in a few weeks. We want to give Spring Home Buyers a little time (considering there are still areas with SNOW....not us, but some areas). We have also discussed listing the house as" buy or rent", but we aren't ready to do it yet. Renting out the house here pretty much seals the deal that we won't be able to buy a new house, and I am not ready to give up yet. We are getting closer to the deadline where that decision needs to be made.
Again, renting out the house here is just a laundry list of issues (management company, pool liability, no control how the house looks when it goes back on the market...just to name a few). And renting a new house locks us in to a small area in regards to school when we are ready to buy, we have to move again, not being able to make a real "forever"home. Ugh. We have thought about a rent-to-own option (on both ends), if it is available and we are able to find a house that we would want to do this with.
Work
The frenzy of a few weeks ago has unleashed its wrath on me. I knew this was coming. But it is making for very full days, and a constant feeling of being "behind." Nothing is late, but I can't seem to find the bottom of any pile. Anytime I do, it just fills up 2 hrs later. Additionally, other staff members are "behind" so then they spend a few hours playing catch up, and then DUMP EVERYTHING on me. I get hours upon hours of work dumped in a matter of seconds. And there are 12 full time people.....you do the math.
I took off 1.5 days, and my desk looked like a paper factory exploded. I have another day off in 2 weeks, and the timing of it is horrible. But right now, it won't matter WHAT day I take, it will always be horrible. So I am taking the day for myself, and that is that. I have been bring work home in the evenings and on the weekend to make up for my time off, and so far, I have been able to mostly make up my time. Good for the pay check. My upcoming day off is the first day of the payperiod, so I will have plenty of time to squeeze in the "extra" hours.
Kids
Both are fine.
Sassy is really turning into a moody little thing. Welcome to teenage years. She can be this incredibly sweet girl...and then BAM! ATT-I-TUDE. I think part of it is age...part of it is just being sick of being here and not with Dad. She also isn't eating well. She says she isn't hungry. This has been going on for months. I spoke to her doctor at her last check-up, and the doctor talked to her about the importance of eating. She is growing and healthy....she just "forgets" to eat unless I remind her...especially on the weekends.
Bossy completed 2 Merit Badges for scouts this month, and should be getting a total of 4 at June's Court of Honor. Braces are going well so far. His eating has decreased....so I am fighting to make sure he eats enough. He is on this kick where he thinks we should get a snake....NO. Not a chance in all that is good and green that this is gonna happen.
G-man's Visit
He came home for a visit last week, and left this past Tuesday. It was rough. We all fell into the "routine" of having Dad home, and having to say goodbye again was difficult on all of us. We were able to accomplish all of our Dad To-Do list in a week though:
Family Time: We each got a 1-on-1 date with Dad. Plus, as a family, we went to the trampoline park, outlet shopping (these darn growing kids!!), and a beautiful nature hike. PLUS family dinners, hanging out and watching favorite tv shows, and the kids were able to play basketball, help him with some yard stuff, and misc other stuff while I was at work. Orange Kitty needed 3 teeth removed, so we also had that done (I am a wuss...I was so afraid something "bad" would happen with the cat and then I would be on my own to deal with my own grief and help the kids with their grief....so I waited to do the surgery while he was here.) And while not "family" time...G-man also got a night out with his peeps from his old office (I was invited along...but declined. Hanging out with his work friends when I don't really know them, and they would just be talking about work stuff....no thanks.)
House Stuff: G-man changed out the storm windows back to screens, turned on the water to the outside faucet, put out the patio furniture. He did some yard work, helped me get ready for the 2 showings we had while he was home, and just helped with the day-to-day stuff. Plus, he and I went through stuff in the attic that we hadn't gotten to yet....most of which was donated. We have a big pile of "trash" that will need to go out a little at a time as we can fit it in the trash can. The attic looks terrific....it looked good before....now it is even better.
Moving Stuff: We met with the realtor (see above). We did alot of talking about next steps. He was able to bring our attic stuff to Goodwill, so that cleared more space and is a tax write off.
Finances
We are nearing the "reset" anniversary date, so stay tuned for that....I am hoping to have a milestone to report...but not sure yet. I don't think it will happen, but I may be able to jockey a few things. In general...there isn't much to say. The bills come....I pay them. Until after the move, there isn't going to be alot of "effort" here. Our pay cut has left the day to day budget incredibly tight, so I just do what I have to do. With the exception of the credit card, which is more "variable" in payment....everything else is on autopilot. The balances go down each month...nothing exciting to report.
That's it folks. I wish I had something interesting to say...but I really don't. I am in this holding pattern that is driving me batty. I really am looking forward to moving FORWARD. But in the meantime...I might be scarce. Unless there is something you would like to know. Let me know!
Friday, January 30, 2015
Exhausted
I planned on writing a more detailed account of things...but I just don't have it in me. The past seven days has kicked my physical and emotional tushie. I have been overwhelmed and stressed out. So I am HOPING that this weekend can be less eventful....let me catch up on some sleep and house stuff....and start February fresh. February is booked solid....I gotta get geared up.
But I will at least give you the highlights of the past week....some of I have already shared:
Realtor wants to do a showing on Sunday...so I have to get the house show ready...and leave. And did I mention we ate getting more snow Sunday night?
Stick a fork in me......I am done. I have a busy weekend of paperwork ahead (normal bill paying, taxes, and submitting financial waiver request for Bossy's medical supplies), need to catch up on laundry and do the "once over" in the house, and prepare for something else that is next weekend (that I will share after it is all said and done). I hope your week was WAY better than mine. I am not a football person....so no Super Bowl stuff for me....but if that is your bag, baby....you have a great time!!!!
But I will at least give you the highlights of the past week....some of I have already shared:
Saturday, January 24
- Shovel out from snow
- Fix broken sink
- Wedding anniversary
Sunday, January 25
- Calm before the storm (literally!)
Monday, January 26
- Busy day at office (including the copier breaking)
- Car break down on the side of road
- Drank wine
Tuesday, January 27
- Shovel out from 2 feet of snow
- Multiple calls to deal with car
- Multiple calls to talk to Brother about something big with my parents (I will not be going into this...but this has been a huge source of stress, has required many hours of phone calls, and we weren't sure how it was going to end)
- Work from home for 6 hrs
Wednesday, January 28
- Kids still home from school
- Shovel the several inches of snow we got overnight
- Borrow neighbor's car for work (I can't believe she offered...and it was a lifesaver)
- More phone calls about car, and had to go down to the place that towed my car to deal with them
Thursday, January 29
- Copier broke at office (2nd time this week...and I NEED the copier for alot of things....and the repair guy couldn't make it out to fix it),
- Work computer died (seriously....not my week for things breaking....),
- Borrowed car again
- Car repaired to the tune of $812 (+$93 from Monday, but $100 will be reimbursed from insurance....needed new battery and my power steering cables blew out....part of the bill was for the 2nd tow, and half of the remainder of the bill was the labor charges)
- Children locked themselves out of the house
- Things came to a head with my parents (but thankfully went way better than expected)
Friday, January 30
- As I write this, it is only 6:40 in the morning...the day is still young!
- Will need to deal with the little bit of snow we got overnight and whatever falls today
Realtor wants to do a showing on Sunday...so I have to get the house show ready...and leave. And did I mention we ate getting more snow Sunday night?
Stick a fork in me......I am done. I have a busy weekend of paperwork ahead (normal bill paying, taxes, and submitting financial waiver request for Bossy's medical supplies), need to catch up on laundry and do the "once over" in the house, and prepare for something else that is next weekend (that I will share after it is all said and done). I hope your week was WAY better than mine. I am not a football person....so no Super Bowl stuff for me....but if that is your bag, baby....you have a great time!!!!
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
What A Waste
Food Waste.....
We typically eat all the leftovers....finish the milk before it expires.....that sort of thing.
Grapes...for whatever reason, the last few grapes never get eaten before they shrivel up.
But in the last month or so, our food waste has been extreme. Not happy. Not happy at all. We can divide the waste into 3 categories: Didn't eat/use, Appliance Error, and *sigh* Learning Experience.
This is self-explanatory. This is by far our smallest category. Despite saying we finish the milk before it expires just a few lines ago....I did spill out at least 1/3 of a gallon last week. But that was the only thing in this category last week. And in fact...possibly in the past several weeks. I clean out the fridge on Thursday night (Trash pick up is Friday), and there has been very little I had to clear.
However, Sassy has gotten into a bad habit of throwing away food because she simply doesn't want it. She eats 1/2 a cup of yogurt, and tosses the rest. Or yesterday...when they were home from school...she ate the lunch that she had packed for school. She ate all the "snacks" in there (and she packed her own lunch.....), but didn't want her sandwich. So she just threw the whole sandwich away. (The answer I got when I asked her why there was a whole, uneaten sandwich in the trash was: it isn't a big deal because it will decompose and return to the Earth. Apparently a lesson on "landfills" is in order, in addition to "waste of food and money.")
Most specifically....Refrigerator error. The fridge has started to freeze things in the crisper drawer (no control on the drawer...just the general control for the entire unit, and it is on the 2nd warmest setting). The fridge is 23 years old, and as a whole...works just fine. But whatever regulates this drawer isn't working properly. I bought a bulb of fennel....went to use it and it had totally frozen solid. As did my mushrooms. My lemons were ok though. I let the fennel thaw a bit, but it was a gonner. It was just a pile of mush. Rest in peace, fennel.
We typically eat all the leftovers....finish the milk before it expires.....that sort of thing.
Grapes...for whatever reason, the last few grapes never get eaten before they shrivel up.
But in the last month or so, our food waste has been extreme. Not happy. Not happy at all. We can divide the waste into 3 categories: Didn't eat/use, Appliance Error, and *sigh* Learning Experience.
Didn't Eat/Use
This is self-explanatory. This is by far our smallest category. Despite saying we finish the milk before it expires just a few lines ago....I did spill out at least 1/3 of a gallon last week. But that was the only thing in this category last week. And in fact...possibly in the past several weeks. I clean out the fridge on Thursday night (Trash pick up is Friday), and there has been very little I had to clear.
However, Sassy has gotten into a bad habit of throwing away food because she simply doesn't want it. She eats 1/2 a cup of yogurt, and tosses the rest. Or yesterday...when they were home from school...she ate the lunch that she had packed for school. She ate all the "snacks" in there (and she packed her own lunch.....), but didn't want her sandwich. So she just threw the whole sandwich away. (The answer I got when I asked her why there was a whole, uneaten sandwich in the trash was: it isn't a big deal because it will decompose and return to the Earth. Apparently a lesson on "landfills" is in order, in addition to "waste of food and money.")
Appliance Error
Most specifically....Refrigerator error. The fridge has started to freeze things in the crisper drawer (no control on the drawer...just the general control for the entire unit, and it is on the 2nd warmest setting). The fridge is 23 years old, and as a whole...works just fine. But whatever regulates this drawer isn't working properly. I bought a bulb of fennel....went to use it and it had totally frozen solid. As did my mushrooms. My lemons were ok though. I let the fennel thaw a bit, but it was a gonner. It was just a pile of mush. Rest in peace, fennel.
Learning Experience
This by far has been the the hardest hit category. It is a combination of the kids and I having to come to terms with factors such as new things, responsibility, and plain ole on-the-job training.
With G-man gone....I have been forced to do a better job with meal planning (which I still hate). As the only adult, I am the only one who can go to the store, drive kids to appointments, etc. I try and schedule things for after school, to limit missed time at school and work. Additionally, the kids are home on vacation days, snow days (or rain days as it turned out yesterday....ridiculous). I have to make sure there is food that they can easily make or heat.
My learning experience....as much as I need them to be a few steps further down the learning continuum, they just aren't there. And despite explaining things, having them tell it back to me, and writing them notes....sometimes they just don't know enough to complete the task.
Case in point....the pot of meatballs. I prepped a big pot of meatballs and sauce. The plan was to have them for dinner over pasta, meatball subs the next night, and freeze the remainder for another meal. I went over everything with the kids....what time to turn on the stove and what "number" to put the dial on. That it should simmer (little bubbles....not alot of them....if there are alot of bubbles or big bubbles, turn the number down....). I got home, and was greeted to a smoke filled home (no fire or anything like that). But a pot that was SCORCHED. Like 4 inches of burnt, charcoal-esque sauce and meat.
Somewhere along the line of instructions....the "turn off stove" was missed. Additionally, the definition of "little bubbles" was also not the same between kids and Mom. They boiled away all the liquid, burnt the entire pot of food, and almost ruined my pot (it took me 3 days to clean it out). So we threw out 3 dinners worth of food....valued at about $20-$25 for all ingredients. OK...so that task was beyond their capability....lesson learned.
But along the "responsibility" line of thought....that is totally on the kids. We have had several accidents because they aren't paying attention to what they are doing. The biggest one....my now shattered Pyrex dish. I made 2 stromboli (one for dinner...one for kids to eat during vacation week). They pulled it out of the fridge, and then changed their mind. Instead of putting it back where they found it, they just shoved it in. The next time they opened the door...it came tumbling out. Shattered into 7,000 pieces. Sassy got a very minor knick from cleaning up the glass (and on top of that...she didn't wash it out, or put a bandaid on it.....sigh), but both kids were largely ok. They did a decent job of cleaning up the mess....and by how far away from the fridge I still found chunks of glass....it had to have been a MESS. But obviously, that food got tossed as well, along with my broken dish.
Conclusion
I am conservatively estimating that the food waste total for the past 6 weeks is about $100 for everything (there is more than what I mentioned here). Not good. Not good at all. So....Sassy will make a better effort to not just toss whatever in the trash....I am not putting stuff in the crisper drawer.....and I have scaled back on what I have asked the kids to do unsupervised. Let's hope the coming 6 weeks goes better.....
Monday, August 25, 2014
The cat is out of the bag....
The kids now know about the probable move.
(G-man and I have basically resolved that this is going to happen. There is NOTHING to say it isn't. We are just waiting for the call....)
We had a realtor come in on Saturday morning, and after he left....Sassy flat out asked me if we were moving. While I really wanted G-man there for this discussion (he was at work), I felt like I should answer her. So the kids and I sat on the couch and talked.
Sassy got teary-eyed. Not a surprise. Bossy asked if the cats were coming with us (YES!). Not a surprise. I told them both that while this will be scary for everyone, grown-ups included....that Dad and I feel this is the right move for our family. We talked about all the positive things about moving, in no particular order.
I didn't get into anything financial with them per se. I don't want them to worry. Basically I just said that in the long term, Dad and I feel that we will be able to have a better life for all of us.
Bossy needs things that are more "concrete" so he is very thrown off. I wish I could tell him we are leaving on THIS DATE, but I can't. He also is concerned about all of our "stuff" and asked me all day long "is XYZ coming with us?". Most of his questions I can understand (the cats, his bed, clothes). I didn't understand why he asked if the fridge was coming.....but he seemed ok leaving it here and that we will have a new fridge at the new house.
Sassy spend most of the day quiet, but by dinner announced that she can think of more pros than cons about moving, so she is ok with it.
We also talked about getting rid of stuff we don't need/want anymore. I was trying to balance the line between reassurance that their stuff will move to a new house, and we aren't taking every little scrap of paper in existence. I am hoping as we start boxing up stuff and they see that their important stuff is going in the boxes that are coming with us, they will be ok.
I really didn't want to tell them just yet, and I really wanted G-man there, but you don't always get what you want (ain't that the truth.....). But we need to get going on what we need to do if we have any hopes of moving as a family within 90 days. And the kids are part of that. They are going to need to help with packing their stuff, cleaning (to a degree), maintaining the house while it is on the market....and most importantly, understanding that things are going to be crazy and busy for awhile.
Step by step, this is becoming more real.....
(G-man and I have basically resolved that this is going to happen. There is NOTHING to say it isn't. We are just waiting for the call....)
We had a realtor come in on Saturday morning, and after he left....Sassy flat out asked me if we were moving. While I really wanted G-man there for this discussion (he was at work), I felt like I should answer her. So the kids and I sat on the couch and talked.
Sassy got teary-eyed. Not a surprise. Bossy asked if the cats were coming with us (YES!). Not a surprise. I told them both that while this will be scary for everyone, grown-ups included....that Dad and I feel this is the right move for our family. We talked about all the positive things about moving, in no particular order.
- It is warmer there (and it doesn't really snow)
- We will probably have a bigger house
- Closer to Grandparents (while that is not a selling point for ME, it is for them)
- Meeting new friends
- Dad will have a regular M-F, 9-5 schedule, and be home on weekends
I didn't get into anything financial with them per se. I don't want them to worry. Basically I just said that in the long term, Dad and I feel that we will be able to have a better life for all of us.
Bossy needs things that are more "concrete" so he is very thrown off. I wish I could tell him we are leaving on THIS DATE, but I can't. He also is concerned about all of our "stuff" and asked me all day long "is XYZ coming with us?". Most of his questions I can understand (the cats, his bed, clothes). I didn't understand why he asked if the fridge was coming.....but he seemed ok leaving it here and that we will have a new fridge at the new house.
Sassy spend most of the day quiet, but by dinner announced that she can think of more pros than cons about moving, so she is ok with it.
We also talked about getting rid of stuff we don't need/want anymore. I was trying to balance the line between reassurance that their stuff will move to a new house, and we aren't taking every little scrap of paper in existence. I am hoping as we start boxing up stuff and they see that their important stuff is going in the boxes that are coming with us, they will be ok.
I really didn't want to tell them just yet, and I really wanted G-man there, but you don't always get what you want (ain't that the truth.....). But we need to get going on what we need to do if we have any hopes of moving as a family within 90 days. And the kids are part of that. They are going to need to help with packing their stuff, cleaning (to a degree), maintaining the house while it is on the market....and most importantly, understanding that things are going to be crazy and busy for awhile.
Step by step, this is becoming more real.....
Monday, February 24, 2014
Summer Lovin'
Summer lovin'....had me a blast........Summer lovin'.....happened so fast...... (If you are NOT singing this in your head....then you must be banished......)
Summer plans for the kids fell apart, and are just starting to come back together. How summer could be screwed up in February (and actually, it started in late January) is beyond me. But it was.
Even though they are old enough to stay home alone now....an entire summer alone at home isn't the answer. We wouldn't let them in the pool without us there. So they would be stuck inside or in the yard (with very little to do) for 2 months. That is a recipe for disaster.
If you would like to read about camp.....here is my post from last year that outlines the basics.
We put $100 aside bi-weekly starting after Christmas, and by the end of May/June, we have camp paid for (it usually ranges from $1000-$1100). We have been criticized in the past for spending $1000 on camp when we are in debt. Well, when the kids were younger....we needed some type of child care during the summer while we worked....so this was it. We have also been criticized for being overly indulgent to our kids....which I laugh at....since my kids rarely get anything material, or even "life experiences" that we wish we could get them. We have ALSO been criticized for the appearance that we expected grandparents to pay for this....which isn't true. We have had grandparents say "if you need help....let me know." We didn't NEED help. We weren't going to ask for help. We had it covered. But since the grandparents are largely not involved in our lives, we have had experiences with them that they want to pay for something to ease THEIR guilt for ignoring the kids otherwise....so fine, if you WANT to send something....go ahead. But we aren't going to ask for it, we don't need it to cover the cost, and we aren't going to thank you 1000 times for it.
Last summer, Sassy didn't really enjoy camp. Bossy was ok, but at his level....he was ok with what they actually did. Two field trips were cancelled because of weather (they ordered pizza and the kids watched a movie....) We really didn't get our money's worth. But extended camp was GREAT!!!
This year, our plan was to send them to the extended camp location for the whole summer. It is on a lake, the staff was fun and energetic, and even though the location was terrible for our driving direction....the kids loved it.
When the summer brochure came out......EEEEEKKKK!!!! They redid the camps. Our only choices for camp were either the one they went to last summer and hated....or "teen camp" which we weren't sure what they would do all day (we were told it was similar to what they had last year...which stunk). Plus, we MAY need before and after care because of the times, and that would run us almost $700 more.....
So we started looking at other options. Alot of programs had not finalized their details yet, so we were in summer camp limbo. We thought about Art camp for Sassy...but found she aged out of that camp (stops for the summer after 5th grade). We looked at camp through an Autism association for Bossy....and they wanted $2300 (ha!!), plus food and field trips!!! We knew if we HAD to do parks and rec...we could. And then.....TA-DAH!!!
The Cultural Arts Council (largely supported by a grant) has a 5 week camp, full day (2 sessions....morning and afternoon, with an hour for lunch in between). The morning session is all about the Rainforest, and all the activities are about learning about that and using visual art and nature to explore. The afternoon session focuses on dramatic art....theater, music, and dance with a performance on the last day. Plus, it is so much less expensive!! It will be $400 for both kids.
This camp starts about a week after school gets out, so they have a mini break. 5 weeks of camp....week off.....then we will send them to "extended" camp that they like ($240 for both kids).....then 2 weeks off before school starts. Best of all the worlds!!
Now that Bossy is a little older, he doesn't need as much support for his day to day things. We have a call into the camp to make sure they can handle Bossy (things like realizing that it takes him a little longer to finish things, you may have to give him more direction....). But I think this will give him a little challenge as well. This camp has limited space (the brochure came out on Friday), so we are going down today to sign them up (and bonus...we already had $500 saved for camp!!!)
So we are looking at $640 for summer activities instead of $1000 (or $1700!). It will require a little creativity on adult scheduling, but we should be ok. YAY!
We will take the "extra" summer camp money and use it toward other kid things... back to school expenses (clothes, supplies, etc)....other activities they need money for (scouts, dances....)....and maybe 1 or 2 family outings (a movie, go karts). Traditionally, we don't budget well for these things, but it seems we will have a little leg up on it this year.
All of this said....this MAY be our last summer of camp. We still plan to save for camp, just in case. but by next summer the kids will be almost 13 (shudder!!!) and they probably won't want to go. We will still have to find some stuff to keep them active, but Sassy may be interested in doing some babysitting.....Bossy may have some scout stuff.....don't know.
Can't look too far into the future....but at least it seems we have this summer covered.
Summer plans for the kids fell apart, and are just starting to come back together. How summer could be screwed up in February (and actually, it started in late January) is beyond me. But it was.
Even though they are old enough to stay home alone now....an entire summer alone at home isn't the answer. We wouldn't let them in the pool without us there. So they would be stuck inside or in the yard (with very little to do) for 2 months. That is a recipe for disaster.
If you would like to read about camp.....here is my post from last year that outlines the basics.
We put $100 aside bi-weekly starting after Christmas, and by the end of May/June, we have camp paid for (it usually ranges from $1000-$1100). We have been criticized in the past for spending $1000 on camp when we are in debt. Well, when the kids were younger....we needed some type of child care during the summer while we worked....so this was it. We have also been criticized for being overly indulgent to our kids....which I laugh at....since my kids rarely get anything material, or even "life experiences" that we wish we could get them. We have ALSO been criticized for the appearance that we expected grandparents to pay for this....which isn't true. We have had grandparents say "if you need help....let me know." We didn't NEED help. We weren't going to ask for help. We had it covered. But since the grandparents are largely not involved in our lives, we have had experiences with them that they want to pay for something to ease THEIR guilt for ignoring the kids otherwise....so fine, if you WANT to send something....go ahead. But we aren't going to ask for it, we don't need it to cover the cost, and we aren't going to thank you 1000 times for it.
Last summer, Sassy didn't really enjoy camp. Bossy was ok, but at his level....he was ok with what they actually did. Two field trips were cancelled because of weather (they ordered pizza and the kids watched a movie....) We really didn't get our money's worth. But extended camp was GREAT!!!
This year, our plan was to send them to the extended camp location for the whole summer. It is on a lake, the staff was fun and energetic, and even though the location was terrible for our driving direction....the kids loved it.
When the summer brochure came out......EEEEEKKKK!!!! They redid the camps. Our only choices for camp were either the one they went to last summer and hated....or "teen camp" which we weren't sure what they would do all day (we were told it was similar to what they had last year...which stunk). Plus, we MAY need before and after care because of the times, and that would run us almost $700 more.....
So we started looking at other options. Alot of programs had not finalized their details yet, so we were in summer camp limbo. We thought about Art camp for Sassy...but found she aged out of that camp (stops for the summer after 5th grade). We looked at camp through an Autism association for Bossy....and they wanted $2300 (ha!!), plus food and field trips!!! We knew if we HAD to do parks and rec...we could. And then.....TA-DAH!!!
The Cultural Arts Council (largely supported by a grant) has a 5 week camp, full day (2 sessions....morning and afternoon, with an hour for lunch in between). The morning session is all about the Rainforest, and all the activities are about learning about that and using visual art and nature to explore. The afternoon session focuses on dramatic art....theater, music, and dance with a performance on the last day. Plus, it is so much less expensive!! It will be $400 for both kids.
This camp starts about a week after school gets out, so they have a mini break. 5 weeks of camp....week off.....then we will send them to "extended" camp that they like ($240 for both kids).....then 2 weeks off before school starts. Best of all the worlds!!
Now that Bossy is a little older, he doesn't need as much support for his day to day things. We have a call into the camp to make sure they can handle Bossy (things like realizing that it takes him a little longer to finish things, you may have to give him more direction....). But I think this will give him a little challenge as well. This camp has limited space (the brochure came out on Friday), so we are going down today to sign them up (and bonus...we already had $500 saved for camp!!!)
So we are looking at $640 for summer activities instead of $1000 (or $1700!). It will require a little creativity on adult scheduling, but we should be ok. YAY!
We will take the "extra" summer camp money and use it toward other kid things... back to school expenses (clothes, supplies, etc)....other activities they need money for (scouts, dances....)....and maybe 1 or 2 family outings (a movie, go karts). Traditionally, we don't budget well for these things, but it seems we will have a little leg up on it this year.
All of this said....this MAY be our last summer of camp. We still plan to save for camp, just in case. but by next summer the kids will be almost 13 (shudder!!!) and they probably won't want to go. We will still have to find some stuff to keep them active, but Sassy may be interested in doing some babysitting.....Bossy may have some scout stuff.....don't know.
Can't look too far into the future....but at least it seems we have this summer covered.
Friday, January 17, 2014
Convenience fee
Just a quick word about yesterday's post....Yes, I am thankful that G-man wasn't hurt in his near accident. But the point of the post was that on the same day, 2 things happened, and they cancelled each other out. And the tire....G-man is soooo hard on his things. Cars, clothes, just about anything. We have made 2 payments on the car, and we already have to put money into it. Any long time reader knows that we don't do well with cars, and while we have the money for the tire....it will mean we won't have that money towards the tires that my car will probably need by the end of the year.
****
In elementary school...the kids had to bring lunch money for the week on Monday and got tickets for their purchases. They discouraged the kids to use actual real money on a daily basis, as it slowed the whole system down. They would decide on Sunday night what days they were buying, and I would write them a check for the amount. They didn't allow purchases beyond that one week, so this was done every week.....
This year, the district went to an on-line system for payment of school lunch district-wide. Previously, this was only available at the middle schools and high school. Parents can determine if kids can buy meals only, or meals and snacks. The on-line system allows users to see what your child has purchased (within reason....it is labeled "snack/chips" or "meal"), monitor the balance, and add money to the account. Students have a pin number, so again, no money is changing hands.
I actually tried to register in September, but didn't have my kids ID number (different from their pin). And because sometimes I get lazy....I didn't call to get it. I would just send the kids in with a check to cover the month, along with the optional form to help insure proper crediting.
The school district sent out a voicemail about 2 weeks ago encouraging parents to use the online system. So we called and got their ID and I registered. I found out that Sassy has been buying a snack just about every day. She and I discussed this, and I told her 2-3 snacks per week, or her snack privileges will be taken away. Additionally, we told her that if she runs out of money in her account for the month....oh well.
Sassy's account is depleted (must be the cookies!), as I didn't make a Jan 1 payment (between snow days, holidays....I forgot!). I figured I would just put money in her account, and top off Bossy's account.
And then I noticed....the fee. I was being charged $3.80 to add money to the accounts. I also noticed that it appears to be a 4.75% fee, that is charged EACH time you deposit money. Even if I did a one time deposit for the YEAR (which I am not....), it would be almost $50 for the convenience of doing it on-line.
No thanks. I will keep writing my antiquated checks. I will monitor the kids' accounts, but I am not paying a fee.
****
In elementary school...the kids had to bring lunch money for the week on Monday and got tickets for their purchases. They discouraged the kids to use actual real money on a daily basis, as it slowed the whole system down. They would decide on Sunday night what days they were buying, and I would write them a check for the amount. They didn't allow purchases beyond that one week, so this was done every week.....
This year, the district went to an on-line system for payment of school lunch district-wide. Previously, this was only available at the middle schools and high school. Parents can determine if kids can buy meals only, or meals and snacks. The on-line system allows users to see what your child has purchased (within reason....it is labeled "snack/chips" or "meal"), monitor the balance, and add money to the account. Students have a pin number, so again, no money is changing hands.
I actually tried to register in September, but didn't have my kids ID number (different from their pin). And because sometimes I get lazy....I didn't call to get it. I would just send the kids in with a check to cover the month, along with the optional form to help insure proper crediting.
The school district sent out a voicemail about 2 weeks ago encouraging parents to use the online system. So we called and got their ID and I registered. I found out that Sassy has been buying a snack just about every day. She and I discussed this, and I told her 2-3 snacks per week, or her snack privileges will be taken away. Additionally, we told her that if she runs out of money in her account for the month....oh well.
Sassy's account is depleted (must be the cookies!), as I didn't make a Jan 1 payment (between snow days, holidays....I forgot!). I figured I would just put money in her account, and top off Bossy's account.
And then I noticed....the fee. I was being charged $3.80 to add money to the accounts. I also noticed that it appears to be a 4.75% fee, that is charged EACH time you deposit money. Even if I did a one time deposit for the YEAR (which I am not....), it would be almost $50 for the convenience of doing it on-line.
No thanks. I will keep writing my antiquated checks. I will monitor the kids' accounts, but I am not paying a fee.
Friday, August 30, 2013
All that kid and school stuff
Just as a follow-up....Sassy's forehead totally broke out from the eyebrow waxing. It is going down, but WOW. I really don't think she will do THAT again.
****
The kids had a good birthday yesterday. We ALMOST had them convinced it wasn't their birthday, but eventually gave in.
We
all went to the Peabody Museum at Yale in the morning. The kids wanted to see
the Ancient Egypt exhibit. They were able to see their names
spelled out in hieroglyphics. Sassy really enjoyed the Rock and Gem
room (what girl doesn't like a little bling???). Bossy was all about
the Dinosaurs.
Lunch was pizza....followed by a family trip to the movies (super rare treat for us).
They
each picked what they wanted for dinner and cake. Bossy wanted
buttered pasta, and a plain vanilla cake (no frosting). Sassy wanted
Pancakes and a Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake. After we sang "Happy
Birthday," Bossy had ZERO interest in the cake. Didn't even want us
to cut it. He just wanted to be excused.
***
As for school, we have had nothing but "problems" all this week, and school didn't start until today!!!
First the nurse said she didn't have Bossy's forms (um, yes you do...we did it in June). Then she found them....but didn't "like" the form from the allergist. She called them to follow-up. Whatever.
We got the bus assignment in the mail, and when I took the kids by their new stop (totally different place than elementary school), there was a teenage kid in the house by the stop....smoking a bowl of weed! He was in the window puffing away. Oh no.....
By calling to complain about this, we found a HUGE error from transportation. Lots of phone calls. G-man got to talk to our least favorite person at Pupil Services, who hung up on him. I would really like to think that the call just dropped....but we are pretty sure she hung up on him. I swear, we have NEVER had a school year start ok with the bussing.
We did get the kids moved to another stop...but we said "that is fine for our kids...but what about all the others???" *chirp chirp chirp* They "will look into it." Terrific.
Then today was the first day of school. We had to get up earlier than usual....which will take some getting used to for ALL of us. The bus should pick them up about 7:30am. They had a somewhat modified schedule today....extended homeroom to get their schedules, lockers, etc. Lunch is 11:18am, so I am guessing they will be starving by dinner time. Sassy met some new friends, and Bossy was glad to see some familiar faces. They said they had a good day.
No one seemed to explain to the kids what they are supposed to be doing, or have, or carry or anything. I am really hoping that they are just easing the kids into things. Or here is an idea....tell the PARENTS, and ease the kids in.
I don't think that Mommy is going to survive all of this.......
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Sometimes you just need the push
About 2 weeks ago, the kids were playing outside. G-man and I were working in Bossy's room. Sassy came in to tell us she was ok, but the swingset broke. I looked out a window where I could see the swingset, and yeah....the swingset BROKE.
G-man checked it out, and somehow the 2x4 that supported the set rotted. I am so glad that no one got hurt. But obviously the set is defunct now.
We have had the swingset for 5 years, so it lived its life. Both kids learned how to "swing" on that set. They had snacks at the little table. They hid in the fort. And took turns going down the slide. It was well used, and well loved.
But the kids are going to be TEN (Mom...that is double digits you know.....) in August. They aren't little anymore. As we are remaking Bossy's room into a Rock and Roll "cool" room.....as Sassy has told us that she doesn't want her Littlest Pet Shops anymore (but the My Little Ponies....those she isn't quite ready to part with)....I am realizing that they are growing up.
The swing set knew before we did.
In addition to the loft bed we took down (and discovered that it too had lived its life), the swing set went to the recycling center. For $21, we disposed of about a quarter-ton of our kids' youth. But it was time.
Sometimes you need a push to get you going in the right direction. Realizing that the kids aren't "little" anymore was a huge wake up call. There are alot of things left to do, and time is shorter than we think. With that said.....some changes are on the horizon.
G-man checked it out, and somehow the 2x4 that supported the set rotted. I am so glad that no one got hurt. But obviously the set is defunct now.
We have had the swingset for 5 years, so it lived its life. Both kids learned how to "swing" on that set. They had snacks at the little table. They hid in the fort. And took turns going down the slide. It was well used, and well loved.
But the kids are going to be TEN (Mom...that is double digits you know.....) in August. They aren't little anymore. As we are remaking Bossy's room into a Rock and Roll "cool" room.....as Sassy has told us that she doesn't want her Littlest Pet Shops anymore (but the My Little Ponies....those she isn't quite ready to part with)....I am realizing that they are growing up.
The swing set knew before we did.
In addition to the loft bed we took down (and discovered that it too had lived its life), the swing set went to the recycling center. For $21, we disposed of about a quarter-ton of our kids' youth. But it was time.
Sometimes you need a push to get you going in the right direction. Realizing that the kids aren't "little" anymore was a huge wake up call. There are alot of things left to do, and time is shorter than we think. With that said.....some changes are on the horizon.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Not our year for dental....
Alright...who decided that this was our year for Murphy's cousin, Dentin (get it? No? *sigh*) to move in?
Just a quick re-cap....
July 2011 - Sassy broke her tooth
Nov 2011 (I think...I am too lazy to check exactly) - G-man abscess
March 2012 - Mysti's root canal (with crown to come in late May)
We were already anticipating that Bossy would have an orthodontics consult later in 2012. That will be pushed off, probably until Spring 2013. Per his check-up yesterday, his baby teeth are no where ready to come out, so the orthodontics will wait. We already know that it WILL happen, but he is a late teether, so we are just going to have to play it by ear. The dentist said MAYBE by Fall 2013 he will be ready for braces. And that is a big maybe. The good news for us is that we have more time to figure out how to pay for it.
But now Sassy needs to see an oral surgeon. When they took her x-rays, they saw an "extra" tooth blocking her 12-year molar. (The x-ray is actually very neat...we can see which is going to be the next baby tooth to come out!) Bases on the x-ray, it isn't clear if it really is an extra tooth, or possibly her wisdom tooth that is forming in the wrong spot. *sigh* No one seems overly concerned, but she will need to have a consult with the oral surgeon to determine if it is a "wait and see" situation, or if they will have to go in and remove what is there.
When we get back from our trip, I will schedule that appointment for her. And of course...our FABULOUS dental insurance won't cover any of this.
At the rate we are going....our FSA will be gone by Summer. So much for the rest of the year!!!
Just a quick re-cap....
July 2011 - Sassy broke her tooth
Nov 2011 (I think...I am too lazy to check exactly) - G-man abscess
March 2012 - Mysti's root canal (with crown to come in late May)
We were already anticipating that Bossy would have an orthodontics consult later in 2012. That will be pushed off, probably until Spring 2013. Per his check-up yesterday, his baby teeth are no where ready to come out, so the orthodontics will wait. We already know that it WILL happen, but he is a late teether, so we are just going to have to play it by ear. The dentist said MAYBE by Fall 2013 he will be ready for braces. And that is a big maybe. The good news for us is that we have more time to figure out how to pay for it.
But now Sassy needs to see an oral surgeon. When they took her x-rays, they saw an "extra" tooth blocking her 12-year molar. (The x-ray is actually very neat...we can see which is going to be the next baby tooth to come out!) Bases on the x-ray, it isn't clear if it really is an extra tooth, or possibly her wisdom tooth that is forming in the wrong spot. *sigh* No one seems overly concerned, but she will need to have a consult with the oral surgeon to determine if it is a "wait and see" situation, or if they will have to go in and remove what is there.
When we get back from our trip, I will schedule that appointment for her. And of course...our FABULOUS dental insurance won't cover any of this.
At the rate we are going....our FSA will be gone by Summer. So much for the rest of the year!!!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Skipping to the Bank! And a look ahead.
Today is payday, so off to the bank I go. This is going to sound so silly, but today, I can't wait! I will go after I pick up the kids, so it will be about 3:30pm by the time I get there. And here I am....counting down the hours.
I have many things to accomplish at the bank today:
The Basic Stuff
Once we have money in the account again, I can pay the bills that I have been itching to pay. None of them are terribly exciting....electric, phone. Next week will be much more exciting. Two credit card bills, dentist, car....those actually effect the bottom line.
The loan papers will get submitted tomorrow (after G-man has his part notarized), and we are hoping that it will fund within a week. But until then, we will keep going, business as usual. Depending on when it actually funds will determine final payouts. There is a chance that there may be a little CC debt left from residual interest, but that would get paid off in the next paycheck.
We should get our tax return soon, and be able to work on the repairs on Bossy's room.
G-man has ALOT of overtime this month, that will go into our overtime account, to be withdrawn at the end of June towards "something." As it stands now, April will bring about 20 hours of overtime. With May and June to come, we are hopeful that the overtime account will be plump, and I would love to make a big, fat payment to something. I am thinking if it we can make an extra $1,000 payment somewhere, anything left over in the account can go towards the repairs needed for the deck. Since we already know of 20 hours of OT, with 2 more months to go, plus anything that changes with me....I think it is a do-able goal.
Only 6.5 hrs to go until I hit the bank!!!
ETA: All missions accomplished!
I have many things to accomplish at the bank today:
The Basic Stuff
- The obvious....deposit my paycheck!
- Withdraw (or technically, subtract from my paycheck in cash) money towards our EF (remember, we do $25 a week, but I am a little behind, so I need to get some extra)
- Get money for the kids lunches for next week (my new cash system is working wonderfully!!)
- Notarize our loan papers
- Notarize papers for "found" money that the state has been holding for us for TEN years and we just found (no idea how much this is...the site won't tell us that. It could be $5 for all we know.)
- Get Lollipop
- Get info about opening savings accounts for them
- See what we can do about Sassy's ripped money
Once we have money in the account again, I can pay the bills that I have been itching to pay. None of them are terribly exciting....electric, phone. Next week will be much more exciting. Two credit card bills, dentist, car....those actually effect the bottom line.
The loan papers will get submitted tomorrow (after G-man has his part notarized), and we are hoping that it will fund within a week. But until then, we will keep going, business as usual. Depending on when it actually funds will determine final payouts. There is a chance that there may be a little CC debt left from residual interest, but that would get paid off in the next paycheck.
We should get our tax return soon, and be able to work on the repairs on Bossy's room.
G-man has ALOT of overtime this month, that will go into our overtime account, to be withdrawn at the end of June towards "something." As it stands now, April will bring about 20 hours of overtime. With May and June to come, we are hopeful that the overtime account will be plump, and I would love to make a big, fat payment to something. I am thinking if it we can make an extra $1,000 payment somewhere, anything left over in the account can go towards the repairs needed for the deck. Since we already know of 20 hours of OT, with 2 more months to go, plus anything that changes with me....I think it is a do-able goal.
Only 6.5 hrs to go until I hit the bank!!!
ETA: All missions accomplished!
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Ripped Paper
In our everyday lives....if a piece of paper rips, we have several options. If it is small...we can ignore it. We can tape it or use some fastener. If it is really big, we may just toss the paper in the trash and start over.
Apparently, the last option is what Sassy chose to do....with about $70!!!!
Last night I went into the bathroom, and saw a wad of cash in the trashcan. WTF? I started pulling it out, and there were several 1's in multiple pieces, a few 10's with a rip in the middle, and various other bills in miscellaneous conditions.
OK, so we know that we, as in the adults, didn't do it. That only leaves two options. We looked at their piggy banks, and saw the stopper to Sassy's piggybank sitting on top of the bank.....good chance that we found our suspect.
This was 10pm, so obviously we couldn't do anything about it at the time. But this really bothered me. Why on EARTH did she do that?? Doesn't she understand that money just doesn't appear, and you have to take care of it? Uh......maybe she doesn't.....
Oh poopsicles. She DOESN'T understand about money. Typically, she never needs money. We pay for things out, and while she has received money as gifts, all she does is put it in her bank. She doesn't want anything....not because she is so spoiled....but because she is the kind of kid that is very happy wandering around the yard picking up leaves and rocks, or coloring, or some other low key, low expense activity.
So this morning we talked to her. We told her she wasn't in trouble,but she needed to tell us the truth.
Turns out she wanted money to buy snack at lunch. She had some trouble getting the money out, and some of it ripped....so she threw it away. Additionally, since she was having problems getting the money out, she figured she would just get rid of some of it, to make more room. (The kids actually have a sizable piggybank. Since they were born, the grandparents tend to "feed the piggy" when they would visit. Plus all birthday money, and misc. change has gone in there).
Ahhh....the thought process of a 9 year old.
We talked to her about the importance of taking care of your money, and while we were proud of her for 1) telling the truth, and 2) using her own money instead of asking for money....there were some BETTER choices she could make.
We also talked about what to do if a friend wants to "borrow" money for snack. She is so sweet...she would happily buy everyone snack if she had enough money. And we talked about "what if you want an ice cream, and it costs $1, but you only have $0.50." Talk about the teachable moment.
We have been pussy-footing around about allowance...but I think the official time has come. It is obvious that we haven't properly explained money to the kids. So the time is here.
Saturday I will take Sassy to the bank and exchange all her change for paper money. And we will decide how much she will keep "liquid" and how much will go into the new bank account she will get very soon (the school has a program with our local bank, so I want to go through that). I will also see what we can do about her ripped money. We have all the pieces....I am hoping the bank can help us.
Apparently, the last option is what Sassy chose to do....with about $70!!!!
Last night I went into the bathroom, and saw a wad of cash in the trashcan. WTF? I started pulling it out, and there were several 1's in multiple pieces, a few 10's with a rip in the middle, and various other bills in miscellaneous conditions.
OK, so we know that we, as in the adults, didn't do it. That only leaves two options. We looked at their piggy banks, and saw the stopper to Sassy's piggybank sitting on top of the bank.....good chance that we found our suspect.
This was 10pm, so obviously we couldn't do anything about it at the time. But this really bothered me. Why on EARTH did she do that?? Doesn't she understand that money just doesn't appear, and you have to take care of it? Uh......maybe she doesn't.....
Oh poopsicles. She DOESN'T understand about money. Typically, she never needs money. We pay for things out, and while she has received money as gifts, all she does is put it in her bank. She doesn't want anything....not because she is so spoiled....but because she is the kind of kid that is very happy wandering around the yard picking up leaves and rocks, or coloring, or some other low key, low expense activity.
So this morning we talked to her. We told her she wasn't in trouble,but she needed to tell us the truth.
Turns out she wanted money to buy snack at lunch. She had some trouble getting the money out, and some of it ripped....so she threw it away. Additionally, since she was having problems getting the money out, she figured she would just get rid of some of it, to make more room. (The kids actually have a sizable piggybank. Since they were born, the grandparents tend to "feed the piggy" when they would visit. Plus all birthday money, and misc. change has gone in there).
Ahhh....the thought process of a 9 year old.
We talked to her about the importance of taking care of your money, and while we were proud of her for 1) telling the truth, and 2) using her own money instead of asking for money....there were some BETTER choices she could make.
We also talked about what to do if a friend wants to "borrow" money for snack. She is so sweet...she would happily buy everyone snack if she had enough money. And we talked about "what if you want an ice cream, and it costs $1, but you only have $0.50." Talk about the teachable moment.
We have been pussy-footing around about allowance...but I think the official time has come. It is obvious that we haven't properly explained money to the kids. So the time is here.
Saturday I will take Sassy to the bank and exchange all her change for paper money. And we will decide how much she will keep "liquid" and how much will go into the new bank account she will get very soon (the school has a program with our local bank, so I want to go through that). I will also see what we can do about her ripped money. We have all the pieces....I am hoping the bank can help us.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Waiting
I am not the most patient person. I have infinite patience for some things....and NONE for others. And one of my biggest peeves is having to WAIT for others to get their stuff together. GRRRR.
We have applied for our loan, and received the standard "we have received your stuff...." reply. Per the reply, it will be processed in 7-10 business days from date of receipt. We know we submitted everything on 3/26, but that doesn't mean that is the date of receipt for them. We didn't get that response until 3/30 or 3/31. So if we use 3/30 as "date of receipt," then the loan should fund no later than 4/13.
That is another 10 days. Granted, that is the long side of things. But let's get the show on the road. Meanwhile, we keep paying the bills that are due, and will see what the pay off amounts will be when the loan funds. Wait, wait, wait.
Additionally, I have an aunt who is terminally ill (she has been battling brain cancer for about a year, and the doctors have said there isn't anymore they can do). My mom hasn't been able to determine from her brother (my uncle), how much time we are looking at. There seems to be some conflicting information....most likely because my uncle is not fully hearing what is being said. I am not close with my aunt and uncle, but of course when the time comes...I will go to pay my respects.
I asked my mom what their (my Parents) plans will be when the time comes. She didn't know. Now, I realize that she isn't supposed to have it all together...but my parents are famous for "not imposing" and setting my world into a tailspin. I finally managed to determine that they will most likely come to visit for a few days after the funeral. Obviously....no one knows WHEN this will be, but at least have a clue that will happen.
I also need to add....I was raised Jewish (although I am not practicing....I lead a more alternative spiritual life). In Judiasm, burial usually takes place within 24 hrs of death. Unless that falls on a holiday or Sabbath. So everything happens FAST.
And we are waiting on the school to figure out when our future planning meeting will be held. Bossy's annual paperwork is due 4/26. We have Spring Break next week. Let's get the show on the road, people!! We are trying to do the future planning meeting BEFORE we have to write up his annual. If we have to write the annual, THEN do the future planning, there is a good chance that we will have to CHANGE his paperwork again. So that means another meeting. Why am I the only one that sees that is so inefficient???
We have applied for our loan, and received the standard "we have received your stuff...." reply. Per the reply, it will be processed in 7-10 business days from date of receipt. We know we submitted everything on 3/26, but that doesn't mean that is the date of receipt for them. We didn't get that response until 3/30 or 3/31. So if we use 3/30 as "date of receipt," then the loan should fund no later than 4/13.
That is another 10 days. Granted, that is the long side of things. But let's get the show on the road. Meanwhile, we keep paying the bills that are due, and will see what the pay off amounts will be when the loan funds. Wait, wait, wait.
Additionally, I have an aunt who is terminally ill (she has been battling brain cancer for about a year, and the doctors have said there isn't anymore they can do). My mom hasn't been able to determine from her brother (my uncle), how much time we are looking at. There seems to be some conflicting information....most likely because my uncle is not fully hearing what is being said. I am not close with my aunt and uncle, but of course when the time comes...I will go to pay my respects.
I asked my mom what their (my Parents) plans will be when the time comes. She didn't know. Now, I realize that she isn't supposed to have it all together...but my parents are famous for "not imposing" and setting my world into a tailspin. I finally managed to determine that they will most likely come to visit for a few days after the funeral. Obviously....no one knows WHEN this will be, but at least have a clue that will happen.
I also need to add....I was raised Jewish (although I am not practicing....I lead a more alternative spiritual life). In Judiasm, burial usually takes place within 24 hrs of death. Unless that falls on a holiday or Sabbath. So everything happens FAST.
And we are waiting on the school to figure out when our future planning meeting will be held. Bossy's annual paperwork is due 4/26. We have Spring Break next week. Let's get the show on the road, people!! We are trying to do the future planning meeting BEFORE we have to write up his annual. If we have to write the annual, THEN do the future planning, there is a good chance that we will have to CHANGE his paperwork again. So that means another meeting. Why am I the only one that sees that is so inefficient???
What are you waiting for today??
Monday, April 2, 2012
Funny things kids say
Here is a totally NON-financial post....we got a kick out of these things that recently came out of our children's mouths....hope you do too.
Sassy
The other night G-man forgot to cut up something on her plate (we are working on this skill). On accident, Sassy handed him her bread instead of the knife. G-man teased her and said "I can't cut this with a piece of bread!".
Her response: You could if it had SHARP cheddar on it.
Bossy
We were talking about our upcoming trip to Sesame Place and being silly about the order of events. We said , "so it is Pennsylvania, Sesame Place, Montana, Texas, then home?" and other silly things. G-man added in "so it goes PA, state of confusion, pool, pizza, chaos, chaos, then home?"
His response: It takes a long time to get to the State of Confusion. (Last year we hit traffic, so it took 5 hrs to get to PA, instead of the anticipated 3. This was a play off of last year).
Kids!!!!
Sassy
The other night G-man forgot to cut up something on her plate (we are working on this skill). On accident, Sassy handed him her bread instead of the knife. G-man teased her and said "I can't cut this with a piece of bread!".
Her response: You could if it had SHARP cheddar on it.
Bossy
We were talking about our upcoming trip to Sesame Place and being silly about the order of events. We said , "so it is Pennsylvania, Sesame Place, Montana, Texas, then home?" and other silly things. G-man added in "so it goes PA, state of confusion, pool, pizza, chaos, chaos, then home?"
His response: It takes a long time to get to the State of Confusion. (Last year we hit traffic, so it took 5 hrs to get to PA, instead of the anticipated 3. This was a play off of last year).
Kids!!!!
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Crystal-ball, anyone?
I had to giggle a little this morning. Yesterday's post has now hit my 5th most popular post. Actually, if you take out the 2 posts that I think someone bookmarked, it becomes number 3. Drama certainly does draw attention.
On today's agenda....the kids' conferences at school. As a PTA board member, I am up at the school all the time, so in general...I already know how they are doing. No surprises today.
However, one thing on the list of things to talk about with Bossy's teachers (because at conferences....we have a HOARD of people)...is his future planning meeting. This was brought up in February, and it is time to revisit it now that testing is over (stupid state testing....).
Most parents seem to wait until their special needs child is almost out of High School to do this. And then they freak out that their almost adult child will no longer be covered under certain things, and OMG, we have no idea what to do now.
After a lengthy discussion with his teachers, we decided that we (as in his parents) are ready to do this. What does this mean? Not much. It is a fluid thing....we can plan for things now, but when he is 13, 15, 17...it may be different. The idea is to at least set a basic path for him, and we can change it as we go.
But our goal for him is to have as independent life as possible. Maybe live in a supported house (as in, there will be someone who helps monitor things), have a job...maybe a cat. Academics are such a struggle for him. We need to change the focus more towards academics that have real world applications. This will be the first step.
What does this have to do with money....ALOT. Our future planning has to include HIS future planning. If we are going to be largely supporting THREE adults, we need to know that! Again, this is all fluid, and this is just the first step. But knowledge is power.
Happy Wednesday!
On today's agenda....the kids' conferences at school. As a PTA board member, I am up at the school all the time, so in general...I already know how they are doing. No surprises today.
However, one thing on the list of things to talk about with Bossy's teachers (because at conferences....we have a HOARD of people)...is his future planning meeting. This was brought up in February, and it is time to revisit it now that testing is over (stupid state testing....).
Most parents seem to wait until their special needs child is almost out of High School to do this. And then they freak out that their almost adult child will no longer be covered under certain things, and OMG, we have no idea what to do now.
After a lengthy discussion with his teachers, we decided that we (as in his parents) are ready to do this. What does this mean? Not much. It is a fluid thing....we can plan for things now, but when he is 13, 15, 17...it may be different. The idea is to at least set a basic path for him, and we can change it as we go.
But our goal for him is to have as independent life as possible. Maybe live in a supported house (as in, there will be someone who helps monitor things), have a job...maybe a cat. Academics are such a struggle for him. We need to change the focus more towards academics that have real world applications. This will be the first step.
What does this have to do with money....ALOT. Our future planning has to include HIS future planning. If we are going to be largely supporting THREE adults, we need to know that! Again, this is all fluid, and this is just the first step. But knowledge is power.
Happy Wednesday!
Monday, March 26, 2012
How do you define Progress?
***ETA: I wrote this post last night, and scheduled it to go live today. Almost no one actually GOT the point of the post. Everyone is still on the "should we buy tickets" bandwagon....which for the record, I never asked if I should or shouldn't.
In my GBU yesterday, I mentioned that we were "thinking" about getting concert tickets. Our last concert was almost 10 years...oops....8 years ago (the kids were ALMOST 2). Are they pricey? Yep. We were thinking about it; no decision made. We have had 2 big date nights in the past year....and this would be the next one (not counting the wedding we have in May).
Is it the BEST use of money? Depends on your definition of BEST. No, it isn't going to debt. But if you define BEST as "the ability for a couple to have a night out, see a show we both would enjoy, and have a night off from the stress of our life," then yes. We have also considered only having G-man go (as he wants to go more than I do, even though I do want to go). Then we would only have 1 ticket and parking. No sitter or anything.
Consuelo made a comment regarding our numbers and our "lack of progress" in the past few months.
I am not going to deny that numbers are ugly. I never have. We were making progress, and last year really wrenched that. No denying that. But to say "lack of progress" in the past few few months isn't accurate. I haven't updated our sidebar in the past few days because I know it is all about to change, and decided to wait until the big change to do the update. But the comment really upset me, so I looked a few things up....a few things that may not be as apparent to you all because I don't share EVERY detail.
Since January 1....
Once we take out the loan, I will update all the numbers. At that point, all of the debt will be at an interest rate of 3.375% or less. I know that not everyone will agree with the retirement loan for this purpose. It is taking money from our future. But in no more than 4 years, it will be paid off, and we will be just about debt free other than the mortgage (right now we are at 5 years to be debt free....but I think we may be able to shave at least some of that off).
I know this is a long post. So if you made it this far....good for you!!! But we HAVE made progress. It isn't gazelle intense....never has been. But it IS progress.
So to Consuelo....thank you for reading and spurring me to investigate this further. I am sorry you don't feel like we are making progress, but in the end, we only have to account to ourselves.
In my GBU yesterday, I mentioned that we were "thinking" about getting concert tickets. Our last concert was almost 10 years...oops....8 years ago (the kids were ALMOST 2). Are they pricey? Yep. We were thinking about it; no decision made. We have had 2 big date nights in the past year....and this would be the next one (not counting the wedding we have in May).
Is it the BEST use of money? Depends on your definition of BEST. No, it isn't going to debt. But if you define BEST as "the ability for a couple to have a night out, see a show we both would enjoy, and have a night off from the stress of our life," then yes. We have also considered only having G-man go (as he wants to go more than I do, even though I do want to go). Then we would only have 1 ticket and parking. No sitter or anything.
Consuelo made a comment regarding our numbers and our "lack of progress" in the past few months.
I am not going to deny that numbers are ugly. I never have. We were making progress, and last year really wrenched that. No denying that. But to say "lack of progress" in the past few few months isn't accurate. I haven't updated our sidebar in the past few days because I know it is all about to change, and decided to wait until the big change to do the update. But the comment really upset me, so I looked a few things up....a few things that may not be as apparent to you all because I don't share EVERY detail.
Since January 1....
- We have increased our EF by $324. Prior to my root canal, we had just under $1,300 in there. We withdrew some to float that money to get a discount. When our FSA reimburses us, it will go back to the EF, and we will have the $1300 again, and are working toward
- We have saved over $500 towards the kids' camp for the summer, which acts as day care for us while we work.
- We have saved $550 in overtime pay. Part of this is paying for G-man's speeding ticket and fishing license. The rest is going toward our weekend trip to Sesame Place for Autism Day (entrance to the park is free, other than a $25 parking fee which goes to charity. We have a gov't discount for the hotel).
- We have saved enough so far to pay for our water bill, which will come in May. And we are on track to have the money saved for our personal property taxes in July.
- We paid off our retirement loan (whose numbers were never added into any of the tallies, but at the start of the blog....we had about $7100 left), a few year early.
- We established a "cat fund" that currently has enough for all three cats' check-ups, and have been working on saving per month for food and litter.
- The student loan has decreased $456.
- The car has decreased $642.
- Medical has increased $50, but as long as Bossy has medical needs, this bill will always be in flux. Considering I had a $700 root canal, and the overall bill has only gone up $50, I am happy.
Once we take out the loan, I will update all the numbers. At that point, all of the debt will be at an interest rate of 3.375% or less. I know that not everyone will agree with the retirement loan for this purpose. It is taking money from our future. But in no more than 4 years, it will be paid off, and we will be just about debt free other than the mortgage (right now we are at 5 years to be debt free....but I think we may be able to shave at least some of that off).
I know this is a long post. So if you made it this far....good for you!!! But we HAVE made progress. It isn't gazelle intense....never has been. But it IS progress.
So to Consuelo....thank you for reading and spurring me to investigate this further. I am sorry you don't feel like we are making progress, but in the end, we only have to account to ourselves.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Taking Advantage Of The Situation
Oh, I am a rotten mother. I know I am. Yeah, I love my kids, and would fight to the death for them. But today....I am just rotten.
Bossy is sick. No idea what is the actual ailment. He was a mess last night, up off and on all night. So he is home from school today.
G-man offered to stay home (not because he is a dedicated father....just because he didn't want to go to work!), but I said I would stay home with small sick boy. He then offered again this morning, with the idea that we BOTH stay home and just lay in bed all day. Um, no.
But the reason I am a rotten mom.....since I am home today....I am going to totally KICK IT in my decluttering challenge!!! Bossy is tucked in tight on the couch, and just laying there like a lump. He will probably remain that way most of the day. Of course I will check him, make sure he has enough to drink. Rub his head. But mostly I will be in my bedroom kicking butt and taking names!!!
Might as well take care of it today....the weekend is already full. And it will feel good to have my bedroom back again.
Bossy is sick. No idea what is the actual ailment. He was a mess last night, up off and on all night. So he is home from school today.
G-man offered to stay home (not because he is a dedicated father....just because he didn't want to go to work!), but I said I would stay home with small sick boy. He then offered again this morning, with the idea that we BOTH stay home and just lay in bed all day. Um, no.
But the reason I am a rotten mom.....since I am home today....I am going to totally KICK IT in my decluttering challenge!!! Bossy is tucked in tight on the couch, and just laying there like a lump. He will probably remain that way most of the day. Of course I will check him, make sure he has enough to drink. Rub his head. But mostly I will be in my bedroom kicking butt and taking names!!!
Might as well take care of it today....the weekend is already full. And it will feel good to have my bedroom back again.
Monday, January 23, 2012
OK, you twisted my arm
Kim asked to see pictures from the dance. My poor arm couldn't take the beating, so ok.....you get a pic.
The dance was "Winter Wonderland" so white lights and snowflakes were abundant. I worked the photo table (they had a professional photographer who is a parent at the school we partnered with; she volunteered her time, and sold really inexpensive packages that we will split the profit 50/50). So I got to see all the girls!!
The dads (or granddad, or uncle....it was "significant male" so girls who may not have a Dad who is active in their life could still feel like they could attend) were all dressed up too. It was wonderful to see them get into the spirit of it. Matching ties or shirts. Very cool.
Daddy and Sassy went to dinner before the dance, and all sorts of people came up to her and told her how beautiful she looked and to have a nice time. That made her smile. They had a great time at the dance, and I got a picture of the two of them dancing to "My Girl," which made my heart melt. Sassy said her feet hurt from the "high heels." ( click here to see her "high heels" ) I told her to get used to it....all women go through it! After dancing the night away, they went out for dessert. Sassy came home, floating on a cloud. And Daddy was pretty happy too. Here ya go...my NINE year old debutante!
The dance was "Winter Wonderland" so white lights and snowflakes were abundant. I worked the photo table (they had a professional photographer who is a parent at the school we partnered with; she volunteered her time, and sold really inexpensive packages that we will split the profit 50/50). So I got to see all the girls!!
The dads (or granddad, or uncle....it was "significant male" so girls who may not have a Dad who is active in their life could still feel like they could attend) were all dressed up too. It was wonderful to see them get into the spirit of it. Matching ties or shirts. Very cool.
Daddy and Sassy went to dinner before the dance, and all sorts of people came up to her and told her how beautiful she looked and to have a nice time. That made her smile. They had a great time at the dance, and I got a picture of the two of them dancing to "My Girl," which made my heart melt. Sassy said her feet hurt from the "high heels." ( click here to see her "high heels" ) I told her to get used to it....all women go through it! After dancing the night away, they went out for dessert. Sassy came home, floating on a cloud. And Daddy was pretty happy too. Here ya go...my NINE year old debutante!
 |
| Sassy just home from getting her hair done |
 |
| Checking herself out in the mirror |
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| Ready to go! |
Monday, January 9, 2012
Fifteen Dollars
Ok, technically....$14.25. Any guesses to what that is? No, it isn't a pony. Or what we spend on coffee. Or any other frivolous spending. It is what we spend on buying school lunches PER WEEK. Say what???? I know! I was as surprised as you were!
The kids have the lunch calendar, and on Sunday night they write which days they would like to buy lunch (which is $2.25) and on the other days they bring a packed lunch and buy milk ($0.50). In an average week, they each will buy lunch 2-3 times. On a rare occasion, Bossy will buy 4. Sassy is much more picky, and can usually be counted on to buy on Friday (Pizza day), but is inconsistent how many times she buys. She really is more of a PB&J girl.
Typically I would write a check out for lunch tickets for the kids each week (we have to buy tickets for the week). Because writing ONE check confuses them, I would write two checks. Usually one check is $7.75 (3 hot lunch, 2 milk), and the other varies. I never really thought about it much. Maybe because each check was small. Maybe because it was just routine. But I just did it each week.
One of my goals this year is to use less checks. So I took out $20 last week when I deposited my paycheck, and we broke it into small bills. This morning I put the cash in each child's lunch money envelope, and the remainder in a third envelope to roll over to next week. And I only had $5 left!!!! WHAT??!!!!
This was an eye-opener to me. We have never limited how many times the kids buy lunch because 1) for K, 1st, and 2nd, it was only Sassy who bought lunch, 2) we are working on oral eating with Bossy, so if he wanted to buy lunch and would EAT it, we were all for it, and 3) it was easier for us in terms on having to prepare lunch for them.
If we limit them to 2 hot lunch a week (plus 3 milk), that is $6.00 a week per child. Forty weeks of school....so we are up to $240 for the year, per child.....or $480 for both. Almost $500 just for lunch! And that is if we limit them!!!! If you use the $14.25 we spent this week....we are up to $570.
Holy cow!!!! Granted, if you add up the ingredients for home-packed lunch (sandwich for her, turkey for him; chips; fruit; other snack item for "snack") I am not sure how much we are spending on that. I am pretty sure it is less than what we are spending on buying lunch.
I am a little torn, mostly because of Bossy. I want him to EAT. So I would rather not limit his buying. Sassy buys less than him, but I would hate to limit her even further just to to balance out his purchases.
Anyone else ever sat down and figure this stuff out??? How much are school lunches by you? Suggestions for me??
ETA: We have been paying this all along, so I am not worried about cutting it back. It was more of a surprise when I actually looked at the numbers. And I was curious if we were typical. And in case you were wondering, no....we don't qualify for reduced lunch.
The kids have the lunch calendar, and on Sunday night they write which days they would like to buy lunch (which is $2.25) and on the other days they bring a packed lunch and buy milk ($0.50). In an average week, they each will buy lunch 2-3 times. On a rare occasion, Bossy will buy 4. Sassy is much more picky, and can usually be counted on to buy on Friday (Pizza day), but is inconsistent how many times she buys. She really is more of a PB&J girl.
Typically I would write a check out for lunch tickets for the kids each week (we have to buy tickets for the week). Because writing ONE check confuses them, I would write two checks. Usually one check is $7.75 (3 hot lunch, 2 milk), and the other varies. I never really thought about it much. Maybe because each check was small. Maybe because it was just routine. But I just did it each week.
One of my goals this year is to use less checks. So I took out $20 last week when I deposited my paycheck, and we broke it into small bills. This morning I put the cash in each child's lunch money envelope, and the remainder in a third envelope to roll over to next week. And I only had $5 left!!!! WHAT??!!!!
This was an eye-opener to me. We have never limited how many times the kids buy lunch because 1) for K, 1st, and 2nd, it was only Sassy who bought lunch, 2) we are working on oral eating with Bossy, so if he wanted to buy lunch and would EAT it, we were all for it, and 3) it was easier for us in terms on having to prepare lunch for them.
If we limit them to 2 hot lunch a week (plus 3 milk), that is $6.00 a week per child. Forty weeks of school....so we are up to $240 for the year, per child.....or $480 for both. Almost $500 just for lunch! And that is if we limit them!!!! If you use the $14.25 we spent this week....we are up to $570.
Holy cow!!!! Granted, if you add up the ingredients for home-packed lunch (sandwich for her, turkey for him; chips; fruit; other snack item for "snack") I am not sure how much we are spending on that. I am pretty sure it is less than what we are spending on buying lunch.
I am a little torn, mostly because of Bossy. I want him to EAT. So I would rather not limit his buying. Sassy buys less than him, but I would hate to limit her even further just to to balance out his purchases.
Anyone else ever sat down and figure this stuff out??? How much are school lunches by you? Suggestions for me??
ETA: We have been paying this all along, so I am not worried about cutting it back. It was more of a surprise when I actually looked at the numbers. And I was curious if we were typical. And in case you were wondering, no....we don't qualify for reduced lunch.
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?????
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