My boss is out today, so I get the day off. Spending the day home with the kids. That saves money on childcare. (Yikes that's been a big bill recently) Will try to get some household chores done..I am not feeling very motivated And I am making salmon for dinner tonight. Trying Monkey Mama's crockpot recipe.

This brings me to a bit of a problem I have had for awhile and would love some help with. I keep wanting to post and then forget. Really need new ideas for dinner. What is your family's favorite? And favorites that can be made ahead or frozen. Healthy is a plus, but a distant third to tasty or quick. I bet we'll all find these recipes helpful.

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Traveling to family for the Thanksgiving holiday. We will be leaving Thursday morning and eating dinner at my mom and dad's house. My inlaws will join us there and later we will travel to their house to stay Thursday and Friday night. My DH and his dad like to shop Black Friday. I can't stand all the crowds and crazyness, so I never go out. I think I will take the kids to visit my grandparents on Friday. My grandma's back has been hurting her so she doesn't want to make the three hour drive to my mom's house. I really want to see my grandparents and give them a chance to see baby DS and DD. We will save money by not having to buy food, but spend money on extra gas. It is very important to me to see my family as often as I can and especially around the holidays.

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I will be doing some kitty care next week and will make $200. Christmas money. My most recent kitty care money has gone to pay on the CC. A little to this and a little to that. Trying to balance.

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And the computer woes continue. I realized I had
pictures of myself while I was pregnant with DS on the computer that I don't think we backed up anywhere else. AND, I don't have any programs! No Word, Works, Excel etc. And we can't find any disks for these. These programs were on the computer when we bought it, so shouldn't we have some way of getting them back without having to buy them?

Did you all miss me? I've missed you.

Two weeks ago DD had a report due at school and she was using the laptop to type it out. Well, she dropped it on the floor and it died. Long story short I took it in to Staples and had it repaired for $263. It needed a new hard drive and a new disk reader. Luck for us all the tech services are 1/2 off this month. I just picked the computer up last night and it works as good as new!

DD had almost finished typing her report out. We are talking like two more sentences left to go. So it was a quick rush to set up the desktop and get the report re-typed. Then our printer wouldn't print. It was the "Report from He77". Nah..I was able to load it on a flash drive and have it printed at Kinko's near our house.

Nothing could be recovered from the hard drive, so I lost budgets and financial goals, a few games, but really nothing else. Trying to get some bills payed online now and catch up on the checking account. We have the Internet at work, but I am not in front of the computer long enough to do much of anything. I was able to check my mail about every other day and look up a few web sites, otherwise no time to do anything else.

Speaking of work, my boss laid off one of the other gals because we're heading into the slower period of the year. Of course, it was only slow for about two days!! I miss her, she was really my assistant. The other news is the boss' wife has stepped in to do the business financials and get the bills caught up. AND I got a $1/hour raise with another planned in the spring!! Well overdue for that, so I am happy.

What else???

Oh yeah.. got rid of all the lice! Yay!
Only to have DD get them back again. Boo!
But, I am thinking we've got them beat again. Five days now with no sign of the buggers.

Trying to gear up for the holidays. It is so hard because the weather has been unnaturally warm. Like 70F+ most days. And Christmas is when?!?

Happy Halloween everyone!

May you all have more Treats than Tricks!




And..of course.. GO GIANTS!!!

Our new mortgage is $289.13/mo less now with the refi(saving $126/mo on P/I) and the lower property taxes. WhooHoo!

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This past weekend my family (DD and DH) decided we needed some new Halloween decor for the yard. They picked out three foam tombstones, a strobe light and I picked out a string of purple lights. We also bought some cool window clings that look like bloody hand prints and splotches.

And we bought a costume for DD. Spent $70 on everything. DD bought a wig for her costume with her own money for $9. I tried to talk her out of it, but it's hard when it is HER money she has the choice. I told her we won't be carrying it around on Halloween night if she gets too hot wearing it. She still bought it. Oh well..

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Crazy fall weather here. Last week we were using our AC and Sunday we had the heat on. I am kind of feeling ready for the cooler fall weather. Snuggling inside on the weekends with coffee and football. 'Course right now I'm watching a lot of baseball - GO GIANTS! I told DH this morning that I might need to call off work today and just stay home to watch game 3 playoffs. And do laundry!! (Always have laundry to do. ) I'll be going to work soon. My boss will have the game on the radio in his office so I'm sure I'll catch the important parts.

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Would love to catch up on all your blogs now, but I have got to get caught up on the checkbook register. My budget is current, but the checkbook is behind!! I can't remember the last time I was so lax. Will take care of that right now while little DS is taking his little AM nap. Such a good baby!

It seems that I keep starting all my posts with.."I'm so busy..." But I have no other excuse. I am busy.

My trip to Kentucky was awesome! The countryside was beautiful and the company was super. I had not spent that much time with my aunt in years. It was also fun to share a room with my sister again. Girl talk and all that. Our flights to and from were uneventful. We attended a few of the events at the World Equestrian Games (WEG), stopped to look at some stallions at a horse farm and toured two bourbon distilleries. I will post some pictures when I've got my camera handy.

I did pretty well spending wise. $45 spent in cash and about $220 on the credit card to be paid next week. The $220 included treating for dinner for the four of us twice and gift/souvenir items. I bought myself a pair of blown glass earrings in the shape of a horse head. (I'll take a pic of them too for you all to see)

Everyone did well at home without me. My MIL came to stay and help DH. She bought food and some home improvement stuff for us. My DH surprised me by completing a few of his TO DO projects around the house. Cleaned the garage and finished some crown molding and baseboards, and tore into a wall in our bathroom!! He did pretty well not spending much money. About $32 while I was gone.

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Refi is all done. 4.75% 30 year fixed.
The only hitch was I had to come up with the mortgage payment about two weeks earlier than I would have normally. Made for a tight squeeze right before I left and until the first. Did move money over from the EF. Darn, 'cause I was almost to the 1k mark! The good news is that now I'm back ahead of the game and that means having the money to pay bills earlier. Makes it all run more smoothly.

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Back to work full time now. Keeping very busy there.

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Baby DS is great. Five months now. Wow!
DD is also doing great. Although she chipped a front tooth a few days back. Not very bad at all, but still.....

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Time to start dinner. Thursdays are about the only weekday I have time to make a nice dinner because I get off work early.

And I've got to cheer on the Giants. Playoff game tonight vs. the Braves.

The company in Alaska who processed and shipped DH's fish charged us for his AND his boss' fish. The good news is we are getting $125 back. Yay!

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I was thinking yesterday about debt. I think we can all agree that there is bad debt and worse debt, but how would you "rank" it?

Here is what I came up with in order from not-so-bad to worst.

Mortgage Debt
Student Loan (IF you're using what you learned to make money)
Auto Loan
HELOCs
Medical
Student Loans (when you're NOT using what you learned)
Personal Loans from family/friends
Credit Cards
RV/Boat/Recreational Loans
"Rent to Own" places for furniture/appliances
Personal Loans/Check Cashing places

So what do you think? How would you rank these?

***Edit: Disclaimer
This list is just for fun. My musings about debt. I'm assuming these debts under "normal" conditions. Of course there is exceptions to every debt. Underwater mortgages, using HELOC as an ATM, "buying" a new car every three years, a personal loan that destroys a friendship or a medical loan for butt cheek implants vs. heart surgery.

My goodness it's already been 10 days since my last post?!? I've been busy and having some issues with the laptop computer.. Arg. So many of your blog entries I've missed out on. Trying to catch up on reading them as I can.

DH had a fabulous time in Alaska. His fish "cost" us about $270 to process, package and ship home. He also had 10lbs of the salmon smoked. It is on it's way to us..I love smoked salmon

I am going to Kentucky for a few days next week. My mom, sister, aunt and I are traveling there for the World Equestrian Games. I wouldn't be going except my mom and aunt are treating - airfare, bed and breakfast, food, car rental. They wouldn't let me say "No".

DS is still dabbling in baby cereals and a few of the yellow veggies. He had his doctors appointment just over a week ago. Growing well, he is now 14lbs 7oz. Such a sweetie!

DD is doing great in fourth grade. I really like her teacher this year. But so far I've liked all her teachers. Lucky us.

We lost one of our hens this past weekend. She was sick and I couldn't help her get better no matter how much I tried. We buried her under our peach tree.

Last Thursday we switched to our bundled phone/internet/tv service. So far it's been good. We've never had a DVR before, or HD channels, so that's cool. And it has been years since we've had call waiting or caller id on the phone. Never saw the point in paying extra for those services. I am not a fan of call waiting so I kinda wish I could turn that feature off anyway.

Made $50 this weekend checking on a kitty. I will be seeing my old cat client on Tuesday for $40. That $90 is going to the EF! Yay!

Refi is chugging along. We haven't locked yet, but all the paperwork thus far is in order.

Only 10 more days in September! My DD is already planning Halloween decor and her costume. I don't feel like I've gained much ground this month. Next month I start back to work full time. Not really excited about that, but the additional income after all these months will be sooo nice.

The Wife will play..

Okay, not really!

But I've been very, very busy doing double duty here at the house. Plus I have started the ball rolling on our refi. Looking to reduce our rate to close to 4.5%, depending on when we lock. That should equate to approximately $170/mo savings. And with our property taxes down we are looking at saving another $100/mo in taxes!
Yip-ee!

Also had a Comcast (cable TV co.) salesman come by the house yesterday. They come by about every two months or so and want to "bundle" our phone and internet services with our cable. In the past I've never been real interested in changing anything. But yesterday I was like, "Oh what the heck..We'll try it." $120/mo for phone, internet, TV.
We will be getting a faster internet connection, more phone services like caller ID and call waiting, free install, a free HD DVR, all the HD channels and one of the premium movie channel packages (Starz). It won't be any huge savings, about $5-$10/mo, but lots more "stuff". Of course saving is saving; it's all good! We'll see..

Told DH about it on the phone. He said he is totally fine with any changes, just as long as I don't change the locks!

He has 65lbs of Halibut and 30lbs of Salmon so far. I'm thinking packages of fish as Christmas gifts - Just kidding!

I am going to try the salmon crock pot recipe that Monkey Mama posted once the fish gets here.

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I have pretty much had a NSWeek so far (Mon - Fri). Only had to buy diesel for the truck. $75. I have been too busy/too lazy to do any shopping. I will have to go grocery shopping this weekend and Costco next week. This week has been cheap!

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Baby DS has started some solid food. Baby oatmeal, of course, and he really likes sweet potatoes. That's it so far. Tonight I might try carrots.

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Sold a pair of DD's old riding boots $12. I paid $8 for them two summers ago. Made $40 this AM from my elderly cat side "job". This money will be going to the EF which is very close to the first 1k goal mark!

DH flew out for Alaska Saturday AM. He has already caught plenty of fish for our family. (He doesn't eat fish at all!) He will be shipping his halibut catch from yesterday home today. One of his halibut weighed 120 lbs!
Right now he is out fishing for trout and salmon.

Visited my sister in Eureka Saturday-Sunday. My mom and dad met us there. DSister cooked dinner both nights and dad treated to breakfast Sunday AM. Very nice to visit with the family. And DD and I had several free meals and no clean up! We drove home late last night - nice because DD, baby and the dogs just slept and there was no traffic to deal with. Also gives me today to putt around the house and do various household chores. (Laundry!)

Battling an ant invasion. They made their move while we were gone. It seems they were drawn to a empty soda can and some french fries. First time we've ever had any problem in this house.

Is it really September 6th? I am still touching up this months' budget. No big changes to the money situation here.

Having some hot days here. 100F. I noticed the pictures I posted from our camping trip didn't last very long. So I'll re-post a few for those of you who may have missed them.
Just looking at this picture cools me off.



The 129-foot high Burney Falls


Pizza delivered for dinner tonight. Worth it on a hot evening. $33 for two pizzas, two salads, sodas, delivery and tip.

I must be a good girl..the money is flowing my way..

A very generous client gave us a gift at work. $200 for me!

My coworker paid me back $50.

I made $40 by making a housecall to my friend's neighbor. I've been helping them with their elderly cat who needs regular blood draws, but HATES the vet. (I've been there a few times now so actually I've made $200 so far.)

And DH gave me the $6 he had in his pocket.

WaHoo!
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Other Updates:

Looking into a refi for the house...
DS going to try out his new highchair tonight..
DH headed to Alaska on Saturday... A whole week of having the bed to myself!!

Last weekend we went for a quick camp trip. It was our only one for the summer and we wanted to squeeze one in this year. We went to one of our favorite areas, McArthur-Burney Falls State Park. It is becoming a yearly family tradition to visit. My mom and dad met us again this year. The inlaws have gone with us too in the past.

Last year we stayed in one of their little cabins. (Which I didn't take a pic of, but here is one from the website)


We stayed in one this year too because it was so comfortable and with baby DS it made things much easier.


DS soaking up the morning sun with our dogs on the cabin porch.

Beautiful weather. Very mild, maybe 68F. The night wasn't cold either. The cabin had a little heater, but we didn't need it. Now I think I'm too spoiled to tent camp next year




DD and our Labrador swimming in the lake.
She also picked tons of blackberries there on the lakeshore. We had them in our pancakes on Sunday morning.




The 129-foot high falls. (I love California!)





Food/Gas/Cabin $270.
Experience/Relaxation $"Priceless"

We have friends, a couple close to our age, who bought a timeshare. It is the kind where you own a piece of it, not the points type.

Anyhow, I was just talking to my friend (wife) and she was telling me how they didn't know what to do with it. I didn't quite know what advice to offer her. I thought about posting in the forum here, but I've never "been" there.

Here's the situation, as she told me:
They bought into this timeshare property, very nice, thought they'd use it a lot/often. Bought in May 08, have not used it once! $200/mo payments. Owe about $10,000. Having a harder time paying for it now given less work/less money. Would like to be out from under it, but how? She said they can't sell it unless it's paid off (??) Unable to pay it off. If they stop paying: down goes their credit scores.

Is there foreclosure on a timeshare? Short sale? Tax repercussions? What would you do?

Any advice I could pass on?

Ugh..I forgot to pay Capital One last month.. I thought about it, but I didn't think a payment was due. And in all the busyness at the end of the month I never logged on to check. We don't carry a balance on the card; we have ONE automatic bill payed by the card. $25 per month. The charge is usually made about the 22nd or so each month and almost every month I pay it on/about the 25th. So it's not even on the card for more than a week. I guess in June I missed it so July it was due and I thought "no big deal I've got 30 days." Wrong. Now I'll have to call and ask if they will please remove the $15 late fee. Yesh, it's a whole eight days late on $25!
Really need to change the billing to another card. I would right now, but DH will need to do it; account is in his name only.
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In other news, my DH met with an independent cell phone dealer last week. He found her through a local business group that his work is a member of. She works with all the carriers and has discounts on the phones. So the phone that I wanted that was $80 online thru our carrier was $50 with her. The $29 car charger was $10 thru her. He also changed our plan to the lower shared minutes plan for $70 per month, plus the taxes etc. so I'm thinking it'll be like $76/mo. Yay! Saving money feels so good!
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A note about my last post where I wrote about going over budget. My DH had an "extra" paycheck last month (with the five Fridays)that's what covered the overage. I was really trying to forget about that "extra" check, but in the end I kept thinking I can pay this/that with the "extra" check. Boy do I WISH I had an "extra" check this month too! Big time childcare costs with both DD and DS going for the first two weeks this month. It won't be as bad once DD is back in school. She will have just a few hours each afternoon once school starts.

Driving home this afternoon DD was looking at the newspaper insert ads. I think it was a JC Penney or Kohls ad when she said, "Look at these cute shoes mama." They were cute little pink plaid ballet flats. But, uh, $28!! Not for my nine year old who wears holes in her shoes before she even outgrows them! (If they were everyday shoes - okay, I'd buy them.)

I said, "Honey, wow, those shoes are kinda pricey."

"But mama, look the regular price is $39."

Ahh, a "teachable moment"...

"Well sweetie, that's how the stores get you to buy something like that. They make you think you're getting a good deal. Sometimes you are. But not on those shoes." I said.

She thought about that and was like, "Okay, maybe we can find some like these for a lot less, then we could buy them."

"Maybe." (universal parent answer. )

She does need a new backpack and lunch sack for school. I usually wait until fall, Oct/Nov, to buy clothes and new shoes. So far she has always been fine with wearing "old" clothes to the start of school. Sure hope that doesn't change anytime soon.

Gosh, she'll be back to school on August 18th! Fourth grade! *WOW*

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Today baby DS is three months old. I will have to take/post a picture soon. Such a cutie!

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Grocery shopping yesterday. $108. Dinners for the next week easy, plus milk, bread and cereal. Tonight it's Sloppy Joes, broccoli, and homemade fried french fries. Yum!

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Overspent last month *sigh* Over budget by $900. Money I would have LOVED to put toward bills or savings. My excuse - long month and we did a lot and had several one time/occasional expenses (car registration, medical/dental etc..)
This month it'll be childcare and increased fuel usage.

Crunching numbers now.

I started back to work yesterday. Part time for now. It was still hard leaving baby DS even though it was five hours and I knew he was in good hands. Worked until 6 pm, picked up the kids, had to stop for gas, $60, was home just before 7 pm.

Going back will really limit the time I have to play with the kids, be online with you all, get housework done, etc..etc..

Work is so inconvenient.

Yesterday was also the first day in the new office building. Trying to unpack boxes and organize supplies and equipment. In the new place it seems we have storage in all the wrong places. The fax machine isn't working yet, no internet yet, something funny going on with the phone lines AND we're out of coffee! Of course my boss in his infinite wisdom started seeing appointments yesterday afternoon! It was almost laughable because nothing is easy to find and everything took three times longer to do. This new building is shaped like an L. Our old building was a square. For proper "flow" you really need the square shape. The new building means a lot more walking until we get stuff stocked at both "ends" of the L.

It will be very nice, and much prettier, once we get everything done. I am thinking that will be a few weeks to put things away and even longer to get really comfortable.

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Had a very nice visit with DNiece and even with the inlaws too. Everyone left yesterday morning. Now I have to work on getting my August budget put together and balance the checkbook. I am about 10 days behind with all my financial keeping because of all the busy days and company.

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DH and I had a good time at the Giants game Sunday. Beautiful weather and they won! We have tickets for a Sunday day game in two weeks. Going with the inlaws, DD and baby DS.

Keeping busy here. I've missed catching up on all the postings. Maybe later.

DNiece (15yo) is visiting. She is so helpful and sweet. Only get to see her about once a year now that she's moved to Maryland.

Saturday: DD's bday party was a success! The pool cost $12. Food about $35 plus the cake. We made pizza with the girls who stayed for the slumber party. Yum! It had been so long since we made pizza at home. We'll be doing it again sooner rather than later. Trouble is it's more expensive to make it that to buy take and bake, which is sooo good too.

Sunday: a clean up and relax day.

Monday: grocery shopping. $195.

Tuesday: county fair opening day. $26. DD, DN, DS and me. Lovely weather. We built a scarecrow in a contest and won! The prize was free funnel cake. ($6) DS was such a good baby. He liked the fair. We looked at the exhibits and stage entertainment (Acrobatic Cats, hehe)

Wednesday: Costco $180. Other errands.

Today: Great America. Rides and water slides! $90 for tickets. I will also be paying $15 for "preferred parking". Closer to the entrance for packing in/out all our stuff and baby DS. I am thinking of having lunch at the car too. We'll take food and see how the day goes.

Weekend plans -
Friday: Relax and chores.
Saturday: The beach ? Ice skating ?
Sunday: Giants game.
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In other news... My cell phone is dead. It was three years old. Really, they MUST make them only well enough to last for the two year contracts. lol. I have activated my old phone, which was DH's phone before that. So it's REALLY old, but still operational. Somewhat.. sometimes I can't hear the person on the other end of the line and have to use speaker..arrggg.. I won't be replacing with a fancy phone. Still looking at $80 for a phone and getting back into a contract.. *sigh* I guess it's not that bad, we hadn't been thinking of changing service anyway. This has got me looking at changing our plan. We could go for a low anytime minute (700) share plan with no frills, $79/month, and save about $30/month. I looked at our 12 month usage for "anytime" minutes. My average was about 200 and DH about 400. Totally worth trying it out.

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In-Laws coming to visit Friday PM thru Monday AM. (Please give me strength and patience ) They will be watching the kids Sunday when DH and I go to the Giants game. And they will be taking DN with them when they leave.

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Going back to work Monday afternoon... *sigh* Love my job, but LOVE being at home..

Today we are having DD's birthday party. I've had five kids RSVP with a "YES" out of fourteen total invitees. That's a summer party. Everyone is busy busy. It's okay. Makes the party very manageable.
This will save money at the pool.
And money on food too. However, I was out of town the past three days and I asked DH to pick up an ice cream cake. He is such a good helper and bought the largest size! $40. It is a good and bad thing; I really like ice cream cake!

We picked up DNiece last night and she will be staying with us for the week. Going to have some outings and that equals money spending. Aiming for small amounts and big fun. Picnic at the beach, rollerskating, swimming, ice skating...and???

Now I'm off to the grocery store.

Had a MUCH more frugal weekend. Phew!
NSD Saturday and a $16 Sunday.
Saturday my mom, DD, baby and I went to one of the California missions. A state park in Sonoma. Toured the misson and the general's home. It was very cool. They had lots of the original belongings from the family. My mom paid for the admission and lunch.
She and DD left to go traveling for the next several days. They are visiting several California Missions and other sights.

Sunday DH, baby and I helped our friend move. We also visited the new work building. I think it's going to be very nice. There is still a bunch of work to do on it and we're supposed to be in there by August! My boss was there too. So we had a quick visit. He seems very happy and excited about the move, and not worried about not being ready. He is a pretty positive person. Makes it easy to work with him.

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No bites on my CraigsList stuff. I will repost closer to the first of the month. Maybe when people have more money.

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Going to another Giants game on Sunday August 1st. Free tickets for a suite! With a suite you also get free snacks and non alcoholic beverages. I am thinking about taking baby with us. He already has a Giants outfit given to him as a gift!

DH and I had a night out to the Giants ballgame Friday. I have a client at work who is a season ticket holder and gives me a game each season. They are sweet people with two sweet beagles. Their seats are very good along the first base line at field level. My mom came to our house to babysit DD and baby DS. So free babysitting and free tickets, but....
$30 for parking
$6 Golden Gate toll
$41 Food, Soda & Hot Coco
$50 (2) T-shirts and a foam finger

Arrg..such a splurge! Next time we're bringing our own coco!! We like having coco in the 7th inning. We ate Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches and garlic fries and shared a Sprite. The shirts are really cool Giants Firefighter. One for DH and one as a Christmas gift for DH's boss. DH did get a free fireman themed bobblehead..very cute...and FREE!
The Giants won!
We think we're a lucky charm because we've never been to a game where they've lost. Always get to see winning games!

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My work is moving after 20+ years in the same location. So when I go back we'll be in a new building. That will be so weird I think. The old buildings' owner wanted to raise the rent, now she's trying to sell. For my boss the new building will be less in rent. And he's getting to make improvements to it. So new paint colors and a pretty floor. The waiting room has a rock fireplace! So cozy!

Helping a friend/co-worker move into a new little place today. So cute. A little cottage on a ranch. Much closer to work for her too.

I don't know if anyone else has seen this commercial on TV, so far I've only seen it once, but OMGosh..
DH and I were watching TV several nights back and this Ford commercial comes on. It's a woman who is saying she lost her job/laid off (?). But, Ford has such a great deal going she couldn't afford to pass it up and so she bought a new car!
I asked DH if I heard that right. He said he heard the same thing. Then we laughed about how crazy the commercial was. Yeah, she "couldn't afford" to pass that up!!!

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Baby DS had his two month doctor appointment and vaccinations this morning. He did okay - poor sweetie - one minute he's talking and smiling at the nurse and then she's poking him with needles!
He weighs 12 lbs. 3 oz. now.

We had a nice fourth of July weekend. DS seemed interested, not frightened, in the fireworks going off on our street. DD was lighting fireworks this year! (DH helping) DH had a good friend come to town. We hadn't seen him in two and a half years. He brought his new (dating for over a year) girlfriend, so we got to meet her. She was very nice. Course with his visit we spent money that I didn't think we'd spend for the weekend. Saturday DH had drinks out with his buddy. $60. Sunday they contributed to our BBQ dinner, so no added cost there. DH and DD bought some fireworks. $48. Monday we met for breakfast out, split the check. $40. Sooo a $100 more....Still, it was good to see our friend.
Hope you all enjoyed your weekend.

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DH is going to Alaska for a week the first part of September. His boss owns property in Sitka. He is an avid fly fisherman and is building four little cabins that they will rent to vacationers. They have one cabin built already. I've seen pictures and it's so cute and cozy. Anyhow, my DH's boss is taking DH and two of the other guys from work up there to go fishing The boss is providing the round trip flight and accommodations. His boss is very generous so I wouldn't be surprised if he pays for other little treats too. The four of them will split the cost of their fishing guide and food. DH has a furnace and AC install job that he will use the profits from to pay for his part. So "extra" money not budgeted income. I am happy that he goes, but I'd rather save the money.

Getting a couple To Do things crossed off my list today. Ah.. it feels so good.

Grocery shopping this morning, about 8am. It was good because the crowds hadn't showed up yet to shop for the weekend. Bought a coffee and cruised the store with DS. Total $149. They had buy two 12 packs of soda get four Free! That much soda will probably last us until the end of the year.

Paid a medical bill. $130.

Mailed a box of gifts and such to BFF. $8.

Called my car insurance agent to discuss some changes to my policy. Left a message. Dropping collision, keeping comprehensive, probably. I'll put the savings into a "new car fund".

Vehicle registration on Pathfinder. Paid online. So easy! $124 for one year.

Still need to pick up chicken feed and pine shavings, deposit DH's paychecks and....Oh I forget!

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Basic look at our July (& most other months) budget.

Mortgage $2064
Savings
& ROTHs $200
CC#3 $400
Sears $275
Childcare $0 -for now
Horses/Pets $300
Auto Insur. $115
Utilities $250
Food $600
Gas $125 + reg. $124
Gym $150
misc/cash $400
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$5003
All I can think of off the top of my head. I've got a more detailed budget on a works spreadsheet.

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If I don't post again before the weekend -
Have a Wonderful 4th Everyone!
We're going to have a relaxing weekend hanging around home. No plans to go anywhere; can see our city fireworks from our house.

Yesterday afternoon I went to Costco for a few items. They had 4GB memory cards (and other sizes) in a two pack for $10 off. I needed memory for my camera. As a plus when you bought the cards you also get 100 prints from the photo department for free. I also bought trail mix, TP, PT, and some meat. When I got home and started putting thing away I realized I didn't put the cards in the truck. I had left them in the cart!!! Oh big crap! I put baby back in the truck, rounded up DD and drove back to Costco now at 5:15pm. Thankfully traffic wasn't too bad. I couldn't believe I hadn't picked them up. Just left $30 sitting there. Stupid. I thought I might get lucky and find my cart still in the parking lot because I was parked a little further out. I got there - No luck. I went to the membership desk and told them what had happened. He directed me to the "front end" manager who gave me a new package without blinking an eye! WAHOO! Made my day. Thank you Costco!

Having a nice summer here.

Came home from my trip Friday. Surprise! My DH had a birthday/anniversary present for me, a digital camera! It is a Lumix. Blue; my favorite color! Wish he hadn't spent the money, but money he'd been stashing away for it. I'm excited to be getting some great pics of the family.

Saturday DH, DS and I went to our county fair with friends and their 15 month old DD. Our DD was still traveling with Grandma. Our friend has family that works for the fairgrounds in the maintenance department, so we didn't have to pay! We enjoyed looking at the exhibits and spent a little money on food. I love fair food! Corn Dogs, Funnel Cakes and Giant Cinnamon Rolls. Yum. So we saved $30 on admission and spent $23 on food. The weather was beautiful, about 85F with a breeze. Glad we went on Saturday, because Sunday was 95F.

Sunday we stayed in under the AC. So NSD! We watched a movie, played with DS, took care of some chores and BBQed for dinner. My mom and DD came home that night.

Monday I treated my mom to a pedicure for her birthday. DD and I had our toes done also. $70 total. I had two doctor appointments in the afternoon. OB and derm. $0 co-pay and $30 co-pay. The dermatologist snipped off a mole and sent it in for biopsy. Just a precaution, I do have history of skin cancer in the family.
Baby DS went to daycare for two and a half hours. $10. He seemed comfortable and happy with GB, the daycare lady. Good!

Started my DH on a weekly cash "allowance". $30. Although I don't call it that with him, don't want him to feel like a child! He uses the debit card almost daily for lunch or snacks while he's out of the office working. This may be a challenge for him because I don't think he really realizes how fast his little purchases add up.

I just saved a baby bird. I feel so good.. (More about that in a minute)


I am gone from home with both DD and baby DS to visit family. Monday we drove to my parent's house, about a 2.5 hour trip. It went well. Yesterday, my mom, myself and the kids drove to my grandparents house. They live very close to the Oregon/California border, about 3 hours from my parents. They hadn't seen the baby yet and we suprised them! They were SO happy to meet Great Grandson #6! I took my grandma to a quick doctor appointment and did her grocery shopping with her. My dad joined all of us after work for dinner and then we came back to my mom/dad's house. Long day, but so wonderful to spend time with family. My grandma tried to slip me some cash for driving her around. I couldn't take it. I am glad to just help her. She's my grandma!!

About the birdie...
Today, my mom and DD started out for their trip to the coast. As they were leaving they spotted a baby bird on the lawn. Barely any feathers and it's little eyes were still closed. My DD was saying to me, "Mama, you have to do something! You can't leave it here. You have to take care of it." And I just felt so bad for the little guy/gal laying there moving it's naked little wings and kicking it's tiny little legs. I will admit I am probably a little more emotionally attached to babies right now because I have a new baby myself. I didn't want mama bird to lose her baby. Thinking about it made me heart sick..

Now, in our area we have people who do bird rescue or care for wildlife. You just pick up the phone or drive them in to a center. But, this is a little town. So I knew my best bet was to try to find the nest in the tree and put baby back. I thought I might have found it, but I wasn't sure, and it was 'up there'. Thankfully, it wasn't way out on a limb and was closer to the main trunk. I saw mama and dada bird next to baby on the ground trying to figure out what to do.
I tried parking our truck under the tree and then standing on the roof to climb on to the tree, but once on the tree I couldn't reach high enough. So, I located a ladder. I should say I am home alone (at my parents house) by this point with DS and my black lab. And I should say I don't do ladders! (My DH has all sizes of ladders and will zip up and down them all day, but he isn't here.) In order to reach the nest I had to use a 24 foot extention ladder. I managed to set it up good a solid. I said a little prayer. Tucked baby birdie into my bra and I up I went. Snugged him back into the nest and waited in the house by the window to watch. Within five minutes mama and dada took over!
Yay! Warm and fuzzy feelings!

Now off to take care of my own hungry little birdie.

Having a real nice day here at my house. Hoping all of you are too!

DD made a mini photo book for DH with some of her favorite pics of them together. And we gave him a $15 Cold Stone ice cream gift card from DD and baby DS. Made a breakfast quiche with fresh fruit on the side for breakfast this morning. The quiche is such a tasty treat, yet I only seem to make it once a year. Not hard, but it does take a bit of time. It has hashbrowns for the "crust" and today we used ham, onion and cheddar cheese, along with the eggs and cream, for the filling. So good!!! You can make the same thing. (Because I'm too lazy to type in my exact recipe) go to: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/hash-brown-quiche-recipe/index.html
I use a whole stick of butter with the hashbrowns. I use more eggs. I also find I need to bake at 350F for more like 45 minutes to get it done. We top with sour cream.
DH is BBQing ribs right now for dinner later. Yummy...

I've managed to get stuff done today too. Some laundry, dishes, paid a few bills and gave both doggies their bath. Think I'll take the rest of the day off.

Oh *groan* we received a notice from our mortgage company that we have a projected shortage in our escrow account. This means our monthly mortgage payment is increased by $137. *groan*
About a year ago they sent me a fat check for the overage, like $1200. So silly! But what'da goin’ do?!
I know we could take care of paying these things ourselves, but having an impound account seems like a better idea for us right now. I mean, we'd just have to set aside the same amount each month anyway.

Here's a question: In my sidebar with regard to the debt payments. Do you think I should leave the starting balance posted and bracket the current amount? Or should I just update as I payoff? What would you all like to see? I can't decide. (Boy, my life is full of hard choices isn't it? lol.)

Met a friend and went for a two and a half mile walk with baby in the pack and DD on her bike. It was nice to get out this morning before it got too warm. We started at 8:30am and I thought it might be too cool, but it was just right, 68F. I had to take my sweatshirt off because the place we were at is mostly full sun. Thankfully there was a little breeze.

My friend is having her backyard landscaped right now. Or I should say hardscaped. It's going to be all stone and pavers. It's a pretty small (tiny) yard. You know big house on a small lot developement. She said the work should be done by next week. Cost: about $16,000. :0
I guess I'll move professional landscaping to the bottom of our home improvement to do list. lol.

Busy past few days! My little sister (23 yo) came for a two night visit. Very nice to have the extra pair of hands to help with baby DS. It gave DH and I a welcome break from diaper changes! She took DD to the beach on Monday for some special Auntie time. The weather was so gorgeous.

Did some shopping. Monday morning I went grocery shopping. $190. We live center to every grocery store in town. Lucky, Raley's, Safeway and Whole Foods. We've found that prices are really about the same on the stuff we buy at each store. Well not Whole Foods! Ha, we like never go there. Mostly we shop Safeway. My sis works for Safeway so when I use her 'club card' number I get an additional 10% off all Safeway brands. I really like their Eating Right frozen meals for lunch. Add some fruit or a yogurt on the side to go with it and it's just right. Plus quick and healthy. Anyhow, these frozen meals are $2 each, but with the 10% only $1.80!! Wahoo! You can't beat that. I think they're a good deal at $2, much cheaper than fast food.
Yesterday my sis, I and the kids had breakfast out. $28. Then she wanted to go to the mall in the next city. I haven't been past the Sears store and into the mall in like two years, or more? Bought vacuum bags at Sears. $17. Hand soaps at Bath & Body Works. $11. Then we went to the other mall, yup there are two in town. Old Navy I bought a skirt for me, shorts and capris for DS, flip flops for sis and a tank top on clearance. The tank top was $1.38! Wahoo!! Old Navy total $56. It's hard for me to spend money on clothes (sometimes).

Baby is six weeks old today. How quickly time goes. I have six more weeks of maternity leave. We have set up daycare with an older woman who has watched DD since she was little. DS daycare cost: $4 per hour.

To all SA moms: My Avent manual breastpump I bought works very nicely. I still need more time getting used to it, but like it better than a loud electric pump. Quiet and gentle. I would recommend it.

To moms and dads: Remember to try diapers.com. Use my referral code: SWEE9706. Save $10.