Busiest Day of School

Posted on June 14, 2014 by Sheila

Wednesday, June 11th, was quite possibly the busiest day of the school year for us. It was also the last full day of school. I knew in advance that I would not be able to attend all the festivities, due to the implementation of a new computerized medical records system at my work. I had asked Amanda to help out and she did. I was so thankful! First thing in the morning was the Awards Assembly for 3rd and 4th graders. Matt, myself, Zach and Kendall all attended to watch Lily. She was able to achieve “A” honor roll for both the 4th quarter and all year!

Brooke, my niece, who is 9 months older than Lily also made both a Honor Rolls.

Next Kendall had a “Fiesta” for the entire Kindergarten Group and Lily had a class party. Zach and Matt went to the class party that was themed “The Awards” . In Lily’s classroom, they have been doing a movie theme all year. The invitations were to come and watch your child walk the “red Carpet”. Here are some pictures to enjoy.

Amanda attended the Fiesta with Kendall and joined her for lunch. After lunch, Matt, Zach and Lily were able to attend Kendall’s class party. So as you can tell I was really not missed at all.

Kindergarten Graduation

Posted on June 10, 2014 by Sheila

Kendall’s official graduation was on Monday afternoon, I was able to get to the ceremony but had to leave before cake! Matt was standing for pictures and I thought I had a great second row seat, however the pictures tell a different story. They marched in, sang a song, read a poem and were each given a “special award”. Kendall received the “Ravenous Reader Award.” At least she is cute in every one of the pictures!

Random Thoughts Thursday- Money Edition

Posted on June 5, 2014 by Sheila

Today, we have spent most of the day running errands and shopping so this is a great way to share my best deals of the day!

CVS paid me to take 4 tubes of Toothpaste today including 2 of the hard side bottle that are great for traveling. Total Spent $3.66, ECB back $4ECB and I did not start ECB with any so this is definitely a profit.
We found 2 “Palm Tree Coolers” at “Five Below”. I can’t wait to use these at Kendall’s birthday party.
At BedBathandBeyond, the salesperson asked if I had any coupons, I replied “No, but I would take one if you can find one.” She said let me look. I ended up with a $5 off my purchase! I was able to buy a new steam iron and a melon baller for $19.05!!
Our first stop of the day was to purchase meat at one of the ~~“local”~~ closest (20 miles) Meat Markets. We spent $185 for 15lbs of bacon, pork chops. hamburger patties, chicken nuggets, cube steak and 2 packs of steaks for grilling. All were processed and frozen within the past 24 hours. This is addition to our purchase of hamburger to be delivered in July should help us stay in budget for the rest of the Summer.
I am glad to say that June will still be our most expensive month of the year however God is providing so that it also appears that it will biggest income month to date as well.

Wordless Wednesday

Posted on June 4, 2014 by Sheila

A good view of our most recent family pictures~

May In Review

Posted on May 31, 2014 by Sheila

As predicted May was a very busy and expensive month. In addition to our regular activities, everyone has been sick at one time or another this month. I updated yesterday with my financial goals but I am going to count it as a FAILURE over all. Hopefully things improve both health and financial wise in June! Here are my other goals

Blogging: Goal: 15 per month This is post number 15! I am really excited this month because it has been a really struggle to post but I am going to try an keep up with things in June! Goal Met

Weight: Goal to exercise 3x a week and to be down to 150 by December 2014. I have lost a total of 27# since the beginning of January! I will admit to only going to work out once a week so I need to get back on track with this!

Overall I met 2/3 of my goals so that is a good month!

Budget Update for May

Posted on May 30, 2014 by Sheila

May has turned out to be the most expensive month for us so far this year. I am struggling to keep up and even had to use some of our Emergency Fund but Lily’s medical expenses today. The future is looking better with Matt income for June but I really don’t like the way this month ended.

Monthly Goals: 1. Pay off credit card debit by June. I did make a huge payment (over $150 to the Home Depot card, I am planning to finish paying it off in June)

2. Emergency Fund to $2000. No progress this month due to other necessary spending. This is actually falling way behind but my plan is to make up and get it on track with $625 by the end of June.

. 3. Groceries: Spend $600 a month- Total Spent $790. This does include a 40# ground beef order that will be picked up in July. I also have slowly begun purchasing items for Kendall’s birthday party at the end of June. Ouch is all I can say. I don’t even think we will come significant under the amount in June due to the need for purchasing meat and Kendall’s party.

4. Gas: Spend $400 a month with any remaining to be move to Auto fund for repairs. Total Spent $430 that does not include the cost of a new hatch for the van. The van inspection, tags and taxes are included in this amount in addition to a repair to pass inspection. I drove to Raleigh as well which was unplanned.

Overall 1/4 goals met this month. Ouch!

Short term goals: These are planned to be covered in June with extra income.

1. $400 pool dues- untouched this month, a must for June!
2. $200 for music/piano lessons for the girls this summer- I did purchase on book with need but otherwise no progress
3. $46 Kids dentist bill
4. ~~$200 for the remainder of our car insurance for 6 months.~~ Goal met and I actually ended up saving over $200 on car insurance which will reduce my monthly budgeted amount to $45!
5. ~~$ 50 initial registration fee for both girls in Cheerleading.~~ We have decided to take the month of June off from cheerleading as well. Part of the reason is the expense but in addition both girls are swimming on our pool team and this means daily practice Monday- Thursday. See below for an even more goals for June.

Short term goal were 2/5 met for the month. Again OUCH

Additional Short term goals for the month of June

4. Purchase of new “tent” to use at swim meets.
5. Update Emergency Fund to $625
6. Cheerleading Expenses for first of July- $750 including new shoes for Lily.

Long Term Goals: These are for the next 6 months

1. $2000 to repair our septic system- I have no clue of the cost for this but this is a save range. I will be counting our Emergency Fund in this amount for the time being because if it cost less than anything left will stay in this fund. No progress
2. $1000 to replace the floor in our Living room. No progress

Absolutely no progress on Long Term Goals. I do not expect these to change unless we have a significant increase income for the month of June.

As you can tell, May was an extremely expensive month. I am glad we survived and still have a small emergency fund in place. June does look to be more positive so onward!

School Readiness- Busy Town

Posted on May 29, 2014 by Sheila

One of the activities that Zach has enjoyed this school year besides being at home with Dad is School Readiness. The teacher, Mrs. Kay, comes out once or twice a month and spends an hours with him working on items that will prepare him to enter Kindergarten. Every other month they have a special activity that the kids can attend. This month was “Busy Town”. Zach has been waiting for this!!! Each child brought a riding toy, no bikes.

They “drove” around to the different stations, check out Zach’s favorites….

: Shopping at Food Lion, where Haley works!

: Mailing a letter at the Post Office.

: Working out at the Y, like mommy!

: At the “Y” lifting weights!

Kendall’s First Field Day

Posted on May 28, 2014 by Sheila

I was so excited to attend Kendall first field day! It did end about 20 minutes early due to a thunderstorm but otherwise it was perfect. Of course be aware there are lots of pictures….