2016

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Sheila

We decided after our long and busy week, we need a treat tonight so we head out to grab some ice cream. I am trying to balance life with budget. Tonight I am really glad to spend some extra minutes with my kids.
Zach and Kendall both had eye appointments yesterday. I have recently been more concerned with Kendall and the degree to which her eyes cross. After discussion with the doctor, unless they cross in the glass, we have nothing to worry about. The really good news is no more appointment for 6 months.
We stopped by 5 below yesterday, all three of the kids got new headphones. As we start back traveling regularly, these are very needed items. I am hoping they will last at least a year.
I don’t have to go or be anywhere tomorrow so my goals including getting ahead with some cooking and working on our new Autumn sign.
Gas prices in our area have jumped by 15 cent in our area. Today, I heard that it was due to a break in a pipeline. I am really hoping they stop. We did feel the van yesterday so only paid $1.97 a gallon.

Wordless Wednesday-Zach Working

Posted on September 14, 2016 by Sheila

Zach’s Birthday

Posted on September 5, 2016 by Sheila

One thing that we do well around our house is celebrate, Zach’s birthday was no different and is one of the reasons, I have gotten behind blogging. Of course this is going to be a picture heavy post but enjoy!

We started celebrating on Wednesday night at Paw Paw and Granny’s with ice cream cake.Early on Thursday morning, Zach opened a couple of presents and played with them before breakfast.

September 1st, was a regular school day but we did not let this stop us! Matt and I took donuts to his class in the afternoon. His class sang “Happy Birthday” and he was so glad they remembered the “cha cha cha’s”

He received a neat certificate and $1 from his teacher.Our next stop was ToysRUs where Zach had lots of money to spend. He also ended up going to Lowes to buy tools on Saturday because we ran out of time on Thursday. Zach choose to eat at Bad Daddy’s . The plan was for he and Amanda to go to a college football game but the weather decided otherwise.

We all enjoyed celebrating Zach’s Birthday this year!

5 Things Friday

Posted on September 2, 2016 by Sheila

Kendall got her first real injury this week on Wednesday. She was hit by a baseball bat. The result lots of blood and plastic stitches. Unfortunately this means that we will not be making a trip to the water park because she is suppose to keep them dry till Saturday and then the doctor specifically said no.
Zach and Kendall both enjoyed their first full week of school. They both were excited to have homework a couple of nights this week. I hope this continues.
We have declared September as a low spend/no spend month with the hopes of getting our budget back on track.
Matt and I both purchased new iPhone and after several weeks of frustration I *think* everything is set. I really like the size of mine because I can read the screen easily.
The weather is beginning to cool down here so. By the middle of September I hope to be able to open the windows and turn off the air.

First Day of School

Posted on August 30, 2016 by Sheila

Saving on Saturday 8/27

Posted on August 27, 2016 by Sheila

This week has been back to normal for us. We also are really trying to control spending and focus on saving. First this weekend, we have been taking stock of what foods we have in our pantry and freezer. I am very pleasantly surprised to say that we are very well stocked with food and not over our grocery budget this month either. I ended up making a meal plan for the month. We are going to have a different meal each weekday with no repeats. I leave the weekends open and we can have something that sounds good or try a new dish if we want. I also went to Food Lion this morning to pick up some lettuce and a couple of other items. My total out of pocket was 59 cent because I used the gift cards that we earned several weeks ago that I talked about.

My bigger saving is on sports equipment. ALWAYS check on line and ask around before buying new sports equipment! Zach has decided to play baseball this fall and after asking around I was able to purchase most of the equipment he needs for less than the price of a new pair of shoes!

How did you save this month?

5 Things Friday 8/26/2016

Posted on August 27, 2016 by Sheila

Today is the last weekday before Zach and Kendall start school.
Lily has been “attending” school all week at North Carolina Virtual Academy. I have had several people ask me how it is going. I want to wait until next week to give everyone a change to adjust before honestly answering. I will say I see it as very positive given the fact it is a totally new experience and we are still all learning.
Meet the Teacher was on Thursday night. I am extremely pleased with Kendall’s teacher. She is a third grader and this is the first year of EOG testing. Kendall is very much a people pleaser and follower so a nice calm steady teacher is exactly what she needs! Zach is excited because he has a teacher that NONE of his siblings have had. I know this is a big deal when you are the youngest of 5.
Zach has decided to play baseball this fall instead of soccer. I am admittedly nervous about this.
Matt and Zach have gone 2 months this summer without hair cuts. This is a extremely long time for them as usually at 4 weeks they are complaining. Zach has a blonde streak that he decided he wanted to keep! Check it out.

Wordless Wednesday-Beach Dress Up

Posted on August 24, 2016 by Sheila

More Beach Fun

Posted on August 22, 2016 by Sheila

We had an awesome vacation and I want to share some more pictures. The weather on Saturday was rainy and humid. The tide clocks are changing due to the full moon. So high tide was not expected until 9;40 am. After checking out these two things we decided to go play putt putt. Putt-Putt is one of the things that we have been talking about doing for over a year and the timing never seems to work out. Most of us had a great time. We did stop at Sonic that was next door to the course at 10:55 am and purchased 99 cent drinks for us! Here are the pictures.