The triggering event that prompted this post was my Impreza receiving two new front tires yesterday. The spout (where you pump the air into the tire) was audibly whistling and leaking air on the passenger side, the tire pressure sensor was on, so I brought it to Midas, and cha-ching! $$$ Cha-ching for them, not me. It’s fixed and I have peace of mind since I am driving to Lancaster county next week with the kids. I do NOT want to have a flat tire that far from home.
$$ We took out some dead trees in the back yard – safety issue resolved
$$ We were putting exactly half of my take home pay each paycheck into our portfolio and we (I) missed it greatly 😉 After crunching some numbers we decided that we will do it once, and not twice a month.
$$ Before/after care programs for both kids are $600 per month
$$ Gymnastics for both, piano for L, jiu jitsu for R and now skate lessons for R… I don’t have an exact total number but gymnastics just hit last Friday and it was $488 for two kids for two months. Piano lessons were $600 for the semester (Sept to January), Brazilian jiu jitsu was $350 for 10 lessons, and skating was an early bird deal of 9 lessons for $115. That one was a steal, happy I got it.
$$ Wants. We have some performances coming up at local theaters, and I want to look good. I want a green velvet dress and golden shoes for our theater visits (two in November, one in December). I also want a fair isle sweater and faux leather pants. I also want a Bernardo long beige winter coat. Want, want, want. Ugh.
$$ Lancaster, PA trip next week! The farm stay has been paid already but, you know, spending money, meals, local markets, a train museum, Strasbourg railroad (also already paid).
$$ L’s birthday is at her gymnastics place and that will probably cost about $250. Plus pizza, drinks, and party favors. Let’s not forget tipping the staff. I wanted to have it at the house but, she is almost seven, and is stubborn.
$$ Teacher’s gifts! L has 5 teachers (two classroom teachers, and 4 specials), plus three after care teachers. R has two classroom teachers that also serve students in after care. R’s whole preschool staff is amazing (family workers, aids, reception, etc) so I am thinking of getting them all a nice big tray of Cheryl’s cookies ($100 right there).
$$ Christmas is coming. T and I agreed to NOT get each other gifts. Instead, we will get new furniture for the living room (current couches are from 2014 and have been through a lot – cats, kids, spills, breastfeeding, etc). I know I do not want to over shop for the kids- they have a ton already. If it were up to me, I would just get them one gift each but I am married to T whose childhood memories were marking many things in Sears catalogue.
So, that was helpful to lay it all out. Money woes, anyone?..
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Mom of Children 