http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/ en Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:28:19 GMT vBulletin 10 http://forums.budget101.com/images/styles/greenpink/misc/rss.jpg http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/ http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/wilbe95/275-venting-can-feel-good-temporarily.html Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:21:01 GMT What a day yesterday. I was in a dump mode over bills but had a chance to... What a day yesterday. I was in a dump mode over bills but had a chance to get them off my chest-of course had to apologize afterwards but man did I feel better :oops:

Had to take the youngest for his CT scan, he did great. Pretended that he was Anakin Skywalker flying his ship. What an imagination. Should get results back either later this week or next week to know if we have to do more surgery. I want it done now while I have already met the insurance deductible-less to have to pay out later.

BIL called about the in-laws. MIL is done with her rehab after open heart surgery and will be going home in by next week. In the past month he has not worried about finding the in-laws someplace to live. We talked with the MIL and she was agreeable to finding an apartment or senior living place to move to when she was finished with rehab. Realized that snow removal, getting the mail, setting trash out would be a chore and would be nice if someone else did those things for her. Well BIL actually said, that the DH needed to go to Ohio to help get the house ready for them to come home to-this will take a long time to do, there is over 30 years worth of things in that house (MIL throws nothing away-I mean nothing). BIL demanded that DH drop everything and come back right now. :091: That is totally impossible, withthe medical bills coming in, normal work responsibility, the activities we are in, the possibility of another surgery pending we can not just drop everything and spend out around $1000 to go clean a house. I got irritated (mind you I already was in a funk before he called) grabbed the phone and read him the riot act. Told him that I was so sorry that he is this great lawyer in a big city making big bucks, can send his only son to a private college, but we have little ones still in regular school, bills for a surgery pending, possible new surgery coming up, Christmas and that if the DH had to come up with the money to go clean his parents house that the BIL would be responsible for keeping the DH and then helping to support my children and being Santa this year. I have never said anything mean to this man before, so really threw him that I had such a temper. Did call him back and apologize-explained that it was a valid reason to for the DH to go when MIL had her surgery that was life threatening. But to drop that kind of money to clean a house when we have our own problems is unthinkable. He did understand and realized that he was just trying to hand off responsibility because his life has been distrupted.

The plan is to hire someone to go in and clean the house for until they do come home. Then to keep coming in and helping out until an apartment becomes available that the in-laws can go live at. In the end it would cost less, plus easier on the MIL for recouping some health.

Venting is so nice, of course bet I will get a lump of coal this year from the BIL. I can apologize but I can never take those words back, something I will have to mend over time.

Thanks for listening ]]> wilbe95 http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/wilbe95/275-venting-can-feel-good-temporarily.html http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/ab2401/274-shes-so-funny.html Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:14:04 GMT Rylee, my little girl, is a trip today she was going everywhere at 90mph.... Rylee, my little girl, is a trip today she was going everywhere at 90mph. I wish I had that much energy. She also started to wave "by-by" yesterday.... of course shes doing it backwards but its so cute and the dog showed her how to lick things...... dang dog!

HAHA ]]> ab2401 http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/ab2401/274-shes-so-funny.html http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/incheck4real/273-my-week-so-far.html Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:13:44 GMT


So as most of you know I am the caregiver for my mother in law & also my own mother.

This week has been hard for my mom & I. We are extremly close and the Dialysis takes such a toll on everyone.

She is getting depressed feeling like she lives her life stuck to a machine which I can only imagine how she must feel. I am starting to be sad because it seems like no matter what my efforts it doesn't seem to help her to get better but the opposite.

On top of everything else my son has been sick since Saturday running a fever of 103.0 off and on. We took him to the E.R. they said it was viral and that the only thing we could do was give him motrin and somthing for his coughing and nose and let it run it's course.

On Sunday my husband catches what my son has and calls into work the first time in probably a year. He didn't work Sunday or Monday.

Then today I woke up with it. Sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, icky feeling all over with the startings of a low grade fever.

So not only am I sick and everyone in my house is either sick or disabled. I am pregnant, having to take my mom to dialysis 4 days this week, and MISERABLE !!!!

I feel bad to dump on y'all and I try not to complain but I just feel like I canot take anymore !!!!!!!! :022: ]]> incheck4real http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/incheck4real/273-my-week-so-far.html http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/beansthemama/272-new-bed.html Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:18:06 GMT :?Ok so the hubby and I bought a used matress around 6 years ago, and it... :?Ok so the hubby and I bought a used matress around 6 years ago, and it was used then. It was better than sleeping on the air mattress that we had previous for six months. Well long story short that bed is so bad, the springs are coming out.
Hubby has a new job, and is expecting a nice commision check on Friday.
So we went shopping today for a bedroom set. Oh yeah we just have a frame now, no headboard, or nightstands. Our dresser we currently have is 100 years old, smells like mold....don't get me started. So I found a beatiful set not including the boxsprings and mattress. For the headboard, nightstands, and dresser it was $900. Nothing in my home has ever been bought new it is always yardsale stuff or craigslist.
We didnt buy anything because I am having a hard time coming to terms with spending that amount of money. But it is solid wood top of the line. Hubby is laughing at me b/c I am to poor to buy cheap. I want something that will last.
Ok it is out and I feel better, THanks :puke: ]]> beansthemama http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/beansthemama/272-new-bed.html http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/dohdohbird/271-thift-shop-finds.html Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:39:18 GMT Since all of my daughter's pants were starting to look like capris a little, it was time to get her some new ones.

I got 5 pairs of pants and a dress for her, and a sweater for my oldest daughter. The total was $13. I was quite pleased.

Then I headed to the used book store looking for a study bible. I should have left when I learned they didn't have one. Instead I ended up buying a side-by-side NASB/The Message Bible, Christian Mother Goose, and two Golden Books. Damage there was $12.

I checked into the snobby consignment shop in town (I don't know what they have to be snobby over. They don't stock designer labels or anything) but found nothing in the sale room.

We stopped at the bakery thrift store for some white bread.

And we're about to take Diego to the dog park. :) ]]> DohDohBird http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/dohdohbird/271-thift-shop-finds.html http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/faxonfive/269-we-got.html Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:02:16 GMT It was beyond cold last night. Went out to make sure the chickens were ok... It was beyond cold last night. Went out to make sure the chickens were ok and that the dogs had plenty of water and it began to sprinkle (rain). They were calling for snow but not until later in the week. With all the wind that we had gotten over the weekend, the leaves continue to fall and I swept off the sidewalk. The little rain we were getting seemed to "stick" to the sidewalk (mind you this is wooden) so I figured I would sprinkle a little ice so that our family would not have any slips or sliding by morning. Had a nice cozy evening with the family watching some football and surfing on budget101. Went to bed with warm thoughts of a cozy blanket. Woke up this morning and made some breakfast for the kids and hubby when my youngest daughter came running down the hall - screaming that we had SNOW!!!! Oh My!!! It was gorgeous!!! Just enough to cover the ground and make it glisten :) Took the kids to school and let me tell you - the mountains were so beautiful!! It was as though God had taken a salt shaker and sprinkled a little love on them!!

It is cold but sometimes the beauty of nature just makes it all better!!

:055: Lynn ]]> faxonfive http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/faxonfive/269-we-got.html http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/liss/268-surviving-thanksgiving.html Tue, 18 Nov 2008 10:50:02 GMT Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching; is it *your *turn to host the holiday... Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching; is it your turn to host the holiday event of the season?
:helpme: Each year it seems that many of our members are overwhelmed by relatives suddenly informing them that they will be the one hosting the annual Thanksgiving dinner. One of our members writes, "Every day, my mother calls me to inform me of several more guests that I will be having in MY home!"

While we'd love to think of this holiday as a wonderful family experience that we will reminisce about for years to come, here are some fool-proof recipes, hints and tips that will help maintain your sanity and your budget with so many mouths to feed.

Preparing the House for Company

Having company for an afternoon isn't a big deal, however, having company that may stay a night (or several) can be a harrowing experience.
The most important areas of your home when having guests are the Kitchen and Bathroom. Be sure to stock the bathroom with extra toilet paper (no one wants to hear Uncle Bob yelling for TP while they're watching the parade!), clean towels and soap.
This is a great time to take advantage of all of those great air freshener deals and place one in the bathroom!

If you have a lot of clutter and very little time to clean or go through it, consider getting a few boxes, loading the clutter into them and placing them in a closet, garage, etc that is out of sight until everyone has gone home. If you collect many porcelain items or other breakables and know that friends or relatives will be bringing young children, you might want to consider putting these items away as well.

If you have children, consider dividing up the household chores and giving them each a job to do, (such as cleaning the bathroom, vacuuming, shoveling any pet droppings that might be on the lawn that could get tracked into the house!), sweeping the walkway, or washing windows (some kids actually LOVE this!).

Feeding a Small Army :cook2:

Here are several suggestions for feeding a small army of relatives and friends.

1. Ask each guest to bring along their favorite dish- be it a dessert, side dish, homemade pickles, munchie items, etc. Be aware that some family members will think this is tacky or unacceptable, please also note, that no matter how much you try this Thanksgiving, those same members will probably not be pleased not matter what you do or how hard you work. ;-)

2. One thing that our family has done for years on thanksgiving is to create a Grazing table. The table generally contains a nice serving platter of various types of cut up veggies & dips, several different kinds of pickles (homemade or store bought), green olives, black olives, fruit salad, cubed cheeses, cranberry orange relish, cheese balls and crackers.
Currently, this is just a side counter between my kitchen and living room that I place a decorative table cloth, a pretty Tea Light Candle holder, and a few small decorations and then arrange the munchie foods around. Place some Small plates at one end, serving spoons in each of the dishes and let your friends and family "graze" while your main dinner is cooking. In years past I've used an old card table.
The grazing table will serve several purposes- it will keep unhelpful members of your family out of the way in the kitchen (because let's face it, the grazers probably aren't trying to help, they just want to stand in the way sampling!), it will prevent the kids from constantly asking "When are we gonna eat??", and it takes the edge off the long wait while the family is having a chance to catch up on the latest happenings, or enjoying the Macy's Parade.

3. Prepare as many dishes ahead of time as possible.

If you're anticipating overnight guests, make some cinnamon rolls or a French toast casserole that can be made ahead and frozen. When the meal is needed, simply toss it into the oven, (frozen!) and bake. This will give you a chance to not only enjoy a lovely homemade meal, but will also allow you to enjoy the company of your guests.

Items that can be made ahead of time that Freeze well include:

• Biscuits
• Yeast Dinner Rolls
• Breakfast Casseroles
• Cinnamon Rolls
• Gravy
• Various Fruit Pies- either whole or if you'd like to prepare the desserts the day of Thanksgiving, prepare the fruit filling ahead of time and freeze it in gallon size Ziploc bags or vacuum seal bags.

We deep fry our turkey every year, so the only thing I need the oven for on Thanksgiving is to bake biscuits/pies. However, if you plan to roast your turkey, you may want to bake your pies the day before.

Hubbard Squash (add a bit of butter, brown sugar, salt & Pepper- mash as you would potatoes)

Quick Breads- Pumpkin Bread, Banana Bread, Zucchini breads, etc (Freeze whole) take them out the night before thanksgiving, let them thaw on the counter, cut into slices and serve on the grazing table.

If you like to prepare lots of Various Vegetables, I highly recommend Green Giant Steamers. Recently I showed you how to get more than 12 bags for free. These can be tossed into the microwave, steamed to perfection, and dumped in a serving dish in less than 5 minutes, (Corn, green beans, Broccoli.)
Don't overlook the handiness of those veggie steamer bags too, in just minutes you can create a super fast delicious side dish such as Glazed Ginger Carrots. (Simply wash and cut some fresh carrots, add 1 Tbs Grated Fresh Ginger, 3 T. Spenda (or 2 T. Brown Sugar), 6 squirts of I Can't Believe its Not Butter, (or 2 T. Butter) and cook 5 minutes 30 seconds.) Prepare this up to 3 days ahead of time and leave the bag in the fridge until you're ready to cook it.

Other Items that can be Made Ahead of Time:

• Instant Stuffing Mix
• MYO Cranberry Sauce
• Gravy Mix
• Spiced Cranberry Cider Mix
• Parmesan Herb Biscuit Mix
• Cornbread Mix
• Creamy Herb Rice Mix
• Various Holiday Coffee Creamers Such as Pumpkin Pie Creamer Mix

View the Recipes here

Hang in there and remember, the point of this holiday is to enjoy the time with your family and friends, not stress about matching Martha Stewarts home. ]]> Liss http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/liss/268-surviving-thanksgiving.html http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/wilbe95/267-down-dumps-bills.html Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:49:59 GMT Well the bills for surgery are starting to come in. How depressing!:087:... Well the bills for surgery are starting to come in. How depressing!:087: Just for the hospital-operating room, recovery room, items used during surgery and recovery is almost $6000. Still have the doctor's bill for the pre-surgery check-up, post surgery check-up, biopsy (which will be lab and another physican fee). I have a $1000 deductible then 20% after that for my insurance. Not a bad deal but just a losy time for the bills to start floating in. Guess most of the money that I have been saving will have to go to pay that off. Totally sucks, seems like everytime you think you are getting a head you end up taking two steps backwards. Oh well, at least he his healthier, can breath better, sleeps better, has more energy and can talk so clearly. Shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth huh :roll:
Thanks for listening. ]]> wilbe95 http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/wilbe95/267-down-dumps-bills.html http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/bamo72/266-sleep-just-dream.html Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:17:04 GMT :N1goodnight02:So, I know I have said this before, but I am a night shift... :N1goodnight02:So, I know I have said this before, but I am a night shift nurse. Been doing it for over 13 years, but I have started to get into a bad habit. I will have several days off from work and try to act like a normal person and sleep at night. But sometimes, at 2:00 am I will wake up and just can't get back to sleep. It has happened 3 nights in a row. The up side is that I got alot of work done on Christmas presents. :041: The down side is I am exhausted by 10 am. :frown: And unfortunately laundry and household chores don't complete themselves. But I don't want to take any medicine, cause then I wake up with a drug head feeling.

Also, nothing interesting is on TV that time of night--
lots of re-runs!!!!

Maybe when I am rich, I will be able to sleep!!!!!LOL\'\' ]]> bamo72 http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/bamo72/266-sleep-just-dream.html http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/bamo72/265-thanks-all-busy-people.html Mon, 17 Nov 2008 23:33:25 GMT I enjoy reading all of the blogs everyone posts.:news: It sounds like... I enjoy reading all of the blogs everyone posts.:news: It sounds like everyone is very busy and doing a great job in raising your families. I don't think there is a single person on this site who doesn't work hard for what they do or accomplish. I hope everyone has a great holiday!!!:wave: ]]> bamo72 http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/bamo72/265-thanks-all-busy-people.html http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/joann/264-planning-list-thanksgiving-meal.html Mon, 17 Nov 2008 23:01:47 GMT I Found this list years ago and use it evey year...I Added and deleted... I Found this list years ago and use it evey year...I Added and deleted some of the things. I made the list so that DH and I had a idea for the prep of our Thanksgiving meal. I would have to work part of the day on Thanksgiving so this worked for me. And DH would pitch in and help--so I had to have a list. :119: Sometimes he would drive me crazy, but he was only trying to help. :050:

Planning list for Thanksgiving Meal

1- Week Ahead--

Check your supply of serving platters, bowls, utensils, dishes, glasses, and napkins. Make a list of nonfood items to buy or borrow. Don’t forget candles, flowers, or decorations for your center piece.
Post your menu on the refrig. Next to each menu item, write down when each dish will be prepared.
Make your grocery and bev. shopping list. Check the ingredient lists of any new recipes you plan to use to be certain you will have everything you need.
Shop for everything except perishables.

4- Days Before--

If you have purchased a frozen turkey, you may need to begin thawing it in the refrigerator (a 20-pound bird can take four days to defrost).
Prepare certain dishes that will keep well, such as relishes and sweet potato or squash recipes.

2- Days Before--

Shop for remaining food items.
Make pie dough and refrigerate.
Clean the house.

Day or Night Before--

Set the table and bring out serving dishes and utensils.
Bake pumpkin pies and refrig.
Make cream pies and jello and refrig.
Peel potatoes, cut and put water on them and put in refrig.
Make fresh veggie platter and refrig.
Make stuffing and refrig.
CLean and refrig turkey.
Chill beverages.

The Big Day--

Roast the turkey.
Cook or bake any other dishes left on your list.
And the last step -- Enjoy-- Family and Friends ]]> JoAnn http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/joann/264-planning-list-thanksgiving-meal.html http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/beansthemama/263-whisky-isnt-sounding-bad.html Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:08:27 GMT *:pute:With being as sick as I am one of my lovely friends here suggested... :pute:With being as sick as I am one of my lovely friends here suggested whisky with I believe honey. Not much of a drinker, hubby is a recovering achololic, but whisky right now is not sounding too bad. I am beyond sick. I fell worse today which is a little over a week since I first felt sick, then I did last week. I know wah wah wah! LMAO But this one is bad. It sounds like a lot of you in buget101 land have it to. So if you do, I pray that you all feel better soon.
Few..........I feel better that I complained. TTFN ]]> beansthemama http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/beansthemama/263-whisky-isnt-sounding-bad.html http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/liss/262-new-coupon-swap-board-itrader-feedback.html Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:35:01 GMT At our members request I have added a *coupon swap/trade board*... At our members request I have added a coupon swap/trade board and also an iTrader Feedback program.

The iTrader program helps determine good traders from bad and gives you a chance to leave notes on your experiences (either way) for other members.

Currently, the Coupon swap board is for level 3 registered members, (members with 49+ posts).

I will add to the FAQ as I receive questions!

Happy Trading! ]]> Liss http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/liss/262-new-coupon-swap-board-itrader-feedback.html http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/ab2401/261-im-so-excited.html Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:52:23 GMT Today I got my Plow and Hearth package, from when they did the $25 gift... Today I got my Plow and Hearth package, from when they did the $25 gift card "no, not really" heres you 10$ thing.

Well I got some shatterproof Christmas tree balls.... and i only paid 98 cents for them.

and I have a few other things that should be in before Christmas...or at least I hope ]]> ab2401 http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/ab2401/261-im-so-excited.html http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/dohdohbird/260-whole-house-declutter-mini-update.html Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:31:54 GMT Today I am working in the master bedroom, and have already found a dozen... Today I am working in the master bedroom, and have already found a dozen things to give away. I've posted them on my local freecycle, and whatever's not taken will be brough to the thrift store for donation later this week. I'm about halfway done with the master bedroom, and the day's halfway through, so I'm right on track!

This major project will go a long way to helping me get better organized all around. ]]> DohDohBird http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/dohdohbird/260-whole-house-declutter-mini-update.html http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/dohdohbird/259-frugal-clothes-shopping.html Sun, 16 Nov 2008 23:09:57 GMT I seldom buy clothing new. We shop at the Salvation Army's thrift store most of the time, and we try to only go on Tuesdays, when they have 50% off everything for military families. I have purchased so much at that store that they recognize me! Work out clothes, play clothes, church clothes, books, movies, dishes, furniture and more, all 50% off.

Clothes at the thrift store are the best, because you can get high-end brand names for a buck or so.

My youngest child is outgrowing her pants, so it looks like we need to start looking for "new" pants at our favorite thrift store! ]]> DohDohBird http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/dohdohbird/259-frugal-clothes-shopping.html http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/faxonfive/258-good-feeling.html Sun, 16 Nov 2008 14:53:17 GMT The Sunday school class today worked on filling shoe boxes today with all... The Sunday school class today worked on filling shoe boxes today with all kinds of goodies for the Samaritans purse. Found the site on here actually and the kids mentioned it to the pastor. He thought the idea was great and decided that the church should participate. It really brings a good feeling to know that you are helping others who are unable to get the chance at a good Christmas. Isnt the reason for the season Christ and giving??

Well I feel better now...... :) ]]> faxonfive http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/faxonfive/258-good-feeling.html http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/wilbe95/257-early-morning-shopping.html Sun, 16 Nov 2008 09:26:51 GMT Sometimes I just love the fact that I am a morning person. This morning I... Sometimes I just love the fact that I am a morning person. This morning I headed to Wal-Mart around 5:30. No one else was even in the store shopping, just employees stocking shelves. Sometimes that can be a little bit of a hassle because you have to go farther out of your way to get to the item you want in an aisle. In under an hour I had everything on my list (not a small one) and out the door home and everything unloaded. What I also like is that when I go by myself only end up getting what is on the list and avoid the extra things everyone else tosses in the cart. Found a bargain today on Turkey's only 88 cents a pound. ]]> wilbe95 http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/wilbe95/257-early-morning-shopping.html http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/faxonfive/256-people-amaze-me.html Sun, 16 Nov 2008 02:15:50 GMT What really amazes me is how people can be so careless on how they spend... What really amazes me is how people can be so careless on how they spend money. I know I might have been that way when I was younger, but I learned quick, that your bills wont get paid unless you have the money!

I work a part time job at night, Dominoes to be exact. I have been there a couple months now. Watching the sales they do, I see a trend. On the two night before a payday alot of people will order pizza and pay with a check,then the night of payday is when everyone orders alot. The Mon, Tue and Wed (usually) are pretty slow anyway.....I have even seen people I know (who are struggling to make ends meet) come in and order 30 - 50 dollars worth of pizza and not blink an eye. Now I shouldnt be complaining I guess, cause this is helping me get paid, but what I am wondering is how in the world do they really do it??? I am struggling to make ends meet. This week was pay week and we were slammed...the average order was $35!!

Thanks for listening....I just needed to vent a little...things just make me wonder....

Have a good night yall!!

:wall: ]]> faxonfive http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/faxonfive/256-people-amaze-me.html http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/ab2401/255-gosh-i-love-earths-best-co.html Sat, 15 Nov 2008 20:57:45 GMT I sent them an e-mail asking for some coupons for baby food and today I... I sent them an e-mail asking for some coupons for baby food and today I got them in the mail.... and not only where there money off coupons there where 'free coupons also.... I got like 10 of them.

Its so nice and is going to make shopping next week easier.

:-) ]]> ab2401 http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/ab2401/255-gosh-i-love-earths-best-co.html http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/dohdohbird/254-diego-healing.html Sat, 15 Nov 2008 12:36:52 GMT He even jumped off the bed a couple times today although he's supposed to be staying still. I'm glad he's feeling better. He was neutered and had a tooth pulled yesterday.

We're off to swim lessons then the thrift store. Who knows what I'll find today?!:031: ]]> DohDohBird http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/dohdohbird/254-diego-healing.html http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/wilbe95/253-no-black-belt-today.html Sat, 15 Nov 2008 09:16:31 GMT We survived TaeKwonDo testing!!!! Tired beyond words today. We had to be... We survived TaeKwonDo testing!!!! Tired beyond words today. We had to be at testing at 5:30pm we finally got home at 11:45pm, then had to take the babysitter home-rules for the gym are that no students can attend a black belt testing. So the youngest could not go and glad the nine year old didn't go-way to long. Worse part is that even though it was close to 1:00am before I finally got into bed, at 4:00am I was wide awake!

My Alex did not pass last night, so hard to work non stop for five hours and walk out without that belt. Good news is that the only thing he missed was one board break. But after five hours your legs just do not work like you want them to. Alex is a goofball a lot of the times, keeps me on my toes, but he was so impressive last night. After a full day at school, just a snack before testing-if you eat you can get a rather upset stomach, and five hours of drilling, and hard work he had such a huge smile on his face.

He will get to try his board break in three weeks but he does have additional requirements from the instructor. Alex is my one who doesn't try hard in school and the instructor knows this. Part of being a black belt for this gym is that they have to have good grades and try their best in all they do. Alex has to bring in an updated grade sheet from his teachers at school stating that he has done his best over the next three weeks or he will not receive his black belt and have to go through the full five hour testing again in the spring. :013: I am not happy about him maybe having to go through re-testing, that is just cruel to do to me (selfish I know), but I agreed :053: if it will make him turn his homework in guess it is worth it. His future depends on his school work. Just hope it works. ]]> wilbe95 http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/wilbe95/253-no-black-belt-today.html http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/beansthemama/252-one-more.html Fri, 14 Nov 2008 22:09:09 GMT It's not only children who grow. Parents do too. As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours. I can't tell my children to reach for the sun. All I can do is reach for it, myself. ~Joyce Maynard

]]> beansthemama http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/beansthemama/252-one-more.html http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/beansthemama/251-some-much-needed-words-wisdom-me.html Fri, 14 Nov 2008 22:08:00 GMT Most of us become parents long before we have stopped being children. ... Most of us become parents long before we have stopped being children. ~Mignon McLaughlin, The Second Neurotic's Notebook, 1966
:tulip-icon: ]]> beansthemama http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/beansthemama/251-some-much-needed-words-wisdom-me.html http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/atta76/250-space-shuttle-launch.html Fri, 14 Nov 2008 21:29:46 GMT Living in Florida, I am always so excited to watch the space shuttle... Living in Florida, I am always so excited to watch the space shuttle launch, it just never gets old. It makes me feel so patriotic! They are saying tonight could be the last ever night launch so the kids and I are about to run outside to watch! ]]> atta76 http://forums.budget101.com/blogs/atta76/250-space-shuttle-launch.html