Hello everyone! With back to school and High School soccer it seems I have been overwhelmed a bit. I am doing OK as far as money goes. I am able to shop and do things without my children in tow. It sure helps the budget it seems. I got things organized as far as places for all the gear that comes with school. I was able to clean and re-do my dining room....it is the school room during the school year. It looks nice. I used the magic eraser cleaner on he walls and they look better! It needs painted so badly....but I am waiting for some dumb reason. I hate to spend the money as no one sees it and I do not need to impress anyone. The laundry room got a make over as well.....now the uniforms are organized neatly on shelves by child. We got rid of alot of school clothing that is worn or not sized for anyone. That felt good!

I am seeing my counselor regularly and she is helping me get some goals done. I am still dealing with issues from the divorce.....my ex moved on but left me with alot of baggage. One item is getting my children to do more around the house and learning to be more independent. I told them they are going to start packing their own lunches. Boy they were not happy. I knew then I HAD to stop doing so much for them, I practically had a riot in my kitchen! Part of it is feeling guilty for the divorce-even though I stayed and he walked. I still feel badly about so many things. I also am too much of a helper and care giver. As a result I am a do-er slash door mat of sorts. So I am working on me. It does not cost much to make some changes for ourselves. I also have to start back into working out each day. My friend who I had the baby shower for--- had her baby but is still in the hospital becasue they figured out she has heart problems! I had a friend die last week from....heart problems ....she was only 54. I know I need to bike or walk.....again free things to do. Plus I think when I feel overwhelmed it is a good thing to do to boost my spirits.

AS far as budget and saving goes....I am making a nice savings deposit on Friday. I have been waiting to bank it. I did get a hospital bill for my daughters bone scan.....$2000.00! Thankfully it needs to go thru insurance.....hopefully most is covered. I have saved every single medical receipt imaganiable! I have so mnay costs not covered that are out of pocket.....it is crazy!

Tried to take some brand new school pants to the kids consignment shop.....it is a distance to go there. I realized as they looked at them they were adult sized. So the children's shop could not take them. I may try and just see if Old Navy will take them as that is where they are from.....they are from last year.....with the tags on them. We will see. I am not sure if they will laugh at me.

Food seems in budget....thankfully I feel in such control there. Dad still takes them out twice a week at least. That helps. gas is getting so much better around here....about $2.44 is the going price. I think that is still high but much better than before. It got cool here....so no a/c windows are open and the breeze is amazing!

I am so glad I am working on me a bit. It certainly has been nice to have a counselor working with me. I really like her as she is a good task master. Life is too short to walk around in pain or in a depression. I hope I have encouraged someone to get some counselling if they need it. At first I felt weak getting some help....now I feel so much better.....like a real grown up who is takng some control back and really begining to live life abundantly.