On the friendly/nudge advice of a fellow blogger I DID paint my dining room today. I have never painted a room in my life! I am over forty...so I decided why not!!!! Time to do something new!!! I went with a wonderful warm tan that reminds me of lightly toasted wheat bread. I like it with alot of the things blue I have in the whole downstairs. It was actually a challenging color to paint as it is darker and well.....you need to be careful as far as coverage goes. Luckily I squeaked by on only one gallon. It cost me around $60 for all the paint and supplies I needed. I bought nice Sherwin Williams paint that is easy to wash. It should make cleaning up easier. I had my daughters help. They only got cranky and tired for a short time, they mostly had fun and felt grown up painting a nicer room. I can't wait to push all the furniture back and re-do a bit. I am so glad I did it. It rained all day and it was miserable out....so it was a great day to paint and stay indoors. I made a big pot of soup and a big pot of chilli to end the painting adventure.

I did go to the bank and put a chunk into savings! I am proud of myself that I am saving. I do have to tithe on Sunday-so I will write out those checks this evening. I am working on it slowly but I am working on it.

I picked my weekend to leave my kids with dad. I am feeling less guilty doing it. I need some time away and my ex has to learn that children are hard work at times. He has things way too easy and I am getting way too frazzled and over stressed. He thinks it is hard work deciding either to eat at Fridays or Applebees with the children....that is co-parenting in his mind. I am going to visit my parents. I wanted to stay at a hotel but could not justify the cost. Plus I was worried I would get too lonely. So I will see my folks. I am going to take a trip to IKEA. I love that store and find such good deals most of the time. So I am planing on eating out, shopping a bit and maybe lounging in bed a tiny bit. I know it will help me feel refreshed and renewed a bit.

I am going to make a purse for a friend. I went to walmart and purchased the items I needed. It is going to be a gift. I am so enjoying sewing. It helps me stay creative and gives me a small outlet.

This week I am going to try and use more things out of my pantry. I have it but tend to forget it. I also placed a notepad with a magnetic back near the back door and my calendar area to write things I need at the store. It helps to be better organized. As I go out to the van I have my list ready to go at all times. Every bit of planning and organizing helps.

Have a nice Labor Day weekend. Enjoy some extra time to do something fun or relaxing.