Hello! Gee I feel like I have been gone for some time now.....I have been super busy with children and life in general.
I was at dance convention all weekend with my three girls and it was really fun to get away. We travelled in my large van so we had room for another two dance students and a mom/friend who travels with me. Her older daughter and grandchild came along but drove seperate. Her grandbaby is a delight and I was able to hold her as she napped for about two hours. I forgot how fun a baby can be sleeping in your arms. It was delighfully relaxing for me. We were at a HUGE famliy indoor waterpark resort. It was my first time to such a place. It was very nice---it had so much to look at and do.

Of course--- we spent a small fortune. It was all the little things that seemed to add up. Thankfully we will only be travelling one more time out of town in the spring-the rest of our dance travels are "in town" so we can save a bit by not needing so much food, gas and hotel rooms. All in all my girls seemed to have fun. At first I was a bit worried becasue they just were at Disney so it seemed like a let down to be at something like this. That is a problem I am facing with my ex...I simply can not out compete him in high ticket vacations. I am very fine with that and understand that is not my "job" as the mom. Thankfully they warmed up to everything and had fun! I think the best part was watching all the girls dance and the dance teachers teach as we were able to watch the classes these girls took. It proved to be more fun I think than the water park itself!

Kudos to the hotel for having a small fridge and microwave in each room. That was a help and a nice money saver.

I am reading a wonderful book that is written by a local gal who does all things financial. I got hooked on her because she has radio program on Saturday on my local AM radio. I got her book off Amazon. It is basic investment thinking 101....plain english and from a point of view I think you might all enjoy and appreciate. I have learned alot of great basic things I thought all along ---but was never sure if I was off base. This book has encouraged me GREATLY ! To keep it real-as one of the dance teachers said yesterday......KEEP IT REAL! I often forget that the bank, the TV, the nice money magazine, the brochure, the nice lady who sells real estate wants to make a buck off you!!!!!! Not everyone is a nice person trying to "help" you . I have to be educated and savy, yet not too overly complicated or stressed about it all.
Here is the book title if this sounds like a good read to you.

"Get Rich Slow" -by Tama McAleese, CFP
Build a firm foundation...a Dollar at a time.
order the fourth Edition it is her most updated book. I bought it used for around $9.00 . Again a lovely book that is basic and helpful. I have already underlined a lot of good points. Again a good book that is filled with good insight.

We are getting close to putting heating pads back on our beds. We had some nasty hail last night and I have some snow on my porch roof.....just a light dusting.
I am on the way to get the mower and snow blower back from getting the once over at the shop. We have not mowed for two weeks. My son will have his hands full once I get the mower back. We have a ton of leaves. Hopefully we can all pitch in and do our share. Where did October go? It is simply amazing how fast some months whiz by.

How are your budgets doing as far as groceries and Christmas gifts? I have really whacked my food bill down. I am pretty poud of myself. No one seems to miss it or notice. I have been purchasing some gifts. My goal to be done by the end of November. I think I will be on track. I have decided to do some catalog shopping here and there.
I will hit my local outlet store as I have already and I got a few items already for a great price. I will just sorta plod along and keep a good record of purchases. I did that the past few years and it was a help to write things DOWN! My ex was making things way too overly complicated and so we have decided to have the kids make a little list for both mom and dad. Last year we BOTH bought sleeping bags each, for the two younger girls......that was a money waster in my mind.
So having a list for each parent works best----we both agree on that practical idea. It is still hard to think seperatly when it comes to Christmas.
I am sure it gets easier each year.

Have a good Monday everyone.