Goal - 3 debts paid by Christmas

Triggles

maman - ooooh a holiday! somewhere nice I hope! yes, it does sometimes feel a bit overwhelming, but I try not to let it overrun everything else. We've got debts, DH's depression, my health, DS2's SNs, DS3 just learning to walk and wanting to be in everything LOL, DH's mum's health, adult DS1 and DD with various things going on (sometimes bad, sometimes good)... thankfully I think I've can finally say that the PND is mostly behind me... I have some down days occasionally, but sooo much better now. Plenty on the plate to deal with. :rotfl: Just have to keep a sense of humour, I guess.

On the happy side, DS2's first school assembly tomorrow and his class will be singing a song, so I'm looking forward to that. Something positive in the midst of all the appointments and such lately. And he's also now learned Jingle Bells and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. :j Sounds silly, but we're teaching him Christmas songs now, so that when it gets closer to Christmas, he can enjoy them on the radio and such and actually sing along, as he loves to do that. Poor thing has had a rough night - not necessarily ill, but I think his tummy was a bit upset tonight as he was sick to his stomach earlier and threw up everywhere! He doesn't cope with throwing up well, so he was a right bundle of nerves afterwards. Took awhile to settle him down so he could go to bed. School's off for a week next week, so I think it'll be nice to have him at home and play some games and do some art stuff during the week.

DS3 has decided that it's fun to bang his head on anything handy.... the playpen, the cot, the chair, the table... it is making me paranoid! I've done a bit of reading online and it seems this is common around this age, especially when they're teething for some reason, but it still is unsettling. I just make sure he isn't injured and go from there, I guess. I swear if he keeps this up, he'll be wearing his brother's bike helmet in the living room! :rotfl:;)

I bought a new calendar for 2011 at Poundland, so it's all ready to go. I couldn't see paying £5.99 for one elsewhere when I could get a very nice one for £1. And it's even got a new picture each month of a classic car - very cool cars which DH can appreciate, so he's not raising his eyebrow at a kitten or puppy picture each month as it's hanging on the wall. :cool:

Heater is definitely on tonight - cold cold cold!!! DS3's room was 15 and freezing earlier! 18 now, so much better. Amazing the difference 3 degrees can make! LOL I truly hate the creaking floorboards noises that the house makes when the heater is on. :eek: Yes, I'm a 'fraidycat! :rotfl:

So anyway, I'm also popping over to a friend's house for coffee tomorrow morning. She has given me a couple different jars of food - applesauce, beetroot, jam - that she has done at home. We tried the applesauce the other day and it was delicious - so I'm going to check with her to see specifically what her recipe is and do some myself when I see apples on sale. We have some that SIL brought us from her neighbours tree, so we'll probably use them as well. Yummm!

I've packed away a few jackets that DS2 has grown out of and will save them for when DS3 is ready to use them. I've also got 2 drawers full of clothing waiting for DS3 to grow into. It saves soooo much money! I really only have to get socks (as they tend to wear them out) and occasionally pajamas (as oddly they tend to get worn out too).

Clothes washer being a bit stubborn tonight. Gave me an error message twice. I will have to sort it out in the morning though. Too tired to deal with it tonight. Hopefully something easy to take care of, as it's a fairly new machine.

On the hunt for an interesting inexpensive meal for next week. I've found a website that was linked through the OS board, so I'm going to take a peek there tomorrow and see what I can find.

Happy little "we're approaching the Christmas holidays" note: Lidl's has those lovely spiced windmill biscuits in again - DS2's absolute favourite - and they only carry them before Christmas, so we bought a few packs! :cool: I love the run up to Christmas. :j

maman

What a lovely long post. Thanks for the info, and I'm delighted that you seem to be coming through what sounds like a very difficult time.

Goodness you really are in the Christmas spirit. I did laugh at the idea of you all singing Christmas songs with DS2 in October but it is a really good idea. It won't be too long after half term that he starts learning some at school.

We went to Lisbon for a 5 day break. The weather was glorious (25 degrees and sunny) so coming back has been a bit of a shock, needed to defrost the car this morning!

I agree calendars can be an absolute rip off, some as much as £10. I gave up this year and printed one off 'My free Calendar Maker'. Everything I saw in the shops was either ridiculously expensive or had too little room to write or on very shiny paper that is hopeless. Although I keep a diary, our calendar is very important to make sure OH and I don't double book ourselves. It also helps to remind OH what I'm up to as he doesn't listen when I tell him.:rotfl:

We're big fans of Lidl's Stollen. OH has eaten two already since the stock came in earlier this month. I love them but I'm trying to lose a few pounds (at least) so I think I'll leave eating any until Christmas is truly upon us.

Enjoy the assembly tomorrow.

Triggles

DS2's assembly went well, although he spent most of it covering his ears. But he definitely enjoyed the songs as he's been singing them all week. I think the assembly itself is always stressful for him as there are so many people in one room, more noise, and yesterday they sat in a different formation than normal, so I think it threw him off a little. But he made it through most of it just fine, so yay! :j

Ooooh the stollen at Lidls! Yum!! We've avoided buying any yet (we have to get the kind without nuts as I can't eat them), but I know once we cave in, we'll probably go through a couple before Christmas.

Well, off to take a quick shower and then to visit MIL. More later.

Triggles

Our poor neighbour has been hit by the same stomach flu bug that we had. Unfortunately he is quite elderly, and it has hit him badly. He was taken by ambulance to hospital yesterday. We told his wife if she needed anything at all to call us, but thankfully also she has family nearby, so they'll keep an eye on her as well. It's so contagious, and it hits you like a ton of bricks without warning. When we got it, both of us were literally fine and then about 30 minutes later we were out of it and sick. Just going to keep a subtle eye next door, without bothering her, to make sure she's okay, as she is home by herself and has already been exposed to it.

Today I'm going to pop up to the supermarket and do a bit of "stock-up" shopping. We've had a couple wins on the free bingo this month, and that combined with the 15% discount now in place for the holidays at Sainsburys for us, it's a good time. Just things that are either on a good sale or general nonperishables: nappies, tea, coffee, flour, tinned veg, rice, noodles, crackers, tuna, corned beef, washing up liquid, dish detergent, handsoap.... those kind of things. Then a quick trip to FarmFoods to pick up some extra loo roll and sugar, as it's cheaper there.

We've got our 2 pumpkins and will be making jack-o-lanterns later in the week for Halloween. DS2 is new to this, so it should be fun. My DD wants to use the seeds to dry out and bake so they're like sunflower seeds, so we'll probably give them to her (none of us like them that way). Hoping to use some of the pumpkin to cook. I'm going to search the internet for some good recipes - I've got pumpkin bread and pumpkin pie recipes, but would like to see what else is out there.

Waiting for boys to be ready to get up. DS2 is just waking up, so giving him a few minutes as he tends to play for about 10 minutes or so before he's ready to "get up" for the day. 7:30 is rather late for him, so I've been peeking in on him to make sure he's all right - he's usually up and about by 5 or 5:30, so this is quite a lie in for him! But no school this week, so that's okay. DS3 is playing happily in his cot, so just letting him play for a few minutes. I don't like to rush in the moment they wake up - I think it's good for them to play if they're happy for a few minutes or so first.

I can't believe it's 7:30 and it's still dark outside!! And with the clocks going back on the weekend, it's going to be darker even longer in the morning. We've picked up the vests for DS2 and one to put along DS3's pushchair so we're visible on school runs.

Heater has been well and truly on now. The temperature currently is -1 here. brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr (well, outside, not inside :rotfl:) DS3's room is always colder (has a vent that is closed, but still drafty), so the heater is up a bit higher in there to keep it warm.

Well, both boys awake and ready to start the day, so off for now.

maman

Glad you had a fairly restful start to your day triggles. That bug sounds dreadful, hope no one else succumbs.

It's a gloriously sunny day here but not too warm. I'm hoping some washing might dry. Used my tumble drier yesterday for the first time this winter:eek: It always feels like giving in but I had guests staying on Saturday and needed to turn the bedding and towels round.

I'm off to Farmfoods later too. I need some juice, kitchen and loo roll and probably will buy sugar. OH has it in his tea so I need to get a bag in.

Hope half term goes well. I'll be listenig hard to any pumpkin recipes you try.

Triggles

Goodness! Finally seeing an end to the pile of laundry. I think one more load will do it. Unbelievable how long it takes to get through it once it starts piling up! But a couple loads since yesterday and a whole bunch of ironing last night.... whew!

Chicken curry last night to use up leftover chicken. Tonight's tea? Not a clue. Wednesday is always "cheap and easy night" here. The kids will probably have grilled cheese sandwich and some fruit. I think I will make myself eggs and toast (DSs don't like cooked egg so no point making it for them!). DH will make something easy for himself right before work. One of those "disjointed" evenings.

Appointments all day yesterday for DS2, so trying to relax at home today. Printed out a few colour pages for DS2 today. He's got a gunky cough going right now, so I'm trying to keep him from running all over the place, as his coughing gets worse. We all know how easy it is to keep a 4yo sitting and quiet. :rotfl:

I have a huge stack of clean clothing I need to put away upstairs. I can't do it right now, as DS3 is napping and he'll wake up. I can't do it later as DH will be sleeping before his shift. Hmmmm.... Will have to pop up after DS3 wakes up and get things put away or it just won't get done.

I'd like to take DS2 to the library tomorrow, however, he has a tendency to try to run off there and the front door is automatic so it wouldn't even slow him down and then a busy street right outside it. Oh for those old library buildings with the big heavy doors and such. Still thinking about it.... We did take both boys to the local pet store and walked them around so they could see the fish, rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils, hamsters, and lizards. DS2 enjoyed it, and thankfully didn't make a fuss about leaving when we were done. I had visions of him kicking off and wanting a pet before we left and THAT wasn't happening!!! :rotfl:

We've organised a temporary pantry in the dining room with a plastic storage container so that the extras we bought are neatly organised. It's difficult to keep everything in the cupboards as they are quite full, so this works well.

I've been mulling over the idea of using the basics brand washing up liquid, which is quite inexpensive compared to the store brand. I may have to try it once just to see what I think of it. We use a lot of basics and have been pleased with them, so I think that might be another thing we may try. Not sure on the laundry soap though, as DS3 has eczema, and some detergents make him break out.

Another date with the accounts tonight.;) Have to go over the monthly budget. This month I'm transferring money to savings right away so we're not tempted to spend it. I do think we need to spend £30 on a portable hoover, as the kids are forever creating little messes everywhere, and it would be much simpler than hauling out the huge one every 30 minutes all day!

Off to browse some pumpkin recipes and report back. :cool:

Triggles

Oh, I found some lovely pumpkin recipes. Some of the recipes I am thinking of trying are:
- pumpkin yeasted bread rolls
- iced pumpkin cookies
- chicken coconut curry
- creamy pumpkin and vegetable soup
- beef and pumpkin stew

We always make pumpkin pie and pumpkin bread loaf as well.

Sainsburys is having a half-off toys sale. There are one or two items I'm looking at online and will probably put the order in today. That'll be Christmas gifts done for both little ones, plus grandkids as well. :j Since DD's gifts are purchased, that just leaves DS1 and DIL to buy for, and we pretty much know what we're going to buy, just need to do so. Then just follow that up with MIL & SIL's gifts, and a small gift for each other. We've found a DVD set that we're going to purchase as our gifts for each other. A bit of a guilty pleasure that - we're planning on buying a set of "My Family" DVDs, as we love that show. We both would like it, and it seems silly to spend a bunch of money separately on things we don't want. And we don't have to feel guilty about buying it (£24.97 on amazon for 7 seasons) this way either! Our anniversary is a few days after New Years - so this rather suffices as present for christmas and anniversary for us. And then we get something small for less than a tenner for each of us "from the boys" - so total of £45 maximum on both Christmas & anniversary for both of us. Not too bad, I don't think. We're both more into having a nice dinner at home after the kids go to bed, inexpensive bottle of wine, and watching a DVD (which we'll then have, eh?) on our anniversary anyway.

I meant to work on the budget last night, and forgot (insert head thump smilie here) that DH was sleeping in the evening prior to his shift. And my desk with all the paperwork is upstairs in the bedroom. Silly me. So will work on it today at some point.

Thought about going to the high street today, but can't honestly think of a good reason to do so. Will only cost money. Maybe I will invite DD and DGS over and we can let DGS and DS2 do some art stuff while DS3 takes his nap. Perhaps some painting. :eek: hmmm.... maybe.....

Also was planning on mopping the kitchen floor last night, but had a headache, so will do that tonight instead. No point even trying to get it done during the day... too much traffic through the room. :rotfl:

maman

I'm still reading Triggles. I really enjoy your diary, so positive and organised!

Quite busy here, got some family coming in an hour or so. Just overnight but needed to sort out meals and beds. Trouble is, I've got different family coming next week so another round of washing bedlinen!

I like your approach to presents for each other. I don't think buying adult presents (please don't misinterpret that, I'm sure your DVDs are good family viewing:D) is any big deal. I may have told you but we decided at DD1's suggestion to stop buying for adults at Christmas a couple of years ago. Our reason wasn't so much financial as we were getting fed up with 'stuff' and the commercial side. I think DD2 was a bit disappointed as she loves shopping (and was the most guilty of buying 'stuff') but she went along with it. So now it's just gifts for the children and they're so much easier to buy for. Both DDs have birthdays between now and Christmas so I can get them a decent present then instead.

Hope you have a good day whether you get to do painting or otherwise!

Triggles

Ah, the DVDs are for DH & I. The "My Family" series is one that is humourous and we enjoy it immensely. It's something we'd otherwise probably not indulge in. The only adults we buy for are each other (and it's generally a joint gift - usually a DVD set that is not too expensive that we can watch together), our adult DS1, DIL, and DD, and then MIL and SIL (neither of whom have partners now as FIL passed away about 18 months ago). But other family adults and friends we do not purchase gifts for anymore - it's just too expensive. 3 out of 4 of our children have July birthdays, thank goodness, so while July is busy, it's well apart from Christmas. I suppose some couples like to splurge and buy jewellery and fancy stuff for each other at Christmas (I have a friend in the states that gets expensive jewellery every year from her DH - and she expects it!), but that's just not something we've ever done. I prefer gifts that we will either use or enjoy together. Useful gifts are nice - and you think of the person that gave it to you every time you use it.

We do try to keep the cost down as well. We bought DD an assortment of items - 3 of them we managed to find on clearance or sale, which drastically reduced what we ended up paying. And it was exactly what she wanted. So we were pleased (and she will be as well!). DS1 and DIL are a bit more difficult to buy for - we like to buy them items as a couple, but sometimes it can be hard to figure out what they need or want without simply asking them outright.

Triggles

Off to visit MIL today. DIL & DGS2 are visiting her for a couple days, so we're popping over to visit them as well.

Santander has paid out the money to us - just got it in the account yesterday! So we should be getting a note saying our loan is fully paid off within the week or so. Yay! Tempting to frame it! And then I will transfer the money Santander paid us to our savings account for the time being.