From debt to freedom...

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you Kitten and CCL...you're right, it's more mind games. I'm wondering if I'm in for more as the decree date gets closer. I have spoken with DS1 and said that given yesterday's news, I would pay for his provisional licence as part of his present.

Today has been a much better day. I haven't felt in a fog as I did yesterday. I made 2 lemon drizzle cakes, a batch of orange muffins and a batch of gingerbread biscuits. After lunch we all went on a bracing walk across the fields. The wind was gloriously wild, simply fantastic. We got back in enough time to enjoy a hot chocolate before DDs 2,3 and 4, the toddler and I went to our local Christingle service. The wind must have knocked the toddler out because he fell asleep from about 2 minutes after entering the church until the point at which all the Christingles were lit! A NSD to boot, so am feeling much better about today.

Cherryfudge

Honeysucklelou2 wrote: »

Thank you Kitten and CCL...you're right, it's more mind games. I'm wondering if I'm in for more as the decree date gets closer. I have spoken with DS1 and said that given yesterday's news, I would pay for his provisional licence as part of his present.

That's a good idea - it will help him and perhaps it will be easier not sharing a gift with your ex.

I love Christingle, and the image of you with the children and sleepy toddler in the candlelight is lovely!

crazy_cat_lady

I'm pleased you had a good day, and enjoyed the Christingle service.

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you Cherryfudge and CCL. I do enjoy the Christingle service. There's something so beautiful about everyone having their lit Christingles and the lights going off and singing a carol altogether that somehow starts Christmas for me.

Another busy day at work has gone by. Sadly not a NSD as I had to get more milk and logs.

2 DDs have come home with trip letters. One is compulsory and will cost £9, the other is voluntary and is over £400. I wish they didn't leave it to just before Christmas to require a deposit. I need to look carefully to see if the trip is possible.

crazy_cat_lady

They can't charge you for a compulsory trip HSL. They can ask for contributions but are not allowed to demand you pay.

WannabeFree

£400 :eek:

I am dreading that day

Hope you can figure it out one way or another

x

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you CCL & Wannabe.

Would you believe it, today I had an email from the school to say that DD4 's year has a language trip which will cost either £400 or £560 ish depending on which area the language trip goes to. Not sure I can do 2 £400 trips... It's so tricky as DD1 and 2 have been on the same trip ( humanities) at this point in their education. I want to treat them the same. It is a profoundly moving trip (DD3's) and had a great impact in DD1 in particular. Need to think and do the sums.

A very busy day today. I didn't get back home until 9 and still have lots of preparation to do for tomorrow.

MeandO

I can't believe the cost of these trip, I too am dreading the day DS comes home with these letters.
I hope you manage to sort something without to omuch stress HSL2. xx

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you MeandO.

I think I need to get to the weekend and work out what can and can't be done.

I'm starting to feel a little edgy about Christmas. So far I have made the Christmas cake and ordered the turkey and that is about it. I have saved a small amount every week all year but it is in savings account with a different bank to my main current account. In all previous years I have gone into the branch and taken out the money saved over the year. Unfortunately the branch was closed down last year and I have no idea where the next nearest branch is. I'll need to find it on my next day off and try and get presents sorted.

It's been a very busy day at work. It has taken every ounce of my energy! Hoping to get a good night's sleep!

Drawingaline

I always told my kids I didn't ever want to see a letter about any skiing trips as no chance they were going. On the other hand I said any trips to the ww1 battlefields should come home. The girl managed that one when husband was unemployed. I did two weekend overtime and mil also helped out. The boy managed a France trip for £450,mainly because he bought the letter home the day after I had received a 15k inheritance lol!

It's tough, my wierd one is due to go to pgl next November and have a line in the budget to start saving, but I am not convinced he is going to cope with it.

But two £400 trips would be tough to try and pay for in one go.