2018 New year, new focus and new mission

Choccygirl123

After waiting all afternoon, I didn't receive recieve a call about my esa. I did however, get a text at 6:15 saying my first payment would be in my account last night. It's great news and taken the pressure off a little.

I've set aside £80 for Easter entertainment over the weekend. The kids have been amazing this week and they've blitzed their bedrooms, the family bathroom and hall stairs and landing. I said I'd give them some extra pocket money, because they've been such a help. The children have asked if we can go to the cinema as a treat instead. I've got a free voucher for 1 of us so hubs will be a student and the 2 kids. and we'll take our own snacks. £30 budget

We've got two hanging baskets to plant up for summer. Going to make a visit to our local garden centre for plants £15 and a snack with hot drink each £25

That'll leave £10 in the budget for any extra bits or bobs...choccy or hot cross buns.

Available balance £323.78

teafor2

Hi CG, just catching up with you again Don't blame you for letting the cleaner go. Her leaving 30 mins early when she's only there for 2 hours is a bit of a p&&s take, especially if she wasn't doing the harder cleaning bits for you.

Excellent news about the ESA, it all helps and hopefully the PIP will go through eventually.

The DC's sound like they've been really helpful so a treat of a cinema visit seems a good trade.

Sat here thinking it doesn't seem 2 minutes since I'd have been planning where to hide lots of eggs for the DC's to find on Sunday. Half of me is glad we're past that stage but half of me also misses it.

Hope you all enjoy your weekend. xx

Choccygirl123

I think a treat to cinema is the least we can do for them. Youngest has spent 5hours helping hubby do back and front gardens. She didn't stop and was a little trooper! Hubby transferred £10 to her account for her help. She was over the moon!

They're never too old for an egg hunt. Mine had a mini one when friends visited last week and hubby bought a cheap little basket of eggs from Aldi. They may be teenagers, but they still love the hunt of chocolate

teafor2

They're never too old for an egg hunt. Mine had a mini one when friends visited last week and hubby bought a cheap little basket of eggs from Aldi. They may be teenagers, but they still love the hunt of chocolate[/QUOTE]

If DD were home she'd definitely be asking for one - don't think she'll ever properly grow up DS on the other hand probably doesn't even know it's Easter weekend and that's why he's on school holidays :rotfl: xx

Homegrown0

That's very sweet of the kids to pitch in, and also lovely that they wanted to have a nice family outing instead of payment. I was brought up in a chores-based household and I plan to do the same for my kids. It's important that kids contribute to the household how they can both for the household itself and for their future skills when they go out into the bigwide world themselves.

Sounds like your kids went above and beyond in their helping this week though, which is lovely.

pidge04

Happy Easter.
Well done to your children for helping out!

Choccygirl123

Thank you, the children have been amazing and I realise how lucky I am.

Wow what can I say, it's been a doe day few days. The eldest has signed up for DofE abd she had quite a list of bits she needed walking trousers shorts and few other bits. Hubby is working this week and I'm still not driving, so we had to go to our nearest go outdoors and used the CB.

I've paid up all the scouts new termly fees, the balance on a camp and school lunch accounts and £103.99 for the items I'd ordered fir kid's in the next sale. We have been good shoppping again too. Our joint account only has £11.85 in, but my next ESA payment will be next Tuesday. The eldest needs 2 new school skirts, so will get them ordered so I can collect them on Tuesday.

We just seem to be fire fighting at the minute and as soon as we have any cash, it's paid straight back out. I can't complain, everything is being paid but I'm frustrated the debt is going down.

Our sealed pot challenge is going well and after emptying the notes out and transferring cash from joint we've got £236 sat in there. I hate having too much cash in the house.

Homegrown0

Great amount in the sealed pot! I really need to be a bit more disciplined about putting into mine. This month has been a stretch with the Easter break.

Sounds like it's been an expensive time for you too, but glad you're organised for the DofE and scout fees etc. Less to think about.

teafor2

Morning CG I can understand how not paying more towards the debt is frustrating when you really wanted to do that but in the circumstances you're doing a fantastic job of keeping on top of everything. And you're obviously still encouraging the DC's to make the most of things as well. One day the debt will be gone and on top of that you'll also be able to look back and think about all the opportunities they had and how much they enjoyed their childhood.

Have a good day. Hope the pain is getting a little better every day. xx

Choccygirl123

Thanks tea, this time has certainly been a challenge. First hubby's over payment then waiting for ESA. It's made me realise I'm rubbish at budgeting and that we need to cut back on the good shopping.

Hubby's wages are pending and it's my ESA day tomorrow. My plan is just to use the ESA for food so will withdraw £145 out tomorrow abd that'll have to last a fortnight!

I'm still waiting on the decision about PIP. I rang them Friday abd they have written back to the medical assessment lady for more clarification. I do t think it sounds good, but after applying in November I'm not prepared to give up just yet. If they say not entitled, ill appeal that's for sure.

In other news I've finally got another date for my final op. Fingers crossed it's the last surgery I need and then I can start getting back to normal.