Keeping on the Straight and Narrow...

savingholmes

Nearly there then. How do you feel about summer off with the kids? 

DancingInTheRain

I'm sure summer will be fine, all 7 weeks of it 🤯😂

DS1 gets his cast off on Wednesday so if that goes well I think I'll feel more relaxed about the holidays, he'll definitely need to build up using the arm again as well as getting used to writing again (although he's done reasonably well using his left arm).

There's a couple of free local activities where the boys will meet up with some of their school pals, both boys are signed up to the local library's reading challenge & then we have our little holiday booked. DS1 is also booked on a 3 day summer school with a local junior school. We also have 3 family birthdays and 2 christenings during the holidays so quite a few things to stave off boredom.

I've also been putting away activity books/stickers/craft bits and bobs that the boys received at Christmas or birthdays so they'll be brought out for the "I'm bored" moments or when the weather is rubbish x

sashybo

Well done on getting easy meals organised, cooking is never fun in the heat.

Sounds like you have a lot planned for the summer holidays. My DS asks what we’re doing every day, most of the time the height of the excitement is going to the park. 😂

savingholmes

That does sound busy. Hopefully it will all work out.

DancingInTheRain

Week 1 of the summer holidays completed 💪

We've had a quiet week just letting the boys relax, we moved their bedroom around to enable them to have more space to play up there and then they've had lots of time in the garden and a bit extra screen time to what they're usually allowed. We've also visited the library to take part in the summer reading challenge activities they're hosting and their cousins came for a playdate.

DS1 has benefitted from this greatly as he was a little traumatised after getting his cast off his arm and then the pins removed, he's still not fully confident using his arm so has been a bit emotional and sensitive.

While rearranging the boys bedroom I had a good sort out of their clothes and hot some more items listed on V!nted. Managed to get DS1 a big bundle of clothes on Marketplace for £20 which was an absolute bargain as included hoodies and coats so he's well stocked up. A friend also passed on lots of school uniform items as her children have moved up to junior school so have got that washed and put away for the future, so a successful week on the clothes front 🙂

I've also been successful in securing an interview for the job I applied for 👏👏 it's an online interview next week so have started to prepare for that by reviewing my application, researching the company further and thinking about potential questions/answers.

I can hear the boys stirring so will leave it there and update on finances later. DH's payday tomorrow so month end for us today.

Hope everyone else is well x

savingholmes

Good luck with the interview. 

Great clothes haul. 

glad the holidays are going well so far.

FootyFanDan

Good luck for the interview 

sashybo

The bundle of clothes sounds great, well done. 👍🏻 I love when people pass on kids clothes, it’s so helpful.

Well done on getting an interview and good luck with it. 

beanielou

Positive vibes for the interview.

DancingInTheRain

Thank you everyone, I really appreciate all the support as I'm feeling a bit nervous about the interview and will be pleased when it's all done whatever the outcome!

We have a busy day planned today, the boys and I are heading to a local playground with a packed lunch each and then later this afternoon they have a birthday party at a soft play centre. They do nice lattes there s I'm going to treat myself to one with a slice of cake while I'm there  It's also the anniversary of when DH and I met so we're having a home made curry and a nice bottle of wine tonight to celebrate once the boys have gone to bed.

No plans for the weekend just yet but it's DH's birthday on Sunday so we'll do something as a family for that The boys enjoyed buying him gifts and cards from their pocket money and were very MSE by buying some discounted Father's Day gifts that will work equally well as birthday gifts for their Daddy 

Payday today so last money update for July:

July free money has been boosted in the last week or so by £8.80 V!nted, £14.03 Pro!ific, £3.91 Cha$e £5 Huyu  £4.92 Bills Account rewards, £100 cashback from our mortgage company for the new mortgage we took out last month.

Total for July = £463.30 which is just amazing, really pleased with this.

End of month 'What We Owe The World' figures

Current scores on the doors are:

- Mortgage 31.12.21 was £46,415 now £43,790
- Credit Card 31.12.21 was £8,175 now £6,450
- DH Student Loan 31.12.21 was £5,285 now £4,660

WWOTW total 31.12.21 £59,875 now £54,900

Total 'Free Money' 2022 = £2447.76