Looking back at my last post: my couch cost $104 at Goodwill. I couldn't be more pleased with it, and I'm rearranging what I have to pull in a more cohesive look.

Financially speaking,
* Paid $6,000 to prepay property taxes on primary residence
* Paid March's mortgage, so next payment due 4/15

I was going to take care of a bunch of extraneous stuff, but those are smaller and can be taken care of in dribs and drabs and have open-ended due dates.

DH is still in the job from hell, but we are actively looking for a different position. He's put out two resumes for jobs he'd like (one further away, but smaller start-up) and one at a hospital he could commute to by train. The job I was interested in was taken and they asked if I was interested in full-time, not at this point. He's told his boss that wants out as soon as possible. His work is almost done (creating the model that implemented budget from old company to new company). We know that his school schedule for the fall will be M and Th 7:30-9:30 and his courses are easier to begin with (Old Testament, and New Testament)

My younger daughter hasn't been happy at the present high school. She shadowed at her other alternative and was quite positive about it. She'll be trying out for the dance team there in June and I know what the costs will be for that. We're holding off on a custom solo dress for her, older daughter is in the process of designing one. I had concerns about funding, but we paid top dollar for Siope Rince out of Ireland that they tend to hold their value. I will be able to cover the expenses after the sale of these two (but they need to wear them through St. Patrick's Day). Til then it is $100/month. It helps to work with a friend.

We've said no to some things lately just because of the budget. My I-don't-love-to-read son will NOT be joining the after school book club at $75 for a six hour program. My oldest son won't be running track with the 6th grade. He already plays soccer (all my boys do, and that is it). We skipped a $250 horseback riding camp for the Scout. My oldest daughter is fine about work study in the summer to defray school tuition next fall. She's also looking to drilling in Irish Dance to help defray the cost of a mission trip with the school.

I've moved past perseverating on every dollar and am making wiser choices. I'm shopping more often for less items (maybe not wiser with my time, but I am finding that a purpose and plan do propel one forward). I find that "the list" concept is working for my family.

Money tidbits, in closing, "found" $46 that DH and I left in two American Express Accounts when they were Money Exchange. Made $160 dog sitting for my brother, and then used those funds for a weekend waterpark excursion for oldest son and DH with the Scouts.

So, that is it - in a nutshell. Off to catch up on the blogs, and hope that all is well with all!