of little footsteps, which just makes our snoring that much louder! It was such a joy to have all the members of my little family under one roof!
We had a light supper tonight, and fell into our recliners. Napping on and off through the Monday night line up of mundane TV shows and catching a giggle or two from the sit coms before falling into a stupor! Tomorrow is another day, and I can catch up on a little housework then. 'Dust can wait, children can't' is my motto. NOW, that is. When I had our son at home, I always seemed to be rushing to do something or the other, and how I regret wasting that time now. It is not going to be repeated with our little Gelly Belle!
I have the guest room sheets in the washer, and the toys picked up in the family room. The cushions are lined up on the couches precisely, and everything is back in place. The house has reverted to it's usual peacefulness. How boring! I will miss having a naked giggling toddler streak through the hall from the bath while I sit at the dining room table in the morning sipping my coffee! I will miss having her dust our big coffee table with her bottom swathed in fleece pajamas while she played! But what a lovely gift of time we have all shared at the beginning of this nice new year. I greedily hope there will be many more to come. For now? I am content. I love and am loved. What more can a woman ask for? Rhetorical question. We all want better looks and more money! LOL
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Monday, January 9, 2012
The System
When I was setting up our household notebook, of course, I needed a "FINANCIAL" section. I have strayed from Quicken or MS Money for the simple reason that I was always crashing my computer and losing data. Which, basically made all those entries an exercise in futility. Going back to the pen, paper and simple math has been very easy. Although there aren't any pie charts at the click of a mouse, I do have a clear picture of what is going on with our funds!
There are eight basic categories needed to sustain life as we know it. Food, car, clothing, entertainment, gifts, household, personal, and yearly. (mundane recurring expenses like utilities and taxes were accounted for before I budgeted amounts for these more interesting categories) Since life happens, I can rob Peter to pay Paul, but so far, there has been enough in each category to meet our needs. Easy peasy, since it is only the ninth day of the month! LOL We have recently changed banks, so it was getting a bit confusing as to where the funds for each category would come from. Well, that little problem was solved when I realized it doesn't matter! What is important, is how much I spent! If we keep on track with the budget, everything will work out just fine.
Basically, the system is this. Under each category tab I placed a three column ledger sheet. (I bought a tearaway analysis pad at Staples that is perfect. I can easily print the headings on the computer, too, which tickles that "perfection" gene) I start the month by entering the budgeted amount for each category. When I purchase something in that category, I simply deduct the amount to keep a running total. That tells me exactly what I can spend on that particular category at any given time, or if I have to wait awhile to purchase something. Since there is a reasonable amount placed in the category every month, the "leftovers" will add up over time to purchase the more expensive items.
The 'yearly' category covers insurances and our vacation fund. On the first of every month, I will simply transfer those amounts over to a separate checking account, to keep it out of harm's way! Then, when the funds are needed I will write a cheque from that account. I am very pleased with how my household notebook has turned out, and especially with how simple this system will be to keep up. As with all plans, the proof is in the pudding. I will let you know at the beginning of next year how it all worked out!
There are eight basic categories needed to sustain life as we know it. Food, car, clothing, entertainment, gifts, household, personal, and yearly. (mundane recurring expenses like utilities and taxes were accounted for before I budgeted amounts for these more interesting categories) Since life happens, I can rob Peter to pay Paul, but so far, there has been enough in each category to meet our needs. Easy peasy, since it is only the ninth day of the month! LOL We have recently changed banks, so it was getting a bit confusing as to where the funds for each category would come from. Well, that little problem was solved when I realized it doesn't matter! What is important, is how much I spent! If we keep on track with the budget, everything will work out just fine.
Basically, the system is this. Under each category tab I placed a three column ledger sheet. (I bought a tearaway analysis pad at Staples that is perfect. I can easily print the headings on the computer, too, which tickles that "perfection" gene) I start the month by entering the budgeted amount for each category. When I purchase something in that category, I simply deduct the amount to keep a running total. That tells me exactly what I can spend on that particular category at any given time, or if I have to wait awhile to purchase something. Since there is a reasonable amount placed in the category every month, the "leftovers" will add up over time to purchase the more expensive items.
The 'yearly' category covers insurances and our vacation fund. On the first of every month, I will simply transfer those amounts over to a separate checking account, to keep it out of harm's way! Then, when the funds are needed I will write a cheque from that account. I am very pleased with how my household notebook has turned out, and especially with how simple this system will be to keep up. As with all plans, the proof is in the pudding. I will let you know at the beginning of next year how it all worked out!
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Day is done....
and so am I. I picked up a bug and am running at less than half speed. Thank goodness for my wonderful daughter-in-law, who picked up the reins I dropped! We have been staying home and just enjoying each other's company. Since I wasn't up to going out for supper, we enjoyed pizza and a movie, compliments of our son. He wanted to take us out for supper and a movie, but that would have meant getting out of my robe, which is pretty impossible these days. Besides, watching a children's movie in the comfort of your own recliner is good for old people! (Just watching Gelly's face as she took it all in was the majority of the entertainment!) Alas, Monday we go back to being empty nesters. After the initial collapse, I know there will be a great emptiness without the activity we have so enjoyed so much since the 23rd. The time flew by so quickly.
The first week of 2012 has already past. In another week, I will get on with more exciting tasks, but for now? I am quite content to keep up with the daily chores!
The first week of 2012 has already past. In another week, I will get on with more exciting tasks, but for now? I am quite content to keep up with the daily chores!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
For the life of me...
I can not understand how people can be bored at home! In the early seventies, when we first married, my sole ambition was to be a home maker. When I did work outside the home, things just did not run as smoothly, and I quickly realized that when I did work, there didn`t seem to be that much more money anyway! There have always been so many things for me to do, and although often you are repeating tasks, there is a lot of creative energy to be spent right behind your own front door. Although there isn`t a lot of money in my career choice, I have had a lot of satisfaction in keeping a home for our little family.
I did manage to finish my basic weekly chores today, although with the little one around, it did take a bit longer than usual, since those willing little fingers take time to instruct!
The treat for the day was supper at Perkin's, and yes! Kids do eat free on Mondays and Tuesdays. Our little one polished off two hamburgers with the grace of a linebacker. The highlight for her, was a trip to the 'garbage bag toy store' - named by our son when he was just her age. Now they put your purchases into a big red plastic bag, but back in the eighties they just used regular garbage bags! They have great bargains on toys of all sorts. Stickers, pencils, books, dolls - everything a little girl could possibly want. Our little one walked in not knowing what she was in for, but left with the savy of an experienced Rodeo drive shopper! In no time she was instructing her Grandfather in to keep her sunglasses while she shopped, and making her choices with a definite opinion. No thank you, she had cards. And yes, please! That ``My Little Pony Air Balloon`` musical night light was just what she needed! And ooooooh these dolls are so pretty. I need two!(Even though Gramma thought they were wearing outfits that could have easily have been purchased from Tramps-R-Us, they ended up in the basket too!) Admittedly, we are spoiling her just a little, but that is what happens when you don't see them every day. You have to cram a few months of attention into a mere week or two when there is such a distance between you. I am all too aware that when her parents return tomorrow, the jig is up! But, we have one more day. McDonald`s playroom here we come!
I did manage to finish my basic weekly chores today, although with the little one around, it did take a bit longer than usual, since those willing little fingers take time to instruct!
The treat for the day was supper at Perkin's, and yes! Kids do eat free on Mondays and Tuesdays. Our little one polished off two hamburgers with the grace of a linebacker. The highlight for her, was a trip to the 'garbage bag toy store' - named by our son when he was just her age. Now they put your purchases into a big red plastic bag, but back in the eighties they just used regular garbage bags! They have great bargains on toys of all sorts. Stickers, pencils, books, dolls - everything a little girl could possibly want. Our little one walked in not knowing what she was in for, but left with the savy of an experienced Rodeo drive shopper! In no time she was instructing her Grandfather in to keep her sunglasses while she shopped, and making her choices with a definite opinion. No thank you, she had cards. And yes, please! That ``My Little Pony Air Balloon`` musical night light was just what she needed! And ooooooh these dolls are so pretty. I need two!(Even though Gramma thought they were wearing outfits that could have easily have been purchased from Tramps-R-Us, they ended up in the basket too!) Admittedly, we are spoiling her just a little, but that is what happens when you don't see them every day. You have to cram a few months of attention into a mere week or two when there is such a distance between you. I am all too aware that when her parents return tomorrow, the jig is up! But, we have one more day. McDonald`s playroom here we come!
Monday, January 2, 2012
Starting '52 Weeks of Organizing'
On one of the blogs I enjoy reading, I found this concept...complete with a printout to keep track of my progress, and plan ahead a little. The first thing I did was put "filing system" in the number one spot, followed by "Household Notebook" and "finances". I have been meaning to make a household notebook for years, and finally, I have done it. I have been working at this over the last couple of weeks...I spent my time in the office instead of cleaning house for our visitors. HOWEVER it all turned out well, and I got rid of tons of paper that was clogging my life! Plus, I am 'covered' until the third week of January! I like to get ahead of myself a little!
I switched from using file folders to using binders. SUCH a good idea! Not sure where I first saw it, but it is so much more convenient than having a zillion floppy papers in a drawer! Of course, being able to buy the binders at Costco for very little helped, too. It took a dozen 1" binders to hold the necessary papers to keep our home running. They store very compactly in the filing cabinet, spines up and labelled, and it is very easy to find anything now! The bonus was having a clearvue front that I was able to keep a few sentimental things and to serve as a decorative cover. (the receipt for our first new car, my engagement ring, something pertinent to what is in the binder).
As for the household notebook? Everything is in there now. Telephone numbers and addresses, with lots of room to add new ones due to the letter sized format, plastic pages of business cards for service providers, our simple financial records ( I have given up on using a computer program, since I am famous for crashing the things and losing my data) Basically I have ten looseleaf three column sheets to track our spending categories, and a seperate Dayrunner "Household" book that holds the bills in pockets, by month. I will always have twelve months at hand, replacing Jan 2011 with Jan 2012, if you get my drift. I mean really, do you need to keep your Visa bills for five years, and clutter up your files? I think a year will work out just fine. I also have sections in the Household notebook for special projects (52 Weeks of Organizing for instance!), cleaning lists. The only thing that didn't fit, were food related! So, there is a seperate binder to keep track of my menu plans and recipes that I want to try. There are sections to list cleaning lists for the different zones in our home, and scheduled task lists. I followed some of Flylady's reccommendations, and added some of my own. If everyone had the same categories for their Household book, it wouldn't have taken me ten years to build one! But there is a genuine feeling of security in having things in black and white. The next step will be to take hubby through the book, and explain it all to him. You never know what could happen in life, and it is a good thing to have us both aware of what it takes to keep the house running smoothly.
Which brings me to another topic! Our little house guest. This child is a complete dream to look after. She is so sweet natured and happy...her father all over again. She hasn't shed a tear since her parents left, and has been so much fun to have with us! We have craft projects every day and have kept them in a decorated binder to give her parents on their return...lesson learned, though, three year old plus glue? Not a great idea. Three year old and stickers? BRILLIANT idea!
There are so many resources on the web now, that finding things for little people to do is very easy. Gone are the days when you just handed a kid a box of crayons. Of course, with my compulsive nature and a few trips to the dollar store, I think I have enough craft supplies to last a lifetime! But who can resist glittery princess stickers and coloured card stock? She is so much like her father, with a very long concentration span. She happily spends hours making her projects. It is well worth the time spent to clear up the cutting scraps and bits of nonsense that hit the floor to see her so engaged in her work.
So, that is what we have been up to at our house. This has been a great way to start the new year!
I switched from using file folders to using binders. SUCH a good idea! Not sure where I first saw it, but it is so much more convenient than having a zillion floppy papers in a drawer! Of course, being able to buy the binders at Costco for very little helped, too. It took a dozen 1" binders to hold the necessary papers to keep our home running. They store very compactly in the filing cabinet, spines up and labelled, and it is very easy to find anything now! The bonus was having a clearvue front that I was able to keep a few sentimental things and to serve as a decorative cover. (the receipt for our first new car, my engagement ring, something pertinent to what is in the binder).
As for the household notebook? Everything is in there now. Telephone numbers and addresses, with lots of room to add new ones due to the letter sized format, plastic pages of business cards for service providers, our simple financial records ( I have given up on using a computer program, since I am famous for crashing the things and losing my data) Basically I have ten looseleaf three column sheets to track our spending categories, and a seperate Dayrunner "Household" book that holds the bills in pockets, by month. I will always have twelve months at hand, replacing Jan 2011 with Jan 2012, if you get my drift. I mean really, do you need to keep your Visa bills for five years, and clutter up your files? I think a year will work out just fine. I also have sections in the Household notebook for special projects (52 Weeks of Organizing for instance!), cleaning lists. The only thing that didn't fit, were food related! So, there is a seperate binder to keep track of my menu plans and recipes that I want to try. There are sections to list cleaning lists for the different zones in our home, and scheduled task lists. I followed some of Flylady's reccommendations, and added some of my own. If everyone had the same categories for their Household book, it wouldn't have taken me ten years to build one! But there is a genuine feeling of security in having things in black and white. The next step will be to take hubby through the book, and explain it all to him. You never know what could happen in life, and it is a good thing to have us both aware of what it takes to keep the house running smoothly.
Which brings me to another topic! Our little house guest. This child is a complete dream to look after. She is so sweet natured and happy...her father all over again. She hasn't shed a tear since her parents left, and has been so much fun to have with us! We have craft projects every day and have kept them in a decorated binder to give her parents on their return...lesson learned, though, three year old plus glue? Not a great idea. Three year old and stickers? BRILLIANT idea!
There are so many resources on the web now, that finding things for little people to do is very easy. Gone are the days when you just handed a kid a box of crayons. Of course, with my compulsive nature and a few trips to the dollar store, I think I have enough craft supplies to last a lifetime! But who can resist glittery princess stickers and coloured card stock? She is so much like her father, with a very long concentration span. She happily spends hours making her projects. It is well worth the time spent to clear up the cutting scraps and bits of nonsense that hit the floor to see her so engaged in her work.
So, that is what we have been up to at our house. This has been a great way to start the new year!
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