The last of my boxes are coming in the mail today. I have a few homemade gifts to complete, but I've got all the supplies stocked up. The only thing I need is wrapping paper since I finally used up the stash last year. The only thing left to do then, is to kick back by the fireplace and relax.

This would make for a fun stop in St. Louis: http://www.citymuseum.org/

I bought a Shark lift-away recently. It's an upright, but the canister completely detaches so you can use it either way. It's a great vacuum - I was completely shocked at the amount of yuck that came out my carpets right after vacuuming with my Dyson. Very user friendly, too. I was worried it would be some big process that would drive me nuts, but my kids can pop the canister on and off to vacuum under their beds. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00X7R1FZ2/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1439743047&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40&keywords=shark+powered+lift+away+vacuum&dpPl=1&dpID=31XqFQApcCL&ref=plSrch

Will they drop the ticket from your record if you take a defensive driving class? Some states do that - not sure about NY. I found this link: http://www.newyorksafetycouncil.com/

1992 Dodge Caravan - the one with the wood panel around the outside. 😠Passed down from my parents when they upgraded. It was a great vehicle to cram all my friends into when we went to the drive-in. I drove that for several years until the engine blew on me driving home from work one day.

My first paid job was running the cremation machine at the veterinarian's office. I also had to prep dogs that came in for immediate rabies testing - I won't go into detail there. Let's just say they definitely didn't pay me enough for that job! Then I graduated from nursing school and worked in various areas in that field for 10 years before I became a SAHM.

Passporter is the best Disney guide: http://www.passporterstore.com/store/wdwspiral2015.aspx The latest edition was just released a couple weeks ago - they have lots of information on their website forums, too.

I've been so busy these last few weeks, I haven't checked in... or maybe I've just been spending too much, and being avoidant! We closed on our lakehouse May 13th. We had a few unexpected projects (and a few unnessesary) that we've been working on. We sprung for new stainless steel Samsung kitchen appliances, ordered new windows to be installed, removed paneling from the basement and put in drywall, Invisible Fence system for the dogs, and so on. We've been out exploring a lot - shopping and eating along the way, too. Now, many, MANY dollars later, I'm ready to get back on track. The most difficult part is staying away from my local Annie Sloan stockist and all the fabulous antique shops everywhere! I'm taking the kids to Bass Pro to buy a canoe this afternoon, then back to budgeting for savings!

Voted - bumped him up to 308!

I was pregnant when we started homeschooling. I also had a toddler, was going to graduate school full time, my husband was deployed and I was thousands of miles away from family... it'll take time to get everything to fall into place, but it's doable.

I'm going to have to put in a vote for Greyhounds here. You'll likely find a local rescue for retired racers in your area. They're wonderfully calm dogs. Most rescues keep them in foster for a while before adopting them out so they can give a thorough description of the dog's personality. They'd work hard to fit a dog to your specific needs.

I took a painting class at a local boutique this weekend - Annie Sloan technique. The class was $80, but I got $50 back in a gift card to put towards paint in the shop. We have loads of fantastic antique and consignment shops around here, and I've been buying things here and there for the new house - really unique pieces, and saving a bunch buying second hand. We've been out to eat a couple times over the last couple weeks, but other than that, just relaxing and waiting for the rainy season to pass.

Razzles - the candy that turned into gum, or something like that. I see them in stores once in a while. Also, Swedish fish - still my favorite!

I completely missed last week! I bought some new clothes and sandals for summer - $400. I'm trying to reorganize my grocery shopping. I no longer have a costco to buy meat, and the local grocery shop meats are $$$$. I'm spending double or more on my weekly shopping trips now. I've found a couple local meat markets online, and quite a few farmers' markets - hopefully I can work out a plan to help reduce food costs.

I went to one of his concerts years ago. It was awesome - you'll have a blast!