NoNa and Essence

My sister LEONIA that's NONA in Essence language was the Atlanta nanny this week. Essence + NoNa = running to elevator, no hair fits, Elmo, etc. Essence + NoNa + Mommy = smack NoNa, buck at NoNa, scratch NoNA, NOOOOOOOOO NoNA, NoNa remove Essence from group dinner, aggressive Essence, etc. NO matter the formula Mommy loves Essence on the business trips. Is Essence any closer to potty training? NO! When do I put on the pull ups and training pants?

Essence has her official Elmo backpack (she wanted boub bof bim that's both of them Elmo and Dora she reached for both in the door at the same time and responded with boub bof bim). We also bought the Elmo puzzle. Time to pack up to leave.

FISH

I have a great job and it gives me the privilege to take Essence with me on my business trips. Last week we went to Atlanta. The weather was horrible and the school that I was conducting environmental training lost power which meant SEE THE FISH with daddy and Essence -YEAH. Essence is amused with Fishhhhh, Fishhhhhhhh so we went to the aquarium. I enjoyed seeing the large fish and the feedings. We did not touch any fish because Essence does not understand soft touch. It was fun although we did loose suck-suck (her blanket that she sucks on). Found it at one of the exhibits whew! Essence has been traveling with me since she was four months. This fall will be the last trips because she's starting school in January 2010. I will miss going back to the room seeing that lovely smile and sparkle in her eyes! Sorry there are no Easter pictures. I always have the camera, but no extra batteries. Essence and Jamie don't like pictures either! UGH!

$60 Weekly Grocery Budget

Ok, we attempted the $60 weekly grocery budget. It was hard because we are fasting and for the last week of Lent we are not eating cooked foods which means lots of nuts, salad, fruit and raw veggies. As of last night we have $10 left (I think, Jamie holds the money his pockets are not hot HA). The groceries also included laundry and dish detergent and Essence's LACTOSE FREE MILK! I've figured out why people don't budget -it's time consuming and you must be organized! Hey I even placed store coupons into separate envelopes! I'm proud of myself and I know there will be a blessing for my pressing! I was banking on buying Dole Salad mix with my coupons then realized we don't have a SUPER Target DARN, but lettuce was $1 a head at Walmart. I'm excited about planning next weeks $60 trip! You know I like numbers and a challenge! So budget advice about clothes, toys and entertainment please!

I DID IT!

I finally sat down and did a budget and cash flow analysis! That's a major movement to being organized for me. Although I'm a numbers person, I usually keep it in my head, but my husband said that I had to prove we had enough money to get a car. I SOLD THE HUMMER!!!! We are buzzy around in the Beetle (yeah we do have another car for those who can count), but we don't have a family car. I do ALOT of traveling for work (NO COMPANY CAR). Ok, it's not that much traveling, but regardless (Am I trying to prove my point to you too?). We want a 6 or 7 passenger vehicle just in case I somehow expand again. I'm proud of myself! I just might buy some bins to organize the house? Ok, I think my mind is cloudy from the air emission calculations. One step at a time. So next week, we have budgeted $60 for food (If the Davis' can do it with two males, then we can with one). Sometimes being like the Jones is good. I have not made it to the Slusher organization status, but I'm moving on up! A couple of the Breathe, Stretch, Shake, Let it Go and going to bed at 10! I feel soo much better! Sometimes you have to call things into order!

April Fool's

I thought Essence would play an April Fool's joke on Mommy. You know be nice, sleep thru the night, don't cry when I leave out the room, let me brush her teeth, just overall nice. NOT my child. I guess the jokes (hope) on me. Mommy you the fool! HA!