Ugh! Why does everything seem to happen at once? I currently have a very daunting to-do list posted in my day planner that seems to be never ending. Add to it the fact that I feel like crapola and DH has the flu I am just about ready to fall apart! Luckily I have money in my checking account (which is kind of odd for me), all the bills have been paid, and I get paid this week At least financially I am in good shape.

Most of the things on my list revolve around DD. Second grade seems to be a killer for parents! Anyways, here is a brief summary of what I have to do:

*Buy and wrap DD bday present. She wants a Nintendo DS which I will get since she chose this over having a friend party. She is turning 8 on Sunday which makes me kind of sad.

*Wrap bday present for DD's friend and take her to the bday party (friday night)

*Create a Civil War era costume for DD by 4/9. She is in a class play and has the part of a 8 yr old girl. I have to devise a costume that is basically a long skirt and apron. Doesn't seem like a big deal but is for us non-creative people. I plan on taking her to the Salvation Army/Goodwill store to see if we can find something.

*Find and purchase shoes, stockings, and a head piece for DD's 1st Communion.

*Plan the party taking place after DD's 1st Communion

*Think of and purchasing a gift for my niece who is turning 13 this year and we are celebrating Sunday.

*Coordinate with DD's teacher to bring in special bday treat for DD. 3 kids in the class have peanut allergies so I have to bring in something in addition to the cookie cake she wants.

*Attend and set up snack at DD's all day 1st Communion retreat day.

*Make cupcakes for Sunday.

*Find and purchase/rent a costume for the Ugly Disco.

That is all I have written down but as I think I can come up with a few more things I don't want to forget. Sometimes it just seems like too much. Luckily I have the early shift at work tomorrow (6am-2:30pm)so I am hoping to get a lot of my running around done.

But as I said, my finances appear to be in order so I must be doing something right! I went grocery shopping yesterday and spent the day cooking for the freezer in an attempt to have ready made healthy suppers. I made a big batch of pasta sauce, 4 chicken quesadillas, 24 individual pepperoni or sausage bagel pizzas for lunches, and 7 dijon porkchops. My hope is to be able to just pull these items out of the freezer and cook them quickly allowing me more time with my family.

I am going to review my spending for the month of March tomorrow and summerize it for myself. I hoping I did better than February! I am challenging myself to only spend $50 on food outside of home. This includes taking the family out to eat and what I spend on coffee/lunch while at work. I am hopeful I can make that $50 stretch!