No spend update

This whole thing has been a challenge for me.  For the most part, I just don't go to stores and so I dont' spend.  That part has been really easy.  Sometimes I'll wish that I could go get something for our new house like a shower curtain, but the moment passes and I don't worry about it too much.  However, not being able to get fast food has been really hard for me.  It's a full time job to cook and clean up after 7/8 people three times a day.  We keep things pretty easy and the kids help out a lot, but it's still quite the production.  I used to say, "wow!  We didn't go out to eat at all today!" and be really excited about it.  Now we never go out to eat.  I know it's saving a lot of money.  I have had to run to the commissary a couple of times to pick up things, but it's nothing compared to the cost of a BK or Moe's lunch. 

We're going through food like crazy.  I we polished off a huge Costco size baby spinach container and almost 5 lbs. of baby carrots since Saturday!  Our cereal stash is about gone and I'm hoping what we have will last for the next 3 cereal days until I do another shopping trip. 

One thing that is surprising me is how much more physical work I feel like I do when we're not browsing stores or eating out.  I can't really put my finger on why, but I feel like I'm going more laundry, more cleaning, more baby washing, etc.  Maybe it's because Dan is gone?  LOL

I had planned on giving up soda during this month, but it was not working.  The 20 oz. bottles are $1.65 and one of those a day can really add up.  I went out and bought a 12 pack of cans for less than $5 which means I'll drink less a day and spent way less for it.  So far I've spent $25 at the commissary on top of the $120 I spent originally.  I'm hoping to not have to go again until next weekend.  It's all come out of my $100 cash that I hope to only spend this month. 

Since we have started this, three of my friends have told me that they are doing the same thing this month!  I had no idea it was such a popular thing to do. 
The boys are loving soccer camp.  It's really close to the house and a very easy drive for me.  I'm loving spending time with the little ones.  Salt dough was a great time and free because we had the materials already.  Here they are making it

and playing with it

I cooked them all and we'll need to paint them soon.  Today we could not because I had two showings at the Ewa house.  Hooray!  One of the families actually turned in an application on it and said they wanted it, but really want the property manager to paint first.  I am praying that everything will actually go through this time and we will have a renter.  God has been good to provide for us and I am learning to patiently wait on His timing. 

Tomorrow we have plans to go to the beach.  I am so tired tonight that I'm worried I won't be able to swing it, but I think the littles will insist and help out.