I think it's time for another "Family Meeting"

There seem to be a couple of teens in the house that aren't quite grasping the whole "NO EXTRAS" concept. When I told them that we'd be cutting back on extra things, eating out, no extra junk food (not that they need it anyway!), no impulse purchases... save soda cans and bottles... throw away nothing that can be sold at our garage sales, etc...

Being the weekend, we generally eat two or sometime more meals "out". McDonalds, Subway, whatever is fast and can be grabbed on the go or brought home on a lazy day. When we're doing the usual weekend errands and grocery shopping, if they ask for something (within reason) I generally give in. I have decided that that is going to change. Every penny that can be diverted to our "Bring Home Bug" fund will be. Now, I'll admit, we'll still have direct tv, and our internet (we need it for our school work), but that's about the extent of the "luxuries". I'm even changing to less expensive brands of some things to save more money. I'm a pretty frugal shopper anyway though, so there's not a lot to trim there. LOL

Today Kati was pouting because I had told her we'd go see the new Miley Cyrus movie when it came out, and I told her we'd have to wait till it was on demand or DVD to rent it. I didn't promise, and it was long before we decided to adopt. It's just that the $30 (after tickets, and popcorn, and drinks) that could have been spent at the movies is $30 closer to our $1000 goal by Mother's Day.

I felt bad for disappointing her, but this is a family effort, I am not the only one that is going to "give things up" for a little while, we all have to tighten the belt. I think "No" is going to be a pretty unpopular word for a little while. Everyone agreed that our little guy should be a part of our family.

My kids won't do without some treats or extras, they just aren't going to be getting every single thing they ask for, at least not until our little guy is home. :)