I participated in a televised phone bank last night for tax questions. Although questions varied, I think the number one thing asked was whether Social Security is taxable or not. I think I answered 40 questions in a two-hour event. My left ear is paying the price this morning

I other news - grateful that my Kentucky family was not touched by the terrible storms that blew through their region a few days ago. Though they have a few inches of snow, they're otherwise untouched.

It is important to me to teach my kids how to save and spend responsibly. Since the lay-off, we suspended allowance. Recently, and of his own accord, DS called his grandparents to ask if he could come over and work for an allowance from them.

Yesterday was his (and oldest DDs) first job. DS worked hard! DD worked a little (apparently we need to work with her more). DS received $15, DD received $5. When asked what he'll do with the money, DS replies "I want to put it in my bank account." My heart skipped a beat!

DS is 6 years old, DD is 5. They're on the right track!

Google redbox codes (it might be that dot com) and use those codes. They work, just take a few with you in case one doesn't work where you are. One DVD per code. We've rented 3 so far for free.

No new interviews yet. DH is still sending out resumes. It's only been a week but it seems like an eternity.

The one interview he did have last week resulted with a call back to the interview guy, who tells DH his computer crashed, but is now fixed, and "please resend your resume". The guy had a copy that DH took to him for the interview. This prospect is not looking so hot, which is depressing. Statistically, I know it takes more than one job interview to land a job. I'm just blah about it today.

He is journaling his contacts and resumes sent for follow-up purposes. The best remedy for the blahs is to be proactive. Again, "keep on truckin'".

I forgot all about what I dislike in this process. Résumé writing, cover letters, references, in this case a detailed project list... lovely.

But this time of reflection gives you the opportunity to look at what you've accomplished. That's nice.

We sent out about 10 résumés today so far. Who knows how many will go out before DH finds a job? Happily, he's willing to change gears for a different career. We hope it will open up more doors.

Contacted the lawyer and he suggested sending a letter to the ex-company for a detailed schedule of when they plan to pay him. Then, within a week if nothing comes back, we contact lawyer back for next step. I'm also ultra-excited about that, in case you couldn't tell ;[

And just like the 70's t-shirt suggests, we'll keep on truckin'.

My best friend is moving from FL to OR next week. I am really, really sad. Our kids are close and she is like my sister. But I knew this was coming as her hubby took a job there to be near family and he's already been gone for a month. She has been working diligently on her home to prepare to sell it (did I mention she's here alone, 6 months pregnant with 4 kids?). She's amazing!

Anyway, she's been such a great example to me of how to be a fabulous mom. I know our friendship was divinely created, as she has helped me change into something better. I am really going to miss her.

Argh...

DS has a Kindergarten party next week. Instead of asking the parents for donations of food, etc., they've asked for a $3 donation. DS paid for it out of his allowance, on his own accord. His teacher was just shocked!

DD #1 WILL NOT spend her money (4 y.o.). She pays her tithing, and is saving the rest for some flavor of Littlest Pet Shop toy. Good for her. She has a goal and that makes me happy.

I feel like it is really important to teach them about money now so that they will be better off than we are. I want the best for them, as most parents want for their children. And, for me, the best for them is a working knowledge of this world, and how to deal with life.

Last night I had a discussion with my children (5, 4, 2) about prayer. To see what they thought, I asked them a few questions.

"If we ask Heavenly Father for a bunch of candy, will it magically appear?"

"NO!!!" was their answer.

"If we need help with something, can He help us?"

"Yes!"

Then I asked "If we ask for a million dollars, will He give it to us?"

My 5 y.o. son replies "Um, no, Mom. You have to work for your allowance."

You have no idea how happy I was to hear that.

...from the children I know.

10. Time out is for babies, not sophisticated 2 year-old girls

9. No matter how hard you rub chicken nuggets together, they WILL NOT make a fire

8. A DVD will not play in a VHS slot

7. Refrigerators with the freezer on the bottom are a dumb idea

6. A 1-year old can fit more than one banana in his mouth at a time

5. The cops WILL be called if you don't let your 3 year old wear a cereal box on his head

4. Those b.b. guns at the county fair (you know, shoot out the red star and win a prize) are modeled after corn kernels and a spoon (the latter being more effective on targets, especially a sibling's head)

3. Kids will clean any room in two minutes if you set a timer

2. Spit-up on a black shirt doesn't look so bad, after all

1. There's nothing better than being the apple of a child's eye