So I got a raise. It wasn't a lot but it will certainly help. I know I should increase my 401(k) contribution as that amount is pretty paltry but right now I really want to focus on paying off my debts and then I will max out my contribution to my 401(k). Plus, the extra $40/month or so will go a long way towards that goal and I feel that right now that is more important as I don't want to max out my deduction only to retire and have to use all that money for debt payments.

On another note, I'm anxious to get the tax rebate check (as I'm sure many others here are, too) and I'm planning on paying off a couple of small bills. I have to get DH on board with the idea but I don't want to plan too much until we see what the actual amount ends up being. If it's what I think it's going to be - we'll split it three ways probably - 1/3 to debt, 1/3 to savings and 1/3 to spending. Those numbers might end up a little adjusted once the actual amount comes through but that's the preliminary plan.

It's weird that Easter is tomorrow already and we're getting all the little things taken care of. We have two little ones and we'll get some things for them but we focus more right now on spending the time with them - they are too little to really get into the idea of stuff. I'm encouraging that as long as I can!

I just wanted to put this out there. I have about 25 sample sized packs of Blue Lizard sunscreen that I will never get through but am willing to send along to someone that can use them. I also have a bunch of $1 coupons for Blue Lizard products. Hopefully someone can use them - just PM me with your mailing address and what you want and they will be on their way!

And, you don't have to take them all - you can take as many or as few as you want.

Today is a rainy day but it will keep me in the house. I'm not participating "officially" in the no-spend challenge as I don't go shopping or spend money outside of grocery shopping on a weekly basis. I can't get out of that because I need to get the perishables once a week but that's okay.

I did move my son's wagon so it collects the rainwater from the roof and will use that to water the garden tomorrow. DH used the water I had collected last week to wash his truck the other day which shocked me but also made me happy. I just realized I have some other buckets in the yard that are collecting water right now too so will use those.

I want to get one of those rainbarrels for next year. There are so many spots in our yard that water drips from the roof that it just makes sense. I have some makeshift ones (buckets) but would like to invest in a nice one to put around at least one of the gutters. Also will do more with the composting and gardening next year to get a better yield of veggies.

I have a few things listed on ebay that I hope sell this week but we'll see. I'm also looking for more things to list and will hopefully put some up this week. Per usual, I'm worried about the checking account going into negative numbers but hopefully we will be okay. We only bounced one thing last week due to our miscommunication and this week we may have one thing too due to spending too much at the grocery store. But, our freezer is slowly getting restocked so that's okay.