I'm spending a week in Kansas City with my son's family. Naturally, there is some spending involved, but I feel like I'm keeping it under control.

On my first night here, I used a gift card and treated the family to dinner at Outback Steakhouse. Actually came away with $$ left on the card, only $7 out of pocket for the tip.

The next day, we all had to vacate the house at lunchtime so that potential buyers could look at the house. My DIL and I went to McDonald's, and I treated, for $10.25. That evening the kids treated at a pizza place, while more lookers trekked through the house.

The following day I spent about $45 on groceries, planning to eat in -- but yet again, we had lookers at dinnertime! So we ate at Culver's, going Dutch. My portion was $7.50.

We also went to Babies R Us, so we could pick out a gift from the baby's aunt. My DIL did a great job selecting three outfits and a "tiny diner" (a plastic mat to cover the table edge at restaurants). I chipped in about $3, the amount over the $40 Auntie contributed.

Last night I babysat while Mom & Dad went out for dinner and a movie. That was a nice, frugal way to give them a real treat.

The kids are moving to Chicago, and facing the prospect of having to sell their house for no more than they paid -- which means they will need to bring a check to closing. Today is the open house. Please let there be an offer today! They are so stressed.