Well, That's That

[AmyBoz]

So, I just put in the mailbox our two biggest bills, and that is that with regards to our checking and savings accounts. We're done, kaput, empty, out of money.

I don't get paid for camp until the end of July. Rob gets paid tomorrow, but our car insurance bill came today and that's where his entire paycheck is going. So, wish us luck. The lean times are upon us. I'll be checking in for advice, strength and encouragement, which I know I can always count on the village to give.

I know that this is nothing new to many of you and yet you always make it through. I also know that it's only for a few more months, but as it is really our first time being this broke, it's completely unnerving to me. Honestly, I'm scared.

So, I'm holding my breath and jumping in...heeeeere's summer!

[mom2matty]

Good luck......I am right there with you.......our car insurance bill just came with an adjustment since dd is now a licesnsed driver and OMG it went up a huge amount!!!!...........dh's next pay check is already gone!!!

[Dixie]

to both of you.

[Darlene]

You can do this Amy!

[SewCrafty]

[Emerald_Mommy]

You will make it!

[Sara Noel]

Not much to say except that sometimes what helps me get through some tough times is to remind myself of all that I do have and what the "struggle" is all for. I also remind myself that my children have far more than I did as a child in many ways and they aren't "suffering" or "deprived" even when I want to be able to do more for all of us. I have these incredible expectations I place on myself as a parent. I often need a big ole reality check. lol

Keep in mind it's temporary and you'll pull through and I know I'm much stronger because of it all and have this new confidence that I can face some tough times and get by.

Gabe and I made some choices. Like our new car as an example. That tightened our finances, but I remind myself that it was a good choice really. I am not fearful of unexpected car repairs and know that even had we purchased used, something like that would have surely popped up. Just helps me deal with my own decisions I've made and somehow put it all in it's proper perspective.

We also purchased our home and could have easily bought a lesser home, but knew our finances would be improving over the years. We were tight the first year and refinanced when the interest rate dropped and that loosened up more money, but the first yr was a tough one.

I knew what we were getting ourselves into and our best plans didn't fall quite into place as we had planned, but we're doing ok. Not horribly by any means, but I beat myself up sometimes over not having a large savings and not having enough saved for education for the children, but hey we're not the rich and famous over here. We're doing ok. The extras are just extras and it's ok to hangout at home and just enjoy one another.

I know others probably wouldn't have made the same decisions, but we did and we got through it and I don't have any regrets with the decisions we made. It really was for the best overall.

I think you guys have a good grasp on your goals and this will pass soon. Scary while it's going on and discouraging, but you're both doing all you can and pulling together and it will be over soon.

Gabe and I used to joke together sometimes about what we were eating. It often felt like pasta or chicken all the time. I used to make cracks like from the movie What About Bob and say "mmmmm this is the best chicken". lol

Ok now I'm rambling. Just want to say I'm thinking about you and wishing this time will pass quickly and just become a part of your marital/family history.

We drive by some of the places we've lived in the past 4 years and it does wonders for me. It really helps to see where we were and where we are and why we experienced what we did. It took a lot of work to get here, but it was all worth it.

[Sara Noel]

I think I started my post with "not much to say" rofl Sorry. Coffee and motrin talking over here. lol

[tbs727]

You can do it Amy!!! When you are feeling weak just post here. We'll pick you up. It will be a learning experience. Share the things you learn with others that are going through the same situation and it becomes a ministry.

[Michele Annette]

it is really our first time being this broke, it's completely unnerving to me. Honestly, I'm scared.

I hear you Amy! I will be thinking good thoughts for you to make it through these tough times!

[guest000]

That is rough and I've been there. When my husband and I didn't have our children yet, we were always messing up our budget, so we were nervous a lot (needlessly really, but still). Hang tight! Your kids have you guys and don't hesitate to ask from help from your loved ones. Life isn't meant to go alone all the time.

Here's support and encouragement coming your way!

[cau]

I always made a game of it. Me against the system . How cheaply could I feed or find entertainment for us. This always made me aware I am in charge & how I handle things affects how the kids will. Now that my kids are grown it is amazing to them remember fondly all the fun we had on what I called poverty entertainment or trips. cau

[favesis37]

hang in there as they say " this to shall pass"

hugs

[Mojjo]

You can do this....and you have us.

PM me if there are any coupons you need in particular.

[AmyBoz]

Thank you all very much for your support and advice.

I'm not at all concerned about the extras, because they just aren't important. If we "need" to see a movie, my father is the king of dvd's. We don't eat out anyway, so we don't have to worry about the kids complaining that we aren't doing it anymore.

It's just those darn bills, but like you all said, we can do it. It's a little scary, however tough times never last, but tough people do. (Wish I had said it, but it's a quote from Robert Schuller)