November Low Income Mummas Support Thread - Page 2

[LankyLizards]

Originally Posted by janerose

Wow...October went really fast, huh?

We had an OK night going TOT. Went next door to Mom's then down into town to my grandparent's house. I say it was "OK" because we were planning to meet up with my cousin & his little girl to to TOT around my grandparent's neighborhood. For some reason though my cousin pulled up to their house, saw our car in the drive, then went & took his little girl around without us. We bumped into them as we were coming out of the house to go TOT ourselves (having sat around waiting for them for like an hour...) Well, needless to say 3 yo DD was REALLY looking forward to TOT with her cousin & when she realized she wasn't coming with us after all she LOST IT. Poor kid was standing on the sidewalk crying her heart out. She got over it & we had an OK time, but she was wiped after like 2 blocks. We ended up being home & in bed by 8. Needless to say I'm : with my cousin.

October went soooo fast!!

That is so sad about your poor DD. How terrible of your cousin. I certainly hope there is a reasonable explanation.

[JesseMomme]

Oh yeah, thank you for the heating assist reminder! Hopefully the program here starts today so I can ask for them to mail me an app. I have to call them anyways to reschedule the FS recert - I just love how they set the time and date FOR ME :and mail me the notice and it was just totally not doable last week.

I still have to walk down to the WIC office and pick up my new ID before my checks go to waste : I really should do that today.

I found out the other day that we're being taken to court over unpaid medical bills. : I'd already called the attn's office and I'm being mailed a fin. aid application so that I can make payment arrangements. We were planning on paying that plus other back debt w/ next years taxes. Con: There's another bill/more money to pay now that I wasn't anticipating. Pro: It will be less for us to owe next year I guess. Sigh.

I'm glad that I have the oppt to catch up somewhat, and grateful I can pay Nov rent in full today. I guess I'm just fustrated that it seems like I've been throwing money at everything coming my way and it all just keeps piling up even more. After rent and bills, I haven't even tried to figure out how I'm going to figure in Dh wanting a cell phone (trying to talk him out of that one) for AIT, fixing our car, paying the tow fee and get-it-on-the-road fees, plus mo. insurance and resuming our car payments (to the tune of 280 a mo - I WISH DH NEVER BOUGHT THAT DAMN CAR!), and giving money to our old LL we still owe as I promised I would, they are willing to cut us a deal so long as I'm willing to give them something.

Oh yeah and Dh will be needing a chunk of change for a plane ticket for Thanksgiving in two weeks. So there is a whole paycheck I can't really touch, well I don't plan to, we've already had to shine on getting to see him today and tomorrow (no wonder I'm gloomy today) by golly he will be getting on a plane to come home and see us!

And some people (IRL) don't understand while I'm still trying to keep in w/ SS programs.

No wonder I want to go stick my head in the sand.

[janerose]

Originally Posted by LankyLizards

October went soooo fast!!

That is so sad about your poor DD. How terrible of your cousin. I certainly hope there is a reasonable explanation.

Yeah, I pretty much know the reason. He's an alcoholic & was in a "mood". I imagine his girlfriend made them rush through everything to get him home before he did something he regretted. I feel bad for his DD & GF, but that doesn't make me less sad for DD you know?

Honestly, I suppose it's partly my fault too. I didn't call to confirm we were meeting with them. It's just something our family has DONE for years & years. Our mom's did it when he & I were the kids! I didn't tell DD that we'd definitly go TOT with them, but she *remembers* TOT with them from last year.

[momma earthical]

I'm in!

I'm Laura, with a 14yo, 4yo, 2yo. On the one hand we're very lucky because we have a caretaking situation and don't have to pay rent or utilities -have to work for it but that's okay On the other hand though my dp has been out of work since Feb, we've gone through our savings and are struggling with a large cc debt from our transatlantic move three years ago. The only income we have is the $100 -150 that I make doing in home childcare but it's so unreliable, no kids = no $$.

Seeing it written down depresses me so much. :

I'm dreading Christmas, especially for the teen, we can wing it with the littler ones by recycling out some old toys or something. I'm also keeping my fingers crossed about our van, it had two problems last month that we just put on the cc and it needs a new headlight now.

Oh well, I'm off to put on some upbeat music, clean and bake a pumpkin pie while dp is out with dd's school trip.

[DBZ]

Tis NOT the season for car trouble!! Breaking down away from home is one of my biggest fears. I think I'll ask my mom to get me AAA for xmas. I need to do so much to my van. I desperately need tires and an alignment. I need to put power streering fluid in, but I don't have the cash for that till prolly Saturday.

janerose, I think your cousin is at fault there with the TOT situation. I'm sorry your DD was so upset over it. I'd be mad at your cat too

Earthgirl, I think it is great that you are back in the running for that affordable housing. I think it's kind of sucky that they aren't putting in washer and dryer hookups in each condo. Would you be happy there, knowing you are paying a mortgage and still have to go to a laundromat?

[LilMama23]

I swear, I can't win. Our car window fell off the track yesterday - my dad tried to fix and wound up making the problem worse, so it's in the shop. So money needs to be spent for transportation, not to mention I'm awaiting the bill expecting the worst.

I might need to start looking for a second job.

[DBZ]

I had a window go off it's track before. Not good especially if you live somewhere cold and it's stuck open.

I think I'll go smudge my van...

[ediesmom]

November, huh.

I am so sorry to read everyones struggles. It is so difficult! To top t all off today I think I caught a flu bug. I am too woozy to wait for the bus in the cold to go sit in class and spread the wooze. If I could just drive I might consider infecting others, but its too daunting....I'll keep my sickness to myself.

I, for one, am jacked that October is a thing of the past! Could we all do the three things we are grateful for thing?

1. all the wool socks stuffed in my drawer just waiting to take their turn to warm my toes
2. armour (all the thyroid mamas will know what that means....or should)
3. freecycle.....just picked up a bag of totally wearable clothes! my dd is so big, we wear the same size, so we can divvy them up.

i gotta throw my poochies into my gratitude list. They are so understanding when I feel pooey. warm snoozing poochies are good for the flu

oh, i'm also pretty darn grateful for this thread, and the forum in general. It got me through October

[justmama]

3 things I'm grateful for:

1.diaperswappers.com: one of the ladies there just PM'ed me about a flat rate box of 6-9months clothing that she'll send me ffs(free for shipping) for little big bird. And a few weeks back another mama sent me two boxes of 3-6months stuff for 2 boxes of 24months stuff that my toddler has outgrown. So once I secure some 0-3months stuff, this kid is set. Between the ffs stuff and our hand-me-downs starting at 12months, she will be good to go. Then I just need to come up with stuff for the oldest girl.

2. my mil. she's a constant support ssytem for me. even though dh and I are getting divorced, I try to keep her involved and friendly with me by giving her pics of the girls frequently or updating her on the midwife appts, or by asking her to come to babies r us with me to make a registry for the baby. she's picking up the kids today after work for me so I can head to work a little early and make some money and whenever dh has drill(air guard), she keeps them for the weekends so I can work. And when I had a small mental breakdown 2 weeks ago and started crying when dh yelled at me, she was there all the way comforting me, chastising him for stressing me out, etc. I LOVE her!

3. my cat. he may be a giant pain in my rear and he may chase yarn balls all over the house while I sleep and wake up the kids in the morning before I want them up and cost me money in food and litter but he's such a great comfort too. When it's all dark and lonely at night and I'm sitting on the couch knitting and watching tv, he climbs up into my lap to snuggle. And he's not a snuggler. he doesn't like to be picked up and he won't come up to be pet but he will climb into my lap each night for some snuggling(as long as I dont' pet him!) when I am feelign the most alone and the most sad. it's like he knows.

[janerose]

Quickly the 3 things I'm grateful for today:

1) The weather was nice enough for us to take a nice walk down to the mailbox, playing in the dirt, checking out rocks & generally enjoying being outside before winter sets in.

2) That after 50 min on the phone with Sallie Mae it looks like we qualify for an economic hardship deferment on our school loans. Now if they'd just e-mail me the link for the forms I need to fill out I could get those faxed to them and we'd be all set...

3) Payday is tomorrow & I was able to mail out all our due bills while still having enough left over for groceries & gas for the next 2 weeks. No extra really, but at least we can cover the basics!

[chely7425]

3 Things I Am Thankful For:

1. My DF has a LOT of work right now, he does tree removal and they usually work around 30 hours a week, they have been about 35 the past 2... this means we are going to be ok for the holidays and be able to build up our emergency fund
2. My parents... they are letting us live here rent free (and not paying anything but our cell, car, gas, and ccs) while we figure out where we are going to move too.. they are going to help us pay for the move too
3. My DF for finally getting that we don't have money and being ok with me talking to him about and being ok with me managing our finances since I am good at it, and he is... well... not.

November will be a better month then last... really, it can't be much worse...

[mamamoo]

subbing...will be back.

[LankyLizards]

things i'm grateful for:
1) my daughter's uncle, who convinced his neighbor to give him a ride to come pick me and dd up, when our car broke down and we were stranded on the highway (after my charming father came by just to scream at me and tell me what a stupid f***in idiot i am and then sped off leaving us

2) we have enough food to get through at least this week, since for the first time today i ran out of food stamps - also there is no store within walking distance (unfortunately we have no milk, and dd is addicted)

3)MDC!! (and basically internet access in general - for the time being)

[sandygirl]

Originally Posted by justmama

So once I secure some 0-3months stuff, this kid is set.

You're having a girl, right? I have a ton of 0-3mo stuff for girls - maybe we can work something out?

[sandygirl]

3 Things I Am Thankful For:

1. My friend up in OK who is an MD is going to perscribe my thyroid meds for me {thus giving me another month to find a local doc who will take medicaid}. This will keep me out of the hospital and around to take care of DD.

2. That we have enough funds at the moment to cover the recent emergencies {tires, brakes, tows, etc} thanks to my mother's inheritance.

3. That we have food in our house - We are still waiting on FS, and medicaid to come through, and $$$ is tight for food.

[CaliMommie]

Hi! No time to post, but I will be back later.

[eilonwy]

Subscribing.

[mum4boys]

Originally Posted by justmama

Hey guys, can I join????? I I"m just having a sad, overwhelmed day. He is filing today for divorce, so I'm having trouble with it.

I am sorry your husband is filing for divorce.

Originally Posted by JesseMomme

I found out the other day that we're being taken to court over unpaid medical bills. : I'd already called the attn's office and I'm being mailed a fin. aid application so that I can make payment arrangements. We were planning on paying that plus other back debt w/ next years taxes. Con: There's another bill/more money to pay now that I wasn't anticipating. Pro: It will be less for us to owe next year I guess. Sigh.

Make sure you file a response to the complaint or else they can enter a default against you and garnish your wages or emtpy out bank accounts.

Originally Posted by ediesmom

November, huh.

I am so sorry to read everyones struggles. It is so difficult! To top t all off today I think I caught a flu bug. I am too woozy to wait for the bus in the cold to go sit in class and spread the wooze. If I could just drive I might consider infecting others, but its too daunting....I'll keep my sickness to myself.

I, for one, am jacked that October is a thing of the past! Could we all do the three things we are grateful for thing?

Sorry you are feeling so bad and yes I second the 3 things we are grateful for.

Originally Posted by LankyLizards

things i'm grateful for:
1) my daughter's uncle, who convinced his neighbor to give him a ride to come pick me and dd up, when our car broke down and we were stranded on the highway (after my charming father came by just to scream at me and tell me what a stupid f***in idiot i am and then sped off leaving us

2) we have enough food to get through at least this week, since for the first time today i ran out of food stamps - also there is no store within walking distance (unfortunately we have no milk, and dd is addicted)

3)MDC!! (and basically internet access in general - for the time being)

I just cannot believe your mom and dad. I am so glad you are no longer living with your dad. Sorry but both of your parents sound very dysfunctional. I know they have not told you but you are amazing person look how you are going to college while raising your daughter. It is safe to say we all at MDC are proud of you despite what your mother says.

when do you get food stamps again? Is there a bus you can take? What is wrong with your car.

Three things I am grateful for:

1. I found a Dr. Sears book at Half Price book and it cost me less then $5 with the coupon. I found out today my 19 year old neice who is due next month has read few pamplets about raising a baby and giving birth.
So I got it and mailed it to her today. Cost more for postage then the book. I also told her I would get her a sling if she was interested in babywearing.

2. I found Maggie "new" shoes that fit. She out grew her Robeez and her feet stay really cold. I actually got two pair for $7.99 at a thrift store.

3. I have such great kids.

[justmama]

Originally Posted by mum4boys

Three things I am grateful for:

1. I found a Dr. Sears book at Half Price book and it cost me less then $5 with the coupon. I found out today my 19 year old neice who is due next month has read few pamplets about raising a baby and giving birth.
So I got it and mailed it to her today. Cost more for postage then the book. I also told her I would get her a sling if she was interested in babywearing.

2. I found Maggie "new" shoes that fit. She out grew her Robeez and her feet stay really cold. I actually got two pair for $7.99 at a thrift store.

3. I have such great kids.

Oooooh nice deal at the thrift store! And the dr. sears book is totally worth the $5 plus more in shipping. My 19 year old bil's gf just had their baby a month ago and during her pregnancy I really pushed babywearing and breastfeeding(since I knew cloth diapering was beyond what she would be convinced to do). I bought her a hotsling and for her shower I bought her breastpads and pump(she has to go back to school in Jan and I offered to watch my nephew for free). I just hope she sticks with it because she has no family support other than bil's mom who is kinda a big giant B$@*#. I think it's so important to at least OFFER the support to younger mamas who otherwise might not parent in a way they will be comfortable with years down the road just due to inexperience and bad advice from friends. I know it happened to me at 19.:

[mum4boys]

Originally Posted by justmama

I think it's so important to at least OFFER the support to younger mamas who otherwise might not parent in a way they will be comfortable with years down the road just due to inexperience and bad advice from friends. I know it happened to me at 19.:

I wish she lived closer. She lives in South Oregon and I am in Washington State. She lives with her mom and grandma. They are not very nice people at all. This past July, her mom called her little sister to cuss her out for going to her cousin's wedding. I was appalled. I was standing right there. Her grandma regularly tells her grandkids how worthless they are and how they should not be on this planet. Unfortunately my niece feels guilty. She was raised by my brother and her mom only sporadically saw her and her 3 sisters. So now she feels she has to raise her mom and half sister. Her mom chooses to live with her controlling mother so you see the circle it creates. She says she is going to stay until she graduates from high school which is June.