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Jan '08 Lower Income and/or Struggling Mama's Support

27K views 688 replies 77 participants last post by  mum4boys 
#1 ·
Happy New Year Mama's!

Link to December '07 thread: http://www.mothering.com/discussions...d.php?t=801816

Welcome to 2008!

For any struggling mama in need of support, though the majority on here are low income or in a large amount of debt... *all* are welcome.

This is a flame free support zone ONLY! This thread also gets very long (between 1500 and 2000+ posts) so be prepared for that. You do NOT have to reply to every post, you are allowed to whine and rant... we won't mind!


We have been trying to keep up a positive "Pay it Forward" attitude on this thread and help each other out. Many list "gratefuls"... things we are grateful for each day... even if it is only that we have our kids. There is always something, even if we don't feel it... that is to be grateful for.

Awesome, wonderful and WORTHY Mama's and Lurkers who posted in December: 98 mama's and counting!


Thystle
Nature
janerose
Crunchy Doula
Fruitful4Him
justmama
Iris' Mom
Aura_Kitten
amydidit
gradmama
SherryR
CaliMommie
kijip
vannienicole
Satori
LankyLizards
shayinme
ediesmom
bwylde
mum4boys
captain crunchy
momma earthical
slvsquared
s_kristina
sarah_bella1050
DuchsLove
natural_mama89
JamesMama
Belleweather
mrskennedy
~*Jaime
NamastePlatypus
sandygirl
dachshundqueen
2Sweeties1Angel
sonrisaa29
captivatedlife
cwat
chely7425
serenetabbie
eilonwy
MomOnDaEdge
AngelBee
vannienicole
serenetabbie
mamamoo (with guest appearance from rachelle-a-tron)
happyhippiemama
CluckyInAZ
Daniel's Kitty
Stace
~Nikki~
~Purity♥Lake~
MrsMike
barky586
Lauraplusmany
Myboysmom
Mom of 4 Sweeties
canadiannancy
southernmommie
sunshine's mama
asianyoushi
mamaofprincesses
acegmom
yarngoddess
sunanthem
canuckgal
UmmIbrahim
triscuitsmom
sanguine_speed
dionnakay
zersha
KnockedUpButtercup
binkin
Nursingnaturalmom
slmroczka
Myboysmom
sarah10998
MamaJamie
Dillpicklechip
Mearaina
ReikiMommy07
lorelei
CrunchyTamara
blairhoney
Oceanjones
hippiemum21580
averysmomma05
cubasianchica
magstphil
heyitstwins
susienjay
MamaWindmill
sarahloughmiller
kristenyostdc
Baby Makes 4
flibberlips

All you mama's remember this:

You are NOT your surroundings.

You are NOT your clothes.

You are NOT your home.

You are NOT your current situation.

You are NOT your bank account.

And you are NOT the sum of what one single person (stranger, friend, or family) thinks or says of you.

YOU are what YOU make of yourself and ONLY YOU can give that power away to others.

You are worthy. Don't "allow" others to "take" that from you!


 
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#28 ·
Quote:


Originally Posted by hollytheteacher
View Post

Hi, i'm new to this thread. Just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Holly, I'm from Vermont and I have a wonderful DH and a 4 month old DS.

Hi Holly!

Quote:


Originally Posted by swellmomma
View Post

I am definitely low income. Between compacting, the no spending thread, and decluttering hopefully I won't be struggling on that measly income. I am a single mom of 4, that just says it all doesn't it.

I need to join the decluttering for sure.

Quote:


Originally Posted by Thystle
View Post

If my counting is accurate there were:

98 mama's who posted last month

1544 posts were made

78 pages long (at 20 per page viewing)

29,126 views were made by 6:50 pm 12/31 (lots of lurkers
)

Hard to post when things are really bad, but once you do it makes things easier I think.

OCD moment over... I am bored.



Quote:


Originally Posted by eilonwy
View Post



Greatfuls for today:

1. Kids bounce. I had a pretty wretched day yesterday and I was not the world's nicest mommy.
: I can work on it, though, and hopefully they're not traumatized for life. They bounce.


2. The Feb 08 DDC, for sharing the love (and the ick
).

3. Bella's talking a lot more. I'm not sure if she's behind or on time or what, but I've been worried (she's not like her siblings
). It's still blurry and there aren't a lot of sentences, but she's picking up new words right and left.

4. A well-stocked fridge. Yay food stamps!


5. Floravital, for returning me to the status of "human being."
I'm sadly dysfunctional without it.

6. Flax seed oil, which has done wonders for my tapioca brain.

7. The luxury of thinking that the maternal-fetal medicine specialists following my pregnancy are a bit paranoid. I was thinking about this, because they want me to do all kinds of crazy things (like have non-stress tests every week?! and ultrasounds every two weeks?!?!) now that the end of my pregnancy is approaching. It's a bit overreactive when it looks likely that the baby is G-6-PD deficient but nothing else. I mean the absolute worst case scenario, he's born a bit early and a bit small (and by 'a bit early' I mean before 38 weeks, not before 36), and develops a pretty raging case of jaundace in his first few weeks (not the normal physiologic sort, but from hemolytic anemia). Yeah, it's potentially really freaking dangerous, but the chances are really fantastic that even if he *is* G-6-PD deficient, he'll be totally fine at birth (and most of the time thereafter). Then I realized that this is what maternal-fetal medicine specialists do; They deal with that little tiny population of women and babies who experience the worst of the worst. The high-risk population exists, and I'm greatful not to be part of it.


8. Seamonkey's kidneys (the reason I am always referred to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, at least for testing, in the first place) are fine and dandy.
BooBah's kidney issues are thankfully quite managable at this stage, but it was scary and a real PITA when she was teensy.


9. my internet friends really care about me.
: This board and the good friends I've made playing the game not only provide me with my only social outlets; They've truly restored my faith in humanity. I've been an outsider and a wierdo my entire life, but the internet has allowed me to find other people who think the way I do, who feel the way I do, who understand me and, most importantly, who give a damn. I feel like people I've never heard or seen in real life know me better than those who do in a lot of cases, and I'm so floored especially by this thread and the Holiday Helpers; People who in some cases don't even know me all that well "by post," who've never chatted with me on aim, and who have still done amazing things for me and for my family.


10. BooBah's cough is a lot better already. She's still acting 'sick' (less active than usual, and less appetite-- BooBah is ALWAYS hungry when she's healthy, but tonight, for example, she skipped dinner) but she's clearly feeling a lot better than yesterday.

Yay for kids feeling better, and yay for babies doing good in utero!

Quote:


Originally Posted by impossible
View Post

Hi, I'm new to the site and the thread.
I lurked a little bit in last months thread, and saw so much support and awesomeness that I was compelled to join in!

My name is Desiree and I'm a single mom to one. In October my now-ex signed a lease on a new townhouse with me... then walked out on me a couple of weeks later. I am now stuck with the townhouse, and scrimping and saving to afford it because after years of apartment living, the space and the yard are so awesome for my daughter. Giving it up and going back to a crappy apartment is not an option for me - things will be tight but I know we will be better off here.

Cool, I am in the next town over IRL, Hiss to the ex...and good luck in making it work for you and your daughter!

Quote:


Originally Posted by Brojakee
View Post

so I think I'll try and keep up on this thread, though I've lurked forever. My name is Tiffany I have 3 kids, 3 yr old b/g twins, and a one year old boy. My youngest son is always quite ill. My husband had his new girlfriend show up at my house and introduce herself to me and then he left with her with her immediately afterward. It was such a feeling of relief, and freedom, and new beginnings to be honest. He was never particularly nice, and my life has fallen into this beautiful place of me being able to do whatever i want.


I'm grateful today for:

My beautiful children, and a home that is happy now.
My wonderful dog who was left in the bathroom of this home when we moved in.
New year, new possibilities...

What a great liberating attitude, your kids are lucky to have you.

Quote:


Originally Posted by sunanthem
View Post

Hey mamas. Happy end of '07!
Thystle you must have alot of virgo in your chart; you are so organized and good with lists. And thystle; I'm a home/un schooler too, though my kids are just 2 and 4.
I also want to say that my 2T navy peacoat had found a taker on our thread, I just have to ship it off to her. Still have the 18m suit and many more kids clothes to come, soon.

Welcome Holly and Swell and Impossible!

Eliwony, I'm glad you're kids are starting to feel better!

My gratefuls for today.
1. I have a stocked fridge, freezer and pantry from shopping today and I survived shopping with my 2 crazy littles.

2. I came home to my hubby having picked up our disaster in all the major rooms and sweeping.

3. My friend Jenny who just had her first baby and looks to me for mommy advice calling and checking in while I unpacked my groceries.
we daydreamed about saving up so one day her and me and our kids could take a short trip to Cancun or Puerto Rico to sit on the beach.

4. My kids both have new socks
!

5. Miraculously all my bills are paid this month, now to get through to February!

6. I have a crock pot and coffee pot/grinder coming in the mail from MIL for my christmas present!!! YAY


I am feeling the push to change and renew my focus with the New Year. I would like to get back on track with my schooling to become a massage therapist. With the baby born while I was in school I've been completely avoiding it for awhile and am not the best at studying, but I have to.

I want to watch my finances and budget more this year and learn more about money in general.

I dont know what to do with dh; so we'll see on that.

I want to get some kind of healthcare for our family, even if I have to see just a natropath now and then. I've already started with getting us dentists.

I'd also like to be more crafty and maybe have some sort of etsy shop with stuff I make after the kids are asleep. I have made many things to trade and sell before, but I'd like to make a big stock up.

I'm staying home tonight and cleaning for new years. I'll check the list and see if I have anything y'all need!

You have some awesome plans for the new year, Hope you have a great one!

Quote:


Originally Posted by gradmama
View Post

I really am just generally happier than I think I've ever been. I guess I'm afraid that 2008 couldn't possibly top this year - may it at least be on par.

Happy New Year mamas!! May it be a good one!
:

Glad you had a wonderful year may 2008 be even better!

Quote:


Originally Posted by Mearaina
View Post

I am grateful for chocolate.

I need chocolate...it is a very good thing to be greatful for!

Quote:


Originally Posted by angelpie545
View Post

I'm so happy to find this thread! We are struggling so hard financially right now...sometimes we barely have enough to eat.
We are about $10,000 dollars into credit card debt on my side, and about the same on dh's side for back child support and medical bills. *sigh* Dh is paying his support and has a job, but I have a chronic illness so I cannot work and have to SAHM, which of course I don't mind....but I would like to work at least a little bit since my kids are old enough now. So...we are gluey stuck. My wonderful mother is helping me out by making the minimum payments on some of my credit cards, but I am so afraid because I know she cannot keep doing that forever.

I know what it feels like to be so far behind with not much you can do about it, I hope you figure somehting out.

Quote:


Originally Posted by justmama
View Post

-I'm 33weeks. One more week than I made it with Sara before PPROM. So I'm thrilled that big bird is still baking.
-I'm nearly prepared for big bird's arrival with acquiring stuff. now to just concentrate on washing stuff and getting everything put out properly

Congrats for baking big bird so well! and yay for being almost ready for babys arrival!

Oh mygosh! I just got home from the ER...must have jinxed myself by saying dd1 was keepign down fluids so she was ok, she started refusing fluids, and she hasn't eaten much in a month! So stoping drinking was not ok, we went to the hospital and dd1 had a heart rate of 177 and I had 190....she had lost almost 10 pounds and is down to 25 at the moment! We each of us waited hours but eventually got ivs, which made me bawl, she has never had an iV before and they poked her 4 times before they got a good vein! And she had bloodwork and chest xrays...my gosh I have never seen a baby so worked up! We are home now, and I am praying everyone starts feeling better soon! Oh....I had the same ER Dr who said I was miscarrying Callie in the spring...he remembered me, I told him my miscarriage was now 7 weeks old! He said it was a guarantee that I lost her...and all the nurses treated me like crap when I said we weren't vaccinated...
:SO much for being a constitutional right! I think I need to think on my greatfulls..I feel like poop...literally and my kids are sick and I am feeling very very low.
 
#29 ·
I'm here, and so hopeful for 2008!!

My resolutions:
I am going to start school asap.
I am joining the Y so the kids can have fun and do swim lessons and I can work out. And it's cheap! STBX is paying half of the almost $26 a month.
I am going to find joy in all the things I have been missing out on all these years of struggle, and just surviving.
I am going to stop surviving and start LIVING!!!
That is to start.
 
#30 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by canadiannancy View Post
Oh mygosh! I just got home from the ER...must have jinxed myself by saying dd1 was keepign down fluids so she was ok, she started refusing fluids, and she hasn't eaten much in a month! So stoping drinking was not ok, we went to the hospital and dd1 had a heart rate of 177 and I had 190....she had lost almost 10 pounds and is down to 25 at the moment! We each of us waited hours but eventually got ivs, which made me bawl, she has never had an iV before and they poked her 4 times before they got a good vein! And she had bloodwork and chest xrays...my gosh I have never seen a baby so worked up! We are home now, and I am praying everyone starts feeling better soon! Oh....I had the same ER Dr who said I was miscarrying Callie in the spring...he remembered me, I told him my miscarriage was now 7 weeks old! He said it was a guarantee that I lost her...and all the nurses treated me like crap when I said we weren't vaccinated...
:SO much for being a constitutional right! I think I need to think on my greatfulls..I feel like poop...literally and my kids are sick and I am feeling very very low.
I am so sorry mama!! I hope you and your sweet baby are feeling better soon!!
So glad everyone is ok though! Scary!
 
#31 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by angelpie545 View Post
I'm so happy to find this thread! We are struggling so hard financially right now...sometimes we barely have enough to eat.
We are about $10,000 dollars into credit card debt on my side, and about the same on dh's side for back child support and medical bills. *sigh* Dh is paying his support and has a job, but I have a chronic illness so I cannot work and have to SAHM, which of course I don't mind....but I would like to work at least a little bit since my kids are old enough now. So...we are gluey stuck. My wonderful mother is helping me out by making the minimum payments on some of my credit cards, but I am so afraid because I know she cannot keep doing that forever.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmilinGal View Post
:

Welcome new moms!
 
#32 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by canadiannancy View Post
Oh mygosh! I just got home from the ER...must have jinxed myself by saying dd1 was keepign down fluids so she was ok, she started refusing fluids, and she hasn't eaten much in a month! So stoping drinking was not ok, we went to the hospital and dd1 had a heart rate of 177 and I had 190....she had lost almost 10 pounds and is down to 25 at the moment! We each of us waited hours but eventually got ivs, which made me bawl, she has never had an iV before and they poked her 4 times before they got a good vein! And she had bloodwork and chest xrays...my gosh I have never seen a baby so worked up! We are home now, and I am praying everyone starts feeling better soon! Oh....I had the same ER Dr who said I was miscarrying Callie in the spring...he remembered me, I told him my miscarriage was now 7 weeks old! He said it was a guarantee that I lost her...and all the nurses treated me like crap when I said we weren't vaccinated...
:SO much for being a constitutional right! I think I need to think on my greatfulls..I feel like poop...literally and my kids are sick and I am feeling very very low.

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
 
#33 ·
Well I lurked some last month, I think I may try to keep up this month though and post a little. I'm a stay at home/student mom to an 8mo and my DH has been unemployed for almost 3mos.

I have a little story from today....

I was so upset because my DH was insisting I make a certain thing for a new year's eve get together tonight and I was having to use money to purchase the ingredients when we don't even have money for basic groceries.

The whole time I was in the store I was avoiding people's eyes because I could feel tears about to spill out of my eyes (which was making it worse because I would be sooooooo embarressed to cry in a grocery store!) I was silently praying for miracle and after I checked out and didn't find money on the floor and no sweet old lady paid for my groceries I was actually really disapointed.

The second I got home my phone rang and it was our local WIC office telling me they could see me today instead of 2wks from now and they gave me checks and I'm just so happy and thankful - tomorrow we will have milk!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I did get my miracle


It's amazing how things work out sometimes...hang in there mamas!
 
#34 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by hollytheteacher View Post
Hi, i'm new to this thread. Just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Holly, I'm from Vermont and I have a wonderful DH and a 4 month old DS.

Quote:

Originally Posted by swellmomma View Post
I am definitely low income. Between compacting, the no spending thread, and decluttering hopefully I won't be struggling on that measly income. I am a single mom of 4, that just says it all doesn't it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by impossible View Post
Hi, I'm new to the site and the thread.
I lurked a little bit in last months thread, and saw so much support and awesomeness that I was compelled to join in!

My name is Desiree and I'm a single mom to one. In October my now-ex signed a lease on a new townhouse with me... then walked out on me a couple of weeks later. I am now stuck with the townhouse, and scrimping and saving to afford it because after years of apartment living, the space and the yard are so awesome for my daughter. Giving it up and going back to a crappy apartment is not an option for me - things will be tight but I know we will be better off here.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brojakee View Post
so I think I'll try and keep up on this thread, though I've lurked forever. My name is Tiffany I have 3 kids, 3 yr old b/g twins, and a one year old boy. My youngest son is always quite ill. My husband had his new girlfriend show up at my house and introduce herself to me and then he left with her with her immediately afterward. It was such a feeling of relief, and freedom, and new beginnings to be honest. He was never particularly nice, and my life has fallen into this beautiful place of me being able to do whatever i want.


I'm grateful today for:

My beautiful children, and a home that is happy now.
My wonderful dog who was left in the bathroom of this home when we moved in.
New year, new possibilities...

Quote:

Originally Posted by angelpie545 View Post
I'm so happy to find this thread! We are struggling so hard financially right now...sometimes we barely have enough to eat.
We are about $10,000 dollars into credit card debt on my side, and about the same on dh's side for back child support and medical bills. *sigh* Dh is paying his support and has a job, but I have a chronic illness so I cannot work and have to SAHM, which of course I don't mind....but I would like to work at least a little bit since my kids are old enough now. So...we are gluey stuck. My wonderful mother is helping me out by making the minimum payments on some of my credit cards, but I am so afraid because I know she cannot keep doing that forever.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LilMomma83 View Post
Well I lurked some last month, I think I may try to keep up this month though and post a little. I'm a stay at home/student mom to an 8mo and my DH has been unemployed for almost 3mos.

I have a little story from today....

I was so upset because my DH was insisting I make a certain thing for a new year's eve get together tonight and I was having to use money to purchase the ingredients when we don't even have money for basic groceries.

The whole time I was in the store I was avoiding people's eyes because I could feel tears about to spill out of my eyes (which was making it worse because I would be sooooooo embarressed to cry in a grocery store!) I was silently praying for miracle and after I checked out and didn't find money on the floor and no sweet old lady paid for my groceries I was actually really disapointed.

The second I got home my phone rang and it was our local WIC office telling me they could see me today instead of 2wks from now and they gave me checks and I'm just so happy and thankful - tomorrow we will have milk!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I did get my miracle


It's amazing how things work out sometimes...hang in there mamas!

to all the new mama's

and wow the new year is only 50 minutes old and we are at two pages already!!!!

Happy New Year everybody.

Kids are still sick, so I'm just subbing. I'll check in again tomorrow night - if I can catch up!!!!!
 
#35 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by ~*Jaime View Post
You Mamas are pretty smart- does anyone know a good remedy for rashes? My DH accidentally used one of my shampoo bars on his whole body last night, and it isn't pretty
He must be allergic to it. It is really red and painful, is there anything I can put on it to provide him some relief? He is super allergic to pretty much anything, so I am limited here
:

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunanthem View Post
Aloe is good for rashes.
Just an FYI-- People can be allergic to aloe; I know, because I am one of them.
It's a horribly painful thing to learn, too. my mom used to keep aloe plants in the house for cuts and burns; I burned my hand on a curling iron and broke off a bit of aloe. Twenty minutes later, not only was the burn AGONIZING but my hand was swollen from knuckles to wrist.
Truly wretched. If he's never used aloe before and he's got very sensitive skin, I'd totally hold off on that until his skin is all clear, and then test it on healthy, intact skin.


I posted about it a few weeks ago, but i found out that one of my bodywashes had sunflower seed oil in it. Last weekend, I used a sample of a very gentle, natural baby wash on Bella. She was fine, but I broke out up to my elbows; I turned it over and discovered that it has (organic!) sunflower seed oil in it.
Of all the things to have to think about!


Jaime-- Benadryl will help, and showering in just plain water for a bit. If soap is a must, encourage him to wash with a gentle (i.e. for dry hair) shampoo to which he is not allergic. Ideally, though, plain water for a while. It can take ages for those rashes to go away; mine took three weeks, but I can't take benadryl (it keeps me awake all the time and I couldn't afford the cream). Oh, that's another thing-- Benadryl cream. One of the most fantastic inventions of the modern age, for certain.
 
#37 ·
I hope I did this right, I have never replied to a thread before on any board.. If I didnt maybe someone can fix it?

May I jump in and join? I belong here. I feel like I know everyone because I am one of the "lurkers" the last couple of months... Ive only ever posted once before but my New Years goal was to put myself out there, so here I am!

I am holly (there seem to be quite a few holly's here!) sahm/student momma to a 13 ds, 11dd, 8 ds, and a 4 year old neice who lives with us. I am married, and homeschool as well. About as natural as you can get, except for when I cant be due to cost etc.

We are low income and struggle daily as well..in fact I dont know how we will make it to my next student loan check ( and it is so bad to have to depend on it isnt it? ) but something always happens to get us through. . I love my children to death, and have many many things to be grateful for. So all in all I just am lonely and need a place to fit. I so wish some of you moms lived in Michigan near me.. I would love to find someone like minded if you will, we seem to be floating around by ourselves in a sea of totally different views
 
#38 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by ~*Jaime View Post
You Mamas are pretty smart- does anyone know a good remedy for rashes? My DH accidentally used one of my shampoo bars on his whole body last night, and it isn't pretty
He must be allergic to it. It is really red and painful, is there anything I can put on it to provide him some relief? He is super allergic to pretty much anything, so I am limited here
:
Ouch!

What about Aloe Vera? (Is that even the right word in english??) Either pure Aloegel, or if you have the plant itself in your home, then just tear of a piece and use the gel inside.... Usually helps with sunburns, rashes etc.
 
#39 ·
: Welcome to all the new mamas!!
:

And, a very happy new year to all of you!!


My thankfuls:

*That my son has had a few good days in a row. He is very, very anxious and scared. (I suspect he has General Anxiety Disorder, but hasn`t had it confirmed yet. Doctors app. in a few weeks.) He has had a few good days this christmas, and it makes me so happy for him thst he has days where he isn`t as scared as usual.

*That we have good food in the house, and that I will get some money in 8-10 days. Not much, but enough to last us until NEXT "payday".

*That my sister talks to me again.

Long story. She decided she didn`t want anything to do with anyone in our family, and I haven`t seen her or talked to her and her two children in 18 months. She was my best friend, and these 18 months have been so, so hard. This christmas she came to see us when we visited my mother (who lives in the same city as my sister) and we talked. I got to see my nieces again!!


My wishes:

*That we get help for my son. That he experiences calm, safe days more often, and scary, anxious days less.
*That I continue on my path to healing. (Very, very bad childhood. Very bad memories.)
*That the mamas on this thread experience good days.
 
#40 ·
Welcome to all the new Mamas... glad to see the new thread so active, not even 12 hours old and already we are at 2 pages
.

This is really a great group, I think lately I spend more time here than any other place on MDC.

Shay
 
#41 ·
I've got some kn itting to do before work(too bad I don't have the talent to type with my feet while my hands knit!) today but I wanted to pop in for a second to read and say, "WELCOME BACK MAMAMOO! We missed you!"

Welcome to all the newbies, hope everyone sticks around. The more the merrier.

And if everyone could wish me lots of tables and lots of good tips today at work that would be super!
I need to make at LEAST $50 this morning so I can pay the rest of rent and the electric. And then I would be caught up for this month. WOW, what a good feeling!
 
#42 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by justmama View Post
And if everyone could wish me lots of tables and lots of good tips today at work that would be super!
I need to make at LEAST $50 this morning so I can pay the rest of rent and the electric. And then I would be caught up for this month. WOW, what a good feeling!
Here's hoping lots of people who are still drunk and don't realize what they're tipping you come in this morning! LOL
 
#44 ·
hello ladies - so glad to see so many new faces!

I'm grateful for today:

1. That my idiot father has quit talking about leaving us. I have no idea if he still intends to or not, but at least it isn't turning into a screaming fit every time he calls.

2. That DD is getting better - she is feeling a lot better, even if I'm not.

3. That we have an emergency fund. This will really help if my father does leave us. With as barebones as I can get, we'll only be about $400 short a month. I can do that much with craigslist, half.com, and surveys.

I spent yesterday looking into weatherization assistance - they may replace our failing central AC/Heat {it's 20+ years old} for free so I defiantely need to call on that right away when I get home. Plus I know we need more insulation in the attics, which they will also do for free.

I'm debating returning the serger I got for christmas. We bought it on black friday, and I have used it once {just to try it out}. I can get back the $150 I paid for it at hancocks. I just don't know if I'd make enough sewing wipes with it to pay for it. I just can't decide. I love the serger, but it's not 100% needed. I could use the $$$ we paid for it to put towards febuary's bills, which if my father does leave we'll be short on. I just don't know what to do.

It's freezing here today, and my brother's house is freezing too. It's too cold to take a bath {you can see daylight in the tub} and I feel bad because trinity has horrible diaper rash and there is nothing I can do about it. She's never been this dirty in her life, and there is nothing I can do.

I just wish I was back home in texas, warm, fed, and happy.
 
#45 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by hollytheteacher View Post
Hi, i'm new to this thread. Just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Holly, I'm from Vermont and I have a wonderful DH and a 4 month old DS.
hi mama, welcome!

Quote:

Originally Posted by swellmomma View Post
I am definitely low income. Between compacting, the no spending thread, and decluttering hopefully I won't be struggling on that measly income. I am a single mom of 4, that just says it all doesn't it.
Hi! i've been wanting to check out compacting, and decluttering
see you there!

Quote:

Originally Posted by eilonwy View Post


Greatfuls for today:

1. Kids bounce. I had a pretty wretched day yesterday and I was not the world's nicest mommy.
: I can work on it, though, and hopefully they're not traumatized for life. They bounce.


2. The Feb 08 DDC, for sharing the love (and the ick
).

3. Bella's talking a lot more. I'm not sure if she's behind or on time or what, but I've been worried (she's not like her siblings
). It's still blurry and there aren't a lot of sentences, but she's picking up new words right and left.

4. A well-stocked fridge. Yay food stamps!


5. Floravital, for returning me to the status of "human being."
I'm sadly dysfunctional without it.

6. Flax seed oil, which has done wonders for my tapioca brain.

7. The luxury of thinking that the maternal-fetal medicine specialists following my pregnancy are a bit paranoid. I was thinking about this, because they want me to do all kinds of crazy things (like have non-stress tests every week?! and ultrasounds every two weeks?!?!) now that the end of my pregnancy is approaching. It's a bit overreactive when it looks likely that the baby is G-6-PD deficient but nothing else. I mean the absolute worst case scenario, he's born a bit early and a bit small (and by 'a bit early' I mean before 38 weeks, not before 36), and develops a pretty raging case of jaundace in his first few weeks (not the normal physiologic sort, but from hemolytic anemia). Yeah, it's potentially really freaking dangerous, but the chances are really fantastic that even if he *is* G-6-PD deficient, he'll be totally fine at birth (and most of the time thereafter). Then I realized that this is what maternal-fetal medicine specialists do; They deal with that little tiny population of women and babies who experience the worst of the worst. The high-risk population exists, and I'm greatful not to be part of it.


8. Seamonkey's kidneys (the reason I am always referred to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, at least for testing, in the first place) are fine and dandy.
BooBah's kidney issues are thankfully quite managable at this stage, but it was scary and a real PITA when she was teensy.


9. my internet friends really care about me.
: This board and the good friends I've made playing the game not only provide me with my only social outlets; They've truly restored my faith in humanity. I've been an outsider and a wierdo my entire life, but the internet has allowed me to find other people who think the way I do, who feel the way I do, who understand me and, most importantly, who give a damn. I feel like people I've never heard or seen in real life know me better than those who do in a lot of cases, and I'm so floored especially by this thread and the Holiday Helpers; People who in some cases don't even know me all that well "by post," who've never chatted with me on aim, and who have still done amazing things for me and for my family.

10. BooBah's cough is a lot better already. She's still acting 'sick' (less active than usual, and less appetite-- BooBah is ALWAYS hungry when she's healthy, but tonight, for example, she skipped dinner) but she's clearly feeling a lot better than yesterday.
ITA...on all fronts. with the crazy specialists.....part of me wanted them to leave me alone, the other part was as obsessive as they were..needing to know all was well. it only lasted until she was born


Quote:

Originally Posted by impossible View Post
Hi, I'm new to the site and the thread.
I lurked a little bit in last months thread, and saw so much support and awesomeness that I was compelled to join in!

My name is Desiree and I'm a single mom to one. In October my now-ex signed a lease on a new townhouse with me... then walked out on me a couple of weeks later. I am now stuck with the townhouse, and scrimping and saving to afford it because after years of apartment living, the space and the yard are so awesome for my daughter. Giving it up and going back to a crappy apartment is not an option for me - things will be tight but I know we will be better off here.
welcome, Desiree!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brojakee View Post
so I think I'll try and keep up on this thread, though I've lurked forever. My name is Tiffany I have 3 kids, 3 yr old b/g twins, and a one year old boy. My youngest son is always quite ill. My husband had his new girlfriend show up at my house and introduce herself to me and then he left with her with her immediately afterward. It was such a feeling of relief, and freedom, and new beginnings to be honest. He was never particularly nice, and my life has fallen into this beautiful place of me being able to do whatever i want.


I'm grateful today for:

My beautiful children, and a home that is happy now.
My wonderful dog who was left in the bathroom of this home when we moved in.
New year, new possibilities...
Hi Tiffany....awwww....what a gift! (although the previous people really suck
) I had an "angel' dog for a long time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thystle View Post
I went and took the coat off the list.

Not sure about my chart. I am an Aries born in the year of the Dragon if that helps.

an aries
....me, too. triple....born in the year of the snake.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gradmama View Post
Hi Mamas! My computer died in the middle of finals week (of course
) so combined with the fact that it was finals week, I just couldn't keep up and i missed you all sooo much.


My girls and I had an awesome
: christmas thanks to our secret santa, the school's santa program, and my mother and her boyfriend. We actually spent the first Christmas EVER with my mama
:; actually, we spent five days with her - the most ever. So it was a pretty special Christmas. I hit the after Christmas sales for the first time ever, bought clothes for the kids and a new computer. I guess we will consider this a credit-building experience. I really am going to have to get a TAship this quarter or its going to be beyond tight, but that's life!


I'm really going to try to and keep up this month.....

So, I'm not a resolution mama 'cuz well, it doesn't seem productive for me, but I do have some reflections that i would like to share in the form of grats....

2007 has been quite possibly the best year ever.

1. Milestones included my graduation with my BA and admission to graduate school the same year I turned thirty.
2. My girls and I moved to a new town and it is going awesome in ways I didn't dare dream.
3. I am totally in love with one of my best friends ever...I am daring to dream that I might actually get to have love again and this is the most healthy and strong relationship I have ever had. May this long-distance relationship be not so long-distance in 2008 - I'm daring to hope for things....
4. I'm so blessed with some great friends and my family is starting to become closer as well.
5. I live in a paradise - I can look at mountains while smelling the ocean.

I really am just generally happier than I think I've ever been. I guess I'm afraid that 2008 couldn't possibly top this year - may it at least be on par.

Happy New Year mamas!! May it be a good one!
:
your post made me all teary. so good to see you!

Quote:

Originally Posted by angelpie545 View Post
I'm so happy to find this thread! We are struggling so hard financially right now...sometimes we barely have enough to eat.
We are about $10,000 dollars into credit card debt on my side, and about the same on dh's side for back child support and medical bills. *sigh* Dh is paying his support and has a job, but I have a chronic illness so I cannot work and have to SAHM, which of course I don't mind....but I would like to work at least a little bit since my kids are old enough now. So...we are gluey stuck. My wonderful mother is helping me out by making the minimum payments on some of my credit cards, but I am so afraid because I know she cannot keep doing that forever.
hi mama! welcome


Quote:

Originally Posted by SmilinGal View Post
:


Quote:

Originally Posted by canadiannancy View Post
Hi Holly!

I need to join the decluttering for sure.

Yay for kids feeling better, and yay for babies doing good in utero!

Cool, I am in the next town over IRL, Hiss to the ex...and good luck in making it work for you and your daughter!

Oh mygosh! I just got home from the ER...must have jinxed myself by saying dd1 was keepign down fluids so she was ok, she started refusing fluids, and she hasn't eaten much in a month! So stoping drinking was not ok, we went to the hospital and dd1 had a heart rate of 177 and I had 190....she had lost almost 10 pounds and is down to 25 at the moment! We each of us waited hours but eventually got ivs, which made me bawl, she has never had an iV before and they poked her 4 times before they got a good vein! And she had bloodwork and chest xrays...my gosh I have never seen a baby so worked up! We are home now, and I am praying everyone starts feeling better soon! Oh....I had the same ER Dr who said I was miscarrying Callie in the spring...he remembered me, I told him my miscarriage was now 7 weeks old! He said it was a guarantee that I lost her...and all the nurses treated me like crap when I said we weren't vaccinated...
:SO much for being a constitutional right! I think I need to think on my greatfulls..I feel like poop...literally and my kids are sick and I am feeling very very low.
:

Quote:

Originally Posted by LilMomma83 View Post
Well I lurked some last month, I think I may try to keep up this month though and post a little. I'm a stay at home/student mom to an 8mo and my DH has been unemployed for almost 3mos.

I have a little story from today....

I was so upset because my DH was insisting I make a certain thing for a new year's eve get together tonight and I was having to use money to purchase the ingredients when we don't even have money for basic groceries.

The whole time I was in the store I was avoiding people's eyes because I could feel tears about to spill out of my eyes (which was making it worse because I would be sooooooo embarressed to cry in a grocery store!) I was silently praying for miracle and after I checked out and didn't find money on the floor and no sweet old lady paid for my groceries I was actually really disapointed.

The second I got home my phone rang and it was our local WIC office telling me they could see me today instead of 2wks from now and they gave me checks and I'm just so happy and thankful - tomorrow we will have milk!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I did get my miracle


It's amazing how things work out sometimes...hang in there mamas!



Quote:

Originally Posted by hsmomoffour View Post
I hope I did this right, I have never replied to a thread before on any board.. If I didnt maybe someone can fix it?

May I jump in and join? I belong here. I feel like I know everyone because I am one of the "lurkers" the last couple of months... Ive only ever posted once before but my New Years goal was to put myself out there, so here I am!

I am holly (there seem to be quite a few holly's here!) sahm/student momma to a 13 ds, 11dd, 8 ds, and a 4 year old neice who lives with us. I am married, and homeschool as well. About as natural as you can get, except for when I cant be due to cost etc.

We are low income and struggle daily as well..in fact I dont know how we will make it to my next student loan check ( and it is so bad to have to depend on it isnt it? ) but something always happens to get us through. . I love my children to death, and have many many things to be grateful for. So all in all I just am lonely and need a place to fit. I so wish some of you moms lived in Michigan near me.. I would love to find someone like minded if you will, we seem to be floating around by ourselves in a sea of totally different views

there ARE a lot of Holly"s......and a lot of student mamas..me!
yup, 13 days until financial aid comes in. I have a stack of hungry bills just waiting for it!

welcome, Holly!

good morning mamas! and

Happy New Year!

we had so much fun skating last night! Edie really is so sweet


short rant....when we got home the young women upstairs were having a get together.....and someone had actually parked in my spot.
There are certain things i am okay with.....this would NOT be among them! I'm nice. I'll bake you cookies. I'll check your mail when you are away.I'll feed your cat....but I will not be nice if your yahoo buddies park in my spot
:

my gratefuls
1. that bowl of Perky's nutty rice cereal! I forgot there was some left and I so didn't want to cook myself breakfast

2. the fact that we haven't been sick here. no colds or flu's. (knock on wood
)
3. having a little bit of money so i can pay the most crucial bills before they get shut off
4. mdc mamas......

its taken me over an hour to get this post finished! its going to be 'one of those days!'.....random, unfocused


i'll check in later
 
#46 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by sandygirl View Post
hello ladies - so glad to see so many new faces!

I'm grateful for today:

1. That my idiot father has quit talking about leaving us. I have no idea if he still intends to or not, but at least it isn't turning into a screaming fit every time he calls.

2. That DD is getting better - she is feeling a lot better, even if I'm not.

3. That we have an emergency fund. This will really help if my father does leave us. With as barebones as I can get, we'll only be about $400 short a month. I can do that much with craigslist, half.com, and surveys.

I spent yesterday looking into weatherization assistance - they may replace our failing central AC/Heat {it's 20+ years old} for free so I defiantely need to call on that right away when I get home. Plus I know we need more insulation in the attics, which they will also do for free.

I'm debating returning the serger I got for christmas. We bought it on black friday, and I have used it once {just to try it out}. I can get back the $150 I paid for it at hancocks. I just don't know if I'd make enough sewing wipes with it to pay for it. I just can't decide. I love the serger, but it's not 100% needed. I could use the $$$ we paid for it to put towards febuary's bills, which if my father does leave we'll be short on. I just don't know what to do.

It's freezing here today, and my brother's house is freezing too. It's too cold to take a bath {you can see daylight in the tub} and I feel bad because trinity has horrible diaper rash and there is nothing I can do about it. She's never been this dirty in her life, and there is nothing I can do.

I just wish I was back home in texas, warm, fed, and happy.
i wish you safe, warm, fed, and home.
 
#47 ·
Happy New Year Mamas!


I have thankfuls that I will post later... right now I have to clean up more puke! Yep. It wasn't a 24 hour bug. The girls and I are still sick. Ugh.
3 days and they are still having a hard time keeping water down. Gateraid seems to work better, so I think I'll stick with that.

Updates to the list Thystle!

Since I'm so close to birthing, I think I can make due with what maternity clothes I have.
And my girls all have snowsuits now!
thank you to all the mamas that helped with that need!


I do still need a baby bjorn potty and I'm looking for a Rosie wooden Thomas train for my 2 year old for her birthday. Our stores are all sold out of them
 
#49 ·
Yikes! I'll read all the new posts in a minute but for now I'm freaking out! Was anyone else's cash aid missing this morning? I'm supposed to get mine on the 1st but its not there! I'm hoping its just due to New years and it will be there tomorrow.
 
#50 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by Satori View Post
Yikes! I'll read all the new posts in a minute but for now I'm freaking out! Was anyone else's cash aid missing this morning? I'm supposed to get mine on the 1st but its not there! I'm hoping its just due to New years and it will be there tomorrow.
Mine is in. I hope yours is just a fluke!
 
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