Our new budget

Changes in our budget were needed- I've been working on it since January- so here it is!

January budget Savings March budget

church $100 0 $100
mortgage and
home equity loan $1859 $100 $1759
heat and
appliance coverage $193 $26 $167

elec $107 $0 $107

garbage $22 $0 $22

water/sewer $45 $0 $45

phone $50 $5 $45

cell, 2 $20 $0 $20

gas $400 $50 $350
Graham,
misc. $ $50 $0 $50

credit cards $649 $149 $500
grocery and
diapers $440 $165 $275
car and life
insurance $145 $22 $123

internet/cabl $61 $0 $61
med insurance
and copays $650 $550 $100

totals $4,791 $1067 $3,724

So, things are better. The best thing for us was getting state health insurance to help us out. We tested it the second day, went and got three prescriptions for Graham at Walmart. What would have been $70 last month was $13! $9, $3, and $1!
I canceled my life insurance, the appliance coverage with the gas company, we have cut down on driving, long distance, I used a balance transfer offer, and went from 6 credit cards to four, lowering the minimums by $150. I've been paying down the home equity loan enough that the interest only payment dropped from $500 to $400. While Graham had the severance pay I stocked the pantry and found one free food source, a once a month Saturday pickup in a neighboring town. I went a few times, now Graham and I both go to get bread, produce, and a variety of other food products. I'm not confident I can stay under $300 for food every month, but I think I can for a few months. Our budget is still too high for our income, but with the tax refund coming soon and Graham had a free lance job last month proofreading, we are getting by.

On another positive note, Graham and I are working more as a team. The time off has given us a chance to talk about things more fully and work on our relationship. I think, and I think Graham would agree, that we have never felt closer.

The little girls had the flu, and Capri had an ear infection. Luckily now everyone is better. I did 12 loads of laundry last Saturday, blankets, pillows, stuffed toys, anything to get the house more germ free. Everyone is healthy now.

Cherish has been in a good nap schedule, and when she and Capri sleep at the same time, Promise and I cook! Today, cinnamon rolls, usually cookies. Of course, now that Capri was laying down and taking a nap in her portacrib-this lasted all of two weeks- on Saturday she dug her baby toes in the netting and came walking out- she has escaped the portacrib!

I hear a little from Tasha- she will be in Ireland for St. Patrick's Day and Italy for Easter. She sent photos, she sounds good, sounds like she's having fun. Stay safe, sweetie! We are trying to get Skype on our computer so we can talk for free.

True and Ivy are done with basketball- True's team did pretty well, Ivy's team learned a lot! Ivy played two seasons and is now moving into volleyball season.

I am hoping to go on ski day tomorrow with the big kids, going on the magnet field trip with Promise, making the most of my chance until Graham starts school on March 17.

Violet is busy reading-one of her favorite things to read is Tasha's old collection of Archie comic books! She recently wrapped up a colonial unit at school by making a help wanted poster. I've added a photo of Violet enjoying one of my very old books, a 1942 copy of Twig. She's my third little girl to enjoy it.

That's about all new here. I am contented to have a little slower pace while Graham has been home more, it's actually been quite lovely.

Tracy