Every bit helps ... I guess

Another week in our bleak financial life. My husband says he thinks we are on our way up that hill out of the financial valley we've been in ... but I don't know. He tries to "protect me" from our money situation so that I don't get depressed about it. He thinks I'm completely fragile. I'm really not! I simply worry too much over it to the point of illness or depression ... so he doesn't let me in on any of it. And, considering I'm not the one working every day (outside the home) for the "big bucks", he handles all the bills, etc ... so I don't really know what's going on? I am the one home getting the mail ... which not only includes the bills, but the overdraft statements from the bank. How are we overdrawn? We don't go anywhere, do anything? But, still, once a week we get one?! See why I can't seem to find $2 to buy a newspaper ... hence not being able to really do the "coupon shopping" thing. Great concept ... if the paper/coupons were free (for the record ... our local stores don't all take printed coupons)!

Anyways, I figured I should update everyone on the "raise" Super Dad finally got. It wasn't what we were hoping for! I have already sent in a few applications for Super Dad of CL. We are keeping our ears open for anything closer to home. Basically though, they gave him a small amount, with an additional amount possible in 6 months. How does that help us now? He specifically told them we needed X amount a year to simply live "comfortably" (not meaning any lavish lifestyle ... just no weekly overdraft statements). When he was told the amount, he simply said thank you and walked away. UGH! He is really WAY TOO NICE for his own good! I've always told him this! He lets people walk all over him just to avoid conflict! Me on the other hand, I'm the complete opposite. I refuse to step down or let people take control over me (did I mention I have HUGE issues with authority). Now we are torn as to what to do because he actually likes some aspects of this job, but more importantly, we NEED him to stay here if we are going to have any chance at buying this house later on this year! Job stability is a huge plus in the mortgage industry. So, we are fervently praying and will let God lead us as we wait on Him. He would never steer us wrong, we just have to make sure we are listening to His will rather than our own when decision time comes!

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. For your name's sake, O LORD, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.
- Psalm 143:10-11

On a good note though, I did notice that I will be getting a check from CafePress this next week! That's always fun! I like to play around with my Photoshop (which I should mention was given to me by a dear friend) brushes and fonts (I wish I could draw but I simply can't), so I upload a few things to CafePress and Zazzle and see what I can sell? I figure it doesn't cost me anything out of pocket and it couldn't hurt to try and bring in a few extra bucks here and there. So far, it hasn't been too bad. I sell at least one item a month (which doesn't calculate into much), but it adds up after a while. I've been doing it for almost two years now. Like I said, "every little bit helps ... I guess."