Goodbye 2009

Well this time last year, Shawn was laid off and we fell behind on just about everything.  Well this year so far, we are still a bit behind on some things, but Shawn still has a job and for that, I am truly thankful for.  In this economy, it is scary to be on the verge of loosing that precious job.  2009 was a hard year for us….financially.  If I would have known that we would be in the position that we are now, I would not have bought a house. I would have either stayed living with my mom or stayed renting our old house. We have struggled financially since the first time Shawn was laid off.  It seemed like just as we got ourselves caught up, we were knocked back down again only this time we are facing foreclosure, the mounting bills, the leaking roof, the cars need repaired, etc. Last year was very hard for us. We just squeezed by on getting Christmas done for the kids this year, thanks to a Christmas bonus. But the kids loved everything they got and to me, that makes the struggles more appreciative.  The kids know we are not made of money. They know we are not rich, but they know we are not poor either.  They know things cost money and sometimes that means giving up something that you want to be able to fix something you have now.  And no we didn’t do alot of extra things this year like camping or going to the boardwalk. But we did do things on a smaller scale as a family instead. Like shooting bow at Guys place. Spending time with my sister and her family on the free tickets for Six Flags. Seeing a movie. And even watching movies at home.

Walking into 2010 I am hoping for change. for catching up. for less stress.  If that means new jobs, or additional jobs. Less time on hunting and scrapbooking, then that is what is going to happen. Here is to 2010….a year to do more!

And because I can not have a post without a photo:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And although not the best photo, its my favorite from the holidays. My brother Tommy, playing blocks with Logan.