I haven't been posting much lately as I have been bumming about the upcoming holiday. This year has been so rough on our family with the economy and all. Even with hubby working and myself working part time we still can't make ends meet. I have 3 shelves in my basement that was full of can goods, box potatoes and rice, over the past 3 months we have used up everything down there except for a couple of cans of those grilling beans and that is because no one likes them so I did donate them to a food drive. I have some meat in the freezer, chicken, pork roasts and a couple of hams, bacon and sausage but no side items to go with them. I thank God that I had those stockpiles to get me though these last few months, but even with double coupons I can't seem to get any food items for free or next to free. I tried for food stamps but we own to much and they count my dad's income also so we did not qualify. I have been transferring perscriptions to walgreens and rite aid to get those gift cards and that is how I have been getting milk, pop, bread and a few other food items. I also used them to get a few christmas presents for my daughter. She is 7 and a only child so she is so used to coming down and having 20-30 presents under the tree but this year I only managed to get her 6 and they came from walgreens and rite aid so they are not the greatest gifts but free is free. I have explained to her that santa is having it rough this year and she knows that he will not be leaving many presents but it just breaks my heart because even though she says its ok I know she is going to be disappointed on christmas day. I have managed to save up enough change to where my hubby and I are going to take her to see Marley and Me on christmas day and that is our gift to her. I had my daughter later in life, when I was 40 and she is the best thing that has ever happened to me and I love her with all my heart and soul and it justs hurts me that I can not do more for her. I know just about everyone is having it rough and we are not the only ones but it still hurts. But on a brighter note we are able to make our house payment every month and keep up with the utilities and put gas in the car and we are all in good health so I am very thankful for that. I hope everyone has the best christmas that they can and hopefully after the holidays I will be able to start posting some goodie boxes. I have a 5 day leave from work coming up and plan on doing some major closet cleaning so I will be posting as soon as I get some items gather up. Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year if I don't post before then. 1|1|Hi Connie~*~|RebekkaVA|queen_vulture@msn.com|15:23:43|12/21/2008|
I'm sorry that you're having such a rough time girlie. I know how hard it is and we are struggling as well. I just found out yesterday that Will's Advair is going to cost $400 a month, I almost fainted. We applied for medical insurance through the state in AZ but were turned down cause we weren't under the 200% poverty level and made too much money. I was like what??????? This is ridiculous. How are people suppose to survive and stay healthy, or get the meds they need. We are gonna apply here in VA and see if we can get it, it would be such a huge help to us. Unfortunately, Will doesn't work right now, so he's drawing disability and they are trying to get him on Social Security, so if that happens, then Cheyenne can draw a little off of it too, but right now we are only surviving on his little income and no health insurance. There are two things I wanted for Christmas, one for my husband to be cancer free and the other for our kids and us to be together, we got the wish for the kids and ourselves to be together, so we are thankful for that. I had my daughter late in life too, I was 39. My other two children I had when I was 19 and 32. My daughter knows that everyone is struggling and knows that Santa is having a hard year trying to get presents to everyone, she told me "Don't worry Mom, it isn't about the presents, it's about family and Jesus". I had tears in my eyes. I wish you and your family the best girlie. Hugs, Rebekka
~*~REBEKKA~*~
a.k.a. "Queen Vulture"
Married to my Soul Mate William
"My husband has cancer, Please pray for him"
Mommy to:
Timothy 5/80
Matthew 10/92
Cheyenne 9/99
*EMAIL*: queen_vulture@msn.com
Feedback link: http://www.refundsweepers.com/dcforum/feedback/796.html
2|2|Just buying minimal gifts this year...|HONEY11|HONEY1@AMERITECH.NET|15:45:47|12/21/2008|
My bf just started back to work a couple months ago after being on workmans comp for almost 2 years, what a struggle we had during that time. I used all my stockpile up also but was glad I had it as back up when I did..No stores double coupons here so gotta really watch sales and try to get stuff the cheapest way possible. And I am just starting to build my stockpile up slowly as money allows for it. I think it is a great safety net and everyone should have things stocked on hand, as I never guessed times would get bad, but at least was prepared for it when it happen and did'nt go hungry.
When my son was little I had a tough time buying him gifts, and he is my only child also so I understand about mom's wanting to give their child/children more than what they had. Dollar stores did'nt exist back then and he was lucky if I could get 2 gifts for him every x-mas. At first yes, I felt bad, but then realized unknownly I was teaching my son a valuable life lesson that less is more...to be greatful for what he gets instead of being greedy and wanting it all. I raised him from a small guy saying to him, be grateful for what you have instead of what you don't.
I guess raising him that way he has grown up to be thrifty like me and even small things matter and are appriciated and he is grateful for all. He did'nt grow up to be materialistic at all..
3|2|thanks, and I know what you mean about the insurance|crenchen|crenchen@aol.com|15:50:43|12/21/2008|
we don't have any health insurance either. It would cost $165 a week through my hubby's work and that would be almost two weeks pay to cover us for a month. Thank goodness we haven't had to go to any doctors or the hospital in the last couple of years. Sabrina does understand that it is hard on everyone and on Santa too and that she only wants one or two presents from Santa and especially a stuffed animal because he always brings her one. But it still kills me that we couldn't do more for her, but we do plan on having a heck of a time at the movies later that day. We are sneeking in our own drinks, lol, and getting the big tub of popcorn so we can have it re-filled so all in all it won't be such a bad holiday. So, wishing everything is good for you this holiday season and I will keep you, Will and the rest of your family in my thoughts and prayers. 6|3|Connie~*~|RebekkaVA|queen_vulture@msn.com|22:10:31|12/21/2008|
We appreciate your thoughts and prayers girlie. I hope things start to get better for you too. It's so hard without insurance, I think that is what is one of the worst things for us, because our prescriptions are so expensive, but we have to get them. Your day at the movies sounds like fun and I hope you all have a great time. Cheyenne wants to see that movie and also Tales of Despereaux, she just finished the book. Hugs, Rebekka
~*~REBEKKA~*~
a.k.a. "Queen Vulture"
Married to my Soul Mate William
"My husband has cancer, Please pray for him"
Mommy to:
Timothy 5/80
Matthew 10/92
Cheyenne 9/99
*EMAIL*: queen_vulture@msn.com
Feedback link: http://www.refundsweepers.com/dcforum/feedback/796.html
4|1|sad& lonely,depressing|cdoane|cdoane@mail.com|21:35:27|12/21/2008|
NO ONE to celebrate with so its just lil ol me doing nothing no gifts for me *sniff sniff* oh well probaly should get use to it i didnt even decorate and not sure if i am going to cook a holiday dinner for myself or not 5|2|I encourage you to find someplace to volunteer.....|Quietwaters|Quietwaters39@hotmail.com|21:39:55|12/21/2008|
making someone else feel better, will also do wonders for you. Praying things turn out much better than you expect.
************
~*~REBEKKA~*~
a.k.a. "Queen Vulture"
Married to my Soul Mate William
"My husband has cancer, Please pray for him"
Mommy to:
Timothy 5/80
Matthew 10/92
Cheyenne 9/99
*EMAIL*: queen_vulture@msn.com
Feedback link: http://www.refundsweepers.com/dcforum/feedback/796.html
8|3|Clay, I too wish you Happy Holidays and wish I was closer!! |car_mont|car_mont@hotmail.com|23:18:51|12/21/2008|
PLEASE INCLUDE - USER NAME AND YOUR OFFER if we are in a trade. 11|2|you should volunteer at a local meals for me or holiday dinner program in your area--they can use the help|docpolly|plshrews@aol.com|05:21:42|12/23/2008|
"Friends are angels who lift us up when our wings no longer remember how to fly"
and you can find some wonderful people and have a sense of peace at well being during the holidays
:)
doc
19|2|clay ---CYE|ppe1952|MATWELL3@ROCHESTER.RR.COM|09:54:23|12/24/2008|
Remember your manners: when god answers your prayers----- say thank you. 9|1|no more christmas in this house|cinda68|lacinda68@gmail.com|15:29:32|12/22/2008|
This is the first year when my husband and I will not be doing christmas and wow it feels so good to not have that burden. We also aren't doing birthdays, other holidays (easter, etc.). We have been convicted by scripture that speaks against it and I gotta say, its wonderful and peaceful to be out of the world's celebrations. I am looking forward to getting some good deals after christmas as we still need some winter clothes so I am just waiting til next week when the clearance sales start. Christmas is pretty much the day before clearance sales for me. 10|1|Crazy, Happy, Stressful, Joyous! Cut back on gifts but we will have 2 Grandchildren|Mackiesmudder|Mackiesmudder@aol.com|00:46:06|12/23/2008|
here and we will be together so Thankful too!! Since I am just about finished, except for work, I am now enjoying everything!
Cathie : )
12|1|We all shouldn't worry about what we can not have or give but celebrate what we have and who we have to be with and those we have been lucky enough|teener|teenerzacsneenee@yahoo.com|06:36:11|12/23/2008|
to have shred our lives with Maybe these hard times that we are all going through is a way for us to get back to the simple way and to get out of the mind set that more is better
Hugs all around
13|2|Well said, Tina.......|shelly|shellysue49@gmail.com|06:48:15|12/23/2008|
..I have been saying this too...I really feel these times, as tough as they are/will get, can also be a time to bond with our families and get back to a simpler way of life. IMO, it's not ALL bad.
Shelly 14|3|MY YOUNGEST SON IS FLYING IN FOR CHRISTMAS SO I AM HAPPY AS HECK...YA HOOOO|JOYHAPPYONE|DAIDOLA5@AOL.COM|19:50:11|12/23/2008|
I'M TOO GOOD LOOKING TO BE THIS OLD...AT MY AGE I'VE SEEN IT ALL, I'VE HEARD IT ALL, AND I'VE DONE IT ALL..I JUST CAN'T REMEMBER IT ALL!!!!!!!! 15|1|Alone this year but doing ok (more inside)|cfosterart|cfosterart21@yahoo.com|22:10:57|12/23/2008|
My parents went to South Carolina to visit my sister and her family. I couldn't take off work so I stayed behind here in Maryland. I'll be spending the day alone and will be having a nice ham for my Christmas dinner. As cdoane had said, I won't be exchanging gifts with anyone either. However, I am extremely thankful that I still have my parents and they are still able to get around and visit my sisters. I'm staying busy after work by checking on their place, taking care of their chickens, and checking on my place. I'd do this any time for them because I am just that darn thankful that I still have my parents and they are still pretty healthy. To me, that is the greatest gift I could ever have in this life.
Cathy 16|1|in spite of everything... We're blessed and happy to say we've been able to bless others this Christmas!|CJDJ112366|Lintaos@optonline.net|22:26:41|12/23/2008|
I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas in spite on their circumstances. We can still choose to be happy! 
Hugs,
Carol
17|1|I helped pass out toys at SA for 2 days very rewarding|LindaOh|Martinl3@roadrunner.com|09:28:03|12/24/2008|
Clay if there is anywhere that are having dinners Christmas day they really need help, people are so busy I guess not many offer to help Linda 18|1|things have been going pretty good for me considering everything........|rainj|jrainshgp@centurytel.net|09:42:57|12/24/2008|
This year i was not overwhelmed with not being able to get my kids a bunch of presents. This year i am thrilled to have my friends who have no family around them come over for christmas dinner like they do every year. Christmas has gotten so "commercial" lately that i am trying to bring back the celebration of Christ and family. My kids will be happy with what they get i have already told them that Santa wont be bringing to much stuff like he has in the past as that is not what Christmas is about anyway and they truly understand. I just feel that we are truly blessed this year to have friends coming to spend such a wonderful day with us. I am just trying not to stress over the little stuff anymore and it really has taken the weight off my shoulders. Of course i still have my days where i feel that im being buried but all in all life is great right now. I am just learning to live with the little money that i have coming and not living beyond my means.
Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a great New Year :)
Please leave feedback for me @
http://www.refundsweepers.com/dcforum/feedback/598.html
~Jennifer~
20|1|I'm so sorry to hear you're having a rough year....|kellysp6637|frugalk76@aol.com|16:50:35|12/24/2008|
Posted on Dec-24-08 at 04:50 PM (Eastern) by 205.188.116.68
this year...I scaled wayyyy back on presents...honestly....I'm just sick and tired of buying a bunch of presents just for the sake of having presents under the tree.....the kids play with the majority of the stuff for a week or so,,,then it's thrown into a toybox and forgotten....so instead of buying tons of toys and other stuff....I chose a few items from their Christmas list and bought them....each of them will have 9 or 10 gifts to open....they are all nice quality,,,but seriously....I'm tired of the wastefulness that comes with this holiday...sorry to sound like the grinch....
I know my kids will love their stuff....and I feel good knowing there won't be a mess of toys strewn about the house. I know your daughter will be excited to wake up xmas morning and see that Santa has been.
Here's wishing everyone on here a safe and happy holiday!