joannqn Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 (edited) Three and a half years ago, my husband's job cut everyone's base pay and changed the commission structure. The changes meant his take home pay was $1,000 less than it had been, and there was no way we could cut things enough to make ends meet. After a lot of prayer, DH approached me with the desire to quit his job, cash out his small IRA, and start his own business. Right around that same time, we found out we were expecting. It was a long, difficult three and a half years. We found out our home was full of lead and my youngest had elevated levels expected to increase. Our drug dealer neighbor targeted us for retaliation. We made the decision to walk away from our home for the kids' medical and physical safety. The kids never had more than a single pair of shoes at a time. We typically only had 2, maybe 3, pairs of pants for each person. But we always managed to make do and find a way to replace what really needed replacing. In hindsight, we can see now that God always provided what was needed in one way or another. This week DH signed a new large client on retainer. The income will take us completely off of food stamps and bump the kids off of the state's free medicaid program and onto a premium plan. After putting aside money for taxes, increasing our food budget to make up for the lost food stamps, and covering the new insurance premiums, we should have about $500 left over to start buying things we've been putting off (like getting DD2 her first bed) and paying off debt. My car will be first, because it will be paid off in November even if we don't pay extra. That will free up $300 that we'll also put towards the next debt. It's exciting to know that we'll be paying off debt and have some disposable income again. The other great news is that the cipro injury to my left heel appears to be suddenly healing. I could barely walk a mile and was often in high amounts of pain. All week my ankle has been feeling like a very mild, healing sprain with very little pain when wearing my shoes. The plantar fasciitis part of it is slightly worse than what it was before cipro but well within my tolerance level. For the first time in 2 months, I have hope I'll be able to walk, really walk, again. Then there's my shoulder, which I injured 7 months ago but didn't get treated due to lack of insurance. It has hurt every day since, some days worse than others. It's been feeling pretty good the last couple of days. I don't know why, but I hope it continues. Finally, the cough I've been fighting for the past 2 months seems to be getting a little better. If it doesn't get obviously better, I should be able to see a doctor at the end of the month thanks to the new income. Plus I live next to this place. I just wanted to share with someone. Edited May 24, 2012 by joannqn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happypamama Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 This is such a happy post to read, both because it gives me hope that we'll not be in our own difficult financial situation forever, and because I'm really happy for your family! Congratulations, and also, well done -- throughout the difficulties, you've worked hard and kept your family together. Enjoy the goodness. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuirkyKapers Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 Beautiful! I am so glad that things are getting better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 Woo hoo! I'm so glad to read this. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendi Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 Yay! I'm so glad things are improving for you guys. And, hey, I didn't realize someone else on here had tendon damage from Cipro. I was limping around in pain for several months two years ago. It did heal, and now I'm pain-free. (Although hiking still makes me nervous!) Wendi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joannqn Posted May 24, 2012 Author Share Posted May 24, 2012 Yay! I'm so glad things are improving for you guys. And, hey, I didn't realize someone else on here had tendon damage from Cipro. I was limping around in pain for several months two years ago. It did heal, and now I'm pain-free. (Although hiking still makes me nervous!) Wendi I know of two other people at WTM that experienced adverse reactions to Cipro. I've met two others IRL. And I spoke to a homeschool mom whose friend had a complete rupture requiring surgery from it. It doesn't seem as uncommon as they try to make it sound. I'm just glad I decided to wean DD rather than nursing her while on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PollyOR Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 :thumbup: So happy for you and your family! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaT Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 I'm so happy that things are looking up for you! I love reading good news! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LittleIzumi Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 :party::party: Yay! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
REv1053 Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 Thats great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brigitte Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 Joann, What a wonderful, uplifting post. You made my day. Congratulations to you and your dh for persevering and working so hard. What a great model you both are for your kids. I admire you for that. Brigitte Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyfaithe Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 What an uplifting post! So happy for you and your family! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merry Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 ....and now summer is coming with sunshine and warm weather and you can enjoy going outside now that you can walk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 Amen, Joann! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
besroma Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 Congratulations! That is wonderful! I would love to live next to a nature preserve. I grew up with trilliums in the woods around my home. The photos in your blog are beautiful. What a bounty of blessings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamakim Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 JoAnn, I can't tell you how this lifts me up. You guys have had it really rough, with the old house mess and health issues and working through the school mess and all. What a great post to read . . . hoping things just keep going up from here! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThisIsTheDay Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 That is just awesome to read, JoAnn. Praise God!! :hurray: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie G Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 So happy for you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy Jo Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 Yay! Congrats and thanks for posting - I needed some hope today! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JenniferB Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 Wonderful news! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kim in Appalachia Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 What a great report! Thanks for sharing. I'm glad things are looking up and I pray they continue in that direction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thescrappyhomeschooler Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 That is wonderful news! I'm glad for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lauracolumbus Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 I much prefer to read happy news rather than all the depressing news around me. And the photos on your blog are gorgeous. Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlessedMom Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 Wonderful news! So thankful the Lord has been blessing you through this time of transition! May He continue to bless you and your family!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenL Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 I remember when you chose to walk away from your house and when things changed with your dh's job. It is FANTASTIC to see how far God has brought you and your family! God is so good when we let him take control! Thank you for sharing your wonderful news! What a blessing to live near that nature preserve... I love the pictures on your blog. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TammyinTN Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 I'm so thrilled for you! :party: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 Yay for you!!! :hurray: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudoMom Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 I'm am so happy for you and your family :grouphug:.:grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soror Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 Wonderful, wonderful news! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soror Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 Wonderful, wonderful news! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsBasil Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 That's wonderful!!! :party: and encouraging! Thanks for sharing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly1730 Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 I remember your housing situation and how sad I felt for your family at that time. So glad that things are turning around for you, praise God for His faithfulness to your family! And what a blessing to live next to the nature preserve, enjoy your summer! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cassy Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 My word, you've been through a lot. I'm so happy that your life has taken a turn for the better. Long may it last! :grouphug: Cassy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annabel Lee Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 I remember your post about the horrible neighborhood and wondering whether to leave your house - how awful that must have been. What a beautiful area you live in now! I'm so glad to hear how things are coming together for you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JVA Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 You are such an example to others!! Thank you for sharing your story....as so many of us would throw in the towel. And praise God for His sustenence and care for you- meeting your needs during a tough time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmrich Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 Thank you for sharing. I admire what you have done as a family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in AL Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 I am so glad to hear things are looking up. It has been a long road for you.:party: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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