We actually don't feel so crowded- the kids spend really only sleeping time in their rooms, we have a big family room, and everyone hangs out together a lot- we have books and a TV and board games there.  It is a permanent situation, we owe about what the house is worth- the main struggle is clothes and toys storage!

Brandy, I think you should spend some $ on your FEMA trailer to make it comfy- my sister has been working on Katrina on numbers and where people are ending up- she was behind the scenes right after, from New York, and she says it is so hard to get things moving locally- I fear you could be stuck for several months, and you need to be happy as a person, wife, and mother to make your life good- if part of that is buying some furniture that works, like folding comfortable chairs, and storage that works in your space, I would say go for it.   What would make it feel more like home?

Tracy 

I feel many who are still in temp housing are stuck for awhile. I think we are among the fortunate ones. My husband does have a decent income and we are raising the credit score so there is light at the end of the tunnel, it's just a long patient walk to get there. Some don't even have that light.

We do have some things that make a "home". I hung some chimes and put out some candles, two things that are tied to my emotional and spiritual well being. I have bought some baskets to add some homey touches for  counter/shelf top storage.  I saw red rag type rug for $5 that just felt warm and inviting to me...I put it down on the floor. I want to continue with this trend a few pieces here and there.

We decided to put money into setting up outdoor space. We plan to repair the awning on the old RV that is serving as additional living space...we will be using it as a porch of sorts. I bought some small plastic picket fencing to run against the sewer pipe to hide it then realised the fencing needed some country type planters and  some plastic sunflowers. We have outdoor table, chairs and a glider in mind too.

Having things that express who we are and help us to relax make a home.

Your outdoor area sounds great!  I've looked at the glider at Walmart- we have a patio, with chairs, a picnic table, and the kids have scooters and that red and yellow car out there- I love to go out with a book or baby- this year it will be a baby holding summer, I'll have to read at night! 

Do you make sun tea? Last year- caffine free due to pregnancy, I think the year before we drank powdered instant tea- I think sun tea would taste better.  

Tracy 

I honestly have not tried to make my own sun tea. Mom used to but I have settled for using the coffee pot or instant. I don't have the room in the fridge to chill much.

Hi Brandy,

Keep the faith!  I was reading something yesterday and after reading all of the posts, I just had to pass it on to you.  God is never late and rarely early!  Looking back on my life, I can say that is most definitely true!  My DH and I spent 3 years with the majority of our belongings packed away in storage and living with his parents and then mine for both 1 1/2 years.  It was quite stressfull and I am so gratefull we didn't have children then.  After going from a 2-story house to a small bedroom, it was quite a shock.

I hope it will not be 3 years for you, although 20 months is an awful long time.  Keep thinking positive and really celebrate the baby steps!  We'll have to come up with a whole slew of cliches for you, like "Rome wasn't built in a day!"

Thank you, Bonnie. Some days, I am just running on empty and need a little something to see me past it.

 This topic and housing has been on my mind a lot lately. Let me backtrack just a little bit. All my married life, my husband has worked in volatile fields. We lived frugally to provide a counter balance to that lack of stability. We moved from La to Ms due to a long stretch of no real work for him about eight years ago. Things were going great and my husband was laid off when the company shut down the division he worked in. Jobs were hard to find then. We opened our business and struggled hard from the start. We went into survival mode and it was draining us.

A few weeks before the storm, we opted to not renew our lease on the building for the business.  Without the obligation of the business, he was free to take a good full time offer that happened to come right at that moment. Then Katrina hit and everything changed.

It just seemed so unfair and so hopeless for too long. And then I wanted my turn at good things and a nice house. For a bit, this became like an obsession. One I am releasing and sticking where it belongs...the trashcan.

 This is what led me to examining my issues with small homes. I know I have to be at peace with today and be patient for the coming of tomorrow. A small home (one of choice, not just the TT today) may well give us what a large home with a big monthly note cannot...peace of mind, enjoyment of life, the security I crave.

Brandy:

And then I wanted my turn at good things and a nice house. For a bit, this became like an obsession. One I am releasing and sticking where it belongs...the trashcan

Fore what it's worth, my daily morning prayer is "Please give me what I need, and  protect me from what I want" I often think the second part is way more important.  It might seem cliched, but then I feel that cliches become cliches cause they are true, but count your blessings and you will be more content. 

Jim,

I have been able to find blessings to count but at one point I was having trouble seeing them. What do you do to remind yourself of or see your blessings? Maybe someone else might read this discussion and need that kind of help.

Brandy:

Jim,

I have been able to find blessings to count but at one point I was having trouble seeing them. What do you do to remind yourself of or see your blessings? Maybe someone else might read this discussion and need that kind of help.

 

 

It's a mindset first of all, just get in the habit of being positive about things.  First off your alive, second your not going through this alone, third you have a place to get into out of the weather that's dry and warm (or relatively so).  Figure out how to turn negatives into positives.  For myself even pain can be reassuring cause it means I'm alive.