[quote user="Pat"]I absolutely agree with buying locally. I also lean toward buying only what's seasonally available.[/quote] I'm with you on the seasonal part, although I don't think I can afford locally produced meat, for example.  But the vegetables...I like growing them too. Then I know for sure they are ...

You can check online at the Toys R Us site, too.  They have the rebate form.  I got Candyland and Chutes n Ladders for $5.22 each at Walmart the other day.  They had some other basic games in that price category too.  With some snacks...that's a great family night gift. 

I've got little kids (4 and 2).  They enjoy unwrapping lots of little things more than anything else.  I just got all their stocking stuff at the Dollar Tree.  Each got a new set of crayons and one of markers , some glitter glue, construction paper, stickers, a cowboy hat, dress up shoes, a Dragon Tails book, a bit of ...

I think you've made a good start.  But also if possible try not to worry too much.  It sounds like you are carrying two babies?  You need all the rest and stress free time you can get. Is there another adult who can step in and do some of the worrying for you?  Your husband or mom?

[quote user="Luvd_Lioness"]what broke the camel's back was him taking out a student loan (and me finding out via sorting through letters[/quote] That would have sent me over the edge as well.  

I'm with Kabin and elovestea--my kids were the biggest risk. I always felt I could take care of myself no matter what, but adding kids to the mix scared me.  They were both planned and I'm ecstatic I took the risk, though.  I know what anxiety really means now!  But also strength.

[quote user="Luvd_Lioness"]There was a show that I used to watch, when I had cable... "How Clean is Your House".[/quote] I saw that a few times. I liked those ladies, though, for just getting on with it and tackling it. I think I'm bent the other way.  I'm sort of an anti-hoarder.  My Dad's the same ...

[quote user="Miserly"] I feel much saner when I can put things right and clean around me.[/quote] I think you are already healing yourself...you've written down your troubles and taken a walk.  I think Miserly's right; immerse yourself in a project.  What's going to happen is going to happen regardless, and you ...

I just started new bank accounts at a place that does not charge you for counting coins....I just think that's an outrageous imposition for a bank to make on a customer.  My father always saved his change in a shoebox for us kids.  Then before a vacation, he would get it down and have us count and roll it.  He would give each ...

Sorry to hear that, LL.  I think you hit the nail on the head when you said lack of communication about money.  It isn't the money, but the communication. I almost didn't marry my husband 10 years ago for the same reason!  Our wedding was in October, but in the June and July before it I went to Europe for 6 weeks for a job ...