I thought I'd share this recipe.

~1 pkg Kool-Aid (or store brand version)
~8 Tablespoons sugar
~3/8 teaspoons salt
~1/8 teaspoons salt substitute (example: No-Salt; be sure it contains potassium chloride)
~2 Quarts cold water

Mix everything together and refrigerate.

We bought a used 2004 Toyota Sienna in August because our old van died. We make payments on it. DH was laid-off in October, and has recently started a lawn care business.

Alas, our savings is running out and the van will have to go. But a way has been made for us to have another vehicle. DHs friend asked us to sell his grandma's van for him (1999 Chevy Astro) and said that DH could have half of whatever he could get for the van. So we're thinking of keeping it and selling the Toyota. The Astro has had a major overhaul and runs well, but it needs a paint job and the tint has turned purple (clearly that doesn't matter mechanically, just a vanity thing for me).

I'm sad to have such a reliable vehicle go, especially because we'll take a loss on it of about $2k (I do not know how that happened! KBB dropped the value $4k since August... do used vehicles depreciate THAT fast?). But I'm glad that there is another van just sitting at our house waiting for us. I much prefer my Sienna, obviously, but I prefer being able to live in my house and feed my children more!

Hopefully someday we'll be able to get another great vehicle. And even more, we'll pay cash for it!

It is important to me to teach my kids how to save and spend responsibly. Since the lay-off, we suspended allowance. Recently, and of his own accord, DS called his grandparents to ask if he could come over and work for an allowance from them.

Yesterday was his (and oldest DDs) first job. DS worked hard! DD worked a little (apparently we need to work with her more). DS received $15, DD received $5. When asked what he'll do with the money, DS replies "I want to put it in my bank account." My heart skipped a beat!

DS is 6 years old, DD is 5. They're on the right track!

Google redbox codes (it might be that dot com) and use those codes. They work, just take a few with you in case one doesn't work where you are. One DVD per code. We've rented 3 so far for free.

This is what I netted for $16.62:

(1) Pull-ups
(1) Clorox 24 oz
(1) Pledge
(1) Sparkle window cleaner (on clearance for $1 and it has a $2 MIR!)
(2) Healthy Choice bowls
(4) Cream of Chicken soups (campbells)
(2) Colgate Kid's toothpaste
(1) Children's Tylenol
(1) Sure deodorant
(1) Colgate Kid's Toothbrush

I probably could have done better, but this was my first time and I had a 3 yo, 2 yo, and 1 yo with me. Not too shabby!

His company went belly-up. He went in today, they gave him the "we didn't see this coming" excuse, and paid him $100 cash in lieu of his last check with a signed promise that they were liquidating equipment and they would pay him when they could. Did I mention that they already owe him $2,000?

Yes, we have a Labor & Employment lawyer. Lucky for me, I tutored his daughter in math and he's aware of our situation. But my question is how do you get blood from a turnip?

DH has contacts and is working on new employment.

We have $, and though it was what we could save it will only sustain us a few months (3). If I have to work nights I will.

Amazingly, I feel little stress. I attribute that to faith motivating me to action against times like these.

Thank you, my SA friends and mentors for setting a good example. I'll keep you updated.

I was 5% under budget. Not too shabby! I am on a permanent savings spree, so I'll sock that away.

I thought I'd join my fellow bloggers and write that we, too, received our payment. It was also less than hoped for but I'll just be happy that we got it. After tithing, it will round out our EF, vacation fund and will buy a new mattress. Hooray!