Full House

by Granny Girl

In the last couple of weeks a lot of changes have happened around here. It began with my oldest son losing his job in the oil fields. He moved in with me and is making the garage into his bedroom/man cave. He is starting his own company and is getting the classes and licenses needed for that. It will take a couple of months before income is coming in from that.

His fiance and her four year old son have also moved in. They are sleeping in one of the three bedrooms. (Her daycare fees quit being subsidized and jumped to $185.00 a week. What single mom can afford that?)

This influx of people means that my youngest son (age 22) had to move into the shed in the back yard. I know that sounds weird, but it's a good setup out there. It's carpeted and fully furnished. He has his TV, X-box and computer out there, so he's fine.

My 12 year old grandson has been sharing his room with his two younger brothers. Their dad is spending all the time he can with them while he's between jobs. Since the bedroom is set up for a 12 year old, their toys are stored in the living room, as are the 4 year old's toys. We stored the two love seats that were in there, and put in my future daughter-in-law's couch and two recliners. So there's the furniture, 3 toy boxes, 1 bookcase, 2 dressers and a coffee table in there. Thankfully, I have a large living room!

We have divided up the household/childcare duties and had an official budget meeting. Our goal is to support each other through this financially tough time and not let the strain of having no money affect our relationship with each other. As my mama always said while I was growing up, "We're not poor, we just don't have any money." And to be honest, it's kinda fun!