As I was PMing a friend I realized there are some updates that I need to post on, so I'm going to try to do that now.
I had asked back on January 11th in this entry for prayer regarding Paul's review and raise. He hasn't had a review yet, but he got his paycheck last Friday (he gets paid every two weeks), and his raise was in it. We weren't sure at first, we just knew they paid him more. But he confirmed it on Monday, and his boss said yes, it was a raise. It wasn't the $2.00 I had prayed for, but it's the exact amount we needed to be in the 'black'. I wanted to have more to have more space and not have to cut so much out of our shopping bill. Let me back up a bit, ever since we moved here we've been in the red about $100.00 a month, that was if our shopping didn't go over budget, and that's with a very low shopping budget. I wanted the extra money so that our shopping budget wouldn't be so tight, and that maybe we could afford cell phones. So the raise that Paul got put us in the black with $7.00 extra. Of course, I would have loved it if our shopping budget wasn't so low and tight. And truly, the thought of only having this amount to shop with can make me very anxious. But I feel it's the Lord's way of saying He wants me to focus and trust Him for it. We have never gone hungry, and He has provided when extra things have come up like the vehicle situations last week. So we are blessed. They like Paul at work a lot, and say he is doing a good job, though the 'official' review should be coming soon. I do still ask for prayer that a man would be hired to work in his department. It's all women right now, except his boss, and that's so hard for him. No men to talk to on break or anything, and constantly hearing the women talking about their husbands and such (to each other not Paul, but he can hear it all), it gets hard. He use to call me on his breaks and so we could chat, but with no cell phone, he can't do that now. Which leads me to my next update....
I think I have found a pay as you go cell phone plan that would work for us. Well, I should say, I have found a plan that is the lowest price I could find. We still don't have money in the budget for it though. But, if I keep cutting my guys' hair, the money I had budgeted for that every month could pay for the cell phones. But I keep wondering, if I can cut out that expense, should it be spent on cell phones or put toward the shopping budget. I can make an argument for it either way. I will talk with Paul about it more and we'll pray, but I'm leaning toward cell phones. We wouldn't have tons of talk time with these plans, but we would at least have them, and Paul could call home more during his work time. Plus, he wouldn't have to worry so much when I'm out and about, especially in this weather. But like I said we'll see.
OK, last update. I think I have picked out all of our curriculum. We've been using the Character Quality Language Arts program, and Sarah and I are both really liking it. I think it's a perfect fit. I've even joined their Yahoo group, and I've gotten lots of tips already. I found out they go on sale in March, $20 less than normal price. So I might actually be able to get two years worth. I've been thinking of starting Paulie on it. So if I can afford two, either I'll get him and Sarah one, or I'll get Sarah 6th and 7th grade. But through the group, I've found a way to use the program free through almost the rest of our school year, so I'll probably just get Paulie's level and Sarah's level. Sarah will be starting Teaching Textbooks next fall for math. We'll finish up Saxon this year since we've already got it. I think I'll do one more year of Saxon math with Paulie, then he should be around 4th grade math by then, and I'll decide then whether I want to switch him to Teaching Textbooks. History, Science, Art, Writing and Reading we already have enough things around the house for those subjects, so I don't have to buy anything for that. I feel pretty good with what we've picked, and Paul is happy about them too. So I think we are set. It wasn't as hard as I thought because the Lord really blessed me with showing me the CQLA program.
I guess those are the updates. I need to get going, Paul will be home soon and we will be eating dinner. Oh, and a silly prayer request. I would really like to be able to get Paint Shop Pro 8, but obviously we don't have the money for it right now. I have a friend of mine checking with her husband who might have one laying around he's not using that he could give me. It's not a need what so ever, just a want of mine. I know they have a newer version, but with what I want to do, version 8 I heard was what I need. Thanks, even our silly wants can be lifted up in prayer. If the Lord doesn't want me to have it, that's o.k, I just wanted to throw it out there. OK, now I really have to go get dinner out of the oven. Have a great night.
Sounds like things are looking up... Thats great for the raise!!, The Lord only gives us what he knows we NEED right now and its obvious you are thankful for that.
Thanks for the updates, I had been thinking of Paul's raise a lot lately wondering what was going on. It seems like God always provides us with exactly what we need. And rarely with exactly what we want.
I'm glad you are settled with your curriculum choices too. I'll be working on finalizing mine in the next few weeks.
It is so good to hear things are getting better. PTL I know that God loves to give the desires of our hearts when we give all to him. Read Psalms 20 God gave that to me when I was praying to go to Little Bear Wheeler Camp.
I sure hope we can chat soon. I am not really in the writing mode.
And maybe it helps knowing you are not alone with this budget thing? I believe that the Lord will continue to provide what you need and even what you want! I hope you get the PSP you want. I'd like to know how to use PSP 7, which is on our computer, but I have no manual for. Must run and see what the kids are doing to the living room for the camp out.
Jenn
I'm so glad to hear you all settled with the curriculum for next year.
Wow, poor Paul "All women" I will pray. It's sad when women will talk bad about their husbands, you know if they do that, they also talk bad about anyone.
I am also so happy you got the raise and it's just enough for now. God is so good! He always provides just at the right time. DH worked a few hours overtime last week, big help this week with the groceries :)
Have a wonderful weekend.
((((hugs to you my friends)))
Katia
Yeah! I am thankful for Paul's raise. I truly believe that cell phones are important. If you were stuck out on the road in this weather...well, you'll get your answer from above. (-:
Mama Karen
This blog is so I can share my journey with the Lord, my journey as a wife and mother, and my journey as a homeschool mom. I pray that you will see the Lord in my life through happy and sad times, and that this blog glorifies the Lord.
This is an award and tag free zone, thank you.
Of course, I would have loved it if our shopping budget wasn't so low and tight. And truly, the thought of only having this amount to shop with can make me very anxious. But I feel it's the Lord's way of saying He wants me to focus and trust Him for it. We have never gone hungry, and He has provided when extra things have come up like the vehicle situations last week. So we are blessed. They like Paul at work a lot, and say he is doing a good job, though the 'official' review should be coming soon. I do still ask for prayer that a man would be hired to work in his department. It's all women right now, except his boss, and that's so hard for him. No men to talk to on break or anything, and constantly hearing the women talking about their husbands and such (to each other not Paul, but he can hear it all), it gets hard. He use to call me on his breaks and so we could chat, but with no cell phone, he can't do that now. Which leads me to my next update....
