OT - strange weekend - long weeks ahead

[Pastamom]

I know this isn't technically budget related - but it does have budget issues...

We went camping for the last time this summer...as we were having breakfast Saturday morning - our "neighbors" brought out their 2 pets - 2 100 pound pigs. Needless to say we felt a little guilty eating our bacon in front of them...that was definately a first

Later in the day Dh was jumping on a jumping pillow (it's like a trampoline filled with air buried in the ground) and landed wrong (I wasn't there) and ended up rupturing the tendon in his right thigh and breaking a part of his knee cap off - it's about 3 inches higher than the rest of his knee cap. We got to spend 3 hours at the local hospital. Today he is calling the orthopedic surgeon about surgery....

Wed MIL goes in for hip replacement surgery (we're wondering if we can get a family discount

Also last week I started teaching full time at a local university for the first time in 10 years. Dh is unemployed so we needed the insurance. We still have his under COBRA - thank God - but are switching to mine on Wednesday. Since the knee will be a pre-existing condition - I'm anticipating many headaches with insurance.

Plus I went to move DH's car and it didn't start - way down on the priority list since he won't be driving for a loooong time - but still a hassle and expense

DS's 11 & 9 have been great helping out, but I don't want to rely too much on them.

This weekend I plan on making a lot of freezer friendly meals since I know things will be crazy here for a while and I don't want to live on fast food too much (or pay for it)

I have great friends to help with carpooling (DS 11 is in swim and DS 9 is in soccer) and some neighbor boys to cut grass...My dad lives out of town and DH's family will be dealing with MIL...I also have a great boss who is willing to help out...

Any other ideas to help things go a little smoother (if possible)?

 

[plummer925]

First of all - I'm SO sorry you are going through everything. Do try to step back and take a deep breath once in awhile.

Just a tiny bit of advice about your insurance (well, more encouragement than advice!) - if you have HAD insurance for a year then there is no such thing as a "pre-existing condition". No matter who you were insured with. No matter if the prior insurance didn't pay for anything from that condition.

Hope that at least helps alleviate some of your burden!

 

[MandM-Mom]

Paper plates and bowls, Plastic cups, and plastic silverware!!! Lock up all other dishes

I have had 3 c-sections and my dh always had to go right back to work so I was left home to figure it out and one thing that always helped me when I wasn't able to get around and do the house cleanup as easily and my husband was off to work was not having to worry about stacks of dishes, make your meals in throw away foil pans if possible and leave some clorox wipes around the rooms, easy quick cleanups even your boys can do, my dd9 knows when she is done in the am with her teeth brushing and things to take a wipe and clean up the bathroom counter and sink. Also always left the washing machine lid up and had everybody drop there clothes in, no gathering for me just push the button and start! Good luck to your dh in his recovery.

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

Geez, well that was a week you could do without.

I'd agree, cut some slack with dishes, etc. while you adjust. Figure out your meals ahead of time, do the prep on the weekend. Don't forget to give yourself some time, even though that is hard. Even if it is your lunch break, try not to fill it totally with errands.

Good luck with the insurance. I hope your husband does ok. That stinks!

I love working in a college. It is a lot of fun. Hope you enjoy it!

 

[DawnM]

Wow.....sorry about that.

I agree with making your life as easy as possible over the next few week. Crockpot meals would be great too. Dump it all in and walk away for 8 hours. EASY meals! I would even get some pre-made frozen meals. I realize they aren't as healthy, but would save on stopping for fast food for sure.

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

Wow.....sorry about that.

I agree with making your life as easy as possible over the next few week. Crockpot meals would be great too. Dump it all in and walk away for 8 hours. EASY meals! I would even get some pre-made frozen meals. I realize they aren't as healthy, but would save on stopping for fast food for sure.

I agree. I keep a stouffers lasagna in the freeze. I'll even cook one on the weekend so there is a go to in the fridge for lunches.

 

[tinker&belle]

You should get a certificate of coverage from your old insurance that will prove you had previous insurance which means you can't have a pre-existing condition (unless you have a waiting period, in which case you should hang onto the COBRA until the waiting period is over.)

 

[idofabric]

If you lived ANY where near me I would bring you at least 1 dinner! I have been in this type of place before and I think that you need to let every one you know that you can/could use all the help they can give you..... I have been very suprised in the past just how much help you can get from friends of friends.
The very best of luck to you and the family. Don't forget to take care of your self as you are doing a lot, for everyone! Even if you just lock your self in the bathroom and read the comic page of the paper, or take a 15 min bath...It really can make a difference.

 

[Pastamom]

Thanks for the ideas. DH goes to the surgeon on Thursday so hopefully know more by then..I'm actually kind of glad that we have a little time to regroup...although I know DH wants to get this over with - he's bored already...

 

[Pastamom]

UPDATE

MIL had her hip replacement Wed and it went well. DH is having his surgery this afternoon.

 

[disneyeveryyear]

Good luck! My thought are with you, your husband and your family.