Do you ever get tired of saying, "NO"???

It's hard sometimes. But instead of focusing on the things you have to say "no" to, focus on things you can say "yes" to. There are umpteen million free ways to have fun, memorable experiences together as a family. If you're focusing on the things you aren't doing you are going to bummed no matter what. Focus on the things you CAN do.

I agree there are SO many fun things you can do that are free or cheap. My neighbors had a saving cream fight with dollar store shaving cream and ALL had a blast. Then they got to hose each other off (water fight). 

I agree with this.  It can definitely be hard to have that change in attitude, but it's worth it for the kids. For the cost of one or two ice creams from the ice cream truck, you could buy ice cream cones, sprinkles, and ice cream at the grocery store and make your own.  My kids have never had ice cream in a cone at home, and we just did this today. They thought it was so fancy!  Or, you could all get together and make your own pizza.  It might turn out to be more fun and delicious than ordering.

 

Look up some free events in your area you could take them to for something special, or just take a picnic to the park.  

I'm sorry. I'm sure it's frustrating. You've worked so hard to get yourself in a better place and you just want to do something special with your kids. 

 

Could you go camping at home? I know it's not the same, but it could still be fun. Your kids love you Jen, and being with you is the most important thing, even if it's just camping out in your own back yard. 

 

I will say a prayer that he finds a job ASAP!

We recently started making our own pizza, totally a fun little activity.

My daughter has never bought anything from the ice cream truck. However I might splurge for a dollar cone

Look at what is in your area, My budget is very restrictive but we have a lot of fun. We try to have home playdates at our house. No gas required and we all have fun (as an added bonus it forces me to clean) 

But yes I get tired of saying No and normally its my Husband that I keep having to say it to. 

Still there are lots of fun free activities. We went on our first hike of the season a week ago. 

I do hate saying no at all, so I have deprived myself so many things to ensure my family gets to do what they want. As things have gotten tighter I have had to say no more and more often, it breaks my heart. I agree with everyone who says focus on the things you can do. We cannot go out to eat as often as we used to, so when we go to taco bell we eat in. It makes it seem more special even though it is still a cheap night out. LOL! We used to go get Krispy Kreme donuts about once a month, now I let Ds pick one out when we go to Walmart. We get a slurpee at 7-11 instead of a drink and a snack. When we go to the water park I take out lunch but I let him get a $1.00 worth of jelly beans from the candy store. For kids it is the little things, try to think of all the little things you can do that don't cost much or are free. Even if you cannot go camping is there a state park where you can spend the day? We have them here and you can hike, picnic/cookout, and fish. Most of them don't cost much to go into so long as you are not camping. Also a lot of our city parks have free family movie nights and concerts as well as festivals. There is one every weekend here, they don't cost anything to go to, and you can usually take your food with you.
 

I agree with this. You can always do special things that don't require a lot of money. Spend the weekend camping in the backyard. Yes, the big kids might think it's lame, but the little ones will probably love it. Pitch your tent, have them roast hot dogs and s'mores over the grill if nothing else. Take flashlights and take turns telling stories. Sing silly songs. If you don't have a pool, run through a sprinkler.

I'm sure it's disappointing. Take a deep breath, put on your smiley face, and then regroup.

Now that my DD is getting older, we're having more "Come to Jesus" talks.

 

We've had a rough couple of years - what with hubby being laid off, the move and all - but things ARE getting better. Sadly, they aren't the same and they won't be the same anytime in the very near future. We have a plan and we're working the plan. But everything we plan to do isn't instantaneous and there ARE glitches that come up - like hubby hitting a deer with his car.

 

Just yesterday, as hubby was unpacking totes, I suggested to DD that she use them to organize the piles of stuff she has on her bedroom floor. She whined that she'd rather wait for us to buy her bedroom furniture. I went eye-to-eye with her and slowly told her that there are a lot of purchases AHEAD of her bedroom furniture and the stuff on her bedroom floor needs to move NOW.

 

Your ex-h getting fired is something over which you have no control. I know you've asked them to be very flexible and patient these last couple of years. Now you're asking them to do it again. You're doing well and life IS getting better. They need to keep focused on how far your little family has come since you were sleeping on a porch!

 

And then remind them that you're also disappointed in having to cancel this summer's vacation.

Oh ... and has ex-h said anything about what his plans are? Will he still be paying something? While he might think his lack of employment is a personal problem of his, you two still have to work together to do what is best for the kids. He needs to tell you what is going on on his side of the financial responsibilities. After all, if you were still married, he wouldn't be letting the children starve.