Going crazy!!!

First, WELCOME!! I'm so sorry that your first post had to be under the circumstances they are, but that's what this forum is all about, an ear to lend to listen and hopefully enough advice to try and help you make your situation go from where it is to better!!

Is yours or your husbands name on the lease at the new place? If not is there a possibility you could try and find a place of you own, or is that not financially feasible at this time? I know when it rains it seems to pour and you sound like everything is coming crashing down. Do you qualify at all for any assistance, like subsidized housing if you wouldn't be able to afford a place of your own on your own?

As far as your things getting ruined, I'm quite outspoken so if I were you I would take it up on myself to voice my frustrations and concerns. Those ruining your things should be thankful that they have a couch to sit on, a television to watch, etc. and not take them for granted. Let them know that you don't mind sharing since you're all in the same boat together, but you would appreciate some respect for your things as you treat their things with respect.

I can only imagine how challenging it is living in a house with that many people, I would want to retreat to my bedroom too, but then after a while you must feel like a prisoner in your own space. Do you have the opportunity to get out much with your son, i.e. to the park, out for walks those kind of things where you can just clear your head and get some fresh air.

I hope all gets better, I can imagine it's magnified even more when you're pregnant. Hang in there!!

Hey, Shawna. Welcome.

I don't blame you for needing to vent! That is a tough situation. As far as your couches getting ruined, could you get some inexpensive couch covers, or at least cover them with a sheet, etc? I realize it wouldn't be the best look, but at least you could protect them from dirty shoes and food! I also agree with the earlier post; try to find some places outside of the home where you can have some space. Hang out at a friend's house, go to the mall play area, even Basha's has a Cub House where your son could play and you could read in the deli! (Of course, buy some groceries too!) I can completely understand why you're feeling cooped up, but soon, you'll be so busy with your new baby and your son, that you won't have time for the phone or computer anyway! Good luck to you and remember, this too shall pass!

First of all, I know it is hard being prego and living with in-laws. I don't know where or what your circumstances are but, this may be a little crazy but we live in a three bedroom house right now we are renting it for about $1000 a month. We are going to move outthis month to go to a new place.
If you go to realtor.com you can find a ton of places to rent for cheap. That way you can have room for your little ones and space for you.

Cruz Family Day Care
~Samantha Cruz

That would be very stressfull, but try to stay focused on the future's goals. Perhaps regarding the furniture, you can have once every few weeks a "family meeting". We do that in our house once every week to two weeks during dinner. Everything is open for discussion, including gripes and issues - they are to be solved and find solutions before leaving the table. Everyone's input helps, even the kids. It's interesting to find out what the kids are thinking or concerned about when we have these meetings, though they do need some redirecting sometimes :) Also, this would be a good time to discuss your issues regarding your furniture and chores if there aren't any in place yet. Even our four year old has chores and he eagerly does them. Try the sit down dinner thing too, it opens communication like you wouldn't believe. Doesn't have to be every night, but try it a few times, then add more times each week. We really look forward to it and the kids have even requested it when we weren't able to have one in awhile. And get the other kids cooking with you too. Kids love to cook, no matter the age. Just give them the job - don't "ask". If you are having problems with one kid inparticular, assign him/her to have his/her own cooking night where they can pick their dinner and you'll help them cook it. Good time to open communication regarding other things. Try not to burden your husband about too much of this, he is busy working and he must be very stressed too. It's very difficult for a man to feel like he can't provide for his family in the way that they desire. I know this sounds silly, but I always remind myself that I could be worse off. There are homeless people out there - single moms with no one to turn to and no families to help. Just try to be thankful for what you do have and try not to focus so much on what you don't have. I know it's hard sometimes in the want it all/want it now world. Be thankful for the little things - healthy kids, a good marriage, a husband that will work and can. Know that you will have hard and stressful times in the marriage and staying focused and sticking together will get you through. Also, doooooo get out of the house. With summer approaching, you will be really crazy inside during the hot summer months. If you have wheels, go to the mall and let the little one play in the play area (arrowhead), go to the library - it's free and the kids can play (they also have free story times and craft times), go to McDonalds to play and have a "kidcone" - it's fa free mini ice cream cone at most McDonalds. Safeway and most groceries also give out free cookies in the bakery for the kids to keep them quiet while you shop (and pick the hard to drive car cart :) Just get out and walk or go somewhere, it will save your sanity, give you great exercise, which will in turn release all those good endorphins and you'll be a happier mom. Oh and one other thing, keep writing to us cause venting to other moms is sometimes all you need too ;)

Vent away girl! Your circumstances are tough, but hang in there. Maybe you and your husband could plan a pizza night for the entire family and while everyone is participating call a "family meeting" and share your issues and concerns. Get some schedules going and point out the damages already done to your things.

Maybe the mom of the six could use some help getting structure.

Good luck.

Thank you mommies!!!!
My friend at work has heard basically everything about this crappy situation and when she read all the replies, she said "wow. and you didnt even tell them everything!" You guys are great and I appreciate all the advice. We are not able to get out of the lease (yes both our names are on it) We can afford to be on our own, but not in that house, the same with my MIL. It feels so much better just to have a place to vent to, I think this is really going to help!! I know it bums my husnabd out when I complain about every little thing because he knows I am miserable. Whats worse is my 2 year old constantly tell us he is ready to go home, wants to take his toys home, does NOT want to go to grandmas house. Its sad. I know he feels like I do, but in a toddler sense of it. We all missing having our own space, and its a big adjustment to go from that to living with 8 other people.

More from me later, I just wanted to say thanks for all the caring words. I dont feel so alone now!! You guys rock!