Yes, Ali, this is scary. And you're not alone in what's happening. The difficulty, though, is that it's happening to your family. You and your husband and even your kids will come together and do what you need to do to get through this. It is possible to find the humor and have fun as you do this, too.

I've been working on one coast while my home is on the other. Last year, on one coast, I gave up the land line and the cable, keeping only the Internet, which I use for my job. Netflix and the network web sites are my TV here. I've also done more reading and walking (yeah, and more working). There are little things you can do to ease the way.

It occurred to me a number of years ago how tough it must have been for my parents. I recall additional work my mother did that must have been to pay bills. I don't recall being hungry and we always had a roof over our heads.

You and your husband know what the important things are. As Ken said, don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.