Did You Feel That Bite?

I have felt relatively unscathed by the economy. Luckily so. I have felt grateful that my husband has a job that (knock on wood) is secure. We have a home that we bought for pretty cheap, and I learned long ago to live on a tight budget. All of these things have cultivated a feeling a security in our lives.
Just recently how every we have felt the tightening of the economy. It started a few years ago with a refinance to a 15 yr mortgage. We were initially looking for a decrease in payment. But after seeing a 15 yr rate, our payments would only go up 80 a month, we decided it was the right thing to do. Seeing as our first 3 kids are 12 and 20 months apart, we could have 3 on missions together or in college at the same time, or all getting married at the same time. OR all of them doing all of those things together. It would be wise to have the house paid off.
The second bite came when we got out tax assessment in the mail. Our property value dropped 25k but our taxes increased to add 76 dollars a month to our mortgage.
The 3rd came in the form of a bill called 'police fee' a one time payment of 174.00.
And last but not least (knock on wood) there will probably be no cost of living increase this year. Although, I am not complaining. We didn't expect one. All of these thing rolled into one year, has made it so even our little family has felt the bite of the bad economy.
In these times, I am truly grateful Trent is employed. I am grateful my only challenge is to cut back a little more. My heart aches for those who have no source of income and those who have lost a home. My goal this year is to add to our food storage, and reach my goal of a 1 year supply. So, if anything does happen, we will be able to feed our family. I am also going to teach myself to follow a pattern better so I am able to sew anything I may need to. And to also teach my kids, so they will be able to be self sufficient.
I do think hard times are a good thing. I think when you get comfortable, you stop growing. Trails are learning experiences, meant to bless us, and make us better individuals.