Having to budget everything is never easy, but it forces us to think about what there really is to bring joy to our lives. I love reading about the things you do with the children and the plan for the tristate markers is fabulous. I still remember when I was in the Alps as a child and did these "my left foot is in Austria, my right foot is in Germany" walks. You will surely have a lot of fun together!

And yes, needlework is great to distract ourselves from a lot of things and thoughts. And if afterwards we have something nice, like your embroidered heart - that's added profit :)