The Light At The End of the Tunnel

I saw a quote on Facebook a few days ago that said something to the effect of "the light you see at the end of the tunnel is a train coming from the other side." I had to laugh at that; I suppose I have an ironic sense of humor. In all honesty I really hope that it isn't true. For although it's been a frustrating road, things for us feel like they are starting to come together and we are getting closer to where we would eventually like to end up. I would really hate to be hit by a train right now.
We got our tax return back this month; it wasn't quite the amount we were expecting or hoping for, but it was still enough to pay off a couple of my student loans and (finally!) get us a queen-size bed. We were also approved for a loan on a used car in VERY good condition, which we desperately need. The two driveable junkers we own have worked out for us up until this point, and while Matt has been able to fix any issues we've had so far, I don't feel comfortable driving around my van when it could break down on me at any time with two babies in the car. Not to mention the lack of air conditioning- poor Lily was roasting in her car seat all last summer. We've managed to squish into the three seater truck when the van has been out of commission, but there is no way we would be able to pull it off with two car seats. Not even if I rode in the bed. Since most of our bills are now paid off and I will be done with school for the time being, we have enough disposable income to afford a car payment and still maybe put a little into savings each month. My parents had told me about a car their mechanic was advertising for sale back in December, and it turns out it was still available. A few people had tried to apply for loans for it but were unable to be approved, and we were lucky enough to qualify for a reasonable loan. So last week I sent the paperwork to California, which my dad handled for me since I am unable to fly at the moment, and he drove up our "new" 2010 Toyota Corolla, which now has 7,330 miles on it. It even still has a hint of that wonderful new car smell. The previous owner was in his 90's when he purchased it, and had died recently. The family wanted $11,500 for it, which was way below the blue book value. In a better economy the car would've sold within a couple of days; however, I am grateful that it was still available for us when we were in a position to buy a newer car. Even if we outgrow it I think it will still be a very viable car, and Toyotas generally have great resale value.
There have been rumors going around the mine lately that there will be layoffs and what not this year. As it is, everyone has to take a mandatory week of vacation during the 24th of July, after the next longwall move. With a new baby and a car payment things could get pretty tight. I am REALLY praying and hoping that things will be okay for us and that I won't need to go out and find a job with a newborn at home. The only thing that scares me more than Matt losing his job is losing one of my girls (or my husband too). I am pretty close to getting my Pharmacy Technician certification, but I would still like it to be awhile before needing to go out and find a job. It was really hard for me to leave Lily and go back to work, so I chose to stay at home.
And speaking of home, I am starting to finally feel like we live in our apartment and that we are not just here temporarily. I've been adding a few homey touches lately and driving Matt crazy with all my reorganization and furniture moving. It seems silly, since we are hoping to be out of here in about 6 months to be doing all of this now; but I want to feel content in our home, even if it isn't really "ours". Matt says he wants new couches next; we will have to see what his next bonus looks like. Though we aren't completely free of debt yet, it is amazing how good it feels to be as close as we are. So I would really hate to be hit by a train and have to start the process all over again.