Too Far Behind To Do It Myself

Anyone who knows me knows I hate to ask for help and if it was just for me I still would not be asking but it's for my kids, both two and four-legged.

This winter's utility bills put me behind on everything and I was hoping to be able to catch up but so far have not been able to. I need to pay off my heat bill, I have a payday loan I need to pay off, I need new brakes for the car, Quincey needs a heartworm test before summer, the kids' birthdays are coming soon, and just once I would like to be able to go grocery shopping and not count pennies to make sure I have enough. The kids would understand if I didn't have money for a present for them because we've lived like this for awhile. They're the best kids I could ever hope for but I'm tired of not being able to get them at least one nice present. It makes me feel like a failure as a mother. I've been trying to find another job but have had no luck so far. I have no close family that I could ask for a loan. We live pretty frugally. We don't have cable, we don't go on trips, we don't buy new clothes. The only shopping we do is for needs, not wants.

I know everyone is tight on money. I understand, really and truly I do, but if you can spare a little for us I would be eternally grateful.