Oregon Public Broadcasting

Hard times can be busy times.

That’s certainly what Bonnie Warren and Joey Levy find, taking care of their two kids, four-year-old Faye and eight-month-old Jaden, and trying to cover the bills on one one-and-one-half incomes.

But it’s summer, and the mood around the house is sunny. Bonnie’s carving out time for a new –hopefully lucrative -- venture.

Bonnie Warren   “I am a Mary Kay consultant.   I’m nervous and excited at the same time. The lady that signed me up was telling me there’s three things that aren’t being affected by the economy: that’s alcohol, tobacco, and cosmetics!”

With her peachy skin and big blue eyes, Bonnie doesn’t wear much makeup herself, but she thinks she can still be a good representative.

Bonnie Warren   “I was at Target and I did a lot of sales. And I’m really good at convincing people to do things.”

Persuasive skills are something Warren learned on her day job, as a certified nurse’s assistant at a long-term care facility. She hopes to squeeze in twenty hours a week on the beauty business.

Extra cash would go toward bills, and maybe a wedding stash. Bonnie and Joe have started talking about trying the knot in August 2010 – assuming they can afford it.

Bonnie’s  still got student loans to pay off. And Joe hasn’t been able to get back up to full-time at work yet.

Joe’s dad: “Ready to go Joe?”

Joe Levy:  “Sure!"

His ride’s just arrived.

Joe Levy  “I’m going to work! Yay!”

Joe’s been picking up what hours he can at the convenience store owned by his sister.

Joe Levy:  “Goodbye, Jaden! I love you! See you later!”

Meanwhile, Bonnie’s going to use her day off to take the kids around to see the grandparents.

Bonnie and Joey's parents have been a big help, watching the kids now and then. But summer means a few changes. Faye’s starting preschool  in early July.

Bonnie Warren   “I filled out all the paperwork, it’s just you know, basic learning numbers, colors, ABCs.  I think I qualify for the lower income, it’s three dollars instead of five dollars a day. Her grandmother’s helping, and Joey’s parents are going to help.”

Kindergarten starts for Faye  this fall. So the family is trying to squeeze in  a little extra quality time this summer.

Bonnie’s picking up some camping equipment from her mom, and the whole family’s shipping out for Silver Lake, Washington this weekend.