Debt Snowball

My wife and I have been married for almost 5 years and have two children.  I made quite a few financial mistakes before getting married by living beyond my meanings.  We are starting to work a debt snowball according to the Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey's.  I was working two jobs but my second job is ending August 29th, 2012.  According to Dave Ramsey you should have a minimium $1,000 ermergency fund before starting the debt snowball.  We have been attempting to save that amount but something always seems to continue to require those funds.  Whether it is automobile repairs or doctors bills.  Please assist us in getting our debt snowball started.  Dave's motto is "Live like no one else, so later you can give like no one else."  My goal is to become debt free so we can save and assist other in our community.