So now we live in the country. We have lived here for almost three months now and there are some distinct differences in our life now as opposed to our life in the city. Let me know if you can relate...
If we want anything that is not sold in a convenience store we must "go into town".
Our neighbor rides his four wheeler up to the "big house" (our house) to throw away his trash.
The stars are so bright that you can actually find the constellations on a clear night.
Guineas run through our "yard" all day long.
We refer to the back yard as the back pasture.
When I look out the window in the living room I see cows and horses.
We do not lock our doors, EVER.
Our garage door stays up almost all the time.
Our cars remain unlocked in the driveway.
You cannot see the air.
My daughter no longer has asthma.
The kids run around outside everyday.
Our dogs run free.
These differences are all good. I can't think of too many that are bad. We are loving this slower life in the country. The kids have adjusted so well to school. I start a new job tomorrow with an agency called Mental Health Mental Retardation. I will be a case manager for youth and adolescents. I am really looking forward to it. I am nervous because I haven't had a job since March, but I am happy to get back into the workforce.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
So....
Have you been wondering where I have been?
Well I have been around the world it seems and now I have finally made it back. Let's see if I can catch you all up on what's been going on with us.
I was in the hospital for nine days because my meds stopped working and when you are bipolar that can be a disaster. So on July 6th I went into the hospital and got it all straightened out.
We moved into our new house the beginning of August and we are still moving stuff from our house in Garland that hasn't sold yet, but I know it will I am not losing hope on that. We are also still unpacking stuff from both houses.
The kids started a new school on August 12th. They all seem to like it.
More soon. :)
Well I have been around the world it seems and now I have finally made it back. Let's see if I can catch you all up on what's been going on with us.
I was in the hospital for nine days because my meds stopped working and when you are bipolar that can be a disaster. So on July 6th I went into the hospital and got it all straightened out.
We moved into our new house the beginning of August and we are still moving stuff from our house in Garland that hasn't sold yet, but I know it will I am not losing hope on that. We are also still unpacking stuff from both houses.
The kids started a new school on August 12th. They all seem to like it.
More soon. :)
Monday, June 28, 2010
Caleb's going away party...better late than never!
These pictures are from March, but I thought I would go ahead and post them anyway. For some reason I can't seem to get caught up with my digital scrapbooking. You know its supposed to be easier right? :)
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| Customize your own free digital scrapbook |
Friday, June 25, 2010
Lake Texoma
Here is a smilebox of our visit to the lake on Wednesday.
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| Digital scrapbook personalized with Smilebox |
Kool-Aid stand
So the kids have decided to remodel an old shed on the back of the property we live on. They want to make it a "restaurant". But in order to do this they need money. They decided to have a Kool-Aid stand to raise money. I decided to teach them a little about business. They had a little money to put in and we had a change jar they took some change out of. I took them to the store to buy their supplies...sugar and ice. We had lots of Kool-Aid so we donated that as well. They were so excited last night, and then this morning they got up and started making Kool-Aid and we set-up the stand.
Katie making the Kool-Aid.
Katie stirring first to get all the big pieces of sugar and the syrup bottle from breakfast was still out!
More Katie stirring with her trusty sidekick Emily.
Finally Emily gets to stir.
Then its Ben's turn.
Here they are trying to decide which kind to make for their second pitcher.
Filling the pitcher with water.
Making their signs.
Making more signs and the garage sale pile in the background!
Finally set-up for business.
Getting a little discouraged because I am their only customer so far.
The Superintendent walked over and bought a cup and gave them a dollar and told them to keep the change.
At the end of the day they made three dollars profit after paying back the start-up costs. But the most important lesson learned today was how to plan something and follow through with it even when it is hot and no one is stopping to visit your business. The bonus for me really was that everyone pretty much got along all day and they seem closer for the experience.
Katie making the Kool-Aid.
Katie stirring first to get all the big pieces of sugar and the syrup bottle from breakfast was still out!
More Katie stirring with her trusty sidekick Emily.
Finally Emily gets to stir.
Then its Ben's turn.
Here they are trying to decide which kind to make for their second pitcher.
Filling the pitcher with water.
Making their signs.
Making more signs and the garage sale pile in the background!
Finally set-up for business.
Getting a little discouraged because I am their only customer so far.
The Superintendent walked over and bought a cup and gave them a dollar and told them to keep the change.At the end of the day they made three dollars profit after paying back the start-up costs. But the most important lesson learned today was how to plan something and follow through with it even when it is hot and no one is stopping to visit your business. The bonus for me really was that everyone pretty much got along all day and they seem closer for the experience.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
New plans
Boy a lot can happen in two weeks. First of all let me say that this has really all happened in two weeks we have not been planning this for months...I promise.
Last Monday Jeannie and I decided to look at houses in Durant, Oklahoma. We took all four kids and looked at six houses in one afternoon. It was an adventure and we found a house that we were told was getting ready to go into foreclosure and it was perfect for our blended family. Each child had a room and their rooms were away from the rest of the house. There was a pool and a one car garage next to the pool that could be used for a game room for the kids.
The real estate agent gave us the run around about putting in a offer for two days. I talked to my long time friend Dawn and she looked up the property and it was not in foreclosure so the next day I called a different agent and ask her to put in an offer for us. She informed me that the house was under contract with a closing date of the following Monday. I was really upset because we REALLY wanted that house. We broke the first rule and fell in love with that house. It was SO hard to let it go. The new agent looked up about ten houses that we might be interested in and showed us four that day. The last house was the best and we realized why the other one was taken away from us.
The house is the kind that you pull into the driveway and IMMEDIATELY think, I can't afford this. But that was not the case with this one. The house sits on 2.2 acres and the house itself has 5848 sq. ft. The listed price was 194,995. That comes out to 33.34 a sq ft. So I know you are thinking what's wrong with the house? Well we haven't had an inspection yet but it doesn't seem like there is anything apparently wrong with the house.
We decided to put an offer on the house the following Monday. In the meantime life kind of fell apart. My van broke down, and needed a new engine. Thank goodness for the lifetime power train warranty. It was completely free. We decided to put the house in Garland on the market and called my friend to see what we needed to and started packing. Then we took Chris to look at the house and Jeannie found out her dad had a stroke. That night I also found out that we had a broken pipe leading into the house had broken and would have to be fixed. When we finally made it home on Tuesday night we found out that our house was re-infested with fleas and we couldn't stay there, so we went to a hotel. I called an exterminator the next day and they worked us in and got the fleas out of the house and the yard. Then we found out the plumbing was going to cost $3500.00. I am hitting my knees to pray for the whole thing. Are these obstacles there because we shouldn't move forward.
Early afternoon on Friday I heard from the agent. They had countered our offer and it was higher than we wanted to go. Not that it wasn't a great deal but we still only have so much money and resources. I hit my knees again. Prayed for a clear answer, unmistakable. What should we do Lord? I fell asleep. I mean dead asleep. I slept for four hours. I got up to go to Ada with Jeannie and the kids to get Chris something for Father's Day.
We were going to Burger King to get something to eat and Chris sends me a text to tell me his mom has decided that she might want to buy our house. I think to myself this is my sign. Just twenty-four hours before she was not interested in seeing the house at all and was upset we were moving. But now she was interested in buying our house to help us. So I ask Chris what he wants to counter with and he says 189,000. I call the agent and she is skeptical but I hold my ground and ask her to counter with 189,000.
This morning I was getting up to fix breakfast for the kids and it was about 9:00am when my phone rang. I saw it was the real estate agent and I didn't really want to answer. I was afraid of the answer. The first thing she said was I have some good news for you, girl! I was still holding my breath, but she continued and said they accepted our offer. I was SO excited. Now we are in the next phase. Chris is at dinner with his mom talking about the house in Garland, and we are scheduling the inspection on the new house.
It is scary, it is a risk, and we are taking a step in faith. There are lots of teaching jobs in Sherman, Tx and Durant, Ok which are very close to the town we found the house in, Colbert, Ok. I have more opportunities to find a job and I will need a job to be able to afford the house we are buying. There is enough room for all of us and when Chris is gone I won't have to be a single mom and Jeannie won't have to be a single mom. Our kids can grow up together and we can be sisters to each other.
Please pray for us. We are trusting in Him to shine His light on our way so that we know we are on the right track.
Last Monday Jeannie and I decided to look at houses in Durant, Oklahoma. We took all four kids and looked at six houses in one afternoon. It was an adventure and we found a house that we were told was getting ready to go into foreclosure and it was perfect for our blended family. Each child had a room and their rooms were away from the rest of the house. There was a pool and a one car garage next to the pool that could be used for a game room for the kids.
The real estate agent gave us the run around about putting in a offer for two days. I talked to my long time friend Dawn and she looked up the property and it was not in foreclosure so the next day I called a different agent and ask her to put in an offer for us. She informed me that the house was under contract with a closing date of the following Monday. I was really upset because we REALLY wanted that house. We broke the first rule and fell in love with that house. It was SO hard to let it go. The new agent looked up about ten houses that we might be interested in and showed us four that day. The last house was the best and we realized why the other one was taken away from us.
The house is the kind that you pull into the driveway and IMMEDIATELY think, I can't afford this. But that was not the case with this one. The house sits on 2.2 acres and the house itself has 5848 sq. ft. The listed price was 194,995. That comes out to 33.34 a sq ft. So I know you are thinking what's wrong with the house? Well we haven't had an inspection yet but it doesn't seem like there is anything apparently wrong with the house.
We decided to put an offer on the house the following Monday. In the meantime life kind of fell apart. My van broke down, and needed a new engine. Thank goodness for the lifetime power train warranty. It was completely free. We decided to put the house in Garland on the market and called my friend to see what we needed to and started packing. Then we took Chris to look at the house and Jeannie found out her dad had a stroke. That night I also found out that we had a broken pipe leading into the house had broken and would have to be fixed. When we finally made it home on Tuesday night we found out that our house was re-infested with fleas and we couldn't stay there, so we went to a hotel. I called an exterminator the next day and they worked us in and got the fleas out of the house and the yard. Then we found out the plumbing was going to cost $3500.00. I am hitting my knees to pray for the whole thing. Are these obstacles there because we shouldn't move forward.
Early afternoon on Friday I heard from the agent. They had countered our offer and it was higher than we wanted to go. Not that it wasn't a great deal but we still only have so much money and resources. I hit my knees again. Prayed for a clear answer, unmistakable. What should we do Lord? I fell asleep. I mean dead asleep. I slept for four hours. I got up to go to Ada with Jeannie and the kids to get Chris something for Father's Day.
We were going to Burger King to get something to eat and Chris sends me a text to tell me his mom has decided that she might want to buy our house. I think to myself this is my sign. Just twenty-four hours before she was not interested in seeing the house at all and was upset we were moving. But now she was interested in buying our house to help us. So I ask Chris what he wants to counter with and he says 189,000. I call the agent and she is skeptical but I hold my ground and ask her to counter with 189,000.
This morning I was getting up to fix breakfast for the kids and it was about 9:00am when my phone rang. I saw it was the real estate agent and I didn't really want to answer. I was afraid of the answer. The first thing she said was I have some good news for you, girl! I was still holding my breath, but she continued and said they accepted our offer. I was SO excited. Now we are in the next phase. Chris is at dinner with his mom talking about the house in Garland, and we are scheduling the inspection on the new house.
It is scary, it is a risk, and we are taking a step in faith. There are lots of teaching jobs in Sherman, Tx and Durant, Ok which are very close to the town we found the house in, Colbert, Ok. I have more opportunities to find a job and I will need a job to be able to afford the house we are buying. There is enough room for all of us and when Chris is gone I won't have to be a single mom and Jeannie won't have to be a single mom. Our kids can grow up together and we can be sisters to each other.
Please pray for us. We are trusting in Him to shine His light on our way so that we know we are on the right track.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Encouragement
Summer is in full swing around here. We have been enjoying our pool and playing outside ALOT. It is amazing to me that even when it is HOT the kids love it outside. We have found that our one real tree on our property provides us with wonderful shade and keeps us at lease 10 degrees or more cooler than anywhere else outside.
Along with summer we have heard "I'm bored" at least once a day. I am thankful that we have the pool for the go to activity. It is easy for me to throw them in there and just sit outside and read while they splash around. However, along with the pool I have started to hear lots of discouraging things from the kids. They all love each other, but they don't really encourage one another. But then again I listen to the words coming out of my mouth and realize, why should they? I realized this morning during my devotional time that I have not been very encouraging to those around me that I love either.
I took the time to read some scriptures about encouragement and forgiveness. I tried to encourage myself even though I think I have been seriously slacking lately. I also took the time to write down four encouraging statements for each child. It wasn't difficult at all. I am going to give each child the handwritten note and make a point to encourage each of them.
Think about any encouraging words you may have for those in your life you love. Try to be specific and let them know how you really feel about them. It is really priceless.
Along with summer we have heard "I'm bored" at least once a day. I am thankful that we have the pool for the go to activity. It is easy for me to throw them in there and just sit outside and read while they splash around. However, along with the pool I have started to hear lots of discouraging things from the kids. They all love each other, but they don't really encourage one another. But then again I listen to the words coming out of my mouth and realize, why should they? I realized this morning during my devotional time that I have not been very encouraging to those around me that I love either.
I took the time to read some scriptures about encouragement and forgiveness. I tried to encourage myself even though I think I have been seriously slacking lately. I also took the time to write down four encouraging statements for each child. It wasn't difficult at all. I am going to give each child the handwritten note and make a point to encourage each of them.
Think about any encouraging words you may have for those in your life you love. Try to be specific and let them know how you really feel about them. It is really priceless.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Ben's Kindergarten graduation
Ben graduated from Kindergarten on May 21, 2010!
He wasn't really feeling well that morning but sucked it up to graduate with the other Roff Tigers! He told everyone he wanted to be a cop when he grew up, just like all the other kids in his class. :) So cute! I can't believe he is now in first grade and he looks so old to me lately, him and Emily. No more babies!
He wasn't really feeling well that morning but sucked it up to graduate with the other Roff Tigers! He told everyone he wanted to be a cop when he grew up, just like all the other kids in his class. :) So cute! I can't believe he is now in first grade and he looks so old to me lately, him and Emily. No more babies!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Emily's Graduation
So my baby graduated from Pre-k on Monday morning. I can't believe she is really almost 5! And that next year she will be in kindergarten. It seems like just yesterday I was holding her all night because she wouldn't sleep, and changing endless diapers. I love her so! She is my light. She and I butt heads all the time because we are almost just alike, but I love her more than she will ever know! Here are some pictures of that day. Jeannie went with us. Jeannie is Emily's favorite person in the world she follows her around everywhere. I love it!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
OKAY...really...
Sorry I have to give a little rant...medicine to regrow eyelashes....
Now don't get me wrong the medicine is NOT ACTUALLY the rant it is the fact the Brooke Shields is doing the commercials. NOW REALLY...does she really need to regrow her eyelashes. Am I wrong or does she look perfect the way she is?
So there it is I am jealous that Brooke Shields is going to be EVEN MORE perfect than she already is. I love her...but... REALLY?
sorry my green eyed monster is now back in its proper place just needed to share!
Now don't get me wrong the medicine is NOT ACTUALLY the rant it is the fact the Brooke Shields is doing the commercials. NOW REALLY...does she really need to regrow her eyelashes. Am I wrong or does she look perfect the way she is?
So there it is I am jealous that Brooke Shields is going to be EVEN MORE perfect than she already is. I love her...but... REALLY?
sorry my green eyed monster is now back in its proper place just needed to share!
Tornadoes
So last night we had our first real Oklahoma tornado scare. It made me thankful we don't live in a mobile home!
I found it kind of interesting but I didn't worry too much. Krystal a friend who has become like a sister to me here was freaked out. Which I found a little amusing since she has lived here her entire life seems like you would get used to it when it happens at least two or three times a year. I managed to get the kids to be calm by keeping the news in the back bedroom and a movie on the TV in the living room.
There are definitely perks to living across the street from the school. Especially when the school is he storm shelter. All we had to do was walk across the street when the sirens went off. We were able to take the dogs. The girls packed a little bag of blankets in case we had to spend the night I grabbed essentials like money and we walked over.
We sat in the hot, stinky junior high school for about thirty minutes then went back home. Everything was fine and passed right over us. We went on with our evening, watched wrestling and got ready for bed. Those boys love their wrestling. It really cracks me up because I remember watching it when I was a kid too. My dad took me to see The Junkyard Dog and Hulk Hogan, but I digress really! :)
Everyone and everything in our little town is fine. I can't say that for everyone in the path of the storm and tornadoes last night, but we came through the event unscathed. I am praying for those who lost homes and livelihood to the tornadoes.
I found it kind of interesting but I didn't worry too much. Krystal a friend who has become like a sister to me here was freaked out. Which I found a little amusing since she has lived here her entire life seems like you would get used to it when it happens at least two or three times a year. I managed to get the kids to be calm by keeping the news in the back bedroom and a movie on the TV in the living room.
There are definitely perks to living across the street from the school. Especially when the school is he storm shelter. All we had to do was walk across the street when the sirens went off. We were able to take the dogs. The girls packed a little bag of blankets in case we had to spend the night I grabbed essentials like money and we walked over.
We sat in the hot, stinky junior high school for about thirty minutes then went back home. Everything was fine and passed right over us. We went on with our evening, watched wrestling and got ready for bed. Those boys love their wrestling. It really cracks me up because I remember watching it when I was a kid too. My dad took me to see The Junkyard Dog and Hulk Hogan, but I digress really! :)
Everyone and everything in our little town is fine. I can't say that for everyone in the path of the storm and tornadoes last night, but we came through the event unscathed. I am praying for those who lost homes and livelihood to the tornadoes.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Tonight
So tonight I sit here alone in my house. I sit here watching movies and eating things I shouldn't that I will regret in the very near future, and doing the laundry. I am alone because Chris is out of town and the kids are at his mom's for the weekend. I am doing laundry because I take care of six people. I have been wondering lately who I am. Do you ever wonder who you are? Am I really the only one?
Well I don't think I have figured it out yet, not really. However, I think I am getting closer everyday. Almost my entire life has been spent pleasing other people. This is ultimately no one's fault, but it just is. I have realized lately that this alone does not make me happy. Because I never find the time to please myself. I don't know who I am because I don't know what I really want. And I feel like I owe it to the people around me to be happy.
Do I really want to please other people over myself? What defines me? Who am I? Where have I gone?
All these questions swirl around my head and start to define me. I find that I am unhappy because I am asking so many questions of myself all the time. Could it be that I am the person that takes care of people? Is that who I am? Is that okay?
What I think I realize tonight is that I am the person that takes care of everyone else. But here is the kicker, who takes care of me? How do I do both? How do I enjoy taking care of others, and still find time to take care of myself?
Well I don't think I have figured it out yet, not really. However, I think I am getting closer everyday. Almost my entire life has been spent pleasing other people. This is ultimately no one's fault, but it just is. I have realized lately that this alone does not make me happy. Because I never find the time to please myself. I don't know who I am because I don't know what I really want. And I feel like I owe it to the people around me to be happy.
Do I really want to please other people over myself? What defines me? Who am I? Where have I gone?
All these questions swirl around my head and start to define me. I find that I am unhappy because I am asking so many questions of myself all the time. Could it be that I am the person that takes care of people? Is that who I am? Is that okay?
What I think I realize tonight is that I am the person that takes care of everyone else. But here is the kicker, who takes care of me? How do I do both? How do I enjoy taking care of others, and still find time to take care of myself?
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Time Flies...
I can't believe how long it has been since I wrote a post for this blog. I have noticed that I have gained followers during my hiatus and I think that is awesome. I love that people think I have interesting things to say.
Our little blended family here in Oklahoma has really become my joy. I can't believe how much I enjoy taking care of the house and the kids. The ticket system works so well. If you need something to help your children start doing chores and giving rewards you should head over to Executive Homemaker to download and print it out. If you have publisher you can download it and customize it to meet your needs. We are using it with preschool kids through teenagers so BELIEVE me it works. Follow through is important and I am not always the best with that but I am really trying hard, and the kids are giving me some slack.
I am letting go of my perfectionism one little chore at a time. One of the keys to the system is not expecting them to be perfect. They are working hard and that is all that really matters. I am so proud of all of them.
Chris is traveling so much. He had an unplanned trip to New York this week, and next week he will be going back and probably to visit some other plants so he will be traveling all week. I am glad I have a family to be with while he is gone. I miss him so and I know he misses us. It is difficult, but I think it would more difficult for both of us if I wasn't here. He would be worried about me being alone and I would be sad that I was alone all the time.
One last thing...I even got a new follower on my other blog! I am excited about that. I need to post over there it has been awhile. I need inspiration.
New post tomorrow...it is our anniversary...another year gone by!
Our little blended family here in Oklahoma has really become my joy. I can't believe how much I enjoy taking care of the house and the kids. The ticket system works so well. If you need something to help your children start doing chores and giving rewards you should head over to Executive Homemaker to download and print it out. If you have publisher you can download it and customize it to meet your needs. We are using it with preschool kids through teenagers so BELIEVE me it works. Follow through is important and I am not always the best with that but I am really trying hard, and the kids are giving me some slack.
I am letting go of my perfectionism one little chore at a time. One of the keys to the system is not expecting them to be perfect. They are working hard and that is all that really matters. I am so proud of all of them.
Chris is traveling so much. He had an unplanned trip to New York this week, and next week he will be going back and probably to visit some other plants so he will be traveling all week. I am glad I have a family to be with while he is gone. I miss him so and I know he misses us. It is difficult, but I think it would more difficult for both of us if I wasn't here. He would be worried about me being alone and I would be sad that I was alone all the time.
One last thing...I even got a new follower on my other blog! I am excited about that. I need to post over there it has been awhile. I need inspiration.
New post tomorrow...it is our anniversary...another year gone by!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
I am PUBLISHED!!
Well yes I know that this is publishing too..but... :)
I am writing for Examiner.com head over here to read my first article. I am working on the follow-up right now! It is fun I enjoy writing about what I know...kids! :)
I am writing for Examiner.com head over here to read my first article. I am working on the follow-up right now! It is fun I enjoy writing about what I know...kids! :)
Monday, April 12, 2010
Monday Morning Musing
Now that I am staying at home I am cleaning EVERY DAY! I mean seriously...every day! I rather enjoy it though. OMG...did I really just write that down? I enjoy cleaning the house. It takes about an hour every morning but it is simply the most rewarding hour I spend all day. I enjoy cleaning and thinking about the kids, Chris, and Jeannie while I do it. I say a little prayer for each of them while I clean up after them. I feel like it is a pleasure to keep a nice house for everyone.
We did also start a little chore system for the kids. Their behavior and lack of gratitude for the things they have had totally gotten out of hand. So we started a little ticket system to help get everyone back on track. The kids are actually LOOKING for things to do around the house so they can earn tickets, and they are getting along. As long as I can follow through with it I think it is going to work really well. I do get tired though. I need to really pray about staying the course I think.
I wrote my first article last night. I am waiting for it to be reviewed and published. I will let everyone know so you can head over there and read it.
Enjoy your Monday!
We did also start a little chore system for the kids. Their behavior and lack of gratitude for the things they have had totally gotten out of hand. So we started a little ticket system to help get everyone back on track. The kids are actually LOOKING for things to do around the house so they can earn tickets, and they are getting along. As long as I can follow through with it I think it is going to work really well. I do get tired though. I need to really pray about staying the course I think.
I wrote my first article last night. I am waiting for it to be reviewed and published. I will let everyone know so you can head over there and read it.
Enjoy your Monday!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Random stuff and a couple of pics
So some of you live close to me and know a little bit of what has happened in my life but some of you have no clue so I thought I would fill you in on a couple of changes that have happened in our lives.
First of all, we have moved to Oklahoma for a little while. Chris is traveling so much with work that we, me and the kids, decided to move to Oklahoma to help out Jeannie. Since I have no job and really no job prospects for awhile I am here so she can work and have a vehicle until she can afford to get one. We have all four kids living in the house and I am the stay-at-home mom that I always thought I wanted to be. I am a little bored really. It is amazing how fast I get the house work done when the kids are gone and I do it everyday. But, despite my silly complaining I am happy. I am happy I can be here for all the kids when they leave for school and when they get home. I do enjoy the role I am playing here. I feel a little guilty because I am not a wife really to Chris except on the weekends, but in reality he wouldn't be home for me to be a wife anyway. He is in Atlanta today, and leaves on Sunday for New York, Newark, and Chicago.
I have decided to only do the freelance writing stuff because the online tutoring just didn't work out with the changes we have made. Too many responsibilities with the four kids and I now keep two more in the afternoons.
Kids are both going to school. Emily is in a head start program for pre-k that she is LOVING! She gets to ride a school bus there and home and really loves the independence. I guess she is just like her momma. Except I HATED riding the bus. Ben is really loving kindergarten here in Roff. He gets to spend his afternoons with Brighton, his new best pal. I love watching the boys play and listening to them.
I am at home all day and this is what I have wanted for a very long time, but I will tell you be careful what you wish for. :) I love it but I have to start sewing again because if I don't I am going to go a little nuts I think. I have learned how to crochet I just need to learn how to read a pattern, I have been doing some cross stitch, and I have read two books. Lots of praying and trying to hear God's will. So this is my window right now. I am trying to rest in Him. This is where He has lead me for right now. I will let you know when I start doing the freelance because it is an online thing and you can head over there and be a reader, if you are so inclined.
Here are a couple of gratuitous pics of the dog. He is a worthless, lazy thing, but he sure is cute! :)
First of all, we have moved to Oklahoma for a little while. Chris is traveling so much with work that we, me and the kids, decided to move to Oklahoma to help out Jeannie. Since I have no job and really no job prospects for awhile I am here so she can work and have a vehicle until she can afford to get one. We have all four kids living in the house and I am the stay-at-home mom that I always thought I wanted to be. I am a little bored really. It is amazing how fast I get the house work done when the kids are gone and I do it everyday. But, despite my silly complaining I am happy. I am happy I can be here for all the kids when they leave for school and when they get home. I do enjoy the role I am playing here. I feel a little guilty because I am not a wife really to Chris except on the weekends, but in reality he wouldn't be home for me to be a wife anyway. He is in Atlanta today, and leaves on Sunday for New York, Newark, and Chicago.
I have decided to only do the freelance writing stuff because the online tutoring just didn't work out with the changes we have made. Too many responsibilities with the four kids and I now keep two more in the afternoons.
Kids are both going to school. Emily is in a head start program for pre-k that she is LOVING! She gets to ride a school bus there and home and really loves the independence. I guess she is just like her momma. Except I HATED riding the bus. Ben is really loving kindergarten here in Roff. He gets to spend his afternoons with Brighton, his new best pal. I love watching the boys play and listening to them.
I am at home all day and this is what I have wanted for a very long time, but I will tell you be careful what you wish for. :) I love it but I have to start sewing again because if I don't I am going to go a little nuts I think. I have learned how to crochet I just need to learn how to read a pattern, I have been doing some cross stitch, and I have read two books. Lots of praying and trying to hear God's will. So this is my window right now. I am trying to rest in Him. This is where He has lead me for right now. I will let you know when I start doing the freelance because it is an online thing and you can head over there and be a reader, if you are so inclined.
Here are a couple of gratuitous pics of the dog. He is a worthless, lazy thing, but he sure is cute! :)
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Happiness is a puppy...right?
Well we needed some happiness around here so we decided to get a puppy. I know that some of you are probably thinking...HMMM does she have a brain, but really I do. Our new puppy has brought a lot of joy to our lives and some frustration as all new animals do. I am trying to housebreak him, but the kiddos LOVE playing with him, and he is SO sweet and smart! Here are some pictures for you to enjoy. :)
This is Peanut the dog we already have he has adjusted very well to the new puppy. And the puppy loves Peanut. He follows Peanut around like...well...like a puppy.
Emily took this one of me and Gunner (the puppy).
Emily LOVES the puppy. If Gunner survives her he will be able to survive anything.
The girl and her pup.
Emily, what are you doing with Gunner?
Dancing, mommy. (in the Duh voice she has)
This is Peanut the dog we already have he has adjusted very well to the new puppy. And the puppy loves Peanut. He follows Peanut around like...well...like a puppy.
Emily took this one of me and Gunner (the puppy).
Emily LOVES the puppy. If Gunner survives her he will be able to survive anything.
The girl and her pup.
Emily, what are you doing with Gunner?
Dancing, mommy. (in the Duh voice she has)
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Update
So I feel like I should update you all with what is going on here in my part of the world. I am feeling better about losing my job. Every day it gets a little easier and I am not so depressed anymore. I got a call last night from a place that I applied to for online tutoring and I got offered the position which is so good because it can be done at home in the evenings. I also submitted a writing sample to do some online writing. So things are looking up in my world.
But mostly I have to remember all the blessings I have in my life. They are so numerous that I can't count them, but I am SO thankful for them. Every day it is getting better and I hope it continues that way. Thanks for hanging in there with me during this little rough patch! :)
But mostly I have to remember all the blessings I have in my life. They are so numerous that I can't count them, but I am SO thankful for them. Every day it is getting better and I hope it continues that way. Thanks for hanging in there with me during this little rough patch! :)
Friday, March 19, 2010
Door closed...waiting for the window
I hate to harp on what's going on these days, BUT....
I am still dealing with the loss of my job. The depression of the whole situation just hit me this week. I thought I was okay but apparently I really am not. Every day it is a struggle just to get out of bed and take my meds that keep me going. I have really never lost a job before, and especially one that I loved and thought I was doing a good job at.
I know that the feelings I am having are not true intellectually, but the depression starts to make me believe they are who I am. I am not worthless, I know that, but I am having a hard time really convincing myself.
Everyone loses a job at least once in their life right? This is just my time, right?
Where is my window? I need to find my window. I think it is in the fact that I get to finally be a stay at home mom, but this scares the crap out of me as well.
So now I am waiting for the window, but maybe I should be looking?
I am still dealing with the loss of my job. The depression of the whole situation just hit me this week. I thought I was okay but apparently I really am not. Every day it is a struggle just to get out of bed and take my meds that keep me going. I have really never lost a job before, and especially one that I loved and thought I was doing a good job at.
I know that the feelings I am having are not true intellectually, but the depression starts to make me believe they are who I am. I am not worthless, I know that, but I am having a hard time really convincing myself.
Everyone loses a job at least once in their life right? This is just my time, right?
Where is my window? I need to find my window. I think it is in the fact that I get to finally be a stay at home mom, but this scares the crap out of me as well.
So now I am waiting for the window, but maybe I should be looking?
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
AND...seven weeks later...
Caleb is getting out of the hospital tomorrow! YEAH! His going home party is at 11:30am at the hospital. After so much drama and lots of hard work he is finally going home. He looks great and we are so proud of him!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Focusing on the future...
This afternoon I find myself focusing on the future. For once I am not lingering in the past. I am actually indulging in the present.
Monday was pretty uneventful really. I went to work then up to see Jeannie and Caleb. Tuesday, oh yeah, that was JUST yesterday I thought started like any other day. I went to work excited to do some more work with my kiddos on rocks. They have loved the unit and I was excited. Well, we had a guest in our room so we didn't really get to do much with rocks. I was kind of bummed. Then at the end of the day I was called into the director's office and asked to resign. Yes, it's true. And it is because I was sick.
It all goes back to the two weeks before Christmas this year. I had a stomach virus and I was pretty sure that I had had a miscarriage. I went to see the doctor and she was concerned and did some tests and they showed a reason to test me for cervical cancer. I never posted about this because it was all just too fresh and I really didn't want too many people to know. ANYWAY...I called work and told them what was going on and they TOLD me to take time off. Every day I talked to them and told them I wanted to come to work. I needed to get out of the house. I was just sitting around waiting for the test results to come back. It was a very emotionally exhausting time for me. I really needed something to occupy my time and mind and work would have been the perfect thing. BUT...I was not allowed to be there.
I was home for two weeks and the test came back negative, and I got a second opinion and found out it was just a very bad infection.
So now I am unemployed because of something they told me to do. Parents became unhappy because I was not there, which is understandable, but I wanted to be there. Yesterday I lost my job.
Today I went in to tell the kids goodbye. I totally lost it. I love each and every one of them so much. They all wanted to tell me about their lives since the last time we were together and I wanted to hear it. I stayed for about 20 minutes and then left. I am very sad about how everything has happened, but there is nothing I can do to change it. I don't think it is the best thing for the kids, but again it is not something I can change.
So now I am focusing on the future. What does the future hold for me and my family? How will this change things for us, and how will they change for the better? I am not lingering in the past. I did nothing wrong. I taught the kids and did the very best job possible. I loved them and their families with all my heart. I have decided that for ONCE I AM NOT GOING TO BEAT MYSELF UP! I am not going to waste my energy focusing on what if's and should haves. I am not angry about what happened, I am just sad that it happened. AND right now I am indulging in thoughts of how good the present really is.
Monday was pretty uneventful really. I went to work then up to see Jeannie and Caleb. Tuesday, oh yeah, that was JUST yesterday I thought started like any other day. I went to work excited to do some more work with my kiddos on rocks. They have loved the unit and I was excited. Well, we had a guest in our room so we didn't really get to do much with rocks. I was kind of bummed. Then at the end of the day I was called into the director's office and asked to resign. Yes, it's true. And it is because I was sick.
It all goes back to the two weeks before Christmas this year. I had a stomach virus and I was pretty sure that I had had a miscarriage. I went to see the doctor and she was concerned and did some tests and they showed a reason to test me for cervical cancer. I never posted about this because it was all just too fresh and I really didn't want too many people to know. ANYWAY...I called work and told them what was going on and they TOLD me to take time off. Every day I talked to them and told them I wanted to come to work. I needed to get out of the house. I was just sitting around waiting for the test results to come back. It was a very emotionally exhausting time for me. I really needed something to occupy my time and mind and work would have been the perfect thing. BUT...I was not allowed to be there.
I was home for two weeks and the test came back negative, and I got a second opinion and found out it was just a very bad infection.
So now I am unemployed because of something they told me to do. Parents became unhappy because I was not there, which is understandable, but I wanted to be there. Yesterday I lost my job.
Today I went in to tell the kids goodbye. I totally lost it. I love each and every one of them so much. They all wanted to tell me about their lives since the last time we were together and I wanted to hear it. I stayed for about 20 minutes and then left. I am very sad about how everything has happened, but there is nothing I can do to change it. I don't think it is the best thing for the kids, but again it is not something I can change.
So now I am focusing on the future. What does the future hold for me and my family? How will this change things for us, and how will they change for the better? I am not lingering in the past. I did nothing wrong. I taught the kids and did the very best job possible. I loved them and their families with all my heart. I have decided that for ONCE I AM NOT GOING TO BEAT MYSELF UP! I am not going to waste my energy focusing on what if's and should haves. I am not angry about what happened, I am just sad that it happened. AND right now I am indulging in thoughts of how good the present really is.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Sunday night
I am writing because I need to post. I really have nothing too important to say but I promised myself I would post more often so here goes.
I can't believe it is already Sunday night here in our house. The kids are in bed and the man is out for some guy time and I am home alone. I love having time by myself. I miss him when he is gone but being with me is good as well.
I spent today taking care of things around the house that I have put off. I might actually get the laundry done tonight and the bathrooms are clean. This is a feat for me lately I have just had too much going on and no real motivation to get anything done.
I feel like a fog has been lifted and I am finally ready to take care of a few things that have been nagging at me. I am hopeful this week will be productive. I will keep you all posted! :)
I can't believe it is already Sunday night here in our house. The kids are in bed and the man is out for some guy time and I am home alone. I love having time by myself. I miss him when he is gone but being with me is good as well.
I spent today taking care of things around the house that I have put off. I might actually get the laundry done tonight and the bathrooms are clean. This is a feat for me lately I have just had too much going on and no real motivation to get anything done.
I feel like a fog has been lifted and I am finally ready to take care of a few things that have been nagging at me. I am hopeful this week will be productive. I will keep you all posted! :)
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Afternoon Movie
Today has been a terrific day for me and my sweetie. We started our day with brunch at Cafe Brazil...SO.YUMMY. I love Cafe Brazil and he doesn't but he took me there anyway. I love going there and getting all the yummy coffee I want not to mention the YUMMY fried sweet potatoes I had today.
We bought a newspaper and sat and read it like we had nothing else better to do. It was so fun. The art of doing absolutely nothing and really loving it. It has been way too long since we have had a morning like that together. Chris read the funnies and I read the front page and looked through the coupons!
After about two hours we left and went to the movies to see Cop Out. It was HILARIOUS! We also drank a gigantic slurpee. It was truly the best time we have had in a long time. Now back to the real world, but it is nice to have the memory of our life before kids.
Don't get me wrong our life is so much better and richer now that they are here, but it is fun to remember what it was like before they came along and what it will be like when they leave. It makes me excited to think about our life together in a few short years. I love this man.
We bought a newspaper and sat and read it like we had nothing else better to do. It was so fun. The art of doing absolutely nothing and really loving it. It has been way too long since we have had a morning like that together. Chris read the funnies and I read the front page and looked through the coupons!
After about two hours we left and went to the movies to see Cop Out. It was HILARIOUS! We also drank a gigantic slurpee. It was truly the best time we have had in a long time. Now back to the real world, but it is nice to have the memory of our life before kids.
Don't get me wrong our life is so much better and richer now that they are here, but it is fun to remember what it was like before they came along and what it will be like when they leave. It makes me excited to think about our life together in a few short years. I love this man.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Emily's first blanket
So this morning I was reading blogs and Emily was sitting next to me. We stumbled upon one that was showing fleece blankets and a new way to tie them. Emily got it in her head that she wanted to make one TODAY. SO...we headed to the fabric store and luckily the fleece was 50% off so we found some cute stuff for cheap!
I was amazed because from start to finish this project took us an hour. I cut the fleece for her and I helped with the pulling through. It turned out so cute! She is a girl after my own heart. Now she is thinking of all the people she wants to make one for. Maybe you will even get one! :)
I was amazed because from start to finish this project took us an hour. I cut the fleece for her and I helped with the pulling through. It turned out so cute! She is a girl after my own heart. Now she is thinking of all the people she wants to make one for. Maybe you will even get one! :)
Monday, February 22, 2010
Favorite Blog of the Week...
So I am sick today. I feel pretty crappy but I decided to spend sometime working on this blog o' mine. I have gotten a few new followers so I want to make it worth coming to the blog and looking around!
SO...here is my new favorite blog I found it by visiting IKAT bag which is another one of my favorite sewing blogs. Go take a look at Jill's blog.
SO...here is my new favorite blog I found it by visiting IKAT bag which is another one of my favorite sewing blogs. Go take a look at Jill's blog.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Loving the Legos!
Yesterday we finally had Ben's party. It turned out to be the greatest party. We didn't have as many kids as usual, but i think it was one of the best. I was able to let things go and have some fun planning and participating in the party. Last year we had the pirate party and it was loads of fun but I was so stressed. I went insane with making it perfect and it wasn't anywhere near perfect. I had lots of help from wonderful friends and as unbelievable as it might seem they are still my friends. Most of the time my husband doesn't even want to still be married to me after the party is over. BUT... not this year.
This year I turned over a new leaf. This new leaf was due to lots of different things. One of those things was my mother-in-law. She offered to help and opened her home for the party. Every year she offers her help. I have a VERY tough time accepting help from anyone. But this year I decided that I was going to let her help. Her help was the key and not having to clean my house before the party was probably the best part of it all.
The second thing that contributed to my new leaf is my best friend Jeannie. She is really getting me to see that sweating the small stuff is just pointless and it is REALLY is all just small stuff. She is one of my heroes. She has been in the hospital with Caleb for a month now and she still finds a way to be positive and move forward every day. It is not that Caleb is doing poorly it is just being in the hospital for anything for a month takes a toll on anyone. I look forward to seeing her every time that I can and talking to her as much as I can because no matter how the day has gone for her I know I will find her laughing and joking around with everyone. It really is quite amazing.
The last but definitely not the least important is my husband. In the past year he has really taken the time to thoughtfully consider how the quality of my life could be enhanced. He has worked so hard to keep us going financially so that I could quit my 70 hour week job in the publishing world to take a part-time preschool teaching position that I love. I love it and it has been great for our family. It is the best decision that we ever made and he is also one of my heroes because without him working so hard it never would have been possible. He really is a financial genius among other things! :)
Okay...enough of the sappy stuff and on to the party. I created stations again this year. We had build a bridge, Lego races, build a mini, Lego coloring, and Lego estimation. We kept everything pretty simple. I made the cupcakes and put Lego candies on top of them. We used the pirate ship that the kids and Chris finished in just a week and a half as decoration and I made a banner. Here are the pictures to show just how much fun we had! Pictures are worth a thousand words! :)
Lego Estimation
Lego Racers
Build a Bridge
Lego coloring
Mini Building
Lego Races
This year I turned over a new leaf. This new leaf was due to lots of different things. One of those things was my mother-in-law. She offered to help and opened her home for the party. Every year she offers her help. I have a VERY tough time accepting help from anyone. But this year I decided that I was going to let her help. Her help was the key and not having to clean my house before the party was probably the best part of it all.
The second thing that contributed to my new leaf is my best friend Jeannie. She is really getting me to see that sweating the small stuff is just pointless and it is REALLY is all just small stuff. She is one of my heroes. She has been in the hospital with Caleb for a month now and she still finds a way to be positive and move forward every day. It is not that Caleb is doing poorly it is just being in the hospital for anything for a month takes a toll on anyone. I look forward to seeing her every time that I can and talking to her as much as I can because no matter how the day has gone for her I know I will find her laughing and joking around with everyone. It really is quite amazing.
The last but definitely not the least important is my husband. In the past year he has really taken the time to thoughtfully consider how the quality of my life could be enhanced. He has worked so hard to keep us going financially so that I could quit my 70 hour week job in the publishing world to take a part-time preschool teaching position that I love. I love it and it has been great for our family. It is the best decision that we ever made and he is also one of my heroes because without him working so hard it never would have been possible. He really is a financial genius among other things! :)
Okay...enough of the sappy stuff and on to the party. I created stations again this year. We had build a bridge, Lego races, build a mini, Lego coloring, and Lego estimation. We kept everything pretty simple. I made the cupcakes and put Lego candies on top of them. We used the pirate ship that the kids and Chris finished in just a week and a half as decoration and I made a banner. Here are the pictures to show just how much fun we had! Pictures are worth a thousand words! :)
Lego Estimation
Lego Racers
Build a Bridge
Lego coloring
Mini Building
Lego Races
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