I've been playing the numbers game a lot lately. I'm keeping track of so many things that my head is spinning trying to keep it all straight.
There is only 1 day of school left for my kids. It is so hard to believe that the school year is over already. I know everyone says how quickly time flies and I swear each year goes faster. My daughter will be moving on to the junior high and my older son moves on to being the top dog in his school. of course, my little boy goes to kindergarten in the fall. I will officially have all school-aged children. How in the world did this happen?!
There are 5 days until we leave for our beach vacation. I am beyond excited to get there and enjoy this time with my family and friends. We have plans to play some games, drink some yummy wines and tropical drinks, swim a lot, collect shells, take family photos on the beach and just thoroughly have a great time. We had tossed around the idea of leaving on Friday evening and staying somewhere along the way to break up the long drive but really, we've made the long trip twice before in one day so why do something different? I took Friday off of work to finish all the last minute things and get everything we need without having to rush around after work. That includes getting my nails and toes done. ;)
There are 11 work days left for me. I work the next three days, have ten days off, work a 5 day work week, then finish out my job with a 3 day work week! A lot of my customers have been asking me if I am excited to be done (duh!!), how many days I have left, what I am going to do, etc. Lots of questions from them. While some of my customers drive me absolutely crazy, there are a few who I will definitely miss. Some of these people have shared parts of their lives with me and I with them. Some of them are encouraging, supportive, appreciative and generous. You see these people five days a week and talk to them each day. You get to know them and as much as you can dislike a job, you enjoy the people that are there. I can say that I will miss my customers more than my coworker. I won't go into the details of that but I will have a lot less stress after I leave!
The numbers game is always fun when you know that there are great things happening when you reach the number zero.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Just a Taste of What's to Come
I know I keep babbling on and on about how fun our summer is going to be and how much I am looking forward to spending my days with my kids but I just cannot help it.
Today, the kids and I took a few hours and spent some time out shopping and having lunch. To say it was nice would be an understatement. I really enjoyed myself and they did too. It wasn't anything crazy or overly fun but it was time spent together with each other. Even though I had to yell at the boys to "stop fighting!" and "keep your hands to yourselves!" it was nice. I've missed this and although I know we can do this any weekend, it is special all the same.
The kids even commented on how fun it was. how they really liked spending the time together.
I know that we will get lots more time to do this on a more regular basis and it warms my heart to no end.
Only 24 more work days ahead of me!!
Today, the kids and I took a few hours and spent some time out shopping and having lunch. To say it was nice would be an understatement. I really enjoyed myself and they did too. It wasn't anything crazy or overly fun but it was time spent together with each other. Even though I had to yell at the boys to "stop fighting!" and "keep your hands to yourselves!" it was nice. I've missed this and although I know we can do this any weekend, it is special all the same.
The kids even commented on how fun it was. how they really liked spending the time together.
I know that we will get lots more time to do this on a more regular basis and it warms my heart to no end.
Only 24 more work days ahead of me!!
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Fostering their loves
Each year we spend countless hours watching Chuckie playing his sports or cheering him on with all the different things that he enjoys. This year will be no different and we enjoy every second.
Jada does takes dance classes and because there isn't much of a chance to really cheer her on, I feel like we aren't as involved in her love of dance. She also is in the school art club and she loves all sorts of art....painting, drawing, sculpture, etc. She is good at it too. She is far better at it than I am.
We already signed Chuckie up for a football camp this summer to help improve his skills and to have some extra football fun. It is not cheap and we do it because it is something he loves.
Jada brought home a paper for a summer art camp. It is located less than 10 minutes away from home and it is for one week. We can choose which month she could go. I asked her if it was something that she would like to do because if we are paying for Chuckie to participate in a camp that he enjoys, why shouldn't we do the same for Jada?
She has never asked to do anything like this even though she probably really wanted to. She worries too much about us spending any money on her. She deserves this. She deserves to have this time to do something that she really loves and enjoys. So, I brought it up to her and asked her if it was something she would like to do. She was surprised I asked and said that, yes, she would.
I am excited for her because I am like her. If I want to do something, I am too cautious and I never ask or pursue it because I almost feel like it is asking too much. I know in my heart that it isn't but it's just how I'm wired and unfortunately, for Jada, she is too.
Each of my children are so very dear to me and if there is anything I can do to make them happy (within reason) I will do it. I want my kids to know that I am here to cheer them on, encourage them and allow them to grow in the areas that they enjoy and want to grow in. I don't care what it is that they want to do, I will be there, whether it is dance, art, football, basketball and maybe even lacrosse. I'm still on the fence about that one!
Lincoln is young and really has no interest in playing any sports just yet but when he's ready, so am I.
Growing up, I was involved in cheerleading and my parents didn't really take an active part in being there to watch me or cheer me on, so to speak. They worked a lot and maybe just didn't have too much extra time to commit to being there. Iknow that cheerleading isn't the greatest thing to sit there and watch or encourage but it was what I was excited about and into. I don't have any ill feelings toward my parents about it, I truly don't. I just want my kids to look up and see me there and know that I am there.
I am so excited about this summer and all the possibilities with my kids. They are growing too fast and I need this time with them as much as they need the time with me. We have a lot of fun things planned for this summer. Pool days, zoo trips, museums, science centers, picnics, long walks and hikes, camping and anything else our hearts desire! This is OUR summer and we are doing it OUR way!
We will be attending football camp and art camp and I couldn't be any happier to take them!!
Jada does takes dance classes and because there isn't much of a chance to really cheer her on, I feel like we aren't as involved in her love of dance. She also is in the school art club and she loves all sorts of art....painting, drawing, sculpture, etc. She is good at it too. She is far better at it than I am.
We already signed Chuckie up for a football camp this summer to help improve his skills and to have some extra football fun. It is not cheap and we do it because it is something he loves.
Jada brought home a paper for a summer art camp. It is located less than 10 minutes away from home and it is for one week. We can choose which month she could go. I asked her if it was something that she would like to do because if we are paying for Chuckie to participate in a camp that he enjoys, why shouldn't we do the same for Jada?
She has never asked to do anything like this even though she probably really wanted to. She worries too much about us spending any money on her. She deserves this. She deserves to have this time to do something that she really loves and enjoys. So, I brought it up to her and asked her if it was something she would like to do. She was surprised I asked and said that, yes, she would.
I am excited for her because I am like her. If I want to do something, I am too cautious and I never ask or pursue it because I almost feel like it is asking too much. I know in my heart that it isn't but it's just how I'm wired and unfortunately, for Jada, she is too.
Each of my children are so very dear to me and if there is anything I can do to make them happy (within reason) I will do it. I want my kids to know that I am here to cheer them on, encourage them and allow them to grow in the areas that they enjoy and want to grow in. I don't care what it is that they want to do, I will be there, whether it is dance, art, football, basketball and maybe even lacrosse. I'm still on the fence about that one!
Lincoln is young and really has no interest in playing any sports just yet but when he's ready, so am I.
Growing up, I was involved in cheerleading and my parents didn't really take an active part in being there to watch me or cheer me on, so to speak. They worked a lot and maybe just didn't have too much extra time to commit to being there. Iknow that cheerleading isn't the greatest thing to sit there and watch or encourage but it was what I was excited about and into. I don't have any ill feelings toward my parents about it, I truly don't. I just want my kids to look up and see me there and know that I am there.
I am so excited about this summer and all the possibilities with my kids. They are growing too fast and I need this time with them as much as they need the time with me. We have a lot of fun things planned for this summer. Pool days, zoo trips, museums, science centers, picnics, long walks and hikes, camping and anything else our hearts desire! This is OUR summer and we are doing it OUR way!
We will be attending football camp and art camp and I couldn't be any happier to take them!!
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Little Bit of This, Little Bit of That
As each day passes, I am reminded that it is one day closer to my last day at my job. While I do have an at-home job lined up, I am trying to think of other ways to make some extra money.
I am already babysitting two kids a few days a week in the evenings to make some extra cash but that is not really something that I will be able to continue to do. The one girl I can continue but the baby, I cannot. Our weeknight schedules get so hectic in the late summer due to football practices and dance classes. I can take the girl with me because she is older and it's not a problem at all. The baby is not too easy though. I would need to get a new carseat for him and let's face it, dragging an 18 month old everywhere when he is already a crabby boy makes it all the harder. I am thinking that I will have to stop watching him by the end of June. I am thinking end of June because although football doesn't start until the end of July, I would really like to have my summer free. That may seem selfish but I have come to the point in my life where I am not trying to please everyone else. I have spent too many years doing that. I am doing this for myself!
He comes around 3:15pm and I don't want to be out somewhere with my kids (zoo, pool, museum, etc.) and have to hurry home and cut our days short because we need to be back to get him. I know that sounds bad but it is what it is. This summer is for my kids too.
There are a few things that I have been thinking of doing on the side to make some extra money but I'm not sure how well they would do so I don't want to mention them just yet. I got a few books from the library that may help me. I love the idea of not having a boss and doing things my way. There is something so attractive about being my own boss.
Chuck still isn't back to work and I know a lot of people have questions as to why in the world I would quit working while he is also not working but I know we will be fine. We always are. I will be working, possibly long hours but I will be home and I can be there when my kids need me. I can be there to see them off to school, to attend a school function, to go on a field trip, to take them to doctor in the morning if need be. Yes, we are taking a gamble, taking a risk but I believe in my heart that it is a risk worth taking because my family is worth it!
I am already babysitting two kids a few days a week in the evenings to make some extra cash but that is not really something that I will be able to continue to do. The one girl I can continue but the baby, I cannot. Our weeknight schedules get so hectic in the late summer due to football practices and dance classes. I can take the girl with me because she is older and it's not a problem at all. The baby is not too easy though. I would need to get a new carseat for him and let's face it, dragging an 18 month old everywhere when he is already a crabby boy makes it all the harder. I am thinking that I will have to stop watching him by the end of June. I am thinking end of June because although football doesn't start until the end of July, I would really like to have my summer free. That may seem selfish but I have come to the point in my life where I am not trying to please everyone else. I have spent too many years doing that. I am doing this for myself!
He comes around 3:15pm and I don't want to be out somewhere with my kids (zoo, pool, museum, etc.) and have to hurry home and cut our days short because we need to be back to get him. I know that sounds bad but it is what it is. This summer is for my kids too.
There are a few things that I have been thinking of doing on the side to make some extra money but I'm not sure how well they would do so I don't want to mention them just yet. I got a few books from the library that may help me. I love the idea of not having a boss and doing things my way. There is something so attractive about being my own boss.
Chuck still isn't back to work and I know a lot of people have questions as to why in the world I would quit working while he is also not working but I know we will be fine. We always are. I will be working, possibly long hours but I will be home and I can be there when my kids need me. I can be there to see them off to school, to attend a school function, to go on a field trip, to take them to doctor in the morning if need be. Yes, we are taking a gamble, taking a risk but I believe in my heart that it is a risk worth taking because my family is worth it!
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Moving Forward
It's crazy how quickly time gets away from you......
Here's a quick rundown of what's going on:
* We leave for vacation in seven weeks! We are spending a week in the Outer Banks of North Carolina with our family and friends for a total group of 25 people. It's a crazy thing going with that many people but it is a blast! I am the one that organizes it, finds the house, does the financial crap and sets most of it up. We have a pre-vacation meeting to settle on bedrooms, meals, days that we cook, etc. Each family takes an evening and is in charge of making dinner for the house! It works out so nicely because each family only has to cook one night while on vacation! We usually take the first night so that we can sort of show everyone what we mean and so that we have it out of the way. The day we get there, a few of us girls go grocery shopping and pick up all the groceries for the week including all the stuff for each dinner. Each family puts in so much for groceries for the week. I love doing this and I even make packets for each family so that they have all the information that I have. No secrets or exclusions from anyone. I cannot wait!! June 9th cannot come soon enough!
* Lincoln is going next Tuesday to a satellite location of our Children's Hospital to have dental surgery. He needs extensive work done on all of his molars and another tooth so they felt it best to do it while he is under anesthesia. I know he is going to be in great hands but I am so nervous for my baby boy to go through this. I know he won't know anything is going on while they do it but I hate to think of him in pain and being under anesthesia. I'm already thinking of taking a sick day the following day to spend it with him while he recovers! Worried mama bear :)
* After a lot of consideration, I have decided to leave my job. We found out that my building is going to close and my cafe would, in turn, be shutting down. Therefore, I would be moving to another location where I am needed. I had been thinking of leaving my job long before this since Lincoln will be going to kindergarten and the other kids are going to be in school. I will be needed at home more than I could ever be needed at work so I planned on leaving. I just figured I would leave at the end of the summer or early fall when the cafe closes to make it easier on my boss. Yes, to make it easier on my boss, not for my own benefit. This is how I get myself in trouble, I worry more about others than myself. Anyway, I decided that it is time for me to do something for myself and my family and so I put in my notice that June 22nd will be my last day. It is bittersweet, as I love some of my customers and they do make me feel like a friend. Some of them I will miss but it doesn't equate to the joy I see in my kids' eyes to have me home. The kids are so excited and happy to know that we will get to spend our entire summer together doing whatever we want. Can you say swimming, zoo trips, camping, museums, science center, etc?! I need this as much as my kids do.
* Chuck still is not back to work so we will get more time together, which has really been lacking lately. I am so busy on a daily basis that we never have time to ourselves which is so crazy. I don't know when he will be going back to work. He doesn't know when he will go back to work. I know people wonder how we are making this work but it does. He is still collecting unemployment and he is taking care of house and home, kids included. He gets the kids up and off to school and takes Lincoln to and from school. He does laundry, cleaning, dishes, yard work, fixups at home, etc. He has become quite the at home dad and I am beyond proud of him. He is doing things that he has never done before like preschool field trips and teaching the kids things. I was always there for all of that while he was always working so this switch has been beneficial for him, mentally and emotionally.
So, there are huge changes coming to our family. I can't fully express my excitement and joy at all of it!
I hope to keep up with this a little more moving forward but I can't promise anything. I'm still running at a million miles an hour....can't wait for that to change too! I have lots more to say but gotta hop off to get a few things done around here before bed! Goodnight all!
Here's a quick rundown of what's going on:
* We leave for vacation in seven weeks! We are spending a week in the Outer Banks of North Carolina with our family and friends for a total group of 25 people. It's a crazy thing going with that many people but it is a blast! I am the one that organizes it, finds the house, does the financial crap and sets most of it up. We have a pre-vacation meeting to settle on bedrooms, meals, days that we cook, etc. Each family takes an evening and is in charge of making dinner for the house! It works out so nicely because each family only has to cook one night while on vacation! We usually take the first night so that we can sort of show everyone what we mean and so that we have it out of the way. The day we get there, a few of us girls go grocery shopping and pick up all the groceries for the week including all the stuff for each dinner. Each family puts in so much for groceries for the week. I love doing this and I even make packets for each family so that they have all the information that I have. No secrets or exclusions from anyone. I cannot wait!! June 9th cannot come soon enough!
* Lincoln is going next Tuesday to a satellite location of our Children's Hospital to have dental surgery. He needs extensive work done on all of his molars and another tooth so they felt it best to do it while he is under anesthesia. I know he is going to be in great hands but I am so nervous for my baby boy to go through this. I know he won't know anything is going on while they do it but I hate to think of him in pain and being under anesthesia. I'm already thinking of taking a sick day the following day to spend it with him while he recovers! Worried mama bear :)
* After a lot of consideration, I have decided to leave my job. We found out that my building is going to close and my cafe would, in turn, be shutting down. Therefore, I would be moving to another location where I am needed. I had been thinking of leaving my job long before this since Lincoln will be going to kindergarten and the other kids are going to be in school. I will be needed at home more than I could ever be needed at work so I planned on leaving. I just figured I would leave at the end of the summer or early fall when the cafe closes to make it easier on my boss. Yes, to make it easier on my boss, not for my own benefit. This is how I get myself in trouble, I worry more about others than myself. Anyway, I decided that it is time for me to do something for myself and my family and so I put in my notice that June 22nd will be my last day. It is bittersweet, as I love some of my customers and they do make me feel like a friend. Some of them I will miss but it doesn't equate to the joy I see in my kids' eyes to have me home. The kids are so excited and happy to know that we will get to spend our entire summer together doing whatever we want. Can you say swimming, zoo trips, camping, museums, science center, etc?! I need this as much as my kids do.
* Chuck still is not back to work so we will get more time together, which has really been lacking lately. I am so busy on a daily basis that we never have time to ourselves which is so crazy. I don't know when he will be going back to work. He doesn't know when he will go back to work. I know people wonder how we are making this work but it does. He is still collecting unemployment and he is taking care of house and home, kids included. He gets the kids up and off to school and takes Lincoln to and from school. He does laundry, cleaning, dishes, yard work, fixups at home, etc. He has become quite the at home dad and I am beyond proud of him. He is doing things that he has never done before like preschool field trips and teaching the kids things. I was always there for all of that while he was always working so this switch has been beneficial for him, mentally and emotionally.
So, there are huge changes coming to our family. I can't fully express my excitement and joy at all of it!
I hope to keep up with this a little more moving forward but I can't promise anything. I'm still running at a million miles an hour....can't wait for that to change too! I have lots more to say but gotta hop off to get a few things done around here before bed! Goodnight all!
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Seeing Green
Most people are talking about envy when they mention seeing green but not me, not today.
My husband had his unemployment hearing and he did so well. He won his hearing and he has received his backpay from all the months that he waited for the right thing to be done. I am so proud of him and he really showed an important lesson to our kids. When someone treats you wrong, you don't just sit there and take it. You need to fight for what is right. Persevearance does pay off.
So, I am feeling less stressed about the whole thing and we can put this behind us and look forward. He can now look for a job knowing that he can still bring in some money while looking. He is not going to just sit and collect. He is not that type of person.
Things are good. God is good. He answered my prayers and I couldn't be more grateful.
Also, speaking of green....I did our federal taxes already and will be doing our state and local taxes soon. I love tax season and not because we usually get money back. I love crunching numbers and working the process. I wish I would have gone to school for this instead of what I did. Boo!
My husband had his unemployment hearing and he did so well. He won his hearing and he has received his backpay from all the months that he waited for the right thing to be done. I am so proud of him and he really showed an important lesson to our kids. When someone treats you wrong, you don't just sit there and take it. You need to fight for what is right. Persevearance does pay off.
So, I am feeling less stressed about the whole thing and we can put this behind us and look forward. He can now look for a job knowing that he can still bring in some money while looking. He is not going to just sit and collect. He is not that type of person.
Things are good. God is good. He answered my prayers and I couldn't be more grateful.
Also, speaking of green....I did our federal taxes already and will be doing our state and local taxes soon. I love tax season and not because we usually get money back. I love crunching numbers and working the process. I wish I would have gone to school for this instead of what I did. Boo!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Waiting
My husband has been out of work since September and hasn't been able to collect unemployment compensation because of a dispute about the circumstances of his job ending. I don't want to go into it on here but it has been beyond frustrating.
We went to a hearing that he had to determine if he would receive the benefits only to find out that the referee in the case had called off and the hearing has been postponed. Ugh. This is so aggravating and I am so super stressed. Unfortunately, for me, that stress has caused really terrible acne. I have been getting more and more bumps. I am not calling these pimples or zits because they are huge and very painful.
I am hoping for the best as far as an outcome of the hearing. I am also hoping that I can get a little relief from the stress so that my skin can begin to clear up.
We went to a hearing that he had to determine if he would receive the benefits only to find out that the referee in the case had called off and the hearing has been postponed. Ugh. This is so aggravating and I am so super stressed. Unfortunately, for me, that stress has caused really terrible acne. I have been getting more and more bumps. I am not calling these pimples or zits because they are huge and very painful.
I am hoping for the best as far as an outcome of the hearing. I am also hoping that I can get a little relief from the stress so that my skin can begin to clear up.
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