Today we are learning about hurricanes and creating an emergency preparedness kit.  The kids have lots of questions and their wheels are turning!  We are praying for the people on the East coast.  Stay safe everyone!

"no kids for the day-we can organize the house and relax" said no one EVER"

 We are free-Josh and I are out to cause some trouble!

Crazy Ideas For the Weekend 

1.  Go to the new casino in Cleveland and gamble our last dollars for the week

2.  Drive to PA, tailgate and scalp tickets to the OSU game

3.  Start traveling in one direction all day and see what we discover.

4.  Drive home to see the kids.

to be continued

I was called to be......

I used to hear people talk about getting a calling from God and never knew what this meant.  I mean I kind of knew but never really knew.  Like, you mean Jesus spoke to you?  I can't say I have ever had a calling to do anything but I would agree that I have landed places by God's choice because they were perfect places-places that were comfortable-places that I was good in.

This weekend I am reminded of my purpose.  When I was a young, wild, teenager I experienced a life changing event.  I became a mommy.  It wasn't long after I had Emma that I knew it was part of God's perfect plan for me.  I loved every day, my world was so much about my baby-not friends, shopping or parties.  I loved spending every second with that baby and it's still that way.  I don't think she was ever at Grandma's or with a family member all day until she was a year old.  This was the beginning of my attachment parenting spell and it happened naturally.  I didn't read parenting books because I felt so connected to my baby I never was led to a book.  She slept with me, ate breakfast with me, took a shower with me, sat on my lap when I was sitting, napped in my arms- where there was me there was her.  I always said I loved being a mother and I wanted a large family.  I knew this when I was 18.  I said bring it on!  My heart still yearns for more babies but through the years I have grown wiser and can listen to God more.

All three of my kiddos were invited to go to Grandma's for the weekend.  Since we've moved, the kids don't see their Grandma's as much and my mother wanted them for the weekend.  They left yesterday evening.  We have never been away from all three kids for a whole weekend.  Usually one night at a time and we have plans. Never home for a whole weekend.  While I am enjoying free time, I feel lost.  Last night Josh and I went and had a beer (okay 2) at a local bar.  When we got home it was late and so it was bedtime.  Usually bedtime consists of reading, diapers, bath time, singing, back scratching, praying, snack time, I am thirsty again, did you go potty, now please brush your teeth I am not going to ask you again, please lay down, whisper please, I am trying to sleep, stay on your side of the bed, no singing, guys be quiet......But last night it was Josh saying "Are you ready for bed" and I said  "Sure".  Shut the lights off and......I couldn't sleep.  I sat up and decided to have wine and read in bed because those are things I can't do when the kids are home. I can have wine of course (no, I don't believe in not drinking in front of your kids...) but if I decide I want to read one of my books in bed then that means the lamp has to be on and then the kids think that =more time to stay up and play or chat.  Anyway, I read till 3 AM last night and slept until NOON today.  Wow!

Morning routine usually consists of taking care of Joshua's potty needs as he can't pee on his own.  So everyday for the last 3 1/2 years the very first thing I do is take care of Joshie but today he is not home. SO instead of doing all that and making breakfast for 3 people then myself, I skipped breakfast went right to the pot of coffee Josh made and hopped on the Internet.  Guilt free Internet surfing without my conscience reminding me that instead of spending an hour on the Internet you could be down on the floor playing trucks with your buddy.

Nonetheless, it's weird here today.  It's nice, but weird.  Josh and I have time work on the house, go out to lunch and just chill!  We don't know what it's like to have kids and live together.  We went from high  school to a baby living with my parents then to an apartment.  This weekend we can pretend to be those couples who are 26 and 30, no children only careers and dogs...boring! LOL I am kidding-but seriously we always wonder what it would be like?  They go like hiking and to dinner and plays at the theater and stuff.  Alone.  Without getting a sitter.  [Today I am reminded of my purpose which is to mother children that have a lot to offer to the next generation in spirit, mind and soul.]

I love my Earth.

have a learning filled kind of day. [i dare you to think outside the box]

This is for my husband!  Go Tigers!  Emma did a report on the Detroit Tigers this week.  We learned a lot and she did awesome!

Here are the girls all ready for AWANA with their Sparks shirts on!

Joshua said his verse quiet as a mouse tonight and earned his Cubbie vest and book!  He also got to hold a poster during singing time (even though he won't sing!)  He is so proud but unfortunately too tired to tell about it!  Fell asleep on the way home tonight:)

Love these kids!

SO I promise I have good reason for neglecting my readers!  Last time I wrote was Thursday and Friday I spent the whole day and some preparing my home for guests.  Josh's parents stayed for the weekend so there was work to be done!  Got a lot accomplished and made delicious food for the weekend.

The hair dying went OK and though it is an extreme change, I am adjusting!  I like it!

I have been fighting a cold for over a week and I am starting to feel back to normal.  For colds I opt to do no medicine but use simple home remedies such as extra sleep, extra vitamin C, saline drops for your nose and vapors!  We have saved thousands of dollars in medical expenses between the 5 of us by never going to the doctor for a cold.  Just fight it out!  Now of course, if a fever is persistent for several days then there is good reason to see the doc-but other than that I say-let your immune system do it's job!

I had a spell of homesickness (i know, it's not a real word) on Monday.  Not sure why some days are better than the others but Monday everything made me weep and by evening after holding in emotions all day it all came out.  Sometimes it just has to.  The kids were so worried about me, poor things they never see me upset like that.  But I was OK with admitting and explaining to them that I was just sad.  I told them how I missed our house and I missed my old job.  I miss my neighbors, my friends and my goodness I miss my family.  It's been several weeks since we have been home and I am in need of a good afternoon to sit and drink coffee with my mom!  It's OK to be sad sometimes and I think it is important to teach this to our kids.  It's a good teachable reminder that even though we might not be content at the moment we need to trust God and remember he wanted us here.  I truly believe that.  I am thankful that I could call my mom and cry to her.  I am thankful that Josh is patient and understands why I was feeling the way I was.  After I had cried all I could, I drank some wine and we went for a late night snack.  All was well again and I woke up Tuesday morning and took Josh's advice to not hope things would get better but to make them better.  We had an awesome, productive day on Tuesday and now I have come out of my gloom and have felt inspired to write again.

Today, the coffee is good, the air is refreshing and the kids are perfect.  Sunday I was in need of direction and was led to the Bible.  I have an awesome Bible that is for moms with lots of devotionals geared towards training up our babies and having patience and everything that goes along with motherhood.  I came across scripture that talked about letting our kids be kids.  It was such a good read, I wanna share!  Basically, the world is full of negatives and when are kids are old enough to go out on their own they will be faced with people who try to ridicule and break them down.  They will have people telling them no and people shooting down their ideas.  While our kids are young and under our roof, we need to let them be.  Let them be goofy, loud, obnoxious, wrong, make messes and everything else.  I needed to hear this at that moment!  I agree with this whole heartedly but there are those moments when the screams and roar of laughter is just too loud or the mess in their room is just too much but then articles like the one that was in my Bible put everything into perspective.  Trying to just "let it be" more often as the kids are the sweetest most harmless thing and they deserve nothing but pure comfort and joy.  A calm mom=calm children.

Joshua is due to go to the doctor for several things and finding a doctor for a special needs child is overwhelming.  Please pray for us as we venture to find new medical care and a new hospital.  Joshua has developed a pressure sore from wearing his scoliosis brace everyday.  It's on his lower back.  We have had to stop wearing the brace to allow this to heal.  It seems to be doing OK but if it is not healed by the weekend I will call Monday to have it looked at.  Poor buddy-doesn't deserve this but we are making the most of it! I can't let him sense how much I worry about him.  Kids are smart so when he has a boo-boo rather than being dramatic and freaking out, it's so important for me to stay calm and let him know that it's OK and mommy can fix it! I am so glad he is here and we can't change the fact that he was born special so we are embracing his awesomeness. I just love him to death.  He is perfect.  Prayers for him would be much appreciated!

We have AWANA tonight and we are all excited!  Our day out of the house!  The kids both earned an AWANA t-shirt and book for memorizing John 3:16.  They are pumped!  We have been reviewing scripture today and Joshua too, is working hard today to remember his verse and it is the cutest thing ever.  He will earn a vest and a book once he does!  Fingers crossed, lol!

That's all for now!

Have a splendid Fall day and in the midst of our crazy, overbooked schedules don't forget to take the time to stop and smell his roses.

I just sent my husband a text:

"You are in charge of dinner this evening.  I am overwhelmed.  Thanks."

Have not gotten a reply yet.

Behind on everything today and the school lessons just keeping getting longer and longer!  

Dear Lord, Help!  Help me to stay focused on whats important and to get a clear head to be able to tackle the mess I am so good at creating.  Amen

I am hoping for the "he says wait" option and that means if I wait until my husband gets home he will help:-D

oh man had a great birthday!  sweet ella reminded me this morning that I was 26 now!  She thinks I look bigger too!  I had such a wonderful evening last night with my family.  My parents treated my family to Olive Garden and it was delicious!  I had 3-4 various kinds of drinks sitting in front of me.

 
Geesh, I peed all night.  I wanted wine with my dinner and our friendly waitress had to tell me about the new house wines so of course I had to sample them.  All are yummy in case you were wondering.  I chose the white house wine.  Of course no meal is complete without a cup of coffee [black]. So I slurped that down too.

My shopping trip was a success!  I shopped for 1 1/2 hours [because they shut the lights off on me=they were closing] stayed within my budget and got some great things!  We had AWANA [church night] tonight so I actually got to wear something other than my usual sweatpants and t-shirt.  I chose birthday outfit number 1-Josh-in the nicest way possible told me it was screaming at him!

"she's a mom-proud of her target clothes"

I also bought a box of red hair dye!  What?! Yes, I really did!  I normally get my hair highlighted at the salon but I just want to try this on my own!  One time, Josh pulled my hair through a cap [like poked thousands of holes in a plastic cap and gave me highlights].  It took us 3 hours.  He is such a patient man;)

Even though it's midnight, I think I am going to go try dying my hair right now.  I may be making a 9:00 a.m. salon apt. tomorrow and have to take my kids with me to get it fixed...we will see!

Had a great day, talked to the neighbor lady today...finally! [she lives catecorner -how do you spell that?]  She was very nice, she was on a walk and we were leaving to go to AWANA so it was just a brief chat but I would love to get to know her more!  Saw lots of "familiar" faces at church tonight which is comforting.  Some moms I met in my new homeschool group and the kids AWANA teachers and it's nice to be able to call others by name finally.  The kids are making friends too.  I hear them referring to kids by name and I think they are enjoying AWANA.

Ella Jo still misses her best friend dearly.  She cried in bed last night because she misses seeing her.  Her best friend is the daughter to my best friend therefore Ella saw her often.  We have planned for my best friend to come with her husband and 3 children to stay with us in November and we are all so excited!

We went to a restaurant down the road this evening after AWANA in an effort to see the Detroit Tigers game but it was rained out.  SO we enjoyed our appetizer/bed time snack and night cap anyway.  Before we left the kids wanted to play games in the restaurant's mini-arcade.  Josh gave them each a dollar.  The arcade was near the restrooms and along stumbles this "happy" [nicer way to say drunk] guy and gives the kids more money to spend on the games!  They were SO excited!  Their lucky night!  They certainly deserved this treat, they are such sweet , well behaved kids.  Am I allowed to say that without it being like I am bragging?  Well i am saying it anyway.  Each one of them ordered their own dinners at Olive Garden last night using impeccable manners.  That sat so well and enjoyed their meals.  All through Target everyone was so good.  I mean, no acting up at all.  They are just awesome and I love to be with them.

Good night-I am going to go ruin my hair!

good evening all!  just got the house picked up from the days events and finally sitting down to do some reading and facebooking and blogging and all those great things!  my friends from my BUNCO group came yesterday and it was so great to see them!  I get emotional when people are here; was just over joyed to have people in my home!  we went out for lunch at my favorite mexican restaurant and spent all afternoon there.  ordered 2 pitchers of margaritas and only 4 of us were drinking them.  needless to say-a good time was had by all.  lots of laughter and even had an old man give his number to one of my friends!  entertaining!

today was a wonderful day at school.  i love when we get everything checked off without any bumps or fights or any negatives!  we even had time to get outside to walk, ride bikes and play baseball.  i wanted to get a half hour of exercise in and ella wanted to go along so she rode her bike.  i love walking through the neighborhood and admiring peoples homes. everyone is so different.  some have messy garages or very tidy garages, fancy cars and not so fancy cars, dogs or no dogs, pumpkins and mums or ghosts and zombies etc. etc. and I love it all!  everyone in the world has something to offer and it takes all of us to make it work.  i didn't talk to anyone on the walk but i was so excited when i spotted this:

yes, believe it. i spotted a Beatles mailbox!  This is just fantastic!  I became a Beatles fan when I was in the 3rd grade.  My dad always had a large collection of albums from his era and we would listen to them on the weekends.  I just loved this one.  I had him record me a cassette tape which I listened to over and over for years.  I used to take it in the bathroom with me when I would take my bath at night and listen to it.  I now have some Beatles CD's and you better believe that my children also know who the Beatles are!  

Well, it's almost my birthday.  I will soon be 26 years old.  For my birthday my parents usually ask what i would like and for the last couple of years I have accepted cold hard cash as a birthday gift and I love it. So for my birthday I am going shopping at Target!  Yes, the birthday money I get is mine all mine.  Of course we need things around here and of course we have bills that could be paid but damn-it since I have become a mommy I rarely spurge and treat myself!  The few times I do get to go shopping I look down in my cart or shopping bag and see that I have stuff for everyone in the family but myself. No pity party,  it's just what us moms do.  Moms always put their needs last.  But not on my birthday!  I hope to get a cardigan, a fashion scarf, a huge, fake, cocktail ring, new nail polish, a brightly colored pair of skinny jeans, and a pair of flats for less than $200.  Wish me luck, I can't freakin' wait!

I also want to be mindful of the fact that I have family-lots of family that calls me and sends me things and that there are some people in this world whose birthday passes by and no one knows it.  Boo:(  This breaks my heart.  I am so thankful to have been born into a family not of riches and trusts but rather of unconditional love, acceptance and support-truly.  Anything I have ever done-be it good or bad-they have all been right there.  Aw shucks-thanks guys!  I love you all!

it's saturday.  ahhh the day of sleeping in, doing projects and spending time with the people we love.  it's funny how saturday can mean so many different things to different people. for some it is all about football, for some it is all about preparing for sunday's sermon, some people feed the poor on saturdays while others sleep all day and party all night.  to be real honest-i think all those sound great.  how do you spend your saturdays?

today josh is spending his saturday paying respect to a coworker who lost his wife to cancer this week. they are not old.  in their 50's actually.  I think her name was Janet.  has grown children but never got to be a grandmother:(  so sad.  I hope she knew christ and that her husband can find peace at laying her to rest soon.

after he left i decided to get my butt outta bed and pamper myself.  throughout the week it's shower and throw on sweats and a t-shirt. luckily homeschooling does not require me to wear dress pants.  the kids were all still sleeping so i took a nice long shower with no interruptions.  i shaved my legs (but i had to use josh's razor shhh.  since we have moved i can't find mine!  and i am certainly not organized enough to keep an ongoing grocery list of the things i need) anyway-painted my nails, put on make-up did my hair-woohoo! i am even wearing jeans today! feeling like a woman!

i have actually started a consistent pattern of doing laundry on saturdays.  i admit, it's been great not running out of clean laundry mid-week but on the other hand, doing laundry every saturday for the sake of routine scares me.  it reminds me of something that you do when you "grow up".  I don't wanna grow up.  I am still content with my spontaneous, no rhyme or reason way of doing things.  so i might be rebellious and break the cycle.  no laundry today.  i am feeling frisky and it's just going to have to wait.

planning to rearrange the "family room" or "great room" or whatever the heck room it is that i keep putting off.  one wall has a fireplace, one wall has sliding glass doors and one wall is a half wall.  sounds fine but we have a sectional couch and giant media wall entertainment deal and we can't make it fit!  what i really want to do is sell the stuff and start over but Josh says...no.  So we are going to make it work.  Hopefully I can get the house in tip-top shape because my friends are coming tomorrow!  I can't wait!

Maybe we will go to church tomorrow.  We have not been to actual Sunday church yet.  OH that reminds me!  I went to the homeschool group and I was so glad I did.  Met lots of nice moms and kids. I was worried it would be a group of yuppy woman who stay home with their kids while their husbands are out making millions.  But it wasn't at all.  A nice group of down to Earth woman who are making sacrifices each day to stay home and care for their kids.  Typical families trying to survive on one income.  They were not sporting the latest fall wardrobes and texting on their smart phones.  Just plain women rich in spirit and love joined together by the same goal-to train their children to be compassionate followers of christ.

Someone was talking to Emma and admiring how precise she was with the project she was doing.  It got brought up somehow that she was an excellent reader.  The other mom's asked me how I got my kids to love reading and how they picked up on it so quickly.  What I wanted to say was that I breastfed them until they could walk and talk and slept with them in my bed so the constant skin to skin contact allowed their neurons in their brain to be stress free and able to absorb knowledge at all times.  But I didn't; thought I'd better save my quirky beliefs 'till next time or else I will never make friends hahahahaahhaha.

What can I say-I'm weird and proud of it!

Dare to stand up for what you  believe in, even it's it weird!

smell ya later

oh if you could see this house.  i am having one of those days. it happens.  i feel like i can't stay on task with one thing for the life of me.  roaming in the cupboards like i have a tape worm.  allowing the kids to eat junk food and browse the Internet all evening...ugh!  let me out!

i attempted to hang some more decorations but then that led to joshua and i playing with him in a basket then i got a phone call and bam-the adult ADD kicked in full force!  i was happy to b distracted by a phone call though.  it was my mother. we had a nice chat for quite some time.  she was telling me about her hemorrhoids-JUST KIDDING MOM!  I know she reads this every day so I thought I would get a rise out of her. lol.  Anyway-as I was saying i was talking to her on the phone and it reminded me of when i was little and my mom would get to yakking on the phone with her mom.  i always knew when she would get on the horn with grandma that i had a good hour to do whatever I wanted  And that is exactly what went on when I was on the phone.  The kids were free to do whatever and I wouldn't even know.

I am on the fence about whether to head to this home school group tomorrow or stay home.  I have a feeling that these people will be lacking what I like to call Holy common sense.  You see, I believe in God and I talk to my kids daily about Him but I also shout the words "God damn it" on a regular basis.  Bad habit, yes.  Makes me a non-christian. no!  Sometimes theses Christian groups focus so much on being perfect that they are forgetting that we are all sinners.  For some reason I am not feeling led to attend tomorrow.  I am a firm believer in following your gut and right now I am not feeling it.  Tomorrow is a new day and we shall see what it brings.

Now-onto politics...is it November yet?  Geesh.  I have thought a lot about talking to the kids about the general idea of what is going on right now but I decided I would spare them of the garbage.  The only thing I will be teaching them about the election is a count-down as to when it will all be over!  Probably a sour attitude but I think this election brings out the worst in people.  I have seen so many arguments on facebook between people and and they end up in a huge disagreement.  Whatever happen to the rule "don't discuss politics or religion with friends or family".  So many people are so outright with their opinions and it never ceases to amaze me the things that people will talk about and then in the next breath they are back pedaling and apologizing for what they said.  Just keep your thoughts to yourself, go vote and hope it turns out the way you want it to.

well, i am going to go take a bubble bath with all three kids lol.  seems like the only solution to the funk that i am in this evening.  of course i would prefer to take a bubble bath by myself but if i start a bath with the door shut it takes less than 5 seconds for the kids to burst in and ask me why i am in the bathroom by myself...as if i am doing something wrong!  But one thing is for sure-i know that in 10 years the kids will shudder at the idea of taking a bubble bath with me...so for tonight i say "come on in, kids".

Peace. World.

i wonder what this feels like?

[laughing out loud]

last week i did a google search for AWANA in our area.

 
The founders of Awana derived the Awana name from the first letters of "Approved workmen are not ashamed" as taken from 2 Timothy 2:15 of the Bible.

The kids were in Awana at our old church and they loved it.  Basically the kids have a verse they have to learn each week and young brains are great at this often times referred to as sponges!  If we can teach them while they are young, the idea is that it will stick with them for a lifetime.

I found an Awana group so we took the kids.  Just before we were ready to leave our house to go to Awana, Josh and the kids went outside to play while I tidied the house and freshened up.  By the time I was ready, I came outside to find that the kids had made a friend (yay!) and that they invited their new friend to come to Awana with us.  We seriously knew this new neighbor boy for maybe 5 minutes and he asked his mom if he could go to Awana with us and she said sure. This cracks me up.  I won't even let my kids on the front porch without me and this mom allowed her son to go with perfect strangers to Awana-something they had never heard of!  Hilarious-so anyway the car ride there I am introducing myself to the neighbor boy, asking him how old he is and getting to know him.  The night ended up being a success.  For our family it was great-the kids made some friends and every one was pleasant.  As for the neighbor boy, he didn't know God before that night.  He told his Awana teacher he did not have a Bible and the church gave him one.  On our way home, he told me that he learned everything God says is the truth!  Awesome!  All credit goes to the Holy Spirit who was working within my hands as I did a google search for Awana that afternoon.  Who knew by us taking our kids to Awana that we could introduce a child to Christ.  So cool.

So that was last week-just about everyday since we met the neighbor boy he has been over to ask the kids if they can play.  He is 6 and he is about as round as he is tall.  He told us he is working on losing weight, bless his little heart.  I could just squeeze him.  He is a total crack up.

We had AWANA again tonight and had a great time.  Of course I go to Joshua's classroom with him and it is so much fun! I have to watch that boy like a hawk-not only is he my baby but he is special.  They start off in their classroom learning a verse and then have snack.  With his food allergies I am not comfortable leaving him in a room where they are serving cheddar cheese goldfish snacks:(  Next we went to Gym.  The game we played was "Mr. Gym teacher" dumps a big tote of balls and all these 3-4 year olds run as fast as they can to pick them up and put them back in the tote.  Well wheelchairs don't allow you to pick balls up off the floor so there Joshie and I are in a sea of toddlers working together as a team to pick up balls.  I hold him and swoop him down so he can pick up a ball with his precious little hands in hopes that some other able bodied toddler doesn't steal the ball we are after.  This momma might just get into to a brawl with a 3 year old by the end of the Awana year.  LOL.  I am totally kidding-children of that age are innocent and are usually only able to think of themselves and their needs-but parents, it's never too soon to start teaching your kids patience and respect;)  If nothing else, Joshua does know how to pray.  When the teacher tells the little children to talk to God he knows just what to do.  And that makes my heart melt.

I did meet a nice lady this evening that seemed to take interest in Joshua and our family.  After she learned we home-schooled our kids she told me about the home school group in the community.  Woohoo!  They meet this Friday to play and I am going!  Looking forward to it.

sitting in the family room-josh is working on a wheelchair contraption for Joshua.  Joshie is right by his side helping!  We are all listening to music, and playing scrabble online together!  ahhh love these times. all the kids right under my wing.

had a great time with my family today-made a pot of potato soup on this crisp fall day to share with our company for lunch. hit the spot!





 the coffee was going down so good today!  visited a farm this afternoon that has evolved into a mini farm market grocery store and pumpkin patch. a wonderful place to visit in the fall!  took a hayride through their apple orchard and loved it.  love these kinds of things!

my guest are coming
my guest are coming
i just rolled out of bed
gotta clean the bathrooms make cupcakes make my soup do the dishes vacuum take a shower wash the front windows pick up put on some java  and be sitting and reading a magazine when they pull in in 2hours.  becasue why would you do any of those things yesterday?

it's sauturday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

I need to be reminded of this daily-gosh the kids are so sweet, soft and precious-how do we allow ourselves to become "bothered" at times?

 

 

 

 

I do believe that in our technology obsessed culture there are many more things keeping us from being the best we can be as parents.  Imagine even just 50 years ago-moms were not carrying computers in their pockets and connected to every acquaintance by just a tap of a button!  While I love all my gadgets (and blogging!) admittedly it's a huge distraction and I believe at times is Satan on Earth. 

 

 

 

 

Excited that it is Friday!  This is the first weekend (of many) in which we will be staying home all weekend and enjoying our days off!  No work for Josh-no school for the kids and I.  Hoping for a great weekend! 

We are getting our first visitors Saturday and I am pumped!  One great thing about living away from your family is you get to host them as your guests!  This is one of my favorite things to do.  This gives me the same satisfaction as caring for my husband and kids.  A woman prides herself on opening her home to the hungry and allowing them to leave feeling full in mind, body and spirit.

My visitors will arrive just before lunch so I plan to have a nice Saturday afternoon lunch prepared-not sure yet what I will make but probably a soup and salad pair!  MMMMM  We are new to the area so we don't know all the hotspots so I thought we could explore together!  Looking to find a quaint coffee shop to sit and chat for a bit!  Maybe we will go out to dinner-who knows what the day will bring!  I find it is important to stay flexible with the schedule when you are having guests and keep focused on having fun and relaxing!

I haven't put any decorations up in the new house other than my Fall items.  I don't know where to start!  With many more walls in this house than our other I am feeling like I don't have what it takes to make it look complete!  Waiting for that moment to strike me where I am inspired and it transpires from their.  Usually those moments are at 11:00 at night.  I have always been a night owl-that's when I do my best work.  My kids have become the same night owls and we struggle with keeping on a day time schedule that starts at 6:00 or 7:00 in the morning!  Thank goodness I am my own boss and we get school done WHEN IT WORKS FOR US!  A typical school day runs from 12-5 around here.

In an effort to reduce my debt and save for Christmas shopping, I am starting my job search for an evening part-time job.  I realized this morning when I was typing my "talents/job qualifications/things your good at" that I could very easily sound like a wierdo.  Served as a breastfeeding counselor-homeschool my children during the day yada yada.  When applying for a sales associate position I am sure I sound just the opposite of friendly and outgoing but rather introverted and opnionated.  I hate the way the hiring process goes nowadays (<--- is that a word?).  Everything has to be done online with no room to leave personal comments or extras.

We will see how it goes!

We went to pick up Joshua's power chair lastnight!  He is very proud and excited about it but hasn't had much time to figure it out yet.  This will be great for playing out in the yard with his sisters!  Not only is he on wheels but they have power!  Look out people!

The girls are making an "apartment" to live in down in the basement as I type.  So far I have seen 2 suitcases, cleaning supplies, water and paper towels go down the steps.  Hey free play is crucial to the human mind so I am going to let them be.  Emma promised to pay rent and Ella assured me that they are "responsible". 

Today is good.  Embrace.

Well-the move is now official.  After 4 weeks of cleaning, painting and repairing our old home, we handed over the keys this week and it's not ours anymore:(

When we drove away for the last time I was in my car alone, following Josh.  I had to let it all out.  Cryed and yelled about how that was my house.  I don't want anyone else in it.  We had 5  1/2 happy years there.  I don't know how people do it when they are leaving behind a home that they have lived at for 30, 40 or 50 years.  I just hope a sweet little family moves in and can make just as many memories there.

We have had a pretty smooth week here so far.  School was great yesterday, got all done in a timely manner.  Even got to get outside lastnight for some yardwork and took the kids on a bike ride.  Still no sign of socializing in the neighborhood but it will come.  We plan to be able to stay home for all of October and not have to make any trips back home until Thanksgiving.  This will help us to settle in.  Planning to go to church Sunday.  Where?  I don't know:) 

I looked into girl scouts for the girls and I am waiting to hear back from the troop.  They are both excited about it!  This will be Emma's third year as a girl scout!  How in the world is Ella old enough to start girl scouts this year?  Where has the time gone?

We looked into ballet and we need to get Emma back in piano but ....oh how in the heck will we get to go out for Mexican and margaritas with all this?  Lol, just kidding!  But seriously-raising a well rounded child isn't cheap! 

Most of you know that Joshua, my amazing 3 year old son is in a wheelchair.  He is so good in his chair-whips around corners, backs in and out of things without any hesitation.  It's wonderful that he can get around even though he is paralyzed.  The only problem, the manual wheelchair can only do so much.  If you have ever watched young children play for even a minute, you see they don't stay in one spot.  When outside in the yard, the kids run from thing to thing.  Joshua's wheelchair can't go in the grass so he just sits and watches:(  It's pitiful and even more so it's not fair.  Now I know the saying goes "nobody said life was fair" but I don't care.  When it comes to your child-you want it to be fair! 

Josh has searched for a power wheelchair for a couple of years now.  He always watches for used ones and even those-there is no way we could afford this.  Well-another blessing has come through-Josh's aunt found a power chair for $20!  We will hopefully get it soon and Joshua will have more freedom and independence to do the things that other children do!  We are so excited!  Thank you!

Okay-time to take my writer hat off and put on my teacher hat again.  It was fun while it lasted!