So if you are reading this post, pray with may that we make the right decision and that we do God's will.
I just found out that a dear friend and former co-worker of mine is jobless - not only that but her unemployment has run out also. Money is extremely tight for us right now, but I feel such a need to reach out and help her - I know that if it is God's will that he will provide.
Here is the deal: I really need some help organizing and "deep cleaning" my house - as testified by yesterday's post. So, I was thinking that maybe we could hire her on a temporary basis to clean? But I've never had a cleaning lady (even though I've always dreamed of one!) what is proper procedure (so to speak) and how much do you pay them?
Ahhh, decisions decisions! Pray that Hubby and I make the right decision!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Weekend High
We are coming off of a weekend high.
Ok, so not everything in the house is cleaned up like I had hoped it would be, but life is too short to worry about all that - I'll get to all of the "deep cleaning" before I start school back up in August. Hopefully!
On Friday we took Oreo (Our purebred long-haired Chihuahua) in to be neutered. We hope this stops his spraying issues - which have only recently started, so I think that we nipped this one quickly. If there's one thing I HATE it's going into a house that smells like dog urine - yuck - we don't want to be that house!
Saturday we got to pick him up. Today, he is almost back to normal, but still jumping and moving a little gingerly. It's all good - no spraying so far either!
Friday night and all day Saturday Son spent time with my parents. They bought him a new gun Saturday after he left, so yesterday after Mass, we went there again. He is thrilled to have it - although technically it is for "all the grandchildren" - it's definitely HIS for now!
Saturday night we cooked out over the fire pit (pudgie pies and such, yum!) and let the children do some sparklers - which they LOVED.
Sunday was Mass at 8:30 and then off to mom and dad's and some light grocery shopping. When I got home, we had a "cereal meal" - everyone picked their favorite cereal to eat and I didn't have to cook - yay! I laid down for a nap when the baby did and when we both woke up, Hubby took all the kiddos outside swimming and I worked for 45 minutes deep cleaning the girls room. Half a black garbage bag later I was half done. Whew. Then Hubby took the older kids over to the Parish campfire and I staying the basement and let the baby play while I cleaned up down there some. Like I said, lots more to do, but it'll get done!
Today: it's finally nice enough to do open the windows and hang laundry out, so Baby and I have hung out 2 loads of laundry and opened all windows to let in the fresh air - sooo nice. I am planning on making some bread this afternoon - been too long - and possibly some cookie dough to freeze.
On other fronts: since my dad's shoulder surgery is now done, they have declared him 10% disabled with that arm and gave him a cash settlement. Out of that, he gave me enough money for our July surprise (soon-to-be revealed, I promise!) and gave my brother the matching amount as well. This helps out tremendously and I can't wait to reveal the surprise!!
Ok, so not everything in the house is cleaned up like I had hoped it would be, but life is too short to worry about all that - I'll get to all of the "deep cleaning" before I start school back up in August. Hopefully!
On Friday we took Oreo (Our purebred long-haired Chihuahua) in to be neutered. We hope this stops his spraying issues - which have only recently started, so I think that we nipped this one quickly. If there's one thing I HATE it's going into a house that smells like dog urine - yuck - we don't want to be that house!
Saturday we got to pick him up. Today, he is almost back to normal, but still jumping and moving a little gingerly. It's all good - no spraying so far either!
Friday night and all day Saturday Son spent time with my parents. They bought him a new gun Saturday after he left, so yesterday after Mass, we went there again. He is thrilled to have it - although technically it is for "all the grandchildren" - it's definitely HIS for now!
Saturday night we cooked out over the fire pit (pudgie pies and such, yum!) and let the children do some sparklers - which they LOVED.
Sunday was Mass at 8:30 and then off to mom and dad's and some light grocery shopping. When I got home, we had a "cereal meal" - everyone picked their favorite cereal to eat and I didn't have to cook - yay! I laid down for a nap when the baby did and when we both woke up, Hubby took all the kiddos outside swimming and I worked for 45 minutes deep cleaning the girls room. Half a black garbage bag later I was half done. Whew. Then Hubby took the older kids over to the Parish campfire and I staying the basement and let the baby play while I cleaned up down there some. Like I said, lots more to do, but it'll get done!
Today: it's finally nice enough to do open the windows and hang laundry out, so Baby and I have hung out 2 loads of laundry and opened all windows to let in the fresh air - sooo nice. I am planning on making some bread this afternoon - been too long - and possibly some cookie dough to freeze.
On other fronts: since my dad's shoulder surgery is now done, they have declared him 10% disabled with that arm and gave him a cash settlement. Out of that, he gave me enough money for our July surprise (soon-to-be revealed, I promise!) and gave my brother the matching amount as well. This helps out tremendously and I can't wait to reveal the surprise!!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Father's Day
Today, being Father's Day.....our priest said a special blessing in church for all fathers - Here's another one:
God our Father, in your wisdom and love you made all things.
Bless these men, that they may be strengthened as Christian fathers.
Let the example of their faith and love shine forth.
Grant that we, their sons and daughters, may honor them always with a spirit of profound respect.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
-- from the Book of Blessings
I am thankful for my husband, who is the best father to my children that I could ever ask for.
I am thankful for MY father...who raised me the best he knew how - who instilled in me a hard work ethic and great money-managing skills - he is the prime example of doing for others (my dad is NOT internet nor computer savvy, so he will never see this, but he IS the best!!)
I am thankful for my father-in-law - without him as a role-model, my husband would not have become the man he is today.
I am thankful for our priests, who in today's world are the best "father's" to their parish that they can be. (Speaking of which - we found a wonderful shirt for our priest....World's Best Father....with a trophy on it! :) )
But mostly, I am thankful for my heavenly father, who, in his love for all of his children - sent his own son, Jesus Christ, to die for us.
Thank you, heavenly father, for all the blessings that you bestow on us each day. Let us remember to pray THY will to be done, not MINE!!
Thank you, heavenly father, for all the blessings that you bestow on us each day. Let us remember to pray THY will to be done, not MINE!!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
We are blessed!
I feel so blessed lately that I just had write a post about it.
Sometimes "life" is just about looking at the "good things" - well, here's what happened to us lately:
~I won another gift certificate - this time for $50 (from another blogger) - I think that it will be saved for our shoe shopping for school shoes this fall!
~Son was able to switch classes with another child (for summer school) and is now able to do "Sleeping with the sharks" at the Mall of America with his best buddy. This seems small - but is WAY more drawn out and complicated.
~I finally got a new tattoo. Hubby got a gorgeous one of St Micheal (yes, my protestant hubby!!) and I wasn't able to "get inked" that day - but went this Saturday to get mine instead. I'll post pictures another time....but it is a beautiful purple rose in memory of the baby that we lost before we had any children. I am looking forward to getting my next one - which are all of the children's birth flowers colored their birthstone color!
~We still have a secret, but it's getting closer to being revealed - July at the latest!!
~I just got word from our piano teacher that Daughter #1 will be receiving her piano books from the Alfred Publishing Company for FREE!! From now until she stops taking lessons! This is super sweet because the girls all pass down their books, so all that needs to be bought is a new "Theory" book.
~With all the rain we have been getting, our little garden is growing HUGE!! (the weeds are too, but we won't discuss that! lol)
~I have re-connected with a friend from high school. We try to walk twice a week. It's so nice to get some time in with her. We have been talking about getting together more often, just not done it - now we have!! Because she motivates me so, I have dropped another two pounds!!
~I got my "official" letter from school: I made the Dean's list with a 3.84!!! Yay me! =)
God is good....be sure to thank him! :)
Sometimes "life" is just about looking at the "good things" - well, here's what happened to us lately:
~I won another gift certificate - this time for $50 (from another blogger) - I think that it will be saved for our shoe shopping for school shoes this fall!
~Son was able to switch classes with another child (for summer school) and is now able to do "Sleeping with the sharks" at the Mall of America with his best buddy. This seems small - but is WAY more drawn out and complicated.
~I finally got a new tattoo. Hubby got a gorgeous one of St Micheal (yes, my protestant hubby!!) and I wasn't able to "get inked" that day - but went this Saturday to get mine instead. I'll post pictures another time....but it is a beautiful purple rose in memory of the baby that we lost before we had any children. I am looking forward to getting my next one - which are all of the children's birth flowers colored their birthstone color!
~We still have a secret, but it's getting closer to being revealed - July at the latest!!
~I just got word from our piano teacher that Daughter #1 will be receiving her piano books from the Alfred Publishing Company for FREE!! From now until she stops taking lessons! This is super sweet because the girls all pass down their books, so all that needs to be bought is a new "Theory" book.
~With all the rain we have been getting, our little garden is growing HUGE!! (the weeds are too, but we won't discuss that! lol)
~I have re-connected with a friend from high school. We try to walk twice a week. It's so nice to get some time in with her. We have been talking about getting together more often, just not done it - now we have!! Because she motivates me so, I have dropped another two pounds!!
~I got my "official" letter from school: I made the Dean's list with a 3.84!!! Yay me! =)
God is good....be sure to thank him! :)
Friday, June 11, 2010
"Do As I Say...."
Isn't this what happens with most parents? We adopt a "do as I say, not as I do" attitude. I think that with the love of Christ, we can learn to be "do as I do" instead of "do as I say."
What do I mean? Lately, I have been on a journey to lose weight. I know that often times I used to find myself telling the kids (in the evening, when they would ask for snacks) to have an apple, banana or something "healthy" -- only to have them go to bed and sit and eat a half a bag of chips while reading my latest book. Um yeah, not so healthy there, MOM!! So, I've adopted a "do as I do" attitude. If I require it of my children, why can't I require it of myself? So now, I do. If I tell them to get outside and enjoy the weather, then I get outside and enjoy the weather. If I say only fruit for a snack, then that's all that I do, too.
Unknowingly, I have been modeling this behavior for quite some time: we go to Mass. Every Sunday. No exceptions. We make sure to see all family during the holidays - even if we are tired and cranky (cuz family is what life is about, folks!). I am kind to the grocer in the store (especially when I hand them a stack of 20+ coupons, wink wink!!) - so I am thrilled when I see them using their manners to store personnel. Etc, etc.
I just hadn't "gotten it" that I should be doing this in regards to ALL things. Of course, I reserve the right to pull rank: "do it, because I'm the mom and I said," but all-in-all....I think it's better to adopt a "do as I do" attitude.
What do I mean? Lately, I have been on a journey to lose weight. I know that often times I used to find myself telling the kids (in the evening, when they would ask for snacks) to have an apple, banana or something "healthy" -- only to have them go to bed and sit and eat a half a bag of chips while reading my latest book. Um yeah, not so healthy there, MOM!! So, I've adopted a "do as I do" attitude. If I require it of my children, why can't I require it of myself? So now, I do. If I tell them to get outside and enjoy the weather, then I get outside and enjoy the weather. If I say only fruit for a snack, then that's all that I do, too.
Unknowingly, I have been modeling this behavior for quite some time: we go to Mass. Every Sunday. No exceptions. We make sure to see all family during the holidays - even if we are tired and cranky (cuz family is what life is about, folks!). I am kind to the grocer in the store (especially when I hand them a stack of 20+ coupons, wink wink!!) - so I am thrilled when I see them using their manners to store personnel. Etc, etc.
I just hadn't "gotten it" that I should be doing this in regards to ALL things. Of course, I reserve the right to pull rank: "do it, because I'm the mom and I said," but all-in-all....I think it's better to adopt a "do as I do" attitude.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Recovering....
We are recovering from a long weekend. Daughter's #1 and #2 were sick this weekend - poor kiddos. It was very weird only having the oldest two children in church with me - we are used to us all going as a family. Daughter #2 was still sick yesterday, so she missed the first day of swim lessons. Today is the second day - and go figure: it's raining. Hubby took the van, so I guess we will all try to pile into my car to run the kids up to school.
Unfortunately, mom was sick the last two days, but I have a darling hubby who is capable of taking care of things while I'm down and out!
Here's hoping for a good night's sleep and that the rest of the children (and hubby) stay well!
Unfortunately, mom was sick the last two days, but I have a darling hubby who is capable of taking care of things while I'm down and out!
Here's hoping for a good night's sleep and that the rest of the children (and hubby) stay well!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
New camera....
I can't wait! Office Max had a wonderful sale on SLR digital camera's - and we bought one!!
I checked into classes at "The Wood" and they have beginning and advanced classes where you bring YOUR camera and they (basically) teach you how to utilize the functions. I don't see any classes available during the summer, but am still waiting to hear back. If not this summer, then hopefully this fall!
I checked into classes at "The Wood" and they have beginning and advanced classes where you bring YOUR camera and they (basically) teach you how to utilize the functions. I don't see any classes available during the summer, but am still waiting to hear back. If not this summer, then hopefully this fall!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Kid's last day of school, among other things
Today all of the children have their last day of school - a fun day! The older children will attend Mass for the last time this school year and then have their day of fun - including do-it-yourself sundae's and lots of fun (outside) activities! As parents, we usually go up and help with the activities and bring the kids home early.
Yesterday, the 5-year-old girl had her graduation ceremony - next stop: kindergarten! We had asked Father if he would like to attend - he did, and completely enjoyed himself. They sang my favorite "entering kindergarten song": I don't know, but I've been told (I don't know, but I've been told) Kindergarten is the place to go (Kindergarten is the place to go) I've learned my colors and ABC's (I've learned my colors and ABS's) Now I'm as smart as I can be (Now I'm as smart as I can be) Sound off (one, two) and again (three, four) Bring it on down (one, two, three, four - one, two THREE, FOUR!!) -- to the tune of the army cadence.
Sunday we had a tattoo party here. AWESOME! Yes, I like my tattoo's - and was expecting to get another one, only Hubby got one instead! Just like other parties, if you have 5 guests: then yours is FREE!! This guy does awesome work at extremely reasonable prices. That morning when I went to Mass, I let Father know what we were doing and that he could drop in and check out - which he did. In India, they do more Henna tattoos (which, of course is NOT permanent), so he was pretty interested in it all. The wife of the tattoo artist had commented that if that had been a Catholic Priest, he never would have stopped in...hahaha...I said he IS a Catholic Priest and she was shocked! Father joked about getting a tattoo - but of course, didn't. :)
Three (yes THREE!!!) down cows this week. Two are "taken" by cousins - my brother and I split the last one. I ended up bringing home 100 pounds of hamburger and am having 25 pounds made into BBQ beef sticks and another 25 pounds made into pepperoni beef sticks. I shiver when I think of the yucky, greasy ones in the store. A good friend (Sorry!!) allows her hubby to buy them for their son - YUCK!! I have tried to convince her to make their own - it's not just the greasiness that makes me quesy - but what did they pick up off the floor and put in there?
Ah, I wanted to write more, but my computer time has run short. Hopefully with our summer officially starting tomorrow, I will update more frequently!
God Bless,
Jessica
Yesterday, the 5-year-old girl had her graduation ceremony - next stop: kindergarten! We had asked Father if he would like to attend - he did, and completely enjoyed himself. They sang my favorite "entering kindergarten song": I don't know, but I've been told (I don't know, but I've been told) Kindergarten is the place to go (Kindergarten is the place to go) I've learned my colors and ABC's (I've learned my colors and ABS's) Now I'm as smart as I can be (Now I'm as smart as I can be) Sound off (one, two) and again (three, four) Bring it on down (one, two, three, four - one, two THREE, FOUR!!) -- to the tune of the army cadence.
Sunday we had a tattoo party here. AWESOME! Yes, I like my tattoo's - and was expecting to get another one, only Hubby got one instead! Just like other parties, if you have 5 guests: then yours is FREE!! This guy does awesome work at extremely reasonable prices. That morning when I went to Mass, I let Father know what we were doing and that he could drop in and check out - which he did. In India, they do more Henna tattoos (which, of course is NOT permanent), so he was pretty interested in it all. The wife of the tattoo artist had commented that if that had been a Catholic Priest, he never would have stopped in...hahaha...I said he IS a Catholic Priest and she was shocked! Father joked about getting a tattoo - but of course, didn't. :)
Three (yes THREE!!!) down cows this week. Two are "taken" by cousins - my brother and I split the last one. I ended up bringing home 100 pounds of hamburger and am having 25 pounds made into BBQ beef sticks and another 25 pounds made into pepperoni beef sticks. I shiver when I think of the yucky, greasy ones in the store. A good friend (Sorry!!) allows her hubby to buy them for their son - YUCK!! I have tried to convince her to make their own - it's not just the greasiness that makes me quesy - but what did they pick up off the floor and put in there?
Ah, I wanted to write more, but my computer time has run short. Hopefully with our summer officially starting tomorrow, I will update more frequently!
God Bless,
Jessica
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