Below is the most recent post from my brother, Dustin. I am so, so excited for him and his new career opportunities! You probably saw on 1 of Laura's comments that they have to take their laundry to her parents' house every week and they work opposite shifts, etc. This new job and money will be a whole new family life for them and I am thrilled to death! God is good if only we'll be patient and wait on HIS timing!!!
Well...My big news has finally arrived and it ended up being even bigger and better than I ever imagined. But let's start at the begining.----------------------------A couple of weeks ago, I got an email at work that talked about one of the managers being promoted. I got excited and thought I wonder if my boss will move me to that position. That would be cool. It is a high-profile money machine, and it would be an honor to be the manager there.A couple of days later my boss came to me with exactly that proposal. He wanted to interview me for the position. I was very happy and agreed to the interview. I have high ambitions, and didn't intend to stay at a small site forever. I didn't think I would be moved so soon, but it could have happened.Well, during that same week, an employee of the Oregon State Bar came to me with a proposal. Keep in mind that I work at the Bar, but not for the Bar. I'm on-site, but I work for a different company. This employee knew that I have a Journalism degree and that I wanted to work as a writer/editor. They brought me news of an internal job opening at the Bar and suggested I pursue it.I was a bit nervous about doing this because I'm a pretty loyal person. I didn't want my current boss to think I was going behind his back trying to find a new job. At the same time, though, I was honored. This Bar employee thought highly enough of me to recommend me for a permanent position there. The position had absolutely nothing to do with my current job, so there was no conflict of interest involved - to put it another way, they weren't recommending me for a similar job to the one I already have.So I went to the manager who needed an employee and talked to her. I asked her if it was worth my time interviewing for this position, and she said "Sure. I encourage you to apply. You told me about your background once and you have the skills. And even if you don't get it, at least you got practice in a professional interview setting."So I gave them my resume' and waited...In the meantime, word came from my boss that there might be a second opening within my current company and he was considering me for both spots. We had a good long chat about it and did an unofficial interview. I left feeling like my future with my company was bright. I was about to be promoted again! And I'd make around $2,500 more per year, which isn't shabby.When I came to work on Monday and interviewed for the Bar position, I had low expectations. I haven't been able to find a Journalism job since we moved to Oregon, and I knew the job was going to go to an internal candidate, so the odds were against me. Still, I was excited and I breezed through the interview and the exercise they had set up to test our skills.I spent the next two days with a constant stomach ache. On the one hand, I expected to get a new job from either my current employer or from the Bar. Either way, I'd make more money. But I was afraid that one of the companies would offer me a job and I would turn it down, only to miss out on the other job. I was nervous, tense, and in a bad mood at work. For those of you who work with me: I apologize.Anyway, this is too long so I'll cut to it: the Bar decided to hire me. I am their new Marketing Specialist and instead of making $2,500 more per year, I'll make closer to $12,000 more.!!!Not only does the job pay well, and not only is it in the field I want to be in, but I get my own office, business cards (a first for me!), an awesome benefits package, etc. This is a real, true career and I feel like my degree is helping me for the first time in 7 years!I'm going to work on newsletters, magazines, brochures, websites, and even a cable-access television show. Plus, my boss said she might send me to class to learn web programming, which would be awesome.------------Telling my boss that I was putting in my two-weeks notice was not easy. He's a great guy and I was happy working for him. I never intended to find this job - it just fell in my lap - but I'd be an idiot if I turned it down.Isn't God amazing?The jobs with my current company got put on hold for a few days, which let me relax a bit.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Thursday, August 30, 2007
*EDIT* For those of you who read my brother's blog, no, he's not really the new Slim-Fast spokesperson or whatever he said...weirdo. He DID get a great new job, but I'll let him blog it OR, Laura, you can post it on here as a comment and I'll put it as a post. YAY for my brother!!! Also, Cami...it's good to have you back. I thought maybe you were boycotting my blog or something! :)
I DID hear my brother's great news, but thought I'd wait until he posted it on his own blog before putting it on mine. I'm very excited for you all, though...
So, I'm feeling much better today than yesterday. I had a migraine yesterday, so that wasn't fun. Cassie and Emberley were both a little high strung, so it was a bit overwhelming with the headache. Michelle got off work early and I was quite delighted. No offense to Emberley, but once she picked Emberley up, I made Mark take Cassie and I rested. :) I wouldn't just leave Mark with Emberley on his own. He's capable, but they didn't hire Mark to watch her...they hired me. :)
Today, I've got to get my house looking spick and span. Some of Ben and Tracy's family is going to stay at our house when their little man arrives, so I need to get things "company ready." Plus, I need to get some food for like breakfasts and stuff.
So, that's my story. Boring, I know. Hope you all have a good one...
I DID hear my brother's great news, but thought I'd wait until he posted it on his own blog before putting it on mine. I'm very excited for you all, though...
So, I'm feeling much better today than yesterday. I had a migraine yesterday, so that wasn't fun. Cassie and Emberley were both a little high strung, so it was a bit overwhelming with the headache. Michelle got off work early and I was quite delighted. No offense to Emberley, but once she picked Emberley up, I made Mark take Cassie and I rested. :) I wouldn't just leave Mark with Emberley on his own. He's capable, but they didn't hire Mark to watch her...they hired me. :)
Today, I've got to get my house looking spick and span. Some of Ben and Tracy's family is going to stay at our house when their little man arrives, so I need to get things "company ready." Plus, I need to get some food for like breakfasts and stuff.
So, that's my story. Boring, I know. Hope you all have a good one...
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Somebody's a Screwball!
So, are any of you the screwball who ordered me stickers of my lovely red face with the ridiculous face? Someone is quite funny.... I haven't received them yet, but I DID get a confirmation of "my" order e-mail. Very funny................ Actually, I know that it is someone in or around Wichita, I just have to figure out who... The only person I know that would call me Devon-Poo would be my darling s-i-l, Laura, but SHE doesn't have a 316 number. Hmmmmm.......
As far as my hair is concerned, it is much, much better. It is now dark, but isn't so red. As it was all fading, it was regaining it's Ronald McDonald appeal (whom, by the way, is my cousin, Brittany's husband's uncle--He's Ronald McDonald!!!). So, I put one more coat of ash blonde over it (I KNOW!!! SO BAD FOR MY HAIR!!!) and it now is the best it's been. If I can round up some batteries, I'll take pics and post them. So, the hair/face in the stickers that I'm about to receive is no more, but it will be a great memory...
So, I haven't been feeling very well as of late. My allergies/sinuses are raging and I just don't feel well. I guess such is life for me, though. Tracy--I'm not coming back over to your house. Callie makes me SNEEZE and ITCH. Callie is a cat, by the way, not my niece, Callie.
Cassie and I are on our way to the pottery painting place to paint a b-day gift for mom and dad both. Laura had my niece and nephew, Caitlin and Ethan, do a mug with their fingerprints made into animals and such and Mom said she wanted one from all of her grandkids. I don't know how much Cassie will cooperate, so I may just try to do Cassie handprints on her's. She IS a 15-month-old, you know!
For those of you who have kids, do you agree that 15 months is where it all goes downhill? Your sweet baby kind of becomes a little terror? That's my theory, only Cassie hit it about a month to month and a half ago. Oh, brother! They say "terrible two's," but I think that it starts much earlier and just progresses.
Well, I do believe that I've rambled long enough. I hope that each of you is well and that your families are doing well also. Until next time.....
As far as my hair is concerned, it is much, much better. It is now dark, but isn't so red. As it was all fading, it was regaining it's Ronald McDonald appeal (whom, by the way, is my cousin, Brittany's husband's uncle--He's Ronald McDonald!!!). So, I put one more coat of ash blonde over it (I KNOW!!! SO BAD FOR MY HAIR!!!) and it now is the best it's been. If I can round up some batteries, I'll take pics and post them. So, the hair/face in the stickers that I'm about to receive is no more, but it will be a great memory...
So, I haven't been feeling very well as of late. My allergies/sinuses are raging and I just don't feel well. I guess such is life for me, though. Tracy--I'm not coming back over to your house. Callie makes me SNEEZE and ITCH. Callie is a cat, by the way, not my niece, Callie.
Cassie and I are on our way to the pottery painting place to paint a b-day gift for mom and dad both. Laura had my niece and nephew, Caitlin and Ethan, do a mug with their fingerprints made into animals and such and Mom said she wanted one from all of her grandkids. I don't know how much Cassie will cooperate, so I may just try to do Cassie handprints on her's. She IS a 15-month-old, you know!
For those of you who have kids, do you agree that 15 months is where it all goes downhill? Your sweet baby kind of becomes a little terror? That's my theory, only Cassie hit it about a month to month and a half ago. Oh, brother! They say "terrible two's," but I think that it starts much earlier and just progresses.
Well, I do believe that I've rambled long enough. I hope that each of you is well and that your families are doing well also. Until next time.....
Friday, August 24, 2007
TAGGED
So, I was tagged by my friend's husband, Matt.
1) Post these rules before you give your facts
2) List 8 random facts about yourself
3) At the end of your post, choose (tag) 8 people and list their names, linking to them4) Leave a comment on their blog, letting them know they’ve been tagged
RANDOM FACTS ABOUT DEVION:
1. I got my nickname (Devion) from Angie who was my chemistry teacher...then my Science Seminar teacher...then my supervisor when I worked at MHS...and through all that and still, my friend. "You know, like Evian?!?" Now, it is how I long in to just about everything. Second daughter's name?!? I think not...
2. I have 30+ first cousins on just my dad's side. I could list them all, but that would just be silly.
3. I have a secret (only not-so-secret anymore) desire to be either a chef or a beautician, but not at the same time. *gag*
4. To reference the above *gag* I have a horrible gag reflex and sitting here just thinking about hair in food, I am seriously gagging and looking for something nearby in which to puke...just in case.
5. I share an amazing closeness to my family (parents and siblings, I mean...I'm super close with the extended fam, too, but for now I'm just talking about the immediate family). We all talk OFTEN. We also fight like cats and dogs...all of us. It's part of what makes us crazies crazy!
6. I have an overwhelming desire to have twins coupled with an overwhelming fear that that might just happen. After all, my dad was an identical twin and there are tons of twins throughout our family. Cami who posts on here (or at least USED TO...where are you Camille?!?) is my dad's twin brother's daughter. That makes us basically half-sisters.
7. Whenever I stop to think about it, I cannot believe that I'm old enough to be married...much less have a baby. It just seems so strange to me. I feel like I should still be living at home with my parents.
8. I absolutely love to cook and bake. I wish I had more time to do so. I love making a dinner and then presenting it just right on the plate to where it is a masterpiece. I really wish that I could be on Hell's Kitchen. However, I could never leave Cassie and Mark and I would probably cry all the time with Chef Ramsey yelling and cussing. However, if I could, I SO would.
Well, that ends the "8 things you never knew you never knew (or wanted to know) about Devon." Hope you enjoyed.
I tag:
1. Michelle (though I highly doubt it)
2. Bek
3. Tracy (yeah, highly doubt that will happen either)
4. AT
5. Ang (but I don't think you'll be giving up extra Sophie time for this) :)
6. Denise
7. Cami (though you don't use a blog...just post it as a comment on here or something!)
8. Laura (you can do it on myspace or facebook, right?!?) :)
9. Holly (you can do it as a comment).
I KNOW I put 9, but I broke the rules...so sue me. I'm also not going to leave it as comments on your blogs because you all should have a subscription to me!!! :)
Pretty much, I'm holding out for Bek and AT.
1) Post these rules before you give your facts
2) List 8 random facts about yourself
3) At the end of your post, choose (tag) 8 people and list their names, linking to them4) Leave a comment on their blog, letting them know they’ve been tagged
RANDOM FACTS ABOUT DEVION:
1. I got my nickname (Devion) from Angie who was my chemistry teacher...then my Science Seminar teacher...then my supervisor when I worked at MHS...and through all that and still, my friend. "You know, like Evian?!?" Now, it is how I long in to just about everything. Second daughter's name?!? I think not...
2. I have 30+ first cousins on just my dad's side. I could list them all, but that would just be silly.
3. I have a secret (only not-so-secret anymore) desire to be either a chef or a beautician, but not at the same time. *gag*
4. To reference the above *gag* I have a horrible gag reflex and sitting here just thinking about hair in food, I am seriously gagging and looking for something nearby in which to puke...just in case.
5. I share an amazing closeness to my family (parents and siblings, I mean...I'm super close with the extended fam, too, but for now I'm just talking about the immediate family). We all talk OFTEN. We also fight like cats and dogs...all of us. It's part of what makes us crazies crazy!
6. I have an overwhelming desire to have twins coupled with an overwhelming fear that that might just happen. After all, my dad was an identical twin and there are tons of twins throughout our family. Cami who posts on here (or at least USED TO...where are you Camille?!?) is my dad's twin brother's daughter. That makes us basically half-sisters.
7. Whenever I stop to think about it, I cannot believe that I'm old enough to be married...much less have a baby. It just seems so strange to me. I feel like I should still be living at home with my parents.
8. I absolutely love to cook and bake. I wish I had more time to do so. I love making a dinner and then presenting it just right on the plate to where it is a masterpiece. I really wish that I could be on Hell's Kitchen. However, I could never leave Cassie and Mark and I would probably cry all the time with Chef Ramsey yelling and cussing. However, if I could, I SO would.
Well, that ends the "8 things you never knew you never knew (or wanted to know) about Devon." Hope you enjoyed.
I tag:
1. Michelle (though I highly doubt it)
2. Bek
3. Tracy (yeah, highly doubt that will happen either)
4. AT
5. Ang (but I don't think you'll be giving up extra Sophie time for this) :)
6. Denise
7. Cami (though you don't use a blog...just post it as a comment on here or something!)
8. Laura (you can do it on myspace or facebook, right?!?) :)
9. Holly (you can do it as a comment).
I KNOW I put 9, but I broke the rules...so sue me. I'm also not going to leave it as comments on your blogs because you all should have a subscription to me!!! :)
Pretty much, I'm holding out for Bek and AT.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
*YAWN*
It's just before 5 a.m. and I'm awake. I had a bad dream at about 4:30 and am up for now. Maybe once the sun comes up, I'll go sleep a bit more. I've always had nightmares. Most of the time, I can realize that I'm in a bad dream and wake myself up before it gets too bad. However, I am then fearful. I don't like that. The Bible says that you're not supposed to have a spirit of fear, but at night...sometimes I do. It's way better than it used to be. When we were first married, I would lay awake at night terrified that someone was in our house or was gonna break into our house. Now, it really only happens when I've had a bad dream.
So, tonight, we went out to eat for Mark's b-day. We were going to go to church, but through a chain of events, that kinda got messed up, so we decided on dinner for his b-day. His birthday is tomorrow (Friday). However, we're going out with the fam on Friday. Anyway, we're at dinner and towards the end, I ask him something and he snaps at me. I was like, "What was that all about?" He said, "This is supposed to be my birthday dinner and I feel like I'm being ignored the whole time!!!" The moment before this occured, I had been playing with Cassie face to face, as she was getting fussy and I was trying to avoid her freaking out. I felt, at that point, that I had a 15-month-old and a 5-year-old with me. I said, "Do you want her screaming?!? That's what would have happened if I hadn't been doing that at that point." The rest of the meal, she had done really well and we had talked and such, so I'm not sure why he now says he was being ignored...kinda silly if you ask me.....
I'm not sure if I've posted about this or not, but I'm soon to become "VICKERS HOME DAYCARE!" As you all know, I am keeping Emberley a couple days a week. Starting soon (as soon as they can move, give their current sitter notice, etc.), I'll be keeping 2 more kids (with 1 more on the way). The oldest will be 3 in Dec. The other is 2 weeks younger than Cassie. So, I'll have a 3-year-old, two 16-month-old, and a 4-month-old by the time this all comes to be. When the baby is born and I start keeping it, I'll then have a 3-1/2-year-old, two 2-year-olds, a 1-year-old, and a 6-8-week-old. I'll have my hands full, but I think that I'm ready for it.
I was feeling kind of stressed about it until I thought of 1 thing. When I was in high school, there was a family...The Schmalzreids...every year around February, I would take care of their kids for an entire weekend. The parents would get home at like midnight and leave again at like 6:30 or something. It was a big convention for their jobs. Anyway, the first year that I did that, I had their 2-month-old along with 5 other kids. My best friend at the time came to help too, but she mainly read the whole weekend. The next year, I had a 1-year-old and 3 older kids (2 of the ones from the previous year were not theirs) and was all on my own. So, I think that I can do this with flying colors. We'll see.....
Well, that's my ramblings from a sleepy head for now. Sorry for all of the randomosity. Hope you're all sleeping like babies as I post this!!! :)
So, tonight, we went out to eat for Mark's b-day. We were going to go to church, but through a chain of events, that kinda got messed up, so we decided on dinner for his b-day. His birthday is tomorrow (Friday). However, we're going out with the fam on Friday. Anyway, we're at dinner and towards the end, I ask him something and he snaps at me. I was like, "What was that all about?" He said, "This is supposed to be my birthday dinner and I feel like I'm being ignored the whole time!!!" The moment before this occured, I had been playing with Cassie face to face, as she was getting fussy and I was trying to avoid her freaking out. I felt, at that point, that I had a 15-month-old and a 5-year-old with me. I said, "Do you want her screaming?!? That's what would have happened if I hadn't been doing that at that point." The rest of the meal, she had done really well and we had talked and such, so I'm not sure why he now says he was being ignored...kinda silly if you ask me.....
I'm not sure if I've posted about this or not, but I'm soon to become "VICKERS HOME DAYCARE!" As you all know, I am keeping Emberley a couple days a week. Starting soon (as soon as they can move, give their current sitter notice, etc.), I'll be keeping 2 more kids (with 1 more on the way). The oldest will be 3 in Dec. The other is 2 weeks younger than Cassie. So, I'll have a 3-year-old, two 16-month-old, and a 4-month-old by the time this all comes to be. When the baby is born and I start keeping it, I'll then have a 3-1/2-year-old, two 2-year-olds, a 1-year-old, and a 6-8-week-old. I'll have my hands full, but I think that I'm ready for it.
I was feeling kind of stressed about it until I thought of 1 thing. When I was in high school, there was a family...The Schmalzreids...every year around February, I would take care of their kids for an entire weekend. The parents would get home at like midnight and leave again at like 6:30 or something. It was a big convention for their jobs. Anyway, the first year that I did that, I had their 2-month-old along with 5 other kids. My best friend at the time came to help too, but she mainly read the whole weekend. The next year, I had a 1-year-old and 3 older kids (2 of the ones from the previous year were not theirs) and was all on my own. So, I think that I can do this with flying colors. We'll see.....
Well, that's my ramblings from a sleepy head for now. Sorry for all of the randomosity. Hope you're all sleeping like babies as I post this!!! :)
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Precious
I thought that this was pretty cute. Click this link (if you didn't get the e-mail from me) and listen to this precious little girl recite the 23rd Psalm.
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=9e7c4b40cf5a13cea6ca
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=9e7c4b40cf5a13cea6ca
Saturday, August 18, 2007
A topic worth visiting...
I'm going to post a comment from my friend, Bek. I am going to put my input in GREEN, but you all be sure and give your thoughts on the matter. I think that we all deal with this issue from time to time when we feel under valued, under appreciated, or just overwhelmed.
Last night while I was feeding Chloe, I got on your blog and was visiting all the blogs you have posted. I came around to one of your brothers' blogs (Derin), and they had commented on a subject that I was VERY intrigued by. It's about men going to work, and women staying home with the kids, and how frustrating it is to not feel like the other is doing their job. John and I have been struggling a lot with this to see eye-to-eye on the other's role. I don't want to husband-bash, so I'll give two examples, one putting me to shame :) The other day I was SO exhausted from doing nothing but holding a crying baby all day, feeding, and barely getting to eat or even go to the bathroom. First of all, let me say this. I think that husbands have this idea that being a SAHM would be the greatest job, because you're home all day...you can do whatever you want...you have no "job" to do. They couldn't be more wrong. I just wish that for ONE, just ONE day, Mark could be the Stay At Home DAD and see what a day is like for a SAHM. I really think that he believes all I do is sit around and watch TV while eating Bon-Bons or something...
When John gets home from work, he has a routine: take a shower, eat, de-stress with either a movie or a videogame with my brother online. It does not bother me one bit that he likes to play games; it's the one thing he enjoys that helps him de-stress. Well, I asked John to hold Chloe for a little bit so I could rest...(now, don't take this the wrong way, we were both in bad moods, and John DOES enjoy time with Chloe and is upset if he can't spend time with her.) John told me "I'm tired Bek, besides, if you have a problem with staying home all day holding Chloe, read the Bible..." He was referring to our roles in marriage being the man works and the woman is the caregiver. I know that John is a caring daddy, so I'm not bashing him whatsoever...just his take on things, I guess. To say, "read the Bible" is not only ridiculous, but really un-fair. The Bible does NOT say, "The husband just makes money and the wife just takes care of the babies." It says that we are helpers to each other. A marriage is not, "Your job is this, this, and this. My job is this, this, and this." A marriage should be, "Your job is taking out the trash, but if I have a spare moment and it needs taking out, I'll do it for you to make things easier on you." We all know that a mommy's job is 24/7...literally. It doesn't end whether you're a SAHM or go to a job every day. If the baby cries at night and is hungry...well...momma's the one that feeds baby most of the time. The point of a partnership is sharing the responsibilities. The husband was involved in the MAKING of the baby...therefore, he is involved in the CARING for the baby. Basically, the baby is not the responsibility of the mom. It is the responsibility of the parents and should therefore be treated as such. Does that make sense? Besides that, Bek. The older Chloe gets, the more attached she is going to be to you. If John does not put forth the effort to connect with her as much as possible when he gets home from work each day until bedtime, she is going to reject his advances to bond with her...he'll be like a stranger to her. He needs to build that now so that the bond is there and is growing stronger. Otherwise, she'll cry when going to him just like she would a stranger. Right now, the bonds that she forms will be etched the deepest in her mind. He WANTS to be one of those lines...otherwise, he'll be really upset when she fusses to go to him.
Now, here's what I said the next day when John was complaining about his day at work, "Well, John, if you have a problem with doing your job...then read the Bible." So I'm just as much of a smart-alec as he is. Now...I'm not one of those women who says the roles of a husband and wife are that the woman stays home and the man makes the money. I already have attempted to go back to work, so I don't believe that that has to be the case. (which, by the way, I'm not going back to work for a while...maybe I'll dab into that later.) The reason I'm posting this is because I am longing for the kind of relationship that has mutual respect for what the other does in the marriage. We had a mentor couple in Florida who ran our small group, and they were the best example you can find of a happy marriage. They have four kids (YIKES!!!) he has a painting company that he's built from nothing to something, and she stays at home and does the housewife thing. She has 100% respect for him and what he does. He has 100% respect for her and what she does. Neither complain about their roles, and they always are praising their spouse whenever they get the chance.I'm looking for something that John and I can do (a study group, a book {I know...the Bible is the perfect book for answers}) that will help us get over this part. After reading your brother's blog, I saw that we're not the only couple who feels this way. Hmmm...maybe this sounds ludacris or crazy. I'm also a little scared of what some people might say on your blog. "Don't you know the answer's right in front of you?" Hmm...it's hard to open yourself up to others. So I'll try to be open with suggestions that people make.I think it'd be nice if in our small group we could do a study on the roles of a husband and wife...as far as how to please your spouse and vice versa, and how to be content instead of frustrated. I know not all of you on here are in the small groups, but some of you are, so I thought I'd comment on that.
It is really hard to put yourself in your spouse's shoes. Have you ever shadowed your husband at work? I haven't. Have you ever dealt with their co-workers or customers for a day? I haven't. Now, turn that around and see it from their perspective. For most of you, your husbands haven't had the kids hour after hour (Laura--I know you have a different situation, so maybe you can shed some more light on the topic). They just don't understand. Therefore, communication HAS to be present. Mark and I have had to talk about how some days can be sooo stressful with a baby. We've had to talk about how some days I don't have a second to myself if she's fussy/not napping/etc. THEN, once she DOES NAP, I'm POOPED!!! I just want to sit for a few minutes. Then, sometimes those few minutes turn into an hour or I fall asleep. It's hard, that's for sure! However, I can give you some encouragement that it does get easier as the baby gets older and can entertain herself and such. It does get easier once you can accomplish things while she is in her bouncer or swing or something. IT DOES GET EASIER.
I think that it is a great idea to do a study on roles in a marriage as far as mutual respect for the other's "job." However, I, personally, think that the problem is a lack of understanding. You can always look at someone and think "I could do that better" or whatever. BUT, once you really step into those shoes and try it out, you find out why they do things the way they do and sometimes you find out that they are doing the best job possible. That's just my 2-cents worth (or that may be more like 25 cents worth). :)
Well, there you have it. I'm not going to re-read this like I normally do because I know I'll end up deleting half of it (mainly the parts that make me and John look bad) so here goes...I'm posting it.
Bek--I do the exact same thing, so I'm glad you left it whole. This is a safe environment to post, so I'm glad you felt comfortable enough to do so.
OK, girls...let's hear your thoughts. If you've never posted before, I encourage you to do so if you have any thoughts. You can do anonymous, anonymous with initials or nickname, "other" with your name (you don't have to post a web address if you do this one...just leave it blank), or you can sign in and do it with your sign-in name.
Hasta la Pasta!
Last night while I was feeding Chloe, I got on your blog and was visiting all the blogs you have posted. I came around to one of your brothers' blogs (Derin), and they had commented on a subject that I was VERY intrigued by. It's about men going to work, and women staying home with the kids, and how frustrating it is to not feel like the other is doing their job. John and I have been struggling a lot with this to see eye-to-eye on the other's role. I don't want to husband-bash, so I'll give two examples, one putting me to shame :) The other day I was SO exhausted from doing nothing but holding a crying baby all day, feeding, and barely getting to eat or even go to the bathroom. First of all, let me say this. I think that husbands have this idea that being a SAHM would be the greatest job, because you're home all day...you can do whatever you want...you have no "job" to do. They couldn't be more wrong. I just wish that for ONE, just ONE day, Mark could be the Stay At Home DAD and see what a day is like for a SAHM. I really think that he believes all I do is sit around and watch TV while eating Bon-Bons or something...
When John gets home from work, he has a routine: take a shower, eat, de-stress with either a movie or a videogame with my brother online. It does not bother me one bit that he likes to play games; it's the one thing he enjoys that helps him de-stress. Well, I asked John to hold Chloe for a little bit so I could rest...(now, don't take this the wrong way, we were both in bad moods, and John DOES enjoy time with Chloe and is upset if he can't spend time with her.) John told me "I'm tired Bek, besides, if you have a problem with staying home all day holding Chloe, read the Bible..." He was referring to our roles in marriage being the man works and the woman is the caregiver. I know that John is a caring daddy, so I'm not bashing him whatsoever...just his take on things, I guess. To say, "read the Bible" is not only ridiculous, but really un-fair. The Bible does NOT say, "The husband just makes money and the wife just takes care of the babies." It says that we are helpers to each other. A marriage is not, "Your job is this, this, and this. My job is this, this, and this." A marriage should be, "Your job is taking out the trash, but if I have a spare moment and it needs taking out, I'll do it for you to make things easier on you." We all know that a mommy's job is 24/7...literally. It doesn't end whether you're a SAHM or go to a job every day. If the baby cries at night and is hungry...well...momma's the one that feeds baby most of the time. The point of a partnership is sharing the responsibilities. The husband was involved in the MAKING of the baby...therefore, he is involved in the CARING for the baby. Basically, the baby is not the responsibility of the mom. It is the responsibility of the parents and should therefore be treated as such. Does that make sense? Besides that, Bek. The older Chloe gets, the more attached she is going to be to you. If John does not put forth the effort to connect with her as much as possible when he gets home from work each day until bedtime, she is going to reject his advances to bond with her...he'll be like a stranger to her. He needs to build that now so that the bond is there and is growing stronger. Otherwise, she'll cry when going to him just like she would a stranger. Right now, the bonds that she forms will be etched the deepest in her mind. He WANTS to be one of those lines...otherwise, he'll be really upset when she fusses to go to him.
Now, here's what I said the next day when John was complaining about his day at work, "Well, John, if you have a problem with doing your job...then read the Bible." So I'm just as much of a smart-alec as he is. Now...I'm not one of those women who says the roles of a husband and wife are that the woman stays home and the man makes the money. I already have attempted to go back to work, so I don't believe that that has to be the case. (which, by the way, I'm not going back to work for a while...maybe I'll dab into that later.) The reason I'm posting this is because I am longing for the kind of relationship that has mutual respect for what the other does in the marriage. We had a mentor couple in Florida who ran our small group, and they were the best example you can find of a happy marriage. They have four kids (YIKES!!!) he has a painting company that he's built from nothing to something, and she stays at home and does the housewife thing. She has 100% respect for him and what he does. He has 100% respect for her and what she does. Neither complain about their roles, and they always are praising their spouse whenever they get the chance.I'm looking for something that John and I can do (a study group, a book {I know...the Bible is the perfect book for answers}) that will help us get over this part. After reading your brother's blog, I saw that we're not the only couple who feels this way. Hmmm...maybe this sounds ludacris or crazy. I'm also a little scared of what some people might say on your blog. "Don't you know the answer's right in front of you?" Hmm...it's hard to open yourself up to others. So I'll try to be open with suggestions that people make.I think it'd be nice if in our small group we could do a study on the roles of a husband and wife...as far as how to please your spouse and vice versa, and how to be content instead of frustrated. I know not all of you on here are in the small groups, but some of you are, so I thought I'd comment on that.
It is really hard to put yourself in your spouse's shoes. Have you ever shadowed your husband at work? I haven't. Have you ever dealt with their co-workers or customers for a day? I haven't. Now, turn that around and see it from their perspective. For most of you, your husbands haven't had the kids hour after hour (Laura--I know you have a different situation, so maybe you can shed some more light on the topic). They just don't understand. Therefore, communication HAS to be present. Mark and I have had to talk about how some days can be sooo stressful with a baby. We've had to talk about how some days I don't have a second to myself if she's fussy/not napping/etc. THEN, once she DOES NAP, I'm POOPED!!! I just want to sit for a few minutes. Then, sometimes those few minutes turn into an hour or I fall asleep. It's hard, that's for sure! However, I can give you some encouragement that it does get easier as the baby gets older and can entertain herself and such. It does get easier once you can accomplish things while she is in her bouncer or swing or something. IT DOES GET EASIER.
I think that it is a great idea to do a study on roles in a marriage as far as mutual respect for the other's "job." However, I, personally, think that the problem is a lack of understanding. You can always look at someone and think "I could do that better" or whatever. BUT, once you really step into those shoes and try it out, you find out why they do things the way they do and sometimes you find out that they are doing the best job possible. That's just my 2-cents worth (or that may be more like 25 cents worth). :)
Well, there you have it. I'm not going to re-read this like I normally do because I know I'll end up deleting half of it (mainly the parts that make me and John look bad) so here goes...I'm posting it.
Bek--I do the exact same thing, so I'm glad you left it whole. This is a safe environment to post, so I'm glad you felt comfortable enough to do so.
OK, girls...let's hear your thoughts. If you've never posted before, I encourage you to do so if you have any thoughts. You can do anonymous, anonymous with initials or nickname, "other" with your name (you don't have to post a web address if you do this one...just leave it blank), or you can sign in and do it with your sign-in name.
Hasta la Pasta!
Done Deal
The Kia is gone, the Mazda Millenia is in my garage. That's right...we got a car...a Millenia. It is in good shape. It is a 2000, so it's not new by any means, but it's in good shape with decent mileage. It has leather interior and is just pretty. :)
So, it's OVER! FINALLY! I'm quite glad that it's over and we don't have to "deal" with it any more! :)
So, it's OVER! FINALLY! I'm quite glad that it's over and we don't have to "deal" with it any more! :)
Friday, August 17, 2007
SOLD!
Our car is SOLD! It's out the door SOON! Now, we just have to find ourselves a new vehicle FAST! We've been looking at TONS! I'm so SICK of it! Ok...enough with the emphasis. Our car sold, so we gotta find us one before we're in big trouble. We did some wheelin' and dealin' last night, but left to play tough. :) I'll keep you posted.
AT-The link should work now. It was messed up. Sorry...my bad!
Well, I'm gonna get back to the hunt...the CAR hunt that is! Wish us luck! :)
AT-The link should work now. It was messed up. Sorry...my bad!
Well, I'm gonna get back to the hunt...the CAR hunt that is! Wish us luck! :)
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Anyone have a spare car?!?
So, someone's coming to look at our Kia...that's GREAT! Only problem is, we haven't found a vehicle to purchase yet...YIKES! I'll let you know what happens!
Oh, and Ali...thanks for the encouragement on the hair. Most of the time, I forget about it. Then, someone looks at me twice and I think, "Oh, yeah, I have bright maroon hair."
Oh, and Ali...thanks for the encouragement on the hair. Most of the time, I forget about it. Then, someone looks at me twice and I think, "Oh, yeah, I have bright maroon hair."
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Updates Etc.
So, my hair is now maroon, as I've mentioned. These pictures are a bit deceptive, but I thought I'd post them anyhow. To me, at least, it is really more maroon than these pictures look. The overhead looks just like the others to me...hmmm...
I'm dealing with the color, though. Someone last night told me that I looked "edgy." Well, that would be great if I was in college or something, but edgy is not exactly the look I'm going for these days...
We've had zero bites on any of our stuff. We've had a few people e-mailing asking questions, but that's all. I kinda figured that would be the case, though, because of the narrow market that we're appealing to. I'm quite surprised, however, that nobody has called/e-mailed on the TV and DVD player.
I am daily amazed at how big and old my little miss Cassie is getting. When I say something and she follows through, the comprehension is just amazing! If I say, "Go put your toys in the basket," she does it. Not too long ago, she would have had no clue what I meant or that that was a directive to her. Now, she understands that that is what Mommy wants her to do. I just am constantly in awe of the wonderful processes that God built into us. Not only does she grow physically, but emotionally, mentally, and socially. I love it!
Monday, August 13, 2007
More Randomosity
Yes, that is a word, 'cause I just said it. I think that that should be the rule...if you make up a word, well, then it's a word. Now, if you say something grammatically incorrect...that doesn't count...that's just dumb.
Today is not the most fun day. Mark, Cassie, and I all slept horribly last night. My sinuses and ears are still obnoxious. As a side note, I apparently cannot type today, so if you see mistakes...I'm sorry. Anyway, I'm also having issues with my arms and hands. Probably why I can't type. Whenever I have sinus troubles, my hands and arms hurt. The only thing I can figure is that it has something to do with the lymphatic system or something. Sometimes my legs hurt, too, but usually just my hands and arms. When I was sick for 7+ years in jr high/high school, that was my main symptom...my arms and hands hurt so badly that I could hardly hold things. They aren't that extreme these days, luckily. So, I'm not really sure what that is all about, but that's my complaint for today.
We listed a bunch of stuff on craigslist last night. We listed a fishtank and stand, the drumset, the Kia Sorento, the TV and DVD player, and Mark's business. We've had replies...both hokey and real, so we'll see what comes of all that. If we get desperate, I might sell my electronic piano, too. I haven't played it once in the last year and a half, but I have dreams of playing it....some day. I just hope that we sell stuff for decent amounts. That would sure help out. The only problem is that the 3 big things (Kia, drums, and fishtank/stand) are all very specific and therefore have a small market. Not too many people are willing to give the Kias a try...I sure wasn't until we drove one...now I love it. The drums are a big, detailed set that only a skilled drummer would want to spend the money on, and the fishtank obviously would only be useful for someone interested in saltwater aquariums. So, the market is narrow, but we'll see what happens. If God wants them sold...the right person will call.
Oh, I hear Cassie fussing that she's awake. I'd better end this and go give her some Mommy/Cassie time since we have Miss Emberley today. Later.....
Today is not the most fun day. Mark, Cassie, and I all slept horribly last night. My sinuses and ears are still obnoxious. As a side note, I apparently cannot type today, so if you see mistakes...I'm sorry. Anyway, I'm also having issues with my arms and hands. Probably why I can't type. Whenever I have sinus troubles, my hands and arms hurt. The only thing I can figure is that it has something to do with the lymphatic system or something. Sometimes my legs hurt, too, but usually just my hands and arms. When I was sick for 7+ years in jr high/high school, that was my main symptom...my arms and hands hurt so badly that I could hardly hold things. They aren't that extreme these days, luckily. So, I'm not really sure what that is all about, but that's my complaint for today.
We listed a bunch of stuff on craigslist last night. We listed a fishtank and stand, the drumset, the Kia Sorento, the TV and DVD player, and Mark's business. We've had replies...both hokey and real, so we'll see what comes of all that. If we get desperate, I might sell my electronic piano, too. I haven't played it once in the last year and a half, but I have dreams of playing it....some day. I just hope that we sell stuff for decent amounts. That would sure help out. The only problem is that the 3 big things (Kia, drums, and fishtank/stand) are all very specific and therefore have a small market. Not too many people are willing to give the Kias a try...I sure wasn't until we drove one...now I love it. The drums are a big, detailed set that only a skilled drummer would want to spend the money on, and the fishtank obviously would only be useful for someone interested in saltwater aquariums. So, the market is narrow, but we'll see what happens. If God wants them sold...the right person will call.
Oh, I hear Cassie fussing that she's awake. I'd better end this and go give her some Mommy/Cassie time since we have Miss Emberley today. Later.....
Saturday, August 11, 2007
The Blahs...
I feel like I have the blahs. It is probably only because I am sleep deprived. I didn't get to sleep until well after 1...probably closer to 2 this morning and then Cassie woke up at 5:20 and then 6:45ish for the day. Then, she only took an hour and a half nap. So, that's probably the cause of my blahs, but I've got them. I was okay when I went to sleep, so that is why I feel that the lack of sleep is the culprit.
Anyway, we're thinking about selling our Kia Sorento and buying a used vehicle...possibly a mini van. I'm not sure how I feel about this, except for the fact that it will cut our car payments by over half. We're trying to climb out of debt. Speaking of which, congrats to Laura and Dustin (my sis-in-law and brother) for paying off their debt!!! I'm now envious. Most of our debt is due to Mark's business, which to me makes it valid debt. I know there are people out there who say "NO DEBT!" However, I really feel like starting up a business means going into debt at the beginning, unless you wait until your 50 to go into business or you have an uncle that dies and leaves you thousands of dollars. Anyway, so we have debt...we've got a plan to be rid of large portion of it by the end of this year, but there will still be more debt to pay that we'll hopefully have paid off by the end of 2008. SO, if we could take our car payment from $255/mo to $100/mo or less, that would be $150/mo more that could go towards our debt.
HOWEVER, here's the bonus. Mark is selling his drumset. This is a HUGE deal for him to be selling it and it is a huge step of maturity that he's made the decision. There are a few other smaller things that we're interested in selling as well...a 29" TV, a dvd player, possibly an aquarium. The drumset should sell for around $1000. We figure with all of it, we might get $1200-1500, which would be a nice down payment for these older cars that we're looking at, which would make our payments down to like $75/mo-ish.
I have no idea what's in store for us with this, but we're just trying to make wise decisions that will help us get out of our debt quicker. I'm not sure that this is the right way to go, as an older vehicle could mean more issues...we'll just have to see what happens.
Oh a completely separate note...I think that we're officially done trying for now. I got to thinking about something and it's a good thing I did. My sister graduates in May. Can you imagine how awful that would be to be due right at the time she graduates?!? That would certainly not be fair to her and I don't want to cause chaos in the family. I've made this decision completely selflessly, so I think that it is a wise one and will only bless us in the long-run. Who knows what God has in store for us (well, He does, obviously, but you know what I mean), but I know that "all things work for the good of those who love Him," so I'm just trusting in that. Oh, and I'm okay with this in my heart. I actually feel good about this decision. I guess that's what happens when you "let go and let God," neh? Besides, am I REALLY ready to look like this again?!?
Anyway, we're thinking about selling our Kia Sorento and buying a used vehicle...possibly a mini van. I'm not sure how I feel about this, except for the fact that it will cut our car payments by over half. We're trying to climb out of debt. Speaking of which, congrats to Laura and Dustin (my sis-in-law and brother) for paying off their debt!!! I'm now envious. Most of our debt is due to Mark's business, which to me makes it valid debt. I know there are people out there who say "NO DEBT!" However, I really feel like starting up a business means going into debt at the beginning, unless you wait until your 50 to go into business or you have an uncle that dies and leaves you thousands of dollars. Anyway, so we have debt...we've got a plan to be rid of large portion of it by the end of this year, but there will still be more debt to pay that we'll hopefully have paid off by the end of 2008. SO, if we could take our car payment from $255/mo to $100/mo or less, that would be $150/mo more that could go towards our debt.
HOWEVER, here's the bonus. Mark is selling his drumset. This is a HUGE deal for him to be selling it and it is a huge step of maturity that he's made the decision. There are a few other smaller things that we're interested in selling as well...a 29" TV, a dvd player, possibly an aquarium. The drumset should sell for around $1000. We figure with all of it, we might get $1200-1500, which would be a nice down payment for these older cars that we're looking at, which would make our payments down to like $75/mo-ish.
I have no idea what's in store for us with this, but we're just trying to make wise decisions that will help us get out of our debt quicker. I'm not sure that this is the right way to go, as an older vehicle could mean more issues...we'll just have to see what happens.
Oh a completely separate note...I think that we're officially done trying for now. I got to thinking about something and it's a good thing I did. My sister graduates in May. Can you imagine how awful that would be to be due right at the time she graduates?!? That would certainly not be fair to her and I don't want to cause chaos in the family. I've made this decision completely selflessly, so I think that it is a wise one and will only bless us in the long-run. Who knows what God has in store for us (well, He does, obviously, but you know what I mean), but I know that "all things work for the good of those who love Him," so I'm just trusting in that. Oh, and I'm okay with this in my heart. I actually feel good about this decision. I guess that's what happens when you "let go and let God," neh? Besides, am I REALLY ready to look like this again?!?
Well, Cassie is saying in her own little way, "MOMMA!!! I'm done eating!!! Come get me!!! If you don't come get me I'm gonna get really, really mad!!! COME HERE!!!" So, I guess I better go rescue her. I hope that you all have a fabulous day and I hope that the "blahs" are not internet contagious! :)
Friday, August 10, 2007
I still feel crummy. Holly--My ears hurt too. They itch like crazy way deep inside where I wanna stick a skewer or something down there to itch the dickens out of them. No fun!
I'm sure we will be at church on Sunday. Bummer. Everyone just tell me how funny it looks and we'll be okay. I have plans for a few more dish soap washes between now and then, so we'll see what happens...
OK...I gotta go to the store. I'm cooking for Ben and Tracy tonight. Everyone say a little prayer for them while you read this. If you know them, you probably know why...if you don't, just trust me that they could use the prayers...especially Tracy.
More later...
I'm sure we will be at church on Sunday. Bummer. Everyone just tell me how funny it looks and we'll be okay. I have plans for a few more dish soap washes between now and then, so we'll see what happens...
OK...I gotta go to the store. I'm cooking for Ben and Tracy tonight. Everyone say a little prayer for them while you read this. If you know them, you probably know why...if you don't, just trust me that they could use the prayers...especially Tracy.
More later...
Thursday, August 9, 2007
A Day with Emberley
So, day 1 is here and gone and it went better than I expected. There were times when Cassie was asleep and Emberley was up, times when Emberley was asleep and Cassie was up, times when they were both asleep, and times when they were both up, so I got lots of variety. Cassie did very well, though she was incredibly clingy to me after Emberley left (and fussy). She kept trying to share toys with her to make her stop crying. She would kiss her and pat her when she was upset. She shared mommy very well.
Emberley did awesome with eating, sleeping, etc. I will say that she does have her momma's temper, but it is short-lived and she is easily consoled when she gets mad. She ate great and I was able to easily put her to sleep throughout the day.
The bummer thing was that I woke up this morning with a sinus infection brewing. Had I felt 100%, the day would have been perfect. Because of the icky head, I'm really worn out tonight. I figured I'd be worn out, but I'm really wiped. So, here's hoping I'm better by Monday!
Emberley did awesome with eating, sleeping, etc. I will say that she does have her momma's temper, but it is short-lived and she is easily consoled when she gets mad. She ate great and I was able to easily put her to sleep throughout the day.
The bummer thing was that I woke up this morning with a sinus infection brewing. Had I felt 100%, the day would have been perfect. Because of the icky head, I'm really worn out tonight. I figured I'd be worn out, but I'm really wiped. So, here's hoping I'm better by Monday!
Hair, hair, and more hair...
So, my sister-in-law, Michelle's, mom is a retired beautician. SO, she said to get the vivid red/orange toned down to add in ash blonde to the mix. Oh, brother. I did. Now, I have burgandy hair. Laura--would totally be your thing and you would rock it out. Do you all know how I look with dark hair? Well, you will as soon as you see me or as soon as I get my camera to cooperate, because I have dark, burgandy/maroon hair in the front and it is all DIFFERENT colors throughout the rest. Oh, me!
I just need to point out 1 tiny thing to my dear, s-i-l, Laura. I seem to remember a certain haircut that caused quite a stir and some tears! :) Laura got her hair cut once and they practically scalped her. It was SHORT. However, she pulled it off and always looks great in short hair.
I actually am not sad or crying or anything over this. I think that it's incredibly funny.....I just can't go out in public! HA! So, if you want to laugh at me, you'll have to come over.
Well, my timer just went off, so I am going to go eat. I will post about my day with Emberley later.
I just need to point out 1 tiny thing to my dear, s-i-l, Laura. I seem to remember a certain haircut that caused quite a stir and some tears! :) Laura got her hair cut once and they practically scalped her. It was SHORT. However, she pulled it off and always looks great in short hair.
I actually am not sad or crying or anything over this. I think that it's incredibly funny.....I just can't go out in public! HA! So, if you want to laugh at me, you'll have to come over.
Well, my timer just went off, so I am going to go eat. I will post about my day with Emberley later.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Hair update
So, I tried the dish soap, much to the horror of my mother. It did tone it down a tad (my camera is being screwy, though, so I can't get a pic), but it is still pretty vibrant. I think that I'm going to keep it up with that, then normal shampoo, then extra conditioner each time I wash it for the next couple of days and see what happens.
HAIR CRISIS!!!
So, being on the tight budget that we're on, I decided to dye my hair. Now, I've done this time and again since college, though I mooch of mom and get it done professionally at Eric Fisher whenever I'm in Wichita. So, I bought Auburn Blonde. I thought that that would give me a nice, strawberry blonde type color, just maybe a little darker...I was up for that. So, I mixed it up and applied it. A few weeks ago, I got Cassie a little floating mirror for the bathtub. So, once I was rinsed, I was excited to remember that little mirror so that I could take a sneak peek. OH, I shouldn't have done that! To my horror, my hair was not a nice, auburn blonde....oh no....it was CRAYON RED!!! OH MYLANTA!!!
So now, I am on to dye #2 (do I EVER learn?!?) and we'll see what happens here. I'm a bit scared. You're not really supposed to do dye this close together, but I cannot live my life with crayon hair! So, we'll see what happens. I'm going to post before and after pictures when I have the chance. All I can say is OH MYLANTA! I'll let you know how it turns out.
*EDIT* Oh, girls...it's not good. I'm pretty sure that there was ZERO benefit from the second coloring. OH MYLANTA!!! WHAT AM I GOING TO DO?!?!?
So now, I am on to dye #2 (do I EVER learn?!?) and we'll see what happens here. I'm a bit scared. You're not really supposed to do dye this close together, but I cannot live my life with crayon hair! So, we'll see what happens. I'm going to post before and after pictures when I have the chance. All I can say is OH MYLANTA! I'll let you know how it turns out.
*EDIT* Oh, girls...it's not good. I'm pretty sure that there was ZERO benefit from the second coloring. OH MYLANTA!!! WHAT AM I GOING TO DO?!?!?
BEFORE:
AFTER:
SO, the AFTER looks more vibrant, but it was just the light...it really looks the same...oh mylanta........
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Randomness
If you haven't already done so, be sure and go see the great tips that Holly posted in the comments of the last household chore post. They're great ideas! We'll see if I can accomplish them!
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So, AT, when I first was going to post about us "trying" and such, I was concerned about how it might come across to you with your fertility struggles and such. I didn't want to offend you or anything. However, I then thought about how supportive and great you've been with all of us, your passion for adoption, and just your general openess about everything, so that's why I decided to post. I've had a teeny, tiny...really infintely tiny view of your perspective over the past week or 2.
First of all, there is a girl that I used to work with who annoyed me like crazy when I worked with her. Through a lady that I still keep in contact with at that job, she knows that we're trying and keeps e-mailing me asking if we're pregnant yet. I would like very much to e-mail her back and say LEAVE ME ALONE!!!! However, I really have just ignored the last e-mail or 2. It's my only defense. She was my replacement so I worked with her for like 2 weeks or less. Therefore, I really don't think that it is any of her business whether I am or am not pregnant, which just further annoys me.
Secondly, one of my good friends from Minnesota called me yesterday to tell me that she's pregnant...due at the same time that I was hoping to be due if things were according to MY plan rather than God's. That was hard for me to swallow, but I did and I celebrated with her (via the phone). I am very excited for her, but it does sting.
So, I wanted you to know, A, that I don't know how you feel, but I want you to know that I am always aware of trying to make sure that I don't hurt you through my posts. Having an adopted sister makes me applaud you so much for being passionate about adoption; even if it wasn't your first choice of having a child...God has a special child picked out for you who desperately needs a loving mommy.
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On a completely un-related note, my sister is a happy girl! She is facing ridicule and resentment from some of her close friends, but she's handling it well. I think that it has settled in with my parents, because they were all out for dinner last night after Dani's voice recital. The funny thing to me was his facebook status. It gives you the prompt Devon is ... and you fill it in. Then, it posts it. Like mine could say, "Devon Vickers is ready for the weekend" or something like that. His said, "David Herrington is glad her dad didn't shoot him." I got a kick out of that.
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Emberley (mommy tike's little one that I'm going to start keeping 2 days a week starting this Thursday) and I had a trial run this morning for an hour or so. She did great! She sucked down her bottle like a champ and made us both proud!
Well, that's all I know for now. Catch 'ya on the flip side.
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So, AT, when I first was going to post about us "trying" and such, I was concerned about how it might come across to you with your fertility struggles and such. I didn't want to offend you or anything. However, I then thought about how supportive and great you've been with all of us, your passion for adoption, and just your general openess about everything, so that's why I decided to post. I've had a teeny, tiny...really infintely tiny view of your perspective over the past week or 2.
First of all, there is a girl that I used to work with who annoyed me like crazy when I worked with her. Through a lady that I still keep in contact with at that job, she knows that we're trying and keeps e-mailing me asking if we're pregnant yet. I would like very much to e-mail her back and say LEAVE ME ALONE!!!! However, I really have just ignored the last e-mail or 2. It's my only defense. She was my replacement so I worked with her for like 2 weeks or less. Therefore, I really don't think that it is any of her business whether I am or am not pregnant, which just further annoys me.
Secondly, one of my good friends from Minnesota called me yesterday to tell me that she's pregnant...due at the same time that I was hoping to be due if things were according to MY plan rather than God's. That was hard for me to swallow, but I did and I celebrated with her (via the phone). I am very excited for her, but it does sting.
So, I wanted you to know, A, that I don't know how you feel, but I want you to know that I am always aware of trying to make sure that I don't hurt you through my posts. Having an adopted sister makes me applaud you so much for being passionate about adoption; even if it wasn't your first choice of having a child...God has a special child picked out for you who desperately needs a loving mommy.
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On a completely un-related note, my sister is a happy girl! She is facing ridicule and resentment from some of her close friends, but she's handling it well. I think that it has settled in with my parents, because they were all out for dinner last night after Dani's voice recital. The funny thing to me was his facebook status. It gives you the prompt Devon is ... and you fill it in. Then, it posts it. Like mine could say, "Devon Vickers is ready for the weekend" or something like that. His said, "David Herrington is glad her dad didn't shoot him." I got a kick out of that.
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Emberley (mommy tike's little one that I'm going to start keeping 2 days a week starting this Thursday) and I had a trial run this morning for an hour or so. She did great! She sucked down her bottle like a champ and made us both proud!
Well, that's all I know for now. Catch 'ya on the flip side.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Bloggity Questions
I don't know if all of you anonymous people are wanting to stay anonymous or if you just chose that option. I didn't know if you knew that you can choose the "other" choice and just put a name. You don't have to put a website. For those of you who have put anonymous comments and initials, do you want your name to remain anonymous? There was a comment posted that said one of your names, which I erased. I didn't know if you wanted the beans spilled (so to speak) on your name or if you just didn't know how else to post without posting a blog..... Let me know if you have a chance, k?
Lots of emotions....
Well--the 'ol pee stick came back negative...again. I'm doing alright with that, though. It's an emotional rollercoaster for me, but I know full well that God has the time and date picked out for us and it will be perfect, as only HIS timing can be. SO...until next month.....
On a brighter, yet crazier note...my sister now has a boyfriend. Some of you know him. Ang--I think that he might have been your Teacher's Assistant. His name is David Herrington and he is...are you ready for this?...6 years older than her. That's right...SIX! They have hung out together a TON for the past year or so with a few other guys...Dani and a bunch of guys! HA! They finally both expressed their interest to each other. Here's the part that makes it okay for me...David went to my Dad and asked him permission to date Dani. He said that he knew that there was a huge age difference (at this stage in the game--it wouldn't be such a big deal in a few years, but now...world of difference) and he wanted my parents to know that he wasn't trying to take advantage of their 17-year-old daughter--he truly likes her and cares a lot about her. They are family friends from church and my parents know their parents well. In fact, Cami, their dad is Jerry Herrington...who was your dad's best friend!!! The weird thing is that I dated his older brother, Paul, so there is a lot of family connection there. Anyway, Dad told him that he knew David was old enough for alcohol, smoking, R-rated movies, etc. and he didn't want Dani exposed to any of that. He told him that we are all pretty protective of our Dani and that whoever she dates has high expectations to live up to. He told him that as long as she was being treated respectfully, he didn't think that age should play a factor, so he would give him permission. WHOA!
As Dad was telling me all this on the phone, I was running through the lists of guys from church that were anywhere from 1-6 years older than Dani, and I came to the realization that he is the only 1 that I would feel comfortable with her dating! Crazy!
So, they're dating now...my sister and a 23-year-old! As you can tell, I'm still trying to wrap my brain around this. Dani's always been very mature for her age and hasn't dated a single guy because all the guys around her age were idiots and far beneath her intellectually. I always thought she'd need an older guy........I just didn't think that it would be a 6-year age gap when she's in high school!!! :)
GO DANI! ;)
On a brighter, yet crazier note...my sister now has a boyfriend. Some of you know him. Ang--I think that he might have been your Teacher's Assistant. His name is David Herrington and he is...are you ready for this?...6 years older than her. That's right...SIX! They have hung out together a TON for the past year or so with a few other guys...Dani and a bunch of guys! HA! They finally both expressed their interest to each other. Here's the part that makes it okay for me...David went to my Dad and asked him permission to date Dani. He said that he knew that there was a huge age difference (at this stage in the game--it wouldn't be such a big deal in a few years, but now...world of difference) and he wanted my parents to know that he wasn't trying to take advantage of their 17-year-old daughter--he truly likes her and cares a lot about her. They are family friends from church and my parents know their parents well. In fact, Cami, their dad is Jerry Herrington...who was your dad's best friend!!! The weird thing is that I dated his older brother, Paul, so there is a lot of family connection there. Anyway, Dad told him that he knew David was old enough for alcohol, smoking, R-rated movies, etc. and he didn't want Dani exposed to any of that. He told him that we are all pretty protective of our Dani and that whoever she dates has high expectations to live up to. He told him that as long as she was being treated respectfully, he didn't think that age should play a factor, so he would give him permission. WHOA!
As Dad was telling me all this on the phone, I was running through the lists of guys from church that were anywhere from 1-6 years older than Dani, and I came to the realization that he is the only 1 that I would feel comfortable with her dating! Crazy!
So, they're dating now...my sister and a 23-year-old! As you can tell, I'm still trying to wrap my brain around this. Dani's always been very mature for her age and hasn't dated a single guy because all the guys around her age were idiots and far beneath her intellectually. I always thought she'd need an older guy........I just didn't think that it would be a 6-year age gap when she's in high school!!! :)
GO DANI! ;)
Sunday, August 5, 2007
HELP?!?
I wanted to talk about a suggestion made by my friend, HB. I LOVE the suggestion. Read it and then I'll tell you my problem.
"...Here's something that works for me...EVERY NIGHT before we go to bed, my hubby and I go thru the house and pick up whatever is left out and not in its rightful place. Anything we've used or brought home or new mail, whatever, that hasn't made it to its designated spot, gets picked up before we turn in for the night. This helps us in a couple of ways...1) When we get up the next morning, we start a new day with a fresh start, a picked up & clutter free house. Thus we are not starting our new day already behind. 2.) By doing this EVERY day we stay on top of the messes and clutter and it rarely gets out of hand. It only takes us 10 mins each night instead of over an hour once a week. This makes it more manageble for us in our busy lives. 3.) My house is usually always presentable this way. I don't have to worry if someone just drops by and excuse the mess that they are walking into. My toilets might not have been cleaned in a couple of days, but at least the "stuff" around our house is picked up and things are not strewn about. Anyways, obviously adapt this to your lifes and what works best for you. Maybe its picking up during kids nap time AND at night. So, that's my little tid bit of what works for me. Hope it helps someone!!" -HB
Here's my problem...I have a lot of stuff that does not have a "spot." How do you go around and put everything in its place when some things do not have a place? *sigh* I would love to have my house look like HB's...her house always looks perfect. I know, I know, you're already disagreeing, but I think that it is probably true. So...if anyone (including you H) have any thoughts on this...SEND 'EM MY WAY!!!!!!!!!!!
"...Here's something that works for me...EVERY NIGHT before we go to bed, my hubby and I go thru the house and pick up whatever is left out and not in its rightful place. Anything we've used or brought home or new mail, whatever, that hasn't made it to its designated spot, gets picked up before we turn in for the night. This helps us in a couple of ways...1) When we get up the next morning, we start a new day with a fresh start, a picked up & clutter free house. Thus we are not starting our new day already behind. 2.) By doing this EVERY day we stay on top of the messes and clutter and it rarely gets out of hand. It only takes us 10 mins each night instead of over an hour once a week. This makes it more manageble for us in our busy lives. 3.) My house is usually always presentable this way. I don't have to worry if someone just drops by and excuse the mess that they are walking into. My toilets might not have been cleaned in a couple of days, but at least the "stuff" around our house is picked up and things are not strewn about. Anyways, obviously adapt this to your lifes and what works best for you. Maybe its picking up during kids nap time AND at night. So, that's my little tid bit of what works for me. Hope it helps someone!!" -HB
Here's my problem...I have a lot of stuff that does not have a "spot." How do you go around and put everything in its place when some things do not have a place? *sigh* I would love to have my house look like HB's...her house always looks perfect. I know, I know, you're already disagreeing, but I think that it is probably true. So...if anyone (including you H) have any thoughts on this...SEND 'EM MY WAY!!!!!!!!!!!
Friday, August 3, 2007
A bit brighter
I'm a bit brighter than I was yesterday, although the cloud over my head has not fully disappated. I think that we're having friends over tonight, which is always cause for a little more happiness, neh?
For those of you who don't know, I am a HUGE fan of the game "Settlers of Catan." It is an awesome game that really makes you think. It is hard to find unless you go on the internet, but I got it for myself last Christmas. You really need the expansion pack, which makes the total purchase price around $50. OUCH! However, it is well worth it. If you've never played it, though, I suggest that you don't play it unless you're playing with someone that has played it before. It is an intense game and I think that it's much better if you learn by hearing all of the rules and then watching game play by experienced gamers.
Some of our fellow Settlers friends recently introduced us to a new game called "Puerto Rico." It is similar in that it is intense and really makes you think about strategy and such. I have only played it once and have been itching to play again ever since. It already is a close contender for my favorite game.
These games are both endorsed by Mensa...the organization for exceptionally smart people. However, don't let that scare you. They are fun for EVERYONE (age appropriate) once you get the hang of it!
I just wanted to do a lighter post about something I really enjoy! Let me know what games you enjoy! Hope you all have a great weekend!
For those of you who don't know, I am a HUGE fan of the game "Settlers of Catan." It is an awesome game that really makes you think. It is hard to find unless you go on the internet, but I got it for myself last Christmas. You really need the expansion pack, which makes the total purchase price around $50. OUCH! However, it is well worth it. If you've never played it, though, I suggest that you don't play it unless you're playing with someone that has played it before. It is an intense game and I think that it's much better if you learn by hearing all of the rules and then watching game play by experienced gamers.
Some of our fellow Settlers friends recently introduced us to a new game called "Puerto Rico." It is similar in that it is intense and really makes you think about strategy and such. I have only played it once and have been itching to play again ever since. It already is a close contender for my favorite game.
These games are both endorsed by Mensa...the organization for exceptionally smart people. However, don't let that scare you. They are fun for EVERYONE (age appropriate) once you get the hang of it!
I just wanted to do a lighter post about something I really enjoy! Let me know what games you enjoy! Hope you all have a great weekend!
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Switching Gears
I'm going to switch gears here, but if anyone has more to say on any past discussions, feel free to put them as comments on the most recent post so that people will read them. OR send them to me via e-mail and I'll post them.
First of all, I want to give a big shout-out to my cousin (Brittany) and her new baby, Maren, that was born yesterday. She is a doll and I'm thrilled for them! Britt and her sister, Ali, are some of my blog readers, so I wanted to be sure that sweet Maren was acknowledged!
So, I've got the dulldrums. As most of you know and/or have figured out via my various postings, we are trying for baby #2. Now, Mark prefers that people don't know that we're trying, so please don't say anything around him. He knows that a few of you know, but I'm not sure what he'd think about me actually publishing it. Of course, he doesn't understand the whole blog thing and thinks that even though I have a "private" blog, the whole world can still read it.....he just doesn't know that much about this sort of thing.
Anyway, we're trying. So, I set up this plan that we would try until the end of the summer and if not successful, we would then wait to try further until the spring. That way, should we have another girl, all of Cassie's things will still work for that baby. If we have a boy, it wouldn't really matter one way or the other, but we can't really control that now, can we? :)
So...we're trying. We have a deadline. That makes me anxious and frustrated and gives me a feeling of powerlessness. We we agreed to this plan, we prayed and both committed the situation to God and His planning and timing. I completely 100% know that his timing is perfect. I completely submit to His plan in this situation. BUT, that doesn't mean that I'm not going to be really sad if it doesn't happen this summer. I just want it so badly. I will deal with it and get through the next several months until we start trying again if it doesn't happen, but I will be sad at first.
Part of the reason that this will be so devastating for me is that I FEEL pregnant. I feel off. I feel worn out and tired even though I've gotten adequate sleep. I feel thirsty. I feel hungry. I'm peeing a lot. Several of these I attribute to the fact that I just weaned Cassie from nursing, but it would be oh-so-exciting if they were because I was PG! So, if it turns out that I'm not, either I'm a nut job in the head and it's all psychological or something else is wrong to be making me feel so fatigued and thirsty...those are the 2 main ones.
Any of you who have experienced that 2-week wait to be able to take a pregnancy test probably understand where I'm coming from right now. It is the looooooooongest 2 weeks of my entire life over and over again! This is really only the 3rd or 4th cycle that we've tried through, but it seems like it's been many more than that.
Yeah, so, sorry this post was such a downer. It's my blog, though, so I get to write about whatever I feel like writing about! :) :) :) I just wish that it wasn't such a big deal of "OK...we're trying now." It's a huge decision in any marriage and it was so nice when Cassie was just an oops. I guess we were already trying.... :) There wasn't any pressure. There wasn't any deadline.
That's my story for today and that's all I'm gonna say about that.
First of all, I want to give a big shout-out to my cousin (Brittany) and her new baby, Maren, that was born yesterday. She is a doll and I'm thrilled for them! Britt and her sister, Ali, are some of my blog readers, so I wanted to be sure that sweet Maren was acknowledged!
So, I've got the dulldrums. As most of you know and/or have figured out via my various postings, we are trying for baby #2. Now, Mark prefers that people don't know that we're trying, so please don't say anything around him. He knows that a few of you know, but I'm not sure what he'd think about me actually publishing it. Of course, he doesn't understand the whole blog thing and thinks that even though I have a "private" blog, the whole world can still read it.....he just doesn't know that much about this sort of thing.
Anyway, we're trying. So, I set up this plan that we would try until the end of the summer and if not successful, we would then wait to try further until the spring. That way, should we have another girl, all of Cassie's things will still work for that baby. If we have a boy, it wouldn't really matter one way or the other, but we can't really control that now, can we? :)
So...we're trying. We have a deadline. That makes me anxious and frustrated and gives me a feeling of powerlessness. We we agreed to this plan, we prayed and both committed the situation to God and His planning and timing. I completely 100% know that his timing is perfect. I completely submit to His plan in this situation. BUT, that doesn't mean that I'm not going to be really sad if it doesn't happen this summer. I just want it so badly. I will deal with it and get through the next several months until we start trying again if it doesn't happen, but I will be sad at first.
Part of the reason that this will be so devastating for me is that I FEEL pregnant. I feel off. I feel worn out and tired even though I've gotten adequate sleep. I feel thirsty. I feel hungry. I'm peeing a lot. Several of these I attribute to the fact that I just weaned Cassie from nursing, but it would be oh-so-exciting if they were because I was PG! So, if it turns out that I'm not, either I'm a nut job in the head and it's all psychological or something else is wrong to be making me feel so fatigued and thirsty...those are the 2 main ones.
Any of you who have experienced that 2-week wait to be able to take a pregnancy test probably understand where I'm coming from right now. It is the looooooooongest 2 weeks of my entire life over and over again! This is really only the 3rd or 4th cycle that we've tried through, but it seems like it's been many more than that.
Yeah, so, sorry this post was such a downer. It's my blog, though, so I get to write about whatever I feel like writing about! :) :) :) I just wish that it wasn't such a big deal of "OK...we're trying now." It's a huge decision in any marriage and it was so nice when Cassie was just an oops. I guess we were already trying.... :) There wasn't any pressure. There wasn't any deadline.
That's my story for today and that's all I'm gonna say about that.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Comments
You might want to go back through and look at the comments on older posts. There are some new ones added that are really great!
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