It will be ok....

Priorities...

The work will wait while you show the child the rainbow... but the rainbow won’t wait while you finish the work.

~ Pat Clifford

But even better.... is when you homeschool and can incorporate the rainbow into the work... ;-) 

Washday - n. - the opportunity to learn colors & develop sorting skills! ;-)

Clockwise from bottom left corner: 

Brown/khakis, blues, greens, pink/reds (behind her), black/greys (in basket), and purple

Facebook: Long week

As posted on my FB status just moments ago....

After a 74 hour work week... it was mighty nice to have hubby all to ourselves today!! We miss him something awful when he's gone so much!! ~ But alas & alack... it's back to the grind tomorrow.... goodnight all! ♥

Mobile Update: Praise the Lord!

FWD: He got! He got it! B got the Job!!! ~ Thank you Lord! Thank you....

Edit to add:  He's working for a franchise store, for Verizon Wireless!  He has (paid) training all this week, and is very excited about it! -- So relieved! :-)

Interview....

Praying for hubby, as he is driving to Ellenton as we speak, for an 11am interview w/ Verizon Wireless!!

Adventures...

What a busy 3 weeks it has been!  I left the beginning of the month (June 2nd), and spent the next 2½ weeks visiting family in Kentucky, and attending my sister's highschool graduation. Then the Monday before I came home, my husband called me from his brother's phone, to let me know he had been terminated from his job - and they had taken his phone.  Though we knew a job change was something to anticipate for the near future... we didn't expect it to come quite this sudden, let alone in the manner it did. So, once again we're living by faith - trusting that all things work together for good... even though we don't always understand the purpose or reasoning behind the circumstances. Facing that unknown future can become a little daunting a times... but we've been here before, and know that God is good ALL the time... and will be faithful to get us through this rough patch, just like he did our last one! :-)

"As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him." 2 Samuel 22:31

Thanksgiving Challenge: Day 13

My husband - a faithful & hard working provider -  making it all possible for me to be able to stay home and raise our beautiful daughter! 

Wordless Wednesday: helping daddy at work... ♥

B got a job!!!!!

PRAISE THE LORD!!!

After a *long* [15 month] journey down the dark, proverbial tunnel (aka unemployment)... we can see light! Starting this coming Monday, B will be employed (full time) as a tech with a software company!! ~ Yay!!!!!!!

Simple woman's daybook

For Today... February 15, 2009 (day after Valentines)

Outside my Window... KB's diapers on the line.... the dogs enjoying the sunshine... the lemon tree, just calling for me to come pick more lemons to juice!

I am remembering...

I am thankful for... Health. Generally, we are very healthy, and hardly ever get sick... that's why this bout has been so strange!

I am thinking... maybe part of KB's deal this weekend is teeth (she just broke through her bottom left molar, and is now working on getting the one on the right)... and part of mine is the start of a UTI (ugh!).

I am wearing... I was wearing my black cami, plaid pj pants, & socks with hair down.... but I just got out of the shower, and am now in just my unders, a white cami, barefeet & my hair in a messy bun.

I am reading.. Devil Wears Prada - it's only o.k.

From the kitchen... currently, just coffee!! (Mmm!!). The other day, I attempted to make pancakes out of oat flour instead of wheat. They turned out pretty good! ~ I also made KB a pizza alternative, by cooking up some wheat-free noodles, and mixing them with tomato sauce, cheese & turkey pepperonis... she LOVED it! ~ Some time this week, I'd like to make figure out how to adapt my sour cream chicken recipe, so it's wheat free.

I am hoping/praying... B's call back interview goes well on Tues (with the condo, doing a night shift/security job)... AND even more, that he gets his test materials for the Post Office job, soon, so he can go in for that! (which would be decent pay, & benefits!)

I am creating... I am hoping to get some old crayons soon, so I can make KB some toddler crayons. ~ I am also [finally] attempting to finish her rag doll, I started making ever so long ago.

I am hearing... Music playing on Pandora... the keys of the keyboard, as I type... KB breathing heavily on my lap... the dog snoring. (lol!)

One of my favorite things...

Around the house... With me being out sick all last week, and then again this weekend... very little [house wise] has been accomplished... :-( Wich means there is TONS of laundry to be done ( almost everything we own (including*all*my unders) seems to be dirty right now.).... and the house needs an good thorough pick-up & sweep of clutter control.

I also need to empty/load the dishwasher... put away the blessing food (more about that soon!)... and sweep/mop the kitchen floor.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Before Wednesday evening, I need to get a bunch of info-packets stuffed for Church. ~ We are going to Tampa tomorrow, to see about ordering my dress for Vanessa's wedding! (yay!) ~ Tuesday, B has his afore mentioned callback interview at the condo place. ~ Tuesday night, we have our reg. Chick-fil-A deal for dinner... and then we are going to Nouna's, for a game night with the Dagrins ~ Wednesday evening, is the normal church routine (youth group) ~ Thursday morning is Babywearing Group at Birthways ~ Saturday, looks like it's going to be insane.... as we are currently booked solid! There's a Church Blitz in the morning... a going away party for a friend (Tom, going into the Navy) from 2-6... B has paintball with the guys at 4... and then we have a youth activity at 6. I don't quite know how we're going to swing it.... ! ~ We are also hoping to get too see James for a little visit, while he is here in the state for the week (until Friday), on business!

Quote...

"A bosom friend--an intimate friend, you know--a really kindred spirit to whom I can confide my inmost soul. I've dreamed of meeting her all my life. I never really supposed I would, but so many of my loveliest dreams have come true all at once that perhaps this one will too. Do you think it's possible?' -- Anne Shirley, Anne of Green Gables

Verse...
"I have set the Lord always before me...Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth:..." Psalm 16:8

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

The other morning.... Sitting at the table like a big girl, eating her breakfast (made by daddy, of course! <3) style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBkLvXverlMPSXFSBavg6T7B9Nxhys8izo2TQdZV1XPLoHkk1x8mfVqZCizuyNwKQC7-LndHM61fGDxO2dwHSgpCk2o2PetGkhNgQYxu0VOOPxp4Iz_giWk6-sl_1HL3J10mjGAf7_kyW/s800/IMG_6377.JPG" alt="" border="0">

Wordless Wednesday: Helping daddy at work.. <3

Give & it shall be given unto you!

During the Missions Conference last week, we were encouraged to pray about what the Lord would have us give as our Faith Promise (Missions) offering this year. We heard many testimonies on how God blesses those who give by faith. And tonight, we were blessed with the opportunity to witness this first hand!!

This afternoon, B had to turn in his hours for last week (Mon:10th -Sun: 16th).... and despite getting off early on Monday evening for Missions Conference... ending earlier on Tuesday (he actually got to church in time for the preaching!)... not working at all Wednesday (which was a blessing, since we had our last night of the Missions Conference & International Dinner)... getting home by 7:00pm on Thursday... and not working at all Saturday (which was another blessing, because we had a missions trip to Hope Children's Home!)... he still clocked over 50 hours of work last week!

God is SO good. We trusted in him.. and he's already providing the extra work to be able to give!! ~ Praise the Lord!!

Job!!!

I just realized I mentioned something the other day about being grateful for B's willingness to work such long hours to provide for us... but I never posted to tell you, B GOT A JOB!!! It's only through January... but it's decent $$ to pay the bills until something else come around!

Shortly after we received the "no go" call from Best Buy.... my MIL received/forwarded us an email from a family acquaintance, who has a flourishing [seasonal] business of putting up Christmas lights/decorations for [mostly] commercial properties. They were looking for some some extra help, at least through Thanksgiving -- apparently that's when most companies want to have their decorations in place by(read - crazy busy!) ... and for as long as through January (for take down/cleanup/storage).

Friday afternoon/evening, B put in the call.... and after a short conversation, they scheduled a time the next afternoon to pick up some paper work. Apparently his 1½ years of landscaping experience & many years of annually assisting in putting up his dad's crazy light displays were impressive... because they pretty much hired him on the spot! Saturday we went and picked up the paperwork (liability stuff), filled it out/returned it on Sunday, and he started working with them on Monday morning! The Lord is SO good! It's hard work and long days....but it's honest work. And with as much as he "complains" (for lack of a better terms).... he seems to like it a lot! Actually, he cracks me up when he comes home and shows me the "battle scars" he received while fluffing garland/wreaths, walking through shrubbery, stringing palm trees, or just going up and down the ladders & bucket trucks. ;-) He says it has a lot of similarities to his landscaping job... but it's nuch different than what he was was expecting it to be. ~ Though a good different!, it seems!

So far this week (three days).. he's already put in around 38 hours of work! (Thankfully he gets paid overtime.!!) He did get a slight refresher this morning - he didn't have to go in until 1:30 today - but then it was back to work. I think he possibly has tomorrow off (that would be nice!)... and I know he definitely has the weekend off.... so I am looking forward to that! As much as I appreciate everything he's doing to provide for us... we do miss him!! :-)

Anyway, thank you all SO much for all your prayers during this little adventure! God defintitely heard them... and we are eternally grateful!

Final (disappointing) Best Buy Update...

Best Buy just called.... it's a no go. :-( They said "all our applications have been filled." Interestingly enough, they did ask him if they could keep his application open through the holidays (they usually only keep them for 30days).... but unfortunately, we don't have time to wait around... so it's on to other things. B says he's ok... but he's being very quiet, which is what he does when he's upset or concerned about something. I know providing for /taking care of us, is his utmost concern... and he's really feeling disheartened right now. Please pray that God will make whatever path we need to take next, very clear. Thank you!

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD,
"plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11

On a lighter note... I have to say I have the greatest two best friends in the entire world. Within mere minutes of hearing things didn't work out with the job today, I got very heartfelt messages/calls from both of them... checking on us, and assuring me that if there is anything they can do, or anything we need... esp anything that might help lessen our worries right now... to please let them know!! I also have received amazing support, love & prayers from my family. It's because of them, I know we are going to be ok, and can make it through this!!

Best Buy update..

Well, after calling and leaving a message Monday... calling and getting no answer yesterday (literally - the phone just rang & rang for like 3 mins).... DH finally stopped in there today, and got to talk to someone! Apparently there was a misunderstanding, and the "We'll let you know be the weekend" was referring to the next weekend (this coming one, now). The hiring gal says she has a few more interviews to do, and some "hard decisions to make".... so, though we have no real answers as to his employee status.... it's nice to know, it's not over yet!!

So the wait continues... KEEP PRAYING!!

A rollercoaster weekend...

And no, unfortunately we didn't visit any amusement parks this weekend. The rollercoaster I am talking about, is referring to a roller coaster of emotion... and I boy am glad to get off! (well hopefully. The weekend is over... and hopefully the emotions will go with it!) Here's a map of what our weekend looked like....

Boarded the rollercoaster on Friday afternoon... after B had a great interview, and seemed hopeful in the response....

Up - Got to watch little miss Zoe on Friday... make a little extra $$... and get a small (yet tiring) glimpse of what it's like to be a mommy to twins! (whew!)

Down - Best Buy: We're still haven't heard anything... but are trying to wait patiently. Since they said we'd hear from them "sometime this weekend"... If we still haven't heard anything by noon tomorrow, B's going to call them...

Up - Teens in Training: We had an awesome youth event on Friday night... a county-wide treasure/scavenger hunt! There were five teams, each with 3-4 teens and two leaders. We had a list of challenges to do (like gather & return 12 carts at a store... or buy & drink a milkshake at Big Olaf's, or buy/sign/hand deliver a greeting card to one of the team's parents...) , as well as a list of items to collect (napkin, a turkey or ham for Hope Children's Home, a pumpkin, a screw from Lowes or Home Depot, and many more.). Unfortunately, there were also some catches... only one thing could be done or purchased per location.... and the teens and one leader had to stay together at all times. B and I were on a team of three *energetic* young men... and by the time it was done, I was *exhausted*! Since B was the driver, and we had KB... there were lots of times, it was easiest to just leave them in the van, as I follow (run /chase/yell at/corral/etc) after the guys. In the end, we completed all the challenges... manged to collect everything except for the Little Caesars Pizza box & live frog. (couldn't find one, and it costs $30-50 to buy one... crazy!)... got all five bonuses (any time we completed a challenge, we would text a picture to Pastor Dan, who would then send up a picture clue as to where a bonus might be. And at each spot, there were only four plates for five teams.)... and only lost to the first place team, by 28¢ (because we didn't grab the recipet from the chocolate milk... darn!). It was tiring but extremely fun!

Big Drop Down - Church: I found out that a very special and influential young man from our church was killed (shot multiple times) while pumping gas at a local statin on Friday afternoon. The police believe it was an attempted car-jacking. Delvis first came to church in our bus ministry... as a very rough boy. There were many times, where our church workers could have decided to take the "easy" route, and give up on him... but they never did. As a result, Delvis got saved... made an amazing life turn-around, and used his testimony to lead *many* to the Lord... including 50 of the 53 young people he brought to the church, and most of his high school football team. Delvis continued to serve as one of the teen-aged leaders in our youth group as well as the bus ministry, until he graduated & joined the Marine reserves... for which he served eight months in Iraq. Through the years, he has touched/influenced/changed so many lives through his [way too short] life. Needless to say, much of the congregation was really emotional this morning. Though we know D is in a better place... he was a big part of our church family... and it's still REALLY hard to have him gone ~ RIP Delvis (10.24.08) - Though we know you're in a better place, you will be greatly missed!!!

Up - Family time: Though money is really tight right now (and getting more so by each day)... B picked up an extra side job (a quick computer fix for someone at church).... just so he could take us to out for some long overdue family time. We went to the movies (morning $5 tickets are an awesome thing) & then grabbed some lunch at the mall... which included some much needed heart to heart conversation. <3

Up & Down - Bittersweet goodbyes: Our good friend JAmes left today, to "officially" make his move to Southern California. He came by last night, for a final goodbye,.. and we had a lovely [lengthy] visit, filled with smiles, laughter, fond memories revisited, KB-centric fun & love, and his awesome bear hugs! -- While it comforting to know he already has plans to come back, and come back often (the company's corporate office is here... as well as his family.)... it's certainly isn't easy to see him go!

Up - We had gorgeous weather today, where we actaully got to wear long sleeves for a good part of the day.... and I hear it's supposed to be even a little colder tomorrow!! yay!!

Up - Servant Appreciation Day: Yearly, our church has a servant appreciation day, where they recognize everyone who serves in the ministry with a small token of their appreciation (this year it was a cool leather pocket calendar & notepad)... have someone from each ministry come up and give a testimony.... and show a picture video. This year, B made the video (poor thing was up until 2am last night getting it finished)... and also gave a testimony for the Class-A ministry we are involved in on Sunday mornings. I also had the honor of playing "Old Rugged Cross" for Mr Lanny & his lovely wife, Shari as special music!

The Grand Finale: I wasn't feeling too great most of tonight... :-( ~ KB was being a huge stinker during church... and though training during church tends to be my area of responsibility... B was wonderful, and took over completely for me - I didn't even tell him I wasn't feeling good or anything.... but I was very grateful! ~ After church, we went over to Nouna's house for some delicious Chili with her & the inlaws- and even tried to enjoy the ball game. (I say "tried" because Rays lost again! - stink!). All in all, we had a nice visit... that is, until the end.... Then all h-e-double-hockey-sticks broke loose. First sweet SIL got upset over something, which [unfortunately] I know all too well about - and was yet the third or fourth person to cry on me today... And then, to top it all off... DH seems to have caught some sort of stomach bug.. which has had a very unpleasent outcome!! :-( Talk about a perfect ending to such a crazy weekend... huh? - Heh. (:rolls eyes:)

Interview update...

Well... he went in for the 2nd interview and feels *really* comfortabe/good with the way everything played out. They told him they'd call sometime this weekend, maybe as early as tonight with their answer. So far we haven't heard anything, and it's already after hours... so we can only hope we hear something tomorrow! Thanx for you T&P's... and keep 'em coming, this isn't over yet!

DH's interview...

B had his interview today. Everything went really well. Most of the business type questions he felt pretty confident on.. and he did "not so bad" on the music-related ones. He said he was nervous... and now, looking back back in retrospect, there are some questions he probably could have answered better... but it wasn't too bad. They are supposed to call him tonight with their decision.

Edit (9:30pm) They must have liked him... because they just called, and asked him to come back tomorrow morning (at 11:30am), for an interview with the general manager!! Yay!!

So, Please keep praying!!! - They are being heard & are greatly appreciated!!

Please Pray - DH job interview tomorrow!

As you may remember, DH was laid off back in March... out of work for two months... and then made the (stressful) decision to try to start his own business with an entrepreneur acquaintance of ours. Well, here we are six months later.... things didn't work out they way they hoped.... so last week, the decision was made to go their separate ways and start looking for "real jobs" (in their words - Lol!). On Thursday, DH looked online and saw there were openings at Best Buy, so he sent in his application. Later that day, he had to go in to make make a return, and not only was Nicky (the hiring coordinator) there.... but she recognized him (from 6months ago, when he tried to get a job there), and said they received his application! - Unfortunately, they are completely staffed... even for teh Christmas holidays. (stupid website wasn't updated). B was just about to leave when he noticed a sign about the new music department they are adding on. Upon his inquiry & some conversation, he discovered they had not even begun to hire for it, yet. B mentioned to Nicky that he plays guitar... and she said she get the girl in charge of hiring for that area in touch with him. Not getting too excited (last time, he many empty promises of calls from the) he thanked her, and we went on our way. Well, the next day... the phone rang, it was Best Buy! After a mini phone interview (though he doesn't have experience with music sales.... he has *lots* of experience with each individually!)... they asked him to come in Thursday (11/23/08) morning for an interview & audition!!

So all this to say... we NEED your thoughts & prayers for tomorrow! We really can't afford to be out of work for even a month this time... let alone longer. (It's already been a week.) The interview is at 11am. Thanx!! - I'll let ya know how it goes!!