Making Dreams come True

Now that our income is radically changing, I've decided to create a visual goal board.  Our first and foremost plan of attack is to build our savings back up.  This means I'll continue to maintain an overly frugal lifestyle (and think I've learned some really good habits to maintain!!) and we will need to reign in our excitement by postponing a a spending spree.    
Printing out the pictures of our needs and wants helps me to be focused.
Our Family 1 My 1,2,3


Keith's 1 and only(sorry honey, this probably isn't the right one)
The Kids 1 & 2

Mama Goes to Town

I don't know how it gets to Friday so fast.  It seems hours get shorter the older you get.  What used to be ages between Christmas and school out for the summer is now just a blur of time and activity. Yesterday I visited a "Classical Conversations" homeschool group in action.   Lexi is leaning toward that curriculum for next year, and the group meets weekly.  Our hope is to be able to start one in our area.  
On my way, I decided to stop at my favorite Sushi place for some spider rolls.  Fried soft shell crab is one of my absolute favorite foods.  I was drooling waiting for my order!   I got it to go, because I hate sitting down alone to eat, but not before picking off the corner of the crab for a little nibble.  Digging in my purse...there was no wallet.   I pulled out all my "stuff" and...there was no wallet.   My mind is racing through LOST!!   STOLEN!!  FLOORBOARD!!  to remembering I had stuck it in my Bible bag the night before.  Here I am in another town with no cash, bank card, or identification, trying to explain to a lovely woman who speaks little English that I had NO MONEY.
My bailer-outer husband was able to process payment over the phone and I was free to head out.  While talking on the phone to Kaci, I realized I couldn't find the building I was looking for.   Thinking I had said "Gotta go, bye!" and hung up (my phone is a post in itself), I pulled over to ask a policeman.   Kaci is yelling through my butt-dialer "YOU DON'T HAVE YOUR DRIVER'S LICENSE".  Fortunately, my hold-the-phone-tight-to-my-ear and accidentally mute had kicked in instead of the speaker phone.   When I picked up the phone to call her back and realized I never disconnected, so I promptly clicked "UNLOCK" and hung up.   I need a voice command phone - that recognizes swear words!
I managed to find where I was going and ditched my plan to stop at the grocery store since I couldn't buy anything anyway.  I was thankful I didn't ram anyone's car or have to drive through Piedmont, where I would most assuredly be stopped for speeding.   

Daily Happenings

Not a lot to update - life is busy.  Keith travels in his business, which leaves me to juggle the home schedule.  The kids are in a couple of back-to-back activities that require us to be in two places at once.   I like to be on time and stay until the end, but sometimes we're late and have to scramble out early. 
We attended the funeral  of a family friend's grandpa yesterday afternoon.  Kids reaching out to kids always touches my heart.   It was a simple graveside service that honored his life as a veteran, truck driver and loving dad/granddad.  There is no sound that will bring me to tears quicker than Taps played on a bugle.   Rest in peace Bob.
Lexi had softball practice and complained that her cleats were too small.   I think they will fit me, so I examined the shoes and her socks a little closer.  Ultimately we decided a "pedicure" would add necessary room in the toe area.  WHEN does the chore of toenail cutting end for a mom?  Nicholas was tested in his karate class last night and earned his yellow belt.  What started out "mom, do I have to?" has become "now I can spar and next I am going to" excitement.    His instructor is one of the most inspirational, devoted men I've ever had the honor to meet.  Sensei Holzbauer is a 6 time WKC World Champion and his ABKA ministry uses martial arts to bring glory to God.  If ever I've witnessed a "walk the talk" Christian mentor, it is Mr. Denny Holzbauer.  
Today I had plans to get some errands done, but Nicholas woke up nauseated and feverish.  He so seldom slows down, when he complains it means he's getting sick.  I kept him home and will take care of some housework today instead.
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose."-Jim Elliott (quote found on ABKA Newsletter)

Jason Messnick's Future Wife

Molly, Melissa or Jillian?   I have a definite preference for Melissa and am casting my mental votes her direction.  I swore I would not watch this year after DeAna let sweet Jason get on his knee to propose and then said no.  I adore him and wanted him to WIN - but she was not the prize he deserves.   I was SO DONE!....then they brought Jason back this year and I succumbed to the madness.   
I'm scared they will bring Stephanie back for next year.  She has a story AND a child.  My heart could not take it.  I am not watching, I am not watching, I am not....shoot me PLEASE.
I like Jillian, but really, she's already married to Vince Gill.  

Jillian

Amy Grant

No?

Moan Day

Bizzy, dizzy weekend.  My business doubled in 2 days, I have Girl Scout cookies everywhere, I wanted to scrapbook and did NOT do a single thing.  Today MrD is out of town, but Kaci is still here.  I'm worried about that missing little girl in Florida.  I'm SICK of Nancy Grace's obsession with "Tot Mom", and want to have Ron White call in to her program and set her straight.  
Move my bracelet.
I am behind in my Bible study.  I have not even put on any lipstick today.  Kaci is watching a soap opera, and I hate soap operas.  
I like my bracelet best on the left arm.
My grandkids are here.  I love every single minute with them!

Calm after the Storm

We had a rough Tuesday.  Tennis ball size hail, driving rain, high winds and siren warnings for tornado activity started mid-afternoon.    We were without power for several hours, and the battery I had recently purchased for my back up radio didn't work.   I ended up listening to the weather reports from my car.  Our cell phone network was continually busy, so that made for an even more chaotic afternoon as friends and relatives, knowing we were in harms way, couldn't reach us.  
The schools put the kids in protective shelters off and on throughout the afternoon, with some buses not running until late evening.  Lexi had a scheduled softball practice, so I had planned to pick her up instead of her riding the bus.  During a break in the weather, I went to get her and I ended up in lock-down too.   Her school was released about :45 minutes late.  Needless to say, softball and most activities were cancelled for the evening.Courtesy Oklahoma Weather Watch (click for more pics)This is the wall cloud as seen from Yukon and would later produce a tornado.  

Yesterday morning, my son called me into the kitchen as he was having breakfast.  He was looking out the window and was mesmerized by the horizon's swirl of pinks and purples.  A sunrise after the storm that was spectacular.  I took these pics, but they hardly do the morning's majesty justice.  We live on a golf course, so our view is unobstructed for quite a distance.

Pro-Choice???

I think it is rather ironic that there is such a hoopla about Nadya Suleman's pregnancy and subsequent delivery of eight babies.  If, after all, reproductive rights belong to the woman, what business is it of ours?   There is talk of suing her doctor.     In support of pro-choice, Barak Obama  said "My belief is simply that women are in the best position to make that very difficult moral decision".  
Our society is set up to care for children of irresponsible parents.  I know families with multiple children - some with disabilities - that are on disability, food stamps, medicaid, etc.   We reward irresponsibility at every opportunity.  Our government will pay the fee to get rid of our unborn, why not pay for the born?  The media makes headlines out of unwed, teenage pregnancies, single-motherhood, and television shows about sooper-dooper large families.
As much as I love Jon & Kate +8, they also opposed reducing their fetus count - and with multiples already a factor could have been impregnated with 8 babies.   
REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM IS A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT.
So which is it?   The freedom to choose should go both ways, shouldn't it?

God's Blessings

I got this from my friend Linny this morning.  I actually laughed out loud and wanted to pass it along.

To those of us who have children in our lives, whether they are our own, grandchildren, nieces,nephews,or students...here is something to make you chuckle.

Whenever your children are out of control, you can take comfort from the thought that
even God's omnipotence did not extend to His own children.


GOD CREATED CHILDREN (AND IN THE PROCESS GRANDCHILDREN)


After creating heaven and earth, God created Adam and Eve.

And the first thing he said was 'DON'T!'

'Don't what?' Adam replied.

'Don't eat the forbidden fruit.' God said.

'Forbidden fruit?
We have forbidden fruit?
Hey Eve..we have forbidden fruit!'

'No Way!'
'Yes way!'

'Do NOT eat the fruit!' said God.

'Why?'

"Because I am your Father and I said so!' God replied, wondering why He hadn't stopped creation after making the elephants.

A few minutes later, God saw His children having an apple break and He was ticked!
'Didn't I tell you not to eat the fruit?' God asked.

'Uh huh,' Adam replied.

'Then why did you?' said the Father.

'I don't know,' said Eve.

'She started it!' Adam said.

'Did not!'
'Did too!'
'DID NOT!'

Having had it with the two of them, God's punishment was that Adam and Eve
should have children of their own. Thus the pattern was set and it has never changed.

If you have persistently and lovingly tried to give children wisdom and they haven't taken it, don't be hard on yourself.

If God had trouble raising children, what makes you think it would be a piece of cake for you?

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT!

1. You spend the first two years of their life teaching them to walk and talk. Then you spend the next sixteen telling them to sit down and shut up.

2. Grandchildren are God's reward for not killing your own children.

3. Mothers of teens now know why some animals eat their young.

4. Children seldom misquote you. In fact,they usually repeat word for word what you shouldn't have said.

5. The main purpose of holding children's parties is to remind yourself that there are children more awful than your own.

6. We childproofed our homes, but they are still getting in.

ADVICE FOR THE DAY:

Be nice to your kids. They will choose your nursing home one day.

AND FINALLY:

IF YOU HAVE A LOT OF TENSION AND YOU GET A HEADACHE,
DO WHAT IT SAYS ON THE ASPIRIN BOTTLE:

'TAKE TWO ASPIRIN'
AND 'KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN'!!!!!

Melancholy Madness

My mom turns 72 tomorrow.  Her life has been filled with twists and turns, she raised me, my sister and brother without much help from my alcoholic dad.   In the early 70's she married my step-dad and they settled in a small town in SW Oklahoma.  From selling Avon to checking groceries, she maintained her independence by being a working wife and mother.   From her, I learned a very strong work ethic and the pride to do my best.
In 1978, a new industry opened in our neck of the woods.  My mom was one of the first employees.  For 30 years, she's made the 8 mile drive to work in a factory that makes automobile seals.  CR Industries (now SKF Seals) seemed like a dream come true for this little farming community with little opportunity.
This year marked a milestone for my mom.  Quietly she began to mentally prepare herself to retire.   After my step-dad died, the routine and familiarity of work was important to her.   Her health is not what it once was, but she was a loyal, dependable, hard-working employee.  Giving up her work wasn't going to be easy.  She was going through the process of finding peace in this major life change.
Last Friday, her company announced the position she works is being eliminated.  This 72 year old, heart surgery surviving, great-grandmother of 5 was offered the choice of working one of the most physically demanding  presses in the plant - or - she would be laid off.    In an industry that  employs over 250 people, this was the only option?
I wonder if the powers-that-be considered a gentle discussion with this most senior employee of their company?  Allow her the dignity of choosing to announce her retirement and celebrate her many years of service with honor?   I wonder if they appreciate that my kids grandmother, not just an employee number, devoted almost half of her life to 711 W. 9th Street, Hobart, Oklahoma?
I wonder if they thought...at all...
Happy Birthday Mom - and here's to the new adventure in your life.   We love you!

Complaint Free

Megan asked "How does the bracelet work?"  
Essentially, you wear a bracelet on your wrist with the goal of keeping it in place for 21 days without complaining.  Every time you complain, the bracelet moves to the other arm and your time starts over.  If you point out someone else is complaining, they move their bracelet and you do too!  We've included whining and disrespectful comments in our rules. 
I'm learning how to better phrase the DEMANDs and COMMANDS that I'm role-modeling to my children (then wonder why they have such smart mouths).    
Here is the original website:  Will Bowen's Complaint Free World

Move the Bracelet

Our family is embarking on a "No Complaint" mission.  Following the lead of Will Bowen's "Complaint Free World", each of us have a bracelet and are very familiar with the guidelines.  The goal is 21 complaint free days.  My personal goal is 21 minutes.  I never realized what a whiner I am.    I ordered the bracelets about 18 months ago, but they had a back-log and sent some change of procedure requests, so I never followed through to get them.  This week, I just purchased some plain bracelets at Mardel's and we launched!
Since I am whining about my whining, I'm going to vent about my job search.
As you know I am going back to work.  I have been careful in submitting my application to positions I think would be a good fit for the employer and balance my family needs.   It often takes 20-30 minutes to go through the company's on-line application process (which is redundant to my resume, but fits their individual software programs).  Not a problem. Sometimes there is an automated "Thank you for submitting your application, we'll get back to you". Often, there is nothing.  I can only hope it transmitted correctly.   I assume there are lots of applicants for most positions these days, I don't expect a follow-up for a mass application process.
Then there's the interview call.  The hiring powers narrow the pool and either pre-screen or invite you for a face-to-face meeting.  Before each interview, I spend some time researching the company and the service they provide.  I try to familiarize myself with the position they are filling and which of my skills would be good assets.   I schedule my household so I can arrive for the appointment early, fully prepared to interview.   In all good faith, I devote a couple of hours to this process.
One interview questioned me "If you were stranded on a deserted island with one person, what character traits would you want that person have?"  "What books do you read?"  .... Yes, really....   I'm sure there is some psychology to that, but I'm not sure how that will help determine if I am a loyal, honest, punctual applicant for their administrative position.   It ended with "We'll let you know".  And it has now been 1 month and they haven't.
Out of 4 interviews, only 1 has called and let me know they had chosen another applicant and to thank me for my time and interest.    I called one company to follow up and my call wasn't even returned.  If the interview/hiring process drags on for weeks and weeks, are they going to expect their hiring choice to start tomorrow?  Are they demonstrating that efficiency and energy are important to their company?  Just communicate for goodness sakes!  If I wasn't confident that my skills, experience and abilities were very marketable, I'd be paranoid at this point.  
I guess it is just as well - if good manners and respect aren't a part of their hiring process I have to wonder how their employees are treated.   
Ok, I'm finished grouching about my job search.  I trust God has planned just exactly where I'm supposed to be.   
Moving my bracelet...again,

Born to Sing Song

I wonder if my mom listened to "Tammy" by Debbie Reynolds when she was pregnant with me? I'm surprised she didn't name me Tammy - as that was the chart topper the day I came into the world.  I kind of look like a Tammy, don't I?  After all, who was named Kim back then, besides the boy in my kindergarten class and a toilet paper manufacturer?  I would have spelled it Tami though.  I always wanted that cool decorated doodle name .  I eventually got some!
I looked back to see what I might have been lip-sync-ing when my oldest was born -  "You Light Up My Life" by Debbie Boone.  Yep, I was probably swaying my pregnant self to that pretty song.   
I looked up the song of the month/year for my middle daughter, but I'm not going to spoil her fun by spilling the beans.  Let's just say "It was and still is!".    
My son's song was "The Macarena", YIKES!  LOL, a preview to Dancing with Elmo.  My baby girl's song was "All My Life" by K-Ci & Jo Jo, which I most probably have not heard before this morning.  But I had waited for her a LONG time, well, ALL my life!!
Let me know what was on top of the charts the day, month and year you were born.  FLASHBACK #1 Songs

Dear Michael Phelps:

Disappointment is too mild a word to express how I feel about you right now.  

Perhaps you don't realize how many little eyes are on you.  Maybe you have no clue the role model you are to thousands of children.  Kids who see a regular boy excel and think it might be possible for them too.   While you were eating, swimming, sleeping and racking up medals, families stayed up late to watch you.  We altered bedtime routines to be a part of your celebration.  My daughter has your news clippings and a cereal box face taped to her bedroom door along with those of  Sam Bradford and Brian Stewart.  You, my friend, are in heroic company.
First it was drinking and driving, now it is marijuana.  I'm not naive enough to believe you were "caught" the first time in either situation.   Your apology is appreciated:

I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment. I'm 23 years old and despite the successes I've had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again. - Michael Phelps

I disagree that you acted in a youthful way.  Our youth should not get the idea that experimenting with illegal substance and engaging in dangerous behavior is just a stepping stone to maturity.  Your message should be clear. Are you sorry you got caught?  Sorry you may lose endorsements?  Sorry with $$ signs?  Your motives and actions will affect your reputation. Your character, however, reflects what God knows about your heart.  

I accept your promise Mr. Phelps.   You have been a shining light, blessed with phenomenal talent and unique opportunity to influence our children's hopes and dreams.   Your story will be a teachable one - the rest is up to you to write.  The story of a true champion or that of a jerk who can swim fast?    

Kickin' Back

Ever heard that people's pets resemble them?  Or do we take on the look of our fur babies?  What does this say about our family?
or this?

Oh my!