I know it's weird to be glad that Friday is finally when I had two days off this week, but I have to say that I am thrilled it's the weekend! Kylie came over awhile ago to get her hair sponge-rolled for the cheerleading competition tomorrow. Looks like we'll head out in the morning to watch the girls in Tulsa. They aren't actually "competing" this time. They are in the Exhibition category, but the girls don't know the difference--to them it's just so much fun!
On that note, I am going to go and charge up the cameras and get some shut eye!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Winter Weather! Gotta love it!
I have to say that a huge perk of my job is being able to stay home when the weather is bad. Our "general" rule is that if your school is closed, then you don't have to get out in the bad weather. It's nice to be able to spend the day with the kids and not have to bug the rest of the family to watch them or to even have to get them out in the bad weather! I felt sorry for my brother today though--he called his boss and told her he wouldn't be able to make it in due to the weather and she told him that plenty of people in his area had made it and so he could too! That is so wrong! First of all, he's a college student on an hourly wage and if he doesn't feel safe traveling and is willing to lose a day's pay, then I think that's fair. The place he works is like that though and I think it is ridiculous.
We have decided not to take the motorhome to Kylie's competition since it will be later in the afternoon and we can drive there and back in a day. Plus, it is winterized and we don't want to have to re-winterize it later since it's only January and very likely to get cold several more times before we would use it again.
We spent last weekend picking out campsites for this summer. We found a park that we absolutely love and booked a reservation for 4th of July weekend. My grandparents and parents quickly followed, so it looks like a family affair! It will be tons of fun to get out and camp again. The kids are pumped about it! Kylie went with us to check out the parks and she is so excited because they have a swimming pool with cool slides.
My 2nd partner is back at work and I am very happy for him. I know it was a trying time for him, but he proved his integrity and is back at work and happy to be there.
Well, stay safe and warm this week!
We have decided not to take the motorhome to Kylie's competition since it will be later in the afternoon and we can drive there and back in a day. Plus, it is winterized and we don't want to have to re-winterize it later since it's only January and very likely to get cold several more times before we would use it again.
We spent last weekend picking out campsites for this summer. We found a park that we absolutely love and booked a reservation for 4th of July weekend. My grandparents and parents quickly followed, so it looks like a family affair! It will be tons of fun to get out and camp again. The kids are pumped about it! Kylie went with us to check out the parks and she is so excited because they have a swimming pool with cool slides.
My 2nd partner is back at work and I am very happy for him. I know it was a trying time for him, but he proved his integrity and is back at work and happy to be there.
Well, stay safe and warm this week!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Home Body
I am home today due to being a little under the weather. But that gives me time to catch up on my Beverly Hills 90210 marathon. I bought the original Beverly Hills 90210 Season 1 on DVD (Season 2 is on it's way--thank you Ebay) and I am enjoying going back and watching the show from the start. There were a few years I quit watching it, so I thought the best way to see again is from the very beginning. The clothes are hilarious! I remember when the show was originally on the air and just being completely star struck by the actors, their wardrobes and the Beverly Hills life. Now it's just comical! A sign of our times, huh?
Richie is on his way to pick up our new motorhome. I said a little prayer for him today. The motorhome hasn't moved in 2 years and actually more than that if you really think about it since my parents didn't use it much either. Anyway, I know how cold it is and I don't know how good the tires are since it's been parked in the grass. I really hope they don't blow a tire along the way!!! Then, I can't get a hold of my insurance guy this morning to get the insurance started on the new RV, so cross your fingers that he calls me back ASAP to get that started before Richie heads home this afternoon. We haven't told the kids about the motorhome yet--we are just going to wait and let them see it in the driveway when they get home from school! I hope they are as excited as Richie and I are!
Last weekend we went to our first fellowship group at the church we are visiting. We had a great time! It's hard trying to adjust to a new church, new people, etc, but at the very same time it is so exciting and fun! There were only 3 couples present at the group besides us so it was small and informal. Wish us luck as we start exploring our new church a little deeper.
I did receive confirmation that one of my counterparts at work was fired. I am so sad for him and his family. He was the only working one in the family (his wife homeschools the children), so I know that this will be such a tough adjustment for them. But I have to believe that God knows his strengths and what skills he is good at and I know God will find a career that better suits his abilities. No word yet on my other counterpart--I am not allowed to contact him at this time, so I can only wonder if that is due to the possibility he won't be with us much longer. I did receive word yesterday that our manager is already talking with current employees that were displaced during our last realignment in an effort to fill the one vacant position. I have met one person that I know is being considered and he has been with our company for several years and used to sell my product. So I know that he would be a tremendous asset to our team--that's exactly what my area needs right now! So say a prayer that he or someone else with the right experience is brought to our team soon!
Richie is on his way to pick up our new motorhome. I said a little prayer for him today. The motorhome hasn't moved in 2 years and actually more than that if you really think about it since my parents didn't use it much either. Anyway, I know how cold it is and I don't know how good the tires are since it's been parked in the grass. I really hope they don't blow a tire along the way!!! Then, I can't get a hold of my insurance guy this morning to get the insurance started on the new RV, so cross your fingers that he calls me back ASAP to get that started before Richie heads home this afternoon. We haven't told the kids about the motorhome yet--we are just going to wait and let them see it in the driveway when they get home from school! I hope they are as excited as Richie and I are!
Last weekend we went to our first fellowship group at the church we are visiting. We had a great time! It's hard trying to adjust to a new church, new people, etc, but at the very same time it is so exciting and fun! There were only 3 couples present at the group besides us so it was small and informal. Wish us luck as we start exploring our new church a little deeper.
I did receive confirmation that one of my counterparts at work was fired. I am so sad for him and his family. He was the only working one in the family (his wife homeschools the children), so I know that this will be such a tough adjustment for them. But I have to believe that God knows his strengths and what skills he is good at and I know God will find a career that better suits his abilities. No word yet on my other counterpart--I am not allowed to contact him at this time, so I can only wonder if that is due to the possibility he won't be with us much longer. I did receive word yesterday that our manager is already talking with current employees that were displaced during our last realignment in an effort to fill the one vacant position. I have met one person that I know is being considered and he has been with our company for several years and used to sell my product. So I know that he would be a tremendous asset to our team--that's exactly what my area needs right now! So say a prayer that he or someone else with the right experience is brought to our team soon!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Our Home Away From Home
So, we have had a 5th wheel sitting in my yard for nearly 18 months now and NEVER used it. You see it was a gift from my parents for my college graduation. It is a very nice camper--38 feet, huge living room, nice bedroom--you name it, it's in it. However, there was just one small problem with the 5th wheel.....pulling it. You see, I acquired the 5th wheel in the divorce and well, Kyle got the truck. Soooo, not really easy to "travel" with it. Therefore, it's just sat in my yard all of this time. Until now.
Yep, we sold it...and got a new one! I have been bugging Richie for about 6 months or so about trading it in and getting a new one. He wasn't opposed, but it didn't want to do anything that would hamper buying/building a house one day. So, it was bargain shopping for me. I wanted to find something very close in price to my camper so that he would consider trading it. I really miss camping and I know the kids probably don't even remember going--that's how long it's been! I haven't camped in over 2 years!
Well, that's all about to change! So, here's some pictures of our new baby! Our first road trip is going to be to Kylie's cheerleading competition in Tulsa. Wish us luck!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Can I Have a Mulligan on Today?
Today has been absolutely weird and I would love to live out the Groundhog Day movie and try it again. Nothing bad has happened to me or my family, but the news I have gotten from friends has been, well, weird....
First of all, I was talking to Kyle this morning about the whole weekend logistics--you know the "I need clothes, does Kylie have practice" and so forth. I mentioned something about the metal building he is renting and he springs the news on me. He's not waiting until 2010 to get married, he's getting married this spring! Wow! Like I told him, I am more than thrilled for him and Angela, but now I will lose my renter--and I wasn't quite ready for that. Ok, so at this point, the day is still workable. Good news with a twist, but it's workable.
Then I get disturbing news from my manager. Well, she didn't give me the disturbing news--she gave me good news...for me. But I think it may not be good news for my two counterparts that I work with. She wouldn't elaborate, no details. Nothing. After some time passed, I realized that I may be the only person left in my territory that has a job. Very disturbing. I never want to see someone lose their job. This is such a bad time in the economy and job market. Not to mention so many people are being let go in our industry that there are more people than there are jobs.
So, I would like to start the day over! Too much drama for one day. Can we spread this out a bit so I can digest it a little easier?
On to better news. Tomorrow we are going to look a motorhome. I am excited! We are finally trading in the 5th wheel that is sitting out in my yard and has yet to be used. The motorhome is absolutely beautiful! I am saying my prayers tonight that the deal goes well--but I know if it is meant to be, then God will let it happen.
So, I think I am going to take some Tylenol PM and call it an evening. I can't handle anymore news today!
First of all, I was talking to Kyle this morning about the whole weekend logistics--you know the "I need clothes, does Kylie have practice" and so forth. I mentioned something about the metal building he is renting and he springs the news on me. He's not waiting until 2010 to get married, he's getting married this spring! Wow! Like I told him, I am more than thrilled for him and Angela, but now I will lose my renter--and I wasn't quite ready for that. Ok, so at this point, the day is still workable. Good news with a twist, but it's workable.
Then I get disturbing news from my manager. Well, she didn't give me the disturbing news--she gave me good news...for me. But I think it may not be good news for my two counterparts that I work with. She wouldn't elaborate, no details. Nothing. After some time passed, I realized that I may be the only person left in my territory that has a job. Very disturbing. I never want to see someone lose their job. This is such a bad time in the economy and job market. Not to mention so many people are being let go in our industry that there are more people than there are jobs.
So, I would like to start the day over! Too much drama for one day. Can we spread this out a bit so I can digest it a little easier?
On to better news. Tomorrow we are going to look a motorhome. I am excited! We are finally trading in the 5th wheel that is sitting out in my yard and has yet to be used. The motorhome is absolutely beautiful! I am saying my prayers tonight that the deal goes well--but I know if it is meant to be, then God will let it happen.
So, I think I am going to take some Tylenol PM and call it an evening. I can't handle anymore news today!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Why Does Everything Never Work Right?
I am so frustrated! So, I had this fascination I told you about that I was SOOOO anxious to try--digital scrapbooking--however, I hook up my new Bamboo pad and install the Photoshop Elements 4 that came with it. The Bamboo pad works great, except when I use it in the PSE4. For some reason the PSE4 did not load up right. So, I reinstalled it, and installed it again, and installed it yet once more. Then I googled "troubleshooting PSE4" and that whole article was WAY over my head. So, I gave up. 5 days later, my Bamboo pad anxiously awaits to be used and I can't figure out how to fix the issue! And it seems like everything I try to use these days doesn't work correctly. What happened to quality?
On to more productive news...so we went to church this morning again. THREE TIMES IN A ROW! It was a great lesson and a little ironic as well. Let me explain. Last night we went to dinner with about 24 other friends and we were sitting next to one couple and the whole discussion of church was brought up. It was funny how the discussion led to how both of us couples had once attended a certain church and felt the whole "not good enough" feeling. We didn't even realize each other had went to church there (I think time lines may be a little different as to when we each attended). Anyway, we were talking about how we felt like it all came down to who you were, who you were related to, or what you do now that kind of defined you. Then, there's the who "judgment" issue that bothered us. Now before I hack someone off, I am certainly not trying to say everyone at that church was that way--I know that's definitely not the case. I am just saying that it seems so hard sometimes to find a church family where you really fit in. (So please don't get all wound up about the above paragraph and take it as a slam) So, today Richie and I were driving to church and discussing people and church again and the whole "fitting in" issue. So, back to today's lesson. It was about how the preacher had went and asked tons of people what came to mind when they heard the word church. Guess what the number one answer was? GUILT. Guilt? Yes, guilt. Some may be surprised by this answer. But, honestly I have to admit that was my first thought too. Why? Because it seems that church and church people place such high expectations on one another--expectations that frankly aren't attainable. And all the while--we are ALL making mistakes, living our lives, etc. But we forget that part. I think it's almost like we enjoy "deflecting" the guilt. And then there's the smaller dose of guilt in that we feel guilty to participate 100% or feel like failures when life is just too difficult at times to do that. I have to say that so far I really feel like we have find a church "vacation home". What I mean is that I am not ready to commit to joining yet, but I am definitely enjoying visiting and getting to know the people and I love the whole rock band worship service! It's been such a blessing to me to go back to church. I really miss the socialization with other girls, other couples, other moms, etc. But, honestly at my old church even when I had those things they just didn't feel right. Why? Because I never could be myself. Sure I tried, but that didn't matter. I was already defined by others as what they wanted me to be. But at this church, I really feel like I am able to define myself!
So thank you Lord for the great opportunity to try a new church and find you again. Thank you for a wonderful career that's been such a blessing in so many ways. Thank you for 2 precious children who sometimes send me to the edge of insanity, yet yank me back to reality with their "chipmunk" laugh and "horse giggle". And thank you for an amazing husband who strives to make each day with me better than the day before. Amen.
On to more productive news...so we went to church this morning again. THREE TIMES IN A ROW! It was a great lesson and a little ironic as well. Let me explain. Last night we went to dinner with about 24 other friends and we were sitting next to one couple and the whole discussion of church was brought up. It was funny how the discussion led to how both of us couples had once attended a certain church and felt the whole "not good enough" feeling. We didn't even realize each other had went to church there (I think time lines may be a little different as to when we each attended). Anyway, we were talking about how we felt like it all came down to who you were, who you were related to, or what you do now that kind of defined you. Then, there's the who "judgment" issue that bothered us. Now before I hack someone off, I am certainly not trying to say everyone at that church was that way--I know that's definitely not the case. I am just saying that it seems so hard sometimes to find a church family where you really fit in. (So please don't get all wound up about the above paragraph and take it as a slam) So, today Richie and I were driving to church and discussing people and church again and the whole "fitting in" issue. So, back to today's lesson. It was about how the preacher had went and asked tons of people what came to mind when they heard the word church. Guess what the number one answer was? GUILT. Guilt? Yes, guilt. Some may be surprised by this answer. But, honestly I have to admit that was my first thought too. Why? Because it seems that church and church people place such high expectations on one another--expectations that frankly aren't attainable. And all the while--we are ALL making mistakes, living our lives, etc. But we forget that part. I think it's almost like we enjoy "deflecting" the guilt. And then there's the smaller dose of guilt in that we feel guilty to participate 100% or feel like failures when life is just too difficult at times to do that. I have to say that so far I really feel like we have find a church "vacation home". What I mean is that I am not ready to commit to joining yet, but I am definitely enjoying visiting and getting to know the people and I love the whole rock band worship service! It's been such a blessing to me to go back to church. I really miss the socialization with other girls, other couples, other moms, etc. But, honestly at my old church even when I had those things they just didn't feel right. Why? Because I never could be myself. Sure I tried, but that didn't matter. I was already defined by others as what they wanted me to be. But at this church, I really feel like I am able to define myself!
So thank you Lord for the great opportunity to try a new church and find you again. Thank you for a wonderful career that's been such a blessing in so many ways. Thank you for 2 precious children who sometimes send me to the edge of insanity, yet yank me back to reality with their "chipmunk" laugh and "horse giggle". And thank you for an amazing husband who strives to make each day with me better than the day before. Amen.
Monday, January 05, 2009
My New Fascination
I told Richie today that I think I had found heaven. First, let me back up and say that he bought me a "Bamboo" Pad for Christmas--something that I have wanted for a long time and still have no idea how he knew...Anyway, I have been researching some great uses for it and found this website www.designerdigital.com. Ok, so if you already knew about it, please don't brag or remind me how out of touch I am really getting--just let me enjoy my find. So, I have spent some considerable time on there checking out all of the great backgrounds, fonts, alphabets....OH MY, there is just way too much stuff! I LOVE IT! I can make my own digital cards next year for Christmas!
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Kylie Makes a Recovery
Well, good news! Kylie has no broken bones and looks to be just fine sans the road rash/cuts. She "felt" tons better after Dr. Barton (Jackson was booked up OF COURSE!) showed her "her skeleton"! She was absolutely amazed to see her innards--it was cute! I am so glad this weekend is a kid-free weekend. I love the rascals, but hey, I am really ready for a break. I have been home with them for 2 weeks solid and I need some peace and quiet before we gear back up for work, school, basketball, cheerleading....and so on! I am sure gonna miss the downtime with the family though. It's been nice to sleep in and take it easy.
Well, I started working out yesterday and got all dressed and ready for my workout today. However, our TV remote in the bedroom where the Wii is won't cooperate! I beat it and beat it to the point I was furious. The thing has given us problems for awhile. So, I stomped into the living room and started googling a replacement. The don't make the original anymore (wonder why? hhmm, could it be it's a piece of crap!), but they have a "replacement" for it. I am waiting on a response from a ebay guy selling one pretty cheap. So, cross your fingers we get a new remote or I will lose my mind!
So, I guess I won't play Guitar Hero tonight either (it's hooked up to the same TV)...and I was just getting the hang of it! Richie and the kids and I are a regular band these days. It's cute to watch the fam jam out to a little Ted Nugent!
Have a great weekend!
Well, I started working out yesterday and got all dressed and ready for my workout today. However, our TV remote in the bedroom where the Wii is won't cooperate! I beat it and beat it to the point I was furious. The thing has given us problems for awhile. So, I stomped into the living room and started googling a replacement. The don't make the original anymore (wonder why? hhmm, could it be it's a piece of crap!), but they have a "replacement" for it. I am waiting on a response from a ebay guy selling one pretty cheap. So, cross your fingers we get a new remote or I will lose my mind!
So, I guess I won't play Guitar Hero tonight either (it's hooked up to the same TV)...and I was just getting the hang of it! Richie and the kids and I are a regular band these days. It's cute to watch the fam jam out to a little Ted Nugent!
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Welcome to 2009!
It's the New Year! Time to make unkept resolutions, exercise like a crazy woman, and pretend to get organized! Ok, maybe it's not that dramatic, but it sure seems like every January brings the same high expectations with NO results to show in December!
Our New Year has already started off with a bang or should I say a crash?? Kylie went to her grandparents' house today with her Dad and rode the 4-wheeler with Lacey Mae (Angela's daughter). Well, they ended up crashing into a barb wire fence and both took a beating. I don't think Kyle realized how bad they were hurt until Lacey Mae went to the ER to get checked out and they found out she had broken some ribs! They originally just thought her had was cut up, but it seems she was beaten up a little worse than that. Well, ever since Kylie has been home, she has done nothing but lay in bed. I am really worried about her--I am afraid she's more beat up than it seems. She has a cut on her stomach right on her ribs and a LOT of road rash all down the top half of her back. My grandparents came over for dinner this evening and she didn't even want to come out of her room to visit! That is not like her at all. So, I don't know what to think. I gave her some Tylenol and I think we will go see Dr. Jackson in the morning to just make sure everything is OK! I know there's not anything they can do for broken ribs, etc, but with intense cheerleading practice and an upcoming cheerleading competition in a few weeks, we need to understand her injuries just in case!
Richie and I spent the day laying around watching TV and just hanging out today--we took the day off and were lazy. In fact, I never got out of my PJ's. I only have a few more days off of work... :(! The last two weeks have absolutely flown by! I will feel reenergized though that's for sure.
Well, it's off to bed for me!
Our New Year has already started off with a bang or should I say a crash?? Kylie went to her grandparents' house today with her Dad and rode the 4-wheeler with Lacey Mae (Angela's daughter). Well, they ended up crashing into a barb wire fence and both took a beating. I don't think Kyle realized how bad they were hurt until Lacey Mae went to the ER to get checked out and they found out she had broken some ribs! They originally just thought her had was cut up, but it seems she was beaten up a little worse than that. Well, ever since Kylie has been home, she has done nothing but lay in bed. I am really worried about her--I am afraid she's more beat up than it seems. She has a cut on her stomach right on her ribs and a LOT of road rash all down the top half of her back. My grandparents came over for dinner this evening and she didn't even want to come out of her room to visit! That is not like her at all. So, I don't know what to think. I gave her some Tylenol and I think we will go see Dr. Jackson in the morning to just make sure everything is OK! I know there's not anything they can do for broken ribs, etc, but with intense cheerleading practice and an upcoming cheerleading competition in a few weeks, we need to understand her injuries just in case!
Richie and I spent the day laying around watching TV and just hanging out today--we took the day off and were lazy. In fact, I never got out of my PJ's. I only have a few more days off of work... :(! The last two weeks have absolutely flown by! I will feel reenergized though that's for sure.
Well, it's off to bed for me!
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