7 Quick Take Fridays

                                                                   1.
I have never been so glad to see the sunshine!  I don't care if it is only 30 degrees outside.  At least the sun is shining and it makes the day better!

                                                                   2.
It was exactly one year ago today that Craig was laid off from his job that he had for over 5 years.  It has been a rough year and somehow continues to send us through trials.  We have been blessed that God has provided other jobs for Craig since then.  However, he is having difficulty settling in.  So now we pray that God's plan will continue to see us through and that maybe we can stop waking up each morning wondering, "Do I have a job today?"

                                                                   3.
My son was invited to play on a traveling baseball team.  He went to 'try-out' and they asked us to become part of the team.  He is SUPER excited about this opportunity.  We took some time to talk about it and discuss all the pros and cons.  Trust me there are the cons....money being the biggest one!  This is something that Dalton has wanted to do for sometime now.  It was ultimately his decision so we will see how he enjoys playing this year. 
                                                                   4.
Megan has decided to try her feet at soccer this year.  She said that she didn't want to play softball/t-ball and wanted to do soccer.  So I officially signed her up for that yesterday.  Although the other evening Dalton and I were talking to her about it and Dalton said, "Megan you do realize that you can only use your feet when you play soccer?"  She said, "Yes."  I said, "Megan, you do realize that you have to run the whole time that you are playing soccer?"  She says, "Maybe I don't want to play soccer afterall"  Yes, she is my child!  She is still excited and I can't wait to see if this ends up being her sport!

                                                                    5.
My schedule officially starts getting busy and complicated now that spring is on its way (well hopefully its on its way).  Between soccer practice, baseball practice, soccer games, baseball games, working evenings, oh yeah and Craig plays softball as well we might as well shut off all utilities in the house from April through July.  Maybe we could pay for some of Dalton's baseball expenses that way ;-)

                                                                     6.
I slept 6 straight hours last night without waking up!  I know, that may not impress any of you, but trust me this a new record for me!

                                                                     7.
I treated myself to a haircut today.  This is about as girly as I get but there is something about going to a salon and spending 30 minutes getting pampered that just makes your day! 

Have a blessed day everyone!!!

Sunshine Please

One of the local weather stations said that the sun has only been visible 14 days since January 1st.  Is it wrong to pray for the sun to come out?  I don't even care if it is only 30 degrees at least the sun would be out!

The gray and gloom of winter has taken over and not just in the physical and literal aspect.  It affects your mood and your spirit.  I have heard a lot of people commenting on how they have these 'winter blues'. 

Well, they have officially hit this lady!  I try to make the best of it.  I try to smile even when I want to frown and scream.  I get up, get dressed, and go to work when I would really like to curl back up in bed and sleep till the temperatures hit 50.  I wave and smile at the person driving like a maniac in the snow that just about runs into the side of me rather than doing what I really want to do and lift up a certain finger and road rage takes over. 

If I am feeling this way I cannot imagine what this weather does to those suffering from depression.  I hope they are seeking some peace in therapy, loved ones, or God's word.  I know that is where I go when it seems all things and people seem against me...I go to God. 

My pastor said this morning that his daughter prayed for snow before bed last night and we have received over 7 inches of the white stuff.  He said he was going to talk to her about praying for 70 degree weather and sun.  I pray that God listens to that prayer!

Change

I'm thinking about trying something new and having a little difficulty deciding if I should do it or not.  I'm not posting this on Facebook and/or Twitter for one main reason....I don't want my bosses to necessarily see this. 

I have received a letter from the State of MO to apply/interview for a job position.  This is a job that I have wanted for some time.  Not sure of the exact schedule and such but I know there would be some adjustment in the schedule that I have become accustomed to...let alone enjoy.

With my current job I am basically free to set my own schedule, take time off whenever, leave early, go in late, take time off for my kids and make up the time later, and able to bring my kids in with me whenever I need to.

With this position I am sure there would be an extensive training period which would then mean having to pay someone to watch the kiddos.  Lots of travel time which then means extra gas and mileage on another car because Craig is already doing that to his.

However, it would be better money and better benefits.  Yes this is a BIG perk because lets face it I wouldn't have to work two jobs if I had this one.  However, is this job worth the extra money if I am paying out more for childcare, gas, and the loss of flexibility? 

Not sure what to do but I'm begining to think that its time for a change and time to pray about it.  So if you don't mind pray for me to see what the right decision is.  I guess it doesn't hurt to go for an interview and see what could transpire, right?

7 Quick Takes Friday

                                                                   1.

Anxiety tried to take over this week again.  God kicked it though!  So glad He is on my side!

                                                                   2.

Furnace has been acting up lately (well actually since before Christmas).  Found a nice gentleman that works on them on the side and he was able to come over and fix it.  God bless him!!!  He charged me 1/4 of the price a normal repairman would have charged me!

                                                                   3.

Scheduling employees has always been difficult.  And just when you think you have hired enough people to cover any possible absences the sickness hits and you're still short-handed. 

                                                                   4.

Spent alot of time with God this week!  Love taking an extra fifteen minutes in the morning to spend time in His word.

                                                                   5.

Found out the great Governor of our state has decided to cut more money from the Parents As Teachers program.  He is calling for a $4.1 million from the program from next years budget.  I have emailed him (twice) and telephoned.  I have put as much information on Facebook and Twitter to make more people aware of the program and pray that they will advocate as well.  Yes, I work for this program, but as a parent this program was a gift when my children were little.  If it did that much for me as a parent imagine what it does for teenage mothers, low income families, and families with special needs.  Then to make matters worse my boss emailed me today and said he is cutting another $2 million from THIS YEARS budget!  Pray I have this job in another month!

                                                                    6.

Because I belong to a wonderful church they are allowing my family to utilize one of their spaces for my grandmother's 91st birthday party! 

                                                                    7.
Another week....another snow!  I use to love winter time.  I use to like the cold and snow.  Then 2007 ice storm happened and I could care less if I see the temperature below 45 degrees every again.  I don't even care if I see it snow again.  With that being said.....bring on spring training and baseball weather!!!!!! 

Goodbye Guilt

The last couple of weeks at church we have been discussing family.  We all put on this facade when we are in public but if people could look into the windows of our home what would they see?  Would they see the same people, same Moms and Dads, wives and husbands?  Or would they see something dishonest, horrific, or unGodly?

I personally try to be the same whether I'm at home, work, or at the grocery store.  But let's face it I'm not.  Can anyone really say they are?  I know for me,  I am more tactful and polite in public than in home.  Just ask Craig.  I am more sociable in public than at home because well sometimes I'm just a bear to be around!

I have been taking a hard look at what the real message was.  Can I honestly say I am the same Christian in public and at home?  No.  I am guilty.  I am guilty of no sharing Christ at work because I don't want to offend anyone or risk losing my job.  I am guilty of treating others with more respect and patience than my own children and/or husband.

I may be totally off base but, I think Satan puts the guilt there.  I don't think God wants us to feel guilty I believe that he wants us to learn and grow.  He wants us to realize that we must spread His word even if that means stepping on toes.  At least we have planted the seed that He can sow.  I also believe that He wants me to be a better parent than the one I am now.  By studying His word and sharing that with my children it will grow our relationship as well as our relationship with Him.  And I know that I can be a better wife.  And by going through His word together with Craig it will only continue to bring us closer together and have a lasting marriage and friendship.

So goodbye guilt!  I have some studying and sharing to do!