Time for a change again... and then some....

Hmmm. Now where to begin... I can't believe it's been so long since I've written. I guess after I got a job things have been kind of crazy. Well, I no longer have a job and we've move AGAIN... I know it's been a whirlwind of a time to say the least.

Let me back track a little. So we moved last year... that was my last post. Well, while we were there the kids started a new school after that school year was over. They started going to the local public school from the public charter school, where they had been attending. During the summer between that we traded in both vehicles. The boys had out grown our vehicles. I had to upgrade to a minivan. Those boys have LONG Legs. With my over 6ft older boys it was crazy.  After they started school at the new public school by our new home I gave in to the idea of working for the school. I applied and was hired at the first part of September 2012 as a Teachers Aid. I Loved it! It was the best job and perfect with the kids. While working that job I also volunteered and started after school tutoring for 5th and 6th grade math. It started out every day of the school week, then eventually turned into three days a week. Due to demand not being very high. I saw such great improvement in those kids I was tutoring. It was a very fulfilling opportunity.

Bill and I around October of 2012, started feeling like we needed to move back to West Virginia/Virginia area. We tried to ignore the feelings but they kept getting stronger. We tried justifying things and to appease these feelings we decided at the last minute to drive to WV to visit with family for christmas. When we came for our visit for Christmas, we were certain we would be moving back. We planned after we got home to move in June 2013 when our contract on our rental was over. Bill would talk to his job and try to work from home. That was what we originally thought we would do. Bill talked to his company when we got back from vacation and they seemed amenable with the thought of him working from home but due to the nature of their business they would have to talk to their Legal department to find out the legalities of it all. So, they asked us to wait until Feb. 15 before we did anything else. That would give them a month and a half to figure things out. We agreed we would give them the time. So half way through January my Mother-in-law mentioned she was going in for surgery in February and might need some help. She was nervous since she'd had several surgeries and would be under General. We were also concerned for her health. So we decided I would spend 3 weeks with her in WV to help her with her recovery and help around their house. All the while knowing that we were planning on moving back in June.

While I was helping with my Mother-in-law recover from surgery in WV, Bill and the boys were in Utah. It was so hard on our family being so far apart. I tried to stay busy to keep myself from being too depressed. Bill was crazy busy at work and with the kids that we didn't talk much. That made things hard too. So about a week after my Mother-in-laws surgery Bill got word that his company would allow him to work from home if he became an independent contractor setting up a shell company in Utah and then his real company in what ever state we chose to live in. He would be in charge of all of his taxes, health insurance and everything. His job was stressful enough without the added stress of adding all that on top of it. We made the decision to look for a different job. (that was a Wednesday night late) The next day, Thursday, Bill was checking his Facebook acct. One of his friends mentioned a job in VA at his old company of AOL that they were looking for someone like him, willing to relocate. He contacted that person right away and started the process. He was called later that day and was asked to set up a phone interview with their HR dept for Friday. He agreed. Friday after his interview with HR, they asked him to interview on the following Monday with a team looking at his resume via Skype. It was to be a 3 hour interview. We were flabbergasted at how fast all of this was happening. We didn't realize we wouldn't need 4 months to find a job. Bill had his interview with that team and thought it would be a great opportunity and was trying not to get his hopes up. He was contacted Tuesday and was told they LOVED him. They briefly talked salary and start date. They wanted him to start March 15th or 22nd! They said there was still paperwork and background checks he had to do, but that they really liked him and thought he would be perfect for this position.  He accepted the offer and told them he could start March 22. That was less than a month later! So, we had to break our contract on our rental property, he had to give his 2 weeks notice. I wasn't even home. I couldn't pack. We talked to his parents and they said we should move in with them and save money so we could buy a house instead of renting. We prayed about it and decided we would. So I started fixing up and rearranging my In-laws house getting it ready for our family of 5 to move in. I ripped up carpet, panted, moved furniture, cleaned out closets and what ever else needed to make this work. I had 2 weeks til I was to head home to Utah. So I became a busy bee and got busy. Bill gave his two week notice once he got the official offer paperwork. When I got home Feb. 28, Bill had already gotten his official offer paperwork and had given his two week notice.  I had blue and gold banquet that night. All I wanted to do was spend time with my family. But didn't.

We decided the cheapest and most effective way to move would be to only take what was essential. Since my in-laws had a fully furnished house we didn't need any furniture, and there was no point in moving our stuff and keeping it in storage. So, Saturday after I got back we started selling our stuff,... and I don't mean just a few things, I mean EVERYTHING. TV, Deep freeze, couch, knick knacks, clothing, beds what ever we could sell. We sold most of our furniture Saturday. We took several loads to donations at the local Deseret Industries. We were emptying our house and would only take what we couldn't replace or what we felt we could fit into our vehicles. Yes, we only brought with us what fit in our vehicles. A mini cooper S, and a Dodge Grand Caravan. We brought three kids, a cat and two cars filled up to West Virginia. We arrived March 14. In 14 days more or less I packed and drove to WV. It took us 4 days to get to WV.

Bill started his new job March 25. He loves his new job, is not as stressed about what he does and what's expected of him. The kids started a new school again, and I'm still a stay at home mom. I cook and clean and take care of the kids. Still waiting on the first paycheck from AOL. That's the hardest part right now. Having to rely on my in-laws to sustain us until we can support ourselves. It's a strange feeling. From being self sufficient to being reliant on others. Very humbling experience. We are following where the Lord is sending us. For reasons we do not know, but are grateful for the blessings he has wrought in our lives. We are all safe, loved and blessed.

I am grateful for the blessings staying close to my Savior has brought to my life. I am grateful and blessed to know that he cares about me and my family. He hears my prayers and answers them. There is difficulty in life, but it eases when we share the load with our Savior and Lord. Through prayer and sacrifice I have drawn closer to him in recent days and months. All I have and all I am is because of him. I am truly blessed. May God Bless and keep you safe until next time. :) Love shae :)

Moving... Again :(

So we have been told that we can no longer stay in the house we've been renting for 2 years. This really stinks for us, the kids are adjusted (finally), we have made friends and we have come to love this area... We have been searching since we found out we had to move for a place near by... The kids are pretty sad they have to leave the ward and move further away. We finally found (or hoped we'd found) a condo in Lehi about 3 miles from where we currently live. However, they haven't been getting back to us about when we can move in, how much the deposit is or really even if we passed the application stage and can proceed forward. There are no houses that we've found that we can move into. We have a cat and all have either gone with a different family, or doesn't want an animal, especially a cat. We have put all of our hopes into this particular condo at this point, our only ray of light. As the move out date is approaching we are really getting worried about where we're gonna go and all that jazz. Well. Today in my depressed state... yes I've been a little... ok a lot depressed. I have been doing the Biggest Loser challenge with some friends and have lost 20 pounds so far... well this last week.. i've been so depressed... I've gained back 2 pounds!! AHG... anyways I digress... So today being depressed and praying for direction on how to get out of the depression and what we should do about a place to live... I had an impression to look back on KSL.com for other houses/condo's that may have been added to their list since I looked last, which was about a week ago. So, I looked on KSL.com. I saw a condo right behind our current house, comes with a pool, garage and other neat stuff... for the same rent as the previous condo. The owners are REALLY SUPER Nice! They like us, and are most likely moving to California. I filled out an application and sent it to them. They said if they can find housing in California, then we will be able to get the condo! :) We should know by Tuesday next week or before depending on what they find in California. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I feel like this is where the Lord wants us, that we have been lead to this condo. I pray that this is right, it feels right and I just hope and have faith that all will be well. :) I am so grateful for the power of prayer and answers received to those heartfelt, ernest prayers. I know without a shadow of a doubt that the Lord has a plan for us, that we are lead if we listen and follow his promptings that we will have what our hearts desire. We truly are blessed and our cup runneth over. We are hopeful once again, but not without trial. Blessings definitely do come out of tribulation, prayer and faith!

Catch up

Well, a lot has happened since I turned 34. I went and spent 3 weeks visiting family in Texas from the end of July to the middle of August. It felt like it was too little time, and too quick. I got back in time to get the boys ready for school, I had 1 week before their school started.  Then I finished up my Associates program through University of Phoenix and I'm now officially a college graduate! I also started my Bachelor program through the University of Phoenix. Time is flying by. And in the mean time I'm working on schooling, the kids are in school, and I started working part-time. As I have been trying to keep up, I've been a little crazy. Bill and I are still Sunbeam teachers at church, and are about to get another calling on top everything else. My head spins sometimes, but that's good, because it hasn't killed me yet! :) The boys are busy busy busy with their scouting advancements and schedules. That right now between their school and scouting, I just don't have the time to add any other extra-curricular activities to our family schedule.

I know it sounds a little crazy to be so busy, but we work really hard to have time with the family, even with our crazy schedules.

I am so grateful for everything that the Lord has blessed me with! We are so blessed to be busy, have jobs, and to support our selves. I am grateful for the ability to juggle many things, and stay sane. I don't get many breaks, but today I had one. I watch two little boys one day a week. They were supposed to come today, but their dad is home today until their mom gets home from work, so I didn't watch them today. This freed me up to write on my family blog a little. Also, I have some great recipes on my cooking blog if you'd like to check them out.

Bill and I are getting ready to start a juice fast. Juicing fruits and veggies to help repair our bodies. We have both gained excessive weight and are trying to take it off, and get healthy in the process. We will probably start the juice fast within the next few weeks. What got us to do this juice fast is watching the netflix documentary called "fat, sick and nearly dead" it's an eye opener. check it out.

Well, until next time. Enjoy your day and may God Bless you!

Good Deed Ideas

As I just celebrated my 34th birthday I am wanting to encourage my children to do random acts of kindness and good deeds for each other daily. I have added this as a requirement as a chore to hopefully get them in the habit of doing this. I am however hitting a brick wall as to what they can do for each other or another family member. Since this will need to be something that is FREE I have decided that I want to create slips of paper in a jar with ideas on it, they can pull a paper out of the jar with a good deed on it, and they can decide who to do it for. I am looking for ideas from my friends and family a far of what kinds of things I can add to this. I have posted my list so far on the bottom. Please comment so I can add to the list. Thanks so much for your help. :)

Ideas for good deeds jar:

make someone's bed
pick up their toys on their bedroom floor
write a thank-you note
write a why I love you note
read a story to someone
play a game of their choice
let a sibling tag along with your friends and make them feel welcome
volunteer to help with their chores
pull weeds in the flower bed
sweep the kitchen floor
clean the back door windows
mow the lawn
make mom & dad's bed
Take out the trash
start a load of laundry for someone
process the laundry
clean out the kitty litter


This is the list I have so far. If you have any ideas that could be added to this list please let me know. I really want them to think outside of themselves and encourage helping each other. Thank you so much for your help :)

Spring Break

Here we are chilling in California! Trying to figure out what we're gonna do in Los Angeles, as we have spent two days in LegoLand. Now that we're almost all sunburned, we'd like to spend a day not in too much sun. We are talking about going to the Los Angeles Temple and seeing the new visitors center. It's a way cool temple. I also would like to see the San Diego Temple, it's my favorite one! I have been making dinner in the crock pot every day, breakfast of cereal, english muffins, pancakes with bacon and eggs, cinnamon raisin bread and lunches are sandwiches with carrots and chips. Not a bad trip. We are having a blast spending time with Bill's parents, and the kids. I'll be adding pictures to my photo gallery on .mac soon. So, keep an eye out for the link.

It's SPRING BREAK!

We are here on Spring Break and enjoying time with family. Mikey was also baptized this last weekend. Grandma and Grandpa Clark came out to be apart of it! It was so great to have a little family share in that special ordinance. We are in Oceanside, CA for spring break. Lego Land for several days, a day at the beach and a day in Los Angeles, then back home. It will be so much fun, It is so beautiful here, and sunny. It's a nice change from all the snow we've had the last several days. Unfortunately, I still get to do school work while we are out having fun, but at least I have the flexibility to do both at the same time. I have one assignment in early, and I'm going to try to finish those up. Here's hoping for a nice, fun, safe spring break here in California with the In-laws. Wishing we could spend time with more family. Looking forward to our summer vacation, seeing more and more family and friends.

My baby's growing up so FAST!

As I'm writing this I can hardly believe that I now have no children under the age of 8. Yes, that's right 8 years old. I can still remember all three of my boys in diapers, and running around crazy, I kept thinking I was going to pull my hair out and they were never going to grow up! Now, I sit here almost in tears thinking those days are so far behind me. Before I know it, they will be off on missions, going to college and getting married... I think of the things that have happened since my first child was born. He is now 11 and 1/2 and doesn't let me forget it that he's a BIG boy and wants to be treated like a MAN, except when it comes to chores and being told what to do... Then there is my middle baby who is no baby. He's only 1/2 and inch shorter than his elder brother. Some of you may say that may not be that big of a deal. Well, my oldest "baby" is 5 ft 7 inches tall. My middle "baby" is 5 ft 6 1/2 inches tall, and my youngest "baby" is 4 ft 10 inches tall... and he's the one that just turned 8! He will be getting baptized, starting cub scouts and growing up even faster. He is so GROWN up. He is the most responsible of all three of my children. I watch him and think of the blessing he has been to our family. I love my boys so much! My goodness, why do they have to grow up! Can't they stay small a little longer. I've been saying that for years! they have outgrown their little bodies so fast, by the time i was getting used to their size compared to their age, they sprouted again and the vicious cycle continues. I have been told that they will slow down their growth many times. Still waiting for that as I replace "high-water" pants every couple of months, no holes, no tears, just either too short or their waist is finally growing a few inches and needs them a little wider. I have one who is in 12 slims, (my 8 year old) and they are "high-waters" on him, but if I buy 14 slims, they will not fit his waist. He's too stinking skinny. He has to wear a belt with his 12's as it is. I noticed the other day how long Braeden's neck is getting. He used to be so chunky and squishy and loving... now he's TALL ... SUPER TALL... and everything is getting longer, his hands, his feet, his neck... his torso... even his legs. The only thing is that his stomach area that used to be rolls and rolls of flub... is now a 6 pack and staying so skinny. He's almost wiry. with this huge bobble of a head on top. So cute!!! I have some amazing boys and they are growing so fast, I feel if I blink too long they will be gone. I enjoy them as they are now. Watching them play with their nerf guns, fanoodle light sabers, and running around the house with endless energy. Their faces full of smiles and learning along the way. I hear stories of how they are turning into wonderful young men. I hope that it continues that way.

A neighbor who was picking his daughter up from Mikey's 8th birthday party this week. Stopped Bill and said how impressed with the our boys he is. Bill was a little taken aback. He asked in what way. Braeden (my sweet boy) was looking for some friends to play with, and could find none available to play. As he was walking around the neighborhood (unbeknownst to me or his father) noticed a gentleman in our neighborhood digging in his yard. Braeden asked what he was doing and the gentleman said digging footers and a slab for a soon to be pored concrete surface. Braeden asked if he could help... He said sure if you want to, Braeden then picked up a shovel and started helping to dig. (can you say impressive). I was so impressed when Bill relayed that story to me! My child who I can't get to pick up his clothes in his room, or pick his toys up, is so thoughtful and genuine that he helped a neighbor dig in his yard (performed unasked for service!) I then realize that it isn't about the clothes on the floor, or the toys they refuse to pick up or the messy house... It's about teaching them how to serve their fellow man! I stand a few inches taller, realizing that I'm not that much of a failure. I think sometimes I get so bogged down with the cluttered, messy house, the dirty dishes, and dirty clothes. That I forget to notice the boys are turning into men by watching and doing the important things of serving others and being kind to one another. I have been so blessed to have been given such wonderful children, from a wonderfully loving heavenly father!

I struggle some days with being a mother and worried about how they will turn out, and if I've done all I can to help them be honorable, productive, sweet, kind, generous, strong men when they get older. When with stories like the one above grace my ears I think in that moment that I'm doing an o.k. job.  Then, the house stays a little messier, the boys are a little messier, but we are focusing on more important things such as building a strong character in a young man, than building a shrine to live in.  One tear is shed as they grow more and more each passing day. it goes too fast. With your little ones, don't get too caught up in the house cleaning and the dirty clothes, there will always be time for that later. But our children will only be little for a little while. From a mother missing those precious, tender years and days of their "little" childhood. Take TONS of pictures, record memories of things they said, teach them love, compassion by example. Speaking doesn't work, it's action. I can't always tell them I love them, I have to show them by giving of my time, energy and love. I ask all the time "Do you know I love you?" "REALLY love you?" They in turn answer "YES" As long as they know that I love them, no matter how mad or frustrated I get, or whether or not the house is clean, or dinner on the table on time, or even a shower/bath it has been a GREAT day!

I have a cousin who had a little baby boy recently and seeing his cute precious face and how little he is. I can't help remember when my boys were littler (they weren't even as small as he was born). At how time flies and how I seem to be moving at a slow pace, and they are flying by. I look at pictures from a year ago, or even a few months and they have grown so much. Their faces are different, their demeanor is different. They are growing up.  Enjoy the small stuff and climb those mountains together. one day at a time. and sometimes, one second, one minute or one hour at a time, cherishing every moment because before you know it,...

they are all grown up!

What's new?

I have been so busy with school, house, kids and my cooking blog that I haven't taken the time to write much here. Since it's been a month since the boys started their new school we've been able to create a more structured chore list, which has helped greatly. I still end up doing most things around here, but every little bit of help is helpful. The boys really like their new school. They are learning spanish and Bryen even volunteered to join the liberty bowl, which is a group of kids that study history after school one day a week. The boys have longer school days then before, and I get to volunteer more often. That has been a lot of fun. I help mostly in the library. Tomorrow is my first day subbing at the kids school. I'm excited and nervous at the same time. I haven't done subbing in a library in at least a year.

I'm in my second to last term before I get my associates degree. It is hard to believe that I'm almost half way done... Well, as done as I'll be for a while. Bill and I are working on getting out of debt. We are following Dave Ramsey's Get out of Debt plan. It is not an easy thing, but it will be so worth it in the end. That is why I'm waiting before I finish my bachelor program. I want to be able to pay for it outright without taking out student loans. Bill and I make too much to qualify for grants, so this is the best way. Plus it would be nice to get out of the debt my associates degree put us in.  We have a 5 year plan that includes, getting out of debt, saving enough money for the rest of my education, and saving enough money to purchase a house outright. Bill doesn't want a mortgage ever again. And I don't blame him. Me either. It's been tough having to go through a foreclosure, that isn't even selling. Our name is still on the property but we don't own it any more. It's a mess, and so is our credit. If we purchase a house outright then we don't need to worry about credit anymore. We just get what we need, when we need it. There is so much we'd like to do but being in debt has trapped us. So we're breaking free. Everyday is one day closer to our dream.

I'm going to continue to be a stay-at-home mom after I finish my degree, the plan is to keep subbing at the boys school so I can be available when they are home, and flexible enough to be able to not work if the kids are sick and not feel too bad for missing work. The boys are so excited about me "working" at the school.

I can barely believe that my youngest is going to be 8 in less than two weeks, one week from tomorrow he will be 8 years old. Many of you know how big that it in our family. My baby will be baptized and get to start going to cub scouts. He will always be my baby, but now, so grown up. Not only is that momentous but my oldest in October gets the Priesthood! WHOlly COW!... I hope I can not cry every sunday. Thinking about it makes me tear up. He is growing into such a wonderful young man! He is doing so much better than I thought he'd be doing after what happened in August. Time is going by so very fast, I just wish it would slow down soon, a little at least. I remember when they were all watching veggie tales and getting into everything and driving me nuts! Now, they are so respectful and kind. I am told almost everywhere we go, how respectful and polite they are. Some days I don't know what I would do with out my boys. They are the light of my life and I am so grateful to be their mom!

Bill is battling with fatigue and tooth decay at an alarming rate for me. He blames it on his medication. But I don't know. I am glad that we are in a state where they are doing revolutionary things in the field of heart surgery. He is looking forward to the time when his valve needs replacing again to have it done laproscopically so he doesn't have to go through as much pain as he did before. I don't know if that is possible, but one can only hope. He also wants them to grow a new valve from his stem cells so he doesn't have to take anymore medication for his heart, but I don't know if that will be ready by then. I'm not looking forward to that surgery, so I'm just trying to enjoy him every day I get to spend with him. He still loves where he works and what he does. His parents will be coming out to visit for Mikey's Baptism in April. Then we will be headed down to San Diego for a trip to Lego Land and Hollywood with the family for spring break. So fun, looking forward to some sunny weather.

It has been snowy and cold,... However, this week it will be in the 50's and rainy except for Wednesday. So I want to get outside on wednesday and soak up some needed sun. Also, I will be trying to get my square foot gardening started. I need to build my boxes, and get the soil mix. Also, i need to come up with what veggies I want to grow. I am going to try to stagger my planting so I can enjoy fresh crops throughout the summer, instead of all in at once. I'm reading a book about square foot gardening. So I hope I can act upon what i'm reading. Last year I had a few tomatoes and a handful of green beans, a few bell peppers and that was it. This year I want lettuce, bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, carrots, squash, pumpkins, watermellon, and many other things. I just hope I have the space and boxes to grow them all. And the time to do them right.

Bill and I are serving in the primary teaching sunbeams, 3-4 year olds. They are so adorable and sweet! It makes Bill and I ready for more kids. We just can't afford it right now. So that's another part of our 5-year plan. To have more kids, after we get out of debt. I know crazy huh... going back to diapers and sleepless nights. It will be an adjustment that's for sure. I would much rather adopt but Bill I know is concerned about adoption. It's still up for discussion. I know I would love to adopt sisters and enjoy the blessing of having more girls in the house. I've been cautioned by some to never get girls as they are much harder than boys. But at the same time, I've been told, I need girls. I know that we have two girls somewhere, either in heaven or to adopt. Time will tell where they will come from, but they will surely be a blessing in our family.

Time to go work on dinner for tonight, I am going to brine my chicken before i stick it in the slow cooker. So, check out my cooking blog, lovingcookingfromscratch.blogspot.com.

Another catchup

Boy have we been busy!!! The boys have started going to the charter school near our house. A charter school is a public school, that has a lottery to have students enroll. Also, a charter school has smaller class sizes, uniforms, and a more individual approach to each child's education. Bill and I are so excited about the charter school. The boys love it there, even though they miss their friends at the school by our house. We feel that this is the best move for our children. They will be able to attend all the way through junior high/middle school. That way they will have consistency even if or when we move. Another bonus is that they highly encourage parental involvement. We are required to volunteer 4 hours a month. Not so hard. But they encourage more. So of course... I volunteer way more... I love helping in the library and in the kids classrooms. I also am trying to get everything I need to help substitute at the school. The librarian really could use a reliable substitute and since when I was in Davis County at Columbia Elementary and was trained on the library software there. It is the same system they have at this school. So, I'm someone she can call and doesn't need to worry about them being trained on the system. I just need to complete fingerprinting and then I'm ready to substitute. Another bonus for substituting is that they pay more for subs at the charter school then they do at the district.

I have been still going to school. I have one more term left to finish after the one I'm currently in before I graduate with my Associates Degree. I'm so excited! I'm really enjoying it.

Bill has been working hard and doing well at work. The boys are thriving and enjoying all the snow and sunshine we've been having here. We seem to have lots of days with sunshine even if the weather had been snowy one or two days. We really enjoy it. We haven't been skiing or sledding or tubing but we enjoy throwing snow balls and building forts out of the snow. :)

Coming up, James will be turning 8 and getting baptized. Bill's parents will be coming out for a visit, Spring break, and I'm even thinking of having Bryen join a city soccer team. Other than that I'm cooking up a storm. Staying busy and enjoying being a stay-at-home mom.

I have a new BLOG!

My new blog is all about cooking and my fun adventures in the kitchen. Cooking from scratch and all that goes with it. :) Join and follow. Enjoy!

Here is the website:) Add to your bookmarks and favorites for new up to date recipes, new recipes daily. :)

http://lovingcookingfromscratch.blogspot.com/

Recent Accomplishments

Well, As I sit here in the house as it rains outside... I am thinking about what we as a family have accomplished so far this school year. It might not be much, but it is something. Especially on days when I feel like we haven't done anything. So, here goes:

Braeden has completed his Bear achievement in Cub Scouts and has advanced into Webelos. That is a big accomplishment.

Mikey has lost 3 teeth, I at one point thought he'd have all of his baby teeth forever... as none were falling out. But now, it's like a flood of teeth falling out.

Bryen has almost completed his Webelos badge and his Arrow of Light. Both HUGE accomplishments. And he will be an 11 year old scout. Boy time sure does fly. He only needs a few more items on his citizenship pin and his understanding of what it means to be a BOY SCOUT :)

Bill has earned his RHCE (Redhat Certified Engineer) certification. This is something he has struggled with in the past, and has accomplished it at last! Way to go Babe!

I have completed two more classes I got a B- in my Cultural and Diversity class, and an A in my Healthcare Administration class. :) Yeah me, and I've started two more classes Algebra 116 and Research writing English 102. I'm a little nervous but I'm hopeful I'll do ok.

I have realized that I currently do not qualify to apply for a nursing program, so I'm adjusting and thinking that Respiratory Therapy is a good second choice. That will mean quitting online and going to an actual campus for the remainder of my college. I'm nervous about that. But still debating. I may take a few more general ed classes online, before i transfer. To limit the number of semesters I need to be away from home.

I have been getting more into cooking dinners and things at home. I feel that is an accomplishment all by it's self. As I struggle at times to even feel motivated to cook anything. It has helped writing a menu at the first of the week, to help me be motivated to cook. Now these aren't all those quick dinners that are practically premade. These are things like homemade hoagie rolls for meatball subs (and yes the meatballs were homemade too). Home made bread. Crockpot meals, and yes of course some of the premade dinners, such as pizza and hamburger helper. I am still proud of my self for even attempting to make hoagie rolls. They turned out pretty good. :)

I am thinking of starting a cooking blog, about my cooking adventures. Not sure I'll have any followers but still, a way to post my menu's, my recipes and my experiences of what we are doing here at home to help cut costs and be more frugal. My food storage has been coming quite in handy. As my freezer is slowly depleting and my pantry is getting more bare, I am grateful for the food storage I have and trying to incorporate it into our diet. It is a good feeling.

I have been grateful for the blessings that have come from these accomplishments. The knowledge gained and the feeling of the Lords hand in my life. Prayers have been answered, and spirits have been lifted.