Tuesday, December 23, 2008

We Made It To Washington!

Well...we made it. We went over hill and dale to get here. We first went up the coast of California to avoid the Grapevine which was supposed to be icy. We cut over to the 5 above Sacramento. At that point it was raining. We then traveled nonstop in rain. We kept trudging along and went through snowy and icy conditions, but we made it to Medford. After spending the night there, we traveled through snow, ice, wind and rain through the rest of the mountains. We got a break from severe weather when we were between the mountain area and Salem OR. After that it was a white-out to about Vancouver, WA. It was very slow-going. I kept getting nervous because we didn't have chains; we apparently are not supposed to use them on our car. The only thing we could use cost $500 or more and that wasn't an option. Anyway, our snow tires did the job and got us here safely about 9pm last night. Now, we are relaxing and enjoying being out of the car. By the way, Riley was the best traveler in the car. He did great! He must be a dog that is born to travel! He is afraid of my Mom's pomeranian though! He! He!
Have a blessed day!
Love,
Janice

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Iceskating!

We went ice skating today and we made a movie! I went with my niece, Amber, and the kiddos. Enjoy! Love, Janice

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Art Class

I got an A in my art class! Yippee! I got the results in the mail today. Now I have a BA and 45 units which bumps me up on a pay scale if I am ever on one! I am not going to take anymore classes now until I get a job, if I in fact ever want one! That's my good news for today and I'll leave it at that!
Love,
Janice

Monday, December 1, 2008

Christmas is Coming!

I am trying REALLY hard to get into the spirit of Christmas season. I want it to be filled with giving, and fun, and coziness and nostalgia. I am, however, a person with high expectations which are bound to be disappointed. I know I do this, yet I cannot help myself! I would much rather anticipate something grand than expect something boring. It's much more fun to build up something and be let down than do nothing and expect nothing. Don't ya think? In this effort, I found my favorite book to read at Christmastime. It is Shepherd's Abiding, by Jan Karon. I've read the Mitford Series and I believe it's #8. It centers around Christmas. It's my favorite. I love that series because it's like a cup of hot cocoa. It's safe, and good, and the people are likeable. I would love to live in Mayberry (A.K.A. Mitford) and be a part of such a place. When I read it, I get to be there in my head. That's the great thing about reading! Anyway, I'll let you know how the high expectations go.....Only 19 days till we leave....Yippee! I need to get out of here!

Love,
Janice

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

My Trip

Since there are only 30-something days left till we leave for Washington, I thought I'd make our reservations. We are getting very excited to go and see Grandma and Grandpa,and Uncle Rich! We will also be meeting Uncle Rich's girlfriend, Pamela, for the first time. I hope we don't scare her away!
I am also getting ready for my Mary Kay Holiday Open House this Sunday. I hope it goes well. My friends Erica, and Rhonda will be will me. Rhonda is a Cookie Lee jewelry lady, so we have two kinds of things to sell.
Today is my children's parent teacher conferences. I will be at the school from 1:45-3:15 because their conferences are all in a row! I hope they go well. I don't see any reason why they won't. I'll keep you posted!
Love,
Janice

Saturday, November 15, 2008

My Art Class

Hello All~
I finally, after almost a year, finished my art class. It's a class you complete on your own at home. I have not been motivated to do this class. It's a class around using paper in various creative ways. It has been a dark cloud looming over me and is about to be lifted! Yippee! It's funny though, I don't feel that sense of relief yet. It will probably come when I receive my grade, unless it's a bad one. I have it in a priority mail envelope ready to be mailed on Monday. Anyway, instead of mailing the projects I had to send pictures of them. I thought I'd show you the highlights. Mom, sorry, this is a as creative as I get!


My French cafe.



My slice of pizza.



My funny background picture.




My chicken.



My Christmas cube.



My sign about me.



The idea behind this art class is having new and unique art ideas for the classroom teacher. I liked, and would use, a few of them.

Oh, and I almost forgot, I got these pictures developed too. Enjoy!


Our lovely Minnie






Our angel






Indiana


The Presidential candidates.
(Noah and friend)

Love,
Janice

Monday, November 10, 2008

Loose Ends..

Hello all (2 of you!)
I hope you are all doing well. I'm having a fabulous day! I had a great Mary Kay order today and some reorders. It was good. I also have gotten many small piddly things done that I've been needing to do. You know the things where you say, "It's not that important but I really need to do that." It feels good to get them done. The house cleaners also came which makes for a really good day. I'm not feeling constantly overwhelmed! Wow, it makes such a difference!
I have not been subbing much, which is okay with me, but Andrew has been working instead. He's been working many hours plus working on his Master's classes. He is a busy guy! I've been trying to get my construction paper class done (ick!), and I'm getting ready for a Mary Kay/Cookie Lee open house. It's more fun to do them with other people! I'm also sponsoring a tea party table for my Mom-in-law's Saints Alive luncheon. I have to set it with my china and tea pots. It should be fun. I'll try to post a picture of what it looked like. It is right up my alley, so I volunteered to do it. Tomorrow the kids have a day off of school so my sister and I are taking the kids to Madagascar 2. I like having fun things planned for no-school days!
Well, I hope you are all having a great day too!
Love,
Janice

Friday, October 31, 2008

Happy Halloween!

Today is Halloween. I have to admit, it's not my favorite holiday but I try to make it fun for the kids. Carving pumpkins....not my favorite. Giving out candy to strangers....I didn't even like doing it as a kid. All the stress of getting everyone ready...not so much. Anyway, I'm trying to remain upbeat and not be annoyed by it. We may trick-or-treat our street and then go to our church's harvest party. I'm just praying my kids don't win a goldfish. I've been there and done that! I will try to post pictures of the kids on fleur-de-mobil so you can see them. I hope this finds you having some Halloween fun! (See I'm getting in the spirit already!).

Love,
Janice

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

A Quick Note

I am extremely tired, but since a couple of you asked I am giving an update on my housecleaning. It was great, sublime, so freeing! They not only cleaned the bathrooms, kitchen, and floors; but also the refrigerator, the stove, my blinds...I have never spent a more worthwhile $80! The best part...they are coming back a week from Monday! Yippee! It is much easier to keep the place clean in between cleanings. Usually I'm trying to find the time to deep clean, which I don't, and then to pick up and deep clean never seems to happen! I feel blessed beyond measure to have this luxury as long as the Lord sees fit.
I promise to update soon. But for now, I'm off to dreamland!
Janice

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Oh, Bliss!

I am having my house cleaned tomorrow. I have not been as excited about something in quite some time! I have things put away; yes, I'm cleaning for the cleaning people. I cannot wait to go sub, and walk in to a clean house. Oh, the satisfaction it brings. I'm so tired of feeling tired and walking in to a list of things I need to do and feeling defeated! Andrew is going to greet them and get them started. Oh the joy I feel!

We had a good weekend. I asked my nephew, Nick, if he wanted to babysit on Friday and he was glad to do it. My kids LOVE him! He wouldn't let me pay him because he wanted to do it, which was a blessing. Andrew and I got to go out to dinner. It was fab. We saw our old friend, John Tolentino, who just got married two months ago for the first time. It was so fun to see him. I also got to read my new book, Sunset, by Karen Kingsbury. It was the end of a series called The Redemption Series, so it was like I visited with old friends there too.

I feel happy today and that's enough for me now.
I love you all. I feel very blessed!
Love,
Janice

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Hi Friends!

Hello, I know it's been a while....sorry Mom! I always hear about it when I have not blogged in a while. I'm sure it's boring to see the same thing over and over. I have been very busy. I've been subbing to fund my Washington trip. I've been going to Bible study, Mary Kay meetings, finding Halloween costumes, fixing my car, spending time with family, watching Beverly Hills Chihuahua. It's a busy life, but someone has got to do it! Also, I blog at night, and frankly I've been fall asleep tired every night. I will be subbing this Thursday and Friday and Monday and Tuesday for a dear lady who's mother just passed away.

Also, I bit the bullet and cancelled the phone and cable. So, now we only have our cell phones if you call us. We are freeing up some money so that I can have my house cleaned twice a month! Yeah! I really need the help. There is only so much of me to go around. They come for the first time on Monday. I'll let you know how it goes. I am so excited I can hardly stand it!!!!!

I did get a couple of Christmas gifts for the kids. I'm buying them slowly so I don't charge too much! That's a vicious cycle!
I love you all!
Janice

Sunday, September 28, 2008

A Lazy Hazy Kind of Day

Hello! I hated the somber sound of my last post so I thought I'd write something new. Today has been fairly noneventful. I cleaned the whole day yesterday so the house is fairly clean. I'm still doing laundry. It feels like I'm always doing laundry! I'm just glad I don't have to do it the pioneer way!
With this lazy day, I'm starting to think of Christmas gifts for the kids. Because we are going to WA for Christmas, we are going to give them the gifts from us before we leave. It will be easier that way. I'm starting to scour the ads for things they've been wanting. If I wait till later, I won't find them! Plus, if I buy their gifts a little at a time maybe I can pay cash for them. I am trying to be wiser financially!
Well, I hope you are all having a lovely Sunday.
With love,
Janice

Friday, September 26, 2008

My Mouth Is Full Of Foot

Have you ever had a conversation that went awry? I had a conversation that started innocently enough this morning and it seemed to get away from me and made me look bad. I won't bore you with the details because I doubt it's important enough for the people in the conversation to remember, but I have felt odd about it all day. It actually started as a compliment toward one person that implied a slightly derogatory feeling about another place and someone heard and made a comment..yada, yada,yada....Anyway, I've felt the weight of it all day...I guess even innocent enough words can have consequences. Because of my somber mood, I've spent the day reading a book (which is infused with scripture) and feeling tired. I'm praying for a good day tomorrow without the burdens of today. Yesterday was a really good day for me and I guess two good days in a row would be more than I could handle!:)
Here's to a foot-free mouth day!
Janice

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Fall Is Coming!

In the past, summer was my favorite season. School was out and that was the time of fun. Now that I'm no longer the student, but the parent, it is Fall. Fall is the time of sweaters, candles, soup, pumpkin patches, and a regular schedule. I love that my electric bill goes down (ALOT!). I love that the clothing is better at figure hiding! I also love that activities that cease for the summer start back up again in the Fall. Fall is also the countdown (see right) to Holidays spent with family and friends. I feel like its going to be a good season this year. My Dad is coming to visit in October (yeah Dad!) and we are anxiously awaiting his arrival.

I have so many things I want to get accomplished right now I don't know where to start! I have heard that perfectionistic people can be messy, and this is why: because if they cannot tackle a project to the degree they would like to, then they don't try at all. This is me. I tend to be detail oriented. I would love my house to look like a page in a magazine (not like a museum but well-decorated, cozy, uncluttered, and clean!) I would find that tremendously satisfying, yet I cannot get a grip on what the other five people do in this house! I find that tremendously frustrating! I feel constantly overwhelmed by their lack of attention to detail. For example, I organized our Wii games and controllers in very cute and stylish boxes. Do you think they can manage to get the stuff back in there on their own....nope! They don't care, only I do. I know what you are thinking....If I took the time to train them to do it, they would. I'm telling you we've gone over it time and time again and they don't care. It is as if they are thinking, "Why would we put it away when we could just reach to the floor and pick it up, duh!"

So, therefore, on this Saturday I have an inner angst. I am, yet again, attempting to put everything back in it's place with 4 unwilling tortured captives (the fifth is being tortured at work!) and one dog chewing up what they drop! Maybe after we're done I'll turn down the air conditioner to chilly, put on a sweater, do some baking and keep looking forward to Fall.

Love to you all,
Janice

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Community Bible Study

I started my new Bible study today. It's at the beautiful Methodist church in Yucaipa. I've always admired the way that church looks on the outside. It's beautiful inside too. The lady who leads it said that God handpicked each one of us to be there and it was no accident. I feel that way too. It feels like I'm supposed to be there. I met many nice people and its fun to meet other Christians outside my own church. I did know a couple of people. One girl is the little sister of a boy I dated in high school. She and I have been becoming friends because our daughters are in the same kindergarten class......no accident. Another girl was my brother's girlfriend in high school, yes, none other than Kris. (She asked how you were doing Rich! ;0).....no accident...and I made a connection with a really nice lady in my small group...which I'm sure is no accident. My Mary Kay friend, Erica, watches kids there and my friend Chasie is an attender too. She is one of those people who just makes you happy when you talk to her....which I need, and I'm positive its no accident! It's interesting to see how God orchestrates your life according to His will. Now we'll see if he gives me Thursdays off from subbing to be able to go consistently.
Well I feel happy today. I'm thankful for this new opportunity!
I love you all!
Janice

P.S. I'm still thinking of my latte name. I'm thinking maybe Liza or Austen. Maybe I'll go and try them out to see which one is better. I'll let you know how it goes. :)

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

My "Latte" Name

I have this book titled, I Was A Really Good Mom Before I Had Kids. It's easy reading and makes some good points, but I have to confess my favorite parts are the "Dirty Little Secrets" posted around the book. There is one that confesses a Mom in a TVless house breaks out the TV when hubby is away on business and lets the kids watch videos. Another is a Mom who has decided the 4pm is the new 5pm in breaking out the wine. However, my favorite is the Mom who has a "latte" name, I believe its Kim; and when she gets a latte she pretends she is someone else with a different life just for a while. That's the one I can relate to, I'm sure the one all Moms can relate to on a given day. I guess its a form of escapism, like reading. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't trade my family for anything, but sometimes I'd like to pretend be someone else just for a while by pretending to......
...drive a more exciting car (I do like my car though!)
...have a career that travels
...actually get a paycheck!
...live in a high-rise in a big city (you guessed it, Seattle)
...go out to eat....frequently
...attend a black tie event
...be so important I actually need to wear a blue-tooth headset on my ear indoors. Oh wait, no one is that important. He! He! Sorry if you do that!

I guess another term for it is "coffee name"but I think "latte" name sounds better. I would love to know if anyone else does this just because I'm quirky and I like to know that kind of information! I have not thought of one for myself yet, but I like the idea of using..........Paris (oh, but too bad Paris Hilton spoiled it)........Carla.............Anne Marie........Andie (My husband's not using it!)....I don't know. I'll let you know when I think of one. If you have an idea, go ahead and suggest it.
I'm tired.......I'm sure you couldn't tell!
Enjoy a latte today!
Love,
Janice

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Stepping Into Flooded Waters

Our sermon today was from Joshua 3 and 4. It was about the Israelites crossing over the Jordon River on the way to the promised land. Our pastor talked about how the river at the time of year was in flood stage. It was about 14 feet high with water. The people were to follow the priests carrying the ark of the covenant. The Lord told Joshua that the priests were to go into the water (flood stage) carrying the ark and only then would He hold back the waters. He talked about how they had to take a step of faith and only then would they see the wonder that God had in store for them. It says the water stood up in a heap! Then, the Lord's people crossed on dry ground.
He asked us how many of us stay at the shore and pray for God to do something, yet stay at the shore and do not step into the water. The key is stepping into the water and letting God work. I wonder to myself if I am a stander or a stepper. I am hoping I'm a stepper, but I also can see myself doing a lot of praying before I decide to get wet.
Last of all, I'm trying to decide what this might mean for me specifically. I am actively looking and praying to figure it out. I would love some changes to take place in my life, but they have to be in accordance with God's will.
I really got something out of this message today and I hope it stirs something in you as well especially if you are hoping a situation changes or are waiting for a miracle.

Have a blessed Sunday~
Love,
Janice

Thursday, September 11, 2008

It entertains them when I am at the end of my rope.

I have been struggling with the idea of cancelling our cable. I have many reasons:
1. save money, and I'd be cancelling the home phone with it.
2. save time: it is a HUGE time waster for those who cannot break away from it.
3. It causes many arguments per day.
4. It makes us late (look at #2)
5. It gives my children memory loss. They cannot seem to remember the rules
of when it may and may not be on.
6. My 11 year old cried at the idea of not having cable. He actually cried. Scary!

HOWEVER,

1. It entertains them when I am at the end of my rope.
2. I like a couple of shows. (not many anymore)
3. It entertains them when I am at the end of my rope.
4. I would be causing more work for myself by filling in that time with requests to do something.
5. It entertains them when I am at the end of my rope.
6. It would be an adjustment to make. (Another one?)
7. It entertains them when I am at the end of my rope.

I guess I struggle with weird things, but I would really like to take all the optional bills and do away with them, but it entertains them when I am at the end of my rope! I already feel like we hardly have any fun and I'm afraid if I take away the TV all fun will be lost. Then where will we be? We could be better off morally, educationally, physically.....I don't know.

That's my dilemma for now. If you have ideas, share them with me.

Love,Janice

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Oh fun!

I have been having some fun revamping my blog. It tends to get boring having the same 'ol background and pictures. I REALLLLLLLLLLLLLY like the Pyzam website. It was easy to use. I highly recommend it.
Today was a slow to get started kind of day, but it took off about 2 and didn't end till now. I made a ham and cheesy sour cream potatoes, crescent rolls, and bought banana cream pie for dinner. Don't I sound like Betty Crocker? The truth is I haven't cooked something decent for dinner in a while and I felt compelled. I then went to my Mary Kay meeting and that was it! The truth is, I left in a huff because no one fawned all over me for my effort. Hey, if I make an effort, I want them to fawn! Plus, I was late leaving because I had to do some last-minute math help with my son because hubby would have had to teach himself was too busy. If you know me and my math skills, I know you're smiling. If I don't seriously hurt him, before he finishes his masters in the next two years, it will be a miracle! I am actually dreading it. I probably won't be receiving any awards for the most supportive wife.
ANYWAY, I can always look at my cute countdown calendar and plan for my trip to WA. I am really excited about that.
Well, I'm tired.
Love you so much,
Janice

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

I Walked Into A Pole Today....

I did....I really did. I was talking to my teacher friend and was looking backward as I walked forward and I walked into a pole! He then laughed and told me there was a pole there! It made me laugh at myself.

I was at the school to do my marathon Tuesday. I first help in the girl's classroom, then to Kyle's room, then to Noah's room. It went well, but I was hungry when I was done. It also gave me the chance to meet a couple of the sixth grade moms who intimidate me for one reason or another. I sometimes think of myself as a junior-higher when I worry about such things as what other Moms think!

I have not been sleeping well lately, so when I got home from school I dozed on the couch while the girls watched Wow Wow Wubzy. It felt nice to sleep if only for a while!

I have already subbed one time! I don't want to make it a regular thing, but I need to sub 8 more times so I can get to Washington for Christmas.

Well, I'm off. My advice for the day is to watch where you are walking. It really helps!
Love,
Janice

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Ahhh...School and Christmas!

I have to admit, I am enjoying my mornings while the kids are at school. I have not had a morning to myself in 11 years. It's been great. I've set aside Tuesdays to help in my children's classrooms. I think I'm going to attend a Community Bible Study on Thursday mornings. I might sub the other days, but I don't know. I need to sub a few times to finance my trip to Washington for Christmas. I already have 190 dollars saved! If you Washington friends are reading....eventhough I don't update as often as I'd like.....we are coming up during Christmastime! If you will be around, please let me know because I would love to see you all! We are already making plans. We will either leave late on Dec. 20 or really early Dec. 21st. We are planning on staying till about January 2nd. We are driving, and bringing Riley the dog, so we will be there late Dec 22 and will leave very early Jan. 2nd. If you won't be home, we will miss you dearly! It's weird, somehow just knowing I'm going makes me tons happier!

Anyway, I have to go be the homework police now. I'll update again soon!
Love,
Janice

Friday, August 8, 2008

Hello Dear Ones~

I bet you thought I would never update this, didn't ya? Well, as the summer drags on and on and on, I've been busy. Keeping 4 kids from killing each other all day is a full-time job. After looking most of the summer, we finally found a Wii Fit for sale! I like it a lot! It totally made me sweat today, and it has the kids moving! It has Yoga, strength training, aerobics, balancing exercises, and other fitness tests. The kids think the activities are games and are really enjoying it. After putting in some time, you get to unlock new games to keep it interesting. If you have a Wii, I totally recommend it.
As we enter the last week off before school starts, I am thinking about how my home will be empty every school day morning. It is bittersweet. I could definitely use some time to myself, but I will miss my girls being home. I have actually enjoyed being with the kids this summer-just not stuck at home! I will miss them all, but I realize school is just one way to separate a little so that when they leave it isn't so devastating. I'm thinking of getting a job. I applied at the school district, but they didn't really have any openings this year. Please pray for us that God leads us to what he wants for us, and for some financial relief. I will still sub occasionally, but it's not my favorite. It's different than being a regular teacher.
That's it for now!
Love,
Janice

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Look at this!

Most every day I look at my favorite place, Anacortes, WA, via a web camera. It has a great shot of the water surrounding Anacortes. It never ceases to amaze me that when it is dark here, during the summer, there is still sunlight there till 10 or so. I thought I'd share a peek with you of my favorite place. Enjoy!

P.S. Sunni, what are they building on the corner?

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Why is it?

These are my wonderings of the day..............

Why is it that a child cannot remember that he's not allowed to say some particular word, yet he can remember something word for word that a parent should not have said?

Why is it that a person with one child swapping for babysitting with a person of 4 children can get away with taking only one? The parent of 4 is stuck with five!

Why is it that children misbehave when the most critical people are around? Or are there just too many critical people?

Why in the world would an adult, wanting to read, do their reading in Barnes and Noble in the children's section...and proceed to give dirty looks to the children in that section?

Why would a father at swimming lessons yell at an instructor for having his son put his head underwater? And then proceed to let him watch the swim lesson in the water and not participate? (Maybe he has $40 to just give away!). Why, exactly, is he there?

Why when you are going through kid's things for a yard sale do they instantly get attached to something they haven't touched in two years?

Why does the darn dog have to chew up irreplacable items?

These are my wonderings from real life. I think too many long days in a row are getting to me!

Attempting to stay sane,
Janice

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Lauren Cracks Me Up!







I uploaded different pictures from my camera and this video was on there. I think Lauren has some "wild child" in her! Just look who the other band member is....enough said! I hope it makes you smile!
Love,
Janice

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Stuck in Yucaipa....

It seems that many people around me are going on vacation. Now, if you know me well, you will know that it's driving me crazy because I'm stuck in Yucaipa. My niece left for the Bahamas yesterday. My neighbor is going to Costa Rica, and my other friend is going to Yosemite. It really doesn't help that two of these places sound exotic. I hate to feel stuck, yet I do. It is too dang expensive to drive anywhere and really.... where can I realistically go with four kids and one adult? Andrew is either at work or at school, so I do most everything alone. For the record, I think this is the pits and I want to go somewhere. I'm sick and tired of being home. I know whine, whine, whine........I have always been this way and yearned for better places. Dang it!
Hoping for a light at the end of the tunnel,
Janice

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Life Is Weird!

I went to my 20th high school reunion last Saturday. It was weird. I was struck by how different the guys looked. I saw my 8th grade boyfriend and I would not have been able to pick him out of a crowd! The same people who didn't talk to me in high school didn't talk to me at the reunion. My friend Tina, GOD BLESS HER, called me randomly on Saturday to see if I wanted to get together and I asked her if she was going to the reunion...she said she hadn't signed up.... she said she'd see if she still could...she came! Yeah! To be honest, I wasn't looking forward to it at all. My friend Jennifer talked me into going and then didn't end up going, so I was dreading it; however, I paid 80 something dollars a person to go, so we went. We ended up having a good time even though if was 113 degrees and the air conditioning wasn't very good. You'd think in Palm Desert they would make sure the air conditioning worked well! During the reunion they played a slide show and I was actually in a few of the pictures, who knew? I also saw a guy's photo album and there was a picture of me in a bikini! He said, "Is that you." It clearly was, so I said, "Yeah, that's me." It was from our senior ditch day. I sure wish I could still wear a bikini! Oh well! I kind of wished my kids were there so they could see #1 that I was young once, and #2 I am fun. I feel kind of old and washed up after celebrating my 38th birthday! I think my kids think the same. Anyway, that's what I've been up to...a lot of poking in the past. I hear the 30's are hard and the 40's are better. Here's to better days ahead!
Love you all,
Janice

Monday, May 26, 2008

This is so cool!

My friend Joanna posted this to her blog and I thought I'd share it too. Our pastor used it in his sermon this past Sunday. Our God is awesome! Enjoy!

Monday, May 5, 2008

What to write?

I often struggle with writer's block. It's not that I have nothing going on; I just don't want to "bore" anyone with my daily life, or just complain about my day. I want to be funny and witty and inspire others, but it is a difficult task.

So at risk of being boring, I'll tell you about my last week. Lauren was barfy sick from Sunday night to Wed. morning. Brooklyn was barfy (really barfy) sick from Wed. night to Sat. night. She finally felt mostly better on Sun. morning. I had a lady to interview (for Mary Kay) on Tuesday night but she stood me up. I had a Mary Kay appointment on Friday that got cancelled. So, basically, all the hopes I had for getting out of the house for a while, got wiped away. Now if you know me well, I am NOT a homebody! So, last week was extremely hard. I also lost quite a bit of sleep. I am glad a new week has begun.

I did have a fun day today. My friend Erica and her daughter, Savannah, met the girls and I at Subway and we had lunch. We also went to Ross, and Long's Drugs. We managed to spend a couple of hours entertaining ourselves in Yucaipa of all places!
I then came home and made banana bread and a Mexican dinner for Cinco de Mayo! ARRIBA!

Well you are all up to date. I hope you are all well and happy! I also hope you are all getting Stimulus checks this month. Mine is coming on Friday....Makes me thankful for those four kids! Hee!Hee!

Love you all,
Janice

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Hellllo?

Yes, I know all my friends and family have stopped reading my blog because I have not updated. So sorry about that! All is well here, just busy, which is the way I like it!

We have been attempting to get projects done around the house and I'll post some pictures at the end. We are still contemplating putting our house for sale and then renting. We are waiting for God's leading on this one too. We still have some things to do though. I did, finally, rent a storage space. I'm trying to get our embarrassing garage cleaned out. I hate opening the door for the neighbors to see all our junk. Just call us the Clampits (sp?). I planted some calla lily plants our front yesterday, and got some hanging flowers (makes me think of Anacortes) so it's looking prettier. We've got work to do in the backyard though. That darn Riley has been digging....oh puppies! It's a good thing he is cute!

Lately I've been subbing and working on my Mary Kay business. It's going fairly well for the time I have been putting into it. I love it when I make in one hour what I would make in two days subbing! It creates more time in my week when that happens. I'm making enough to keep my car!

This past weekend was the ladie's retreat in WA. I had twinges of sadness all weekend. I hate missing out on going to WA, and I miss my friends! I know boo-hoo!



Here's our kitchen with the new lights.



Here's our computer area.




Here's our living room.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

I'm soooo lame!

I'm sorry it's taken me so long to update my blog. I have not had an opportunity until now. Life has been good, but busy! I hope to include some pics of the kids at Easter and birthdays. We'll see.......

I subbed today in my favorite first grade class. I am subbing tomorrow also. It's a blessing to sub (when it's not fifth grade).

I promise to write more later. Tonight I don't have the oomph. I will try to load a slideshow though.....

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Kyle's 9th Birthday



Here is a slide show of Kyle's 9th birthday. He had a scavenger hunt to find his gift which ended up being in the car. He got a Ipod which is the only thing he wanted. He was very happy. He was also happy with his moola, itunes cards, Target card, and Vans gift card. I hope you enjoy the show.
Love,
Janice

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

My Kyle Is 9 Today!





I cannot believe that Kyle is 9! I kissed him goodnight last night and almost cried because it was the last time I'd kiss him at 8. Those kinds of things really get me! Being a parent is heartbreaking at times. He is such a sweet and good-hearted boy! Right now, I am making his birthday brownies with chocolate chips in them for tonight. For dinner he is having chocolate chip pancakes, juicy bacon, juicy sausage, and extra scrambled eggs (Kyle added the juicy part). Next, I'm going to make up a treasure hunt for his birthday gift. It is going to be fun....but first.....

I am subbing this afternoon in Noah's class. It should be fine, except Noah is in it. He always seems to show off for me. The main thing I'm nervous about is that I'm teaching the advanced math class this afternoon.....stop snickering.....I told his teacher that there is a reason that I prefer K-3, but she assured me it would be easy. Pray for me! After this hurdle I can get back to working on making Kyle's birthday fun. Please also pray the 5th graders are feeling gracious today.

Well, I'd better go work on my treasure hunt!

Love, Janice

Monday, March 17, 2008

Language Accent Quiz

What American accent do you have?
Your Result: The Midland
 

"You have a Midland accent" is just another way of saying "you don't have an accent." You probably are from the Midland (Pennsylvania, southern Ohio, southern Indiana, southern Illinois, and Missouri) but then for all we know you could be from Florida or Charleston or one of those big southern cities like Atlanta or Dallas. You have a good voice for TV and radio.

The West
 
The South
 
The Inland North
 
Boston
 
The Northeast
 
North Central
 
Philadelphia
 
What American accent do you have?
Quiz Created on GoToQuiz


This is a fun little quiz. I thought of you Teri! I apparently have a mid-something/no accent. Who knew? Being a California girl all my life I've known I have no accent. Do I have an accent to a New Yorker? A Brit? Hmmmmm......It makes you wonder. Have a great Monday!

Love, Janice

Monday, March 10, 2008

Call Me Crazy....

I decided to list all the weird things I like. Well, maybe not weird, but also could be disliked by the regular population.................
*Daylight Savings Time...I love having the sun shine longer and later!
*The smell of a tire store.
*The smell of markers, rubber cement,gasoline, and the manicure shop.
*The sound of other people's children whining/crying/etc. It makes me feel not alone.
*Someone touching my feet. It's good when I get past the tickly part!
*Rainy days.
*Kitchen gadgets and office supplies.
*Silence!
*Chocolate chip cookies on a rainy day.
*People-watching at airports.
*Spelling tests.
*Reading inspiring quotes.
*Eating at a restaurant alone and going to the movies alone.
*Getting the mail. A package is the best!
*Mail order catalogs.
*Being out and about.
*Email questionnaires.

What is something weird you like?

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Happy Sunday!

Ten Spiritual Tonics by Abraham L. Feinberg

1. Stop Worrying. Worry kills life.

2. Begin each day with a prayer. It will arm your soul.

3. Control Appetite. Over-indulgence clogs body and mind.

4. Accept your limitations. All of us can't be great.

5. Don't envy. It wastes time and energy.

6. Have faith in people. Cynicism sours the disposition.

7. Find a hobby. It will relax your nerves.

8. Read a book a week to stimulate the imagination and broaden your view.

9. Spend some time alone, for the peace of solitude and silence.

10. Try to want what you have, instead of spending your strength trying to get what
you want.


I liked this quote so I thought I'd share. I hope you are having a blessed Sunday!

Love, Janice

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

My Mom Sent Me This...

My Mom sent me the most touching email. It describes how I feel a lot. WARNING: It could make you cry. Thanks Mom. I hope it helps any of you other Moms who may sometimes feel invisible.

I'm Invisible

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response,
the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone
and ask to be taken to the store.
Inside I'm thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?" Obviously not;
no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the
floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can
see me at all. I'm invisible. The invisible Mom.

Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this?
Can you tie this? Can you open this?

Some days I'm not a pair o f hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a
clock to ask, "What time is it?"

I'm a satellite guide to answer, "What number is the Disney Channel?"
I'm a car to order, "Right around 5:30, please."

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the
eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude
- but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be
seen again. She's going, she's going, and she's gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the
return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a
fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed
in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together
so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I
looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could
find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a hair clip and
I was a f raid I could actually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling
pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped
package, and said, "I brought you this." It was a book on the great
cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me
until I read her inscription: "To Charlotte, with admiration for the
greatness of what you are building when no one sees."

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would
discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after
which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great
cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave
their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made
great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building
was fueled by their f faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit
the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a
tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man,
"Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that
will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it." And the workman
replied, "Because God sees."

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was
almost as if I heard God whispering to me, "I see you, Charlotte. I
see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you
does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no
cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over.
You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what
it will become."

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a
disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my
own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn
pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great
builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will
never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be
on.

The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could
ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing
to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend
he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, "My Mom gets up
at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes
a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table."
That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just
want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to
say to his friend, to add, "You're gonna love it there."

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if
we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world
will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that
has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

Great Job, MOM!

Share this with all the Invisible Moms you know .... I just did.

Uh, what to write......

I'm struggling with writer's block lately. I would really like to avoid having my blog be a complaint session that you must endure. EVERY day has something to complain about, but I want to keep away from that, so it's been difficult to update every day with something fresh.

As of late I've been doing things to try and earn some extra money....watching my friend's dog, Mary Kay, subbing....I really want to help out and get some bills paid down, so that's the bulk of what I'm doing. I'm still praying for God to lead us where he wants. He doesn't seem to be talking yet....story of my life!

The kids are good. We are planning for three big birthdays this month. Kyle is turning 9! (yikes!) and the girls are turning 5 (ouch!). I just registered them yesterday for Kindergarten (very bittersweet!). They are very much looking forward to their big days! All Kyle wants is an Ipod (that's all?). We are going to take the girls to Disneyland for the day..no brothers. We are going to have lunch with the princesses and let them pick out their birthday gift at Disneyland. I'm looking forward to it. (SHHH! They are going to get a call (recorded) from their favorite princess on their big day..Aurora for Lauren and Snow White for Brooklyn.)

Have a good day, and I love you all!
Janice

Monday, February 25, 2008

My Celebrity Soulmate


Take the Quiz




I have to admit I took the quiz several times! to get a different soul mate! First, I got David Beckham (sp?) then I got Brad Pitt. Since I'd never be remotely attracted to those two dimwits, I kept trying. At least this time, I got someone attractive! Minus his viewpoints and personality, I believe I came out a winner!


Love, Janice

P.S. I think he looks more like Pierce Brosnan than George Clooney!

Friday, February 22, 2008

It's Friday!

Hello all! I don't know about you, but I am so glad it's Friday! It's been a long week with Science projects being due, kid's homework, kids coming over, etc.

Yesterday, the girls got their kindergarten shots. Yes, I do agonize over them. I hate knowing they will be in pain. They got two in each arm, 4 total, yikes! I did take them, and their cousin Grace, to get an ice cream afterward, but their arms are still a little sore. Poor dears!

Today I'm working on paying bills, cleaning house, going to the grocery store, etc. We are out of everything!

Over the next ten days, I will be watching the neighbor's giant yellow lab named Clover. I should have some interesting stories to report with her and Riley together. Or, it may not be any different having one more giant animal (in addition to all the other ones) bounding around the house! What's one more? I tell you, this place is crazy sometimes! It keeps life interesting, and I wouldn't have it any other way!

Love ya,
Janice

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

I'm Done!

My taxes are done. I e-filed them, so I should get my refund by Feb. 29. I still hope I did them right. If I did err, it's to my own detriment. Anyway, it feels good to be done with that! I usually have them done by now. I seem to be behind on many items lately!

Another big thing to check off is that Noah turned in his science project today. Those always give me a headache. Any big project means work for me too. I have to make him do it. Next year both Noah and Kyle will have to do one. I'm really looking forward to that...yeah, right.

I can't believe I register the girls for kindergarten starting March 3rd. They still seem too little to send to school. I'm really not prepared for the gaping hole they will leave when they go. I need to start mentally preparing myself now. Most people get to let go one at a time. I have to let go of two at once. It will be the same pang of hurt when they go through all their milestones and added to that;they are the babies!

Now that my projects are done, I'm back to my regular stuff: picking up that toy for the 1,000,000,000,000,000,000th time, laundry, cleaning up just about everything under the sun, picking up that toy again, cleaning up the snow globe Brooklyn broke yesterday, picking up something Riley has chewed up, toy again, preparing food......all in a day's work. I'm waiting for something exciting to happen~I'll be sure to let you know when it does! I do have a hair appointment today; now that's something to get excited about!

Have a great day!
Janice

Sunday, February 17, 2008

The Two Sure Things

Yes, you guessed it...death and taxes. I'm doing the latter. Fun, fun.... Every year it makes me feel very stupid. I've done Turbo Tax for the last few years and with my Mary Kay business, I'm getting stumped. I think I'm doing this right, but who knows? Do I just do what I think is right and risk it, or do I pay money I don't have to a professional? I'm so scared to be audited, but I do buy their insurance that they will handle it if it happens. Most of all, I need this refund!
In addition to taxes, today was BORING! Sundays are often boring. I can't stand to be bored. I hate having a holiday weekend with nothing to do, and no cash. It makes me have a pity party of gigantic proportions, especially when I see others leaving to have fun for the long weekend. HO-HUM! I just keep telling myself, "Great is my reward in heaven." I did have some fun this week to be grateful for, but that was so yesterday!
To keep my attitude in check, I'll tell you the top ten things I'm grateful for today (in no particular order).
1. I'm actually getting a tax refund and I don't owe!
2. My family is healthy.
3. My house is not in foreclosure, yet. :)
4. God loves me.
5. Chocolate, need I say more?
6. My newest Mary Kay friends (They are very nice and encouraging).Old friends too!
7. My husband loves me despite myself.
8. Disneyland annual passes.
9. I am my dogs person.
10. I live in the United States.

Yes, I'm very grateful indeed!

Love you all,
Janice

Friday, February 15, 2008

Valentine's Day at Disneyland

Hello all! We had the best day at Disneyland yesterday. We met our Washington friends, the Auslands, and spent the day together. This year at Disneyland is called The Year of A Million Dreams (or something like that) and they give away prizes. I had not gotten one till yesterday. They gave 3000 people an extra hour in the park. After Disneyland closed, they rounded us up into an area until everyone had left the park. We danced the chicken dance, the hokey pokey, in a conga line, and then they let us free for one hour to ride as many rides as we wanted. We got to ride four rides, which is pretty good for an hour, and the park was virtually empty. 3,000 people in Disneyland looks just like a few! It was so great to be with our friends who we miss so much! It was great to see you Ausland family!

Today, we are recoving from our "Disneyland hangover", but clinging to happy times.
Have a happy day!
Janice

P.S. I put a couple pictures on my mobile blog. Sorry they are not the best!

Fleurdemobile

Saturday, February 9, 2008

Hi There

Hello friends! I hope you are all doing well. We are doing fine. Andrew arrived home safe and sound and all of the children are still alive:0)

I have to admit it is SO nice having Andrew home on a Saturday. I've spent so many home by myself and I hate it. We got many things accomplished that we have not had time to work on. I don't know how we'll handle the lack of finances from him not working, but we will enjoy having him home. Please keep praying about that. We are considering putting our house up for sale. It could be a short-term solution for some problems. Our house really is too small for all of us and the payment is too high!

We have moved down to a one TV family (well, only one connected to cable). We do have a small one for kid movies. One of our big TVs is broken so we went down to one. They were competing with each other anyway. I'm hoping we watch less as a result. I'm finding that I can live with a lot less TV as I get older. It feels like such a time waster. We have also given up keeping soda in the house. I know, that's a big one! I am a self proclaimed diet coke aholic; however, we decided we were all drinking too much soda so it's helping us to drink less. The kids get juice, milk, or water. I usually have iced tea or water. The kids can have soda when we eat out, go to other places, etc. Noah thinks he is going to die from this!
I am actually doing okay. Sometimes I still make a trip to 7-11 though! ( Amy, George misses you.)

Well, it's bath time for the girls. I hope you are all having a good weekend. I love you all!

Janice

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Viva, Las Vegas!

Andrew left for Las Vegas today. He is going to a conference for radiology something or another. He isn't coming back till Friday. I'm trying hard not to hate him feel sorry for myself. I'm the one who likes to go and do things. He is planning on doing lesson plans in his free time.....I'm thinking, "What in the world? I will never figure out that man!" He was saying it wasn't going to be much fun because he will be in meetings all day. I'm thinking, "It's quiet, no one is whining, you get to eat out....what's not to love?" This trip is totally wasted on him up my alley. And do you think anyone is going to fawn over me help me in my hour of need in being totally alone with the kids (like they do when he is alone). I'm guessing no......but I'm not bitter....:)

I do know that I will survive! I always do!

Janice

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

To post or not to post?

There are some days when I don't have much to say. This is one of them. I know, some of you, check for updates frequently. In an effort to not disappoint you, I try to find a tidbit to write. Today I helped in the boy's classrooms which I always enjoy. I voted (Yay me!). I picked up dry cleaning. I had a small skinny latte'. I mailed a Mary Kay product to a customer. Just a normal day.....

I do, however, have a prayer request. I mentioned previously that Andrew stopped working on Saturdays. He was told he was going to be given another job, so he gave a month's notice to give up Saturdays. Well..the other job called him Friday to tell him...."Yeah, we're not going to hire you after all"....So they strung him along for a month and now we are trying to find something to fill the gap. We cannot afford to go on without that income so please pray that we find something soon or that Mary Kay/ subbing really heats up. We are in need of something quick, so please pray for that too. We are stressing a little, but we know God is taking care of us. We do appreciate your fervent prayers on our behalf.

Thanks in advance,
Janice

P.S. I'll let you know how God answers!

Saturday, February 2, 2008

A Nice Day

It was a nice day today. We had a Mary Kay customer appreciation day and I took my best customer, my sister. It was fun to spend time with her without kids. Andrew stopped working on Saturdays (I'm biting my nails, financially, over that one) so I was free to go to this event. Melissa, of course, looked lovely after her color class and she had a fun time.

Andrew spent the day doing a few needed projects which always feels good. His Dad helped him get those done. I also got to get a pedicure which is always nice. It was time to get rid of the Christmas trees from my toenails!

We spent the evening watching my niece, Grace. Melissa watched my kids so we could go out last night and we are watching her daughter tonight. It is so nice to trade!
As I sit here, the kids are giggling and getting in trouble because they are supposed to be in bed. I'm getting the last laugh though because they don't know it's only 8:30 pm! He! He!

Here's hoping you get time to yourself,
Janice

Friday, February 1, 2008

Tag, I'm it!

I have been tagged my friend, Teri.
The Rules:
1. Find the nearest book of 123 pages or more.
2. Find page 123.
3. Find the first 5 sentences.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag 5 people.

Here it goes: The book: Don't Sweat the Small Stuff by Richard Carlson

"After all, none of us likes to be criticized. Our reaction to criticism is usually to become defensive and/or withdrawn. A person who feels attacked is likely to do one of two things: he will either retreat in fear or shame, or he will attack or lash out in anger."


_____________________________________________________________________________________

I like this little book. It's a "bathroom book" and the little segments are handy. There are many pearls of wisdom in it.
Have a good day.
Janice

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Don't worry, I'm fine....

I think I made my Dad worry about me with my blog yesterday. I guess it was kind of depressing, although it really wasn't meant to be. It was a moment questioning, why? Anyway, I hope I didn't depress you all to much.

Today was a fairly good day, except.....Well, you know the day when you know you're not dressed the best and you go to the store and see the person who is always dressed better than you at their worst.....Yeah, that happened to me. On the way to the store I was even thinking, "I bet I'll see her because I'm dressed shabby,dorky, fill in the blank....And I did! I did not apologize for my appearance because that just makes it worse....Anyway, I hate it when that happens!

My newest nephew, Matt, who is an electrician, came over today. He is going to help us with our kitchen lights! We are going to put 6 small potlights in the box, and a new flush mount above the sink, and maybe two pendants over the breakfast bar. We are also going to put in some under cabinet lighting. I'll send a picture when it is all done. It is very exciting. I love home improvements!

I'll write again soon.

Love,
Janice

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Is this it?

Lately, I've been thinking about life. I'm thinking that it is way to short to spend it in a mindless rut of survival. You know what I mean, just trying to make it through the day with everyone still alive. For the last couple of years, I've been in survival mode. I'm sure it was timed with having to move back to CA from a place I loved where there are people I love, however, there has got to be a way to make it work here too. I question God's purposes for putting me in this mindless rut of survival but I do know He has a reason, which is comforting. I sometimes think I should do something radical to simplify life...move to something cheaper (my house payment is about to eat me alive)....cancel all extra expenses that detract from life (TV, internet, etc.)....live in a Christian commune (do they exist?)....move back to WA. I don't know, I just want something different. I want my kids to be different (in a good way). I think it would be really nice to be having some fun. I welcome any ideas you loved ones can dish out.

Is this it? I hope not!
Janice

Sunday, January 27, 2008

It's like Washington Rain!

Hi there loved ones. It has been raining for a couple of days now. It makes me miss my Anacortes. Lauren told her Sunday school teacher, "I'm allergic to rain." She happened to be walking past the Sunday school room we were working in when she said it, so we heard it. She's a weird cookie!

We had our monthly family birthday party today. I had a great time sitting by the fire. I miss sitting next to a fireplace and being cozy. I know you are thinking, "But, you have a fireplace." We don't however have a grate to put anything on, tools, a gas log, nothing. Plus, I'm afraid the girls will burn themselves on the glass. I miss my last fireplace, it flipped on with a switch. I miss everything about my last place, especially the location. Okay, I know I'm whining!

Moving on.....tomorrow is a no school day. The teachers are there but the students are not. It means we don't have to get up early and I won't get any calls to sub tomorrow. Yeah! I like that.

Well, I'm off for now.
Love, Janice

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Potlights/Recessed Lighting







This is a picture of my ugly kitchen light.........Nice, huh? And below it is a picture of potlight/recessed lighting. I think it looks much nicer. I found this picture online (it's not my house). I wouldn't want you blog readers to be confused.


I stayed home from helping at the boy's school today. When I woke up I hurt all over! This little illness has kicked my butt! Anyway, I am feeling better just achey and tired. Dreaming about fixing up my house always makes me feel better though. I love you all. I hope you are all having a great day.
Love,
Janice

Monday, January 21, 2008

Getting Better!

The girls, Noah, and I have all been sick. It's taking us days to feel better. It's weird because it can be managed with Motrin till the fever comes back. We have just all felt like ick and very tired and cold! We have a cough too. I'm starting to feel normal again, but man, I hate to be sick! It makes me be a homebody and I start climbing the walls! Anyway, that's the reason my blog hasn't been updated...no oomph.

We are going to finally do something with the light in our kitchen. It's the last thing (in that room) that needs to be updated. We are thinking of what we are going to do. We took a trip to Lowes tonight and go some ideas...but I want potlights like on Divine Design! We'll see how it goes.

That's it for now, sorry, running out of oomph.
Janice

Friday, January 18, 2008

Murphy's Law Attacks!

Like I predicted, everyone is starting to get Brooklyn's illness. Lauren and Noah now have it and I think I have a touch of it. Kyle went to school today but he might be next! He said he felt fine. I don't have time to be sick. It's awfully inconvenient! I have no patience for illness! Sorry, my Type A is showing!

Anyway, that's what is new here. Exciting, eh? It doesn't make for such good blogging material, but it's real.

Love you all,
Janice

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Okay, Okay!

So I'm getting yelled at by my blog groupies of which there is one! Ha! Ha! I'm sorry for not blogging faithfully. I'm still here, yet only partially because my brain can only be at 10 places at once. Beyond that, I exceed capacity!

All is well here, except Brooklyn is sick. She has had a fever since Tuesday. Poor thing. She is pretty miserable. I'm sure Lauren or one of the boys will get it next. It's the Mom's murphy law....You finally get one better, then one more gets it, then the next, then the next....And so it goes. Luckily, I can stay home right now!

To catch you all up here is the top things that are going on in the Shepard house right now:

Mary Kay~ Okay, it's fun for Janice! Nice for everyone else when I get paid!

Illness!

Dog training! And he needs it!...eating off the table, getting in the front yard,
playing too rough with the kids...

Trying to clean the dang house! I can't seem to catch up!

Enjoying my Roomba! It's the little robot vacuum. It's working while I'm blogging!

Surviving Saturdays until February. Andrew has been working every Saturday since, I can't remember when! He is giving up Saturdays in February to do CT (computerized tomography) somewhere else. Although, that hasn't exactly come through yet! I'm biting my nails on how we're going to pay our bills till it does!

That's about it. I have not gotten to see my neighbor blogger friend, Karen, yet! I hope to see you soon! I know you only live down the street. It's pathetic on my part. I did sub in your son's classroom for a little while the other day! He is charming!

Have a great day all!
Janice

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Oy! Homework!

My favorite thing about Christmas or any vacation is the lack of homework! As of yesterday, it begins again. Not only that, but my son, Noah, has many missing assignments that have to be done (according to the progress report that gave me a heart attack!). Anyway, homework is a thorn in my side! Luckily, his teacher gives him a chance to make it up. I doubt he feels so lucky! He is going to be a busy boy for the time being!

Enough of that, I just got exciting news that I'm now a Mary Kay Senior Consultant. my niece, Amber, signed up yesterday. She is my first official recruit. She called me and said, "I think I'd like to sell Mary Kay." I think that is the easiest recruitment ever. I know she will be good at it.

On my other job front, I have decided to apply to teach in Yucaipa for the next school year. We will see. They have rejected me in the past. God will be in charge of this one. Well he was in charge of the last one too, he just said no. That always hurts. I'm going in with the assumption that nothing will happen so if it does I'll be pleasantly surprised. I'm in the process of getting letters of recommendation from three district employees,so that might help. It appears that it would help us financially, but you never know what God has around the corner. I'm just glad he is in charge and I don't have to worry about it.

Well, that's it for now.
Janice