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

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

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

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. :)

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

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

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

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

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