May. 20, 2009 - Homeschooling while working

My friend Yunie in Indonesia asked me about how we are homeschooling since I am working outside the home.  Thankfully, our school for this year is done.  However, dd is currently working on her home ec course.  We started that a week ago.  Providing that the lesson isn't something which requires my help (like cooking an entire meal), she can do the lesson while I am at work. 

At some point, I will be working full time while taking a course on medical terminology.  Other than that, it is supposed to be 37.5 hours per pay, which is every two weeks.  However, my supervisor told me that based on need, she can schedule me up to full time hours (80 hours per pay), any time she sees fit.  Since things are so tight economically, and we don't see any signs of dh's business picking up, I will work as many hours as I can, just to try to keep us afloat. 

Once my training is done, if I am working mostly days, as well as mostly full time hours, we have decided that dd will just have to go to public school.  With an only child, we just don't feel it would be healthy to have her home alone, every day for 8-9 hours.  If it turns out that I am working mainly afternoons, then we would continue to homeschool because if she would be in public school, I'd be off to work every day before she got home.  The thought of only seeing her on the weekends doesn't set well with this mama's heart. 

Everything is basically up in the air as to what is going to happen this fall when school starts up again.  We will just have to wait and see.  In the meantime, I'm petitioning the Lord to grant me favor on my job, as well as granting me the hours that would work for us to continue homeschooling.

Dh and I have talked about how, in these hard, economic times, it is no longer about what we want to do.  Rather, it is about what we need to do.  And there is a world of difference between the two.  Thus, all the more reason to be pounding the doors of heaven for the Lord to make a way where there seems to be no way. 

UPDATE ON MY FINGER:  I got the stitches out Tuesday.  Immediately, it began to pull apart, so the doctor put "glue" on it that will remain there for a week.  Hopefully, it will be much better in another week.

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May. 19, 2009 - Cheap Photos

It is that time of year to get dd's annual pictures done.  Yet, money is so tight that I don't even want to take her to Walmart for their special because I know the temptation would be so great to buy the extras too.

We decided to do some photos here at home.  Here is what we came up with:

And this one:

DD actually took these photos herself:

And this one:

Instead of going to Walmart and paying one price to get several of ONE single pose, we ordered through Walgreens.  We had an online offer to buy 25 prints, get 25 free.  Since I had several other photos I needed, we took advantage of this deal, buying several copies of the above poses to share with relatives.  We also had a coupon code to get a free 8x10 of the first picture.  We used that picture because it would easily fit into an 10x13 frame that has blue matting in it.  Thus, no extra cost to frame it.

DD bought the leopard rug, pillow, and footstool at a garage sale.  She didn't pay much for them either!    My mom bought her the outfit and the shoes, so no $ out of our pocket for those either! 

 

For those who haven't heard the news:  I got the job at the hospital.    I will be working in admissions.  I had to go out and buy scrubs for the job.  I tried to find some at Rural King, but it was mostly mismatched stuff.  They have some of the cheapest prices in town.  Next, I went to the Uniform Shop which is owned by a former coworker of mine.  I found several items on their clearance rack which were actually cheaper than Walmart's prices.    My receipt said I saved just under $80 on the items I bought.  Only two of them were not from the clearance rack.  Lesson learned:  Don't always trust Walmart to be the cheapest!   

Another tightwad tip -- take a child with you who is old enough to run back and forth and change sizes for you when trying on scrubs!    DD was a great help to me, as scrubs are sized quite differently than regular clothes, so it required a lot of running back and forth to look for different sizes.

If you think of it, please pray that I can get some sleep.  I haven't been sleeping well for many weeks.  Also pray that dh's truck doesn't break down while he is out of town.  It is a very old truck, and not too dependable, but it's all he has to carry the heavy equipment he needs to complete the job.  It will be very frustrating if he works all those hours out of town, only to put most of the money into that truck. 

FYI -- Since I am now working outside the home, time does not allow me the luxury of posting comments.  I will try to visit your blogs though. 

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May. 15, 2009 - Job

I got the job!    The long-awaited phone call came in this morning, just after 9:30.  I have been on the go ever since.  I had so many things to do, but couldn't do them until I knew for sure that I got the job.  I still have LOTS more to get done over the weekend.  If you think of it, please pray that I don't over-do it.  If I over-do and get too tired, I tend to get sick. I don't need to do that if I'm starting a new job!

Here is a list of what we had to do today:

• call the doctor to make an appt. to get my stitches out on Tuesday,
• call the phone company (and I didn't want to do that until I knew I had the job),
• go to the high school and ask them to fax a copy of my transcript to HR,
• stop by a friend's house and drop off my A Beka order since they will be in town next while I am working,
• go to HR to get all the paperwork I needed from them,
• get scrubs bought (took a LONG time to get all that done),
• go to the chiropractor,
• go back to HR for a physical,
• go to the grocery store,
• make several phone calls,
• and I'm still not done! 

I have lots more to do tomorrow.  I will try to get online long enough to check emails and update my blog for next week, but that is about all I will get done on the computer.

I have a funny story for you.  When I got dressed this morning, I put on my "homeschool mom" t-shirt.  As we were walking into the public high school to get my transcript, it dawned on me what my shirt said. 

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May. 14, 2009 - Second Interview

I had my second interview on Tuesday.  Things went really well.  She all but told me that I have the job.  She said I would be hearing from Human Resources on Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday morning.  Here we are to Thursday evening, and I've heard nothing.    I even called HR twice to ask if they had any news on the job.  Nope.  I finally called and left a voice mail for the lady who interviewed me, and I never heard back from her.  From what she said on Tuesday, she needs me to go to HR Friday to do some prep stuff (like drug test, chest x-ray, etc.).  However, I can't do that until I am officially offered the job. 

Since I've been waiting on the phone call to offer me the job, I have stayed home, and I have stayed offline during business hours (we are on dial-up).  It is getting very frustrating because I have things I'd like to get done, but I can't do them while at home!  Plus, I need to be able to make out a menu plan for next week, based on what shift I'd be working.  DH is supposed to be out of town all week, so I also need to work out something for dd while I'm working.  Yet, I still don't know if I actually got the job, nor do I know what hours I will be working.

OTOH, I have gotten lots of other things done:

• Made laundry soap
• Made fabric softener
• Made 3 batches of energy bars
• Made shampoo
• Copied all of the table of contents to every high school course I have on hand
• Filed all the above-mentioned copies in a neat, orderly way in a 3-ring binder
• Took inventory of the freezer so I could make out a list of meals to use
• Wrote a grocery list
• Worked with dd on her high school home ec course

Since it looks like I'll still be waiting on a phone call tomorrow, I plan to:

• Wash the bedding
• Straighten the bathroom closet
• Straighten the bathroom cabinets
• Straighten the pantry closet
• Get clothes ready for church
• Try to finish reading a book I need to return to a friend.

It does help to stay busy! 

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May. 10, 2009 - My stitches

If you get grossed out easily, you will not want to view these photos!    These are photos of my finger, after smashing it in the car door.

This photo doesn't show it really well, but my finger is bruised from the top knuckle, all the way down past the bottom knuckle.  The bruising is actually spreading.  It is VERY swollen and puffy at the middle knuckle.

I told you it was gross!   I get weak in the knees every time I have to clean it. 

Here is a side view of the swelling.  (It has actually gone down, but the finger is still about double its normal size.) 

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May. 9, 2009 - Blogger of the week

I was featured as "blogger of the week."  What an honor! 

Here is a funny from when I smashed my finger in the car door yesterday:

We were at my mom's house.  She was trying to work the crossword puzzle in the paper.  They have changed them, and they are incredibly difficult for her now.  (They've always been too hard for me.)     Anyway, she was acting like a drama queen, whining, "They're too hard!"  (It was all in fun.  She doesn't normally act like this.)  Finally, I said, "Would you like some cheese to go with that whine?"  We all laughed.

DD and I went to leave, which is when I smashed my finger in the door.  I went back into the house and started running cold water over my finger, all the while saying, "Oh gosh, oh gosh, oh gosh," because it hurt so bad, and I do NOT do well at the sight of lots of blood, and there was a LOT of it gushing out.  

Mom walked up behind me and sweetly said, "I suppose now isn't a good time to ask you if you want some cheese to go with your whine."    I needed a laugh at that moment, so I really appreciated her humor.

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Apr. 24, 2009 - Funny thought

We took the day off from hs'ing on Friday since we are almost finished for the year.  We went to garage sales, Goodwill, did some shopping, and went out for lunch.  I commented later that I couldn't believe no one said, "Is there no school today?"

When I made that comment, we were all really tired, and thus, had a goofy sense of humor.  I said, "I wonder what a store clerk would do if she asked us that question and I got a look of horror on my face and said, 'What?  Isn't this Saturday?????'"  

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Apr. 22, 2009 - Spiritually Bored

I mentioned a few days ago that I feel spiritually bored right now.  I wonder if part of that is because I am not teaching at this time.  I haven't been teaching since August, when we left our previous church.  Teaching and encouraging women is a passion of mine, so that could easily explain some of the "boredom" I feel in my spirit. 

I also wonder if part of this boredom is the let-down of going from working at a very interesting job to staying home again.  I was getting a paycheck, which felt really good.  I was flourishing at the job and was gifted at doing it.  I am definitely a people-person, so I've gone from interacting with many people every day to being at home again.  It may just be an adjustment that is going to take some time.

I have still been reading the Word, though not every day.   I stopped reading one of my other books in hopes of reviving my spirit a bit with the help of another book.  That is certainly helping.  The book has given me much food for thought!  I won't post the title right now until I get further into it.    I have also tried to focus on having a thankful heart.  I am also spending more time in worship.  Worship always helps to lift the spirit. 

Our women's group is meeting this Saturday for brunch and a Bible study.  We are currently using some DVDs by Priscilla Shirer, who is the daughter of Dr. Tony Evans.  I really enjoy the "table-talk" we have after viewing the DVD.  We discuss the DVD as well as add personal applications to what was shared in the DVD.  I am really looking forward to attending this weekend.  (I just hope the high allergy-alert  allows me the opportunity to get out and enjoy my weekend.) 

A side note:  Our temps this week are going from winter to summer.  We have been as low as the 30s and will go as high as the 80s in a matter of a few days.  I just hope spring doesn't decide to skip us this year.    It seems like our winters go on forever, then we only get a couple of weeks of temps in the upper 60s and 70s before summer temps hit us for several months.

We are having our homeschool girls' group today.  Since I quit my job, I have been wanting to get the girls together again.  We will be doing games today.  Next week, I hope to show a DVD titled "The Truth About Guys."  It is humorous, but insightful. 

DD and her best friend have planned a really fun activity for a future girls' group meeting.  They are so clever!  Sorry, but my lips are  on this one! 

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Apr. 18, 2009 - My third grade teacher and other news

I got the chance to see my third grade teacher today.  Sandy and I have kept in touch all these years.  She came to my wedding in 1988.  On the first vacation dh and I took after our honeymoon, we went to Kentucky to visit Sandy and her family.  When she was in town visiting her mother shortly after I had my daughter (almost 13 years ago), she stopped by to drop off a baby gift.  I still remember the little bonnet with the pretty pink on it.  It was one of my favorites, so dd wore it a lot. 

Today, she and her husband are in town for the estate sale at her mom's house.  I took the time to stop by because I didn't know when she would be back this direction.  It was wonderful to chat with her, even if only for a short time.

It is always funny to hear the reactions of people when they discover that we have kept in touch after all these years.  You expect to keep in touch with friends from school, but not normally your teachers.  However, Sandy is a gem of a lady and I am blessed to have kept in touch with her over the years.

DD had a clogging performance last night at a local church.  DD's group performed a song, then ladies could come up and learn some basic steps.  At the end of the evening, all of the ladies performed the dance they just learned.  It was a lot of fun. 

The theme was "cowgirl's night" and they had several craft booths set up.  We got to make a necklace, a refrigerator magnet memo holder, and some trail mix.  We brought home the supplies to decorate tote bags.  They had all kinds of cool snacks:  smores, "cow patties" which were actually chocolate cookies dipped in powdered sugar, chili, crackers, and more.  One of our local homeschool moms had a booth set up to discuss money-saving tips.  She even had some of the homemade laundry soap that I have used for years.   It was a very fun evening.

There was a downer last night though -- one of the ladies whose dd also clogs, informed me that she just discovered she has colon cancer.   It has been a very rough couple of days since her diagnosis.  If you think of it, please pray for this family.  I do not think they know the Lord, so this may be a chance for the Lord to really get their attention.

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Apr. 7, 2009 - Update on dd

We finally got to see the doctor after dd's EKG and blood work that was done about a month ago.  The EKG was fine.  However, the blood work showed her iron is a little low.  I bought some Ferrous Sulfate today (liquid iron) so she can take some about 3 times a week.  Since the dizziness and passing out phases have backed off quite a bit, the doctor is not going to have her do the tilt-table test at the hospital.  However, if she starts having recurring episodes again, we will need to do the test.

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Apr. 5, 2009 - I quit my job

I turned in my resignation today at my job.  It just wasn't working out for numerous reasons.  There was an incident last week that was the "straw that broke the camel's back." 

To say my daughter is happy to have Mom home again is a huge understatement.  Unfortunately, I developed bronchitis and pharyngitis while working, so I'm trying to recoup.  It has really taken a toll on me.  I feel like I have walking pneumonia.  The slightest activity leaves me very short of breath and very dizzy.  I may be calling the doctor again tomorrow. 

Just an FYI -- We are trying to get switched from dial-up to DSL.  Our virus program runs out in two days.  I cannot get any free virus programs to download with our dial-up.  So if we don't get the DSL hooked up before Monday evening, I will not have access to the internet until we do get it hooked up.

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Mar. 20, 2009 - Modeling my new shirt

I love the full, long sleeves on it.      They make me feel very feminine.    And no, I didn't make it myself.  I bought it with $ dh gave me for Christmas. 

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Mar. 6, 2009 - Squirrel at the door

Our friendly squirrel is so tame that she will actually come up to the front door and take food from our hands. 

For those of you who are wondering how my new job is going, I haven't started working yet because they are still waiting on the paperwork to come through from state.  That can take two weeks.  However, I did receive my paperwork from state on Thursday, so I'm wondering if my employer received their paperwork at the same time.

~~ Stacy ~~

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Mar. 3, 2009 - Dr. visit with dd

They will have the test results by Thursday, and will call us if anything looks suspicious.  Otherwise, we go for another check-up in a month.  If you think of it, please pray that all goes well.  I'm trying not to worry and fret, but the thought of possible heart problems makes my mother's heart .

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Jan. 11, 2009 - Sunday

This winter has been very odd.  Seems like all we've had is ice, ice, and more ice.    Once again, we are under ice.  It's not a thick layer, but as dh said, "It is slicker than snot."    We are choosing to stay home from church today.  Since dh's work situation is the most dismal that I've seen in twenty years, the last thing we need is for me to fall down and mess up my back (or worse.)  Nor do we need to risk wrecking the car.    I guess that is my light-bulb moment for the day. 

I cannot believe that churches are not canceling services for today. 

I'm going stir crazy with being stuck at home.    I really wanted needed to go to church to be with like-minded people.  I am going through the most difficult time in my life and church always helps to refresh me and encourage me.  (I am a people person, so that explains a lot as to why church is so important to me.)  I told someone the other day that going through my miscarriage was MUCH easier than what we are currently facing.  The job situation here is so dismal.  Our city is in the top 10 in the nation for dying out.  It is incredibly hard not to be fearful, but I am trying to stay in the Word (or at least meditating on promises I have memorized), to help keep hope alive in my heart. 

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Dec. 11, 2008 - No more braces!

     This week I am thankful that dd's braces were removed and we are now done paying that monthly bill! 

     I am also thankful for the wonderful time I had at the Mom's Night Out this week, and for my dear friend who agreed to host the meeting. 

One final look before being removed:

After:

DD is thankful to be able to chew gum again, as well as blow bubbles! 

Merry Christmas!
Stacy

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Dec. 6, 2008 - My birthday

  to me! 

DD went to spend the night with a friend last night so that I could attend the women's Christmas brunch at church this morning. 

I had a very productive afternoon after dd left.  I received a professional writing assignment earlier in the week.  I took the time a few days ago to look up the portions of scripture I had been assigned and get a basic idea of what direction I wanted to go with each devotion.  I got the titles, key verses, and final thoughts written, but didn't have the bulk of the devotions written.  I got them all typed up and sent off yesterday!    What was really neat to me is that a couple of the scriptures assigned to me were ones I had just recently studied.  God never ceases to amaze me.    He knew I was going to write on those portions of scripture, and He showed me some insights in those portions that I'd not seen before.   

I also got things more organized for the gifts in a jar class I will be doing on Friday.  (If you want more details, see my Tightwad Tuesday post.)   Now I am brainstorming, trying to figure out the best way to lay things out on Friday so that it moves smoothly for the 14+ people who will be here.  If I can think ahead, it will help alleviate feeling like   and as the day approaches. 

Once dh got home last night, we went out to Mancino's to celebrate my birthday.  We both got coupons from there for some freebies.  That was a nice treat! 

And........we are getting more snow.  Not to mention that with wind chills added, our temps are in the single digits.    I think I'll wear my thermals to the brunch this morning.    

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Dec. 4, 2008 - Thankful Thursday & Chosen One

This week I am bubbling over with gratefulness.  Dh and I completed a survey for our insurance company.  As a thank-you, they sent us each a Walmart gift card, but didn't tell us how much was on the card.  DD and I went out Wednesday to get groceries.  When I went to pay, I ended up getting $95 worth of groceries, and still had $4.82 left on one of the gift cards!   

I am thankful that one of our pastors is getting a much-needed ablation done on his heart TODAY!  God has really opened a door there that has seemed tightly shut.  What a wonderful Christmas this will be for his family, knowing that his health should improve immensely. 

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Nov. 30, 2008 - Snow!

We have snow!  When I checked the Weather Channel, they were saying snow, freezing rain, and sleet.  I opted to stay home from church since our church is on the other side of town.  We have to travel the local highway to get there, and early on Sunday mornings, there is not a lot of traffic.  I thought the lack of traffic may lead to the roads being a bit more treacherous and didn't want to risk our safety.  Plus, I knew dd would want to be home to play in the snow! 

By 7:30 this morning, I had my bed stripped and had cleaned the room, as well as washed the nic-nacs in there.  I figured if I'm going to be home, I might as well be productive! 

Next, I made whole wheat cinnamon waffles and fried eggs.  With the snow, it just seems like one of those mornings where you should eat something hot instead of cold cereal. 

On Friday, I got most of our Christmas gifts wrapped.  I have a few more to dig out of the closet, but just haven't wanted to tackle that one yet.  Friday evening, I took dd out to see about getting her some new boots.  I got her a pair of $75 boots for less than $28.  I also got a mini hand sanitizer and an 11 oz. thing of vanilla bean body cream from Bath & Body Works for only .69!    That is my kind of shopping!

Saturday, I took my mom out to do some of her Christmas shopping.  It was so much fun to spend someone else's money!    Thank you, Linda, for keeping R for me while Mom and I went shopping.  We had a great time.  (Though my back isn't quite sure about that.  I have a feeling I'll be seeing the chiropractor this week.)

One thing we noticed while shopping is that our Target store is MUCH cheaper on toys than Walmart.  We were shocked by that.  So ladies, be sure to watch those prices! 

Dd wants to make some Christmas goodies.  We have been brainstorming on what to do.  We are thinking about making pumpkin bread, dipping small pretzels in white chocolate, making Reese peanut butter tarts (that is dd's favorite), cookies, and chex mix.  My next thought was to invite dh's side of the family over about a week before Christmas so we could fellowship and enjoy dd's treats.  She is really getting to that age where she likes to decorate and bake special things.  Though money is tight right now, I do think it is a worthy investment in her to allow her the opportunity to do this, especially since she has mentioned it several times.   

Dd recently attended a candy-making class, so that is all she's talked about lately.  I'm thinking perhaps I should investigate doing my own candy-making class for some of the homeschoolers.  It seemed to be a real hit at the class they took, but they didn't get to take much home or make very many items.

Have a blessed Sunday!  I'll post my Monday Meme sometime later this afternoon. 

I decided to add some pictures of our snow.  The first one was taken while looking out our front window:

 

Dh peeking around the garage:

 

DD ducking a snowball from dad:  (Notice the snowball in her hand.) 

And the snowball fight is on:

 

Dh preparing to throw a shovel of snow at dd:

 

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Nov. 27, 2008 - Happy Thanksgiving!

I wanted to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving.

We will be heading over to my parents' house today to join the extended family.  I doubt that we will be staying too long because we think dd has a cracked rib.  She has been in constant pain since late Tuesday afternoon. 

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