Since I haven't been keeping up on blogging like I'd like, I'll just make this a "One-Stop Shop" to get caught up. J
Of Sickness
Actually, we have had a pretty good winter as far as sicknesses go. But, with all of the flu going around, I knew that it would hit us sooner or later. It was later. But, Im glad to get it over with for the season. Our oldest son came down with it a couple of weeks ago, so we cancelled our school and drug out the TV so that he could watch videos while lying around in the living room. And, of course, his younger brother didnt mind
missing school OR watching videos. J
We have come to name our days of sickness as Pajama Day (Day 1) and Eating Day (Day 2). Like the names indicate, the first day usually consists of lying around in pajamas all day and not doing much. The second day probably should be called Recuperation Day but usually by then, they are feeling much better and are trying to eat us out of house and home. Thats when I run to the grocery store and stock up on juices, chicken noodle soup, macaroni and cheese, applesauce, and other foods that go down smoothly. Plus, its a good excuse to buy Krispy Kreme donuts and smooth & creamy AE chocolate milk. YUM! They are the best!
Well, our youngest son knew his days were numbered. Sure enough, he came down with the flu the next week. Thankfully, neither one of our boys got too awfully sick
and are back to picking on each other again. ~ sigh~
Of Severance
Norman is officially unemployed. His last day of work was January 13th. The company that he worked for has gone to Mexico
literally! He knew that it was going to happen, so at least it wasnt a big surprise to us. Since he had worked there for over 15 years, he was able to get a pretty good severance package, which also included some bonuses for staying until the end.
Of course, the amount looked MUCH better before taxes, but it was still a large enough amount that we were able to pay off the loan on our van and pay off our credit card. Besides still having our mortgage payment, we are debt-free! That is a very good feeling! Plus, we were able to put the rest of the money into savings to use toward a new house.
Our desire for many years has been to move closer to our home church, which is an hour away. Every Sunday and Wednesday, we have traveled back and forth for church services. It does get tiresome, plus we dont feel as connected to the other members as we would like to. We would like to get more involved in church work and this would be much easier to do if we were closer.
With Normans job terminating, we feel that now is the time. We had been waiting for a clear answer from God
and here it is. Our house is up for sale and we have been looking for another house to buy once this one sells. Also, Norman has been looking for another job. After his last day on the 13th, he was telling people that he was going to start his new job that next Monday
a full-time job looking for a full-time job. J
True, it can be a little scary, but we know that God will provide. He is leading us and He knows just what we need. We will trust Him to work this all out in the end
and to our good. He is faithful!
Of Snow Ice Cream
We received lots of snow at the beginning of winter, but it all melted as the temperatures warmed up. We then had some really nice days, even breaking some records across the state. It must have given our youngest son spring fever because he told me not too long ago that he was tired of winter and didnt want any more snow.
Well, yesterday we had another big snow and guess who was the first one out there to play in it and go sled-riding? Right
our 6-year-old! He and his older brother even made some snow ice cream with their dad while I was out grocery shopping yesterday afternoon. It really hadnt snowed very much yet when they made it, so Im hoping snow was ALL that they scraped up for their special treat. J
Snow ice cream really is fun to make and eat! Our youngest son was concerned when the ice cream was all gone, but I told him not to worry
We had a whole backyard of ice cream! J And now, although we dont follow any specific recipe, this is how we make it
Scoop up a huge amount of fresh, WHITE snow in a big container. Take it inside and add some milk or cream, chocolate syrup, some sugar, and a little vanilla. Stir it all together, adding more of the ingredients as needed. It should have the texture of homemade ice cream. You will need to eat it right away since it will melt very quickly. And, as far as freezing any remaining ice cream, I really couldnt tell you. We never have any left over. J
Enjoy!
~Connie~
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Jan. 21, 2006 - HI!
Luke applied for a few jobs too and he is substitute teaching in the public schools. It's not enough, so he's looking for more until he can start interviewing this spring for teaching jobs. Since teachers have the ideal family schedule (summers, vacations, good insurance and retirement package in Iowa) he's going to see if the Lord will have him go back to the mission field in the public school system. As he subs he remembers why he even started teaching in the first place: it's the kids! He just loves them. He's so good with all ages, and even as a sub they are calling him their favorite teacher! They even use his phrase, "Oh, that's just foolishness!" to each other. Funny. One class that was just given some book work went out of their way to make him biscuits (a foods class)! Well, that's certainly one way to my husband's heart! *grin* (The other being Krispy Creme :) - but that's more the way to his future heart disease, lol.
Who knows where we'll be looking for a home - depends on the job - but we will most certainly be in Iowa. I hope our next home is nowhere within 10 miles of a train! Those blasted whistles and dings and vibrating rumbles have been the source of many unahappy midnight moments for my babies during their naps and nighttimes. Blessings as you wait upon the Lord for your next move!
Jen
Sorry to go on and on on your blog.