tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68739095040870333622024-02-20T23:19:50.814-06:00Living On TreesAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09019001056000518874noreply@blogger.comBlogger461125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873909504087033362.post-22071959936710698662013-10-20T21:48:00.000-05:002013-10-20T21:48:21.194-05:00Here We Go...It's opening weekend for duck season. Which translates to it being a Kinley/Mommy weekend. I keep thinking that the days will get easier the older she gets, but truth be told, it just stays difficult in a different way. <br />
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It's report card time. I have so much work to catch up on, and a three year old is not sensitive to those needs at all. I was a totally bad mom and had the TV babysit her most of Saturday. Judge me. Don't care much.<br />
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Today, her cheer practice was cancelled so I decided to take her to my mom's group Halloween party. I paid out the nose for her costume, I might as well get as much use out of it as I can! Overall, it went pretty well. She only bullied once! From that party, we went to the local high school for their National Honor Society's read in. The students dressed in costume and read to the students. They had pumpkin painting, face painting (her absolute favorite) and games. It was really a cute set up. But, we left a hot mess. She was being mean and not listening....running through the halls with me chasing behind her. Ugh! Such glamorous times as a mommy!<br />
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I know I've been MIA from this blogging thing, so many things that I hit on in posts will be in bits and pieces. We are obviously having issues with behavior with Ms. Kage. She's a bit of a bully. I blame us, 100%. We've given in to her every desire and basically worshipped the ground she walks on for almost four years. We are paying dearly for that now.<br />
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I say that she has only child syndrome, but it's not an excuse. She's a mean girl. I fear how she will turn out once hormones hit. We're working diligently to fix our mistakes. It's so not easy. Her expectations are ridiculous. Way to go, us. I am hoping to find a nice balance of showing her our love but making her a loving child at the same time. I know it's possible...but it's a lot of work to fix a mess that's been in the making for so long.<br />
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Don't get me wrong here. She's not a naughty bully all of the time. It peaks right around nap time. And when she doesn't get that nap. But we have days where it can go all day. Ugh. Those days. <br />
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So yeah, that's been a steady battle for us lately. <br />
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Work is hard. H.A.R.D. Teaching is great. The paperwork and data collection, not great. I will admit, teaching is not what I thought it would be. Or how I watched my elementary teachers do it. I feel like I am there teaching for 7 hours and then I have to use about 5 hours beyond that to collect data and organize it. Add that to my wife and mommy role and you get one exhausted lady. Here we are finishing the first quarter and I feel like it should be May. I question how I will survive! I am so thankful for my teaching team. They are my lifelines, for sure.<br />
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And did I mention that we have a new house? We bought it and moved in right after the fourth of July. It's so fantastic. We love, love, love it. I can finally say that everything is painted. That was insane. Why I didn't hire it out is beyond me. Most rooms have super high ceilings and that makes it so not fun to paint. We didn't do the ceilings....so that will be hired out. For sure. We put a deadline on ourselves with this home improvement stuff. Kinley's birthday party is December 7th, so we want to be done by then. Or with the first round of improvements: paint, furniture, major decor. So yeah, painting is done. Dining room is mostly done. I have a lot of windows in need of covering, but what to do with them completely eludes me. And I'm okay with that right now. My plate overflows with everything else in life. There is no room for windows.<br />
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For the first time in about...oh, seven years, I feel settled. When my life crashed with my divorce, I was left feeling changed. I felt like I couldn't grow roots or feel settled anywhere. It was a feeling that I could not get past. It left me searching for something, but I couldn't figure out what it was. I still don't know what it was, but that feeling is gone. The emptiness, the loss, the longing...it's gone. I think that it was having a home. A real home. That's what I needed to feel complete again. So this home has fulfilled so many voids and answered so many prayers. Kinley loves her home and we love coming home here. It was a good thing for us.<br />
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We are in a good place right now. Things are moving in the right direction at the right pace. I have hope for us again. <br />
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Kage was very excited and actually wanted to see all of the exhibits. Last year, she wanted to see one or two and that was the extent of it. Granted, she only wanted to see each animal for about 2 minutes before moving on...but it's progress.<br />
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We spent the majority of the day there and the weather just got better as the day went on. It was a good day. <br />
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When we got home, we spent time outside. I decided to look through some of our boxes in the garage. We never fully unpacked when we moved into this house. It's still too temporary for me. But it was a little bit like Christmas to see some of our stuff that I haven't seen in six or so months. Kin rode her bike, her car, her other bike...the child has an abundance of outside toys. You'd think we spent more time out than we do. But no, she's just an only child and hasn't a need in this world.<br />
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Our weekend wrapped up with a nice grilled steak dinner and "marsh-pillows" on our backyard fire pit. So relaxing!<br />
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Just before it was time to put Kage to bed, I decided to just buck up and get the running shoes on. Despite being totally freaked out by our neighborhood, I ran. I didn't make it too far....but I feel that I broke through that first time. And maybe the second time won't be so hard. And the third....<br />
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Happy Monday to you! I will be blessed to corral 26 5th graders on the first day back from Spring Break! Good times!<br />
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Since starting at this new pre-school, Kinley had really taken to these two {rowdy} boys in her class. Okay, so every boy seems rowdy to me. She just adores Danny and Nicolas. She thinks they are the coolest.<br />
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So, I guess I can thank them for my little girl's love for talking about chicken poop.<br />
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Everything is chicken poop.<br />
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Kinley, what do you want for dinner? Chicken Poop.<br />
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What do you want to wear today? Chicken Poop.<br />
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What did you say? Chicken Poop.<br />
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Want to take a bath? In Chicken Poop?<br />
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What do you want to play? In Chicken Poop.<br />
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And to make things even more fun....<br />
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We have a new phrase that she's brought into the house. What does she want to eat? Chicken Poop and Pee Sauce.<br />
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Three year olds are so fun!<br />
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I will continue dressing her girlie for as long as she lets me! :)</div>
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I haven't blogged this entire school year. Well, I popped in here and there, but really, it's been since the summer that I really sat down to blog. I have to figure this whole thing out, again. It's hard to make sense of this spilling your thoughts onto a keyboard thing. Something that once came so easy to me, now isn't so much. Remembering that your thoughts are loose and allowed to come out without a filter is something that I've learned to curb over the last 8 months.<br />
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My spring break is over. I had intentions a mile long for this break. And none of it happened. I'm feeling a bit down about that. In my head, spring break was going to be amazing. Spring break was going to be huge for me. Big changes, getting ahead, figuring things out, feeling on top of my game. None of it.<br />
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I've been on a weight loss kick. Cause, you know, I love failure. I started with a program through Kinley's pediatrician. Yes, I said her pediatrician. I know....makes no sense. Her doctor is a homeopathic practioner and she sees everyone. But technically, she's a pediatrician. She is on a weightloss venture herself, so she decided to open up her journey and hire a nutrition coach to help us along. So why not?! It's a regimen of shakes, some nutritional supplements and diet. Supposed to be exercise too, but yeah, I've not gotten that far.<br />
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I see the nutritionist every couple of weeks, for menu help and accountability. But let's face it....it's slow going. I am so discouraged. I am totally the kind of girl that needs instant gratification, if I'm going to stick to something. I'm down 7 pounds. Yes, that's it. My husband has been doing the diet and shakes with me (no supplements or nutritionist meetings) and he's down like, 12. It's so not fair. He can eat Mc Donald's twice a day and still lose. True, he's got a super active job, and I teach....but still. It's so not fair. <br />
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So over spring break, I had these huge ideas. Initially, I wanted to travel solo. I need a break: from life. From the everyday. I wanted to head to the Myrtle Beach area. Why? Well, because who doesn't want to retreat to a Nicholas Sparks based novel. Right? Yeah, I am that shallow. But on this solo trip, I envisioned this amazing 14 hour drive, alone, <strike>blaring</strike> listening to my music (not Three Little Ducks or The Cat Came Back), stopping when <em>I</em> want to stop and seeing what <em>I</em> want to see. Upon arrival to my Nichaolas Sparks novel setting, I envisioned staying in a little room near a beach. I would do nothing but sight see, run, read, rest, run, rest, eat yummy food and read some more. I envisioned this being my agenda for about three days before driving home feeling refreshed and renewed in life.<br />
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When I see her smile like this, all is perfect in my world. :)</div>
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In her world, blue ice cream with sprinkles and "nim nims" make everything perfect.</div>
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Instead, I did three days in the Dells with the fam. Was it nice? Sure. Did I make amazing memories with the family? Sure. Do I feel that renewed sense of self that I <em>so</em> desperately needed? Not at all. So yeah....I wrap up this spring break feeling the slightest resentment (at myself)....as I knew I would. I need to be my own advocate.<br />
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My break wasn't all bad...I did get highlights in my hair. I got my eye doctor appointment done, and ordered new glasses (my current pair is about 4, maybe 5 years old). I balanced our check book and cleaned the house. But aside from that, my feet have yet to hit the pavement (thank you, Mother Nature, for the rainy and cold weather), I haven't picked up a book and the only "rest" I have had is at midnight when I sit up thinking about the things that I wanted to get away from. Yes, pity party for one, please.<br />
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The whole running thing stems from the fact that I volunteered to co-coach the 5th grade running club. Yeah, the girl that can barely walk the block without becoming winded. Running Club. Hold me! This is going to be rough. So my goal was to build my stamina over spring break. Didn't happen.<br />
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I think that most moms feel that strong desire to just get away. Or, I hope they do. I sure would feel like a mommy fail if I am the only one that just wants a break. <br />
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My plan didn't work out. So I'm working to make the best of it. <br />
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Kinley and I had some great bonding time and we really had fun together. She had a play date yesterday with a co-worker's little girl. She had so much fun. Last night, we went to her swimming class and today her ballet lesson. Being a mom sometimes is more than you ever dreamed that you bargained for, but it's a life that I can't imagine doing anything else.<br />
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School is over in just about 7 weeks. I then have my summer break to get back on top of things, feel renewed, become the mommy that my little girl deserves and get the ball back in my court. We have a renewed zoo membership to use and I am hoping to spend a lot of time outside with my baby girl. My feet will hit the pavement and I will become a runner. Somehow, someway. :)<br />
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When we expanded our family and welcomed Miss Kinley Grace into our lives, we held tight to one major rule: We would always be home for Christmas. We both live a decent distance from our families. Mine is about 3 ish hours south and his is about 5 ish hours south. We are lessening our travel as the months go by, which is good. But we <strike>almost</strike> always are on the road for holidays. We are the ones to travel. Easter, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving.... and Christmas. But our rule of being home for Christmas is number one. We will travel to celebrate before the holiday or after, but Kinley wakes up on Christmas morning in her own house. Not too much to ask, no?<br />
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Last year wasn't too bad. She was super young, didn't care too much about the gifts. We opened presents and then traveled to my parents house around lunch time. This year, it will be different. My in-laws are going on a cruise, so we won't celebrate with them until after the new year. My family is celebrating the Sunday before. This is the first time (since Kinley) that we have no where to be on Christmas day.<br />
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At first, I was a little sad. But then I realized what a golden opportunity I had before us. We can start our traditions this year. What do we want Christmas day to be like for Kinley? What traditions do we want to carry on year after year? What do we remember from our childhood that just made the day "Christmas!" <br />
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So with that, we started to discuss making a big Christmas dinner. Yes, it's just the three of us, and well, what's the point....but the point is that it is our family. We deserve just as much a celebration--even if there are only three of us. I still get kind of teary thinking of not being with our families on Christmas day, but I want to be home. That trumps all.<br />
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We have hopes that someday the families will travel up here to spend the holidays with us (at least some of the holidays) but until then...Christmas will be ours. And spending it in a car is not how we want to spend the day.<br />
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What we're thinking, so far, is visiting a new church for midnight mass (why not break it in on the busiest night of the year!), a special cinnamon roll breakfast after opening presents, watching a Christmas movie together, preparing a nice meal (ham, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, corn, green beans, deviled eggs.....you get the idea) and then..... we're not sure what. That's where the blog community comes in. Help me plan a day to remember....<br />
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What is the timeline of your Christmas day? Do you have a special breakfast? Do you prepare a big meal? What dish is special for Christmas day? Do you watch special movies? I'm open for ideas and suggestions!<br />
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I pulled out the sweater that is the closest to green that I own...it's totally a "teacher sweater" but I don't care. Yesterday afternoon, I went in to school to work on my plans for the week. It's something that I've done almost every weekend since late August. I actually enjoy the solitude of a silent school building. But yesterday, I needed Richie to come with me. I needed the extra strength of someone there with me.</div>
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He walked me in and get me situated in my classroom. My classroom is the first room on the left past the office. He had me step out of my classroom to see how much of me or my door could be seen from the office, just in case. We discussed the lock down plan that my school has in place and how I could make it safer for my students. After some time, we agreed that I was okay for him to go and run an errand. So he left, and I stayed in that solitude.</div>
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I couldn't work. I stared out the tiny rectangular glass window in my classroom door. I stared as if I were waiting and watching. I heard noises that normally wouldn't make me think twice. I texted Richie to tell him that I couldn't do it. I couldn't be alone there.</div>
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This is a room where I have spent countless hours. I have spent many nights, weekends, holidays. This is a room full of life and color and love. But that day, it was empty.</div>
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As I got ready for work today, I couldn't help but think of the teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary that started their Friday in much the same way. Thinking of their plans for the day. Seeing the students that you call your own. Making plans for the holiday...asking yourself if you got everything that was on your list. They didn't see this coming. None of us did.</div>
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We teach. We aren't soldiers. We have hearts and love for the students that walk into our classroom and trust us with their precious minds. We aren't programmed to handle the stress and fear that comes with the job nowadays. </div>
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Our school is holding an emergency meeting today, to discuss how things will be changed and affected since Sandy Hook. I was happy to have my family to hold close this weekend in the fall of this tragedy. But today, I can't help but look forward to seeing my other 27 children that I hold dear to my heart as well. Children whom I would go to the ends of the earth to protect. I want to be there to allow their sense of security and safety to rebuild. To rebuild my own sense of security and safety. </div>
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Right now, it's shattered. Being home alone while Kage is silently sleeping (in my bed) makes me fear the unknown. What happened to the United States? The people are not supposed to live with this fear. The fear that one of our own will turn on us. A silent face in the crowd.</div>
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My husband kissed me an extra time this morning, and hugged me before he left. He's afraid too. I'm not sure how long it will take to feel secure again, but I look forward to a day where I don't fear going out and taking my baby with me. I look forward to a world that I can have faith in again.</div>
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My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. So close to Christmas, their loved ones were taken away. The Christmas tree will be a reminder of this tragic loss. The gifts have been purchased, their beds lay empty. Their rooms still have the crumpled PJs on the floor from the night before. Their favorite cereal is in the pantry. Their toys still on the floor. I couldn't handle it. I'm sure they haven't slept--haven't eaten--haven't breathed a breath without regret for what they wish they could have or would have said if they had only known.</div>
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Today I'm wearing my green and white to honor those lost at Sandy Hook Elementary, my thoughts are with you.</div>
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She swears that Lucy did it. Clever dog.<br />
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Yes, that says 3 weeks late. I am so beyond frustrated. And tired of sex. We are trying to catch the ovulation but it's just seeming a bit impossible. I mean, it's been weeks of "it could be any day now!" And well, we're still waiting and trying. Yeah.<br />
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And ovulation tests don't work for me. I tried them one cycle in the past and had over 2 weeks of positive results and still no period. <br />
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And I think that someone with a mean sense of humor sent me this from Enfamil. Not that I've ever used formula, or would consider it, but still. Not funny, Enfamil. Thanks for the reminder that I'm *not* pregnant. Anyone need Emfamil checks? They sent me those too. <br />
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<br />
I want another baby so bad. <br />
<br />
Kinley wants another baby, so bad.<br />
<br />
She wants a "brudder."<br />
<br />
We've been "trying" for a few months now. But after the first couple, we realized that we weren't really <em>trying</em> but more hoping. <br />
<br />
I mean, we've never prevented, but we weren't really trying either. Without getting all TMI on you, lets just say that we didn't do things as often as someone would if they were in fact "trying."<br />
<br />
So on a whim, I got this text from the hubs that says, "I think we need to actively start trying again."<br />
<br />
Ummm, wha huh?<br />
<br />
I responded to him that we were, actively trying.<br />
<br />
It was him that reminded me that we in fact, weren't. And he was right.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1f1AioqWgoYmHFUZ-bcTfiHKZ0Yr8GtkpfpojdoqyjOH7PNPMh_43-3SIyxCRazXTR7M-rbkexwdjaEE8NMdEHydaGVmC8IJ0RmAuyZk3YBL4ufvsTqiWgQlo50-gUPQb0P8_p7uIdc/s1600/cycle.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1f1AioqWgoYmHFUZ-bcTfiHKZ0Yr8GtkpfpojdoqyjOH7PNPMh_43-3SIyxCRazXTR7M-rbkexwdjaEE8NMdEHydaGVmC8IJ0RmAuyZk3YBL4ufvsTqiWgQlo50-gUPQb0P8_p7uIdc/s320/cycle.PNG" width="213" /></a>So here we are back on the band wagon and on <strike>month </strike>cycle two. If only I had regular cycles. No joke, my cycles range from 96-ish days to 35-ish days. Yeah. How am I supposed to work with that?</div>
I have the app that is supposed to help us know when those special days are...but according to the app, I was fertile three weeks ago--and I'm now fertile again for the next cycle. Ugh. So frustrating.<br />
<br />
According to this app, I am 18 days late. Normally, that would have every woman running for the "Family Planning" aisle at the closest Walgreens. <br />
<br />
For us, it's causes zero concern. <br />
<br />
And that makes me mad. <br />
<br />
I want the excitement of the "what if!?" and I want to anticipation of OMG, I'm late! But nope, no cause for concern. I have the log of all of my cycles and my cycle this time last year, was 96 days long. So yeah.<br />
<br />
I have zero symptoms of being pregnant, and zero symptoms of starting a period any time soon. I have so had it.<br />
<br />
I recently celebrated my 34th birthday, and Kinley just had her third birthday. Our window of opportunity is closing, quickly. We truly don't want a huge gap in our children's ages. And I don't want to face the health risks of an <em>ahem</em> older pregnancy.<br />
<br />
So back to my pity party....another blogger just announced her pregnancy. Baby #2. They decided four months ago that it was time to expand their family. Boom, bang. Done.<br />
<br />
Must be nice.<br />
<br />
I am bitter. Allow me to be bitter. I'll get over it sooner than later.<br />
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<br />
I guess a good place to start would be to look back on the last thing that I updated...but who has time for that. I have my {almost} three year old in bed screaming at her babies to "lay down and go nigh-night!" but forgetting to take her own advice. Yeah, I know that it's already 10:30 and I'll have one heck of a morning fight tomorrow when it's time to rouse her for day care. We got in from a three night stay away from home only about two hours ago. Since then, it's been mad dash cleaning and preparing for the week ahead. It's a short one indeed, with thanks to Veteran's Day, but the short weeks always seem longer. I traded my rare "alone time" with the hubs for thirty minutes of blog time. Good trade-off? We'll see. I guess it will depend on how well my thoughts flow from this jumbled mind of mine onto the keyboard.<br />
<br />
So, I got a job. I am teaching 5th grade in the same school where I student taught. I was hired about two weeks before school started. From the second I got the phone call, I have been working non-stop. The room was in disarray when I was hired. The teacher that I replaced moved to Florida and only had time to grab her most personal belongings. I fared well with that because I walked into a nearly furnished classroom. Well....nearly. I still had so much work to do. Because all that she did leave, was scattered EVERYWHERE. So in the matter of a day, we had to get Kage back into a day care and me into work. Huge life change.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5paSYnUhfUKwDIWnLDPZtOM7o3F0g5gMru8adyhFt1cvQm1WIQtvPbE3OLoNhiX_StxaB8nsYOB5nD3lIdLpVE-U7Dxpj2wYd5Ox6Ok-4QJyO9eRKcIdC4i7kI6eFRvetZLxzvond_xs/s1600/066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5paSYnUhfUKwDIWnLDPZtOM7o3F0g5gMru8adyhFt1cvQm1WIQtvPbE3OLoNhiX_StxaB8nsYOB5nD3lIdLpVE-U7Dxpj2wYd5Ox6Ok-4QJyO9eRKcIdC4i7kI6eFRvetZLxzvond_xs/s320/066.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">After two days of cleaning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I had the best moving crew!</span></div>
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Once I met my students, I realized I had my work cut out for me. Twenty-eight fabulous students all in my hands....and I love every minute of it. But, being a first year teacher (at an unfamiliar grade level) leaves me busier than ever. I work about 11 hours a day. And weekends. <br />
<br />
Hence, the lack of blogging.<br />
<br />
Any spare moments that I find, I give to my family. My evenings are precious. My baby and my super supportive husband deserve more of me than the blog did. That's what it comes down to.<br />
<br />
You understand, right?<br />
<br />
It's almost impossible to fill you in on the last four months. Impossible. But here's a run down of a few things that come to mind:<br />
(if you know me at all, you are so not surprised by the bullets)<br />
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<ul>
<li>We moved. We now live about 15 minutes from my school, 10 minutes from her day care. It's a nice(r) three bedroom/two bath/2 car garage home. Still a rental but one stop closer to buying. And we're out of our cracker box apartment.</li>
<li>Kage is now in a home day care. And we love, love, love it.</li>
<li>Kage has fully potty trained. (yesssssssss!)</li>
<li>We took our first family "vacation" to the Wisconsin Dells in October.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0A-D_fXYcNjnHH32rgCErQ3M9tF2uL24g0ZMRcyb0HOYeA9tIGwtXLin-A_ER34skL3w2rg47NKnYbPIYKUYtJS2hbDacjv8xrVlka0F8pK826IzW_icbx0zZtTN0shCq9JE7x_QVbc/s1600/197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0A-D_fXYcNjnHH32rgCErQ3M9tF2uL24g0ZMRcyb0HOYeA9tIGwtXLin-A_ER34skL3w2rg47NKnYbPIYKUYtJS2hbDacjv8xrVlka0F8pK826IzW_icbx0zZtTN0shCq9JE7x_QVbc/s320/197.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxEM2E5eYKJ_0cgb36Wza7z3iUshHOcJidO3kN6ezj-dYsXeUqOZa4L0fnSa7IAuIJOkcJc9BMxfT5UWdSg4MTh-UPeUA7DRklHu9cWRFSdBNzmZf2dyBi79ShXEmrUd0_fvV3WTU7Lo/s1600/211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxEM2E5eYKJ_0cgb36Wza7z3iUshHOcJidO3kN6ezj-dYsXeUqOZa4L0fnSa7IAuIJOkcJc9BMxfT5UWdSg4MTh-UPeUA7DRklHu9cWRFSdBNzmZf2dyBi79ShXEmrUd0_fvV3WTU7Lo/s320/211.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<li><div style="text-align: left;">
We fell off of our budget band-wagon, but are slowly climbing back on. Ugh, this has been a difficult one to face.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Kinley got her first bicycle (or Ride-a-cycle, as she calls it.)</div>
</li>
</ul>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwzQRmhm5NYX87JDwA3fMnbPBAiyHE9TrvSWIHK3Aam-3o3ZYI3UCdViKNcDNkdezJMUFcOi8qwliB1-EomlLx9SDnur5l3478yha-0_jAhZLM2EYqPaPjGy4zJDx1MUAiWxylCjujBY/s320/240.JPG" width="240" /></div>
<ul>
<li>We celebrated Halloween with the cutest Minnie Mouse you ever did see!</li>
</ul>
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In addition to all of those highlights, I feel like I have changed so much since I last considered myself a "blogger." I have been allowed the opportunity to reevaluate my time with my family. I feel like Richie and I get along easier, or maybe that depends on the day. :) But overall, I guess I just feel more settled knowing that I'm doing a job that I love, and one that I worked so hard to get. The time that I am "off" is more valuable than ever before. Stay-at-home moms have it rough, but so do working moms. I've been blessed to play both sides and I honestly couldn't tell you which one I enjoy more. They both have their perks!</div>
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I'm not sure when to say that I'll find time to blog again, because I honestly don't know....but I am hoping to get back to it more regularly. I miss my little therapy sessions! I look forward to reading up on my favorite blogs to see what everyone has been up to since I've been gone!</div>
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Till then... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKpiGpFdWbco9oVgOqyetLM-tbXHqJHN9FRqomp7DaZiK7vAJeGLcTmtxfbSzirqywGO748lm8Uq8jSW12Iw20m4i-vSB1rzGrfULi1SIzb7Vm2Jhyg0UN_jVqje3kUdSsLpFX38DMn0/s1600/HappyDance3k.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKpiGpFdWbco9oVgOqyetLM-tbXHqJHN9FRqomp7DaZiK7vAJeGLcTmtxfbSzirqywGO748lm8Uq8jSW12Iw20m4i-vSB1rzGrfULi1SIzb7Vm2Jhyg0UN_jVqje3kUdSsLpFX38DMn0/s1600/HappyDance3k.gif" /></a></div>
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I just got called for an interview! I am so excited, I could scream! It's for a 5th grade position...and while I don't have experience in that grade level, I am so ready for the challenge! Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers! It's next Tuesday morning....let the preparation begin!<br />
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<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Had my family in town Friday through Monday. Kinley is now thoroughly spoiled rotten. It was cramped quarters, big time, in our cracker box apartment, but we survived.</li>
<li>I had an interview for a teachers aide in a school district where I really, really, really want to work. But I don't know how confident I feel...my interviewing skills suck. But I'm working on that. And I think what will really hurt me is that I want to be a teacher and therefore will not be a long term person for their position. And they want long term. :(</li>
<li>I have got to buckle down on my budget. <strike> I was</strike> We were bad with our finances in July. Well, the end of July, anyway. We were using our debit cards and that is such a no-no. I am tempted to take them out of our wallets to reduce temptation. </li>
<li>I just realized that it's after 9 and Kin is still sleeping. Guess that's expected when she was up till 11:00 because "a wolf was trying to get her in her room." Uh huh. That's started.</li>
<li>The yard sale that we're joining with friends is this weekend. I have to buckle down and finish going through our stuff.</li>
<li>School starts in roughly 2-4 weeks in our area. Ugh! When do the interview calls start?</li>
<li>My hubby took Monday off to watch Kinley during my interview and now my days of the week are all jacked up! I even commented yesterday that I was shocked that the bank inside the grocery store was open on a Sunday. He kindly reminded me that it was in fact, Monday. So today is my Tuesday Monday. </li>
<li>I am so excited that today is ballet day! I love going and socializing with the other dance mommies!</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYW-iykP4Clx2CAJvjJ5yp34wU0DVGq3g4xEOBWOZQzL24THYGaxRQ72A56o7CFMTcdp5znP4NDm9BhXq_cJPaMMYRyM1DFAV03-Gwss-UTAwmUF45bPLfGsMat0eJg7QREOuLX2PJd4/s1600/SoWhatButton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYW-iykP4Clx2CAJvjJ5yp34wU0DVGq3g4xEOBWOZQzL24THYGaxRQ72A56o7CFMTcdp5znP4NDm9BhXq_cJPaMMYRyM1DFAV03-Gwss-UTAwmUF45bPLfGsMat0eJg7QREOuLX2PJd4/s1600/SoWhatButton.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This week, I'm saying "So What!" with <a href="http://www.lifeafteridew.com/2012/07/so-what-wednesday_25.html" target="_blank">Shannon at Life After I Dew</a>...</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So What if...</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>I hate my dog right now for getting me up way too early, and now she's snoring. in my bed.</li>
<li>We almost bought a damned bird last night. Thank God the voice of reason spoke louder than Kinley's, "I want a green one!"</li>
<li>Yesterday was the first time that I actually blow dried and ironed my hair--all summer.</li>
<li>I threw a monster toddler style tantrum last night because I had to go out at 10:30 for dog food. See the first bullet. </li>
<li>My husband is interviewing for a position today that I so badly want him to get. Okay, so this isn't so much of a so-what....but wanted to put it out there anyway.</li>
<li>I have family coming in this weekend, and my house is totally trashed.</li>
<li>I was in such a mommy meltdown mood yesterday, I said to screw the budget and ordered pizza. Some days, mommy just needs a break{down}.</li>
<li>Yesterday was my sister's birthday, and I mailed her card yesterday. I have to get better about this! I mean, luckily I was motivated enough to get the card...but for some reason I can't manage to actually mail it on time. </li>
<li>Yesterday, I seriously questioned this whole baby #2 thing. Kinley was an absolute nightmare. </li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvlCMJICq-QdgwHj1B9gXxxgfELNMo9uDSfCr6TJTEiX3bctsgoiplMeeMI5umGf1cc_aPc5vTAMzpcSoebDkAIJS4sYJHGh4cii1MszbBdGQWUnQ8scssC0-nvIPdhB8Szk78udX0m0/s1600/July25.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvlCMJICq-QdgwHj1B9gXxxgfELNMo9uDSfCr6TJTEiX3bctsgoiplMeeMI5umGf1cc_aPc5vTAMzpcSoebDkAIJS4sYJHGh4cii1MszbBdGQWUnQ8scssC0-nvIPdhB8Szk78udX0m0/s400/July25.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
1. Kinley has decided that she's ready for a "ride-a-cycle", and surprisingly, she can reach the pedals!<br />
2. Loving my baby girl!<br />
3. With her Uncle Paul after his bike rice.<br />
4. Checking out a fire truck. We saw the firemen out washing it and asked if she could check it out. They were more than happy to let her sit in it and put on a helmet!<br />
5. Sitting on daddy's shoulders--she was saying, "mommy, I a monkey!"<br />
6. She loves her Trunki. She looks like a homeless person singing for a dollar.<br />
7. I love when she lets me do her hair.<br />
8. Got her all situated for breakfast yesterday morning. And her Monsters, Inc dolls came in. They don't leave her side.<br />
9. Monsters, Inc in the car.<br />
10. I feel like the odd man out having a car and not a minivan. I'm so not ready for a minivan.<br />
11. Mikey on the train at the farm.<br />
12. In the pioneer cabin at the farm, Mikey again.<br />
14. Mikey on the carousel.<br />
15. My husband melts my heart.<br />
16. She's thinking that she's something else. A phone in each pocket!<br />
17. Her first fat lip. "Slide do it!"<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*A TMI post about fertility, continue if you dare...*</span><br />
Our lives as we know it, will change for the next 2-3 weeks. It's our first cycle with the Clomid and we have entered into the fertile time. Yes, that means scheduled sex, and lots and lots of prayer. My doctor has me on 100 mg, which is a pretty decent dosage. I am taking it cycle days 7-11. The side effects were anticipated and okay to deal with. The headaches are what got me the worst....and that was primarily because of a certain two year old that doesn't get it.<br />
<br />
I spent some time yesterday searching for blogs about infertility or something to read to feel connected or something... You know, sometimes you just want to go through it with someone. And I found nothing. I had been on message board back during my pregnancy with Kinley and that was wonderful. So I reached out to the old message boards again and really didn't find what I was looking for. So I looked at the fertility app on my phone that I'm using and sure enough, there are message boards. Don't you love technology?<br />
<br />
I found one titled "Infertility" and have been corresponding generic info back and forth with one girl who is in a pretty similar situation. It feels good to have someone else there to bounce things off of.... It's all about AF, BD, OPK, BFP, IVF, IUI.....it's been quite some time since I've been speaking in acronym. But it's like riding a bike.<br />
<br />
So far, we've only gone so far as using the OBGYN that I found up here. Like I've blogged before, we are not interested in doing IVF or IUI even. If Clomid doesn't work, then we'll count our blessings with one and be thrilled. Financially, we can't go deeper with treatment. As it is, our insurance isn't so ideal for infertility coverage. So paying out of pocket for everything is not easy. We're lucky to have had a stash in the "Medical" column on our savings spreadsheet. But that stash is no where big enough to cover a/an Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE). <br />
<br />
I'm okay with that, really. But I get the feeling that my doctor wants me to go straight to the RE--like now. When he called me Tuesday, he had asked if I had set up an appointment with the specialist. He actually had the doctor call me---but I didn't answer. When I told him that I didn't have an appointment with the RE, he seemed mad. I reminded him that Clomid was our limit and we wanted to stay with him for the six rounds. He said okay, but he'd really rather have the RE on board with the treatment plan.<br />
<br />
It's almost as if he's already discounting the Clomid as a failed option. I just don't get it. Why did he offer to work with me at all on this if he didn't want to? He prescribed the Clomid for days 7-11 and told me to come in for a day 23 progesterone check. That's it. Doctor's orders. <br />
<br />
I guess I just wish that he had been a little more detailed with his instructions. When is the prime time to have sex during the cycle? After the Clomid is finished? Should I follow a 28 day cycle map? Is sex every day too often? Should it be every other day? I just had so many more questions that didn't get answered. I know that he is probably thinking that since I'm no rookie to Clomid, that I should just know these things...but it's been almost three years since I've been on this train. And I had a child since then. My memory isn't what it used to be!<br />
<br />
Luckily, the message board will be able to fill in the gap to my unanswered questions....and usually, the first hand experience answers are better and more accurate than the doctor's suggestions. <br />
<br />
Do me a favor, if you know of any bloggers that discuss infertility, comment with their link. I'd love to find someone else out there going through the same song and dance.<br />
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<br />
I'll leave you with a photo dump. Enjoy. It's my very first picmonkey collage! {Thanks to <a href="http://needmyownshow.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Amanda at My Show</a> for sharing the picmonkey.com idea!}<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjK8BTcXdt8_48_sIzWxjC6-yqNr2RhRNsp_6E2CI9FoqHphOI6CmqGuUb1Dx0qzoFrnz1AZbCNeB3OtMpltS5ZU3laAqu_biFi1JvhFVny7305yg1GDx7lVuMfbj2519BOhqsXBd_Xc/s1600/071912.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjK8BTcXdt8_48_sIzWxjC6-yqNr2RhRNsp_6E2CI9FoqHphOI6CmqGuUb1Dx0qzoFrnz1AZbCNeB3OtMpltS5ZU3laAqu_biFi1JvhFVny7305yg1GDx7lVuMfbj2519BOhqsXBd_Xc/s400/071912.png" width="400" /></a></div>
1. Kin and Luc waiting for daddy to get home.<br />
2. Is she 2 or 22?<br />
3. Going camping! And yes, I put a white cloth down under Luc to avoid the massive amounts of dog hair that she'd leave behind in my car. It failed. {and we aren't in a self driven car...Richie was inside Walgreens because we forgot bottled water}<br />
4. Her first campfire.<br />
5. This reminds me that she is still 2. Falling asleep while reading her book. So precious.<br />
6. Lucy is a dork.<br />
7. Our first family tent. So cozy!<br />
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Happy Thursday, ya'll!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
This week, I am joining up with <a href="http://www.lifeafteridew.com/2012/07/this-week-im-saying-so-what-if.html" target="_blank">Shannon at Life After I Dew</a> for another edition of </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So What! Wednesday....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
So What if...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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</div>
<ul>
<li>I am completely excited about <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002HFDLCK/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00" target="_blank">the new vacuum</a> that I just ordered. Ours pooped out a couple of weeks ago (I know, so embarrassing that it's been that long) and before we read it's final rights, it barely sucked at all. So yeah, our carpets....not good. </li>
<li>But more importantly, I am excited because I was able to get it for $88 shipped. Yes. I'm proud.</li>
<li>I am letting the TV babysit my child right now so that I can blog my So What!. Super Why is on, and it's one with the dog....why can't they all have the dog? You know what I'm talking about?<br /><a 1em;="" ;="" center;"="" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0wcQBx-UozsuvvDK1JKNZPQDEM6p6qPb7tw-nWAhRTdfTchY_YcCJCVx4-l65osCSEc1sOe-Nw6iwMiaruceGHMQ3RnDXl7YH2UcAFGkYOvlHqGBevX1zsWE_qjopadTYcZcXUVxQak/s1600/super+why+dog.jpg" margin-left:="" margin-right:="" text-align:=""><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0wcQBx-UozsuvvDK1JKNZPQDEM6p6qPb7tw-nWAhRTdfTchY_YcCJCVx4-l65osCSEc1sOe-Nw6iwMiaruceGHMQ3RnDXl7YH2UcAFGkYOvlHqGBevX1zsWE_qjopadTYcZcXUVxQak/s1600/super+why+dog.jpg" /></a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Kinley watched a movie (Monsters, Inc) in its entirety for the first time last week. And, we were kind of celebrating a little. Mainly because she now has an attention span a little better than a gnat. And it's time that we don't have to think of things to entertain her and answer "why?" a bajillion times. Yes, bad parents, letting her watch TV. Whatever.</li>
<li>We bought her Sully, Mikey and Boo plush animals because she <i>loves</i> that movie so much. Initially, we said they were for Christmas. Yeah right. She'll get them the day they arrive. Who are we kidding?</li>
<li>I happy danced about our savings account after last week's check. My husband is working his tail off (thank you, baby!) and it's paying off. I'm starting to not be such a freak about my checks ending next month.</li>
<li>This yard sale that I'm joining with my friend, ummmm, has taken over my living room---and free time. I am going Dave Ramsey on our stuff. Get rid of it! In turn, I have some nice stuff going for super cheap. Thought about doing a blog sale for some of it....but I am really lazy and hate dealing with shipping.</li>
<li>I feel rock star-ish because I called the leasing office and threw a fit about our rent going up (twice in a year and a half!) and got it dropped back down....it's still ridiculous at $1075...but better than $1090!</li>
<li>I am exploring career options outside of teaching....and getting excited about the thought of some of them.</li>
<li>I guess I'm blowing off story time in the park today...kind of lost track of time. Oops.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vT7kYRe5Tqp92PGYGbLS0pz7A0bi5AMkVTvAC00-i7JwQo0gOBX0X4ROC8JoYefW5vHUpJqa09oPzACS4TN2cw7kSLPIzClPHfvnqbTgGCATHaMEA1xJGBo3KdCZB-UnJTmsQT9C8oI/s1600/IMG_8308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vT7kYRe5Tqp92PGYGbLS0pz7A0bi5AMkVTvAC00-i7JwQo0gOBX0X4ROC8JoYefW5vHUpJqa09oPzACS4TN2cw7kSLPIzClPHfvnqbTgGCATHaMEA1xJGBo3KdCZB-UnJTmsQT9C8oI/s320/IMG_8308.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This morning, I posted my latest craft adventure {I say "latest" as if I craft often---I do not} on the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Living-On-Trees/147374221973325" target="_blank">Living on Trees Facebook</a> and had a few requests on how to make one. So, here it goes. And just FYI, the one that I posted on Facebook was my first draft. I decided that I wanted to skip some words, play with the layout and add more words....so I did it about three times before I was completely happy with the finished product. So what you see here is not the same one as I posted on FB earlier today. :)<br />
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Go to <a href="http://www.tagxedo.com/app.html" target="_blank">Tagxedo</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsa9Xa1zoW5PXOLRdZvd8E-SEGp-CXBji9EOQJzXzHAepWCdkgmZ-xfYhWshkTVeVXkXGAsjWj-07L7MOvjWN4uPIv8C6Uy1rGzBm1FHRBXNJhawmif_uTH1KxgvnAhSqQwAS7sDHdnxk/s1600/create.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsa9Xa1zoW5PXOLRdZvd8E-SEGp-CXBji9EOQJzXzHAepWCdkgmZ-xfYhWshkTVeVXkXGAsjWj-07L7MOvjWN4uPIv8C6Uy1rGzBm1FHRBXNJhawmif_uTH1KxgvnAhSqQwAS7sDHdnxk/s400/create.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Click on "create" to make your own creation.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlH_KrHzMnCkxYLJ28-mt0b19jq5EyUxoc1zj3KXOKmJgRUcyaE5UuFhP58rnBR3XDjHHms182F3M9Si40geSal-BrSquWauFeaIWE7qS3ycJpJo9lCdvXApv8m83d4LGGGL-vM1-rMM/s1600/load.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlH_KrHzMnCkxYLJ28-mt0b19jq5EyUxoc1zj3KXOKmJgRUcyaE5UuFhP58rnBR3XDjHHms182F3M9Si40geSal-BrSquWauFeaIWE7qS3ycJpJo9lCdvXApv8m83d4LGGGL-vM1-rMM/s400/load.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Click on "load" to load in your own words. For my creation, I chose words that</div>
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are significant to us. I used the names of towns that we've lived in together, streets {street names--we didn't ever call the street home} that we've called home, important dates, our names, Kinley's full name, Lucy--of course, words the describe us: happiness, laughter, love, smiles, dedication, promises, etc. You get the point.</div>
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Then click "submit" after you've entered your words.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoj5I6m5WIKLOXNzEZ2LgBKtkXc9X26xdSjGJyj66HzVTVgXHSTvKQBmWbM8T5o3z_gmtFXDK7JMOUWyizEu8sRAideKAnbcv4kKnJ_hoSMRkDXq-Tn709LuiC3kb5CUxi-5LUUN54gtc/s1600/enter+text.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoj5I6m5WIKLOXNzEZ2LgBKtkXc9X26xdSjGJyj66HzVTVgXHSTvKQBmWbM8T5o3z_gmtFXDK7JMOUWyizEu8sRAideKAnbcv4kKnJ_hoSMRkDXq-Tn709LuiC3kb5CUxi-5LUUN54gtc/s400/enter+text.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now you need to choose a theme. And I realize that I forgot to highlight the</div>
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theme button. You are smart, you will see it on the menu there on the left.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2K4KYSXPiuB4HvUdIOEPDdKIwnfl-Hc8h3sBBpp-EnJNJE4xHYpd4giNQzk7qQELu39ve2IMFyj9iWxAdFA7Bi_98oRbJTSRjG16NlkoNnEBBoFUnAjzxJlpFqfb8xuggDnd6bmqGvGA/s1600/choose+theme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2K4KYSXPiuB4HvUdIOEPDdKIwnfl-Hc8h3sBBpp-EnJNJE4xHYpd4giNQzk7qQELu39ve2IMFyj9iWxAdFA7Bi_98oRbJTSRjG16NlkoNnEBBoFUnAjzxJlpFqfb8xuggDnd6bmqGvGA/s320/choose+theme.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My particular theme is called "Clouds Over Castle" because I'm in to the browns and blues. I learned this the long way--so here is a tip, the outline of the colored boxes will be your background color. Maybe you got that right off the bat...I'm a little slow.</div>
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Choose your font. I added my own font--because I am picky like that. If you want to add your own, click there on the bottom right and find the font you want from your files. Luckily, I keep all of mine in the same place and I knew right where to go. But you can use one of their fonts too. Whatever.</div>
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The next button is "Orientation" and I did nothing with this.</div>
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Now, after you've gotten this far. Go ahead and click all of the little padlocks to the locked position. This will save your work if you need to flip flop the layout or position of words.</div>
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Next up is choosing your shape. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRTHbLgtZA66Nv2hdhMhN7GvuvjwcwwMA3nJVn4bIELHyHRAs2C4phQXOpx1m3NP88lQchELL7dWkwpwHQ6yonx5omTVLbAEY5gdpW2XBT6eRSCoG1PdgchG7qglgTTFd6D9VFABNQUU/s1600/choose+shape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRTHbLgtZA66Nv2hdhMhN7GvuvjwcwwMA3nJVn4bIELHyHRAs2C4phQXOpx1m3NP88lQchELL7dWkwpwHQ6yonx5omTVLbAEY5gdpW2XBT6eRSCoG1PdgchG7qglgTTFd6D9VFABNQUU/s320/choose+shape.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you are like me, you did this first, because you get all excited about that part.</div>
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It's pretty self explanatory here.</div>
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Your next {basically, the last} step is to get creative. Click on the "Word | Layout Options" button on the left menu. You are going to come to this menu and I'll walk you through my customization from my project. For the first tab, I chose to use numbers. Obviously because I used important numbers in my word list. So I clicked "yes" for that.</div>
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On the "Layout" tab, I changed nothing.</div>
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On the "Advanced" tab, I changed my background to 0% because I wanted this to have a white background even though my "theme colors" had a tan background. I did this to save ink, basically. And because I didn't want it to look crappy from my cheap printer trying to do that much ink for a background.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3YF5-RGkNXyFKs6IxY7ZlfGhx4cyzLinzpq2zZEeU0o283YB31qaARJjvjCjbT3mHmL3zPNUyNkpd1yWcNdu2n9KuCfz0VQhgbTOhwkIHddQYD4Z26kIf-4FLd8BwuHdHi8XfddEwuQ/s1600/background.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3YF5-RGkNXyFKs6IxY7ZlfGhx4cyzLinzpq2zZEeU0o283YB31qaARJjvjCjbT3mHmL3zPNUyNkpd1yWcNdu2n9KuCfz0VQhgbTOhwkIHddQYD4Z26kIf-4FLd8BwuHdHi8XfddEwuQ/s320/background.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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{I'm going backwards here, bear with me} On the "Skip" tab, you will see all of the words used in your project. The words towards the top with the larger numbers, are the larger words in your picture. So if you want some of them not so big, skip them. I am sure there are better ways around this, but I couldn't figure it out and I'm not so patient in playing with something to figure it out. So this worked for me. For example, a street name was one of the big words in my heart. Obviously, I didn't want that, so I clicked to "Skip" that word. The words on the bottom of the list are the tiny words. Make sense? So you probably don't want to skip those. Unless one certain word is super prominent...in that case, click "skip" on a few of them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_KzlXIDeDbLFco4cyulkd6JNHaNRL3TvcUoLwT-ySLXb7MVQv0XkAASPCYoZxC1vWH-bpTIb_gURkTjYI6fgOmUgnmHVlyMtg91psEqR1gxdEkFPFld8jRFHCx27lvFJfI25a1CY7YY/s1600/be+selective.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_KzlXIDeDbLFco4cyulkd6JNHaNRL3TvcUoLwT-ySLXb7MVQv0XkAASPCYoZxC1vWH-bpTIb_gURkTjYI6fgOmUgnmHVlyMtg91psEqR1gxdEkFPFld8jRFHCx27lvFJfI25a1CY7YY/s320/be+selective.jpg" width="287" /></a></div>
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Now, something that I didn't take a picture of...and I'm not sure why I didn't, because I did play with this feature a bunch---but the layout button on the left menu--it will rotate the words around in your picture. So before you go and skip some words...you may want to toss the layout a little to see if you can get the look you want. Also, the color button at the very top will rotate the colors around if you don't like the look. Just some tips.</div>
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Key to this project: play around with it.</div>
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It took me about a half hour to finish and I did it while Kinley was up and playing...so it really was simple.</div>
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When you have it like you want it...print onto card stock {or regular paper, or whatever} and throw it in a frame.</div>
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Ta-da. Art.</div>
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I really am not that great at tutorials, so if I left something out or if it's unclear, you can always send me a comment of find me on FB and I will be more than happy to clarify any of the steps.</div>
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Oh, and when you print it on regular sized paper or card stock, you will need to trim it for an 8x10 frame. I know. Common sense. </div>
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I still hope to get a mat {or is it matte?} from Hobby Lobby to make it even cuter, but even now, I am impressed. :)</div>
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I want to see your creations! So please share on FB and tag Living On Trees so that I can see it!</div>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWWVTQEw5RIrGW6DL3tqaCk5iErZUUQznJrUPDr9AildLLmPwKSs2WGWmRYq98B1__O0Emzzs33yJ1zaXGtmUlGCHz1yKth39NHURvBV2O4PtY2yFgN9cY-pptlwqPzbaXnOHZQphhRGw/s1600/IMG_2223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWWVTQEw5RIrGW6DL3tqaCk5iErZUUQznJrUPDr9AildLLmPwKSs2WGWmRYq98B1__O0Emzzs33yJ1zaXGtmUlGCHz1yKth39NHURvBV2O4PtY2yFgN9cY-pptlwqPzbaXnOHZQphhRGw/s320/IMG_2223.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such a girly fisher-chick.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7NMcYtydK_K0SNc3_dNIhvDjzSusbnbLvI4aJDgF0HcZZdrQ5e5CqGmIhyphenhyphenB5ZGskpiLEe5zTmBkcChZLuawGHv5Lj1Tpx7-gPHNhUl7DjoylrGM5nd07NSHdWsnvNGJpMFD7jCFrYZI/s1600/IMG_8899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7NMcYtydK_K0SNc3_dNIhvDjzSusbnbLvI4aJDgF0HcZZdrQ5e5CqGmIhyphenhyphenB5ZGskpiLEe5zTmBkcChZLuawGHv5Lj1Tpx7-gPHNhUl7DjoylrGM5nd07NSHdWsnvNGJpMFD7jCFrYZI/s320/IMG_8899.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />
He said that fifteen fish came off her pole and she was loving every second of it. She didn't want to touch them at first, but by the end, she did touch one. He said that there was one fish that she was particularly attached to and she insisted that it sit next to her for quite some time. Sorry fish. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgToUlK6S0lFD7eHgKdBIvGTyve-xM158t6J9HkliVcEYz71TN_ZkCES0O1ItwquY1kS-Jv01e5WqUgYpQ3vvxTMl1wiWcvsZDNM6rjLbn8SsxkgeKgn9lTHATE_m9O2CuI3o-4WAhkgok/s1600/IMG_3394+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgToUlK6S0lFD7eHgKdBIvGTyve-xM158t6J9HkliVcEYz71TN_ZkCES0O1ItwquY1kS-Jv01e5WqUgYpQ3vvxTMl1wiWcvsZDNM6rjLbn8SsxkgeKgn9lTHATE_m9O2CuI3o-4WAhkgok/s320/IMG_3394+(1).jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First visit to the splash park this summer. I<br />
don't know why I waited so long. She loved it!</td></tr>
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Six months ago, our first year lease was up in this apartment and the paperwork was on our door to let them know if we were going to stay or go. Talk about pressure! We didn't know what to do. Do we want to stay? No way. Do we have to stay? I'm not sure. What is best for us? What is best for Kinley? We decided at the last minute, that we would stay. But only six more months. That's what we told ourselves. That six month extension would bring us to August and by then we would know what school district I would be working in and be able to be doing our house search. And then, we could maybe extend it one more month just to get us extra time to move into the house.<br />
Ha!<br />
On Friday, the notice came back. Those six months came and went so fast. And here we are again. Not only is this a reminder of what didn't happen in the last six months, but it's a slap in the face as to what will we do now.<br />
<br />
We really don't want to stay, but can't realistically leave either. I still don't have a job. And it's not looking too promising for fall either. I can't even get the subbing coordinator to call me back to ensure that I am on the sub list for fall. I am so over it with the teaching drama. I started applying in other fields and am holding out hope for those options.<br />
<br />
The stress of not being where we want to be in life, and the dread of resigning a lease to lock us in a "home" where we don't want to be was really taking a toll. We were angry. Our communication was nonexistent. It was just not a good situation. I remembered back to our marital counseling last year and knew that we were back in our pattern of not fixing or addressing what was wrong. So on a whim, I asked a close friend to keep K for a few hours so that we could do dinner and talk this through.<br />
<br />
Over dinner (and a margarita or two) we discussed our feelings about things. We discussed moving. We discussed staying. We discussed options. But most of all, we talked. We needed to talk. Moving crossed both of our minds. Let's face it, we moved up here to better our lives--better Kinley's life. And we're apartment locked. That's not what we wanted for her or us. But moving back would worsen our job situation for both of us. Sure, we still own a house down there (but it's rented out through September and we already sent out the new lease). We have friends and family down there. It was an option considered.<br />
<br />
But we have a pattern. We don't hunker down and brave the storm. When life gets down and we feel defeated, we leave. We left Chicago-land before we were married because I was overwhelmed and just couldn't take it. We then left southern IL because his job wasn't what it was supposed to be and the new jobs up here promised so much more for our family. So we left. And here we are again, not living how we expected to, and we discuss moving. It has to stop. We have to stop the cycle of just up and moving when we aren't getting things EXACTLY how we <u>want</u> them to be. Most importantly, don't we want to teach Kinley to persevere through the tough times? <br />
<br />
Sure we don't want her raised in an apartment. But we won't be here forever (I hope not, anyway). We have to brave through another lease and get over it. I seriously wanted to drive over to the local shelter that night and talk to some of the people living with their children with no home. no apartment. How boo-hoo will we be then? It's time to start being thankful for all that we do have and stop crying over what we don't have. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeep5Mwp4jqMZJpiDsT6vqIky4oDVFyhWj-0Tsj9umAejMs5R39e0VmaixD4iZ6ciEq1_kNLVt6JlHWUUvpyD9shlwMZQOWRy0DiTVHiYKpXLoWFYYwM9Vtq2bZaIxuja9zkdATUb338c/s1600/IMG_5624+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeep5Mwp4jqMZJpiDsT6vqIky4oDVFyhWj-0Tsj9umAejMs5R39e0VmaixD4iZ6ciEq1_kNLVt6JlHWUUvpyD9shlwMZQOWRy0DiTVHiYKpXLoWFYYwM9Vtq2bZaIxuja9zkdATUb338c/s320/IMG_5624+%25281%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I want to take my rest time with Monsters."<br />
Monsters, Inc. Her favorite movie.<br />
She lasted all of twenty minutes before she was out.</td></tr>
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Connie (the budget coach) told us that we will be in a great place to buy a house by the time that Kage is in the first grade. That's when it starts to matter. Yeah, that sucks. That is a <u>long</u> time. But in the big picture, it really isn't. And won't we appreciate it so much more after enduring these years of hard work and perseverance? <br />
<br />
I'm sure that I'll have to pep talk myself many times over during these years of a strict lifestyle. But if that's what it takes...<br />
<br />
We decided that we're going to resign for another year. A full year. But only because each time we resign, they raise the rent. We are now going to be paying $1090 a month for a rinky dink two bedroom. When we initially moved in, it was $995. So in a year and a half we have gone up that much. Crazy, right? <br />
<br />
As another option, I did look into renting a house, but they just really aren't in our budget. We can't find something decent for less than $1500 a month--and then the utilities on a house are so much greater than our tiny apartment. To be able to live within our means and pay off the debt with the intensity that we are, we have to hunker down and do what's right. Not what's fun.<br />
<br />
Living within your means takes great strength. Sure we could get a loan, buy a house, struggle and possibly lose. But why do that to ourselves? God speaks in different ways. Right after I wrote this post, the K-Love Morning Show Facebook page posted this status:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">"Walking through a home under foreclosure, on one wall I saw the names of 3 children and their height measurements. I realized that I need to pray for the families who are losing their homes where great memories were made. Click "like" if you will join us in praying. - Amy"</span><br />
<br />
We are doing the right thing. As hard as it is, it's the right thing.<br />
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Kinley always mentions Papa John in her prayers. Every night. But until recently, it was just words to her. The past week or so, she's begun asking for Papa John. She knows every other name that she mentions in her prayers--she's actually met them and knows them. The other day, her and I were in the car and she asked me if she could see Papa John. It literally knocked the wind out of me. God knows how many times I have said those exact same words out loud since he left us in 2005. <br />
<br />
I always told myself that my child would <i>know</i> him as well as they possibly could. He will not be forgotten. He will not be unknown in my home. And I knew that the day would come when she would start the questions...I guess I just didn't expect it to be so soon....and so random.<br />
<br />
I've told her before that he lives in Heaven with Jesus. I've told her a lot of things about him. But it was at times when I felt strong enough to talk about him without crying. I don't want her to associate talking about him with mommy crying. But when she randomly asked me the other day, my eyes filled with tears and I had to choke down the knot in my throat before I could answer her.<br />
<br />
Every year at <a href="http://www.livingontrees.com/2011/06/celebrating-coal.html" target="_blank">the parade</a>, I tell her about Papa John and how wonderful he was, and that he was on the fire department and how excited he got for the firemen fish fry. How he would sit up on grandma and grandpa's porch and watch the parade go by while all of us kids sat on the curb to be as close to the candy as we could get. I still remember looking back at the porch and seeing him up there. I can't make it through that parade without crying at least once.<br />
<br />
What do I want her to know? Everything. But in time.<br />
<br />
I told her that he was in Heaven with Jesus. I told her that he is her angel and watches over her all day and night. She asked if it was his job. I smiled and told her that he had the best job. She asked if she could go to Heaven with him. And I simply told her that it wasn't her turn yet. And that thought brought me to tears even more.<br />
<br />
She told me that Papa John was on a firetruck in Heaven and that made my heart swell. She <i>has</i> been listening all of those times that I told her about him. I always tell her that he would have been so proud to put her up on those firetrucks and show her around the firehouse.<br />
<br />
I told her that Heaven was in the stars--because isn't that how you should explain it to a child? I guess I want her to have a visual of where Papa may be. Something that she can understand. <br />
<br />
She has confirmed her thoughts about Papa with me several times since that day. She'll tell me that Papa John is her angel in Heaven with Jesus. And she seems okay with that right now. She doesn't understand that he was my daddy. She doesn't understand the pain of losing him. She doesn't understand the pain of missing him every day. But she does know that he's her Papa in the sky that watches over her. And I think that's pretty good for two--and a half.<br />
<br />
What do you tell your child{ren} about deceased family members? How do you keep their memory alive?<br />
<br />
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Normally, I am the one that despises the Christmas shopping. The "who to buy for" list and adding up the cost of everything. Oh, the cost! But this year, I am pumped! It's only July, but I have our list ready to go with who to buy for, how much to spend on each person and an {empty} spreadsheet with ideas for each person. Obviously, it's July and the nieces and nephews haven't started their "I wants" yet. But I'm trying to be proactive here.<br />
<br />
Like I said, I created this spreadsheet--more like a chart right now... But I want to be sure that we are planning for every person and every extra expense that Christmas may throw at us. Right now, I am up to seventeen people (and Kinley, of course) that have made the cut. We don't buy for the adults {aside from our parents and grandparents} but only for the kids. We are blessed with lots of little ones! But then I also added in the holiday cards, wrapping and postage. What am I forgetting?<br />
<br />
I have noticed that the last couple of years, the participating families sending Christmas cards are just dwindling. It really makes me sad. That is one of the best parts about the holidays. You get mail that isn't a bill! And normally, that mail has adorable family photos that you want to see. Photos of people that you rarely get to see! As easy as photo cards are these days {we do ours at Walmart} why doesn't everyone send them?! So here it is July, and I'm asking you now, to send me a photo card. Mmmm, K? It makes my heart smile.<br />
<br />
I did a quick search on my beloved Pinterest for Christmas photo ideas this morning and came up with nothing. I want to be prepared! I know that some cards have cute summer photos on them and I wanted to see if I could be inspired to take something now for the card later. Okay, honestly, I am hoping and praying for this kind of card:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bTmOW2oxiKF8a6W7-0yv5iA2gGrhlCpZ0ib1BC5UuZsZBLNcnrEk-osjedHsF8ZBhtBnjc-DCUE3vlNco-ptOe_OjTHIVb2y_oVJdYQWsheBm_QktcARnRUb4QI8D0ipETxl_NstxZQ/s1600/christmascardpregnant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bTmOW2oxiKF8a6W7-0yv5iA2gGrhlCpZ0ib1BC5UuZsZBLNcnrEk-osjedHsF8ZBhtBnjc-DCUE3vlNco-ptOe_OjTHIVb2y_oVJdYQWsheBm_QktcARnRUb4QI8D0ipETxl_NstxZQ/s320/christmascardpregnant.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.messymom.com/2009_12_01_archive.html" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
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but I know that our chances are way slim. So I'm planning for the family of three card photo. And so far, nodda. I'm hoping that I can <strike>con</strike> convince one of my fancy camera friends to take on the challenge of doing our family Christmas pictures {hint, hint}. Last year=expensive nightmare. {and for whatever reason, I can not find a single picture from that photo session. I will keep looking.}<br />
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We decided on a tradition that Santa can only bring three gifts to our house because of his sleigh only being able to hold so many toys for all of the children of the world. We plan to continue that this year. So her big gift will be from us and then Santa will bring her three more. And this year, she just may be able to get in to the gift of giving and I am so, so excited. And let me clarify--this is still going to be a Christmas on a budget. We are not being extravagant on gifts--because that to me {us} is stupid. And since I'm always honest on here, I will tell you now that we will spend a total {and not a penny more} of $870. That is for all seventeen people, Kinley, cards, postage, wrapping, and each other. Is that high? Do share--because I am honestly interested. And if I can save money, you bet I'm going to do it! My goal is to come on here in January and announce how UNDER budget we were from Christmas.</div>
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I was informed on my personal FB account this morning {have you <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Living-On-Trees/147374221973325?ref=ts" target="_blank">"liked" Living on Trees on FB</a> yet? why not?} I was told that every Thursday through the summer, Target clearances their toys. I will be there every Thursday for the rest of the summer. I don't know what I am shopping for yet, but if I see a good deal, I am on it.</div>
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And I can be on it already, thanks to Connie--the budget coach! We are almost fully funded for all expenses Christmas. Yes, that is a first for me, ever, like--ever. To not put Christmas on plastic, and not stress to holy heaven about how to pay for Christmas--you just don't even know.</div>
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I guess that's why I am writing a Christmas in July blog post. I can finally ENJOY the holiday for what it's about. Creating the memories, not the debt. And if you haven't started your savings yet, it's not too late! You still have 163 days left to save!</div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09019001056000518874noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873909504087033362.post-81129611603475806722012-07-11T15:15:00.000-05:002012-07-11T15:15:02.809-05:00Kinley Says...Lately, the things that come out of our girl's mouth, just crack me up! Everyday, there seems to be something new...and I wish I could write them all down. But life is happening and I can't always write things down. But here are a few that are fresh in mind that I wanted to share...<br />
<br />
Remember how I mentioned "the man" in my So What! post this week? Well, if not, let me fill you in. You see, Kinley is a challenging child. Especially in public. So to combat this <strike>bad</strike> challenging behavior, I have come up with this <strike>lie</strike> story that there is a man, that sits in the back of every store, that gives spankings to little kids that don't behave. I know, I'm horrible. But there was a desperate moment in Aldi one day that had my child running and throwing produce. I was desperate, okay. Don't judge. But telling her about "the man" had her holding the side of the cart for the remainder of the trip. So there.<br />
<br />
So yeah, "the man" is in every store. She asks about him all the time. "Is the man here? Where is the man? What's the man doing?" <br />
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We went to the dance store last week. Kinley was being horrible! Running through the store, running through the racks, kicking off her shoes....yeah. Luckily it was only us and a friend of ours in the store. Otherwise, I would have walked out in embarrassment. I told her that the man was in the back. Near the fitting rooms, there was a door to the store room open. "The man is back there, do I need to go and get him!?" She straightened right up! For the most part. So this trip ran right through nap time. She was over due. On the way home, she was hysterical. First, she was crying for her boogey shop (shopping cart). We had passed a grocery store and she saw the carts outside. She wanted to get in one. So she's freaking out for the boogey shop. And yes, I recorded it.<br />
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THEN, as if that fit wasn't enough....she starts crying for <i>the man</i>. She is crying hysterically that she "<i>needs her man! I need my man! I want my man to hold me!"</i> Ummmmm, yeah. Fabulous.<br />
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Another day, I was getting ready to shower and told her to stay in my bed with Lucy to watch Super Why. She asked where I was going and I told her to take a shower. She asked why...of course, she always asks why. I told her that I was dirty. She then responds, "have you been playing on a farm?!" Yes, that's exactly it. <br />
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When she sings the song, "there were two in the bed and the little one said, roll over, roll over, so they all rolled over and one fell off....." (stop me). She sings, "and the little one said, roll ova-bah, roll ova-bah". Yes, I love it. And suggest that song to her a million times a day just to hear her sing it.<br />
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She is very much in to the whole "who is who and what is what" right now. Defining genders and roles is really big in her world. So every day, several times a day, we are clarifying her questions. It goes something like this:<br />
Kinley: "Daddy, you're a boy?"<br />
Richie: "Yes, daddy is a boy."<br />
Kinley: "I'm a boy, too, same."<br />
Richie: "No, you are a girl. A little girl."<br />
Kinley: "And Daddy's a little guul too?"<br />
Richie: "No, Daddy is a boy and you are a girl."<br />
Kinley: "Daddy's a boy?"<br />
Richie: "Yes, Daddy is a boy."<br />
Kinley: "Oh."<br />
Kinley: "I a boy too, same."<br />
Richie: deep sigh.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfk0OjwXNUy2pmWpJE3k8cieSoMuL_tIQvu1bNnS-4V9z3jLSEIF9TbULydAiaunaBDLbJJLdWybDR0QeFxdxuMV4yuiSajNZso7HijR5o4ed9StYcn-f_jChQyfdMsEnPnRefccGnmZs/s1600/P7110003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfk0OjwXNUy2pmWpJE3k8cieSoMuL_tIQvu1bNnS-4V9z3jLSEIF9TbULydAiaunaBDLbJJLdWybDR0QeFxdxuMV4yuiSajNZso7HijR5o4ed9StYcn-f_jChQyfdMsEnPnRefccGnmZs/s320/P7110003.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot mess! A cell phone in each pocket. She<br />
thinks she's something else.</td></tr>
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It's really sad how easily you forget the cute things that they say...just this morning on our way home from story time in the park, she said something that was just so cute. And I told myself to remember it for later. Guess what?! It's gone. I have no clue what it was. How often does that happen? Daily? Makes me want to bring a notepad and paper everywhere that I go just to keep record of all of those sweet words that come out of her mouth!<br />
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This week, I'm saying So What if...</div>
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<li>I have a plethora of McDonald's toys in my backseat. My girl loves "chicky donalds" and I'm a bad mom for taking her too often.</li>
<li>I have not put on "real" make-up since school ended in June. I do throw on some mascara every now and then.</li>
<li>I tell Kinley that there is "a man" in every store that watches for children acting naughty. He is the "spankings man" and all we have to do is tell him that she's being naughty. Yep, straight to hell.</li>
<li>I totally overspent on the clothing category this month. I went to Target. Enough said.</li>
<li>Lucy has overspent on her "pet care" category as well....$423 this month. WTH?! Vaccinations, boarding and then got sick at the boarders. Ridiculous. But we paid in cash and still got to eat! Thank you Dave Ramsey!</li>
<li>Speaking of Dave Ramsey....we are addicted to his shows! His app is free and filled with his show recordings.</li>
<li>Kinley needs constant entertaining. She refuses to play in her room or on her own. Is that normal?</li>
<li>I enjoy Kinley's ballet class more than she does. Well, almost as much. I love the moms that I get to visit with while she's in class! </li>
<li>I beamed with pride when Kage took her reading log into the library yesterday. She colored in all of the spaces herself and earned her reward. She was so proud!</li>
<li>I slacked on all of the "educational" things that I wanted to do with her this summer. </li>
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I've really noticed a change in it lately. I remember the first time I browsed the site. I remember it being full of "oh my gosh, why didn't I think of that!?" types of things. Little tips and tricks to make life easier. For example, <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/10062799138137469/" target="_blank">the bathroom faucet extender</a>. Genius. We use it daily for washing little hands--because of the "I wanna do it!" attitude. Now she can "do it!"<br />
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Recently, I'm noticing a whole lot of, "wow, now that is cool. But I so could never pull that off." kinds of things. And it's sad because I'm really getting the itch to start crafting. And sometimes, I fool myself into thinking that I actually could make some of the pins that I see...but know that it will turn out looking like a kindergarten art project.<br />
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Being all "I wanna house and I want it now!" lately makes me want to start a 'hope chest' of sorts. Did you have a hope chest growing up? They're a trunk, usually made of cedar. I had one....but it was pretty hopeless. There really was nothing in it. And now it sits somewhere (maybe my garage?) empty. I have so many crafty pins that I want to make for the day that we actually do buy and move. Cool things to put in our home. <br />
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I went to a yard sale over the weekend and it was literally a pinterest pin graveyard. This lady must have tried every pin she could find. And then tried to sell them in her sale. And she was proud of her work! I couldn't help but laugh to myself when I saw some of her stuff marked at like $20. I mean, come on lady. I see that it's a 2x4 with scrapbook paper cut into petals. I'm not paying you $20 for that.<br />
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I think that pinterest has created a mindset that we are all artists in our own rights. In a way, that's pretty cool. But in another, it's so deceiving. I have hundreds of pins full of big plans. But let's face it, if pinterest ever dies. Those pins die with it. I am a mad pinner, but a sad do'er. Aside from recipes, I really don't do any of it. yet.<br />
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But these are on dock:<br />
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I think I can, I think I can. Stay tuned for the results of this hot mess.<br />
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The last one, is first up. And since it's a printable, I am pretty sure I can handle it. But we shall see.<br />
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