Thankful...

First, some recent pictures of Halloween, Dolllface's birthday, and our visit with the Lunds...







And now, the latest news...

Kyle's employer is handing out another round of layoffs for the third time in 18 months. Once again, we'll find out for sure in January if he will keep his job. It's actually looking good, but nothing is 100% certain yet.

Dollface has been diagnosed with ADD, and we've started meds. It will take from two to four weeks to see any improvement. And yet, she just won second place in the UIL storytelling competition for her grade!

Little Man... well, he needs to pull his pants up. And he needs to stop picking on Sugarplum. But darn if those big blue eyes don't melt my heart every time I see them.

Sugarplum is managing to be her usual cheerful self despite her nasty cold and resulting "permasnot", as I call it.

I have a headache that's bordering near migraine level, and I'm close to wandering the nearest dark alley in search of someone in a trenchcoat to cure it.

But I'm thankful!

My life isn't perfect, due to choices I make and sometimes to things that fall in my lap. But I can't deny how blessed I am! I have family near and far that want the best in the world for me. I have a husband who loves me tremendously and couldn't be a better match for me. I have kids that are healthy enough to test my patience, then turn around and do something terribly sweet. I have a safe home for my family, even if the yard is full of dying weeds and I hate the sliding glass doors. I have trials that strengthen me, If I allow them to. And when things get too hard to handle, I have a Heavenly Father who I can turn to for peace.

More on the budget front...

I know, I'm beating a dead horse. We're on a budget, too much debt, wah wah wah, feel sorry for me... Well, actually, things are looking up. With a little finagling, the budget is loosening up. I'm actually seeing a wee bit more wiggle room. I won't be going on any shopping sprees, but I feel encouraged. A little inspired, even. As I told Kyle, it's still painful, but we've moved from, say, Loritab painful to generic Ibuprofen painful. I didn't expect to see a change this soon! I know without a doubt that paying tithing in cash has really helped, too.Those windows of heaven are opening up.

The most wonderful time of the year

Remember this commercial? I always sort of snickered at it, but I didn't have kids old enough to fully appreciate it. Now, I have a soon-to-be 2nd grader & pre-schooler who desperately need to see teachers and friends again... and I am a mommy who needs some fun alone time with her baby.
So, yes, I am one of those bad parents who looks forward to back to school. I feel no shame for it, either!

This summer has had its good moments, don't get me wrong. For instance, Dollface got her blackbelt! I'm so proud of my big girl. Another few years of honing her talent, and she'll be prepared for the dating years.



We've also found out a bit more about our big girl. After a year of counseling, and a visit with a behavioral pediatrician in Lubbock, we're facing either ADHD, or possibly a mood disorder (such as bipolar disorder). We'll have a confirmed diagnosis and treatment plan when we get more info from last year's teacher and her new teacher once they get to know each other. Her next appointment is in late October. I can see the light at the end of this tunnel now. We're finally headed in the best direction to help her.

Aaah, budgeting...

This budget stuff is challenging. I knew it would be. Why else would I have avoided it for 9 years? Now, I've always been a bargain hunter; that comes from my Mom. I get a high when I come across an amazing sale, bogo offer, etc... I feel smart. I've fought the system! Stuck it to the man! I've come to realize there are many generics that are just as good (and sometimes better) than name brands. I've also come to realize, unfortunately, that there are a few items it's just best not to compromise on... either get the good stuff, or go without. Tomatoes, for one. I'd rather spend the $2 a lb. on the greenhouse ones than 79 cents on those huge, hard, grainy pink ones that belong on fast food hamburgers. Another product I now know I can't compromise on are hot dogs.
What? you laugh. Hot dogs? All they are is (to quote an old classmate) 'regurgitated pig parts'. Slap some mustard on 'em, and there you go. A hot dog's a hot dog! But no! If you like hot dogs enough to buy them, and you've never had a Hebrew National... well, you have no clue what you've been missing! They are wonderful. They are all Kosher beef. Blessed by Rabbi's or something. Heavenly. Divine, I say! And they cost anywhere from twice to five times as much as most other brands. About the same as a pound of lean ground beef. So I told myself, hey, I can cut back here. I'll buy cheap hot dogs for a while. Got some turkey ones; less fat and less expensive. I took one bite... and wanted to run screaming, throwing the offending morsel as far from myself and my family as possible.
I now have a choice to make. Good hot dogs, or NO hot dogs. Bottom line. As God is my witness, I'll never buy cheap hot dogs again!

Shaving heads, check... drinking Kool-Aid, check...

Don't worry, we haven't joined a cult. Well, not a bad one, anyway. We just started our Total Money Makeover with Dave Ramsey. Kyle bought said book a few months ago, and he thumbed through it a bit, and I just avoided it alltogether. Then I started reading it.
:::Sidenote::: Those who know me understand it's a miracle if I read for Book Club each month, and I'm doing good if I got halfway through it. At this point in my life, my lack of reading truly is due to lack of time. But I didn't enjoy reading until my late 20's (thank you J.K. Rowling, my own personal Annie Sullivan in that respect) There, I said it. I was reigning Cliff Notes Queen from 7th grade to HS graduation. So sue me.
Back to "Uncle Dave"... I'm devouring said book, and can't wait to go medieval on our debt! If you want to look into it, go to his website, and look for the Financial Reality Check, and try out the Gazelle Budget Lite (a basic, quick-and-dirty free budgeting tool).
I know the Church has always warned us about debt. The problem is, once you realize how badly you're in the middle of it, it feels pretty hopeless. Faith and prayer will point you in the right direction, no doubt. Then you have to ACT. We're finally at that point, and it's scary, depressing... and yet exciting and hopeful, too. Join me! Shave your head! Drink the Kool-Aid!

I am so smart!

In the words of Homer Simpson, I am so smart! Ha! I'm so proud to have come up with this all on my own! I used sidewalk chalk to draw lines where Little Man is allowed to ride his trike. He's totally getting into it, too... he sees a line coming and says. "STOP!" and turns right around. Hope it lasts!

Distractions vs. reminiscing

Facebook. Remodeling. Migraines from oil paint used in remodeling. Facebook. End of school year craziness. Upheaval of ownership and instructors at taekwondo (for Brylea). Facebook. Illness. And did I mention, Facebook? These are the reasons I've gotten behind on this blog. That, and for some reason, each time I've tried to post pictures, something fouls up and I can't.

I truly can't believe the number of people from my past I've reconnected with. Old roomies, guys I used to date, high school band comrades (including one of my band directors), friends from previous churches attended. It really is fascinating to see where people are nowadays. Some took similar paths to mine, others hit a few detours, and still some others who headed in directions I myself would never be... yet they are all important to me in some way. They are all people who mean something to me, and I really do look fondly on all the good times we enjoyed. Most of all, they are all children of the same God as I (whether they believe it or not!) and it's good to see them happy, thriving, enjoying life.