Updates and Issues

Just a quick update.  Work is going well.  The hours fly by very quickly.  I'm working non-stop while I'm there.... one of the beauties of working part time, I suppose.  I go in, do what needs to be done, and leave.  However, I'm still in the process of getting things caught up and organized, so I actually don't have enough time to get it all done.  I joked with my boss Monday and asked, "Are you sure this is a part time job?"  He laughed and said he really didn't know.  For now, I'm grateful for the extra hours. 

I need some advice, friends.  Maddie is acting out a bit right now and regressing by acting like a baby.  Apparently, she's only doing it when I'm around.  I don't know if it is because I am working now and away from home more or if it's those dreaded 3's that her sister went through.  Speaking of Audrey, she's still lashing out at Maddie some.  Both of the girls are so much better apart.  :(  When Audrey comes home from school and Maddie isn't home, she's so sweet and well behaved.  But, if Maddie is home, she comes in with a chip on her shoulder and is mouthy to everybody.  Derek also says that Audrey acts better when I'm not around.  It's breaking my heart.  I'm obviously the common denominator, but I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong.  :(  I try to love on each of them equally, but in the past Maddie has required more attention simply because she was a baby.  But, now that she's older and more independent, I'm able to spend more time with Audrey.  In any case, there's an obvious jealousy issue and I've played a part in it.  I need to fix it.  Advice??

Finally, please keep our family in your prayers.  Derek's grandfather, Paw, has been sent to Hospice.  He has about 2 weeks left with us.  It is going to be a difficult time.  I'm worried, too, about Audrey.  I want to start preparing her now.  She's been praying for "Paw to walk again so he can go home."  Please pray for her heart and that we say the right words to help her understand. 

Overwhelmingly Blessed

I keep trying to remind myself, as we talked about it in our Bible Study Thursday, how blessed I am.  I truly, truly believe that.  And, when I get down and out I do thank Him for the things He's brought me through and the ones He's brought me to.  As I shared in a previous post, I was blessed with a new job (in only about 6 weeks of searching) on Monday.  I have an amazing husband who loves me unconditionally, supports me, and is a fantastic Dad!  My kids are my pride and joy.  They make me want to be a better person. 

With all that being said, I feel so incredibly overwhelmed right now.  How does one person who so desperately tries to stay organized feel so out of control at times?  First of all, I love my new job.  The man I work for is a really nice guy and the atmosphere is great.  However, after a week of work, I don't feel like I've accomplished a whole lot.  I'm following a person who was highly disorganized.  It's hard to find anything.  :(  There's really no training.  I'm just figuring it all out as I go... and in the mean time I'm answering phone calls with questions to which I do not know the answers.  I was in the office alone today because the owner was out of town.  A wee bit frustrating....

Only a few rehearsals left until the Christmas program.  I had everything mapped out on paper last week and it did not come out looking like that on stage.  :(  I still have quite a bit left to write and teach, but things have changed so much I don't feel like anything is really solidified at this point.  And, finding the time to dedicate to writing and rewriting outside of rehearsal time is difficult.  

My house has really suffered this week trying to balance everything.  I'm the one that usually picks up after everybody in addition to all of the chores.  It makes me crazy when things are out of order or not clean.  But, it just isn't going to be possible to do all myself any more.  Besides, Audrey got her first report card this week and she had all high marks in academics and in all other skills except neatness & organization.  I think I've enabled her... so it's time to change things!

Maddie has been acting out some this week.  I'm sure it's because her routine is different, she hasn't been with me every day, and she's had allergy issues a couple of weeks.  Putting her to bed has been an hour long chore with an exhausting emotional break down.  :(  

With all this being said, Derek's grandfather was sent to the hospital last night with pneumonia.  He took a turn for the worse today.  He is no longer able to take liquids because he can't swallow and it goes straight to his lungs.  The doctor said he does not expect him to recover.  If he makes it through the weekend they will be calling in Hospice.  It is so hard to see him this way.  He has gone downhill so quickly. 

God has a plan for all the things going on in our lives.  I gotta keep the faith!

Blessed Beyond Measure

God amazes me all the time.  Maybe one day I'll learn to trust His timing because He always knows best.  I have been pretty down lately.  Just bummed about the whole job situation and being stressed with the day to day.  I've over committed myself, as usual, which just adds to the stress.  But, I've been diving into the Word more lately.  I've been part of a Women's Bible Study for almost a year now (off and on) and have really committed myself this semester to sticking with the study and attending regularly.  It has been the best blessing!   I finally let all my stressors go, placed them at His feet, and tried not to worry so much.  Let me tell you what God has been doing in my life....

With all the stress of paying off debts, decision to go back to work, and then the frustration of not finding a job - God answered my prayers.  Last week D got approved for a consulting job with an old company.  Amazing blessing!  Not only is it an amazing financial blessing, but it means I don't have to go back to work full time!!  Then today I got a part time job!  This will be so much easier to handle with the day to day "mommy duties".  I think it's going to be perfect.  :)  It's only 20 hours a week with flexible scheduling around church & kiddos.  It's a relaxing, small office atmosphere.  And, I start tomorrow!  Thank you, God, for all the blessings!

To top everything off, I've been asked to be a part of an amazing opportunity.  One of the best compliments EVER.  Can't share exactly what that is yet... but I will soon enough.  =)

Fall in GA

Airborne Audrey

Waterfall we saw on the hayride

Pure Innocence

Sweetness!

Cuteness!

Backyard Bonfire

I don't think I've ever been so ready for Fall!  It was in the low 80's today, but sure beats the high 90's that seemed to be the norm this summer.  We started out to the Apple Festival today, but the traffic was so bad we turned around to come home.  We took a little detour on the way back and stopped at a pumpkin farm and corn maze.  We went on a little hayride and saw a waterfall.  The girls slid down an inflatable slide numerous.  Maddie cracked us up every time.  She had a look of terror on her face, but as soon as she hit the bottom she jumped up and said, "Let's do it again".  =)  Derek & I went through the corn maze.  Then we all came home for an impromptu bonfire.  We roasted hot dogs and made smores.  I count that a great day!

Fall Festival

Had to post the cutest little kitty ever!  Audrey's elementary school had their Fall Festival last night. We had a blast!  I had a vendor booth set up with Creative Memories and met some great people.  Audrey was completely in her element and seemed so grown up.  She was running around with her little friends and taking part in all the activities.  I met the little guy that wants to marry her.  LOL  It was a long night, but we had a great time!  The girls crashed when we got home.  We put Audrey in the bed and were doing the normal bedtime routine - book and songs.  Before I could even finish singing she said, "My eyes are asleep.  I can't open them."  I think they had a great time!