School stuff

I have forgotten what it feels like to be a student, to study, take tests, and review notes over and over.  With my Marriage & Family Counseling class, I am getting back into the habit.  We have our mid term on Monday, and the study guide from the teacher was 21 pages long.  Kind of overwhelming.  I asked someone who had his class last semester how it was, she said, think of a really hard test . . .  and it's still harder than that.  Great.  So needless to say, I have been trying to fit studying into the nooks and crannies of my life this week. 

I have to keep reminding myself of what the end goal is, how being certified will be helpful in counseling people at church, in life, and possibly with getting some kind of a job in the future.  It will all be worth it in the end, right?

In other news, I think I have settled on a preschool for Ava next year.  Ava and I visited there on Monday and she loved it.  It came highly recommended from lots of people I know, and they have a 4 day (Mon-Th) kindergarten prep class that is the same cost of many other 3 day preschools I looked at.  I also decided to sign her up for the afternoon class.  At first I was going with the morning- thinking it will help me to get up and around.  However, on second thought, I know I will end up taking her to school in sweats, then coming home to shower etc hence wasting the time she is in school.  Instead I will enjoy my last bit of time lounging around with her in the morning, allowing her to sleep in, then take her to school and get stuff done in the afternoon.  I am very happy to have made a decision at last!

Scrabble Makes Me Happy

Yes indeed, it's the little things in life that make me smile some days.

*Scrabble Tiles Found Here

I love giveaways

Check it out, My friend Megan is doing another giveaway on her blog, http://nerd-nest.blogspot.com/2010/02/75-follower-giveaway.html

Cancer

My heart is aching for a family right now.  This is the family of one of Becca's best friends, Melissa, who we just spent this past weekend with us at a youth group retreat.  Mel's dad called us yesterday to tell us that her mom has been told she has only 6 months left to live.  I remember in the fall, she found out she had cancer.  Yes, only this past fall!  So many emotions swirling around in my head.  Feeling helpless, what can we do to help . . . feeling heartbroken for a young girl who will not have her mom with her through all the ups and downs that high school (and beyond) brings.  And that feeling where you never know when your last days are . . . our lives can dramatically change in such a short time . . . There but for the grace of God go I.  Please pray for this family with me..... thanks

How many more weeks until spring?

I am finally good and healthy!  As much as I hate to say this, being sick is a blessing because when it is all done, you feel so grateful for good health!!

Been busy figuring out lots of school stuff.  Becca wants to transfer to a different high school next year, Evan wants to homeschool, looking for a preschool for Ava . . . glad that Spencer is good where he is at least!  Not sure what we are doing in any of those situations but they are all giving us plenty to do and think about!  Sigh.  Kids are so high maintenance.

I am trying to find a good menu planning website.  When I know what I am doing for meals ahead of time, things run so much smoother in our house and I feel much more productive.  Let me know if you use any.

I couldn't sleep last night so I got up and cleaned the kitchen then I cleaned out three random kitchen drawers and reorganized them.  This may seem like no big deal, but it was truly an accomplishment for me.  I am trying to work on doing a little bit every day.  Working on being a better homemaker is not always easy.  It goes against my natural bent.  However, when I make myself do it, it feels so good.  :)

I am so ready for garage sale season.  Is it time yet???  (I already have my shopping list started!)

Baby, fresh from heaven . . .

Welcome baby Macy Nicole!  I was able to be there at her birth on Tuesday morning ... I don't know what the official time of birth was, but I got a picture of the clock at 4:13am so I think that's about right.  Autumn was a trooper, and she only had to push for about 20 min which I would say is a rare thing for a first baby.  So I was able to be at a birth in December, another one in February . . . I am in need of another birth to watch in April . . .  anyone?  anyone?   Nah, I think I am good for now. :)  

My niece Autumn, she is just 18.  Please pray for her, as she and Macy have a long road ahead as they will pretty much grow up together.  In spite of the drama of teenage pregnancy, I will say that we are all very happy that she chose LIFE for this sweet baby girl.

My sisters.  Summer was reacting to being called "Grandma".  

Basketball

Evan is playing Upwards basketball at a local church, and he loves it.  He is in constant motion on the court.  At the end of the night he is typically worn out!  I get tired just watching!  Their team is not great, they haven't won a game yet . . . but Evan gets lots of playing time and he loves playing, so no complaints.

And while he plays, Ava and Spencer entertain themselves (and the rest of us) . . .

Haloscan stinks :(

I had this really cool thing for my comments, with a picture of Ava if you recall.  Haloscan.  Well they are shutting it down (unless you pay, of course ... which I won't), and now I have lost my comments from the last four years.  I am more than a little sad about this.  I was actually able to save them to my computer so if I suddenly become a computer wiz and figure out how to put them back on here, I will.  In the meantime, I am just gonna have to deal.  ggrr