It's Only Monday...Mr(s) Mom!

This is somewhat a follow-up to a previous post. Mike and I have decided it would be beneficial for me to stay home with Jake! Yay! This was my first official week of stay-at-home mommyhood and so far it's been going pretty well. We don't have a real strict routine as yet. The morning is usually about the same--we get up, he helps me feed the doggies, he eats breakfast while mommy cleans/straightens the house, then we go to the living room where he plays for a couple hours and watches his shows ("Martha Speaks" is one of his favorites, along with "Super Why"...the latter he actually will get in to, which is so amazing to watch him do!). Then he goes down for a nap/quiet time, and mommy has quiet time as well. It's actually pretty nice not having anything on. I'll get on the computer for a bit sometimes. But for the most part I'll do crosswords or read. The TV is off. Just the music is playing coming over his monitor. As for the afternoons, I haven't really done much. We went to the park the last couple days (which he LOVES!!). He played in the backyard. I'd like to start doing different things in the afternoons. I love Pinterest, as I believe I've stated before. Well, on Pinterest, I've discovered a couple sites that give summer schedules parents do with their kids. For example, Mondays are craft days. Tuesdays are library days. Stuff like that. I could tweak it a little bit for his age as well as the seasons.
To be honest with you, I never thought this would happen. I never pictured myself as a stay-at-home mom. I always wanted a family, having come from a family of five siblings. But I never really thought I'd stay at home with the kids. I didn't think I'd have the patience for it, that I'd always want to be working and moving. Don't get me wrong, I do miss work. You probably think I'm crazy for up and leaving a perfectly good job, and maybe I am. But in the long run, I think I'd be crazier for missing out on these precious years with my son. Once he's older (and if he doesn't have any siblings by then) I'll probably go back to the work force. Until then, I'll enjoy every minute I have with him. I've already discovered he knows a lot more words than I'd thought. And he's starting to put sentences together and talking understandably. It's like he's a little person now! ;-)
I am so thankful to God and the support of my family for helping us get to this. It's a wonderful thing and I wish all mothers had a chance to experience it and become closer with their children in this way. It might make for a better world.

Jacob Two-Two

Here we are again. Another year gone. You're upstairs trying valiantly not to go to sleep, little man, while mommy is here writing to you. You're still too young to truly understand what a big day it is tomorrow. All you know is mommy and mema keep asking you, "How old are you?" and you respond (after some prompting) with a proud yet somewhat unsure, "Two!" You're growing up, buddy. You're getting too heavy for mommy and daddy to pick up (though, of course we still do!). You think you can do everything on your own, and yet get SO frustrated when things don't work like you want them to. We're working on you learning your feelings and expressing them the right way (for example: not throwing things across the room when they don't work like you want).
You're speaking pretty decently now...at least enough that we know what you mean. In fact, today you even put words together, saying, "'Elp me, peez," when you needed mommy to help you climb on our bed. I was so proud of you for so many reasons...asking for help, saying "please," and putting it all together! You also said "I wuv oo" to mommy and hugged her without even being asked. I thought I was gonna cry right then and there (it's something mommies do)!
You have a wide range of words, including (and not limited to): mommy, daddy, mamaw (mommy's mommy), papaw (mommy's daddy), Nimmy (Uncle Jimmy), 'Ac-Ob' (Aunt Kristen's son, Jacob), Yady (Lady), Spite (Sprite), kitty and cat, dog and doggie, no (you like that one a little too much!), peez (please), tank oo (thank you), batt-y (battery), gook (book), 'nket (blanket), off (which covers anything off or not off), wait (which you repeat to yourself while mommy's locking the front door and you don't go any further than the edge of the porch), hat, cookie, smoothie, gapes (grapes)...oh my goodness, I could go on forever! You tell the doggies "bye bye" at their window when we leave the house. You yell "BYE" to mema and papa's entire household before we go home. You also tell people "bye" and "I wuv oo" (even if they aren't related!) when mommy gets off the phone.
You give Uncle Jimmy real high fives now instead of pinching his palm. You LOVE to snuggle on the couch with mema. You love playing outside with papa and climbing on the "chacta" (tractor) whenever you get the chance and helping in the garden (aka, find rocks and put them in the back of your dump truck). You love Big Jacob and Aunt Kristen (maybe a bit too much...you are such a flirt, kid!).
Some of your favorite things right now are playing outside, trains, tractors, planes (whenever you hear any loud humming you promptly call out "Pane!"), bouncy balls, doggies, books,  music, dancing,  and pretending. I love watching your imagination at work, baby. You aren't really into TV quite yet, which is totally not a bad thing. Sometimes if I'm watching TV or doing something in another room and realize you've been kinda quiet for a while, I look at you or peak around the corner and see you playing by yourself, completely enthralled with what you're doing. You'll sing to yourself or with mommy. If you hear music, you'll start dancing and/or singing.

 

You ask every night for a "baff" (bath), even if you don't need one. You ask almost every morning to "bre-bruff" (brush) your teeth. You're eager to help out (unless we ask you to do something, then you don't really feel helpful!), and will put things in the "chash" (trash) for us or do little tasks. You help mommy scoop the doggies' food in their bowls every morning and think it's funny when Lady jumps really high in excitement. You'll also bring me their "wawa" (water) bowl to be refilled. You've learned so much in this past year and are still learning and wanting to learn. Keep that inquisitiveness, sweetie.
Oh, there's so many things I could list here. I could go on and on and on about you (as every mama does about their baby). But it's late, and mommies need their sleep as well as little monkeys. So let me say happy early birthday, monkey man. Mommy and daddy love you so much!

Goodbye Facebook

I've come to a decision. Not in relation to my last post...that's still up in the air. No, this has to do with Facebook. Last night I got so irritated and quite literally FURIOUS with comments people have posted. Not on my page...on their own. I realize that everyone can have their own opinion, but when you're role models to people in your community or have children or anything else of the like, you should not post things that are being posted almost daily. If you're going to post something, you need to get your facts straight. Whether it be political, religious, or even common knowledge.
Anyway...so, yeah, I get so irrationally angry with things that get posted because I know how the person is behind the computer. It's just not healthy. So I made a decision. I'm not going to completely close my account. I use it for grooming as well. I also don't want to block people because that could get complicated and the whole point is to simplify. I also have long-distance friends and relatives I like to keep in touch with and I check in with my weight loss group.
Basically what I'm saying is if I don't get back to you quickly or you don't see much activity from me, this is why. This is kinda big for me because I'm constantly checking Facebook, I've come to realize. It'll be strange, I'm sure. My goal is at least a month Facebook-free and we'll see how it goes from there.
So...here we go!

MODIFICATION: I'm not going to be completely "Facebook-free." I just realized that that makes it sound like I won't even get on. I'll post some pictures (since we do have long-distance family that would probably appreciate updates of their grandson/nephew).

Work or Home?

I'm here! I'm back!
Sorry it's been so long, but I made a huge boo-boo and opened an e-mail that looked all official but in reality was loaded with Trojans and worms and other nasty viruses, so our computer has been capoot. Mike and I have been able to use the internet on our phones, but it's not as good, plus it's not very easy to type up an entire blog entry.
So, I started my own grooming business "The Weekend Groomer" last summer and it's been going pretty well. It slowed WAAAAY down over the winter, which any groomer can tell you it does. Nobody wants a naked dog with snow on the ground. I was getting a little worried, though, when March came and went and things still weren't picking up. Yes, I realize I need better advertising. I'm working on that. I almost thought about stopping it all together, except maybe some regulars. But then one of my clients told me that I had to keep doing it because I'm the only one that can do her dog (it's true...I'm about the only person the dog trusts). And actually, right after I was thinking about quitting it, I got a whole bunch of grooms booked. Which makes me think that this is what I'm supposed to be doing. Next question is...is it the only thing I'm supposed to be doing? Let me explain what I mean...
I always figured I'd work. Even after kids, I always thought I'd work because I wasn't cut out to be a stay-at-home mom, nor did I want to be a stay-at-home mom. I've always believed that moms should stay home if they could (I realize our economy doesn't always allow this) and I realize it's a little hypocritical to believe that and yet still not want to stay home. But since having my son, it's kinda all I want to do. I got a small glimpse of it when I quit my job in Madison and stayed home for about four weeks. Then reality kicked in and we discovered we needed two paychecks. Don't get me wrong...I LOVE my job. Great hours, wonderful staff, and AWESOME bosses. I feel like I should be spending more time with my son. I get a few hours in the morning and maybe an hour when I get off work before he has to go to bed. My parents are THE...BEST...EVER for watching him for us while Mike and I are at work. But let's be honest...they aren't spring chickens anymore. Running around after a two-year-old can be exhausting for ME sometimes, let alone Mema and Papa!
So I've been praying about this. A lot lately. If I could get a good solid business going with grooming, then I could work from home, set my own schedule, and be able to spend more time with Jake (and Mike, since he gets off work earlier than me). I would love to do this, but to leave a perfectly good job for something that could possibly fall through in a few months scares the crap out of me! I just don't know what to do. I honestly feel like this is what I should be doing. In fact, the morning after I prayed over this dilemma, my brother's girlfriend sent me a link to a Craigslist ad for working from home. Then, the second night of praying, I woke in the middle of the night because Jake had a nightmare. I couldn't go right back to sleep, so I went online and noticed a friend of mine from high school wrote a new blog entry about her decision to leave her teaching job to be a stay-at-home mom. Is this just my wishful thinking, or am I being told something? (*sigh*)
Just some musings of mine, I guess. Feedback would be nice if you have it.

On to the Next

Another year gone, another year ahead. It seems this one has passed by faster than before, though I feel the years are going by faster every year. Reflecting on the past year, there are some things that stick out more than others.

-I quit my job as a groomer at the animal hospital I had worked at since high school, leaving behind a WHOLE lot of unneeded stress.
-I tried my hand at being a stay-at-home mom, but we soon discovered that our finances wouldn't allow it. So...
-I began my new job as a veterinary assistant, and it's awesome!
-Our old pup Caffeine had to be put down after 17 years of hikes, playtimes, car rides, and just all-around good times.
-After realizing that I missed grooming so much (as well as having some old clients asking if I was still grooming), I started a side business out of my home on the weekends. It's not insanely busy, but it helps out and I love seeing the dogs.
-One of my good friends and former coworker married the love of her life. Congrats April and Jeff!
-Not one, but TWO new people entered my brother's life!
-We planted our first little garden, and even managed to get some produce out of it! We'll have to do some tweaking for this year's.
-Our little monkey turned one!!!
-Many words have been added to said monkey's vocabulary, including (but not limited to): dog, truck, sock, shoe, no, yes, sheesh!, gosh!, cookie, cracker, juice, and yellow.
-After less than a year since they began their journey, my brother and sister-in-law (and neice!) welcomed two new faces into their home, all the way from Ethiopia. Fiyori Rae and Kokeb "Kobe" James Miller.
-In honor of them, we all tried Ethiopian food for the first time...and rather enjoyed it (most of us, anyway!).
-Mike was put in a new (hopefully permanant) position at work as an armed guard. He now finally has a set schedule.
-Another good friend had her first child. Welcome Cannon Gage Deane!
-Two of my coworkers also welcomed their first children. Welcome Collins and Silas!
-We survived the end of the world...again!!!!!!! ;-)

Looking forward to the next year, as always I have hopes and dreams. Not resolutions, as they tend to be followed for a short time then forgotten. These are just what I wish will happen in the next year.

-I will lose weight. Hopefully at least some. My back has been killing me more and more each day, an my sciatic nerve shoots with pain from time to time, so any bit will help. I've picked up a yoga DVD that I'm excited to try. It'll be hard, but hopefully I can stick with it.
-Get healthier in general. Eat more veggies and fruits, less pasta and bread.
-We'll win the lottery!!!!! (well, one could hope...)

Yep, that's it. Not much else. Just live as best I can, love as much as I can, laugh a whole lot, and cherish every moment.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

I realize that it's been quite some time since I have written. With schedules here and there and really just not much to talk about, I've let the blog go to the wayside. But here I am again, on Christmas Day, no less.
I'm not sure how many people read this. I've got a few faithful followers, but maybe some passers-by will scan their screens and take in my message. Whether you believe in the true meaning of Christmas or not, I hope that you can take a little bit away from this.
It's been a little rough this year. I finally got away from one nightmare early in the year, which has made a lot of difference. Mike's schedule has been one of frustration, but that seems to have finally calmed. We both have taken some heavy pay cuts, which has taken its toll, but we've managed. With the help of family and God, we couldn't have done it any other way.
I've mentioned before that I'm not the preaching type. I've never really been one to go on about the glory of God, even though I've felt it myself. This year, however, I feel I've scooted just a tiny bit closer into His light. I've always known that He's been looking out for me and my family, but it was always something that I guess I took for granted. This year I've opened my eyes a little wider and have actually seen the wonders He has done in my life. Yes, we've had down times. But He has gotten us through them.
I've also explained on here the title of my blog and why I'd chosen it (and recently found that I'm not the only one who this happens to, it seems...so I'm not completely crazy!)...about feeling that God sends me messages through songs. Not too long ago we were going through a very rough patch, and I didn't know what to do. So I prayed. I prayed hard. I prayed a lot. Finally, one night while I was lying in bed, after I had just finished praying, a song came on the radio (we have the radio on a country station at nights when we sleep). I heard it, and realized almost immediately it was from Him. But the message in it was one I was worried about. If anyone's heard the song "Love, Your Baby Girl" by Sugarland then you know what it's about. I went to sleep that night thinking maybe it was just a coincidence, that it wasn't any kind of message, because I couldn't possibly have the guts to do what the song implied. A few days later, a few days closer to the deadline, I started to panic more. So I prayed in earnest again. As soon as I finished my prayer, the song played on the radio. I knew it to be the message it was, so I argued back (since I'm stubborn like that and think I can "argue" with God...HA!). I said that it wasn't possible, made excuses, for myself and the other party. I went to bed, hoping He had another plan. In the morning, I woke up and prayed again (and apologized for the night before!). As before, the song came on. I conceded. I realized it was the only way. So I did as He said and was pleasantly surprised by the outcome.
Well, the past week I've had another prayer. At the end one night, I asked what I can do. Being the Christmas season, obviously the radio has been riddled with songs of the season. So when I heard "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," again I thought coincidence. The next day in the car I talked to God, asking what to do. The song played. The next day I turned the music down to give God my full attention (aside from the attention I was giving the road). When I turned the music back up, I heard the first few familiar notes. And then a calm came over me and the worry I had left. And I knew He was there, He would help as he always does. He wanted me to enjoy His Son's birthday with friends and family, as I should. He knew I was getting irritable as I do when I worry, what with snapping at my husband (sorry, honey!) and losing my patience occasionally with Jake. That's no way to spend a holiday. Especially one such as this.
So, on this most special of days, I extend what I believe to be the Lord's message.

"Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Let your heart be light
From now on your troubles will be out of sight

Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Make the Yuletide gay
From now on your troubles will be miles away"

Jugglin' All the Thoughts in my Head

So...um...wow...it's been a little while. And I apologize for that. Well, I apologize to the ones that actually are interested in my day-to-day life, not to the ones that just read to pass the time. Though, I guess I apologize to you guys, too, because by not posting I've made you guys have to find some other entertainment.
The reason I'm finally putting my thoughts down again is because I have to say...I CAN'T WAIT FOR FALL!!!! Yep, that was it. No big thing. Well, it's not just fall. I have so many things going on in my head right now, it's just crazy! I guess let me individualize things...

1) As I said, I can't wait for fall. Cooler weather, leaves changing, windows being able to be opened, not sweating, football (yes, I'm actually eager for football...real football...not preseason stuff).

2) Before that, however, I can't wait until this coming weekend. My brother and sister-in-law are overseas AS WE SPEAK getting my new neice and nephew, all the way from Ethiopia! (You can check out her blog for more details) They're flying back in to Virginia for all the East Coast family to meet the li'l tykes, and I can't wait. I've read the story. I've seen the pictures. I can't wait to see them in person and let them meet their new cousins.

3) Another big thing flying around through my head is the holidays. Yep, you bet. I said it. HOLIDAYS! I want to decorate our house. Maybe have a get-together? Not sure about that yet. That's another thing to think about! I have Pinterest to blame. I'm addicted to that site...there's so many great ideas on there! I've tried especially to find pins for gift ideas...which I've found some pretty good ones. Especially some to give me ideas for Mike, who is so hard to shop for/give gifts to. I've got a list going of pretty good ideas. They may not be big, but hopefully he'll like them.

4) Painting. Not art painting. Painting the house. Mike and I swung by Lowes today and I picked up a paint idea pamphlet. The kitchen and dining area turned out so great, I want to move on to the living room and entry hall. I'd like to attack the office, but that'll just be on hold for a little while longer. I was thinking a golden yellow for the entry. It's already yellow in there now, but there's some patches that need to be covered, plus I want a slightly bolder color. For the living room, I found a darker, dusty blue color that would look nice. Though I don't know if it would look okay completely that color. The furniture is dark, and I'm afraid if I did a dark wall, the already small room would look even tinier. Maybe do half the wall blue? I'll have to work on it.

So, yep...that's about it. Random tidbits of my thoughts revealed to the public. I think that's all. Hopefully it won't be as long a wait for my "random tidbits" next time.