Life

A friend wrote this on their wall on Facebook.  I thought about writing a comment but then as thoughts were running through my mind it is so much more than one comment.  For me, it is a way of life...the answer to this question.

I've been sitting here, trying to write a question about how one overcomes feeling unfulfilled by their career.

So friends, if you had to go through a career change, can you share the good and bad of that experience?

Unfulfilled... Unsatisfied... I've felt those before.  As much as I have a hard time adjusting to change, it happens, it's necessary.  I went to college and it was difficult.  I was often very overwhelmed.  I decided to take a break, not knowing if I would ever go back.  I worked full-time at a Christian business.  It was nice, it was encouraging, but it had negatives just like any other job.  So, as I was considering whether to change "careers" or just stay and bear it, I realized that no matter what situation - job or otherwise - that we are in, there is always going to be dissatisfaction.  It may start all rosy and wonderful, but there are going to be times where you never want to go back.  I realized I couldn't run away from something that had a bit of "hard" in it.  I had to face it or realize that the next situation is going to be the same way - eventually.  

 As I look at the world, I see the same thing.  Products I buy new are not going to be perfect.  They are going to break or wear out or quit.  Now, I could run to the store and ask for a replacement or I can realize that this is just how life is.  We live in an fallen and imperfect world.  Stuff doesn't last, people aren't always kind, food goes bad (check out the mango).  You may feel this outlook is depressing, but for me...I have found freedom.  

I can fix tears and wear the clothes.  I can use the good 4/5s of a sweet potatoe.  I can compost that rooted mango.  I can forgive and love the people that aren't perfect (myself included).  I can choose to see the positive in people. 

2 Corintians 4:16-18 says, "Therefore we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

I sure do look forward to a day when everything will be made perfect! 

Did it Again...

I have spent the last couple of days recounting things I said I wouldn't do and then have...

• Facebook...I thought I would never get on Facebook and then I hijacked my husbands.
• Pinterest...Nope, I'm not going to do that, I don't need another time waster.  Well, I started on that, but it hasn't been a time waster like Facebook.  I hope to keep it that way!  Some of my goals on Pinterest:  Try not to repin unless you actually used the idea.  Pin things I have tried. 
• ...oh, I'll think of more...
• Home Business...

That's what I am here to talk about.  I am NOT a party person.  Initially, it was because I could not afford to buy anything but that orange peeler or paring knife.  Then, just because that was still my mindset.  Also, because I usually don't NEED any of that.

Well, on Tuesday night, Kevin and I were talking about something and he said, "I'm ok with you not having a home business."  Direct quote.  The next day, friend K came to my house to set up her Blessings Unlimited things and we had a Blessings party in my house.  I agreed in support of a friend, not because I like to ask my friends to buy things, not because I am a salesperson, but because I love my K.  She was telling another friend about the business side, trying to talk her into selling.  It sounded "no pressure".  Then the two friends started trying to get me convinced to sell it.  I told them what Kevin had said the night before and said that they would have to convince him.

K was staying overnight and later that night, after the party, when Kevin came back home, she started telling him about the business.  THEN, they both started telling me what a good idea it was.  Kevin and I talked more when we went to bed and again in the morning.  I ordered the "starter kit" and decided that I would be a no "pressure party" person.  I can try it for a year for "free" (bought the starter kit, which had several things that I wanted to purchase), and then I either have to sell a certain about or pay $50 to still be a consultant.  So, I am a:

Goal: be as paperless as possible, have 1 party per month, have fun, be no pressure...because I don't "need" to do this, I don't "need" to sell everything to everyone. 

Hold me to this, ok?!

FYI: online catalog here.

Challenge in Change

Re:  Change is not a threat (or surprise).  It's a fact.

"Change is a reality, and we're living right in the middle of it.  The good news is that God can be found right in the middle of it as well.  God does not change, but He uses change--to change us.  He sends us on journeys that bring us to the end of ourselves.  We often feel out of control, yet if we embrace His leading, we may find ourselves on the ride of our lives."

Interrupted by Jen Hatmaker (quote from Foreward by Brandon Hatmaker)

I borrowed this book through Inter Library Loan, it came from halfway across the country!  I only made it through the Foreward last night, but already it applied.  Our family has grown by one these last couple months and it has been a challenge.  Medically it has exhausting:  creams, antibiotics, doctor's appointments, pharmacy mix-ups, multiple clinic phone tag...  Change, this change has been wonderful (smiles, laughs, snuggles), but beyond us (medical needs).  (I'm afraid that our story may not motivate others to follow in our footsteps.)  Beyond us, but God has provided!  Jehovah Jireh (God the provider).  He has provided meals, prescription clarification, on-call doctors, nurses and pharmacists in the family, affirmation that we are doing the right thing, encouragement to persevere, pleasant weather so that our healthy half can play with the neighbors without infecting others!  ...etc.

We are also praying that Jehovah Rapha (God the healer) will wipe out these medical needs!  Pray with us?! 

Change.  Keep it coming.  Keep us focused. 

Lessons From Foster Care

• Take any new child in for a thorough physical to see if there is anything, ANYTHING that needs to be treated.
• If you have clues, about a previous illness, that have come with them, ask about them.  Push and prod until you know for sure that the illness is gone gone.
• Try to do this before coming into contact with all your family and friends.
• Persevere, all the love and work you are putting into this child will make a difference no matter the size. 
• Despite possibility of some illness, don't be afraid of loving them completely - and let your little girls love on them too.  
• Accept help from others.  
• Ask for help from others.  
• Get the sleep you need, even if all the linens, clothes, and cloth anything need to be washed and dried in high heat.  There is time for that tomorrow.
• If your child is fussy...lay them down and sing/play:  
• "Clap your feet  - clap feet to the rhythm
• All you people
• Shout to God with a voice of triumph
• Clap your feet
• All you people
• Shout to God with a voice of praise
• Hosanna  - alternate legs up and down
• Praise Him
• Shout to God with a voice of praise"  - clapping again
• My husband can take 2 seconds on my post and take the dots off the "list" that I just wanted to be song lyrics.
• Baths and splashing can be a reprieve (for parents) and a delight (for kids).
• Oatmeal baths are cheap and easy ("recipe")
• God is good, all the time.  All the time God is good.
• Pray!  Pray for perseverence, pray for the kids, pray for the parents, pray for change, pray for miracles, pray for courage.
• Make connections.  As we are now taking care of our first foster child we were given a foster parent mentor that we can call and email.  What a great idea.

Sewing to Nursery

The start...  Ever since we moved into this house, this little room has been "mine".  I have used it for my sewing room/storage room, along with the adjoining closet.  This spring, I had to start giving it up.  Mentally first, but then physically.  Thankfully, Kevin doesn't mind that the sewing table fits in our room.  Eventually, I suppose it will in habit a corner of our basement, but for now, it uses a small portion of a walkway to my dresser in the master bedroom. 

After moving everything out of the room, the first thing to change was the walls.  And while we were at it we painted the ceiling!  This is actually the first room that I had any part of painting.  :)  Friends and family helped on move-in weekend painting the 2 main bedrooms, my mom painted my dining room and Kevin painted the bathroom (I've only painted closets so far). 

My mom visited for a week, to take care of the girls and then to help me with the painting.  Here she is rolling on the yellow. 

 

Prior to the room painting weekend, Kevin and I had found a dresser on Craig's List.  It was expensive, but just what we needed.  We headed over to take a look at it and decided against it because of drawer cracks, etc.  On our way home we saw rummage sale sign.  I asked Kevin to stop and we bought this changing table for $3!!  I painted it with closet paint (tan to white), and we found bins to use for drawers.  Kevin also took a part a wobbly table to put a shelf piece on the bottom level. What a handy man he is!

The final product (mostly) with the sunshine coming in!  Final home visit today!  I'm not sure how long after that.  Kevin was holding our 6 month old niece this weekend and said, "We need one of these."  :)  Maybe soon!  I had a quilt to put up on the walls, but the color didn't quite match (to my liking) so, I will have to rethink my wall decor.

Multi Grain Gluten Free Cereal

I got a little tired of eating plain Chex every morning for breakfast.  So, I am mixing it up a bit with Corn Chex, Rice Krispies Gluten Free with Brown Rice, and Arrowhead Mills Puffed Millet.  I had originally tried the puffed millet alone, but it was soft, not crispy like Rice Krispies.  So it seemed (although I have never tried it) to be like eating those little styrofoam pellets.  It goes best with Silk Vanilla Coconut milk too, as opposed to the original version. 

No Shampoo - 1st attempt

Earlier this week I got 16 inches of my hair cut off.  Today, I decided it would be a good day to try the "no poo" method of washing.  I used her original measurements (1 tablespoon baking soda/1 cup water, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar/1 cup water), and I have enough left for another washing.  The result:  it appears as though I washed my hair today.  Very good!

Now, I just need to know what to use for the rest of my body.  Seemed weird to be using such simplicity in my hair and then using the shampoo/body wash on the rest of me.  Haha.  One step at a time!

Don't worry, by my sister's suggestion, I will save enough shampoo for you all to use when you come and visit.

• If you are also interested, here is one link to dry shampoo information. 
• DIY homemade body wash. 
• Tips and Tricks

5 Years and 15 Inches

The time has come again to donate some hair.  Laura from church has a new "studio" at her home for her art (of hair designing).  Lisa from my small group had mentioned going there and enjoying her experience and since I have no regular hair cutting establishment, besides Great Clips with a coupon, I decided to try it out.  What a pleasant experience!  The girls came with me and she had a little suitcase in the corner for them to find toys in.  When we left, Kj said, "Mama, you should go there all the times."  :)  I just might.

At our next stop, my friend said, "You look ten years younger!"  This makes me laugh because some people think I look 16.  I'm sure she meant my real age.  Haha.

Well, I did it!  I'll try to post a non-styled/beautified picture as well!  Thanks Laura!!  You are extremely skilled.