Friday, November 30, 2007

Big changes afoot - maybe

Okay, so ya know how The Prince and I visited Texas this summer? Well, this is the second time we've visited there in recent years, and we always leave very sad. Not only because we love our TX friends, but because we really love TX.

Property values here in So Cal are dropping, and may drop a lot more in the next year. Combine that with the fact that our lifestyle here is rapidly going down the tubes, and you have a family ripe for change.

We are seriously looking into moving to TX, and putting our house on the market very soon. GH actually spoke with a realtor this morning! House sales are way down in our area (though we live in a very desirable city) , so if this is meant to be, God will be providing the right buyer. We have not listed the house yet, nor are we decided. We are however, talking about it constantly.

The biggest drawback is leaving my parents. There is a possibility that my in-laws would follow us...but not my folks. My mom is kinda freaking out about us leaving, and it's freaking me out. I have told GH that if we move to TX, we will be keeping a fund just for traveling, and get a frequent flyer credit card. He agrees with me, so I anticipate that we would become big travelers.

That's the latest. Hopefully I'll update sooner rather than later.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

My first tag...a little late, I'm afraid

Elisa at My Journey Begins Now tagged me! This is my first tag, so I'll try not to mess it up.

Devise a list of 5-10 courses you would take to fix your life. It’s more fun to be in classes with friends, so include one class from the person who tagged you that you’d also like to take. Tag five.

This is the class we'll take together from your list, since this is how we met...when I asked for advice on internet marketing!

Internet Marketing for Dummies - after completing this class I won't have to muddle through all the annoying forums and sales pages; I'll be techno savvy and in tune with the IM world and raking in enough money to allow dear husband to decide what he wants to do with his life.

Dave Ramsey's Class - This is a real class, but it's one we really, really need, and should have taken a long time ago. 'Nuff said.

Lose 40 Pounds OVERNIGHT!!! - Weight loss is such a long, difficult journey. In this course, we'll learn how to lose it and keep it off...in one day (without surgery to remove a limb)! (Hey, this is my world, and in my world you'd be able to lose 40 lbs overnight, so there.)

How to Plans Meals and Cook for a *very picky* Family of Four, and Love It - I just don't have the cooking gene, though I have to say, in recent months with working less, it's a lot easier to cook. Now, it's become a necessity to prepare all meals at home, so I really must get this all figured out.

What to Say - This course equips the student to give the proper (and witty) response to any comment or in any situation. You will no longer say to yourself (after the fact) "I should have said..." or "I should not have said..." You will always be able to say "Awww, I'm so glad I said that."

I'm afraid I don't know how to tag others, so I'll just say, that's it. Thank for reading! :-)

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Updates and stuff

Again, nearly a month gone by without a post. *sigh* Updates, updates....

The Princess was allowed to audition for the musical "A Christmas Carol," and made it! GH figured the commitment time was shorter than with her other theater group, so he allowed it! We're pretty excited. Rehearsals are Sundays from 1-5, so it doesn't interfere with any other activities...until Production Week. Then, we're traveling 40 or so miles, in traffic to rehearsal at 4, then picking her up at 10 p.m., Sunday through Tuesday! Then, on Wed., Thurs., and Friday mornings, we have to be at the theater at about 8:15 a.m.

Can I just be honest? I love it! I think I'm a stage mother, without the whiny, "my-child-has-to-have-a-lead-role" attitude. The Princess gets to do the stuff that I really wanted to do at her age (but was not motivated enough). God has essentially given me a second chance, and I'm so glad.


Both kids got to perform at a Senior Center recently. The Prince, playing the keyboard, accompanied his sister as she sang "In Christ Alone." There were audible approving murmurs from the folks in the audience. It really warmed my heart. The Princess also performed the song from "White Christmas" called "Sisters" with an 8 year old friend. They had done the same song for our homeschool graduation in June. Seeing as the average age of their audience was, oh, about 75 years old, and they therefore were very familiar with Rosemary Clooney, Bing Crosby and the like, their performance was well-received! The kids really enjoyed performing for the folks, and I made sure that they socialized with the folks a little, too.

I was always afraid of old people when I was a kid; my only exposure was at a rest home, where most of the residents were in really bad shape. I had this perception that all old people smelled bad and drooled. Sad, but true. I'm so glad my kids have energetic grandparents who live nearby so that they can have regular interaction.

My work has finally dried up, almost completely. I'm alternating between panic and peace. Weird, I know.

Here's the deal: For YEARS, I have felt the Holy Spirit's urging to stop working. I've even prayed to be "able" to stop working, meaning that I wanted GH to make enough money to sustain us. Well, I ignored the Lord's leading, time and again, always wanting to "save" us financially. And here I am, with a teenager and a pre-teen who become more expensive by the day, and not enough to make ends meet. And God said, "Guess what? You're not working anymore!"

I have to trust that He'll work it out...He always has. Miracle upon miracle, GH is applying for several much more lucrative jobs...which he put off for years, partly due to the fact that his wife (that would be me) wasn't allowing him to provide for the family! I respect my husband more than I ever have, watching him rise to the occasion; he doesn't even want me to look for a job. God is revealing to me how important obedience is; I've always known it, but this situation really drives it home.

The Princess is off camping with friends this weekend. The Prince and I are off to babysit three little darling boys while their mom takes the older two kids to a symphony. We are absolutely in love with babies, so this should be fun!

May the Lord richly bless you today!