Wow, this was a busy weekend and most of it was not spent in our house. Even though we are determined to slow down our road trips, we ended up back in the car Saturday morning to trek up to the cabin to clean it up and restore it to "before Cole Time" for the Slagles to have a clean home to spend Thanksgiving in. We did enjoy our time there - well the kids did. While they played and explored more (not sure there is anything unexplored...) Robert and I cleaned and finished packing up.
Did I mention that this trip was after a stop at Plymouth Baptist church for a skills assessment for Basketball this winter? No? Well, we did stop there first. I told Robert we did not really need a skills assessment for the boys because they really have no basketball skills.... but oh well. Peter sure tried his hardest and was so proud of his few baskets scored, while Jacob was pretty proud too. It is going to be a great season on watching them learn this game and see if they really like it. Meanwhile we need to invest in a basketball and maybe a goal!
On the way back we splurged for lunch at Chuy's (one our favorites). Then it was a few more stops for errands - do they ever end?? Then home. It was a very productive day, the cabin was clean, basketball sign ups done, and Robert was equipped to install a water filter on the fridge and an outlet in the sun room.
But, I forgot, the best part of my weekend. Friday night I was able to sneak away to spend some time with a few friends as we celebrated my friend Linda. Linda was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. I did not know until another friend posted her Friday night plan on Facebook. We were going to get together to visit, eat and pray over Linda. Little did I know we were going to help her in her hair losing process by shaving her head. It was such a nice evening. Fun to catch up, but more fun to really encourage a dear friend. To see the peace she is experiencing while going through this process is so inspiring. I know that she is trusting God in this whole process and with herself, but man, that must be hard. So please pray for my friend Linda that God would continue to encourage her and lift her up. Thanks!
Sunday took us back to First Baptist Irving, and we even visited Sunday school - met a few home school families - and enjoyed another great service. Definitely feel like God is leading us here, but we will see.
Now another week is before us, School will start again here with our regular schedule. I am excited to get that going! The boys need to routine and I do too. We still have lots to do around the house, but each day I will tackle some task and take it one thing at a time. That is about it for us. Hope you are all well.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Fresh perspective
It is amazing how a fresh perspective changes well, everything. I have been getting very bogged down in wanting to transform this house, all our stuff, and our family into this new home - and getting frustrated at the pace and the amount of work!
So yes, I whined a bit to my friend about how this is just hard. While sympathetic, she did not really join my pity party. Instead she told me she would be praying for me (what I really needed more than her attending my party)
and reminded me how we all go through this. I know that, but it does not make it feel better when you are in the midst of it. You know?
So yesterday after my little celebration I decided to get my head out of where it has been, to change my perspective. So I told Robert we were going to take the day and get out of the house and it would not be moving related (i.e. errands, getting stuff from Mansfield, etc) so I planned to take the brood to the zoo.
I did have a good night sleep, and that always helps. But you know what really helps? To not dwell in the unhappy place and to be thankful for what I have. I have great kids who have tolerated "mean mommy" for quite a while now without complaining or really acting up. They have made this transition wonderfully well. The problem really is ME. I want clean counter tops, an organized bedroom, and school daily. I do not currently have any of those. But I can see the school table (under the afternoon craft of bookmarks), my counter tops are revealing themselves more everyday (while blessing Goodwill with lots of donations) and my bedroom, well.... I am not there yet.
But a break in work, a trip to the zoo is what we needed. When I told the kids this morning to get ready to leave to do some things they automatically assumed we were trekking out to buy more rugs for the floor, toilet brushes or food (the story of our lives lately). They were not upset that we were going to spend more time in the car without toys or movies. They went right along with the flow. So when we exited off the highway at the zoo exit they started to get a little excited but did not want to make any assumptions either, so they asked if that was where we were going, and when I said yes, they were about ecstatic! They were so excited they all quickly started thanking me profusely! It was almost funny!
It was a bit chilly at first, but with no one at the zoo but us (and a few others) we did not mind the cool morning at all. We had a great visit and even enjoyed a monorail ride with tickets from our zoo membership last December! So all in all it was a great morning. We got home in time for lunch and then had about 90m minutes of quiet time (for the big boys) the little ones are still sleeping! They wore themselves out at the zoo running and running!
So a fresh perspective was so good for me and my attitude and I know it blessed the kids. While they rested I almost finished the school room, so tomorrow I think we will ease ourselves back into normal school - some math and hand writing. Then work on the house - then the weekend arrives!
Here are some pics of our most recent trip this week to the cabin - the kids were thrilled to see the dogs - they are missing them so! They checked on the tadpoles and played in the water a bit. It was a quick trip due to wasps in the house - but it was still fun to play there for an hour or so.
Today my oldest lost another tooth - second one this week - the toothfairy is going to need a second job for our family soon!!
The boys at the cabin
Our favorite dogs - Chloe and Levin
Here is Chloe - she is the boy's favorite out of all of them
Here are the tadpoles - can you see them? They found them as frog eggs - what a nature lesson!
Running in the woods - like old times!!
the toothless grin - the big ones in the middle are getting bigger - good thing we lost the ones next to them!
So yes, I whined a bit to my friend about how this is just hard. While sympathetic, she did not really join my pity party. Instead she told me she would be praying for me (what I really needed more than her attending my party)
and reminded me how we all go through this. I know that, but it does not make it feel better when you are in the midst of it. You know?
So yesterday after my little celebration I decided to get my head out of where it has been, to change my perspective. So I told Robert we were going to take the day and get out of the house and it would not be moving related (i.e. errands, getting stuff from Mansfield, etc) so I planned to take the brood to the zoo.
I did have a good night sleep, and that always helps. But you know what really helps? To not dwell in the unhappy place and to be thankful for what I have. I have great kids who have tolerated "mean mommy" for quite a while now without complaining or really acting up. They have made this transition wonderfully well. The problem really is ME. I want clean counter tops, an organized bedroom, and school daily. I do not currently have any of those. But I can see the school table (under the afternoon craft of bookmarks), my counter tops are revealing themselves more everyday (while blessing Goodwill with lots of donations) and my bedroom, well.... I am not there yet.
But a break in work, a trip to the zoo is what we needed. When I told the kids this morning to get ready to leave to do some things they automatically assumed we were trekking out to buy more rugs for the floor, toilet brushes or food (the story of our lives lately). They were not upset that we were going to spend more time in the car without toys or movies. They went right along with the flow. So when we exited off the highway at the zoo exit they started to get a little excited but did not want to make any assumptions either, so they asked if that was where we were going, and when I said yes, they were about ecstatic! They were so excited they all quickly started thanking me profusely! It was almost funny!
It was a bit chilly at first, but with no one at the zoo but us (and a few others) we did not mind the cool morning at all. We had a great visit and even enjoyed a monorail ride with tickets from our zoo membership last December! So all in all it was a great morning. We got home in time for lunch and then had about 90m minutes of quiet time (for the big boys) the little ones are still sleeping! They wore themselves out at the zoo running and running!
So a fresh perspective was so good for me and my attitude and I know it blessed the kids. While they rested I almost finished the school room, so tomorrow I think we will ease ourselves back into normal school - some math and hand writing. Then work on the house - then the weekend arrives!
Here are some pics of our most recent trip this week to the cabin - the kids were thrilled to see the dogs - they are missing them so! They checked on the tadpoles and played in the water a bit. It was a quick trip due to wasps in the house - but it was still fun to play there for an hour or so.
Today my oldest lost another tooth - second one this week - the toothfairy is going to need a second job for our family soon!!
The boys at the cabin
My oldest with the tadpoles
The cabin - it is so peaceful there!
Our favorite dogs - Chloe and Levin
Here is Chloe - she is the boy's favorite out of all of them
Here are the tadpoles - can you see them? They found them as frog eggs - what a nature lesson!
Running in the woods - like old times!!
the toothless grin - the big ones in the middle are getting bigger - good thing we lost the ones next to them!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Almost "home"
Well, things are progressing quite quickly, although not as quickly as I wish. Yes, I am impatient and do not give myself much of a break, but the results are worth it - mostly!
We have the pods unloaded, tomorrow PODS will come and pick up our last container and then we will reclaim our driveway and I am sure that will make our neighbors happy! I think there are less than 10 boxes left to be unpacked, but man we are running out of room for our "stuff" and we have taken a load in the suburban and the truck to goodwill. So we are trying to unload some of our excess!
It is hard to get rid of stuff though! I mean what if I "need" that item? What then? I will have to go buy it ... and well that costs money. But you know what, it feels wonderful to get rid of it and trust that if I need it in the future God will provide. I know that sounds trite - but I have found out it is true. I mean, I watched God provide so many things these past 7 months, from a house to food, to clothes that we needed because most of our were packed in a pod. So I know that if I need 4 or 6 more bowls I will find them. So as hard as it is to get rid of it, it is really fun to sit back and just remind God that I do trust him no matter what. No matter if we lose a job, if we sell a house and have no home, no matter what. It still amazes me to reflect over the past year and see what He has done in our lives.
Then today we tried a new church, we visited First Baptist Irving and we loved it. I am pretty sure that we will join next week, that is unless God throws a big road block in our way between now and the 11:15 service. The kids enjoyed it, they encourage a corporate worship, so the kids go to Sunday School then to church with us. I love that!! Can't wait! I really enjoyed meeting the Children's pastor too! So hopefully!
Meanwhile the school room is coming together, I cannot presently see my kitchen counters, but maybe I will this week. I made bread last week (Friday) and that sure helped it feel like home. It was great to have homemade bread - the kids were thrilled and Robert was very happy too to arrive to a home that smelled yummy to find warm bread waiting for him! We now have phone, but we are still stealing internet, not sure from who, but we are sure thankful for that too!
This week will include a trip back to Honey Grove to get the rest of our stuff from the cabin and more unpacking. Mostly we will be organizing the house, the closets and finally we will get back to school! That really is the best part! I am ready to have some part of the day to sit with the kids and just be with them. I think we all need that! They have had enough of a busy mom with many to do lists!
That is all for now, hopefully we will have more pics soon - of orderly rooms! We will see.
Happy Fall!!
We have the pods unloaded, tomorrow PODS will come and pick up our last container and then we will reclaim our driveway and I am sure that will make our neighbors happy! I think there are less than 10 boxes left to be unpacked, but man we are running out of room for our "stuff" and we have taken a load in the suburban and the truck to goodwill. So we are trying to unload some of our excess!
It is hard to get rid of stuff though! I mean what if I "need" that item? What then? I will have to go buy it ... and well that costs money. But you know what, it feels wonderful to get rid of it and trust that if I need it in the future God will provide. I know that sounds trite - but I have found out it is true. I mean, I watched God provide so many things these past 7 months, from a house to food, to clothes that we needed because most of our were packed in a pod. So I know that if I need 4 or 6 more bowls I will find them. So as hard as it is to get rid of it, it is really fun to sit back and just remind God that I do trust him no matter what. No matter if we lose a job, if we sell a house and have no home, no matter what. It still amazes me to reflect over the past year and see what He has done in our lives.
Then today we tried a new church, we visited First Baptist Irving and we loved it. I am pretty sure that we will join next week, that is unless God throws a big road block in our way between now and the 11:15 service. The kids enjoyed it, they encourage a corporate worship, so the kids go to Sunday School then to church with us. I love that!! Can't wait! I really enjoyed meeting the Children's pastor too! So hopefully!
Meanwhile the school room is coming together, I cannot presently see my kitchen counters, but maybe I will this week. I made bread last week (Friday) and that sure helped it feel like home. It was great to have homemade bread - the kids were thrilled and Robert was very happy too to arrive to a home that smelled yummy to find warm bread waiting for him! We now have phone, but we are still stealing internet, not sure from who, but we are sure thankful for that too!
This week will include a trip back to Honey Grove to get the rest of our stuff from the cabin and more unpacking. Mostly we will be organizing the house, the closets and finally we will get back to school! That really is the best part! I am ready to have some part of the day to sit with the kids and just be with them. I think we all need that! They have had enough of a busy mom with many to do lists!
That is all for now, hopefully we will have more pics soon - of orderly rooms! We will see.
Happy Fall!!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Settling In
Our home.....
This is the side into the backyard. The sun room is on the left (looks like grey doors)
This is the backyard - yes a little smaller than the cabin in honey grove, but the kids are enjoying the wall of bamboo in the back and are just thrilled to have bikes!
This is the side into the backyard. The sun room is on the left (looks like grey doors)
This is the backyard - yes a little smaller than the cabin in honey grove, but the kids are enjoying the wall of bamboo in the back and are just thrilled to have bikes!
Our new home (well new to us) is coming along quickly! We have one pod emptied, a few beds to sleep on (a few still on the floor). We have a couple tables (which are much easier to use to empty boxes rather than the floor) and a couch & tv. The kitchen cabinets are filling up!
If you did not know, we are renting a home in Irving, Robert works 6 miles from here (sometimes a 10 minute drive, sometimes 25, but still not bad!). It is a 3 bedroom, but we have a good size sunroom for ALL the toys and a front room (formal living??) that will be the schoolroom. Anyway we are enjoying it! Hardwood floors and tile througout. Nice trees in the front and back, which = shade most of the day in the yard somewhere! Side walks all around too - which makes walking easier with kids!
Our final pod will arrive on Tuesday, but not sure that one will get emptied as quickly as this last one. Today our dear friend Keith saved the day by repairing our old fridge since the new-old one will not fit in the fridge spot at this house. So he replaced something and anyway, we have water in the door - a necessity with these thirsty kids! He also acted as the bike hero by delivering my 2 big boy's bikes along with a few boxes and the vaccum!! What a day!
I finally agreed to a walk to the park as well. We walked the 2 blocks to a beautiful park - water everywhere, ducks, a great playground and a walking trail 1 mile long around the park. I think we may have to make this a regular event in our week - recess!! We even made a friend for the boys and I met 2 nice adults too. Just a good little break from boxes, cleaning and unpacking!!
So now I am beat, and I still have some boxes I have not unpacked. But dinner is prepped - well the salad is made and broccoli is cleaned in cut and in a pot. So once we figure out Robert's ETA I will get some chicken cooking and we will enjoy a homecooked & healthy meal!
God is still pouring out blessings on our family. It is just fun to sit back and watch everything unfold!!
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