New Seasons + Monday Night Random List

It's been decided that I'll be transitioning from part time in the home work to a full time outside the home job. I, of course, have mixed feelings about it. I love spending time at home with Jacob, but we honestly aren't on a "stay at home" schedule. I love being able to help my Mom, but she won't be needing me for much longer. I'm not going to go into much more detail, because I'm sure I'll leave something out and then sound ungrateful or like work at home or work out of the home mom's have it better or worse. My thoughts on staying at home are much like my thoughts on breastfeeding: to each her own. For some the decision is clear and easy; for others its more complicated and more difficult. I am not the one to judge whether you are doing what's right or wrong. God gave you to specifically be your child's parents and provides you with the wisdom to parent that child. (Credit to Candis for that piece of wisdom)

I've applied for 5 jobs and already been turned down by 2 and 1 was filled before I could submit my application. I am not at all worried about this- just waiting to see what door(s) open. 

A few more random things for your Monday night:

• I did a painting class tonight at my church. It was super fun! 
• Jacob has slept in until at least 8:30 am the last two mornings and I've slept right along with him. I'm going to set my alarm in the morning to get up and actually make good use of that time which means I'm pretty much guaranteeing that Jacob will wake up early. 
• Jacob goes for his 15 month check up tomorrow
• My dogs have killed two birds this week. 

A Friday List

1. We finished touring apartments in town yesterday and decided on the one we want. We turned in our application and fee and she is holding it until the option period is over for us (which is March 30). We should be getting a call for them to come do the home inspection and then we'll negotiate out anything they find and want repaired.

2. Yesterday was my last day as a dance teacher. One of my siblings is being homeschooled again, I was constantly going going going and not able to fully watch the kids sometimes, scheduling out sitters for Jacob was proving to be more difficult and stressful than originally thought, so I resigned after much thought and consideration. I don't think I've ever felt as out of control and "just surviving" as I have these last three or four months.

3. I think for the most part, our house is finally healthy again. Jim had bronchitis for like 20 years (or 6 weeks) and I've had the allergy, runny nose/cough, my voice was replaced by my sexy man voice thing, and Jacob has had lots of boogers and coughing. I think our Kleenex budget will be significantly reduced in April.

4. I cooked a crock pot brisket for the first time and it was good. Nothing extra special or out of this world, but a nice base cooking method that I can now add layers of flavor too. The recipe is to trim the fat off your 3-5 lb. brisket, put it in the crockpot, add a can of cream of mushroom soup, a package if onion soup mix, and water to cover. Cook on high until it's bubbling, then turn to low for 8-10 hours or until around 170 degrees inside and fork tender. You'll want some kind of good BBQ sauce or something to go with it.

5. Opening Day and Easter are on the same day. What a great day it will be!

6. Also today, my Dad's 51st birthday! Happy Birthday Daddy!

Have a FANTASTIC weekend!

A Friday List : Life Update

1. My child's sleeping schedule has been ruined since strep throat. He wasn't sleeping through the night before, but he was only getting up once MAYBE twice to nurse. Now, it's like every 3 hours. We tried crying it out for 4 days and it was miserable (2 hour scream fests are NOT awesome). We go to the doctor in a week and a half so I guess he'll tell me what to do. I'm just lost!

2. Is fests not a word? My iPhone is telling me it's not. Those little red dots underlining it bother me.

3. Speaking of iPhones, my screen has a crack in it. I have no idea how- I guess it was something in my bag. I had taken it out if the case to put on the iHome we use at dance and when I got it out a little later to recase it, cracked! It's not huge or a huge hindrance to my screen, so I won't be forking over the cash to fix it.

4. MY BABY TURNS ONE NEXT WEEK!! What the heck?

5. Happy Birthday to my very awesome youth minister extraordinaire cousin, Justin! Another birthday shout out to a great friend of ours as well as the College Pastor we serve under, Brady! Hope you guys have a fantastic day!