No Time

No time to update lately. Work and planning for my next career step has me stressed a little. I found a GREAT job...of course location is key. I wish to remain stateside! I have non-competitive federal employee status for a year, so I am looking for some kind of government work. I also had to have the brakes fixed on the truck and fell down my stairs. So I've been nursing some pretty sore muscles. I had a very bad cold all weekend and ended up sleeping 16 hours Saturday.

Mitch was here all last week, so that was a nice change.

As some of you know, there has been a missing 3 year old in our state and the police are suspecting that she drowned in the local river and they just haven't turned up her body yet. Anyway, it is sad and tragic and DHHS has removed the mother's two other children. This is not the first time this child has wandered off...HOWEVER...there is always a however...WHY was it important in regards to the most recent newspaper article, to mention that the mother has three children by three different fathers? What exactly does this have to do with the story? The whole thing is tragic enough, and regardless of the mother's parenting skills or lack of, what use is it to continue to fuel public opinion of the mom? As an English teacher and English major, I would appreciate facts pertaining to the story and not gossip pertaining to stereotypical nonsensical data. Anyway, my prayers are with this little girl AND her family, who I imagine are distraught and devastated.

I'm having lunch with Allison. Just waiting for her to get here.

I should get a chance to blog tomorrow too! Two times in the same week! Remember the days? Oh yeah, Will where did your blog go?

Friday

The weather is beautiful! Spring is finally here! I will be laying in the sun all weekend and on Monday.

Mitch went tanning with me on Thursday and got sooooo sunburned! :(

We went over to David and Karen's last night and visitefd for a bit. He went to high school with both of them, so it was a good time. Of course, I completely enjoyed catching up with Bailey-Boo. Jessy had her baby. A beautiful little girl. We'll probably stop in and visit them soon.

Zach is supposed to be back tonight and Kayla will be back sometime this weekend. Mitch will be back on Monday. I'm not sure what I'm doing tonight. Zach hasn't called yet so I kind of have to stick around close to home. Today is payday! Yay! I have bills to go pay.

Talk to you all on Tuesday.

Tuesday Night

Tuesday is always the longest! It is the day before Mitch gets here. The day is always especially long for both of us.

We've had a ton of rain the last few days. At least we didn't lose our power! A lot of places did, but ours stayed on. It's been pretty windy with all of the rain. When I took the dog outside today, I noticed a lot of branches littering my backyard. That will be a pain during spring clean up! The rate we're going, it'll be summer clean-up.

Zach is in New Hampshire for the week. Kayla is in Rhode Island with friends. Hayley is with her dad.

We have church tomorrow night and then we're eating in. Mitch is cooking for me tomorrow night! Awwwwww!!! He is so sweet!

Hi Everyone!

I hope everyone had a fantastic Easter! I had an extremely busy weekend! A concert at church Saturday night and church in the morning. Went home and cooked a yummy Easter dinner for the kiddos and then back to church Easter night!

My honey is finally home! He was very glad to have his little trip over and done with, even though he had fun. He'll be here tomorrow and we'll have a fun-filled few days together. Next week, all of my kids are gone, so we'll have to entertain ourselves for a few days! We're gonna also try and get away to R.I. in the next few weeks. We want to check out the Calvary Chapel there. The pastor already emailed me back and is friends with our pastor here. He's looking forward to meeting us and helping with our transition once we actually move!

I have been so busy at work with all of this grant writing. It is good to be busy but my brain was so fried Monday night after I got home!

I bought some new underwear today. Nothing exciting. Because I realized all I own now are the exciting ones and I just needed some plain old underwear for you know...*that time*. And soooo, being the ever-ready bargin hunter that I am, I found some comfy looking Hanes Her Way lowrise bikini wear at a great bargin price...however, the slightly irregular sticker kind of concerned me. Just how irregular are we talking? One thigh hole slightly smaller than the other perhaps? Or no elastic in one leg? Or how about sewn shut leg holes? This is how my mind was working after I bought the bargin wear on my drive home. Thankfully, they seem like good solid comfy underpants to me! I washed them and they came out of the wash looking regular! And they fit fine! Maybe I am slightly irregular. That thought just occured to me! Hmmmm!

Anyway, I am sure you are all on the edges of your seats with anticipation as to where this blog post is going to go. As Brian would say at a time like this, TMI, Jenn, TMI.

I'll try to redeem myself in the next paragraph.

I started work on my novel again. My hiatus was far too long. I've been reading like a mad woman for two reasons...one, because work sucks all of my creativity out of me and I needed to latch on to others' creativity and two, because Mitch doesn't read much except the Bible and I have to read for both of us since we share the same brain and all. He's actually helping me with my novel! We've been doing lots and lots of research! Ohhhhh, we are JUST SO freaking cute sometimes!!!

Lynette got into grad school! Yay! I am so happy for her!!! She of course, will be a success at whatever she does! I love you!!!

I am wearing my glasses tonight at work! I can't even remember the last time I have worn them! Mitch is going to be mad that he missed out. The poor guy actually LIKES me in them! ICK! I had the pink eye and while I am on the mend, I still have to use the medicine for today and that means I can't wear my contacts. I already told him that next year at this time, I'll have had laser surgery. He's down with that! And I'll just get some nerdy teacher glasses for the purpose of his fantasies! ;)

I'll try to blog on Friday. Have a good rest of the week everyone!

April 5, 2007

Is it even Spring? It doesn't feel like it here! Mitch says it is cold in St. Louis, too.

Not a whole lot going on. The kids and Allison and I are chilling out at the Center today and tonight. School was cancelled so I decided to go to work early and my kids came along to play with their friends. It is a nice and quiet day here. Hopefully the evening will stay the same. I finished a great book yesterday. I read it in two days. It is called Tully. Great book. Now I am reading The High Flyer by Susan Howatch.

Friday night, Allison and I have to do our Easter dinner grocery shopping and I have to buy Easter stuff for the kids, Saturday night, we have a big concert at church and Sunday morning, church and then our big dinner.

Monday I have to work, and Tuesday night I have to work and then Mitch will be here! Can't wait.

Life has been busy and I have no idea how I am finding some quiet hours to get any reading done, but thankfully, I am. I can't believe I was laying in the sun this past Sunday, reading and enjoying Spring! Hopefully this winter weather disappears as quickly as it came! If I don't talk to everyone before Easter, have a happy one!

God Bless!

April 2, 2007

I'm still having internet issues and now landline woes...a big conspiracy I tell you!

My honey is going to the Frozen Four...he is leaving today! I won't see him until next week. :( UMaine made it to the 1st round though, so that is cool.

Work is work. Sorry to hear about the car accident Erin. That isn't fun.

I took the kids rollerblading/roller skating last Monday and had a blast. I've been running 3 miles for the last 4 days. I doubt I'll get to my run today because it is raining and I don't want to get my new sneakers yucky. It is mud season in these here parts, so I'll be gym-bound all week, I think.

Tonight, I am going tanning and then going to visit with my grandmother for a bit. Tomorrow night, I work at the center and then I am going grocery shopping. Friday is payday! Yippee. I also have to pay bills...booooooo! I have church on Wednesday night and a concert at church Saturday night. Easter Sunday, I have church and then my little family's very own traditional Easter dinner. This is the one holiday in which the kids and I stay home and enjoy each other. I may have my grandmother over this year and I've invited Allison as well. We're having lamb and ham steaks. Baked sweet potatoes, stuffing, stuffed celery, deviled eggs, red mashed potatoes, toasted baguettes with balsamic vinegar and olive oil with melted fresh mozzerella cheese and sliced grape tomatoes...one of the kids favorite appetizers like EVER. Some Merlot and some sparkling apple cider for the kiddos. We'll rent some movies and probably end up playing our favorite video games...DDR, American Idol and Guitar Hero II.

I think I am going home early. It is a rainy day. I have to run to the kids' pediatrician's office to get some vaccination info for the high school.

I hope everyone is doing well. I'll blog more when I get a chance.

I'm Still Here!

SOOOO, I am having major issuses with my landline AND with my internet at home and with my internet at work...it is really a major conspiracy to keep the (wo)man down...thankfully my laptop is Po-to-bull...

Not a whole lot has changed in the last 9 days. I am writing a grant. I am job hunting. I am still with the most adorable and amazing man EVER!

I had a conference last week. Fun catching up with Chelsey, Stacey, and Kassie. We got some lattes after the conference and hung out for some girl chat. They wanted the dish on Mitch. I was so happy to oblige! Stacey is having a sex toy party in a few weeks. I've been invited. Should be funny, to say the least. I am sure I'll have a few funny stories to blog about.

I finally sent Erin my measurements for my best man dress. 35 1/2, 27, 35...almost a ten inch difference between my ass/hips and my waist...I feel pretty oh so pretty...actually I just feel fat. Ah well, I am getting old. I will be 35 in July. That is just crazy. I can't believe I am so old. At least Mitch and I are the same age, so we're getting old together.

Okay, I must get back to work. I am 5 minutes late from my lunch break. I hope everyone is living, laughing and loving!!!
God Bless!!!

Saturday Afternoon

I had a nice two days in Portland. We spent some time in Old Orchard. It was nice to spend a sunny, 60-degree afternoon in March, hugging each other on the beach, looking out at the waves. I wish I was doing that right now actually. We dined at DeMillo's...pretty much Portland's MOST expensive restaurant...I got the broiled scallops and Mitch got some steak. We hung out at Re-Ra's after making out for a bit on the East Promenade. We had done some shopping earlier in Freeport and in South Portland.

Today, I am just getting back from taking Shannon to a job interview and dropping Hayley off at Allison's and getting my latte. I'm kind of in need of another one! Lots of rain today. The river was well-below flood level before the rain, so I think we'll be okay. They are just worried about all the melting snow and ice on top of all the rain today and tonight. I don't know why they act so surprised...it isn't like we don't go through this EVERY stinking year. Snow and ice melts, we have warm days and nights, and lots of those little things called April Showers...and pre-April showers...more often referred to as March showers.

Anyway, I have books to read and grants to write. I applied for a teaching job in Rhode Island. They emailed and said they'd call when they were ready to interview. This could be a long process. I believe they are hiring for this fall, which is perfect timing for my schedule. I've already looked into starting my home daycare. Not too hard, but they did say it is usually a 2-3 month process. With a license, I can have 6 kids in my house, which is $1800 a week and I still get $500 a week in child support for another 2 years. I will be doing that while we're going through the little bit longer process of licensing an off-site daycare center. With two teachers in my house, we can be licensed for 12 kids, which is $3600 a week...even if I took 70% of the profit, since it is MY house and my house insurance and my responsibility for relicensure, my co-teacher would still be making $1080 per week. Mitch emailed the realtor yesterday and there is a house we absolutely love, but it might not still be available when we need it...it is a 5 bedroom cape on like 5 acres of land...I don't want land, but Mitch does. So anyway, it is a gorgeous house. Even if we don't get that one, we let the realtor know that we're looking and we'll be needing something by July/August.

I'm also in the process of trying to save $1000 a month. Not hard if I cut out my shopping! =) If I can save that much a month, and counting what I already have saved, I'll have $6200, including my stipend I'll receive when my contract runs out. That should give us plenty of money for moving and enough for a month or two, until we're in a position to start saving again. Things should be easier anyway, once we combine bills. We're currently paying two rents, two cables, two cell phones, my house phone, my utilities, blah blah blah...so we won't need all of that.

Anyway, I am just thinking aloud. I like the idea that I can take care of all of this financially even without Mitch's help. I know that bugs him. He wants to feel useful. And he is.

So the rest is in the Lord's hands. I trust He'll find us the perfect house in the perfect location and I can teach full-time until the I get licensed for a home daycare and then of course, I'll be working from home. Kayla will be 18 next year. I'm pretty sure she'd like to be my co-teacher and making $1000 a week, until we get the center open. My hope is that she will assume directorship of the daycare once she graduates from college with her degree in Early Childhood Education. I'll just be the owner and working on my doctorate at that point.

For my Christian friends, please pray that I always remember where my help comes from and ultimately, who is in charge. I have been given so many wonderful gifts, it is very important for me to remember not to love the gifts more than the Giver!

Grace and peace everyone!

3/13/07

I can not wait until tomorrow. Portland and Freeport bound. Some fun in the hotel and then home for work Thursday night.

I slept in this morning. That was great. Mitch called and woke me up and I was like, WTF? But then he was like, "Jenn, it is after 9!" We were both out by like 11 last night. I guess I needed the 10 hours of sleep. I feel super today! Lots of energy again. Shannon and I got our lattes, ran to the grocery store, went tanning. I worked out a little, took a nice shower and packed my clothes for tomorrow and Thursday.

Last Wednesday we played racquetball. Of course, Mitch won all three matches. Not by a lot, but fair and square. He knows better than to "let" me win. On Thursday, we had a great day. After working at the center, I treated all of us to some dessert at Governor's. Mitch, Kayal and Zach had me in stitches for most of the evening. On the way home, as Mitch was dropping us off, he goes, "Don't forget your racquets in the back." And so my 12 year old son pipes up, "DID YOU JUST TELL HER SHE HAS A NICE RACK??? GEEZ, I AM STILL IN THE CAR!!!" Mitch and I about died from laughter. Kayla was laughing so hard, she couldn't undo her seatbelt and just laughed until she almost passed out. After, we asked Zach to kindly grab the RACQUETS from behind the seat and to bring them in the house because I was going to take a few minutes to say goodbye privately...so Zach grabs the racquets and proceeds to tell Mitch not to "do anything I wouldn't do." AND then a few minutes into our goodbye, Zach actually took Sierra out to pee, which is funny because not only does Zach hardly ever take the dog out, it is NEVER at night! He was being cute, though.

Anyway, that is pretty much the news from here. Work is work. I can't wait until August. My hair is looking pretty great today. I got some new jeans and a couple of shirts, and a very nice Abercrombie wool sweater from Allison that I LOVE! They fit perfect! Mitch will be thanking her after tomorrow! =)

Hi ho, hi ho, it is off to work I go! Catch yall later!

3/11/07

It is Sunday. The kids, Allison and I slept in until 11 AM!!! Two kids are still sleeping. Hayley and Shannon.

I bought them American Idol for their PS2 Friday night, after I dropped them off at Great Skates. They've played with that most of the weekend.

Yesterday Debi and I met in town for coffee, errands and lunch at Happy China.

Work has been a nightmare, but I am hopeful that will be changing soon. In the big scheme of things, it doesn't really matter anyway because we'll be in Rhode Island before you know it!

God is good.

Wednesday

Mitch and I are playing some racquetball today. I can't wait. I haven't played for awhile. It will be fun to visit with everyone at the gym. I saw Dianne when I was skiing a few weekends ago, and I see David more frequently than the others, but other than that, I don't really see anyone anymore. I do see Scott most mornings at Ampersand's. Scott played some soccer with Mitch in college and he now coaches the women's soccer team at UMaine.

I already tanned and got my latte. Just waiting for my ride! =)

The Last...

...few freezing cold days are today, tomorrow and Thursday. It'll warm up again this weekend and be warm all next week. However, I still have to make it thru the next few days! At least, I'll have some company for two of them!

We're playing some racquetball tomorrow. Which reminds me, I have to go to the gym today and sign out the court.

I am in the slow process of getting things ready for my move. I did the Christmas stuff and my bedroom last night. I threw out a ton of stuff that I could have probably made some good money on if I had had a yard sale, but I just wanted it out. It is so liberating to throw it out. I am going thru my linen closet next. I really don't need more than 2 sets of sheets for every bed. The extra bedspreads are going to go. The old curtains, gone too.

I got some reports done yesterday. I have a few more to work on today and then I will be all caught up.

I have to run and get my latte. Go tanning and pick up some stuff at the grocery store. I also have to make an appointment with my eye doctor.

Next week is Portland. Two days of shopping pleasure for me. I have a few things I want to pick up in Freeport.

March 3, 2007

Weird weather we're having. Bright and sunny today. Any snow from yesterday is melting quickly! YAY!

I'm sitting here with a lazy doggy by my side. Zach is outside playing in the snow. Hayley is knitting. Kayla is taking a shower.

Happy Snow Day!!!

The storm is definitely most officially currently underway! I left work early to avoid the heaviest snowfall. I headed to the grocery store and apparently not only do people drive retarded during snowstorms, they also can't handle driving shopping carts either! There is an understood rule at our grocery store about one way shopping traffic. You start out on the right at the produce and deli area, then proceed to the left and walk up and down each aisle accordingly. I don't do well with haphazard cart driving and going in both directions with people racing around the store grabbing illogical snowstorm items...unfortunately for moi, I had to do my regular grocery shopping anyway, so I had to endure. I usually save my big grocery trips for the night, just because I can't stand being around a lot of people in a grocery store setting. It increases my anxiety and makes me cranky.

But, I am home now with a freshly stocked fridge and pantry. The kids are enjoying their snow day. I am making chicken and dumplings for supper and sliced toasted baguettes drizzled with olive oil, sliced roma tomatoes and melted fresh motz cheese with some basil for our snacking pleasure.

I'm in for the rest of the day and night. Going to ride out the storm in style. Movies, books, video games, pajamas, snacks and some hot cocoa. I should only have to go out to move my truck for my plow guy. He'll probaby come once tonight and clean up the driveway tomorrow.

Yesterday, I got my nails filled and repolished. I got my hair washed, trimmed, blown dry and styled, went tanning and did a little shopping.

I plan on taking the kids roller skating tomorrow night. Maybe some Sunday skiing, but chances are, we'll save the skiing for next Saturday.

2/27/07

Not alot to blog about...that is a good thing! =)

Mitch will be here around 5ish...he'll meet up with me at the center. I will hopefully be able to catch up with David and Karen after we leave the center. Zach wants Madison to go roller skating with us Friday night. And if Zach gets to bring Madison, then I get to bring Bailey!!! Mitch was friends with David. They went to high school together. Actually David was in Mitch's brother's class, so a few years older. Anyways...

I went tanning, paid some bills, got my drink, worked out and am now just waiting for the kids to get home and then off to work I go. I am doing some laundry and trying to ignore the fact that the living room could be straightened up.

2/26/07

I am so tired today. I think the craziness of this weekend is finally catching up to me. The kids and I are thoroughly addicted to Dance Dance Revolution. I use the work-out mode and it saves how many calories you've burned and how many miles you've danced.

I have no idea what we're going to have for supper. I think I am going to take the kids out to eat. Tonight is the first night with all of them back. Plus we haven't celebrated Kayla's birthday yet. Or better yet, maybe we'll order in and I'll just go to bed early.

My doggy is so happy to have her family all home again. She is resting comfortably in peaceful bliss.

I hope Iona is having a wonderful time in Florida.

A Fun Day of Skiing

A Fun Day of Skiing
Originally uploaded by jennluvsgable.

Putting on My Boots

Putting on My Boots
Originally uploaded by jennluvsgable.

Snow Bunnies

Snow Bunnies
Originally uploaded by jennluvsgable.

Shan & Hayley

Shan & Hayley
Originally uploaded by jennluvsgable.