My day in a nut shell

I woke up, did chores around the house, got the kids ready for school and myself ready, drove my usual morning drop off, went to exercise class, ran errans, picked taylor up from pre-school, went home to eat lunch and prepare girl scout meeting, did TONS of laundry, more cleaning, read some books to the kiddos, played mouse trap with taylor while dressing barbies, did some more exercise, got ready and showered, picked up diana from school, took husbands suit to the dry cleaners, girl scout meeting, forgot to pick up a girl scout.....oops...picked her up, then did my girl scout meeting, went home to feed kids dinner, got RS activity items prepared for the meeting, went to the church and set up, did the activity, cleaned up the activity, came home, gave the kids lots of kisses and hugs.....I AM POOPED! Time for a warm bubble bath.....ahhhhhhhh

contemplation

We don't know what the future brings but for the past few years, people have come and gone, even coming back leading us to where we are now. In 5 months IGT will pack up their bags and the show will hit the road. Whether or not we join the show, is still yet to be decided.

Even if we don't head down to hot Las Vegas I am grateful for what they have been and done in our lives. After Keith finished college they offered my husband a start. I am grateful for that. In this economy I am grateful that we have the option of having a job to go to when SO many are still out of work after 18 months. Men are even downsizing their salaries to accept jobs that are beneath them and their skills to JUST put food on the table.

Its rough but you know my daughter said it best when she said

"Mom we are not poor. We are rich because we have each other."

I sniffed and looked at my husband and said "We've done good!"

Were all rich in some way. Some of us may have elevated monetary funds in the bank. Some individuals have mansions and fast cars. But does that mean your "RICH?" No. It just means you have more money in the bank. To be rich you must look around you. Look at the family who loves you, the laughter you feel, the friend who gives you a hug when its needed most, or the sun that warms your back on a delightful spring morning. Life overflows with humble, god given riches to bless our daily lives. True riches can not be bought. Riches lay deep within our souls, creating an eternal happiness that can not be bought but experienced.

Why fear?

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

~ Marianne Williamson ~

Beaver

While I was washing dishes I heard Diana call from behind me

"Look at me mom, I'm a beaver!"

I knew I raised her right ;-)

Its a bird, its a plane......

Its

SUPERDADDY!

Well that was....... EXPECTED!

I am going to be frank and to the point. My husband got the news. He has a job until June and then after that we will be heading into the dark, vast world of the unemployment chain. My heart is at ease because I knew that this would be the outcome. It's going to be ok and I know that this is just another trial for us to learn and grow from in our marriage. I believe that when one door closes another one opens. His plan is more vast and great than we can see from our view point. It is with his help that we come to understand and become lifted to what he has in store for us, beginning to SEE what he sees.

When we were hit with the news of a possible office closure a month ago I was UPSET, ANGRY, FRUSTRATED and just plain ol'MAD! Why us....WHY NOW?!? but then after much thought and reflection on my part I began to see that there was a reason for this. I am still frustrated that I can not yet see what the lord has in store because we have A LOT TO PRAY ABOUT! To accept a transfer to Las Vegas/ RENO.......to not and stay here and find a job hopefully by June.......you get the point. I cringe at all that has to be done. I still want to get my CNA and become a nurse, well just see where I am when that happens ;-).

With much hope!

~Rach ~

R.N

5 1/2 years ago I left the steps of Oregon State University to stay at home. My first and most important priority is still to be home with my kids and always will be, but as of late I have felt the push to go back to college to finish the dream that is still there nagging at me. I am going to apply for the CNA program here at the hospital and today I found out some wonderful news! EOU has online courses I can finish up my pre-recs for LBCC's Nursing program. A blessing because this will allow me to work as a CNA part-time while going to school and being at home with my kids. EXCITING but also..........BUSY! I seem to crave that, a sort of fast lane you could call it.

I think it is good for children to see you in school working for a goal that will enrich their lives and your own; to see the hard work and dedication it takes to bring your dreams come true. I am excited but am also a realist and know that while the enthusiasm is high right now, I know when I am in the muck of it, I might begin to say otherwise.

I love my husband. I know random, right but its not. I know I will be able to finish going to school and reach my goal of being a nurse because of his support and love for me. I supported him through those hard years of being SO poor that 1.00 was not just a 1.00 and now as I begin this journey with utmost joy, I know he will be there with me hand in hand to pull me through that muck when the going gets tough to say "You can do this..... so get up and get going!"

Its decided!

I am going to apply to the CNA program at the hospital to start my journey onto becoming a Registered Nurse! I am excited and know it may take a couple of tries to get in but know this will be an awesome experience for me. It will allow me flexibility to work and also be at home with my kids!

Wish me luck!

~ RACH ~

A new year A new YOU

I raise my glass of Sparkling Cider today

to a new year.....

to new adventures....

to renewed goals....

to a fresh start......

to more family time....

to learning......

to picking up where we left off......

to running.....

to being healthy.....

to baking.....

to friends.....

to one's spiritual self....

to the quiet moments.......

but most of all

I raise my glass to the opportunities that are in front of us.

Let us seize the day!

HAPPY NEW YEARS EVERYONE!