Our Newest Addition

First, the story...

Just before I found out I was pregnant with Kaelyn, we were in a pet shop in Florida and saw the cutest little Peekapoo. She was 3 1/2 months old...the runt of the litter...and had just been set out for adoption. If I remember correctly, she weighed 1 1/2 pounds at the time. We named her Gizmo because she looked like the title character from the movie when you pushed her ears just a little forward.

Gizzy grew to be a whopping 3-5 pounds, depending on whether or not she was wet...lol She was my baby...and she was extremely good with the kids. During Kaelyn's 7th birthday party, she ran out the door without us noticing and someone picked her up and took her. I have missed Gizzy so much over the years...and have wanted another *itty bitty* like her. We figured we'd just wait until we were done having children and they were a little older....like that will ever happen...he he

Just recently there was an ad on an email list for little rat terrier/chihuaua mix puppies. Mama was only 7 lbs. and Dad was just a little bigger. So we went to look at them. Naturally, I fell for the runt...a little black puppy with white front paws and a little white on her chest. When she's romping through the grass, she closely resembles a little mouse. I'm assuming that's the reason the cat keeps wanting to attack her. Einstein and Anna are amused by such a little thing. Einie is still afraid of her...and may always be, since she's so little. (Something about little puppies terrifies the 60-lb. goofball...go figure!) Anna started playing with her yesterday...which made Noelle totally crack up.

So...drumroll please...introducing Gypsy Rose Lee (did you know she was a stripper in the 30's?!)...

Have you read it?

A friend suggested this book to me...and all I can say is....WOW!!! Except for the tragedy that the main character experienced, I can honestly say I could relate to most of the issues that he did. I read each dialogue between him and God anticipating answers to questions I've sought myself. Even though I couldn't wrap my mind around some of the concepts, I know that seeds have been planted. Much of the book was confirmation of things I've known in my heart, but had no idea how to pursue.

Much prayer will follow the reading of this book. Sadly, I know that vulnerability makes one that much easier to be deceived...and I want to be sure that what I am working through, and how I am working through it, is in line with God's true character.

KISS

Keep It Simple Stupid...

That was an Amway saying from many moons ago. And it's basically what God has been saying to me over the last couple of days.

David started his new job on Friday...selling insurance. We have avoided *commission only* jobs like the plague. After all, we have 9 people in the family...we can't afford not to have a paycheck. And his *commission only* jobs in the past haven't gone all that well.

This time, though, we are on the same page. I can honestly say that we've never been *here* before...not like this...so it's a pleasant change.

So I was asking God the other day to open our eyes to the things in our hearts that have kept us from being financially stable. And He started telling me to just take Him at His Word...to speak His Word over us and our finances. And I kept saying...ok...but what do I have to CHANGE...lol

Once again...I give you the platypus!!!

I imagine God has quite a humorous time the last couple of days....laughing at me looking for the complicated answer of all the things I need to *fix* about myself...and, of course, my husband. And all along it's been...KISS....Keep It Simple Silly. (I can't imagine God would call His creation stupid!)

The First Day

So...today was our first day *back to school*. I have to admit...I was a little nervous...having 6 schooling this year...and hoping the schedule I worked so hard on would actually FUNCTION.

I'm so happy to say it went VERY well...even better than I expected! It was a day of review...we actually went back a couple of lessons in math...and spent some extra time going over how I would like to see things done. Chandler and Corey are journaling this year...which kinda stumped them a bit...since neither of them are writers....yet.

The littles did very well. Kyle informed me he prefers Chandler teaching him...uh, gee, thanks...lol But I did have an ear out while the older ones were teaching the younger ones...and they all did very well. They were all patient with each other and cooperative...yippee!!!

Noelle...well...she was Noelle. She had a WONDERFUL schedule-ish day on Saturday...and I was SO hoping that would carry over to today...but it didn't. :( She really didn't take a nap this morning...and since Kaelyn wasn't feeling well...I was running back and forth towards the end of the morning.

The older boys finished WAY ahead of schedule...everything was done by lunch...except one assignment Corey missed. But it was quick and easy for him to finish...so no biggie. I even had everything graded by nap time! And Noelle DID take a good nap this afternoon. That gave me enough time to re-vamp Chandler's Biology schedule, which I discovered had the page numbers all messed up. I guess the schedule was just a different edition from the book I have....oh, well!

We also discovered a possible reason for Kaelyn's monthly misery today. (Thanks, Heather and Ben!) Apparently she is VERY allergic to the shampoo we've been using. One of these days I'll remember to test EVERYTHING before I take it off the shelf! So...after taking care of that issue...she felt MUCH better! (Did I say THANK YOU?!)

And the biggest first, I think, is David's new job. He made double today than he was making in a day at Orkin...AND in a LOT less time...and NO STRESS!!! He was IN the house instead of UNDER it...big plus there! ;) Not only that...but by the end of tomorrow he'll be halfway to his weekly goal. And his boss/mentor is working to get him set by Wednesday so that he can take Thursday and Friday off to study for his test. Now THAT is sweet!

Oh...and while we're on the topics of *firsts*...Noelle is OFFICIALLY crawling! She's been scooting on her tushie up til now...but today she actually AIMED for me...and GOT to me on her own! Hopefully I can get some video of that this week...

Around and Around and Around She Goes

Noelle LOVES her walker! She just LOVES to walk...period! We're thinking she may skip crawling altogether....

Tea Party

My secret sister sent me a BEAUTIFUL tea set! Starting with my birthday this year, Kaelyn, Noelle, and I will be having a *girls only* tea party for each of our birthdays.









We'll take pictures, and I'll start each of the girls a keepsake album...also sent by my secret sister.

Thank you, Vivian!!! I can't wait to start this precious tradition!!!

7 Days Left

Including today, David has 7 more workdays left with Orkin...woohoo!!! (Six if he doesn't have to work Saturday.)

Wow...can I begin to list all of the emotions we're feeling here???? Peace...for sure. And THAT is SO awesome! Cuz all the other stuff would have us bonkers if we didn't have that deep-down peace.

But there's also some fear...not panic...just, yk, that...*what if* stuff that's obliged to be there...lol

Definitely excitement...

Maybe even a tinge of sadness...as we close this chapter and move on...

He officially starts August 4...coincidentally, the same day we start our new school year.

August 4...a day of new beginnings...