Life in the fast lane - time to pull over

General Conference has brought with it a chance to slow down and contemplate. These past few months have thrown us into the fast lane of life. Jhonny has taken off on his job as a kindergarten teacher and that keeps him pretty busy. He always has great stories to tell about his sweet students. He is lucky to have such a supportive staff and principal.
I have kept busy substitute teaching in Rockdale and Cameron. I've enjoyed being back in the schools. This town is getting smaller for me. I recognize more people at Walmart and have now seen the faces of kids that my neighbors have bragged about. I am still asked if I am new to Rockdale. Although we've been here for two years, comparatively that's new I suppose. I'm not sure how long we have to live here to not claim being new anymore. Tis the way of small towns I guess.
Yesterday I reveled in the Spirit and found myself moved often by stories of faith and testimony. I could relate as one speaker talked of the steps of deliverance from adversity. "And he lightened their burdens insomuch that they could not feel the burden upon their backs." How often I have felt that way. It is only in retrospect that I realize the gravity of the burdens on our little family this past year. I am overcome with gratitude for the hand of the Lord that has guided us and carried us through it all. I don't know that we have been delivered yet - but the way is always being prepared. And I can say as Eve said, "It is better. . ."
I am more committed to live a life without hypocrisy. I see a need to work on my "temperance" at home. I'm also grateful for the counsel to be consistent and diligent in our efforts to teach our children the gospel. How often have I wondered if family prayer, scripture study, and Family Home Evening are doing any good when my kids are screaming, whining, wiggling, and for the most part not even paying attention? It's good to know that even if they get nothing out of the lesson that the habit is the key.
How comforting to know that Heavenly Father is mindful and still loves us in spite of the difficulties that have swept our nation. He has and will provide.

Catching up

This past month has been something of a marathon. It was about a month ago that we started getting Jhonny ready for his new classroom. He's doing very well by the way and is realizing that there's a lot of work that goes into teaching. We're happy to see him home by 6 or 7pm. It's late, but it was much worse with Halliburton. Not quite the 4pm he was dreaming of, but he's enjoying it nonetheless.

I was starting a new job, then quitting a new job, interviewing for more jobs, and finally settling on substituting.

Meanwhile I had to juggle getting a babysitter so I can sub and then getting things rearranged for her to move in. School started, and I had to make sure I remembered to get pics of Jessica and Jhonny on their first day. Then I got called to work on the first day of school too. I got pics of Lily on her first and last day of Mother's Day Out - (I was still in transition of quitting). She was so excited that it broke my heart to quit and not let her go, but she said she was okay with just doing school at home for now. Too bad 3 is too early for Pre-K. She could have gone for free in Jhonny's district if she were 4.

The next week, Jess and Lily started dance lessons. They both love it. Gavin is walking everywhere and getting into everything. He can now climb up the ladder to Jessica's bunkbed, get on top of tables, etc. He loves to pull out all the CD/DVD's that are supposed to be "hidden." Yesterday he was babbling at me and I said, "Is that so?" He nodded his head and turned away. So cute! He is perhaps the most happy to have "Nana" here and is sad when she goes home on the weekends to be with her family until they move to Washington. She has been an answer to prayers and has fit right in with the family. It's obvious Gavin loves her and I don't have to worry about him crying for me when I'm gone.

This weekend we finally had nothing planned. So we had our Family Friday movie, pizza, and rootbeer float night. This morning we had pancakes and everyone is chilling and hanging out.

It's been a good weekend. Somtimes you just gotta chill out.

chase all the clouds from the sky. . .

Monday we were in Jhonny's classroom again trying to put the last finishing touches on everything. Gavin climbed up onto a table by himself. I put him down on his feet, but he wanted back on the table so he walked back over to it. I was so surprised that I had to pull him back and see it again. He did it three times before he tumbled and hit his head on the chair he was reaching for. I have bitter sweet feelings about his walking. He isn't proficient yet - but won't be long now. My baby is officially a toddler! A toddler with lots of adventure locked up inside and no fear!

Count all the bees in the hive. . .

Gavin is growing so fast. It's hard to believe my baby is a toddler. I bought him this outfit for his birthday - just getting around to letting him wear it. He'll be 14 months on Sunday. Perhaps I'm biased, but there is something special about this boy. I think Heavenly Father sent him to me to make up for the trials of my life. His smile brightens my day.

Whatta ya know there's so much to be done. . .

I've been trying to understand why I have suddenly become the human jungle gym of my home. Perhaps it's time for "lone time with mommy." Then maybe they'll stop fighting to be the one sitting closest to or on top of me? Maybe all those bills will pay themselves, and the laundary will take care of itself, and the bathroom, living room, kitchen and bedrooms will clean themselves and the toys will magically get picked up on their own; kids will bathe and dress and feed themselves and put themselves to bed. . . ahh wishful thinking. Maybe Gavin shoving the keyboard onto the floor and ripping the paper out of the printer or unplugging the computer is a big enough hint. . .

For Jhonny porque no lo hace

In July, O'Neal came for a visit from California. We left the kids at home and toured San Antonio with one of Jhonny's former missionary companions. It was great to meet you David! Thanks for the memories.

Another day at the YMCA

Yoga - inspiring isn't it? I had to get back to my yoga class. It had been ohh at least a month since I've been to my favorite yoga class at the YMCA. So even though we got there 5 minutes late, I sunk right in and started breathing away. At the end we conversed and one of the ladies was shall I say it - boasting - about working at the YMCA. I said, "That's what I need to do. I need to work here." My beautiful teacher with whom I've discussed my economic woes with in the past said, "Yes! You do!" I confided that I've not had much luck elsewhere apply as I might. She said, "Because we need you here of course!"
I inquired further and filled out an application similar to ones I haven't seen since acquiring my Bachelor's degree. You can't imagine how excited and relieved I could be about getting hired for slightly more than minimum wage. Never thought I'd go back to that day. I couldn't even put down a reference to my former employer for the mockery I'd sure to recieve. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
However I'm not too proud to say that it's the perfect job for the here and now. I can take my kiddos with me and I'll actually be doing something productive for my part time hours. After looking at my application, my other friend and teacher of the last kickboxing class I attended said, "I've got plans for you!" At my interview if we can call it that - she informed me almost before I could sit, "You know I want you, so you're hired if you want it." YES! I've been wanting to hear that for a while now. I know, I know - David and Sharon are still asking, "Why? oh why? oh why?" Afraid I have no answer to that. . .
And though the pay isn't exotic, it's sufficient for my needs and the hours are flexible enough for my tastes. So look out YMCA - here I come! And the best part - I get to keep my MOPS membership current.
Motherhood is so underrated. Good thing I'm not too proud to accept the perfect situation to continue my PhD in motherhood. Lovely expensive masters degree - someday you'll come in handy again. . .