It's Saturday and Mike has a meeting. I've got to be honest, I'm not a fan of meetings on Saturdays. It's the one day of the week that should be free for us to be together as a family, but that's not the case every week. So, K and I will spend the morning at home and hopefully we'll do something fun as a family in the afternoon. K has the start of a yucky, nasty cold so he should probably lay low this AM anyway. K is looking forward to the juice, soup and honey that Mike will bring home later. :)
We've been researching ways to get up to IL/WI/MN this Christmas. We had not been planning to spend Xmas break up that way, but we would like to see Mike's parents again and that' s the next available time for Mike to be gone from work without having to pay a substitute teacher. So, we absolutely cannot afford the cost of the trip, but we're going anyway! You only live once, right? :) It will be wonderful to spend time with both our families and, God-willing, get up to our old "stomping grounds" and see friends that we haven't seen for over a year. We are currently leaning towards taking the Amtrak! It's cheaper, we can take tons of luggage for free, it'd be fun, we can move around and we have the time to "waste" a day on travel. We'd most likely drive to Albuquerque and leave from there. It's less time and money than going from Tucson. It's a 25 hour trip to Chicago. The sleeper car is OUTRAGEOUSLY expensive so we'll just do coach seats and sleep in the seats. We can even bring a cooler of food to save money on the trip. K is beyond excited to ride the train and, I've got to admit it, I am too! :)
If K is feeling better we are heading over the YMCA for trunk-or-treating this evening. It's FREE and there will be tons of kids' activities as well. K is going to be a pirate this year. I've yet to put the whole costume together so we'll see how it turns out! He'll be adorable, I'm sure. :)
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Well, it's been awhile...
I know! I just haven't felt like blogging. So many things have been happening and I just wasn't ready to put it all into words, I guess.
We were able to get up to MN for my father-in-law's surgery in September. It was so wonderful to be together with all of Mike's family. My sister and brother-in-law housed us and borrowed a car for us to use. They also helped with K a great deal. We were so blessed by all their help! The surgery was successful and the tumor was removed. It was very hard to leave and head back to AZ, but we knew we had to. A few days after the surgery the pathology report came back and we found out that the tumor was cancerous. We experienced more tears and more fears, but turned to God again for comfort and guidance. Mike's dad was told he'd be treated with radiation and chemotherapy, but when a blood clot was found in his brain the chemo was put on hold. He started radiation and it really wipes him out. He's also been moved to the rehab part of the hospital and is working very, very hard each day. Tomorrow they will start chemo. It has been difficult to be so far away during all of this, but we are comforted knowing God is with Mike's parents and he has everything under control. We continue to pray for healing and strength. We are also praying that we are able to get up there during Christmas break and spend more time with Mike's family. (Can't wait to see my family too!!!!)
Here in Tucson we've been keeping really busy. K absolutely LOVES preschool. He missed a few days while we were in MN and then one day when we thought he might have chicken pox (Turned out to be bug bites...grrr...wasted dr visit!) and he was so upset to miss any time at school. :) He is doing very well and is learning so much! He does a great job of telling us all about the books they read, or naming the parts of the eye (or whatever Science lesson they had that day), or what Bible story he heard that morning. He loves playing with all his new friends and is already talking about how excited he is for Kindergarten next year. :) (It's mostly because he really wants to eat lunch at school.)
I've slowly been getting our new place to feel like home. It's taken me longer than I expected it to, but I'm starting to get things arranged the way I like it and slowly getting things organized. Now that we are officially in a house and have unpacked things that were stored for a year, it's kind of hit me that we live in Tucson. I know, delayed reaction since we've been here just over a year, but last year was like a "honeymoon" period and the last few months have been a little bit of a struggle for me. I guess it all seems real now and I've been homesick and lonely for friends and family I haven't seen for a long time. It's getting better though and getting my house "just right" has helped too. Now if we could just get some more visitors from up "north"...
Now that the weather has been cooling down we are excited to get back outside and get hiking again. We love visiting Sombrero Peak and Saguaro National Park. Today we went to the Desert Museum and had a really nice time! Tucson really is beautiful and there is so much to do...when it's cool outside! :)
Hopefully I can get out of my "funk" and start blogging again. I still would love to do another blog with recipes, deals, coupons, etc... It's funny how little time I have left each day, though, after running Mike and K all over, cleaning, making meals and then doing my transcribing. And, I just discovered a scrapbook store not too far from my house...
We were able to get up to MN for my father-in-law's surgery in September. It was so wonderful to be together with all of Mike's family. My sister and brother-in-law housed us and borrowed a car for us to use. They also helped with K a great deal. We were so blessed by all their help! The surgery was successful and the tumor was removed. It was very hard to leave and head back to AZ, but we knew we had to. A few days after the surgery the pathology report came back and we found out that the tumor was cancerous. We experienced more tears and more fears, but turned to God again for comfort and guidance. Mike's dad was told he'd be treated with radiation and chemotherapy, but when a blood clot was found in his brain the chemo was put on hold. He started radiation and it really wipes him out. He's also been moved to the rehab part of the hospital and is working very, very hard each day. Tomorrow they will start chemo. It has been difficult to be so far away during all of this, but we are comforted knowing God is with Mike's parents and he has everything under control. We continue to pray for healing and strength. We are also praying that we are able to get up there during Christmas break and spend more time with Mike's family. (Can't wait to see my family too!!!!)
Here in Tucson we've been keeping really busy. K absolutely LOVES preschool. He missed a few days while we were in MN and then one day when we thought he might have chicken pox (Turned out to be bug bites...grrr...wasted dr visit!) and he was so upset to miss any time at school. :) He is doing very well and is learning so much! He does a great job of telling us all about the books they read, or naming the parts of the eye (or whatever Science lesson they had that day), or what Bible story he heard that morning. He loves playing with all his new friends and is already talking about how excited he is for Kindergarten next year. :) (It's mostly because he really wants to eat lunch at school.)
I've slowly been getting our new place to feel like home. It's taken me longer than I expected it to, but I'm starting to get things arranged the way I like it and slowly getting things organized. Now that we are officially in a house and have unpacked things that were stored for a year, it's kind of hit me that we live in Tucson. I know, delayed reaction since we've been here just over a year, but last year was like a "honeymoon" period and the last few months have been a little bit of a struggle for me. I guess it all seems real now and I've been homesick and lonely for friends and family I haven't seen for a long time. It's getting better though and getting my house "just right" has helped too. Now if we could just get some more visitors from up "north"...
Now that the weather has been cooling down we are excited to get back outside and get hiking again. We love visiting Sombrero Peak and Saguaro National Park. Today we went to the Desert Museum and had a really nice time! Tucson really is beautiful and there is so much to do...when it's cool outside! :)
Hopefully I can get out of my "funk" and start blogging again. I still would love to do another blog with recipes, deals, coupons, etc... It's funny how little time I have left each day, though, after running Mike and K all over, cleaning, making meals and then doing my transcribing. And, I just discovered a scrapbook store not too far from my house...
Monday, September 14, 2009
Trusting in God
Life can change in a moment! It has been a whirlwind few days as things drastically changed on Friday evening. We received a phone call from Mike's mom that his dad had been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Dan (Mike's dad) woke up dizzy on Friday morning and it was bad enough to go to the ER. Apparently they did not like what they found there and sent him to Minneapolis for more tests. That afternoon they discovered the brain tumor. Soon after Mike and his siblings were notified and the praying began! Surgery is schedule for Thursday morning to remove the tumor and to do a biopsy on it. Soon after we heard the news and sat on the couch crying, K asked us what was wrong. We explained that Grandpa P is very sick. K's reaction..."We need to pray to Jesus." What beautiful words from a 4 yr old. And we did indeed pray!
Mike's sister from WI drove over on Saturday. His sister from TX flew up with her family yesterday. We are flying up to MN tomorrow. It feels like weeks have gone by since we found out, but it's only been days as we make travel arrangements, cover all our "duties" here in Tucson and Mike gets things ready for a sub to cover his classroom. There has been an immense outpouring of love, prayers and encouragement from friends, family and church members. It brings tears to my eyes as I write this just thinking of how people have been so quick to show their Christian love in what is a scary time for our family.
We are going to stay with my sister while in MN and she has been so wonderful. She is borrowing a car seat and toys from a friend so we don't need to bring ours along. Her husband is borrowing a car from his parents for us to use while in town. They are housing us and feeding us as well. And, watching K on Thursday while we are at the hospital for the surgery. They are blessings!
We were unsure of how we could possibly afford for all three us to fly up to MN, but we all wanted to be together. I said we just couldn't worry about it and that God would provide because he ALWAYS does and this was something important for us to do. Well, later that afternoon we found out that one of the school parents had been calling people about Dan and our traveling to be with him and people started to donate money to cover our expenses!! More tears here as I think about our awesome, awesome God and wonderful Christian brothers and sisters. Our friend who is subbing in Mike's classroom is doing so with a request for us to not pay her. And yet another blessing!
Mike and I are exhausted and easily brought to tears, but we are so confident in our Lord as we head to be with family in MN and Mike's dad goes into surgery. We are confident that the Lord will be guiding the surgeon's hands, providing comfort to us all, watching over Dan in surgery and ultimately doing what is best for Dan. As Romans 8:28 tell us, "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him." There is nothing to fear! God is in control, he is on our side and he will make all of this work for our good. I have already seen so many good things come from this sad and difficult situation and I am sure we will see many more things. God is good! Of that there is NO doubt!
Mike's sister from WI drove over on Saturday. His sister from TX flew up with her family yesterday. We are flying up to MN tomorrow. It feels like weeks have gone by since we found out, but it's only been days as we make travel arrangements, cover all our "duties" here in Tucson and Mike gets things ready for a sub to cover his classroom. There has been an immense outpouring of love, prayers and encouragement from friends, family and church members. It brings tears to my eyes as I write this just thinking of how people have been so quick to show their Christian love in what is a scary time for our family.
We are going to stay with my sister while in MN and she has been so wonderful. She is borrowing a car seat and toys from a friend so we don't need to bring ours along. Her husband is borrowing a car from his parents for us to use while in town. They are housing us and feeding us as well. And, watching K on Thursday while we are at the hospital for the surgery. They are blessings!
We were unsure of how we could possibly afford for all three us to fly up to MN, but we all wanted to be together. I said we just couldn't worry about it and that God would provide because he ALWAYS does and this was something important for us to do. Well, later that afternoon we found out that one of the school parents had been calling people about Dan and our traveling to be with him and people started to donate money to cover our expenses!! More tears here as I think about our awesome, awesome God and wonderful Christian brothers and sisters. Our friend who is subbing in Mike's classroom is doing so with a request for us to not pay her. And yet another blessing!
Mike and I are exhausted and easily brought to tears, but we are so confident in our Lord as we head to be with family in MN and Mike's dad goes into surgery. We are confident that the Lord will be guiding the surgeon's hands, providing comfort to us all, watching over Dan in surgery and ultimately doing what is best for Dan. As Romans 8:28 tell us, "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him." There is nothing to fear! God is in control, he is on our side and he will make all of this work for our good. I have already seen so many good things come from this sad and difficult situation and I am sure we will see many more things. God is good! Of that there is NO doubt!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Party!
I'm so excited because I've been chosen to host another party from houseparty.com This time I'll be asking my friends to bring over any gently worn kids' clothes and we'll have a clothing swap! Clorox, Brita and Burts' Bees will send free products for everyone who attends the party! It sounds like so much fun and I LOVE free stuff!!! :) Check out the website b/c there might be a party you'd like to host...just apply and wait! Super easy and fun!!
Just waiting for Mike to call and then we're heading out for his birthday dinner a few days late. :)
Just waiting for Mike to call and then we're heading out for his birthday dinner a few days late. :)
Friday, August 28, 2009
"......", said K.
I love listening to K when he's playing and using his imagination. Right now he is sitting next to me with blocks. His most recent statement was..."Alright folks! Let's get ready for the competition!" He cracks me up! Where does he get this stuff? Folks? He then went on to tell me he's building the United States of America and he has to go very fast because he is running out of time! Yikes, what kind of schedule is he on?
In the car the other day he was playing with an airplane and Transformer. He was pretending with them and is always talking with his toys. His playing went something like this...the plane was flying through the air and K says "Wahoo! said Jon. Wahoo! said K." Mike then said to me, "Do you think he likes to read books?" :) That was the first time I've heard him use dialogue like that when playing. Maybe he'll be a writer someday!
He has a very vivid imagination and it is so fun to hear and see what he comes up with next. Next weekend we are going to Las Vegas. I cannot wait to see what he comes up with all the lights and sounds there. There could be some interesting stories and statements coming from him! :)
In the car the other day he was playing with an airplane and Transformer. He was pretending with them and is always talking with his toys. His playing went something like this...the plane was flying through the air and K says "Wahoo! said Jon. Wahoo! said K." Mike then said to me, "Do you think he likes to read books?" :) That was the first time I've heard him use dialogue like that when playing. Maybe he'll be a writer someday!
He has a very vivid imagination and it is so fun to hear and see what he comes up with next. Next weekend we are going to Las Vegas. I cannot wait to see what he comes up with all the lights and sounds there. There could be some interesting stories and statements coming from him! :)
Thursday, August 27, 2009
$95.00
That is how much I saved at the grocery store today! Every few months my favorite grocery store has a Mega-Sale. You get $5 off your total bill for every 10 items you buy that are part of the mega-sale. This is when I do my major stockpiling of cereal and granola bars among other things. I search deal sites and find printable coupons and look through my coupon organizer to match up with items included in the mega-sale. So, I was able to get $20 off my bill and then had a coupon for almost every mega-sale item I bought. (I also bought things not included in the mega-sale.) For example, Cinnamon Toast Crunch was only $1.39 with the mega-sale and then I had a coupon for $1/2. Therefore, I got each box for $.89. So I bought a lot of cereal, granola bars, and yogurt.
THEN, I found a spot near the frozen chicken that said $1...I looked and there Bertolli frozen meals that normally cost over $8.00 on clearance for $1. There were two so I grabbed the ravioli meals and then found a $1 off coupon on my organizer! Yep, TWO meals for $1!! I'm pretty sure that's the best deal I've ever gotten! :)
I'm going to stop at Safeway on my way to get K from preschool and get some more cereal and the new granola clusters b/c with their sale I'll pay about $2.50 for three boxes of cereal and two bags of granola clusters. All three of us eat cereal every morning and Mike loves granola bars to keep at school.
I LOVE GOOD DEALS! :)
Now I need to reorganize my cupboards (thankfully I have TONS of cupboard space) and get all my groceries put away.
THEN, I found a spot near the frozen chicken that said $1...I looked and there Bertolli frozen meals that normally cost over $8.00 on clearance for $1. There were two so I grabbed the ravioli meals and then found a $1 off coupon on my organizer! Yep, TWO meals for $1!! I'm pretty sure that's the best deal I've ever gotten! :)
I'm going to stop at Safeway on my way to get K from preschool and get some more cereal and the new granola clusters b/c with their sale I'll pay about $2.50 for three boxes of cereal and two bags of granola clusters. All three of us eat cereal every morning and Mike loves granola bars to keep at school.
I LOVE GOOD DEALS! :)
Now I need to reorganize my cupboards (thankfully I have TONS of cupboard space) and get all my groceries put away.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Mondays
I enjoy Mondays! It's the only day of the week I absolutely do not have to drive anywhere or go anywhere. I have gotten quite a bit accomplished already today and hope to get even more done later this afternoon. K has been busy playing with cars and cutting things out. He has been helping me with the laundry too. He is having a very good day of making good choices and I'm praying it lasts!
I am still thinking about starting another blog to share recipes, deals, coupon ideas, etc... I need a fun name though! Any ideas???
Tomorrow is my first day helping in the school library. I am looking forward to helping and getting to know the school kids even more. Our weekday mornings are falling into a routine now and it's been great!
Mondays...home and getting stuff done
Tuesdays...K has school/me in the library
Wednesdays....K has gymnastics
Thursdays...K has school/I run errands
Fridays...Bible class for me/K plays at friend's house
We are counting down the days until my brother's visit!!!! Road trip to Las Vegas!
I am still thinking about starting another blog to share recipes, deals, coupon ideas, etc... I need a fun name though! Any ideas???
Tomorrow is my first day helping in the school library. I am looking forward to helping and getting to know the school kids even more. Our weekday mornings are falling into a routine now and it's been great!
Mondays...home and getting stuff done
Tuesdays...K has school/me in the library
Wednesdays....K has gymnastics
Thursdays...K has school/I run errands
Fridays...Bible class for me/K plays at friend's house
We are counting down the days until my brother's visit!!!! Road trip to Las Vegas!
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