A Change of Pace

Summer is finally coming to a close... I will love the day they decide to have all year schooling. Two months is just way too long for me! We have enjoyed our outings on the lake and we do still have a family trip to the beach planned for labor day weekend. So, it's not quite over but I am definitly ready for fall.

Since I last posted, many changes have taken place in the Hawkins fam. Some good, some not so good.

I will begin about a month ago.. we decided to take the kids out of daycare to cut expenses. It's been a reallllly long month for me. It's been too hot to play outside, and as you all know, taking my three children into public places is out of the question. I attempted that a few times and was not successful. So we've spent 90% of the time couped up within these walls. I love my new chocolate paint, but it starting to get to me. BUT thankfully, I have finally found me a JOB! Went for an interview yesterday and got an offer by the time I arrived back home. Whew-- can't explain the relief that has overcome me! I will be starting tomorrow full time at Rynmarc Homes. Great job, great benefits and it's only a 15 minute drive from home. Can't ask for anything more. The kids are excited to get back to school and I am sure they are relieved to get away from mommy all day! Brandon and Karlee are going back to the same daycare and Jalen will be at the same after school program as before. I think John is more excited than any of us!! He came home with a very big smile on his face last night!

We had a tragic loss in our family last Saturday... Iggy the lizard took his last breath after we decided to feed him a frog that Jalen caught in the yard. Not knowing the risks, we eagerly fed the little guy a gourmet meal (has hasn't had any live critters in months) so needless to say, the frog was gulped up within 10 seconds of being in the cage. Sparing you details, the frog was found back in the cage and Iggy was on his back with his legs straight up in the air about 15 minutes after the meal. We had a memorial services and buried Iggy in our backyard.
To my surprise, Jalen was not as upset as I expected him to be. Daddy smoothed the situation with a promise to replace Iggy. Umm.. not so much what I wanted. So off the pet store we went "just to look"... I convinced Jalen that we did not need anymore hairless creatures that sat in a cage and starred at you. And no dogs or cats or birds. Fish is more my speed but J wasn't having it. That leaves fury rodents. Netti and Jalen ventured out on Sunday for a second trip and came home with .. a .. RAT. Yup, a four legged creature with a really long tail that I despise! He acquired the name Simon before he arrived home. It took me a few days to hold him, but I can honestly say I am getting attached. I may change my mind after a few weeks of daily feeding and weekly cage cleaning.

Next.. John has now officially taken up golf.. I thought after his first adventure out that he may change is mind. But he invested in a set of golf clubs and been on the course 3 times. In his words, he "stinks" but with his determined mind, his goal is to eventually shoot under 120! Ha! Good luck with that!

We took Karlee to the allergist to runs test to determine what's been going on with her.. and to our surprise, she has NO allergies. We've concluded that she is lactose intolerant. No big deal. I can handle that. Brandon was traumatized for days after the trip to the Doc for his 4 year check up and shots. Whew.. his lungs are definitely working. He has reminded me numerous times since then that he is never going back to see Dr. Whitaker. Sure.

Better get back to the daily duties... only got a few hours left before life changes pace once again for us!