My New Adventure

Career News:
It's been almost 2 weeks now since I have been an official "statistic". Unemployed, receiving a weekly check that pretty much equals minimum wage. Better than nothing- covers daycare expenses. I have found myself staying rather busy each day... still getting up around 6 am to get Jalen off to school, running the young ones to daycare, drinking LOTS of coffee, daily house chores and errands, watching a little Paula Dean and Oprah, and even a nap or two here and there. Not so bad after all. I have even managed to earn a new title --"PA"-- aka Personal Assistant!! Janelle makes sure I stay busy! But as the last week and a half has raced by, one thing I have done is decide where I am headed in life...for now. I am in the beginning process of starting a cleaning business- SOUTHERN BELLES CLEANING SERVICE. I am so excited about my new adventure.... and ready to get busy! Cleaning is one of my "specialties" and has managed to consume most of my spare time. With 3 kids (and a hubby) , the only way to stay somewhat calm is to have my house clean and in order 90% of the time. That's why I decided to put my skills to use. I have been behind a desk pushing paper since I graduated high school 13 years ago, always answering to some boss and working with crazy people. NO MORE! The only crazy thing I will be answering to is a mop and broom! I am hoping to have brochures and marketing material out within the next week. For those of you that are local- help spread the word! I will be offering a wide range of services- from basic cleaning to customized and detailed cleaning to organizing! And of course, very reasonable rates!

Household News:
HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY KARLEE ELAINE!! Yesterday was the big day for our little Princess. It's amazing to me that my baby has reached that 1 year milestone. And for the record- she officially began walking (more than 2 steps) on her big day! We had a very small celebration last night and she wanted nothing to do with it. She was running on an early morning 1 hour nap and not in the mood for any sort of cake or presents. Instead of eating the icing, she cried and rubbed it in her hair. Hopefully she will be in better spirits for her party on Sunday. ( I am going to attempt to post some pictures after her party)

Brandon has been a bit confused about the change in our morning routine. He asks me every morning if we are going to church... since we don't get out the door quite as early and I am not in my normal attire, he thinks that daycare is history. So needless to say, we have a battle to get dressed and in the car. Eventually he gets bribed with some sort of snack!

Basketball season is in full swing for Jalen and he is continuing to improve each week! I can honestly say that I am beginning to enjoy his games every Saturday. I think the light finally came on this year.. maybe we will have the next Kobe on our hands!! :)

John has been busy as always.. which is a good thing! I think he is more excited about my new business than I am...... He can only support my Target shopping trips for so long!! Even though he has been home late more often than not, we managed to get a free evening and take the boys to the Ringling Bros Circus last week! I think he enjoyed the popcorn the most! AND- John is officially a "golfer" now. Him and our neighbor Jason ventured out to the course a few weeks ago and experienced 18 holes for the first time. I think he was a little disappointed when it was all over- he said he has never really done bad at any sport -but that one! It's ok Johnny- keep practicing!!
Finally, one last thing- John has officially become an Usher at church and begins his service this week. We had to get the dusty suits out of the closet... this is big time!


Better get to bed... That's all for tonight!

Home Again

As most of you know, I have been working at Saluda Hill Landscaping for nearly 2 years. After the holiday season, the company began experiencing cut backs due to the industry downfall. It began with laying off over 25 employees two weeks ago. We all sat around not knowing who was next but prepared for the worst.- as they say it was the "calm before the storm". Being in the Payroll/HR department I had mixed feelings if my position was safe. On one hand, we had to continue processing payroll and there was always HR issues, etc. But on the other hand, we had just cut a huge portion of the workforce that I had to pay each week so my workload took a sharp decline, So being said, I did begin to "prepare" myself slowly- updated my resume, started browsing for jobs, etc. Well, even though we think we are prepared for something like that- we are not, especially when the reality of it hits. I went into work on Monday and about 20 minutes later walked out with a box of my pictures and belongings in my hand, completely numb. I was jobless. Life can take such sudden turn in a matter of seconds and we are never prepared. After the initial shock and emotions that ran over me, I was able to get my composure and realize that no matter what happens.. God ALWAYS has HIS hand on our life and HE has a better direction for me than I can even begin to understand. I have never been laid off from a job or "let go" so even though this was not shocking, it is still hard to swallow. Thanks to my bestest friend ever, Janelle, I was able to enjoy my day- she came over and picked me up and
I don't know what life has in store for me in the days ahead, but I do know that I will continue to ask God for direction and He will lead me. I will be keeping the kids in daycare so that I can actively look for a new job, or perhaps even being looking into furthering my education. Or maybe even start a little side business to earn some extra cash...
Thank you to all of my friends and family that have sent encouraging emails and phone calls. I appreciate all the support and love. It's people like you that can make these difficult hurdles easier to overcome!
I love you all!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Wow, here it is January 7, 2008 and I haven't blogged since the week before Christmas. And it seems like yesterday. I can only hope that each of you had a very blessed Holiday and Happy New Year. We certainly have had an eventful few weeks- let me back track... (some of this may be repeat since I have lost track of time)



December 15th- My mom and I and the kids went to see the drama held at a local church called "This Man Called Jesus". Unbelievable!! If you live in the area- you MUST see it next year! I can't even begin to describe how wonderful this live production is. Unfortunately Karlee was NOT going to be the sweet little princess she normally is so I ended up leaving the show early. Being this was my second time, I wasn't too upset. The boys were intrigued. Brandon was so excited that he got to meet "Jesus"! He talked about it for days! And even cried some!



The next week was eventful- Basketball Practice/Game with Jalen, Karlee was at the doctor again with a nasty cold, and Brandon had a party at school.



We had our annual Christmas Dinner with our neighbors on Saturday the 22nd. John decided it was time to master Frying a turkey. And he did quite well. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed his Jalapeno Butter marinated masterpiece.

Christmas Eve- Made baked potato soup and had sandwich at Netti's, attend a candlelight service at church and last minute preparations for the big day!

Christmas Day- wow! Santa was good this year! Brandon got his very own John Deere Tractor, Jalen a drum set and fancy electric guitar (that is collecting dust until he gets lessons) and Karlee got her very first Cabbage Patch Baby Doll and a push buggie to ride in. We were outside in the freezing cold as Brandon rode his tractor with a smile from ear to ear. I think he managed to run into the cable box and John's van only once.
We enjoyed our traditional Lasagna for dinner and lots of fudge, toffee, and cookies! Travis and his family spent the day with us. Lots of chaos but enjoyed our family time!

Back to work on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Picked Karlee up from daycare on Friday with the "bug". Ended up in the ER Friday night because she was dehydrated. However our 4 hour wait in the ER was a not such a pleasant experience. We ended up walking out after I attempted Pedialyte again and she held it down. Whew- I think we would have been there for at least 6 more hours. Just needed stinkin IV fluids, no big deal. NOT. I was able to help doctor her back to being hydrated. Needless to say though- this "bug" turned into a 2 week fiasco! Poor little thing is just now on the mend. We had her tested for every bacteria and virus and everything came back normal. Just the nasty winter stomach bug. We endured endless hours changing stinky diapers and washing numerous loads of laundry. All this goes without saying... we have not slept much the last few weeks. On top of the bug, she did have a double ear infection as well. Back to the doctor tomorrow (1/9) to re-check the ears and possibly another shot of antibiotic.

New Years Eve was quiet- small celebration with the neighbors. John and the boys had their usual fun time with fireworks, while Brandon stayed inside in complete fear- He was absolutely speechless and walked around in a daze until after midnight. Never seen that kid so quiet in my life! Grandma Sica came and cooked for us on New Years Day. Chef John fried another turkey as well. He is mastering this skill now. Good Stuff.

Back to school on the 2nd and I think back to normal now. John and I celebrated (well, the day came and went) our 7th anniversary on the 3rd. We are planning on celebrating with an evening away for dinner this weekend.

I think that briefly catches you up with the latest events. I wish each of you a very Happy New Year- It's gonna be great in 2008!!

Will be back soon.... Love to all!!