I Did It! I Read All 31 Proverbs!!

Good evening, peeps! This morning, I had the delectable pleasure of finishing my last proverb, number 31. The big "doozy" as most Bible readers know, the thirty-first proverb is the one about the excellent wife.
I have days when I do feel like an excellent wife. I also have days when I feel like I shouldn't be allowed to procreate anymore, ya know? I have a full time job. Three children. Home, pets, part time college. To say I am busy is an understatement. But this lady...the Proverbs 31 lady? She's a champion! She makes me feel like a wimp. She gets up early, makes food for not only her family but her staff (makes me wonder, shouldn't the staff be making food? But I digress...) she checks out real estate, plants a vineyard, sells her homemade products, sews, donates to the poor, makes sure her family is ready for any and all weather conditions, and does it all so well that she doesn't even worry about the future. "She laughs at the time to come." Proverbs 31:25! She's smart, strong, dignified, wise, kind, and her husband trusts her implicitly. She is not a lazy slacker. Both her husband and her children praise her.
Ummm, I don't do real estate, I can't sew very well, and don't ask me to plant anything, cuz it will die, ok? Although I do get up while it's still dark, but that is because my alarm clock goes off, not because I automatically rise. The part that makes the most sense to me is Proverbs 31:21 which states "she is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet." Now, since I live in Florida, there is no snow. But this is about being prepared for seasons. I was just thinking about how it is swimming season and I need to make sure I have enough towels to last these kids! That is planning people...I was being a Proverbs 31 wife by planning for my kids summer swimming schedule.
I totally wanna learn how to knit though. That sounds cool. ;)
In other news, Tiger was in the emergency room today. He started feeling sick last night, so I gave him some kid's tylenol and put him to bed. This morning, he started feeling even worse. By 10am, he was sobbing, telling me his chest hurt, like a sharp pain. At first I was thinking, ok, Mr. Drama Queen, get over it, but then I noticed his lips and the tip of his nose were turning blue. One does not need her nursing degree to know that he was not getting enough oxygen. So I left Bucket with Missy (Mr. R is on his way to Memphis) and rushed him to the hospital. He was seen immediately, and was diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection, along with a condition we already knew he had, called "costochondritis." Yep, big word of the day. Spell it with your eyes closed. Neither one of these conditions are a big deal, but when you have both of them at the same time, it tends to cause chest pain. They put him on an oxygen monitor, and he did pretty well. He was normally in the 95 to 100% range, which is obviously optimal, but a few times, he dipped into the 72-75% range, which is when his lips started turning blue again. He was also shivering even though he was running a fever. We got an antibiotic for his infection and now the kid has an inhaler. It's not asthma, but he does get winded when he exercises. The emergency room doctor says he probably has exercise-induced asthma, but she couldn't check for it now since he was sick. So we are supposed to follow up with his regular pediatrician.
Missy spent the night at her Nana's house, and the boys are eating grilled cheese sandwiches and watching Spongebob.
My first college class ends today. Pretty sure I scored an A for the course, which means FH pays for it all, whoopeeee! Oh, and my hair is past my bra strap again. It is like a weed, peeps. My hair is kudzu. Anyone who has been to the south will know what I mean.
Oh, and Mr. R is back on the baby train again. Now he is the one who wants me to call and make the appointment so we can get this done. I am hoping we can make it for Spring Break of next year. I am so ready.

The YMCA Thing Should Work Out OK

I went to the Y and picked up information on when the free swim times are. Turns out it starts at 3:00 which is perfect. My kids sleep late over the summer, and I should get a good portion of work done before we go swimming. My work is awesome lately. They are allowing employees to take up to 4 hr lunch breaks so we can hang with our kids. I doubt I will take that long, but it's nice to not rush the kids around. I'm going to make a schedule for the summer so the kids always know when we're going to swim.
Missy has horseback riding, Tiger has saxophone lessons, and Bucket doesn't have any formal lessons. I'd love to have him do *something* but he's not interested and there is no point in wasting time and money on a reluctant boy.
So right now, we have the Y lined up, their regular lessons, and possible trips with their Daddy in the truck. Bucket might go to Camp Challenge again, but I'm not certain. And on Thursday nights, Missy and Bucket could go the middle school functions at our church. We also have an annual pass to Deleon Springs State Park and we can go there after work. Does anyone have any ideas on what they can do over the summer that doesn't require me standing over them? We're pretty much past the coloring phase, and they're not exactly crafty kids. Meaning, if I give them ice cream sticks and glue, it could be fatal. Plus I have a new dining room table, lol.
So far, I am thinking of getting puzzles for them to work on. Bucket and Tiger have their Pokemon card collection to play with also. Video games are always a hit, I just don't want them on the games 24/7. Man, summers are tough around here. I have to work and they have to keep themselves occupied. Any ideas, let me know!!!

Oh. Duh.

We're not getting a pool for the backyard. Mr. R was totally against it, said we wouldn't clean it and it would get all green and disgusting. Sigh. So, we compromised. We're going to get a year long YMCA membership. It's actually cheaper to do this, about $670. We can swim in their pool, and we have access to a workout room. Tiger is excited about working out, Bucket loves to go swimming, and Missy just wants to get out of the house and check out the lifeguards at the pool. It's a win-win situation for everyone, and it doesn't cost nearly as much as a pool in the yard. So there you go.

My Honey is Not Feeling Well

If ya'll would just keep Mr. R in your prayers? He had what we thought was a spider bite on his leg...turned out to be MRSA infected cellulitis. He is sleeping right now, on antibiotics, but I'm keeping a close eye on him. In my opinion, another sign that he needs to come off the road, because his immune system is weakening. Even though we have resumes online and he is doing some networking, nothing solid has popped up yet. Of course, it is hard to go on job interviews when you're stuck in a truck 1000 miles away from where you need to be.
In other news, the boy who liked Missy? Broke up with her. She is heartbroken. I am wondering, if they never went out, how could he break up with her? Stupid 13 year old boys!

Hahahaha

Missy's date got canceled. The boy she liked got grounded.
Hmmmm, was that divine interference? I am chuckling over it. She's pretty mad.

A Date?!?! Already?!!?

Missy got asked out on her first date.
Before anyone flips out on me, listen up. First of all, yes, I know she's only 12. However, she's going to be 13 in July. Second, this is a boy from church. In fact, this boy's mama is Tiger's science and language arts teacher. Third, it's one of those "group" dates which means that a bunch of kids are going, but this young man asked Missy to attend with him, in a group.
Mr. R about dropped his chalupa. Perhaps because he remembers the fun we had when we were not much older than Missy. *cough cough* I've been with Mr. R since I was about 15 years old. And besides our brief separation back in 2000 for about 7 months, we have been together non-stop. I was telling Mr. R, that Missy is at an age where she is looking at boys in a new light. I also told him that the chance was good that her future husband is in our congregation. Well that sure shut him up, lol.
So, for now, we're letting her attend. This boy's mom is coming to the house so we can talk movie times. I feel comfortable with this because I have trained her up in the way she should go. Now is the time for me to trust that what I've done with her is correct and good.

My Mom Came up With an Idea

Mentioned to Nana that I might have additional money if this free desk works out. Before I could tell her that I intended to purchase a laptop, she said, "Oh, you should get a pool for those kids for the backyard so they have somewhere to play this summer!"
Oh man. Was so busy thinking about myself, totally forgot that the kids would be home all summer while I was working. A pool is a great idea...IF I can convince Mr. R to get it. He has issues with pool upkeep. Darn, I was really wanting a laptop...but a pool would keep them super happy, and busy, and active! Without me missing time at work. All good things. Hmmmm...what do you guys think?
Just so you know...my kids are not babies. So I don't need to stand over them while they swim. They can all actually swim, not just paddle. And, my desk is feet from the backyard. And we live in Florida, so its not like I'm going to use it for a month and then have to put the cover on it. We could use a pool...I'd say 9 to 10 months out of the year.
I'm going to need a clothesline for all the towels in my backyard, that's for certain.

Terminology

A fat-ism, defined:

"You have such a pretty face!"

Definition:

"Too bad the rest of you is such a disgusting mess."

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More Things About Me

Favorite person (outside family)? My friend Christina. She was the catalyst for me to start attending church after so many years of backsliding. I was terrified to attend church with Bucket acting the way he did, and so she took him so I could attend. I'm ashamed to say this, but I used to lie to her and say I loved the service, but I went to my car and slept. I was a total wreck back then. I'm not perfect now by any means, but I'd never lie to her anymore.

Favorite food? I love soups. I love fresh bread. I love seafood. I'm not a sweets person. I'll take a steak and a baked potato any day over chocolate. Bagels are yummy, knishes, danishes...oh my stomach just growled. Thanks.

Quirks about me? My hair grows insanely fast. When I'm pregnant with boys, I grow a mustache. I tend to have more guy friends than girl friends. I love sleeping.

How would the person who loves you most describe you in ten words or less? (Ask them.) He'd probably call me a homebody mama bear. He'd be right.

Any regrets in life? Yeah, and you know what? I've already asked My Lord for forgiveness on those, and there is no need to bring them up anymore.

Favorite Charity/Cause? I love Nathaniel's Hope. They are a respite care group to give the caregivers of special needs children a break. I used to bring Bucket there. Now, I'm considering being a worker there. It will be a while though until I'm ready.

Favorite Blog recently? D'Rae at: myslifeoflife.blogspot.com cracks me up. Plus we wear the same glasses. And I love her clothes! Plus Miriam of course at www.hfstonehouse.blogspot.com.
She wears the same glasses as me too! All my groupies love me.

Something you can't get enough of? Time with my husband. I don't see him enough. Neither do the kids. Oh, and Kona coffee. Sweeeeeet.

Worst job you've ever had? Sales rep at a toystore at Christmas. It was...awful. In more ways than I can ever depict.

What job would you pay NOT to have? I would not like to have Mike Rowe's job. The guy who is on Dirty Jobs. I would puke non stop. Then again, I could lose weight that way, because I'd probably never eat again.

If you could be a fly on the wall, where? Without a doubt, in all the meetings at work. Do they really talk about work, or do they just order lunch and get pedicures?

Favorite Bible verse right now?

Matthew 8:16-17

16When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. 17This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
"He took up our infirmities
and carried our diseases."

This was the first verse I ever prayed over Bucket when I was learning how to pray with my Bible.

Got any confessions? I've always wanted a nose job.

If you HAD to spend $1,000 on YOURSELF, how would you spend it? Shoes. Massages. Luxurious coffee. Books. A babysitter. A new beach chair. A pedicure. Dresses from Kiyonna.com, one of my favorite websites.

Favorite thing about your house? That I own it, and therefore can paint it any color I want. I hate renter's white!

Least favorite thing about your house? My incredibly tiny "Manhattan kitchen" and I really need another bedroom.

One thing you are bad at? Directions. Don't ask me to help you find something. Not only will I not find it, but I'll probably end up in a different state. I'm just bad. I accept it.

One thing you're good at? Spelling.

If you could change something about your circumstances, what? I'd find a job for my hubby so we could be together every night. I remember when I took for granted him being around. I miss him dearly.

Who would you like to meet someday? Jesus.

What makes you feel sexy? A long warm shower, clean hair, shaved legs, two distinct eyebrows, candles, a bed with no sand or crumbs in it.

Who is your real life hero? It's so corny, but it's my Mommy!

What is the hardest part of your job? My "money" job? Not much. It's pretty easy and I do it well. Parenting? Not losing my temper when they disobey for the millionth time.

When are you most relaxed? When I'm sleeping. Hahahahaha.

What stresses you out? Driving at night. I hate it. I avoid it as much as possible.

What can you not live without? Coffee with real half n half. I will not use non dairy creamer. It's a joke and it's not even a real food. It's probably arsenic mixed with plastic. Down on fake foods!

Why do you blog? I type faster than I write, and I missed having a diary.

Me and the Girls from Work

Not much to post today, except these are some of the lovely ladies I work with.
Tonight is saxophone practice, me studying in the car, dinner, studying and bed.
Mr. R left for NJ today. Poor guy! Oh, and I'm the one in black trying desperately to hide my body behind my coworkers...not fast enough this time. Before anyone says anything, I just bought new bras for my bday ok? I know I needed a new one!

If I Were...

1. If I were a month I would be: January
2. If I were a day of the week I would be: Sunday
3. If I were a time of day I would be: 10:30 am
4. If I were a direction I would be: North
5. If I were a piece of furniture I would be: a Bed
6. If I were a liquid I would be: Coffee
7. If I were a stone I would be: an emerald
8. If I were a tree I would be: a crepe myrtle
9. If I were a bird I would be: an Owl
10. If I were a tool I would be: a hairbrush
11. If I were a flower/plant I would be: hibiscus
12. If I were a kind of weather I would be: a cool, crisp autumn day
13. If I were a musical instrument I would be: a kazoo!
14. If I were a color I would be: red
15. If I were an emotion I would be: passion
16. If I were a vegetable I would be: broccoli
17. If I were a sound I would be: laughter
18. If I were a car I would be: a Jaguar
19. If I were a food I would be: a bagel
20. If I were a place I would be: St. Augustine
21. If I were a material I would be: Cotton
22. If I were a scent I would be: vanilla and coffee
23. If I were a word I would be: Thankful
24. If I were a body part I would be: Eyes
25. If I were a facial expression I would be: Amused smile
26. If I were a subject in school I would be: English
27. If I were a game I would be: Scrabble

I Forgot to Tell You Guys!!

Two posts in one day. Shocking! But, I forgot to mention a few things.
First of all, SARAH THE NERD HAS RETURNED. It's like a movie title, right? First class after being out of college for fourteen years, and I've got a 93. Which is an A, in case you were not aware. And when Sarah gets A's, Sarah's job pays! You heard me! My job only pays 100% if I get an A. If I get a B, it's 85%, a C is worth 75% to them, and anything less, you get to pay for that yourself.
I wonder how much algebra is going to cost me? Hmmmm.
Second, an answer to the desk prayer. Yes, I was praying over that desk and Mr. R and I decided it would be a good use of money to buy a new desk. So in addition to the loans I took out to cover my tuition (and remember, if I get A's the hospital pays, so there is not much risk to me except that my credit is going to look fantastic) we decided to take out extra to cover the desk. I mentioned that few posts back. I sit at my desk now for about 12 hrs a day, and the one I have now is falling apart.
So a lady in my Sunday school group asked me how college was going. I mentioned it was great, but the only issue I had was Bucket not liking to share me when I'm doing homework. All these people know him and so a good deal of chuckling was going on over it. Not a mean laugh, but just them all visualizing me trying to type with a 65 pound boy on my lap. It is funny. So I mentioned that fact that I had obtained an extra loan to pay for a new desk. My friend gasped and said, "Why did you do that?! I have an extra corner unit desk I'm not using! We were going to throw it away!" So, tomorrow, I need to call her and see if Mr. R and I can come over and measure the desk to see if it will fit. If it physically fits our space, and if it matches our decor (Mr. R insists that it not clash, we are working so hard to have a nice home and he has issues with clashing wood tones. No I'm not kidding) then I've got a new desk! So I told Mr. R, we're going to have an extra $1400 laying around. I was thinking about the reversal again, but he said he would rather I buy a laptop so I can do my schoolwork.
Oh...that's another thing. Mr. R says no reversal until I lose at least 50 pounds. Understandably so, don't you think? Can you imagine if I got pregnant now, I'd end up going over 300. That is SCARY. I usually gain between 40 and 60 pounds per pregnancy, and generally don't lose it. He is so concerned about my health, and rightfully so. I've got a good man who loves me.
I seriously can't think of anything else to report. Except that I should get to bed, because I have to work tomorrow. I just came off a 4 day weekend, so I'm not expecting it to be an easy day. Plus next week is the week before Memorial Day, and that is generally busy surgery times. A lot of people will schedule surgery before a holiday so they can recuperate over a long weekend. I expect Wednesday and Thursday to be high numbers. Which means I need my sleep, so goodnight. Have a great week and please comment! Only Julia and Miriam comment, I'm hoping you two are not my only readers!

Missy is Bored

I am laughing at Missy right now.
"Mommy, I'm booooooored." So I suggested she make cookies. She has made cookies several times, so this isn't like I'm expecting her to take on something new. The recipe called for 3/4 cup of sugar, and 1 tsp of salt.
People, she is so like me. She mixed them up. 3/4 cup of salt, 1 tsp of sugar. And yes, they were awful. She is so upset. I am laughing. Such a supportive mom I am.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

more cat pictures


I am 33 years old today, as of 5:26 am.
Not much else to say. I took today and tomorrow off work so I could do...NOTHING!!! Naw, I'll probably finish up some laundry, sweep and mop, do the dishes. Work on a project for school. Take a long hot shower, shave legs, pluck eyebrows so I'm back to having TWO distinct eyebrows again.
It's just nice to have a little free time.

My Health

Birthdays tend to make you think about life, at least it is that way for me. And lately, my health...well, its not so good. I am severely overweight. Not just *pleasantly plump* or *cute and chubby*, but nasty, severely, OBESE. I have high blood pressure, shortness of breath, and I'm probably pre-diabetic, if not completely diabetic. I have at least one chin, my calves are so large that I can't even wear regular boots, and granny panties are my specialty, because I'm too fat to wear pretty ones. I'm certainly not happy about it, but apparently not enough to change my ways. I eat terrible foods, I am addicted to coffee, and I never exercise. Unless you count walking to the fridge as exercise. Ahem.
Tomorrow, I will be 33 years old. I really want to make a change in my life. I was watching CMT the other day, and there was a video on, and the guy was singing to his daughter, saying "I sure wish your mama was here for your wedding day." And it absolutely stopped me in my tracks...will I be around when my kids get married? Missy is 12...if she gets married at age 22, will I be there? Will I have a heart attack and die? Will I have diabetes so bad that I will lose my vision? Will I need to have fingers and toes amputated due to lack of circulation? I don't want any of that!
In my class at school, we are having to make a time management project on how to spend time wisely. Let me tell you, I know I'm a busy person. Full time job, part time school, church, children, husband, housework...it won't be easy to fit exercise in my schedule. But I'd rather fit that in, than my husband having to plan my funeral when I'm 40.
This is also not about being skinny. I doubt I will ever be skinny, and its not my intent to be supermodel sized. One of my best friends, after having 4 children, is a size 2. She had issues gaining weight with her 4th son. That is generally not my problem! Even at age 18, when I was in college, I was a size 12. But I was a svelte 12. I just have curvy hips, a big booty, and large breasts. I don't think I could pull off anything smaller than a 10/12 without looking sickly.
I will work on my time management project tonight, and figure out where I can fit 1 hr per day of exercise into my day. I'm thinking a half hour before the kids wake up, and a 1/2 hr at lunch, but I'll work on it.
And...I'm going to be honest here. You want numbers? Fine.
I'm 5 foot 4 or 5, hard to measure my own height. Literally just hopped off scale, and I am sad to report, I weigh in today at 272 pounds. I did just eat breakfast and I am wearing clothes, so maybe take a pound or two away? I weighed about 150 in college and looked amazing. So I guess that means I need to lose 120 pounds, somewhere around there.

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So, Sarah, Why are You Going Back to School?

While driving around with my darling hubby the other day, we had a lovely chat. Missy was home watching the boys so Mr. R and I could go grocery shopping. Out of the blue, he said,
"So when are you planning to leave home to go back to work?"
I was startled. I have no intention at this time to leave the house.
"When did you want me to leave the house?" I asked, sort of meekly.
"I don't." was his curt reply.
"Well then, I was planning on staying home, honey."
"Then why are you back in college?"
Ohhhh, I can see where this is going now.
"Honey, I'm not going back to school to leave the house. In fact, this is assurance that I get to stay home, right where I want to be. What if something happens to you and I need to work more? At least it will be a good job, not minimum wage. If nothing else, I consider getting my degree more like an insurance policy. I hope I never need it, but it sure is nice to have it sitting there in case of emergency."
Silence at first on his end. Then relief. I think he was expecting me to go shopping, buy thousands in business wear and pointy toed shoes, and run out the door with my briefcase and leave him there wearing an apron!
(I'm thinking of the visual, and laughing. Mr. R in an apron, hahaha)
"I was wondering who you thought was going to be able to watch Bucket."
"No way, hon. Bucket is my responsibility. I'm not pawning him off on anyone else!"
"Oh good. Now you have to learn how to cook better. You should have went back to school for that."
Sheesh, everyone is a critic.

Happy Mothers Day to all my Mommy Readers

My special day...actually the entire weekend...was BUSY. I'm so relieved that it's Monday and I can relax by working! lol!
I have another special day coming up on Thursday. It will be MY 33RD BIRTHDAY. I'm never ashamed to tell people how old or young I am, because age is not just a number, it's an attitude. And I'm pretty sure my attitude lately is someone the age of about 14. Grrrrrr.
College is super easy so far. Annoyingly so. Of course, I'm only in one class, and it's some stupid personal development class, but if the courses continue to be this easy-breezy, I'm going to step up my pace and possibly go full time and get it over with! Why drag stuff out? I'll know...I think by October...if I can pull off full time college.
And of course, I have not had algebra yet, so we'll see. Most people know my fear of said class.
I only have 40 accounts to do today, so I will have time to catch up on laundry and dishes. Mr. R is also home. We have a local job lead for him. He needs to call them today at 8:30. They have a post on their website about how drivers need to be 40 miles from the terminal, and we're 46 miles. Sooooo, we need to call them and ask if he should even bother to continue the application process if they're just going to reject us over 6 miles. Because we have to pay for a background check and that is $92. I'd rather not waste the $92 if geography is going to rule him out, you know? Not only that, but its driving fuel tankers, which he swore he would never do because "you're basically driving a bomb around town." Those are his words, not mine. And if you have to work holidays or weekends, he will withdraw his application. That would be a lateral move, maybe even less than lateral. I will of course let my readers know how the situation is working out. Please continue to pray for Mr. R to find a job where is home for his family on a regular, scheduled basis!

My Sweet Baby Bucket

As of 7:32 am this morning, the school has already called. For a change, it wasn't to tell me that he is being naughty or that he is in restraints. No, it's for another IEP meeting to deal with his behavior issues.
I love him...love him so much, I'd step in front of a bus if I knew his autism would be cured. The things I would do for this child, I can't even describe. Just know I'd do it. Besides Jesus Christ My Savior, My Lord, my world revolves around my Bucket. My other two children of course are wonderful, but Bucket truly changed my life in amazing ways.
I'm nervous about this meeting, because there is a chance that Bucket may have to go back to severely disabled classes. It breaks my heart, because I don't consider him severely disabled. But mild disabled classes don't seem to be working. At the same time, could he possibly be in puberty, and acting out? Sigh, I don't know. All I know is, as usual, I am stumped and don't know what to do with him. Except love him. That part is easy.

Sarah the New Student

Well, I have now been back in school for three entire days. So far, so good. I haven't received my textbooks yet, which makes studying rather difficult. However, I'm not considering this a real class. First off, its only worth one credit, instead of 3 like normal classes. It's really just a filler, just trying to get someone ready for classes again. I had to write a paragraph (yes, one paragraph. Laughable.) on conquering fear. I am also supposed to comment on other people's writings as well. One thing I've noticed, this is not a class full of writers. Poor grammar and atrocious spelling makes it difficult to even read some of these paragraphs. I'm not thinking I'm better than anyone else, that is soooo not me, but I am shaking my head as I attempt to read. As in *WOW*, no one else has paid attention in English. Well, at least my writings look good, I guess. After all, I am in college to excel, and I am quite competitive. Not in a bad way, I don't dance when people fail, but I'm always happy when I do well.
So far, I've already noticed that Bucket doesn't like me doing schoolwork. He literally harassed me the entire time I was on the computer. He insisted on doing his homework right next to me. In a way, it was very cute. In another way, it was very annoying, because it's hard to concentrate when a 9 yr old boy is making up silly sentences with his spelling words. All of his sentences involve butts, poop, pee, and vomit. It's always a joy, you know?

Anyway, I worked with him while I was editing my paragraph (lol again. my paragraph...ooooooh) We both got our work done, and then we played Monopoly again. I'll be really glad when I get my extra student loan for $1400, because I'm getting my new desk. (Yeah, I took out extra for a new desk. At least the interest rate is low, right?) This desk will be so much bigger, and then Bucket will have room to sit next to me and do his homework. I may even spring for a little stool I can stash under the desk so he's not dragging the dining room chairs all over the house. We'll see how it goes.

Missy, however, is fascinated by Mama doing schoolwork. She keeps peeking over my shoulder to see what I'm doing, and asking me if its going to help me make more money at my job. I think this is because she realizes that she will be an adult in five years, and is starting to think seriously about her future. Tiger so far, doesn't give a flying leap about me being in college. He's just annoyed because he gets less playtime on the computer. Already considering, for next semester in January, of obtaining another extra loan to get a laptop. As the kids get older, they need the computer, and I'm going to be on it a lot. It might be time for us to be a two-computer household. I guess I'll gauge that as my studies continue. It's just a thought for now.

Sunday, Blessed Sunday

Have you ever heard that country song, "What I Love About Sunday" by Craig Morgan? Its goes a bit like this:

That's what I love about Sunday:
Cat-napping on the porch swing;
You curled up next to me,
The smell of jasmine wakes us up.
Take a walk down a back road,
Tackle box and a cane pole;
Carve our names in that white oak,
steal a kiss as the sun fades,
That's what I love about Sunday,
Oh, yeah.

Ooh, new believers gettin' baptized,
Momma's hands raised up high,
Havin' a Hallelujah good time
A smile on everybody's face.
That's what I love about Sunday,
Oh, yeah.

To me, Sunday is a relief. It is my recharge. I sleep in until about 7:30 (or until the dog howls to be let out.) I drink my coffee slowly. I either make a big breakfast for me and Mr. R, if he's home, or just toast for me. I wake up the children, and we have the time to say *Good Morning* to each other. I usually wear a nice outfit. The kids are at that age where if you dress them up in a suit or dress, they will be scratching and itching, so they just wear their regular clothes. If Mr. R is home, he'll still wear his jeans, but with a polo instead of a tee shirt. If its not hot, we'll walk, but we usually drive. I go to my Sunday school class, the kids go to theirs. Then, the kids walk home while I attend church. I do not force them to attend the regular service. At their age, I do think that Sunday school is enough, especially for Bucket. I know people will disagree with me, but as they get older and more mature, they will be able to sit in church. For right now, all they do is squirm and whine. Missy doesn't, but she walks them home. She likes being in charge and she knows I appreciate the hour to myself for worship and renewal. When I finally do walk in the door, I am usually in a much better mood, and I think the entire house benefits!
I did read my four proverbs. I've flipped through Proverbs before, but never in a "study" mode, more of a light reading thing. I actually sat down at the table with a pen and highlighters, okay? That's SERIOUS! ;) I was chuckling over some of the proverbs, not because they're stupid or ridiculous, but just how SILLY we humans can be. We actually need instructions on wisdom and listening to our moms and not being evil. Apparently, not much has changed in the thousands of years since the Proverbs were written. Evil still abounds, people plot to defraud and hurt others, and doesn't it seem like we'll listen to anyone on TV who claims to be an "expert" but doubt the sincerity of the Word?
Yeah, I think we still need our Proverbs. Don't think we've advanced much since back then. If anything, I think it could be worse. So far, my favorite verse is from Proverbs 3:33-35. It states:

The Lord's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous. He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble. The wise inherit honor, but fools he holds up to shame.

Is the Lord blessing your home today?

Update on Sarah's Life

Oh wow, long time no post. First, I am sick. Not sure if sinus infection, or flu, or cold, but I feel awful. I'm running a low grade fever, my voice takes personal breaks from working, and I sound like a barking seal when I cough. I also coughed so hard that I threw up on myself, and I'm having to wear a pad because I pee when I sneeze or cough. Isn't that pleasant information? I am very sure Mr. R was glad to leave for Illinois yesterday, since I am a cesspool of health here.
Let's see. Tiger had his 11th birthday on Wednesday. I can't believe he is almost done with 5th grade, and will be starting middle school in August. His birthday party is this Saturday. He wanted an ice cream party and just to have his friends hang out and play.
I am also officially a student again, as of Monday May 5. Excited? Oh yeah. I was able to receive enough grants and help from my job so that this should not cost me a dime out of my own pocket. I am thrilled, of course. Right now, I am only going for my AS in medical coding and billing. If I want to go further after that, I will. But this is good enough for me now, and I'm proud of me.
Got tax refund today, plus I got paid, plus Mr. R got paid. What a relief it is to start writing checks and the pile of papers in my bill box is dwindling. One of the best things in life, in my opinion, is not to owe ANYONE any money. Granted, I have this house, and my car, but to be debt free for the most part is awesome.
I meant to start reading Proverbs yesterday, but was so sick, I fell asleep and forgot. So I will read two proverbs today to catch up. I don't like starting a project already behind, but illness generally makes me loopy.