Blessings...

Today is a day of blessings :)

I am truly amazed at the way God works and blesses each of us. You just have to see him in those things, even the little things.

These are what I see as blessings for today:

• last night one of Bev's co-workers/friends brought by a bag of groceries to help us out. Included were a couple things just for the kids and a big bowl of homemade broccoli soup :)
• On my walk with the dog this morning, we took a different route and found a trail I did not know about. While wondering how long the trail was going to take and where it would come out at, we came upon a small parks area and there is a bench there by the water. We stopped and took a rest, also took in the peacefulness and beautiful scenery.
• Also on the walk I found out there is a community built park here in town. Passed right by it on the way home. Bonus.. the kids have been wanting to go to a park. :)
• I was able to get a very nice lined nylon pull-over jacket and a hooded sweatshirt at the thrift store today for half-price. I didn't even know they were on that sale. Saved me $4 though :)
• Received a call about a local paper route. I am actually going to get 3 small routes to do here around where my sister lives. It's a very small paycheck, but it is a paycheck. I am thankful for that :D
• My mom's MRI from yesterday showed the tumor still there but NO new growth!! Fantastic news!

We often forget to stop and look around us, to find God in the small things.

slacking...

It's hard to believe I am slacking on this again so soon.... ok so it's really NOT hard to believe that. lol :)

Things at times have been too busy to think much about this blog. Unfortunate, I know..

Here are some updates:

• Mom - she is ok.. I say that with a little hesitation because she has not been feeling well lately. Her stomach has been upset which has caused her to not eat much, plus the fact that the meds make nothing taste good :( She lost 13 pounds in a WEEK!! Not good. We saw the Dr's PA yesterday and after checking mom out, talking, & me talking to her privately she decided to put a hold on the study meds and do an MRI today - three weeks earlier than scheduled. We will get results tomorrow. I would like to be at that appt but don't think I will be able to make it. I'll put in a request for the PA to call me if possible. I did here from my Aunt this morning and after talking with my mom Aunt Ellen said mom sounded a bit more chipper this morning. We (she & I) have decided that the drugs were really bringing mom down... Time to either stop them or try a new one. We'll see what Doc Hottie (my name for him) has to say on Friday :)
• Kids - They are struggling. Not with school, they LOVE that. :) We are blessed to have gotten such a wonderful and caring school. The administration is amazing and the teachers so understanding. At home though, it's usually a different story... I know they are trying to adjust to all the changes in their lives and it's a lot to take in. Along with their beloved gramma being so ill. I think once she is a little more "up" they will be a bit happier. :) For now though, Autumn seems to be the more emotional one and Patrick the more angry & aggressive one. I am trying to be patient but firm with them as is my sister. Routine is the best.
• Me - I'm hanging in there.. Mainly taking it moment by moment, day by day. That's about all I can do right now.. that and lean on Jesus. It's hard to watch my strong, beautiful, energetic mom be so tired and sick. :'( On a positive note: I had a job interview yesterday!! I am very hopeful I will get a chance to go to the next step in the hiring process. I have put out many applications and also heard from another that asked me to go online and fill out another application. I'm hoping to hear something from them soon also. I do my best to keep Bev's house the way she likes it, although I have been on an organizing spree.. lol I have also been out seeing what types of assistance the kids and I qualify for. We have been blessed in what we have been able to get.

Time to help with homework.. I'll try to update again SOON!!

The road trip...

Finally I am here updating :D

Autumn, Patrick, & I started our big road trip on Friday morning (19th) with a final destination of Manitowoc, WI where my sister lives.

We were able to drive clear to Albuquerque, NM that day/evening. Along the way the kids got to play in some snow and get totally frozen..lol! The first stop was just outside of Flagstaff. I pumped gas and they hit the snow piles. I tell ya, all those snow boots, jackets, & pants that my sister had waiting for us sure would have come in handy in this place!

Lo and behold we got stuck in Albuquerque for the night. A big snow storm moved in just as we were trying to pass through town on the I-40. Not knowing where to go and having a small dog with us, we parked the van in a Wal-mart parking lot between some semi's. It was a cold night but thankfully Patrick had a very nice sleeping bag and I was kind enough to give up my down comforter for Autumn. Needless to say... snuggling under a child-size fleece Transformers blanket is NOT the way to spend the night in a vehicle when it is 26* outside!! I started the van 2 or 3 times to warm up. And, although I LOVE my butt (seat) warmers... those get VERY warm and your butt tends to get a bit damp ;)
Another bonus of being in a wal-mart lot - drive up to the front doors and go in for the bathrooms, plus they have McD right there for a cheap breakfast :D Just remember to leave your debit card in the van! Keeps the buying the store temptation down..lol

We were not able to get back on the interstate until after 9am mountain time and then it was slow going due to everyone wanting back on the road at basically the same time. Lots of truckers that were down for the night going back on at the same time as the regular motorists clogged up the lanes. Although I really wanted to get into Kansas that day I was very patient with the traffic... big time first for me!! I even had a trucker "thank" me when I flashed my lights that he could move over :D (Thanks Tim for the signal lessons..lol)
The state patrol provided some entertainment for us while we sat in the traffic... A squad car was passing on the left edge of the east bound lanes. Well, the snow pulled him down into the median where he would slide around and continue to try to get back up on the road. It was pretty darn comical!! Thank you New Mexico State Patrol for the "show" and giving us something to laugh about :D

When we arrived at the Texas state line we stopped to take a picture standing at the sign. Well... Autumn & Patrick stood there while I took the picture. Then we ran across the highway to the "Leaving New Mexico" sign to get a picture and lucky for us, on the other side of that sigh was the "Welcome to New Mexico" sign. Yes, they stood at that side and took a picture also. Haha :) So glad New Mexico was such a helpful state :D

Ok... it's bedtime for me (this time zone stuff sucks!!) I will continue our adventure tomorrow, and with PICTURES!

updates...

I have promised people that I would update this blog. I will do it later today.
Things have been so busy with the two kids starting school, just arriving in town yesterday morning, getting school stuff done, etc... I can't wait for things to get in a routine! :D

Check back after 8pm central time (that will hopefully give me enough time..lol)

update...

I guess it's been quite ahwile since I've posted on here. Wow!!
I spend most of the time on Facebook but forget that not everyone is there and they might be checking on here...

Things are going pretty well here.
Ryan & Jessica are taking some classes at the High School up the street and loving it. They are also doing sports - Ryan runs Cross Counry, Jessica is on the Swim Team. We enjoy watching them.

Autumn & Patrick are at home doing school this year. We are signed up with Arizona Virtual Academy who send us books and all the materials we need. We just have to log stuff online each day.

I still have my paper route on the base and it has been extened to some delivery in town too. The extra pay is helpful!

Harold has been working a lot lately. Still loves his job but is tired a lot...lol I think it's just age =)

I'll post again soon and include pictures. Love to all =)