I wrote in an earlier blog about my working for Weight Watchers over the next month. I have been feeling somewhat overwhelmed but at the same time encouraged to know that I was helping someone and knowing it was the right thing.
This morning I received an email from a contact at the meeting I had tried to start up at the State Pen. Two weeks ago I went up for the informational meeting and only 6 of 27 showed up. The rules on "at work" meetings are that they have to have at least 15 paid in order to secure the meeting. Obviously with 6 I wasn't able to do the meeting and I thought it was a bust.
When agreeing to take on my ill co-worker's meetings it was under the assumption that this meeting was not going to take place. In the email this morning she was letting me know that she indeed had the 15 needed to start the meeting and it will resume on Monday.
EEK. One more meeting may not seem like a lot but think of it more as the brick on the pile that caused the pile to topple. Jared encouraged me this morning that we can do anything for a month. Even 7 meetings in a week for 4 weeks. I know that I am capable enough to do the meetings. That's not my concern.
My concern is that my family comes first and this will be a busy month with little time with them and no time with Jared. Anytime we would have had together he'll be watching the kids while I'm gone. (Brennan and Tanner are screaming at each other while I type. Maybe this will be a good thing :))
Jared keeps reminding me of how spoiled we are. I agree that we have more time together as a family than most. With his job he has the flexibility to be with us for all the important things and often on our days off together he's able to be here for nothing but a day of rest. I know we will make it through and be better off for it. It's just intimidating to think of it.
I keep focusing on the fact that we have hoped to purchase a new computer this next year for the kids schooling. Our current computer is over 5 years old and was the most basic model available when we purchased it. Working this month will give us 75% of the funds we need to do just that.
Romans 8:28
28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,[a] who[b] have been called according to his purpose.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Anneliese Week 22
22 Weeks Gestation
Rapid brain growth continues.
The eyebrows and eyelashes are well formed.
The eyes are fully functional and capable of movement.
The vocal cords are active.
Reflexes are present.
There is little chance for survival outside the uterus.
The weight is about one pound.
The length is about 7 to 8 inches.
My belly is growing rapidly. I'm already outgrowing maternity clothing and I know with the holidays just around the corner my "growth" won't slow down too much. It's really comical to compare bellies. There is another gal in our church expecting next month and I'm already protruding significantly farther than she is. I'm hoping that I'll still be mobile by 9 months :)
Rapid brain growth continues.
The eyebrows and eyelashes are well formed.
The eyes are fully functional and capable of movement.
The vocal cords are active.
Reflexes are present.
There is little chance for survival outside the uterus.
The weight is about one pound.
The length is about 7 to 8 inches.
My belly is growing rapidly. I'm already outgrowing maternity clothing and I know with the holidays just around the corner my "growth" won't slow down too much. It's really comical to compare bellies. There is another gal in our church expecting next month and I'm already protruding significantly farther than she is. I'm hoping that I'll still be mobile by 9 months :)
Thankful for Antibiotics
While at the doctor yesterday she was even grossed out and a bit alarmed at my toe. That's never good. I started Augmentin yesterday and after 2 doses the pressure is already leaving my toe.
She also told me to soak it like crazy and that has brought great relief. I tried to explain my hesitation to come in since it was just some inflammation but in the previous 24 hours it went from annoying to scary. She just made an off handed comment, "I know coming in seemed unnecessary but you don't want to lose your leg over an infected toe, and I don't think your baby would appreciate a blood infection."
Wow, that seems a little dramatic but no, I don't want to lose my leg and Anneliese's safety is one of the main reasons I went in when I saw the infection spreading towards my foot. The good news is it already seems to be improving. Hopefully within another couple days it will be back to normal. Thanks for your concerns.
She also told me to soak it like crazy and that has brought great relief. I tried to explain my hesitation to come in since it was just some inflammation but in the previous 24 hours it went from annoying to scary. She just made an off handed comment, "I know coming in seemed unnecessary but you don't want to lose your leg over an infected toe, and I don't think your baby would appreciate a blood infection."
Wow, that seems a little dramatic but no, I don't want to lose my leg and Anneliese's safety is one of the main reasons I went in when I saw the infection spreading towards my foot. The good news is it already seems to be improving. Hopefully within another couple days it will be back to normal. Thanks for your concerns.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Having Purpose
My co-worker and friend has just found out she has breast cancer and will need immediate surgery. My boss called yesterday to ask if I could help fill her meetings.
Jared and I talked and we decided that under the circumstances we didn't see how we could refuse. She obviously has no choice but to take the medical leave and with my being the only other leader in Leavenworth if I were to decline my boss would be in a pickle trying to find someone, anyone to fill these meetings.
Starting next week I will be working Mondays (my normal night), Tuesday night, Thursday morning, and Saturday morning. As of now this will only be for 4 weeks and I'm honestly a little overwhelmed by it. I know it was the right decision and God will grant me the energies needed to do this. I also babysit twice a week on Wed and Thurs so the Thursday morning meeting will affect my ability to watch Nadia. Jared is planning on stepping in to help since Nadia's family really doesn't have any alternative.
Add to all that home schooling, pregnancy and just keeping house and you can see my reason for feeling overwhelmed. The good news is that this will bring in $600-$800 of income right before the holidays and car tags are due. I will be helping a friend who now does not need to be concerned with filling her meetings. Working multiple meetings in my own center will only benefit my long term meetings. The reason being I will be introducing myself and my teaching style to new members who would not even know me otherwise. If there were only a couple who decided to attend my Monday meetings that would be beneficial.
The other day on the way to work I had the boys with me and Brennan asked why I work. I chuckled and said, "for the cash bud." As soon as I said that I realized how untrue that statement was. I then corrected myself and began to explain to Brennan how I help people. I told him that when people overeat it makes them sick in lots of ways. It not only can make them physically sick because of the obesity but it also makes them sad and unhappy with themselves and others. It makes it hard for them to do things that they love like playing on the floor with their kids or going for a walk on a nice afternoon.
I told him about how unhappy and unhealthy I was and how God wants us to worship Him with all we are even our bodies. I don't just lead meetings I help people realize that there is a better way to live this life. That nothing they ever did or anything that was done to them can take away their right to be happy healthy and thin.
I have had multiple opportunities to pray with my members and share God's love and most importantly His grace. The people that step in those doors need so much more than a smaller dress size. Many of them are hurting and are desperate for a friend and someone to serve as an encourager. I have made the decision to use this opportunity to help and show God's love and grace.
Jared and I talked and we decided that under the circumstances we didn't see how we could refuse. She obviously has no choice but to take the medical leave and with my being the only other leader in Leavenworth if I were to decline my boss would be in a pickle trying to find someone, anyone to fill these meetings.
Starting next week I will be working Mondays (my normal night), Tuesday night, Thursday morning, and Saturday morning. As of now this will only be for 4 weeks and I'm honestly a little overwhelmed by it. I know it was the right decision and God will grant me the energies needed to do this. I also babysit twice a week on Wed and Thurs so the Thursday morning meeting will affect my ability to watch Nadia. Jared is planning on stepping in to help since Nadia's family really doesn't have any alternative.
Add to all that home schooling, pregnancy and just keeping house and you can see my reason for feeling overwhelmed. The good news is that this will bring in $600-$800 of income right before the holidays and car tags are due. I will be helping a friend who now does not need to be concerned with filling her meetings. Working multiple meetings in my own center will only benefit my long term meetings. The reason being I will be introducing myself and my teaching style to new members who would not even know me otherwise. If there were only a couple who decided to attend my Monday meetings that would be beneficial.
The other day on the way to work I had the boys with me and Brennan asked why I work. I chuckled and said, "for the cash bud." As soon as I said that I realized how untrue that statement was. I then corrected myself and began to explain to Brennan how I help people. I told him that when people overeat it makes them sick in lots of ways. It not only can make them physically sick because of the obesity but it also makes them sad and unhappy with themselves and others. It makes it hard for them to do things that they love like playing on the floor with their kids or going for a walk on a nice afternoon.
I told him about how unhappy and unhealthy I was and how God wants us to worship Him with all we are even our bodies. I don't just lead meetings I help people realize that there is a better way to live this life. That nothing they ever did or anything that was done to them can take away their right to be happy healthy and thin.
I have had multiple opportunities to pray with my members and share God's love and most importantly His grace. The people that step in those doors need so much more than a smaller dress size. Many of them are hurting and are desperate for a friend and someone to serve as an encourager. I have made the decision to use this opportunity to help and show God's love and grace.
Infected
Apparently my toe is rebelling against my body. I had a small irritation that has turned into a raging infection.
In the last 24 hours it has become so painful that I can't apply pressure anywhere near it when I walk. This is not helping the waddle that I seem to have picked up somewhere.
Last night was miserable as I checked my heart rate with the throbbing that was ever present through out the night. I decided to go ahead and call the doctor this morning when I noticed the red inflamed area is starting to spread down my toe to the big knuckle. I'm assuming the baby wouldn't appreciate a blood infection.
When I explained the situation to the nurse she decided the throbbing mass needed immediate attention. I'm off this afternoon to see if it can be salvaged. OUCH!
In the last 24 hours it has become so painful that I can't apply pressure anywhere near it when I walk. This is not helping the waddle that I seem to have picked up somewhere.
Last night was miserable as I checked my heart rate with the throbbing that was ever present through out the night. I decided to go ahead and call the doctor this morning when I noticed the red inflamed area is starting to spread down my toe to the big knuckle. I'm assuming the baby wouldn't appreciate a blood infection.
When I explained the situation to the nurse she decided the throbbing mass needed immediate attention. I'm off this afternoon to see if it can be salvaged. OUCH!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Well, That Back Fired
I don't take kindly to my kids calling each other names, picking at each other, or anything else that resembles sibling rivalry. We have taught our boys from birth that they are blessed to have each other. God gave them their brothers as gifts and we treat gifts with gratitude and respect.
I will not have a house of children/young men who throttle each other on a regular basis just for the fun of it and definitely not out of anger. It is my job to teach the self discipline, respect, honor, loyalty and the like.
Elijah is one who really struggles when he's angry with spouting off at the mouth or even smacking who ever is in reach. When he says things like, "I hate you" he is quickly disciplined with a dose of apple cider vinegar. When he hits out of anger he gets appropriately punished. We have a NO tolerance policy when it comes to hurting someone either physically or emotionally.
Tanner has taken to calling Brennan a "stupid idiot." The reason being is that Brennan is very smart and prides himself on it. Nothing gets to him quicker than calling him stupid or dumb. It always brings forth wailing and gnashing of teeth.
This afternoon Tanner was on one of his mean streaks and was calling Brennan names. I immediately called him down and got out the apple cider vinegar. Tanner has not had this punishment yet. I dosed him with 1/4 tsp. He immediately started choking and gagging asking me, "what is that!!!?!" I told him he will continue to get it any time he decides to tear someone down with his mouth.
I sent him upstairs and then...
He PUKED all over the landing and the bottom 3 steps. Nice. I guess if he chooses to call names again I'll have to dose him and then send him to the bathroom for safe measure. Nasty!
I will not have a house of children/young men who throttle each other on a regular basis just for the fun of it and definitely not out of anger. It is my job to teach the self discipline, respect, honor, loyalty and the like.
Elijah is one who really struggles when he's angry with spouting off at the mouth or even smacking who ever is in reach. When he says things like, "I hate you" he is quickly disciplined with a dose of apple cider vinegar. When he hits out of anger he gets appropriately punished. We have a NO tolerance policy when it comes to hurting someone either physically or emotionally.
Tanner has taken to calling Brennan a "stupid idiot." The reason being is that Brennan is very smart and prides himself on it. Nothing gets to him quicker than calling him stupid or dumb. It always brings forth wailing and gnashing of teeth.
This afternoon Tanner was on one of his mean streaks and was calling Brennan names. I immediately called him down and got out the apple cider vinegar. Tanner has not had this punishment yet. I dosed him with 1/4 tsp. He immediately started choking and gagging asking me, "what is that!!!?!" I told him he will continue to get it any time he decides to tear someone down with his mouth.
I sent him upstairs and then...
He PUKED all over the landing and the bottom 3 steps. Nice. I guess if he chooses to call names again I'll have to dose him and then send him to the bathroom for safe measure. Nasty!
Indulge Me For A Blog...
Hi my name is Shannon and I hate laundry. Well at least until yesterday. My mom in law and I have a running joke of sorts about how I don't do laundry, don't do it well, don't do it often, don't do it right etc. I'm a smart girl and enjoy taking care of my family. It's not that I'm too dense to get the skill of laundering clothing. I would just rather drink bleach.
I think everyone has a household chore that they would like to hire out. Mine has been laundry. Maybe I should be more specific. I don't mind loading the washer. It's more moving the clean clothes to the dryer in a timely manner to avoid the stink (sour clothes) and then waiting for the dryer to get done and remove the clothing just in time to avoid having to iron your underwear in order to recognize them.
Things changed for me yesterday. Call me a "gadget girl" but having been married to my handsome husband for nearly 13 years has given me a love and admiration for all things electronic.
Jared and I have been talking for months about replacing our washer and dryer. I found a set on Craigslist that seemed too good to be true. It is a Maytag front loading set that is barely 3 years old. The previous owners moved into an older house and realized the night before moving that this set would not fit through the small doors of the new older house. He put the set on craigslist at an amazing price hoping to sell them within 24 hours so they would not have to move them and store them in their garage.
Long story longer, I called and talked to the owner only to find out his delima and I hung up the phone dissapointed knowing that there was no way we could manage purchasing the set in such a short amount of time. I thanked him and moved on. He actually called me the next morning and said that he and his wife thought we were nice christian people (wow we have him fooled :)) and they decided to move them and keep them for us until we were able to make the purchase.
God is GOOD. Amazingly everything fell into place within a week and we were able to pick them up Sunday night and have them up and running first thing Monday morning. THEY ARE SO COOL! I dried a large load of bath towels in 40 minutes. Completely dry! No joke! The dryer has a senser and as the clothes tumble it decides how long the cycle needs to be and to my shock it was right.
I washed all of our whites and they came out 4 shades lighter. Jared and I stared in amazement at the brightness of his socks. The washer has a specific setting for whites and apparently it knows what it's doing. The clothes smell amazing.
I actually enjoy doing laundry. I have washed just about everything in our house that can be washed. The washer has a ridiculous capacity and our king size comforter fits with ease. My goal today is to wash all the kids bedding.
I...I...I...I love doing laundry. All the buttons and digital read out. It's a technical geeks dream and I'm in heaven :)
I think everyone has a household chore that they would like to hire out. Mine has been laundry. Maybe I should be more specific. I don't mind loading the washer. It's more moving the clean clothes to the dryer in a timely manner to avoid the stink (sour clothes) and then waiting for the dryer to get done and remove the clothing just in time to avoid having to iron your underwear in order to recognize them.
Things changed for me yesterday. Call me a "gadget girl" but having been married to my handsome husband for nearly 13 years has given me a love and admiration for all things electronic.
Jared and I have been talking for months about replacing our washer and dryer. I found a set on Craigslist that seemed too good to be true. It is a Maytag front loading set that is barely 3 years old. The previous owners moved into an older house and realized the night before moving that this set would not fit through the small doors of the new older house. He put the set on craigslist at an amazing price hoping to sell them within 24 hours so they would not have to move them and store them in their garage.
Long story longer, I called and talked to the owner only to find out his delima and I hung up the phone dissapointed knowing that there was no way we could manage purchasing the set in such a short amount of time. I thanked him and moved on. He actually called me the next morning and said that he and his wife thought we were nice christian people (wow we have him fooled :)) and they decided to move them and keep them for us until we were able to make the purchase.
God is GOOD. Amazingly everything fell into place within a week and we were able to pick them up Sunday night and have them up and running first thing Monday morning. THEY ARE SO COOL! I dried a large load of bath towels in 40 minutes. Completely dry! No joke! The dryer has a senser and as the clothes tumble it decides how long the cycle needs to be and to my shock it was right.
I washed all of our whites and they came out 4 shades lighter. Jared and I stared in amazement at the brightness of his socks. The washer has a specific setting for whites and apparently it knows what it's doing. The clothes smell amazing.
I actually enjoy doing laundry. I have washed just about everything in our house that can be washed. The washer has a ridiculous capacity and our king size comforter fits with ease. My goal today is to wash all the kids bedding.
I...I...I...I love doing laundry. All the buttons and digital read out. It's a technical geeks dream and I'm in heaven :)
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