My Darling Daughter in Love

...is now a college graduate! Congratulations, Lauren Renee Bean! I am so proud of you! Major in Childhood Education and a minor in Psychology. You ROCK!

A New 'Normal'

If you've been reading this blog for long, you KNOW that we just don't DO normal. It's sad, but true. In fact, we've started taking pride in the fact that we are the weirdest people we know. We are, in fact those crazy homeschooling people you always hear about, ha ha ha! David told me the other day that he needed a shirt that said, " My mom is the weirdest person on Earth." Oh dear. I hope they aren't permanently scarred. Anywho, all of that say that we are constantly in a state of chaos, travel, switching schedules, routines, and ever changing jobs and houses. Well that makes us sound unstable, doesn't it? I prefer to think of us as uber-flexible. *winks*
As I look into the future, I see us on a routine that allows for interruptions, emergencies or having unexpected company without throwing everything into a tailspin for the day. I found my old "Managers of Their Homes" schedule today and marvel that there was ever a time that we were that organized. Especially with 8 people in the house, including one infant. Slightly saddened as well that we've allowed ourselves to get so far from that good groove. I know, life changes, people change, circumstances change. However, I think I've been granting myself too much grace in certain areas. I've certainly not been being a very good steward of my time lately, spending too much time on FB, staring at the TV, and just frittering away time that could be used in a better fashion. Well, no more. Starting May 1st (that's tomorrow, people) Dan and I are starting Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. I WILL get my rear out of bed at a decent time, keep my house presentable, teach my boys each school day (even if we don't sit at the table 8 hours a day) cook a healthful family dinner for us to share, and greet my husband with joy and gladness when he arrives home. It's time to take responsibility for the time I spend, my attitude toward interruptions, delays and family emergencies that arise as part of daily life, and the example I set for my boys. Gym is over for the season. We have miles to go before getting out of school for the year (which is normal, we school all year anyway) so it's time to dig in and get to it. We are well settled in the new house and have no intentions of moving for a VERY long time. Dan is the only variable at this point, and I trust that he will be back at work soon. Until then, he can help by teaching shop class in the garage, take the boys on field trips, and by being the muscle behind my bossiness :)
So there it is, our new normal. Here I go....

Desperately Seeking Susan?....or Something Like That

Sanity. Oh yes, that is what I'm looking for. I knew it was something that started with 'S'. ; )
~Goodness, it's been a busy spring. Moving, gymnastics meets, friends and family moving, parents coming and going. Working 3 jobs in addition to my 'regular' stuff. It's no wonder I'm overtired and grouchy. (oh no, I really AM grouchy, just ask the boys) I've even BOUGHT bread recently *hangs head in shame* I know that's funny to most of you, but to me, that is a huge red flag. I gave Dan the "I'm tired, I'm tired of being tired, I'm tired of being tired of being tired' speech and thankfully, he took it graciously. He promised me some time to MYSELF in the very near future, as soon as we can work it out. Have I ever mentioned how much I love him and the way that he looks out for me?
~In related news, I gave my 2 weeks notice at Kohl's *hurray, hurray, hurray* Not to imply that I haven't enjoyed my 4 years at Kohl's, but the reasons that it worked so well for our life no longer apply, I need more sleep that I used to apparently (I'm not 20 anymore, ya know) and if Dan ends up working out of town again in the near future, well, it's just not as good of a fit as it used to be. So, farewell Kohl's, I shall miss my discount for sure~ *winks* and the great people that I've worked with. The Ad Set team rocks. And that's all I have to say about that.
~Dan joined a gym yesterday so in no time at all he will be even more deserving of the nickname Hercules. He's so hunky! I think it's good stress release for him, and I suppose it should be more motivation for me to get my rear in shape. Maybe I will be able to get a work out in while he's at the gym, D is at his gym and the younger two play outside or watch a movie.
~In the good news department, a dear friend had twins yesterday. Two healthy girls. They didn't know it was twins and I am SO excited for her family!
~In the bad news department, another dear friend found out that she has thyroid cancer. Thankfully they caught it early and her prognosis is good. Please be in prayer for her and her family as well.
~We are loving, loving, loving the new house although I will say it feels strangely empty since Dad and Mom departed last weekend. We miss them already, and they miss the bathroom. HA! In that same vein, we have an empty bedroom that is attached to a great bathroom in case anyone wants to come visit. I'm just sayin' ; )
~I think that's all the news that is news for now. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Lost boys, I am really missing you all this week. Hugs from Mama K. I LOVE YOU
Blessings, ~K~

PS. I know this is a tad random, but just wanted to share whatever came to the top of my head. There it is...the flotsam and jetsam of my overworked brain : )

Go David GO!

Just a quick sample of David's gymnastics. Please overlook the poor videography and the exasperated sighs about people walking in front of me.

Too Many Games?

Q~ Is there such a thing as too many games for one family to enjoy?
A~ Only if the family does not play them. And at the Man Crew House, this is not the case.

BEFORE: I PULLED ALL THE GAMES OUT TO SEE WHAT WE HAD

I challenged myself and a few friends to go through the game cabinets in their homes today. Get rid of any that they don't play or that are missing pieces, don't work right, etc. I knew we had a bunch, but WOW, do we have a LOT! So I sorted and sorted and sorted. Came away with a few to donate to Goodwill, but mostly reorganized so that they were more usable and the ones we play the most often are at the top of the piles : )

AFTER: MUCH BETTER! Sorted them into the ones we use almost every week and the ones we play a bit less frequently and put them upstairs. (and the ones that toddlers don't need to get into as well)

Simple Woman's Daybook~ Vacation Edition

For Today...April 13, 2012
Outside my window...I see the highway, a Cracker Barrel and gray skies outside my hotel room.
I am thinking...that vacation is the best idea ever.
I am thankful...for the chance to take a break from the hectic pace of our 'regular' life.
In the kitchen...nothing! Eating out all weekend sounds fun (if a little pricey) So nothing is in the fridge but a few sad leftovers that didn't get eaten up before we left yesterday.
I am wearing...Jean capris, a sage green t-shirt and new socks. *I love me some new socks*
I am creating...this blog and some fun memories.
I am going...to dinner with friends, sleep in tomorrow, watch David compete in the regional gymnastics meet, and have dinner with family tomorrow evening. Life is good.
I am wondering...why sitting in the car is so tiring ; )
I am reading...1 Corinthians this month
I am hoping...that David does well tomorrow and doesn't get too nervous.
I am looking forward to...time with friends and family, extra sleep and fun photo opportunities.
I am learning...that you can't live at 125% all the time.
Around the house...it is dark and quiet with just the animals at home.
I am pondering...how it is that I came to be so extraordinarily blessed.
A quote for today..."Vacations are the best idea ever" by me
One of my favorite things...being bored with my family.
A few plans for the rest of the week...vacay, too much driving, cheering on David, and being a whole lotta lazy.
A peek into my day...

Vacay~ Regionals 2012

Just a quick post to say that we are having too much fun here in Co Springs waiting for David's regional gymnastics meet tomorrow.
How much fun are we having?? This much................

A Day in the Life at the Man Crew House

Hey Everyone! In the interest of not going another 6-8 weeks without a post, I'm just popping by to say hi and Happy Monday. Today was a whirlwind of activity that looked a little like this.
6am: Up and At 'em. Dan off to work with a full belly and a tasty lunch packed.
7am: Back to bed just to warm my toes
8:30am: Oops, apparently I fell back to sleep. With 2 nights of 9+ hours of sleep under my belt, one would think this would not be a problem. However, since I average 5, the extra sleep was but a small dent in the deficit. :)
9am: Everyone except Dad is up, dressed, fed and started on their chore/school lists. Mom and I plan meals for the week, belatedly start making Easter dinner plans and review the contents of the freezer.
10:30am: Where did the morning go? Busy busy busy, and feels like I'm getting nothing done. Sit down to some concentrated school time with Derek.
11:30am: Time for lunch, which today consists of leftover chicken tacos, wahoo chili dip with nachos. Not bad for leftovers. Watched an educational movie about presidents 11-25. I learned a LOT. Kinda embarrassing. hee hee. Dinner in the crock pot and simmering away.
1pm: Back to school. D working on math, P working on grammar and then math, DT painting a picture, reading books with me and playing outside a bit.
2pm: Whoa, already? Time to be out the door for some errands, meeting Jodi early at the library for some shop talk, and being ready for tutoring. After a flurry of activity, I'm out the door. Paid the rent, picked up a Sonic Raspberry tea (during happy hour, of course) and headed to the library to turn in all the books we've neglected to turn in since the move.
3pm: Meet with Jodi, meet new tutor joining the crew, and set up for working with the kiddos. So far, all the kids I have only need 'supervision' not real tutoring, so I'm good with that. : )
3:30-5:30pm Tutor, supervise, remind them to work, nag nag nag, play Fluxx with them as the finish up. They all like it a lot.
5:30-6:30pm: I *intended* to get some things done while still at the library, but Negative Nancy (young adult librarian) decided to yak my ear off for quite some time, after my last kiddo got picked up late. So, didn't accomplish a THING there. Oh well
6:30pm: Head for home, eat dinner, prepare to go pick up David from gym. Grma to the rescue, and went to pick him up. HURRAY!
8pm: Settled on the couch next to hubby, adding pics to old blog entries, digging through old emails looking for a link to a 'how-to' blog post about making your own liquid soap, and just enjoying a few minutes of downtime.
8:45pm David back with Grma, along with groceries and a new pool stick. : ) He's testing it right now.
Rest of the evening *should* look a little like this...
9pm: Kiddos to bed
10pm: Another early night for us old fogies. Sounds good to this tired mama. Good night everyone!