Exercise

Ugh - that dreaded word.

I think I dread that word so much because I am so badly out of shape.   I know, from past experience, that once I get into some sort of a routine, that I won't dread it as bad.  It's just getting started that is so h.a.r.d.
So, Allyson began swimming her last semester in college, and that is actually something that I have wanted to do.   The problem?  I need a pool.  The next problem?  Because of our financial situation, I couldn't afford a membership to anywhere that had a pool.  So, no swimming.   BUT, now that warmer weather is here, I can go to one of the Duke campus pools F.R.E.E.!  Allyson is going to go with me, because it is always a lot more fun to go with a friend - PLUS you have the accountability.

Last week was VBS at our church, so we had to wait until next week to start.  VBS; however, provided me a little jump start on the whole exercise thing.  I teach the music for VBS, which means that all of the kids attending come through my room.  These songs are lively and have lots of movement to them, so after 5 times of singing and jumping and whatever, I have had quite the workout.  VBS wiped me this year.  I'm usually very excited for the last night when all the kids get to "perform" for their parents, but I was dreading having to do those songs one more time.  I did it, though!  Lively and with a smile on my face!  But, whoa!, am I a tired puppy after this week.

So, starting Monday after work, Allyson and I will be swimming each evening (with the exception of Wednesday because of church)!  I'm excited about this because there is no impact and I'm really hoping it will help my back and knees.  My knees have been giving me a fit - and I know it's just because I'm not as active as I should be and need to get some weight off.  My doctor tells me this every time I see him.

So, this week's goal is to swim 4 out of the 5 worknights.  We'll set another goal for next week.

June Happenings

Hello, I feel I should introduce myself again, since it has been almost 2 months since I posted anything here.  I start to post and then think to myself, "I don't have anything interesting to say.", and I logout.  But I got a, "Mother.", when Allyson looked at the last time I'd blogged, so here goes nothing . . .

I mentioned in my last post that the beach house was on the market.  Well, it sold very quickly, but not at a price I'd hoped for.  Anyway, I still got enough out of it to pay off all but 1 of our credit cards.  I held on to enough money to put a new roof on our house too - - THAT was priority!!  It hasn't happened yet, but should in about a week or so.  I'm ready to get that finished!!  So, regarding debt . . . other than our mortgage, of course, we have 1 credit card and lots of parent plus loans that were taken out for the girls college.  We are in a MUCH more manageable position now, and I feel I can breathe a little bit.  I still have a ways to go to getting debt free, but I feel like I can really put a plan into place and make it happen now! That is SUCH a great feeling!  Also, I'm really proud of my girls and how they are starting our their financial life on a MUCH better note than I did.  Erin has already paid off the College Foundation loans that were in her name - way to go E!!
I am paying her others (SIDE NOTE:  My plan was to pay ALL of theirs, but . . .)  Allyson's will go into repayment status in December and she's already making plans on how to knock hers out.  I hope to be able to help her as well.

On another monetary topic, Randy had a wreck back in March and from the settlement of them totaling his truck, we were able to get another car and he is going to be able to get our green truck fixed so that we have an extra vehicle.  God is so good to provide for our needs.

Work . . . well, work is not so calm any longer.  It's fiscal year-end and this month people get C.R.A.Z.Y.  I have been slammed!  I hate the month of June at work.

Church . . . we just presented our children's musical.  We joined forces with Braggtown Baptist Church and were able to present it once there and once at Grey Stone. It was FABULOUS, if I do say so myself!  So So So much fun!!   Here are a few pics - - more will follow when I get them all:

The Directors

The Tech Crew

The Choir

"Spud" aka Jacob Meyers

"Annie and Riley" aka Callie Bresch and Lily Taylor

Now it is time for VBS and I'm cramming to learn those songs ALONG with the motions!!!  They don't seem too difficult this year - thank goodness - I just need to go over them and over them and over them.  AND we've got to get the VBS Music Room decorated!  We are Yellowstone Nat'l Park and Lee Anne has rigged me up an "Old Faithful" that actually erupts! (your rock, Lee Anne) but it's our backdrop I'm struggling with.  Heading out momentarily to look for something!

As much as I love doing these things, I'll be glad for a rest after next week!  I have some plans at home I want to work on:  more organizing, cleaning, scrapbooking, budgeting, cooking, . . . the list goes on.

That's all for now. I'll try not to let it be another 2 months before posting again.

Life Update

It's been awhile since you last heard from me! I've had a dry spell. :o)

We are about to enter a new chapter in our lives, as our baby girl graduates from college! It just doesn't seem possible! I have seen such a growth in her these past couple of years. Not only has she grown, she has BLOSSOMED! And that is a beautiful thing to watch and see!!

I have ALWAYS loved her, but I REALLY REALLY like her too! I'm so proud of her, and I am so excited to see what God has in store for her life now. We all feel like a portion of her life is going to be spent in Haiti!!! We just don't know when or how long at this point, but we know God will make that clear. Until then, I will enjoy having her back at home for awhile. I've missed her!

Other family news:
Erin and Stephen are moving to a smaller, less expensive, apartment as Stephen is getting ready to go back to school!
Randy had a wreck a few weeks ago, and we will soon be settling all of that and getting him a new ride (and in "new" I mean, used).
My Dad's wife has put the house at the beach up for sale, so that means that as soon as it sells, I will have enough money to pay off everything but our mortgage and college loans - which will make my life much less stressful. (Daddy left his 1/2 to me and my sisters) Finances will still be tight, and not much extra spending still, but it will be better!! There is actually a contract on the house right now, but I don't know how much and we are waiting to see if it will appraise - - so pray that it does!!
Work is REALLY good right now - in as far as I'm "caught up" (shhhh, I didn't say that out loud), and I'm not stressed at work at all at the moment!!

So, life is pretty good right now - - Thank you, Lord! I've needed a break. :o)

Thursday Thoughts

Love, Me