Someone told me yesterday that there are 10 Fridays until Christmas. That thought scared me a little, I must admit. I'm knee deep in planning the school Halloween party and hanging the autumn wreath on the front door. I haven't even bought my Halloween candy yet (well, that's mostly because I'll eat it before the holiday actually arrives).
I've taken on a new job since I've last posted. I actually applied for a full time job as a school secretary. Then I thought, "What was I THINKING???" I'm glad I didn't get the job...I'm barely staying afloat as it is. Anyhow, I'm watching two little girls before and after school. They arrive around 7:15 and I take them to school with Baby Girl. Then I pick all three of them up and the girls stay until 4:30 or so. It's perfect for me. The money I make pays for my groceries each week, so that's a huge blessing. The Kindergartener has had some issues since she started, but I think we're making headway. I'm a tough cookie when it comes to caring for children.
Speaking of groceries, I'm couponing like never before! I consider it a part-time job. It takes quite a bit of time, but I'm very thankful for a great website that helps me out. The blogger is a very ethical couponer, which I greatly appreciate. I'm spending between $60 and $80 each week to feed my family of six! I never thought we could live on so little. My budget was double that a few years ago! And we're not suffering either! I have a huge stockpile of health & beauty items, canned goods, and cereal in the basement. When the toilet paper stash gets down to two packages, I get nervous. I'm so thankful this is something I can do to help my family.
Money has been really tight around here. Hubby had to take a bit of a pay cut to allow time for his full-time schooling. Yesterday, he left the house at 6:00 AM. He got home at 3:45, showered, and left by 4:00. He ate PB&J in the car. He got home from school at 10:00, which is usually when he eats dinner, but he was sick. He took another shower and crashed into bed with a ginger ale. I think he's just run down. He's feeling better today, he said.
Evenings without him are really starting to get to me. I miss him terribly. Fortunately, we get to spend Friday evenings together (if nothing else is going on)! On Fridays, we clean the laundry rooms at my brother's apartment buildings. It's not much money, but every bit helps. Son #1 has taken over most of Hubby's mowing, since he's in school for nine hours on Saturdays.
We're still managing our three duplexes, which is getting on my nerves. Most tenants are so lazy, want everything handed over to them, but cannot pay their rent on time. It's hard to find good renters. It's something I wish we hadn't ventured into.
So, we're making it. We're scraping by, but I know it's temporary. Hubby's original goal was to keep his full-time job and be a reserve police officer on weekends and evenings. Now, things have changed so much at work...they're wanting to pay him less while working him harder (isn't that everyone right now?). So he's considering policing full-time, if he can find the right position. He's too old to be hired full-time by our local department. He can be a deputy sheriff, but that's not what he wants to do. He's got his eye on the college police department, which would give our kids free schooling!
Son #1 is taking two college classes this year, which I'm so thankful is happening! I blogged about many of the issues we had getting him here, but God saw us through it. He seems to be doing as well or better in his college courses....he's getting mostly As with a couple Bs. I made him quit his job. I felt that the man he worked for was mentally unbalanced. Severely. He would tell #1 that he was the best worker he's ever had, then he'd say that he's worthless and does a horrible job. The straw that broke the camel's back is when he cussed at him and told him to get out. I made him send a text saying he wasn't comfortable working for someone who would cuss at him and treat him that way. The man's reply was, "Good!!" It seriously seemed like he was working for a 12 year old. If he can bring up those two Bs, he's allowed to find another job. I just don't want a menial job taking priority over school. He didn't even make minimum wage at that job. I've hired Son #1 to run my photo booth a couple times. He can make as much in one evening as a week at his other job. Thankfully, I've been getting more jobs lately, so that extra income has really helped.
Son #2 is still lazy and laid back, while getting all As in school. He never studies. He worries me. He gets more handsome every day and I have to look up to him now. All the girls are after him at church. He progressed from the #4 golfer on JV to the #3 golfer on Varsity! I was proud to see his accomplishments. These little boys just grew up too fast!
Big Sis is....there are too many adjectives that would be required to describe her. She's maintaining all As and one B and her year is much easier than last year. She's in the school musical, yearbook club, garden club, band, and choir. She could not be more opposite of her brothers. If there's something to sign up for, she's doing it! She's playing Molly in the Broadway version of Annie. It's a perfect part for her because she's so tiny. She's not the strongest of singers, but she has more confidence than anyone I've ever known. She loves it so much! Baby Girl is no longer a baby, but a very independent first grader. Her reading level has increased greatly and she seems to do very well in school. We haven't had our conference yet, so I guess we'll find out where she is soon. They have these math and reading apps that the kids can do at home. She loves doing homework on Dad's iPad. I actually think those programs are what's helping her. She's still "dating" her brother's best friend...that's going on three or four years now. She's very athletic and imaginative. Both girls are still willing to hug and kiss their Mama, and I hope they never lose that.
Wherever you might be, I hope you find something special to enjoy on this day. Whether it be changing leaves, a good cup of tea, or a nice phone call with a friend...enjoy something today.
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