God's Answer to My Prayers

Rondell and I recently decided for him to get a part-time job to deal with our, my, debt. We are just tired of paying bills and getting the feeling of going nowhere so we decided to attack the bills head on. It was a huge decision for us because we are family people and are mostly together all of the time. So, we knew that with Rondell being gone some nights it would be hard on me and the kids.

He's been doing it for over a month now and had to work all weekend this weekend. That makes for long days for me with the kids. We've been having fun and really spending some quality time together but man the days are long (did I say that already?).

So today I just had Caleb all day (Jamison was at Maw Maw's, Rondell's mom). I started to have a little pity party about missing Rondell and how I wished he was home with me. Then I realized that this is an answer to prayer, a 'strange' answer, but an answer nonetheless. I have wanted for a little while now to be a stay-at-home mom. I go back and forth and sometimes realize that working during the day makes me appreciate them when I come home, but something down inside still wishes I could be at home with them on a daily basis. I want to be the one walking Jamison to her bus and getting her off the bus. I want to be the one to get Caleb on a specific nap schedule. I want to be the one to take them to the park and the pool, etc, etc.

What I realized is that's what I'm doing now. Not ideally how I would like it to be, but Rondell is a work and I'm at home with the kids. I can take them to the park, I can regulate a nap schedule, play in the backyard with them, read to them, color with Jamison without having to rush because it's close to bathtime...I'm doing that now. So, while these circumstances are not what I imagined about staying at home I need to be thankful to God for giving me the opportunity to have this time with them and make the best of it.

So, I'm kind of like a working stay-at-home mom. How unique!

So, Why This Title?

Sometimes when I'm stalking, I mean reading, other people's blogs I wonder why that person named her blog what she did. Of course not the obvious ones, but some that are like mine. Most people give a description and it satisfies my curiosity, but other's don't.

With that, I decided to explain my title. When Rondell and I were looking for our first house, the one we live in now, I HAD to have a window in my kitchen, over the sink. I love having sunlight in my home and I grew up with a window over the sink in my kitchen. There's something about washing dishes and looking out at your yard. It was something that I strongly wanted. We didn't look at that many houses but the ones that did not have a window over the sink did not impress me. When I saw this house, it had the window and the most beautiful backyard.

The above picture was taken during our home inspection, so this is how the previous owner had her kitchen. Now I have a cute little valance with ladybugs, butterflies and dragonflies and the walls are yellow. It's very me.

So, it's pretty simple...I love to look "outside my kitchen window." I love to watch my kids play. I love to look out and be amazed that I'm in my first home. I love to look out the window and watch my husband grill or cut the grass. It makes me happy.

What's outside your kitchen window?

So, How Was Your Day?

I was so excited all day to hear about Jamison's first day of school. I will say though that I enjoyed some extra sleep (Rondell too, which is rare) and being able to watch stories (Y&R of course) and have some extra one-on-one time with Caleb.

I waited outside and played with Caleb and Aunt Roni shortly before it was time to meet Jamison at the stop.

Here are Caleb and Rondell waiting for Jamison:

Then the bus came! There were a TON of kids. Jamison looked so grown up getting off the bus by herself. She rode the bus home from her preschool so she's had some experience.

Here she comes!

She was excited to see us. I was laughing at the little girls getting off the bus saying "call me."

She told me that she had a great day. She told me that a boy in her class, Brendon/Brennon (I couldn't tell) brought in cookies for his birthday and that she ate one. She also said she didn't read a book because it was too hard for her. She played with Hannah and Karen. I'm sure I'll get more info has the days go on.

I thought she would be SO tired but she is in such a great mood.

Pictures from the Big Day

The Big Day went off without any issues. Jamison was so excited and bouncing all around. She was excited that I let her take her Sleep Beauty figure with her to school (with strict instructions to leave her in the book bag). I packed her lunch and she was so happy that I cut out shapes of her jelly sandwich (thanks Lyndsey!).

I think she's excited.

We all got up and got ready and then we were off. Rondell took some pictures of Jamison before the walk to the bus.

Doing a little pose for Daddy.

And we're off on the one block walk.

Check out the new book bag. It's almost as big as she is!

We met a few of our bus stop friends. One little girl was so helpful and told Jamison that Kindergarten is really, really, REALLY, fun. At one point Jamison told us that we could go wait with Aunt Roni (who was watching from our porch with Caleb) because she was just going to wait with the other kids. Grown already.

Here comes the bus. It was a little late because it's the first day. Jamison was anxious for it to get there.

She got on the bus and did not look back. I hope she has a great first day. I'm sure she'll have lots of stories to tell us when she gets home.

There she goes. Not even a wave good-bye.

We can't forget about Mr. Caleb. He watched Jamison from the front porch. I'm sure he'll be excited to have the whole house to himself!

Our Special Day

Today is the day before Miss Jamison starts Kindergarten. I decided to take the day off and make a special day out of it.

Jamison outside of her new school.

First we went to her new school so that she could meet her teacher and take an assessment test. The classroom that she is in is so cute. I swear I'm a Kindergarten teacher at heart because I want my house to be as colorful, cute and organized. We dropped off her school supplies (which, side note...we had to buy a lot of supplies AND pay a school supply fee. Is that normal?) and turned in the papers I filled out. Then Mrs. Dutko and Jamison had their time together. I was very excited that Jamison was placed in Mrs. Dutko's class. I met her a few months back when I was going back and forth about whether or not to send Jamison to Kindergarten. Mrs. Dutko was on a panel of Kindergarten teachers that our local library put on. They answered questions that parents had and I could tell then that Mrs. Dutko was enthusiastic about being a teacher. Mrs. Dutko said that Jamison did well and even read a book for her. While we were there Rondell and I joined the PTA (and if you know me you know that's no surprise!)

We had to take pictures outside of her school today because she rides the bus to school. So, we won't have those first-day-in-the-class pictures.

Here is Jamison and her new teacher Mrs. Dutko.

Jamison signing into her new class.

After we left the school we went to Bob Evans for breakfast. Jamison loves pancakes and so this was her spot. It was nice having a conversation with just her and not having Caleb scream every minute (note...I of course love his scream but it does make it hard to hear).

Rondell and Jamison at Bob Evans

After our late breakfast Rondell went to work and Jamison and I went to visit my friend Deborah. Jamison likes playing at her house. I haven't seen Deborah in a while (and she only lives like 5 minutes away) so it was nice to kind of catch up with her. Jamison got to play a little in the tree house that Deborah's husband Dan is building and I got to play with Deborah's newest edition Luke, he's 6 months. He is added to Alec, James and Grace.

James, Jamison and Deborah in the tree house. Jamison loved being up so high.

After Deborah's, Jamison and I took a nap. NICE! Then we went to the mall to buy her an outfit to wear to her Sleeping Beauty Birthday Party in September. She got the cutest skirt and shirt with matching tights. So girly. She also got a cute pair of shoes that she put on as soon as she got home. We had pretzels and Antie Anne's and then went home.

I think Jamison dislikes shopping like her mother. She was ready to go after we found the first skirt. I wanted to find a few more things.

"This bag is too heavy."

I can't believe it's tomorrow, that my baby is going to Kindergarten. I'm so excited for her to start this new adventure and I can't wait to see how much she grows.

Stay tuned tomorrow for the Big Day pictures.

4 Things

So I copied this tag from another blog that I stalk, I mean read. I thought it would be fun to do.

4 Things that I was doing 10 years ago:
1. Getting ready to start my senior year at The Ohio State University.
2. Living in my first apartment with no roommate.
3. Dating Rondell
4. Probably at the pool in my apartment complex.

4 things on my To-Do list for today:
1. Email Jamison's Kindergarten teacher.
2. Pick up cookie cutters from Lyndsey (to cut out sandwiches for Jamison like on Little Bill).
3. Shampoo Jamison's hair and straighten it (she hates this process).
4. Make sure we have all of her school supplies ready for her teacher...Do you see a pattern?

4 random things I love about my husband:
1. He knows how to organize well...I call him Tetris.
2. He makes the BEST grilled cheese.
3. He gets along well with my mom.
4. He knows that when I lean forward it means I need him to scratch my back.

4 jobs that I've had:
1. GAP - Denim Expert (it sounds fancier than it really is. Basically I was a sales person who took a class to know a little more about denim than the rest of the staff).
2. Office Assistant
3. Diversion Case Manager (my favorite job until the program was eliminated)
4. Secretary

4 movies that I've watched more than once:
1. Clue (Rondell JUST bought this for me on DVD)
2. You've Got Mail
3. Love Jones
4. Castaway

4 places I have lived:
1. Columbus, Ohio
2. University Heights, Ohio
3. Dublin, Ohio
4. Powell, Ohio (I've gotta get out more)

4 places I've been:
1. Los Angeles, CA
2. Chicago, IL
3. Boston, MA
4. Destin, FL (I LOVE it there)

4 places I want to visit:
1. Texas
2. Arizona
3. Destin, FL (again)
4. Bahamas

4 TV shows I watch:
1. Lost
2. Grey's Anatomy
3. Jon and Kate Plus 8
4. Criminal Minds

4 things you may not know about me:
1. I collect notebooks. I love always having a notebook with me, probably due to my obsession with making lists.
2. I love writing in different color pens.
3. I'm a great swimmer but I do not know how to dive.
4. I can't walk around barefoot. Yuck, I just can't do it. I have to have something on my feet. The only time I love it is when I'm in bed.

People I tag:
Katie
Lacie
Kelli

Two Posts in One Night

That's what happens with Ron's at work and the kids are in bed! Read below.

My Peeps

Today our Small Group had a cookout at Tonya's house. During the summer we try and have a social once a month. This month Tonya was the host and we had a great time. Rondell wasn't there because he had to work at Best Buy so the kids and I were solo.

Here are some pics from the evening:

Let me just say that I love these girls. Most of them I have not even known for very long but they are like sisters to me. They are just a bunch of fun, talented, down-to-earth women. I'm glad that God has blessed me with their friendships.

Sara, Jodie, Me, Tonya and Katie (and Caleb's little hand, I guess he wanted to be in the picture)

Ahh Jodie. This is my soul sister. We think a lot alike. She is my accountability partner from the group and have really tried to be there for one another (even though we live across town from each other). She is so fun to be around and such a great listener (because we all know I like to talk). She bakes the best sugar cookies. Jodie and Andy have three kids...Reese (who Jamison loves), Ian and Jake. They are fun kids and Jamison loves playing with them.

Sara, and her husband Elliott, are the leaders or facilitators of our Small Group. Sara has one of the biggest hearts of anybody I've ever known. She and I do BSF together (what, you don't know what BSF is...go here). She has three beautiful, well-behaved children, Isabelle, Madeline and Samuel. I always tell her that I'm going to follow her around one day to see how she teaches them so well.

T-Dogg (Tonya) is one of my new friends but we have become fast friends. This girl makes me laugh so hard I have tears most times. She is very loving and humble and just an all-around beautiful person. Tonya and her husband Troy have a gorgeous little girl named Jocelyn.

Katie, another one that makes me laugh like no other. She is so outgoing and fun to be around. She has three beautiful boys (not sure how she stays sane, my Caleb is a handfull just by himself). She and her husband Josh and newer to our group but they have really made an impact.

Here are the kids having a picnic in the back yard. Fun times.

And what's a summer cookout without a good old water balloon toss and fight. The kids were so funny. The parents got in on the action too. Notice...no Jamison. She was freaking out because they got her wet. That Jamison!

Happy or Sad

Today Rondell, the kids and I went to Zoombezi Bay (our local water park). We like it there because it's close to our house and there are a lot of things to do for us and the kids. We played in the little kids' area today and Jamison had a blast (Caleb, not so much). I don't have any pictures because of the fear that my camera will get stolen. I might try and convince Rondell to let us get a pool pass next year because while we like Zoombezi, it's not exactly convenient to get to. You first have to park in the large parking lot. Then walk from the parking lot aaalll the way to the gate (which is the gate for the zoo). Then you have to walk from that gate aaalll the way to the gate to the Z. By the time you get there you're exhausted. Then you have to do that all over again when you're leaving, as you've been in the sun and swimming so imagine how tired the kids are (and us too). So we'll see. We have time.

This was probably the last time that we'll go there this summer because next weekend is the last weekend that it's open. How sad is that? Or happy?

This time of year I can never decide if I love fall or summer best. This time of year as the pools are closing the it's getting darker earlier, I think of the fun times that we having during the fall season. I think of apple cider, pumpkins, Halloween and crisp fall weather. BUT I also have loved being outside in the sun, going to the pool and all the things that summer brings.

So which is it, fall or summer...I can never decide.

What's you favorite season?

They're Baaaack

The babies are home safe and sound from their week-long trip to Cleveland. This is the longest they've ever been away from home, from Saturday to Saturday. I was so excited to see them and have them back in my arms again. Nana and Papa D drove them all the way home, which was really nice. Jamison had so much to say about her trip, she had a really good time.

A lot changes in a week. Jamison has her first loose tooth! She's ready for it to come out so that the tooth fairy can come and get her something. I can't believe she's about to lose a tooth; she's only FOUR! She always comes home after being in Cleveland with more vocabulary. I know that talking a lot with Toshianna helps her a lot.

Caleb came home pointing (finally). He's always pointed but usually with his whole hand instead of the index finger. He's also repeating more and finally showing me where his nose is. He shows Aunt Roni all the time but never shows me. Now he'll point to his nose and say "nooo." It's so cute!

I can't believe how much they seemed to have grown in just a week. Now we're getting Jamison ready for Kindergarten. She starts in a little over a week (and of course there will be a post all about that day, I have the day off!)

Question

Why is it that the bad truck drivers NEVER have the sticker that says "how's my driving?"

My Very First Tag

I was tagged today by Lacie, my new Ohio blogger friend. I'm excited because this is my first real tag! So here it goes...

1. If you could inherit a comfortable home in any city in the world that you could use but not sell, where would you want it to be?
Tempe, Arizona. I would LOVE to live there in the dry heat, with a pool in the backyard of course. The beautiful scenery!

2. If you could be instantly fluent in one other language that you currently do not read or speak, which would it be?
Well since "baby" is not a language (even though it would really help me talk to Caleb) I'd say Spanish.
Why?
Because so many people here speak Spanish and for when I move to Tempe (*wink*)

3. If you were given an hour to spend an unlimited amount of money in any store in the world where would it be?
Target, hands down!

4. If you had to give your children to the care of someone famous, whom would you pick?
Oprah, maybe she'd send them home with some gifts (you get a car and you get a car, and your mom gets a car...NICE!)

5. If you could cast an actor now alive to play you in a new film, what kind of film would it be and whom would you choose?
Well it would definitely be a "who-done-it" kind of movie where I'm the one who tries to find the killer and I would be played by Meg Ryan (I just love her!)

6. If you could have an elegant dinner alone with anyone presently alive, whether you know them or not, who would you want it to be?
Right now it would be Barack Obama. I just want to sit down with him and ask him some real questions about his positions and get to know him better. I don't know about it being elegant seeing that we're both married.

7. If you could resolve any single dispute, anywhere in the world what would you solve?
World hunger. (Although, child abuse was good too Lacie. My husband was telling me about that article and I had to stop him because it was too sad.)

8. If you were instantly able to play one musical instrument perfectly that you have never played before, what would it be?
The piano. It seems so relaxing and it can be such a beautiful sound if played well.

When the Kids are Away...

...the parents will play! Jamison and Caleb left on Saturday to go to Cleveland to visit my dad, stepmom, brother and sister. They will be there for an entire week. I know that I should be very sad and I'm sure I will be soon, but right now I'm enjoying the time. I love my children more than most things, but it was time for a break. Maybe as much a needed time for them as well as for me.

So, what will Rondell and I do with all of our time? Lots. Saturday my mom came over and we worked in the yard. I've been trying to get our backyard together since we've moved into this house. My mom has been a great help. So we worked on some mulching, edging and just plain old clean up.

On Sunday we went to church and then to the fair (shh..don't tell Jamison). We were only there for a short time, long enough to eat all of the good (but bad for you) food. Afterwards, Rondell went to work at his new part-time Best Buy job and I...wait for it...took a nap!!! So nice. After my lovely nap I met up with my good friend Jodie for Chipotle and we ate outside and talked. It was nice.

Today my mom is coming over again to work in the yard (yes, there's that much to do). With Jamison here we can get stuff done but having to constantly keep an eye on Caleb makes it hard. So this is nice to have the time to get all of it done.

Tomorrow Rondell and I are going to do some more cleaning, hopefully the basement.

Wednesday I'm going to dinner with three girlfriends (hi Jodie, Tonya, and Katie). I'm looking so forward to that, being able to relax and not feel guilty that I'm missing out on time with the kids.

Thursday I think Rondell and I are going to go to dinner.

Then Friday the babies will be home. By that time I will be itching to see them! I'm sure they are having a great time and being spoiled beyond belief. Maybe they'll want to come home.

Friends

So I've been doing this Beth Moore study on the Psalms of Ascent. They are Psalms 120-134. They were songs that were sung by pilgrims on the way to Jerusalem. Basically they are uplifting hymns.

Well it's doing nothing for me. Well not nothing but not as much as I wanted or needed it to. People LOVE Beth Moore. People rave about her. I've never done one of her studies so I was really excited to do this one. It's been a challenge for me to do that homework each week. I'm not saying all of this to say that it's a bad study, no, no. She really did bring meaning to the Psalms and brought them to life (as Christa would say), but I just wasn't MOVED. I didn't ascend.

But, then this past Wednesday I was moved. Not by the homework but by the video. I did not want to go that night but something told me (God is good that way) to go. Well the video was about supporting our sisters in Christ. Beth (because we're so tight I can call her Beth) talked about how we as Christian women need to love each other and encourage one another. I think these days (and this was in her talk) we are all too busy. We email instead of call (I'm good for that), we don't commit to plans, we don't encourage but are quick to talk about someone (me again)... There's no deep relationship.

Now I don't take that to mean that you have to have this strong relationship with every woman you meet but like Beth said, let the women that you do love deeply KNOW! Call them, encourage them, listen to them!

So get together with your girlfriends, kids, no kids, husbands, no husbands, etc. Let them know that you love them. Don't say you don't have the time, MAKE the time. We need to be lifted up by one another.

(*OK, I'll get off of my soap box now!)

Are You Amazed?

I've been a Christian truly since I was 18, but it hasn't been until recently (in the last two years) that I've REALLY been walking with God. I started out by doing a study on marriage by Kay Arthur (something I am thinking of doing again because I think now I'd get so much more out of it). I've gone on to join my wonderful church (see sidebar), watch my husband be baptize, her my daughter memorize her first Bible verse, etc.

This past Sunday Pastor Steve gave a sermon about being amazed by God. He asked us to ask ourselves if we're amazed by Him. Of course you want to be that person in the front row who says "of course." But I had to stop and think. Not that I think He's not amazing, but am I amazed by Him. I took that to mean grateful, in awe.

When I think about Him and how big He is and how great He is, I am amazed. And I am thankful for having to really think through that question. I am amazed that He's brought me this far in my walk with Him, I am amazed that He brought me through post-partum depression, I am amazed that He has blessed me with a wonderful husband, I am amazed that when I have a question He brings the exact scripture to me that I need, I am amazed at how strong He's keeping this woman (you've got to read her story), I am amazed that things in our life are not coincidental...I am amazed by God.

Are you?

Can She Be Any Sweeter??

Jamison is going to camp this week. It lasts for four days and is only for three hours. I thought I would do something fun for her right before school started.

Yesterday was her first day and after she got home I called her. She told me that she had a great time and then she said "Mommy, I made a butterfly for you. I made it for you because you deserve it." How sweet is that? I deserve it. It's the cutest thing too.

I just love that little girl.

18 Months

Caleb turned 18 months on Thursday. We don't have any stats because I had to reschedule his 18 month appointment. Now his appointment is not until later in August, so I'll post his stats then. In the meantime here's what he's been up to:

* He is slowing down in his eating and becoming more picky. He'll eat anything that is a carb (he is definitely my child). He doesn't really have any favorites, he likes grapes, apples, bread, pizza, ice cream...you know all the unhealthy stuff. Aunt Roni can get him to eat vegetables like a champ so he usually has those for lunch.

* He is still in love with Rondell but is coming around to me a bit more. He likes me for cuddling and I love that.

* He loves giving kisses. When you say to him "where are my kisses?" he gives you one, you know the big sloppy open-mouth one.

* He's into EVERYTHING. We did not have to baby proof for Jamison because she just did not get into stuff, but not Caleb. Everything I do I have to think if Caleb will get into it. He's adventurous!

* He loves taking a bath. Before this post he was really cranky and I put him in the bath and he cheered right up.

Overall he's just a sweet kid. He's happy for the most part and gives lots of love.

Here's are some pics from the last 18 months:

This was the day after he was born. Wow, how they change.

I LOVE this picture. I don't look the greatest but my face shows how much I was in love with him.

Look at that toothless smile!

He loved his new hat.

Getting into trouble.

Easter 2008

TODAY!