I hopped out of the van and went to the back to try to help the boy get out of his seatbelt.  I didn’t have any immediate luck, so I asked one of the school staff if the maintenance man could help me and I told them I would park the van.  As I was getting ready to pull forward, Alligator screamed.  She was standing beside the window of my door.  She knew I was getting ready to pull forward and she screamed to let me know she was there.

All of that happened in just a few seconds.  If I had pulled forward just a few seconds earlier, I wouldn’t have seen her over the hood of the 15 passenger van. 

It makes me sick to my stomach to think about all of this.  I am so incredibly grateful that God protected her and allowed her to stay with us for a while longer. 

Let’s take a few minutes to love on our children and also to be more aware and cautious of our surroundings.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

As far as my life . . . My husband and I have been finishing up some home repair projects, packing, and decluttering.  We had a birthday party for the kids and we’ve been out of town twice in the last week at our new location.  

Sometimes I just want to do nothing all day long, but I know I can’t do that.  Time is ticking and there is lots to be done. 

I’m very pleased that we have gotten rid of so many things.  I continue to find more and more things that we don’t need.  Purging of my teaching things has been very painful.  Although I have gotten rid of a lot of it, I still kept about 8-10 boxes.  There are just some things that can’t be replaced and there are some items I can still use with my children.  Each project seems like a Tackle It Tuesday.  I wish I could take more pictures to show you all. 

We just returned home this morning at about 2 am from our job training.  Now we’re here with a gazillion projects to do.  Thankfully, my parents have the kids for a week so that we can constantly work with limited interruptions.

How are things your way?

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

If you’re a regular reader on this blog, then I have to wonder how you visualize me.  Do you think I’m a version of June Cleaver or Martha Stewart?  Do you picture me as a person with a totally clean house, everything put in its place, all the laundry done, a clean kitchen, and perfectly behaved children?  (If you don’t want to hear anything but these nice things, then just ignore this post and continue reading another article.  lol)  Or do you picture me as a person just like you? 

I just have to confess that I have felt so out of sorts lately.  I don’t know what is going on.  When I left my job at the preschool, I worked on catching up on household chores.  I was getting all the laundry done, trying new recipes for my family, cooking almost every night, clipping coupons, doing the grocery game, writing for four websites, and on and on.

Now, it seems as though I can’t keep afloat.  I gave up one of the websites and I still feel no relief.  Each day I struggle just to get the housework done and a few articles.  I know everyone has their moments, but honestly, I’ve felt this way for about two months. 

I kept thinking that after Christmas all of this would go away.  But it hasn’t!!!!  I have a lot going on in January and I keep thinking that things will be normal after this month.  Honestly, I’m scared that I might be saying this again next month.

I’ve told you about the birthday party for my cousin that I helped with.  Now I feel a relief to let you all in on my business.  My husband has been gone out of the country on a missions trip.  I haven’t told you this before because I don’t like to advertise when my husband’s not around.  I’m sure you can understand that.  It has been nerve wracking thinking of him going to a foreign country where some people have been kidnapped.  Thankfully, he is returning today.

He’ll be home for a few days and then we’re off to winter camp with the youth from church.  My parents are coming here to take care of the kids.  Seriously, I hope that after that I can get “back to normal” and not feel so overwhelmed.

How are things your way?  Is your life slowing down now that Christmas is over?

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

So slow down and enjoy life with them.  They are only your kids for a short time and then they become adults who will teach their kids what you taught them.  So slow down and realize what you are showing them will be what they show their kids.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write their own blog with their 7 things as well as these rules. You need to tag 7 others and list their names on your blog. Remember to leave a comment for them letting them know they have been tagged and to read your blog.

1.  I was raised in a Christian home and have always strived to follow the Lord.

2.  I was born and raised in a military town, yet my dad is not in the service.  Weird, I know.  Many people say they cannot tell I’m from the south.  They say I have no accent.  I don’t know if what they say is true, but I contribute this to growing up in a melting pot.

3.  I married at the very young age of 19.  I wouldn’t advise anyone else to do that, but I finished college and we’re still married.

4.  I have 2 children.  Alligator will be 4 soon and Cuddlebug will be 2 soon.

5.  I began taking piano lessons while I was in elementary school.  I even played the piano at my own high school graduation.  That was pretty cool.  Over the years I haven’t practiced as much as I should, so I know I can’t play as well as I used to.  Currently, I am playing the piano and singing at church.

6.  I graduated with a BA in Elementary Education, Magna Cum Laude. 

7.  I don’t know what I’m going to do.  I went to school to be an elementary teacher.  I’ve taught for many years.  These past few years, I’ve taught part-time at preschools because I have little children and want to be there for them.  I think I’m going back to full-time teaching in the next few years, but I’m undecided.  Blogging has opened many doors for me.  I’ve met many people and found that I’m good at other things.

I’m tagging Kelly, Judy, Stephanie, Revka, Char, Tanyetta, and Darlene.

P.S.  I have no clue what to write about for Frugal Friday.  Any ideas?

Post from: Thrifty Mommy