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Nov 12, 2015    |       14 comments

My Stomach was in Knots but it is Okay

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Written on Tuesday…

For the first time EVER in my life, I had to meet with someone and tell them I could not take care of my family.  I had to go to the same building that I visited so many times as a foster parent and later adoptive parent full of pride that I was doing something to give back, something good and right, and admit that I was a failure.  I had to look at a woman in the eye and in essence say “I’ve failed to prepare for this situation by not saving and by using my money un-wisely.”  It was the worst feeling EVER.

And what a lesson.  I hate this situation.  I hate that my decisions brought me here.  I cringe at admitting what a failure I am.  But if the last year and then have taught me anything, it’s that I AM going to do better.

In no way shape form or fashion am I making excuses, but the one thing that helped me get through this morning while I was turning in shot records, leases, bank statements to what turned out to a extremely compassionate worker was that this is temporary.  I will get another job.  I will choose more wisely where my career path takes me.  I will make better money choices, even better than the ones I have started to make.  And more importantly, I WILL give back.

I do not deserve the support my community has given me and yet people have reached out offering Thanksgiving meals, help with Christmas and just words of encouragement.  But I do know that when I am back on my feet, the first thing I am going to do is find someone who has entered a dark time and reach out to them as so many have to me.

I will find out in a few days if/what assistance we qualify for, and I’ve been told that I have 10 days after I get my first paycheck to report a change in status.  I continue to seek the next step in this transition.

(And just a side note: I just completed my first of two phone interviews scheduled for today…and the second interview is scheduled for Friday.  I am counting on God to steer me as I step out in faith to follow what He has for me next rather than what I would choose.  Use me, send me…that is my prayer.)

Nov 11, 2015    |       5 comments

Using Found Items to Make Gifts

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I can’t wait to share with you some of my gifts I’m making.  But I’m really enjoying the process of finding things around the house, mostly things we would normally trash or recycle and seeing what I can make out of them that would be both practical and a craft worth giving.

So I’ve got these 1/2 gallon milk jars, glass, that I’ve been trying to find something to do with.  For this I have LOVED Pinterest.  So I’m stuck between painting them and making them – gratefulness jars – you know where you write little notes of praises or compliments and drop them in the jar.  I thought if I did one for each child, then on Christmas they’d get a decorated bottle full of notes to read.  Or doing some kind of recipe in a jar of some sort for teacher gifts.  I see lots of these with the smaller jars, but not sure it would work with this size.

My other thought is to take some plain clipboards which I have around from homeschooling and decorate them with paint, paper and other stuff for teachers at the co op.  I’ve actually done this in the past, but we’ve got lots of new teachers, and more importantly I’ve got ALL the supplies on hand to make them.

I’m also making a ton of homemade soap.  This was more of  a practical way to save some money.  I buy the supplies in bulk and have made my own for years due to the kids sensitive and dry skin.  So I’m thinking I can maybe wrap some of it up nicely as gifts too.

So I’m really working on this…it takes my time and attention off the difficulties at hand, uses up supplies I have on hand, and most importantly gets me set up for what could be a nice Christmas.

Two questions…

  1. Have any great craft, gift ideas I could do with 1/2 gallon glass milk jugs?
  2. What are your go to crafty gifts that you are proud to give?

I am thankful for this season in my life.  I get to spend every moment with my children. I continue to make improvements to how I manage my “stuff” and my money, learning more every day.  And I’m super excited on what is coming right around the corner for us!

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