Overdue

Well I know that an update is long overdue on here!

Life is busier than ever, and some days I wonder why I still bother to keep up with this blog.

(The free stuff may have a little something to do with it!)

I do have some positive updates about the girls that I wanted to share on here.

Brie is maturing each week.  She has a beautiful personality and more often than not she thinks of other people (namely her little sister) before herself.  She is gentle and kind, and very generous.

Of course we know how intelligent she is.  After all, she began reading one month after she turned 4.  She has been reading for almost 3 years already, well ahead of the average age for new readers.  She already reads entire chapter books on her own.

So when her teacher started sending reading homework home, we knew that it was going to be fairly boring for her (one sentence on a page).  John spoke with her teacher and immediately the next day she was bringing home larger books, but still not something that would give her any type of challenge.

Just this past week she brought home a keyring that had some words that the kids were supposed to memorize.  They were two-letter words, such as 'an, in, on, or'.  It was attached with a newsletter that said to send back the keyring when the child could read all of the words on it.  Well obviously she already knew them, but she did not want to tell her teacher that since "they weren't supposed to bring them back yet".  We strongly encouraged her to read them to her teacher for several days, but Brie was very hesitant to say anything at all.  However, finally yesterday she did it!  And she read the other keyrings that were supposed to be sent home for the remainder of the year as well!!

As a reward, she got a new chapter book and a little keychain that says "Reading Rocks", from her teacher.  I am excited to know that her teacher finally GETS how good of a reader she is already.

Another great thing about yesterday?

It was the very first day, since school started in August, that she ran out to the playground by herself when we dropped her off.

Both of these situations show me how much she has matured.  She is most often a painfully shy kid who does not like to be alone or draw attention to herself.  She somehow managed to conquer both of those in one single day!!

As for Ella, well her Pre-K teacher said it best:

"She is the Belle of the Ball!"

She loves making new friends and having a good time wherever she is.  So everyone wants to be with her and have fun too!

She is loving school and dance, and now she has begun piano as well.  She is in the Music for Young Children (MYC) program, which seems to be a lot of fun so far.  Even Brie has enjoyed participating in the group activities.




What about me?

Things are going well.  I'm trying to get adjusted to another type of class, as I am taking three this semester through AU.  These courses are all "independent study" which means I am entirely on my own for learning the material.  There is nothing to read but the textbooks.  So it will be a new type of challenge, but I'm hoping that it also provides a bit more flexibility in how I get through the semester.

It also appears that the U of R will also be offering the English class that I need in order to actually apply to the Social Work program.  I have enough credits now, I have just been waiting for this last pre-requisite to be offered somewhere!  This class will begin in January.  The deadline for Social Work is also January.  This means that I could apply under the assumption that I would pass that course.

I'm excited at the prospect of actually being in the SW program, but I'm also nervous about the application as it's fairly detailed with regards to work and volunteer experience, and how this relates to a career in SW.  I'm also trying to find ways to get involved already in our new town so that my volunteer experiences are current.  I have submitted my name at the elementary school for anything, but I'm also hoping to get involved in our church somehow.

John has been busy with renovations around the house.  He has completed the improvements on both main floor bathrooms; with new flooring, new cabinets and some paint.

We are also putting up a garage in the very near future, which we are both excited about.  Our concrete should be getting poured on Monday, and our materials are coming on Friday.  This is the third house that we have lived in, and this will be our very first garage.  It will be sooooo nice to get rid of the tools, camping stuff, and other miscellaneous clutter in the house and shed.

Well I think that kind of gets us up to date.

For now, anyways!

5 Years

Tomorrow marks the 5-year anniversary of our move into our current home as well as  the beginning of a new journey for our family.  Since our time here is coming to a close, I thought it would be fun to look back on the last 5 years and highlight the big changes that this brought for us.  Some are lighthearted, and some are more serious, but I hope you enjoy looking back with me...

(I have tried numerous times to change the format of this post but it just isn't cooperating!  So I guess all of these points will be #1.  Sorry!)

1. New Career - Obviously this was a big career change for John since he came from a machine shop.  Switching to policing required 6 months of hard-core training away from home and we were so anxious to be together as a family again.  Then there was the adjustments of shift-work, being on-call, learning all there is to learn (and continue learning!) about small town policing.  For me it was learning how to survive as a police wife, as it can be very stressful when he gets called out to deal with those crazy people out there.

1. Small Town Life - Both of us grew up as “city kids” so we really had no idea what to expect when we moved to a town that neither one of us was familiar with.  It took me a long time to adjust to life as a SAHM here when there is nowhere to escape to on those hair-pulling days of insanity.  It took a while to get to know people and feel like this was “home”.  In the beginning we took a LOT of trips back to the city just to feel normal, but eventually the city just became too loud and obnoxious.  Small town life is peaceful and quiet.  No one is rushed or rude when you stand in line at the grocery store.  People know us by name everywhere we go.  Sure, that has it’s downside too, but I have come to really embrace it over time.

1. Having Our 2nd Child - Very shortly after we moved here I found out that we were expecting Ella.  We were certainly surprised that it happened so quickly, especially since getting pregnant the first time around was a lot more difficult.  This certainly contributed to not getting to know people very quickly as I suffered from the “morning” sickness (yeah more like all day!) for MANY months.  However once Ella was born we were able to get out more and start making some friends.  She has brought so much joy and laughter into our family with her wacky personality and we love her dearly!

1. Got a Mini-Van - Yep.  We are one of “those” people.  And we have no shame in it.  Really they hold lots of stuff and are great.  

1. Started Scrapbooking - When Ella was born someone gave me a beautiful scrapbook as a gift.  I really had no desire to begin this hobby, but I found out the price of the album ($50) and thought I should at least give it an honest effort to try it out.  What a surprise when I found out that I actually enjoyed it!

1. Friends - I wish I could say it was all good, but the reality of life is that some friends are just there for a season. This has always been a sore spot for me (which really could be a blog post all on it’s own but I’m just not ready to be THAT open), but I am trying to work through it the best that I can.  I have lost friendships, made new ones, and regained others.  The great thing though is that my dear friend Kristi knew we were moving here and prayed for us before we even got here.  She is someone that I can laugh with, cry with, and pray with.  Our husbands are friends, and our kids are too!  You really can’t ask for anything better, which is why we get together so often.  When I think about leaving and moving away, they are the ones I think of first.  God has truly blessed us with their incredible friendship and I KNOW that we will be friends for life!  She has told me that she will be singing “Friends” by Michael W Smith at our church farewell.  Normally I find this to be a super cheesy song, but I was at his concert last night (assisting at a Compassion table) and was bawling in the darkness of the balcony as the reality our our move hit me.  

1. Learned How to Quilt - it was actually my friend Kristi who asked me if I wanted to help her make a baby quilt for a mutual friend.  I thought it would be fun to try and it made a great keepsake too.  We ended up making several baby blankets together, and I have successfully made 2 others on my own.  I also made Brie’s quilt and have the good intention (I already have the fabric) to work on one for Ella as well.  

1. I Began Blogging - Little Missus Sunshine is actually my third blog.  Initially I began blogging as a way to connect with friends and family from a distance, but it has since evolved into doing product reviews as well, which I really enjoy.  

1. Started Teaching Music Pups - I was looking for something to “do”, aside from being a SAHM.  My mother-in-law had actually recommended this to me several times before I gave it any consideration.  But eventually I took some training and started up my own early childhood music program.  I taught several sessions with parents and their little ones and we had lots of fun together.  This past fall I led music at Ella’s preschool, which had new challenges in a class of 22 without any parents to assist, but we had lots of laughs too. 

1. We sponsored our first child with Compassion - I was at a Breakforth conference in Edmonton 3 years ago with my sister when we moved felt moved to sponsor a child with Compassion.  This was one of the greatest decisions for my family as we correspond with Ashly, and more recently Mary, on a regular basis.  I believe that God  is using this organization to do amazing things around the world, and I am blessed to be a part of it.  The Michael W. Smith concert saw approximately 60 new children find sponsors and I was so honored to be a witness to it.

1. We bought a piano! - LOVE IT.  Playing piano will be a lifetime hobby for me.  I’m not sure what our lessons will look like after we move, or who they will be with, but we will find a way to make it work.  This was a lifelong dream for me, and I’m so thrilled to have the opportunity to play.

1. Attending a Small Struggling Church - We moved from a church of 1200 in the city to a church of 25.  What a shocker.  One of our first weeks there, a “new” song was introduced circa 1970.  John and I exchanged glances that said, “What have we done and why are we stuck here?!?”  Music is just one of the areas that have been a struggle.  But yet we have learned to celebrate the small victories in our church.  They have really become our church family and we will be sad to leave them, especially since a wonderful woman there is actively involved with teaching Sunday School and keeping the kids excited about coming to church.

1. Got a Referral to a Neurologist - Just over a year ago I mentioned that I was experiencing what my family doctor thought to be an Essential Tremor in my hands.  I only recently made it in to see the neurologist who also believes it to be the same thing.  I am trying some meds to see if it helps to reduce the shaking of my hands, but so far I haven’t noticed any changes, although it was suggested to try it for at least a month so I will keep at it for now.  

1. I Decided to Take University Classes - No one was more shocked than me when I decided to return to school.  I had thought of taking one or two classes (to open up some reception-related opportunities) but never considered pursuing a bachelor’s degree.  Yet the more I thought about it, the more I realized that I needed to think long-term and not just a couple of years ahead.  Suddenly I knew that I wanted to become a social worker, because I love helping people and any volunteer work I have done in the past has always centered around this idea.  The doors just opened for me to take distance classes through the U of R.  I was so worried about how I would do on the schoolwork, and although it doesn’t come easily I have been impressed with knowing that I can do it.  (Some classes have been more challenging than others, but to add a little brag.....91% is my highest final mark!!!!!!)  At the end of June I will have completed almost one fifth of the entire degree program.  So still a long ways to go, but one class at a time, right?    

1. Sold Our House - This has been a big stress for us.  We missed out on big housing boom in Saskatoon 5 years ago and we were worried about making anything on this house.  For that reason we were reluctant to make any big changes to the house, other than a few small renos.  John knew of another RCMP member who is moving here to replace him and emailed him a few pictures.  They were very interested and begged us to hang onto the house until they could come see it.  We spoke with our realtor who suggested we could list the house last Friday (one week ago) and sign a document stating that we wouldn’t take offers until Wednesday, giving this member the opportunity to look at our house.  We ended up with THREE offers on Wednesday.  All THREE parties then gave a second higher offer when they were advised of the competition.  WOW.  Thank you God!  The sale is now completed and we are free to go look at houses in our new destination which due to some staff-shortages was either going to be this coming week (if we could sell our house quickly) or not until the end of June.  The end of June being when we want to take possession of a new house, not start searching.  It has been super stressful but God just continues to remind us that he is helping us out.  Why am I so slow to figure this out?

Busy

I don't have much to report as I'm in the middle of finals this week.

I just finished writing my Psychology exam tonight and I am happy to say that I will never EVER take a stupid class like that one again!  I absolutely hated it!!

Now to work on my "take-home" exams, which consist of all essay questions.

(Sigh)

Oh, and our appraiser isn't coming until next week so we can't even list our house until then.

(Another sigh)

This is taking forever.

Procrastination

I have a midterm exam in two days.

I also have an assignment due in two days.

But I don't want to work on either one.

Instead I want to spend time being silly with my kids.

I want to get some fresh air.

I want to CLEAN my house. Not the surface clean with floors and bathrooms, but the CLEAN that is necessary in order to list our house in a few short weeks.

I want to feel like I am accomplishing something today.

Other than sitting alone in my too-quiet room with my computer.

I know that schoolwork is necessary. And that I alone chose to do this.

But somedays schoolwork sucks.

And I also know that by procrastinating I am setting myself up for extra stress later on.

I totally get that.

But that doesn't help when I am thinking and processing a million other things in my mind right now.

I am constantly checking MLS for new listings in our current town (there isn't a lot right now, but the housing prices are starting to climb. finally.) and for the town that we are expecting to find out we are moving to in 5 days.

Yes 5 more days until John signs the paperwork to make it official.

EEK!

Rushed

This weekend was definitely a busy one!

John got home and we left for the city 15 minutes later.

We ran errands, went to appointments, shopped, went to a nephew's birthday party, visited Ray in the hospital, and drove home last night.

This morning was dance pictures, which went remarkably well considering this is the first time that I have 2 girls to get ready with hair and costumes.

We missed out on another nephew's birthday party today unfortunately but it just couldn't all be done.

John is headed back to finish the second week of his course and I needed to work on an assignment.

This afternoon I spent hours working on my big essay that is due on Tuesday. I was amazed with the pages that I filled up today, as my head is not in it today.

Because I am getting sick.

AGAIN.

I was just sick last month.

John believes it might be "stress-induced".

You think?

Single parenting

Heart surgery for Ray

Listing house in the next month

Pending move

Schoolwork

Nah, none of those things cause stress.

Scattered

My thoughts today are very random and scattered, so bear with me!

Today Ray is going for a bypass surgery on his heart. We are praying that his surgery doesn't get bumped as it was originally scheduled for Monday.

I need to finish up a take-home midterm today but it's difficult to concentrate.

I've actually been playing piano instead, since it is a wonderful way to relax.

I've starting working on my newest challenge in piano. In January I decided to work on a shortened version of "Moonlight Sonata" by Beethoven. It has definitely been a challenge to play with the frequency of note changing, as well as the dynamics (loud, soft) of the music.

I think that this song still needs some work, but it has come together quite nicely. Especially considering that our piano teacher was away for all of February. I've actually had a couple of other Suzuki songs come together recently, and it is starting to feel like I am actually a pianist!

Giving myself a challenge seems to work well. It keeps me inspired, and it feels like a great accomplishment once I tackle it. This one will take a lot longer, but with finals coming up shortly I'm sure that I will be practicing even more in the weeks to come!

The song I want to learn?

"Think of Me", from the Phantom of the Opera!!!

LOVE that song!

At this point, I can play the first 8 or so measures of the song hands together, but there are over 60 measures so I have lots of work ahead of me.

YAY! It's good work.

We also have the unofficial word of where we are moving. I will not post the location online, but for those who are interested we are happy with the result. I will update my Facebook in a couple of weeks once the papers have been signed. Or you can email me in April to find out!

Now begins the fun process of house appraisals, listing the house, selling the house, etc.

I actually have had a few people in town asking about our house already. One neighbour was even kind enough to phone me at 8:00 in the morning to inquire. (seriously, 8AM!) Our pending transfer was in the paper (yep, pretty sad, I know!) and she wanted to know when we would be selling our house. That is small town life for you!

We will really miss this house. It is spacious and bright. I love the yard with the MANY perennials, and the garden. This year I have decided that it wouldn't make sense to plant anything. But that makes me sad because I love making trips to the greenhouse. Gardening is so fun!

Once the sale is complete, we can go ahead and search for a new place to live. Believe me, we have already searched MLS quite extensively and have a few possibilities in mind.

Well I really DO need to finish up this midterm exam....

Fun

Well today feels a little less crazy than others so the kiddos and I have had some fun.

They each got to bake a cake in the Easy Bake Oven.

We went for a nice walk and they SPLASHED in the puddles!

Unfortunately I forgot to grab the camera, but hopefully next time I will be able to post some pictures too.

Now back to reality, which is schoolwork.

And housework.

We have been doing some SERIOUS cleaning in prep for listing our house next month.

It feels great, but it's also stressful since John is away for the next 2 weeks on a training course.

I am trying not to be overwhelmed, and had a good reminder of that this week, but still life gets crazy at times.

So I think we'll need to have some good dance parties this week while John is away! That helps to keep the stress at bay.

Hey, I just rhymed.

Sorry, I'm tired.

Cool Peace

I'm in the middle of studying right now, but taking a short break to share something.

1 hour ago I felt completely overwhelmed by the amount of information I did not know for my exam tonight. I was resigned to failing or getting a barely passable mark.

You see for the last several days I was very sick. Down for an entire day last Wednesday with a horrible migraine.

Then on Thursday, which just so happened to be my birthday, I had a terrible head cold. Did not feel like celebrating at all, or doing anything for that matter.

The cold continued for several days and I could barely keep it together, never mind studying the detailed science of the body: nerves, brain, eyes, etc.

So I could not physically study (and retain that information) until yesterday.

Needless to say I am kinda stressed.

But then in the last hour of studying, my brain is RETAINING more information than I would have expected.

I had just complained at lunch to John that I would never be able to learn the sequence of steps for a particular subject.

And now?

I have it memorized!

I'm not a memorizer, but my brain is remembering it for me anyways.

Definitely a God thing.

Cool, isn't it?

The Story of Us: The Next Chapter

For a long time now, I have not updated "The Story of Us".

For those of you who have read my blog for a long time will know that I created this ongoing story to show where we have come from, and also where we are headed.

If you would like a refresher, simply go to the side bar titled "Labels" and click on "The Story of Us".

Interestingly enough, I re-read the last update in this series and here is what it says at the end...

"Now almost 4 years later, I really enjoy the small town life and can hardly imagine living in "the big city" again. John enjoys his job (most of the time) and is currently dreaming about what road to take in his career. There are many options available, but we will just pray and wait and see what God has in store for us next."

So what is in store for us next?

I am just finishing up my first semester of distance classes through the U of R and have signed up for 3 more classes for the upcoming Winter 2010 semester. I am exhausted from all of the MANY hours of studying that I have done this week, but it will be a great feeling of accomplishment and rest shortly.

I have also found a great certificate program to combine with my desired Bachelor's of Social Work. The certificate program is for "Child and Family Studies", both levels I and II.

This will be a great way to implement any elective classes that I need to take with my degree. CFST Level I requires 5 classes and CFST II requires 10. At the end of the Winter semester I will have 4 of the 10 classes needed for the Level II certificate.

I'm not exactly sure how I will be using my degree in the end. After all, that is still 5-6 years away. But I am excited about gaining these two certificates as well as my degree, when I am finished school.

*********************************************************

God is also telling us that it is nearing the time to move.

I was not expecting this, although this spring we will have been here for the expected amount of time for this detachment posting.

However there are several factors here that lead us to believe that we would not be moving in the next year, thus extending our stay here.

Last week John got an email regarding a "transfer planning document". It was quite a shock for both of us. I must say that I struggled greatly with it at first.

I like to plan ahead. I like to be prepared. I like to know what is going to happen next.

This felt like getting slapped in the face. It sure woke me up to the cold reality of actually having to move and say goodbye and all that stuff.

Yet in typical God style, He showed me that it will all be okay.

2 nights after John came home with that news I was reading in my devotional book.

Now I have to confess that I am not very faithful with spending time with my bible lately. Life has just felt too busy with school and everything that I just don't do devotions as often as I should, or would like.

I'm actually going through the book "Live Relationally", which I reviewed several months ago. If I had read this daily like I planned, then I wouldn't have heard the message that was clearly written JUST for me.

Seriously. It felt like it was hand written by God.

To Jenn.

Had I read it 4 days earlier I wouldn't have gotten it.

Or 4 months later. It wouldn't have had the same impact.

Here's what I read...

"Noah lived in a world that was crashing in around him. And God had a solution: 'It's time to move."

Whoah....

Wait it gets better....

"Have you ever felt like that? Has God ever interrupted your plans by uprooting you from your cozy nest only to drop you into unchartered waters? Let's face it, no woman looks forward tothe day her husband comes home and says, 'The boss says it's time to move."

See what I mean about hand written?

The lesson in this story was all the ark. It had no navigational system whatsoever. Noah had zero control over where they would end up. He just had to trust God. Completely trust God.

Gulp.

Yep. So that's where things are at. I had to take a complete 180 degree turnaround to see that maybe this wouldn't be all bad.

Afterall I wasn't so sure about this place in the beginning. And I ended up making some of the most dearest friends of my life. God knew that we would need each other for the current chapters in our lives.

And I expect that we will remain friends forever.

I am so thankful for them!

We still have lots of questions, and we aren't completely sure where we will be moving yet. One of the biggest kickers is the housing costs everywhere else in the world but here! Most likely we will have to double or *gulp* triple our current mortgage.

I know, I know....I have to completely trust that it will all work out.

Let's just say that process is going to take a while!

Finals Are DONE!

Oh what a wonderful feeeeeeeeeeeelinnnnnnng,

Oh what a wonderful daaaaaaaaaaay.

Last night I came home to find the girls had each made a card to celebrate the end of finals and greeted me at the door with big hugs.

Ella is getting really good at printing. She wrote all of the card, except for a little assistance on the letter "r".

And look at the fine art of gluing stuff onto paper!

I saw this card, and read the front, "Alligator Mom".

Brie gets frustrated right away..."That's not what it says!"

Uh....huh?

I guess she wanted to just say mom. And then she wanted to point out the alligator in the green swamp. If you look closely, you'll see him in there!

And this was the inside of my card from Brie! I think you can figure this one out for yourself. She drew candies, balloons and streamers to celebrate!

John also made an excellent homemade supper of perogies (my absolute favorite!), and chocolate cheesecake made with Baileys. Mmmmm....

I had absolutely no idea that John was doing this. I guess he secretly made the perogies while I was writing my first exam on Monday night. And the cheesecake was baked as soon as he got home from work yesterday.

After supper John handed me a very heavy present. I was not expecting a present so I had no idea what could possibly find inside.

Guess what it was?

A MACBOOK!!!

I am now the PROUD owner of a laptop computer!

We had talked about purchasing one someday, but John decided that really I could use it now while I'm in school. I spend hours typing up study notes, and he thought that if I could take this to class, I would save myself a lot of time.

Isn't he THE BEST?

Thank you John. I love you!

Last day of classes

Tonight I will attend the last class for this semester already.

Hard to believe how quickly the times passes!

But I'm heavy into studying for finals already.

And trying to figure out which classes to take next semester.

I have signed up for 2 classes for sure, 1 is televised again and the other is only online. It should be interesting to try that out too.

I'm also waiting to hear back if I have "permission" to take one of two other classes. It's nearing the harassment stage if I don't get a reply SOON.

2 classes a semester just isn't enough when I have MANY years ahead of me already.

Plus John and I have some other big decisions to make in the near future.

This could possibly explain the massive headache that I went to bed with last night. And woke up with this morning.

*Sigh*

One day at a time. Right?

Venting

Stupid prof tonight.

She cancelled class last week.

Then tonight she wanted to do one hour of "group discussion" to summarize the chapters that we have gone through already.

One. Hour.

Need I remind you that I am taking this televised class by MYSELF?

The prof had an audio-bridge planned, but the Department of Highways was on there instead, and she had no backup plan other than to summarize something my ourselves.

For one hour.

I struggled to get to class on time after my busy day of picking up Ella from preschool, picking up our sitter from high school and then picking up Brie at the elementary school.

I already had a busy day of halloween treat bags for the kids to take to school, and trying to work on my essays that are due next week.

Then it was lunch prep, pick up Brie from school, eat and drive her back.

Then I took Ella to preschool for her halloween party.

Then I picked Brie back up to go to piano lessons. Brie absolutely hates to miss any school so then I have to drive her back before I return for my own lesson.

Then I had to stop at the store for about 10 minutes before I began picking up the kids. AGAIN.

*SIGH*

I am tired.

My house is not very clean, but I have no time to clean it.

John is home tomorrow.

Hurry up dear!

Encouraged

Yesterday I got back my first mark for one of the assignments that I handed in a couple of weeks ago.

This mark was for a 3-page paper I had to write about me and why I am taking the Women's and Gender Studies course and whether I consider myself to be a feminist or not and why.

The paper is only worth 5% of my total mark.

But I got 100%!!!!

I completely realize that the topic is very subjective and the prof (or whoever did the marking) was looking more for general information. Most people probably got a similar mark.

But MY very first mark is 100%!!!!!!

I have told myself numerous times not to get too excited over this little paper. Yet I am so encouraged because starting well means that I will continue well, and hopefully end well.

Also, the woman that works at the regional college, and oversees my classes, is just finishing up her career counseling. There are a few televised classes that I am looking at for the winter semester, but there are a few glitches. One class requires 12 credits completed. I will be at 9. Another class I would really like to take as it would relate to my future job as a social worker (it's about Families), but it is a second year class and I don't have the first year's course yet. So this awesome woman has offered to contact the U of R on my behalf and determine if they will make exceptions for distance education students.

Options are very limited when they only offer 6-8 televised classes per semester, and just a handful more of online courses. If they don't offer classes that are needed for my program, or ones that would apply to the job somehow, then I have to look elsewhere and transfer credits later on.

So for now I will be thankful for my class advocate! Don't stress about tomorrow...don't stress about tomorrow.....

******Tonight is horribly white and slushy. The drive to take our babysitter home was nerve-wracking but we made it safely! She lives 15 minutes out of town, so we had to do some highway driving. I think I may need a new plan for lousy winter weather******

Edited to add: Friday morning I got back a mark for an assigment worth 30% of my final mark. 98 percent baby!!!

Feeling Overwhelmed

Last week I was feeling good about school.

I had successfully completed 2 assignments and handed both of them in.

I had requested several library books to begin work on another assignment, this one being an essay.

I received the library books and hadn't even started to look at them when the library phoned this weekend to say that they are requesting one of the books back this week. Since I have to send it in the mail, I have to read the ENTIRE book in 2 days.

So I cracked open that book today, but was constantly interrupted by Ella. In fact I was on page 2 when she began bugging me.

Ugh.

And the interruptions continued ALL afternoon.

I have my first of 2 Psychology midterms next Monday.

I have several more assignments that are creeping up as well.

Where on earth will I find the time/energy to do it when there are small children at home?

Am I completely crazy, or will I be because of my decision to return to school?

Firsts

This week the girls started dance.

I have never seen 2 kids so excited about anything before!

After a couple of years of introductory lessons, Brie is into "real" dances. She has chosen to take tap dance and is absolutely thrilled!

The day we bought her tap shoes was very exciting indeed. I do have some video of her testing them out, but for some reason I have trouble uploading videos from my camcorder. So it just stays on the tape instead.

As for Ella?

This is her very first year in dance. She is dreaming of possibilities, as you can see from her picture. She is in a small group with only 3 dancers, although one of the kids is her very good friend from Music Pups and preschool.

I too, am experiencing some firsts this fall...

I have taken on the fun job of being the preschool music teacher. We are working with the MusiCanopy program, which was created by the makers of Music Pups. Ella's preschool has 22 kids so I was quite nervous for our first class on Tuesday. Little did I know that I had nothing to worry about. The kids and I had a complete blast together! I have already heard several positive comments from parents too, which is always encouraging. I think that I will enjoy this year with these energetic kids.

Plus I also began my U of R classes. I have mentioned before that the classes are a satellite feed that I watch at the regional college here. The classes I am taking are all introductory courses: Intro to Psychology, Intro to Women's and Gender Studies, and Intro to Social Work. Unfortunately I am the only one registered here for all 3 of my classes, which means those 3 hours each night are very quiet and lonely. I think John is getting tired of my constant texting during the breaks!!

Televised classes are a neat experience for those who are unaware. Both classes that I have attended so far have approximately 100 students that are offsite throughout the province. Some like me, are doing this alone, and other sites have 20 students. The students that actually live in Regina have to deal with the cameras in class, and pushing the button for the microphone to pick up their voices. Us that are offsite have to "phone in" to ask questions of the prof. I got to experience phoning in yesterday. The first time threw me off as the satellite feed has quite a delay, but I was less nerdy the second time around. At least I hope I was!

I have a head start on a couple of assignments already. Actually I just received my first library book request in the mail today. It's quite fun learning how this distance education process works. I'm not too sure what the second semester will hold for me yet. The 2 classes offered that I would need for the social work program require more credits than I will hold by January. I will try to get special permission from the department heads, but if that doesn't work then I may be doing some online schooling through another university. I realize that I am thinking about this way too early, but my "J" personality needs to plan ahead!!

The girls are handling a babysitter well too. She is a good family friend that just passed her babysitting course in the spring. So far she has only needed to be here until John gets home at suppertime (my classes run from 4-7 pm) but next week she will need to feed the girls supper, as John is on the night shift. Well at least my slowcooker will finally get used more often now!

Piano lessons just started up again today. Definitely not a first, but Brie is going to start learning how to read music this year. And so will I.

So it will be a busy busy year, but I am looking forward to the progress that we all will make.

Accepted and Registered

EEK!

I have received my acceptance letter from the U of R.

I just had a phone consultation with an academic advisor and have registered for 3 classes this fall.

Now I can start freaking out.

AGH!

What have I done?!?

This is very scary territory.

But I am pleased to tell you that I have been accepted to the U of R, with the intention of becoming a Social Worker.

Eventually.

I have had this exciting venture on my mind for quite some time. God has led me to it at a time where I can take televised classes in our small town, and dedicate some time and energy to some part-time schooling while being a mom and wife.

Where we will be in a year or two from now I cannot say. Probably not where we live now, but God is teaching me not to worry about those years right now.

But it still is stressful.

Balancing schoolwork with everything else?

Very scary.

And yet exciting too!

Rushed

I had a long post all typed up yesterday and then my internet went down so Blogger couldn't save it.

Urgh.

Well the short version is that I am all home all week with the kids. John is away fishing and won't be back until late tomorrow night.

The girls are being extra hyper and getting into trouble. I feel like psycho yelling mom today.

Sigh.

Not fun.

But we are leaving first thing in the morning for the city. We will see some family, run some errands, and wait for daddy to return.

(I'm secretly hoping that they have lousy weather tomorrow and will want to come home early)

I have picked up more info on taking some televised courses this fall. Possibly 3 courses, each in the evenings and held at the local college here.

But I'm not sure if I'm ready for school.

It's a scary thought, since it's been 11 years since I last took any classes.

Yikes!

One of my sisters is currently finishing up her second year and she waited MUCH longer than I am. (Hee hee, couldn't resist!)

So I do know that it's possible, but it's still scary to think of the juggling that will need to happen.

And the babysitting. Who will watch the kids while I go to class 3 evenings a week?

I have many questions.

I did finally receive all of my transcripts this week, so now I just need to decide whether or not this is really something that I want to do.

My brain hurts.

Thinking and Processing

Well tonight is the last night for This Is My Story.

We have 6 weeks of journalling to compile into a scrapbook album. I am currently working on week 4 which is almost complete. Then I just have to finish the last 2 weeks and my "work of art" is complete! It's actually a really great study, for those that want to try something different.

I am a little disappointed with the lack of participation from some of the women in our group though. They aren't journalling and they aren't scrapbooking either.

So then why join the group???

This makes it difficult to try to pick new material for a bible study in the fall. Funds are VERY limited in our church but I want to pick a quality study like Beth Moore's books. But those require a good 45 min a day to journal. Is it even worth considering?

On a different note, our church is excitedly moving forward with some great things! People are working on defining our growth with a mission statement and a clear set of values.

Until this month,the local preschool has rented out our church basement, but they will be moving out shortly. This frees up a lot of space for us. Some plans are in the works for a "indoor playground" of sorts for our community. Some type of meeting place for moms and kids during the week. We are just in the browsing stages for some play equipment, but I'm really excited to see some growth and purpose in our church!

And now to the personal update....

I am currently considering taking some type of online class or classes this fall. I won't give specifics until I make a clear decision but I just sent away for my transcripts yesterday.

I know that most likely wherever we live next, I will need to work at least part-time in order to finance whatever size mortgage we end up with. Since we most likely only have a year left in our current town (gasp! I'm not ready!!) my mind has been on jobs a lot. I know that with my experience, I could get a job with a bank fairly easily. Or something clerical.

But is that something that I want to do for the next 25 years?

God has put something on my heart quite recently and although I am not ready to share anything until I make some clear decisions, I am definitely feeling like some doors may be opening up for this to become a possibility.

Until recently, I had never even considered this option.

So I am terrified and excited all at the same time.

I realize that this won't make sense to any of you, but this is my blog and sometimes I just need to type things out in order to process them.

So for now, I am praying lots. Trying to determine the path that I need to take. Trying to figure out how it will all work out, if I choose to go this particular way. And lots of research.

I would appreciate any prayers that you send my way too! I promise that I will send a clearer blog post sometime in the future. Sorry I can't be any more specific.