Entrepreneurs

The girls have taken on several summer jobs pet-sitting and watering neighbors' yards while they travel. They are thoroughly enjoying having their own money, and it's amazing how quickly the value of a dollar changes when you've worked for it.

Originally, Courtney was working to make money to take cooking classes with a group of her friends like she did last summer. She has earned enough money already to pay for the whole week, but suddenly isn't so sure the class is worth that much money. In case you're wondering, Jason and I are loving every bit of this.

This morning in the car, Courtney was questioning why in the world Hannah would take twenty whole dollars to the movies with her. I explained that if you're willing to keep taking on jobs, you'll have money continually coming in and won't feel so afraid to spend a little sometimes.

At this point, Jake blurts out "Mommy, I have been TRYING to start a very successful massage business, but Daddy WILL NOT pay me a dollar for a massage!"

Let the Adventure Begin...

Well, I decided to sleep on the couch with Jake last night in case he got sick again. (Make that toss and turn on the couch...not the most comfortable couch for sleeping.) At 1:30 I coughed and Jake sat up instantly and said "MOMMY! ARE YOU OK???" I told him I was fine and asked how HE was feeling...."I feel great!" :)

So....I'm back on track for my first day at work today! A bundle of nerves, yes. But I'm walking forward. Like I tell Jake, courage is not the lack of fear...it's doing what scares you even though you're afraid.

Ok, Lord, let's do this!

Really, Lord???

This last week I found myself at a crossroads. To make a SUPER long story short, my flying job has pretty much fizzled out. As God is so famous for doing, He laid the perfect opportunity in my lap. Much the same way He laid the flying job in my lap 7 years ago. I've been asked to work part-time for some friends at their auto shop as a receptionist/office assistant. At first, I was very afraid to take the step, knowing it meant I would be completely unavailable to fly--IF they called. And lately, that's been a ginormous IF. But it has become more and more obvious that God is leading me and my family down a different path for the time being....and it may be a short time or a long time...but I'm always up for an adventure. So after praying with Jase about it and feeling confident that God is in this, I called my friend and took the plunge.

This is a blessing in so many ways. I won't bother to list them all, but just trust me. Or if you really want to know, call me and I'll fill you in. :) To say that I am an adventurer who hates change probably sounds like a huge paradox. But that's me. I have fought nerves all day today knowing my new adventure starts tomorrow. I have prayed and asked God for peace and blessings, and to grant me continued favor in the eyes of my employers (even though they already love me) and my co-workers (who I haven't met yet.) I've asked Him to help me make the most of this new start. I've asked that my children will get along for five hours a day without me until school starts. I have thanked Him repeatedly for a fresh start and the opportunity to help out with the family finances. And for providing this job where I'm already wanted.

When my friend asked me to come work for them, she said "You would be such a God-send to us." Really? She has no idea what that meant to me at a time where I feel I am the blessed one! So I say....BRING IT! I am ready for my new adventure which starts TOMORROW!

Then...Jake came downstairs at 9:00 tonight and puked his precious little toenails up in the kitchen trash. REALLY, LORD??? It's ok. I'm still smiling. But it looks like I'll be delaying my new adventure by a day or two.

Maybe Jake got my blonde hair...

Jase had to travel to Oklahoma last week for a rig visit. I decided that I would jump out and mow the front yard real quick Thursday morning so that he wouldn't have to worry about it over the holiday weekend. (Honestly, it was kinda selfish...I hadn't seen him all week and didn't want to share him with the lawn.)

Anyway, he comes home several hours after I had completed the yard and says "Is the lawn mower broken?" I told him it wasn't and asked why he would think that. The pictures should explain it all.




I have an old co-worker who used to get great joy from telling people that I dye my hair dark. Maybe THAT'S where Jake got his blonde hair!

Ok...I Gave Up!

Treasures

Market Day was a huge success! Jake was the first in his class to sell out of his product, and the bonus was that he made $4.35. Not really sure how he did that since he was charging 25 cents each, but we're all happy for him anyway!

Here are the treasures he bought from his friends' "booths."

Market Day

For some reason, 2nd grade teachers decided the kids needed a project on the last week of school. SO...tomorrow the entire 2nd grade will participate in "Market Day." Each child was to make 10-15 items they could sell at a "booth" to other students.

Here is what Jake made to sell...with lots of help from his sisters. They were very excited about this project.The girls have little flowers on their heads


He made half girls and half boys.




This last one is a boy because "it looks all muscle-y."



I can't WAIT to see what kinds of treasures he comes home with!