Worth It

And, this is where I post about how much all of the exhaustion over the past two weeks has been totally worth it...

I am thankful that I have that new job.

I am thankful that our family pulled together to manage that insanely busy schedule to allow me to train on my new job.

Today, The Referee received the terribly bad news that his job is in dire jeopardy.

He has approximately 2 weeks worth of work funding before his employer may have to let him go.

Those 2 weeks mean that he is not laid-off yet. He is still being paid. He still has medical benefits. Every week that continues will be good. Unfortunately, there does not look to be an open window for the long term.

Thankfully, I have a job that also has the option for benefits. So, in the event that The Referee suddenly loses his job, we can continue health care for our family, specifically Jersey #2. What a relief!

I know that God is in control.

Looking back, I see how events occurred in such away to show me that His plans are better than mine.

For some reason, I was not informed of the obligation to train in the day shift, when I went for the interview. Had I known that 6 weeks of day shift work was expected, I would not have continued pursuing the job. That would have been an impossible feat.

As soon as I found out I was expected to train on the day shift, I called the hiring manager to clarify the details. I wanted to give her the opportunity to tell me the requirement, so that she or I could back out of the agreement easily, before I started work. She told me not to worry, and we would talk about it on my first day.

(I am not good at patience). I went in that first day, armed with a color-coded calendar of when I was and was not available to work/train. She passed it on to the scheduler, and said they would schedule me 2 weeks at a time. I continued to expect to be told it was just not going to work out.

Instead, they are working around my schedule rather well. Coworkers have stepped up to offer to train me on their weekend shifts.

The lady training me on Wednesday divulged that I was really being given some special treatment. She said that regardless of what shift a person is hired for, they are generally expected to work Monday through Friday day shift, for at least 2 months, until they are trained. She was shocked to hear that I was only working 4 days, and that I was training on weekends as well. She could hardly believe I was going to move to my hired shift as soon as I am trained in one area. It was clear from her reaction that I am being treated differently. (I am not sure she approved).

I left work on Wednesday feeling highly favored.

I admit, with the challenges we have been facing (car, dog, schedule, exhaustion), I was questioning if the job was a bad idea. It seemed like we were spinning our wheels and not going forward. Knowing the managers were giving me special consideration, made it difficult to back out.

Now, it is all so much clearer. I AM highly favored. I like that. This job IS a good choice for my family right now.

My God will supply all my needs.

Scheduling Exhaustion

Two daytime jobs. Five kids. One working vehicle. Our schedule is intense.

Monday's Schedule:

7 AM: Load kids into van and drive Coach Mom to work.
New Employee Orientation all day.
Long Break for lunch, so I call The Referee to see if he wants to switch out the van.

• He is in a heightened state of stress because Jersey #5 (and we also suspect Jersey #3) brought bicycle into the house that had sand and water in it.....that made a nice mud mixture in the master bedroom, along with the corn starch diaper rash powder. The Referee was attempting to clean up the mess when I called.
  

The Referee loads kids into van, drives to Coach Mom's work. Forgets his own work stuff, which ruins the entire opportunity to take him to work and keep the van on that lunch break.
The Referee drives home to get his stuff, and we head out toward his work.

Realize there is just no way I can drive back and forth in time, so I drop him off at a distant location from his office. (He calls a coworker to give him a ride the rest of the way).
I drive the kids back home. We attempt a quick straighten of the house....and I close off the master bedroom until I can deal with the mess later....while we wait for the babysitters to arrive.

Grab lunch as I am running past the babysitters when they arrive.
Return to New Employee Orientation.
5PM: Leave work. Drive home. Pay babysitters.

Feed kids. Straighten house. Check schoolwork. Check email. Bake brownies. Work on housework while I wait for The Referee to call for a ride home.

• Kids in PJs. Boys fall asleep on the couch. The Referee runs late. It starts raining.

The Referee has to walk 30-minutes to meet up with us for a ride home. Thankfully, it has stopped raining.
10PM: Return home. All kids are asleep in the van.

Tuesday Schedule

6AM: Wake, shower, dress for work. Finish filling out benefits package to take to Orientation.
(Yes, it is a problem that I have only been sleeping for 7 hours a night, considering I need 8.5 to function--tell myself I need to fix that).
New Employee Orientation all morning.
Learn-n-Lunch meeting instead of a lunch break. (This has happened 3 times already, and my brain is fried from all this extra learning on top of training! Yowza!)
Work training all afternoon.
Stay late to help out, because they need extra hands, and I can do that part of the work.

4:15PM End employment day. Drive Home.
Meet kids in driveway, and immediately scan them for brushed teeth, socks, shoes, and sports uniforms.
Brush hair. Form pony tails.

Change clothes. Tell kids to load up into van. Eat a few bites of dinner, standing in the kitchen. Grab Cheerleading Coach stack of stuff, and head out.
Pick up friend for cheerleading.

Drop of The Referee at our church, 1.5 hours earlier than his scheduled class. (He brings his laptop to pass the time).

Take kids to the flag football game. Coach cheerleading. Cheer for Jersey #3. Wrangle Jersey #4 & #5 throughout the game. Lead devotion for the cheerleaders.
Game ends, corral children to the van.
Drive to Tae Kwon Do class.
Chat with Jersey #1 about her ungrateful attitude regarding snacks received at the game. Nice discussion about change-of-heart and attitude. Hope she gets it.

Chat with Moms whose families are in TKD class. Supervise younger kids playing outdoors.
8PM: TKD class ends. Say goodbye to other families. Round up kids. Help close up the church.
Drop off friend on the way home.

Help kids gather up all their horseback riding outfits and set them out for the morning.
Set out cans for meal prep. Put away dinner.
10PM: Drop into bed....praising myself for getting there a little earlier.

Wednesday's Schedule

6AM: Wake, shower, dress. Wake up The Referee so he can shower.

Become a whirlwind in the kitchen: brown ground beef on the stove, while loading crockpot with all the other ingredients for Chilli. Fry 2 eggs to make egg sandwhiches. Slice cantaloupe and set out on the table. Slice egg sandwhiches to divide among myself and 4 kids. Toss a spoonfull of ground beef onto a tortilla, packing a burrito for my lunch. Pour rest of the ground beef into the Chilli pot. Stir. Set temperature. Remind The Referee how to monitor the pot, so he and the kids can eat chilli for lunch.

The Referee wakes kids and loads them into the van to take me to work. Pass out egg sandwhiches (and plain bread for Jersey #1), to eat on the way.

7:30AM: Family drops me off at work, and returns home to get ready for horseback riding. (The Referee is brave enough to take the kids on his own, because he doesn't want them to miss this turn that was previously scheduled).

More Work Training--I think I might be starting to get the hang of this.

Teleconference training at 11am. Bring lunch to eat while we learn, because work is too busy to sit through teleconference AND take a lunch break. Interesting lecture. More acronyms than I can keep up with. Thankfully, the presentation slides had pictures to help make it more visual for me. Bacteria strains that show resistance to certain antibiotics is an interesting topic (for me).

Telecon ends. Back to work. Lots of work. Lots. This place is busy.

2PM: Suddenly feel a wave of nausea pass through my body, and a little light headed. I think I might be pushing myself too far physically. This is the 12th day of The Referee and I taking turns working every day, and the schedule is intense. I excuse myself to use the restroom, get a drink, and stretch a little. Take a few deep breaths, and return to work.

3PM: The lady training me is excited to report that we finished the work early. She shows me a few other things, then sets me free to check my email, and peruse some tutorials on the computer.
4PM: The Referee leaves his workplace to pick me up from my workplace. The original plan was for me to take him back to work before going home, so that I can keep the van for Bible Study at church tonight. I tell him I am not physically up for it, and suggest he just take me home, and keep the van. That way, I don't have to drag the kids out late to pick him up, and he doesn't have to walk...in the rain.

At Home, the kids are excited to see me. The babysitters have cleaned up the kitchen, washed all the dishes, and helped the girls clean their bedrooms. Brownies are baking in the oven. We have great babysitters.

I talk with the babysitters to see if they are brave enough to return a couple afternoons next week. They are excited. They assure me the kids behave well for them, but they comment that they have no idea how I do all this on my own. It was hard to stifle a laugh as they tell me how every time they turn around there are more dishes to wash! I tell them my joking-but-partially-true answer when someone asks me how I manage 5 kids, is to reply that something has to give...so I give up housework!

Praise kids for their hard work and great behavior. Eat brownies while the chicken cooks for dinner. Check email. Rock youngest two kids while we watch a silly movie about a chimpanzee who plays baseball.
Jersey #4 falls asleep at 6:30pm. I'm jealous.

Eat dinner. Rock Jersey #5 who has fallen asleep twice already. He is teething, so I break out the Tylenol to help with his pains. Stinky eye teeth!
Carry sleeping children to their beds. Blog until The Referee gets home from work.

9PM: Drop into bed, wondering how much longer can we keep up this pace?

Remind myself that I have the next 3 days off from my employment job, so I can better focus my efforts at home. Maybe we can find a little more stability in the next few days.

Running: Weeks 8-9

Well, my crazy-busy lifestyle has seriously interrupted my Couch to 5K training. I was just not able to fit in all the workouts this week. Considering The Referee and I are taking turns working across the 7 available days in the week, we hardly made it out to the park to run. Thankfully, I am at the end of the program. Weeks 8 and 9 are all long runs. I decided to combine them....sort of.

Week 8 is three workouts, running 2.75 miles each.

Week 9 is three workouts, running 3 miles each.

A 5K is 3.1 miles.

I am already signed up for my first 5K. So, I wanted to make sure I could actually run 3 miles before I go.

So, I jumped ahead at the end of this week, and ran 3 miles on Saturday, instead of the scheduled 2.75.

It went well. I am very proud that I accomplished it. The Couch to 5K program really works!

I noticed that my legs were real sore and weak afterward. I am not sure if it was because of the distance, or because of the sporadic workouts that week.

My plan is to keep working out to those walking/jogging DVDs at home, regularly, and go for long runs when our schedule will allow. Hopefully, that will keep my fitness up enough for my big race.

Seriously Busy

This picture pretty much sums up what The Referee and I feel like after last week...

[This picture is really of Jersey #5 just as he was falling asleep from pure exhaustion of trying to stay up way too late the night before his birthday, since there were balloons and all.] The look on his face matches the one on my face right about now.

It is probably no surprise that my starting a new job last week has altered my ability to write as many blog posts. Starting that new job has really altered my ability to function as before in many ways. I expected an adjustment period. But, let's just say last week seemed a bit more intense than just adjusting.

It has been one thing after another, to the point that I was laughing in disbelief by Thursday evening. There is just so much piled onto our plate right now. It is just too much to take it all seriously. So, I laugh instead. Am I on Candid Camera or something?

I like my new job. It is going well. It seems like a nice place to work. The coworkers seem nice. I am working hard to learn all I can as fast as I can, so that I can move from the day shift training to the evening shift I was hired for. I feel really special when the kids come running out of the house as soon as they hear my van pull into the driveway. They miss me. I miss them too. They are troopers though. I've been praising them heavily for handling this adjustment.

Everything is in adjustment mode right now. Meals, housekeeping, bedtime routines, schooling, and preparing for activities are all in adjustment. The Referee and I are cutting ourselves and our kids some slack. We work together more to tackle the housekeeping. We eased up on the school work load for the next few weeks. (Lots of math worksheets and reading right now). I'm trying to prep some meals in advance. The bulk of our energy is poured into our jobs at the moment. I'm training on something new. The Referee is trying to wrap up a project that is closing up.

We are sharing 1 vehicle, because The Referee's car has croaked, and he has not had time to try to repair it. The weeds are becoming a force to reckon with in the yard. The Referee had to take care of more paperwork for our upcoming anticipated audit. The tax man said it will probably take the state at least 6-9 months to contact us again from this point. Our old dog started showing signs and symptoms of dying, so we had her put down last Thursday to end her suffering. I helped The Referee get her to the van, so he could take her to the vet hospital. I decided to check the mail while I was outside. I found a jury summons in the mailbox. I just busted out laughing. What incredible timing!

This is the start of a new week. It looks to be even more crazy and busy than last week. We are trying out having a couple teens babysit in the afternoon a couple days, to cover the time that we are both at work. The kids like the babysitters. The babysitters like the kids. Hopefully we won't overwhelm them, and this will be a big help. I'm trying to come up with easy meals that the babysitters can just warm up when the kids are hungry.

I have new employee orientation this week. I get to sit through lots of training about the company and all of its policies. Meanwhile, The Referee gets to wait on pins and needles each day to hear about the fate of his project/job/employment. None of the rumors are any good. We can encourage each other while we are swapping out the car.

In spite of all that seems overwhelming and insane right now, there is a light at the end of the tunnel:

October 1st.

That is the start of a new fiscal year, so we will at least have some answers about The Referee's job situation. That is also my first payday. Our schedule lightens up some in October. I might be available for more day training shifts. I might be heading to the evening shift toward the end of that month too.

We just have to keep moving forward through these current challenging weeks. How hard can it be?

I'll keep an eye out for my opportunity to smile and wave at Candid Camera.

TWO

The baby of the family is 2 years old today!

When he first saw the decorations, balloons, and presents, he started singing, "Happy Birthday to YOU...."

We explained that it was HIS birthday by singing the song, and including his name. It didn't take him long to realize he was the guest of honor today.

He really enjoyed the attention....

He really enjoyed the presents...

And, he REALLY enjoyed the cake...

Continuing with our "family birthdays" this year (something we started to budget more for medical expenses and less for entertainment), we celebrated with a family outing to Chuck E Cheese's. Skeeball is a family favorite there. Jersey #5 has his own method of getting those balls up the ramp...

It was a fun, full day of celebration. Birthdays are huge events at our house. I am so grateful for the blessing of children. I love to celebrate their lives....and to celebrate that they are alive. Each year is a milestone of such growth and development. We like to commemorate that with fun birthdays.

Childhood passes so quickly. This season of motherhood is so short. This Little Guy is growing up way to fast...

New Job Update

I started my new job on Monday. I was not exactly sure if the scheduling was going to work out. I was afraid that I would start and end the new job on the same day. Thankfully, things worked out well enough. So, I am still employed there.

They want me to train for my job on the day shift, even though I was hired specifically for the evening shift. I understand now that not only do they have more staff in general on the day shift, but they also have quite a few evening positions still open. They are willing to work with my availability, and have promised to move me to evenings just as soon as I am trained. That seems like a fair compromise.

I like the company. It seems like a nice place to work. I already know 4 people who work there, because I've worked with them in the past. They are all in different departments, but our paths cross often enough to keep in touch. One woman...a former boss of mine...commented, "I sure have missed your laugh." That was sweet. I really felt welcomed.

It did not take long for word to get around that I have 5 kids. That is still quite a shock in our society, apparently. I must be the only one, because people keep asking me, "do you really have 5 kids?" I did meet one woman who has 4 kids. Our coworkers seem to think that we will become fast friends, simply due to the number of children we share in common. People are funny like that.

I've already run into the tension of two different job titles. It comes down to education level, but that means one title gets paid more to do basically the same type of work. Some folks have trouble with that. I eased the tension immediately, because I am not concerned with the hierarchy. I just want to help my family right now. So, I don't care if you are at a lower job title than me....I'm going to totally listen to your teaching. Train me up quick, because I need to get to the evening shift!

I was a bit surprised by the increased level of security since the last time I've worked in the field. Times have changed. I get that. It is still an adjustment for me to remember to swipe my badge before entering and leaving the building....not to mention swiping it once I am inside the elevator, just to get access to a different floor. Wow.

It was nice to be back in my career environment. I do not like being on the day shift. It feels totally wrong to be away from my kids like that. I know this season of motherhood is so short, and I don't want to miss it. I also do not like the stress of having to coordinate and balance for competing work times with The Referee. We do have some great babysitters to help with the scheduling. I am trying real hard to train just as fast as I can, so that I can move to the evening shift. I would much rather tag-team with The Referee to work and be home, versus trying to juggle two careers at the same time.

In the end, if I can endure the strain of the day shift training period, I think I will really like this job. The pay is good. The company seems like a good one to work for. There is certainly a need for workers on the shift I want, so that gives an element of security. The coworkers seem nice. There is plenty of work to keep everyone busy. The work is simple enough, and repetitive enough, that it shouldn't interfere with my ability to primarily focus on my family.

It seems like a good fit. I'm looking forward to that first paycheck!

Cowpokes and Horses

The kids and I enjoyed another amazing opportunity to visit Galloping Grace Youth Ranch. It is hard to believe that we are blessed with such an experience. Horseback riding lessons are quite expensive. There is no way that would fit into our family budget at this time, especially times 5 kids! We are blessed beyond measure to be able to visit a ranch and ride horses for FREE. I am so grateful.

Our visits to the Ranch include 3 activity stations. One station is the horseback riding experience. Another station is the work station, which usually involves scooping horse poop to clean up one of the corrals. For some reason, most of the younger kids find scoopin' horse poop to be about as much fun as riding the horses. There are even pint-sized rakes and shovels to get the job done right. A third station is the gratuity station, where the kids make thank-you cards and notes to be sent to folks who have made generous donations to the Ranch. There are playground activities, and a wood house/ saloon to play in as well. Fun at the Ranch can include the whole family. So siblings who may not be old enough or brave enough to ride horses can still play and have fun. When I sign up to visit the Ranch, I usually list all 5 kids, never certain how many of them will really be ready to ride that day. Jersey #4 and Jersey #5 have both surprised me by wanting to ride before, and again during this month's visit.

The horseback riding experience is always incredible! I am never certain as to what to expect, so I try to go with the flow, and encourage the kids to do the same. I celebrate the growth and accomplishments of the kids, as they gain ability at their own pace. Each child is different, each horse is different, and each ranch volunteer is extraordinary. I have witnessed the ranch workers help children conquer their fear of getting up on those big 'ol animals, many times over. They will let the kids just sit in the saddle, if that is as far as their comfort will go.

After they are comfortable in the saddle, the ranch volunteer will lead the horse to walk a little, around the corral. As the child is comfortable with that movement, the volunteers encourage the kids to demonstrate their balance--usually by waiving to parents, reaching for the sky, or putting their arms out to the side. Jersey #5 is only to the point of sitting in the saddle, and holding on to the saddle horn with a firm grasp. When the volunteer made the suggestion that he could reach a little and pet the horse, he looked at her like she had lost her mind...

He is content to sit in the saddle as the horse walks around the corral. He is certain that his hands will remain clutched to that saddle horn at all times. For safety reasons, due to his young age, I walked around the corral next to him, with one hand on his leg. The Ranch volunteer lead the horse.

Jersey #4 was ready to ride this time. She climbed up on the big bucket and helped pull herself up into the saddle. She sat in that saddle quite comfortably. She was willing to try some of the balancing exercises, including smiling and waving at her Mom. She still prefers to hold on to the saddle horn most of the time.

After a child is comfortable in the saddle, and willing to let go and balance, and even reach for horse shoes along the corral fence, they get to start learning how to hold the reins and steer the horse on their own. This is an area where Jersey #3 is eager to learn, but slower to grasp. He likes to hold the reins. He is easily distracted and lets go of them quite a bit too. Most of the time, the Ranch volunteer continues to lead the horse, while Jersey #3 practices holding the reins.

At one point during this session, the volunteer removed the leash to let Jersey #3 attempt to lead the horse on his own. It worked for a few paces. Then, this lovely creature saw my camera, and stopped and posed for a picture...

Now, THAT is one well-trained horse! He is a scrapbooking Mom's dream.


In the other corral, the kids with a bit more riding experience were able to ride a beautiful horse named Serenity. She was both beautiful and stubborn. She really made the kids work hard to have authority over her.

Last time we visited the Ranch, Jersey #1 really struggled with the assertiveness needed to guide a stubborn horse. We talked about her frustrations and disappointments...and then how to achieve the necessary skills to get the horse to obey her lead. She was resolved to be more assertive this time. The results were wonderful. She was able to lead that horse around the corral, and even through a figure-8 course.

The horse wanted to follow the Ranch volunteer the whole time. So, it took quite a bit of effort for Jersey #1 to keep authority over the horse, and guide her in the opposite direction. Each time she did it, the volunteer and I praised her greatly. Considering how much she struggled last month, we were both impressed by how much she had grown in such a short time. Jersey #1 was most proud of herself. She had set her mind to learning this new skill and she worked hard to achieve it. Since she is normally a passive and sensitive child, it was so neat to see her find the strength deep inside herself to be assertive. What a confidence boost this horseback riding experience was for her!

Jersey #2 usually rides the gentler horses with the younger kids, but has gained enough experience to be in the other corral this time. This child who was too scared to get up into a saddle less than a year ago, is climbing up onto the horse with ease now. She enjoys riding around the corral, as the volunteer leads the horse. She has practiced holding the reins before. This time, she agreed to try leading the horse on her own.

It was not easy, but she gave it a good effort. The horse picked up on her fears. I think the horse was actually gentler with her than with Jersey #1, as if she just knew Jersey #2 was too scared to assert authority over her. Jersey #2 learned the big lesson that it is not possible to hold the reins with both hands, while still trying to hold on to the saddle horn for dear life! She had a few times of dropping the reins entirely, and grabbing onto the saddle horn instead. Thankfully, the horse was so sweet and gentle.

At first, the Ranch volunteer suggested that Jersey #2 needed the same talk I had last time with Jersey #1. I answered that my girls have very different personalities. Jersey #2 is not yet ready or determined to guide a horse on her own. I have no intention to push her into it. Regardless of what other children can do, I have to work hard to control my competitive impulses and let my kids develop at their own paces. That wise Ranch volunteer picked up on Jersey #2's level real quick, and took a step back in the progress with her.

She explained to Jersey #2 a valuable lesson. Just as a parent has authority over their child, the child in the saddle has authority over the horse. Just like a child will rebel against the instructions of a parent, the horse will rebel against the instructions of the child in the saddle. Just as a parent must set limits with their children, and teach them to obey...the child in the saddle must be assertive to make the horse obey.

Jersey #2 fully understood the object lesson. She had a lovely conversation with the Ranch volunteer, agreeing fully with the details. Philosophically, she is in complete agreement with what needs to happen.

In reality, she is still quite happy to let the horse follow around behind the Ranch volunteer, while she works on holding the reins with both hands, instead of trying to hold the saddle horn. Authority over a horse will have to come later.

As we were getting ready to leave the Ranch, another child hopped on that same horse and really showed us how things are done. She had full control over the horse on her own, to the point that the Ranch volunteer stood against the corral fence, and that horse did not even go near her. The girl in the saddle rode the horse around, and went through various obstacles with ease. She guided the horse, and the horse obeyed without the slightest hint of stubbornness. It was a sight to see. The kids and I stopped to watch a couple minutes. I think it gave Jersey #1 something to work towards. She looks forward to improving her riding skills with every visit to the Ranch. I am just pleased that the kids have this amazing opportunity to develop riding skills at all. We are so blessed!

Running: Week 7

I am going to the distance now!

This week, I switched from the time training schedule, to the distance training schedule. I had to play a little catch-up, but I finished the training week well.

Week 7 of the Couch to 5K training program includes this workout:

• 5 minute warm-up walk

• 25 minute jog (2.5 miles)

• 5 minute cool-down walk

I had to vary my workouts a bit, in order to build up to the 2.5 miles. Last week, I ended at 1.25 miles, because I run slow. I ran 2 miles for the first workout of this week. I was able to run 2.5 miles for the 3rd workout of the week.

I am so proud to be able to run 2.5 miles. I am also proud to be able to catch back up to the training schedule this week. Switching to the distance training, and not worrying about speed has been a good choice. I like that much better. It turns out that I have endurance, but I lack speed. Endurance works. I'll take it!

I am so pleased with my progress this week that I felt confident enough to register for a 5K race. I still can't believe I am actually running like this. The race is in a few weeks. I'll have completed the Couch to 5K training program by then. The walkers begin the race a half hour after the runners, so I am hoping that the head start will mean I will not be the last to cross the finish line. There are bound to be folks who walk slower than I run, right? My personal goal is the run the entire 5K, and complete the race.

As disappointing as it is that my body didn't just up and drop 50 pounds the instant I started running, I am pleased with the progress that I am noticing in my body shape. I can tell I am becoming more fit. It is a slower progress than I hoped or expected. But, it is a steady progress, so I am trying to focus on the positive and not complain. Last week, I noticed that my upper arm muscles are becoming more defined. I attribute my triceps mostly to lifting Jersey #5, but clearly running is helping too. This week, I am pleased to notice a decrease in the "love handles," that area in the lower back, above the butt. It is nice to see some size decrease in other areas than just my bra!

Running has changed me. Last night, while in the midst of all that bad news stress, I decided to go for a run. That is a first. I ran a mile just to alleviate the stress I was feeling. I only stopped because it was getting too dark to be safe out alone. Running that mile worked wonders to help me relax and sleep well, in spite of all the thoughts racing through my head.

I did not realize that running could be so life changing.

Bad News Friday

Oh what a day!

The Referee was having a really rough time at work, because there was a "bug" in the computer program he was working with, and he was struggling to find it to fix it before a deadline.

So, I hired babysitters to watch the kids while I went to visit the Human Resources lady to sign all the new employee paperwork. I had to prove my degree as well as my ability to work in the USA. I also learned that I am not color blind. I never suspected I was, but it is one of the tests that have to be complete in order to be hired.

The HR lady went over a stack of paperwork, including forms to fill out and the benefits packet. All was well....until, she mentioned that I was to report to work Monday morning at 8am.

Morning?

8am?

But, I was hired for the evening shift.

It turns out that they prefer to train new employees during the day shift, when there are many more workers and all the departments are open. They operate with less staff in the evenings and on weekends, so training would slow down the flow of the workload. It all makes sense, but that still would have been useful information to mention during the interview.

I wasn't even sure I could pull off day shifts. So, I chatted with The Referee about it when we both returned home. Then, I called the hiring manager to ask for clarification of the details. She told me to not worry about it, and we would chat on Monday. She tried to impress upon me the importance of training on days. She did seem willing to try to work things out, some.

I am not sure if this job situation will work out or not, but I am going to keep moving forward on it. The Referee and I figured out a tentative schedule for the two of us to work, providing the hiring manager goes for it.....and providing The Referee's manager approves it. Since it is a temporary schedule, for about 6 weeks, we are hoping we can pull it off.

We will see what happens on Monday when I report for work.

We will see what happens in the next few weeks, as The Referee's job is not stable, due to lack of funding. So far, each day brings more rumors of bad outcomes.

In addition to the job saga, we received notice that a buyer wants to return an item we sold on Ebay.

Then, we received a phone message saying that the tax amnesty form needs to be corrected. The Referee decided he would just handle returning that phone call on Monday as well.

Oh, and then there is the problem of The Referee's car smoking (burning oil) on the way home from work on Friday.

And the leak under the kitchen sink--that we thought was fixed--has suddenly worsened, filling the mop bucket half-way in just 2 days.

I thought bad things came in 3's. I think we are over quota today!

Drug Testing

I had 24 hours from the time I was offered the job to go in for a drug test.

I went first thing in the morning, before The Referee went to work. It was quite an eye-opening experience. I figured I would have to pee in a cup, but I had no idea all the precautions they take. Clearly, I lead a sheltered life.

I wrongly thought arriving as early as they opened would mean the process would be quicker. It was not. They were s.l.o.w!

When my name was finally called, I approached the clinic counter and explained that I was there for a pre-employment drug screen. I could clearly see that my name had already been entered in their log book, so they were expecting me.

The lady had me fill out some paperwork. Then, she asked me if I was ready "to go" or did I want some water? It took me a second to process what she was actually asking.

Ready "to go"? I've been sitting her an hour already, I don't plan to leave now that you have finally called my name. Then, it dawned on me that she was using code words for bathroom talk.

So, I asked her to clarify, "this is just a urine test, right?" Yes. Ok, then I am ready.....did I mention I have already been sitting here an hour? My bladder is actually about to bust.

This is a clinical laboratory. Why in the world are they using slang code words for the act of urinating in a cup? Bizarre.

Well, bizarre is just not a strong enough word to describe this experience. I have never been on the wrong side of the law before, so I am just not accustomed to being treated like I am up to no good.

I was instructed to follow a lab tech to a back room. She and I stood outside a bathroom door, where there was a small desk for her to fill out my paperwork. She asked me to leave my belongings there, which was just my purse. She began to explain the process to me, while she was busy setting up the bathroom.

I had to wash my hands in front of the lady. She dumped some blue stuff into the toilet water, which turned it to blue sludge. She told me NOT to flush the toilet at all. She then removed the trash can from the bathroom. She gave me the cup and said that I had to fill it to at least a certain line, so that the temperature strip would register. She said I could NOT wash my hands until after I gave the cup to her! ??? I suppose I should be thankful she didn't have to watch me urinate.

I had no trouble filling the cup, because I was busting to pee, since they took so long to get me in. I really should be an expert at such things, considering my 7 previous pregnancies. I was straddling the toilet, filling my cup, when it occurred to me that she did not say if I could wipe myself when I was done?

As I pondered that, I lost my concentration and peed on my hand. But, couldn't wash. Ick. I decided to wipe....and I wiped my hand while I was at it. I just left the toilet paper in the blue sludge toilet water, so that she had the proof of my actions.

I stepped out of the bathroom and set the cup on the designated mat. I was asked to stand there and observe as she poured the urine from the cup into a designated vial. She closed the vial, and sealed it. I was then asked to initial across the seal strip.

I was concerned right at the point of her handing me an ink pen. I had just splashed urine on the hand I write with, as I was collecting the sample. I have not been permitted to wash yet. What if I am not the only one? Was that pen even clean? Ewe!

I signed my initials.

I got to wash my hands after that.

I watched her clean up the desk area as I was washing my hands. I am fairly certain she wiped down the pen. I hope so.

What a crazy experience. I am not going to dwell on it. I think I am just going to be thankful that she didn't have to watch me "go."

Speechless Wednesday

I've seen 'Wordless Wednesday' blog posts and originally thought I might contribute to such fun with photos of Jersey #1 trying to master the skill of taking her own picture with my camera...

I find her attempts to be highly entertaining....

She is growing up....and way too fast, I might add...

But, instead of 'Wordless Wednesday,' she has sent me into 'Speechless Wednesday,' because she started asking questions about growing up.

I had been wondering what are the correct ages to start explaining some of those tough topics. We have already had a few basic talks about boys, girls, and appropriate interactions--based on God's design for relationships, not the Disney channel's design for relationships. But, those were very basic topics. There is a whole realm of growing-up subjects not yet mentioned.

I would think that by now I would already realize that, it is easier to face developmental milestones at the child's individual level. So, instead of wondering what is the proper age for talking about these things, I suppose I will be talking as much as I can when she is inquiring. Which appears to be starting now. Yikes!

The question that started it all was, "Mom, when will my sweat stink for me to use that stick stuff [deoderant]?" That began a surprisingly good conversation about adolescence, and some of the changes that boys and girls go through during that major growth time in life. It went well. I am both pleased and relieved.

We talked about growing, sleeping, hormones, moods, and such things typical of the teen years, as the transition when a child's body grows into an adult's body. I was able to point out a few examples of some teens from our church and tae kwon do class, giving a visual as to how they no longer have the child's body like her and her siblings, but how they also do not yet have their fully adult body like their parents. That was surprisingly easy to discuss. And, it made sense to her, which is good. I think that conversation just opened the doors wide for future conversations on growing up topics. It was not near as hard as I was expecting. But, I also realize now that it is not just one conversation, such as "the talk" is depicted on television. Hopefully we will continue to have an open dialog as she grows.

I plan to give her more and more information as she inquires and as she seems capable of handling it. I gave a very passing mention of menstruation, as one of the changes that takes place during adolescence for girls. I still can't believe that we are already talking about such things.

On one hand I am speechless....jaw dropped open, wondering how did we get to this point already? On the other hand, I am smiling...realizing she is coming to ME for information when she has questions. That is just how I prefer it. I want to be the biggest influence as she develops both physically and in her values. I am trying to weave-in the reality that God's ways are higher than the world's ways, and we need to be mindful of worldly influence. I am hoping and praying that I will have the right words at the right time. I am not actually ready for this part of motherhood.

Ready, or not, here I go...

Not So Picture Perfect

We pulled off a picture-perfect birthday celebration for Jersey #2 last month...

The reality was far from perfect.



It started out well. All of the gifts and supplies were purchased in advance...I even found pink pirate party supplies...

We normally take some time the evening before a birthday to get things ready. It is tradition to have the dining table decorated, with the gifts and cake on display. It is a fun scene for the birthday child to wake up to.

This birthday was for one of our night-owl children. She was so excited about her birthday, that she really had a hard time getting to sleep that night. That meant we were up much later than usual to get things prepared, because we got such a late start.

To top it off, her birthday gift from us was a wooden doll house. The box was filled with all kinds of pieces that needed to be put together.

Normally, The Referee puts the kids' toys together with ease. This time, he was suffering with a sudden gout attack. He could hardly walk. He was on major medication, and in great pain.

I am really grateful he suffered through the doll house assembly task, because I was busy in the kitchen, making quite a mess of the doll cake...

With my previous doll cakes, I used 1 cake mix. This time, I tried 2 cake mixes, because the Barbie doll I bought for the cake was taller than the mold of 1 cake mix. It turns out that the batter bowl does not hold 2 full cake mixes. It only holds about 1.5 mixes. Oops! There was boiling over. There was burnt cake. There was smoke. It was a tasty mess, though. I had to scrape off some of the batter in order for the rest of the cake to bake. Thankfully, it worked out well enough, in spite of Barbie being a bit tall for the dome "dress."


There is even a story behind the pirate chest present...

Granny & PawPaw sent their present early, and it was sitting wrapped in my bedroom. It became unwrapped one day, and I thought the kids had played too rough around it and damaged the wrapping. I gave them a lecture about it, and re-adjusted the gift with the paper loosely on top. Two days later, Jersey #2 came crying to me because she was overcome with the guilt of having opened up her birthday present, but not admitting to it at the time I discovered the torn paper. She learned a valuable lesson with that experience, because the guilt was really eating at her. I had a good laugh remembering the story as I set out the unwrapped pirate chest gift on the table the night before her birthday.

The morning of her birthday, I wanted to get a picture of Jersey #2 with her cake, before we dug into it. She posed well and I snapped a few pictures, before it dawned on me that some tampering had occurred...

It appears that a certain toddler got his hands on the cake. Apparently, he got a hold of the number seven and attempted to lick the frosting off the bottom. His sisters caught him and stopped him, then tried to "fix" it back before I noticed. They did not realize that they placed the number seven backwards.

After I noticed the number, I then noticed the line of fingerprints through the frosting on the front of the doll cake dress. I served that piece to Jersey #5...

There is never a dull moment around here!

Financial Resource

BIG changes are coming to The Home Team...

Coach Mom is returning to the world of employment.

It has been 5 or 6 years since I have been there, but I hear the paychecks are nice!


This decision has actually been in the works since June. The company has just taken a long time to move through the hiring process. For a while there, I wondered if they really even needed someone (or 2 someones, since there were 2 openings)? But, alas, they called me last week and finally offered me the job. I accepted.


I had not even been considering returning to the workforce. I enjoy being a stay-at-home Mom. I've fully accepted that role for this season of my life. It is what my family needs from me. But, as we were studying our budget, the mountain of medical bills, and our financial options, an idea struck us. We did not come up with it. This has been mentioned by numerous financial folks in books and articles we've read.

Stay-at-home Moms are a huge financial resource for their families.

So true. Our family survives on one income...The Referee's income. We are not dependent on two incomes to make ends meet. So, that leaves 1 adult with skills and abilities, capable of bringing in income during a time of need. This concept is often mentioned in terms of health tragedy or job lay-off. If the primary income provider suddenly lost income, the stay-at-home-Mom could potentially get a job and keep her family afloat.

But, then, it dawned on us that it would also work as a Debt Snowball.

As part of our commitment to free ourselves from debt, we live on a family budget that is approximately 2/3rds of The Referee's income. We live below our means so that we can allocate the remaining 1/3rd toward paying off debt.

I am certain we still have room for improvement in our budget. The Referee is certain that the debt would reduce faster if he could find side work to add income. Unfortunately, such jobs are not as common in his career field these days. He made a passing comment about wishing there was something available during "off peak" hours...

That struck an idea in me. I have skills in a career that has "off peak" hours. I did a quick internet search for the first company that came to mind. I immediately found 2 job openings that I was completely qualified for, which had a schedule that ran around The Referee's work schedule. Part time. 4 days a week.

We knew this would mean big changes for our family, so I took some time to think about it and pray about it, before I applied. I wanted the job to be an asset to the family, not a source of stress. I would need to get the household chores and schooling the children on a much more efficient schedule, so that I can manage the home AND work outside the home. The Referee would have to commit to the task of managing the bedtime routine those 4 evenings. He is fully capable of handling bedtime, so that is good. I will need to revamp my sleep schedule and workout schedule as well.

The Referee was amazed that such an opportunity existed. He is confident we can work out the details just fine. We have more flexibility right now, because our children are old enough to be more independent, and everyone sleeps through the night. I sat down and crunched the numbers, to see how fast we can improve our situation, by applying my entire paychecks to the debt. It is incredible! I am inspired.

So, it's off to work I go...

Running: Week 6

I just completed Week 6 of the Couch to 5K running training program. I actually took longer than a week to complete these 3 workouts, because I spent 4 days sick in bed. That set me back on my time line....and also in my strength. Thankfully, my body has recovered, and my runs are back to normal again. The first workout after being sick was a really tough one. That was the workout where I realized I really am a runner now. As soon as I was feeling better, I could not wait to get back on the track. Even though the run was really tough for my weak body, I was so glad I went. Something has really changed in me.

Week 6 had 3 different workouts planned out, after the 5 minute warm-up walk:

• Workout 1: Jog 5 minutes, Walk 3 minutes, Jog 8 minutes, Walk 3 minutes, Jog 5 minutes
• Workout 2: Jog 10 minutes, Walk 3 minutes, Jog 10 minutes
• Workout 3: Jog 25 minutes

As I went through these workouts, I started considering actually running a 5K. I walked a 5K for a Walk for Life fundraiser for a local pregnancy crisis center this week as well. I knew my running workouts had changed me, because walking a 5K seems easy. As I scoped out the course, I wondered if I could run such a thing?

I thought about how slow I am. According to the training program, a 10 minute jog should be a mile in distance. I take about 16 minutes to run a mile. So, clearly, I am not going the distance. I suppose I should have followed the distance categories of the training instead of the time categories, but the podcasts were set to time. A friend who runs, recommended I focus on the distance, and don't worry about the time. This week, I decided that is what I will do. There is a gap between where I am in distance, and where the training program is for this week, but I think I can manage it. I already know I can run 1.25 miles. I've gotten that far. Next week, I will aim for 2 miles.

I have 3 more weeks left to complete this training program. Conveniently, the 5K race I want to run as my race debut is scheduled shortly after that. Perfect timing!

3 Cheers for the Coach

My experience as a cheerleading coach has been quite interesting, but definitely one that I do not care to repeat. I just wanted to give the girls an opportunity to try cheerleading. I didn’t want the program cancelled just because there was no coach. But, honestly, I do not know what I am doing. It seems accurate to say that coaches have much more to offer when they actually know something about the sport. The best coaches seem to have a real passion for their sports too.

I do not know anything about cheerleading. I was never a cheerleader. I do not have rhythm. I am not skilled at gymnastics. I do not even look cute in a skirt! What was I thinking?

The Upward sports program is more about faith than it is about sports. Each practice contains a devotion. The devotions build upon each other through the season, with the goal of teaching children about salvation through Jesus. Thankfully, I am comfortable leading a group of young girls through a devotion. So, that part of our weekly practices is going well.

As for the cheer part, I am counting on the fact that the girls are young, and they are cute, so no one will care that our cheers are a mess. I did manage to learn some very basic fundamental moves and stances. They are able to call out a cheer, and clap together (most of the time). After that, it is anyone’s guess as to what will happen.

Four of the girls are 6-8 years old, and seem to be able to learn the cheer combinations just fine. Three of the girls are 5 years old, either by chronological age or by developmental age. In any sport, 5-year olds are the ones who are easily distracted. Cheerleading is no different. That is why I am counting on their adorable presence to get us big applause!

Jersey #3’s first flag football game is scheduled for next week. His sisters will be cheering for that game. Jersey #3 is one of those easily distracted 5-year olds, too. This could get interesting.