Why I am SO Glad it's FRIDAY!

Wow. 

It has been a ROUGH week for this girl!  

We lost a friend's Mother, which is so sad.  

We lost a tooth, well my six year old did. (the tooth fairy came last night and can you believe that she did NOT leave a sparkly dollar like she did with the first tooth lost? The nerve!)  







And my full time position has shifted to a part-time position. 

SAY WHAT?

Ouch is all I have to say.  


I mean, look around Old Gray Gables...We have  A TON left to do and on half of my salary...it's scary.  

The Laundry Room- in progress!

Our Kitchen...still in progress....

My initial reaction was shock.  

I was blind sided.  I mean, I have this position, it is not necessarily where I want to be...as in Long-Term...but it is from Home (perk) and I am seeing...KINDA...my kids grow up.  If I go back out into the "real world" I feel like I am going to miss everything.



Hubby's initial reaction...

'Well finish that Medical Coding program and GET A FULL TIME JOB."  He obviously lacks my vision here.  He is not seeing that our kids only have us....and if he takes on the role he previously had...as in when I worked outside of the home, of getting kids up and off, cutting into his sleep schedule...we are back to a ZOMBIE lifestyle that we were in not long ago. (Ugh...just nine short months to be exact) 





But, I know that taking a pay cut means the "good life" is on HOLD.   No more splurges on arts and crafts...no more buying a book because I so want to read it...no more getting Hubby that special treat because I know he likes it...

Nope..Nu uh...Those days....my friend...are OVER.  

We are on a BUDGET.  A tight one too!  It is a coupon Monday for this little lady.  It is...a well calculated LIST at the store.   It is a life without EXTRAS cause them bills need to get paid and they won't pay themselves...

But a part-time position sounds intriguing to me. 

 I mean, I have held this family up for...well...the duration of my life with Hubby.  I have always worked.  I mean always!  I worked up until the day I gave birth to both of my girls, then took the allotted six weeks to return the VERY day I was to go back with no exception. I speak the truth. 

Now I get to imagine...even if for a SHORT time...a  20 hour a week work life with Friday's OFF?  

Sounds SO amazing! 

But, again, it will be short lived.  I will HAVE to get back out into the "real world" even though I know I will be kicking and screaming. 

Resentment will BE HAD, that much I am sure of!  

It is hard to digest from Hubby's perspective also.  He believes VERY strongly that my BUTT is to WORK.  This angers me, greatly! Sorry, but not sorry!

I just want a BREAK. I strongly believe GOD has the higher power here. There is a path that I am supposed to find and this is what this means. 

SUBJECT CHANGE...

So, speaking of God, I did something CRAZY. (yes, think Anna and Hans! I am totally dancing around here!)  I seriously certified to be an Ordained Minister. 

Wait...What? 

Who in God's Name does this? 

Uh um-mm...this GIRL.  

Yes, I am marrying my Brother and his Partner...if Ohio would get on BOARD.  

Whoo hoo.  

I can even start a church online. 

What?  

I know nothing of the bible, let's just be clear on that note.  But, how exciting, right.  

I can marry people. 

That is amazing. I love weddings.  (Yes, I am still in ANNA mode!)

Ahh..life is interesting and mine is NO exception. My poor Hubby.  

BTW I have not broken the news to him yet...I wonder how he will take it? 

Happy Friday all!  

  

The Sunrise this morning!
"Let the brightness of the sun shine light upon a new day." ~ka

New horizons...even though it is NOT exactly the path I was expecting..so soon.  Being a MOM is tough..and I just want to be with my girls.

Until tomorrow...

~Kel

Kids- 6 ways to Inspire a Reluctant Reader

Reading is a BIG DEAL in the Amstutz house right now, as our Kindergartner is learning her sight words and embracing the pages of new books.  It is exciting for her, and also scary!  She has her days when she wants to read, more than anything...and other days when she is just not quite so sure about some of the words, she backs away. 

I have six ways to inspire your own Reluctant Reader!  

These ways are helping build confidence in our Big Girl!

1) Broaden your definition of reading-  Comics, joke books, Mad Libs, even recipes cards all count.  The number one way to turn kids off from books is to pressure them to read a certain kind. Instead, try to let them explore and find what interests them.



2) Sign Up for a Subscription-  There are loads of magazines geared toward popular kid passions like cooking, animals, and sports.  Because most children love the idea of getting their own mail, you can plan on those mags being read cover to cover!  Some of our personal favs are Highlights and the Disney series with the Princesses.  We have even encouraged our three year old to join in and she prefers Peppa Pig and Strawberry Shortcake!

3) Let him/her read whenever, wherever-  He/She wants to lounge with his new mag in the tub?  Fine.  He/She wants to be in charge of the story to her sibling?  Go for it!  In fact, if they like out-of-the-ordinary situations, encourage it!  Pitch a tent, bring out the flashlights and watch the light come on in your child's mind!



4) Hit a garage sale-  There's something special about digging through garage sale bins or the "ten cents each" table at the library.  Choosing a book becomes a treasure hunt instead of a chore.  This is the hunt we are currently on, as this Mama turned her kiddo onto BabySitters Club Little Sisters chapter books and unfortunately, I did not realize they were SO HARD TO FIND!



5) Check the level-  Your child may hear a friend say a particular book is cool, or they may be attracted to the cover ONLY, but when it comes to reading the book, frustration sets in.  Once that happens, they are less likely to try a new book the next time.  Your child's teacher can share your child's reading level with you, but you can also try the five-finger test: Open the middle of the book, and if there are more than five words your child doesn't know, save it to read together.  Three or fewer?  It's a keeper!!!



6)  Get caught reading-  You may have heard it before, but it's worth repeating.  A child who never sees his parents read is going to be a whole lot less likely to believe them when they say it's a great thing to do!  Simple right!!  All you have to do is READ!

Happy Reading!!

~Kel

 

Great Deals Ahead....Savings from my Inbox to You!

We all LOVE a great deal!  

I hate searching through my numerous e-mails a day trying to find that one...you know...that one that I was looking for to save me a few extra bucks while I am either running out the door to the store or ready to checkout online.  

I think that by taking all the savings, all the coupons, all the discounts and putting them in ONE SIMPLE place just makes sense!  

It will help me, I hope it might help someone else too!

Let's start SHOPPING! 

(Click on the Store name to follow the link to start shopping)

~Kel

Five Minute Mood Booster

5-Minute Mood Booster

RELAX,  REFLECT,  REFRESH

 

Did you know that all it takes to lower stress, anger, and anxiety is a five-minute walk or jog outdoors?  

According to a study from the University of Essex, the more natural the environment (think nature trails) the better you will feel!

The mood-altering benefits are believed to be triggered by the trees, fields or streams and a natural reaction with the bodies hard-wiring. 

Ditch that Ipod and just take in the natural sights and sounds! 

Cool App to check out:   

 

AllTrails (on Android and IOS for FREE) to help with finding a new local spot!  This app helps you find nearby preserves and parks by features (like how kid-friendly they are) and activities (like running).

[reference: University of Essex outdoor study]

~Kel