A Month in Review

Well, here we are, the first week back to school. Here is the mandatory FDOS picture:

The past month since I last posted have brought us some ups and downs.

Ups:

*I've been cooking a TON and trying out a bunch of new recipes. I've gotten very comfortable with tweaking recipes and I NEVER used to do that. It's gotten to be habit to get an idea (chicken Marsala) and then research a bunch of recipes (focusing on *easy*) and then making something all my own. About 95% have worked out. Too bad I'm terrible at writing down exactly what I did!

*I'm getting into more of a routine when it comes to household chores - THAT was a hard one for me, for some reason. But I think I've got it down. I won't bother outlining what it is that I do, because writing it out doesn't look like much, but for some reason I've kept very busy. Although, I admit that I've had a little more down time this week with the kids in school, but that will disappear as soon as Leah's teacher comes up with a schedule for room volunteers.

*I don't miss working. Like, at ALL. I sometimes miss taking 911's and helping people, but honestly - I am more drawn to home, my family and my immediate community right now. There are plenty of opportunities for me to pick up part time work as a 911 call taker in some dispatch centers close by, but as of right now I have no interesting in pursuing that.

*We are all truly enjoying the little things in life. Living in the country is SO peaceful and even in the hottest month of summer, it is still so pretty out here. We are surrounded by orchards and crops so it remains quite green and lush. Anytime anyone comes to visit, they gush about how NICE it is out here. Everyone loves sitting on the front porch and just relax. I am proud to offer a little bit of serenity for my friends and family.

Not my home, but just as peaceful

Downs:

*Big one - Leah fell out of our golf cart and sustained a concussion and some nasty road rash. That was SO scary but we are so blessed that she's made a full recovery. It also showed me how woefully under prepared we are if something else were to happen to one of us. I am not under that fantasy trap in believing that trained medical personnel will arrive at my door step 5 minutes after I call 911. I am fully aware of where we live and the delayed time it can help to arrive. It used to frustrate the hell out of me when people would call 911 and they would live 15 miles away from the closest fire station up winding roads and they would demand to know where we were after 5 minutes. If we make the choice to enjoy the benefits of living AWAY from a city, then we suffer the loss of convenience. I have to admit that MOST of the citizens who lived that far away rarely called and when they did, most of the time they understood the time delay. The frustrating calls were few and far between. I just don't ever want to be one of those people. I want to be able to handle our accidents and illnesses as best I can while waiting for help. So, I've been building up my first aid cache...a single box of band aids is NOT gonna cut it! It helps me to be proactive. Fingers crossed we will never need to access any of that stuff, but I will feel so much better having it on hand.

*So, I've noticed that I'm a little more sensitive when Jimmy banters with me. THIS has GOT to change! That is not me. We still banter back and forth, but when he makes comments about something that I cook or clean or whatever...even when I know he's joking, I'm totally irritated by it. WTH?! It is totally because this is my JOB now. Cooking, cleaning, taking care of my family is who I am. So, if something is said, even if in jest, that I perceive to belittle something I'm doing, it pisses me off! Actually.....if we're being honest - it hurts my feelings which THEN pisses me off! I've talked to Jimmy about it and he completely understands, but still, I know I have a thicker skin than that. I think it's because I'm not completely 100% secure in the job I'm doing, but as soon as I know I'm kicking ass at this whole 'stay-at-home mom' thing, then I will be able to brush off any comments. Oh...wait....has ANYONE felt 100% kick ass at this job?! Yeeaaaahhhh - probably not. I guess I am in a fantasy. 

The HUGE thing is that I truly feel like I am moving forward and improving every single day. I am truly enjoying my life, including all of the new challenges. I am constantly stopping to pinch myself, sometimes not believing how LUCKY I am. I get to stay home with my kids! I get to be involved in every aspect of their lives (whether they want it or not *insert evil laugh*). I have the freedom to expand my horizons in new friends, hobbies, volunteer activities, etc. I was blessed with 11 years in an exciting and fulfilling career and here I am, still young enough, healthy enough to embark on this new journey to improve the lives of my children. I know I'm not perfect, but I promise not to take this time in my life for granted. This is an amazing gift and I plan on enjoying it to fullest.