Wednesday, February 25, 2009

uuummm...

Well, today I have played the waiting game...and have gotten pretty much nothing done. Honestly, I expected to get a call today offering me the job I interviewed for yesterday. And...nothing. I began to get a little frustrated, but then God reminded me that I've prayed for His will. If this job isn't where He wants me I WON'T get a call. Duh! I know, I know. Anyone who's needed a job and finally got an interview knows what I'm talking about - this emotional roller coaster. I will admit, though, it's not as bad this time as it was in 2005 when I lost my job. At that time we struggled majorly without a second paycheck. This time, not so bad. Thank you Jesus for that! So, now what??? Well, to meet the requirements for my unemployement benefits, I still have to apply or check on two more jobs this week. A position has opened up where my sister-in-law and her husband work, so I'll send in that application. Then, I'll check one more spot. All the while, I'll still keep praying for God's direction, favor, and grace.

I did get a few cards made today, though. My goal in January was to get all the ones I'd need for the entire year done. Well, hehehe, that didn't happen. I got a HUGE headstart on them, but just not completed. So today I jumped back on the card-making bandwagon and off I went. We have a family friend who's had a horrible hospital stay and surgery which have taken up the past month or so of her life. She's finally home, thank the Lord. She's been on my mind, and I wanted to get a card done for her. Here's the three I did today:





My son had a difficult time making out the "get well soon" card, so I may re-think that one. What do you think? Is it difficult to read?

The other two are pretty much just alike except for the colors. I think they turned out really nice. The pink one looks grey and blah in the pic...but it's pink and chocolate. I really like the blue and chocolate one. I'm thinking that's my fave today!

I attended my monthly scrapbooking get-together this past Saturday and had a wonderful time again. It's so nice to spend the day with girls/women. I also really enjoy seeing how others do their scrapbooking. Often I compare my pages with those featured in the magazines...not the best way to build self-esteem, I'm telling ya! I have to frequently remind myself that those pages aren't ME. My stuff is ME no matter how embellished or how plain the pages turn out. Check back in the days ahead for some pictures of pages I've completed recently. Then you can give your opinion on them.

Well, the kitchen is calling. We have grilled sandwiches on the menu, but there were enough porkchops left from last night's meal for tonight. So, I'm thinking leftovers!

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Menu Plan Monday




This is the last of the three weeks that I already had planned. Gotta get busy on the next few weeks!

Mon: chicken/turkey a la king, green beans
Tue: baked pork chops, broccoli, corn, salad
Wed: grilled lunchmeat sandwiches, salad
Thu: baked chicked breasts, potatoes, green beans
Fri: pizza???
Sat: chicken/turkey pot pie, salad

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

I'm In The Money!!!

Yep, it's true...my ship has finally come in.

For those of you who haven't had the wonderful experience of filing for unemployment benefits through the state of Missouri - oh, you're missing out. My last day of work was Jauary 29th. I filed for the unemployment benefits that afternoon online. They now pay most of those benefits on a handy-dandy debit card, which I received in the mail early last week. Finally today there is some cold hard cash in that account...all it took was 20 days and an undisputed claim. Gee...wonder how long folks with a disputed claim have to wait.

If you are sensing a bit of sarcasm in my tone, then you're right on. I got a letter the week after I filed stating that I was approved. So what took another two weeks? I suppose I'll never know. What I DO know is that I'm thankful for the money. And, in the state's defense, I did receive two week's worth of payment at one time. I've really only missed one week's income...just had to wait for the other two week's worth.

In a couple more weeks I have to go report to the employment office. I hope they're as nice as they were when I was there a few years ago. Basically, I'm overqualified for most jobs they have on their books. Last time the counselor I worked with told me I was qualified to do HER job, but they just didn't have any openings.

My prayer is that by the time I have to report to the employment office, I'll already have my new job. The one I want, the Disability Determinations counselor, doesn't close till the 23rd. I'm guessing I won't hear anything from them till at least after that date.

These three weeks have been the strangest...I've not received ONE call about any of the resumes/applications I've submitted. And, I even applied at one place I've already worked...they haven't called either! Freaky! However, I trust God and His plan for me. I know His timing is absolutely perfect...always has been and always will be. In the mean time, I'm getting in some serious scrapbooking time and doing a little extra cleaning around the house. I'm also watching a few soaps (yes, you read correctly...soaps). The funny thing about them is it makes me know how awesome my life is - even without a job. I have one child (and I know who his daddy is!), one husband and NO boyfriend...and I cook and clean on my own. The writing and acting leave a LOT to be desired...but so do a lot of prime-time soaps (that's all the prime-time dramas really are, folks!).

Well, I'm off to the kitchen to cook up a big batch of pancakes and french toast for the freezer. Think I might pull out the bread machine today, too. This house is gonna smell GOOD!!! =)

Monday, February 16, 2009

Menu Plan Monday

Time again for Menu Plan Monday. Wow, this last week went by soooo quickly. There were a couple changes, so those meals will be pushed to another week. The meats for those are already cooked and in the freezer, so they'll keep for a bit.

On the menu for this week is...

Monday: Boston butt, stuffing, broccoli, corn
Tuesday: baked chicken breasts, salad, green beans, hominy
Wednesday: canned beef (mother-in-law's home canned!!!), mashed potatoes, broccoli, peas
Thursday: leftover buffet
Friday: sloppy joes, salad, baked beans
Saturday: chicken breasts in the crock pot, broccoli, stuffing (easy meal because I'll be at an all day scrapping party!!)
Sunday: tacos for lunch, leftovers for supper

We've not been doing so good since the holidays of counting Jim's carbs. The good news is he's not gained any weight back, but he's also now at a stand-still. So...we must get back on track. Although I love winter and the cooler temps and snow, I am ready for weather that's a bit milder. My desire and plan is to get in some walking each week. Remember, that 20th class reunion is later in the year...gotta get ready! =)

Have an awesome week!

Monday, February 9, 2009

Menu Plan Monday

Wow...it's 8:45 on Monday, and I forgot about MPM. Yikes! Here ya go...

Monday: turkey breast slices, gravy, potatoes, green beans
Tuesday: roasted Boston butt, broccoli, salad, lima beans
Wednesday: baked pork chops, corn, green beans
Thursday: sloppy joes, peas, salad
Friday: ??? Jake's at a sleepover, so possibly Applebee's (we have a gift card)
Saturday: turkey a la king, green beans
Sunday: lunch - roundsteak and gravy, potatoes, salad; supper - leftovers

I've also already planned the two weeks after this...but I'm gonna make you wait for it! hehehe

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Devotional

I have to share a page from my morning devotion book. This was from January 22, but it's been on my heart since then...I had to share.

Show Me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You [You only and altogether] do I wait [expectantly] all the day long. Psalm 25:4-5

Start your day saying, "I am excited about this day, God. I can hardly wait to see what you are going to do . I believe You are going to keep me, help me, bless me, and give me favor. I love You, Father. I am waiting on You, Lord, and I am listening to You."
Ask God to put into your spirit everything He wants you to know. Ask Him to show you things to come and what you are supposed to do (see John 16:13). He will give you direction, and you will have much to praise Him for today.


This devotion is from Joyce Meyer's Starting Your Day Right. There are short devotions for every day of the year. I'm so glad I purchased the book last fall. If you don't have it, I highly recommend it!

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

my plan for now...

Unemployment has been filed. I found out yesterday that I am qualified and will make within a few dollars the same money I was making while working. Thank you God!

I'm hoping to get a call for an interview for the job that I really want at the hospital. I have a connection there...a former boss is the past president of the hospital foundation (that's where the job is), and she is currently still on the board. I've also been praying for favor for this job. I've not worked in the fundraising world before...I've lived it with football, band, church, etc, but never had to do it for work. I think this position would be exciting and not boring, but also one that I could do well as organized as I am. Please join with me in praying for favor with this position!

Today is the first day Jake's been back to school. They were already scheduled to be out yesterday for professional development. This is a day I would have normally been at work after dropping Jake at school. So far today has included dropping Jake at school, one load of laundry, updating the checkbook and organizing some bills, filing all the paid bills from the beginning of this year, grocery shopping at three different stores, putting said groceries away, and beginning to cook two boston butts I bought.

I also took some time while folding a load of laundry to watch the episode of Jon and Kate Plus 8 that I recorded last night. I just really like that show. She cracks me up most of the time. There are moments that I can SOOOOO relate to her, then, of course, there are others where I think she's way too hard on her husband. But we're all guilty of that at some time or another, aren't we? They're officially moved into their new home. This house seems amazing! They have so much more room and actual acreage with the house, too. I'm excited to see future episodes to see how the family adjusts to the new home.

I've officially completed my first whole scrapbook ever! I'd never scrapped our vacation to Orlando and Cocoa Beach from 2005. Now it's done. Guess I'll be moving on to do some more work on Jake's football book. I started it last year, but didn't get very far.

I'm also doing something new this year...Project 365. Becky Higgins designed a kit for Creating Keepsakes to help scrap these pics. Here's what it's all about...you take one photo per day for an entire year. At the end of the year you've got 365 pics. Well, the kit went on sale and sold out within an hour or two on New Years Day. Needless to say I didn't get one. Now you can order it, but it'll be on back order. I'm still debating on whether or not to purchase the kit. I know it'd save lots of time...but would be very individualized. In other words, my Project 365 book will look like hundreds of other's when we're all done. So, I'm still thinking of just winging it on my own. However, at some point pretty soon, I am going to have to begin the scrapping process of these pictures...'cause I sure as heck can't wait till the end of the year! =)

While I'm waiting for that call to schedule an interview, I've decided to make the most of my time. I'm going to try to get some extra cleaning done around the house and get some extra food in the freezer (already cooked). I know once I'm back at work full time things around here will have to change some. I haven't worked 40 hours per week in about two years. I'll admit it's been wonderful, and I have felt very spoiled. But I will also admit that having two full time paychecks coming into our bank account will be very nice, too! For now, though...I'm gonna be Miss Holly Homemaker...and enjoy every minute!

Monday, February 2, 2009

Menu Plan Monday



Last night's sports extravaganza prevented me from posting this early. Please forgive me. When I got back from the Super Bowl party we went to, I was in NO mood to blog. Argh! Let's just say the game didn't go my way. Oh well...

This should be a faily easy cooking week. I'm hoping to have to squeeze at least one job interview into my week. =)

Monday: baked pork chops, salad, peas
Tuesday: ham and cheese quiche
Wednesday: baked chicken breasts, potatoes, broccoli
Thursday: leftovers
Friday: eggs, hashbrowns, sausage and gravy
Saturday: chicken a la king
Sunday: leftovers