Summer lovin'

Well, much time has passed since the last blog. Hmm, I wonder why? I started back to work full time in May, that pretty much takes up the whole day. I am working at Lutheran Social Services of Michigan in their Refugee Foster Care program as a Case Manager. The hours are far from the normal 8-5, but the schedule is flexible enough that I can work with it.

Shaye and Averie are adjusting well. Some days I get home after Averie is in bed, and that makes me a little sad. Both are attending day care with a friend of the family, they love it there. I am sure, like most working moms, that I question the cost and the benefit of working full time. I am still figuring that all out.

We have a had a full summer already, here are some hilights:

• Chris and I celebrated our 2nd anniversary in the Lelanau peninsula, sipping wine, taking in the view and camping under the stars



• Averie started walking in July.....she finally got tired of crawling



• We are helping to plan a fall wedding for our friends, Kerri and Eric. I am a bridesmaid and Shaye is the flower girl



• Shaye has spent some time in Mancelona at Grandpa John' s cabin



• Shaye is becoming a fisher women with Grandpa Dave and Daddy



• Averie is eating on her own, drinking from a cup and becoming quite a little diva



• Shaye and Averie are both little fishes, they love the water and it looks like swim lessons are in the future



• Chris and I are looking into getting the basement refinished.....getting bids. Heck- we will probably do it ourselves. Any ideas?

Cince de Mayo....

Celebrating with Chorizo tacos, chips and maybe a little cerveza! The sun is shining today, a few clouds in the sky and I have so much to be thankful for.
On my way home from school last Thursday, I passed a familiar sight. A gentleman playing the guitar on the corner of Mt. Hope and Cedar St. He has been there for weeks, same corner, same guitar and usually the same clothes. He is always polite, never outwardly asking, just playing the guitar. Most times I drive by, change in my console or a few bucks in my wallet, never have I offered. I think my first instinct was that he may spend it on something other than food or necessity. I figured, someone else will stop. Not this Thursday.
As I approached the light, the familiar sight had a new twist. A sign, very simply stated in all caps, FOOD. I 10 bucks in my pocket, thought about stopping to give him the money outright, but decided rather to get him a meal. I stopped at the local QD and picked up some goods. When I pulled up, he did not rush the car, he turned around, cautiously and wished me a good evening. I offered the bag out the open window and he approached, when we made eye contact I knew that this man had a story. Not a happy one.
He thanked me for the food and started to explain himself, as if he had to validate why he was there. I told me how he attended church daily, praying that someone would just give him a job. He also told me what landed him on this street corner, his family home had been foreclosed on, leaving he, his father and brother, homeless. He was able to stay with friends for a bit, but that welcome wore thin. He told me lots of things, I wished him well and as we parted ways another good person stopped too.
I pulled away, tears in my eyes, thanking god for all that I have and all that I will be. Knowing that could have been me.
We all have many things to celebrate, to be happy for and hopefully not too many things that we need.
If you see someone in need, lend a hand. It will come back around to help you in your time of need.

Happy Spring

Good day all......I am looking out my window enjoying all the beautiful blooms on the trees, the tulips display of vibrant color and all the birds at the feeders. The trees are greener and fuller each day and I am so thankful for the feeling of Spring. All the renewal, fresh and open spaces free of large piles of snow and mush. I did hear a nasty rumor that we may have snow on Monday. UGGH.

Averie turned one on Sunday. We spent the day with family and friends and could not have asked for more perfect weather. Averie was the birthday princess, in her tutu and flashing her sweet smile to whomever looked her way. Shaye, the big sister and super hostess, greeted and thanked everyone for coming. By the way we did not rehearse that, she came up with that herself. Shaye also led us all in the birthday song and ate all the frosting off her cupcake, without eating the cake. I think she gets that from her Grandma Deb.

Other news....I have had two job interviews with Lutheran Social Service for a Case Worker in their Refugee Foster Services. I hope to hear from them soon. I also have a meeting next week with the Humane Society for a potential opportunity there. Cross your fingers and say a little prayer. I need this.

Well we have lots to do around the house today, laundry, and other various cleaning duties. I am waiting for a break in the clouds to take a walk with the kids.

School is going well and work is abundant for Chris! Thank God for opportunity.

Images from Shaye & Averie's Baptism

It is truly a blessing to have your children blessed by the hand of God through the sacrament of Baptism. Duly noted, it is important to capture that moment so your family can reflect on the visual aspect of the sacrament. We are so fortunate to have a dear, family friend that dabbles (LOL) in photography. Please enjoy some of the opportunities she captured and check out her website www.pbsabreena.com.

TGIF

Friday is here! I was wondering if I was going to make it this week. We were spoiled last week by Chris taking some vacation, so all the extra that we did, we did together. I am thankful we are healthy, that the spring buds are peeping up around the neighborhood and my grass is actually green. We do have a rather interesting pattern on the front lawn where we had to re-plant due to grub damage. Nasty little buggers. And the pattern strongly resembles Africa, there is an outline around the continent where grass did not grow. Sort of like the ocean. Maybe I won't replant it. Yey, like Chris will let that happen. He has a standard for 'grass' and an outline in the front yard of Africa does not fit within that standard.
I finished my presentation last night and a fellow class mate tells me...you should be a teacher. Let me finsih one degree at a time. Plus I don't think that I have the patience. My children test that all the time. Shaye's independent streak is not always appreciated for in it's fullness. Although I know that someday I will be happy that she can stand up for herself with confidence and esteem.
Well Averie is indicating that she needs some attention too. These Taures girls!
Well all our love for the Spring weekend. Enjoy!

Presentation reaching completion, reflections on parenting and other useful thoughts

Well...I am finishing up my presentation and calling it good for the night. My eyeballs are burning and I am ready to lay my head down to rest, snuggled against my dear husband and to fall asleep to his breathing, the sounds of my daughter's through the monitor and the other sounds that we try (in vain) to muffle with the fan.
Today was especially challenging....not sure why. I was completely overwhelmed. I am sure that it was due partially to lack of sleep, cabin fever and a toddler that I could not entertain enough. On a positive note...Shaye has conquered the potty. We finally just gave up trying to teach her and let her sort out the details on her own. Once she figured out that she was in control, she took the reigns and is mastering the controls of her inner plumbing.
I will tell you what else I learned today. Your first born is not only a great accomplishment, but an equally great mystery. It is like an experiment that you get right most of the time, trial and error almost everyday. Just crossing your fingers that you don't blow something up. But I am comforted in the fact that my 'faith' is continuing to grow and that I can always muster up the strength to 'fight the good fight' another day. My pillow is calling.
Good night.

Late Night Studies

Trying to get my self together and finish a presentation for school. Some days, after the girls have been particularly busy, I just can not muster up the oomph to get my 'studies' accomplished.
On being a mom.....sometimes I am great, sometimes I am horrible, but usually I am at least good. Being a SAHM for the last 3 years has had its host of trials and tribulations. I have struggled with what is best and often have no clue what direction I am heading in. I am sure that is a common feeling for most parents. Children are definitely uncharted territory, at least that is how I feel with a almost 3 year old and a nearly one year old. Averie will be one on the 20th of this month. I feel like I was just in the hospital, breathing through my contractions while Chris and Julie joked about me and watch TLC. I never realized how fast time actually goes. A friend said to me that it really isn't going any faster, rather I now have something to gage my time by. That being the changes in my children, the growth of my marriage and the changes in my own life. Good point.
Well, enough for the evening. I must get this presentation completed. The girls are fast asleep, Chris is snoring and the dogs are curled up on the clean, folded laundry on the couch (ask me if I care?) Navarra is the only one, resting at my feet. Good dog......
Good night.