I've been authorized to quit my job

When I decided to share my plan with Stacey, I though I might meet some resistance. Well, I got quite the opposite. I was basically told I could quit my job ASAP and we'd figure it out. Ok, so my husband is a gung-ho kind of guy and this plan will require a bit more, uhm, planning. Without further ado, here's my list of things to be doing in the next few weeks. Realistically, I'd like to quit about Feburary/March but I know Stacey would like this to come sooner.

1. Put together a "Val at home" budget and review with Stacey
2. Move Stacey's overtime pay into saving account to also be used for extra money we get selling items on CL, rebates, side work, etc
3. Work on killer CL childcare ad. I figure I'll take in 1-2 toddler/preschool age kids for money and playmates for Chloe and Benjamin. I'm looking to say over 12 months in age and ideally not in diapers (but I won't hold my breath)
4. Find preschool/home school resources I can use.
   
5. Take infant/child/adult CPR class (11/19 $52)

I'm sure I'll have more to add...

Kids look bigger in fall clothes

Well, fall is coming and that means it's time to get out the warmer clothes. Chloe spent the summer in underpants, shorts and t-shirts, and sundresses. Benjamin spent most of the summer in his diaper.

I was excited to get Chloe's things out because I had been collecting from clearance racks, friends, and garage sales for two years now. Seeing these clothes again was fun.

Now that the kids are in them, they look, well too old. Much older than being on the verge of 1 and 4. The jeans look impossibly long for Chloe but fit her perfectly. And clothes on Benjamin make him look like a boy and not my sweet little baby.

And while I hear Chloe talking non-stop, I almost missed Benjamin's words: hi, bye, ball, dad. He talks in gurgles, grunts, and this funny bubble type voice.

As much as I love watching my kids grow up, expand their minds and face new challenges, seeing them get older before I'm ready breaks my heart a little.

Yea for hot water

The new part came, it works and we have hot water. Too bad this week has worn me out so much I can barely think about the dishes that have been sitting all week. Not the mention the countless McD meals we've eaten trying to avoid dishes. This family will be loading up on fruits and veggies stat!

I had a great night with the kids. We hit Babies R Us where I rocked the sling and got lots of questions about it (take that, over priced strollers!) for some baby/eco friendly diapers then off to Costco for some much needed groceries.

Chloe is such a cool kid. She's funny and kind, smart and resourceful, clever and witty. She is in love with babies and would shout "Hey, can I touch your baby!" at anyone who passed by with an infant. I guess babies, like toys, are more fun when they are not yours. That's not to say she doesn't love Benjamin b/c she's such a great big sister.

I really need to pray more often for patience. A little extra effort on my part really brings out the best in my daughter, and myself.

My dream...

I want to home school my kids. I want to quit working and stay home with them. The more preschool I do with Chloe, the more I want to do. I think I could do it. I think I would excel at it. I think it would make our family stronger and alleviate the stress I have over the children's education. It would also make us a more portable family unit.

The issue? Money. While Stacey is the primary breadwinner, I'm not far behind. Pair that will our comfy lifestyle and there you go. We have a mortgage and two new cars on lease.

I am hoping that our house sells (it's back on the market), we can find a nice place with reasonable rent and ditch one of the cars when the leases come up (2010 sadly). That or win the lottery. I'd take either. Of course that would mean I'd have to play and I'm too cheap for that. I have worked to cut out extra spending. We no longer have satellite TV and while we now have YMCA membership, I did ditch my gym membership and the Y would fit into my home school curriculum. I try and keep us spending reasonably, but the big three really get us.

Until that day comes, and I feel that it will, I will continue to home school Chloe and enjoy the time I do spend with my family. I used to enjoy working and while I like my job, the appeal of being home becomes greater and greater each day. I've been formulating various scenarios (aka plots) in my head.

On a happier note

Certified Professional Midwives are now free to legally deliver babies in the state of Missouri!!!

Midwifery legal in Missouri

Midwives brace for future battle

Raising your spirited child - Ch 1 & 2

spirited children are normal children who are more

Characteristics:

Intensity
Persistence
Sensitivity - to noise, smell, light, sound, textures, changes in mood (in others)
Perceptiveness - notice everything, everything distracts
Adaptability - uncomfortable with change

Lesser characteristics:

Regularity - impossible to get on schedule
Energy
First Reaction - need to warm up to new things, places, people
Mood - serious, analytical

Creed for parents of spirited children
1. You are not alone
2. You did not make your child spirited
3. You are not powerless
4. You have permission to take care of yourself
5. You may celebrate and enjoy the delights of your spirited child

Be careful when labeling - see positive aspects of challenging traits and help others to do the same

Raising your spirited child - Greetings

I'm so glad I found this book. I really hope it will help me be a better and more patient mother for Chloe. She really is a wonderful gem.

Spirited, not difficult

these children are MORE; more intense, sensitive, persistent, perceptive - traits we value in adulthood

progress, not perfection