Maybe a Job?

I am blessed that I have been able to stay home with Kaleb since he was born. It has definitely been a sacrifice, but one that is well worth it. I love him to pieces, so being with him brings me joy.

Actually I do work, I just don't get paid. I do all of the bookkeeping for Keith's company, as well as my mother-in-law's. It saves the company money, and once in a while they send me to the spa. Plus, it helps to keep my brain sharp and makes me feel useful!

Anyway, for about the past year I have been really missing working...outside the home. I miss getting dressed in more than jeans or sweats. I miss grown-up interaction. I miss the feeling of being something other than "Kaleb's mom." I miss having a paycheck with my name on! And I really miss the extra things that really aren't very important, but make life a little nicer...things we have had to cut from our budget as business has slowed, like mani/pedi's, Starbucks, shopping, etc.

Now that Kaleb is in preschool I have the time to work. He is really happy at school, so there is zero guilt about leaving him there. He is definitely in good company. I have been keeping my eye out for opportunities that could fit my qualifications. Even though I am a teacher, I have not been looking much in that field because of the current state of education in California. I have focused more on my business background.

I did, however, apply for a job last month through the Department of Education as a Title I tutor for disadvantaged children in foster and group homes. I didn't expect to hear anything and actually had almost forgotten about.

And then today Kaleb's school passed out information regarding new extended hours...I was excited because it gives me a bit more flexibility when applying for jobs. Even more exciting...I just got an email that they would like me to call and schedule an interview for the tutor job!

I love the timing of things....God has funny ways of showing me that he actually is listening!

...fingers crossed :)

PLEASE HELP OUR TROOPS!

OPERATION SANDTRAP

Our close friend, SSG Pete Neally deployed to Iraq 2 weeks ago on his third tour of duty with the United States Army. He will be away from his family for a year in service to our great country.

Pete and Keith went to high school together. They both joined the army after high school. Pete was the Best Man in our wedding. Pete reenlisted in the army about 4 years ago. His wife, Kerri, is awesome! They have 5 children ranging from age 6 to 20. Imagine your husband being away for a year...

Before Pete deployed he asked Keith to round up some golf clubs and balls to send overseas for the troops to use on their downtime. Well....I took the mission from Keith and ran with it. I am amazed at the generosity of people. I have collected almost 200 golf clubs and thousands of balls.

This is where you can help: Shipping all of these items will be very expensive. I completely understand that times are tough...trust me, we are pinching every penny in this house. Would you please consider donating even $5 for shipping costs? Any amount is very much appreciated!

Please share this information with as many people as possible! Thank you in advance on behalf of Pete and his family!

To Donate: please email me at: opsandtrap@gmail.com

My Good Samaritan

This weekend Keith and I rented a Harley and headed out to Palm Springs for a Social Distortion concert. It was so nice to have a whole night to ourselves.

We went out to a nice dinner, the concert was awesome, and the ride was exhilarating!

Sunday, after we returned the bike we picked up Kaleb from Grandma's house and made our way home. We were tired and really grungy from the ride.

We stopped at the gas station near our house to fill up. There, a man asked Keith if we had a jack. His car had a flat.

Now, we did have a jack, but to get to it meant unloading the back of the car and lifting up the carpet to get into the compartment where all the tools were. It was kind of a pain.

Honestly, if it were me I'm not sure what I would have done. I'd like to think I would help but I can't say so 100%.

I could see those same thoughts going through Keith's mind, and then I watched as he dug through everything and started to help.

It turned out to be about a 1/2 hour job....just as he was finishing helping, he noticed the man's wife and new baby in the car. He didn't know they were there when he agreed to help.

Anyway...I know I write a lot of posts where I make fun of Keith and the things he does or says, but I also want to give him credit for being a good Samaritan and taking time to help someone in need. It is one of his best qualities. I could rattle of dozens of stories in which he has helped people without getting anything in return.

I love you, babe! May we all follow your example!

Kalebisms

I have been meaning to keep a list of the funny things that come out of Kaleb's mouth. I have no idea where he learns these expressions, but lately he is full of them. We call them "Kalebisms." Here are just a few:

*I was telling Kaleb about my day and he said, "hmm, that's interesting."

*I told Kaleb he couldn't actually climb walls like Spiderman and he said, "oooh, can't I?"

*Kaleb and Kyle were floating on a raft in the pool. He put both arms under his head and said, "this is the life."

*I asked Kaleb what he wanted for breakfast. He rolled his eyes, sighed, and said, "I ALREADY told you! Aren't you listening?"

I'm just sayin.....

If your shorts are so short that you need a bikini wax before you can safely wear them, they might just be too short.


I'm just sayin...


***the preceding post was inspired by the girl in front of me in class at the gym today. Yikes!

Dear Jon & Kate

Please stop! Just, for the love of the Lord Almighty, stop!

It is sickening to watch you two duke it out on every magazine cover, talk show, and news program that will have you.

You have 8 children, for craps sake. Are you both naive enough to think they will never see or hear this stuff?

Just knock it off.

As a mother and a child of divorce, I am pleading with you to suck it up, get over it, and be civil for your "multiple blessings' " sake. Remember them: Cara, Madelyn, Alexis, Hannah, Aaden, Collin, Leah and Joel? You wrote a book about them. I wasted $10 to come see Kate speak at my church (I'm still pissed at what a waste of time and money that was).

Kate: You really blew it when you cut off Jon's balls and put them in your purse. Then you apparently switched purses and lost his balls all together. What do you expect to happen when you emasculate your husband? Lesson number one in how to treat a man is to LET him BE a man!

Jon: WTF dude? Do you honestly think any of these chickadoos with big boobies would be throwing themselves at you if you were just plain old Jon Gosselin? Hardly. You are acting like a petulant child.

OK, you two...understand? If you need an example to look to, see Bruce and Demi.

Thank you.