Just call me.... Suzie Homemaker?

Since my hubby and I got married, I've struggled with what to do with myself. I've worked my entire life, from the age of 13, I started babysitting every day after school. 

Immediately after getting married, I quit my job to stay home with the kids. I love being at home, but I had this weird, guilty feeling that I needed to be earning money. I have sold Mary Kay, knock off handbags, Discovery Toys, and even worked in a Daycare for a while. But in the end, I am at home again. 

For a while, I studied to get my AA in Early Childhood Education. Although, I've only completed a quarter, I don't think that's the right fit for me anymore. After running a daycare in my home for about a year and a half, I have come to the realization that I really don't like other people's kids. LMAO So, going into a field where I'd have to teach other people's kids... um... may not work. 

By the end of October, my daycare will be closed. I'm wrapping my head around being a full fledged Homemaker. I don't know what I will do with myself yet. I used to enjoy sewing and knitting, so I'm going to try those again. Maddi will be enrolled in preschool and other classes. I need to find some hobbies!

I'm Baaaaaaaack!

This has been one of the craziest / weirdest summers for our family!

Starting with my hubby losing his job at the end of May... it's now beginning of September and he's just started working yesterday! Then helping Hannah out of her situation in Cayman. And of course, last but not least, Josh visiting for the summer (not nearly long enough).

So, things are calming down for us a bit... 

Hannah starts school on Thursday. She's torn about starting school again, but I think she'll get right back into the swing of things. It's her senior year! I can't believe it! When I first met her, she was 12 years old, and very timid. What a beautiful young woman she's turning into!

I am starting an in-home daycare, Little Frogs and Pollywogs! Unfortunately, I can't pursue it too quickly because in our State, daycare's need to be licensed. And there is this orientation that I'm required to attend... but it's always full! I'm on waiting lists for October, but I'll definitely be able to do it in January. Unbelievable!

My little Maddi is growing up so fast! She's going to be two next week! Right now, she's sporting a fat lip from splitting it open last week. I hate looking at it... I can actually feel pain when I do! She's saying more words and phrases... sometimes it shocks me when she says something like "No, not at all" when asked if she likes something... um, do you hear the sarcasm at age two?

Timing is Everything

The day before leaving for our Las Vegas vacation, my hubby was laid off from his job. This is the same job I spoke of earlier that wanted to change his status to part time... the same people who told him after that, if they had to downsize, he would be one of the last to go.

He has expressed his being bored with this job anyway... he set up so many automated processes and works towards lean processes, employment, manufacturing, he kind of worked himself out of a job.

This isn't necessarily bad timing... I think because we're on vacation while looking for a job for him, we aren't as stressed about it. And he is so marketable, I think he'll find something... hopefully, sooner rather than later.

So, if you're reading this and you hear of a CFO/Controller type position, please email me. We are currently in the Seattle area, but are willing to relocate for the right job.

Meanwhile, we're drinking plenty! <- Maybe this is why we're not so stressed! Maddi is loving the lazy river... more to come on that!

You're Fired!

Back in January, I was fired from a job for the very first time in my life. The funny part is, I quit 2 times prior to that! It was a mutual departure, none-the-less. At the time, I was struggling with depression and anxiety, not to mention the fight to keep my family intact was a losing battle. So, working wasn't quite in my cards! Now, I'm sure you're wondering why I was fired... it was an honest, stupid mistake that could have happened to anyone in the same situation! So, I was fired with a rehirable status... YAY!

I received a phone call from my old boss... yes, the same one who fired me... to see if I wanted to come back in a different position. I've been so excited about this, because I'm studying to get my AS in Early Childhood Education... and this particular job is PERFECT! The timing is better, and so-on-and-so-forth.

Last night, I got a call from the same old boss to let me know there has been a mistake and I'm not "rehirable" after all. I am very bummed about this... I miss the kids, my co-workers, and a purpose each day. She is very angry by this realization and is trying to work around it. Meanwhile, I've basically been fired again... before I even started!

While dealing with this, I'm also frustrated with the process of flying my stepchildren home from living with their "mother" in the Cayman Islands. She is making every step of these arrangements as difficult as possible... ranging from requiring so much time between layovers, to unaccompanied minor issues (these issues are in her own head), all the way to completely refusing to pay any portion of the children's airfare. My husband has certain rights under WA state law that prohibits her from keeping his children from him... maybe, she needs to read up on family law a little more. Over the past couple of years, I've researched this so much, I should be studying to be a paralegal!

At this time, I think we're buying one-way tickets for both kids just to get them home. We'll have to figure out the return flight for Josh later. I know she's doing this because she doesn't want Josh to see his father at all... apparently, she can be mom and dad? Who needs their father, right? WRONGO BUCKO!

Good times! Thank God, we leave for vacation next Wednesday!

A Blessing in Disguise?

Economy strikes... tough days ahead... my hubby just found out today that his employer can only afford to employ him part time. I'm trying very hard to see the silver lining. Especially with our never-ending attorney's fees (thanks to my hubby's lovely ex).

Dale is bored with his job anyway and would really like to start his own consulting business. It's not something we would have chosen to do right now... and really, it's never a good time to take that kind of risk. Maybe it's time, whether we like it or not?

Positive thoughts, positive thoughts, positive thoughts...

We have always made it through in the past, so I know we'll be okay. I just worry so much about how we'll do it. Dale is so marketable as a Controller/CFO, he'll find something. He'd like to do consulting work along those lines... I think there are a lot of companies that can't afford to have one on staff, so this could work... right?

Send more positive thoughts my way... PLEASE!