On my mind

1. Home improvement projects: the holidays are coming up which means entertaining and family and cooking and kids off of school. Gary and Will just laid the new floor and new pedestal sink in our downstairs half bath. Now I need to paint the walls and trim.
   Other improvements that need to be done are:

• toe molding put in everywhere downstairs
• LR ceiling painted
• LR walls painted
• Baseboards put in the quiet room downstairs
• all trim and doors downstairs need to be painted
  
• tub and tile ripped out of the master bathroom
• new surround and tub put in to the MB
• old vanities and linen closet ripped out of MB
• new double vanity put in which includes rewiring, moving plumbing, and knocking down walls.

2. My Premier Business: I have had 4 people cancel their parties this month and I am getting very frustrated. I must keep the faith. I am trying to not let it affect me but October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. I decided to donate 10% of the proceeds of my parties to the Susan G. Komen foundation in my Aunt Sis's name since she is a breast cancer survivor. I was very excited about how many shows I had on my calendar to make this successful. It is more than just being upset about loss of income or new contacts. I was really happy to be giving to something greater than me. I wanted to do this for her. Aunt Sis lost one of her breasts and had to have reconstructive surgery. It was scary, it was hard, but she made it. How many people don't?

3. Gary starts working in Quantico, VA June 1st: Do we go? Do we stay? Do we sell our house? Do we rent down there? Questions, sooo many questions.

4. Sarah is looking for houses: My SIL lives next door to me. They sold their house, didn't know where they were going to end up, and ended up renting the house next door. Sometimes, our stress becomes each others stress. She is consumed with house hunting which means I hear about it all the time which shouldn't be stressful but she talks about us moving too with her or close to her. Since I don't have answers to my questions, this sometimes confuses and frustrates me.

5. I'm thinking about having another baby: There you go, I said it. No, I am not pregnant. I could list a million reasons why I am contemplating this but honestly it's none of cyberspaces' business! I am researching having a girl. I am completely happy with my 4 beautiful boys! I am content with my family. I feel that the Lord wants me to put my faith in him and try for a baby girl. Please think pink for me!

6. Gary is taking his last 2 classes for his Bachelor's: IF he finishes these 2 classes, IF he passes these 2 classes, and IF we don't kill each other in the process you are all invited to a HUGE graduation celebration!!! Not kidding! Mark your calendars!

7. I've been contemplating homeschooling: As if my life weren't stressful enough. I love homeschooling. There are a million reasons why I feel homeschooling is useful, valuable, and most beneficial for my children. I also miss my little guys when they are away. I want to protect them and make them happy and help them work through and deal with their stresses. However, I can say this is one answer I have gotten as of late. Gary and I both feel that they should stay where they are right now. We are both pleased and at peace with their elementary school and their progress. Prayer has helped confirm this in our hearts and I can now rest easy knowing that while my desire is noble, it is not the time. Zechariah has had some difficulties but he is working through them. He needed to learn how to deal with these frustrations. I am very proud of him.

8. My mom is finally moving! Mom has sold her house (well almost-closing is Nov 1st) My brothers and I have once again rallied together to help pack her up and move her out. Chris spent a weekend pulling stuff out of the shed and attic to see how much we were dealing with. Then Jason and Teri spent the next weekend packing like crazy and got most everything in boxes. They are amazing!!! I will leave next Monday to help direct the loading and moving of the household goods as well as clean the house before closing. I will drive down Monday, and be back Friday for Fall festival at school, Trunk or Treat and other Halloween festivities.

9. Where is Mom going to stay? Gary's Aunt Nancy invited mother to stay with her until she decides where she wants to be. I hope Mom will decide to stay up here but that choice has to be made by her. I offered for her to stay here with us but she kinda isn't looking forward to sharing a bathroom with 4 little boys. Why not? :) Still I stress out because I want her to be happy. And no matter where she goes, Aunt Nancy's or my house, I've still got A LOT of rearranging of furniture to do. When will I do that? UGH!

10. The holidays: I LOVE Christmas. But since the divorce it has been forever painful. Having my mom and dad together in the same room is like watching a time bomb go off. It's awful. Throw in that mix my Dad's wife, FORGET IT!!!
This Christmas, my sweet baby boy turns 8 and will be baptized.
All the family will be here. = drama
(I started to rant and rave further but have decided to delete and stop there-sigh)

So now you know. I've got a lot on my mind. So here it is cyberworld/ journal.
What do you think?