Spring Preview

It was another GORGEOUS day. As you can see, the flowers around here are starting to bloom. Spring is coming!!

It was so nice that we ate lunch outside and then played out in the backyard for a couple of hours. I even got to sit in the sun (in a tank top, no less!) with a great book and enjoy reading while my boys dug up dirt and hit baseballs. Reading in the sun has to be my all-time favorite way to relax.





Yesterday Michael & I dressed up and attended the Grand Opening of the winery Ballroom. It was as beautiful as I had anticipated! Michael agreed that they had gone high-class all the way in the building of the facility. The appetizers were high-class as well (although we "supplemented" with dinner at a Chinese restaurant afterward).

I was able to spend a few minutes talking with the owner. She remembered me from the fall and was glad I had come. While she's not going to align herself with just one Wedding Planner, she is keeping a "short list" of preferred vendors. She let me know that because I had come to the Opening, my name would be on the list with a "Wonderful! Great!" after it. Let's just hope that it leads to some clients.

My "fairy/Coast Guard" bride-to-be decided that she can't afford a Wedding Planner after all, so that lead fell through. But I know that God must have more leads on the horizon. I remain optimistic and continue to work hard to market my business!

Tomorrow much may change in my life..... Hmmm, what God can do with just 24 hours....

Interview Update

This morning I had my interview at Juliette's House. While the pay is very low, the hours couldn't be more perfect (assuming, of course, that God allows my business to take off). The interview went well. So well, in fact, that I got a call this afternoon scheduling me for a final interview on Friday morning. I have no idea whether or not I was the only person called back; I know they were paring it down to their favorite one or two candidates for Friday.

I'm excited, but a very mellow excited. I've made it to the second stage of interviews more than once and then been disappointed.

Tomorrow afternoon/evening I'm looking forward to attending the Grand Ballroom opening with Michael. I need to do some serious schmoozing with the owner!!

As Tigger would say, TTFN!
(Ta ta for now)

What Are The Odds??

Today Drew ended up with a doozy of a severe ear infection. I had to get him into the doctor right away. OK, let's be honest.... "right away" in pediatrician terms when you call at noon of the day you need your child to be seen means dinnertime. But I'm getting off track...

While Michael watched Nick, I took Drew to the doctor. As we pulled into the complex, the coffee hut there in the parking lot had a sign by the entrance that read (and I am not making this up...): "Free 16 oz. coffee to the driver of a white Blazer". What??!! I couldn't believe it! It's all I thought about the whole time we were in seeing the doctor. At first I thought, "No, I shouldn't do it; I just had a cup of coffee at home and another one will mean I'll be up really late." However, here is the thought that won out:

"What are the odds that out of every model of car, out of every color of car, they would choose my very car, and on a day when it was totally coincidence that I was anywhere near here? How can I NOT take advantage of that?!"

So once we got back in the car, I headed right for that coffee shack, worried of course that it would be too late and they would be closed. But they were open! I think the guy was just as surprised as I was when I drove up and asked him if the sign was serious. He said I was the only white Blazer that had come by today. And so off I drove with my free nonfat Vanilla Latte. (And no, it never occurred to me to order decaf; I was too excited to think of that.)

I also just got a lead tonight on a bride who is seeking a Wedding Consultant. I quickly emailed her and am anxiously awaiting a reply. If I get this contract, here is where it will be difficult to keep a straight face... the bride loves fairies, and the groom is in the Coast Guard. The bride wants a wedding that incorporates fairies & the Coast Guard together. Wow!

Well, I did call myself No Ordinary Affair, didn't I?.....

Super Saturday

Our "Super Saturday" actually started on Friday night. That night Michael babysat (ahem, had a "Man's Night" with the boys) while I went and played Bunco with my girlfriends. It's been far too long since we've all been together, so we had a blast. The twelve of us are officially making Bunco a monthly activity. I'm so excited! And it was such a blessing to have Michael so genuinely excited for me to get out and "play" with my friends. Although it's no longer such a surprise and new feeling to have someone who encourages and supports my friendships, dreams, ambitions and hobbies, it's something I will never take for granted.

On Saturday morning the boys and I went up to Michael's where we were treated to a huge homemade breakfast. So, so good!! Craig even joined us for a little bit.

Then we went with Michael to look at a house that's in foreclosure. He and I had the same reaction: huge potential; huge, huge amount of work (although work that's right up his alley). For fun, we sat down later in the evening and redesigned the inside of the house on paper. The finished product was pretty cool. There's also a very large barn that would be perfect for a shop. And there's a newer, separate building that was built to be an office or two. It's just the first house we've looked at for him, so we'll see how it all unfolds as we continue looking.

After an hour at a local park where the four of us played, we went to visit Michael's grandma and she took us out for lunch.

We then headed back to Michael's where the boys got to play outside. They also got their first rides on the four-wheeler. Drew was in heaven. He went twice and had such a huge smile on his face.

Nick, on the other hand, wasn't so sure about the whole experience. I think he found other parts of the day more exciting and less scary. Give it a year or two and he'll be begging to do more of that.

Once back inside, we parked the boys in front of a movie while we relaxed and played some games. We invited Craig & Vickie to join us. When they got ready to leave, Vickie insisted on taking the boys back to their house for a while. It gave Michael & I a couple of hours to eat dinner and relax. When we finally went to get the boys, they didn't really want to leave. They enjoy all of the attention Vickie showers on them. I love seeing that.

Last but not least, the Bridal Guide came out with yesterday's newspaper. It was smaller than I had anticipated; however, I was overjoyed to open it up and see that my ad was ON THE FIRST PAGE!! How cool is that?? So now I'm just waiting (and praying) to see if I score any clients off this latest marketing venture.

On a related note, I have no idea who to thank for the Oregon Bridal magazine that was left on my doorstep yesterday. If you left it and you are reading this blog, I just want to say a huge thank you!!! That was so awesome of you! I'm off to read it right now while I'm on the stepper... (Michael promised me we can take dancing lessons together when I lose my next 20 lbs.).

Good Start to the Weekend

I have to tell you... this whole potty-training thing with Nick has been awesome! I haven't had to initiate one single trip to the potty. He is completely self-motivated and doing great.

This morning after we dropped Drew off at school, Nick & I stopped by the grocery store. As I went to get him out, he indicated (with his own brand of "sign language") that he had to go potty. Faster than I could register it, he got out of the car and started to pull down his pants right then and there (let's just say his big brother has been teaching him the benefits of being a boy...). I quickly stopped him and told him we'd run to the bathroom inside the store. I didn't have high hopes of him making it all the way inside, but that's why he wears a Pull-Up, right? Well, my little man surprised me. He made it all the way inside and to the back of the store very calmly, went inside the bathroom and peed in the potty. I was oh so proud.

On quite another note, I got a call yesterday from the Executive Director at Juliette's House and I have an interview scheduled for Tuesday morning at 9:00!!!

One more thing before I go.... can I just say that "Lost" has gotten GREAT this season?!! Did you see it last night?? If you're not a "Lost" fan, you are SO missing out on an awesome show. It would be totally worth it to you to go rent all of the past seasons and jump on board. It is GOOD this season! I think they're making up for all of the weirdness in the last couple of years.

The Joy of Sons

Yesterday's forecast was all wrong. Because the forecaster's were way off base, the boys enjoyed some time out in the backyard again. They played with dirt, with golf clubs, with guns, with sticks... and then paused for this wonderful photo.











Today at lunch Drew looked at me, got a smile on his face and said, "Mom, you're so beautiful." Melted my heart!!

A few minutes later he excused himself to go get some yogurt. Since we have that annoying wall between the kitchen and dining room, I couldn't see what he was doing. However, I heard a bunch of silverware being jostled around. I asked what was going on and he told me that he had decided to clean out the dishwasher for me. Sure enough, he had put away all of the silverware and had the stepladder out so that he could put away the rest of the clean dishes.










Not to be outdone, Nick decided he wanted to help too. So he took on the official job of handing the clean dishes to Drew.


The whole thing was so cute and so sweet. What awesome boys I have!

Tuesday Talk

Well, I did it. I finished my resume, cover letter and interview questions and sent them off this afternoon to Juliette's House for the Family Support Team Coordinator position. The Executive Director emailed me back tonight to let me know they had been received. Yet another potential job in God's hands...

As for that other job I bid on that sounded too good to be true?... well, yeah, it was. Got an email early this morning from the site host that went out to everyone who bid on the job. They wanted to let us know it had been pulled from the site as fraudulent. Oh, well.

Forgot to give you an update on the house. Had potential buyers come both Saturday and Sunday, but no offers materialized. A third set of buyers had been accidentally double-booked for Sunday and apparently my realtor hasn't yet been successful in rescheduling them.

On the cold front, I managed to squeak by with only minor symptoms that are almost 100% gone already. Thank goodness! The boys and Michael are still recuperating.

Have I told you yet about Drew learning to count to ten in Spanish? About two weeks ago he wanted to show me his skills. Let's just say that "siete" (#7) didn't quite come out right..... Give it a minute and I'm sure you'll come up with some semblance of his improper pronunciation. Let's just say that it can't be repeated here on this blog.... I crack up every time I hear it, and I've had him recite his Spanish for Michael, my mom, and my sisters. Michael thinks I'm exploiting him.... and I continue to think it's hilarious. Brenda suggested I borrow someone's camcorder, record it, and send it in to America's Funniest Home Videos to try and win the $10,000 prize. Even Michael had to concede that some forms of exploitation might just be okay after all! :)

Warm February Day

Today was a beautiful prequel to spring, one of those days that brings on spring fever! I was able to enjoy sitting out in the backyard with the boys for a while this afternoon. There's just something about the warmth of the sun... it made me feel better both emotionally and physically (Drew so "generously" shared his cold with Nick, Michael and me). I love it.

On the job front, I keep plugging away. Tomorrow I will submit my resume and screening questions/answers to the local Child Abuse Prevention Agency. We'll see what happens. I also applied for a work-at-home job that sounds too good to be true. Probably is, but it's on a very reputable job bidding site, so we'll see. I'm not holding my breath. I'll let you know what happens.

One exciting bit of news is that last week I received an official invitation to the Grand Opening of that huge winery Grand Ballroom I was so excited about in the fall. Back then I was only able to see the artist's renderings when I met with the owner. Next Wednesday Michael & I will get to see the completed masterpiece in person. I'm so excited... both to see it, and to schmooze with the owners and the other vendors who have been invited. Pretty cool thing to look forward to!

Right now my throat is sore and all I want to do is go to bed. I guess I should be thankful... both Nick and Michael were totally miserable today. At least I've been spared the worst of it so far.... knock on wood!

P.S.
Have I told you that about two weeks ago Nick started potty training himself?? It's been awesome! We have a ways to go yet, but he's managing to stay dry most of the day.... and all completely self-initiated! I'm hoping his speech is next.

True Confessions

It's one of those days where I need a little time to struggle and acknowledge my humanity for a while. I know you're thinking, "What in the world is she talking about??" Well, here's the deal. I'm stressed, depressed and wondering where in the world God is.

There, I said it. And it sounds even worse now that I've written it and it's staring back at me. But one of the best ways for me to get through it is to write about it. It helps me to get my perspective back.

God is silent and I don't know why. One day I will, but right now I don't.

I know it's not His will for His children to be in debt, and yet I am in debt up to my eyeballs and beyond because that's the only way I've been surviving the past few months. One day real soon I won't even be able to pay my credit card payment and then what?...

I know God is there. I know God is able. What I don't know is why He is closing every single door in my attempt to either find a job and/or get clients for my business. All 3 jobs I bid on this past week were awarded to someone else. I now have an opportunity to apply for a P/T Program Coordinator job for a local Child Abuse Prevention Agency. The hours would be perfect if my business were to get off the ground. The pay is a different story. It is extremely low (although the job does come with medical, vacation and sick leave). Apparently they will negotiate the pay depending on experience, so all I can do is interview and see how much higher they are willing to go. If the rate stayed the same, I would net only about $500/mo after taxes and childcare. But right now that's $500/mo more than I have.

On top of that, there was a potential buyer who looked at the house this afternoon. They loved the house, but said it's at the top of their range and they weren't sure if they could get financing. That wasn't surprising.... we know the house is a little overpriced out of necessity. Yet another potential buyer will be looking at the house tomorrow.

I look around and see God providing for others and am not sure where He is in my situation, or in Michael's situation. On Wednesday Michael received some very devastating financial news that was unfair and unjust, to say the least. We joke about getting monogrammed shopping carts and finding the best local bridge to sleep under. I just want to be able to get on here SOON and be able to tell you about the miracles God has done for each of us.

Here's the deal. I know my God is able. I know He loves us. I know anything less than full and complete trust in Him is a slap in the face. So right now, this very second, I am again putting aside my fears and my doubts and my depression and choosing to trust Him. I believe He is going to bring me an income and a way to support my family.

Michael is always such a wonderful encourager. In the midst of all of this he says: It's just money; we have our relationships with God, we have our relationship with each other, I am so blessed with my boys, we have friends and family, and we have chocolate.... so nothing else really matters!

I like his perspective.

BIG FAVOR!!

I have a favor to ask of all of you this weekend...

One week from Saturday, on the 23rd, my ad comes out in the News-Register's annual Bridal Guide. I want to be sure my website is looking its best. I would love to have you go look at it (all 4 pages) and give me your input and suggestions.

Thanks! I owe you one!! :)

www.noordinaryaffair.com

Story in Pictures

On Sunday we wore the boys out. I thought I could tell it best in pictures....

I think the boys were already a little worn out by the time we took them up to Michael's. They had enjoyed playing at church, and then had spent five hours at Tammy's playing with Jordan so that Michael & I could enjoy some couple time.

Just before dinner we decided to take the boys on a walk around Michael's property.

Within the first two minutes, Nick decided to go running full speed ahead... downhill. Needless to say, he ended up going down face-first into the mud. Michael tried to wipe him off. I simply stood there laughing. Sorry, but it was really funny. And it's a mom's privilege to laugh!



While we were by the pond, I spotted a salamander. My (deprived) boys had never seen one before, so they were fascinated by it. Michael picked it up and let Drew touch it and see its bright orange belly. Nick wouldn't come anywhere near it. He kept wanting Michael to throw it into the water. Finally Michael & Drew did release it into the pond.

We then started our walk to go the long way around to the rock quarry. The boys were fascinated by everything they saw (literally, EVERYTHING), but especially by the fact that we were following deer tracks.

At some point each of them got their feet tangled up a couple of times by the blackberry vines trailing across the road.

We then reached the backside of the quarry, the "giant dirt hill". When we told the boys that we were going to climb up the 30 or so foot hill of mud and gravel, Drew freaked out (see my Monday devotional on http://devotionalgems.blogspot.com). When he finally decided on his own that he could do this, he went after it with gusto. We gladly cheered him on from the bottom as he made his way with determination up to the top. I was so proud of him!




Once the rest of us joined him up top, Drew took a moment to sit and enjoy the fruits of his labors... the gorgeous view and the pride of his accomplishment.

We walked the boys through the quarry and let them throw rocks for a while in another pond before heading back to Michael's in the twilight to make dinner.

Let's just say that the boys slept REALLY GOOD that night.

Another Job Try

Late last night I submitted a bid for another job. (Yes, a bid/proposal, not an application; it was on a job site where you bid for jobs from employers who post them.)

Anyway, this would be a Virtual Assistant position for a new Missionary Ministry that is based in Thailand (with a Board of Directors in Illinois). It would start out as part-time (working from home), but they anticipate it going full-time as the ministry grows and they acquire more missionaries.



I checked out their website prior to bidding on the job and was extremely impressed with everything. Right now their primary focus is on helping girls/women in Bangkok who are caught in prostitution and the sex-slave industry.

I try not to get too excited when I apply for yet another job, but I couldn't help it this time... I got very excited at the possibility.

So now you have one more thing to pray with me about!

Breath of Fresh Air!

OK, you can finally stop looking for the "perfect" air freshener.... behold, I give you AirWick's 2 in 1 Papaya & Mango!

I have tried them all, including Oust and NeutraAir... you know, the ones that are supposed to neutralize the odors instead of covering them up. All I have to say to that is, "Yeah, right!" But I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir here.

Michael has this air freshener in his bathroom. Not only does it cover the entire odor, but the bathroom smells awesome. For some reason WalMart doesn't carry this brand (go figure!). But yesterday Michael surprised me by going to WinCo and buying me my own. (I think he too was tired of my lame-excuse-for-an-air-freshener air fresheners.)

Who would have ever thought that after someone went in the bathroom to do their duty, you'd actually WANT to go in the bathroom when they were done to breathe in the great-smelling air?? Well, my friends, step into my bathroom and breathe deep....

Congratulations, Air Wick! And I thank you from the bottom of my heart...

God's Got a Plan

Am I cocky?

Strange question, I know. But here's the deal...

This week I was supposed to hear back from both potential employers as to whether or not I was being offered a job. It never occurred to me that I wouldn't be offered either job. On the contrary, I was more worried about the dilemma of being offered both jobs, or being offered the State job and not the Adoption job.

I'm really not cocky. Anyone who knows me knows that. I simply know what I was like as a professional, I know that I was always the "pet" in the workplace and that I was always known for being the most efficient worker there. It never occurred to me that someone else wouldn't know that, or that my being out of the workforce for 4 years would play into anything, or that maybe there is no one left at any of my past jobs who could vouch for me, or that my being 40 could factor into things.

Who knows what happened. However, both jobs failed to materialize. On the State job, I have no doubt that one of the two very qualified social workers who already worked in that office was offered the job. And that's as it should be. On the adoption job, the Director let me know today that she is going to be interviewing one last person and that she anticipates being able to hire that person because they possess the one thing I don't.... experience in the adoption field. The Director did say that if she feels after the interview that the other person would not be a good fit, she will offer me the job instead. So don't quit praying for a miracle in the next several days!! At the same time, I'm trying to be a realist and to prepare myself for the fact that the job is not to be for me.

God's got a plan. We keep reminding ourselves of that. He does have a plan. Why I'm not yet privy to the details, I don't know. I sure hope He reveals something soon.

Michael & I did decide last weekend that I should "go for it" and buy a 1/4 page ad in the local Bridal Guide that is being published next month by the News-Register. Good thing we made that decision! It was risky because I had to put it on a credit card. However, like Michael said, we could always have a garage sale to cover the cost of the ad if it doesn't land me any clients. The ad itself is beautiful (full color!) and I can't wait to see it come out. Along with the price, I also get to be listed online (in full color) for an entire year. The one thing I've always been lacking is a way to get to the brides. This is it.

My other big project this week has been the playroom. Nick loves to go down and just demolish the room... overturn every toy bin, empty the bookshelves, use the art supplies on the walls, etc. Enough was enough. Michael suggested that I box up almost all of the toys... leaving them with very few... and put them all in his shop for now.

I went a step further. The boys have WAY too many things. So I have been painstakingly going through each and every toy. I've had 3 distinct piles: 1) Goodwill, 2) Trash, 3) Boxed up for storage at Michael's. It has been interesting to say the least. The boys haven't necessarily liked my decisions on what stays, what goes, what goes permanently, what gets trashed, etc. But it will teach them a valuable lesson. I have a goal to finish up what's left this weekend while they're at Matt's.

Anybody need some toys??..... :)