I have had so many other things I was going to blog about in the past few weeks, but worry has gotten the best of me. I know, I know, worrying does no good, especially about things that have not happened yet, but it is what I do best. What I have always done best. It is a trait passed down to me from my mother.
The poor economy has sent me into a tailspin. So many people are losing their jobs. I have lost half of my income in the daycare business since October. That's about a $10K hit with just me alone. Chris talks of downsizing in his company. One person has already been laid off/let go. Just today, four others were reduced down from 5 days a week of work to 4 days a week. That is the plan for his company for the next 12 months and hopefully Chris's customers will keep him busy enough that he is invaluable to the company. He is one of the busier customer service/sales reps in his office. That's a good thing.
A few days ago every thought I had was consumed with what ifs. What if he were to be cut to part time hours? Well, I can tell you what if. We could possibly lose everything we own with just an 8 hour reduction in salary for him. It wouldn't be so bad if the childcare business would pick up but I have not had a single call since October. Not a single one. We are just barely making it now. Each month leaves me wondering who will get paid and who won't. Not a good feeling. Especially since I have family as cosigners on two of our loans.
Two older people stepped up at his work and offered to have their hours slashed as a result of the poor economy. I know NO ONE can really AFFORD to lose money, but these two wouldn't be hit half as hard as we would be. They are older with no children at home anymore. I want to kiss them. That was very noble of them to do that in an effort to spare others. I hope they won't be out of a 5 day week for too long.
If the economy doesn't improve, what becomes of all the people out of work and unable to pay their bills? Do they/we all become homeless, wandering the streets in search of our next meal and bed? It is a thought I don't want to have. I only hope and pray for everyones sake that things improve quickly. I hear it will only get worse. I know it has been worse in the past and now we, the 30 something generation, are facing what our parents faced so many years ago. It is scary. We have had it so good for so long. Now its time to pay the piper.
While we wait I will continue to pray that things on the Toler home front remain as is. No more lost income and if anything, maybe I will get a phone call or two for childcare. One can only hope.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Saturday, January 3, 2009
You Know You've Been to a Party When...
...the cops get called and clothes start coming off! Before I go any further with that, let me just say a few things. This was a Disciples Women's Meeting for our church at a friends house, spouses and children were invited, and there were no alcoholic beverages at the event. So... what you may ask can I possible mean by that first sentence? Let me explain.
Around 5:30pm my family headed to Lisa's house for a "get together/meeting" for our Disciples Women's group. Most of the members and their families were not there since a lot of them have had or currently have that awful stomach virus that is sweeping through Lynchburg. Lisa, her hubby and two girls, and Nannette, her hubby and her three children, one being only 6 months old were in attendance. We had a great time eating and talking. Watching the kids play Wii bowling and just hanging out enjoying each others company. The children, ranging in age from 4-8, headed downstairs to the playroom. Not too long afterward, we hear a knock at the door. David answers to find a Deputy inquiring about a domestic dispute. He asks to speak to the lady of the house as well. Uh, stunned looks enter at this point. The deputy proceeds to say that a juvenile had called 911 and said that their mommy and daddy were fighting. More stunned looks at this point. Lisa asks the Deputy if he can head downstairs, David and I following closely behind. I figured my child was behind this, and being the type of Mommy I am, was ready to whip some little behinds at this point. Questions are asked, and oh, I wish I had pulled my camera out for the looks on the faces. PRICELESS. Denial is going around the room like wildfire. Finally, Maia, my never do wrong child, comes forward to say she did it by accident because she thought the phone was a toy. I must say, it was a princess phone and did look rather toy like so I could see how the mistake was made. She is cowering at my leg just shaking like a little leaf. You could smell the fear. Poor thing. I had to stifle a laugh. A. I figured the deputy would not think it funny, and B. Well, what kind of example would I be setting If I let loose with the laugh I had inside me? (It's hard being a mom sometimes and doing the right thing!)
The Deputy was really nice about the "incident", and we explained why you don't pretend to call 911 and how it takes a cop away from a "real" call. The deputy said the dispatcher called back and got a busy signal, and with all the noise the kids were making downstairs when the call was placed, it is no wonder they rushed out there. He actually said he stepped up the pace to get there. TOO FUNNY! If you knew Lisa and David (HI LISA!!!) you would know why the thought of them in a domestic dispute is just too funny for words. Drama over, kids went back to playing, Deputy probably had something interesting to talk about the rest of the evening, and adults got a real good laugh upstairs.
About an hour later, Maia and Harrison come running back up the stairs to announce that another child in attendance (names withheld to protect privacy :-) ) was taking their pants off. Parent of said child goes flying down the stairs to correct the situation. More laughs from adults.
Never in all my life did I think my children would provide me with such entertainment in such a short span of time like they did tonight. Now, Lisa is probably the talk of her neighborhood and I actually have something funny to blog about for a change! It was real Lisa! We HAVE to do it again sometimes. I bet those ladies won't miss another meeting when the realize all the fun they missed out on!!
Around 5:30pm my family headed to Lisa's house for a "get together/meeting" for our Disciples Women's group. Most of the members and their families were not there since a lot of them have had or currently have that awful stomach virus that is sweeping through Lynchburg. Lisa, her hubby and two girls, and Nannette, her hubby and her three children, one being only 6 months old were in attendance. We had a great time eating and talking. Watching the kids play Wii bowling and just hanging out enjoying each others company. The children, ranging in age from 4-8, headed downstairs to the playroom. Not too long afterward, we hear a knock at the door. David answers to find a Deputy inquiring about a domestic dispute. He asks to speak to the lady of the house as well. Uh, stunned looks enter at this point. The deputy proceeds to say that a juvenile had called 911 and said that their mommy and daddy were fighting. More stunned looks at this point. Lisa asks the Deputy if he can head downstairs, David and I following closely behind. I figured my child was behind this, and being the type of Mommy I am, was ready to whip some little behinds at this point. Questions are asked, and oh, I wish I had pulled my camera out for the looks on the faces. PRICELESS. Denial is going around the room like wildfire. Finally, Maia, my never do wrong child, comes forward to say she did it by accident because she thought the phone was a toy. I must say, it was a princess phone and did look rather toy like so I could see how the mistake was made. She is cowering at my leg just shaking like a little leaf. You could smell the fear. Poor thing. I had to stifle a laugh. A. I figured the deputy would not think it funny, and B. Well, what kind of example would I be setting If I let loose with the laugh I had inside me? (It's hard being a mom sometimes and doing the right thing!)
The Deputy was really nice about the "incident", and we explained why you don't pretend to call 911 and how it takes a cop away from a "real" call. The deputy said the dispatcher called back and got a busy signal, and with all the noise the kids were making downstairs when the call was placed, it is no wonder they rushed out there. He actually said he stepped up the pace to get there. TOO FUNNY! If you knew Lisa and David (HI LISA!!!) you would know why the thought of them in a domestic dispute is just too funny for words. Drama over, kids went back to playing, Deputy probably had something interesting to talk about the rest of the evening, and adults got a real good laugh upstairs.
About an hour later, Maia and Harrison come running back up the stairs to announce that another child in attendance (names withheld to protect privacy :-) ) was taking their pants off. Parent of said child goes flying down the stairs to correct the situation. More laughs from adults.
Never in all my life did I think my children would provide me with such entertainment in such a short span of time like they did tonight. Now, Lisa is probably the talk of her neighborhood and I actually have something funny to blog about for a change! It was real Lisa! We HAVE to do it again sometimes. I bet those ladies won't miss another meeting when the realize all the fun they missed out on!!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
About New Years Resolutions...
I don't typically make them, simply because, I know that I will be unable to keep them. No matter how good my intentions in the past, the ones made to lose weight, eat better, cut out coke/pepsi as my main source of hydration, etc, etc, etc., I have NEVER been able to keep ONE SINGLE RESOLUTION. This year, I may have to change that. Today, I spent the better part of my day trying to balance the checkbook. I had not TOUCHED it since sometime the beginning of October. By this I mean, I had not entered a single transaction, balanced the thing, or anything having to do with keeping track of my money. I chose to live in fantasy land where there is always plenty of money in there and that it will miraculously take care of itself for me. Well, I found out today that that didn't happen. I managed to get it balanced through the end of November and then had to stop for the day for fear that my brain would explode from looking at numbers for hours on end. Boy, do you really see the error of your ways when you are entering in all the random transactions. Ours are very heavy on the eating out end. Target is also a very very bad place for me to go unattended.
This being said, my New Years Resolution is to balance the checkbook at the very minimum, once a week, preferable Friday or Saturday. I hope I can keep this one. Maybe if I do, things will improve in our financial life in 2009.
This being said, my New Years Resolution is to balance the checkbook at the very minimum, once a week, preferable Friday or Saturday. I hope I can keep this one. Maybe if I do, things will improve in our financial life in 2009.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Lessons Learned in 2008
As 2009 moves in on us, I thought I would take a moment to note the lessons I have learned in 2008.
There are really really GOOD people in this world ~ Total strangers have banded together, in response to my "All I Want for Christmas" blog, and started work on my bathroom. Free of Charge. In their Free time. How nice is that? My friend Sarah, and her hubby Jeff, attend One Community Church here in town, and Sarah got her small group to give this to us as a gift. I can NEVER repay this group for doing this for me out of the goodness of their hearts. All I can do is pay it forward somehow. When the opportunity presents itself for me to do that, I will. As they make progress, I will post on it. Look for more on that subject in the future. Religion gets such a bad rap in the press, but I plan on correcting that soon. These people ROCK! Thank you Sarah for being such a good friend to us!
No matter how much money I make, I will always be broke ~ Before I had kids I made a decent salary and still managed to be broke, most of the time. I still work, though the type of work has changed dramatically, the salary has remained about the same. I don't work outside of the home, but run a daycare from my home. The money I save on gas, clothing, lunches out, childcare for my kids, etc, pretty much evens things out for me. Not to mention the tax deductions I can take for operating a business from my home. Bottom line is the same, I am still broke. I am convinced that if I made a million a year, I would STILL be broke.
Family counts more than anything ~ they are the ones who will stick by you through thick and thin. I have had some baaaaddd moments that all started right at the very beginning of 2008 and my family really stepped up to help us out this year. I only hope that one day I will be able to return the favor.
Question things, but never be afraid to take a chance ~ A few things have come up recently that made me ask a lot of questions. I won't divulge because Chris has asked me not too. It involves my child. We had to make a decision about the best way to handle a situation and after asking a lot of questions, we decided to dive in head first. It turns out to be the best decision we could have possibly made. Total turn around in the life of one little boy that I think will help him excel in his life. Had I not been willing to take that leap of faith into the unknown, I would have been doing him a HUGE injustice.
Hope you all learned something from 2008 and that 2009 brings you lots of opportunity to grown and change for the better! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
There are really really GOOD people in this world ~ Total strangers have banded together, in response to my "All I Want for Christmas" blog, and started work on my bathroom. Free of Charge. In their Free time. How nice is that? My friend Sarah, and her hubby Jeff, attend One Community Church here in town, and Sarah got her small group to give this to us as a gift. I can NEVER repay this group for doing this for me out of the goodness of their hearts. All I can do is pay it forward somehow. When the opportunity presents itself for me to do that, I will. As they make progress, I will post on it. Look for more on that subject in the future. Religion gets such a bad rap in the press, but I plan on correcting that soon. These people ROCK! Thank you Sarah for being such a good friend to us!
No matter how much money I make, I will always be broke ~ Before I had kids I made a decent salary and still managed to be broke, most of the time. I still work, though the type of work has changed dramatically, the salary has remained about the same. I don't work outside of the home, but run a daycare from my home. The money I save on gas, clothing, lunches out, childcare for my kids, etc, pretty much evens things out for me. Not to mention the tax deductions I can take for operating a business from my home. Bottom line is the same, I am still broke. I am convinced that if I made a million a year, I would STILL be broke.
Family counts more than anything ~ they are the ones who will stick by you through thick and thin. I have had some baaaaddd moments that all started right at the very beginning of 2008 and my family really stepped up to help us out this year. I only hope that one day I will be able to return the favor.
Question things, but never be afraid to take a chance ~ A few things have come up recently that made me ask a lot of questions. I won't divulge because Chris has asked me not too. It involves my child. We had to make a decision about the best way to handle a situation and after asking a lot of questions, we decided to dive in head first. It turns out to be the best decision we could have possibly made. Total turn around in the life of one little boy that I think will help him excel in his life. Had I not been willing to take that leap of faith into the unknown, I would have been doing him a HUGE injustice.
Hope you all learned something from 2008 and that 2009 brings you lots of opportunity to grown and change for the better! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Ho Ho Ho, 1 day to Go!
OK, I know, that was pretty cheesy. I am a bit stressed by the events of the past several nights. My kids have REFUSED to go to bed. They normally go to bed at 8pm, without fail. Lately, it has been more like 10-11pm for some reason. I am stressed because tomorrow Chris and I have to play Santa, and I would really rather it not turn into an all nighter. Had enough of those in college, and they about killed me then. No telling what would happen to me now! Maia's dollhouse should be a cinch to assemble, (I hope I don't eat those words later), but Harrison is getting the Playmobil Circus, and if you know Playmobil at all, you know that it has TONS and TONS of little tiny pieces that make Polly Pocket look Giagantimous. And they are all attached to the plastic framing that you have to break apart and follow the instruction booklet to put it all together. Uggg. If they don't go to bed, Santa may skip our house. At least that is what they are being told. I'll keep you posted.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Christmas Open House
Welcome to the Toler House! Here is how we decorate for Christmas and some of the stories behind the decorations. Enjoy!
The outside of my house at night. Couldn't get the hubby on the upper part of the roof to hang lights this year. Maybe next...
I LOVE Gingerbread themed decorations, so, I just HAD to get this to put on the porch wall to greet visitors as they approach the front door.
A wreath, made by me, welcomes you at the front door.
We hang this Hallmark Advent felt calendar on the back of the front door each year. My kids love to come down first thing in the morning and put on the days ornament.
The sofa table. Please ignore the crumpled blinds at the windows (lets not even talk about the crumpled sofa cushions). CATS and KIDS!! One day, I will have a nice new sofa. One day. In the meantime, I need to find a good slip cover.
A close up of the Santa and gingerbread decorations on the sofa table.
My Partylite snowmen decorations from back in the day when I was a rep. for them. Harrison's dinosaur peeking out is a bonus!
The mantle and fireplace where the man in red makes his entrance. Our stockings are hung by the chimney with care. I am hoping that one Christmas morning, I wake to a FULL stocking...
This is another more modern Holy Family tealight holder that I really like. It has since been moved from the mantle to another location in the house.
The kids and I have a tradition each year of making gingerbread houses at Grandma's house. Harrison's is on the left, Maia's is on the right, and I made the mini houses in the background and the foamie decorations. They sit atop the TV.
A close up of Harrison's house, struck by an avalanche. He got a bit carried away with the frosting.
Some of my Foamie creations. I have found a new calling in life. To create foamies! I have never had so much fun in my life as when I made these!! All my friend, who thought it was terrible that I made them and not the kids, said was "aren't they for like 3 and up?" I don't get her point...
Maia's house. She could not have gotten any more candy on hers or the roof and walls would have caved in.
Because I am anal, my Mom bought me my own houses to make so I wouldn't harass the kids about theirs. I know, SAD. Hey, I have a degree in fine arts, what can i say?? The house on the right is a johnny house, complete with moon above the door. It really was just a house, but it looked like an outhouse, so that is what it became!
Another Foamie creation. Part of the gingerbread scene.
The gingerbread decorations had multiplied this year so they also adorn the top of my piano. These, however, are not edible.
Cute little gingerbread cookie people are part of the piano village. I know, I am getting a bit carried away with all the photos, but I was having fun!
Ahh, it wouldn't be Christmas without the tree, complete with cute kitty Amos sitting on the tree skirt. You can just make out his white face. My favorite is the candy garland I got for $.50 a tube at Lowes one year.
Of course, I LOVE this ornament of my two angels done a couple years ago.
This ornament reminds me of Harrison catching snow on his tongue... 
Harrison, catching snow at the Christmas Parade last week. 
This one represents Chris, my hubby the skateboarder and Harrison who LOVES Scooby Doo and Skateboarding.
This was my favorite ornament as a child, and now hangs on my tree. Yep, I was an 80s child.
The dining room table. Clean for once...
Heavily frosted and decorated sugar cookies made by myself, Chris and the kids. No recipe here folks, just a box of...
... sold at Target for $7.99, comes complete with cookie cutters, frosting and cookie mix. Just add water! Tastes great and half the cost of buying all the ingredients yourself! Yep, I am a slacker. Shhh, no one else has to know...
Our Private Visit with the man in red last night! Thanks Diane! (Maia was upset because she could not remember what she wanted for Christmas and forgot her list!)
The outside of my house at night. Couldn't get the hubby on the upper part of the roof to hang lights this year. Maybe next... I LOVE Gingerbread themed decorations, so, I just HAD to get this to put on the porch wall to greet visitors as they approach the front door.A wreath, made by me, welcomes you at the front door.We hang this Hallmark Advent felt calendar on the back of the front door each year. My kids love to come down first thing in the morning and put on the days ornament.The sofa table. Please ignore the crumpled blinds at the windows (lets not even talk about the crumpled sofa cushions). CATS and KIDS!! One day, I will have a nice new sofa. One day. In the meantime, I need to find a good slip cover.A close up of the Santa and gingerbread decorations on the sofa table. My Partylite snowmen decorations from back in the day when I was a rep. for them. Harrison's dinosaur peeking out is a bonus! The mantle and fireplace where the man in red makes his entrance. Our stockings are hung by the chimney with care. I am hoping that one Christmas morning, I wake to a FULL stocking...I thought this was a cool close up of the angel on the mantle, complete with lights.
My favorite, the Nativity.
This is another more modern Holy Family tealight holder that I really like. It has since been moved from the mantle to another location in the house.The kids and I have a tradition each year of making gingerbread houses at Grandma's house. Harrison's is on the left, Maia's is on the right, and I made the mini houses in the background and the foamie decorations. They sit atop the TV.A close up of Harrison's house, struck by an avalanche. He got a bit carried away with the frosting.Some of my Foamie creations. I have found a new calling in life. To create foamies! I have never had so much fun in my life as when I made these!! All my friend, who thought it was terrible that I made them and not the kids, said was "aren't they for like 3 and up?" I don't get her point...Maia's house. She could not have gotten any more candy on hers or the roof and walls would have caved in.Because I am anal, my Mom bought me my own houses to make so I wouldn't harass the kids about theirs. I know, SAD. Hey, I have a degree in fine arts, what can i say?? The house on the right is a johnny house, complete with moon above the door. It really was just a house, but it looked like an outhouse, so that is what it became!Another Foamie creation. Part of the gingerbread scene.The gingerbread decorations had multiplied this year so they also adorn the top of my piano. These, however, are not edible. Cute little gingerbread cookie people are part of the piano village. I know, I am getting a bit carried away with all the photos, but I was having fun!Ahh, it wouldn't be Christmas without the tree, complete with cute kitty Amos sitting on the tree skirt. You can just make out his white face. My favorite is the candy garland I got for $.50 a tube at Lowes one year.Some photos of my favorite ornaments and the stories that go with them. I really had to restrain myself here because this was getting quite photo intensive, but here are a few.
Of course, I LOVE this ornament of my two angels done a couple years ago.This ornament reminds me of Harrison catching snow on his tongue... Harrison, catching snow at the Christmas Parade last week. Maia's 3rd Christmas Ornament. Perfect because she IS a Princess. See this post.
This one represents Chris, my hubby the skateboarder and Harrison who LOVES Scooby Doo and Skateboarding. This was my favorite ornament as a child, and now hangs on my tree. Yep, I was an 80s child. The dining room table. Clean for once...Now, your Holiday treat for visiting my page...
Heavily frosted and decorated sugar cookies made by myself, Chris and the kids. No recipe here folks, just a box of...... sold at Target for $7.99, comes complete with cookie cutters, frosting and cookie mix. Just add water! Tastes great and half the cost of buying all the ingredients yourself! Yep, I am a slacker. Shhh, no one else has to know...Our Private Visit with the man in red last night! Thanks Diane! (Maia was upset because she could not remember what she wanted for Christmas and forgot her list!)Merry Christmas from Our Family to Yours!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Maia as Teacher
Maia has been quite the little teacher lately. She taught my Mom how to draw a reindeer a few days ago, and then repeated the exercise with Chris that night. Mom got an A+ Good Effort mark on her paper, and so did Chris, but he also got an "X" by his name because he was talking during her instruction (to me no doubt!). Too funny. When we went to school for TCM's Winter Fanfare we noticed this on the wall outside of Maia's classroom. I had to laugh.
Mrs. Webb, Maia's teacher, said she did a great job teaching the class how to create Rudolph by giving her classic, very specific, step by step instructions. That's my little superstar!! I also noticed this on the wall, created by Maia, illustrating that the class can write sentences. I definitely see a future artist in the making!
I just LOVE the cheesy grin on the cat. Notice, the purple lines indicate where space should be. I think she has EXCELLENT handwriting for a kindergartener!!
Maia sporting the reindeer antlers at TCM's Winter Fanfare!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
