Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Going back to work

I hope to start blogging again next week. It's been kind of crazy here the past month, but I'll tell you all about that next week.

On a whim, I took my resume to one of my customers I used to do business with a few years back. Two days later, I get an email saying they would like to meet and talk with me. Two days after the interview, I was offered a job. Now, this is doing pretty much the same thing I used to do when I worked full time years ago and I have had around 20 years experience in the field so I feel pretty confident I can do a good job. The money is good and will go along way to ease the financial stress we are currently in.

It will be much easier working full time now because I no longer have small children and I am not homeschooling. So my two teenagers (and husband) are going to have to pitch in a little more around here..it won't hurt them! My husband will be home during the day, so I'm glad my son will not be coming home to an empty house.

It will also be nice to have a little money to spend on Christmas as we are usually financially strapped for cash this time of year.

All in all, I cannot wait for 2010....I think it's going to be a great year. I have to say that I am so thankful to God for meeting all our needs these past few months.
There were times when I felt all hope was lost, but God faithfully provided and reminded me that he is in control and that I should not worry (easier said than done).

I hope everyone has a blessed Thanksgiving!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Taking a Blogging Break

With everything that is going on right now, I just don't have the time I would like to have to blog.

Our house that we are purchasing was supposed to close on the 27th of this month, but it looks like we will be well into November before closing...sigh.

We met with the couple that we are currently renting from this past week and let them know that we are in the process of buying a house. Our lease here doesn't expire until the 15th of November. So, they have decided to put the house on the market. The realtor is supposed to come by today and put the lock box on the door and a sign in the yard.

It kinda stresses me out because the house will now have to be in pristine condition in order for it to show. Not only that, with my husband's crazy work and sleep schedule, it will make it difficult to even schedule a showing.

Put all that with me still babysitting, trying to stay on top of the loan for the new house, decluttering and packing this house is making me a little on the stressed side.

I know it will all work out. God is in control. I will put my trust in Him.

BTW...today is my youngest's birtday. He is now 15!! We are heading to the DMV this afternoon so he can take the written driving test so he can get his drivers' permit.

Have a blessed Tuesday!

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Faith Like Potatoes

Yesterday I picked up this movie from Blockbuster - Faith Like Potatoes.

Faith Like Potatoes is a true story about an African farmer, Angus Buchan. He leaves his farm and takes his family to start over again further south. He and his wife struggle and things seem hopeless, then one day, Angus goes to church with his wife and family and is called by God. He decides to give his life, his family, and his farm to Jesus. He puts his total trust in God.

What a testament!! This is truly a movie worth watching. It is inspirational, uplifting, and motivating.


It made me wonder about my own faith. Is my faith that strong. You can't pray to God in the hopes that it will happen. You should pray with the belief that it WILL happen.

God loves each and every one of us and knows us better than anybody...even better than we know ourselves. I know God is watching out for me....I have seen it so many times. I know the power of prayer works! God has ALWAYS provided for my needs....not necessarily for my wants...but always for my needs.

I don't always have the right words to communicate with others, but I know my God is awesome, amazing, full of love and grace and he has blessed me so much!!!!

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Paperwork, and yes....more paperwork.

It seems that all I have done for the past few days is paperwork for our house loan.
Just when I think I might see an end, you got it....more paperwork is needed.

It has been extremely stressful for me trying to get everything in order. For those of you who do not know, my hubby has worked really hard to pay off past debts and become debt free. But due to his diligence, his credit score was reduced to "0". Yes, no credit rating. We were fortunate to find a lender who will do a no credit score loan using non-traditional credit such as rent, utilities, etc. You can have NO 30 day late payments.

We had a hiccup last week when our utility company reported to the credit agency that we had 9 - 30 day late pays! I was incredibly upset as I know that we have never had a 30 day late pay. It took 4 days to get it cleared up. We couldn't move on with the loan until it was cleared. We are already pressed for time due to the closing and the type of loan we are getting (Rural Development loan) and this was a week's time to get it cleared up and looks like it will possibly put us behind on the closing (sigh).

I have to remind myself that God is in control and knows our needs and will provide. I find myself not worried about it, just a bit discouraged.

So, today, I am taking the last of the requested paperwork to our realtor so she can email it to the lender. Then the wait begins. It will also have to go to the USDA for them to approve the RD loan...and according to our realtor...RD takes time.

So, if I could ask for your prayers that the paperwork gets to the right people and gets handled in a timely and efficient manner, I would appreciate it.

Other than that, today I plan on dusting the living room and working on my couponing and grocery list. Hubby is working a 12 hour shift tonight. Blake has a soccer game. And I'm going to do my best in just taking it easy for as much of the day as possible.

Tomorrow I will hit the ground running again.

Have a blessed Thursday!

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Schedule....what schedule?

I haven't been able to keep to my "schedule" for weeks now. But, the house IS clean and there IS food in the cupboards and fridge. However, when I'm not operating on schedule, I feel like my day is out of whack. But at the same time, I am enjoying the freedom of not having a schedule...crazy huh.

So yesterday was the most perfect beautiful day! Fall is HERE! When I got up yesterday morning and after I sent Blake off to school, I got my cup of coffee and sat out on the front porch just watching the sunlight as it touched the top of the trees and then the light would move farther and farther down. It was just so peaceful just being able to sit outside.

Yesterday, I did wash the bed linens and our clothes as well as put them away. I tidied up the kitchen (I do that every morning), vacuumed all the floors and did clean the bathrooms. I didn't do any baking or cooking yesterday (gasp!) as we were eating with family that night.

The little boy I watch during the day and I stayed outside and enjoyed the fall weather. It was just too nice to be indoors all day.

Hubby was off work yesterday and it was nice to have him home and just hanging out and having a relaxing time.

Last night we went to my husband's uncle's house for a cookout. Got to see some family we haven't seen in months. It's a shame because we live so close and don't visit more often. Will try and change that. Hubby's aunt is really good and sewing and doing embroidery and has offered my sewing lessons anytime I want to bring my sewing machine over, so I think I might just have to take her up on that.

For today, hubby and I are going to go 4-wheelin! It will be nice to spend some time together just the two of us. Then we will head back home to do some much needed yard work. It's been raining so much here, that we are just now able to get the yard mowed after about 2 weeks. But what a great day to be outside!

Hope everyone has a blessed Tuesday!

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Getting Bargains

I am all about finding bargains. Whether I am grocery shopping, buying clothes or looking for just about anything else, I hate to pay full price.

My husband has affectionately labeled me as "cheap". He gets a kick out of my motto "If it ain't free, it ain't for me". And yes, I do get lots of stuff for free! Just check out your local freecycle. People will list things that they no longer need and its just yours for the asking! I have picked up some great solar patio lights, iron patio chairs, buckets for my tomato plants, bathroom mirrors, and even a practically brand new upright freezer! (My husband was really impressed with that last one).

Go to freecycle.org to find your local freecycling group.

Another one of my favorite bargain finding places is craigslist.com. If you are one of those people that have to have "brand new", this isn't for you. However, if you don't mind something gently worn, you can find great deals. Some of my finds include a mahagony dinning table for $75.00, a computer for $40.00, and our couch that has recliners on each end for just $40.00! We love this couch and it looked brand new when we brought it home! If we had bought that couch new, I know we would have paid over $400.00 for it.

Why pay hundreds of dollars when you can get it for so much more less?!

So, as stated before, we are in the process of buying a house (it's the most nerve racking period for me right now - so please pray for me) and the appliances are not in the best shape. The dishwasher is white and is dented. When you open it up, it is yellowish and has an unpleasant odor. The stove/oven is o.k....but I really wanted a smooth top (I've become spoiled with the one I have). So, I started searching on craigslist and I can't believe what I found!! We go and pick up the dishwasher today and we'll probably go get the stove and the over the range microwave next week. They are all black and stainless steel and only 2 years old!
Posting pics below. And the amazing part of this deal is the price! I'm paying just $75. for the dishwasher and $50 for the stove/oven and $50. for the over the range microwave. That's just $175.00 for all three!


Saturday, September 19, 2009

Great House News!

Well, we got the call yesterday from our realtor that the sellers accepted our offer! Whoo Hoo!!!

We are so very excited. We just know that this is where we are supposed to be. We drove out to the house yesterday, because the first time we saw it, it was just "a house"....but now it is "our" house. (or will be once we finally close).

We are looking at a closing date the last week of October. That will give me plenty of time to finish getting the needed paperwork to our loan officer and start decluttering the house we are in and of course, packing.

So, as promised, here are some pictures of the new house we are purchasing: