You Asked For It!

If you remember my last post, you know that I was "laid-off" back in July. At the time, Brad and I made the decision to do everything in our power to make sure that I was able to stay home full time with the kids. In an effort to live off of one income, I've started shopping at second hand stores, planning our menu and grocery list every week and making as many things from scratch as possible. Those of you've who've known me for longer than a year or so are most likely attempting to pick your jaws up from the floor... I'll give you a moment to gather yourselves; there's MORE. (=

OK... Ready for it? I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE our new life. Who knew financial loss was the ticket to a happier Shellie? Hmmm... Can anyone say, "Blessing in disguise"? After nearly 11 years of marriage, I realized that I really enjoy cooking and baking. AND... I'm not half bad. I can't say that everything I've made has been great, but most of it has at least been edible. I don't know about you, but I consider that a HUGE success.

Since my amazing transformation over the past couple months, I've had several people ask me to share some of my new methods for being frugal. What better place than my blog to get the word out? So, I thought I'd start with a post about menu planning... Stay tuned!

Did You Miss Me? No? Hmmm...

Wow - Do I know how to neglect a blog, or what? There's no way I'll be able to recall everything that has happened in the last 3 months, but I suppose I can give you a good idea of what we've been up to.
On May 22nd, school let out for summer break. It's official: I am now the proud mother to a 4th grader, a 3rd grader and a Kindergartener. I seem to be handling the transitions my oldest two are making, but this whole Kindergarten thing is nearly enough to send me right over the edge. How is it that my baby is going to be 6 years old next month?! It just doesn't seem possible... Ugh.
Our summer has been filled with Vacation Bible School, various camps and lots of fun days at the pool. Thanks to some of our very generous friends who live in neighborhoods that have community pools, most of our pool days have been free! Free is good any time, but especially now. Sadly, I was "laid off" a couple weeks ago and things are pretty tight around here.
Our biggest concern, of course, is the kids' school situation for the upcoming school year. We've been honored to be part of the Pikes Peak Christian School family for 6 years now, and hope to continue to be part of it for many years to come. Private school is not cheap, though, and with the loss of about 1/3 of our annual income, we just aren't sure yet what will happen. We have a huge support system through friends, family and school staff and we know that God will continue to provide for us, even if that means a new school for the girls.
So.... Life is not ridiculously exciting, but I can't complain. We're all healthy and happy and so, so very blessed.
Brad and I are leaving for some time alone in Turkey Rock this weekend. I'll share some pictures of our trip and maybe even a few from the past few months. Love you all....

Ginna's Award Ceremony...

Pretend That You're Reading This Post On May 4th... (o;

The Story of Ginna Rose
(Included here for those of you who don't have Facebook...yet.)
Not long after Brad and I were married in November of 1998, we began discussing the possibility of having a baby. More accurately, I began begging non-stop until he gave in. (o: Nine months after our wedding, and after what felt like a lifetime of disappointing months, I was expecting. Brad decided early on that he did not want to know the sex of our baby. I, of course, did... So, on the day of our ultrasound, we tried to find out if we would be bringing home a boy or a girl. To this day, I believe that the ultrasound technician chose not to tell us because she knew that Brad wanted to be surprised. If I could track her down, I would thank her for that. (o: By late April, the nursery was decorated in a neutral theme and I was more than ready to not be pregnant anymore. The nearly 70 pounds I had gained during my pregnancy was making it difficult to do most anything and I was miserable. At my final Dr.'s appointment, my OB agreed to schedule my induction for May 4th. My OB came in that morning a little after 8:00 a.m. and broke my water. By 8:45, I was in very heavy labor, and I was begging (ok, screaming) for an epidural. The anesthesiologist came in to administer my epidural, but it was too late. The baby was crowning as I sat on the edge of my hospital bed. After a few chaotic and terrifying minutes, my OB came in and delivered our baby at 10:11 a.m. And, then, I heard my very favorite phrase... "It's A Girl." Because we didn't know if we were having a boy or a girl, I hadn't told anyone that I desperately wanted a daughter. I had tried to tell myself that I would be just as happy with a son, but the truth is that I couldn't imagine myself as a mother to a boy. My God does not make mistakes. My precious, oldest daughter is the sweetest gift to our family and I can't imagine my life without her. Happy Birthday, my sweet girl. I love you...

Ginna and Avery wrote and performed a Mother's Day song for my mom and me. It was, by far, the best gift I've ever been given. I'm so proud... (o;

Poor Me..

Today, I'm having a pity party and you're invited... Since Sydney was born 5 1/2 years ago, my monthly visits from mother nature have become increasingly brutal. So much so, that in Novemeber, I spent two days in the hospital with what the Dr's originally diagnosed as appendicitis. Turns out, it was only a really bad cycle. Since then, they've not been bad enough to be admitted to the hospital, but still enough to ruin at least a week out of every month. I'm tired and discouraged and wondering what to do next. My OB/GYN prescribed birth control pills, but they literally made me crazy while I was on them. I just couldn't function normally. (Ask Brad; it was terrible.) Now, I'm wondering if I should just elect to have a hysterectomy and be done with this junk forever, but the thought of doing something so permanent freaks me out a little.
Anyway... I know there are many, many people out there that have much bigger health issues to deal with and I really shouldn't be complaining. However, this issue is really beginning to effect my quality of life and something is going to have to be decided very soon. Keep me in your prayers if you think of it. I really appreciate it. (o:

Oops...

When I started this blog, I had every intention of keeping it current. I have failed... Life has been quite a whirlwind since just before Christmas, when we made the decision to do whatever it took to sell our house in Falcon. The good news is that we moved on February 1st to a great house 5 minutes from the girls' school. Our life has changed drastically for the better and we're so happy in our new home. The girls have adjusted nicely and are getting used to not having to share their rooms with anyone. Much fun...
I'm on my way out to a friend's purse party, but I will do my best to get caught up this weekend. Much love to you all...