Motivator

I set the clock for 30 minutes last night so I could get a head start on cleaning up my papers so I can file them away. We bought a second filing cabinet last month so we could get everything where it needs to be. Of course with being busy and taking care of Lilly I didn't have much time to get anything done, other then getting my magazines in the bottom drawers. They still need to be sorted and put back in.

I usually read my magazines and just pull out the pages I like and file them. With pinterest I can find most of it online and just throw the magazine in the recycle bin when done, but like I said before I haven't really done this in the last 6 years so they kind of took over a few areas of the house. Ok two drawers in my filing cabinet but nothing that can't be fixed in time.

Since they are out of the way the next area is my desk. The never ending pile of mess that even when I clean gets taken over very quickly with our busy schedule. So that 30 minutes which turned into much longer really gave me the motivation to do it again today when I get the other things done on my list.

Before my father died I was very organized even with being sick most of my life, but as time went by I was able to do less and less while things kind of got out of hand in our home. Not anywhere near a hoarder, as my husband and I like everything where it belongs, but enough to make us feel our house was dirty. The only thing that kept my husband sane about it all was when he would see other peoples houses with either the same problem or worse. Worse is always better to make you feel like you haven't gotten to that point yet, which is also a motivator, but he would still sometimes lose it and of course me feeling like a failure because I didn't have the energy to keep up with it didn't make things any better.

It took my husband a very long time to realize that something was really wrong with me, he was in denial for a long time, he has seen me unwell more then well so I am sure it had put a toll on him as well, but now that the Dr. has figured out once again something that is wrong with me, we have made progress, and when I get things done or do things he hasn't seen me do in a very long time he tells me how proud of me he is.

He still has days when he blows up about something small, but his injury has helped him realize that sometimes no matter how much you really want to do something, when you are in pain, or can't move a body part the way you would like, it isn't that you don't want to do something, it is that you can't do it, or need a little extra help doing something that should only take one person to do, and that has helped him with his own inner soul healing path.

Speaking of motivation I need to get moving, but like everything else my blog and readers were missing me. Hope you all are motivated by my writing to do a little at a time and you will be surprised by just how much you can get done.

Where did the month go?

In our home it can go in the blink of an eye depending on how busy we are and this month we were very busy. I picked up a second job or third job if you count my home child care business. Luckily right now all I have is my grand daughter so she goes along with me or stays with Papa while I am working. We have my husband's physical therapy, shopping, school performances, school activities, Daisies, after school activities, Dr.'s appointments and any other thing that comes along.

There aren't many days in the month where the girls don't have at least one friend overnight, which doesn't bother me. My house runs smoother with each and every addition. I think it just keeps me going. The house is getting more organized by the day.

We had kind of a rough go with it early on because my husband's check didn't show up and we ended up being late with rent, and got down to pennies in the bank. Ok we had one overcharge fee but it could have been much worse. Matter of fact we just got the check on Friday which was much needed and caught us back up with everything. Of course we got his second check a few days before the late check. Now to pay the other bills I put off waiting on the first check.

I have had a few painful days myself this month but mainly from over doing it. I am finding out how much I can push myself before it causes me pain. Like I said I am doing things that I haven't done in over 6 years. I even planted some tomatoes, cucumbers, yellow squash,  and red peppers, now to sit back and see if we will be able to harvest. We had one tomato plant last year that was given to us and it did well so we added a few more plants this year.

Dennis had planned to make me raised gardens so I didn't have to bend over so much but with his injury that didn't happen. He does plan to get it done by next year though. While on the subject some of my friends from other sites know that I have tried to grow inside plants with no luck, so I am trying my hand on outside plants, if they do well, then I will try on inside plants again.

Even with everything being slow at the beginning of the month I was still able to save enough to get my kitchen island. Now for the girls to bring it in, and Dennis to put it together. He can do things that don't take much standing so this is right up his alley. He said he might even take his friends suggestion and paint from a chair so he can get some of the painting in the living room done, and if everything goes well he is going to touch up Deanna's room so her room will be finished.

Someday we will get to our room but until then as long as they kids are taken care of and I have a bed to sleep on I am fine. By the way the next thing I am saving for is two new desks for Dennis and I. I love being able to bookmark or pin things I would like to get. I should make a dream board if I ever have the time.

Today the girls are going to try to swim up at the state park. Yesterday it was raining and they were bummed they couldn't go. I think it is too cold, but hey they love to swim and the school pool is still closed because they can't get the water right for some reason, so more power to them to keep up with the things they love to do. Dorothy didn't go because I know it is too cold for her, besides that I think she might be getting sick. Dennis is sleeping in as we didn't go to bed before 4:30 am. I looked at the clock and said oh my didn't know it was that late and we were off to bed.

I have already cleaned, swept, and mopped the upstairs bathroom. Princess has been walked and fed, now it is time to change out the laundry and do the few dishes that were on the counter as I passed them this morning. I have clothes to fold and hope to get back in the computer room to go through more papers. I think that is about it for us. Will have another post up in a few, God willing.

Dennise turns 16.

Like I said last weekend was busy. Friday Dennis had physical therapy, plus we had to pick up things for my daughter's party for Sunday. We went to Sam's club, picked up my camera, and then ate at the Chinese Buffet.

 

Saturday I cleaned the house and got things ready for my daughter's sweet sixteen. Totally sucks that we couldn't give her the huge party we had planned, but with my husband out of work it just didn't work out. It all turned out well though. We ended out running out again because of all things I forgot to get ice cream and soda for the party. I told you I couldn't remember.

 

She had several friends come and spend the night. There was no Drama, it was wonderful hearing all of the girls laughing together and seeing my daughter smile. It doesn't take lots of money to make her happy. Spending time with her friends and family was the best gift she could receive.

 

Sunday was the big day. I made her cake which was a orange mustache cake, which by the way came out pretty well, and thank God we didn't have a huge party there was no way it would have been enough. My daughter wanted my famous pudding frosting and everyone loved it. I even had to send a piece over to one of our neighbors/friends fathers so he could enjoy some.

This was early on in the day when the girls that had stayed the night were just waiting for others to show up.

 

Here she is below my Dennise. Her hair is not usually this light is it closer to my hair color and will be turned back normal at the end of summer. This was suppose to be the dress she wore for her big party. We told her to put it on and let us take some pictures.

 

 Two friends my daughter Samantha had to pick up later, my husband, myself and Samantha's boyfriend are missing from the photo.

 She might not have had a lot of friends or gifts but she said this was one of the best parties she has ever had, and her friends all said they had a great weekend too. One of the best they said. They were all sad for Dennise though that so many people who said they were going to come didn't.

 

Now this week she has been bringing home gifts from some of the friends who couldn't make it which was very sweet of them to do, and made Dennise very happy. She would have loved to share her special day with them as well, but at least they thought of her, and bought her gifts.

 

 

 

Happy Sweet Sixteen Sweetie.

 

The week is coming to an end.

Sunday we were able to see Dennise in "Guys and Dolls". It was fun to see her sing at the beginning, and then act throughout the musical. The drama club did a great job, much better then I had thought they would.

Monday we headed out early so I could do my job, then to physical therapy for Dennis. Once we were done there we headed out to celebrate our Birthdays, with a stop in between to visit Bryan for a while.

Dennis stopped at several Game Stops while out and about, We got a 60 day pass for BJ's in the mail so we took advantage of that and bought a few things there. Went to lunch at Panera bread, loved it and got a free treat with my card.

We stopped by our favorite furniture store to do a little dreaming for down the road a bit. Fell in love with a couch there, and actually got to see the wall unit I have had bookmarked up close and in person. Dennis approved but it wouldn't fit in our currant Living room, but like I said before a little dreaming. While there we also looked at a new mattress for us. Not that we can get it now but we will be in the market in the next few years. We left with sizes, and layout plans to maybe return sometime in the future and order.

We had dinner after visiting Bryan at Olive Garden. It was one of the worst experiences we have ever had. Dennis did write them a long letter on how things were. Let's see if they make things right. Then we were off to the mall.  I picked out a new purse and wallet. Dennis bought me a new cover for my new upgraded cell phone as well.

I picked up some things for the girls at Claires while Dennis was checking out more games at another store. Then we met and saw a movie. Pain and Gain, much more different then what we had expected. It was too late to get dessert at Cheese Cake Factory so we settled with stopping at Walmart and while looking through the store we ate some Ice Cream. It was a wonderful ending to quite the Busy Birthday Celebration.

Tuesday we opened presents with the kids. I bought Dennis a Candle making kit. He has always melted down our old wax so that he could someday make candles but never bought wicks to do it. Now he has a whole kit. Wonder what he will make first. He bought me comic books that early in our marriage he had sold of mine without permission. He is a keeper for sure.

Wednesday was the big day for Dennis to turn 41. Yes we are only a day apart. If both of our parents had gone to the same hospital we would have met each other then. My mother-in-law had stopped by while Dennis was still asleep with our cards. She still hasn't gotten anything for the girls for their birthdays though. Later in the evening we had cake and blew out the one candle the kids put in the cake. I ended up going to bed very early. Been very tired lately.

Today we went over did my job and then spent the rest of the day cleaning, and relaxing. We had breakfast for dinner, and the kids actually made it to bed on time. Go figure. Will be heading to bed myself soon. Have another busy day tomorrow and actually the rest of the weekend. There is always lots going on here in Marksville. Have a good night everyone.

Sunday update

I left you with spring cleaning in Marksville. With our busy schedule I am still working on the spring cleaning part of it. Upstairs is next. Today I have laundry, and dishes to do. We have been very busy with appointments, birthdays, and school activities that I haven't been able to keep up here.

Deanna and Dorothy are playing outside enjoying the nice weather, while I have started a load of laundry and am going to start the dishes after this post. I have to also drop Dennise off at school for her third performance in "Guys and Dolls". I hope to be able to view it today.

I have taken the plunge and bought my own domain under marksvilleandme.com if you re interested in checking it out. It is linked to my blogger so you can view it pretty much anytime. I am still working my other job and hope to pick up another one soon. With blogging and doing several other mystery shops on top of that I hope to be able to bring up what we are making so we can get things we would like and start saving money so if anything happens we have a little saved a  way to get us through.

Dennis is still out of work, they now have him off until June 1st, and I don't think he will be back to work after that either. He isn't off of the crutches yet and still has his brace on. The new brace is already wearing out. I hope that they will pay for new straps so that it will stay where it needs to be. It just slips off his leg when he is upright now.

His job is also talking about layoffs so they might be laid off before he even goes back to work unless they get some new orders. I guess if that happens he will at least have more time to heal properly and grow muscle in his leg, so that it is stronger. He just wants to be able to paint the rooms upstairs but isn't able to because he can't stand on his legs too long.

He has filled his time with playing games, and selling stuff on ebay that he had just laying around. He has done pretty well. He has even had buyers from China, Spain, Canada, and Japan.

The kids are doing well in school and soon we will have all of the spring concerts to attend. This  school year has gone by so fast, but any mother can understand how fast their child's life goes by and poof they are adults off doing the things they want to do and taking care of their own children.

My mother always said to enjoy them while they are little because it goes by quickly. Even though we have 6 children it just wizzes by and before you know it their child hood is gone. I am glad I took the time to sit and watch my children grow, and enjoy as much as I could of their time as children. So many wonderful memories flood to my mind when I think of them each and every day. Children really are our future.

Ok time for me to get the dishes done before dropping Dennise off. Have a great day everyone.

Spring Cleaning in Marksville

We had quite the busy week starting Easter Sunday. We had a big family dinner with Samantha, Lilly, and David. We went to bed early because Monday we were on the run first I took our van down to get inspected. I kept saying all month I would take it down and guess who was in the day after it expired getting it inspected. Yes you guessed it me. Once home we took Dennis to  his Physical Therapy appointment, then Dennise to her Dentist appointment, and then to get her finger measured. Tuesday was my appointment which went well. The Dr. is keeping me on the dosage I am taking right now because I am doing well. I have an appointment to go back in 3 months, which is around the same time the kids have their physicals for school.

Wednesday I ended up starting my job with last minute notice, but everything worked out just fine. Thursday Dennis had physical therapy again, then we stopped at Staples to spend our reward bucks. I walked out only paying .26 for my order. We stopped to spend my husband's gift card that he got from his job to buy different gift cards, one for Microsoft points, and one for Lowe's to bring me closer to getting our new refrigerator.

Next stop was Walmart to pick up the cell phone for my job, and some games that Dennis bought with money he made off of ebay selling his items. I found some really great deals. 1.00 and 2.00 T-Shirts for Deanna and Dorothy. All they need are shorts for summer and they will be ready. We then did our grocery shopping and boy did we do a great job at saving money and staying within our budget. With living on workman's comp we have to stretch every dollar.

Today I went and did my job which took me all of 5-10 minutes. We also stopped at Staples because Dennis was looking for something but of course they didn't have what he wanted, and I was bummed because this Staples didn't have the Martha Stewart Collection.

Have you seen the Martha Stewart Collection at Staples? It is awesome, if you haven't and get the chance, check it out. I will be stopping by our local Staples to pick some of the items I want up, since the other day the cash register spit out a 25% off my total of order from the Martha Stewart collection. In case you couldn't tell. I love a good bargain, and anything that makes life a little bit easier so I can spend more time with my loved ones is a win, win situation for me.

Dennise cleared out the back bathroom pantry and put the bathroom stuff in the pantry, which saved me a lot of work, then I worked on the totes, while Deanna swept the porch. It looks great. We have to get rid of the portable crib out there, and I have to go through their kitchen toys, other then that I think it is done.

My next project is painting the two Doll house double sided  book cases and setting one up in the living room, and the other one upstairs for the girls to play with. I was able to find some really nice red bins for the one that will be in our living room. I am still on the search for bins for the girls rooms, but soon enough I will find what I am looking for.

I think I might tackle the Hair accessory drawers. We have two of those plastic 6 drawer units stacked to house all of their barrettes, pony tails, ribbons, and headbands. With having 4 girls, a granddaughter and tons of other visiting girls, so we go through a lot of hair styling.

Well the time has come to do snuggles and stories with the kids. Tomorrow comes early. Luckily it is just getting coupons and then home to see what I can do next in the house. I guess you can say that Spring Cleaning has officially begun in Marksville.

Easter is almost here.

Yesterday's post says Friday but it was actually for Thursdays date, must have gotten it published after midnight. So I will combine the real Friday news with todays news, somehow I am just a day behind but that is ok. 

I woke up yesterday and my back pain was gone. I am so glad because I had a lot to get done. We had a family meeting in the morning, and we made plans to go and see Bryan the day after vacation for a family session and of course to celebrate his Birthday. He knows that he will be in a new room when he comes home, and that decorating it is part of his Birthday present. I was able to get some ideas on the phone last night on what he would like. I can totally work with what he gave me, now to the planning board to get it done for him.

Dennise ended up taking Dorothy and Deanna up to the park since it was so nice outside, and while they were out Dennis and I took advantage of the time and went to see "The Host" which was really good. They could have made it a bit shorter and cut about a half hour off or they could have made it longer and made it into a miniseries. It was a movie that could really go either way. I enjoyed it though.

When we got home we had pizza with the kids, and then decorated our Easter eggs. We went with marbleizing them this year which turned out quite well. You can see them over at What Marksville does for Fun.

We all went off to bed around the same time and awoke early this morning to get ready for the Easter egg hunt that our community puts on. Samantha and Lilly made it just in time. Lilly found a Golden egg this year, but did not want to sit on the Bunny's lap. The girls had their pictures with the Bunny and then we waited for the raffle numbers to be called. We didn't win but we had a good time together.

 

 

My girls from left to right.

Samantha, my grand daughter Lilly, Dorothy, Deanna, and Dennise.

 

I dropped Dennise off at play practice and have to pick her up in a few hours, other then that today will be a laid back day, except for doing dishes, and folding clothes.