Discouraged

Many of you know that Todd and I had found a house we loved but was a little overpriced for us a while back. We had really talked it out 100 times over and decided that we could afford a certain price and if it was meant to be the guy would come down. Well he did and we signed a contract last Tuesday before leaving on vacation. We came back to bank loan applications and scheduling inspections which has made this a stressful week in general.

So today was inspection day and we found out it needs a new roof. But the guy selling it feels he already came down a lot and is not willing to budge at all. So this great house we waited out and felt like was meant to be has now gone up in price realistically for us by the price of a roof - $5000 to $8000 dollars. Which is not HUGE but when we were at the top of our price bracket to begin with its too much...

So I am discouraged. Trying to remember that God has a plan...that maybe something is better out there. And that really God just wants us to be good stewards of our money and doesn't care so much where I live. So maybe I should care less too...maybe my lessons are to learn to be more content with what I have already, learn to save money (a house would be more each month so we should be saving the difference monthly), patience, to be thankful for the blessings I do have...

Days 3 - Today: Vacation

No running on vacation.

I did however walk mile after mile after mile in San Francisco. One day at least 5! That should count towards it.

Today I had to grocery shop so tomorrow let the countdown start over.

Time for Tea

As the final act of Tori and Madison's gifted project they doned big hats and fancy dresses and had a tea party with the Memory Care residents of HarborChase ALF. Lots of fun!

Just for the record that is a man, he's just wearing a rather feminine hat :-)

Day 2: Failed

Day 2:
Distance: 0 miles
Feeling: Being a mother is sometimes a nasty job.
Encouraging thought of the day: Flu bugs can only last so long.

Tristan caught a nasty flu bug so I had to push my scheduled 2nd run off until Saturday - Todd is at a worship retreat for church though until 5 so it will have to be an evening run!

Run, LeShayne, Run

I hate running...but I have decided that I am going to love it.

I used to love it, once upon a blue moon ago. And I lose weight and keep it off faster when I run then doing hours and hours at the gym...

So Day 1 Stats
Distance: 2 miles
Feeling: Hate it passionately.
Encouraging Thought of the Day: I have good taste in music!

Happiness Project: Why?!

This week's questions: Why are you doing this project? What is your history in trying to be more happy? What does happiness look like for you?

I am a planner. A doer. A woman with an agenda. I get stuff done.

But sometimes I forget to stop and smell the roses. I get so caught up in the things I need to do that I forget sometimes I need to just be.

I am not unhappy. I am just not always appreciative of my blessings. And so I decided to participate in hopes that it will remind me to stop and count those blessings. Smell the roses. Put my feet up.

Happiness is a state of mind for me - its peace and contentment shared with the ones you love. And the ability to not let the little stuff get to you - that's the part I need more practice with :-)

The Happiness Project - Love Where You're At

My sister-in-law Laurie started a new weekly post called The Happiness Project after Angelle posted about it. The basic gist of it is that you make yourself aware of your own happiness, a count your blessings type of thing...this week's topic: location.

5 Reasons I Love Where I Live:

1. Weather - today as I write this I am less than thrilled about the cold temperatures but in general I love FL weather. It's warm 10-11 months of the year and the one month it's cold it pales in comparison to frigid temperatures around the country. I would rather be too hot than cold any day of the week!

2. Beaches - I love the beach. The sun, the sand...ok not so much the water but the sun, the sand. I love the smell, I love the sense of peace it brings me, I love the laid back attitude. I love that there are multiple beaches within 20 minute drive of our house.

3. Community - I love the community we have created here. From workplaces to church to the school I feel that we are surrounded by people that we enjoy spending time with. I like being involved!

4. Family - I love that their is a significant amount of family nearby. I love that my parents and brother and his wife are huge parts of our regular lives. I love that the kids get to know Grandpa Doug and Grandma Mary. I love that Todd has a brother nearby even if they don't get together often!

5. Entertainment - I love the vast selection of things to do as a family - day trips, mini vacations, outdoors activities, educational experiences, etc. Not every kid gets to grow up with beaches, aquariums, zoos, theme parks, and theaters close enough and with specials cheap enough to get to experience. I love that my kids are getting all those experiences in their little lives!

2010 Goals NOT Resolutions

I cannot believe how fast the last year has flown by...I feel like we just celebrated the start of 2009. I am really bad at resolutions so I have decided to make some goals for this year - I am not resolute in them, I am hopeful that I will succeed. Semantics I know but it works for me.

So goals for 2010:

- to find a house, buy a house and move into said house! (preferably early 2010)

- to starting running and learn to love it again

- to save more money - its not that we are not saving now but we could do more

- start a chore/allowance system for the kids and stick to it

- cook more/eat out less - healthier and cheaper, i just hate cooking!