Kim's Country Cottage

2010-03-13T07:30:00.000-08:00

Catch a glimpse of my current works. A hobby to keep me sane with the demands of a homeschooling mother to 4 beautiful kids and all the stuff that goes along with it!

Enjoy and be sure to leave a comment!

Crafting on a Budget....

2010-01-29T08:17:00.000-08:00

Start making CANDLES, start with confidence!!!

My Etsy Holiday/Christmas Bazarre

2008-12-02T11:09:00.000-08:00

Strawberry Pickin'

2007-12-31T10:19:00.001-08:00

On Saturday, December 30th, we visited a local strawberry farm and commenced to pickin'! It was fun, except it went too fast! We filled our buckets and ate a few while picking and were ready to weigh our treasures within 15 minutes. The strawberries were abundant and we could have spent much more time, but at $3/pound and we maxed out our bucket capacity the way it was, we decided to stick with what we had.

Note to self, the strawberry festival is coming up in March. We MUST attend this year in Plant City!

Buy Handmade!

2007-09-21T07:21:00.001-07:00

My Business in the News!

2007-08-31T07:45:00.000-07:00

Kim Kassian: "I just wanted to share this accomplishment from my cloth diaper business. An article I don't think was shared with many family members. You can view it using the following link

random photos of activites with the kids

2007-08-31T07:32:00.000-07:00

My hubby is 42

2007-08-31T07:07:00.000-07:00

We spent the day doing quiet activities. Church in the morning. Quiet lunch at the park and racing in go-karts in the afternoon...... so much for the quiet! We all had fun!!! Even Elizabeth, the youngest, she thought she was really driving the cars.

She said, "That was SO much fun, we'll have to bring daddy here again!"

Steady as she goes.....

2007-08-03T05:37:00.000-07:00

The progress on my dad's transplant is slow, but hopeful that it will be completely successful. He has extreme faith and his spirits are good. He has good days and bad days, as far as comfort is concerned. I try to check in daily, just for a few minutes or so by telephone to let him and my mom know that we are thinking about him and continue to pray for him. According to the health professionals, it can be another 2-3 weeks of hospitalization and monitoring, if all goes well he will return home to normal activities after that. This may allow them to go back to ND for a while before winter to take care of some things there and travel back to AZ for the winter months, or maybe even some light travelling. We shall see.

My kids are enjoying their summer days, but most of them within the last week have been rainy. This brings on boredom, more television (which is not helping anything), and just plain no activity. They need to be outside more. I will see if there are some inexpensive activities they can participate in at the rec center before the school year starts. Of course, as many of you know, I homeschool them, so it doesn't matter to them when the school year officially starts.

We will be ordering our FCAT tests for 2007 here shortly. This will provide the necessary info for the school district and general recordkeeping. They did pretty well this year. Dana still struggles to get all of her studies done. We added too many electives this year I think, plus she has her responsibilities with music at the church, teaching 1 piano student (now 2), and general helpful duties around the house. Maybe this year we will concentrate on the 'core' study areas and bypass some of the electives.

David just had surgery on the 16th. This was a partial adenoid removal, tubes in his ears, sinus culture procedures. He did well. We were all home safe by 3:30 p.m. the same day for rest. His speech tends to be more nasal than it was before, which is one of the reasons we wanted to do the procedure, to help his breathing and speech.....

Embroidery Designs for You

2007-07-21T10:36:00.000-07:00

Celebrating the 4th of July, Kassian-style

2007-07-05T05:48:00.000-07:00

On july 4th Olivia turned 7. We had a great day that day. I managed to get the day off at the last minute, which rarely happens, and we all celebrated the 4th and Olivia's birthday by going to the Dade County Sparklebration. I don't know if it was supposed to be like a county fair, or just a small 4th celebration, in any event we enjoyed ourselves after the initial shock of rain and lack of entertainment. That is, of course, until we found the LIVE entertainment on stage all day! What a pleasant surprise. We saw the Larkins performance 2 or 3 times throughout the day. We saw the clogger dancers perform, we saw a live statue of liberty, sky divers presenting the american flag, some random performers on stage (some children, some adults) singing songs we all recognized.

The kids REALLY wanted to go on the 'rides' there, but the carnival was extremely lame and the equipment looked older than me and not very safe, so Warren and I distracted them with food and the live entertainment!

beach visit

2007-06-20T05:33:00.000-07:00

flowering

2007-06-20T05:31:00.000-07:00

I will lift up mine eyes....

2007-06-09T14:57:00.000-07:00

We went blueberry picking!

2007-06-09T14:52:00.000-07:00

We went blueberry picking today, we got about 9 # and paid about $28 - but the experience was awesome, the kids enjoyed it and the blueberries are excellent!

Photo of my Kids from 2006

2007-06-06T10:56:00.000-07:00

This photo was taken during a visit with my folks when they came to Florida in April/May 2006. My parents were taking care of Flat Stanley. ;) As you can see from the photo, my parents brought their RV - so this was taken in the RV.

Aren't my kids adorable? ;)

Chocolate Floral Smock

2007-06-06T10:52:00.000-07:00

Here is another girly smock I completed and recently sold here on the web. This one was a beautiful chocolate floral with a plush, white 1" foldover elastic sewn on the hem, just because.....

Denim Daisy Chain Smock

2007-06-06T10:47:00.000-07:00

Here is an example of a smock top / dress I make for children. Can be easily suited or adjusted for both boys and girls, although mostly for girls. This particular smock here was made using a high quality mid-weight denim for a nice drape. I stitched a daisy chain on the hem for a nice girly finish. Whatchya think?

Machine Embroidery - General Tips

2007-06-06T10:09:00.000-07:00

1. Always test on scrap fabrics first!
2. Watch your machine carefully as it stitches.
3. Trim jump stitches as you go for a nicer final result. If you leave these stitches til the end, you may find your needle getting caught in the jump stitches.
4. Place a layer of fusible web UNDER your fabric BEFORE your tack down stitch. Trim as you trim your fabric. You can iron over your applique upon completion of the stitching and the fusible will bond the applique to the article.
5. Use cut-away stabilizer when using knit fabrics with a water-soluable stablizer on top of the design. This will ensure the stitches will look nice and even and stitches will sink in the knit fabric.
6. Iron a piece of interfacing to the BACK of the design. This makes the design more comfortable to wear and ensures the integrity of the design -- just in case it should get snagged.

Happy stitching!

Embroidery Machine - Applique Tips

2007-06-06T10:00:00.001-07:00

1. Place your article (properly hooped and stabilized) in your machine and stitch the first placement stitch. The purpose of this stitch is to show exactly where the design will be when finished.

2. Next, place the applique fabric on top of the placement stitches. You may wish to use some spray adhesive to help hold it in place. Let the machine proceed to the next stitch, the tack down stitch. Carefully remove the hoop from the machine, but DO NOT REMOVE the article of fabric from the hoop. Trim the edges of the fabric closely - be sure you DO NOT cut the stitches! Curved, sharp embroidery scissors work well for this.

3. Return the hoop to the machine for the satin stitch. If you see any fuzzies left behind, this means the fabric was not trimmed close enough to the stitch. Not to worry though, these can be cleaned up later. Just remember, DO NOT CUT THE STITCHES!

good Bible preaching video

2007-05-31T06:41:00.001-07:00

5 Surprises in Hell

2007-05-30T11:56:00.000-07:00

This video, and many others by Dr. Peter S Ruckman, are a MUST SEE / HEAR!!!!

Enjoy! Click Here to view this awesome video!

A little progress....

2007-05-30T11:50:00.000-07:00

I guess the permit has been officially revised. It is ready for review and we are ready to seek 're-bids' (if there is such a word). We'll see what the $$ end result is going to be and what kind of timeframe we are looking at for completion.

Another factor to consider is the upcoming hurricane season which starts in just 2 days, or June 1st. While we are experiencing nothing but dry weather now, no precipitation since who knows when, this can change very soon and we could be in for a wet summer....

I can always hope.

My how time flies.... (or, ode to becoming an AFCH)

2007-05-21T05:22:00.000-07:00

Time sure has a way of getting away from you. Here it is May 21, 2007, and so much has happened, and not happened since the last time I posted.

First, we are still in the process of working on this home to get it ready for an assisted living facility. So many 'hoops' to jump through and people to 'please' to get this finalized. It is amazing. We are in the process now of waiting for our new septic permit that has been revised as one of our job bidders told us of some 'flaws' in the original permit. We have waited a week now for the new permit or news of the changes, so far nothing is being done. Pasco County Environmental Services 'hard at work'.

Secondly, my husband and I are still working our 'day' jobs, both of which we do not like that much but we have to pay bills. My husband was without a job from August of 2006 until late-January 2007, the Lord has provided during this entire time without faulter. Praise God. We need to keep reminding ourselves of what God has brought us through and that some way, some how this will all come together for good, as long as it is God's will for this family. I believe it is God's will for this family just by the mere fact we have been tested and endured some tribulations to get as far as we are.

This is what remains to be done:

revisions of permit for septic system revealed
new bids for septic changes
accept bid for septic changes per permit
septic to be completed
septic to have final inspection from the PCEHS
application to State for the license to be an AFCH for up to 4 residents
business insurance
go through appropriate processes for getting residents, either private or through State
quit day jobs once all residents are in place! me probably sooner to be available for first resident, etc.....
obtain LLC
live happily ever after!

Elizabeth is 4 on May 7th, 2007

2007-05-07T05:39:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth loves the movie "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" so it was quite fitting that she have a Snow White birthday party, complete of course with the Snow White costume that we bought for her a couple of months ago.

happy easter

2007-04-07T07:34:00.000-07:00

hope everyone is doing well and having a wonderful weekend! God Bless!

David turns 9 on March 16th, 2007

2007-03-16T05:32:00.000-07:00

David loved the Disney movie "Cars" - hence the theme for his 9th birthday. His birthday was shared by his siblings and parents, a quiet little family party. All of his presents were also themed after the movie. Car toys, coloring books, story books, new colors, etc... Isn't the cake adorable?!?

Here is a close up of just the cake. David was so proud. Sometimes I think he enjoys seeing what kind of cake I'll come up with for the party that it overshadows the fact he is getting presents and having his favorite meal, which just happens to be spaghetti! We 'almost' had a party with other friends but those are normally to hard to plan out and get just how you want them.....too many variables and other people's schedules to contend with. We are all happy, even David, that we did what we did this year!

Elizabeth

2006-11-20T10:38:00.000-08:00

bubbles

2006-11-20T10:25:00.000-08:00

blowing bubbles! This is Elizabeth having fun outside.....boy our lawn needs to be mowed!

David Has Pneumonia

2006-11-09T06:54:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it seems that everything happens at once. Doesn't it?!? My son, who is 8, has developed pneumonia and had to be rushed to the ER on Monday midnight/Tues early a.m. He woke up crying and saying it hurt to breathe and he was running a very high temp. 105.4 to be exact, and this was the rectal reading! He is home now, on medication and lots of rest.

Olivia, who is 6, is now complaining of a sore throat and headache and my youngest, who is 3 was up coughing all last night!

Our carpet was installed during all this as well. No other choice, and it was raining when it was installed and it took 2 days!!

God is Good, Amen!

2006-11-06T10:06:00.000-08:00

God has provided every step of the way during my life, but I've especially seen the blessings in the last several months as we go through a trying time with remodeling our house, my husband being out of work, etc., in this house.

We have 4 children, who are beautiful, smart and healthy,
our bellies are full,
a roof over our head,
financial needs are being met, even through this difficult time,

Praise God to whom all blessings flow!

My Children

2006-11-04T09:40:00.000-08:00

This is my 4 kids at a local park last fall, 2005.

Dana, the oldest, is now 15,

David is 8,

Olivia is 6

and Elizabeth is 3.

Scripture for Today

2006-11-04T06:27:00.000-08:00

PSALMS CHAPTER 51
1 ¶ Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
7 ¶ Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
14 ¶ Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
18 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.
19 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.

Science Answers in the Bible

2006-11-03T11:07:00.000-08:00

Recently at our church, during the Wednesday night prayer/Bible service, we have been studying some interesting science facts that the Bible explained before science confirmed their truth. Here is just a small sampling of the references and the science fact that they prove:

Genesis 3:20 -- All humans came from one original female, the 'mother of all living' - Eve

Lev. 17:11 -- Life is in the blood. It was customary between 400 BC to 1900 AD to use blood-letting to help 'cure' certain human ailments. Most of the time people died during this procedure or shortly after. If man would have just listened to what God was telling him, many people could have been saved. Also, did you know that a well-known slogan for a blood service coming is "Give Life, Give Blood"?

Lev. 11:7-8 -- Diseases passed around from pigs. Basically, don't eat scavenger creatures. In the New Testament it is stated (and I'm not quoting exactly here), that all animals are given for meat of man, which is true, but many diseases can be avoided by avoiding or limiting one's intake of certain foods. Shellfish, pork, etc....

Want to find out more? Here is an excellent resource.

Helpful Scripture Today

2006-11-03T10:46:00.000-08:00

PROVERBS CHAPTER 31
1 ¶ The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?
3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.
7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
8 Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.
9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
10 ¶ Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

What? Fish with the heads on?

2006-11-03T10:04:00.000-08:00

Ok, so my 6 year old daughter has been asking for WEEKS to have fish for supper, but not just any fish. This fish we prepare has to be WHOLE, with the head and EYES....... ok, so she knows she won't be eating the head or eyes, just has to be there.

Can you imagine? Doesn't she look happy to have her little wish fulfilled? If I remember correctly, my husband said this was red snapper. It tasted good, we had to be careful of the few bones that were left, but she did well.

Don't you just love happy endings?

Welcome....

2006-11-02T04:23:00.000-08:00

Well, today is a new day. This is the day which the Lord hath made....I will rejoice and be glad in it.

Today I have almost completed my work day for my employer. I have a job where I can work for the employer AT HOME. I am tied to their phone system and computer system from my own phone and computer system. I will not disclose the employer, for my and my employer's privacy and protection. This allows me to be home with my kids, which I homeschool, and my husband who is currently remodeling our home and not working outside the home.

It seems to be just as difficult to wake up, even with the daylight savings time. Why is that? I thought that I would feel more refreshed but I think, as usual, we have abused the system and actually stay up later so there is no difference -- restfully speaking. Oh well, maybe next year.

I have participated in many blogs and have built many websites over the last 6 or 7 years. This just seems to be another extension of my creativity and branching out. I hope to be able to help someone along the way.

Please let me know if you find any part of my site a blessing. It would be an encouaragement to us both if you do.

Scripture for Today

2006-11-02T04:22:00.000-08:00

Psalms 102

1 Hear my prayer, O Lord, and let my cry come unto thee.

2 Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day when I call answer me speedily.

3 For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth.

4 My heart is smitten, and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat my bread.

5 By reason of the voice of my groaning my bones cleave to my skin.

Happy Friday

2006-11-02T04:21:00.000-08:00

Another business week is coming to a close. My how time flies when you are having fun!

Today we went and purchased donuts for breakfast at a large donut chain (not naming names). We could not believe the line of people in the drive-thru and inside seating. It was ridiculous! What a profitable venture for someone.

Got back to the house just in time for the first call for work and eat a donut and begin the work day. I have a very unique situation, I can assist my kids with their home schooling needs while waiting between phone calls for my work. Praise God!

Gender Genie ???

2006-01-04T07:21:00.000-08:00

I know, this was quite strange for me at first - but if you do a lot of writing, it is quite helpful!

http://www.bookblog.net/gender/genie.html

Tigerdirect CS Sucks!

2006-01-02T07:30:00.000-08:00

I have never been so disappointed in an online company that I have dealt with. I purchase 2 items on December 4th. Paid through PayPal. Returned them complete due to incompatibility on December 19th via USPS Priority Mail with insurance. The customer service department places you on hold, I've been on hold for 12 minutes as I type this.... 15 the last time and about 20 minutes the time before that.

Bottomline, they will not reply to emails and will not refund the amount back to the PayPal account (YET-anyway). Nobody knows what is going on when I call. Very poor customer service.

I do NOT recommend tigerdirect.com

My Kids At Disney

2006-01-01T07:11:00.000-08:00

This is my 4 kids at Minnie's house I believe....at Disney World. We visited the Magic Kingdom in December. Can't wait to go back!

My Committment

2005-06-23T07:31:00.000-07:00

Well, I have decided to be more organized, I need to commitment myself to a few things each day:

1) keep a clean kitchen sink;
2) keep a clean bathroom;
3) keep clutter to a minimum;
4) use the www.flylady.com method to have the home I want, with the time I have (which is not much)

I have been at it now for the entire week. Every night the sink is spotless when I go to bed and of course, when I wake up. The bathroom is clean and we are on a roll. I just spent 15 minutes cleaning a 'hot spot' in our house, one of the most often used kitchen cupboards. Everybody seems to just throw things in the cupboard without thought who may need to retrieve an item from this space. This is gratifying. The laundry, with a family of this size, is a never-ending job, but is clearing with the helpful reminders throughout the day from me to my oldest child to monitor the progress, even if she doesn't fold and put away, just keep the machines going!!!

I encourage anyone with little time to check out the site mentioned above. I am going to get one of their calendars and have made my own control journal and lists to help keep things running smoothly.

Between working at home for another company from 11:30-5:30, working my cloth diaper business, homeschooling 3 children, housework, cooking, etc.... I do feel better about things with this system.

Enjoy!

Long time no see

2005-06-14T07:32:00.000-07:00

Well, I do admit it has been quite some time since I added anything here.... so many things to keep me busy.

1) my cloth diaper business...steady
2) kids, between homeschooling and being sick, music lessons, dental appointments....
3) my work...took a promotion, that was a JOKE, and took up lots of my time with less pay than I could make at the first job, seriously.
4) tinkering with my computer, doing web design, trying to make a dollar here and there to help out

and the list seems to go on and on. Really. There is no time for anything these days. I want to get my sewing machine out more and more. Not for working on my diaper stuff necessarily, but for other fun stuff. We'll see.....first of all, I need to be more organized and get caught up with my life! ;)

I am wanting to do more things, like:

digital photography
going to the beach with the kids
being more organized around the house

hmmmmmm......which direction should I go?

Until next time then, adios.

Honeymoon Island Beach Visit

2005-02-04T07:14:00.000-08:00

The beaches near here are not as nice as in Pensacola. A lot rockier, but the shells and good times are had by all!

My Son is Sick Again...

2005-02-03T07:23:00.000-08:00

I'm hoping its not pneumonia, but it may very well be. He has these coughing attacks that keep us all up during the night. He is a very thin boy and tends to run on the sickly side of the line anyway. I'm praying that he will be healed. I will be taking him to the doctor to see if it requires medications or just the breathing treatments I have been doing. The saline solution by itself can't really be helping that much, can they?

Bombed Out Today

2005-02-03T07:22:00.000-08:00

not much sales in my job yesterday. I had a great Tuesday and a very poor Wednesday. Maybe I'll make up for it in the extra hours I'll put in today and on Saturday......I was so hoping to beat 50 this week...

My Newspaper Interview

2005-01-31T07:32:00.000-08:00

I just completed my newspaper interview with a freelance writer/photojournalist in the Tampa Bay area. She was quite thorough and took lots of photos. The coverage of the paper(s) is quite large and will provide nice exposure for my company, while introducing others to cloth diapering their babies who have not or would not before. I am not sure when this will be released, but I will definitely have info on the link or excerpts/photos, etc. when available either here or at my cloth diapering site.

Photos were taken of my products, a bit on how they are made, along with photos of me and my kids. This should prove quite interesting upon its completion. Again, I will provide info on this when the article and photos are released.

Okay, I know, its been awhile again...

2005-01-25T07:33:00.000-08:00

I have a new freelance computer/phone job working out of my house 25+ hours per week. The job is kinda fun, I get to talk to tons of people and my pay is based on commissions so I can kinda write my own check so to speak. I need this. I am able to still be at home with my kids during the day. I work from 1-6 with thursdays and sundays off. I can take extra hours in half hour increments at my own discretion and they mail my checks to me.....can't be any easier than that! I am trying to set a goal to do well enough to make 'comma checks' at home. I'm half way there and striving for more.

My father in law was just visiting for about 10 days. He didn't like my kids or me and Warren works 7 to 7 so he got bored and left. I have been soured by the people/relatives visiting thing....everyone (with the exception of my sister and her husband) who has visited me in the last 5 years has been so extremely rude and gossipy upon their return home to ND that I don't care to see these relatives again. My mom is #1 on that list... I still don't talk to her. Long story, but thats the way it is.

Here is some exciting news....I'm going to be interviewed for some little local newspapers on Monday because of my diaper making business. Warren thinks its funny and un-necessary, but I will co-operate for the heck of it. I think its great to get the word out about cloth diapering, and it can't hurt for my business either.

I've been trying to do any little thing to make extra money for so long, it almost would be easier to have a job outside of the house, but I can't bring myself to doing that with my 2 youngest having to go to daycare in this hellhole metropolis. There is constantly stories about pervs/molesters/abusers in daycares in this area. I refuse to put my kids through anything that would put them at higher risk - so therefore I struggle along with my droll little life!

Okay, now that I have brightened your day, what's new with you!?!

1st day on the job, at home.....

2005-01-18T07:17:00.000-08:00

I have my first official day on the job (at home) today. I am a little nervous and excited. I want this to work so much! It seems so easy. There is no commute, no dress code and I can really be in charge of my paycheck. The hours are great, 1-6 p.m. and its 25 hours per week (including Sat.), but I can always sign up for more hours as needed or desired.

So looking forward to getting this underway.

We also have a visitor this week, my husband's father. He is 71 and drove from North Dakota to Tampa, FL by himself. This will be addressed in its own topic later. ;)

Transition Day One

2005-01-11T07:24:00.000-08:00

that was a blast! I can see that it will take a bit of practice to make the calls run smoothly and get the sales I need for the bigger paychecks. I am definitely ready to be working this at home, in my own space with my own PC and overall environment.

The kids will be glad once I do not have to leave the house as well. I can see the difference in just this short time. We are ALL counting down the days.

God is good and has seen us through so much. Praise God!

Whew! I made it!

2005-01-08T07:25:00.000-08:00

through the first week of training. Next week is the kicker-- I will be working 11-6 and working with live phone customers for service and sales of publications.

The house is a mess, the kids are all feeling neglected, the frig is a disaster and laundry is backlogged!!! Oh well. Working all weekend on the house may be worth the chance to make this money from home, right?

Off to the scrub brush, vacuum and mop!

Politics, my thoughts...

2005-01-05T07:17:00.000-08:00

I don't often delve into the political realm, but feel compelled to ask anyone and everyone, what they think of the election results in 2004.

Here is my take:

I am HAPPY that George W. Bush won re-election. He has instilled some values back into the American public that we cannot lose sight of. For instance, his stance on marriage (one man-one woman), abortion (pro-life), religion, and helping others.

Personally, I am overjoyed that 13 states have banned same-sex marriage. I do not think that is natural. Everything God ever said about homosexuals was not good. Read it for yourself in the Bible!

I don't like to get too wordy - just state my bottomline. Please feel free to comment if you are compelled to do so. :)

Give me YOUR opinion!

In 2005 I resolve to....

2005-01-02T07:25:00.000-08:00

be a better mother
be a better wife
be a better sister
be a better friend
take care of myself and my health as best I can
help with our financial direction
create a positive atmosphere in my home
spend more time in the Bible
make more time for prayers

(may require editing as the year progresses.....)

2004 Reflections....

2004-12-31T07:26:00.000-08:00

2004 has brought many changes to my family. It breaks down like this:

o In February we moved from Pensacola to the Tampa area.

o We still own a house in Pensacola, which is now hurricane damaged from Ivan.

o My husband found a good-paying job, but the stress level is unbearable - so that is a rollercoaster ride all by itself.

o My kids had wonderful birthdays. We celebrated a 13th birthday, a 6th birthday, a 4th birthday, and a 1st birthday. (not to mention my husband turned 39 and I turned 37)

o We experienced 2 of our children's pain as they underwent orthopedic surgery. Our 1 year old had 2 surgeries and wore full leg casts for 2 months. Our 6 year old had 1 surgery and wore to-the-knee casts for 2 months. We are thankful that the surgeries went smoothly and the kids have recovered quite nicely!

o We experienced, in some way, shape or form, 3 of the 4 hurricanes that hit Florida this hurricane season. 2 of them were near the Tampa area. Minimal damage in our area and since we rent, minimal responsibility/liability. Our home in Pensacola is another story. Devastation was of greater magnitude there, in that metro area. Our home there suffered roof damage, tree damage and fence damage. Doesn't sound like a lot maybe, but the insurance total was quite large. Not to mention we are on a huge waiting list for the work to be done by ever-so-busy contractors in the area. What a nightmare!

Let's see....what else was there. I'll have to think on it and edit this post as necessary.

Overall, the Lord has blessed us quite nicely and we are very thankful that the kids and ourselves (my husband and I) are experiencing excellent health. Financially, we are hoping 2005 will be better.

Paying Gig!

2004-12-30T07:29:00.000-08:00

After playing music at 18 nursing homes over the past 2 weeks, my daughter was offered a paying performance of one-hour in about one month. It would open several other doors for her and am very proud. We just need to find more music for the piano and accordion to greet the elderly - songs they would recognize.

I hope she enjoys it and that everything goes as planned for the upcoming job for her and that it works out with my new home job as well.......so many changes in such a short time!

I Got It!

2004-12-30T07:21:00.000-08:00

I got the job, if I want it. I'm not so sure anymore, but will attend the orientation today to find out more about the job, maybe re-look at the available home schedules and decide from there. It almost sounds too-good-to-be-true, so I hesitate. I would only get Thursdays and Sundays off and would work from 1 until 6 after the initial 2 weeks of training, 9 to 4 (week one) and 11 to 6 (week two).

I was hoping that once I explained it to my husband he would find pros and cons to make me look at the work situation differently. Unfortunately, he only brought to light the things I had already taken into consideration.

The best part of it is that I will still be at home with my 4 kids, after the initial training period which is NOT at home.

My Prayer for Today

2004-12-30T07:20:00.000-08:00

Lord, please watch over my husband as he works so hard to make ends meet for our family. Keep him safe from harm, keep his spirits lifted and outlook bright. Please watch over my kids and protect them from harm. Help them to grow up to love You, Lord. Please provide every member of this family, me, my husband, our kids, with good health for the new year. Please Lord, help me find peace and resolution for a financial problem.

I pray also that the tsunami survivors receive they aid the need and comfort during this very difficult time. I only hope that the persons who perished knew you Lord - to spend eternity with You.

Please protect and guide the Weymouths in China. Keep them healthy and safe during the new year.

Many praises Lord for all you have provided to me and my family. Thank you Lord for seeing me through the difficult changes we have experienced.

In the name of Jesus I pray,
~Amen

December 2004 Kids Photo

2004-12-30T07:18:00.000-08:00

This is my 4 kids. Dana is 13 and is on the left in the red sweater. Dana is holding Elizabeth who is 18 months. Olivia is the one in the green shirt and she is 4. She wasn't cooperating much that day. David is so handsome, isn't he? David is 6.

Is Christmas Really Over?

2004-12-30T07:10:00.000-08:00

I guess, with being a Christian, I shouldn't feel like Christmas is over....it really is all year long. Maybe it has been the rush of this season and the many changes in our lives over the last year that really make me reflect over this 2004 in such a different way. More than I ever have felt before.

I have included pictures of the kids below in previous posts of images by themselves. I hope I'm not the only one who thinks they are adorable!

Wish Me Luck!

2004-12-29T07:11:00.000-08:00

I am off to a job interview for a stay-at-home computer position. It almost sounds too good to be true, but I want to be sure before I let the chance slip away! Sure could use the extra funds!

I do hate to be away from my kids for very long, but the interview is probably the only time I would need to be away.

Wish me luck!