Happy September/October/November!

Wow! I cannot believe its November already...where did September and October go? I really have been slacking on my blogging skills lately (at least, for my own that is). So without further ado...here are some pics/memories/etc. to keep everyone up to date.

In August/September, Destin started preschool. And she absolutely LOVES it!! If she had a choice, she would go everyday if she could. I can already tell that she is going to love school as much as I do! She has made so many new friends, and I just love seeing her light up when she tells me about her day.

Since starting school, she has had class visitors (from the local firefighters, and a dentist), gone a field trip (nature walk) and celebrated Halloween with a very fun party! I cannot wait to see what the future holds for my sweet girl. She is so incredibly smart, and beyond her 3 years that is amazes me everyday. 

About the same time (as Destin starting school), Arwen and I began to have more one on one time, and began our big adventure into potty training. As of now, we are about 80% done. She still has an accident or two each day, but can go for a few days with none at all. We are working on her "using her words" to ask for help and tell someone that she has to go. She does really well communicating with us, otherwise, so I think its just something we have to work on. Right now, its (potty time) more of a game for her - and at times, catching her at the perfect moment. Overall though, I am super proud of her...and can say that is wearing undies FULL TIME during the day now. 

Another adventure (sadly), that Arwen has decided to take...NO NAPS! I knew it was coming, and I actually got very lucky with her, since big sister stopped napping at 18 months (when Arwen was born). So at 2.5 years old, she is done with napping - even though, she REALLY NEEDS them. Its kind of a hit or miss thing for her. 

Other news...

Some other happenings that took place over the past few months, included Patrick working nights for about 3 weeks. That was quite the adjustment! He would from 3 PM to 4 AM, and attempt to sleep during the day. I am so glad that is was only a few weeks.

Now, Patrick is back to work during days (YAY!) and our schedule is not as hectic. Most days we stay home, play, clean (UGH!), and schedule playdates with friends.

The girls and I started going to church in September, as I mentioned in my last post (months ago). And so far, I really enjoy it. I am learning about myself spiritually, and hoping to make new friends over time. We have attended about four events thru the church since joining (Back 2 School night, 2 Family Fun Nights, and the Trunk or Treat night). Over the next couple weeks, I hope to join a small group and would like for the girls to start attending Sunday school.

Halloween was SO much fun this year...and I have lots of great pics to share (which I will in my next post). 

Right now, we are currently counting down the days til we visit Grandpa Todd and Grandma Julie in Florida at Thanksgiving. We cannot wait! The girls are so excited about going to the beach, and flying on an airplane for the first time. And I am really looking forward to taking Destin to Destin, Florida (where she is named after - where Patrick and I got married). 

I have really missed seeing my step mom...its been over a year since we last saw her in Colorado. And I know the girls have really missed seeing her too! After a year (being diagnosed with breast cancer) and dealing with treatments, chemo, radiation, and all the horrible crap you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy...I am so thankful to say, that she is now...CANCER FREE! Yay!

I cannot wait to get more great pics of my girls with them again! Until next time, have a wonderful day everyone! Be sure to get out and VOTE today!! And look for more posts to come!!

Making money from home

I have been a stay at home mom for almost 2 years now...before then I was a teacher. I substitute taught grades K thru 6 in Blue Springs & Lee's Summit. I graduated from UCM in 2006 with my BS in Early Childhood/Elementary Education, but was never able to find a job with it. So I subbed...the money was decent, the timing was great, and I could work as much or as little as I wanted. I did this upon graduating all the way up until Destin was born in Feb 2009. I also taught for a short while in Belton - this is something I don't like to discuss; so I did manage to find a job, but not a great one. I also want to note that I have applied to work at all the local school districts as a teacher, and in the past four years I have had maybe four interviews. Pretty sad. I decided to go into education because I thought the need for teachers was very high. But now, due to the economy/government/education system, there are more teachers laid off than being hired.

Since staying at home, I have always been on the look out for working from home, or making money from home. There are lots of things out there - selling products like Makeup, tupperware, children's books, health products, etc. Doing parties - Pampered Chef, pleasure parties (for adults). Being a telemarketer from home. Delivering papers. And all sorts of other misc. things on monster, craigslist and career builder.

My dream is to find a job working from home teaching online. I have my Bachelors and Masters in Education - I could teach anything from early childhood, elementary, technology, math (my fav subject) or I could even tutor. I have looked just about everywhere I can think of to find a job online - colleges, the job sites, tutoring sites and believe me, I have applied for several jobs.

I love being a stay at home mom. I have never missed anything - I have seen Destin acheive every milestone (rolling over, sitting up, crawling, walking, running, talking and more!). And now I will get to see Arwen meet all those milestones as well. Being a mom is the best thing I have ever done and I don't want to miss anything. I love my daughters more than anything and I would do absolutely anything for them. Its crazy to think that I am a mommy of two under two!

I just hope that someday in the near future, I can find something to help support our family. I know that I provide support by taking care of our house - cooking, cleaning, paying the bills, running errands, and most importantly taking care of our children. But I would like to help Patrick, financially as well. I feel so guilty sometimes because he knows we depend on him for everything. If he did not work we would have nothing. I am so thankful for him and what he does for us each and everyday.