Shalee’s Diner

that I can’t spend it blogging.

I went on a coffee date with Mr. Right this morning.  (I found a Starbuck’s gift card in my purse - woo hoo!)  We sat outside drinking coffee and chatting for one glorious hour.

I went and cut my hair.  It needed it.  Boy did it need it!  I actually look like someone who others might want to have in an office now.  It’s short and sassy, just what you need in an Executive Assistant, right?

My former coworkers asked to do lunch with me.  It was Chinese, so you know I wasn’t going to turn that down!  We finally got caught up with each other.  I sure miss being in the office with those ladies…

I balanced the checkbook.  I’m glad I did it after lunch.  I might have said no to them otherwise.  God is so good to us no matter the balance in the checking account.  He knows exactly what we need and He’ll provide in his own good way.  Of that I can assure!  

I’m off to go pick up The Boy from school.  This walking to school thing is really good for me.  I’ve lost four pounds so far!  I keep this up and I may be able to get rid of my pudgy stomach soon!  

Who says I need to work?  This staying at home thing has a lot going for it so far…  :)

So, what would you do if you were here with me?  Make it something fun because I’m in a really good mood!

Y’all.  I have to tell you that I’ve read and reread your comments from the last post.  It did my heart good to hear your support and your encouragement for not only me, but for The Boy and other motherhood emotions that we all seem to encounter at one time or another.  Thank you for being such a secure padding onto which I can fall when needed.  I really love that part of blogging.  It’s yet another way that God has been ever-so-good to me.

This weekend was a lot of fun.  On Friday, I took the kids to the skating party after school.  Even The Girl went, despite her being a big 7th grader now.  (She had an awesome time by the way.)  I skated with both kids and also with Liz’s son.  I could tell that he really wished that he had a parent who would skate with him so I told the kids that I wanted to share myself with him.  They both agreed, especially since they’re pretty good skaters now.  Oh the joy in that boy’s eyes when I invited him to skate with us!  I love being able to give that kind of gift.  I was actually doing great in the non-falling department until then, but Peter managed to pull me down when he fell.  You should have seen his eyes when I busted out with laughter!  He started laughing too; I have a feeling that it was just what we needed to build a bond of friendship between us.  He became pretty talkative and social with me after that.

Mr. Right actually worked a regular shift on Friday, so we had a family fun night.  It involved great food that Mr. Right cooked (yay!) and an old classic movie - Stage Door Canteen.  I had never seen it before that night, but what a great movie!  The time of the movie is in the middle of WWII, just after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and its setting moves around a place that opens its doors free of charge to all the military men going off to war.  They feed, entertain and talk with them, all the servers being famous actors and actresses, comedians and singers or musicians at that time.  

Oh the cameos!!!  It was fun to watch the old-time routines (ventriloquists, tap dancers, comedy routines, big bands, famous singers) and it was even greater watching the kids enjoy them, especially since they’re part of the electronics/digital animation age.  It really set home how much our children are missing.  My kids were so excited over this black and white movie that they asked to see another one.  You can bet your bottom dollar that we’ll find another one for them to enjoy - and soon.

Saturday was major clean up/finish decorating the house day, since we had the Teen Group was coming over the next night.  Our place never looked so good that day!  (Sunday night was an entirely different story.)  After spending a few hours getting the place in shape, The Boy went to play with Liz’s kids, while The Girl chose to use one of her Christmas coupons.  (I had given everyone an envelope of coupons to use throughout the year as they choose.  It was one of the best and most useful gifts I’ve ever given!)  

The Girl picked “Girls Night Out” coupon, so we settled on walking the mall that is just blocks from our house.  We hadn’t been there yet and it seemed like a perfect time as any!  The first thing I did was to take her to the Mrs. Fields’ store and to buy her a cookie.  She had never had one of those fresh-baked mall cookies and she LOVED it.  (Note to self: make chocolate chip cookies with walnuts for family.  Will be well received.)  After that we walked around, noting different stores.  I asked The Girl to try on dresses and you should have seen her eyes light up with joy!  She tried on lots of different ones, her favorite one being a dress that could be worn to a dance.  It was at that moment that I realized that The Girl is growing up… and fast!  I’m so not ready for her to do that yet…

Saturday night was more fun.  We taught the kids to play Hearts.  I’m glad that they’re learning cards.  Now we’ll have more in our repertoire for family game nights.  Soon we’ll teach them Spades, Pitch and Ucher.  We want our kids well-rounded in cards…

Sunday night was a lot of work, but it was also a lot of fun.  I baked pan after pan of bacon.  The Girl made batch after batch of pancakes.  Mr. Right sliced watermelon, scrambled eggs and a whole bunch of other things.  We were ready for them to delve into the mess of food right on time.  Oh how I wish I could have bottled the expressions of the Teens faces when they walked into the house and smelled the bacon!  They were excited to have something other than pizza or hot dogs!  I think it went really well over all and I look forward to doing it again when the need arises.

Oh, and should you choose to do a breakfast for a bunch of Teens, I would highly advise that you buy way more bacon that you think they can eat.  That pan was empty, crumbs and all, by the end of the meal.  (But make way less scrambled eggs.  We’ll be eating breakfast burritos for days around this house… Anyone have some great ideas for what I can make with these leftover scrambled eggs?  I need all the ideas I can get.)

When last you read of Shalee, she was having coffee with Kristen.  Oh my lands!  They had a wonderful time talking about anything and everything.  Kristen is as inviting as her blog: Down to earth, comfortable and completely likable.  I’m looking forward to the next time we get to chat and relax.  I’ll be sure to bring Smeagle next time too.  I just know that the two of them will hit it off too.  If she invites you for some coffee time, go!  (But if she tries to give you directions to the coffee shop, don’t listen to her.  Call me instead and I’ll get you there lickety-split. Told you I’d tease you, Kristen!  :))

I read some more, did some housework, and caught up some more on Lost.  Good times, I tell you.

The hard part came when school let out.  I suggested that we play on the playground a bit after school.  He asked if we could play at home instead, a highly unusual request from him.  Looking at him I decided that he needed to be with other kids, so I said no and we headed to the playground.  Imagine my horror as I watched him be literally ignored by every kid on that playground.  He would run up to someone and talk to him only to have the kid scowl and turn away from him.  He tried repeatedly with several of the boys on the playground, all with the same results.  When trying to join the game of tag, every boy ran by him, yelling for him to move out of the way or just running by him.  Eventually the boys had to leave and when there was one boy left, he finally acknowledged The Boy’s presence.  I had seen enough to know that The Boy wasn’t getting a fair shake at school.

When I was walking back with The Boy, I asked him  school was going.  He replied with a “fine”, but I knew that “fine” wasn’t really what he meant, so I delved further with more probing questions.  I came to find out that this sort of behavior was happening at lunch and at recess.  I asked if he was doing anything to encourage this kind of treatment - being bossy, being annoying, antagonizing anyone, and he said, “No!  I just went to sit with them at lunch and they all told me to go away.  At recess, I try to play tag with them, but no one will play with me!  I just want to be liked, but they won’t like me!”

And then I died of a broken heart.  I have to tell you something:  I struggled with God mightily over this trial, pleading for understanding.  It’s one thing to have trust and patience for myself; it’s an entirely matter to watch your son be rejected on absolutely no basis whatsoever.  It’s heart-wrenching as a parent to see your only son who is joy and love personified be treated so cruelly and unfair.

Whoa.  I think in writing that last paragraph I finally understand God’s point of view with Jesus.  That point has never hit home so hard as right now.  Maybe that is why God allowed this situation to happen in our family.  My son’s rejection is nothing as harsh as what Jesus endured, but it hurts the same emotionally as a parent.  And I can’t make those boys accept The Boy, just as God won’t make us accept his.  All we can do is offer them to others and hope that they see the beauty in them.

On the way home, God threw me a human lifeline.  I’ve been getting to know some of the moms casually when waiting for The Boy to leave school.  Liz was one of the first parents I met, and we’ve clicked well.  We also discovered that our sons are in the same class.  So when we walked by her house (she and her boys had already made it home), she threw out the “How is The Boy doing in school?” question.  I sure hope that she didn’t mind honesty because I told her that The Boy and I were just discussing possible solutions to the scenario at school.  I let it all pour out, telling her that as a mom, it’s breaking my heart, but I can’t fight this battle for him.  I was angry that The Boy hadn’t been given a chance to make friends before he was being rejected.  

She was great, taking it all in stride.  She gave me the name of the lunch monitor and said that Mrs. Morgan was great at handling those kinds of situations if she’s made aware of them.  She also said that she would talk to her son about the situation to feel things out too.  It helped to have a fellow mom at least know what I and The Boy were feeling.  She didn’t have to solve it, but she graciously held some of the load.

The next day when we were going to school, we happened to time it when Liz and her kids were walking.  The first thing out of her son’s mouth was a welcomed greeting and a request for The Boy to sit by him at lunch.  I looked at Liz and mouthed a thank you, trying not to cry.  The Boy, unaware of what had passed between Liz and I the day before, quickly smiled and nodded his head.  Then they talked and talked all the way to school.  It seems that the boys actually have a lot in common.

Liz’s son even went so far as to ask if The Boy would come to the Boy Scout meeting that night.  He could come and see if he wanted to join the group of boys too because they have a lot of fun making things and playing together.  Liz encouraged us to come as well.  She thinks it may help for the other boys in the class to get to know The Boy in a non-school setting.  I think she’s right too.

Things are going to be alright.  I know that God has a plan for The Boy too, even if I don’t like the hows in it.  And if God could handle the situation with his son so beautifully and gracefully, I know that he’ll easily be able to take care of mine, whether or not that includes The Boy having close friends.  After all, The Boy is really His child, given to us as a gift for a little while.

I would like to know why, when I finally have a WFMW idea, Shannon goes on a stinkin’ long break.  Sheesh.  I’ll just have to hold onto this one until next week.  I hope I can remember it until then…

Just to keep you all abreast of the situations here:

• I had a great interview yesterday.  Unfortunately the hours for that job are definitely 9-6, and I don’t relish the thought of working so late, nor do I enjoy the thought of overtime that After Care would require since they start charging extra after 6 PM.  Unless the VP would be willing to move it to 5:30, I don’t see how I could take it were I to be offered it.  It’s a shame too.  It was just 5 minutes from my house!  Plus I put on mascara and everything for it, not to mention ironing a shirt.  Oh well, at least I proved that I still could do both.
• I haven’t heard back from the place that I really want to work.  I’m on a mission to see if I can get a face to face interview.  I know that the company was still doing phone interviews, so I don’t know if I’ve been cut from the selection or if they’re still going through resumes.
• I want to have Matt Harding’s job.  After watching the clip from yesterday, I totally think I could dance a jig all around the world.  I’m just saying…
• I spent the afternoon yesterday watching three Lost episodes.  I have a new idea of what can fill my time…  (I’m way behind in the series and I’m trying to catch up for the next season.  The one about Jin having the baby made me cry, cry, cry.  Did I mention that I put on mascara earlier?  I wasn’t a pretty sight at all.)
• Since I spent my afternoon so productively, I didn’t realize until late that I didn’t pull out any meat for dinner.  So I did what any good cook would do: I made something up.  We had all sorts of vegetables that had been given to us or recently purchased: tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant (white, yellow and purple), onions and mushrooms.  I sautéed them in garlic-infused oil, adding about 2 Tsp of minced garlic.  At the same time, I boiled linguini.  When the noodles were done, I added them to the sautéed vegetables and added a little more oil to loosen them up.  I seasoned them with salt and pepper and topped the individual servings with shredded parmesan.  Voila!  Everyone had seconds and there was little complaining from The Boy about having to eat mushrooms or eggplants.  Not bad for being a lazy bum, I say.

I know that’s really an oxymoron.  Moms are never really unemployed.  Even when we get some time to ourselves, we still are working on something… even if it’s in our heads.

Yesterday was absolutely marvelous.  Coffee with Smeagle was absolutely marvelous despite the fact that I talked her ear off almost the entire time.  I think my lack of adult time is starting to show…  Poor Smeagle.  She took it all in stride.  Next time I promise to shut my mouth and to listen a lot more!  But she must still like me; she offered to come help with the teen meal.  She’s a trooper, that one… or else a glutton for punishment.  

I spent the morning shopping for food for the Teen Devo next Sunday.  It’s amazing how quickly the bill adds up!  15 packs of bacon, 7 cartons of 18-count eggs, watermelon, grapes…  I still have to go to Sam’s or Costco for the pancake mix, Tang, butter and the such.  I’m pretty sure that I’m going to make it to the church to “borrow” some plates, forks and napkins.  

The rest of the afternoon was spent looking for more job opportunities.  I did hear back from my first face to face interview.  I didn’t get that job, so it must mean that God closed that door for something else.  It’s okay.  I know the place I do take will be exactly where he wants me to be.

It’s funny.   I was telling Smeagle that I didn’t feel as if I were going through a hardship right now.  If anything I’m having joy right now.  I’m not trying to say that satan doesn’t sneak in to make me start worrying about finances or the future.  I do that now and again, but I find that I’m quick to call on God for help to stop the worrying and I do stop.  I mean that this job hunt hasn’t been a stress or a heart-palpitating time for me, at least not as much as I thought it would be.  Smeagle brought up that I might not be going through all this for me at all.  I might be enduring it for someone else - my kids (so that they can see how to give things over to God or how to support us in our trials), someone at church who may be about to go through the same thing and needs a good example of trust, one of you (who needs to see that it’s okay to rely on God rather than money.)  I don’t know the reason he has me here, but I hope that if you get anything from me, it’s that God is good in all circumstances and that he knows exactly what I need.  Plans for me have already been laid out, checked and rechecked.  I just have to wait for God to reveal his will in his own good time.  How easy is that for me!

Today is the day for another interview.  I like parts of this job: it is also close to home and it’s offering what I would like to make.  However, it has one huge drawback: it’s hours are 9-6.  I really don’t want to work that late.  I’m hoping that I’ll make such a great impression that they’ll want me enough to move back the hours at least half an hour.  We’ll see if it’s the place where God wants me to be soon enough!  Say a prayer for me around 11 AM.  I love knowing that my friends are with me in prayer, even if they’re miles and miles away.

I’m so grateful to God for giving me this time off.  I’ve spent good time with the kids, especially with all the changes we’ve had of late.  I think they really needed someone to be home right now.  I’ve been able to read like crazy (T is for Trespass and The Accidental Tourist were both really good, by the way), and I’m able to chat with others that I might not have been able to see otherwise.  

The funny thing is that my blog talking is down.  I’m reading you all, but I’m not commenting as much.  I can’t put a finger on it, but I’m taking the bird’s eye view right now.  It’s good to see you all and keep up, but I’m not chirping in as I normally do.  Just wanted y’all to know that in case you were wondering why I’m not commenting as much.

Okay, I saw this clip at Smeagle’s place and I told her that I was stealing it.  Like her, I dare you to watch it and not smile.  I triple dog dare you.

Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo. 

(Hey, I can’t help the title, but it’s still good!)

I’ve made lunches.  I’ve walked both kids to school.  I’ve kissed Mr. Right goodbye as he scooted out the door.

It’s just me and the cat right now, and really - the cat is hiding somewhere in the house.  She doesn’t count.

Bills have been paid.  Dishes are done.  Beds are made.  I could mop, but I’d rather give the cat a bath.  You know how soon either of those are gonna happen, right?

Then smeagle calls to save the morning!  I’m going to go join her for coffee and then hit the store to get some essentials.  I’ll be feeding 50 teens next Sunday and I’m thinking that I don’t have near enough food in this house.  I’m thinking pancakes, bacon and fried apples, maybe OJ and milk as drinks (but hidden coffee for the adults).  It’s all different from their previous dinners and very easy to prepare.  What do you think?  

I’m planning on taking it easy afterwards: reading, cooking dinner, enjoying these beautiful days of summer.  So in the mean time, why don’t you take a look at this poll I just found.  It’s answering whether or not “In God We Trust” should be taken off American currency.

In God We Trust poll

To me, taking it off would be a slap in the face to all the protection that He’s given us thus far.   You can count me as part of the leave it on group.  He’s the only thing that has ever been stable and real in my life.  Y’all are great and all, but it’s God that has my back 24/7.

PS.  I have another interview tomorrow.  Would you pray about that one as well?  I’ve not heard back from anyone concerning the other interviews, but I knew that it would be a while for some of them.  Thanks!

Hmph.  Well, it seems that if your kids go to school on Thursday, then they usually go on Friday too.  Another free day.  This time, I’m prepared!  (Though I must tell you that I really enjoyed August Rush yesterday.  A wonderful movie that I’m sure will be on my shelf someday.

I just returned from Massage Envy where I used the last of my birthday gift certificate.  Man oh man… I hope Mr. Right decides to pamper me again like that!  It’s been heavenly, not to mention completely relaxing.  I loved every pressure point moment of it.

Now for the rest of the day I’m working on dinner for tonight (chicken enchiladas), shopping the specials, clearing off the kitchen table and then I’m going to read.  The seven books on the side of my bed are calling my name very loudly.  I’d love to at least delve into one, if not two.

Oh, we did have a mixup with the bus for The Girl.  When she got to school, the computer showed that there should be a pickup across from our house, but the bus services said there isn’t one.  Hence no pickup yesterday morning.  So after talking with bus services, they gave me some additional stops in our neighborhood.  We drove around until we found the closest one which is about 3 blocks away.  Gah.  Why can’t they make it simple for people on our street!  It only takes a few minutes to get there, but again when the weather is cruddy, I’d prefer that my child be able to get home quickly.  Anh - I should just be quiet.  At least she gets bus service…

School was wonderful for both kids.  All emotional crisises have been averted for the time being.  The Girl came home, claiming two new friends and several classes that she likes.  The Boy came home, claiming one new friend.  (I told him to sit with the other kids at lunch and that will help.  The Boy chose a spot all to himself with nary another boy around him.)  They were both ready to head back today, so that’s a good thing.

Job update:  I haven’t heard anything from anyone.  God’s definitely teaching me patience.  This character-building time isn’t necessarily a bad thing.  I’d just like to learn it while earning a paycheck.  :)

If I’m going to get anything done, I’ve got to head out now.  I’ll catch y’all round the blogosphere!  Happy Friday!

And I don’t like it.  I’m not used to having nothing to do.  I’m more of the “what’s next on my list” type gal.

So let me give you the quick update with The Girl.  After such an emotional day, I called the Sue, our female youth minister, to request that she find an older girl who might be willing to just chat a bit with The Girl.  She came through and Hailey called just to talk.  Hailey tried to convince The Girl to come to church, but when The Girl said that she wouldn’t be there that night, she didn’t hard press her.  She said, “Well you come find me on Sunday so that I can give you a hug, okay?”  The Girl agreed and then clarified that she’ll be there on the other Wednesdays, just not this one.  She also felt great that someone showed interest in her and took the time to call.  I felt great that it wasn’t just me trying to convince The Girl that everything would be okay.

Oh, and God gave me a brilliant thought to share with her.  Since The Girl was complaining about all the changes, I was able to share with her that she’s not the only one going through those nerves.  I too am making huge changes.  I have to find a job and then make a whole new set of friends.  I told her that if she thought middle schoolers could be difficult, she should try to break in with adults.  They can be very difficult!  I asked her to follow my example and to let God have all this worry.  He’s just trying to make us stronger for some reason, and we just need to rely on him to get through this time.  She nodded her head in agreement, stating that she hadn’t thought of that before now.  We prayed about letting her learn to give all these thoughts to God and that she would have a wonderful night sleep.  

I’m proud to say that she’s of a whole new attitude today!  She was ready to go this morning, full of excitement and promise.  I love that God is so faithful!

I walked The Boy to school this morning.  I was shocked at the lack of crossing guards on the street.  No bus, no safety individuals… I have some serious questions to ask the school when I go to pick him up today.  Something should be a given.  Other than that, The Boy was ready for school.  He sat right at his seat and began working on the assignment.  Whew.  He listened to our morning discussion that school was supposed to be fun, but he has to listen and obey the teacher before everything else.  We’ll see how long that lasts.  :)

Now I’m sitting here trying to figure out what to do with myself.  I feel listless.  I don’t want to do house work (bleh). I could read (but I’ve been doing a lot of that).  I could watch a movie uninterrupted or I could plow through some more Bloglines.  I’ll probably do more job searching first and go from there.

So what do YOU do with yourselves when you’re in the house alone?  I could use your suggestions.  I don’t want to go a bit insane before having a new job.  It’s nice to make a great first impression when you walk in the first day, rather than one that has them wondering why they picked me…

I to start my own Wednesday deal because I still haven’t downloaded a single picture to the new iBook.  I do, however, have a new backup drive, thanks to the generosity of our friend John and his house-warming gift.  Woo hoo!  I think I can empty a full camera now.  There’s no telling what is on it though…  Anyway, thanks John!

Addie asked for me to solve the mystery of whether or not it is easier to blog if I’m working or if I’m staying at home.  Personally, I think it’s easier to blog while working.  My kids keep asking about stuff or I find something housework I’m supposed to do or my bed calls my name for a nap.  In other words, I keep getting distracted!  At work, I know I can just write it as the time rolls around and publish when it’s all done.  It’s just plain hard to stay on one train of thought when you have so many different pulls at home.  I have to give it to you SAHMs.  Y’all rock like crazy is all I can say.  I need the structure of business clothes to get myself organized and fully cognizant, I guess.

As further proof that it’s harder to blog when not working, let me state for the record that I began this post around 9 AM this morning.  I’ve been busy all day that I forgot that I started it and I’m just now hitting the publish button.  Not too bad… only a 10 hour delay.  (I’m so pathetic.)

So now I can say that I rocked the interview today.  I really felt that I was answering well and honestly, connecting with the potential manager.  The big bonus is that these hours are from 8 to 4:30 and it’s salaried.  Woo hoo!  We’ll see how it goes.  Truth be known, though I would still love to work there, I really hope that God will give the job just down the street.  I’m really striving to pray that I’ll gladly go where God wants me to go, but I think it’s okay to put in my two cents in case he could use me in either place.  :)

I forgot that The Girl has to have a PE uniform for school.  Did I mention that school starts tomorrow?  God was very good to us to help us find a good pair of mesh shorts and a cute white top.

I have to tell you: The Girl has had a really emotional day.  She keeps crying about going to this new school.  She hates the change and I can’t even get her to go to church tonight so that she can be with her new teen group.  I think it’s too much at once for her all of a sudden.  I told her that just this time will we stay home (really she looks like she’s been crying all day, so I’m saving some face for her with this ruling), but no more will she be able let her emotions dictate her actions.  

It’s early to bed for them.  I hope that this night’s sleep will refresh them and give them renewed joy for the gift of tomorrow.  I think we all could use a little of that perspective now and again.

I seem to have developed this knack for not posting until the day is about over… What up with that?  

Oh yeah!  I’m actually living this life instead of typing it out.  That’s always a good thing.

Today I threw every single to-do item out the door and decided to take the kids to the zoo.  What a day to play hooky!  It was an absolutely lovely day from the get go.  The weather was cool, the animals were spunky and the kids enjoyed the entire time together.  These are the days that make me really happy to be home with the kids.  I don’t appreciate them enough, I can tell you that.

The Boy is set to meet his teacher today.  He’s uber-excited about it!  It means that he’s that much closer to making new friends and settling in the neighborhood.  

One huge bummer is that we just found out that The Boy will not be riding the bus because for some strange reason the bus cannot come by our house.  Hello!  We’re ready to pay and everything, but no.   So what that really means is that The Boy will be walking home.  It’s not really a bother except for the future months when the weather changes.  Hopefully friends will be made quickly and he’ll find others with whom he can walk home soon.  Until then, he’ll be seen with the likes of me.  It’s a good thing he still relishes that attention.

Slowly but surely I’m making my way through Bloglines.  I’ve read so much about everybody, but I’m still not caught up.  I have to admit, when I saw 30 posts for some blogs, I read the most recent and ignored the rest.  This is what happens when you let life, job searches and fun get in the way of the blogosphere.

And I wouldn’t have it any other way!

PS Devion, I edited the mistake because you know that it would bug me to kingdom come unless I fixed it!  Thanks for pointing it out.  I think I was thinking “If these kids would just leave me alone for a few minutes, then I could go on writing.  Just happened to write it when I was lamenting about the lack of bus service in my neighborhood.  (Does that sound like a good enough excuse?!  :))