Love this weather!

I love this warm weather!  

I love NCAA March Madness!  

I love spending time with my family!

I do NOT love my massive amounts of homework and the full calendar for the next two weeks.  The only nice thing about being busy is that time will fly and then I will be on Easter break for a week.  I really need some time away from my school kids.  They are driving me slightly insane and are starting to get on my nerves.

I have a lot on my mind, but can't post about it yet.  Please know everything is ok with everything, just a lot of details to work out in the next few months.  

Not too much to say right now.  Molly is spending a few days at my mom's.  Lily is loving being the center of attention at our house.  She has her parents, toys, and Buster all to herself.  Silly girl!  

Chris and I are still looking at a mini-vacation in the next two weeks.  We need a cheap, quick get away.  Any suggestions?  

Quiet

Today my in-laws graciously agreed to take our girls for the weekend so Chris and I could get a mini break.  It has been glorious to have such a quiet house today!  Chris and I waited until after lunch and went kayaking again.  My arms are still a little sore from Thursday's excursion, but I really enjoy the feeling of being out in the middle of nowhere (even though we could hear the cars from 10th St).  It's so peaceful-- just turtles sunning on the logs, a few birds, and water and trees.  Even though it was chilly, it wasn't so bad once we were paddling around.  

Afterwards, we came back to the house and showered before the Carolina game--go Heels!  I worked on my theory homework for about 3 hours or so, and still didn't complete it.  Whew!  I'm glad I didn't wait until tomorrow afternoon to get started on it.  I also have to prepare for a debate on Monday evening, in addition to a little more homework.  I have a lot of assignments coming up in the next few weeks as the semester begins to come to a close.  It's going to be crazy busy between now and then between the festivals, concerts, and competitions my school kids are working on, church and family obligations, and homework on top of all of that.  

I'm registering for classes next week for the next school year.  I'm really excited that once I get past this theory class and this summer's Structure & Style (cracked out theory on steroids) everything should be downhill in regards to difficulty.  I'm excited that the guitar professor agreed to let me take lessons from him as my applied instrument as well.  I've always been to play a few simple songs and chords, but I'm really excited to learn the classical side of the instrument.  I feel like it will give me a really solid foundation and it's something I can use for many different things.  Dr. Frank is an excellent player and I'm looking forward to a whole year of studying under him.  I'm also taking some classes from some former professors (hurray!) and I'm looking forward to the courses.    

Besides, I just think it's cool.  

We're going to have some major changes going on in our house as well--I know most of my little blogging community knows what's going on, but I'm asking you all please, please, please not to make any references to it here or on FB.  I can't go into everything now, but I need this to be kept slightly quiet (at least locally) for a at least a few more weeks.  Trust me, this has been one amazingly awesome ride, and I can't WAIT to share it with everyone.  I want to shout from the rooftops about how good God has been to me and my family, and I promise you, this is out of control crazy cool.  I get chills and stomach flip-flops when I think about everything that has happened.  I can't hardly believe it....WOW!

Need Headshots...

Anybody know anybody???  I need a few taken for something. . . 

News....but not posting....yet

I have received some very good news....just not posting yet.  If you are privy to this information please do not post on FB or comment here.  I need to keep things quiet for a few weeks.  

I'll try to come up with something clever to say tomorrow....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JASON BOSTIC!!!!

Here Comes the Sun. . . .

Yea!  Finally a nice day!  Chris and I are going to kayak tomorrow when I get home from school.  Rachel and Tyler are coming to play with our girls so we can have some quiet time.  I'm looking forward to some time alone.  It's been a long time since I've gone kayaking, I'm hoping that I can keep up with Chris!

No news.  Nothing of importance anyhow.  Possibly tomorrow is what I've been told.  We'll see...I'm not holding my breath anymore.  It is what it is, and I'm ok. 

Went through the girls clothes tonight--it was sad to pack away some of their winter clothes, knowing they wouldn't be wearing them again next year because they will be too big.  But, I have some really cute summer clothes to put in, so that will make things better!

Yesterday I went with my 6-8 strings students to a rehearsal at another middle school in the county.  Now, let me preface this story with a clarification:  In the hierarchy of music nerdom, strings students are at the TOP of the scale.  Don't get me wrong, I completely love my little strings kids.  Unlike the rest of my student population, these children have 2 parents (including a mommy that stays at home, not because of welfare, but because her husband has a nice job), they are the top of their class, and are very polite and well mannered.  Anyhow, we arrive at this middle school right at the end of the school day.  I had driven separately because I was not going to put the string bass on the activity bus that transported the students.  We were walking into the building and in the front lobby we hear these two voices shouting.  The school resource officer (SRO for you non-school folks) was yelling at this kid, "You wanna play?  We'll play then!" and HANDCUFFS the kid right there.  The kid is yelling back at the SRO the whole time he is getting cuffed, and then as the bell rings, all of the kids pals are running into the hall and screaming towards the SRO.  My poor little strings students are FREAKING OUT at this point as, while my other students are bad, they are NOTHING like this, and they're looking at me, pointing, and gasping.  I told them, "Just keep walking!" as I'm lugging this enormous string bass through the pandemonium in the hallway.  We were all relieved when we arrived safely to the rehearsal room.  

My kids were talking about it today and were amazed that I had remained so calm throughout the whole ordeal.  I just explained that I had the bass for protection and if things go crazy I was planning to hide behind it.  I also let them know that I would not be their human shield if there is ever a shooting.    

Whatever.

Yet another rainy day.  I really don't mind--especially because the temperatures are so chilly.  I'm sure if it was nice and warm I'd be annoyed, but if I have to be cooped up inside, I'd rather it be a rainy day that I can snuggle with my kids under blankets and not get warm.  I have a little bit of homework to do, a load or two of laundry, and some things to prepare for the coming week, but nothing too excessive.  I'm going to enjoy this afternoon before the craziness of the work week starts again. 

Still no news about anything.  I feel a little torn about the situation.  I'm not happy or sad either way it works out, I'm just sort of "whatever" I guess.  The mommy side of me was really looking forward to it, while the practical side would like to keep my family above water.  We'll see. 

Perhaps I'll hear something this week. 

If you've been praying with me about this, please pray that I will receive a specific answer.  I'm asking that the answer be God's will, and as clear as day.  I guess my prayer is that if the conversation is positive, then it means yes, and if it's a negative, then it's no.  I don't want to have to wonder "what it?" or "what do I do?" or let my emotions or practicality win.  I want it to be whatever God wants, and then we'll go from there.  Chris and I have always been taken care of, and we have relied on God in some major situations.  No matter what, I know we will be ok.  I think that's what makes this so easy for me to stomach.  Of course I'm interested to see what happens, and my stomach gets a little flip-floppy, I know that at the end of the day, things will be fine.  Whatever.  I'm not in control, so I need not waste time worrying about it.  

It is what it is.

So, I should probably hop to my to-do list while I have another half hour or so of nap time.  

I need to find a new place to hang my calendar.  The one my mother gave me for Christmas is very nice, but the paper is heavier and I'm having a hard time getting it to stay on my fridge.  I need my daily reminder, but I need a clever place to put it.  Any suggestions?   

Rain, rain, go away....

But not really.  I like rainy days I get to stay inside with my pjs on and work around the house.  Our poor house is in desperate need of some TLC.  Between work and ECU and life in general our house has been neglected.  We aren't filthy people, but we tend to clutter.  Our recent bad habits:

1.  Putting the mail/shopping/coats/bags on the dining room table when we come in instead of putting everything away.

2.  Doing the laundry, folding the clothes, but not putting them away.

3.  Running the dishwasher, but not failing to empty it so dirty ones pile up in the sink...and so we empty and fill the dishwasher immediately....ugly ugly cycle!!!

Those are just the general peeves at our house.  We also could really use a good carpet cleaning.  My in-laws have a carpet shampooer--we should ask them to borrow it soon.  Our floors take a beating between the daily traffic, kids, and a dog.  It's so hard to keep up with things and work full time at school and on my masters.  I shouldn't complain, I'm perfectly capable of doing these things for my family, I think I'm just lazy.  I also married a professional clutterer, which doesn't help the cause at all.  I really think if left to his demise, sweet Chris would become one of those people we see on TV, the hoarders?  If you've ever seen his office, you would totally agree.  He just fails to throw things away.... EVER.  He's so afraid he's going to waste money on an item by having to buy it again, even if the one we currently own is broken and doesn't work.  It drives me insane.  

I spent a portion of the morning scrubbing our girls' bathroom--sink, toilet, tub, and floor.  I went through their bath toys and through out the old ones and cleaned the toy bucket.  I took Lily's potty seat and gave it a good scrub to avoid a stinky urine smell, and I Windexed the mirror and faucet to make them pretty again.  Whew.  I've done some laundry, and when the girls get up from their nap I will wash their sheets in the room.  

Their room is a disaster area right now--we're going to have to do something about the massive amount of toys.  I recently inherited 3 very nice pre-K classroom bookshelves/toy shelves (with slots for puzzles and everything!) and I only really need two of them at school.  The extra one will come home with me during spring break and I plan to organize their toys.  It's crazy how quickly toys accumulate in their room, and most of it is JUNK!  

I also need to go through their clothes again and switch the seasonal clothes out.  Molly has hit a growth spirt and she has a lot of pants that are too short.  I would cut them and make capris, but we'll use them again with Lily in a few years.  I found a few items at Target (gotta live $4.00 Circo!!!) and Kohl's clearance in the past 2 weeks, so she's set for a least a few weeks.  I hate to spend too much on her because she will go to school in the fall and will need uniform clothes.  That's going to be a big expense simply because of stipulations (no labels, certain styles and colors, etc).  I'm ok with it, and I've been keeping my eye on certain staples of her wardrobe like khaki bottoms and when I see some that will work on sale I try to scoop them up.  I may try to buy a few nicer polos for her (Land's End) to ensure that they will last through the school year.  I've been hearing that the uniforms are scarce during the year because every child has to have them.  

ACC tournament this weekend--go Heels! 

I'm Ok

Seriously, I am.  

No news, but have a gut feeling that things are not going to work out this time.  

I have confirmation it's not about me, but like everything else right now, it's the economy. 

So, I am waiting, but not expecting anything.  

I'm really, really, really ok.  

So, please don't think this is me pepping myself up.   I have incredible peace.  I know I have done nothing in vain in the past 2 months or so, and I know His Divine Timing is perfect, so why should I feel poorly?  

Either way, I'm 100% ok.

Patience is a Virtue

and I certainly DON'T seem to possess it!  I have never been patient. I always want to go-go-go and I am not good at waiting.  I'm not one of those honk-if-the-light-turns-red-for-3 seconds people, but when it comes to news or something I know is going to happen, I'm just not patient.

I know the Bible offers plenty of verses on patience.  I try to be patient, but the more I try, the more impatient I seem to become!  I remember when we were applying for the job at Christ's Church, our interview process lasted for about 3-4 months.  It was AGONY!  There were some things going on at the church that were out of our control (mainly Richard), and we understood, but WOW it seemed like we went on at least 5 interviews/meetings before we finally got word.  

Certainly this precariousness has made me wait.  I understand everything works out according to His divine timing, but sometimes I'm not the most patient.  Decisions should be made in the next few days (in fact, I had thought some should be made by yesterday), it's just a matter of waiting.   

So. . . I will wait.  

The Avery Children Survived.

But just barely.  This has been one of those days...the weather was beautiful but there have been thunderclouds in our house a few moments today.  Both of our girls are going through the "does mommy/daddy really mean it when they say get in your bed/come here/go put your toys away/don't touch the wet paint/don't let Buster eat the blanket/stop teasing your sister/put your dirty clothes away?"  Oh me.  Chris and I have been the stern parents today...

Nevertheless, we have had a nice day overall.  I went to Target and Kohl's and purchased some new clothes for Molly because she has hit a growth spurt and all of her pants are suddenly too short.  Chris bought some wood sealant for the deck and got a lovely burn on his back.  I managed to get some reading in this afternoon with the breeze blowing through the house while the girls napped.  We had dinner tonight as part of step 9385738957394731941.5 (I added some more numbers and that point 5 just for you, Jill! haha) and went to Michael's to get some supplies for church and I picked up some ribbon for Molly's hair.  Overall, not too bad. 

I've looked at my theory homework that is due on Monday evening and while it looks time consuming, maybe it won't be too horrible.  We'll see.  It's a test grade, so I want to do well. 

Tomorrow is supposed to be an even nicer day--I'm loving this weather!  And, while I don't enjoy losing an hour of sleep, I do love the longer afternoons of daylight savings time.  

 

Just.....need......coffee.......

Why on EARTH were my children up before the crack of dawn this morning????

Not only were they awake, I swear someone gave them an IV of coffee or crack all night long because they are bouncing off of the walls this morning.  I have never seen anything like it.  I don't know if spring fever has hit them, but they are seriously out of control this morning.  They have their radio CRANKED playing some annoying children's music, Lily has taken off her clothes twice, Molly is singing some made up song with her dress up crowns on her head, they are running through and around the house leaving a trail of toys and pop tart crumbs, and Buster is continuously nipping at their heels to get in on the action, too. 

Chris and I have already hit the coffee this morning (and he's not a usual drinker) and I'm wondering if we're going to need something a little stiffer to make it through the day.  

My plan is to take them outside and let them run until they can't move, give them a bath and a nap, and hope they behave while we are out this evening for Step 5478957402 in my precariousness.  

Oh dear.  

Lovely....just lovely.

That's my opinion of the weekend forecast by our local weathermen!  Hurray for warmer weather!  Sometimes I think the cold weather makes us all a little sad and blah.  I mean, there is nothing to look forward to in the winter (other than the occasional freak NC snow event).  There aren't any flowers, no sunlit drives home, no warmth.  It's very blah and cold.  I don't care for it at all. 

I'm hoping to open our windows and spend as much time in the sun as possible.  My daddy used to say that when we were upset or cranky it was because we didn't get enough sun that day.  He's not a fan of recycled air by any means.  But, I must admit that there is something refreshing about letting that first hint of spring into your body.  I crave this weather with every ounce of my being!  Maybe it's dramatic, but OH I love this time of year as much as the fall.  Funny, I love the in between of spring and fall.  Not too hot, not too cold, but JUST RIGHT!

I have another step in the process this weekend.  No big deal, but another step on Saturday.  I'm not stressed at all, I feel like I'm moving forward and doing the right thing.  Every day when I have a doubt in my head I am reaffirmed through someone's words or a situation.  It's been such an incredible process and I can't wait to finally share it publicly with my blogging community.  

Tomorrow is a workday and I can get caught up on my mile-long to do list at work.  I don't mind these days because I can work uninterrupted and I love the feeling of crossing off items on my to-do list.  Molly is coming with me and she is so excited.  She packed her lunchbox tonight with lunch and snacks for her big day at mommy's school.  She's so cute!  I can't believe she will go to kindergarten in the fall!  Where did the last 5 years go?  Incredible.  

Chris and I are looking into a real vacation for the two of us.  We just want to get away for a few days at the beginning of summer.  We haven't had a vacation since our honeymoon as every summer something has happened that has prevented us from getting away (babies, moving, job changes).  We don't want to spend a ton of money, but at the same time I really was to go somewhere a little nicer than your typical hotel.  We're thinking Florida or Vegas....any suggestions?  

Rest

I am so looking forward to the weekend. 

It's going to be lovely weather, we don't have anything to do besides eat dinner with friends one evening, and hopefully the ECU homework won't be killer since it's the beginning of spring break. 

I'm just hoping to rest. 

Please please please

Please let it snow.  Just enough for one last day off for a while.  

Pretty please?

Amen.