I usually post once or twice a week. I realized I haven't in a over a week, so I decided I would do a little scatterbrained post with some updates. Here are a few facts from the week:
* I started a new "job" this week. I use that term in quotes because it really isn't much. I am teaching music at a preschool 2 days a week 2-4 classes a day (each is 20 min.) So I am really only working about 3 hours a week at $33 an hour. I wasn't really looking for a job or anything, but someone from church recommended me and the preschool called me and begged me to do it. I have been planning on being a stay at home mom all along. I was a bit unsure about doing it for several reasons. First of all, if I really wanted to, I was making $30 an hour teaching privately at home. I didn't have to drive and my schedule was my own. So, the money is not really any reason for me to do it. Second of all, as soon as I have the baby and decide to go back to work, it will probably be snowing. The idea of packing her up in the morning and trekking out in the snow to teach a class for an hour doesn't sound like that much fun. To remedy this, the preschool has offered to have someone watch her for free while I teach and I can take as many breaks as I want in order to feed/care for her. I really couldn't say no since they were making it so convenient and I could still be with the baby. So for now, I am teaching 3, 4, and 5 year olds music. It is kinda fun............
*Our house in Tampa is vacant again and waiting for some new, better renters. Last time I wrote, we had to evict our renters and they had refused to leave by the time we had given them. So here's what happened. They were supposed to be out by the 30th of August or we would proceed with the eviction process. This gave them about a week to get out. They only lived there for 3 weeks, so we felt that was enough. The 30th came and went and the keys were not turned in and they were still there. Finally, 3 days later, after trying to contact them several times first, the management went over and changed the locks. They had moved mostly everything out but had left trash and some extra furniture. The management hauled away everything and began the clean-up. Fortunately, they didn't do any real damage to the house. It was just kinda dirty. Because they never turned in the keys and didn't even try to contact the management, they lost their $1300 security deposit. Yay for us! So, the management spent the whole thing on getting the house professionally cleaned, painted, carpets cleaned, and sprayed for bugs inside and out. It is now in tip-top shape and is back on the market for a nice, quiet, clean family to rent. We are praying for some soon since we have been paying both mortgage and rent for almost 6 months now. We are really getting poor...........
*I saw a mouse in the den yesterday. Kevin had mentioned that he thought he saw a mouse one morning scurry across the living room floor. He didn't get a good look though, so we weren't sure. Then, I for sure saw one on the back porch. I wasn't too worried cause at least it was outside. As I was sitting on the couch yesterday, out of the corner of my eye I saw something run across the floor. By the time I looked right where it was, it was gone. They're fast!! It was way to big to be a bug, and smaller than a rat. I really don't mind mice. I am not scarred of them, I just don't want diseases in my house. So, they are going to have to go. We are getting some traps at the store. Sorry, Mr. Mouse.
*We went to see the Journey, Heart, and Cheap Trick concert this week. It was awesome! We of course had back stage passes and hung out before the show. All 3 bands were awesome and I was excited to finally see Journey. We missed them last year when they were with Van Halen.
*Little baby is ready to burst out. Or at least that's what it feels like. She routinely knocks the wind out of me and moves all day long. They always say they are the most active when you are resting and sleep when you are up and about. Not her. She actually seems to sleep through the night with me. I almost never wake up to her moving. Hopefully that stays. My legs, however, are a different story. I have not slept for more that 2 hours at a time for about 2 months now. My hips and legs get so sore at night it keeps me up. I eventually get enough sleep, I'm just getting some good practice of getting up every couple of hours. We start our first lamaze/childbirth class tomorrow and we are very excited. Also, some of you have asked about the nursery. It is not even close to being done and may not be done till after she comes. It is painted and has lots of baby stuff, but only one piece of furniture. Because of the house situation, we are kinda poor. We have been trying to decide what to do about furniture. We could go out a buy everything right now, but they would be cheap, crappy furniture. We are trying to wait until we can afford to get some nice, quality furniture so it will last us through several children. If we can get someone in the house soon, the nursery will be finished in no time. In the meantime, we have essentials. We have a stroller, car seat, pack n' play, clothes, etc. Just no furniture.
*I am trying to sing again. I haven't done much singing since the 2 operas in the spring. The last part of my pregnancy has changed my voice a little and I don't have much breath support. To try to keep it up a little, I joined the South Bend Chamber Singers. The director wants to use me as a soloist and I will be singing for the South Bend Symphony director as well for some possible future engagements. I hope my voice comes back soon!
Next month is a big one for us and we are trying to prepare for it. Until then, life is generally happy and good and we feel very blessed!
