First Week---down!

We all survived this week! The kids are doing well and we are adjusting. Having to train them again on that it is okay to play by themselves. They want to play together, but then that always ends up in an argument and with one of them then changing their minds and wanting to be alone. We've had some attitude adjustments and several time outs, but the last two days of the week went smoother than the first three. They seem bored during the day here. Having to adjust to staying in the back yard (which is much smaller than what we had in Indiana) has been hard for them. We are right on the highway (which is similiar to 231) and that makes me nervous. They still have the same toys here as they did in Indiana, but for some reason their drive for the outside just isn't there like it used to be. I'm sure that will change as we all settle in a bit more. One thing I know, is that I haven't had to remind Jonathan that there is a bathroom in the house. In Indiana we lived in the country that he would go out the back door and pee off the back porch...I was really worried about that particular transition...luckily, it has been a smooth one!

The weather forecasters here are just like Indiana...they have predicted rain just about every day this last week and so I didn't make many plans for park or pool outings and then the rain ended up being a real light mist/sprinkle or nothing at all. So I set out for pool time today; it was suppose to be in the 80's and hot...the temps are instead cool and breezy...figures!

My energy level has definately kicked into low gear. That's been frustrating for me. I get tired of not being able to be up and doing anything for very long. I knew this phase of tiredness and exhaustion would visit me again in the third trimester, but I was hoping that it wouldn't phase me as much with all that we have had going on.

The unpacking hasn't been too bad. We brought the necessities into the house and most everything else went into the storage building in the back yard. That has helped not to feel overwhelmed with boxes at the end of the day. So everything in storage will be sorted for the dump or a yard sale. We vowed after this move that we WOULD NOT move again with all this stuff.

Kenny's first week has gone very well. The work hours are different--he isn't a morning person as many of you know. And getting up at 5am didn't excite him, but he has adjusted well and I think, from what I see, he feels better too at the end of the day. He walked in not to show a dirty side of himself or to take his new job title to his head, but with the authority that was needed in this farm location. He has made many changes and cleaned up quite a bit. It's great to see him feel good about things at the end of the day. His normal work day is 5a to 2p, however, they work until the work is done before leaving for the day. I'm sure he won't be getting home until 5p or after for a while until things get to running smoothly and he's got the crew where he is happy. He has 6 people to manage and they have all been cooperative and on board with everything he has changed and/or implemented so far. That has sure made the job easier for him!

Yesterday (Friday) the kids and I took a walk (they rode bikes and I walked) through the park and over to their school. I needed to time out the journey so I could leave early enough Monday morning to get them to school. Not a bad hike...about 10 minutes. Will be a good venture in the mornings and afternoons. While there we went ahead and registered the kids for school in the fall and we met the principal. She took the kids on a tour of the school and Jonathan was able to meet his summer school teacher; Madison's teacher was out yesterday, but she got to meet the other two 3rd grade teachers. She will switch classes this school year which will be different, but she's excited. They are pumped and counting down the days!

I'm finishing up laundry this morning and going through clothes that are in the house as to keep them or sell them. I had to take down the powder puff pink curtains, as I called them, that were in the kitchen yesterday. I couldn't take them anymore! There are blinds on all the windows so having no curtains for a while won't be a big deal...next is to do something about the lace curtains in the living room and the den/computer room. I don't mind the white ones too much, though they wouldn't have been my first pick, but the mauve lace ones have got to go! I have some curtain rods that need hung in the kids rooms so I can get their curtains hung up and some stuff on the walls. Jonathan has a TON of toys that he and I will have to sit down and go through. He WILL sell some them, whether he likes it or not! That boy has way too many. Thank goodness Kenny and I packed his room together so we both saw the amount and agreed on the selling action.

This afternoon is a Charity Bike Ride here in Higginsville at the park. This evening they are having activities and a concert. They call it a concert, but it is actually a comedy type show called 'The Broken Mule'. I'm hoping that we'll be able to take that in. Madison has missed being able to participate in the 4-H program here. Their fair is in July and they have a year rapup in August...however they start the next year's program and participation in September. So she'll be able to jump in here soon for next year. Makes for a long 4-H season, but the good side is that the kids stay tuned into the program all year long and stay involved in numerous community activities related to the program as well.

Well, I've blogged enough for today I think. Enjoying the nice breeze coming in the windows (minus the sunshine) and no tv noise, which has really topped off the morning.

Hope this finds everyone doing well. We are all enjoying the deep breaths that we can now take that we are here, mostly unpacked, and have gotten through the first week. We are excited for where God has brought us, and anticipate all the things that this move, new job for Kenny, and this community will offer us and our family.