April Showers Bring...

April showers bring May flowers, but I am ready for Summer!!
 

One week we're off to Soccer and a baseball game, and the next we're sitting indoors glaring with anticipation for the sun to come out.
 

Since being laid off I've managed to keep myself pretty busy. I think there has been only one day where I truly did nothing. (I need some more of those.)
 

We got to enjoy some sporting events - Jazz, Bees and a REAL games (Miah got to go on field with her SPARTA team at the REAL game, it was so cute), some U of U Softball, Kelsie's softball (also getting in a trip to Sheshone Falls, ID - who would've thunk such beauty out there in Twin Falls), and of course Squishs' soccer.
 

I took Miah for a celabratory lunch with her friend Trista for their 3rd qtr grades. Baby girl has gotten straight A's this entire year! I'm so proud of you, little.
 

I have had many lunch, dinner and coffee dates , and lots of bestie time! I may or may not have had some day drinkin' "cheers to spring break" outings, too. Kels also purchased a new Razor, so let's play!

I'm gettin ready for Africa and excited nervous, and curious all at the same time.

We had a Taste of Kenya, which included some great food, entertainment, shopping, fundraising and was a total success! Thank you, Mrs. Totten for showing all of us what it means to be a Humanitarian. 

T-minus 11 days to take off!

I've got my bug spray, bug repellant wipes, oil blend, net, laundry spray and Malerone pills (sp?). Immunizations, regular wipes, diarrhea prescription (you never do know... ha), hand sanitizer, camera, portable battery, power converter/adapter, flashlight, games, one awesome poncho and my journal (you know a lot of emotional release is going to be had)! Oh... and I've been practicing peeing standing up. *Awkward look side to side* I kid, I kid. Although, believe it or not, it's been recommended I try.

There is seriously so much you have to do to prep yourself for a trip to another country such as Africa. I hope I don't forget anything.

They've told me there are only two things they guarantee: we will fall in love with the children and none of us will return the same. <-- those two things in themselves, scare me the most!

As Steve Pavlina says "Fear is not your enemy. It is your compass pointing you to the areas were you need to grow."

<3

 

  

 

  

 

March Maddness

There is definitely no lie in the title. This month has been great but nuts! It started out healing from foot surgery I had in February, which is still going. Ugh. (Building character, you know!)

 

We then headed to Mesquite for Miah's Soccer tournament. They didn't do too hot, unfortunately, but we also had some real shitty refs! Who makes an incorrect call then gives the other team a PK for doing so? Or stops a play when we're about to score, TWICE?! Ha Yes, we are those parents! (I do not envy their jobs, getting yelled at all the time) Of course, a lot was on the girls, too. And of course we come home and they play amazing. Mesquite was just an expensive practice. ha 

 

Luckily baby girl has a new coach in town (Alyse) and I'm excited to see where they go!

 

St. Patty's day is always a treat. Many of us got together for Irish Car Bombs, Bagpipes and food. Some started at the butt crack of dawn - I won't mention any names ;) - while the rest of us had to work. #WorkShmurk

 

We had some softball tournaments (I may or may not be a groupie) My Jamie and Ariane visited (I want them to come home and stay home. *tear*) and we celebrated Easter. I love Jesus. lol But for real!

 

Miah also had an interesting punishment this month. She got grounded and had to get a certain amount of points by cleaning, etc., before she could do anything. Neatest thing, it actually worked! She even wrote me a nice note and did lots of things needed around the house aaaaannndd made us dinner. I highly recommend this approach for all you parentals. The kids make a game out of it. 

 

More exciting news, I finally finished the living room refurnish. I love it! It's so nice having a new living room and kitchen; the change was much needed. Now we can fit all sorts of peeps - football at our house! 

 

Last but not least, we had another lay-off at L-3. Working in and for certain departments can be so stressful - wondering if your job is stable or not. I luckily made the cut the first two or three times but I was not so lucky this time. (who me?) 

 

My last day was March 31st. It was so weird and quite the shock but now I am so thankful for how things panned out. I now can take 6 months paid off if I want, or go back under a different dept., enjoy at least 3 months off - who doesn't deserve a life break - and still get back all of my perks (pto, pension and yrs of service). It's really like a few months off paid with a bonus, who can be mad about that?

 

Luckily I'm kind of a big deal and had several people reach out to me 10 minutes after it happened asking me to go apply for their department. Lol I had a lot of mixed emotions at first, after all L-3 is the only carreers I really ever knew. 13 years knew. But I see it like this: I'm not interested in any other careers other than Life coaching, so I'm just going to focus on that. Take care of the house/yard, workout, catch up with friends, and continue my mentorship. Now I get to attend twice a week; sweet!

 

Life many times will throw us these ridiculous curve balls and most times they truly are blessings in disguise. It's hard to see that at first, but as time goes on we have ah-aha moments. I do belive things happen for a reason, so I'm riding this wave to see where I go next. #SringBreakin

I'm so thankful for supportive friends and family, but most of all Kelsie and baby girl. They alone make life so much better no matter what is happening!

 

If you are in a "valley' part of your life right now, trust you are marching towards the next peak whether you know it or not; because you are. 

 

<3