So, I thought I should share this story so I can look back and laugh at it...again!
This morning, we had a friend and her 3 girls over and went to the home association pool. Well, after we returned, Carson remained in his swimming trunks but after they left, he decided he didn't need them anymore and preferred to just go naked. I must say he's been quite a handful the past few days and while I was talking to my mom on the phone, he got onto our leather recliner and and was rocking it back and forth, almost to the point of tipping it over completely. I had scolded him twice and finally looked at him and asked if he wanted me to spank him (thinking this would stop the behavior), he took one look at me, got a big grin on his face, bent over on the chair (keep in mind he's naked) and hits himself on the butt repeatedly saying, "I bank myself, I bank myself." I must admit, it hit me funny and I laughed, despite the fact I was so furious at him!
Mama said there'd be days like this!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Half Way House
Whew...it's only Wednesday and what a week it's been already! I am fully enjoying the week and all the time I've had with the kids. Brad's week is going fantastic as well and he has come home beaming with energy the last two nights.
I must say, our house is feeling a bit like a half way house around here. Yesterday, the kids found a giant caterpillar out in the yard (pictures to come soon) and wanted to keep it to see if it would transform into a butterfly. After doing some research, I found out that it is going to be a Columbia Silkmoth, and after seeing the size of the caterpillar, I have no doubts that this moth is gonna be a biggin! After doing more research and announcing on Facebook that I needed some fruit tree leaves, we came downstairs this morning to find him looking a little bit silky. After a couple more hours, there was no question, he was entering his journey as a cocoon so now I'm just hoping he survives and hatches. The kids are so excited. I'm going to try to keep pics to update here on his progress.
I also got a call from a girlfriend today who is really sick. She has a few health problems and they were getting the best of her this week so I went and picked up her daughter who is a good friend of Gabby's and also their dog and brought them both home. We will keep them overnight tonight and see what happens tomorrow. I was grateful that I was able to help. Usually, on Wednesdays, I would be cleaning houses and wouldn't have been around.
So...in the past 24 hours, we've taken in a rather large caterpillar/progressing into cocoon, a dog and a little girl. Tonight I have small group with the girls and am getting some time out. Brad emailed asking if I was still going and then joked about the fact that he was going to be left home with 3 children, 2 dogs, a rabbit, a caterpillar and a tank of fish! That's right, Brad, put up the circus tents....it's sure to be an exciting ride!
I must say, our house is feeling a bit like a half way house around here. Yesterday, the kids found a giant caterpillar out in the yard (pictures to come soon) and wanted to keep it to see if it would transform into a butterfly. After doing some research, I found out that it is going to be a Columbia Silkmoth, and after seeing the size of the caterpillar, I have no doubts that this moth is gonna be a biggin! After doing more research and announcing on Facebook that I needed some fruit tree leaves, we came downstairs this morning to find him looking a little bit silky. After a couple more hours, there was no question, he was entering his journey as a cocoon so now I'm just hoping he survives and hatches. The kids are so excited. I'm going to try to keep pics to update here on his progress.
I also got a call from a girlfriend today who is really sick. She has a few health problems and they were getting the best of her this week so I went and picked up her daughter who is a good friend of Gabby's and also their dog and brought them both home. We will keep them overnight tonight and see what happens tomorrow. I was grateful that I was able to help. Usually, on Wednesdays, I would be cleaning houses and wouldn't have been around.
So...in the past 24 hours, we've taken in a rather large caterpillar/progressing into cocoon, a dog and a little girl. Tonight I have small group with the girls and am getting some time out. Brad emailed asking if I was still going and then joked about the fact that he was going to be left home with 3 children, 2 dogs, a rabbit, a caterpillar and a tank of fish! That's right, Brad, put up the circus tents....it's sure to be an exciting ride!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
A New Chapter, and things I've Learned.
Well, Monday will begin another chapter. Brad will begin his new career at Medpro. It's been great having him home this week. I had another busy week with cleaning so it was nice to just know that he would be home and take care of things while I went off to work. We even joked that I was the breadwinner this week! As I was "wrapping up and winding down" my job as a "cleaning lady" and preparing for my duties to be cut back, I was reflecting on what I've learned during the last 3 years. So...I'll share.
If you're flexible with people when they are in a bind, they will also be flexible with you.
If you're honest with people up front, there will be much grace given. I once was cleaning behind a t.v. at a house and the t.v. fell out of the stand and broke. I was horrified and didn't know how I was ever going to explain it. So glad it wasn't a flat screen! I didn't want to explain it, but, my client came home for something that day and I faced up to it. She exercised so much grace that it blew me away. Thank you, Pat!
When you clean house for someone, you get to know them, even if you don't always see them. You see the kinds of books they read, you learn their styles and sense of decor. You build a relationship with them and you become attached, even to their kids and pets.
You form meaningful relationships. Your clients trust you to come into their homes and clean for them. They trust that you won't take anything out of their homes that don't belong to you and as you build that trust, they give you more.
If those families decide to move away, you miss them! Even though I knew my time was up for cleaning, I have a family that will be moving to Texas in the next couple of weeks. I have grown to love this family as they are some of the most kind people you will ever meet. I am going to miss them, I already do. Good Luck, Coopers!
If they lose a pet, you mourn the loss. No, not like it was your own pet but after spending hours upon hours with these cute little creatures, following you around the house, when you get the news one day that they are gone, you mourn with the family and it hurts. The first time back in that house is so different.
Not only do these families become important to you, you become important to them. They depend on you to come and clean for them, it gives them peace of mind, knowing they will have a clean house at the end of the day, just like it gave me peace of mind that I would have money to help pay the bills.
I was so blessed to have so many great clients. Each one of them became special to me in one way or another and I will never forget them, but be forever grateful to them for allowing me the opportunity to clean for them.
If you're flexible with people when they are in a bind, they will also be flexible with you.
If you're honest with people up front, there will be much grace given. I once was cleaning behind a t.v. at a house and the t.v. fell out of the stand and broke. I was horrified and didn't know how I was ever going to explain it. So glad it wasn't a flat screen! I didn't want to explain it, but, my client came home for something that day and I faced up to it. She exercised so much grace that it blew me away. Thank you, Pat!
When you clean house for someone, you get to know them, even if you don't always see them. You see the kinds of books they read, you learn their styles and sense of decor. You build a relationship with them and you become attached, even to their kids and pets.
You form meaningful relationships. Your clients trust you to come into their homes and clean for them. They trust that you won't take anything out of their homes that don't belong to you and as you build that trust, they give you more.
If those families decide to move away, you miss them! Even though I knew my time was up for cleaning, I have a family that will be moving to Texas in the next couple of weeks. I have grown to love this family as they are some of the most kind people you will ever meet. I am going to miss them, I already do. Good Luck, Coopers!
If they lose a pet, you mourn the loss. No, not like it was your own pet but after spending hours upon hours with these cute little creatures, following you around the house, when you get the news one day that they are gone, you mourn with the family and it hurts. The first time back in that house is so different.
Not only do these families become important to you, you become important to them. They depend on you to come and clean for them, it gives them peace of mind, knowing they will have a clean house at the end of the day, just like it gave me peace of mind that I would have money to help pay the bills.
I was so blessed to have so many great clients. Each one of them became special to me in one way or another and I will never forget them, but be forever grateful to them for allowing me the opportunity to clean for them.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Bittersweet Feelings
There's no doubt the Beeman house continues to be busy. I have spent a bazillion minutes (my cell bill proves it) on the phone with speech and occupational therapy facilities, as well as trying to get Carson in for some "Advanced Behavioral Analysis" training to help improve his social skills. To add to the craziness, we have been doing a lot of thinking and praying as to what the best decision would be concerning Brad's job.
Over the past few months, we have found ourselves turning to God for a lot of guidance as it is very difficult to have a child with special needs and NOT have the type of insurance needed to assist with the services that are required to help him. When you don't have the insurance, unless you are making over $150,000 per year, it's kinda pointless to even think about trying to get services lined up as expenses with just one specialist could easily hit $500 per month.
So...about two months ago, Brad and I had a heart to heart about his job and whether he should continue or start looking for something else. As his wife, I knew that it was Brad's dream to be self employed and eventually own his own insurance agency so it broke my heart when we both agreed that he should look around and possibly return to the corporate world. We both knew it was for the benefit of our family but especially, for Carson but it was still a tough decision.
Brad slowly started looking around and even had a few interviews with some really great company's but nothing was turning out. I was really starting to wonder if God was even there, listening. Deep down, I didn't doubt it, but I just wanted a sign that he was there and active in this situation. One day, Brad called a former boss of his that works at Medical Protective to ask if he could use him as a reference on his resume for a third interview he had. Tim of course obliged but then got to asking why it was that Brad wanted to leave the self employed world and rejoin the corporate world. As Brad explained our situation with Carson and the need for some great insurance, Tim asked him if he would consider returning to Medpro. This came as a shock to both of us as the thought of him going to Medpro had never crossed our minds however, it became evident to both of us that God WAS present in this situation and he had a plan the whole time!
It turns out they had a position available for him now they wanted him to fill and then in 6-12 months, it is expected that Brad will take an outside sales position in selling insurance for the company. If you're not familiar with Medical Protective, they are one of the biggest companies for medical malpractice insurance in the country.
This opportunity was literally dropped in our laps and we strongly felt it was God's way of saying, "It's o.k. I have a plan for you." So, on July 19, Brad will be an employee of Medical Protective and we will have full benefits and insurance! I will no longer have to be on my deathbed in order to go to the doctor....I will have my $10 co-pay back and for that, I am grateful!
It's been very bittersweet because with this opportunity, I will also be able to stop cleaning houses and be home more with the kids. It's hard to tell people that you have cleaned 3 years for that you will no longer be cleaning but is also very refreshing. For the last 3 years, my family has shared me with MOPS, our children's ministry at our church and then also my cleaning job. I finished with kids zone in the late fall, ended my leadership with MOPS in May and now I'm cutting back on cleaning. It is my hope that I will again be able to keep the laundry pile under 5 feet, clean most or all of my house at one time again and just simply be able to relax and enjoy my kids, as well as schedule more playdates and nurture the relationships with other friends that I have so badly neglected the last few years.
With the sadness, comes excitement about the future and new possibilities! Thank you, God for your ever so perfect plan! Now...if you could just watch over me and give me endless and boundless amounts of patience as I spend more time at home with my children, that would be perfect!!!!
Over the past few months, we have found ourselves turning to God for a lot of guidance as it is very difficult to have a child with special needs and NOT have the type of insurance needed to assist with the services that are required to help him. When you don't have the insurance, unless you are making over $150,000 per year, it's kinda pointless to even think about trying to get services lined up as expenses with just one specialist could easily hit $500 per month.
So...about two months ago, Brad and I had a heart to heart about his job and whether he should continue or start looking for something else. As his wife, I knew that it was Brad's dream to be self employed and eventually own his own insurance agency so it broke my heart when we both agreed that he should look around and possibly return to the corporate world. We both knew it was for the benefit of our family but especially, for Carson but it was still a tough decision.
Brad slowly started looking around and even had a few interviews with some really great company's but nothing was turning out. I was really starting to wonder if God was even there, listening. Deep down, I didn't doubt it, but I just wanted a sign that he was there and active in this situation. One day, Brad called a former boss of his that works at Medical Protective to ask if he could use him as a reference on his resume for a third interview he had. Tim of course obliged but then got to asking why it was that Brad wanted to leave the self employed world and rejoin the corporate world. As Brad explained our situation with Carson and the need for some great insurance, Tim asked him if he would consider returning to Medpro. This came as a shock to both of us as the thought of him going to Medpro had never crossed our minds however, it became evident to both of us that God WAS present in this situation and he had a plan the whole time!
It turns out they had a position available for him now they wanted him to fill and then in 6-12 months, it is expected that Brad will take an outside sales position in selling insurance for the company. If you're not familiar with Medical Protective, they are one of the biggest companies for medical malpractice insurance in the country.
This opportunity was literally dropped in our laps and we strongly felt it was God's way of saying, "It's o.k. I have a plan for you." So, on July 19, Brad will be an employee of Medical Protective and we will have full benefits and insurance! I will no longer have to be on my deathbed in order to go to the doctor....I will have my $10 co-pay back and for that, I am grateful!
It's been very bittersweet because with this opportunity, I will also be able to stop cleaning houses and be home more with the kids. It's hard to tell people that you have cleaned 3 years for that you will no longer be cleaning but is also very refreshing. For the last 3 years, my family has shared me with MOPS, our children's ministry at our church and then also my cleaning job. I finished with kids zone in the late fall, ended my leadership with MOPS in May and now I'm cutting back on cleaning. It is my hope that I will again be able to keep the laundry pile under 5 feet, clean most or all of my house at one time again and just simply be able to relax and enjoy my kids, as well as schedule more playdates and nurture the relationships with other friends that I have so badly neglected the last few years.
With the sadness, comes excitement about the future and new possibilities! Thank you, God for your ever so perfect plan! Now...if you could just watch over me and give me endless and boundless amounts of patience as I spend more time at home with my children, that would be perfect!!!!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Half way to Christmas
That's right friends! Have you thought about the fact that we are half way to Christmas? Well, I have....don't know why but I did! It's hard to believe the year is half over already. I took a little stroll down memory lane to look at the resolutions I blogged about in January and to judge myself to see how I'm doing. I gotta admit, not too shabby!
I still haven't lost the 10 lbs. I want to lose but more importantly, I am spending more time with the kids. We've made a few trips to the park, a few to the zoo, LOTS of time outside, when it's not raining, playing on the swing set and we've even had a few picnics in the backyard for lunch. I bought Brad a firepit for Father's Day and we've had s'mores with the kids, which Gabby thought was GREAT! We've had trips to the library on chilly spring days and I was able to go with Gabby on one of her last kindergarten field trips (thanks, mom for watching Carson that day). With summer being here and in full swing, we've spent a lot of time IN THE WATER! Yeah for water on a hot day. We've been to the lake and the pool quite frequently, all while my house sits in filth but I've learned to let it go and not worry so much. Brad helps quite a bit around the house so that is a blessing and we're hoping in the near future, that I will be able to slow down on my cleaning business and be able to focus even more time on the kids and our own house.
MOPS ended in May and while it's been a bittersweet ending to a 3 year chapter of my life, I am learning to not commit myself to new things right now so I can stay home and focus on serving my family. They've shared me for over 3 years with our church and while I loved serving, it's time for me to let it go and serve at home for awhile. My kids need me, my husband needs me and I need me!
It's been a great summer so far, I hope it doesn't fly me by too quickly!
I still haven't lost the 10 lbs. I want to lose but more importantly, I am spending more time with the kids. We've made a few trips to the park, a few to the zoo, LOTS of time outside, when it's not raining, playing on the swing set and we've even had a few picnics in the backyard for lunch. I bought Brad a firepit for Father's Day and we've had s'mores with the kids, which Gabby thought was GREAT! We've had trips to the library on chilly spring days and I was able to go with Gabby on one of her last kindergarten field trips (thanks, mom for watching Carson that day). With summer being here and in full swing, we've spent a lot of time IN THE WATER! Yeah for water on a hot day. We've been to the lake and the pool quite frequently, all while my house sits in filth but I've learned to let it go and not worry so much. Brad helps quite a bit around the house so that is a blessing and we're hoping in the near future, that I will be able to slow down on my cleaning business and be able to focus even more time on the kids and our own house.
MOPS ended in May and while it's been a bittersweet ending to a 3 year chapter of my life, I am learning to not commit myself to new things right now so I can stay home and focus on serving my family. They've shared me for over 3 years with our church and while I loved serving, it's time for me to let it go and serve at home for awhile. My kids need me, my husband needs me and I need me!
It's been a great summer so far, I hope it doesn't fly me by too quickly!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Two Nieces....Two Stages
I've been thinking a lot this week. In August I will be an aunt to a new niece. My second niece. When I got married, Lauren became my niece and I'm so proud of her. She graduated high school this year and is planning to attend IPFW this fall. She is on her way and has grown so much since I met her when she was 6.
On the other side of the family, I have a niece who has not even entered this crazy world yet. As I look back, I don't always feel that I've done a good job of being an aunt. I was young and newly married and not really thinking about others, and then I had my own kids and became a mom. I'm hoping to make up for that with Lauren during her college years by having her here in Fort Wayne. I'm also hoping to be more aware of my responsibilities as an aunt with Katelyn and support my sister and brother in law in raising her.
On the other side of the family, I have a niece who has not even entered this crazy world yet. As I look back, I don't always feel that I've done a good job of being an aunt. I was young and newly married and not really thinking about others, and then I had my own kids and became a mom. I'm hoping to make up for that with Lauren during her college years by having her here in Fort Wayne. I'm also hoping to be more aware of my responsibilities as an aunt with Katelyn and support my sister and brother in law in raising her.
Going to Grandma's.....well, kind of.
I went to my sister's first baby shower today. She is due in August so the reality is really hitting now that I will soon have a new niece here and I am growing anxious! I can't wait to have a tiny baby to love on and then say, "Well, (yawn) I think I'm gonna head home and go to bed. Good-bye!"
The shower was held at my grandma's.....old...house. Her house was sold 3 years ago to a couple that I've known most of my life. They remodeled it and now their grandson, wife and great-grandson live in the house. This was my first visit back since the sale and, it was...bizarre to say the least. I have so many memories from my childhood years built up in this house and before I went in, I remembered it, just as it always was. The second I walked in the front door, it was gone. I had trouble picturing everything, until I saw the desk area that was still in the same spot. I was able to get a few visions back from the way things used to be but it was difficult.
It wasn't my grandma's house anymore.
Was it beautiful? Absolutely.
Am I happy this couple has made that place home? I couldn't have chosen anyone better myself. They take excellent care of it and have it looking very nice. They certainly don't lack "pride of ownership" as Brad would say. But there is a certain sadness that goes with it.
I don't know, just some thoughts.....
The shower was held at my grandma's.....old...house. Her house was sold 3 years ago to a couple that I've known most of my life. They remodeled it and now their grandson, wife and great-grandson live in the house. This was my first visit back since the sale and, it was...bizarre to say the least. I have so many memories from my childhood years built up in this house and before I went in, I remembered it, just as it always was. The second I walked in the front door, it was gone. I had trouble picturing everything, until I saw the desk area that was still in the same spot. I was able to get a few visions back from the way things used to be but it was difficult.
It wasn't my grandma's house anymore.
Was it beautiful? Absolutely.
Am I happy this couple has made that place home? I couldn't have chosen anyone better myself. They take excellent care of it and have it looking very nice. They certainly don't lack "pride of ownership" as Brad would say. But there is a certain sadness that goes with it.
I don't know, just some thoughts.....
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