I wrote this in High School just after my Meme passed away. She had Alzheimer's. I recently thought I lost all of my copies of this. Now that I've found one, I wanted to make sure I had it in a place I could get to it in case I happen to lose that copy too.

Austin and Ethan are both doing fall soccer. The first practice for both of them is tomorrow.

David's Grandma, who has been really sick off and on, is well enough that she is making a trip to come and see us for a few days. The boys think she's coming for one night next week, but she'll be here tomorrow and may stay up to the weekend. My mom is also coming for another visit next week. We LOVE having company!

Friday and Saturday we are doing a garage sale. A percentage of the profits will go towards the Memory Walk that we are participating in Sept 20. I love the feeling of participating in the Walk. My grandma had Alzheimer's, and we encounter Alzheimer's everyday with our business. Its such an amazing feeling to be surrounded by people who's lives have been affected in one way or another by this disease.

We have soccer cleats/shin guards, school supplies, school shoes, backpacks and lunchboxes all taken care of. I still need to take the boys clothes shopping. This year I've decided to take them individually. I'm looking forward to getting one on one time with both Austin and Ethan.

Kellen is starting preschool next Weds. This preschool is a parent participation program. Parents are required to volunteer at least twice a month. I'm excited about being apart of this. Being in a new area, I'm hoping we will get to meet some people our age. Of course, structured time with Kellen will be a plus here too.

Before we know it, the leaves will be falling....

I never thought it would be so hard to share the household chores!

I have spent the last four years staying at home. David has always helped with housework, but since I've stayed at home, he helped mostly on the weekends. I would do as much as possible during the week, and on the weekends we would do the minimum so we could focus on spending time as a family. When he stayed home during the week, even if he was sick, I would try to put off chores, also to spend time together.

Since starting the business, its felt like one reeeeeeeeally long weekend. I could not get into the mind frame of doing everyday normal housework with David here. It was like I just forgot that I had things to do. I felt like I was crazy! Then when he would do the dishes or laundry to help, which became quite frequently, I'd feel like he was stepping on my toes. I wasn't doing it, but he couldn't either. I expected a lot of things to have to transition, but housework was not one of them.

Then we have David who is use to a management position over the last 8 years...at home...ALL the time. On my turf, eyeing my duties. We used to always joke that he was the boss at work, and I was the boss at home. Now that work and home were the same place, we were completely lost. There were MANY unnecessary trips to the store for something we didn't really need.

We had some pretty interesting days! It wasn't like before where we would bicker a little, he'd go to work, I'd go on with my day, we'd both cool off, and then at the end of the day, he'd come home, we'd make up and move on. Oh no...we had to be around each other all day, sometimes in the same room. No time to cool off or even time to think about cooling off! Don't get me wrong, we don't get into hairy fights, but there were times that we both wondered what we got ourselves into. We knew we'd make it through, and stronger than before, we just didn't know when. Not knowing the when is really tough.

I feel like the dark clouds have lifted and things are returning to something we can call normal. Its still going to take some time, and I'm sure we'll have little relapses each time we get a new resident, or something changes but we'll get there.

I know there are many women who would have wanted to slap me for being upset about my husband doing dishes and laundry. I'm finally getting to a point where I am appreciating his work in the house, like making breakfast every morning. I think he's finally finding his place in the house again too.

just an FYI...I will now be attempting to blog about what's going on with the business with a separate blog
Feel free to follow!

Hope all is well. Maybe someday I'll get back to blogging for real. :)

I cannot believe how fast life has been going over these past few months! I made my first phone call to *ask* about the process of opening a foster home at the beginning of April. I am now set up for the final step/inspection on July 7! So not counting process of finding a house, going to the four day class, moving into the house, putting together the paperwork, blah, blah, blah, it normally takes about 60 days to get license in hand once you turn in your application. With the licensure's help in managing to cut the application process down to just under 30 days. we have done something that should take at LEAST 6 months in almost exactly 90 days! When I made that first phone call, I figured it would take us 1-2 years. Pshhhh!



I am still trying to wrap my head around everything that's happened! Its so unbelievably amazing! Don't get me wrong...I am scared out of my mind about how this is all going to work, but I keep telling myself that its all come together so quickly and so easily that this is absolutely meant to be for us and it will continue to fall into place.



We moved out of the old house last weekend. Finished moving all the outside BS and cleaned this week. Then last night, we even did some yardwork. We've been ridiculously going nonstop....I think our neighbors may assume we are on some serious drugs! We drove over the mountain tonight, and are staying at Grandma's. She was in the hospital again this week...she is so strong willed! I'm going to my new nephew's baby shower tomorrow afternoon, and then a get together with David's family. Next week is getting all of the last minute state requirements together, and putting together a few last minute forms....oh, and unpacking more boxes.



I didn't have time to get on here and announce the birth of my first nephew on my side of the family! He was here 7 weeks early according to the dr's but my sister swears he was only 4 weeks early. Once they weighed him and evaluated him, I think they sided with my sister. He was 5lbs, 4oz and oh so adorable! His name is Xavier (pronounced with a 'z') Moses. His birthday is June 8th, and he finally was able to go home from the NICU this past Monday. I'm so excited to see him tomorrow!



I think that's everything...I'll promise again to be better about updating, but who knows what surprises life has in store for us over the rest of the summer.

I survived my 4 nights away...barely. It was one of the hardest things I've done in a long, long time. Everyone is so used to me being at home, including me. Kellen and I stayed with our good friends in Lyons. I drove an hour each way to Albany for the class everyday, and Thea watched Kellen while I was gone. Kellen was a total mess and developed some massive separation anxiety. I am so appreciative of Sam and Thea's help! They made our stay away from home so much more tolerable.

I did get a flat tire about 1/2 way, on the way over to Lyons. An older couple stopped to help me change it. I then drove about 60 miles on a donut. Bleck! Sam and I rode into town together on the first morning of class. He had me drop him off at work, and drive their vehicle to class....awesome friends, huh? :) Thankfully, he was able to get my flat fixed by the end of the day. I seriously don't know how I would've made it through the week with them!

Anyway, Thea and I did our best to make the most of the few hours each night that we had, to hang out. A few shots of Tequila somehow managed to work its way into every night. Oh boy...5:30 comes around waaay too quick.

The class was so much more than what I expected, and I actually really enjoyed it. I met a few great women, and hope to be able to refer back and forth with them once we get our new businesses going.

David and I spent our first anniversary apart. He survived by inviting family over for homemade enchiladas. It was so tough for both of us to be away. He surprised me by sending an arrangement to the hotel where my class was held. Of course, it prompted question after question from other peers in the class, which was one of his goals in sending them. :)

Anyway, we are happy to be home. I passed my test, and now we have just a few more things to complete! We are still on track for opening beginning to middle of July. So exciting, yet ohhhh so scary at the same time.

Things seem to be coming together so much quicker than I really expected. We are on a short time frame, so this is really good news, but I had originally thought that we may have to allow for more time.

The person that does the Adult Foster licensing class in Central Oregon just retired. So we knew we'd have to travel, but most classes are either already started, or they are once a week for 4 weeks. Yesterday we found out there were more classes available now. Looks like I'm going to Albany on Tuesday to start a class. It goes through Friday. It will be so much easier not to have to travel for just one day a week. On the other hand, I have NEVER left the family for 4 nights. I will be staying with friends there, and she'll be watching Kellen for me during the day. At least I get to take Kellen, so I won't completely be by myself, and David does such a great job with the house and kids when I can't so I know it will be fine, but I just don't want to HAVE to do it.

We are still working on getting the lending part figured out, but I'm confident that it will come together as long as we keep up the perseverance.

The van sold today! That was a huge relief! We decided that it wasn't worth putting the money into getting it repaired, and we actually have to pay an extra $40 more that what we sold it for to get the title, but its done, and the money we would use for the last 3 loan payments now get to go toward the business!

How's that for a quick update?! =D Ok, not the shortest blog known to man, but not novel material!

Ethan was telling the neighbor girl that I actually think the guy in Pirates of the Carribean is hot. She then asked me if I thought he was also hot as Willy Wonka....umm, no. More like creepy.

I asked Ethan why it was so bad to think he looks good in that movie. I was then left speechless by his response, "MOM, HE LOOKS LIKE A HOBO!"

Mrs. Entrepreneur!

Ok, so not officially...yet. But we are well on our way.

Its been almost 2 months since I've blogged. Yeah, I suck. Mostly, I've been enjoying the sun while it was out. I'm glad I did...it was snowing again last week (not sticking), and raining this week. In my opinion, if the ground is going to be wet, I prefer watching the snow fall, even if the ground isn't white for any amount of time.

Anyway, since I dragged David into the medical field, we've talked about having our own Foster Care. My biggest reason for waiting awhile was because the boys were so little. I still think Kellen is just a tiny bit too young, but it may take awhile to get our home full, so I don't think it'll be too bad.

We've been looking at houses for a few weeks. We found an amazing bank owned Bed & Breakfast that I just fell in love with....4000 sq ft, 7 bed, 3 1/2 bath. 6 bedrooms were downstairs, and there was a MASSIVE bedroom up stairs with a full bath and an even bigger living area. It would have worked perfectly to have the upstairs set up for the boys' bedroom and our family living area. Its very important to us to find a set up where we can easily section off an area for the boys. I still want them to be comfortable to bring friends over, and to get some space from "the business".

The biggest downfall to this house is that it only interests a very small group of people. It wouldn't even be successful as a bed & breakfast any longer due to the mass neighborhood that's been built around it. Being that its bank owned, they are being very picky about the sale. They want immaculate credit, and a big chunk of a down payment....Since we've moved around so much, its kept us from saving back money, and our credit is not horrible, but I would definitely not say immaculate. We would also need extra money to do some renovations to get up to state requirements. So buying may not be in our immediate plans.

Yesterday, we went to look at a home in Sisters. Its been a foster home before. We were worried that we would have a difficult time filling our rooms in such a small town. We almost didn't go to see it. I found info on the previous foster care owner, and talked David into calling. She said she had been in there for 14 years, and had been full all those years. She has another foster care in Redmond, and just couldn't handle running 2, so dwindled down the one in Sisters. That was enough info for us to at least go look at it. It just so happened that the property manager was in town, and we met her there.

ITS SO PERFECT! 7 beds, 7 bath and an area already sectioned off that would work for our living area! There is a toilet and sink in each of the 5 bedrooms that would be used for the foster care. On that side of the house, there is a separate shower room with a tub, and even a wheelchair accessible area for grooming with a mirror. On the other side of the house, is a master bedroom (that the boys would have) with a walk in closet and a full bathroom. We would have the room right next to theirs. The kitchen is set up with a medication area (even with separators for each person, and a locking mechanism, which is required by the state). Its also equipped with an indoor sprinkler system (which is no longer a requirement, but a good selling feature), and an intercom system. The backyard is fenced, and they allow pets (yay!). Its in a quiet area with no through outlet, so going out for walks would be safe and easy.

This will be a perfect opportunity to get established without huge start up costs. It will also give us a chance to save up money, and perfect our credit. In 2 years, we'll be able to buy a home (maybe the Bed & breakfast will be for sale still, or again) and move into a bigger place, and afford to pay someone else to run this one.

The property management company is very knowledgable about what it takes to start up this type of business, and are starting out the monthly lease payment low, and stepping up to the full price to allow us time to get people in there.

We checked into the schools in that area through greatschools.net and found that they are rated very well. The boys are naturally nervous, but we've promised that they won't be changing schools before the end of this year. Austin will actually be in middle school as a fifth grader there....like we weren't having a hard enough time keeping him in check about how old he is...

Our biggest hurdle is going to be finding someone to help us out, financially. We still need to furnish the home, and since David works in a similar branch of Healthcare, he will have to quit his job before starting the company (it could be a huge conflict of interest), which means we'll have to borrow enough money to get us through a few months of income too. In the meantime, we are writing up our business plan, financials, and all of the other little forms that investors want to see before they even consider writing a check. Anyone know any investors? Or anyone with enough money to consider being an investor? The Small Business Association is quickly becoming our friend, and we've already learned so much! If you have any suggestions, please don't hesitate to let me know. We'll taking all the help we can get.

We've been tossing around names....TolleHouse (hard to resist =) ), and a few others that just didn't seem to work. We ended up deciding on...Absolute Serenity Adult Foster Care. We're excited to start a new generation of Foster Care, with more activities, socialization, and a higher quality of daily living than the typical Foster Homes.

I promise I'll try to start blogging more, and keep you updated on what's going on.

http://www.beingfrugalisfabulous.com/2009/04/chicbuds-review-and-giveaway.html/comment-page-1#comment-2335

Tomorrow, March 19th is Absolutely Incredible Kid Day! Camp Fire USA started it back in 1996 (I think it said 96). The idea is to write a letter to your kids, and tell them how great they are. It takes just a few minutes to write down a few things and we all know how rewarding it will be.
Here's the website, and here's a link to their stationary if you want to make it just a little more fun.
Have fun!

I know I've posted about this before, but it really is worth it. I've only been signed up for a few months, and already have 125 swagbucks. You can cash them in for so many different things. Anything from a baseball/basketball trader card to a Wii, they have just about anything you can think of when it comes to redeeming them.

So far, I have only earned them by using them as my main search engine. I have made swagbucks my homepage, so its just that much easier to earn bucks. You can also earn by shopping online through so many merchants (Walmart, iTunes, Macy's, Foot Locker etc). For each $5 spent, you get a swagbuck. They also put out swagcodes quite often in their blogs, newsletters, and on their facebook page.

The search engine is run by google. They are supposed to have the same results as google, but occasionally (rarely), I can't find what I'm looking for, and have to use another site.

Anyway, if you click on my banner above, and sign up, you get me swagbucks...Then if you get your friends to join, you'll get swagbucks! So join, and try it out for a little while...if you don't like it, its as easy as just not using it anymore.

I am brand new to the whole online finance idea. Ok, before I read this blog last night, I had never even heard of it. It sounds like it might be a real useful tool to use, so I've been researching them this morning. I decided I would do my research before I visit any of the actual sites, and see what others think of it. The First and Second reviews I found were older, but still had some valuable info. I found that there are many finance sites out there (Mint, Yodlee, Wesabe, Geezeo) and I'm sure that there are many more, but these seemed to be the most touched on sites. The Third review was from a professional opinion, and most current. On that site, there was also a link where I found what I thought was the Most helpful review.

It seems like Mint would be the most useful and helpful to our needs, but I was really concerned about having to hand over all of my personal info. I could just picture some hacker breaking into Mint and getting free range access to who and what ever info their hearts desired. After coming across the last review though, I almost feel comfortable. Of course, I haven't even explored the site yet, but just knowing that they have the same securities as online banking really helps. Mint has been around since 2006, and I haven't heard anything about them yet, so I think that's a good sign that they haven't been all over the news. I suppose handing over my info isn't much different from paying a bill, or accessing your bank accounts online.

Have any of you heard of this, or used any of the online finance tools? Let me know if you have a review of your own, or if you've heard from someone who has used them. I think I'm going to go ahead and try out Mint.com. I'll let you know how it goes!

I happened to catch a few daytime shows mid last year about these stay at homes moms saving TONS of money off their grocery bills. We just moved to Bend in August, and there is NO WINCO FOODS here! I was lost. I HATE spending money on food. Seriously...hate it. I avoided the big shopping trips for a few months. We shopped on a whim, and only as needed. So we were constantly running out of milk, bread, and other staple foods, just because I didn't want to pay full price. My poor pantry looked so lonely, and we actually talked about turning 1/2 of it into an office storage area.

My friend, Thea, told me about thegrocerygame.com. I checked into it, and decided to try out their offer of a $1 trial for 4 weeks. It took me a few weeks to figure it out, but I was quickly walking out of Albertsons and Safeway with 50% + savings. My best trip was getting $106 worth of groceries at Safeway for $8! I used to do a weekly/biweekly trip to Wal-Mart for household items, and wasn't too excited about that either, since our store here is teenie tiny, and always super busy. Since I started the grocery game in October, I think I've been to Wal-Mart 2-3 times (not counting Christmas shopping).

I am also now following a blog that I stole from my cousin's blog, Being Frugal is Fabulous. She does a lot of footwork for you, showing you how to save at multiple stores, and how to get free items. My latest trip from to Rite Aid, I spent $26, and have $21 in rebates coming back to me, thanks to her blog.

I used to avoid coupons completely, but when you learn how to use them with items that are already on sale, you can save so much! We now have over 40 boxes of cereal in our pantry (all of which I paid under $2 each, mostly from $.50 to $1.50, and most are name brand). I now also have a small collection of toothpaste (we use only a certain brand that goes for about $3.50 at Wal-Mart, but I paid anywhere from $.50 to $1.50). As for disposable razors, David only likes certain ones, like the 3 and 4 blade, also name brand, and I am now running out of space to store these (these can run anywhere from $6 to $10 full price, and I haven't paid over $3 a package since I've started coupons). My latest is $2.50 for 3 name brand creamers!

These are just a few examples of the crazy deals I've scored. It does take some time, but since I don't work, I've started to look at this as my part time job to contribute financially. It makes shopping more rewarding, and I don't dread it anymore. I've actually turned it into one on one time with Austin or Ethan. They alternate taking turns going shopping with me if I go on Sundays, and now Kellen gets to go with me while the boys are at school.

If you think this might be something that could work for your family, its so worth the $1 trial for 4 weeks! If it doesn't work for you or your schedule, its super easy to cancel. Also, for each person you refer, you get a free week....so don't forget to say I referred you. ;) You'll need to enter my email address, dtsgirl325@yahoo.com to give me credit.

Austin and Ethan have been going to public school since the first day that was just supposed to be a *trial* day.

I was so nervous for them on that day. I think I probably felt all of the nervous, excitement, and anxiety that they did. I felt especially uneasy when I drove to pick them up. I was so afraid that they'd had a difficult day.

Kellen and I stood just inside the front doors, waiting for them to walk up from their classrooms. It seemed like it was taking FOREVER! I expected Ethan to walk up from his wing on one side of the school, and Austin's class was on the other side, so he would have come from the opposite direction. They ended up walking up together....Ethan had asked his teacher if he could go meet his brother at his classroom (Ethan is not one to do anything indepentently with new things)! When they spotted me, they ran up to Kellen and I, gave us huge hugs, and immediately started begging me to let them go to that school from that day on. I almost started crying right there in front of all of the other students, parents, and teachers. I realized how long it had been since I've seen those smiles on their faces, and this excitement coming from them. I was so thankful that the staff had been so great about allowing them to do this trial day.

Before we were able to even walk out the front doors, I was hearing from both of them about all of their favorite parts of the day. They were talking over each other, and couldn't hold it in. Within minutes, Austin was asking to go on the snowshoeing field trip the next day. After talking it over with David, we decided it was time and that this would be just as good of a time as any to ease them into public school. I had originally wanted to finish out the year at home, but after such a great day/experience that was so fresh in their heads, I was afraid that it would be harder, the longer we waited.

I walked them to their classrooms for a few days (Austin actually let me know when it was time to stop taking him), and then I picked them up everyday last week. This week, they started riding the bus home, and today they rode the bus for the first time in the morning. I still had to drive them to the stop and wave them off (mostly for Ethan's comfort), but we are making leaps and bounds of progress, which tells me this was the right decision.

Kellen hasn't had one, NOT ONE, potty accident since the day before their *trial* day. He is getting so much more one on one attention, and some of his own quiet space. He still misses the boys though. He is usually happy to see them go, and is content for about 1-3 hours, and then starts asking me, "Is it time to pick my boys now?" I know he'll get used to it though....probably just in time for summer to start. :)

As for me, I handled those first few days better than I thought I would. I found myself spending less time on the computer (it was so easy to waste time on the computer when their curriculum was online), and more time thinking about and doing things that I felt had been at least somewhat neglected for awhile now, like keeping up on housework/laundry, getting on a routine, and thinking ahead for errands, dinner, and how to spend some good quality time with the kiddos. I did realize that making/eating lunch had been a big part of our day together. It was our time to take a break from school, and just relax. I really missed making lunch for four of us for a couple of days.

Anyway, we are all liking our newest adjustment, and I feel like I'm already getting closer with my boys again. This last year of school at home has been an awesome experience for all of us, and we've learned so much about each other and ourselves, but I'm glad its behind us. I would still be open to trying it again once they get a little older, if that's what they want, and I would still recommend it to other families who are curious about it.

Man, OH, MAN! These blogs get looooong! Sorry!

This morning went well. I had breakfast at the table with Austin and Ethan. Kellen woke up about 10 into eating, so he joined us too, but it was great to have a little time with the 2 older boys before the big day. They were so nervous, but for the first time, they both acknowledged that going back to public school is probably the best decision for all of us.

After getting to the school, we got them all set up for hot lunch. I walked them both to class. Austin was first, and his teacher basically greeted us before we walked through the door. He was pretty comfortable considering, and didn't seem to give the idea of staying a second thought. By the time we got to Ethan's class, the students were already sitting on the circle rug, and he felt all eyes on him as soon as we walked in. Then here come the tears. Ethan is my emotional one, so I expected some tears, but its still so tough. His teacher also greeted us and helped him settle in. Once he sat down, Ethan never even gave me another glance (probably to avoid the tears again). Kellen and I stood there for about 2 min and slowly snuck out.

Kellen and I have folded laundry, watched kids shows, and enjoyed our time alone. He's very anxious to go get his brothers now though.

I'll let you know how their day went later after I pick them up!

"Its time to stop being super mom, and start being a real mom"...This was from the Oprah show, and the first thing I heard when turning on the TV sometime last week. I'm not sure why it caught my full attention, but ever since I heard that, I've been doing a lot of thinking.

David and I have been talking about the at home school vs public school (aka Brick & Mortar school) for quite some time. The curriculum is pretty impressive through this online charter school that we have been going through, but we are having a VERY hard time settling into it. They miss having friends. We are in a brand new area, and the only kids they know are the girls in the neighborhood. When it comes to lessons, I think we have someone crying almost everyday. Its so hard. Honestly, at times, I also feel like I miss my boys. I know I have them with me 24/7, but there are downfalls to that too. By the time school is done, they are tired of me, and I'm ready for my own space. My quality time with them that I used to get when I was just mom and not teacher, is almost slim to none. I hate seeing David come home, play with the boys, and not having the energy to play with them myself.

Last week, I signed the boys up at the local school to attend music/pe classes. The classes alternate everyday, and they let the boys follow the same class everyday. They love the interaction, and its been good for all of us. We all get moving by a certain time every morning, and Kellen gets a little mommy and me time. The only hard part, is that they are still energetic when they get home, and have an even harder time getting started on schoolwork.

David thinks its time to send them back to public school. I don't necessarily disagree, but I don't want to give in until I feel like we've done our best, and tried everything possible.

Austin and Ethan are scared to death to go back. I know they would like it as soon as we got passed the initial fear of it, so I asked the principal about letting the boys join a full school day. She is a wonderful person, and was more than happy to help. We are set to try it out next Wednesday. They are obviously nervous, but I think they're a little excited too.

I guess I'm ready to start getting quality time back with my boys. This childhood thing won't last long for them, and I want them to have good memories of me, and lots of friends. I want them to continue to be well rounded. So, unless something changes in the near future, it looks like I'll be transitioning them into public school fairly soon.

Awhile back, I wrote about how we can see the Sisters mountains from our front porch. I'm sure we've had some clear days, or moments for me to take pics, but for one reason or another, I didn't. Today, we were out running around. The sky was beautiful, and the mountains stuck out like I've never seen before with all that snow on them. I wish I had my camera while I was driving around. Of course, by the time we got home, the clouds had rolled in, and this is not exactly the pics I had in mind when I decided I needed to post today. I guess when we moved here, we traded rain for rapid changing weather. The first picture does not do our view any justice, but I thought I'd post it anyway, just to give you the idea.