My intentions were good when making my list of GOALs back in May for the month of June. But I must report: GOALS = FAILED. I have no major excuses, other than Dave lost his job and we've been busy moving.
So, with a fresh clean calendar month, I will start new goals.
#1. Get all the homeschool room organized.
We are starting a new curriculum and homeschool group this year and I'm so excited!!
#2. Read 2 books. 1 - nonfiction 1- fiction
Got really close on this one in the month of June!
and rereading (again)
#3. Crochet or knit a dishcloth.
Dave's grandmother is in Heaven. She made all of our dish cloths and I love homemade dish cloths! I still have several of hers, but they won't last me forever. I must learn so my dishes stay clean.
I totally left out the goals of exercise and getting up early - on purpose, I really want to be successful this month. :0)
How do YOU successfully meet YOUR goals? Do you have an accountability partner? Do you reward yourself if you reach your goal?
On June 1st of this year, Dave was let go from his job. Rather than be bitter, worried or angry about the job loss both of us were really excited about what God was going to do. Dave has been unemployed before and God has really directed and took care of us through that, so, we knew this time would be no different.
Within days. Dave had job interviews lined up for jobs in GA, working for the competitors of his previous company and in the same industry as what he had been working (fork lifts), which was great.
But our family, for the past couple years, has prayed that somehow God would bring us back to Michigan where our extended family lives. Knowing that we have pray specifically about moving back home to Michigan, Dave and I both decided we should give Michigan a try. God is bigger than the present unemployment rate in Michigan, this job loss was an open door. So, we headed up to Michigan.
God showed Himself and all they He can do!! Dave had prayed specifically for they type of job (in finance) and how much pay. Within 2 1/2 weeks of being in Michigan Dave had a job offer that answered BOTH of the specifics he prayed for. My prayer request was for good friends for my kids....and guess what? God answered that prayer request by giving Dave a job in the city we lived before and a house RIGHT down the street from both old friends who have children the same age!
Dave and I are really in awe of all that God has done for our family. Should we be in awe? I knew God would move us back home at some point, but so fast? In such a whirlwind? With such circumstances? He has been so good to us, saying "thank you" seems so insufficient to all the gratitude that flows from our hearts.
I hope YOU know that God is BIGGER than any obstacle (like a large unemployment rate). God can take something bad (like a job loss) and turn it into something BIGGER and more exciting. HIS plans for us (His children) are flawless!
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. ~Jeremiah 29:11
7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
Hebrews 13:5
5Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
There are 170 days until Christmas!! Whoo-hoo! I can hear the groaning....."ugh...grrrr...really? Christmas, already?"
Though Christmas comes at the same time every year....it always seems to sneak up on me. I love to shop for everyone, that is, everyone who I KNOW what I'm going to get them. Some people are harder to buy for than others.
Every year, my husband watches over me to make sure I stay on budget. Without fail, somewhere along the gift buying, he backs away. It is too confusing to keep track of everything and everybody. I tell him it's "all up here" referring to my super memory. lol Well, that "super memory" can fail. There have been SEVERAL times I buy a gift for someone FORGETTING I already purchased their gift 2 months ago. Both gift ideas were good, so I end up giving both and going over budget. :0)
This year will be different! Whoo-hoo! Queenbee Coupons has taken gift buying for the holidays to a new level for our family! It's called, organization. She has made up FREE spreadsheets to help keep track of ideas, budget, and what you have bought. She also has some great gift buying tips. Thank you, thank you, thank you. It beats out my mental list that seems to have some major glitches, especially the closer to Christmas we get.
Check out all Queenbee Coupons blog to help save money this upcoming holiday by being organized!
Being unemployed does not have to bring gloom and doom to the household. Yes, the cable may be disconnected for awhile, your vacation may be postponed, and shopping has been restricted, but life can still be fun.
FREE family fun at the fountains downtown.
Though technically, your job right now is to find a job, there will be down times. Use these times to have fun with the kids. Kids are so perceptive, they know it is not a good thing to be out of work, but make it fun for them. You do not want them to worry.
Keep your eye out for FREE things going on in your area. Here are some ideas of where you might find free events.
In the summer, there are free music lunch concerts and movie nights at local parks.
Visit your local library. There are free events at your library - movies, story times, and classes. Ask at the front desk.
Check the website of local attractions. Sometimes, zoos, museums and special parks (like nature centers) will have promotion days with FREE admission. Free days can be crowded, but arrive at opening time, and you can beat some crowds.
In our area we have a fish hatchery which has a family fun pond where the kids can fish for free. The hatchery itself offers tours for free, too.
Parks that have hiking or biking trails can be fun. Pack a picnic and make a day of it.
Do you have a GPS unit? Try geocaching. A fun scavenger hunt that can be done in any city using a GPS unit.
Feed the ducks at your local park with bread you find either at the day old bread store or from the discounted section in your grocery store bakery.
Volunteer at the local Human Society walking dogs. (call before you go, to see if they use volunteers to do this)
Check your city website. Many city websites have a calendar of events that are free.
Be creative. Come up with something fun and out of the ordinary to do at the house.
When hubby was laid off, our local Chick-Fil-A had FREE food when you dressed like a cow.
You haven't lost the most important job....being a parent. A job loss CAN bring a level of stress, but it can also bring many fun memories. Take time to make those memories.
I am a lurker who is stepping out and posting my own blog. Posting things or topics of interest that will inspire me to be a the wife, mom, daughter and friend GOD wants me to be. Thanks for stopping by!!
and rereading (again) 
