How often does your couch look like this?

At our house, it's on a daily basis.

Our van is back!

We got our van back last night. It looks great and runs great. They even cleaned it thoroughly, which hasn't happened in years. Seriously. It looks better than it has in a long, long time.

Lyman started working yesterday. I like the idea of him being self-employed and setting his own hours. I also like that it's only part-time for now. We've still got a kitchen to paint...

What better way to spend a warm December day than an Easter Egg Hunt! It was DJ's idea, and he filled the eggs with Cheddar Bunnies and Sunny Bears for the other kids to find. Amanda missed the first and second hunts, because she was napping. But I'm sure they'll be happy to have another when she wakes up.

Chess, anyone? No crying allowed!

Many years ago, before we had children, Lyman asked me to play chess with him. I knew the basic rules but hadn't played in years. Due to a derogatory comment about my playing ability ("Don't quit your day job"), I vowed never to play chess with him again.
But playing with my children is another story. DJ was in a homeschool chess club a few years ago and he and I are on about the same playing level - advanced beginner. I have a hard time abiding by the suggestion of finding three moves before making one. Anyway, on with the story...
Today I made good on my goal to play with my children more. I asked DJ if he wanted to play chess with me. It was hilarious game, which I won by chance more than skill. Lyman was a spectator at the end and could hardly keep from offering advice. The loser ended up in tears, and immediately challenged a less-skilled competitor, 5 year old Gwennie. Alas, that game broke up in tears before there was a winner.
I guess my next goal should be to teach the kids about good sportsmanship. And to make sure they eat regularly so their blood sugar levels will be more evened out. One goal at a time.

You're Hired!

Yes, I have a job now. It's not a regular full time job, but it could turn into one. I'll be consulting 15-20 hrs. per week at my former employer, Phonex. There is a possibility of becoming a regular full-time employee next year. I'll still be looking for work, but now we can buy a few Christmas gifts and ease the moratorium on spending.

It's actually the perfect arrangement for me now. I can work part time at Phonex and make enough money to feed us and keep a roof over our heads. If S5 begins to hire people again, I can go back there without any hard feelings at Phonex since they know I am still looking for work.

The interesting thing is, this would not have happened if it weren't for my car accident. The body shop where our car is being repaired is just around the corner from Phonex, so when I went to the shop to sign the papers for the car, I went by Phonex. That's when they started talking about bringing me back. Thanks to the Lord for blessings in disguise.

Lyman

If Bad Things Happen In Threes...

Then we've reached our allotment. Lyman was in a car accident last night. Luckily he is fine, but our van is not. It has major front end damage which will probably cost more to fix than it is worth. So, it looks like we will need a new vehicle, as our Cruiser can not legally hold all 6 of us.
On the job front, there is no news. A few places have said thanks for applying, but you're too qualified. Unemployment checks will start coming in two weeks, which will be just enough to cover our mortgage.
We are so grateful to have a full storage room of food, and clothing for the kids for the next year. It's amazing how much money I can save when I have to, and I plan on carrying this frugality over to the time when we do have income again!

Just a note

We have fixed our process in that I now have my own account so whenever I post it will correctly identify me as the poster.

Lyman