This afternoon after work, Jamie and I are heading back to Abilene, sans the kitty! (My Dad will watch Scout and Schnitzel for us while we are gone.) We are going to pick up the kids from ACU Leadership Camps. They have been at camp since Sunday and the camp ends Friday morning. Jamie and I are going to stay at a hotel tonight and start the drive back tomorrow with the kids.
I have missed Caleb and Rachel. I know that are having fun, but I also know that they miss us as well. I am very sure at least Rachel misses Schintzel and Scout.
Scout is starting to eat some solid foods, but only if you shove it into his mouth and hold it there. It seems he is having trouble, or choosing not to, licking up the water or grabbing food. He still wants to suckle everything. Instead of drinking water or formula out of a dish he will suck or bite the edges of the dish to try and suck the liquids up. I also have to put the harder foods into his mouth and hold it there until he sucks it down. At least he is eating something other than just formula.
Just to let you know, the recruiter position I applied for has been filled. I didn't even get a chance to interview for the position.
About ME
- Mr. E
- Grand Prairie, Texas, United States
- Mr. E is a Christian, Husband, Father of 2, former Army Officer and Texas Rangers Baseball fan.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
Family Update
The kids are safely off to their summer camps in Abilene. They normally have a great time there. They are both so big. As parents, we already miss them and can't wait to see them again on Friday. In the meantime, this gives Jamie and me a chance to really "work out" on Wii Fit.
Speaking of Jamie, she had some good news on her test results. The biopsy on her left breast turned out to be negative and nothing to be alarmed about. Thank you God for watching over my bride. She is now starting to make some plans to spruce up the house. She is discussing some new paint colors for the outside and the inside of the house. She plans on turning our "clunker" of a home into a real home yet.
Schnitzel is adjusting to his new "step-brother", Scout! Whenever the kitten cries out, he seems very concerned. He will walk over the little guy and sniff on him, occasionally lick him, or just hang around the general area until Scout quits making all the noise. So far, we don't detect any plans to eat the kitty while we are out.
Scout just returned from his first visit to the vet! Everything is normal for a kitten of 5 1/2 weeks. The vet got rid of the few fleas he had, and gave him some medicine to make sure he will be healthy enough for his first round of shots in a couple of weeks. We just have to keep feeding him formula and trying to get him to eat some softened cat food, since he is so small. I guess since we spent some money on the little guy, he will be here to stay.
As for me, I'm still job hunting to replace my current job, which ends on July 31. I just put in an application at a local hospital to be a recruiter. This person basically works in the Human Resources Department scheduling and interviewing possible new employees. Apparently hospitals have a lot of turnover in their "non-professional" staff.
Speaking of Jamie, she had some good news on her test results. The biopsy on her left breast turned out to be negative and nothing to be alarmed about. Thank you God for watching over my bride. She is now starting to make some plans to spruce up the house. She is discussing some new paint colors for the outside and the inside of the house. She plans on turning our "clunker" of a home into a real home yet.
Schnitzel is adjusting to his new "step-brother", Scout! Whenever the kitten cries out, he seems very concerned. He will walk over the little guy and sniff on him, occasionally lick him, or just hang around the general area until Scout quits making all the noise. So far, we don't detect any plans to eat the kitty while we are out.
Scout just returned from his first visit to the vet! Everything is normal for a kitten of 5 1/2 weeks. The vet got rid of the few fleas he had, and gave him some medicine to make sure he will be healthy enough for his first round of shots in a couple of weeks. We just have to keep feeding him formula and trying to get him to eat some softened cat food, since he is so small. I guess since we spent some money on the little guy, he will be here to stay.
As for me, I'm still job hunting to replace my current job, which ends on July 31. I just put in an application at a local hospital to be a recruiter. This person basically works in the Human Resources Department scheduling and interviewing possible new employees. Apparently hospitals have a lot of turnover in their "non-professional" staff.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
New Family Member
Scout has arrived! Today my bride, Jamie, found her kitten. She wanted a girl kitty, but instead she ended up with a gray, boy, kitten. The kitten is 5 1/2 weeks old, and it was abandoned by its mother. We are feeding it a little kitten formula every hour and a half with a dropper. We are also about to try some softened crunchy cat food. We are also trying to get it to go "potty." The last time we put it in the litter box, it tried to eat some of the litter. ??? We were told to use a warm rag and gently rub its "butt" to try to get it to have a bowel movement. When the Vet opens on Monday, we will drop Scout off for a check up while we go to work. We will pick up Scout later that afternoon.
The kids are very happy with their new pet. The only bad thing about finding Scout now is that the kids go to summer camp tomorrow and they will be gone until next Saturday. We might take Scout with us to Abilene in a pet carrier. This way he won't be alone. Not sure where we will keep him while Jamie and I are at work though. We may keep him in the pet carrier while we are away, this will allow our dog Schnitzel and him to bond a little bit.
Schnitzel, our wiener dog, is not sure what to think about Scout. He keeps sniffing the little fellow and he growls whenever Scout cries his little kitty mews. At least Schnitzel is not eating Scout!
The kids are very happy with their new pet. The only bad thing about finding Scout now is that the kids go to summer camp tomorrow and they will be gone until next Saturday. We might take Scout with us to Abilene in a pet carrier. This way he won't be alone. Not sure where we will keep him while Jamie and I are at work though. We may keep him in the pet carrier while we are away, this will allow our dog Schnitzel and him to bond a little bit.
Schnitzel, our wiener dog, is not sure what to think about Scout. He keeps sniffing the little fellow and he growls whenever Scout cries his little kitty mews. At least Schnitzel is not eating Scout!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Job Hunt 2008 -- Update
My recent efforts to secure a new job have not yet produced fruit. I have applied for thee different school districts in the area and have looked for open positions in several areas outside of education. So far, zip, Nada, nothing! The only jobs outside of education that I find even remotely interesting or I am qualified for are, on-line survey taker or selling insurance. Selling insurance requires a lot of traveling around the area, that I currently cannot afford to do. The teaching jobs I have applied for have not yet called me for an interview. I know this process can take a while for schools, but I really want to know where I will be working at the end of July.
My wife and I have even considered looking into jobs in the Dallas metroplex area. Irving and some communities in Northern Dallas have nice school districts and communities to live in. The cost of living is higher though. Plus, our kids would have to start all over making new friends.
My only options are at this moment are to take two or more part-time jobs until something else comes along. I used to be a waiter and I did work some retail, so that's a start right? Will they hire a 41 year old guy to do that?
Keep praying that God works quickly! I still have faith.
My wife and I have even considered looking into jobs in the Dallas metroplex area. Irving and some communities in Northern Dallas have nice school districts and communities to live in. The cost of living is higher though. Plus, our kids would have to start all over making new friends.
My only options are at this moment are to take two or more part-time jobs until something else comes along. I used to be a waiter and I did work some retail, so that's a start right? Will they hire a 41 year old guy to do that?
Keep praying that God works quickly! I still have faith.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Keeping the Faith despite the Economy's efforts to ruin our Summer!
Why does everyone want my money? I realize other people have to make a living but do they have to take my money that I need to feed my family and transport myself to work? This economy thing has got to pick itself up soon or my family will be living our version of a great depression.
Here are a few changes that have taken place in our home as a result of our slumping economy:
Gas Budget summer 2007: $200 for two vehicles
Gas Budget summer 2008: almost $400 plus.
Food Budget for summer 2007: About $85 per week.
Food Budget for summer 2008: Almost $150 per week. (Part of that is my son is finally growing and he is hungry.)
Clothing Budget for summer 2007: about $50.00 per month
Clothing Budget for summer 2008: Zero
We may even have to cut back on the kid's allowance. We are even thinking about cancelling our subscription to Netflix. We have definitely cut back on eating out and buying any unnecessary items.
We have cut back on our traveling. We have put-off once again a possible trip to Disney World in Florida. Instead we are going to a Texas Rangers baseball game, if we can afford the gas to get there. Now that school is out for the summer, my wife and I have started to car-pool to work whenever possible.
Our church contributions have gone from putting the money in the collection plate to help paying for Youth Group activities for our kids. (it's still church related right?) Much needed home repairs, such as fixing the ceiling in our kitchen, replacing an old roof, yard work and some painting have been put on permanent hold. This of course devalues our home.
It is during times like this that our family must fully rely on God (as we should do all the time). At least we have a home to live in. At least we can still buy groceries to feed our family. We still have clothes to wear even if they are a bit to small or are going out of style.
My family and I have been in bad shape before and God has always come through for us. When we thought we couldn't pay a bill, somehow an insurance check comes in the mail or a royalty check comes in because someone out there bought my book. Just this month, we we looking at falling short of our required budget to pay some bills. Yesterday, our first commission check from YTB Travel came in the mail. It wasn't much but it paid one of our bills. My wife's car insurance also was adjusted and we are paying $7.00 less now. Once again, it is not much, but it helps. God has always taken care of us when we needed it. So even though I may sin with a little worrying, I am not afraid. I just stand in amazement at my God.
We can blame the economy on rising gas prices or the outrageous debt Americans have placed themselves into, but the bottom line is...the economy may fail us but our God will not. He will always be there to protect His children. Have faith, that all will be well.
Here are a few changes that have taken place in our home as a result of our slumping economy:
Gas Budget summer 2007: $200 for two vehicles
Gas Budget summer 2008: almost $400 plus.
Food Budget for summer 2007: About $85 per week.
Food Budget for summer 2008: Almost $150 per week. (Part of that is my son is finally growing and he is hungry.)
Clothing Budget for summer 2007: about $50.00 per month
Clothing Budget for summer 2008: Zero
We may even have to cut back on the kid's allowance. We are even thinking about cancelling our subscription to Netflix. We have definitely cut back on eating out and buying any unnecessary items.
We have cut back on our traveling. We have put-off once again a possible trip to Disney World in Florida. Instead we are going to a Texas Rangers baseball game, if we can afford the gas to get there. Now that school is out for the summer, my wife and I have started to car-pool to work whenever possible.
Our church contributions have gone from putting the money in the collection plate to help paying for Youth Group activities for our kids. (it's still church related right?) Much needed home repairs, such as fixing the ceiling in our kitchen, replacing an old roof, yard work and some painting have been put on permanent hold. This of course devalues our home.
It is during times like this that our family must fully rely on God (as we should do all the time). At least we have a home to live in. At least we can still buy groceries to feed our family. We still have clothes to wear even if they are a bit to small or are going out of style.
My family and I have been in bad shape before and God has always come through for us. When we thought we couldn't pay a bill, somehow an insurance check comes in the mail or a royalty check comes in because someone out there bought my book. Just this month, we we looking at falling short of our required budget to pay some bills. Yesterday, our first commission check from YTB Travel came in the mail. It wasn't much but it paid one of our bills. My wife's car insurance also was adjusted and we are paying $7.00 less now. Once again, it is not much, but it helps. God has always taken care of us when we needed it. So even though I may sin with a little worrying, I am not afraid. I just stand in amazement at my God.
We can blame the economy on rising gas prices or the outrageous debt Americans have placed themselves into, but the bottom line is...the economy may fail us but our God will not. He will always be there to protect His children. Have faith, that all will be well.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Two Little Indians -- Who Will Be the Next President?
The race for the White House has just become a lot clearer.
The Democratic Party finally has their nominee for President. Barack Obama has officially wrapped up the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. His number one competitor for the position, Hillary Clinton is ending her bid for the Presidency and throwing her support to Obama.
The Republican Party candidate, John McCain, has already challenged Sen. Obama to a series of "town hall debates."
Now comes the hard part for each candidate, who will be their Vice-President nominees. Will Obama pick Hillary Clinton as his running-mate, after such a bitter campaign? Will McCain choose one of his former rivals, such as Huckabee or Romney? Hopefully, we will know soon. In the meantime brace yourself for many an annoying commercial.
Americans...stay informed of the issues, research both candidates well. Make an informed choice when voting in November. Most of all, pray that God will work His will through whomever we elect. Happy voting.
The Democratic Party finally has their nominee for President. Barack Obama has officially wrapped up the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. His number one competitor for the position, Hillary Clinton is ending her bid for the Presidency and throwing her support to Obama.
The Republican Party candidate, John McCain, has already challenged Sen. Obama to a series of "town hall debates."
Now comes the hard part for each candidate, who will be their Vice-President nominees. Will Obama pick Hillary Clinton as his running-mate, after such a bitter campaign? Will McCain choose one of his former rivals, such as Huckabee or Romney? Hopefully, we will know soon. In the meantime brace yourself for many an annoying commercial.
Americans...stay informed of the issues, research both candidates well. Make an informed choice when voting in November. Most of all, pray that God will work His will through whomever we elect. Happy voting.
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