School is almost out!

Well, I can hardly believe that it has been 17 years! I can remember when I found out that I was pregnant with this tall person I call my son. It has been trying at times and yet wonderful all the same. I am looking forward to the future for my son and hope that he finds his wings. He has his dreams and is hoping to make them a reality soon. I wish him the best and want him to know that I have always loved him and always will!

Sickness

Well everyone here seems to be coming down with something. Grandma (Mom) is having a hard time and is losing her voice. The kids all either have the sniffles or coughs. And to make matters worse, living in Florida the temperature is suppose to go to 37 tonight. To think I left most of my warm sweaters behind in Virginia!

Due to the sickness that is going on, I am going to keep it short and turn in for the night. Hope this finds everyone well. Stay healthy!

Blessings to you,
Susan

THANKFUL THURSDAY

1. I am thankful that today is over. It seemed very long for some reason. Work dragged on and then I had choir practice. Now that I am home, I have to go over homework and get ready for tomorrow.



2. Which leads me to #2, - I am thankful that I have a home with a comfy bed and cut pj's to slip into, a wonderful book to read (author - Beverly Lewis), and the sound of my kids sleeping.



3. And who can forget my wonderful parent who put up with my kids during the day so that I can work and provide for my family.



4. Thankful that I have that job to go to in the morning. I work in a call center for the gov. and so many people call in with terrible story of how long they have been without a job and just can't afford to pay their bills!



5. Thankful for my friends and especially Jean who has kept my belongings until I can claim them as my own after my fast flight from VA. Just found out she is shipping me my Christmas ornaments. What a great friend!



6. Thanks to all my new friends who I hope to "blog" with in the future. I am just learning how this all works - so thanks for your patience!

Until tomorrow (or my next post! LOL)

Struggles and Success

Well, I have been struggling with getting the kids to go to bed on a schedule. This is something that has been really hard for them to get a grasp on due to the changes in their lives. The past three years I was lucky to get my kids to bed before 10:00! But there were many reasons why - just keep reading!

We have in just the past three years made many adjustments. First we had my husband out of work due to a back injury that eventually led to back surgery. Then we ended up having a house fire to add to the stress of not having money. We were then shuffled around our county for 9 months until our home was rebuilt. Finally able to move back in, we continued to suffer setbacks. My husband lost his job and found another job. He then started a downward spiral. He started drinking and he became abusive. I kept my head about me and called the police and he was arrested. Then a short time later, my oldest son found explosives in our shed. We called a neighbor who was a deputy and he said we had to call the county police. Upon their arrive and investigation we found out that he had enough explosives and bomb making material to destroy several blocks of our neighborhood.

This discovery and the court drama led to my now single status. My children had to face not only the loss of their father no longer living in their home but their mommy, who had always been home with them, had to go to work. Among these changes, we were also looking at foreclosure of our home and the repo of our vehicle.

Eventually, knowing I could no longer make it work without some family help, I turned to my parents. They came to my rescue and helped me find a place to live in Florida. We ended up moving, leaving bits and pieces of our lives behind.

This has all been a good thing because I now have a good job with the county government and my children, for the most part, have adjusted to their new lives.

So much so that I can now look forward to 8:00 bedtimes. My home is quiet, except for the occasional snore. I can actually grasp a few sacred moment to myself before I tumble into bed to snore right along with the rest of my tired but thankful bunch!

Good night all
Sleep tight!,
Suzie

My Birthday

Let me introduce myself. I am Susan and today is my birthday - I turn 39 today. I really don't feel that old yet somehow I am. I have accomplished many things in my life - I have worked among the popular and unpopular in DC, I have had not one but three amazing yet tough marriages and I have 7 good kids to show for it. I have been a stay home mom for 10 years and am now working again. To say the least, my life has been anything but dull.

As for my family, we are now a "small" (haha) group of 7 children and a dog. And of course my parents, Mom and Dad. Charles - 17, Carol - 11, Ruth - 9, Ben - 7, JC - 6, Jacob - 5, Kattie - 2 and Snuggles - a 3 year old Yorkie. Then there is mom and dad who help me out with my crew.

Today was a good day. I spent the day at work. Okay so that may not have been so good but my evening was great. My folks live around the corner from me which helps out as they help me with the kids. Mom fixed my favorite meal, Chicken Casserole and homemade Chocolate Cake with Whipped Frosting. I got a new camera and a new leather jacket.

Best of all, I got cards from my kids and they actually get it. The kids told me why they love me and how they know that I have worked hard to keep them safe and give them the things they need. My daughter Ruthie (9) even said that even thought she knows I would rather be with them, she has never heard me complain about my job and she loves me for it. What could be better than that. My son, J.C. (6) gave me a card and after a rough translation, we decided that "he likes me and I like him too!"

I decided that this year I am going to attempt this blog thing. So bear with me as I muddle through and find my way.

Peace to you,
Suzie