Happy Yet Sad

Earlier today I was a wreck. I shouldn't be. I am so happy David got a job. He will be working for Sterling Bank, about 40 minutes from home, and he may be able to start as early as next Monday. I am thankful...beyond measure...we have friends who have been out of work for months...and they are truly struggling, suffering, and just hanging on for dear life.

But I am profoundly sad today. One of the purchases we'd put off was a mattress set for Gabriel (it was a big expense that had to wait while David job hunted). This was fine with me, because Momma was NOT ready...I repeat...NOT READY for Gabriel to graduate to a big boy bed. And we're thinking more kids may not be in our future...so our little boy may be our last one...

Well, we went out today and got the mattress set. I helped David carry it all upstairs, and he asked me:

"Well, sweetie, you ready?"

"No" I said, and promptly burst into tears. I cried...hard...David just held me...thank God for such a caring husband...

I finally stopped crying, and together we set up the bed. David had to go get his socket set to take apart the crib. I couldn't bear to watch that part, I went downstairs and started this post. Once it the crib was dismantled, I was somewhat okay.

Here's the before (sorry, couldn't do it during the process):

And here's after:

The quilt was made by Grandma Reisinger. She's made a baby quilt (you can see just a bit of it on the floor) and a twin quilt for every grandchild...she's awesome. Grandpa Reisinger has made a little stool for every grandchild, with their name wood-burned on it.

I still want to make a roman shade for the window and a couple of accent pillows. David is going to help me make a fabric-covered headboard and French-style bulletin board. But I held off on those things b/c of funds...I will probably start getting the supplies I need to make all that in a couple of weeks.

Sigh...we'll see how Gabriel likes his new bed when he takes a nap this afternoon. My sweet angel boy...in a big bed.

If they could just stay little...

Darn it...I'm going to cry again...

A Rare Sight

David came home early enough last night to grill the skirt steaks we were having for dinner. I'm always happy to delegate the grilling to him. However, I wasn't expecting this:

My hubby is the most manly guy I know, so at first, I was a bit perturbed. I have other aprons, but David took this one, the one with embroidered flowers and my name on the front. He says he didn't want to get his shirt dirty (although I told him he had plenty of time to change).

After looking him over, I decided he looked pretty cute :-) I am glad I got a pic, if nothing else, I can show it to his mom (who BTW, made the apron).

What a Deal

My friend Allison sent out an email last week about a big consignment sale going on this week, and I went yesterday with Rebecca (thanks for the info Allison!).

I was so glad to get out of the house...it's been cold, wet, and rainy for 3 days now....the kids are getting cabin fever, but love watching Animaniacs on DVD for hours...

I found some shirts for both the girls for school (we'll save them for this fall), plus a denim jumper dress for Rebecca. There is always good stuff for girls at sales like this.

I wish it were the same for boys. The selection was limited on their end of the gym, but I did get 3 tees, a book, and a new umbrella stroller for Gabriel. Someone pointed out the boxes of boys shoes, and I found a cute, gently used pair of sandals that light up. When I showed them to Gabriel, he was enthralled by them. They're just a tad too big, but that's fine, because he'll grow into them.

But the deal of the day...I was SO happy. Allison gets all the credit for this one too (she called and told me yesterday because she bought one also). I found a brand new, 1st Communion dress for Rebecca. It was originally priced at $70.00.

It was marked down to $18.00

I couldn't believe it, a beautiful white dress, with some white piping on the bodice and a row of flowers on the waistband. I wanted something simple because Rebecca will be wearing the veil I wore for my 1st Communion, which is rather elaborate.

It is long, but she only grows a little; likely it'll be just above her ankles next year. Christina is not as petite, so the hope (and prayer) is that it will be tea-length for her when she receives the sacrament in another 3 years.

Here's a pic, what do you think? We modeled it for Daddy when we got home, and he approved of it (especially the price!).

I LOVE A GOOD DEAL!

Ropin' and Ridin' at the Rodeo

Every year, David takes the kids to the rodeo and carnival. They LOVE it, and spend most of the day going on rides, pettin' piggies, eating carnival treats, and basically having a good ol' time :-). I usually stay home--next year, when Gabriel can go without his nap, we'll go too.

David always teams up with our brother-in-law Mike (Jenn's husband) who brought his 2 older kids. Here's a shot of all the little chittlins; left to right: James, Joshua, Rebecca, Audrey and Christina.

Checking to make sure the kids are tall enough. (For a while Rebecca wasn't tall enough for a good number of the rides, poor girl). Christina is not as petite, and was able to ride everything this year.

We're about to get WEEETTTT! (not really, but they still love it).

Of course, the Ferris wheel is a "must-do." Good thing nobody is afraid of heights! It's actually the world's largest transportable Ferris wheel--everything is bigger in Texas, right?

Mike and James

The view from the top...

All the kids piled in for this one...

And this one, the "Rockintub."

Everyones favorite--the BUMPER CARS! I can't wait until Gabriel is big enough to do this.

Next up, the SUPER SLIDE! Yee haw!

More slidin' fun...

and the racing cars (you know Joshua liked this one. He had the blue car and he came in 3rd :-).

Last thing...the pigs, baby chicks, and some serious looking longhorns.

Sorry about the hind shot, but maybe this is a longhorn's "best side", lol. (Katie, are you reading this?)

As you can imagine, all the cowpokes were pretty tuckered out and ready to hit the sack after dinner ;-). They didn't eat much, got baths, and were sound asleep by 8PM!

Nothin' like a day at the rodeo!

Meal Idea for Friday

If anyone needs a meatless recipe idea for dinner tomorrow night, I just put one up on my cooking blog:

Shrimp and Corn over Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

http://kims-concoctions.blogspot.com/

Check it out!

Music Monday

I hope my friend Susan doesn't mind me jumping on the music bandwagon :-).

This is another song I love, it's so simple, yet so full of meaning. Enjoy.

Gem of the Week

I found this quote about a month ago. This is dedicated to a dear friend of mine who is truly carrying the biggest cross imaginable right now. Please say a prayer for her. I know Jesus is holding her...

If one dream should fall and break into a thousand pieces, never be afraid to pick one of those pieces up and begin again. ~Flavia Weedn

I like to think that even when our cross seems impossible to carry, Jesus is right there, helping us to carry it, and hold on...because I believe the biggest gains come from enduring the greatest pain.