Wednesday, June 4, 2014
May Date Night
The Price's hosted date night for May and used it as a chance to celebrate Emilie's 5th birthday. She had a Frozen theme party and all the girls made Elsa crowns and the boys made Sven antlers. They had Frozen cupcakes and watched the movie. I know my kids had a blast, like they usually do for date nights.
B and I didn't go out like we normally do. We ordered Chinese take out and went back home to paint spots on the walls. We are still in this process of selling our house. B had puttied all the holes and sanded them, but you could still see the white patch. We had a good time though, and it was fun just hanging out without kids.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Life Changing
This journey we are on has been very smooth, peaceful and comfortable. I love everything about our life right now. God's blessed us with a great church home, small group, jobs, house, neighbors, family, babysitter, etc...I could go on. Our life is about to change in a drastic way and I wish I could say I'm excited about it. B says I should look at it as a new adventure. I'm trying. I'm trying hard. I'm reading scripture passages that I find in the back of my Bible where it says "what to read when...". I'm at peace and I accept it, but I'm sad. I'm more than sad. I have an achy heart. My life is here. My mommy support group, my job, & my friends. Tears swell up just when I think about leaving this place. But a new adventure is waiting and Hantla's Handle Business (B's new motto). A new adventure...
B sent out about 50 'feelers' is what he calls them for jobs. I think he said of those 50, he sent out 25 resumes and CV's. He's heard back from only a handful that he did not get the job. He's had a few interviews and one was in Houston at CBS. B had a phone interview first a several Thursdays ago, and it went well. Then they called back and wanted to fly him to Houston so he flew out Sunday morning (April 6th) and flew home Tuesday night (April 8th). He stayed with Anna while there and had 2 days jammed pack of meetings, meals, and interviews. Before B left, we had a serious talk about what price we could move for. Realistically what was he worth in salary terms. The goal was to have an amount that would allow me to stay home since putting 3 kids into public daycare is unreasonable. Before he left, we had reached a solid number and prayed that either the offer would be too low to consider or way above that we couldn't pass on it.
But the amount was spot on (unfortunately). B flew home Tuesday night but we really didn't talk until Wednesday night after AWANA. We both just cried. Me more than him, but we both did knowing what the future holds. Knowing that we would have to move. God lined up everything to work out and we know God is faithful. We know God has plans for us; plans for us to prosper. B said CBS is great and I would love it there too. It's hard for me to just get on board because I feel like I'm just following him down there. In a sense, that's what I'm doing, but I knew this was a possibility when I said Yes on December 10th 8 years ago. B has always wanted to teach/work at the college level and now he has the chance. I'm so happy for him and very proud of his accomplishments. I guess I just thought it would be here in Wake Forest at SEBTS. It's not and I'm trying to come to grips with it.
Will I just cry for the next 2 months? I can't even think about leaving here without crying. How am I going to tell people. We haven't told small group yet. I think on Tuesday at our next meeting. There's just not a good time/place. The guys are at a guys night right now in Fayetteville shooting. Sara just had Baby Savannah this morning at 1am. Our life is here and I'm crying now as I type. I'm not even going to see Baby Caldwell #4 be born. I'm not going to the beach with the O'Janpas in September. I'm not going to watch fireworks at the Daniel house on Andrew's new deck. I'm not going to sleep over at J/K's house anymore and stay up til 3 am watching who knows what on TV. A new adventure...I want to stay on the old one!
I'm trying to be supportive and B is great. He lets me cry and he comforts me. I know he's sad too, but isn't as emotional as me about it. I don't even know how to tell my principal without breaking down in her office. I love my job and I love teaching. Even the thought of packing up my classroom and saying goodbye to Michael is heart-breaking. I might not even see his twins be born. I wonder how many more births I'm going to miss??? God has a mighty work to complete in me.
We were at Red Lobster the other night and we tried to talk about the move. I teared up there so we stopped. MOVE? And we'd have to sell our house...which means we have A LOT of work to do. The front yard, the front porch, the kitchen cabinets, and other stuff around. How would we find a house down there? When would we move? Where would we live? Too much to think about and too over-whelming.
Enough with all the negatives (there are many more), so lets try and focus on this new adventure. We will be around family for the first time. Anna and Paul live in Houston 30 minutes away from CBS. Marcus & Mandy live in College Station about an hour and a half away. B's parents are in Oklahoma so 9 hours north I think. My family in LA and MS is about 9-10 hours away. We can maybe attend Saints game in the Superdome and see home games throughout the season. Texas has higher paid teachers than NC right now, so when/if I wanted to go back to work, I'll get paid more. It doesn't really snow in Texas so I guess that might be a plus (that's a stretch and I know it). As I type, I'm having a hard time coming up with positives to this new adventure, but I know God is faithful and will reveal his perfect plan as time moves forward. If he's calling us to take this faith leap, then I will obey with my husband and jump....but I'll leave a trail of tears behind me.
B sent out about 50 'feelers' is what he calls them for jobs. I think he said of those 50, he sent out 25 resumes and CV's. He's heard back from only a handful that he did not get the job. He's had a few interviews and one was in Houston at CBS. B had a phone interview first a several Thursdays ago, and it went well. Then they called back and wanted to fly him to Houston so he flew out Sunday morning (April 6th) and flew home Tuesday night (April 8th). He stayed with Anna while there and had 2 days jammed pack of meetings, meals, and interviews. Before B left, we had a serious talk about what price we could move for. Realistically what was he worth in salary terms. The goal was to have an amount that would allow me to stay home since putting 3 kids into public daycare is unreasonable. Before he left, we had reached a solid number and prayed that either the offer would be too low to consider or way above that we couldn't pass on it.
But the amount was spot on (unfortunately). B flew home Tuesday night but we really didn't talk until Wednesday night after AWANA. We both just cried. Me more than him, but we both did knowing what the future holds. Knowing that we would have to move. God lined up everything to work out and we know God is faithful. We know God has plans for us; plans for us to prosper. B said CBS is great and I would love it there too. It's hard for me to just get on board because I feel like I'm just following him down there. In a sense, that's what I'm doing, but I knew this was a possibility when I said Yes on December 10th 8 years ago. B has always wanted to teach/work at the college level and now he has the chance. I'm so happy for him and very proud of his accomplishments. I guess I just thought it would be here in Wake Forest at SEBTS. It's not and I'm trying to come to grips with it.
Will I just cry for the next 2 months? I can't even think about leaving here without crying. How am I going to tell people. We haven't told small group yet. I think on Tuesday at our next meeting. There's just not a good time/place. The guys are at a guys night right now in Fayetteville shooting. Sara just had Baby Savannah this morning at 1am. Our life is here and I'm crying now as I type. I'm not even going to see Baby Caldwell #4 be born. I'm not going to the beach with the O'Janpas in September. I'm not going to watch fireworks at the Daniel house on Andrew's new deck. I'm not going to sleep over at J/K's house anymore and stay up til 3 am watching who knows what on TV. A new adventure...I want to stay on the old one!
I'm trying to be supportive and B is great. He lets me cry and he comforts me. I know he's sad too, but isn't as emotional as me about it. I don't even know how to tell my principal without breaking down in her office. I love my job and I love teaching. Even the thought of packing up my classroom and saying goodbye to Michael is heart-breaking. I might not even see his twins be born. I wonder how many more births I'm going to miss??? God has a mighty work to complete in me.
We were at Red Lobster the other night and we tried to talk about the move. I teared up there so we stopped. MOVE? And we'd have to sell our house...which means we have A LOT of work to do. The front yard, the front porch, the kitchen cabinets, and other stuff around. How would we find a house down there? When would we move? Where would we live? Too much to think about and too over-whelming.
Enough with all the negatives (there are many more), so lets try and focus on this new adventure. We will be around family for the first time. Anna and Paul live in Houston 30 minutes away from CBS. Marcus & Mandy live in College Station about an hour and a half away. B's parents are in Oklahoma so 9 hours north I think. My family in LA and MS is about 9-10 hours away. We can maybe attend Saints game in the Superdome and see home games throughout the season. Texas has higher paid teachers than NC right now, so when/if I wanted to go back to work, I'll get paid more. It doesn't really snow in Texas so I guess that might be a plus (that's a stretch and I know it). As I type, I'm having a hard time coming up with positives to this new adventure, but I know God is faithful and will reveal his perfect plan as time moves forward. If he's calling us to take this faith leap, then I will obey with my husband and jump....but I'll leave a trail of tears behind me.
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Newest addition to our Small Group
Savannah Leigh born April 12th at 1:07 am. She was 7 lbs 11 oz and
perfect! Sara had another quick delivery and is doing great. We went
to see them this morning at Rex.
Spring Break '14
I was quite surprised we even had a spring break this year with 9 snow days. The school year was extended but our spring break preserved. I was very excited about spring break for two reasons: 1) staying home with my kids the entire week and 2) LASIK eye surgery.
The beginning of my spring break started with a Team Cobra dinner at Chris B's house. He invited us over for BBQ pork and sides along with chips and dessert. He said he cooked the pork in the oven first then shredded it before mixing with BBQ sauce. Everything tasted great. I always enjoy spending time with my team outside of school. M & M were there and Michelle's pregnant belly is so cute. She's about 27 weeks with twins but is measuring 31 weeks as just 1 baby. She's still coaching lacrosse and Michael helps her. Linda brought Sebastian with her because she waited at his house for his furniture to be delivered. Chris, Mike, Linda and I get along so well and this has probably been my second favorite teaching year (the first being with Rachel, Mike and Anne M). Saturday dinner was fun and then lead into Sunday with church and afternoon rest time.
My spring break consisted of hanging out with friends during the days, the parks/playgrounds, my eye consultation and lasik surgery, and small group/awana like normal. I tried to take pictures to document, but I didn't catch everything. Bree turned 3 on Thursday and I got to keep her for a few house and celebrate her birthday. I also had my eye surgery on Friday. B drove me up there and worked in the waiting room. I finished around 2:30 pm and he drove home. I was pretty useless the rest of the day/night. I took a sleeping pill around 6 and I didn't wake up until Saturday morning.
Each morning before we started our schedule, I took the time to read the Bible to the kids at the breakfast table. I really enjoyed it and I think by the end of the week, they liked it too. They wanted me to read their story book Bible with pictures and kid-friendly language. I just wanted to ready my Bible to them for a change. I had the idea of trying to start having Bible Study with my kids when we actually take a passage and study it. I think R & A are old enough to do that except A can't read yet. But the story they learned in church about Mary and Martha grabbed their interest so I read it to them again. They really liked it. For the rest of the day, they would say to me (and each other), are you being a Martha or Mary? Very cute.
One thing I'm particular proud of is that we didn't eat out ANY during the week of spring break accept Friday. B and I picked up something on our way to Greensboro for the surgery and then Friday evening, B picked up a hot n ready pizza because I was knocked out and he was exhausted too. I think in years past, we would have eaten out almost every day during spring break, but this year we didn't. I think we have Dave Ramsey to thank for that and is saves us money.
The beginning of my spring break started with a Team Cobra dinner at Chris B's house. He invited us over for BBQ pork and sides along with chips and dessert. He said he cooked the pork in the oven first then shredded it before mixing with BBQ sauce. Everything tasted great. I always enjoy spending time with my team outside of school. M & M were there and Michelle's pregnant belly is so cute. She's about 27 weeks with twins but is measuring 31 weeks as just 1 baby. She's still coaching lacrosse and Michael helps her. Linda brought Sebastian with her because she waited at his house for his furniture to be delivered. Chris, Mike, Linda and I get along so well and this has probably been my second favorite teaching year (the first being with Rachel, Mike and Anne M). Saturday dinner was fun and then lead into Sunday with church and afternoon rest time.
My spring break consisted of hanging out with friends during the days, the parks/playgrounds, my eye consultation and lasik surgery, and small group/awana like normal. I tried to take pictures to document, but I didn't catch everything. Bree turned 3 on Thursday and I got to keep her for a few house and celebrate her birthday. I also had my eye surgery on Friday. B drove me up there and worked in the waiting room. I finished around 2:30 pm and he drove home. I was pretty useless the rest of the day/night. I took a sleeping pill around 6 and I didn't wake up until Saturday morning.
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| day 1 of spring break |
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| day 2 of spring break: summer hair cuts |
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| Day 3 of spring break: back yard time |
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| Day 4 of spring break: Bree Bree's 3rd birthday |
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| Last day of spring break: enjoying an Oreo treat! |
April Date Night
B and I went to Red Lobster last night and enjoyed our meal thanks to AC/my mom (for the gift card) and thanks to the O'Janpa's for babysitting. It was April's date night in our small group rotation. We were the first to drop off and we dropped them off a little earlier to try to beat the crowd. Our last time to Red Lobster was unsuccessful because there was an hour wait. We knew with it being a Friday during Lent, we would need to hustle. K/V let us drop the kids off before 5:30 so we could make our way earlier. We only had to wait 5 minutes but we noticed there were a lot of older couples there. Not sure why older couples like Red Lobster so much, but there were 4 other older couples walking in while we waited for 5 minutes. When I say older, I mean grey hair, walking with a cane/walker and hunched over.
Our meal was yummy like always. I got the same thing I always get when I eat at RL. B likes variety so he switched it up and got some garlic shrimp. We were both too full to eat our desserts so we got those to go. Our conversation was mostly about the upcoming decision that B (we) have to make about his job. He was offered the job in Houston and has to let the guy know by Monday. It could possibly be life changing.
After dinner, we picked up 3 of our 4 kids. Bella asked if Rin could sleepover so R stayed there. The kids had a great time and made cute Easter Egg crafts. I think K/V's house seems like a second home to my family. K picks A up 2 days/week for preschool and usually takes W on Fridays also. K is so giving and has the biggest servants heart I think I've seen.
Our meal was yummy like always. I got the same thing I always get when I eat at RL. B likes variety so he switched it up and got some garlic shrimp. We were both too full to eat our desserts so we got those to go. Our conversation was mostly about the upcoming decision that B (we) have to make about his job. He was offered the job in Houston and has to let the guy know by Monday. It could possibly be life changing.
After dinner, we picked up 3 of our 4 kids. Bella asked if Rin could sleepover so R stayed there. The kids had a great time and made cute Easter Egg crafts. I think K/V's house seems like a second home to my family. K picks A up 2 days/week for preschool and usually takes W on Fridays also. K is so giving and has the biggest servants heart I think I've seen.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Rin's Talent Show
Every Monday, R comes home with a Monday Folder of homework, handouts, and other information. In February, R brought home a flyer about the school's talent show. She quickly told us that she wanted to perform "Let it Go" from Frozen. I thought she might be kidding but she wasn't. B reminded me that she's half of him and he's a singer/performer. So, I signed up her.
I was worried about her so we practiced a lot. I guess my fear was that she would get on stage and freak out (like I would). I should have known better because she did not. She was awesome and loved every minute of it. There were 3 performances of 'Let it Go' but R was the best. Of course we are biased, but she really did a good job. Go here to watch it. B and I were both very proud. She brought tears to our eyes.
Afterwards, we went to Sweet CiCi's for a treat. We had Bella with us (R's BFF) too. I don't think our kids got into bed until 9:00 that night but it was so worth it. I love making memories with the Hantla Clan!
I was worried about her so we practiced a lot. I guess my fear was that she would get on stage and freak out (like I would). I should have known better because she did not. She was awesome and loved every minute of it. There were 3 performances of 'Let it Go' but R was the best. Of course we are biased, but she really did a good job. Go here to watch it. B and I were both very proud. She brought tears to our eyes.
Afterwards, we went to Sweet CiCi's for a treat. We had Bella with us (R's BFF) too. I don't think our kids got into bed until 9:00 that night but it was so worth it. I love making memories with the Hantla Clan!
March 15th
Normally March 15th isn't a big deal but this particular March 15th was a big day.
The first reason this day was special was because of my hubby. He's been working so hard every Saturday (and even some all nighters) to finish writing his dissertation. He finally finished and could enjoy a Saturday with his family (Praise God!). He defends March 28th and assuming that goes well, he'll graduate May 16th. B made waffles for us and we enjoyed a family breakfast that we haven't had in over 2 months.
B's plan was to spend most of the beautiful day in the yard with the kids while I was attending a baby shower for baby Savannah. S/A Daniel from small group are having a baby girl in April. S's sister and cousin threw her a baby shower. At first I think S was a little reluctant because this is her third baby, but first girl and she needed girl stuff. The small group girls went in (N's idea) to get S a monogram for over Savannah's crib. I let R pick out something small for baby S and planned to bring R with me to the shower. B felt he needed R to help in the yard because she would actually get the job done and understand what to do. She would help train the boys in the art of stick collecting. So I went to the shower alone but had a good time. It was at S's mom's house and she has a beautiful home. S received very cute and sweet baby girl clothes and other items that she will need.
I think I had about an hour between the shower and the gender reveal party so I ran home to see the family. They were eating lunch and looked pretty tired. There were 3 big stick piles in the front on the curb. I could tell which one was W's but R & A's looked pretty similar. B said they were a huge help. I visited for a short while before leaving to pick up Kristen. We headed to N/J's house for the gender reveal party. J/N are pregnant with their 4th and probably their last. N said she feels at peace with this being her last, a feeling she never had with Ro. I completely understand because we had those same peaceful feelings. N's sister, Brooke & sister in law, Lucy threw them a gender reveal party. The decorations were super cute even down to the cookies (tutus and ties). Her family was there along with close friends. It's always good to see Nicole's parents. We've been friends with them along time and have spent many Halloweens with them (among other occasions). We all mingled for a bit and then went outside for the big reveal. Colored balloons were in a box and J/N with the help of their boys, opened the box. I love this picture!
Another boy and they are over joyed. That house is going to be so much fun with 4 boys and relatively drama free. I think about what life is like in 5 to 10 years and the O'Janpa house will be VERY different than the rest of our house (and the Gillams too). Too much estrogen will drive you crazy. J/N have 3 great boys and this 4th has awesome brothers as role models. We are very excited for them as well.
After getting home from the gender reveal, I was tired so I crawled into bed with R who was the only one still napping. I ended up falling asleep with her and it was very sweet. We both woke up around 5:45 when Linda arrived. L missed E and wanted some cuddle time with baby E. We love it when L comes over because she's become a great friend of mine. Her grown kids are very busy and since she's single, I think she enjoys being around our family. My children love her too.
The evening ended with a family viewing of Avengers before baths and bed. I haven't had such a fun-filled Saturday in a long time. I love being with my friends and celebrating 2 new babies with my small group is awesome. We love our small group because we 'do life' together. God created us in HIS image and as relational beings. Genesis 2:18 Then the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone;
The first reason this day was special was because of my hubby. He's been working so hard every Saturday (and even some all nighters) to finish writing his dissertation. He finally finished and could enjoy a Saturday with his family (Praise God!). He defends March 28th and assuming that goes well, he'll graduate May 16th. B made waffles for us and we enjoyed a family breakfast that we haven't had in over 2 months.
I think I had about an hour between the shower and the gender reveal party so I ran home to see the family. They were eating lunch and looked pretty tired. There were 3 big stick piles in the front on the curb. I could tell which one was W's but R & A's looked pretty similar. B said they were a huge help. I visited for a short while before leaving to pick up Kristen. We headed to N/J's house for the gender reveal party. J/N are pregnant with their 4th and probably their last. N said she feels at peace with this being her last, a feeling she never had with Ro. I completely understand because we had those same peaceful feelings. N's sister, Brooke & sister in law, Lucy threw them a gender reveal party. The decorations were super cute even down to the cookies (tutus and ties). Her family was there along with close friends. It's always good to see Nicole's parents. We've been friends with them along time and have spent many Halloweens with them (among other occasions). We all mingled for a bit and then went outside for the big reveal. Colored balloons were in a box and J/N with the help of their boys, opened the box. I love this picture!
After getting home from the gender reveal, I was tired so I crawled into bed with R who was the only one still napping. I ended up falling asleep with her and it was very sweet. We both woke up around 5:45 when Linda arrived. L missed E and wanted some cuddle time with baby E. We love it when L comes over because she's become a great friend of mine. Her grown kids are very busy and since she's single, I think she enjoys being around our family. My children love her too.
The evening ended with a family viewing of Avengers before baths and bed. I haven't had such a fun-filled Saturday in a long time. I love being with my friends and celebrating 2 new babies with my small group is awesome. We love our small group because we 'do life' together. God created us in HIS image and as relational beings. Genesis 2:18 Then the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone;
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