Well, this update sure has been a long come coming. Sorry! I just don't know where the past 2 months have gone. This (probably long post) is my attempt to catch up. Just try to hold on.
Work -- As usual, work has been super busy and pretty stressful. A new change is finally official, so I can start talking about it publicly...... Starting this fall, we are going to start accepting younger children. Since the beginning of time, we've started at 2 1/2 and fully potty trained. Our clientele has changed over the past several years and we have been getting more requests for younger children and fewer requests for the older kiddos. Unfortunately, our bottom line was been severely hit as a result of this change and it was very clear that we had to either change our model of care or close our doors. Soooooo after much prayer, research, and discussion, we decided to start at 24 months with diapers. I know that doesn't sound like a big deal, but trust me - it is! I am excited, but a little anxious, too. There are lots of things to do before we can do this and I don't have a lot of time to spare.
A second project I'm working on is our 20th anniversary celebration. Our little Preschool turned 20 this year and that deserves a big party! We are planning a party for Sept 8th. Since we're part of the church, you can imagine all of the committees and "interested parties" that have to consulted and/or included. It's not putting together a regular party. Again....fun but stressful.
I have a new board chairperson. I really like her. I have to admit, I'm having to get used to her style. It is completely the opposite of the person who's filled this role for the past 3 years. This person is appointed by the church, so I just have to work with whoever is appointed. Like I said, I really do like my new chairperson. She's definitely gung-ho and wants to learn everything there is to learn about the Preschool. Once more.....fun but stressful.
Home -- DH and I have taken our time working on some projects. We're still tackling the scrapbook room, just slowly and surely. I've gotten all of the cabinets organized like I want and I've finally decided on the wall color. I wanted purple, but it had to be the right purple. Don't laugh....it's much harder than you'd think!! Anyway, decision is made. I'm not sure when we'll get it painted. Maybe during Spring Break?
We hosted family for the Super Bowl. We really didn't care who won. The Steelers weren't playing and former Tech players were on both teams. We were good either way.
I decorated and un-decorated from Valentine's Day.
All of the Christmas and winter decorations are put away for another year.
DH bought a gorgeous new truck. It's amazing! We just went on a whim and came home with this shiny new red truck! I'm excited because it has dual temperature control, so I can be as warm/cool as I need to be without disturbing him. (I imagine he's more excited about that than I am!)
We bought and hung new curtains in our bedroom and the family room. I really like these curtains. They are a little hard to see in this picture. They are burlap with an upholstery binding on the bottom. They are earthy and subtle and provide a sense of homeyness to the room.
I'll show you our bedroom curtains next week after our NEW BED arrives! Yup - you heard that correctly! We did a major splurge and purchased the almost-top-of-the-line Sleep Number bed. We bought the automated bed frame that will raise your head, feet, and even provide a massage! I can't tell you how excited I am about that!! Sometimes the only way I can sleep is when I use our vibrating heating pad. (More on this in a minute)
2 of my family members are battling cancer. They have both had good reports from the doctor and I am praising God for that!
Health -- I am still struggling a lot with my fibromyalgia. I am in constant pain, usually level 4-8. Unfortunately, in the past 2 weeks there have been more times at level 8 than 4. It's very difficult to explain how it feels and the crazy, overwhelming fatigue that hits me. I don't understand how it can be so hard to hold my head upright. How can that be?? There have still been moments of depression. I honestly fight it as much as I can, but it is never too far away. Last week, I even missed some work because I felt so bad. There's also a ton of guilt involved. My brain knows how silly that is, but I still struggle with it. My Lead Teachers and Board Members all know and have been amazingly supportive. That means the world to me. I honestly don't know how long I can keep doing this same job. I love my job very much, but it requires a lot of physical activity plus it's very stressful. Of course, it scares me to think of getting a different job. My plan is to stay here as long as possible.
Well, I think this is the end of my update. I promise to post more regularly from now on. Thanks for still being out there!
