A Little of This, A Little of That

My goodness this blog has become quite boring lately. What can I say, but I'm a busy lady. Last year at this time I was technically a full-time stay-at-home mom. Yes, I was busy with Nurtured Mother and running Matt's teaching studio, however I now also have a part-time job in addition to my other responsibilities AND Matt's teaching studio has grown substantially.

I regret that this means the time and effort I put into budgeting is s

lacking significantly, which worries me b/c that is a major issue for us. It's a catch-22: We need more income, so I need to work, but if I work I don't have time to budget & we tend to over-spend or not spend as wisely.

We added another blessing to our already busy lives this past weekend. Meet Murphy, our 10 week old Beagle.

He's a sweetie. It's been a long time since I had a dog, and it's definitely been a shift in reality for all of us. No more frolicking barefoot in the backyard or garden. Sleepless nights as we care for a young pup's nightly needs. He's a great pup, though, and is already taking a special place in our family.

I need a vacation. I really want to get away, by myself, and away from everything. A spa would be great. A cleansing of toxins and chemicals. I just found out that I have an under-active thyroid, and they want me to start taking hormone supplements. No, thank you. Seriously, I'm 29--aren't I a bit young for that? So, I'm taking natural supplements to try and get back on track. My blood will be re-tested in September, so here's hoping it works.

I'm currently hiding out in my bedroom, b/c the kids and puppy are sleeping. I don't want to take care of anyone else's needs for a good long while, so I'm hiding. Despite that my stomach is growling. Note to self: stash snacks in bedroom.

My baby girl is 20 months old. *sigh* I'm so thankful that both my kiddos still like to have their momma cuddle them. I don't know what I'll do when they're "too big" for that. I'm planning a "dress-up" party for E's 2nd birthday party. She LOVES dresses, hats, and my necklaces. So, I thought a fantastic way to celebrate would to take her out for a special shopping trip, and when she comes home we'll have all kinds of dress-up clothes, jewelry, and fun things to play with.

O is pushing his independence wings again. Seems like we go through stages on this, just like his physical growth. It wears me, down and out. I yell a lot, which SO doesn't help anyone, and I regret it terribly. I ask him to do something, he says "just a minute" or "do [this] first." Or, he demands what he wants in the most whining loud voice he can muster. It's very frustrating, I'm sure for him as well as me. He's doing so well with Murphy though--they're becoming great buddies. It seems to also be a great training tool for teaching him obedience. Now, O's on the other side of getting someone to obey him, and a Beagle is one of the most stubborn animals out there. :)

*sigh* I have to go tidy the house. The church summer leadership team is meeting here tonight. You know, b/c I don't have enough going on in my life. :)