Okay - so Facebook has officially taken over my life and my blogging. Bummer - sad to say. But I need to take time to put things here too, where it'll last forever ... as opposed to Facebook and it's gone in a day or two.
Updates:
Billy: On October 1st, he became officially unemployed in the corporate world and took the leap to open his dream of a "restaurant!" I also joined - and fulfilled my lifelong dream of owning my own business with my own product. We are thrilled with our opportunity to open B Fabulous BBQ & Catering in the local grocery store here in town. We are kind of like the deli. With hot, fresh lunch and dinner. We are open Monday - Friday from 10:30AM - 6:30PM. All the details are at our website at www.bfabbbq.com.
We've been getting rave reviews and have lots of loyal customers. Billy is working 12 hr days most days, but we are working on getting someone trained to close, so he can be home at 5pm. I am going up 3-4 days a week in the mornings thru lunch. Our Pulled Pork is a staple, along with fresh sides. Brisket and Ribs are requested often and we try to get them worked into the lunch special every 7 days or so.
Overall, we are thrilled with our results! It was a scary leap of faith, but a very prayerful decision. Lots of support from family and friends - and we can't say THANK YOU enough!
Tony & Jana Shepherd helping us at Prairie Festival this summer
Deanna: I'm a bit nuts these days. Trying to cook at the store, do the financials & marketing ... plus still do Pampered Chef at the level that I've always done. Oh yeah- four kids & a household too! Least to say, something has to give! Right now it's my eating habits and sanity. January 2011 will hold some other changes, we just haven't figured those all out completely yet. It's hard to give up all the commitments that we love and fill us up (church, HERO, HBA, social). So it's just a matter of doing a little bit less of each, but not giving up any.
Nicole: Who? You may say. Nicole has been living with us since end of May. She has babysat the kids since Ellie was about a year old. She was needing a place to get back on her feet - and she landed here. This fall she has been a super help and launching the business could not have happened with out her help. Where else can you get a sitter from midnight -3am?! She helps around the house, with the kids a lot, and has recently taken a role at the deli. She's doing a great job and has a niche with the customers.
Ellie & Nicole taking snapshots of themselves on my camera
Ellie: 2nd grade is treating her well. She continues to do well at school - and as far as I know has friends that like her. She recently got her hair cut and an iPod for her birthday - between the two of those things she grew like 4 years! She started piano lessons about a month ago and is catching on quickly. Not too many arguments when it comes to practicing. She continues to help out a lot with her brother and little sisters. She's very responsible and independent ... and only has moments of disrespect. She and I butt heads a lot - mostly because we are so much alike. Her and Billy seem to get along much better. Hmmm ... wonder why? She finished up a much better soccer season and is now trying basketball for the first time. She's not a natural athlete, but does enjoy the social and the activity.
Jack: Kindergarten has been pretty good for Jack. He was SO tired that first month, he could barely function when he got home from school. But he's doing much better. Although, he's getting so comfortable, that he's starting to test school rules and boundaries too. He recently took a trip to the Principal's office! Nothing mean or vicious, but just having a hard time keeping his hands to himself and likes to wrestle and get rough with other boys. I think it's pretty harmless and normal for that age, but he needs to learn that it's not appropriate at school. Stars Wars and Transformer pretend play is for at home in the yard! Academically he needs help with reading ... learning his letters at this age. He's behind, but nothing serious and we are seeing progress. At home, besides sometimes being too rowdy, he's still a sweet boy that likes to cuddle and plays well by himself.
Amelia: Oh my, our comedian and drama queen! This girl will say something that will split your gut at least twice a day. She is a chatter-box ... and very witty. But with that also comes the lows. She quit taking naps over a year ago, so at least once a week the tired catches up with her and the meltdown ensues. She loves dressing up, playing Barbies and babies, but also enjoys playing house or fort with Jack & Ellie. Her most favorite pastime is coloring. She's an AMAZING artist for her age. Neither Ellie or Jack had any interest (and still don't really) in coloring at this age, and it's such a joy to have a child that will sit and color or marker for 2 hours. She likes to draw too and is doing well learning her letters, numbers, shapes, etc. She goes to preschool 4 days a week for 3 hours and just adores it!
Getting ready for Halloween
Evelyn: My baby. Not so much a baby anymore! She'll be 2 in February and has started potty training this past week all on her own. She struggles putting words together that makes sense to us, but slowly more and more are become more audible. She's SO much like Ellie was. BUSY, busy! And just ornery. I tell Billy how he missed this with Ellie ... and it's pay back! You can't barely leave her alone for a minute. And as soon as you get her dressed, or her coat/shoes on -- she's got them off again. She's into books right now, and will sit and let you read to her for a hour, book after book after book.
18 month photo by Aunt Abbi
Overall, I think we are doing well. I'm sure there are balls getting dropped, since so many are in the air. But we are all healthy, most everyone seems happy, and despite some growing pains with the new schedules, we are all great. I'm exhausted, but most days content. The kids make my heart melt and blood boil all in the same minute. My husband continues to adore me, even though I haven't shaven my legs in over a month. I told my sister the other day, "Doesn't it suck to be successful? We could just sit around and drink beer all day." I suppose I'll continue to work my butt off to be successful. God has given me the gifts.
Lastly, I apologize if you were one of the balls that was dropped. We adore all of our friends and relationships. We haven't forgotten about you - and once we get settled into our new "life" as business owners, we will be seen & heard again. Love to you and blessings this Christmas season.
Flynn Rider, Rapunzel, and crew!
