Day 174 and a Lazy Day

Wow, I have been incredibly lazy today and I must say, it's been wonderful. Especially knowing that starting tomorrow the next several days are going to be crazy with church, VBS, and work! I'm getting ready to spend some more time looking over my VBS book to prepare activities for the kids. Hope everyone is having a wonderful 4th of July holiday weekend.

Day 173 and Happy Birthday USA!

I'd like to say happy birthday to our great country today. Even though things aren't perfect here, I still think we live in one of the greatest countries in the world. What the heck is perfect, anyway? I don't think there is any such thing, except for the Lord. I thank God that I was born here in this country and that I have the freedom and the ability to worship Him, to speak my mind, to do the job that I love (and be able to share about Him as I do it), and to live in a lovely air-conditioned and heated home with plenty of food to eat everyday. I could go on and on.

Updates on some of my recent goals. I did get several speakers lined up for the child care association that I am president of. I only need to get speakers for January and March now. I still don't have stuff ready to do an audit for my other club, but since I was actually reasonably organized this year with it, it's just a matter of making myself take the time to do it. I've got the July budget done, but Tom & I still need to meet over it.

Day 172 and a Long Weekend

Wow, I am so looking forward to this long weekend. I have some things I need to get done around the house, but I also plan to do some relaxing. Tom's bringing home Arby's tonight after band practice, but then we'll be eating at home the rest of the weekend. I got hot dogs and polish sausage to grill, I've got stuff to make enchiladas at some point during the weekend, and probably sausage and pancakes for one meal. Next week is Vacation Bible School at church and I'm helping with the 5th & 6th grade class, so it will be a super busy week. We'll be leaving here at 4:45 every evening and getting home probably about 9:45 p.m.

Day 171 and Keep Praying

I had an interview last night for two little girls to start in August when my second opening becomes available. I think it went really well, so keep praying and keep your fingers crossed! I also got another call last night for a pregnant mom with a 3 year old, but she's not sure that she's going to keep working after she has the baby, so that one's probably not too promising. THEN today, I got a call from someone looking for care for during school hours. I might be able to fit that one in since I have two kids that are in school all day. That sure would be great!

I had 6 kids today and we stayed busy busy busy all day long! I had set up my new tent and tunnel, my big tent hooked to the other end of the tunnel, and a smaller tent I had. They had a blast with it! The new tent and tunnel are more of the toys that I get to review and we get to keep them.

Day 170 and Happiness

The Frugal Dad blog has a great post today about happiness. It's very thought provoking, so if you have a chance, check it out. The link to his blog is at the bottom of my page.

Frugal Dad's post really got me to thinking about where we find our happiness. He made a very good point about the news media and politicians creating a media frenzy around everything. I have to admit, I rarely ever watch the news and we don't get the newspaper so I don't read that, either (except what little is posted online). I just get tired of all the gloom and doom. I can only take so much.

Speaking of gloom and doom...(nice segue, huh? LOL). On Saturday coming back from work, Josh fell asleep at the wheel, woke up heading straight for a truck and swerved into the ditch. Thank the Lord that the only thing hurt is his car. It tore up the radiator, put a hole in the gas tank, and other things yet to be determined for sure. To top it off, Tom's car is acting up and we're not sure what's going on there. At this point, it's still running and since Josh's car is completely out of commission, we're hoping and praying that Tom's car can hold on until Josh's is fixed. I've been so freaked out over what happened with Josh that I've hardly been able to think about it or talk about it.

Day 169 and halfway through the year!

Gosh, can anyone else believe that today is the last day of June? I cannot! This year is just flying by.

After making the house payment today, our total debt paid off is up to $6417.60. Praise the Lord!

I got a call today for two children and have an interview with the mom tomorrow. I just ask for everyone's prayers that the Lord show me if this is the right family for me and if I am the right provider for them.

Day 168 and God is our Security

Remember how I mentioned a few days ago about how sometimes you hear just the right sermon or read just the right devotional when you need it? Today's sermon was about using your money the way that God would want you to, and not looking for your security in money. Wow! Here I am stressed a bit about having an opening now and knowing I have another opening coming up in August and well...just wow! I've been reminded that God will see us through. Thanks Gary for passing that message from God on. I am praying for God to send me the right family or families to fill my spots.

I filled up my van today, after driving 65 on this tank, and I got 20.5 mpg, so the driving 55 did not make much difference in the mpg on the van. I'm a little perplexed! My advice to those of you out there considering it. Give a try on your own vehicles and see what happens.