Thursday, January 31, 2008

My Living Room



It's finished, I think!

Coolness...

Today I walked into Living Waters Books and Coffee Co. with a CD of The Tyson Kids... got a gig... and walked out listening to it over the sound system in the store.

Yah.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

The answer is Yes.

Things are starting to look up.

I have found and secured childcare for The Little Boy from February 20-May 9, so all I have to do is figure out what to do from now until Feb 20th. It's possible that Hubby may end up just staying home with him on the necessary days.

How did this work out, you might ask? Well, after making many, many calls and emails, I found a YMCA with an opening beginning in early March for part-time child care. The cost isn't too bad... and my parents will be in town (and can watch him) for around 3 weeks. So that takes care of most of it! The reason why I wasn't sure if it would work out is because the original proposed schedule was for Mondays and Thursdays and NO ONE would take him for those days. So, the school changed THEIR WHOLE SCHEDULE around so that I can now go there on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The moon is high and the sunset fades, the lullabies have all been sung. We're tucking in another day and stars appear now one by one. But the stillness moves and the silence yields and not a single beat is lost. You can hear the chorus in the fields taking up where we left off.

And your praise goes on rising to your throne where you guard us while we dream. Past the stars they fly, your praises fill the sky 'til you wake us with the dawn and your praise goes on.

Chase the stars and the moon away and wake us with your brightest song and add our voice to your refrain. Now rise up everything that lives, flap your wings and leap for joy. Oh forest, lift your arms and sway. Clap your hands, you ocean waves.

And your praise goes on rising to your throne where you guard us while we dream. Past the stars they fly, your praises fill the sky 'til you wake us with the dawn and your praise goes on.

And when my final breath you lend, I'll thank you for the life you gave. But that won't mean the praises end 'cause I won't be silenced by the grave.

And your praise goes on. I'll be running to your throne with every nation, tribe and tongue. To your arms I'll fly. I'll gaze into your eyes. Then I'll know as I am known, and your praise goes on. And your praise goes on. And your praise goes on.

Chris Rice

Monday, January 28, 2008

Are Things Starting to Look Up?

So hubby had an interview this morning... good pay, solid hours, health insurance after 90 days, large company with a solid background... all looking good. Interview went well and I feel encouraged. Hubby isn't holding his breath at this point... other interviews went well, too.

I have some leads on childcare for this director job. Looks like I am going to get it. I thought maybe I would have to decline if they offered because I couldn't find anywhere for The Little Boy to go... but it's looking like something may work out.

Our church met in the new building yesterday for the first time. That was really nice.

I am dropping a demo CD to Living Waters Bookstore and Coffee House for the owner to listen to. He plans to put my sister and I (and our band!) on the rotation for Friday "Live Music" nights.

Our pig is getting big. Apparently he's one of the best looking ones in the litter. We are going to need a big freezer!!!

My mom and dad are coming for a visit very soon! (Note Countdown at top of blog)

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

01/23/2008

So the verse on the left for today struck me. I told my mom, yesterday, that sometimes I feel as though I am shutting down when things are going wrong and seem so hard. It's as if I just can't keep going--that there's no strength in me to handle one more piece of bad news or discouragement. The sad part about it is when you are in that state, or almost in that state, even the slightest little thing becomes this BIG thing and you can't handle it! It's stupid and annoying. I told her that I am not in a state of complaining but in a state of just feeling like I can't go on and can't make it... not because "it's not fair" but because I just don't see how it is going to get better and what can possibly happen that will make things be better...

BUT. I will bless the Lord at all times and will praise him continually... huh. Thinking on that today.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

1/22/2008

I am really enjoying the fact that I can just pop on over to my sister's house whenever we want! We have been having a lot of fun just doing regular things together and then staying over for dinner and watching a movie. On Sunday we watched Dreamgirls after a yummy chili dinner. Of course, the Little Boy didn't survive once the cousins had fallen asleep, so we had to leave before the movie was over.
Driving home was SCARY! I couldn't see anything except about 20 ft in front of my car--it was extremely foggy, and dark, and there was nothing around me! It was a strange feeling--maybe something like what happened in Little House on the Prairie when Papa had to walk home in a blizzard!!! Scary!!!
Yesterday we spent the day waiting for the CM packages to arrive so I could prepare for my GetTogether that night. Thankfully it arrive by 5:15 p.m. and I was able to get myself organized in time! I had a nice evening meeting a group of older women who have all been friends with the host for 30+years! Can you imagine being friends with someone that long? Like close friends? Where you do stuff together all the time?! Wow! That's pretty amazing--and encouraging that I, too, will at some point have friends like that!
Hubby goes to a job interview and a job fair tomorrow. My BIL is giving him the day off from construction work so that he can go to these things. We are really hoping for some strong leads for future employment. Though we are thankful for the current job, it's just temporary and won't last forever, so we are still searching for a job!
I am being considered for a position at Foundations Academy in Boise, ID. They are looking for a director for a spring benefit musical performance (May 9) and I am being interviewed on Thursday. It is my understanding that the presentation to the board, scheduled for Friday, includes my involvement--so I think that means that as long as it works out, I have the job. It will be two days a week for the next few months, with probably some added time closer to the performance. So, now I am back to figuring out what to do with the Little Boy during that time (seems like the "good old days" again)....
Please keep these next few days in your prayers--hopefully we'll have some good news in more ways than one by the weekend!

Saturday, January 19, 2008

What's New

In Life...
Today my son and I went to the Nampa Civic Center to see the Tiernan Irish Dancers perform at the Family Fun Day. We laughed at the sign outside the center: "Free Fun Today".
We watched my niece dance, as well as the other kids and classes. Afterwards we went to the RollerDrome to watch my nephews practice. The younger of the two had his first practice and we got to watch him move the puck around a little bit. He is a very good skater--a little timid with the hockey part--but it was his first time! Here's a video of him skating!

In the Home...
Hubby had to work this morning--apparently he wishes that he could have worked longer... but maybe we can spend some time together this afternoon instead because we haven't really seen much of him this week...

Thursday, January 17, 2008

First Time Bowling

One of the things we did while we were visiting our friends in Pittsburgh was go bowling! That was my son's first time doing it... and probably the last time for awhile... I think he realized that it was really too hard for him to do at this point, because he really didn't do much unless someone was helping him. Here is his friend helping him to get that ball (and hopefully not himself!) down the lane.

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Sunday, January 06, 2008

I don't believe in Astrology...

But a friend tagged me... so here we go! Finally you just might have something interesting to read about!

I was born on June 4, 1981.
That makes my birthday month go as follows:
JUNE:
Thinks far with vision. (definitely true, how else do you think I direct those musicals?!)
Easily influenced by kindness. (since I lack this in my own personality... it's nice when I find it in others)
Polite and soft-spoken. (polite, maybe. soft-spoken, not usually--wish it was more-so)
Having ideas. (totally. full of them. too full.)
Sensitive. (extremely! can you say gag me!)
Active mind. (why I can't sleep at night and end up staying up late watching old Law and Order re-runds)
Hesitating, tends to delay. (not so much)
Choosy and always wants the best. (that's how I get what I want--at least I try)
Temperamental. (talk to my husband about this one)
Funny and humorous. (my best friend bethie seems to think so)
Loves to joke. (me? no!!!)
Good debating skills. (when it's something I care about!)
Talkative. (can you say "run-on-sentence"?)
Daydreamer. (huh? what were you saying?)
Friendly. (when i am not being temperamental)
Knows how to make friends. (that's what my friends think)
Able to show character. (i wear it on my sleeve)
Easily hurt. (i wear that on my sleeve, too)
Prone to getting colds. (what?!)
Loves to dress up. (only when going to see a show!!!)
Easily bored. (TOTALLY!)
Fussy. (does this mean I cry? cause I do that, too!)
Seldom shows emotions. (yeah, no. see above.)
Takes time to recover when hurt. (pretty much...still working on that one!)
Brand conscious. (completely wrong)
Executive. (I like to be in charge)
Stubborn. (I am in charge)

Now I have to TAG 12 people (I guess one for each month of the year!)
1. Jme
2. Em
3. Denise
4. Katrina
5. Bethie
6. Lyss
7. Esther
8. Brad
9. Kate
10. Sheepy
11. La
12. Erin

That was easy, considering that I only know 12 other bloggers except for the one who tagged me: R!


Here are your instructions:
1. Mention the person who tagged you and create a link back to them.
2. Copy-paste the traits for all the twelve months.
3. Pick your month of birth.
4. Highlight the traits that apply to you.
5. Tag 12 people and let them know by visiting their blogs and leaving acomment for them.
6. Let the person who tagged you know when you've done it!

THE MONTHLY FLAVORS, WHICH ARE YOU?
JANUARY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Ambitious and serious. Loves to teachand be taught. Always looking at people's flaws and weaknesses. Likes tocriticize. Hardworking and productive. Smart, neat and organized. Sensitiveand has deep thoughts. Knows how to make others happy. Quiet unless excitedor tensed. Rather reserved. Highly attentive. Resistant to illnesses butprone to colds. Romantic but has difficulties expressing love. Loveschildren. Loyal. Has great social abilities yet easily jealous. Verystubborn and money cautious.
FEBRUARY: Abstract thoughts. Loves reality and abstract. Intelligent andclever. Changing personality. Attractive. Sexy. Temperamental. Quiet, shyand humble. Honest and loyal. Determined to reach goals. Loves freedom.Rebellious when restricted. Loves aggressiveness. Too sensitive and easilyhurt. Gets angry really easily but does not show it. Dislikes unnecessarythings. Loves making friends but rarely shows it. Daring and stubborn.Ambitious. Realizes dreams and hopes. Sharp. Loves entertainment andleisure. Romantic on the inside not outside. Superstitious and ludicrous.Spendthrift. Tries to learn to show emotions.
MARCH: Attractive personality. Sexy. Affectionate. Shy and reserved.Secretive. Naturally honest, generous and sympathetic. Loves peace andserenity. Sensitive to others. Loves to serve others. Easily angered.Trustworthy. Appreciative and returns kindness. Observant and assessesothers. Revengeful. Loves to dream and fantasize. Loves traveling. Lovesattention. Hasty decisions in choosing partners. Loves home decors.Musically talented. Loves special things. Moody.
APRIL: Active and dynamic. Decisive and hasty but tends to regret.Attractive and affectionate to oneself. Strong mentality. Loves attention.Diplomatic. Consoling, friendly and solves people's problems. Brave andfearless. Adventurous. Loving and caring. Suave and generous. Emotional.Aggressive. Hasty. Good memory. Moving. Motivates oneself and others.Sickness usually of the head and chest. Sexy in a way that only their lovercan see.
MAY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Strong-willed and highly motivated. Sharpthoughts. Easily angered. Attracts others and loves attention. Deepfeelings. Beautiful physically and mentally. Firm Standpoint. Needs nomotivation. Easily consoled. Systematic (left brain). Loves to dream. Strongclairvoyance. Understanding. Sickness usually in the ear and neck. Goodimagination. Good physical. Weak breathing. Loves literature and the arts.Loves traveling. Dislike being at home. Restless. Not having many children.Hardworking. High spirited. Spendthrift.
JUNE: Thinks far with vision. Easily influenced by kindness. Polite andsoft-spoken. Having ideas. Sensitive. Active mind. Hesitating, tends todelay. Choosy and always wants the best. Temperamental. Funny and humorous.Loves to joke. Good debating skills. Talkative. Daydreamer. Friendly. Knowshow to make friends. Able to show character. Easily hurt. Prone to gettingcolds. Loves to dress up. Easily bored. Fussy. Seldom shows emotions. Takestime to recover when hurt. Brand conscious. Executive. Stubborn.
JULY: Fun to be with. Secretive. Difficult to fathom and to be understood.Quiet unless excited or tensed. Takes pride in oneself. Has reputation.Easily consoled. Honest. Concerned about people's feelings. Tactful.Friendly. Approachable. Emotional temperamental and unpredictable. Moody andeasily hurt. Witty and sparkly. Not revengeful. Forgiving but never forgets.Dislikes nonsensical and unnecessary things. Guides others physically andmentally. Sensitive and forms impressions carefully. Caring and loving.Treats others equally. Strong sense of sympathy. Wary and sharp. Judgespeople through observations. Hardworking. No difficulties in studying. Lovesto be alone. Always broods about the past and the old friends. Likes to bequiet. Homely person. Waits for friends. Never looks for friends. Notaggressive unless provoked. Prone to having stomach and dieting problems.Loves to be loved. Easily hurt but takes long to recover.
AUGUST: Loves to joke. Attractive. Suave and caring. Brave and fearless.Firm and has leadership qualities. Knows how to console others. Too generousand egoistic. Takes high pride in oneself. Thirsty for praises.Extraordinary spirit. Easily angered. Angry when provoked. Easily jealous.Observant. Careful and cautious. Thinks quickly. Independent thoughts. Lovesto lead and to be led. Loves to dream. Talented in the arts, music anddefense. Sensitive but not petty. Poor resistance against illnesses. Learnsto relax. Hasty and trusty. Romantic. Loving and caring. Loves to makefriends.
SEPTEMBER: Suave and compromising. Careful, cautious and organized. Likes topoint out people's mistakes. Likes to criticize. Stubborn. Quiet but able totalk well. Calm and cool. Kind and sympathetic. Concerned and detailed.Loyal but not always honest. Does work well. Very confident. Sensitive. Goodmemory. Clever and knowledgeable. Loves to look for information. Mustcontrol oneself when criticizing. Able to motivate oneself. Understanding.Fun to be around. Secretive. Loves leisure and traveling. Hardly showsemotions. Tends to bottle up feelings. Very choosy, especially inrelationships. Systematic.
OCTOBER: Loves to chat. Loves those who loves them. Loves to take things atthe center. Inner and physical beauty. Lies but doesn't pretend. Gets angryoften. Treats friends importantly. Always making friends. Easily hurt butrecovers easily. Daydreamer. Opinionated. Does not care of what othersthink. Emotional. Decisive. Strong clairvoyance. Loves to travel, the artsand literature. Touchy and easily jealous. Concerned. Loves outdoors. Justand fair. Spendthrift. Easily influenced. Easily loses confidence. Loveschildren.
NOVEMBER: Has a lot of ideas. Difficult to fathom. Thinks forward. Uniqueand brilliant. Extraordinary ideas. Sharp thinking. Fine and strongclairvoyance. Can become good doctors. Dynamic in personality. Secretive.Inquisitive. Knows how to dig secrets. Always thinking. Less talkative butamiable. Brave and generous. Patient. Stubborn and hard-hearted. If there isa will, there is a way. Determined. Never give up. Hardly becomes angryunless provoked. Loves to be alone. Thinks differently from others.Sharp-minded. Motivates oneself. Does not appreciate praises. High-spirited.Well-built and tough. Deep love and emotions. Romantic. Uncertain inrelationships. Homely. Hardworking. High abilities. Trustworthy. Honest andkeeps secrets. Not able to control emotions. Unpredictable.
DECEMBER: Loyal and generous. Sexy. Patriotic. Active in games andinteractions. Impatient and hasty. Ambitious. Influential in organizations.Fun to be with. Loves to socialize. Loves praises. Loves attention. Loves tobe loved. Honest and trustworthy. Not pretending. Short tempered. Changingpersonality. Not egotistic. Take high pride in oneself. Hates restrictions.Loves to joke. Good sense of humor. Logical.

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Catching Up...

Hi. It's been awhile. The Shaw household was busy with preparations and visitations. First, I went to Pittsburgh with my son for a week visiting friends from the 'Burgh. We stayed with great friends from RTCS and enjoyed the christmas concert on Dec 14th. I got to guest conduct which was a honor. I was also able to participate in Providence PCA's Messiah on Dec 16th. I sang a solo because one of the choir members was really sick, the day of. We spent the week enjoying friends, making yummy christmas treats and talking. It was very relaxing and enjoyable.
We then drove to my parents house and helped mom get ready for the holidays. We shopped for food and finished gift-wrapping. La's family arrived on christmas eve--excited for our week of surprises! Christmas day was spent opening gifts, and then driving to the Shaw's house for more food and gifts. The next day we came back and the deceiving began...
Thursday and Friday my siblings and I "lied" to our parents about our whereabouts and snuck off to plan the EXTRAVAGANZA for their 50th wedding anniversary celebration. I haven't been able to talk about this at all on my blog because my mother reads it. :) We had a great time preparing all the festivities and the party was definitely the highlight of this whole trip. It was amazing seeing all our own friends and it was awesome to see mom and dad's reactions to all of our gifts for them. They loved the slideshow, memory book, and concert. Of course the recorded CD that we had done professionally topped all. Let me know if you want a copy! ;)
After that we opened more gifts the next day and then we headed back to the Shaw's for some concentrated time with them. I also got to see my beloved friends Yvonne, Bethie, and Esther. It was great!
This week we are just hanging out with mom and dad some more before heading home.

Hubby hopes for a second interview with the bank this week... !