Okay, so by now you know that I am the wife of a state trooper, and that I worry all the time! So, here's the scoop. Adam started his new schedule yesterday and I was already worrying about him going to 9.5 hour days and getting even less sleep then he already does. I worry because he was already so very tired, each and every day from working 8.5 hour days, getting home late and then getting up early with the 2 kids that are still home and taking care of the during the day, only to go back to work the next night and do it all over again. :( I was trying to figure out a way to enable him to go in an hour earlier so he could get home at the same time he was already, but it just would not work out. There is a 30 minute gap between the time that I get off work and the time he would need to go in. And, in that 30 minute window, 2 of the kids need picked up at 2 different schools, so, as you can see, it just won't work out.
So, worrying about these issues set aside....after Tyler's basketball practice, I got home and realized that Adam had called while I was driving. He didn't leave a voicemail, so I returned his call and...oh dread, I get his voicemail. Which immediately alarms me, making me think that something is wrong. I knew he was headed out to the interstate on an accident and so, I think...oh no! You see, Adam rarely calls me. Usually he sends a text if he needs to contact me somehow, so for him to call, I think it's important. But, here's the frustrating thing, he does not leave a message to let me know what he needs!
So...I spend the next 2 and a half hours, calling him and texting him to see if he's okay. I get nowhere! So, my anxiety just continues to escalate. I was exhausted from not sleeping well Sunday night, and despite being so tired, I could not go to sleep because I was worried about Adam. So, finally he answers his phone and just from hearing his big voice saying "hello" I felt instant relief, because this meant he was okay. So...I find out that he was at the post the whole time doing paperwork and his phone was in the car and that's why he was not answering. And...the only reason he called earlier was to ask how Tyler's practice was! SO, all the worrying for nothing! I scolded him and ask that in the future, if he's going to call, please just leave a message so that I do not worry! Of course, he doesn't get why I was so worried! Ugh, men! So...todays lesson, if you are going to take the time to place a phone call to someone, and you allow voicemail to pick up...leave a message so they don't wonder why you called!
On another note. I have to give mad props to my parents. They are a wonderful support system to us. The kids are so close to them and they are always there when we need them, in some way or another. I am very fortunate, to be close to them physically and emotionally. I don't know what we would do with them! I hope that we can work it out that they can go on vacation with us, because they deserve it!
And...on to me now. I have been working out every single day for a month now. I've never been a diet person, because we eat pretty well anyway, but I have been really watching my diet as well. I have to say, I feel really good, but the scale does not reflect any changes....which I must admit...is discouraging. I have always said, I don't care what my weight is as long as I feel and look good, weight is just a number! But, now, I am rethinking this! After working so hard, I kind of want my weight to reflect this! So, I guess, I just need to work harder! Why is it that numbers are so important to us anyway: our bank account balance, our credit score, our weight? Isn't who we are more important than what we are? A life lesson I am still working on apparently.
So...it's Monday morning and as I reflect on the weekend I realize how much more fun we have when we have nothing to do! When we can actually enjoy the weekend by just hanging around the house and not running around all weekend. Sadly, this does not happen very often, but when it does, it is like gold to us, totally and completely priceless. We rarely have family time and even more rare, do we not have anything that we HAVE to do. But, thankfully, this weekend was just that way. The only commitment we had was Tyler's basketball game on Saturday morning! Yes, I said morning! For some reason, he has super late night practices, but then early games?! But, I won't complain, because atleast he is playing!
After gametime, he had his friend over for the rest of the day/night and then some other good friends came over. We had a house full of 5 adults and 9 children. It was a mad house, but we loved every minute of it. Enjoying close friends, good food (pasta, salad, bread, and brownies! Does it get any better?) and then some games! I have to say, having three 11 year old boys proved that wrestling and football is their favorite past time! I just knew we'd end up in the ER with an injury...happy to report, that my gut was wrong! The age gap in girls made the night not as fun for my girls, but they made it through, eventhough they were the first to turn in!
My workout regime improved over the weekend as I cut over a minute and a half off of my mile on the treadmill, jogging at a faster speed then I ever have! My lungs are still so tight from influenza though, can't wait for that to end.
Thinking I will add a morning workout of strength training?! We will see if I can get enough sleep for this.
Adam's new schedule starts tonight, to which we are both dreading. He will now get an hour less sleep, as will I because, most nights, I am unable to get to sleep until I know he's home safe. Oh love, gets me every time! Ugh, rotating schedule with new hours and longer days just really stinks. Yes, I know, there are a lot of people without jobs and I should not complain...we are so greatful he has a job, but we are so ready to have a more normal schedule so that we can actually see each other and maybe have some quality time together, 10 years is a long time.
Still praying we hear some good news regarding Adam's job, but know it's all up to the Lord and His plan and that may not be the same plan/desire we have. So, praying we are content with His decision for us. Adam thinks they already know who they want and his chances are slim, but praying that they change their mind. It would mean big changes for Adam and us. Positive changes! And, after 10 years, we could really use a positive change. Adam is such a good man, husband, father, trooper...and he works so hard, it would be nice for him to reap something from that hard work for a change. I love him so much and want the best for him, and just wish something positive would happen for him because he is so deserving.
On to other topics, just finishing up my finance class and sort of sad. I like the math classes so much! There's only one right answer and there are no grey areas. I love math! I know...weird! I love that it's tax time and I can sit down and run all the numbers and do our taxes! Just wish I had all the paperwork, so I could get that over with! Hopefully, by the end of the week.
Well, Happy Monday! Here's to a new week! Toasting to good friends and lazy weekends!
After gametime, he had his friend over for the rest of the day/night and then some other good friends came over. We had a house full of 5 adults and 9 children. It was a mad house, but we loved every minute of it. Enjoying close friends, good food (pasta, salad, bread, and brownies! Does it get any better?) and then some games! I have to say, having three 11 year old boys proved that wrestling and football is their favorite past time! I just knew we'd end up in the ER with an injury...happy to report, that my gut was wrong! The age gap in girls made the night not as fun for my girls, but they made it through, eventhough they were the first to turn in!
My workout regime improved over the weekend as I cut over a minute and a half off of my mile on the treadmill, jogging at a faster speed then I ever have! My lungs are still so tight from influenza though, can't wait for that to end.
Thinking I will add a morning workout of strength training?! We will see if I can get enough sleep for this.
Adam's new schedule starts tonight, to which we are both dreading. He will now get an hour less sleep, as will I because, most nights, I am unable to get to sleep until I know he's home safe. Oh love, gets me every time! Ugh, rotating schedule with new hours and longer days just really stinks. Yes, I know, there are a lot of people without jobs and I should not complain...we are so greatful he has a job, but we are so ready to have a more normal schedule so that we can actually see each other and maybe have some quality time together, 10 years is a long time.
Still praying we hear some good news regarding Adam's job, but know it's all up to the Lord and His plan and that may not be the same plan/desire we have. So, praying we are content with His decision for us. Adam thinks they already know who they want and his chances are slim, but praying that they change their mind. It would mean big changes for Adam and us. Positive changes! And, after 10 years, we could really use a positive change. Adam is such a good man, husband, father, trooper...and he works so hard, it would be nice for him to reap something from that hard work for a change. I love him so much and want the best for him, and just wish something positive would happen for him because he is so deserving.
On to other topics, just finishing up my finance class and sort of sad. I like the math classes so much! There's only one right answer and there are no grey areas. I love math! I know...weird! I love that it's tax time and I can sit down and run all the numbers and do our taxes! Just wish I had all the paperwork, so I could get that over with! Hopefully, by the end of the week.
Well, Happy Monday! Here's to a new week! Toasting to good friends and lazy weekends!
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So. I have to admit that after hearing about the forecast for last night and today, I was completely shocked not to get a phone call in the wee morning hours saying that Greencastle had a delay or a cancellation. Then, after getting on the roads with kids in tow this morning, I was even more shocked as the roads had not yet been touched and were quite slippery. But, the more snow days we take, the longer we have to go at the end of the year which is when we are hoping to take vacation, so...I won't complain.
Only, to get a phone call at 10am saying they were letting out 2 hours early because of the snowy conditions. So, uh hum...I think my shock this morning was correctly placed in that school should have just been canceled to begin with. I feel bad for those families that both parents are at work and now must make arrangements.
I am taking the afternoon off and picking up my kids and headed home for some much needed sledding before Adam hits the roads tonight. Of course, I will worry for his safety (and that of other officers) working in these conditions. Prayers for safety for all of them.
Last night was so nice to have Adam home on a weeknight. Never does this happen. His interview went well, and now we wait....always so much fun!
Thinking about one of Adams co-workers as he and his family are dealing with so much right now. It's not my place to mention who they are or what is happening, I just ask that you lift them up in prayer as it's a terrible situation and God knows who they are.
I read a wonderful blog last night about someone I recently became acquainted with who is doing an amazing thing through surrogacy. The blog from last night both made me smile and brought a tear to my eye (for those that know me, you know I am not a crier!). Though I do not know her very well at all, I know she is an amazing person to endure all that she has so selflessly for complete strangers, who are now great friends to her and her family. She truly is an inspiration, again, not my story to tell.
We have been discussing taking a family vacation since going to Georgia in 09 with great friends to stay with their family there (thanks Mary and Dale). It was such a relaxing, wonderful time that we immediately couldn't wait to take another vacation. We've been researching, and I think we have decided when and where we are going. Now, the planning begins! Cannot wait! Last time, Griffin was only 1 and certainly doesn't remember playing in the ocean, so this should be fun! More fun if our friends were joining us, but for some reason...they have to go to Georgia to see family again! LOL! Just kidding Stockall family! So happy you get to go see your family! :)
That's it for now! Have a safe and enjoyable snow day everyone!
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When we are young, and we have dreams and thought about we want to be when we grow up, who would think that achieving that would be so hard. Or that upon meeting that goal or dream would result in a realization that it's not really what we wanted. Or that, after doing it for a while, we are so ready to move on to something else.
For me, this is not really an issue as while growing up all I wanted was to be a mom. A young mom, to 4 children. And 2 of those 4 would be twins! LOL! Okay, so I became a mom when I was young and I did have my 4th child at an age that many women haven't even considered starting a family. The twin thing didn't quite work out, but I have to say that I am quite all right with that!
Only after having my children did I realize that I really wanted to set a good example with the importance of an education, so, here I am 31 and in my 2nd year of college, while working full time, doing Real Esate and being a wife and mother. Is it easy? Not exactly! But is it worth it, absolutely! Though, I am still unsure of where I will go with my degree, I know that it will be in a field that I enjoy working because I firmly believe you have to love what you do if you want to not be miserable at work.
Adam...that's a different story! He always knew he wanted to be a cop. Well, not just a cop, but a state trooper. After pursuing a degree from Vincennes University, he didn't think it would be that hard to enter the field of law enforcement, but it was. He went from working security, to the prison, to the jail and finally on to GPD! 6 wonderful years there with the GPD family and then on to ISP. So, I guess it took him 8 years to accomplish his dream???
Whoever said it would be easy??? I am not sure I agree. Being the wife of a cop has it's highs and lows. I am so proud of him and what he does for everyone. He gets compliments, letters and even cards sent in thanking him for a job well done from people sometimes. People are constantly stopping and thanking him in public. Being as state trooper/cop is not a job, it's a lifestyle and a hard one at that. It's hard on the cop and hard on their family. It is, quite honestly, a 24/7 career. And, usually, these public servants are not compensated accordingly, yet, they still do it! I think all too often, we, the public, forget these things.
I am a worrier. I worry about Adam almost every day he's working. I don't know why. I know he takes every safety precaution he can to make sure he comes home at night. I know that whatever is in God's plan will be, no matter if I worry or not. For 10 years, he has been on evenings and every night he works, I cannot go to sleep until he's home. It doesn't matter if it's a weeknight and he has to work over until 2am, I am awake until I hear the garage door open. I have tried everything to help me get to sleep, and I just cannot. This not only affects me, but it worries Adam as well, which is the last thing he needs to be worrying about especially when he's out there working.
We've been praying for a change. A change of schedule, position or anything that will give us more time together. Adam misses so much time with the kids and we rarely have any quality time together as a family. Today, he has an interview for such a position that will create this change. Adam says not to hold my breath because he's heard they already know who they want, but, I am. I am holding my breath, crossing my fingers and praying constantly that God has directly us here and that He will move the obstacles in our path for this change to occur. If not, we will hold steady for the open door later.
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
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Wow! Who thought it would be so hard to keep up! It has been way to long since I have posted. A lot has happened. We have made it through our busy birthday/holiday season. Sadly, half of the Christmas break was spent sick. Addison started us off with strep throat on her 5th birthday (so sad). Then I had the worst migraine ever that sent me to the doctor/hospital...it lasted 2.5 days! All sorts of drugs and an apt with the neuro...think we find the source! Have to say that I have an awesome husband who took such good care of us through this all. I know he was a bit scared the day I got the migraine as he's not used to seeing me in pain like that (seriously...I would rather go through labor again with no pain meds than have a migraine like that again!) but, he handled it very well. Then, he took care of everyone and everything while I was sick with the flu. Have to say, he surprised even me sometimes. Yeah, influenza made it's way through the family! 2 weeks worth of it, somehow Adam did not get it, but he's the only one!
School for the kids is busy, Tyler is knee deep in basketball for the youth league. The girls are active in cheer and tumbling. Griffin is...well Griffin...our baby! School for me, just continual. Fairly certain after being done with ASB this summer I will continue with getting my bachelor in finance or accounting...we'll see.
Home improvements are still ongoing. I have to say with each task I feel a sense of pride and completion.
Adam's schedule changes this Sunday, and not for the better! Still wish we all had more family time together. Praying the Lord has a plan that will change this all very soon.
Not much else going on right now. Will try to keep up, eventhough I am fairly certain no one is really reading this.
School for the kids is busy, Tyler is knee deep in basketball for the youth league. The girls are active in cheer and tumbling. Griffin is...well Griffin...our baby! School for me, just continual. Fairly certain after being done with ASB this summer I will continue with getting my bachelor in finance or accounting...we'll see.
Home improvements are still ongoing. I have to say with each task I feel a sense of pride and completion.
Adam's schedule changes this Sunday, and not for the better! Still wish we all had more family time together. Praying the Lord has a plan that will change this all very soon.
Not much else going on right now. Will try to keep up, eventhough I am fairly certain no one is really reading this.
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Okay so it's been a bit. We have been busy with wrapping up the school years and getting ready for summer. I am officially done at DPU this week after Alumni Reunion Weekend, then off to Real Estate (hoping to drum up some summer business) for the summer. Still going strong at IWU, though sometimes I wonder if it's even worth it?? But, I do think I am setting a good example for my children.
Tyler's had a rough season in baseball (for many reasons), the girls are knee deep in softball (Savannah's a natural and Addison is...well, a bit uniterested, but she's only 4!). I to am attempting to play softball after about 10 years, not sure that was a bright idea. Trying to get back into exercising but my shin splints are still hanging around...
We are trying to get the projects on the house going so that we can have somewhat of a relaxing summer. They all seem like minor jobs, but still somehow finding the time to start/finish them seems impossible.
We camped for the first time this summer and I am not yet regretting the decision to not buy a camper this yet. It just didn't make sense. We have had a lot of big purchases in the last 6 months and so another one seemed unreasonable. Plus, we do have summer projects to complete ( a MUST) on the house to get it where we want it and so we aren't sure how much time we'll have for camping. And then there is the question of storage in the off months.
Today is Tyler's 11th birthday and I am amazed and proud of the little man. Eventhough, his main goal in life right now is to torture his sisters, he really is a very mature 11 year old. He goes into the middle school next year which, I have to admit, scares me!
Adam and I had an amazing first vacation a month ago, and then we came home and it feels like everything went back to stress and disorder. What to you do when your in a bad economy and you have a job that pays the bills but that job, causes so much stress on you and your family that it's almost unbearable? Yes, be thankful you have a job, but there has to be a happy medium right? God wouldn't want you to be in a job that wreaks havoc on your family. 10 years of nights has really gotten to all of us. The kids just do not understand that daddy has to work to provide for us and sadly that he has to work nights. I'll never get used to the sad faces and teary eyes of my children when daddy misses something special to them, like a birthday, or 5th grade graduation, or the first real hit in softball. :(
We have been a bit lax in our spiritual life and have visited a few churches and found one we liked and attended there for a good long while, only to not be sure that's the place God intends us to be, so we are praying for that direction. We miss now having a church home.
Well, this is long and I must go ice my leg!
Tyler's had a rough season in baseball (for many reasons), the girls are knee deep in softball (Savannah's a natural and Addison is...well, a bit uniterested, but she's only 4!). I to am attempting to play softball after about 10 years, not sure that was a bright idea. Trying to get back into exercising but my shin splints are still hanging around...
We are trying to get the projects on the house going so that we can have somewhat of a relaxing summer. They all seem like minor jobs, but still somehow finding the time to start/finish them seems impossible.
We camped for the first time this summer and I am not yet regretting the decision to not buy a camper this yet. It just didn't make sense. We have had a lot of big purchases in the last 6 months and so another one seemed unreasonable. Plus, we do have summer projects to complete ( a MUST) on the house to get it where we want it and so we aren't sure how much time we'll have for camping. And then there is the question of storage in the off months.
Today is Tyler's 11th birthday and I am amazed and proud of the little man. Eventhough, his main goal in life right now is to torture his sisters, he really is a very mature 11 year old. He goes into the middle school next year which, I have to admit, scares me!
Adam and I had an amazing first vacation a month ago, and then we came home and it feels like everything went back to stress and disorder. What to you do when your in a bad economy and you have a job that pays the bills but that job, causes so much stress on you and your family that it's almost unbearable? Yes, be thankful you have a job, but there has to be a happy medium right? God wouldn't want you to be in a job that wreaks havoc on your family. 10 years of nights has really gotten to all of us. The kids just do not understand that daddy has to work to provide for us and sadly that he has to work nights. I'll never get used to the sad faces and teary eyes of my children when daddy misses something special to them, like a birthday, or 5th grade graduation, or the first real hit in softball. :(
We have been a bit lax in our spiritual life and have visited a few churches and found one we liked and attended there for a good long while, only to not be sure that's the place God intends us to be, so we are praying for that direction. We miss now having a church home.
Well, this is long and I must go ice my leg!
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So, Adam and I returned from our first vacation together in our 12 years and I have to say, it was amazing. I have pictures up on Facebok, so hop over there to see! We left last Thursday to celebrate 6 days 5 nights in Cancun, Riviera Maya, Mexico at the Sun Palace couples resort there. We had such an amazing time. Thanks to my parents for keeping the kids! I know they are exhausted, but I am sure they loved every minute of it!
We relaxed by the pool much of the time there, as the beach was closed everyday due to high winds! But, the pools were all super nice. We enjoyed plenty of food. We had 50 minute holistic massages, zip lined 1100 feet above the Jungle floor and then ATV'd for an hour through the Jungle as well (surprisingly, my fav part of the entire trip)!
We sailed in the crystal waters on a pirate ship, Columbus, and ate a romantic lobster dinner!
We saw a great Michael Jackson show, witnessed some fun games and even saw the makings of a beach wedding. We met people from all over the world. Found ourselves in some awkward situations (we were hit on by 2 separate couples, Adam was offered to buy drugs in the market, had an odd experience with the maid and had an elderly woman basically try to perform a strip tease in front of him). But, the good far outweighed the bad.
We witnessed a wonderful amount of hospitality from the good people of Mexico and were humbled by their generosity. We were amongst a very diverse group of ethnicity as well as faiths, but everyone was just so friendly.
This trip was much needed and well overdue and we were so blessed by it. We know that we will return there again. We came back even happier then when we left, and have an amazing tan.
We relaxed by the pool much of the time there, as the beach was closed everyday due to high winds! But, the pools were all super nice. We enjoyed plenty of food. We had 50 minute holistic massages, zip lined 1100 feet above the Jungle floor and then ATV'd for an hour through the Jungle as well (surprisingly, my fav part of the entire trip)!
We sailed in the crystal waters on a pirate ship, Columbus, and ate a romantic lobster dinner!
We saw a great Michael Jackson show, witnessed some fun games and even saw the makings of a beach wedding. We met people from all over the world. Found ourselves in some awkward situations (we were hit on by 2 separate couples, Adam was offered to buy drugs in the market, had an odd experience with the maid and had an elderly woman basically try to perform a strip tease in front of him). But, the good far outweighed the bad.
We witnessed a wonderful amount of hospitality from the good people of Mexico and were humbled by their generosity. We were amongst a very diverse group of ethnicity as well as faiths, but everyone was just so friendly.
This trip was much needed and well overdue and we were so blessed by it. We know that we will return there again. We came back even happier then when we left, and have an amazing tan.
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