We are just waiting for the underwriters to get their part done before we can close on the house. Our loan officer told us on Friday that it will be within three weeks. That means we will be there for Christmas!!! Hopefully we won't get any big snow storms between now and then.
Mike was offered the job at Maine Med. It pays about $900.00 more a month, but we don't think he's going to take it. The extra money would be great, but they don't pay student loans (Maine General pays about $200.00 a month), the commute is a half hour longer, he would be working 4 nights in a six week period in addition to his regular 7a-7p shift (he hates nights) and we prayed about it and just don't feel like it is a good move for him right now.
Caleb is having a really hard time right now. That's always a sign that my parenting skills need sharpening. I have been concerned about him for a few weeks now. I know that my reaction to his (seemingly impossible) behavior is not what the Lord expects of me. As I have been praying throughout the day, I have learned a few things that we need to change in our parenting. I have been doing it the way that I was raised (harsher punishments, consequences, being more strict). This method never worked for anybody, including me, and is surely NOT the Lords way. I have a lot of repenting to do. I was reading on LDS.org tonight and was inspired by this:
43 aReproving betimes with bsharpness, when cmoved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of dlove toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy; 44 That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of adeath. 45 Let thy abowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let bvirtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy cconfidence wax strong in the dpresence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the edews from heaven. 46 The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant acompanion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of brighteousness and truth; and thy cdominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever. Doctrine & Covenants 121 42-46. I was not raised under these conditions. It is a constant struggle for me to do better than I know how. But the Lord has a better way. I can always turn to him for help in being a better parent. I have been slacking lately. I don't like the kind of Mom that I have been the last couple of weeks. When under a lot of stress, it is so easy to revert back to being an impatient, nagging, yelling, demanding Mom. They deserve so much better. I can, should and will do better.
I don't know why this is yellow, I can't figure out how to get it off.
Audrey is cutting teeth again. Liam still won't poop on the potty (maybe in the new house?????). Lundi has had a fever and soar throat for five days. If she's not better tomorrow, I'll take her in to be seen. Harrison is going through his super hyper stage again, this happens about every two months. I always wish I had a tranquilizer shot to give him, and often threaten to do so. Lauren has been feisty lately toward the boys. I think everyone is feeling the stress of the move. I'll be glad when it's all over.
I missed church today. I intended to go, but when it came time to walk out the door, I couldn't find my keys. Mike had already left (with the big boys) so that he could take the Sacrament and Caleb could fulfill his Priesthood responsibility by passing the Sacrament. He went straight to work from Church and arranged a ride home for the boys. During that time, the two little ones slept, the girls made birthday cards for Shannon and I read a book called "Arming Your Children with the Gospel". The packing is slow and steady. We're kind-of at the mercy of our local friends who have boxes to spare. As we receive them, we fill them up. Anybody know where to get boxes these days....other than paying $10.00 a box at U-Haul? It seems like all of the stores crush them right away after they are emptied.
KKS
