Orlando Trip

I was in Orlando for a contract job (helping manage an event) last week and part of this week. Another planner and I managed a registration desk from 7-6 daily and we had about 40 attendees in three different rooms. As you would imagine, there are busy times and then there are quiet stretches when they are learning for 3-4 hours. During one of those quiet stretches, I ran up to my room, changed into a sundress and read a magazine for 30 minutes at the pool. After not being outside the hotel for 2 days, it was nice!

Saturday night, my co-worker and I walked over to nearby Downtown Disney for dinner and to get souvenirs for our kids. We ate dinner at Fulton's Crab House where Marcus and I ate when we visited Downtown Disney on our honeymoon almost 14 years ago. 

The whole area was grown a lot since we were last there. The lego area was especially larger!

Since Disney now has more rights over Star Wars, there was a lot of attention to that movie. It also happened to be a big Star Wars weekend at the theme park. I sent Marcus these two pictures on my phone. He was a tad jealous!

I did come home with 4 fun gifts for Abby and two birthday surprises for Marcus. 

My souvenir came from the hotel gift shop.... bracelets made from recycled flip flops! They were inexpensive and I think clumped together, super cute for summer!

I had a great time in Florida. I hadn't flown in over 7 months and oddly enough, will be flying toward the opposite coast before the month is over! This time it is all for fun! Details and pictures will follow!

Fun Things in our Week

What a week filled with fun things we all have had! Today, Abby Lu and I had lunch with the four realtors I work for in honor or assistant's day/week. They took us to lunch at Z Tejas- yummy! And, beyond lunch, they showered me with 2 lovely gift certificates. Marcus and I get a fancy date night at Z Tejas and I get to do some crafting from Michael's. Seriously, do they know me or what!

Abby loved getting her own bowl of ice cream with lunch! Doesn't she look thrilled!

On Wednesday morning, Abby's friends Kiersten and Kaylinn came over to visit. Are they not beautiful girls! Their Mom had a doctor's appointment, so they came over to play for a couple of hours. Abby got to practice sharing and caring for others. Poor only child needs lots of practice :)

Let's not forget Marcus! He has wanted a fuel band for over a month and Nike finally restocked, before selling out in under 24 hours! I ordered his for his birthday and let him have it a month early. It is a cool watch, pedometer, and energy burn counter. He is having fun setting a goal and then trying to burn that fuel goal each day.

Oh what a fun week of treats!

Name That Skyline!

I spent the weekend with my friend Andrea in Houston for a hotel sponsored familiarization trip. I attend these a few times per year- it is a chance to experience the hotel and city as my attendees would. Andrea joined me since this one was shopping-themed and Marcus and I will both be gone later this month for our trip to Cabo.

We stayed in two different hotels- both connected to shopping malls. The first place we stayed had an Italian restaurant inside and this display of grappa, a special Italian wine that they soak for more than 6 months. I am not much of a drinker, so I didn't try it. I have been told is it very strong!

On Saturday, we stayed at the Galleria mall area hotel and had this for dessert at lunch- Nutella Crepes with mint, pistachios, and strawberries. Amazing! We also had a massage on Saturday afternoon and a fun wine game and dinner that night.

It was wonderful to see Houston and it's finest hotels and shopping as a tourist and not a meeting planner!

Celebration Dinner

We had a celebration dinner Friday night, after my last day of work in the office. It was surreal to change my voicemail, shut my office door, and drive away at 4:55 Friday. I was so excited to pick up Abby. I have never seen her in such a good mood!

I feel like she knows so much more than we think. When I told her it was her last day, she said, "No school. No church. No Starbucks. I get Mommy all day." I love her honesty- we'll just have to work on the church part. ha!

She also told her friend Eva's Mom at storytime on Saturday when asked about staying home with Mommy, "Yes and I love it". Amazing.

We had a fun celebration dinner with a strawberry mojito, hummus, pizza, and ice cream for dessert. Every celebration needs ice cream to be legit!

My Last Day

Today is my last day in the office, possbily for the rest of my life. I thought I'd do a little list of things I will miss and things I won't miss.

Working part time from home, I will most certainly miss:

• Work Clothes. I love a good pair of black pants, a fun top, and black heels. I'll have to save those clothes for church and a nice date night.
• Lunch Hours. I could run 4 errands and grab lunch on my lunch hour. I'll miss the productivity that comes from being alone. I'll also miss long lunches with old friends or Marcus at sit-down restaurants that don't serve kids meals or have a playground. I am hoping to fit these in while Abby is at MDO (Mother's Day Out) every now and then.
• Sick Days. Yea, I haven't seen those covered in my new benefits package. I'm guessing they look like Mickey Mouse Clubhouse marathons on the couch.
• Uninterrupted Time. I spent a lot of time quietly at my desk at work. I got my job done and had time to look at Facebook, the news, blogs, etc. I might sit down for 5 minutes in a row at my new desk when Abby isn't napping or at MDO.
• My Paycheck. Marcus and I have been fortunate to have made a nice living and I've enjoyed buying what I want just about anytime I've wanted it. We've always had a loose budget until now. Getting paid every single Friday plus a bonus check each month is a thing of the past. We have to stretch our money and be smart with the extras.

But, I also know the rewards in my new job aren't measured in the same way and they will come through smiles, hugs, warm meals, and relaxing weekends for all of us. I won't miss:

• Limited Time with Abby. In total, during the week, I was with Abby for about 3 hours per day. That is enough time to parent the basics- potty, dinner, bath, bed, but left little time for playing, projects or character building. It was really left up to her teachers at school and that has never sat well with us.
• Weekends spent on the move. With such limited time during the week, I spent most Saturdays at the grocery store and most Sundays in the laundry room. I love the idea that after going out of town for the weekend, we can recover on Monday, not the next 3 nights after work.
• The Unsettling Feeling of Trying to Do it all. I'm tired of being Mom, Wife, Employee, Boss, etc. I want my work to be reflected in my home, my marriage, and my child. I want to have the energy each day to invest in the people I most love and not prioritize the people who pay me above the people who love and need me.
• Getting Up and Ready. I love that Abby and I can watch a little TV in the morning, snuggle until 9, eat breakfast in our jammies, and stay that way if we want to. I wake up early easily, but really prefer a few hours to fully wake up before I have to shower and get dressed.

I truly believe that in life you have time or money. Finding the right balance of the two can lead to a happy life. When one gets out of wack, life is out of wack. I know the Lord has prepared this path for me- I will learn to live with less money and will make the most of my new found time. I used to think my friends were crazy for driving across town to save $2. I get it now- I'll go on an adventure with Abby to save $2.

Satan has really attacked us this past month- in the area we most fear with this change- finances. We've replaced 4 tires, have 2 more to replace, spent close to $1000 on our AC unit, and I have an awful dental treatment plan that needs funding. While it is stressful I also know that this is God's will and that is why Satan is unhappy with me. He lost a playmate.

I expect good days and bad days. Temper tantrums and snuggle sessions. After 2 years of praying and 5 1/2 months of knowing today is the day, I am grateful, elated, and blessed beyond measure. Thank you for praying for this day with me!

First Day at My New Job

Starting this week I work part time and stay home two days per week. Today was my first official day at home with Abby. We had fun, got a lot done, and it was glorious! I have no doubt this will be a hard job- there will be whining, little down time, and temper tantrums thrown by both parties. But, I also know there will be snuggling, baking, so much joy.

We had planned to work out, get a haircut and go to the grocery store. We only made it to the grocery store. Abby just wanted to play- in her room, with her puzzles in the living room, and in my craft room. I never think about how often we are on the go, so we spent all but an hour at home today.

We went to the grocery store this morning. Shopping with her is fun- she makes up songs, says "thank you for buying me ___________" up and down the aisle, and talks to strangers. I loved meal planning for the next two weeks knowing I will have more time to make dinner and include more fresh fruits and veggies.

We came home in time to make lunch which included iced tea! Since I'll be home more and trying to save more money, I bought myself an iced tea maker and a big Tervis Tumbler. I have been drinking tea from home all day. No more Sonic runs for me!

For lunch we had nachos and fresh fruit- I bought cherries for the first time and stained my hands and shirt removing the pits!

After lunch, Abby laid down for a nap. I woke her up after 2.5 hours! She doesn't nap well at school and always naps well at home. Another great reason to stay home! When we were eating I told her we were taking a nap next and she said "at home or at school?" I told her at home, we weren't going to school today and she had the biggest smile on her face!

Notice she is sleeping in her crib without one side. We removed it on Wednesday night knowing we had a 4-day weekend in case it was awful. She hasn't even attempted to get up yet. It can't be that easy... we are just waiting!

After her nap and some good snuggling time, we baked cookies! Abby and I love the Ginger and Clove cookie dough from Immaculate Baking Company. We ate warm cookies and watched Mickey Mouse Clubhouse until Marcus came home at 5.

When putting away groceries this morning, I also threw a roast in the crock pot. It was sooo good- recipe coming soon! I love crock pot cooking and hate that I can only do it on Sunday. I'm excited to use it more during the week.

We were done with dinner and dishes by 6 PM and Abby and Marcus spent an hour in the backyard eating popsicles, swinging, and spraying each other with water.

I know not everyday will be this wonderful, but I know that today was and God gave me all the assurance I needed that this is best for my family. I love my new job!

The Details

I can not fully express for you how much I feel God in my decision to stay home. I don't know if I am just more aware of his work in my life right now or if in being obedient He is working out little details that I may have forced in the past to get my way. Let me give you two examples.

One of Abby and Marcus' favorite times in weekday mornings when they have coffee and breakfast at Starbucks. They have done this for 2 plus years at our local Starbucks. They both love it, but it didn't make sense in our new plan. We don't need to spend $2 per day on coffee and Abby doesn't need to get up at 6:45 and leave the house. In the 2 years they've gotten to know the staff there and Abby talks about Mary, Josh and Kelly regularly.

Over the past few months: Mary, Josh and Kelly have left Starbucks, Abby has shown less interest in going and prefers to lay in our bed and watch Mickey Mouse clubhouse and Marcus' office has a new and really nice coffee station. Every concern has been answered and it has nothing to do with anything Marcus or I could have solved or changed.

Our other big issue has been the gym. I want to join a gym- I've not been in a gym since Abby was born because I wasn't willing to give up the 3 hours per day I have with her. Staying home, I have so much more time, I feel like it is time to get in shape and Abby will love the change of scenery a few times per week. I wasn't in love with the idea of Gold's Gym where Marcus is a member. It seems like a guy's gym to me :)

Problem solved: Our friend Carrie told us about the local YMCA and Marcus toured it yesterday. It has a gym, but so much more! Abby can take swim lessons and dance classes there, they have a crazy cool swimming pool, an epic (to quote Marcus) kids area, and they even offer babysitting hours once a month as part of your membership. Yea for date night! All that for $5 more per month! When he toured it yesterday, one of the new workers is a girl from Starbucks that left our store recently. How neat is that!

I love seeing how God is transforming our surroundings to fit our new life and I'm not having to make our life fit our surroundings. I have one more week in the office, one week at a conference, and then I am part time for 3 weeks to train and hand off my work. I can't wait!

My New Jobs

First of all, thank you all for such encouragement. From Facebook to the blogs I have heard what wonderful and hard times are ahead. I love hearing it is the best job ever. My friend Erica remarked, "the rewards are eternal." I love knowing my job means something so important to the people most important to me!

So, if you know me in real life or can tell from the blog, I like to be busy. I will not be changing that part of my life this Fall! Here is our current plan!

Job #1- Consultant for Current Employer

When I "quit" my job, I actually asked for a demotion. My favorite part of my job and what I have done my whole career is plan professional events. In my current role, it is a small portion of what I do and becoming smaller. My work time has become more filled with HR, people management, financials, budgets, and operations. I do those jobs for a medical association and a national training corporation owned by my association. I miss meeting planning. So, I asked them to let me just be the meeting planner part time from home. Luckily, they said yes! So, I will plan 4 events per year in Texas plus a few single day events. I will travel 3 or 4 times per year only. I won't travel nationwide or attend trainings myself. I love this part of my job- I feel confident I have good systems in place and can do this work during naps and when Abby is at MDO.

Job #2- Virtual Assistant for a New Employer

I have a friend in real estate who works on a team of 4 agents. A few months ago (knowing this was coming) I was hired by them to be an assistant and work on their marketing. I am helping them get organized with checklists and systems, working with them on the paperwork of listing a new house (like researching home value, comps in the area, tax records, etc.), assisting them during the busy contract to closing period, and then marketing! We've started a blog, are on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. I am also updating their website!

With a few simple changes in our expenses, being good at reducing debt this summer, and these two part time jobs our financial life will not be greatly impacted. I want to be a stay at home Mom that can play! I want to be able to go to Hobby Lobby and do a craft with Abby, join clubs and take her places, and I want to get out extra energy at Chick-fil-A. I am so very grateful God put these opportunities in place for me to do that.

To help me accomplish all of this, we have elected to place Abby in Mother's Day Out two times per week. I want dedicated work days so that my other days are focused on her! She will start MDO at a local church after Labor Day. I also think this will be good for her- staying home all the time would be a big shock to her system. She needs little friends! We have also enrolled her in dance class and I am looking at a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group in our area with a friend.

We even recently ordered a new lunchbox and matching water bottle for our first day of school! I have to buy these cute things while we have two incomes :) Abby's favorite color is blue, so she loved it!

I also think there will be lots of library time, park time and of course, pool time!

All of this should begin in August. I will likely be part time in August at my current employer and then move into my consultant role around Labor Day. We have our biggest event at the end of July and then need time to transition and train.

I have had Romans 12:12 on my computer screen for more than 4 years. It reads:

" Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer" I have been faithful and patient for so long, I am really enjoying the joy-filled hopeful part for the next few months.

So, Yea, Um, I Quit My Job

Three months ago, I quit my job. Kinda. Here is a timeline of God's movement in my life over the last few months...

The day I took this picture was the same day I started praying about quitting my job. It was once a dream. Then, I had to start traveling again and I thought about that dream more and more.

December 2010: While in Lubbock, I had dinner with a friend and we were discussing a recent girls weekend. I mentioned not feeling like I myself and feeling the distance between myself and my friends. We discussed what I meant and why I hadn't brought it up. One of the things that come from that conversation was my desire to jump off the career ladder and how I related to many of my other friends in that position. We cried together and I know she prayed for me from that night on.

March 1, 2011: My bible verse for the next two weeks, "Be Still and Know that I am God." How divinely fitting- sit back and let me show you. Listen and I'll tell you something wonderful. Don't do it all yourself. Leave me room to be miraculous. I picked this verse not knowing how much I would rely on it.

March 4, 2011: I broke down emotionally during a meeting at work about billing. Who cries about billing, especially when it isn't your money? That would be me. Our accountant abruptly called the meeting to a close. My CEO asked to speak to me- I couldn't fully process what was happening. I left quickly for lunch and cried for an entire hour on the phone with Marcus in the Wendy's parking lot. I couldn't take it any more- I wasn't doing the job I loved and my sweet girl was growing up in daycare. The combination was too much- God had been whispering and now he was yelling at me. I couldn't kick and scream anymore.

That afternoon I went and chopped my hair off before having dinner with 4 friends that night. God put them in my life that day to reassure me. I hadn't seen two of them in MONTHS. Three of the four work from home or quit successful careers to be successful Moms. The other announced she was pregnant. I could see God's love throughout the evening.

I stayed up late that night processing everything in Excel. I needed to see the numbers. They told me I needed to work, but not nearly as much as I thought. I began writing a proposal to my employer- let me do one part of my job, from home, part time for a small portion of my salary.

March 7: I wanted to see what options I had. One of the friends from dinner on March 4th discussed some real estate work she was doing. So, I called a friend in real estate and asked him if there was an opportunity. We met for lunch on March 7th. He told me what a "God send" and "an answered prayer" my call was. We started developing a plan for me to work for his team of 4 real estate agents to be a virtual and marketing assistant.

March 11: I played a little game with God- I was honestly so scared. Show me "this" loud and clear and I'll know "this" is a valid opportunity. He showed it to me in a big way.

March 14: Saw a Christian Mom tweet about "this is the job God has chosen for me". I knew that tweet was for me. I suddenly felt so reassured- God wants this for my family and He can move mountains to make it happen. I can move dirt. I can't see how big this is, but He can. I felt a peace- even if my employer says no, God is saying yes to the overall plan and He will work out the details.

March 15: My new Bible verse for the remainder of the month was picked with this whole life change in mind, "Stand firm in your Faith. Be courageous. Be strong." It has helped me to stop thinking of all the what ifs and just trust that when in accordance with God's Will, you are under his wing and he will protect and provide.

March 18: I rarely see my CEO- he is at the capitol most days. Since we had a meeting on this day, I knew it was the best day to talk with him. I shared my proposal and demotion request. He smiled and kept saying that he understood. He is a father of 2 small children with a wife that stays home. He also had taken a bigger role in our organization recently- very similar to my situation. He asked for time to process and that he'd get back to me quickly.

March 22: I got the call on this day that my employer was open to my proposal and that we could talk more the following week to work out the kinks. We agreed August was the best time to make the change- it works well for us in many ways, including financial. We can start living with the restraints that will come from my new position to make the transition easier. All that extra money- can pay off 2 small credit cards I want to eliminate before I lose my income. In God's detailing, the amount extra we can pay to the card between now and then, is just $17 short of the total. More reassurance!

March 23: I hinted about my news on Facebook- mainly to let all my prayers warriors know the good news and my Dad and Jacque called wanting to know what the message meant. They were coming over for dinner the following night, so I really had planned to tell them then. But, sitting on my bathtub in the dark, I shared my secret with them. I was honestly most nervous to tell my Dad than anyone. I knew how much going to college and having a good job meant to him. I was so relieved when he told me it was a good surprise and that he was proud of me. Another reassurance that this was for the best.

Over the next month, I shared my plan with a few prayer partners and just asked them to pray for guidance, confidence, and faith. I have wanted this for so long. I have used so many things to try and make working and schooling Abby feel right and it just never has. My motivation at work is low. My mornings with Abby were getting sadder. She suddenly became a Momma's girl after being all about her Daddy for 2 years. It was just more reassurance.

April 25: The day after Easter, Abby is accidentally given a peanut while at school and goes into anaphylactic shock. As scary as it was, it also told me that we can't control her environment when we are not there. No matter how much everyone else is watching out for her- she needs her parents. I was so grateful to have this plan already in place when this happened.

During the month of May, we spent time tweaking our budget. Cutting expenses out, learning to shop at Wal-Mart and learning that the Great Value brand is just that, a great value! I've taken extra cash and we've purchased items we know we will need in the fall just to help ease the burden of a reduced income. I have purchased things for so long to make me happy that I am honestly excited to change direction and enjoy my time more than my things. During all this tweaking, God also showed us more income in three different ways that will give us a safety net in the fall. Honestly, He has shown Himself in this decision more than in anything I've ever witnessed, including IVF. I stand in awe!

So, what will I be doing and what is Abby doing when this takes effect? I'll share those details soon! It is a fun adventure for us both!

Hi Ho Hi Ho...

... it is back to work we go!

Both Marcus and I have been off the past week and I was off most of the week before. Besides one overnight trip to San Antonio, we have been home for the past 2 weeks and let me say, I wouldn't make a very good SAHM. I love love love Abby, but I also am ready to leave the house, dress up, talk to adults, and quietly sit at my computer. I can't watch another episode of Gabba. I can't argue over changing diapers, taking a bath, or getting down from the bed again. I am also quite certain my really social child doesn't want to play "shopping" with me, draw on her little notepad, or swing on the one swing our backyard can offer. We are all just over family time!

I have a lot of respect for Moms that can stay home 5 days a week alone with their children. There are days when I absolutely hate going to work and leaving Abby at school, but God also gave me these two weeks to help me see how I am made and that my time away from Abby enhances my time with Abby. I am thankful for these past 2 weeks and that I have a wonderful job to go back to this morning.

TAFP Christmas Party

We had my company Christmas party after work one day last week. We are a small office of 10 people, so we do a post-work catered dinner at our COO's house which is near the office.

Spouses and children come, which is always fun. Many times we don't see the kids in between the party, so it is always amazing to see how much they have grown. Here is Abby at the party last year. We have 6 kids under the age of 4 in our office- it was fun!

We have a fun day planned- a 3rd birthday party and meeting the newest member of our family, 2 weeks old Read. Can't wait to share pics with you of both!

Greetings

Hello friends- I am in one of my favorite cities in all the states this weekend! Today I am able to shop my old stomping grounds and enjoy dinner with a girlfriend. Tomorrow, I have to work a conference. And, I fly home on Sunday morning.

Abby has a full weekend planned with her Daddy and Nana including seeing a really big tree light up and I'm betting a playground or two.

Have a good weekend!

Denver Recap

I was in Denver for 38 hours. I didn't get to see or do much; however, we did have dinner in "Lodo" (lower downtown) on Thursday night and hit up a couple of stores. What do you think? Is this headband for me? ha! I was laughing so hard with this big piece on my head. It made me think of Sex in the City movie premiere. The Denver Convention Center has a big blue bear outside the glass looking in. He is a good 5 stories tall, just huge! The medical meeting I was attending put a stethoscope window decal on the glass. Can you see it? The bear is playing Doctor. So smart!
This is Lindsay and the place where I spent most of my time. It was a quick trip and a great show for us. I was so tired when I landed, but also so grateful for my iPad. This was my first trip with it- I played games, searched the net, read books and it was all inside my purse! I highly recommend it for travelers.

More weekend fun to come- it was another really busy one!

Where in the World is Anna?

We haven't done a "gues-where-Anna-is-off-to" post in a long time.

Please comment and play along!

This morning my alarm went off at 3:30 AM so that I could get on this for a 6 AM direct flight.
When landing, I am likely to see this out my window. I expected cool weather, but it will be in the low 80's, just like in Texas. A car will drive me here which looks much prettier than most convention centers do.

I'll likely see something more like this on my 2 day trip where I'll be working a trade show floor hoping to get doctors interested and registered for upcoming conferences.

My one night in town, I will eat here which is one of my all time favorite restaurants. I have eatern here twice, once on business and once with Marcus for our anniversary. I wish they'd come to Texas! I'll be having sweet corn tamales and fried cheesecake in case you are curious.

BIG CLUE! I am hoping this fine young man decides to dine at Lime tonight as well because I would just love to meet him!

I have a feeling since it is September, he spends all of his time here. I wish I was in town through Sunday to catch a game. I have the perfect outfit!

This one isn't too hard- where in the world am I?

Silicon Labs Marathon Relay

We spent Saturday night and most of Sunday with Marcus' Avnet (work) family. They were in town for the Silicon Labs Marathon Relay. In this picture, there are people from Dallas, Houston, Arizona, and Southern California. This year they had shirts made for their team and the Avnet supporters.
I was totally there as a supporter. And, let me tell you, when the alarm went off at 4:30 AM, my support wavered :)
The set-up crew at 6 AM at Auditorium Shores.

L to R: Curtis (Marcus' boss), Marcus, Kyle (from corporate office) and Kris (Curtis' boss)

These are the official team members who raced.... Kyle (12K), Debbie (5K), Marcus (5K), Jordan (10K) and Kris (10K). Overall, they finished in 3 hours and 55 minutes which was under their 4 hour goal. They averaged about a 9 minute mile.
This is the whole group of runners and cheerleaders! The race had just ended and Marcus was the 5th leg which explains why he is magenta :)
We also were able to cheer on our church friends who had a team. They finished in just over 4 hours! Natalie did much better than she thought and Heather posted a personal best!

Go GHBC Eagles!

After the race, we went back to South Congress for lunch at Guero's. Kyle and Marcus celebrated with a beer in a tiny cup. Run Big and Drink Small :)

After lunch, we drove home for time on the couch with the football games on! Luckily, my Mom had driven Abby back to our house and she was napping nicely when we arrived. We woke her from her nap at 4:30 excited and ready to play!