Covidpocalypse 2020

We are living history. Literally. This has never happened. Especially not in my lifetime.  The world as we know it will never be the same. At least, for a while. Maybe permanently.
Disney. Is. Closed.
The world followed suit after that happened. It closed March 16, 2020. The resorts were still open for a while, as was Disney Springs, but then they also followed suit.  March 20, Disney closed the Walt Disney World Resort, and then Both, Aulani, the resort in Hawaii, and Hilton Head Island resort  on March 24.  On March 27, Disney announced that the parks would remain closed "indefinitely" and paid Employees through April 18. This has also never been done.  Then they furloughed them. They are still off with no end in sight.
Yesterday, the South Carolina Governor reopened state parks and stores up to the owner's discretion. The mall "opened" but there are only a few stores, LOTS of security, and temperature taking.
The government recommends wearing a mask EVERYWHERE. Martin refuses. Sullivan, I, mom, dad, Joe and Drenda are wearing masks. We have cloth masks with filters, and we have a few surgical masks.  We have basically been home since March.  I worked some, the hours became fewer and fewer, then stopped altogether.  There is a federal stimulus that is helping dramatically with people out of work. There has also been a lump sum sent to everyone.
Groceries delivered, school is online. Sullivan hasn't been to school in a month. E-learning is tough. I am thankful we are just in 1st grade, but its tedious. It is hard to be mom and teacher and friend. He hasn't seen another kid in a month.
We are just basically doing our best to keep grandparents safe, especially Mimi. It has been a rough time.  I am enjoying being home with Sullivan, I have NEVER gotten to do that, but man this is hard some days.
I feel guilty when I don't get things done around the house.
I feel guilty when I am inside and not enjoying the sunshine.
I did paint the shutters.
I did trim the bushes.
I did plant fresh flowers.
I bought the supplies to paint the bathroom and caulk the bathroom ceiling.
I have done dozens of loads of laundry.
I have done dozens of loads of dishes.
We will get through this.
It is going to be ok.

Photo courtesy of The Sun UK.

God is still good and coffee is still cheap

Good is still good and coffee is still cheap.  That is encouraging on both ends.  When I cannot get moving in the morning, do not know what the "goal" is for the day, I fill up Mema's percolator.  The sound, the smell, the taste always gives me motivation.  Still clinging to Romans 8, where the Lord intercedes for us when we feel we cannot pray.  I know He will get us through this, but we are struggling.  I want to be excited about this time in our lives. I want to be excited about Sullivan starting kindergarten,meeting new friends, and a whole new world.  We should be shopping for new school clothes!
Our anniversary was Saturday. 11 years. I made homemaid tacos.  Not the fancy anniversary dinner you would expect, but we are thankful for our health and that we have each other.  My birthday is Saturday, and my mom and dad ordered me something special that I have wanted for quite some time. It should be fun to learn.  Also thankful for my sister in law and my in-laws who have also tried to make it special for me.

Trying times

June and July have been a struggle. Probably one of the hardest times of my life.  I have been challenged as a mom, a wife, and a provider, both a provider of money, and a provider of healthcare.  
No matter how sad my heart is, God is still good. I have clung to Romans 8, which has a LOT to say, but the most important for me right now is about the Lord interceding for us when we feel we cannot pray.  Yes, that is what I said. WHEN WE FEEL WE CANNOT PRAY. Imagine the depth of despair that comes to make ANYONE feel they cannot pray.  I have been there. I am still there some days. But MY GOD IS GOOD. My GOD intercedes for me and carries me through it all. No matter what. He knows what I need and he knows what I want.  

I wanted to share my peace with you. Always Share Your Joy.
Nikki

Romans 8:22-39
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22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerlyfor our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for usthrough wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[i] have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

More Than Conquerors

31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us,who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns?No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;
    we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”[j]

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[k] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I have never seen a show that encourages true, natural, RAW talent like American Idol.  With all of the new shows out, it is hard to pull out one that stands out, but the awkward combination of Luke  Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Katie Perry just really works this year.  I just LOVE Luke Bryan.  I never really knew much about him- but I really, really, like him as a person.  This year is the best talent I have ever seen. So proud of these kids. We are catching up on it all today.

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It's been a while. I am still working on me! Are you workign on you?

Hey guys!
I want to really start working better on my blog.  I am hoping to find some really cool things to share!
Today was a struggle bus as I had a chat with Sullivan's teacher.  We are getting ready for kindergarten.  It is not for the faint of heart! I want him to be successful, but he does have part of me and part of Martin in him, which is molding him into a really balanced half creative/wild, half stubborn and quiet little person!!! anyways, I had a Dr.  appointment myself today and shared my struggles, and my NP today shared with me this amazing podcast to listen to.  I really like it so far, but wanted to share, especially to my fellow boy moms!!!!
I am going to try it out, and I am starting with this episode, but so far so good! (Said the man falling from the 10 story building at floor 5 !! (:   ).
Here it is!

http://godcenteredmom.com/2016/05/09/the-art-of-nurturing-boys-david-thomas-ep-119/

ANYWAYS! Have a great day!!
Share your joy!!
Nikki

momlife...the hustle is real.

I realize I haven't posted in a while.  So much is going on, that I don't even journal anymore. Sometimes it feels like I am so busy, I miss things. Big things that are big to me. I am tired today, I just got home from an evening shift and then had to go get party things for my FOUR YEAR OLD's Dinosaur/Starwars Party. Yes, I said that right. Both. Why can't you have both at 4? LOL.
I am sitting here eating my Jenny Craig meal that makes me shudder. I want a steak.   I am making progress, but as with any diet, it is NO FUN.  This one is easy, because the food is ready for you, no thought required... Need that in my life in several situations right now.
Well, planning our 10th wedding anniversary coming up, Father's Day, Vacation, My kiddo's bday, work, end of the year school stuff, swimming lessons, a boarder in our home (again), and just Mom life, is HARD! :) Worth it, but hard!
small update...Goodnight!

Well, its Wednesday, I have today and 2 more days during this work week, and then Saturday and Sunday to relax, revitalize, cleanse our home and my life before hitting the reset button.



I am super excited about starting my new job.  I am hopeful that the Lord has provided this opportunity to allow me to make a difference in someone's life.  I pray for new opportunities to serve for his Glory, and allow my talents to be used to glorify him. I know this is going to be a game changer for us, and although it was an emotional decision, I am glad to have closed the door on my last job, and am ready for this new adventure.
Make it a good day!
Nikki

Treasures untold...

So, mom had a box of "leftovers" from Mama's house that no one wanted. Of course, I did. I just opened it to see what was in the box. So many beautiful treasures in the box! One by one, as I pulled them out, they reminded me of my smiling, care-free, don't care who's watching Mama Bonnie. I will enjoy all of your treasures, and display them proudly in my home.
Love,
Nikki

VIP meeting

The most important meeting of my day...

My newest obsession

Excellent read.

https://melodiehunt.wordpress.com/2015/11/29/young-blonde-girl/

Crack.

 Happy Thanksgiving! 

I'll get back to you in a moment, but this morning's 7 am toddler wake up call was brought to you by the letter C. Let me introduce you to ICE CREAM, yes, ICE CREAM flavored creamer. Your welcome. 

This needs no words.

Merry Christmas to meeeeee!

Halloween pics update

Disney Good Vs. evil...

Glass tea steeper

Today I am going to try to post several small posts w some cool tips and ideas!

Life changer for my tea drinkers!! Omg. Put honey, lemon, sugar, etc, and loose leaf tea in the bottom, add hot water. Seal. Enjoy! 

http://youtu.be/ES7I6wgZ1X0

'Twas the night before Christmas

Tonight was a special night. I picked up Sullivan from school, came home, took a quick bath and 20 minutes of mom time, then came downstairs and cooked Sullivan Chef Boyardee ABC's and 123's at his request. Don't judge, it didn't kill me, lol. He is quite proud of how well he can get the letters and meatballs on the spoon (and so am I).  

Then we watched a little TV, snuggled on the couch, he played with my phone and the iPad, started the fire, typical normal evening.

Sullivan then went to Martin and said "night night". Martin was like he's ready for bed! So I asked him- and he said Night Night. Well ok then! That is such a huge deal! He used his words to tell us what he wanted! Then, as we were going up the stairs, he stopped to say "night night" to the Christmas tree,

the dogs, Etc etc... When we got upstairs, one more thing he did was after his tubby, he was draining the water, and he looked at the drain and said "bye bye" and waved at the drain. 😂 it was so funny. It was all I could do to get out "yes, tell the water goodbye". (Then I promptly texted his teachers lol).  I don't have to remind you again how big of a deal this is. 

But at bedtime, as we climbed up in our big cushy chair to snuggle and drink his milk, I decided to get out something to share with him from my childhood. Mom had given me my 'Twas the night before Christmas book to read to Sullivan. We opened the big book and started to read. He LOVED it! He listened to each word as I read it charismatically, and pointed out Santa. The familiar pictures and words brought back such wonderful memories that I am so thankful and happy to share with my own baby.  These small moments are so important. Times like these are what makes life magical. It's what being a mom is all about. It makes it all absolutely worth it. It was nice to have some peace tonight with my son. 

As we roll into Thanksgiving week, and then start the holiday season, lets all take a little time to savor each other and what we all probably take for granted each day. Let's be thankful for our health, shelter, and food on our table. Thankful that we are all together safe and sound. Thankful for the knowledge and skills that our educators and therapists have to teach our children. 

I also ask you to challenge yourself to do something out of the ordinary for a stranger. Pay for the single mom's gas or her groceries. Buy the car behind you'd coffee in the drive through. Take a meal to an elderly person. Have a friend over for no reason. Tell people in your life that you love them. Out loud. Mean it. Give real hugs. Love each other. 

Nikki 

dear mom who feels like she is failing her kids

dear mom who feels like she is failing her kids

Halloween 2015 evil arises.....

My coworkers better love me. Hyped up at 1:33 am and turned my kitchen into a winter wonderland.

It's going to be "epic"...

Well, time has certainly gone by since I have blogged. We have a 2.5 year old, and he is a mess!  We are in halloween week, and we still have the holidays to go.  I am still working as an NP, and do my best every day.  My schedule is crazy, and we have a new house and 3 doggies still~ Half of my family is in Israel this week, and we are excited to hear about the trip and see pics!
More later!
Nikki

Well, I haven't written anything since December, and I promised I would do better about blogging...slacker...anyways, here we are, 2 days away from being 38 weeks pregnant. I have hit a wall. I am finally to a point where I want him out.  We got the nursery finished, and I am excited.  Maybe it won't be long now. Can't wait to meet Mr. Sullivan. I feel our lives are about to change a whole bunch.