Waco Sports Academy

Back in January a few of my key team members of Jamberry, that were helping me rerank each month, decided to quit selling or do it very part time.  What I didn't realize with direct sales is that you should be growing your team by 30%, 30% is working their business and 30% is leaving it.  Yikes! I was not prepared nor was our budget. 

Once May came along we had used up most of savings and knew that we needed a more consistent extra income to now replenish savings.  We were also getting anxious because we were all prepared in our minds for Hallister to go to a private school in the Fall.

I applied for two jobs, one being at a clothing store and the other at Waco Sports Academy.  I was offered both jobs.  WSA paid more and the hours were just on the weekends, which allowed for Jonathan to be home and us not to have to pay childcare, which would really defeat the purpose.

Jonathan's manager was kind enough to offer if he came in at 7am in the mornings he could leave at noon on Fridays, which allowed me to go to work.  I work 2-7pm Fridays, 10-4pm Saturdays and Sundays 1-4pm.

I really enjoy being around students 10-22 and their parents.  It is not hard work. Some days we are busy and go by very fast.  Sundays are the slowest and sometimes we don't have anyone come in to bat.  Waco Sports Academy has batting cages but also Coach Caruthers has a strength and conditioning program.  He is one of 160 Certified Strength and Conditioning Coaches in the world.  He has worked for Baylor, Alabama, SMU and Auburn.  It really is neat to be back in that coaching environment, and makes me remember back to (and miss) that time I had with my Dad out on the track.

Coach Caruthers was wanting to put an ad for WSA in some football programs. Of course I reminded him I am a graphic designer so I got to use Publisher on his computer at work to design some ads.  It was a lot of fun teaching myself Publisher and designing the ads.

I don't know how long I will be at the job, maybe when we get our savings built back up, but I am thankful for it!

10 Year Anniversary....2 months early

Earlier this year we were trying to decide where to go for our anniversary.  I wanted to do something really big, like go to the Dominican Republic.  Then Jonathan found out he had to prepare curriculum for two new classes over the summer.  We would have to celebrate in Texas and be back home so he could work.  The first week in May was when the stars aligned, Jonathan had a week between semesters, so no students, and the kids were covered by our parents - so thankful for that.

I spent a week researching, thinking maybe Galveston or South Padre, but that would mean most of our trip would be driving.

Jonathan came across this wonderful resort in Wimberley, Texas called Serenity and we could have not been more pleased with our decision.

Serenity was the perfect name for it - the state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled.  We were 8 miles from the town of Wimberley.

Our garden "hut" was an old water tower.  We had a full kitchen, huge bathroom and nice, comfy bed.  The resort had a swimming pool and a hot tub.  It was still a little chilly to swim.  We enjoyed walking the grounds and only seeing a few other people out on their porches.  It wasn't crowded or noisy, so peaceful!

We did have a TV in our room so we finally got to watch the show Fixer Upper that is videoed around Waco.  My in-laws former neighbors are on the show.  They go around and fix up a house after a couple purchases it.  I sure wish we had the deposit to even be considered for the show.

We also watched the Indiana Jones marathon, okay, not all of it.  It was nice to relax and talk without interruption.

We developed an addiction for ZIPLINING!!!  That was the only activity we had planned.  It was exhilarating, a little scary but a lot of fun.  I prayed before every line. The view was gorgeous.  We would love to go again!

 

After ziplining we headed to a place that was suggested to us for supper - JoBelle's - and we immediately found out why.  It was excellent, service and food, and one that you go to just once a year because when you get quality food you pay for what you get.  Worth every penny...err dollar!

Sunday we woke up and had an amazing breakfast in bed delivered to us. WOW!  I am a huge breakfast person and I did not want it to end.  We then realized why they didn't serve lunch at the resort, because you don't need it!  The breakfast kept us filled until supper time.

Sunday evening we had a nice dinner at a Mexican restaurant.  We enjoyed another morning of sleeping in, another breakfast in bed, then our first ever couple's massage!

We then headed back home, but were thankful we could take our time.  We enjoyed the rest of the week at home with a stay-cation.  I tried to relax but of course also did some cleaning and Jonathan went to work.

It was a wonderful time celebrating an amazing 10 years with my loving, servant hearted hubby!  We hope to make it back to Wimberley some day (if it isn't damaged too much by flooding) and we look forward to what God has in store the next 10 years!

Spring Break 2015

A friend of mine has a Zoo Annual Pass.  She and her husband went out of town and asked if I would keep the kids for a little while to give her mother in law a break.  In return she gave us free passes to the Zoo.

We had a great time.  It was our first trip as a family to Cameron Park Zoo, which I think is one of the best in Texas.

The kids got to feed a giraffe!  Liberty's favorite animal is the elephant, which is neat because that was my favorite as well growing up.  I liked it because it started with the same letter as my name.  I am not sure why she likes them. :)

Homeschool Take 2

This past December I was telling me friend how worn out I was from homeschool.  She reminded me Kindergarten isn't even required in Texas and that I shouldn't stress out about doing everything.  She shared with me how her son does homeschool online.  It was called ReadingEggs.com. It made learning fun with games plus they had Math Seeds.  We decided to give the free trial a try and Hall loved it!

So in January we switched to Reading Eggs, still reading though in our books.  I even added Preston on there to do preschool.

Around March we were trying to decide what to do in the Fall for school.  Although Reading Eggs was working better for us I wanted Hall to be more social.  He is such a talker and I love him, but his constant talking, plus his sister, made me exhausted.  We decided to look into private school.  Yes we still have a huge public school next to us but we just aren't ready for his innocence to be exposed to so much of the world.  I think it is just so different with boys. They aren't programmed to be able to sit still 7 hours a day 5 days a week. Perhaps one day if we move the kids will attend a smaller public school.

Thus began our journey of coming across Valor....

Valor Preparatory Academy is a Christian, classical, University-Model School, serving Kindergarten through 6th grade students and their families.

What does university model mean?  When we went to the interest meeting they started to explain it like this.....most students attend a public school 25+ hours a week for their whole education.  Then when they go off to college and cut back to 12-18 hours a week of school they don't know how to manage their time.  At Valor you go to school M,W,F 8:15-3:15pm, on Tuesday and Thursday the student is homeschooled.  The teacher sends home what to go over so the parent doesn't have to come up with the curriculum.

So the school and parents partner together to educate the child.  It isn't all on the school and not all on the parent.

The classical method of education is a three-stage approach to instruction with the goal of producing graduates who have mastered the art of learning so that they may skillfully acquire and apply knowledge, reason critically, and articulate persuasively.  The students don't just memorize facts and get tested they figure out why the answer is what it is.

After the interest meeting Jonathan and I both felt peaceful about the school.  Plus Hallister's best friend would be attending we later found out.  The classes are so small, maybe 10-12 students, and there is only one class per grade, so 1 K class, 1 1st grade class, etc.  I am excited about the one-on-one attention Hall will receive and this will allow his leadership skills to shine through.  In addition to the normal reading, writing and math he will be taught Spanish, Science, Bible, Geography, Music and Art!

Of course the word "private" school usually means a cost is involved, and there is. We have to purchase books and uniforms plus pay for school.  I believe the education he will receive is worth the cost. We have just been believing that all things will work out since we really felt led to do this.  To help pay for his school I am continuing to work my Jamberry business with online parties and managing my team, plus I recently got a weekend job, but more to come with that in another post.

We decided Preston is not yet ready for Kindergarten.  He has some maturing to do plus there is no way we could afford to start both boys off at Valor.  I will continue to do Reading Eggs with Preston at home. We are focusing on one year at a time!

Book Boogie

In April I decided to challenge myself and finally enter a 5K.  Our local library was raising money for books.  I gave up caffeine in preparation and really went back to my low card high protein lifestyle. 

Two days I trained actually running a 5K.  It was difficult but not as hard as I thought.  Race day came and I placed 5th out of 55 runners.  My goal was top 10 so I was pleased.

Jonathan was amazing walking the kids over to the park where the race started.  Hall rode his bike and Preston his scooter.  As I heard the kids' voices nearing the end of the race I gave it all I had left in me.

I look forward to another race perhaps later this year!

The Fall 2014

All of last Fall was very busy for us.

In August I started homeschooling Hallister.  We did Saxon Math, All About Reading and Handwriting without Tears.  He also attended a co-op on Fridays where he took Unit Studies, History and a Farm Class.  He really likes his classes and made a good friend through them that we have play dates with.

As part of the co-op one parent has to volunteer 6 hours. I chose lunch duty so 6 different times I helped the kids during lunch and helped to clean up.  It was really neat to see Hallister be a leader with his new friend, always leading the way to a table for them to sit.  The environment was peaceful.  I love how the director chose one student to pray before lunch started.  Each time I picked Hall up he showed me something he made and talk about his day with enthusiasm.

I still can't believe I said I would never home school.  Never say never.  It's like every time the thought of putting Hall in the school next to our house entered my mind I would see on the news something about a stabbing or abuse or bullying.  Even the school next to us had a man with a gun on campus. That school is just so big.  I didn't want Hallister to become a number.  I know we can't protect them from everything, and we may do public school eventually, just not in this season.

In October I decided designing the Iowa Kids and Wedding directories, Jamberry and homeschool was all too much.  I gave my notice for the directories that I just could not design them any more.  I wondered how much longer she would be in business anyway since after 3 years they were still just 16 pages.  When I designed the Waco Kids Directories we went up to 40 pages some deadlines.

The next month I found out the Iowa publisher closed her business, so I would not have continued to
design them anyway.

October was also a hard month because some dear friends of ours decided to get divorced.  Jonathan and I both went to the custody hearing.  That was the most brutal thing to sit through to see our friends who had been married for 11 years tear other's character apart.  I left their feeling I had left a funeral, mourning the loss of this friendship of a couple we were so close to, and now feeling like we had to choose sides.  To this day the divorce is still not final.  They are both fighting for full custody.

The only "good" that has come out of it is talks Jonathan and I have had to make sure we keep our marriage strong, regularly take retreats, keep God first, marriage second, kids third.  We definitely don't want things to fall apart once the kids leave.

In November I promoted to Executive with Jamberry!  That meant that I had two Team Managers on my team, sold $8000 as a team and $30,000 in my downline of 180 people. Directly "under" me I had 20 consultants and then the other 160 people were from their team branching out.  I manage my own team page on Facebook called You're In Good Jams. It is a group where we support each other and encourage one another.  I offer incentives if my team reaches certain goals.  I love all the friendships I have made with Jamberry and I'm looking forward to National conference in Dallas in July.

It is still amazing to think I have a degree in Architecture and I design nail wraps now. Ha!  But there is still a consistent demand out there.  By hosting Facebook parties, at least 3 a month, I am able to continually meet new people and to maintain rank I must sell $700 a month in Jamberry.  I average $1000 in sales monthly though and really aim for that as my minimum. I am very thankful for this business that brings in an income and provides me with an outlet.  We have been able to go on mini-vacations and pay for homeschool curriculum with my Jam income.

In December we really debated on traveling to Austin Christmas.  Remembering all we need to bring, especially with Liberty's allergies, is such a task.  My women's intuition kicked in though that we needed to see Paw Paw.  We didn't know when it would be his last day.  The kids had not seen him in quite a while.  We arranged to stay with my sister and go for a visit before heading to Austin Christmas with my Dad's side of the family.

I am so glad we got in those last moments.  3 weeks later Paw Paw passed away. The timing was orchestrated interestingly on MLK day. Luther's famous words were ringing out for PawPaw that day, "Free at last, free at last." He is now free.

Hallister Turns 6

For Hallister's 6th birthday we had a Star Wars themed party at Peter Piper Pizza.  There is a new one here in Waco and it is very nice.

I, of course, had to break out my Jam-baby, the Star Wars Jamberry wraps I designed!

I really enjoyed not having to clean or do much.  They provided food and entertainment. I just brought the yummy cupcakes!

Camp Gladiator

May of 2014 a friend of mine asked if I wanted to try out Camp Gladiator with her for free.  I remembered seeing on Facebook how she got up early in the mornings to go work out and she really enjoyed it.

I decided to give it a try.  I had tried everything, doing videos during nap time, going walking by myself early in the mornings, but never stuck with it.  I knew with working out, as with anything else in life, I needed accountability.

So twice in a week I got up at 5:00am to go to 5:30am hour long workouts, and I survived.  The people were great and the trainer was encouraging.  After my free week I went ahead and signed up for a year.

We work out in parking lots, or if it is rainy or real cold, in a local church gym.  We do interval training, sprint and agility drills, stations, plyometrics, body weight strength drills, cardio mix, and much more. Camp Gladiator is designed to increase your functional strength, speed, stamina and, most importantly, to deliver results.  I attend at least three times a week going to camp at 5:30am or 5am. I thought it would be hard getting up but it really isn't.  I have made so many new friends, a lot that also homeschool, plus of course they notice my nails and I've sold Jamberry and even booked parties through CG.

I have definitely seen results, but also realized how much getting healthier is all about the kitchen.  You can lift weights and run every day but if you go back home and eat carbs and sweets then all your hard work is lost.  I have seen amazing changes as we have cut back on gluten, really some of it just by switching to gluten free waffles, spaghetti noodles, mac and cheese.  I do try to eat less dairy as well.  I don't know how much weight I have lost but I can definitely tell I have gained.....strength, confidence and friendships!

So early this year I arrive at Camp Gladiator and find a new station is there to film us as one of the options you have to work out.  My trainer Jason asked if I wanted to speak on camera!  I am sorry I don't have the video to share.  Everyone said I did well but I was nervous.  It was fun to have my second round of "15 seconds of fame", the first being the movie I was in, The Rookie.

One of my goals going into Camp Gladiator was to gain strength to run a 5K!  That post is coming up next.

9 Year Anniversary

(Can you tell I've been waiting until I have time to finally post all these updates?)

For our 9 year anniversary we headed to Glen Rose. We have been north, south and east, we thought it was time to head west.

For the first time, we got a sitter to stay with the kids.  It is just easier for them to be home with all their stuff here. Melissa has babysat for us many times and kept our good friend's kids overnight before.  She knows all about Liberty's allergies. I wrote everything out and especially since she is a Christian we felt peaceful about it.  It is always nice to hear your babysitter pray with your kids. The kids did great, unfortunately Melissa did not get much uninterrupted sleep.

OK back to the trip - Glen Rose is such a peaceful, quiet town.  We didn't have a plan, we were just going to get up and enjoy not having to be anywhere, and have uninterrupted conversation.

Glen Rose is known for Dinosaur Valley so we headed that way. On the way there we saw The Creation Museum. We decided to check it out! We are big fans of Ken Ham's Creation Museum in Kentucky, (and hope to one day visit it). This was a scaled down version of that.  The main point of the museum was proving we did not evolve but were create, the flood with Noah really happened, and how dinosaurs are not millions of years old.  The museum pointed out how some of the dinosaurs, probably younger ones, were even on the Ark. The flood could have wiped out many of them though. There was a model replica of the Ark in the museum (see picture).  It was really neat to see the water filtration system and the many levels and rooms on the Ark.

We then went to dinosaur Valley where there are actual footprints of dinosaurs.  I even heard a guy say, "How could this still be here if dinosaurs died millions of years ago?" to his wife. I am looking forward to researching and teaching Hallister what really happened to the dinosaurs.

Our next stop was Stephenville for some oh-so-yummy BBQ at Hard Eight. Oh it was so good!

We made dinner reservations at Rough Creek Lodge for that evening.  One of my Jamberry team members recommended it. It was a full course meal, appetizers, dinner, and then dessert, and SO GOOD! We felt a little out of place because this was a nice, nice place and we were the only ones taking pictures of our food. HA.  We would only spend this much on a meal once a year, but it was worth it.  Here is what we got to enjoy:

• Liz - Duck Sampler, Duck Prosciutto & Ham, Seared Foie Gras & Smoked Duck Biscuit
• Jon - Assorted Cheeses
• Liz - Swordfish
• Jon - Steak
• Gluten Free Chocolate Molten Lava Cake, Peanut Butter Ice Cream

Normally I would not choose duck but I don't think I've been in the position to ever try duck, so quack quack, I gave it a go.

Sunday we leisurely got up and ate breakfast, then made our trek back home.  It was nice talking all the way home, but we did start to miss the kids.

Now we are looking forward to our big 10 year anniversary trip next year, either a cruise or going to an all-inclusive resort! Woohoo!

It Pays to Have Connections

My x-boss Michele, who I still do occasional work for, contacted me and asked if I wanted VIP tickets to the Circus here in Waco. HELLO?!?! Of course!

Ringling Bros advertised in Central Texas Hooray for Family and gave her a certain amount of tickets to use for giveaways.

We had a fun evening at the circus and we were as close as you can get to the show. Liberty loves elephants so she got super excited when the elephants came out.

Hallister loved when the motorcycle got inside the steel cage. Preston seemed to like the dogs and when they jumped on top of the ponies backs.

It was a lot of family fun!

Preston Turns Four

Every year when the kids birthday is coming up I try to plan something big, design the invitations, decorations, food or snacks, drinks, cupcakes (To me cupcakes or cake is the most important part, that is what people remember - if they are good - so I just can't do store bought it has to be from a skilled baker which is a little more pricey but you get more variety), and a gift or two. When you add it all up it is about $200/birthday.

Now don't get me wrong I enjoy seeing all our friends that we barely ever see except at birthdays but this year we wanted to do what would most bless the kids, and for Preston that was go on a real train.

My talented mother made the kids engineer outfits and hats.  It was so adorable.  We traveled to Palestine to board the train for an hour and a half train ride.  We stopped in Rusk for lunch then an hour and a half back.  It was so much fun.

It did get a little hot in the afternoon but it was bearable.  By the time we got back to Palestine the kids were wiped out.

We enjoyed cupcakes when we got back home. My baker lady wasn't available so I made gluten free ones myself.  And then the kids went to bed early. Preston still talks about that day and asks when we are going to do it again!