Reasons to Smile

This morning was a rough one. Maryn went beyond her normal three-year-old-ness and was extra, extra moody today. I don't know what has happened over the past few months, but my sweet girl has turned into a rotten teenager. She is never happy with what I give her, wants the exact opposite of the things I choose, and talks back to me. I am not an advocate of spanking, but I sure was tempted. It took every ounce of restraint I had not to...and I'm glad I didn't. I would have regretted it, because I know it would have been out of anger/frustration and not done with loving discipline. I hope this is just a phase, and not a personality trait.

After getting dinner in the crock pot, getting ready for the day and fighting the urge to just run away, the girls and I went over to a friend's house. I am grateful for my friends (#1). I went over with a big, dark cloud over my head, but it seemed to disappear the instant I sat down. My friends are good and uplifting--I love to be around them. We had a super duper fun GNO (Girls' Night Out) this last weekend. As soon as I get my pictures together, you will hear more about our little overnight trip at Lover's Landing. (Oh, the anticipation!!)

When I got home, I put the girls down for some much needed naps. Maryn was so exhausted from throwing tantrums and crying this morning, that she fell right to sleep. I was able to balance the check book and pay some bills. We have some banking accounts and insurance policies through a company called USAA. USAA is available to military members and their families, and over the years has proven to be the company with the best customer service. (#2) We pay a little bit more for our insurance, but it is SO worth it. After natural disaster #2 hit Louisville, I heard rumors that homeowners insurance policies would cover your food spoilage if you lost power, and I wondered if our renters insurance would also cover the costs. We were fortunate enough to keep our power after the ice storm, but I had never made any claims from last September, after the wind storm. So, I called them up today. What a great company! I was pleased for the following reasons:

A) I was on the phone with a real person longer than I was on hold.

B) The person's primary language was English. Not Spanish, Hindi, or Ebonics.

C) I did not feel like I was interrupting this person's busy day of checking their email or texting with their friends.

D) They did cover the cost of the food loss.

[Chanting]

U-S-A-A

U-S-A-A

U-S-A-A

Now, if only they offered sanity insurance.

After I talked with the rep. at USAA about the food, I was asking them about making some claims on our upcoming move, should we need to. I realized that I never announced our big decision.

We are moving to Denver, Colorado! (#3)

Kade accepted a position there a few weeks ago, and I can't tell you the relief it has brought to have that decision made. Now I have to deal with the stress of finding a dwelling place. Rent for a while? How long? Risk online home buying? Whatever the outcome, we are excited about it. We both loved it there when we went out for the interview. Also, I am excited to step down as "bread winner" for the family.

Our new flag

Of course Denver comes with a downside to it. I did some online research:

-It is unlawful to lend your vacuum cleaner to your next-door neighbor,

-It is illegal to mistreat rats, and

-You may not drive a black car on Sundays.

Hmm...it makes you wonder, how did these laws come into effect??

Reason number four (#4) is this:

Yep, it's my fav German chocolate, and that's what I ate for lunch. Confession: I am an emotional chocolate eater. Normally I eat one or two squares, at most, half a bar. Today, I ate the WHOLE THING. About 3:00 my stomach was pretty angry. But it made me feel better.