Haven't been around much - because....

mysweetpeasWil&Wes wrote: Hi PC Friends!

I haven't been around much and wanted to explain why with an update...Well first of all, both DH and I are still unemployed. I have been looking for p/t work since September. DH was laid off in October. It is rough out there and we are definitely feeling this recession. Been on a lot of interviews, contacted temp agencies, networking as best we can...No luck. We are still renting our home in Colorado Springs to some nice low-maitenance tenants, but also paying rent for a place here in Santa Barbara. Thankfully DH made a good salary when he did, so we are living off of savings and maintaining a tight budget. It's working out better than expected, but it's hard seeing your savings widdled down.

Wil just started a new preschool last week. His other preschool "accidently" gave him Honey Nut Cheerios at snack-time, so I pulled him out that day. With some research, I found a brand new school just up the street, with a no-nut policy, and very very smart teachers/director. Wil's new teacher has two children of her own with sensory integration and knew at the moment she met Wil, that he did too. Not labeling him, but she diplomatically asked me questions about him that so many other schools had rolled their eyes at me for. It was finally like someone saying to me "I get it". We are hopefully meeting with an OT for the first time in the next couple weeks. I think he is finally in a safe place.

Wesley is almost 3! He is such a sweet child, very active and curious, but he is quite the handful. And a little chatterbox! I'm hoping to get him into the same preschool as his brother once I start work.

I am taking a Kids & Parent workshop with both boys every Friday morning through Adult Ed. It is literally $10 for both kids and feels like preschool with mom. We play, do activities and socialize, for 4.5 hours. We are also starting swim lessons again at the YMCA (with DH).

I recently started a Web Design online course through community college. With a BA in art and experience in marketing, I figured this was the step in the right direction and valuable to add to my resume. I'm hoping to understand how to use Photoshop and Dreamweaver, and have a completed web site when finished in May. So far I've had 30/30 on my first assignment! It's a whole new experience being a student again, especially online!

DH has started a Property Management and Construction Services business, passed his real estate broker exam, and is studying for the contractors license exam on Thursday. I am his "Marketing Director", so to speak, and doing research on advertising, web design, networking opps, etc. It has been fun to brainstorm together and come up with branding ideas. So far so good, although working from home and watching the boys hasn't been easy on any of us. We have yet to find that 'groove'.

So in a nutshell, we have been BUSY! DH hasn't had any work yet, but hopefully after getting his contractors license, he can do more maitenance and remodel work, which is still in demand. We are hopeful.

Thanks for letting me share and I'll try to come around more often! Miss you guys...

Mommy2Isabella replied: So good to see you and hear that you guys are doing well.

Glad you found a school that understands Wil's needs!!

I hope things start looking up in a big way for you guys once DH gets his contractors license!!

luvbug00 replied: I hope things get better for you soon! congrats on the going abck to school and I'm glad your able to do the property stuff together. what a great way to bond. continued good luck and best wishes

lovemy2 replied: So great to see you Rae - sounds like things have been tough but you are doing the best you can to move forward and that is VERY commendable - WTG working together and getting through it - its something to be proud of - keep up the hard work and check in and let us know how you are doing -

Glad to hear the boys are doing well and you have found a safe preschool for Wil - it is nice that you are able to do such great things with the boys on a tight budget - that isn't easy either - great job

Come back and see us soon

redchief replied: Thanks for sharing and updating, Rae. It's great to hear from you. I hope your pro-active job seeking endeavors bear fruit.

MoonMama replied:

Its so good to hear from you, boy you guys do sound busy! I hope things get back in order for you guys soon.

CantWait replied: Hi Rae. Nice to see you around. Hope things start looking up for you guys soon, you certainly sound like you're on the right track.

mom21kid2dogs replied: Sounds like, despite major life altering events, life is certainly going in a positive direction!

coasterqueen replied: Wow, Rae. You have been busy. It is great to read that the two of you aren't giving up hope and sounds like exciting times to come for your family.

It is great that you found a good place for Wil. I know all too well about finding a place for your child, especially getting someone to understand sensory issues as well as allergies. Good luck with the OT. We were fortunate to find a wonderful one and she has definitely become part of our "family".

coasterqueen replied: oops, double post.

boyohboyohboy replied:
Rae what an amazing time you have had!
I have to tell you reading your post about Wil and the old preschool just made my mouth drop open. I am so thankful he didnt have a reaction to the honey nut cheerios.
I just cant imagine what you felt like hearing it.

I keep you and your family in my prayers..

Danalana replied: I'm glad things are going relatively well, and I hope you all find your groove soon!